The Buccaneer - A Tale

"A most desperate villain; still there is a boldness--a native

majesty--a---- Dalton has so often praised his bravery."

"Dalton! Did Dalton speak well of Cromwell?" interrupted Wellmore.

"Yes, well, greatly of him, as an intrepid soldier, as a being to wonder

at. Yet he has no right to the high place whereon he sits; and----"

"You would pull him down?"

"I confess it."

"The time will come when I will discuss the merits of this case with

you," said Wellmore, after a pause; "albeit I like not discussion; 'tis

not a soldier's weapon; but you are worthy of the effort. I like you,

though you are mine enemy, and that is more than I can say of many

friends. You know nothing of what the country suffered. You know nothing

of the sacrifices that man has made for its good. Were not Cromwell and

Ireton accused by their own party of favouring the man Stuart? Was not

Cromwell obliged to say to Ashburnham and Berkeley, who came to him, as

the Parliament thought, on all occasions, and about all things, 'If I am

an honest man, I have said enough of the sincerity of my intentions; and

if I am not, nothing is enough?' Was he not overpowered by the people's

clamours?--They would have a king no longer; the name, sir, the very

name was as a foul stench in their nostrils; the time had arrived when

the lawgiver was to depart from Judah. Could he, or could any man--ought

he, or ought any man to fight against the Lord, or the Lord's people?"

He spoke thus far with strength and energy, then suddenly pausing, he

added, "But, as I said before, there is time enough for this. As to

yourself, young man, if your love towards the lady be firm and true, if

your wishes for her welfare be pure and holy, if you are a true

patriot--behold! I will tell you--for this came I hither--say that you

will be one of the standing army of England! say but the word--to enjoy

rank, opportunities of distinction, honour, and Constance Cecil as your

bride!"

He paused as for reply, but the Cavalier made none; he only leaned his

head against his hand, as if communing with himself.

"She will be miserable," persisted the crafty soldier; "inevitable

misery will be her lot; and you can prevent it, if you please." He fixed

his eyes upon Walter, as if to read the secrets of his soul; then,

unsatisfied with the scrutiny, continued--"Burrell, as you have

observed, cannot make her happy: so much beauty, so much worth!--you

cannot hesitate--your single arm could not accomplish the end you aim

at."