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He trembleth terribly when I speak to him; and if I ask of him to take wine, he shall contradict himself half a dozen times before he maketh up his mind whether to take it or leave it alone. He is so entertaining a companion that he will sit by me a whole hour as dumb as a post, and then, on a sudden, ask of me what I think of the Fathers. Although he seemeth to love me, he would as soon dare lay hold of my hand whilst we sit together, as take a mad dog by the tail: and although I doubt not he likes nothing so well as to gaze on my face, he can only have courage to steal a look at me when I be a turning another way. Then he seemeth continually intent upon the making of some blunder. He be ever upsetting of something in his haste to shew me some courtesy. He will destroy every thing breakable he shall lay his hands on—for he will either grip it so firm that it shall smash in his hands, or hold it so tremblingly that it shall fall to pieces at his feet. Mayhap at dinner he shall pay his court to me by knocking off a tankard of ale into my lap, and then, in his hurry to repair the mischief, he shall upset a bowl of soup into his own. If he be watched, he shall be found saucing of his pudding with catsup; and, anon, drinking of the vinegar for wine. Then, when he discovereth his mistake he grins like a monkey over a bone, and sets to a blushing till his face outrivalleth the crimson of a poppy in a corn field. Oh, what goodly

fools these man animals be! But were I to describe to you every one of the worshipful set by which I am environed, methinks 'twould tire your patience wonderfully, therefore will I wait till you can have sight of them for yourself; the which I am exceeding hopeful will not be long first, for there is none I so much desire to see as my own sweet Bess.

"Uncle hath been in excellent good health, but though I do all I can to make him merry, I know that he doth miss you oft. I have heard say that the queen is going the progress, and perchance she may be in so gracious a mood as to forgive her prisoners and let them have their liberty. I would she could be brought to it. But keep a good heart, and I doubt not matters will go right enough soon, "From your loving cousin,

"ALICE THROCKMORTON.' "I'faith, if Alice hath such lovers, I doubt not she will have famous sport of them," observed Sir Walter Raleigh, as he finished the letter. "Some of them I know, and therefore can I safely say she hath hit them off to a nicety. I will lay a wager upon it that she will play them such tricks out of her infinite genius for mischief, that they shall be right glad to get themselves out of her way."

After

"'Tis a thousand pities she meets not with some of more likely sort," said Dame Elizabeth. this there was a pause of some few minutes.

"I marvel much at not seeing of Master Francis,"

exclaimed her husband, at last.

"He is not wont

to make such long stays. I hope nothing amiss hath happened to him."

"In honest truth, I hope so too,” added his fair companion, "for he seemeth to serve thee so lovingly, and with so modest a spirit. Methinks he doth look exceedingly unhappy."

“I do believe his mind is ill at ease,” replied Sir Walter. "There existeth some obscurity in his birth which he doth allow to prey on his sensitive spirit more, I think, than the matter calls for. Without doubt, he is a youth of admirable good qualities; yet hath he his faults nevertheless. He is oft too apt to draw conclusions which the premises will scarce warrant: this is, however, a natural error at his time of life, and one that time will correct. I have great hopes of him."

Having said this, he did again return to his books, and Dame Elizabeth continued nursing of her babe, who seemed at it to crow and laugh so prettily, that Sir Walter did more than once raise his head and smilingly observe him; and mayhap would call to him in such sort of prattle as parents do usually adopt on the like occasions. Presently there was heard a knocking at the door, and admittance being allowed, in walked Master Francis, with a very gentlemanly courteousness, yet looking as pale and melancholy as ever.

"I have been detained, Sir Walter, upon certain of mine own affairs that did require instant attention, else had I been here earlier," observed the young secretary.

"It matters not," replied his patron, kindly. "But now sit you down, Master Francis. I would have some talk with you.

The youth, at this request, put his hat on one side, and sat himself down near the table.

"Hast ever considered the moral effects of solitude upon the heart?" enquired Raleigh, after a little while.

"Methinks its tendency must needs be of a very soothing kind," replied the other, modestly, "yet, save the impressions I have got of books, know I but little of the matter. I have heard of divers philosophers and many godly eremites, who, by retiring from the cares of the busy world, have acquired a marvellous wisdom and a right notable holiness. Nay, it hath been writ in credible histories, that men used to, and moving in the restless turmoil of political governments and military avocations, have found wonderful comfort from the enjoyment of a perfect solitariness. It hath been said of Pericles, as an example among many such famous lawgivers and statesmen, that when he entertained in his mind any great object, the which, peradventure, might be for the right governing of the Athenian people, he would refrain from all

social feastings, and every pleasure he was wont to delight in whatsoever, and as much alone as might be possible to him, give himself up to the perfect consideration of the question. As far as I may be capable of judging, this seemeth a truly excellent good plan. Out of no small number of notable commanders, Scipio Africanus, the Roman, and Epaminondas, the Theban general, had a like passion for retirement, and, doubtless, found profit in it. And of the learned and pious is there so great a number who have lauded its advantages, as is almost impossible for me to name."

"And from their report you do consider that solitariness is to be recommended?" said his patron, enquiringly.

"It seemeth so to me," answered the youth.

"Believe me, 'tis a great error," observed Sir Walter. "Of all things contained within this infinite world that have powers and offices over man, you shall find nothing so pernicious and unnatural as this same solitude. That it be pernicious, is on the face of it, for it doth rob society of a member, whose duty it should be to labour for the rest as much as in him lieth. As you shall see in a hive of bees, or in a community of ants, there be none that go into holes and corners, shutting of themselves up from all fellowship, and working only for their own gratifications; so ought it to be in the common hive of the world. "Tis sociality

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