To buy his favour I extend this friendship:

If he will take it, so; if not, adieu;

And, for my love, I pray you wrong me not.

--Merchant of Venice

As the Palmer, lighted by a domestic with a torch, passed through the

intricate combination of apartments of this large and irregular mansion,

the cupbearer coming behind him whispered in his ear, that if he had

no objection to a cup of good mead in his apartment, there were many

domestics in that family who would gladly hear the news he had brought

from the Holy Land, and particularly that which concerned the Knight of

Ivanhoe. Wamba presently appeared to urge the same request, observing

that a cup after midnight was worth three after curfew. Without

disputing a maxim urged by such grave authority, the Palmer thanked them

for their courtesy, but observed that he had included in his religious

vow, an obligation never to speak in the kitchen on matters which were

prohibited in the hall. "That vow," said Wamba to the cupbearer, "would

scarce suit a serving-man."

The cupbearer shrugged up his shoulders in displeasure. "I thought to

have lodged him in the solere chamber," said he; "but since he is so

unsocial to Christians, e'en let him take the next stall to Isaac the

Jew's.--Anwold," said he to the torchbearer, "carry the Pilgrim to the

southern cell.--I give you good-night," he added, "Sir Palmer, with

small thanks for short courtesy."

"Good-night, and Our Lady's benison," said the Palmer, with composure;

and his guide moved forward.

In a small antechamber, into which several doors opened, and which was

lighted by a small iron lamp, they met a second interruption from the

waiting-maid of Rowena, who, saying in a tone of authority, that her

mistress desired to speak with the Palmer, took the torch from the hand

of Anwold, and, bidding him await her return, made a sign to the

Palmer to follow. Apparently he did not think it proper to decline this

invitation as he had done the former; for, though his gesture

indicated some surprise at the summons, he obeyed it without answer or

remonstrance.

A short passage, and an ascent of seven steps, each of which was

composed of a solid beam of oak, led him to the apartment of the Lady

Rowena, the rude magnificence of which corresponded to the respect which

was paid to her by the lord of the mansion. The walls were covered with

embroidered hangings, on which different-coloured silks, interwoven with

gold and silver threads, had been employed with all the art of which the

age was capable, to represent the sports of hunting and hawking. The bed

was adorned with the same rich tapestry, and surrounded with curtains

dyed with purple. The seats had also their stained coverings, and one,

which was higher than the rest, was accommodated with a footstool of

ivory, curiously carved.




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