The Buccaneer - A Tale

He was habited with extraordinary exactness; his linen of the finest

quality, and his vest and doublet put on with an evident attention to

even minute appearance. His hands of transparent whiteness were clasped,

as if he were attending to some particular discourse; he was alone in

that vast chamber,--yet not alone, for God was with him--not in outward

form, but in inward spirit. It was the Sabbath-day, and ever observed

in the Protector's family with respect and reverence. The

morning-meeting was over, and Cromwell in his closet, "wrestling," as he

was wont to term it, "with sin." Silence reigned through all the

courts--that due and reverend silence which betokens thoughtfulness, and

attention to one of the Almighty's first commands--"Keep holy the

Sabbath-day," given when he ordained that man should rest from his

labours in commemoration that he himself set an example of repose after

calling the broad earth into existence and beauty. The poet sat but for

a little time in that wide silence; yet who would not give a large

portion of their every-day existence to have looked on him for those

brief moments, moments which for their full feeling might play the part

of years in our life's calendar? Blessed holy time!--when we can look on

genius, and catch the gems that fall from its lips! Yet Milton spoke

not--he only looked; and still his looks were heavenward--turned towards

that Heaven from whence they caught their inspiration. He heard the

sound of coming footsteps, and loving quiet on that holy day, withdrew

to his own chamber. How empty now appeared the tapestried hall! as when

some great eclipse shuts to the golden portals of the sun, and steeps

the earth in darkness!

Soon after Milton's departure, the Protector entered, in conversation

with his secretary, Thurloe; and although it was the Sabbath, there was

an air of anxiety and eagerness about him, which made his step more

hurried, more abrupt than usual. He suddenly stopped, and said,-"Pray God that Colonel Jones and the troop arrived in time! Lady

Frances, methinks, must have known something--seen something--however,

now all shall be investigated. Pray God they arrived in time!"

He then took from a large pocket-book a set of tablets, and having read

therein for a few minutes, suddenly turning to Thurloe, exclaimed,

"What! is this indeed the tenth?"

"Even so," replied the secretary.

"Then have I business which requires immediate attention," said his

Highness. "Behold! I had nearly forgotten both the promise and the

appointment; but spare nor haste nor trouble! Under the archway, at the

left-hand side of Gray's Inn, after you pass the house whose corners are

bound with white stones, the walls being of red brick--under that arch

you will see a man--now mark me--a man wearing a green cloak, the collar

being of velvet; and, to distinguish him the more perfectly, you will

perceive that his hat is banded by a small blue riband, of the narrowest

breadth: his left hand will be uncovered, and placed upon his breast,

and on its centre finger will be a broad hoop ring of jet. Be there

exactly as the clock of St. Paul's strikes three-quarters past four; and

speak thou no word, nor make sign, except to put this bill into his

hand, which, as thou seest, is for twenty thousand pounds, payable to

the bearer at Genoa."