"Yet you seem discontented when I propose throwing up a dangerous game,

which may end in the ruin of both of us."

"I, my lord?" said Varney; "surely I have no cause to regret your

lordship's retreat! It will not be Richard Varney who will incur

the displeasure of majesty, and the ridicule of the court, when the

stateliest fabric that ever was founded upon a prince's favour melts

away like a morning frost-work. I would only have you yourself to be

assured, my lord, ere you take a step which cannot be retracted, that

you consult your fame and happiness in the course you propose."

"Speak on, then, Varney," said the Earl; "I tell thee I have determined

nothing, and will weigh all considerations on either side."

"Well, then, my lord," replied Varney, "we will suppose the step taken,

the frown frowned, the laugh laughed, and the moan moaned. You have

retired, we will say, to some one of your most distant castles, so far

from court that you hear neither the sorrow of your friends nor the glee

of your enemies, We will suppose, too, that your successful rival will

be satisfied (a thing greatly to be doubted) with abridging and cutting

away the branches of the great tree which so long kept the sun from him,

and that he does not insist upon tearing you up by the roots. Well; the

late prime favourite of England, who wielded her general's staff and

controlled her parliaments, is now a rural baron, hunting, hawking,

drinking fat ale with country esquires, and mustering his men at the

command of the high sheriff--"

"Varney, forbear!" said the Earl.

"Nay, my lord, you must give me leave to conclude my picture.--Sussex

governs England--the Queen's health fails--the succession is to be

settled--a road is opened to ambition more splendid than ambition ever

dreamed of. You hear all this as you sit by the hob, under the shade of

your hall-chimney. You then begin to think what hopes you have fallen

from, and what insignificance you have embraced; and all that you

might look babies in the eyes of your fair wife oftener than once a

fortnight."

"I say, Varney," said the Earl, "no more of this. I said not that the

step, which my own ease and comfort would urge me to, was to be taken

hastily, or without due consideration to the public safety. Bear witness

to me, Varney; I subdue my wishes of retirement, not because I am moved

by the call of private ambition, but that I may preserve the position in

which I may best serve my country at the hour of need.--Order our horses

presently; I will wear, as formerly, one of the livery cloaks, and ride

before the portmantle. Thou shalt be master for the day, Varney--neglect

nothing that can blind suspicion. We will to horse ere men are stirring.

I will but take leave of my lady, and be ready. I impose a restraint on

my own poor heart, and wound one yet more dear to me; but the patriot

must subdue the husband."




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