At the entrance of Tressilian both started from their musing, and

made him welcome--the younger, in particular, with great appearance of

animation and cordiality.

"Thou art welcome, Tressilian," said the youth. "Thy philosophy stole

thee from us when this household had objects of ambition to offer; it

is an honest philosophy, since it returns thee to us when there are only

dangers to be shared."

"Is my lord, then, so greatly indisposed?" said Tressilian.

"We fear the very worst," answered the elder gentleman, "and by the

worst practice."

"Fie," replied Tressilian, "my Lord of Leicester is honourable."

"What doth he with such attendants, then, as he hath about him?" said

the younger gallant. "The man who raises the devil may be honest, but he

is answerable for the mischief which the fiend does, for all that."

"And is this all of you, my mates," inquired Tressilian, "that are about

my lord in his utmost straits?"

"No, no," replied the elder gentleman, "there are Tracy, Markham, and

several more; but we keep watch here by two at once, and some are weary

and are sleeping in the gallery above."

"And some," said the young man, "are gone down to the Dock yonder at

Deptford, to look out such a hull; as they may purchase by clubbing

their broken fortunes; and as soon as all is over, we will lay our noble

lord in a noble green grave, have a blow at those who have hurried him

thither, if opportunity suits, and then sail for the Indies with heavy

hearts and light purses."

"It may be," said Tressilian, "that I will embrace the same purpose, so

soon as I have settled some business at court."

"Thou business at court!" they both exclaimed at once, "and thou make

the Indian voyage!"

"Why, Tressilian," said the younger man, "art thou not wedded, and

beyond these flaws of fortune, that drive folks out to sea when their

bark bears fairest for the haven?--What has become of the lovely

Indamira that was to match my Amoret for truth and beauty?"

"Speak not of her!" said Tressilian, averting his face.

"Ay, stands it so with you?" said the youth, taking his hand very

affectionately; "then, fear not I will again touch the green wound.

But it is strange as well as sad news. Are none of our fair and merry

fellowship to escape shipwreck of fortune and happiness in this sudden

tempest? I had hoped thou wert in harbour, at least, my dear Edmund. But

truly says another dear friend of thy name, 'What man that sees the ever whirling wheel

Of Chance, the which all mortal things doth sway,

But that thereby doth find and plainly feel,

How Mutability in them doth play

Her cruel sports to many men's decay.'"




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