There was an universal expression of surprise.

"It is true, on our royal word," said the Queen; "he hath kept this

a secret even from us, that he might surprise us with it at this very

place and time. I see you are dying of curiosity to know the happy

bride. It is Amy Robsart, the same who, to make up the May-game

yesterday, figured in the pageant as the wife of his servant Varney."

"For God's sake, madam," said the Earl, approaching her with a mixture

of humility, vexation, and shame in his countenance, and speaking so low

as to be heard by no one else, "take my head, as you threatened in your

anger, and spare me these taunts! Urge not a falling man--tread not on a

crushed worm."

"A worm, my lord?" said the Queen, in the same tone; "nay, a snake is

the nobler reptile, and the more exact similitude--the frozen snake you

wot of, which was warmed in a certain bosom--"

"For your own sake--for mine, madam," said the Earl--"while there is yet

some reason left in me--"

"Speak aloud, my lord," said Elizabeth, "and at farther distance, so

please you--your breath thaws our ruff. What have you to ask of us?"

"Permission," said the unfortunate Earl humbly, "to travel to Cumnor

Place."

"To fetch home your bride belike?--Why, ay--that is but right, for, as

we have heard, she is indifferently cared for there. But, my lord, you

go not in person; we have counted upon passing certain days in this

Castle of Kenilworth, and it were slight courtesy to leave us without a

landlord during our residence here. Under your favour, we cannot think

to incur such disgrace in the eyes of our subjects. Tressilian shall

go to Cumnor Place instead of you, and with him some gentleman who hath

been sworn of our chamber, lest my Lord of Leicester should be again

jealous of his old rival.--Whom wouldst thou have to be in commission

with thee, Tressilian?"

Tressilian, with humble deference, suggested the name of Raleigh.

"Why, ay," said the Queen; "so God ha' me, thou hast made a good choice.

He is a young knight besides, and to deliver a lady from prison is

an appropriate first adventure.--Cumnor Place is little better than a

prison, you are to know, my lords and ladies. Besides, there are certain

faitours there whom we would willingly have in safe keeping. You will

furnish them, Master Secretary, with the warrant necessary to secure the

bodies of Richard Varney and the foreign Alasco, dead or alive. Take

a sufficient force with you, gentlemen--bring the lady here in all

honour--lose no time, and God be with you!"




readonlinefreebook.com Copyright 2016 - 2024