The Buccaneer - A Tale

We leave it to our philosophical readers to determine which of the two

manifestations was the most dangerous: we hope their displeasure against

either will not be very violent; for we have but too frequently observed

the self-same dispositions animate bright eyes and open coral lips.

Women are frequently greater tyrants than men, because of their

weakness: they are anxious for power as the means of strength; and

therefore they more often abuse it than use it properly; and men are

better slaves than women; because an innate consciousness of their

strength, which they are apt to believe they can employ whenever a

fitting opportunity occurs, keeps them tranquil. It has been often

noted, that in popular tumults women are frequently the most busy, and

the least easy to be controlled.

No one would have supposed that Lady Frances's temper had been ruffled,

when she crept into the room where Constantia was watching her still

sleeping father, and communicated the news of the anticipated death of

Mother Hays, with her strange request, in so low a whisper, that happily

he was not disturbed.

She quitted the apartment when her father's physician was announced; but

not until he had informed her that his Highness was about to visit the

Island, inquire personally after the health of Sir Robert Cecil,

investigate the strange murder that had occurred, inspect the fortress

of Queenborough, and ascertain if useful fortifications might not be

erected at Sheerness; thus mingling public with private business.