by Anne Manning
CHAPTER XIII
_Master Hewet ordereth Things discretely_
Two Days after this, Master _Hewet_ sent me to _Antwerp_. I abode theresix Months, transacting his Affairs. There was much to learn, much tosee. When I returned Home, it was with a strong Heart. Directly I sawMistress _Anne_, I felt that I loved her as much as ever; but I alsofelt that I could rule myself. She cried, "Oh, _Osborne_, thou artreturned at last! How glad I am!" with her dear, innocent Eyes fixedbrightly on mine; and forthwith began to tell me that one of her Dormicehad died, and to ask me to get her another. I told her I had brought hera Guinea-pig; she thanked me, but said she did not think she should likeit as much as the Dormouse.
I found that some Change in Household Arrangements had been made in mineAbsence, whereby my old Quarters were pre-occupied; and that Master_Hewet_ had taken a Lodging for me at the Barbitonsor's over the Way;where, in Sooth, both Master _Soper_ and the young Women failed not inAught that should be for my Comfort, and at very reasonable Charges.Howbeit, an Alarm of Housebreakers soon recalled me to mine old Postagain, save that I had the Attick in Place of the Loft; every Woman inthe House thinking it safe with me and unsafe without me. And Master_Hewet_ said I made the old Place look more like itself.
Now, mark me, _Hew_! Thus went I on _for three whole Years_, and ne'eronce lost Hold of my Stay. What Man hath done, Man may do. I was notlike one working on Hope, for I had had none given me. I say not that Iwas always borne up to High-water Mark. Questionless, there were dailyEbbs and Flows; and ever and anon, a mighty, powerful, rushing Windwould come, and drive back the Current on an Heap, leaving bare thestony Channel; till after a While, with strong Recoil, it came hurryingback, ready to sweep all before it. But, _I never let go the Rope_! ManyWaters cannot quench Love, neither can the Floods drown it. Deep mightcall hoarsely unto Deep, but not prevail....
Speak as if I felt it? Why, I _do_! I am an oldish Man now, at least youthink me not over young; but there are some good and pure Feelings, Lad,thou wilt never become dull to, so long as thou keepest thy Heart withall Diligence. And the best of it is, that whilst those Feelings, so faras they were pleasant, are pleasant still, the Pains, then so bitter,that came from keeping down all that was wrong with a strong Hand, arenow Pleasures too!—that are recalled over and over again: when, maybe,we seem cogitating or dozing. Give me thy Hand, Lad: I see you believeme.
So did Master _Hewet_ believe me. We were, I fancy, often thinking atthe same Time of the same Matter; but thereof spake we none. I was notwatched; neither did he make a Shew of not watching me: only gave medaily Proofs of a deepening and enlarging Confidence. I heard him sayone Day to one of his fellow Aldermen, ere the Door was well closedbehind me, "It were a poor Word, Master _Bowyer_, to say I could trustthat young Man with untold Gold."
But those Ebbs and Flows I spake of ... sometimes they arose from mineown unmanageable Thoughts, I wist not why nor wherefore; sometimes fromthe Approach of this or that Suitor ... for, towards the End of the TermI named, there were full many, I promise you; though, for the most Part,not dangerous ones: sometimes from Mistress _Anne_ herself, who began tohave _her_ Ebbs and Flows too, both of Spirits and Temper; and who, whensome of her Suitors, more unpleasing unto her than the Rest, did makeSuit to her with Over-boldness, would become pettish and captious, notonly with them but with me and with every one else.
In one of these little Humours, she accused me of being less regardfulof pleasing her than any one in the House: I would do Nothing for her. Isaid there was Nothing I would not do. She said that was fine Talking. Isaid, Would she prove me? She was leaning over the Balcony at the Time;and, looking down therefrom, said, Would I bring her that yellowFumitory that grew in the Cleft of the Bridge-buttress? I looked at itand then at her, and said gravely, it could not be done withoutimperilling of Life, but that if she bade me, I would try. She said,turning red as she spake, she _did_ bid me. Then I said I would take myReward beforehand, as I might not be fortunate enough to come back. Andkissed her Hand, and the same Instant was over the Parapet. She cries,"Oh _Edward_, stay!" and gives a Scream that rings through my Ears andmakes People look forth of their Casements. I was hanging by my twoHands to the Ballusters, seeking some Ledge for my Foot; but, seeing herwhite Face, and knowing she had sent me on a sinfully reckless Errand,I, without more Ado, gave a sudden Spring back into the Balcony. Shemeanwhile, in the Buckram-chamber, had hidden her Face in her Hands, andwas weeping bitterly. I was never so near losing Command of myself asthat Time.
'Twould amuse thee—it amuses me,—to pass in Review all her Suitors ofthat Season. There was Master _Bolsover_, the Merchant-tailor—young_Bowes_, the Goldsmith, Son of Sir _Martin_—_Guy Burrell_, theClothworker;—pretty near all the great Companies, except theFishmongers', had their Representative, I think.—Then, for the Court,there were _Ralph de Cobham_, a Spendthrift, _Lancelyn Ferrars_, and asixth Cousin of the _Percies_. These all came and went, like Players ina Droll.
Meantime, I came and went, too; ... to _Leeds_, to _Halifax_, to_Norwich_, to _Stratford_; and again to _Cales_, _Abbeville_, and_Antwerp_. Master _Hewet_ supplied me with plenty of Money, and kept meabroad longer than before. I had Time to look at Pictures and Churches,and to learn to speak the Tongues of the Countries I abode in with someFluency. I had Introductions to Merchants of the Staple, among whom wereMen as friendly and enlightened as any I ever knew.
When I learned that Queen _Mary_ had deceased, and that our graciousLady _Elizabeth_ was set on the Throne in her Stead, I thought it hardto be still kept from Home, where Terror and Tears had now given Placeto Joy and Gladness. Howbeit, Master _Hewet_ would still keep me Abroad,on some Affairs that seemed of less Moment to me than they did to him.
I set my Face towards _England_ at last, with a greater Longing for Homethan I had ever had before. That Home was now changed: Master _Hewet_had removed into a goodly Mansion in _Philpot Lane_, fit for a MerchantPrince, and plainly yet nobly furnished. His Household was alsoincreased by the Addition of several new Servants; but the House on theBridge was still his House of Business.
I know not when I had so desired to see his Face, and to breathe thesame Air with Mistress _Anne_. I hastened to _Philpot Lane_, and thefirst Sound I heard on entering the House, was of a Lute, rarelytouched. I stood at Pause and listened with Rapture. I thought, Oh, whatheaven-like Sounds! how sweet an Air! how greatly hath she improved!when, of a sudden, the Prelude, for 'twas no more, was succeeded by alovesick Ballad, sung by a _Man's_ mellow Voice! Oh, my Heart seemed toleap to my Lips, so great was the Revulsion. I staggered as though Iwere shrew-struck; and leaning against the Wall, tried to deafen my Earsto the hateful Sound. How all the sweet Chords seemed jangled! Who wasthe Singer? and what was his Footing here?
While I put to myself these bootless Questions, the Door at theStair-head opened, Voices spake Farewell, some one came forth, a lightFoot ran down the Stair, and, or ever I was aware, or could move off, avery young Man, habited in russet Damask and blue embroidered Satin,handsome and of lordly Bearing, nearly ran over me. Looking forth of theHouse-door, he turned about again and said to me abruptly, "Canst tellme where are my People?"
I made Answer, "I know not your People's Liveries, my Lord," (for I feltassured he was a Nobleman,) "but I saw a Party of Men in watchet Coats,with a spotted Dog on their Badges, at the Lane-end."
"All right," quod he, and proffered me a Piece of Money with agood-natured Air; but I drew back, on which he looked surprised, gave mea second Look, slightly bent his Head, and went forth.
JJ "Proferred me a Piece of Money]
I saw he had offered me a Gift, mistaking my Degree; but what I couldnot help chiefly noting was, the exceeding smallness of the Coin. Imarvelled so fine a young Gentleman could proffer so mean a Gift. "Ah,"thought I, "'tis the City Wealth brings these Gallants so far east. ABag of Gold would be as welcome to them tied round the Neck of _Damaris_as of sweet Mistress _Anne_. 'Tis for their own Ends they hawk low, likea Swift for a Dragonfly."
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p; Then I leaned against the Wall for a Moment, and said within myself, "OGod, I have Everything that is dear to me at Stake. However my Patiencemay be tried, yet make me patient, I beseech thee: I know it is theThing of all others in which I am most to seek; yet let me, as at thisTime, struggle with myself not in vain, O LORD."
Then I ran nimbly up-stairs, into the pleasant Summer-chamber the youngLord had just left. Therein found I Mistress _Anne_, hanging in athoughtful Posture, over a Posy of rare Flowers on the Table. Startingwhen she saw me, she said, "Oh, _Osborne_, is it you?" and blushed.
I stood at Pause, without a Word to proffer. Quod she, "I am glad thouart safe returned—hast thou seen my Father?" I said, "No, Mistress.Have you fared quite well since I left?" She saith, "Quite well." Then Isaid, "What rare Flowers! shall I bring you some Water for them?" "No,"quod she carelessly, "they are scarce worth the keeping." "Scarce worththe keeping!" quod I, "nay, they are not such as are to be bought in a_London_ Herb-market.... Divers of them, these Coronations for Example,must have come from far." "They all come from far," quod she, "but whatof that? I like them none the better." And commenced pulling aGilly-flower to Pieces. I said, "I am glad I am not that Gilly-flower."She saith, "Why?" But I made no Answer, for how witted I that I was anybetter prized? So I turned to go; and just as I gained the Door, I heardher softly say, "_Edward!_" Then I stayed. She saith, "You will find myFather in his Closet;" and so, passed me with the Flowers in her Hand;and I saw that her Eyes were full of Tears ready to shed. When she wasgone, I went back and took up some of the Gilly-flower Leaves she hadscattered, and kissed them. Just then enters Master _Hewet_ from hisCloset beyond, wherein he might ha' heard every Word had been said; butthere was Nought to be shamed of, if he did.
He saith, "_Ned!_ I am glad to see thee, Lad! How well thou look'st! Andyet, now I observe thee more narrowly, thou look'st amiss. Hath Aughtgone wrong? Nay then, that's well. Methinks, with thine Allowance, thoumightest go a little braver; which is what few young Men need the eggingon to ... and yet thou gracest whatsoe'er thou hast on."
Then he told me what he called the grand News of the Day—my Lord_Talbot's_ Suit to Mistress _Anne_. I said, "Oh! Master, don't kill me,"and hid my Face in my Hands. He saith, "Why, _Ned_, whom am I saving herfor, but _you_? Look up, Boy! He that did save, the same shall have! Ihave but one Child, and I mean to make her happy. But mark me, _Ned_, Iwot not whether that is to be done by giving her unto mine adopted Son;nor, peradventure, art thou any more assured of it. Woo her then, Lad,with my free Consent, but tell her not just yet, that thou hast it. MyFancy—a strange one, maybe—is to see what she will in that Case do."
I knelt, and caught his Hand to my Lips.
"Thy Father's own Son," quod he smiling, "he had the darker Beard, thouhast the better Eye. Thou art a Gentleman's Son, and I am no more. Startfair with the young Lord; he dines with me to-day, and so shalt thou.And now, be off with thee."
I passed forth into the Stretes, not heeding in what Direction, for myBrain was a-fire, and I wanted to quiet it and to think over manyThings—no Place for Solitariness like the Stretes! Then I returned tomy old Quarters on the Bridge, and looked out a Suit I had bought andwore once at _Antwerp_, but had thought almost too fine for Home, albebut little garnished ... to wit, of murray-colour, overlaid with a goodsilk Lace; and a _Mechlin_ Edge and Tassels to my Bands. Thought I,peradventure the 'Prentice in his blue Gown had most reason to be proudof his Favour ... she kissed me then, when she could scarce hold on bymy Hair, 'twas so short; and now it might wind twice round herFinger.... Then I went across to Master _Soper_, and quod I, "Now,Master Tonsor, thou must trim me for a Feast; but, mark me, mine Hairwas cut last in _Flanders_, where they trim the Hair little and theBeard close; so follow the Lead and keep the foreign Fashion, and I'llgive thee Twopence."
"Marry come up," muttered he, "what Airs these Youngsters bring fromover Seas!" And I felt I was in his power, and that one malicious snipmight put me past Redress; howbeit, he stayed himself with less Work,more Pay, and acquitted himself handsomely. Then I took my _Flemish_Beaver, and my new Cloke across my Arm, and sallied forth; and chancingto look back, was avised of _Tryphena_ and _Tryphosa_ leaning forth oftheir upper Casement to look after me. Being caught at which, theydisappeared.
As I entered the House, I heard Mistress _Fraunces_ say to _Damaris_,"Be sure they spoil not the Mortreuse," which avised me we were to havestate. Howbeit, there was a rich plainness in Everything; theparcel-gilt double Salt-cellar and chased Flagons alone callingAttention to their Cost. And though Everything set on Table wasfar-fetched and of the best, far exceeding the Tables of the bestMerchants in _Antwerp_, we had not too much nor too many of any Thing. Icould not note that Mistress _Anne_ had made any Difference for him—afew Strings of Pearls were warped into her Hair, and she ware hermouse-coloured Velvet, which she never thought too fine, with or withoutCompany; but no Posy. Two Men with _Talbot_ Badges helped Master_Hewet's_ Men to wait; my Lord sat next Mistress _Anne_, and Iover-against them. As we took our Places, he seemed to remember my Face,and to be surprised at my sitting down with him; which Master _Hewet_noting, in a certain haughtiness in his Air, he saith, "Mine adoptedSon, my Lord, and the Son of mine earliest Friend.... We are all plainPeople, but the _Osbornes_ as good as any here sitting, saving yourLordship's Presence." Whereon, my Lord, recovering, pledged me.
Now, Mistress _Fraunces_ was so abashed at entertaining an Earl's Son,as that she lost all her natural Easiness, and could bethink her ofNothing to say but to ask him ever and anon, whether he liked what heate, which he professed to do once and again, though I believe he scarcemarked the Difference of one Dish from another. For the first Time, Ilearned what the fair Speech of Lordlings to Ladies is made of ... itseemed to me rather a flimsy Stuff, Warp and Woof; over-stretched andloose-wove. Then Master _Hewet_, to leave him and _Anne_ to themselves,kept up a By-talk with me about _Flanders_; drawing forth of me not somuch about the Staple as about the Country, Towns, Rivers, Houses,Churches, and People. I had been to _Nürnberg_, and could tell him ofthe mighty Works of Genius produced by the Artists of the free ImperialCity, and of the Wealth and Splendour of its Merchants. Mistress_Fraunces_ was afterwards pleased to say I took the Colour out of theyoung Lord: what she intended thereby I never clearly madeout—peradventure, being a Woman, she meant I was brown and red, and hepink and white; for indeed I was sore sunburned. For good Looks, therewas no Fault to find in my Lord: he had that Easiness of Carriage andManner which I think none but young Lords have. He took not much uponhim, considering what he was and with whom; and, for the Rest, he waspleasant, but not bright. His Hands were womanish for Softness, and Iheard from _Damaris_, who had it from his Men, that one Reason thereofwas, he never washed them in cold Water, only dabbed them a little witha soft Napkin. Methought, rather than that, I would choose my Hands of alittle coarser Grain. I think he parleyed for a Quarter of an Hour onthe Christian Names of his Ancestry, how the Heads of his House had beenalternately a _Richard_ and a _Gilbert_, a _Richard_ and a _Gilbert_,for I wot not how many Generations; and then how the Name of _George_got in, and then of _Frauncis_, and how he was a _George_ again ...flimsy Talk and tedious. Mistress _Anne_ sate wondrous quiet, and oncegave me, across the Table, such a Look! Methought if she were secretlyamusing herself, I had no Need to be so jealous unto Death as I felt.
When my Lord took Leave, he, to my Surprise, invited me to attend him alittle Way. I looked at him, to be assured there was no Mistake; and,seeing he awaited me, I followed; Master _Hewet_ saying as I departed,"Fail not to look in on us as thou returnest." In the open Air, my Lordand I walked awhile without speaking, by Reason of the People we met;but, proceeding to a side Aisle of _Paul's_, he spake to me of this andthat, I following his Lead, and leaving him to start his Subject.
At length, quod he, "Master _Hewet_ lives quietly ... they that savemost, shew least; ha, Master _Osborne_?" I coolly replied, "My Lord, itmay be so."—"A rich Man," pursued he, "like a Prophet, may have leastHonour in his o
wn Street and his own House. Why now, there may be manycross daily his Threshold and have Speech of him on ordinary Affairs,that wot not he, for as homely as he is, hath six thousand Pounds by theYear ... am I within the Mark, Master _Osborne_?" "Marry, my Lord," quodI, "your honourable Lordship seemeth to know much more of the Secrets ofhis strong Box than I do. I never yet asked of him what it held, nornever was told." "That may be true," quod he, "and yet you mayguess."—"But I never did guess," interrupted I, "I know him for rich,and liberal, and of high Credit at Home and Abroad; and that is all.""You would surprise me," quod my Lord, "unless it were clear to me thatyou resent my Freedom with you in this Matter." "On my Faith, my Lord,"quod I, "I resent Nothing. I may know the Amount and Success of this orthat Venture of Master _Hewet's_, without having any Key to the Sumtotal of his Wealth; but whatever came to my Knowledge, whether byChance, by Confidence, or in the Way of Business, it is certain I shouldkeep locked in my Heart as faithfully as his Trade Secrets what Time Iwas his 'Prentice." "Nay, you are a good and honest Heart," quod myLord. "Be as honourable to me as to him, I beseech you, and say Nothingthat shall minish me in his good Liking." "Why should I, my good Lord?"quod I, "our Paths lie wide enough asunder." "Aye, but you have hisEar," quod he, "in the Way of daily Business, and he spake of you as hisadopted Son. If you are as a Son unto him, his Daughter is unto you as aSister, and you may do a good Turn for me, peradventure, with fairMistress _Anne_." "My Lord," quod I, "we are on quite a differentFooting from what you suppose, and your Suit would gain no better Favourfrom passing through my Hands." "Will you try that?" quod he, smiling."Marry, my Lord, why should you put it upon me?" quod I, "you are farbetter able to make Suit for yourself ... Earls' Sons do not commonlyseek in vain for fair Ladies' Favour."... "You will, at least, not be myFoe?" quod he. "No, my Lord," quod I, "unless you give me greater Reasonto be than you have done yet: howbeit, I marvel your Lordship shouldvalue my good or ill Favour at a Pin's Purchase."
"Ah," quod he, after a Pause, during which we paced half the Length ofthe Aisle, "there be some Things that neither Rank nor Money can buy;and I saw that Mistress _Anne_ had you in her Regard."—"Did you, myLord?" cried I, "wherein did she shew it?" But he was thinking of hisown Matters rather than of mine, therefore only said, "I could discernit and am assured of it; therefore be my good Friend, good _Osborne_,and speak a good Word for me when you can."
Then taking a Ring off his Finger, he saith, "I beseech you, accept thisRuby for the Esteem I bear unto you ... a mere Trifle, yet a good Stone,I assure you—nay, Sir, be not so unkindly—'beseech you, for my Love."
I put it aside, saying, "In a Word, my Lord, I cannot. Faith, it werewell your honourable Lordship would turn into another Aisle, for thereis a Tailor behind yonder Pillar taking down the Particulars of yourApparel in his Notebook, which 'twere Pity o' my Life, for the excellentDevising thereof, should be copied and sold in a City Frippery."
He moved off with a Start and a Smile, replacing his Ring. At the sameTime we were accosted by one of those habitual Frequenters of _Paul'sWalk_, that will sue your Charity first, and pick your Pocketafterwards. My Lord affected first not to hear him, but seeing me feelfor a Trifle to be quit of him, he sought his own Purse, which, notfinding, he turned about in some Anxiety to his Men, who were some Waybehind, and accosted them as soon as they came up, with "Here,_Cresswell_, _Jenkyn_! I have lost my Purse,—hie back, one of you, toMaster _Hewet's_, where, methinks, I dropped it." "My Lord, I willreturn and aid in the Search," quod I, glad of an Excuse for ending sotroublesome a Dialogue; albeit I thought it much more likely he had losthis Purse in the Place we were in than dropped it at our House.
However, there I was wrong, for _Damaris_ met us on our Return, saying,"Oh yes, here is my Lord's Purse," and gave it unto his Man. When shehad watched him depart, "'Twas hardly worth returning for," quod shedisdainfully, "there were but three Nobles; and albeit the Purse had aHole in't, 'twas not big enow for a Penny-piece to drop through. Butperadventure he was ashamed we should see it, so was anxious to have itback." "There's no Shame in Poverty, _Damaris_," quod I, "if we are notproud with it."—"Nay, I know not," quod she, doubtfully; "Folks always_are_ ashamed of it, that's certain."
In the withdrawing Chamber sate Mistress _Anne_ at her Needle, besideMaster _Hewet_ in his great Chair. "Now then," thought I, "every goodAngel be my speed! I believe I can tell as well as most whether a Man beonly setting himself to sleep, or verily and indeed sleeping; and I seethat at this present, Master _Hewet_ is truly and soundly asleep, butyet his being at his Daughter's Side gives me Freedom of Access unto herI should not in other Wise enjoy, and will now neither abuse norneglect."
So, without a second Thought, and armed with my Possession of theFather's private Grace, I sate down over-against her. She said, "So soonreturned?" and began to question me of my Travel. Then my Tongueunloosed, and I told her how many fair Things I had seen, how manynotable People and Places, yet how none of these had been able to dampfor one Moment my Desire to be at Home, within Sight and Sound of her.As I went on, waxing more and more fluent, more and more passionate, sodid her Colour wax deeper and deeper, until, with a Look of extremeDispleasure and Aversion, she said, "_Edward_, thou art beside thyself... pray let me never more hear such foolish Talk as this—I had betterThoughts of thee." And arose to go. I arose too, and stayed her, andprayed her to forgive me if I had spoken Aught amiss,—if she did not, Icould have no Peace. She said, "I cannot just now, I am wounded somuch;" and went away, with flushed Cheeks and Eyes full of Tears. Master_Hewet_ was roused by her Departure, and, rubbing his Eyes, smiled andsaid, "I thought _Anne_ had been here." "She is but just gone," I madeAnswer; and the rest of the Evening was sad enough.
Next Day, I had long Speech of Master _Hewet_, touching foreign Affairs.He told me of this and that Estate in _Yorkshire_ he had been buying, inthe Parishes of _Wales_ and _Hartshill_, and of his minding to send medown to see them, if I were ready to start off again so soon. I said, "Iam quite ready, Sir." "Shortly thou shalt go, then," quod he. "And nowtake up these Letters to _Anne_, for they concern her more than me,being Thanks from some of her poor Pensioners." Adding, just as I wasleaving, "Thou didst not make much way last Night, _Ned_ ..." andsmiled; which bewrayed to me that he had heard at least Part of what wassaid; which I was mad with him for, and thought not fair.
And now I began to muse within myself what a provoking Thing it was,that when all the Obstacles I had counted insurmountable between _Anne_and me had suddenly given Way, I should be brought up short by herself!Certes, an' she cared not for me, there was no more to be said; andMaster _Hewet_ would in no Ways be to blame if he gave her to Somebodyelse; neither had I ever sought nor had she ever bestowed any suchTokens of especial and considerable Regard as should encourage me tosuppose I had only to ask and have. And yet, I had somehow alwaysthought, "Only give me my fair Chance with the Rest, and I ask fornothing better." That was my Conceit and Presumption. Therefore with avery sad and sorry Aspect did I carry up the Letters to Mistress _Anne_,and used as few Words as need be in the delivering of them. She on herPart was equally dry, and gave me no Pretence to tarry, and yet Ilingered. Seeing which, and that I was about to speak, (though Iprotest, on Somewhat quite as trivial as the Weather,) she suddenlycoloured up very much and said, "_Edward_, if you are going to talk anymore Nonsense, as you did last Night, I would rather go away." "There'sno Need, Madam," said I coolly, "I had not such a Thought in my Head."On which she coloured still worse, and sitting down again began to readher Letters.
_Damaris_ now came in, and began to stitch away at a distant Window. "Ihave but to say Farewell, Mistress _Anne_," quod I, "before I start onmy next Journey." "So soon again? where are you going?" quod she,without looking up from her Letters. "A rolling Stone gathers no Moss."(This was an unkind Cut, considering her own Father set me rolling.) "To_Yorkshire_," replied I, "and perhaps I had best say Farewell at once,for Lord _Talbot_ is coming in at the Gate."
"Oh then, _Edward_, stay!" cries she with all h
er old Frankness:starting up and dropping her Letters. As we both stooped to pick themup, I said, "I will, if you wish it; but are you assured you know yourown Mind?" "Quite," said she very determinately, "so leave me not by anyMeans."
Then cometh in my Lord, very brave, in blue Silk and Silver. Howlaughable it was, if I could but have felt merry! _Damaris_,questionless, was laughing in her Sleeve. My Lord steps up to Mistress_Anne_, with easy Assuredness, and touches with his Lips a very prettyFabrick of Silk rayed with Silver, for she gave him a gloved Hand. Thenhe hoped she had rested better than he had, as in Sooth he saw by herdivine Looks she must needs have done; and he marvelled not that Roseswere at no Price to be had just now at Court, since 'twas plain theyfound a more nourishing Soil in the City; and so forth, like aValentine, calling her Looks Nature's sweetest Books, her Tresses goldenMeshes, her Voice Musick, her Favour Heaven, with Apostrophes to _Venus_and _Cupid_, and Asseverations that he was a Prey to a Mind delightingin Sorrow, Spirits wasted with Passion, a Heart torn in Pieces withCare. To which she made Answer, that she hoped he overstated his illCondition. To which he responded that if he did, 'twas _error amoris_,not _amor erroris_. With othermuch i' the same Vein, that he cared noWhit for mine hearing, but rather enjoyed having another Listener whilehe ran off Phrases that it seemed to me he must needs have got by Heart.I thought, As she liketh not my Fashion, maybe she liketh this. Howbeit,there was Nothing in her Favour to discover whether she did or no. Soafter a set Time given to this Court-like Parry and Thrust, this Quipand Compliment, whereby I wist not how a Man could suppose his Suitmoved one Way or the other, my Lord takes leave with easy Grace, as aMan who had, in one Affair, transacted the Business of the Day to hisSatisfaction.
So soon as he hath departed, Mistress _Anne_ falls a laughing, when incometh Master _Hewet_, looking somewhat harassed; seeing which,_Damaris_ sweeps up her Work and departs, leaving us all with graveFaces.
"_Nan_," quoth Master _Hewet_, casting himself into his Arm-chair, "Imust have a few Words with thee of this Suitor of thine."
"We are not alone, _Father_," interrupted Mistress _Anne_, casting aquick, apprehensive Look towards me.
"Tilly-valley," he responded, "none other is within Earshot of us but_Ned Osborne_, who is only an _alter ego_."
"He may be thine, _Father_, but he is not mine," quod Mistress _Anne_,somewhat captiously, "and I pray you to defer what you have to say to metill we are by ourselves."
"Maiden, thou art over-hasty," quod Master _Hewet_, looking fixedly ather, "and, in thy Fear of being over-civil unto one who has been untothee as a Brother, and to whom, moreover, thou owest thy Life, artsomewhat failing in good Manners."
Her Eye sank before his, and she submissively replied, "Well, then,_Father_, what is it thou wouldest say?"
"Just this," he returned, "whether Lord or Commoner, the Youth must havean Answer, so soon as thou knowest thine own Mind."
"I know it already," quod Mistress _Anne_, shortly.
"What is it?" saith her Father. She faltered for a Moment,—"Not to havehim," she replied softly.
"_Ned_, thou hast thine Answer," quod Master _Hewet_.
"_I_, Sir?" quod I, starting.
"Hear'st thou not?" returned he imperturbably, "thou hast it fromherself. I told thee I but sought to make my only Child happy,—youcan't make her so, it seemeth,—she won't have you."
"_Father!_ what _are_ you saying?" cried Mistress _Anne_, tremblingexceedingly.
He looked at her, but made no Answer.
"Were you not," said she, leaning over him breathlessly, her Dressvibrating with the quick beating of her Heart,—"were you not makingQuestion of Lord _Talbot_?"
—"Lord _Talbot_? Lord _Marlingspike_!"—quod he, "my Thoughts were asfar from him as from the City Giants! Said I not 'this Suitor of thine'?Whom should I think of but _Ned Osborne_?"
"You never told me before, that _I_ might," quod she, turning scarlet,and then bursting into Tears. I sprang towards her, but she brake awayfrom me, and was gone in a Moment. Master _Hewet_ leaned back in hisChair and smiled. "Methinks, _Ned_," quod he, "the Day is thine, thisTime." And, taking the Ring off his Finger, that he had shown Lord_Howard_ of _Effingham_ on the Bridge, "See," quod he, "how long I havedestined her for thee!"
—Here 'tis, _Hew_—I always wear it now. Thou mark'st the Posy:
"_He that did save, The same shall have_."
—Many a goodly Hereditament had I with her, too ... the _Barking_Estate, and those _Yorkshire_ Lands inclusive. The _Settings_ of myRing, Lad! no more—the Casket that went with my Treasure—the bindingof my Book.
So now thou seest how thou mayest wait a little longer for fair Mistress_Joyeuse_, without fuming and chafing, lest this Hurt, got in a goodCause, should lose thee thy Place among thy Rivals. Tut, Lad, 'twillonly grace thee in her Eyes all the more! See how Things came round inmy Case. I had not half thy good Favour, nor the brightness that a Swordcarrieth in a Woman's Eyes. "A plain Man, dwelling in Tents...." Nothingmore!
Well, what remains to tell? We married, we were happy? Thou knowest it,and yet sayest, "Go on." _Anne_ and I were married early in the_October_ of that Year; and on the _29th_ of that same Month, Master_Hewet_ was chosen Lord _Mayor_ of _London_, and knighted at_Westminster_. What a Pageant we got up for him! I was a young Husband,full of Spirits, and ready for Anything that came in my Way, Feasting orFighting; in special, then, to do Honour to him unto whom, under Heaven,I owed all earthly Good. So I took Council with the Master-revellers;and, between us, we concocted as pretty a Subtlety as ever was devised!Don't laugh, Sirrah! you'd have thought it very fine. There was theSymbol of our Mystery, a Golden Ram, ridden by a little Child,cherub-like for Beauty, followed by rustical Shepherds and Shepherdesseswith Pipes and Tabors and flower-wreathed Crooks. Then came the Playersof the Pageant, which was the Story of _Apollo_ keeping the Flocks of_Admetus_, and helping him to win his fair Wife; all which was to beenacted at the proper Time on a goodly Stage representing a pastoralWilderness, with Trees, Bushes, Shrubs, Brambles, and Thickets,interspersed with Birds and Beasts. In the Midst, _Apollo_ playing onhis Lyre: on either Side a Satyr, mopping, mowing, and curvetting. Thiswas, as you may plainly perceive, altogether diverse from and verysuperior to the Drapers' tasteless Pageant of _Salisbury Plain_, whereonwere assembled Shepherds, Shepherdesses, Carders, Spinners, Dyers,Wool-combers, Shermen, Dressers, Fullers, Weavers, without any Order orPropriety.
J Jellicoe The Masque]
Ours was of another guess Sort, Sir! I fancy there was some littleClassicality in it; though I say it that should not. After the HallDinner, ('twas noted of all how pretty _Anne_, the young Bride, lookedas Lady Mayoress!) the Players having set up their Stage, _Apollo_ wasdiscovered lying all along, a playing of his Lyre, with his Crook castaside and his Sheep scattered hither and thither: and, quod he,
"_Whoe'er may it gainsay, I am the God of Day; And it is also I Am God of Poetry: Howbeit, 'tis my Fate, Thus cast from high Estate, In these poor Weeds to keep The good Admetus' Sheep._"
—And so forth, explaining why he had been banished from Heaven by_Jupiter_. Entereth to him _Admetus_, not wisting who he is, beyond hishired Servant, whereon they parley on Things in general, especially theWool Trade and Clothworking, (with a Hit, here and there, at theDrapers.) Then the merry Sound of Drumes and Pfiffes causeth them tostep aside behind the Trees, and there entereth a Company of Shepherdsand Shepherdesses singing the Praises of their fair Lady _Alcestis_,represented by a fair Boy i' the Midst, crowned with Guirlands. Then_Admetus_ doeth _Apollo_ to wit how that he is enamoured of _Alcestis_,whose Father will in no wise bestow her save on one that shall yoke aBoar and Lion together in a Car. Then _Apollo_, who hath a dark Lanthornaneath his Cloke wherewith he ever and anon maketh a sudden Flare into_Admetus'_ Eyes, who wisteth not whence it cometh, nor wotteth 'tis thesunbright Glory of his celestial Guest, biddeth _Admetus_ not to loseHeart, for that he will accomplish his Task for him. And thereupontaking up his Lyre, he beginneth to sing
and play after such atransporting Manner, that the Birds give over singing in the Trees andhop down on his Shoulders, the Beasts begin to glare at him through theThickets, and then to gather about him, subdued unto a kind of surlySoftness,—whereon _Apollo_, giving _Admetus_ a private Nod andcontinuing his playing, _Admetus_ without more Ado takes a Yoke wreathedwith Flowers from one of the Shepherds, yoketh therewith a Lion and aBoar into a Car that is presently brought in, placeth _Alcestis_ in it,driveth her to the Feet of her Father, (a King,) who arrivethopportunely and can no longer say why the Marriage should not besolemnizated; and, their Hands being joined by him, the Shepherds andShepherdesses dance about them, _Apollo_ still playing; and one and allchant a Chorus in Praise of Clothworking.
Ha! that was a notable good Pageant! Far better than mine own, manyYears after, which I need not tell thee, Lad, I did not devise myself.The Toy was pretty, too, and appropriate—the Story of _Jason_, whom Ibelieve to have been nothing more nor less than a Merchant-adventurerthat equipped his Ship the _Argonaut_, and by his Traffic and Commercecarried off the Golden Fleece; that is to say, the Trade of the World.
Scarce were the Pageants over, and Master _Hewet_, that is to say Sir_William_, set to his daily and hard Work—(for a Lord Mayor, _Hew_,hath no lazy Time on't! He presides at the Sittings of the Court ofAldermen, Common Council, and Common Hall, is Judge of the _London_Sessions at _Guildhall_, Justice of the Peace for _Southwark_, Escheatorin _London_ and _Southwark_, Conservator of the _Thames_, signs notarialDocuments, presides at Public Meetings, founds Charities, is Trustee forHospitals, attends the Privy Council on the Accession of Sovereigns,and—not to weary thee with the hearing of what I've had thedoing,—sits daily in his own Justice Room by the Space of four or fiveHours). Well, but, to begin a new Parenthesis, have we not had some fineFellows among us? Look at _Fitz-Alwin_ resisting one Sovereign,_Walworth_ defending another, _Picard_ feasting four Kings at his Table,_Philpot_ raising a thousand Men at his private Charges to put downPirates, _Bamne_ relieving a great Dearth by importing foreign Corn,_Falconer_ supplying _Henry_ the _Fifth_ with the Wherewithal for his_French_ Wars, _Whittington_ founding Divinity Lectures and building_Newgate_, _Wells_ supplying the City with fresh Water, _Eyre_ building_Leadenhall_ for a Public Garner, and bestowing five thousand Marks onthe Poor, _Stockton_ knighted on the Field by his King for good Servicein Battle, _Fabian_ compiling Chronicles, _White_ founding a College,and defending our Bridge; and, not to be farther tedious unto thee, Sir_William Hewet_, the Benefactor of every Hospital, and of the Poor ofevery Parish, besides bequeathing a Dowry to every poor Maid in theParish of _Wales_ or _Hartshill_ in _Yorkshire_ that should marry withina Year of his Decease. These Men, _Hew_, were Worthies in theirGeneration! And if Master _Hewet_ had a hard Shrievalty, he had a joyousMayoralty, under the early Rays of that fostering Sun, our gloriousSovereign Lady _Elizabeth_!
There is great Peace in the Land. I say not we are better than we were,but we are happier and more prosperous. Sometimes I think those Days ofTrial did us good: they tried us even as Silver is tried; the baserMetal perished. Let us not settle on the Lees, lest a worse Thing comeupon us.
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