"I am sorry to say," replied Heriot, "that he denies all knowledge of your lordship's motions, after having despatched a messenger to you with some baggage." The watermen told me they were employed by him." "Waterman!" said Heriot; "one of these proves to be an idle apprentice, an old acquaintance of mine -the other has escaped; but the fellow who is in custody persists in saying he was employed by your lordship, and you only." "He lies!" said Lord Glenvarloch, hastily ;- "He told me Master Lowestoffe had sent him.-I hope that kind-hearted gentleman is at liberty?" "He is," answered Heriot; "and has escaped with a rebuke from the benchers, for interfering in such a matter as your lordship's. The Court desire to keep well with the young Templars in these times of commotion, or he had not come off so well." "That is the only word of comfort I have heard from you," replied Nigel. "But this poor woman,she and her trunk were committed to the charge of two porters." "So said the pretended waterman; but none of the fellows who ply at the wharf will acknowledge the employment.-I see the idea makes you uneasy, my lord; but every effort is made to discover the poor woman's place of retreat-if, indeed, she yet lives.And now, my lord, my errand is spoken, so far as it relates exclusively to your lordship; what remains, is matter of business of a more formal kind." "Let us proceed to it without delay," said Lord Glenvarloch. "I would hear of the affairs of any one rather than of my own." "You cannot have forgotten, my lord," said Henot, the transaction which took place some weeks since at Lord Huntinglen's-by which a large sum of money was advanced for the redemption of your lordship's estate?" "I remember it perfectly," said Nigel; "and your present austerity cannot make me forget your kindness on the occasion." "I will not shrink under the weight," said Lord Glenvarloch. But that is not the present point.If I had that casket" "Your baggage stood in the little anteroom, as! passed," said the citizen; "the casket caught my eye. I think you had it of me.-It was my old friend S. Faithful Frugal's. Ay; he, too, had a son"Here he stopped short. 'A son who, like Lord Glenvarloch's, did no cre dit to his father.-Was it not so you would have ended the sentence, Master Heriot?" asked the young nobleman. My lord, it was a word spoken rashly," answered Heriot. "God may mend all in his own good time this, however, I will say, that I have sometimes envied my friends their fair and flourishing families; and yet have I seen such changes when death has removed the head, so many rich men's sons pennyless, the heirs of so many knights and nobles acreless, that I think mine own estate and memory, as I shall order it, has a fair chance of outliving those of greater men, though God has given me no heir of my name. this is from the purpose.-Ho! warder, bring in Lord Glenvarloch's baggage." The officer obeyed. Seals had been placed upon the trunk and casket, but were now removed, the warder said, in consequence of the subsequent orders from Court, and the whole was placed at the prisoner's free disposal. But Desirous to bring this painful visit to a conclusion, Lord Glenvarloch opened the casket, and looked through the papers which it contained, first hastily, and then more slowly and accurately; but it was all in vain. The Sovereign's signed warrant had disappeared. "I thought and expected nothing better," said George Heriot, bitterly. "The beginning of evil is the letting out of water. Here is a fair heritage lost I dare say, on a foul cast at dice, or a conjuring trick at cards! My lord, your surprise is well played. I give you full joy of your accomplishments. I have seen many as young brawlers and spendthrifts, but never so young and accomplished a dissembler.Nay, man, never bend your angry brows on me. I speak in bitterness of heart, from what I remember of your worthy father; and if his son hears of his degeneracy from no one else, he shall hear of it from the Heriot bowed gravely, and went on.-' "That money was advanced under the expectation and hope that it might be replaced by the contents of a grant to your lordship, under the royal sign-manual, in payment of certain moneys due by the crown to your fa-old goldsmith." ther. I trust your lordship understood the transac- This new suspicion drove Nigel to the very extretion at the time-I trust you now understand my re-mity of his patience; yet the motives and zeal of the sumption of its import, and hold it to be correct?", "Undeniably "answered Lord Glenvarloch. "If the sums contained in the warrant cannot be recovered, my lands become the property of those who paid off the original holders of the mortgage, and now stand in their right." "Even so, my lord," said Heriot. "And your lordship's unhappy circumstances having, it would seem, alarmed these creditors, they are now, I am sorry to say, pressing for one or other of these alternatives -possession of the land, or payment of their debt." They have a right to one or other," answered Lord Glenvarloch; "and as I cannot do the last in my present condition, I suppose they must enter on possession." good old man, as well as the circumstances of suspicion which created his displeasure, were so excellent an excuse for it, that they formed an absolute curb on the resentment of Lord Glenvarloch, and constrained him, after two or three hasty exclamations, to observe a proud and sullen silence. At length, Master Heriot resumed his lecture. "Hark you, my lord," he said, "it is scarce possible that this most important paper can be absolutely assigned away. Let me know in what obscure corner, and for what petty sum, it lies pledged--something may yet be done." taken the field against me at every point. Even let her win the battle." Your efforts in my favour are the more generous,' said Lord Glenvarloch, "as you offer them to one whom you believe you have cause to think hardly of "Stay, my lord," replied Heriot; "if you have-but they are altogether unavailing. Fortune has ceased to call me a friend to your person, at least you shall see I am willing to be such to your father's house, were it but for the sake of your father's memory. If you will trust me with the warrant under the sign-manual, I believe circumstances do now so stand at Court, that I may be able to recover the money for you." you "Zouns!" exclaimed Heriot, impatiently,would make a saint swear! Why, I tell you, if this paper, the loss of which seems to sit so light on you, be not found, farewell to the fair lordship of Glenvarloch-firth and forest-lea and furrow-lake and stream-all that has been in the house of Olifaunt since the days of William the Lion!" Farewell to them, then," said Nigel,—" and that moan is soon made.' "Sdeath! my lord, you will make more moan for ere you die," said Heriot, in the same tone of angry impatience. "I would do so gladly," said Lord Glenvarloch, "but the casket which contains it is not in my possession. It was seized when I was arrested at Greenwich." "It will be no longer withheld from you," said Heriot; "for I understand, my Master's natural good sense, and some information which he has pro-it cured, I know not how, has induced him to contradict the whole charge of the attempt on his person. It is entirely hushed up; and you will only be proceeded against for your violence on Lord Dalgarno, committed within the verge of the Palace-and that you will find heavy enough to answer." VOL. IV. O Not I, my old friend," said Nigel. "If I mourn, Master Heriot, it will be for having lost the good opinion of a worthy man, and lost it, as I must say, most undeservedly.' "Ay, ay, young man," said Heriot, shaking his head, "make me believe that if you can.-To sum the matter up," he said, rising from his seat, and walking towards that occupied by the disguised female, for our matters are now drawn into small compass, you shall as soon make me believe that this masquerading mummer, on whom I now lay the hand of paternal authority, is a French page, who understands no English." So saying, he took hold of the supposed page's cloak, and, not without some gentle degree of violence, led into the middle of the apartment the disguised fair one, who in vain attempted to cover her face, first with her mantle, and afterwards with her hands; both which impediments Master Heriot removed, something unceremoniously, and gave to view the detected daughter of the old horologist, his own fair god-daughter, Margaret Ramsay, to present a petition to the King on the part of the Lady Hermione." 'Mercy-a-gad!" exclaimed Heriot, "is she in the dance, too? Could she not have waited my return to stir in her affairs? But I suppose the intelligence I sent her had rendered her restless. Ah! woman, woman-he that goes partner with you, had need of a double share of patience, for you will bring none into the common stock.-Well, but what on earth had this embassy of Monna Paula's to do with your absurd disguise? Speak out." "Monna Paula was frightened," answered Margaret, "and did not know how to set about the errand, for you know she scarce ever goes out of doors-and so-and so I agreed to go with her to give her courage; and, for the dress, I am sure you remember I wore it at a Christmas mumming, and you thought it not unbeseeming." "Yes, for a Christmas parlour," said Heriot, “but not to go a-masking through the country in. I do remember it, minion, and I knew it even now; that and your little shoe there, linked with a hint I had in the morning from a friend, or one who called himself such, led to your detection."-Here Lord Glenvarloch could not help giving a glance at the pretty foot, which even the staid citizen thought worth recollection-it was but a glance, for he saw how much the Here is goodly gear!" he said; and as he spoke, he could not prevent himself from giving her a slight shake, for we have elsewhere noticed that he was a severe disciplinarian.-"How comes it, minion, that I find you in so shameless a dress, and so unworthy a situation? Nay, your modesty is now mistimed-it should have come sooner. Speak, or I will""Master Heriot," said Lord Glenvarloch, "whatever right you may have over this maiden elsewhere, while in my apartment she is under my protection.' "Your protection, my lord!—a proper protector!-least degree of observation added to Margaret's disAnd how long, mistress, have you been under my lord's protection? Speak out, forsooth!" "For the matter of two hours, godfather," answered the maiden, with a countenance bent to the ground, and covered with blushes, "but it was gainst my will." "Two hours!" repeated Heriot,- space enough or mischief.-My lord, this is, I suppose, another vicrim offered to your character of gallantry-another adventure to be boasted of at Beaujeu's ordinary? Methinks the roof under which you first met this silly maiden should have secured her, at least, from such a fate." On my honour, Master Heriot," said Lord Glenvarloch, you remind me now, for the first time, that I saw this young lady in your family. Her features are not easily forgotten, and yet I was trying in vain to recollect where I had last looked on them. For your suspicions, they are as false as they are injurious both to her and me. I had but discovered her disguise as you entered. I am satisfied, from her whole behaviour, that her presence here in this dress was involuntary; and God forbid that I had been capable of taking advantage of it to her prejudice." "It is well mouthed, my lord," said Master Heriot; "but a cunning clerk can read the Apocrypha as loud as the Scripture. Frankly, my lord, you are come to that pass, where your words will not be received without a warrant." "I should not speak, perhaps," said Margaret, the natural vivacity of whose temper could never be long suppressed by any situation, however disadvantageous, "but I cannot be silent. Godfather, you do me wrong-and no less wrong to this young nobleYou say his words want a warrant. I know where to find a warrant for some of them, and the rest I deeply and devoutly believe without one." man. "And I thank you, maiden," replied Nigel, "for the good opinion you have expressed. I am at that point, it seems, though how I have been driven to it I know not, where every fair construction of my actions and motives is refused me. I am the more obliged to her who grants me that right which the world denies me. For you, lady, were I at liberty, I have a sword and arm should know how to guard your reputation.' Upon my word, a perfect Amadis and Oriana!" said George Heriot. "I should soon get my throat cut betwixt the knight and the princess, I suppose, but that the beef-eaters are happily within halloo.Come, come, Lady Light-o'-Love-if you mean to make your way with me, it must be by plain facts, not by speeches from romaunts and play-books. How, in Heaven's name, came you here?" Sir," answered Margaret, "since I must speak, I went to Greenwich this morning with Monna Paula, tress and confusion. "And tell me, maiden," continued Master Heriot, for what we have observed was by-play," did the Lady Hermione know of this fair work.' "I dared not have told her for the world," said Margaret-"she thought one of our apprentices went with Monna Paula." our ap It may be here noticed, that the words, prentices," seemed to have in them something of a charm to break the fascination with which Lord Glenvarloch had hitherto listened to the broken, yet interesting details of Margaret's history. 'And wherefore went he not ?-he had been a fitter companion for Mouna Paula than you, I wot," said the citizen. "He was otherwise employed," said Margaret, in a voice scarce audible. Master George darted a hasty glance at Nigel, and when he saw his features betoken no consciousness, he muttered to himself,-"It must be better than feared.-And so this cursed Spaniard, with her head full, as they all have, of disguises, trap-doors, ropeladders, and masks, was jade and fool enough to take you with her on this wildgoose errand ?-And how sped you, I pray?" "Just as we reached the gate of the Park," replied Margaret," the cry of treason was raised. I know not what became of Monna, but I ran till I fell into the arms of a very decent serving-man, called Linklater; and I was fain to tell him I was your goddaughter, and so he kept the rest of them from me, and got me to speech of his Majesty, as I entreated him to do." "It is the only sign you showed in the whole matter that common sense had not utterly deserted your little skull," said Heriot. "His Majesty," continued the damsel, "was so gracious as to receive me alone, though the courtiers cried out against the danger to his person, and would have searched me for arms, God help me, but the King forbade it. I fancy he had a hint from Linklater how the truth stood with me." "Well, maiden, I ask not what passed," said Heriot; "it becomes not me to pry into my Master's secrets. Had you been closeted with his grandfather the Red Tod of Saint Andrews, as Davie Lindsay used to call him, by my faith, I should have had my own thoughts of the matter; but our Master, God bless him, is douce and temperate, and Solomon in every thing, save in the chapter of wives and concubines.' "I know not what you mean, sir," answered Margaret. "His Majesty was most kind and compassionate, but said I must be sent hither, and that the Lieutenant's lady, the Lady Mansel, would have a charge of me, and see that I sustained no wrong; and the King promised to send me in a tilted barge, and under conduct of a person well known to you; and thus I come to be in the Tower." "But how, or why, in this apartment, nymph?" said George Heriot-"Expound that to me, for I think the riddle needs reading,' "I cannot explain it, sir, farther, than that the Lady Mansel sent me here, in spite of my earnest prayers, tears, and entreaties. I was not afraid of any thing, for I knew I should be protected. But I could have died then-could die now-for very shame and confusion!" "Well, well, if your tears are genuine," said Heriot, "they may the sooner wash out the memory of your fault-Knows your father aught of this escape of yours?" "I would not for the world he did," replied she; "he believes me with the Lady Hermione." 'Ay, honest Davy can regulate his horologes better than his family.-Čome, damsel, now I will escort you back to the Lady Mansel, and pray her, of her kindness, that when she is again trusted with a goose, she will not give it to the fox to keep.-The warders will let us pass to my lady's lodgings, I trust." "Stay but one moment," said Lord Glenvarloch. "Whatever hard opinion you may have formed of me, I forgive you, for time will show that you do me wrong; and you yourself, I think, will be the first to regret the injustice you have done me. But involve not in your suspicions this young person, for whose purity of thought angels themselves should be vouchers. I have inarked every look, every gesture; and whilst I can draw breath, I shall ever think of her with "Think not at all of her, my lord," answered George Heriot, interrupting him; "it is, I have a notion, the best favour you can do her;-or think of her as the daughter of Davy Ramsay, the clock-maker, no proper subject for fine speeches, romantic adventures, or high-flown Arcadian compliments. I give you godden, my lord. I think not altogether so harshly as my speech may have spoken. If I can help-that is, if I saw my way clearly through this labyrinth-but it avails not talking now. I give your lordship god-den. -Here, warder! Permit us to pass to the Lady Mansel's apartment.", แ She is at liberty," she said, to return to her friends under your charge-such is his Majesty's pleasure." "I am glad of it, madam," answered Heriot, "but only I could have wished her freedom had taken place before her foolish interview with that singular young man; and I marvel your ladyship permitted it." 66 My good Master Heriot," said Sir Edward, "we act according to the commands of one better and wiser than ourselves-our orders from his Majesty must be strictly and literally obeyed; and I need not say that the wisdom of his Majesty doth more than ensure". "I know his Majesty's wisdom well," said Heriot; 'yet there is an old proverb about fire and flax-well, let it pass.' "I see Sir Mungo Malagrowther stalking towards the door of the lodging," said the Lady Mansel, "with the gait of a lame crane-it is his second visit this morning." "He brought the warrant for discharging Lord Glenvarloch of the charge of treason," said Sir Edward. "And from him," said Heriot, "I heard much of what had befallen; for I came from France only late last evening, and somewhat unexpectedly." As they spoke, Sir Mungo entered the apartmentsaluted the Lieutenant of the Tower and his lady with ceremonious civility-honoured George Heriot with a patronizing nod of acknowledgment, and accosted Margaret with-"Hey! my young charge, you have not doffed your masculine attire yet?" "She does not mean to lay it aside, Sir Mungo," said Heriot, speaking loud, "until she has had satisfaction from you, for betraying her disguise to me, like a false knight-and in very deed, Sir Mungo, think when you told me she was rambling about in so strange a dress, you might have said also that she was under Lady Mansel's protection." "That was the King's secret, Master Heriot," said Sir Mungo, throwing himself into a chair with an air of atrabilarious importance; "the other was a wellmeaning hint to yourself, as the girl's friend." 66 "Sir Mungo will not hear that remark," said the lady; we must change the subject. Is there any news from Court, Sir Mungo? you have been to Greenwich?" The warder said he must have orders from the Lieutenant; and as he retired to procure them, the parties remained standing near each other, but without speaking, and scarce looking at each other save by stealth, a situation which, in two of the party at least, was Yes," replied Heriot, "it was done like yourself sufficiently embarrassing. The difference of rank,-enough told to make me unhappy about her-not a though in that age a consideration so serious, could word which could relieve my uneasiness.' not prevent Lord Glenvarloch from seeing that Margaret Ramsay was one of the prettiest young women he had ever beheld-from suspecting, he could scarce tell why, that he himself was not indifferent to herfrom feeling assured that he had been the cause of much of her present distress-admiration, self-love, and generosity, acting in favour of the same object; and when the yeoman returned with permission to his guests to withdraw, Nigel's obeisance to the beautiful daughter of the mechanic was marked with an expression, which called up in her cheeks as much colour as any incident of the eventful day had hitherto excited. She returned the courtesy timidly and irresolutely clung to her godfather's arm, and left the apartment, which, dark as it was, had never yet appeared so obscure to Nigel, as when the door closed behind her. CHAPTER XXX. Yet though thou shouldst be dragg'd in scorn Thou shalt not want one faithful friend To share the cruel fates' decree. Ballad of Jemmy Dawson. MASTER GEORGE HERIOT and his ward, as she might justly be termed, for his affection to Margaret imposed on him all the cares of a guardian, were ushered by the yeoman of the guard to the lodging of the Lieutenant, where they found him seated with his lady. They were received by both with that decorous civility which Master Heriot's character and supposed "You might as well ask me, madam," answered the Knight, "whether there is any news from hell." "How, Sir Mungo, how!" said Sir Edward, measure your words something better-You speak of the Court of King James." "Sir Edward, if I spoke of the court of the twelve Kaisers, I would say it is as confused for the present as the infernal regions. Courtiers of forty years' standing, and such I may write myself, are as far to seek in the matter as a minnow in the Maelstrom. Some folk say the King has frowned on the Princesome that the Prince has looked grave on the Dukesome that Lord Glenvarloch will be hanged for high treason-and some that there is matter against Lord Dalgarno that may cost him as much as his head's worth." "And what do you, that are a courtier of forty years' standing, think of it all?" said Sir Edward Mansel. 66 Nay, nay, do not ask him, Sir Edward," said the lady, with an expressive look to her husband. Sir Mungo is too witty," added Master Heriot, to remember that he who says aught that may be repeated to his own prejudice, does but load a piece for any of the company to shoot him dead with, at their pleasure and convenience." "What!" said the bold Knight, "you think I am afraid of the trepan? Why now, what if I should sa that Dalgarno has more wit than honesty,-the Duke | show in what particulars that came to be connected more sail than ballast, the prince more pride than with the petition of the Lady Hermione. Meanwhile, prudence, and that the King" The Lady Man- we return to the visit with which Sir Mungo Malasel held up her finger in a warning manner-" that growther favoured the afflicted young nobleman in the King is my very good master, who has given me, his place of captivity. for forty years and more, dog's wages, videlicet, bones and beating. Why now, all this is said, and Archie Armstrong says worse than this of the best of them every day." The more fool he," said George Heriot; "yet he is not so utterly wrong, for folly is his best wisdom. But do not you, Sir Mungo, set your wit against a fool's, though he be a court fool." "A fool, said you?" replied Sir Mungo, not having fully heard what Master Heriot said, or not choosing to have it thought so,-"I have been a fool indeed, to hang on at a close-fisted Court here, when men of understanding and men of action have been making fortunes in every other place of Europe. But here a man comes indifferently off unless he gets a great key to turn, (looking at Sir Edward,) or can beat tattoo with a hammer on a pewter plate.-Well, sirs, I must make as much haste back on mine errand as if I were a fee'd messenger.-Sir Edward and my lady, I leave my commendations with you-and my good-will with you, Master Heriot-and for this breaker of bounds, if you will act by my counsel, some maceration by fasting, and a gentle use of the rod, is the best cure for her giddy fits." 66 If you propose for Greenwich, Sir Mungo," said the Lieutenant, "I can spare you the labour-the King comes immediately to Whitehall." 64 And that must be the reason the council are summoned to meet in' such hurry," said Sir Mungo. "Well-I will, with your permission, go to the poor lad Glenvarloch, and bestow some comfort on him." The Lieutenant seemed to look up, and pause for a moment as if in doubt. "The lad will want a pleasant companion, who can tell him the nature of the punishment which he is to suffer, and other matters of concernment. I will not leave him until I show him how absolutely he hath ruined himself from feather to spur, how deplorable is his present state, and how small his chance of mending it." "Well, Sir Mungo," replied the Lieutenant, "if you really think all this likely to be very consolatory to the party concerned, I will send a warder to conduct you.' And I," said George Heriot," will humbly pray of Lady Mansel, that she will lend some of her handmaiden's apparel to this giddy-brained girl; for I shall forfeit my reputation if I walk up Tower-hill with her in that mad guise and yet the silly lassie looks not so ill in it neither." "I will send my coach with you instantly," said the obliging lady. "Faith, madam, and if you will honour us by such courtesy, I will gladly accept it at your hands," said the citizen, "for business presses hard on me, and the forenoon is already lost, to little purpose." The coach being ordered accordingly, transported the worthy citizen and his charge to his mansion in Lombard Street. There he found his presence was anxiously expected by the Lady Hermione, who had just received an order to be in readiness to attend upon the Royal Privy Council in the course of an hour; and upon whom, in her inexperience of business, and long retirement from society and the world, the intimation had made as deep an impression as if it had not been the necessary consequence of the petition which she had presented to the King by Monna Paula. George Heriot gently blamed her for taking any steps in an affair so important until his return from France, especially as he had requested her to remain quiet, in a letter which accompanied the evidence he had transmitted to her from Paris. She could only plead in answer the influence which her immediately stirring in the matter was likely to have on the affair of her kinsman Lord Glenvarloch, for she was ashamed to acknowledge how much she had been gained on by the eager importunity of her youthful companion. The motive of Margaret's eagerness was, of course, the safety of Nigel; but we must leave it to time to *The celebrated Court Jester. The Knight, after the usual salutations, and having prefaced his discourse with a great deal of professed regret for Nigel's situation, sat down beside him, and, composing his grotesque features into the most lugubrious despondence, began his raven-song as follows: "I bless God, my lord, that I was the person who had the pleasure to bring his Majesty's mild message to the Lieutenant, discharging the higher prosecution against ye, for any thing meditated against his Majesty's sacred person; for, admit you be prosecuted on the lesser offence, or breach of privilege of the palace and its precincts, usque ad mutilationem, even to dismemberation, as it is most likely you will, yet the loss of a member is nothing to being hanged and drawn quick, after the fashion of a traitor." "I should feel the shame of having deserved such a punishment," answered Nigel, "more than the pain of undergoing it." "Doubtless, my lord, the having, as you say, deserved it, must be an excruciation to your own mind," replied his tormentor; "a kind of mental and metaphysical hanging, drawing, and quartering, which may be in some measure equipollent with the external application of hemp, iron, fire, and the like, to the outer man.' "I say, Sir Mungo," repeated Nigel," and beg you to understand my words, that I am unconscious of any error, save that of having arms on my person when I chanced to approach that of my Sovereign." Ye are right, my lord, to acknowledge nothing,' said Sir Mungo. "We have an old proverb,-Confess, and so forth. And indeed, as to the weapons, his Majesty has a special ill-wilt at all arms whatsoever, and more especially pistols; but, as I said, there is an end of that matter.* I wish you as well through the next, which is altogether unlikely." Surely, Sir Mungo," answered Nigel, "you yourself might say something in my favour concerning the affair in the Park. None knows better than you that I was at that moment urged by wrongs of the most heinous nature, offered to me by Lord Dalgarno, many of which were reported to me by yourself, much to the inflammation of my passion.' Alack-a-day! Alack-a-day!" replied Sir Mungo, "I remember but too well how much your choler was inflamed, in spite of the various remonstrances which I made to you respecting the sacred nature of the place.. Alas! alas! you cannot say you leaped into the mire for want of warning." 66 "I see, Sir Mungo, you are determined to remember nothing which can do me service," said Nigel. "Blithely would I do ye service," said the Knight; and the best whilk I can think of is, to tell you the process of the punishment to the whilk you will be indubitably subjected, I having had the good fortune to behold it performed in the Queen's time, on a chield that had written a pasquinado. I was then in my Lord Gray's train, who lay leaguer here, and being always covetous of pleasing and profitable sights, I could not dispense with being present on the occasion." "I should be surprised indeed," said Lord Glenvarloch, "if you had so far put restraint upon your benevolence, as to stay away from such an exhibition." Hey! was your lordship praying me to be present *Wilson informs us that when Colonel Grey, a Scotsman who that military garb at Court, the King, seeing him with a case of affected the buff dress even in the time of peace, appeared in pistols at his girdle, which he never greatly liked, told him, merrily, "he was now so fortified, that, if he were but well vic of James VI, apud KENNET'S History of England, vol. ii. p. tualled, he would be impregnable."-WILSON's Life and Reign 389. In 1612, the tenth year of James's reign, there was a rumour abroad that a shipload of pocket pistols had been exported from Spain, with a view to a general massacre of the Protestants. Proclamations were of consequence sent forth, prohibiting all persons from carrying pistols under a foot long in the barrel.Ibid. p. 690. at your own execution?" answered the Knight. "Troth, my lord, it will be a painful sight to a friend, but I will rather punish myself than baulk you. It is a pretty pageant, in the main-a very pretty pageant. The fallow came on with such a bold face, it was a pleasure to look on him. He was dressed all in white, to signify harmlessness and innocence. The thing was done on a scaffold at Westminster-most likely yours will be at Charing. There were the Sheriff's and the Marshal's men, and what not-the executioner, with his cleaver and mallet, and his man, with a pan of hot charcoal, and the irons for cautery. He was a dexterous fallow that Derrick. This man Gregory is not fit to jipper a joint with him; it might be worth your lordship's while to have the loon sent to a barbersurgeon's, to learn some needful scantling of anatomy-it may be for the benefit of yourself and other unhappy sufferers, and also a kindness to Gregory." "I will not take the trouble," said Nigel.-" If the laws will demand my hand, the executioner may get it off as he best can. If the King leaves it where it is, it may chance to do him better service.' 66 As you say, my lord," answered Sir Mungo, "the loss is chiefly in appearance. Nature has been very bountiful to us, and has given duplicates of some organs, that we may endure the loss of one of them, should some such circumstance chance in our pilgrimage. See my poor dexter, abridged to one thumb, one finger, and a stump, by the blow of my adversary's weapon, however, and not by any carnificial knife. Weel, sir, this poor maimed hand doth me, in some sort, as much service as ever; and, admit yours to be taken off by the wrist, you have still your left hand for your service, and are better off than the little Dutch dwarf here about town, who threads a needle, limns, writes, and tosses a pike, merely by means of his feet, without ever a hand to help him." Well, Sir Mungo," said Lord Glenvarloch, "this is all no doubt very consolatory; but I hope the King will spare my hand to fight for him in battle, where, notwithstanding all your kind encouragement, I could spend my blood much more cheerfully than on a scaffold." It is even a sad truth," replied Sir Mungo, "that your lordship was but too like to have died on a scaffold-not a soul to speak for you but that deluded lassie, Maggie Ramsay." "Whom mean you?" said Nigel, with more interest than he had hitherto shown in the Knight's communications. Nay, who should I mean, but that travestied lassie whom we dined with when we honoured Heriot the goldsmith? Ye ken best how you have made interest with her, but I saw her on her knees to the King for you. She was committed to my charge, to bring her up hither in honour and safety. Had I had my own will, I would have had her to Bridewell, to flog the wild blood out of her-a cutty quean, to think of wearing the breeches, and not so much as married yet!" "Vera noble-vera grand, indeed, my lord," said Sir Mungo; "it is pleasant to see a brave man suffer. This fallow whom I spoke of-this Tubbs, or Stubbs, or whatever the plebeian was called, came forward as bold as an emperor, and said to the people, 'Good friends, I come to leave here the hand of a true Englishman, and clapped it on the dressing-block with as much ease as if he had laid it on his sweetheart's shoulder; whereupon Derrick the hangman, adjusting, d'ye mind me, the edge of his cleaver on the very joint, hit it with the mallet with such force, that the hand flew off as far from the owner as a gauntlet which the challenger casts down in the tilt-yard. Well, sir, Stubbs, or Tubbs, lost no whit of countenance, until the fallow clapped the hissing-hot iron on his raw stump. My lord, it fizzed like a rasher of bacon, and the fallow set up an elritch screech, which made some think his courage was abated; but not a whit, for he plucked off his hat with his left hand, and waved it, crying, 'God save the Queen, and confound all evil counsellors! The people gave him three cheers, which he deserved for his stout heart; and, truly, I hope to see your lordship suffering a dry tone of irony. with the same magnanimity."* "I thank you, Sir Mungo," said Nigel, who had not been able to forbear some natural feelings of an unpleasant nature during this lively detail,- I have no doubt the exhibition will be a very engaging one to you and the other spectators, whatever it may prove to the party principally concerned." Hark ye, Sir Mungo Malagrowther," answered Nigel, "I would have you talk of that young person with fitting respect." "With all the respect that befits your lordship's paramour, and Davy Ramsay's daughter, I shall certainly speak of her, my lord," said Sir Mungo, assum Nigel was greatly disposed to have made a serious quarrel of it, but with Sir Mungo such an affair would have been ridiculous; he smothered his resentment, therefore, and conjured him to tell what he had heard and seen respecting this young person. Simply, that I was in the anteroom when she had audience, and heard the King say, to my great "Vera engaging," answered Sir Mungo, vera in- perplexity, Pulchra sane puella;' and Maxwell, who teresting-vera interesting indeed, though not alto- hath but indifferent Latin ears, thought that his Magether so much so as an execution for high treason.jesty called on him by his own name of Sawney, and I saw Digby, the Winters, Fawkes, and the rest of thrust into the presence, and there I saw our Sovethe gunpowder gang, suffer for that treason, whilk reign James, with his own hand, raising up the lassie, was a vera grand spectacle, as well in regard to their who, as I said heretofore, was travestied in man's sufferings, as to their constancy in enduring." attire. I should have had my own thoughts of it, "I am the more obliged to your goodness, Sir but our gracious Master is auld, and was nae great Mungo," replied Nigel, that has induced you, al- gillravager amang the queans even in his youth; and though you have lost the sight, to congratulate me on he was comforting her in his own way, and saying, my escape from the hazard of making the same edi-Ye needna greet about it, my bonnie woman, fying appearance." Glenvarlochides shall have fair play; and, indeed, when the hurry was off our spirits, we could not believe that he had any design on our person. And touching his other offences, we will look wisely and closely into the matter.' So I got charge to take the young fence-louper to the Tower here, and deliver her to the charge of Lady Mansel; and his Majesty charged me to say not a word to her about your offences, for, said he, the poor thing is breaking her heart for him." This execution, which so captivated the imagination of Sir Mungo Malagrowther, was really a striking one. The criminal, a furious and bigoted Puritan, had published a book in very violent terms against the match of Elizabeth with the Duke of Alencon, which he termed an union of a daughter of God with a son of antichrist. Queen Elizabeth was greatly incensed at the freedom assumed in this work, and caused the author Stubbs, with Page the publisher, and one Singleton the printer, to be tried on an act passed by Philip and Mary against the writers and dispersers of seditious publications. They were convicted, and although there was an opinion strongly entertained by law. yers, that the act was only temporary, and expired with Queen opinion to the prejudice of this young lady, which "And on this you have charitably founded the you have now thought proper to express ?" said Lord "Glenvarloch. Mary. Stubbs and Page received sentence to have their right hands struck off. They accordingly suffered the punishment, the wrist being divided by a cleaver driven through the joint by force of a mallet. The printer was pardoned. "I remember," says the historian Camden, "being then present, that Stubbs, "In honest truth, my lord,' replied Sir Mungo, 'what opinion would you have me form of a wench who gets into male habiliments, and goes on her knees to the King for a wild young nobleman? I phrase changes, though the custom abides. But wot not what the fashionable word may be, for the truly I must needs think this young leddy-if you The when his right hand was cut off, plucked off his hat with the left, and said, with a loud voice, God save the Queen!' multitude standing about was deeply silent, either out of horror of this new and unwonted kind of punishment, or out of com miseration towards the man, as being of an honest and unblame able repute, or else out of hatred to the marriage, which most men presaged would be the overthrow of religion."-CAMDEN'S Anmals for the year 1581. |