It was then the Queen became aware that a female figure was placed

beside, or rather partly behind, an alabaster column, at the foot of

which arose the pellucid fountain which occupied the inmost recess of

the twilight grotto. The classical mind of Elizabeth suggested the story

of Numa and Egeria, and she doubted not that some Italian sculptor had

here represented the Naiad whose inspirations gave laws to Rome. As she

advanced, she became doubtful whether she beheld a statue, or a form

of flesh and blood. The unfortunate Amy, indeed, remained motionless,

betwixt the desire which she had to make her condition known to one of

her own sex, and her awe for the stately form which approached her,

and which, though her eyes had never before beheld, her fears instantly

suspected to be the personage she really was. Amy had arisen from her

seat with the purpose of addressing the lady who entered the grotto

alone, and, as she at first thought, so opportunely. But when she

recollected the alarm which Leicester had expressed at the Queen's

knowing aught of their union, and became more and more satisfied that

the person whom she now beheld was Elizabeth herself, she stood with

one foot advanced and one withdrawn, her arms, head, and hands perfectly

motionless, and her cheek as pallid as the alabaster pedestal against

which she leaned. Her dress was of pale sea-green silk, little

distinguished in that imperfect light, and somewhat resembled the

drapery of a Grecian Nymph, such an antique disguise having been thought

the most secure, where so many maskers and revellers were assembled; so

that the Queen's doubt of her being a living form was well justified by

all contingent circumstances, as well as by the bloodless cheek and the

fixed eye.

Elizabeth remained in doubt, even after she had approached within a few

paces, whether she did not gaze on a statue so cunningly fashioned that

by the doubtful light it could not be distinguished from reality. She

stopped, therefore, and fixed upon this interesting object her princely

look with so much keenness that the astonishment which had kept Amy

immovable gave way to awe, and she gradually cast down her eyes, and

drooped her head under the commanding gaze of the Sovereign. Still,

however, she remained in all respects, saving this slow and profound

inclination of the head, motionless and silent.

From her dress, and the casket which she instinctively held in her hand,

Elizabeth naturally conjectured that the beautiful but mute figure which

she beheld was a performer in one of the various theatrical pageants

which had been placed in different situations to surprise her with their

homage; and that the poor player, overcome with awe at her presence, had

either forgot the part assigned her, or lacked courage to go through

it. It was natural and courteous to give her some encouragement; and

Elizabeth accordingly said, in a tone of condescending kindness, "How

now, fair Nymph of this lovely grotto, art thou spell-bound and struck

with dumbness by the charms of the wicked enchanter whom men term Fear?

We are his sworn enemy, maiden, and can reverse his charm. Speak, we

command thee."




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