Boscobel; or, the royal oak: A tale of the year 1651
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CHAPTER VII.
OF THE INTERVIEW BETWEEN THE KING AND SIR JOHN STRANGWAYS IN MELBURYPARK.
Later on in the day Colonel Wyndham came in to learn the king'scommands, and finding him much depressed, said:
"Your majesty seems cast down by Mistress Jane Lane's departure, and Ido not wonder at it; but I trust you believe that you have friends herewho will serve you as faithfully as she has done."
"I do not doubt it, Frank," sighed Charles. "I have every reliance onyour fidelity."
"It will interest your majesty, I am sure, to be made acquainted witha prophetic speech uttered by my honored sire, Sir Thomas Wyndham, notlong before his death, in 1636, now some fifteen years ago. Sir Thomasat the time being dangerously ill, and not likely to recover, calledtogether his five sons, and spoke to us of the peace and prosperitywhich the kingdom had enjoyed during the three last glorious reigns;but he added, that if the puritanical faction was not controlled itwould inevitably obtain the mastery, and the pillars of governmentbe undermined. 'My sons,' he added, with a sorrowful expression ofcountenance, 'we have hitherto known serene and happy times, but thesky is growing dark. Clouds and troubles are at hand. But come whatmay, I command you to honour and obey the king. Adhere to the crown,and though it should hang upon a bush I charge you not to forsake it.'My father's prophetic words made an ineffaceable impression on us all.Since then three of his sons and a grandson have died while fightingfor the good cause. But the dark and troublous times, to which heprophetically referred, have arrived. Fanatics and regicides prevail.The crown itself hangs on a bush."
"Truly it does," remarked Charles.
"But it will not fall. It will rest there till placed on yourmajesty's head. Heaven, as I firmly believe, has reserved me for agreat work--has brought me safely through many and great dangers, inorder that I may prove myself a dutiful son and a loyal subject, byfaithfully serving your majesty in your hour of greatest need. It hasoccurred to me, that my neighbour, Sir John Strangways, of MelburyPark, may be useful to your majesty. Sir John, I need scarcely say, isa staunch Royalist, and has given abundant proofs of his loyalty. Histwo sons were colonels in the army of your late royal father. He hasfriends at Weymouth, and I think he can procure you a vessel there.With your permission I will ride over to Melbury to-day, and see him."
"I will ride with you, if it can be managed," cried Charles.
"It can be easily managed, my liege, if you will deign to take JulianaConingsby on a pillion behind you."
"Nothing could please me better," cried Charles. "I shall greatly enjoythe ride."
"And Melbury is a very fine park, and contains some noble oaks," saidthe colonel. "We will set out at once."
Descending the back staircase, they then proceeded to the stable,where they found Peters, to whom the colonel gave all necessaryinstructions, after which, he returned to the house to inform Julianaof the arrangement. Greatly delighted she flew to her room to makesome needful change in her toilet, while Careless, who desired to beincluded in the party, and felt certain the king would be glad of hiscompany, marched off to the stable. Shortly afterwards the horses werebrought out. Juliana looked charming in her riding-dress, and hercheeks glowed and her eyes sparkled as she took her seat on the pillionbehind the king. No doubt it was a great event in her life, and she didnot attempt to conceal her delight. Careless rather envied the king hisfair companion.
The road to Melbury Park, which was about eight or nine miles distantfrom Trent, led them through Over Compton and past the commandingeminence known as Babylon Hill. Proceeding thence through the beautifulvalley of the Yeo, after halting for a short time to examine the nobleold church of Bradford Abbas, the party rode on past Bradford Mill, andalong the banks of the river to Yetminster. The pretty little villageof Melbury Osmund, which adjoined the park, was next reached.
As the day was extremely fine, and the scenery enchanting, Charlesgreatly enjoyed the ride. Moreover, he had a very lively companion, whoexerted herself to amuse him, and succeeded perfectly.
Melbury Park, which they shortly afterwards entered, was exceedinglypicturesque and beautiful, and, as Colonel Wyndham had stated,contained some noble old oaks. Among them was a huge patriarch ofthe forest, the trunk of which was enormous. The tree has been welldescribed as a "curly, surly, knotty old monster."
"That old tree is called Billy Wilkins, my liege--wherefore I knownot," remarked Colonel Wyndham.
"It deserves a better appellation," replied Charles, laughing. "But youwill find us near it when you return. Off with you to the house."
"Shall I bring Sir John to your majesty?"
"As you please."
Colonel Wyndham then rode off at a rapid pace towards the ancientmansion.
Nothing could be more charming than the situation of Melbury House.At the rear was a noble grove of trees, while the green lawn in frontsloped down to a beautiful lake. With its lofty tower and numerousgables, the old edifice presented a most picturesque appearance, andthis effect was heightened by the pinnacles of an ancient church whichcould just be seen above the trees.
Charles did not long remain stationary beneath the rugged old oak, butrode to such points as commanded the best view of the house. Familiarwith the park, Juliana pointed out its chief beauties to him.
Having finished his survey, he returned to the place of rendezvous.They were examining the gnarled trunk of Billy Wilkins, and wonderingwhat the age of the old monster could be, when the colonel was seencoming back from the house.
Riding by his side was an elderly personage, whom Juliana at onceproclaimed to be Sir John Strangways. Charles regarded him with greatinterest, for he was a perfect specimen of an old Cavalier--his attire,hat, doublet, hose, and boots belonging to the days of his majesty'sgrandsire, James I.
Turning his horse's head towards them, Charles awaited the approach ofthe pair, while Careless placed himself on his majesty's left.
On being presented to the king by Colonel Wyndham, Sir John Strangwaysuncovered his white flowing locks, and bowed reverently.
"I am glad to see you, Sir John," cried Charles. "Had it been safe forme to do so, I would have ridden up to your house."
"I should have been greatly honoured by the visit, my liege," repliedthe old Cavalier. "But I would not have you incur any risk on myaccount. I render thanks to Heaven that you are in safety, and I praythat you may speedily be delivered from your enemies. Colonel Wyndhamhas explained your majesty's wishes, and it deeply grieves me thatI am unable to procure a vessel to convey you to France. All theship-masters whom I knew at Weymouth and Poole have been banished fortheir loyalty. Those left are rebels and Roundheads. Some trustworthyman may possibly be found at Lyme, but I have no acquaintance there,and might do your majesty more harm than good by making inquiries.Colonel Wyndham can serve you far better than I can."
"It would seem so, Sir John," rejoined Charles, coldly; "and I shalltherefore rely upon him."
"I pray your majesty not to attribute my non-compliance with yourwishes to want of zeal," said Sir John. "I dare not promise more thanI may be able to perform, but I am quite ready to obey your behests."
"I have no commands to give, Sir John," said Charles, still morecoldly. "Colonel Wyndham led me to believe you had the power to assistme, but I find he was in error."
"I have the will, but not the power, my liege. I can offer you a secureasylum at Melbury."
"I am already provided with a secure asylum," said the king.
"Possibly your majesty may require funds. I have brought with me threehundred broad pieces--all I have in my coffers."
And as he spoke he took a leather bag from his saddle-bow.
"Put back the bag, Sir John," said Charles. "I do not require themoney."
And he made a movement as if about to depart.
"For Heaven's sake stay, my gracious liege, and say something kind tohim," whispered Juliana to the king. "You will break the old man'sheart if you depart thus. I will answer for it that he is devoted toyour majesty."
"Well, perhaps, I have been too easily moved," replied Charles in thesame low tone. "I have bethought me, Sir John," he added to him. "I mayneed this money, and I will therefore borrow it from you. Take the bag,Careless. That you are sincere in your professions of zeal I nothingdoubt, but I now want energetic action."
"Were my sons at home, my liege," said Sir John, whose accents showedthat he was much distressed, "they would procure you a vessel, I amcertain. But I am too old----"
"Enough!" cried the king. "I have been too hasty in my judgment. Iperceive that I was wrong."
And as he spoke he extended his hand towards the old Cavalier, whichthe other pressed gratefully to his lips.
This gracious action operated like balm upon Sir John's woundedfeelings. He attended the king to the park gate, and as they rodethither, Charles conversed with him in the most affable manner, andcompletely effaced all painful impressions.