by Moyle Sherer
CHAP. XV.
Religious contention is the devil's harvest.
_Old Proverb._
To every member of the family at Milverton House Cuthbert had saidfarewell, when he retired to his chamber on the night before themorning fixed for his departure. He had taken leave of MistressKatharine, in the presence of her aunt Alice and Jane Lambert, with agrave self-command which had surprised himself; and, as he left herroom, he lifted his heart to Heaven in thanksgiving for the help ofthat strength which he had so earnestly implored in the privacy of hiscloset.
But when he was alone for the last wakeful vigil in the apartment inwhich he had passed so many a sleepless night the image of Katharinelooked in upon his solitude, and, for a time, re-asserted all itspower over his heart.
He had just parted, and, probably for ever, with her who had been tohim, for many months, the angel of the scene. These months, though nowshort as hours to look back upon, had gathered into their brief andsilvery revolutions much of that soft and essential happiness of hisaffections which he knew could never return again. Nevertheless, itwas not in the power of separation or of hopelessness to destroy thememory of that sweet season of his youth; and he was content to acceptthat as all the bliss of its kind which the fortunes of his life andthe new aims of his being, would permit him to enjoy.
"Here, and for ever," said Cuthbert, speaking to himself aloud, "Iforswear the weaknesses of love: life has rugged paths that are bettertrod by single men;--such a path is now shaping for me and for many.In the labour of establishing a people's rights I shall find a senseof peace; and when the call of duty is obeyed, contentment is thegolden fruit with which conscience herself presents us."
There is no process of the mind more common than that by which a man,while sore at heart by the thought of some desirable but unattainablegood, turns away from the painful consideration of his own sorrows,and erects himself into the zealous friend of suffering humanity, andthe ardent reformer of social evils.
What curious springs in the world's clockwork are sorrow anddisappointment! How many wheels are set in motion by their secretaction, and what different results from those at which men aim areproduced by their conduct! Here they strike for freedom, and elevate adespot--there they trample for the oppressor, and, lo! a seed of armedpatriots is sown beneath their horse's feet.
The idea of seeking the society of those among his friends whose mindswere full of the stirring themes now daily suggested by politicalevents was hailed as a relief and a consolation.
Absorbed in musings, Cuthbert watched away the night, and obtainedonly a short and broken slumber towards the morning.
It has been before observed, that to the language of love from thelips of Cuthbert Mistress Katharine never would have listened, andcould not have responded.
Katharine Heywood had only done what thousands have done before her,and are continually doing in the intercourse of life. She hadmanifested her own sweet nature in a ready and gentle appreciation ofthose qualities in the shy and humble student, which, wherever theyare found, are worthy of regard.
Indeed, during the residence of Cuthbert at Milverton, as the tutor toher cousin, she had largely shared the benefit of his instructions. Hehad imparted new pleasures to her mind, had purified her taste,enlarged her conceptions, and elevated her thoughts.
These services she had repaid, in the character of mistress of herfather's mansion, by studiously throwing the grace of her protectionover the retiring scholar; but the smile of a queenly woman is aperilous shelter, and does oftentimes blight the happiness of thosewhom it was most innocently designed to cheer and to defend.
It had been arranged that Cuthbert should depart before eight in themorning. By that hour his horse was already saddled in the stable,and the boy Arthur was in the stable-yard watching minutely all thepreparations for the journey. The strapping on of the vallise, and ofthe holsters especially moved him on the present occasion, although hehad seen the very same thing done a hundred times for others withoutcuriosity or disquiet. What from the liveliness of his fancy, and theaffectionateness of his disposition, the images of lonely ways andevil robbers made him fetch his breath quicker than usual. The goodtempered groom, perceiving this by the youth's questions, began toallay his fears by saying, that "nobody would ever let or hinder apoor scholar like Master Cuthbert, and, besides that, God took care ofall good persons; so there was no ill chance for such an one, but thathe would go and come as safe as the King's own majesty;" which was thesimple groom's notion of the most perfect security on earth.
Meanwhile Cuthbert himself was taking a last melancholy gaze at thegallery, the hall, the summer and winter parlour, and the variousobjects of interest which they contained. The pictures, the books, theorgan, the virginals, the lute, were all most intimately associated inhis mind with her, whom to have seen and known was of itself ablessing.
In vain the grey-haired butler, Philip, pressed him to partake ofbreakfast, and cautioned him against a weary way and an empty stomach.He pecked like a sick bird at the substantial venison pasty, andsipped at the warm tankard with a word the while now to the olddomestic, and now to young Arthur, who had come in, and sat oppositehim, in that vacant and natural sorrow which belongs to the brokenmoments of such a parting.
At last Cuthbert descended the hall steps, which were full of thewarm-hearted servants; and, pressing the hand of his affectionatepupil, mounted his horse and rode away.
The day was cold and wet: nothing could be more gloomy or comfortlessthan his long and lonely ride. He met only one train of pack-horses,and a few single travellers on horseback, throughout the day. Hebaited his animal at a wayside alehouse, where he found nobody but across old woman and a deaf hostler; and it was not till the dusk ofevening that he reached the town of Aylesbury, where he proposedsleeping.
Within five miles of this place he was overtaken by a gentleman onhorseback, who fell into conversation with him; and who, being likehimself on a journey to town, offered to join company with him thatnight at the inn.
Although it would have been far more agreeable to Cuthbert to haveproceeded alone, yet the appearance of the stranger was soprepossessing, and his manners were so frank and courteous, that itwas not possible to shake off his company without rudeness. Moreover,his speech had already shown him to be a man of gentle breeding, andthat Cambridge had once reckoned him among her students,--so they rodeforward together.
At the entrance of the town, hard by one of the first houses in thestreet, sat a cobbler working and singing in his hutch. The companionof Cuthbert here pulled his bridle; and, turning his beast's nosealmost into it, called out, in a loud jolly tone, "Ho, Crispin! cansttell me the way to the church?"
"No," said the cobbler, throwing up an indifferent glance, and thenstooping again over his last.
"Art deaf, or hast lost thy wits, old surly?" said the traveller: "youknow what a church is, don't you?"
"I know what it is not," replied the old cobbler bluntly, withoutlooking off his work.
"What is it not, sirrah?"
"It is not a great stone building standing alone in the middle of atown," said the cobbler raising his head, and looking his interrogatorfull in the face.
"Thou hast more wit than good humour, knave," said our Cavalier.
"And thou words than good breeding," retorted the sturdy artisan.
"I see the stocks of this place are little used, or you should try howthey fitted. You have not much fear, methinks, of the wooden collar.Didst ever see a pillory?"
"I have, and a godly man in it; and I shall not soon forget thesight. Are you answered, my court bird?"
"You are a prick-eared knave; and, if I were not tired and hungry, youshould smart for your saucy answers."
By this time a neighbour or two stood forth from the adjoining houses;and the horseman, turning to the nearest, said, "Prithee, friend,canst thou tell me the way to the Boar's Head, which is next to thechurch, as I think?"
"It is so, true enough," answered the m
an, "and well placed, to mythought; for thou wilt be sure to find the parson on the bench of it,or it may be in the skittle yard wrangling with cheating Bob, andstaggering at his own cast:--ride straight on--you can't miss it."
"A pretty nest of godly rogues I have got into," said the traveller:"there will be an iron gag for your foul mouths soon." With this hestruck spurs into his steed: the beast broke into a smartcanter,--that of Cuthbert started in like manner; and they wereinstantly carried beyond the jeers and the loud laughter of thehumorous old cobbler and his neighbours. Of this little sceneCuthbert had been the silent spectator; indeed the dialogue was soshort, and so rapidly spoken, that there was no room for any questionor remark of his;--and his companion having observed a silver crestupon the holsters of Cuthbert, did not doubt that he was a church andking man,--especially as there had not dropped from him a singleexpression which savoured of the Puritan.
Mine host of the Boar's Head, a big and portly personage with bloatedcheeks, received our weary guests with a cheerful welcome; and led theway to a large travellers' parlour, where, in an ample fire-place,huge logs were blazing on the hearth. The seats on either side werealready occupied by guests, before whom, on small three-legged tables,their repasts were smoking.
At one of these sat two persons, whose appearance was that of militarymen:--the younger of the two was very handsome, and of a commandingfigure. No sooner did the gentleman in Cuthbert's company approach thefire than this martial youth rose, and addressing him by the name ofFleming, shook him cordially by the hand. The ear of Cuthbert did notcatch the name by which, promptly responding to the recognition,Fleming replied, nor did he learn it throughout the evening. However,another small table was immediately drawn near, and covered. Eggs,sausages, and broiled bones were served up hastily; and, afterCuthbert and his companion had satisfied the keen appetites which theyhad gotten by a long journey in cold rain and on miry roads, a largejug of burnt claret was placed before them; and the followingconversation between the two acquaintances was listened to by Cuthbertin silent astonishment:--
"Well, Frank, you have not forgotten old times, I hope. I trust thatwe shall teach the volunteer gentry how to handle a sword after thefashion of the old Swedish troopers before long:--they made sorry workof it in the north last year; and for my part I was half ashamed toride among such a rabble!"
"What made you go at all then?" said the youthful soldier.
"Why, to say truth, Frank, I found my life in the country very dull,and my old father's hunting companions as heavy as lead; and Iheartily wished myself back in Germany, where I might hear a trumpetonce more:--so when I heard that the King was going against the Scotsaway I posted to court, and waited upon his Majesty, and got acommission."
"I hope, Fleming, you made yourself master of the quarrel before youoffered your services."
"Look you, Frank, I remember you was always as grave as a judge aboutwar, and examined sides, and would know the rights of all that wasdone. That was never my way. I left Cambridge at nineteen, and went tothe camp of Gustavus, as eager and as blind as a young colt; and soagain now:--wherever the King's standard flies all must be right;besides, I hate these pricked-eared Puritans, and yon Scotch psalmsingers that wo'n't use the Prayer Book."
"It seems, however, that they can use the broad sword, and with goodeffect, if accounts speak true."
"There you have me," rejoined the cheerful and light-heartedcampaigner,--"there you have me. I never felt shame as a soldier tillthis Scotch campaign. Our tall fellows always turned their backsfirst, and retreated true runaway fashion:--you could never make themfire their pistols, and wheel off orderly; and it was well for themthat they had raw Scots troopers at their tails instead ofPappenheim's cuirassiers."
"It is clear enough that you must have run too," said the youngsoldier, laughing, "or you would not be here to tell the story."
"To be sure I did,--but not without leaving the mark of my sword inthe cheek of a stout Scotsman that pressed me a little too close andunmannerly. However, live and learn is a wise saying. When the Kingfairly raises a proper army, instead of a set of footmen and servants,commanded by courtiers and parsons, there will be warmer sport than wehad in the north."
"It will be sorry and grave sport, methinks, comrade, when Englishmenstand up against Englishmen, and little pleasure to see an oldfellow-soldier in the ranks opposite."
"Odd's life, I shall never see you enact rebel."
"Rebel is a rough word:--suppose we change the subject."
The conversation was now continued on various indifferent matters tillthe hour for rest. Cuthbert himself made but few observations, and wasstrangely exercised in his mind by contemplating the characters beforehim. In addition to those already named, there was one other travellerat a table by himself, who had partaken of no better fare than a bowlof oatmeal porridge, and who sat intent over a small closely printedbook, without once opening his lips, and seldom even raising his eyes.The companion of Cuthbert often looked contemptuously askance at him,and indulged in many a fling against the Puritans; but the silentstranger either did not or would not hear these rude jests, and, asthey met with no encouragement from any one present, they fell flatand powerless. At length the time of going to bed came; and the hostappeared to conduct his guests to their chambers. Our host, having aquick eye to the quality of the parties, placed the Cavalier captainin his best chamber; the two military-looking men in the next; and thepale stranger in a small cold garret with Cuthbert.
As soon as the door was closed behind them, and the foot of thelandlord was heard descending the stairs, the stranger approachedCuthbert and invited him to join in prayer.
"To me," said the stranger, with a face of the most earnest gravity,"to me is committed that rare and precious gift, the discerning ofspirits: I see thou art a God-fearing youth:--as soon as thou didstenter the parlour I smelled the perfume of the angelic nature; even asalso the sulphur and the brimstone of Tophet in the three sons ofBelial, who are gone to lie down under the power of Beelzebub, and tosleep with evil spirits for company."
"Friend," said Cuthbert, "I do not understand you: it is not my customto join in prayer with an unknown stranger; there is thy bed, andhere is mine:--let us lie down upon them in peace, and commune withour own hearts and be still."
"Verily," rejoined the stranger, "thou art afraid:--it is nowonder:--thou art but a mere babe of grace, and thine eyes do see butdimly the glories of my high calling;--but I tell thee thou art achosen vessel of the Lord,--and even now I feel my bowels movedtowards thee, and the spirit of prayer is upon me, and I must wrestlewith the powers of darkness to deliver thy poor soul from the snare ofthe fowler. This is my command,--and even now I am appointed unto theefor an angel of defence, and the fight is begun."
The stranger now threw himself upon his knees, and poured forth along, rambling and blasphemous petition,--the words of which madeCuthbert shudder.
However, as he had been already told that there was no other chamberor bed vacant, and as he was greatly fatigued, he lay down to sleep,silently commending himself to the care of God, and endeavouring tosubstitute a feeling of pity for the deep disgust with which thiscrazy chamber-fellow inspired him.
The last sounds of which he was conscious before his heavy eyes becamesealed in forgetfulness were groanings from the adjoining bed--nor didhe awake in the morning till it was broad daylight. He lookedaround--the chamber was empty;--at this he felt thankful: and,supposing that his last odd companion had travelled forward at anearlier hour, he arose, and proceeded to dress himself; but heinstantly discovered that his purse was gone. He went forth on thestairs, and called loudly for the landlord. It was some time before hemade his appearance; and when he did so, he listened to the tale withhard indifference, and coarse incredulity.
"Ah! that's an old story, my devil's scholar, but it wo'n't go downwith me:--you shan't budge from the Boar's Head till you pay yourshot, I can tell you; and your nag shall go to the market cross beforeI let you ride off without paying for
provender."
Cuthbert's fury was roused to the uttermost; but his hot words wereonly laughed at by the rosy Boniface, who soon left him. He slipped onhis clothes with all haste, and came down into the guest parlour,where the Cavalier and the two military men were already seated atbreakfast by a cheerful fire. He stated his case before them all withthe warm earnestness of truth. The Cavalier picked his teeth andwhistled; but the younger of the other two seemed very much tosympathise in the embarrassment of Cuthbert, which in fact was moreserious than he himself apprehended; for mine host came presently intothe parlour to say, that his horse and his vallise were taken away byhis chamber-fellow before dawn.
"It was all a made up thing," said the landlord in a storm of passion."I saw they were a couple of hypocritical rogues, and packed 'emtogether for safety's sake--'twould only be thief rob thief, Iknew:--but it's my belief they take the horse turn by turn, and stealin company; for yon old one has left half a bottle of strong watersand the leg of a cold goose at his bed-foot:--come, young knave," headded, attempting to take Francis by the collar, "come with me aforethe justice. He'll find thee a lodging in our cage."
With a force to which indignation gave strength, Cuthbert threw backthe fat bully against the wall, and turning to the Cavalier, who hadrode with him part of his yesterday's journey,--
"You may remember, sir," he said, "that when you joined me, I told youthat I came from the neighbourhood of Warwick, and was on my journeyto London. I told you, moreover, that I was a member of the Universityof Cambridge:--the silver crest on my holsters was the crest of SirOliver Heywood of Milverton, in whose house I have resided for thisyear past, as tutor to his nephew's son. The animal, in fact, is SirOliver's property, and was kindly lent me for the journey:--if youwill answer for me to this landlord, and give me a crown piece totravel on with, I will faithfully repay you when I reach town. Myname, sir, is Cuthbert Noble, son of Mr. Noble, rector of Cheddar, inSomerset."
"A pack of stuff, good master," said the angry landlord to theCavalier,--"don't you be made a fool of; don't be bamboozled by asmooth trumped up cock and a bull story like this: if the horse is SirOliver Heywood's, they have stolen it, and change riders on the roadto Smithfield, where they will turn it into a purse of nobles beforenight. Marry, I'll go for constables, and, as you are honest gentlemenand true, hold the knave fast in your keeping till I come back again."Before, however, he could leave the room, as much to his astonishmentand shame as to the surprise and relief of Cuthbert, the younger ofthe two travellers, whom his companion the Cavalier had last nightclaimed acquaintance with, came forward in a very open and cordialmanner, and assured Cuthbert of his readiness to assist him.
"I am connected," said the noble looking youth, "with the family atMilverton, nor is the name of Master Cuthbert Noble unknown to me. Mypurse is at your service; and I shall be glad of your company on theroad. Though I have no horse to offer you, post-horses can be easilyprocured at every stage."
Thus was Cuthbert at once released from a perplexity, and introducedto the friendship of Francis Heywood.