A long silence followed this intemperate speech, which at last was

broken by the mounted traveller.

"You spoke of innovations, and I also believe it is ill to try

experiments in states, unless the need be urgent, and unless it be

the reformation that draweth on the change, and not the love of

change that urgeth the reformation. Is not time the greatest

innovator?--is he not always changing? It hath been said that, as

in nature things move violently to their place, and calmly in

their place; so virtue in ambition is violent, in authority settled

and calm. Steel sharpens steel; so one glory perfecteth another:

and I am of belief, that they who are glorious, must have been

factious. Yet are there degrees in honour, and amongst the first

of them I should rank founders of commonwealths, or even states,

such as we read of in history--Romulus----"

"And you would, I suppose, include the name of Cromwell in the list you

were about to make?" interrupted De Guerre.

"And why not?" retorted the other proudly; "why not Cromwell? Is the oak

to be despised because it was once an acorn? Remember what he suffers

for his state; if, like the stars above us, he is much venerated, even

like them he hath no rest."

"Nor doth he deserve it," said the youth.

"Ah! say'st so!" exclaimed the stranger, hastily, but instantly adding

in a settled voice--"Walter De Guerre, or whatever be your name, beware,

and use not such expressions when you know not your company. You said

but now, your opinions were your property; then give them not away

unasked where we are going. I know you to be brave, and generosity

follows bravery as truly as one star succeedeth another; but discretion

of speech is more valuable than eloquence. And, as to Cromwell, the

people's shepherd has need to keep good count and careful watch; for

wolves and foxes in sheep's clothing break into the pinfolds, kill and

devour. Did he not act the part of Epimetheus (according to the profane

but wise fable), who, when griefs and evils flew abroad, at last shut

down the lid, and kept Hope in the bottom of the vessel, verily, indeed,

his lot would be severe. We can know but little how hard it is to labour

through evil report and good report. Charity in judgment is befitting in

all, but most of all in the young."

They were now within sight of Cecil Place. De Guerre had to contend with

many painful feelings, and a provoking consciousness of the strange

ascendency his companion had acquired over him, so that he dared hardly

speak his own words, or think his own thoughts. Nor could he trace this

to any external influence: the man was plain almost to vulgarity; his

dress common; and though his sword-blade was strong, the handle was

perfectly devoid of ornament. His horse was the only thing in his

appointments that indicated the station of a gentleman; but the saddle

appeared so old and battered, and withal so ill-made, that De Guerre

marvelled so noble an animal would condescend to carry such a weight of

old leather and damaged flock. It is true, that towards the close of

their conversation he had uttered some sentiments that, for a moment,

startled the Cavalier; but then he had uttered them in so unskilled and

confused a manner, and with such an unmusical voice, that it reminded

him, not unaptly, of a blacksmith stringing pearls, so coarse was the

medium through which these fine things came. He ventured to console

himself, however, by the reflection, that a man of such cool and

determined bravery must be, despite external appearances, a person of

some consequence: an opinion confirmed by his being a guest, and

evidently a privileged guest, of Sir Robert Cecil. He arrived at this

conclusion as they passed the postern-gate; and, as the night was now

far gone, the old porter lighted his flambeaux to escort them to the

house.




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