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 L I B R.A R.Y 
 
 OF THE 
 
 U N I VF.RSITY 
 
 Of 1LLI NOIS 
 
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 sponsible for its return to the library from 
 which it was withdrawn on or before the 
 Latest Date stamped below. 
 
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 To renew call Telephone Center, 333-8400 
 
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 APR 2 1 1981 
 
 APR 2 1 WW 
 
 L161— O-1096
 
 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 % Mt. 
 
 BY 
 
 WILLIAM HARRISON AINSWORTH, 
 
 AUTHOR OF 
 
 : PRESTON FIGHT," "BOSCOBEL," "MANCHESTER REBELS," "TOWER 
 OF LONDON," "OLD SAINT PAUL'S," &C. &C. &C. 
 
 I met her as returning 
 
 In solemn penance from the public cross. 
 
 Submissive, sad, and lowly was her look ; 
 
 A burning taper in her hand she bore, 
 
 Her streaming eyes bent ever on the earth, 
 
 Except when in some bitter pang of sorrow, 
 
 To heaven she seemed in fervent zeal to raise them, 
 
 And beg that mercy man denied her here. 
 
 Rowe. Jane Shore. 
 
 IN THREE VOLUMES. 
 
 VOL. I. 
 
 LONDON : 
 TINSLEY BROTHERS, 8, CATHERINE STREET, STRAND. 
 
 1875. 
 
 XRhilt nf Translation reserved hi the Author."]
 
 
 J 
 
 CONTENTS OF VOL. I. 
 
 BOOK I.— ALBAN SHORE. 
 I. 
 
 TAG E 
 
 How Jane Milverton, the Mercer's Daughter 
 of Cheapside, was accounted the Fairest 
 Damsel in London 3 
 
 II. 
 
 How Twelve Young Bachelors fell in Love with 
 Jane, and entreated her to make Choice of 
 one of them 16 
 
 III. 
 
 From which it appears that an Old Woman had 
 foretold that Jane would have a Royal 
 Lover 32 
 
 IV. 
 
 How Alban Shore on the way Home encountered 
 two Court Knights, and how Jane was sere- 
 naded ......... 42
 
 IV CONTENTS. 
 
 V. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 In what Manner Jane's Consent was won by 
 Alban 57 
 
 VI. 
 
 How Alban Shore was wedded to the beautiful 
 Jane Milverton in Saint Paul's Cathedral, 
 
 AND HOW THE KlNG SALUTED THE BRIDE AT THE 
 
 Porch 64 
 
 VII. 
 
 How Jane found a Dangerous Confidante in 
 Alicia Fordham 77 
 
 VIII. 
 Showing on what Errand the King came to Lom- 
 bard-street 89 
 
 IX. 
 
 How Jane and her Husband were bidden to the 
 Festivities at "Windsor Castle . . .96 
 
 X. 
 
 How Jane determined not to go to Windsor, 
 
 AND BY WHOM HER PRUDENT B.ESOLVE WAS OVER- 
 RULED 106 
 
 XL 
 
 Of the Goodly Company assembled in the Lord 
 Mayor's Barge . 114
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 XII. 
 
 PAGE 
 HOW THEY WERE ENTERTAINED AT SHENE PaLACE, 
 
 AND HOW MALBOUCHE, THE King's JESTER, CAME 
 
 ON BOARD THE BARGE, AND WHAT PASSED BETWEEN 
 
 Jim and Jane 122 
 
 XIII. 
 
 How the King and Queen, with the Lords and 
 Ladies of the Court, returned from Hawking 
 in the Forest 129 
 
 XIV. 
 Of the Grand Collation given in the Pavilion ; • 
 and of the Strange Present brought by Gar- 
 ter from Louis of France .... 143 
 
 XV. 
 
 How Jane promised the King an Answer at the 
 Ball 151 
 
 XVI. 
 
 How Jousts were held in the Lower Court of 
 Windsor Castle; how the Prize was bestowed 
 on Jane by the Marquis of Dorset ; what oc- 
 curred at the Ball ; and how Shore left his 
 Wife 157
 
 VI CONTENTS. 
 
 BOOK II.— THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. 
 
 I. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 How Jane resided at the Hunting Lodge in the 
 Home Park, and how King Edward prepared 
 to invade France 173 
 
 II. 
 
 How King Edward embarked with his Forces 
 at Dover, and how he was received at 
 Calais 184 
 
 III. 
 
 How the English Army was encamped without 
 the Walls of Calais ; and how Isidore, the 
 young Esquire, was sent on a Secret Mission 
 to King Louis 199 
 
 IV. 
 
 How Charles the Bold arrived at the English 
 Camp ; and of his Interview with King Ed- 
 ward in the Royal Pavilion . . . .213 
 
 V. 
 
 How King Edward marched his Army to Peronne ; 
 
 AND HOW THE CONSTABLE SAINT PoL REFUSED 
 
 him Admittance to Saint Quentin . . .227
 
 CONTENTS. Vll 
 
 VI. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 How Isidore proceeded towards Compiegne, and 
 
 HOW HE WAS STOPPED BY A PaRTY OF B-URGUN- 
 DIAN SOLDIERS ON THE "Way TO MONTDIDIEB, . 237 
 
 VII. 
 What passed between Isidore and the Sire de 
 Comines 243 
 
 VIII. 
 
 How Isidore met the Count] de Beaujeu in the 
 Forest of Compiegne ; and how the young 
 Esquire and his Companion were lodged in 
 the Royal Palace . . . . „ • . 249 
 
 IX. 
 
 How Isidore had an Audience of King Louis the 
 Eleventh in His Majesty's Private Cabinet 
 in the Palace 262
 
 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 23oofc t&e Jptrst. 
 A LB AN SHORE. 
 
 VOL. I. B
 
 I. 
 
 HOW JANE MILVEKTON, THE MEKCEK S DAUGHTER OF 
 CHEAPSIDE, WAS ACCOUNTED THE FAIREST DAMSEL IN 
 LONDON. 
 
 When Edward the Fourth was King, 
 there were many fair damsels in the City 
 of London, but none to compare with Jane, 
 only daughter of John Milverton, erstwhile 
 a mercer in Cheapside. 
 
 Jane Milverton was in her seventeenth 
 spring when her remarkable beauty first 
 began to attract the attention of the young 
 bachelors of the City; and whenever she 
 walked forth with her mother, she was 
 beset by a host of admirers, who vied with 
 
 b 2
 
 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 each other in endeavours to win a smile 
 from her. 
 
 Their efforts were vain. Brought up by 
 a very careful mother, and being naturally 
 modest and discreet, Jane took little notice 
 of them. However, the report of her beauty 
 spread far and wide, and caused so much 
 talk, that people came from all parts of the 
 City to look at her. 
 
 Opinions differed, and faults were found 
 ■ — of course, chiefly by her own sex, who 
 were unwilling to admit that she was as 
 : lovely as represented ; but none could deny 
 that her figure was excp,iisite, and that 
 her features had a most charming expres- 
 sion. 
 
 To be more precise, we may say that her 
 
 •figure was slight and graceful; her tresses 
 
 • of a pale yellow ; her features delicately 
 
 and beautifully moulded; her complexion 
 
 excessively fair, and her eyes of the softest
 
 ALBAN SHORE. 
 
 blue. We ought to add that there was a 
 singular witchery in the glances of those 
 tender blue eyes, experienced by all who 
 came within their influence; while the 
 pearls disclosed when her coral lips were 
 parted, rendered her smile resistless. 
 
 Such was Jane Milverton at seventeen. 
 
 As we have just intimated, she had been 
 most carefully brought up by her widowed 
 mother, who, since her husband's death, 
 had led a very secluded life. Indeed, if 
 the young damsel had been educated in a. 
 convent, she could scarcelv have known less 
 of the world. Strange as it may seem, it 
 is, nevertheless, true, that, until lately, she 
 had been quite unconscious of her own 
 marvellous beauty. 
 
 Jane's attire was simple, but it suited her 
 well. Generally, a coverchief, or hood, 
 completely concealed her profuse yellow, 
 tresses, but, at times, a pretty little coif
 
 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 allowed them to escape, and flow down her 
 back. A tight-fitting kirtle displayed her 
 slim figure to the greatest advantage, and a 
 girdle, with a chain attached to it, rested on 
 her hips. The long-pointed shoes that dis- 
 guised her tiny feet were almost hidden by 
 a dark blue gown, and their sharp extre- 
 mities could only just be seen peeping 
 forth. Beyond the girdle and magnificent 
 gold chain, she wore no sort of ornament 
 — not even a collar round her swan-like 
 throat. 
 
 Among Jane's innumerable admirers was 
 a rich goldsmith, of Lombard-street, named 
 Alban Shore. Deeply smitten by her 
 charms, he resolved to make her his wife. 
 He knew he had many rivals, but as the 
 coy damsel had not shown 'a preference for 
 any one, he persuaded himself he should 
 succeed. He could snve his bride a hand- 
 
 s'
 
 ALBAN SHORE. 
 
 some dowry, and that was a great recom- 
 mendation. Moreover, he bore a most 
 honourable character, as his father, Gethel- 
 mar Shore, had done before him. Many a 
 wealthy citizen would have been glad to 
 give his daughter to Master Shore, the 
 prosperous goldsmith and banker, but 
 Alban had shown no disposition to marry 
 till he beheld the fair Jane Milverton. 
 
 Alban was under thirty, but the long 
 gown of dark red cloth, buttoned from 
 neck to waist, which he wore above his 
 quilted tunic, and his close, dark cap, with 
 a narrow edge of velvet, combined with 
 his grave looks and demeanour, made him 
 appear at least ten years older. The ex- 
 pression of his countenance was agreeable, 
 and indicated great goodness of heart. He 
 was of middle height, well-proportioned, 
 and strongly built ; but his person was
 
 8 
 
 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 completely hidden by his ample gown. 
 From his girdle hung a red leather pouch. 
 Sword, dagger, or weapon of any kind, 
 would have been unsuitable to his peaceful 
 vocation. 
 
 Alban Shore made no change in his 
 sober attire when he presented himself one 
 day to Dame Milverton, with the design 
 of proposing for the hand of her fair 
 daughter. 
 
 The widow was alone at the time — Jane 
 being in an inner room. As she was still 
 good-looking, she thought the visit might 
 be intended for herself. 
 
 Requesting him to be seated, she very 
 considerately sought to relieve him from 
 the embarrassment under which she per- 
 ceived he laboured. 
 
 " I know you very well by sight, good 
 Master Shore," she said ; " and, indeed, it 
 is strange, seeing we are such near neigh-
 
 ALBAN SHORE. 
 
 bours, that Ave are not better acquainted. 
 But I trust to see more of you in future. 
 You will always be welcome." 
 
 Alban bowed, and the widow went on : 
 " My ever-lamented husband, John Mil- 
 verton, was one of your worthy father's 
 customers. Several ornaments, which I 
 still wear on occasions, were purchased at 
 Gethelmar Shore's shop in- Lombard-street. 
 Among other matters, there was this ring. 
 I pray you look at it, good Master Shore ;" 
 holding up a very pretty finger, on which 
 the ring was placed. " You will observe 
 that a posy is written outside it : 
 
 ' This and the giver, 
 Are thine for ever.' 
 
 Touching and tender, is it not ? Alack and 
 well-a-day ! the giver is gone, and I am 
 left alone ! John Milverton has been dead 
 these ten years, Master Shore, and lies in 
 the churchyard of St. Martin's Pomary. I
 
 IO THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 have placed a monument to his memory in 
 the north aisle of the church. Mayhap you 
 have seen it?" 
 
 " Often, madam," he replied ; " and a 
 very handsome monument it is." 
 
 " It cost me three hundred crowns, 
 Master Shore — every penny. But the 
 monev was well bestowed. Do vou recol- 
 lect my husband, worthy sir?" 
 
 " Perfectly, madam. John Milverton 
 was one of the most noted mercers in East 
 Cheap. But he must have been consider- 
 ably older than yourself." 
 
 " Thirty years, Master Shore — thirty 
 years. Some foolish folks used to jest at 
 the disparity of our ages. I always declared 
 it was a match of Our Lady's making, since 
 it turned out so happily." 
 
 " So I have always heard, madam. You 
 must have made the worthy mercer an ex- 
 cellent wife."
 
 ALBAN SHORE. I I 
 
 " I ought not to praise myself," said the 
 widow, rather flustered ; " but I think I 
 did. And if I could have been tempted to 
 take a second husband, I should have been 
 equally anxious to please him. I have 
 had several good offers, Master Shore 
 — very good offers — but I would accept 
 none of them, having a daughter to at- 
 tend to." 
 
 " Very true, madam ; and the greatest 
 credit is due to you for the manner in 
 which you have brought up your 
 daughter." 
 
 " I am very glad to hear you say so, 
 Master Shore. I think I have done my 
 duty by her. Her poor, dear father would 
 be amazed if he could behold her now. I 
 myself never expected she woidd grow up 
 so fair a creature." 
 
 " Of a truth, she has burst as suddenly 
 into bloom as a flower," observed the gold-
 
 12 THE GOLDSMITHS WIFE. 
 
 smith. " But she always promised to be 
 beautiful. With so fair a mother, how 
 could it be otherwise ?" 
 
 " You flatter me, sir," simpered the 
 widow. "But it is quite true that at 
 Jane's age I was exactly like what she is 
 now." 
 
 '• I can well believe it, madam," remarked 
 Shore. 
 
 " No doubt she is light-complexioned, 
 and I have always been rather dark," said 
 Dame Milverton ; " but the features are 
 similar." 
 
 " Precisely similar," observed the gold- 
 smith, with a smile, " except that your 
 nose is inclined to be aquiline, and your 
 daughter's is perfectly straight. And now, 
 madam, I am a man of business, as you are. 
 aware, and must come to the point. I dare 
 say you can guess my errand?''
 
 ALBAN SHORE. 
 
 " I have some idea of it, sir," she replied, 
 easting down her eyes. 
 
 " I have serious thoughts of taking a 
 wife, madam. Your daughter's charms 
 have produced a great impression upon 
 me." 
 
 " My daughter's charms !" exclaimed the 
 widow, looking up. " I thought " 
 
 " I love her devotedly, madam !" pur- 
 sued the goldsmith; "and if I am for- 
 tunate enough to win her, I will do my 
 best to prove how highly I estimate the 
 prize." 
 
 "I do not doubt it, sir!" replied the 
 widow, in some confusion. "But you have 
 taken me so much by surprise, that I 
 scarcely know what to say." 
 
 " You do not discourage my suit, I trust, 
 madam. Mine are no empty promises. I 
 have always been a man of my word.
 
 14 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 Jane shall have everything she can desire 
 with me, and I will give her a handsome 
 dowry — ten thousand crowns." 
 
 " You speak so fairly and kindly, Master 
 Shore," said the widow, who had now re- 
 covered herself, " that vou deserve a direct 
 answer. To me your offer is very agree- 
 able. What it may be to my daughter I 
 cannot say, but we will soon ascertain." 
 
 " It is everything in my favour that I 
 have your support, madam," said Shore, 
 joyfully. 
 
 " Not everything," she replied. " I will 
 do my best to further your suit, but I can- 
 not force Jane's inclinations." 
 
 " Heaven forbid you should, madam !" 
 he exclaimed. " Unless she can give me 
 her heart, I will not accept her hand." 
 
 " Ah ! here she comes to answer for her- 
 self," cried Dame Milverton, as a light, 
 joyous laugh was heard outside.
 
 ALBA N SHORE. 1 5 
 
 Shore's heart sank within him. Another 
 minute would decide his fate. 
 
 An inner door opened, and Jane rushed 
 into the room, with a letter in her hand, 
 laughing very heartily.
 
 1 6 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 II. 
 
 HOW TWELVE YOUNG BACHELORS FELL IN LOVE WITH JANE, 
 AND ENTREATED HER TO MAKE CHOICE OF ONE OF 
 THEM. 
 
 How beautiful she looked! her fair cheek 
 flushed, her blue eyes shining with un- 
 wonted lustre, and all the pearls in her 
 lovely mouth displayed. What a bright, 
 joyous countenance ! Alban felt more in 
 love with her than ever ! 
 
 Jane's attention being fixed on the letter 
 she had brought to show her mother, she 
 was quite unconscious of the goldsmith's 
 
 presence. * 
 
 "Another proposal!" she exclaimed, as
 
 ALB AN SHORE. I 7 
 
 soon as she was able to speak ; "and from 
 that presumptuous young popinjay, Randal' 
 Rubicel, the haberdasher's son, who stopped 
 us yesterday, and would speak with me. 
 He calls me ■ his sweetest Jane,' ' the idol" 
 of his heart,' 'his life,' 'his joy,' 'his darling.' 
 and twenty other pretty names, and vows 
 he will kill himself unless I accept him.. 
 Well, let him ! There will be one coxcomb 
 the less in Cheapside — ha ! ha !" 
 
 And she indulged in another fit of merri- 
 ment. 
 
 " Jane," said her mother, checking her, 
 " are you aware that Master Shore is here?" 
 
 "No, indeed," rejoined her daughter, in 
 dismay ; " I thought you were alone. 1 
 beg Master Shore's pardon for my heedless- 
 ness. He must have thought me very 
 stupid." 
 
 " On the contrary," remarked the gold- 
 smith, advancing and bowing, while she 
 
 vol. i. c
 
 1 8 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 returned the salutation. " I have been 
 very much amused. I suppose you often 
 receive such letters?" 
 
 " Generally two or three a day — some- 
 times more." she rejoined, laughing. "But 
 I answer none of them. I had one yester- 
 day from young Simon Muttlebury, the 
 grocer's son, of the Poultry, as full of 
 sweets and dainties as his father's shop. 
 1 would read it to you if I had not burnt 
 it. 
 
 " Did he think you would condescend 
 to become a grocer's wife ?" observed 
 Shore. 
 
 " I have had my choice," she continued, 
 "of fishmongers, merchant-tailors, grocers, 
 drapers, skinners, ironmongers, vintners, 
 cloth-workers, and mercers. Being a mer- 
 cer's daughter, I ought to have selected the 
 last — but young Humphrey Buckram did 
 not please me."
 
 ALBAN SHORE. 1 9 
 
 " You have not enumerated a goldsmith 
 in your list," observed Shore. 
 
 " For a very good reason ; no goldsmith 
 has proposed !" she rejoined. 
 
 " The reason exists no longer," said 
 Shore. " I have come here for the express 
 purpose of offering you my hand." 
 
 " You are jesting with me, Master Shore!" 
 she remarked. 
 
 " Nay, it is true," said her mother. "The 
 worthy gentleman has just spoken to me 
 on the subject." 
 
 " I trust I may have better fortune than 
 those who have written to you, sweet Jane," 
 said Shore, drawing near her. " Will you 
 accept me as a husband ?" 
 
 " Nay ; you must not press me for an 
 answer at once," she rejoined. " I must 
 have time for consideration. I may, or I 
 may not." 
 
 " At least you do not dismiss me ?" 
 
 c 2
 
 20 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 " I do not ask you to come again ; but I 
 shall always be pleased to see you if you do 
 come." 
 
 " Then I will gladly avail myself of the 
 permission." 
 
 " 'Tis more than she has accorded to any 
 one else," remarked Dame Milverton. 
 
 " Then I ought to be content," said 
 Shore. " Having received thus much en- 
 couragement, I will venture to offer you 
 this carcanet." 
 
 Opening the little case presented to her, 
 Jane beheld a splendid chain of diamonds. 
 
 " heavens ! how exquisite !" she ex- 
 claimed. " Ma}? I accept this beautiful 
 diamond chain, mother ?" 
 
 " Assuredly, child," replied Dame Mil- 
 verton. " You will never lack jewels if you 
 become Master Shore's bride. Besides, I 
 must tell you," she added, in a half whisper,
 
 A LB AN SHORE. 2 I 
 
 " he has promised to settle a handsome 
 dowry upon you." 
 
 The remark was not without effect upon 
 Jane, and Shore's hopes began to revive. 
 Evidently the diamonds had pleaded 
 strongly in his behalf. 
 
 Jane was still fascinated by the brilliant 
 chain, when a serving-man entered, his 
 countenance proclaiming that he was 
 charged with some important message. 
 
 " How now, Griffith ! what is the 
 matter?" inquired the widow. 
 
 " An' please you, mistress," replied the 
 serving-man, with difficulty preserving his 
 gravity, " there are a dozen young ba- 
 chelors without, who solicit an interview 
 with Mistress Jane." 
 
 " A dozen young bachelors !" exclaimed 
 the gay damsel. " Who and what are 
 they ?"
 
 2 2 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 " Suitors, no doubt," observed Shore, 
 laughing;. 
 
 " Ay, that's it, your worship," said Grif- 
 fith, who was a privileged person. " Mis- 
 tress Jane has turned the heads of all the 
 
 i 
 
 young men in the neighbourhood !" 
 
 " Suitors would never come in such num- 
 bers!" cried the widow. " Said'st thou not 
 there were a dozen, Griffith ?" 
 
 " And I said truth, for I counted them, 
 madam," he replied. 
 
 " We will soon ascertain their business," 
 said the widow. " Pray them to step in ; 
 my daughter will receive them in my pre- 
 sence.'' 
 
 As Griffith went out, Dame Milverton 
 said to the goldsmith, who was preparing 
 to leave : 
 
 " Pray do not go, good Master Shore. 
 You may be of assistance to us." 
 
 Next moment, the door was thrown wide
 
 A LB AN SHORE. 23 
 
 open by Griffith, and admittance given to 
 a large party of young men, arrayed in 
 jerkins and hose of red, blue, brown, and 
 yellow, most of them armed with daggers, 
 and some wearing shoes with long, pointed 
 toes. 
 
 As the young bachelors entered, they all 
 doffed their caps, and made a profound 
 salutation to the company, which they 
 repeated after advancing a little further 
 into the room. 
 
 Though all were well-favoured, fine- 
 looking young men, their appearance was 
 so grotesque that Jane could scarcely keep 
 her countenance, and Griffith grinned from 
 ear to ear. 
 
 The leader of the party, who was no 
 other than Randal Rubicel, the haber- 
 dasher's son, described by Jane as a popin- 
 jay, then proceeded to explain the object of 
 their visit.
 
 24 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 " You are fortunate, madam," he said, 
 addressing the widow, but keeping his e) r e 
 upon Jane as he spoke, " in possessing a 
 daughter universally allowed to be the 
 fairest damsel in London. You see before 
 you twelve young bachelors, each pas- 
 sionately in love with her, and anxious to 
 -obtain her hand. Instead of quarrelling, 
 and settling the difference with the sword, 
 we have agreed to present ourselves in a 
 body to the fair Jane, and entreat her to 
 make choice of one of us for a husband. 
 However great may be the disappointment 
 of those passed over, we have sworn to 
 .abide by her decision. The course we 
 have adopted may appear strange, but then 
 it rarely happens that a dozen bachelors 
 fall in love with the same damsel. I need 
 scarcely present my companions to you, 
 fiince, methinks, you are acquainted with 
 them all."
 
 A LB AN SHORE. 25 
 
 " Yes ; this is Master Simon Muttlebury, 
 the grocer," said the widow ; " this is 
 Master Puncheon, the vintner ; this, Master 
 Serge, the cloth-worker ; this, Master Hide, 
 the skinner; this, Master Buckram, the 
 mercer. But, indeed, you are all well 
 known to me, and there is not one to whom 
 I could object if my daughters choice 
 should fall upon him." 
 
 Rubicel then advanced towards Jane, 
 and, bowing lowly, said : 
 
 " You have heard what has just passed, 
 fair mistress. Will it please you to cast 
 your eyes towards us, and make a selec- 
 tion ?" 
 
 " I should feel puzzled," she replied. 
 " You are all so much alike, that, were I to 
 choose, it would be at haphazard. I pray 
 } r ou pass before me singly." 
 
 " Willingly I" said Rubicel.
 
 2 6 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 And, returning to his companions, he 
 communicated her wishes to them. 
 
 Thereupon all the young bachelors 
 marched slowly past Jane, each gazing 
 amorously at her as he went by, and two 
 or three slightly lingering in the vain hope 
 of being selected, but she did not stop one 
 of them. 
 
 The last to make the essay was Rubicel 
 himself; but though he paused, and cast a 
 supplicating look at her, he failed, like those 
 who had preceded him. 
 
 The march ended, they all drew up in 
 front, and the question was put to Jane 
 whether she had made a choice. 
 
 She shook her head. 
 
 A general oroan then burst from the 
 assemblage. 
 
 " Gentlemen," said Shore, " having had 
 your answer, I must pray you to depart 
 peaceably."
 
 ALB AN SHORE. ?>7 
 
 " We shall not depart at your bidding, 
 Alban Shore!" rejoined Rubicel, angrily. 
 " You think to carry off the prize because 
 you are richer than any of us ; but you 
 are mistaken ! Not till you have van- 
 quished us all shall you wed the beautiful 
 Jane Milverton ! You have a dozen duels 
 to fight ! — a dozen duels ! Speak I not for 
 you, as well as for myself, comrades?" he 
 added, to the others. 
 
 " You express our sentiments exactly, 
 Rubicel," responded Simon Muttlebury. 
 " This intrusive goldsmith shall fight every 
 one of us, ere we will yield Jane Milverton 
 to him !" 
 
 " Ay ; every one of us !" echoed the rest 
 of the party. 
 
 " You give yourselves strange license, 
 young sirs!" cried the widow, sharply. 
 " You talk of my daughter as if you had 
 the right to dispose of her; but I shall
 
 2 8 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 give her to whom I please, without con- 
 sulting you ! You were allowed admittance 
 on the understanding that you would con- 
 duct yourselves decorously, and it is a 
 most unmannerly proceeding on your part 
 to insult a gentleman whom you find in my 
 house !" 
 
 " Heed them not, madam," said Shore. 
 " I laugh at their threats !" 
 
 "We feel the reproof, madam," said 
 Rubicel, " and will at once retire ; but 
 Master Shore shall hear from us." 
 
 " Whenever you please," replied the 
 goldsmith, carelessly. 
 
 " Adieu, sweet mistress !" cried Rubicel, 
 kissing the tips of his fingers to Jane. " If 
 you marry, you must marry one of us ; we 
 will brook no rivals !" 
 
 " I would rather enter a convent than 
 marry any of you !" cried Jane, contemp- 
 tuouslv.
 
 ALB AN SHORE. 29 
 
 " You will change your mind ere long,'* 
 fair mistress," cried Humphrey Buckram. 
 " Recollect there are twelve proper young 
 men from whom you can always choose." 
 
 " Show them to the door, Griffith ! — 
 show them to the door !" cried Dame Mil- 
 verton, impatiently. "We have had enough 
 of this foolinsr!" 
 
 The disappointed bachelors then with- 
 drew, but not one of them left the room 
 without kissing his hand to Jane. 
 
 As soon as they were gone, Jane gave 
 vent to the laughter she had hitherto re- 
 pressed. 
 
 " I am glad we are fairly rid of those 
 foolish fops I" she cried. " I hope you will 
 not be troubled on my account, Master 
 Shore." 
 
 " Give yourself no concern about me, 
 fair mistress," he rejoined. " If I am 
 happy enough to have obtained your con-
 
 30 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 sent to my proposal, I shall not heed their 
 opposition." 
 
 " But I have not yet accepted you, 
 Master Shore," she rejoined, with a laugh ; 
 "and I must be quite certain that I like 
 vou ere I do." 
 
 11 You will never be serious, Jane," said 
 her mother. 
 
 " I hope she will always be gay as now," 
 remarked Shore. " If I had my way, her 
 path should be ever strewn with flowers !" 
 
 " Then my life would be a perpetual 
 wedding-day," cried Jane, still laughing. 
 
 " And a very happy life it would be, were 
 such the case !" said her mother. 
 
 Just then Griffith re-entered the room, 
 and said to the goldsmith : 
 
 "Yourwoship must be pleased to tany 
 here awhile. Those perverse young bache- 
 lors are pacing to and fro before the door, 
 evidently awaiting your coming forth."
 
 ALB AN SHORE. 3 I 
 
 " Let them cool their heels ; 'twill do 
 them good!" cried the widow. "If you 
 have no pressing business to take you hence, 
 good Master Shore, I pray you stay and 
 spend the day with us. We will do our 
 best to entertain you." 
 
 The goldsmith accepted the invitation 
 with delight. His rivals had unintentionally 
 done him great service.
 
 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 III. 
 
 FROM WHICH IX APPEARS THAT AN OLD WOMAN HAD TORE- 
 TOLD THAT JANE WOULD HAVE A ROYAL LOVER. 
 
 Owing to this fortunate circumstance, 
 the enamoured goldsmith saw more of the 
 fair object of his affections than he had ever 
 done before. 
 
 Never was such a gay, light-hearted crea- 
 ture as Jane Milverton ! The most trifling 
 matter excited her merriment, and, as her 
 mother had just stated, it seemed quite im- 
 possible she could continue serious for more 
 than a minute. 
 
 Alban, however, was enchanted, and
 
 A LB AN SHORE. 2)3 
 
 would not have had her different for the 
 world. Had he not been already capti- 
 vated, he could not have resisted her fas- 
 cinations. 
 
 At her mothers request, Jane brought 
 her lute, and sang several merry lays and 
 romances — sang them charmingly. 
 
 Alban now felt the full force of her soft 
 blue eyes as they were fixed upon him, 
 while her accents vibrated to his heart. In 
 some of the roundelays he was able to take 
 part, and acquitted himself so well that he 
 obtained her applause, and that was all he 
 desired. 
 
 But the blending of their voices had so 
 enthralled him, that, unable to restrain his 
 feelings, he renewed his suit, and vowing 
 to be hers, and hers alone, besought her 
 earnestly to plight her troth to him in her 
 mother's presence. 
 
 " I will not engage myself to any one at 
 
 VOL. I. D
 
 34 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 present," she said. " In three months you 
 shall have my answer — not before." 
 
 " Three months ! Must I wait so long ?" 
 cried Alban. 
 
 " Indeed you must. I must know you 
 better ere I accept you." 
 
 " Tis a sufficient reason, and I submit." 
 
 " That is not the reason," remarked 
 Dame Milverton. " She is waiting for a 
 suitor who will never come. Master Shore 
 shall hear the truth. He will, think you 
 very silly, but no matter. You must know, 
 then, worthy sir," she continued, address- 
 ing the opldsmith, " that when Jane was 
 almost a child, she had her fortune told 
 by an old woman, who passed for a 
 witch." 
 
 " Not a word more, I insist !" interrupted 
 her daughter. 
 
 " Nay ; I will go on ! The old woman 
 declared that the child whose little hand
 
 ALB AN SHORE. Z5 
 
 she held in her own was destined to great 
 good fortune, and would have a royal lover." 
 
 " A royal lover !" exclaimed Shore. "And 
 do you really believe in the prediction?" 
 he added, to Jane. 
 
 " She does!" interposed her mother; " and 
 that is the reason why she declines to accept 
 you." 
 
 " Nonsense !" exclaimed Jane, blushing. 
 
 " I am glad you have no better reason 
 for refusing me than this prophecy," said 
 Alban. 
 
 " You laugh at me," rejoined Jane, rather 
 piqued, " but it might come to pass. There 
 is no telling." 
 
 " Everything is possible," observed Shore. 
 " Unluckily, the king is married. He must 
 get rid of his queen before he can wed you. 
 I am afraid you will have to put up with 
 one who, though he cannot boast of royal 
 descent, will love you better than any mo- 
 
 d 2
 
 3 6 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 narch could love you. Indeed, unless he 
 is belied, King Edward is not altogether 
 faithful to the queen." 
 
 " But she is very beautiful, is she not ?" 
 inquired Jane. 
 
 " Not so beautiful as she was, but still 
 very beautiful," rejoined Alban. "As Eli- 
 zabeth Woodville, daughter of Jacquette 
 of Luxemburg, Duchess of Bedford, and 
 Sir Richard Woodville, subsequently created 
 Earl Rivers by the king, she was accounted 
 the loveliest damsel in the realm. As you 
 are aware, the queen was the widow of Sir 
 -John Gray, of Groby, when the king 
 secretly married her. Some people say she 
 bewitched him, but the only sorcery she 
 practised proceeded from her personal 
 charms. Her first meeting with her royal 
 husband was singular, and, no doubt, it 
 was contrived. One day the king was 
 hunting in Whittleburv Forest, near
 
 A LB AN SHORE. 37 
 
 Grafton Castle, the residence of the Duchess 
 of Bedford, and while riding along a glade, 
 he saw, standing beneath the wide-spread- 
 ing branches of an oak, a most lovely 
 woman, holding two children by the hand- 
 Struck by her surpassing beauty, he paused 
 to speak with her. Elizabeth Woodville — 
 for she it was — threw herself at his feet, and 
 pleaded for her children, who had been de- 
 prived of their inheritance owing to their 
 fathers devotion to the House of Lancaster. 
 She did not plead in vain. The king at 
 once granted her suit, and so captivated 
 was he by the charms of the lovely widow,, 
 that within a month he made her his bride. 
 Their espousals took place secretly at 
 Grafton Castle, in the presence of the 
 Duchess of Bedford, by whom it was 
 thought the affair had been planned. 'Tis 
 seldom a plot succeeds so well, but the 
 duchess is wondrously clever, and knew that
 
 38 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 the king could not resist a pair of beautiful 
 eyes! 
 
 " His majesty is very handsome, is he 
 not ?" asked Jane. 
 
 " I marvel you have not seen him," re- 
 plied Shore, evasively. "He is frequently 
 in the City, for it is his business to con- 
 ciliate the rich burgesses. On more than 
 one occasion he has purchased articles of 
 jewellery from me. Unluckily, he does not 
 always pay for what he buys. However, I 
 must own he is very affable. Some of his 
 attendants — the Lord Howard and Sir John 
 Cheney, for instance, who pay no better 
 than he does — are excessively haughty and 
 supercilious." 
 
 " Oh ! how I should like to see him !" 
 cried Jane. " I wish you could conceal me 
 in your shop, Master Shore, when he next 
 pays you a visit." 
 
 " No, no," said the goldsmith, laughing.
 
 A LB AN SHORE. 39 
 
 " Were you mine — as I trust you will be — 
 I would keep you carefully out of the way 
 of such a daring and unscrupulous libertine 
 as the king." 
 
 " But he shouldn't see me," said Jane. 
 
 " You might betray yourself uninten- 
 tionally," rejoined Alban. 
 
 " You are quite right, good Master 
 Shore," said the widow. " One cannot be 
 too cautious where a person who puts no 
 bridle on his passions, like the king, is con- 
 cerned. That is the reason why I will 
 never allow Jane to stand at the window 
 when his majesty and his courtiers pass 
 along Cheapside." 
 
 " If he caught sight of her, he would 
 
 infallibly be struck by her beauty," said 
 
 Shore. 
 
 "Suppose he did! what then?" cried 
 » 
 
 Jane. " You seem to fancy I have no 
 power of resistance, and should drop into
 
 4° THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 his majesty's mouth like a ripe plum. You 
 are both very much mistaken. I have a 
 great curiosity to see the king, and am re- 
 solved to gratify it. You look very cross," 
 she added, to her mother. " Where is the 
 harm, I should like to know ?" 
 
 " There is a great deal of harm," rejoined 
 the widow, angrily. " And I will lock you 
 up in your chamber, whenever the king 
 rides by, unless you promise to attend to 
 my injunctions." 
 
 During the foregoing discussion, Alban 
 maintained a cheerful exterior, but he was 
 not quite so easy as he had been in his mind. 
 A feeling of jealousy caused by Jane's 
 ardent desire to see the king, had taken 
 possession of him. But he deemed it ridi- 
 culous, and endeavoured — though in- 
 effectually — to shake it off. 
 
 The rest of the evening passed very plea- 
 santly. The lute was again introduced, and
 
 ALB AN SHORE. 4 1 
 
 an occasional song filled up the intervals of 
 conversation. 
 
 At length the great bell of Paul's tolled 
 forth the hour of nine, warning the discreet 
 goldsmith that it was time to depart ; and 
 though he could scarcely tear himself away, 
 he felt he must needs s;o. 
 
 While he was taking leave, Dame Mil- 
 verton expressed some anxiety lest he 
 should be troubled by the insolent youths 
 who had threatened him ; but he soon 
 quieted her alarm, and volunteered to come 
 next evening. 
 
 In parting with Jane, he strove to snatch 
 a kiss, but was unsuccessful. 
 
 Griffith, on whom he bestowed a piece of 
 silver, as an earnest of his goodwill, would 
 fain have attended him with a lantern, but 
 he declined the offer.
 
 4 2 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 IV. 
 
 HOW ALBAN SHORE ON THE WAY HOilE ENCOUNTERED TWO 
 k COURT KNIGHTS, AND HOW JANE WAS SERENADED. 
 
 The night proved so dark, that Alban 
 regretted he had not brought Griffith and 
 the lantern with him ; for though he had 
 laughed at Dame Milverton's fears, he was 
 not altogether without apprehension of an 
 attack by some of his rivals, who might be 
 lying in ambuscade. Moreover, it also 
 occurred to him that he was without a 
 defensive weapon of any kind. 
 
 However, he marched on resolutely, and 
 had proceeded about a hundred yards in
 
 ALBAN SHORE. 43 
 
 the direction of Lombard-street, without 
 encountering any one, when he perceived 
 two persons standing at the corner of 
 Wood-street. 
 
 Both were muffled up in long mantles, 
 and their appearance being rather suspi- 
 cious, he would have avoided them, but it 
 was too late, for one of them — a person of 
 much loftier stature than any of the young 
 bachelors — stepped towards him, and in 
 accents that had something of authority in 
 their tone, said : 
 
 " Save you, friend ! Canst tell us which 
 is Dame Milverton's dwelling ?" 
 
 Startled by the inquiry, Shore did not 
 immediately answer, and the tall stranger 
 repeated the inquiry, yet more authorita- 
 tively. 
 
 "What would you with her?" said the 
 goldsmith. " Dame Milverton receives not 
 visitors at this hour."
 
 44- THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 " Soli ! you are acquainted with her," 
 cried the other. " By Saint George, that is 
 lucky ! You shall show us the house, and 
 introduce us to the widow." 
 
 "For whom do you take me, that you 
 venture to make such a proposition ?" de- 
 manded Shore, controlling his anger. 
 
 " I take thee for an honest and estimable 
 burgess," replied the other. " Nay, if I am 
 not wrong — for I cannot distinguish thy 
 features very clearly — thou art Shore, the 
 goldsmith, of Lombard-street." 
 
 " You have guessed rightly," said Alban ; 
 " I am Shore, the goldsmith. Your voice 
 seems familiar to me ; but I cannot give 
 you a name. You belong not to the City — 
 of that I am certain." 
 
 " No, by the mass, I belong to the Court ! 
 My companion and myself are knights, at- 
 tendant upon the king. He is Sir William 
 Chamberlain, and I am Sir Edward de
 
 ALBAN SHORE. 45 
 
 Longespee. Now you know who we are, 
 will you conduct us to Dame Milverton's 
 habitation ? We have heard much of 
 the extraordinary beauty of her daughter 
 Jane, and desire to behold the fair young 
 damsel." 
 
 A jealous pang shot through Shore's 
 breast as he listened to the explanation. 
 
 He had previously suspected their design ; 
 but this plain avowal quite staggered 
 him. 
 
 " I will not be accessory to any such 
 plan, Sir Edward," he replied. "If you 
 desire to behold Dame Milverton's daughter, 
 you must call at a proper hour." 
 
 " My belief is you are in love with her 
 yourself, Master Shore," cried Sir William, 
 advancing, "and are therefore unwilling 
 we should see her." 
 
 " Be not alarmed, Shore," said Lon- 
 gespee; "we have no intention of carrying
 
 4-6 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 her off. Very likely her charms have been 
 overrated." 
 
 " There is not a damsel at Court who is 
 half so beautiful," cried Alban. 
 
 " Said I not thou art in love with her ?" 
 exclaimed Sir William, laughing. " Thou 
 hast betrayed thyself, Shore." 
 
 " We will not be baffled in our quest," 
 said Longesp^e. " Since this churlish gold- 
 smith refuses to direct us, we will find out 
 the house without him. Good-night, Shore ! 
 Thou wilt regret thy incivility." 
 
 And they moved on. 
 
 Greatly disturbed, the goldsmith was con- 
 sidering what he should do, when the door 
 of the " Mitre," a famous tavern close at 
 hand, was suddenly opened, and forth issued 
 the whole of the young bachelors, who had 
 been carousing together. From the noise 
 they made, and their unsteady gait, it was 
 evident their potations had been deep.
 
 A LB AN SHORE. 47 
 
 The light streaming from the entrance 
 of the tavern revealed Shore to them, and 
 setting up a loud shout, they hurried to- 
 wards him. 
 
 " By Saint Martin ! this is a rare piece of 
 luck!" cried Rubicel. "Who would have 
 thought of finding our goldsmith here? 
 Since Fate has delivered thee into our 
 hands, thou shalt not escape till thou hast 
 sworn to resign all pretentions to the fair 
 Jane." 
 
 " Thou nearest, Shore ?" cried Simon 
 Muttlebury. " The oath shall be dictated 
 to thee." 
 
 " I will take no oath on compulsion," said 
 Alban. " Detain me at your peril !■" 
 
 " At our peril !" cried Muttlebury, with 
 a scornful laugh, and drawing his sword as 
 he spoke. " That is good ! Thou hadst 
 best comply without more ado."
 
 48 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 " Swear to resign the damsel, and thou 
 art free," said Rubicel. 
 
 " Never !" cried Shore. " You seek in 
 vain to intimidate me," he added, as swords 
 were nourished in his face. " Help ! help !" 
 
 " Cease this clamour," exclaimed Mut- 
 tlebury, "or we will silence thee effec- 
 tually !" 
 
 But the goldsmith called out more 
 loudly. 
 
 His cries reached the ears of the courtiers, 
 and they hurried back to the spot. 
 
 Recognising Shore's voice, and finding 
 him beset by numbers, they whipped out 
 their blades, and ordered his captors to set 
 him free. 
 
 Instead of obeying, the valorous young 
 citizens turned upon them ; but after a few 
 blows had been exchanged with their power- 
 ful adversaries, their swords were knocked
 
 ALBAN SHORE. 49. 
 
 from their grasp, and they were compelled 
 to let the captive go.* 
 
 While the discomfited bachelors picked 
 up their weapons, the goldsmith tendered 
 his best thanks to his deliverers. 
 
 " What offence hast thou given these 
 varlets, Master Shore, that they should 
 thus maltreat thee ?" demanded Longespee. 
 
 " That they themselves can best explain, . 
 Sir Edward," replied Alban. 
 
 "We bear him no ill will," said Rubicel.. 
 " He is our rival for the hand of the fairest 
 damsel in the City. By reason of his 
 wealth, his chance is greater than ours,. 
 so we have been trying to persuade him to> 
 retire." 
 
 " Go to, rascal !" cried Longespee, laugh- 
 ing. " Thy mode of persuasion savours of 
 force. But thou speakest of the fairest 
 damsel in the City. That should be Jane- 
 Milverton." 
 
 VOL. I. E
 
 50 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 " Your worship hath made a good guess," 
 replied Rubicel. " 'Tis she, in sooth." 
 
 "Then ye are all her suitors?" 
 
 " All !" cried the bachelors, with one 
 voice. 
 
 Longespee and his companion laughed 
 heartily. 
 
 " We are not Jane's only admirers," said 
 Muttlebury. "For that matter, half the 
 young men in London are in love with her. 
 Doubtless her charms have been heard of 
 at Court, and may even have reached the 
 king's ears." 
 
 " Thou art right, good fellow — they 
 have," said Longespee. " I should like to 
 judge of this paragon of perfection. I may 
 not think so highly of her as thou dost. 
 What suits thy taste may not suit mine." 
 
 "There cannot be two opinions as to 
 Jane Milverton's beauty," said Rubicel. 
 " She dwells hereabouts. A serenade might
 
 ALBAN SHORE. $ I 
 
 bring her to the window, and you could 
 then obtain a glimpse of her. Unluckily, 
 we are not provided with lute or cittern." 
 
 " But you have voices worth listening 
 to, I'll be sworn," said Longespee, pleased 
 with the notion. 
 
 " Now I bethink me, there is a minstrel 
 in the ' Mitre,' " continued Rubicel. "We 
 might take him with us." 
 
 " Excellent !" cried Longespee. " Pri- 
 thee, fetch him !" 
 
 And as Rubicel departed on the errand, 
 he added to the goldsmith, " I shall have 
 my wish, and without trouble." 
 
 Shore was too much vexed to make a 
 reply. 
 
 A couple of silver groats induced the 
 minstrel to accompany the party. The 
 young bachelors led the way to the widow's 
 domicile, which was at no great distance, 
 and the two courtiers followed. 
 
 e 2 
 
 a Or iUU c L
 
 5 2 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 Shore went with them, resolved to see 
 the end of the adventure. 
 
 Like all the adjoining habitations, Dame 
 Milverton's house was built of lath and 
 plaster, and had bay windows, and pointed 
 gables of carved oak. 
 
 A light was visible in the lower room, 
 but the window - curtains were drawn. 
 Everybody felt certain, however, that those 
 inside the apartment were Jane and her 
 mother. 
 
 As soon as the young bachelors had ar- 
 ranged themselves, the minstrel struck up a 
 tender love-song — all the youths joining in 
 chorus at the end of each couplet. 
 
 At first, very little notice was taken of 
 the serenaders, but by-and-by there were 
 indications that the song was listened to ; 
 and before it concluded, the curtains were 
 drawn back, and Jane and her mother 
 could be seen.
 
 A LB AN SHORE. 53 
 
 As the damsel held a taper in her hand, 
 her fair features were clearly distinguish- 
 able. 
 
 Never was a creature more charming 
 seen than was presented to the lookers-on. 
 The two courtiers were enraptured. 
 
 " Tis she ! — 'tis Jane Milverton herself!" 
 said Rubicel. "What think you of her? 
 Is her beauty overrated ?" 
 
 "Not a whit," rejoined Longespee. " By 
 my halidome ! she is the loveliest creature 
 I ever beheld. I should never tire of £azinjr 
 at her." 
 
 " You are crazed, like all the rest," said 
 his companion, laughing at his enthusiasm. 
 
 " I must not lose this opportunity," said 
 Longespee. " I will speak to her." 
 
 " Nay, I beseech you, do not !" cried the 
 other. 
 
 Unaccustomed, however, to put any re- 
 straint upon himself, and regardless of con-
 
 54 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 sequences, the tall knight derided the 
 counsel, and marching up to the window, 
 tapped against it. 
 
 Startled by the noise, Jane looked in the 
 direction whence it proceeded, but could 
 only discern a lofty figure. 
 
 Longespe'e tapped again. 
 
 "A word with you, fair damsel, I en- 
 treat," he cried. 
 
 "Who is it?" asked Jane. "I hold no 
 converse with a stranger." 
 
 " Open the window, and you shall learn 
 who I am," said the knight. 
 
 " Whoever you are, I owe you no thanks 
 for bringing those troublesome youths 
 here," she rejoined. " Begone, and take 
 them with you. They have disturbed me 
 sufficiently." 
 
 " Deny me not !" implored the knight. 
 u I have something important to say to 
 you."
 
 A LB AN SHORE. 55 
 
 " How tiresome he is !" exclaimed Jane. 
 "Well, I must get rid of him." 
 
 And she was stepping towards the win- 
 dow, when some one amid the throng col- 
 lected outside, called out in a loud voice, 
 "Beware!" 
 
 In an instant the taper was extinguished, 
 and Jane vanished. 
 
 Immediately afterwards, the curtains 
 were again drawn, and nothing; more could 
 be seen of the inmates of the house. 
 
 Feeling that his chance was over, the 
 kniffht drew back. 
 
 O 
 
 " Who called out?" he angrily demanded. 
 
 No one could tell him. But he suspected 
 it must have been Shore, for the goldsmith 
 could not be discovered. 
 
 " Are you now ready to depart ?" inquired 
 his companion, approaching him. 
 
 Longespee answered in the affirmative.
 
 5 ^ THE GOLDSMITHS WIFE. 
 
 The other then placed a whistle to his 
 lips, and blew a call. 
 
 The young bachelors were filled with 
 wonderment, but their surprise increased 
 when two grooms appeared, each leading a 
 horse. 
 
 The knights instantly mounted, and, bid- 
 ding " Good night" to the youths, rode off 
 in the direction of Ludgate. 
 
 "Those must be great personages," re- 
 marked Rubicel to his companion. : ' Marked 
 you not that their grooms wore the royal 
 livery ?"
 
 A LB AN SHORE. $7 
 
 V. 
 
 IN WHAT MANNER JANE S CONSENT WAS WON BY ALBAN. 
 
 Nearly three months had passed by, and 
 during this period of probation Alban was 
 constant in his attendance upon Jane. 
 
 On each evening he came to her mother's 
 house, and was always well received, but he 
 could not flatter himself that he made much 
 progress in the young damsel's affections. 
 
 She did not dislike his society, but ap- 
 peared indifferent to him ; and he felt her 
 coldness deeply. Sometimes he fancied she 
 loved another, but he was utterly unable to 
 discover his rival. It could not be one of
 
 5 8 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 the twelve young bachelors ; for though 
 they still persecuted Jane with their ad- 
 dresses, she would listen to none of them. 
 It could scarcely be Sir Edward de Longe- 
 spee, for nothing more had been seen of 
 him since the night when he accompanied 
 the serenaders, and tapped against the 
 window. 
 
 Alban was perplexed. He mentioned his 
 suspicions to Dame Milverton, but she told 
 him he was mistaken. She was certain he 
 had no secret rival. 
 
 Notwithstanding these assurances, he was 
 far from easy, and suffered so much from 
 Jane's coldness, that he resolved to bring 
 the matter to an issue one way or the 
 other. 
 
 Generally, Dame Milverton was with them 
 when they met ; but on the evening in 
 question she had been induced, by a sign 
 from Alban, to leave them alone together.
 
 ALB AN SHORE. 59 
 
 No sooner had she quitted the room, than 
 taking Jane's small white hand in his own, 
 he pressed it to his lips. Nor did he part 
 with it as he addressed her. 
 
 " I beseech you to abridge the term you 
 have imposed upon me, sweetest Jane," he 
 said. " I find I am not equal to so severe 
 a trial. Besides, why should we wait so 
 long ? You know me now as well as you 
 will ever know me, for I have no conceal- 
 ment from you. How fondly I love you I 
 need not say ; but I desire to prove my 
 love by the devotion of a husband. Your 
 mother has given her consent to the mar- 
 riage — why withhold yours ? My house is 
 ready for you ; my servants are anxious to 
 call you mistress ; all that money can pro- 
 cure shall be yours !" 
 
 " I know you can give me wealth, Alban," 
 she rejoined. " But you cannot give me 
 rank."
 
 6o THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 He looked at her for a moment in sur- 
 prise, and then said in a half-reproachful 
 tone : 
 
 "That silly prophecy still dwells on your 
 mind, I perceive, Jane. I would I were a 
 prince, for your sake !" 
 
 " Would you were !" she exclaimed. 
 
 Then seeing how much she had pained 
 him, she added, " I am very foolish — very 
 ungrateful. 'Tis a poor return for your love 
 and kindness to wish you were some one 
 else. Nevertheless, I must own I should 
 like you better if you were a prince." 
 
 " If these are your real sentiments, 
 Jane," he remarked coldly, and letting go 
 her hand, " it will be better that all should 
 be at an end between us." 
 
 "Be it so, if you wish it," she rejoined. 
 " I have spoken frankly. As Alban Shore, 
 the goldsmith, I love you ; but I should
 
 ALB AN SHORE. 6 1 
 
 love you better if you were a noble — still 
 better if you were a prince." 
 
 " If this is jesting, I do not like it," he 
 said. "Be serious for a moment, if vou 
 can. Do you love me well enough to 
 wed me ?" 
 
 " I can't tell." 
 
 " But you must decide." * 
 
 " Suppose I say ' No ?' " 
 
 " In that case, I shall instantly take my 
 departure, and shall not, return." 
 
 Uttered in a firm, sad tone, these words 
 produced an impression upon Jane. 
 
 Suddenly changing her manner, she re- 
 plied : 
 
 " Then, I must needs say ' Yes.' " 
 
 An instantaneous revulsion took place in 
 Aiban's feelings. 
 
 Catching her in his arms, and press- 
 ing her rapturously to his breast, he ex- 
 claimed :
 
 6l 
 
 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 "Our marriage shall take place to- 
 morrow." 
 
 "Why so much haste?" she asked. 
 
 " Because I have waited too long already 
 — because I am afraid of losing you." 
 
 "How distrustful you are !" she cried. 
 
 " Have I not reason for distrust ?" he 
 rejoined. 
 
 Just then Dame Milverton entered the 
 room, and seeing how matters stood, called 
 out : " So all is settled at last, I perceive. 
 I am right srlad of it." 
 
 " Yes ; Jane has agreed that our mar- 
 riage shall take place to-morrow," cried 
 Alban, joyfully. 
 
 "To-morrow!" exclaimed the widow. 
 " That is allowing but scant time for pre- 
 paration." 
 
 "So I think," observed Jane. "I am in 
 no such hurry. Next week, or next month, 
 will please me just as well."
 
 ALBAN SHORE. 6$ 
 
 "But it won't please me," cried her 
 mother. " We will have no postponement. 
 All can be managed without difficult) 7 ," she 
 added, glancing at Alban. 
 
 " Yes, there need be no delay," he ex- 
 claimed. " We will be married at Paul's. 
 I will go and make all needful arrange- 
 ments. I leave you to invite the wedding 
 guests, madam," he said to Dame Milverton. 
 
 " Stay," cried Jane, as he was hurrying 
 off. " I have something to say to you." 
 
 " I'll hear it when I come back," he cried. 
 " I want to catch Father Bellasius." 
 
 Jane again attempted to remonstrate, but 
 he stopped her mouth with a kiss, and 
 rushed out of the room. 
 
 " My consent has been wrested from me," 
 she cried, as soon as he was gone. " I hope 
 I shall not repent."
 
 64 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 VI. 
 
 HOW ALBAN SHORE WAS WEDDED TO THE BEAUTIFUL JANE 
 MILVERTON IN SAINT PAUL'S CATHEDRAL, AND HOW THE 
 KING SALUTED THE BRIDE AT THE PORCH. 
 
 Shortly before noon, on the day ap- 
 pointed for Alban Shore's marriage with 
 the beautiful Jane Milverton, it chanced 
 that the king, who had signified his inten- 
 tion of holding a conference with the Lord 
 Mayor and Aldermen, at Guildhall, entered 
 the City on horseback. 
 
 Accompanied by his chief favourites, 
 Henry Stafford, Duke of Buckingham, who 
 filled the office of High Constable, and the
 
 ALBAN SHORE. 65 
 
 Lord Hastings, Grand Chamberlain, his 
 majesty was preceded by a small party of 
 mounted archers, and followed by half a 
 dozen henchmen in doublets of blue satin, 
 richly embroidered, murrey-coloured silk 
 hose, and black velvet caps. 
 
 Edward the Fourth was then in the very 
 prime of manhood, and justly accounted 
 the handsomest man of his day. His 
 figure was a remarkable combination of 
 strength and elegance — his limbs being 
 very graeefully formed, yet full of vigour. 
 Trained from early youth in all manly 
 exercises, he became so skilful that, as Earl 
 of March, in his nineteenth year, he over- 
 threw every knight he encountered in the 
 tilt-yard. 
 
 As the king wore neither beard nor 
 moustaches, the fine classical outline of his 
 features could be fully distinguished. His 
 
 vol. 1. F
 
 66 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 complexion was fair, his eyes blue, and his 
 chestnut locks were worn thickly at the 
 back of the head. Yet there was nothing 
 effeminate in his expression ; and although 
 good nature seemed stamped upon his hand- 
 some lineaments, he had a very courageous 
 and determined look. 
 
 Edward's extreme affability and easy 
 manner rendered him popular with all 
 classes, while his gallantry and good looks 
 gained him the goodwill of the fairer por- 
 tion of his subjects. 
 
 Brave, courteous, handsome, chivalrous, 
 accomplished, he seemed the very model of 
 a king ; but we are bound to say that he 
 had many faults. Though good-natured, 
 he was quick to take offence, unforgiving 
 when offended, sanguinary in the field, and 
 a confirmed voluptuary. 
 
 Elegant in his tastes, the handsome mo- 
 narch was exceedingly fond of rich attire.
 
 A LB AN SHORE. 6 J 
 
 Cloth of silver and gold, and velvet lined 
 with the most precious furs, were his con- 
 stant wear. 
 
 On the present occasion an embroidered 
 doublet, of murrey-coloured velvet, fitting 
 tightly to the shape, and having pinked 
 sleeves, so as to show the fine linen beneath 
 it, displayed his figure to the greatest ad- 
 vantage, while blue silk hose set off his 
 shapely limbs. The points of his yellow 
 morocco boots, then called poulaines, and 
 more than an ell in length, were fastened 
 to the knee by chains of gold. His mantle 
 was of purple velvet lined with the most 
 precious fur. Round his neck was a collar 
 of suns and roses, with the white lion of 
 the House of March appended. A mag- 
 nificent girdle, studded with gems, and 
 placed above the hips, sustained his sword 
 and dagger, both of which had splendid 
 
 f 2
 
 68 
 
 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 hilts. His purple velvet cap was without a 
 plume, and ornamented with pearls. 
 
 A consummate horseman, Edward was 
 never seen to greater advantage than in 
 the saddle, and the noble steed he now be- 
 strode seemed proud of his princely bur- 
 den. The charger was caparisoned in blue 
 cloth of gold, embroidered with the royal 
 badge, a flaming sun. 
 
 The two nobles by whom the king was 
 attended were fine-looking men, but could 
 not for a moment be compared with their 
 royal master. 
 
 Buckingham had a doublet of tawny 
 satin, with a surcoat of violet, ingrained; 
 and Hastings wore a green satin pourpoint, 
 embroidered with gold, and a velvet sur- 
 coat of the same colour. Each was decked 
 with a magnificent chain and girdle, and 
 had a collar of suns and roses like the 
 kinc.
 
 ALBAN SHORE. 69 
 
 Though Edward's visits to the City were 
 of frequent occurrence, crowds always col- 
 lected to gaze at him, and welcome him 
 with shouts, while fair, smiling faces could, 
 be seen at all the open windows. On the 
 owners of these fair faces the debonnair 
 monarch failed not to bestow an admiring 
 glance as he rode along. 
 
 On the morning in question, he had a 
 good many buxom dames and comely 
 damsels to greet ; and as he was careful 
 not to neglect any of them, his progress 
 from Ludgate to Saint Paul's was necessarily 
 rather slow. 
 
 But he appeared in high good, humour, 
 and not unfrequently jested with Bucking- 
 ham and Hastings, who laughed heartily, 
 as beseemed them, at the king's plea- 
 santries. 
 
 Occasionally, also, he would call their 
 attention to some fair maiden, speaking of
 
 7° THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 her in terms of praise, so loudly uttered as 
 to summon a blush to her cheeks. 
 
 Just as the royal cavalcade arrived at 
 Saint Paul's, a great number of persons is- 
 sued from the cathedral, and ranged them- 
 selves on either side of the steps, evidently 
 expecting that some one they were anxious 
 to behold would speedily come forth. 
 
 So engrossed were they by this object 
 that they scarcely noticed the king, who, 
 not wishing to interfere with them, reined 
 in his charger, and signed to the attendant 
 guard to halt. 
 
 Scarcely was the command obeyed, when 
 the great portal was thrown open, and forth 
 came a bridal party. 
 
 The marriage between Alban Shore and 
 the lovely Jane Milverton had just been 
 solemnised in Saint Etheldreda's chapel, in 
 the presence of an immense number of spec-
 
 A LB AX SHORE. 7 1 
 
 tators, amongst whom were the twelve dis- 
 appointed bachelors. 
 
 Jane looked exquisitely beautiful in her 
 bridal costume. A wreath encircled her 
 fair brow, and her sunny locks, being en- 
 tirely unbound, flowed down her back. 
 The long white veil, that covered her al- 
 most from head to foot, was removed by 
 the bridesmaids as she knelt at the altar. 
 
 The ceremony was performed by Father 
 Bellasius, a canon of the cathedral. It was 
 remarked by the bridesmaids that Jane's 
 accents were scarcely audible ; and when 
 the nuptial rites had been performed, and 
 Dame Milverton embraced her daughter, 
 she perceived that Jane trembled. 
 
 Alban, however, was now the happiest of 
 men ; and when his discomfited rivals, who 
 had gathered round him, strove to provoke 
 him by their looks, he regarded them with 
 supreme disdain.
 
 7 2 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 The scene within the cathedral as the 
 bridal party moved along the aisle was ex- 
 traordinary. Hundreds of spectators, eager 
 to obtain a glimpse of the beautiful bride, 
 pressed upon the newly-wedded pair ; and 
 as Jane had not resumed her veil, the 
 ■curiosity of these persons was gratified. 
 
 All who beheld her declared she looked 
 charming, and it was universally thought 
 that she was the loveliest bride that had 
 ever been seen in the ancient cathedral. 
 
 At length, after several interruptions, the 
 little procession reached the portal ; and as 
 the newly-married pair came forth, Jane's 
 gaze passed rapidly over the vast throng 
 collected outside, and alighted upon a splen- 
 did-looking personage on horseback, who, 
 with the two nobles in attendance upon 
 him, was stationed at a little distance from 
 the portal. 
 
 " Tis the king !" observed Alban.
 
 ALBAN SHORE. 73 
 
 The information was unneeded. The 
 sumptuous apparel and majestic demeanour 
 of the horseman, combined with the de- 
 ference paid him by his attendants, pro- 
 claimed his exalted rank. 
 
 Nor could she, for a moment, doubt to 
 whom that stately figure and noble counte- 
 nance belonged. 'Twas he whom she had 
 so ardently desired to behold. 
 
 But her surprise increased when he spoke, 
 and she recognised the voice of the pre- 
 sumptuous stranger who had addressed her 
 at the window of her mother's dwelling. 
 
 What strange emotions were excited in 
 her breast ,by the discovery ! 
 
 After gazing a t her for a moment with 
 looks of undisguised admiration, Edward 
 pressed forward his charger, while the 
 archers kept back the crowd. 
 
 " By my troth, Master Shore," he cried, 
 in a good-humoured voice, " vou are a right
 
 74 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 clever fellow, and as lucky as clever ! I 
 know not by what arts you have beaten a 
 whole host of rivals, and contrived to win 
 for yourself the fairest damsel that our good 
 City of London can boast ; but, however 
 you have gained her, you deserve our 
 hearty congratulations on your success, and 
 you have them!" 
 
 " I humbly thank your majesty," replied 
 Alban, bowing profoundly, while Jane made 
 a deep reverence, "in my own name, and 
 in that of my bride. I can assure your 
 majesty that I esteem myself singularly for- 
 tunate in having obtained such a prize !" 
 
 " No wonder !" cried Edward. " But 
 hark ye, Shore ! you must not exclude your 
 beauteous wife from public view. If so, all 
 the young bachelors in the City will regret 
 that she has bestowed her hand upon you. 
 Let her be seen ; let her appear at all shows
 
 ALBAN SHORE. 75 
 
 and entertainments ; let no restraint be put 
 upon her. She must do as she pleases, go 
 where she pleases, and be indulged in all 
 her whims and fancies. This ought now to 
 be agreed upon." 
 
 " It is agreed upon, my gracious liege/' 
 replied Shore. " My wife shall do exactly 
 as she pleases." 
 
 "Tis well!" cried Edward. "We are 
 now satisfied you will make an indulgent 
 and easy-going husband, and the fair Jane 
 will be the most enviable wife in the City, 
 as she is undoubtedly the prettiest." 
 
 Great merriment followed the king's 
 speech. 
 
 " I know not how to thank your majesty 
 for the interest you are pleased to take in 
 me," said Jane, whose cheeks were suffused 
 with blushes. " But indeed I am very grate- 
 ful."
 
 7 6 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 * 
 
 " Bring thy wife nearer to me, Shore," 
 said the kino;. "I have a trifling °;ift to 
 bestow upon her." 
 
 And as the injunction was obeyed, and 
 the blushing bride, who really looked 
 lovelier than ever, stood beside him, Edward 
 detached a small diamond clasp from his 
 attire, and presented it to her. 
 
 Then, bending down, he passed his arm 
 round her waist, and slightly raising her, 
 imprinted a kiss on her rosy lips. 
 
 That Shore approved of this proceeding 
 on the part of the gallant monarch, we can- 
 not avouch ; but he forced a smile ; and it 
 is quite certain that Jane was not offended. 
 
 The lookers on were highly diverted. 
 
 In the midst of the general merriment, 
 the king bade adieu to Jane, and, attended 
 by his suite, rode on to Guildhall.
 
 ALB AN SHORE. J 7 
 
 VII. 
 
 HOW JANE FOUSD A DANGEROUS CONFIDANTE IN ALICIA 
 
 FORDIIAil. 
 
 Some three years had flown since Jane 
 became the wife of Alban Shore ; and if 
 she was not perfectly happy, it was her 
 own fault, for she had a most devoted 
 husband, who strove to gratify her every 
 wish. 
 
 As she had heretofore been styled the 
 loveliest damsel in the City, she was now 
 known as the fairest wife. None so beautiful 
 as Mistress Shore. 
 
 The goldsmith was envied for his srood
 
 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 fortune by a great number of City gallants, 
 among whom were the .young bachelors 
 previously mentioned, all of whom were still 
 bachelors. But though many of these im- 
 pertinent coxcombs would fain have in- 
 truded upon her notice, Jane gave none of 
 them the slighest encouragement. 
 
 During the long interval Ave have chosen 
 to pass over, Jane had sustained a very 
 great and indeed irreparable loss in the 
 death of her mother. This sad event oc- 
 curred quite unexpectedly about a year 
 after she had quitted the maternal roof, and 
 was a source of great grief to her. Alban 
 himself sincerely lamented his mother-in- 
 law, and he had more reason for regret 
 than he was aware of at the time. As long 
 as Dame Milverton lived, she watched most 
 carefully over her daughter, who was always 
 governed by her counsels. 
 
 Deprived of her mother's judicious advice,
 
 A LB AN SHORE. 79 
 
 Jane chose a friend nearly of her own age, 
 who flattered her in order to obtain an in- 
 fluence over her, and made it her business 
 never to say anything disagreeable. Alicia 
 Fordham, the friend in question, had been 
 one of Jane's bridesmaids, and had since 
 become the wife of a mercer, dwelling in the 
 Poultry. 
 
 A lively brunette, with fine dark eyes 
 and dark tresses, and a pretty figure, which 
 she set off to the best advantage by dress — 
 Mistress Fordham had a very agreeable, 
 insinuating manner. She laid herself out 
 to please Jane, and succeeded so well that 
 she soon became her bosom friend and con- 
 fidante. Mistress Shore could not exist 
 without her. 
 
 This intimacy had a mischievous effect 
 upon the goldsmith's young wife, and would 
 never have been permitted had her mother 
 been alive.
 
 80 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 Shore did not altogether approve of it r 
 though he had no idea of the danger ; but 
 seeing how fond Jane was of her friend, he 
 did not like io interfere. Moreover, Mis- 
 tress Fordham was careful to do nothing to- 
 forfeit his good opinion. 
 
 O A. 
 
 Never since her wedding-day had Jane 
 set eyes upon the king. Almost imme- 
 diately after their meeting at the portal of 
 the cathedral, a conspiracy broke out in the 
 North, that led to a renewal of the civil 
 wars that had previously desolated the 
 kingdom, and the best blood in the country 
 a^ain flowed in torrents on the field of battle 
 and on the scaffold. 
 
 Defeated by Warwick, Edward was com- 
 pelled to fly the kingdom, and take refuge 
 in Holland. But he returned, and soon 
 raising another army, marched upon Lon- 
 don, where the citizens opened the gates to 
 him.
 
 ALBAN SHORE. 8 I 
 
 Then followed the sanguinary battle of 
 Barnet, at which Warwick was slain ; and 
 three weeks afterwards, the fate of the Lan- 
 castrians was decided at Tewkesbury, when 
 Queen Margaret of Anjou, and her son, 
 were taken prisoners. The young prince 
 was massacred by Clarence and Gloucester, 
 in the presence of the victorious Edward, 
 and the queen was sent a prisoner to the 
 Tower. 
 
 The unfortunate Henry the Sixth having 
 been secretly put to death in the Tower, and 
 all the chief partisans of the Red Rose re- 
 moved, Edward became tranquil possessor 
 of the throne, and gave himself up for a 
 time to ease and enjoyment. 
 
 But growing tired of this indolence, he 
 roused himself, and entered into a league 
 with his brother-in-law, the Duke of Bur- 
 gundy, for the invasion of France. With 
 this design he collected a large army, and 
 
 vol. i. G
 
 82 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 made other warlike preparations, and he 
 was endeavouring to obtain the necessary 
 supplies for the expedition at the time when 
 our story is resumed. 
 
 Firmly attached to the House of York, 
 Shore had watched the long struggle in 
 
 O CO 
 
 which Edward had been engaged with the 
 keenest interest. His chief desire, how- 
 ever, was that these internal dissensions 
 should be settled, and the kingdom restored 
 to tranquillity. A civil war was not fa- 
 vourable to his business, either as a banker 
 or a goldsmith, and while it lasted, more 
 jewels and plate were sold than bought. It 
 is true that he could have lent money to 
 half-ruined nobles and knights at any rate 
 of interest he chose to demand ; but, as wc 
 have said, he was not a usurer. Thus, 
 though he regretted the fate of the unfortu- 
 nate Henry the Sixth, he was rejoiced when 
 Edward was firmly settled on the throne.
 
 A LB AN SHORE. 83 
 
 The projected invasion of France was po- 
 pular with the citizens, and Shore shared 
 the general enthusiasm. 
 
 One day, when Jane was alone in an 
 upper room, looking into Lombard-street, 
 Mistress Fordham presented herself in a 
 state of great excitement, and exclaimed : 
 
 " What do you think, Jane ? The king 
 is coming here this morning. You have 
 often said you wished to see his majesty 
 again. Now you will have an opportunity. 
 He has business to transact with Shore, and 
 will be here at noon." 
 
 " How know you this, Alice ?" inquired 
 Jane. 
 
 " A royal messenger is below," replied 
 Mistress Fordham. " I saw him as I came 
 in, and learnt his errand. No doubt the 
 king wants to borrow money for the French 
 invasion. But he is sure to ask for you." 
 
 "That is very unlikely," replied Jane, 
 
 G 2
 
 84 THE GOLDSMITH S WIFE. 
 
 blushing. " I make no doubt he has quite 
 forgotten me. He only saw me on one oc- 
 casion — nearly three years ago." 
 
 " But recollect what occurred then," said 
 Alice. " 'Tis impossible he can have for- 
 gotten you." 
 
 " I hope he has," said Jane. 
 
 " I am quite sure he has not," rejoined 
 Alice. " 1 myself witnessed the scene at 
 the porch of the cathedral, and the king's 
 looks showed plainly enough how much he 
 was in love with you. No ! no ! be sure he 
 has not forgotten you." 
 
 " But I have never heard from him since 
 — never received the slightest message," 
 eried Jane. 
 
 " That is easily accounted for," rejoined 
 Mistress Fordham. " The rising in York- 
 shire took place at the time, and his majesty 
 was obliged to march off at once to put 
 down the insurgents. Since then, as you
 
 ALB AN SHORE. 85 
 
 know, he has been constantly engaged in 
 warfare, and has had no time, until lately, 
 to think of lighter matters. As to his 
 having forgotten you, that is quite out of 
 the question." 
 
 " You alarm me, Alice. If I thought it 
 likely the king had any design — such as 
 you suggest — in coming here, I would avoid 
 him : for, though I would never listen to 
 his addresses, I should not like to trust my- 
 self with him — for it may be very difficult 
 to say ' No' to a king, and my duty to my 
 husband will not allow me to say ' Yes.' 
 Do you really believe he troubles his head 
 about me ?" 
 
 " I scarcely know how to reply, since 
 you put the question to me in that way," 
 said Mistress Fordham. " I am quite cer- 
 tain the king was in love with you — greatly 
 in love —three years ago. Possibly circum- 
 stances may have obliterated your image
 
 86 
 
 THE GOLDSMITH'S M7FE. 
 
 from his memory, but as you are now love- 
 lier than ever, I am quite certain when he 
 beholds you again that his passion will be 
 revived." 
 
 " What would you advise me to do ?" 
 cried Jane. " I ought not to see him 
 again." 
 
 " Why not ?" cried Mistress Fordham. 
 " Surely you have sufficient reliance on 
 yourself! But it will be time enough to 
 consider what you ought to do when you 
 see him." 
 
 " No ; it will then be too late," said Jane. 
 "To enable you to judge for me, I will 
 confess that for some time after the inter- 
 view with the king, to which you have just 
 alluded, I did indulge a feeling for him that 
 savoured of love ; but I conquered it at 
 last, and now he is nothing to me. Were 
 I to see him again, the feeling might re- 
 turn. You know I have the best and
 
 ALB AN SHORE. 87 
 
 kindest of husbands, and I would not wrong 
 him for the world." 
 
 " Shore is an excellent man," said Alice. 
 " But if he were ten times better than he is, 
 I should not think him comparable to the 
 king." 
 
 "Alice, I will not allow you to disparage 
 my husband." 
 
 " Nay, I deny him none of his merits. I 
 only wish he was as handsome as the 
 ing. 
 
 " He is quite handsome enough for me," 
 replied Jane. " I am sure he has always 
 been faithful to me, and that is more than 
 the queen can say of her royal consort." 
 
 " Poh ! she does not trouble herself about 
 his majesty's infidelities," said Mistress Ford- 
 ham. " Fortunately for herself, she is not 
 of a jealous disposition." 
 
 Just then a great noise was heard in the 
 street, and, guessing the cause of the dis-
 
 88 THE GOLDSMITH'S fflFE. 
 
 turbance, they flew to the window, and be- 
 held the king. 
 
 With him were the Lord Hastings and 
 the Lord Howard, and he was attended by 
 a small body-guard of mounted archers, and 
 a couple of grooms, one of whom held the 
 bridle of his charger as he dismounted. A 
 small body-guard of archers kept back the 
 crowd. 
 
 Edward paused for a moment to say a 
 word to Lord Hastings, and during this in- 
 terval Shore came forth bare-headed, and 
 after making a profound obeisance, ushered 
 the king ceremoniously into his house. 
 
 The two nobles did not alight, and the 
 crowd collected in the street was kept back 
 by the archers.
 
 ALB AN SHORE. 89 
 
 VIII. 
 
 SHOWING ON WHAT ERRAND THE KING CAME TO LOMBARD 
 
 STREET. 
 
 Had Jane acted up to the prudent reso- 
 lution she had formed, she would have in- 
 stantly retired from the window when she 
 found it was the king ; but she appeared 
 quite fascinated, and continued gazing at 
 him as long as he remained in sight. 
 
 How majestic was his mien ! Sumptuous 
 attire set off his noble person to the greatest 
 advantage, and so lofty was his stature that 
 he quite dwarfed those who stood near him. 
 
 That the king noticed her, Jane could not
 
 9° THE GOLDSMITHS WIFE. 
 
 doubt. Just as he was about to enter the 
 house, he cast his eyes upwards, and gave 
 her a glance of recognition. 
 
 Momentary as was the look, it caused the 
 most violent perturbation in her breast, and 
 she shrank from the searching scrutiny of 
 Alice, who was closely watching her. 
 
 " Well ! was I not right ?" cried the latter. 
 " I said you would soon see the king, and 
 lo ! here he is. But you look quite over- 
 come. You had better sit down." 
 
 " Yes. I do feel rather faint," replied 
 Jane, sinking into a chair. " But I shall 
 recover in a moment. I did not think I 
 should have been so foolish. .The king's 
 sudden appearance has thrown me into this 
 state." 
 
 " Prepare yourself for an interview," re- 
 marked Mistress Fordham. " Depend upon 
 it you will be sent for." 
 
 " Na} T , then, I must indeed prepare," cried
 
 ALB AN SHORE. 9 1 
 
 Jane, starting up. " I must make some 
 slight change in my attire. Call Drusilla 
 for me, I beg you, Alice." 
 
 " No change is necessary," replied Mistress 
 Fordham. " You cannot look better. Your 
 dress suits you to admiration, and I am sure 
 his majesty will be of my opinion. There is 
 not a lady at Court who looks half so well 
 in her velvet and jewels." 
 
 "Ah ! Alice, you are a dreadful flatterer. 
 But I am running headlong into the danger 
 I ought to avoid. I must stop while there 
 is yet time. Help me, Alice, help me, or I 
 am lost !" 
 
 "Why, what a silly, timorous creature 
 vou are ! There is nothing to cause this 
 uneasiness. His majesty will pay you a few 
 compliments, and then the interview will be 
 over." 
 
 "But it may lead to another interview; 
 there is the danger, Alice."
 
 9 2 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 "Whatever reply Mistress Fordham in- 
 tended was cut short by the sudden en- 
 trance of a very pretty handmaiden, whose 
 looks betokened great excitement. 
 
 " The king is coming up-stairs, madam," 
 exclaimed Drusilla. 
 
 " Oh, dear ! what shall I do ?" cried 
 Jane. 
 
 " Receive him, of course," rejoined the 
 other. " What else can you do ?" 
 
 " Nay, madam, there's nothing to be 
 afraid of," observed Drusilla, in an en- 
 couraging tone. " His majesty looks very 
 gracious. He even smiled at me when I 
 was sent up to ycfu by master. But here 
 e is. 
 
 " Saints protect me 1" mentally ejaculated 
 Jane. 
 
 But, before describing the meeting be- 
 tween Edward and the goldsmith's wife, 
 we must see what took place in Shore's
 
 A LB AN SHORE. 93 
 
 back parlour, whither the king had been 
 conducted when he entered the goldsmith's 
 shop. 
 
 No sooner were they alone together in 
 this room than Edward, who wanted to 
 borrow money from the rich goldsmith, 
 thus opened his business : 
 
 " I have come to you for assistance, good 
 Master Shore," he said. " You know that 
 I am about to invade France, with a design 
 of gaining the crown of that country ; or, 
 at least, Normandy and Guienne. I have 
 been very liberally dealt with by some of 
 your fellow citizens ; but, though I have 
 obtained large sums from them, I have not 
 yet got enough. You must find me ten 
 thousand crowns. I will repay you if I am 
 victorions, as I shall be, for I have the aid 
 of the Duke of Burgundy and Bretagne." 
 
 " Ten thousand crowns ! Tis %, large 
 sum," observed Shore.
 
 94 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 "Nay, if you require it, I will give you 
 ample security — -jewels of fully thrice the 
 value." 
 
 " The deposit is unnecessary," said Shore. 
 " Your majesty shall have the sum you re- 
 quire. I will take your royal word for the 
 repayment of the money." 
 
 " By Saint George ! you are a noble fel- 
 low, Shore !" cried Edward. " Not without 
 reason have you been praised for liberality. 
 You shall not find me ungrateful. Ask any 
 favour in return ; 'tis granted ere asked. I 
 swear it by my father's head !" 
 
 " I have no boon to ask now, my gra- 
 cious liege," rejoined Shore. " Hereafter I 
 may venture to remind your majesty of 
 your promise." 
 
 " When you please," cried the king. " Be 
 sure I shall not forget it. And now, since 
 we have settled this grave affair so satisfac- 
 torily, let us turn to a pleasanter matter.
 
 ALBAN SHORE. 95 
 
 It was my good fortune to behold your 
 lovely wife on your wedding day at Saint 
 Paul's, and unless my eyes deceive me, I 
 caught sight of her just now at the window 
 above your shop. I would fain have a 
 word with her." 
 
 " I will send for her at once," rejoined 
 the goldsmith. 
 
 And, opening a side door, he called for 
 Drusilla. 
 
 " Nay, by my faith," cried the king, 
 " Mistress Shore shall not come to me ; I 
 will go to her. Lead the way, I pray you ; 
 lead the way." 
 
 Though somewhat discomposed by the 
 order, Shore could not refuse compliance, 
 but, with the best grace he could, con- 
 ducted the king to the upper room.
 
 96 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 IX. 
 
 HOW JANE AND HER HUSBAND WERE BIDDEN TO THE FES- 
 TIVITIES AT WINDSOR CASTLE. 
 
 Jane felt as if she should sink to the 
 ground, when the door was thrown open 
 by her husband, and the king entered the 
 room ; but his majesty's easy and affable 
 manner quickly reassured her. 
 
 Raising her graciously as she bent to 
 him, Edward pressed her hand to his lips, 
 and he paid a like gallant attention to Mis- 
 tress Fordham. 
 
 After reminding Jane of his former meet- 
 ing with her, he said, playfully, "I hope
 
 A LB AN SHORE. 97 
 
 your husband has followed the advice I 
 gave him on that occasion ? I suppose he 
 allows } t ou your own way in everything? 
 You do not look as if vour inclinations 
 were thwarted." 
 
 " Indeed, my liege, I have no complaint 
 to make," replied Jane. " My husband is 
 most indulgent to me. Mistress Fordham 
 will tell your majest} 7 that there is not a 
 citizen's wife in London who has more 
 liberty and indulgence than myself. Alban 
 has never yet refused a request I have 
 made to him." 
 
 " That is much to sa} r , in good sooth," 
 observed the king, " and speaks well both 
 for you and him. We will now put his 
 good nature to the test. Some festivities 
 will be shortly held at Windsor Castle. 
 The Lord Mayor and the Lady Mayoress, 
 with the aldermen and their wives, will be 
 our guests. You must come with them. 
 
 VOL. I. II
 
 9 8 THE GOLDSMITH 'S WIFE. 
 
 Amongst other shows, there will be a tour- 
 nament." 
 
 u Oh. how delightful !" exclaimed Jane. 
 " I have longed so much to see a tourna- 
 ment." 
 
 " Then your desire shall now be grati- 
 fied," said Edward. " You hear, Shore. 
 You must bring your fair wife to our castle 
 of Windsor next week, where both she and 
 you shall be well cared for, and see all that 
 is to be seen." 
 
 "I thank your majesty," replied Shore, 
 bowing profoundly. " Both my wife and 
 myself are highly honoured by the invita- 
 tion. Tis mere than we could expect to 
 be included among your majesty's guests." 
 
 " None will be more welcome," said 
 Edward. " And I am sure no lovelier 
 dame will grace the gallery of the tilt-yard. 
 1 shall not be sorry that the haughty Court 
 dames should find themselves outshone bv
 
 ALB AN SHORE. 99 
 
 a citizen's wife. I have always maintained 
 that the fairest women are to be found here 
 in London." 
 
 " The citizens' wives are greatlv be- 
 holden to your majesty," observed Mistress 
 Fordham. 
 
 "Nay, I assert the simple truth," said 
 the king. " But you must come with Mis- 
 tress Shore to the tourney, and witness her 
 triumph." 
 
 Alice bent low as she signified her de- 
 lighted assent. 
 
 " Will it please your majesty to take the 
 money with you ?" inquired Shore. " If 
 so, I will give orders respecting it." 
 
 " Prithee, do so," rejoined the king, evi- 
 dently well pleased by the suggestion. 
 
 Thereupon the goldsmith made an obei- 
 sance, and quitted the room. 
 
 No sooner was he gone than Mistress 
 Fordham retired towards the window, so 
 
 h 2
 
 IOO THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 that the king and Jane "were left alone 
 together. 
 
 " The moment I have so eagerly longed 
 for has arrived," said Edward, taking the 
 hand of the goldsmith's fair -wife, and gazing 
 tenderly into her face. " I can now have 
 a word with you. During the long interval 
 that has elapsed, I have never ceased to 
 think of you. In the tent, or on the field, 
 your image has been constantly before me. 
 I have looked upon you as my guardian 
 angel." 
 
 " I did not suppose your majesty ever 
 thought of me," said Jane. "You, who 
 have seen so many beauties " 
 
 "But none of them ever produced the 
 same effect upon me as you. Tell me, 
 sweet Jane," he said, in the soft tones that 
 had generally proved resistless, "have you 
 ever thought of me?" 
 
 " Too often for my peace of mind, my
 
 ALB AN SHORE. I O I 
 
 liege," she replied. " I have sometimes 
 wished I had never beheld you." 
 
 " Oh, say not so !" he cried. " You will 
 have no cause to regret meeting me, for 
 henceforward I will devote myself to you. 
 Fate has separated us for a while, but we 
 are now restored to each other, and we 
 will part no more." 
 
 " I must not listen to such language, 
 
 even from your majesty," said Jane, trem- 
 bling. " You forget that I have a husband, 
 whom I ought to love above all other men, 
 and whose happiness depends upon me." 
 
 "Your husband will surrender you to 
 me," said the king. "Nay, he must — if I 
 so will it." 
 
 " Your majesty may take me from him 
 by force — but he will never yield me up. 
 Of that I am certain," replied Jane. 
 
 "But you will come to me of your own 
 free will — will you not, sweetheart ? From
 
 102 THE GOLDSMITH'S IHFE. 
 
 love, or pity, you must needs be mine — I 
 cannot live without you." 
 
 " Press me not for an answer, my liege ! 
 I dare not give it," murmured Jane. 
 
 " Confess you love me, and I shall be 
 satisfied !" cried Edward. 
 
 "Hist! hist!" exclaimed Alice. "There 
 are footsteps on the stairs." 
 
 Next moment, Shore entered the room, 
 and if he had looked towards his wife, he 
 must inevitably have noticed her confusion. 
 
 His attention, however, was directed to 
 the king, who had drawn back when the 
 warning was given by Mistress Fordham. 
 
 " All is prepared, my liege," he said. 
 " The bags of money will be delivered to 
 your grooms." 
 
 " I thank you heartily, good Master 
 Shore," replied Edward. "I repeat you 
 have conferred a great boon upon me. 
 Adieu, fair mistress !" he added, turning to
 
 ALB AN SHORE. 1 03 
 
 Jane, " We shall soon see you again at 
 Windsor Castle." 
 
 " Why do you not answer ?" cried Shore. 
 " Yes, my gracious liege. I will not fail to 
 bring her and Mistress Fordham." 
 
 With a look at Jane, who only just dared 
 to raise her eyes, and who almost shrank 
 from his gaze, the king quitted the room, 
 ceremoniously attended by Shore. 
 
 Shortly afterwards, shouts in the street 
 proclaimed that he was mounting his 
 charger, and Alice, who had rushed to the 
 window, called out : 
 
 " Come hither quickly, Jane. His majesty 
 is looking for you." 
 
 But Jane did not stir. 
 
 A trampling was then heard, announcing 
 the departure of the royal cavalcade. But 
 Jane still continued motionless. 
 
 Presently Alice left the window, and Jane 
 said to her :
 
 104 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 " Is he gone?" 
 
 " Yes," replied the other. " Why did you 
 not gladden him with a parting smile ? He 
 looked back as long as he was in sight." 
 
 " I have done wrong in listening to him, 
 Alice," said Jane, gravely. " I must not see 
 him again — I will not go to Windsor." 
 
 "Not go to Windsor! — not attend the 
 tournament ! What excuse will you make 
 to your husband?" 
 
 " I will tell him the truth." 
 
 " Very proper, no doubt — but extremely 
 foolish," cried Alice, half contemptuously. 
 " You will only make Shore uncomfortable. 
 If you are wise, you will hold your tongue." 
 
 "Perhaps that may be the best course," 
 observed Jane. " At all events, I won't go 
 to Windsor." 
 
 " We shall see," muttered Alice. 
 
 Determined to use all her influence to 
 frustrate Jane's good intentions, Mistress
 
 ALB AN SHORE. I 05 
 
 Fordham thought it best not to say any- 
 thing at the moment, feeling convinced that 
 another and more favourable opportunity 
 for discussing the matter would speedily 
 arise. 
 
 She therefore took leave of her friend, 
 promising to come next day, when she 
 hoped to find that Jane had changed her 
 mind. 
 
 " I don't think I shall," replied the gold- 
 smith's wife. 
 
 " Don't decide till to-morrow," said Alice ; 
 " and, meanwhile, say nothing to Alban." 
 
 Rather reluctantly Jane assented to the 
 suggestion, and Alice took her departure.
 
 io6 
 
 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 X. 
 
 HOW JANE DETERMINED NOT TO GO TO WINDSOR, AND BY 
 WHOM HER PRUDENT RESOLVE WAS OVERRULED. 
 
 Alban could not help remarking that his 
 wife seemed thoughtful during the re- 
 mainder of the day, and he was the more 
 surprised by her pensive looks, as he ex- 
 pected she would have been overjoyed by 
 the royal invitation to the tournament. 
 
 However, he did not question her on the 
 subject, but on the following day, finding 
 she still looked more serious than was her 
 wont, he said, " Why so melancholy,
 
 ALB AN SHORE. IOJ 
 
 dearest Jane? Has aught occurred to 
 trouble ? Confide your grief to me." 
 
 "Nay, I have no grief," said Jane, trying 
 to force a smile. 
 
 " Something is certainly upon your mind," 
 observed Alban. " Does aught connected 
 with the king's visit disturb you ? It may 
 be that you have some dread of appearing 
 among the Court dames, and fancy they 
 may look down upon you. Dismiss any 
 such notion. A goldsmith's Avife may not 
 take rank, but she cannot be slighted; 
 and depend upon it no disrespect will be 
 shown you. If I thought so, you should 
 not go." 
 
 •' Oh, no ; } T ou are mistaken !" she cried ; 
 " I have no fear of beino; treated with dis- 
 
 CD 
 
 respect. But I think it will be best not to 
 go to "Windsor. Do not ask my reasons, 
 for I cannot very well explain them. It 
 will be a great disappointment to me not
 
 Io8 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 to see the tournament ; but I am sure I 
 should experience some annoyance that 
 would do away with all my pleasure." 
 
 "Make yourself quite easy, sweetheart, 
 The king will take care you experience no 
 annoyance." 
 
 " That may be ; but you know how cen- 
 sorious people are, and were his majesty to 
 pay me any attentions, improper construc- 
 tions would infallibly be put upon them." 
 
 "But if I am satisfied, you need not 
 mind what other people sa}-," remarked 
 Alban. " I have too much faith in you to 
 be jealous, even of the king." 
 
 "You are too good," cried Jane, almost 
 overcome. " I do not deserve your con- 
 fidence." 
 
 " What terrible matter have you kept 
 back from me ?" said Alban, smiling good- 
 humouredly, and taking her hand. " Tell 
 me, sweetheart — tell me."
 
 ALB AN SHORE. 10 9 
 
 " Since you will have me speak," rejoined 
 Jane, summoning up her courage for the 
 dreaded disclosure, " the king professes to 
 be in love with me." 
 
 The announcement did not produce the 
 effect she anticipated. Shore's equanimity 
 was not in the slightest decree disturbed. 
 On the contrary, he smiled, and said: 
 
 " That is only what I expected. His 
 majesty professes to be in love with every 
 pretty woman he meets. Many of them 
 are foolish enough to believe him ; but I 
 am sure that is not the case with you." 
 
 Jane made no answer, and her husband 
 went on. 
 
 "You must not for a moment treat the 
 matter seriously. Your safety is in indif- 
 ference, real or assumed." 
 
 " But what am I to do if the king should 
 continue to persecute me with his ad- 
 dresses?"
 
 I I O THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 " Act as I advise, and he will soon de- 
 sist," replied Shore. 
 
 Just then Mistress Fordham made her 
 appearance. 
 
 She saw at a glance how matters stood, 
 and though she blamed Jane's imprudence, 
 she was glad to find that Alban seemed so 
 unconcerned. 
 
 " Jane has just let me into a secret," he 
 said ; " but I dare say it is no secret to you. 
 She tells me the king is in Ibve with her. 
 Knowing his character, I should be sur- 
 prised if he were not. His passion gives 
 me no sort of uneasiness, because I feel 
 sure it will never be reciprocated. Jane's 
 affection for me could no more be shaken 
 than could mine for her." 
 
 " 1 admire your calmness, sir," rejoined 
 Mistress Fordham. " You view the matter 
 most sensibly. I have always said you are 
 the best of husbands, and you now prove
 
 ALB AN SHORE. I 1 I 
 
 the truth of my assertion. You are quite 
 right in the good opinion you entertain of 
 your wife. Rest assured she will never 
 deceive you." 
 
 "I am certain of it," replied Shore. " I 
 should be sorry she stayed away from any 
 mistaken apprehension of the king's de- 
 signs, which, if contemplated, can easily be 
 baffled." 
 
 " I will do whatever you desire," said 
 Jane. 
 
 " Spoken like a dutiful wife," he cried. 
 " Since the matter is settled, I will now tell 
 you that I have just seen the Lord Mayor. 
 Hearing that we are invited to the royal 
 festivities, he offers to take us in his bar^e 
 to Windsor." 
 
 ". Oh ! that will be delightful !" exclaimed 
 Jane. 
 
 "Then you will not blame me for accept- 
 ing the offer ?" remarked Shore.
 
 I I 2 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 "Blame you? Oh, no ! I should have 
 been grieved if you had declined it. No- 
 thing could please me better than such a trip. 
 But Alice must go with us." 
 
 " That is arranged. There will be a large 
 party on board the barge, consisting of the 
 aldermen and their wives, and some other 
 important citizens. I think you will find it 
 amusing." 
 
 " I am sure I shall," cried Jane, who 
 was now radiant with delight. " His ma- 
 jesty seems very desirous to please the 
 citizens." 
 
 " He wishes to show his gratitude for the 
 substantial aid they have given him towards 
 the projected invasion of France," replied 
 Shore. " But I must now leave you, sweet- 
 heart. I have some matters of business to 
 attend to." 
 
 "Well pleased at having brought back the
 
 ALB AN SHORE. I I J 
 
 smiles to his wife's fair cheek, he then 
 quitted the room. 
 
 " Was there ever such an obliging hus- 
 band," exclaimed Alice. 
 
 " Never, I am certain," replied Jane. " I 
 should be culpable, indeed, were I to betray 
 his trust in me I" 
 
 vol. i.
 
 H4 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 XI. 
 
 THE GOODLY COMPANY ASSEMBLED IN THE LORD MAYOR'S 
 
 BARGE. 
 
 Very lovely was the morn on which Jane 
 and her husband, with Mistress Fordham, 
 stepped on board the Lord Mayor's barge. 
 
 At the prow of the burnished vessel 
 floated a large silken banner, emblazoned 
 Avith the City arms. The oarsmen were 
 clad in rich liveries ; several pages were in 
 attendance ; and trumpeters in embroidered 
 tunics and velvet caps, made the towers on 
 the bridge ring with the bruit of their silver 
 clarions.
 
 A LB AN SHORE. T15 
 
 Already the principal part of the com- 
 pany was assembled, and the grand saloon 
 of the barge, hung with silken curtains, 
 and provided with velvet-cushioned seats, 
 presented a splendid sight, being filled with 
 the wives of the sheriffs and aldermen, and 
 some other City dames, all of whom wore 
 rich attire and costly ornaments ; collars of 
 gold round the neck, and girdles set with 
 precious stones. 
 
 Tall steeple caps, with large butterfly 
 wings attached to them, predominated 
 among the fair assemblage ; but a few cres- 
 cent head-dresses could be seen. 
 
 At the upper end of the saloon, and con- 
 spicuous by the amplitude of her person, as 
 well as by the splendour of her apparel and 
 ornaments, sat the Lady Mayoress. 
 
 A prodigiously fine woman. No wonder 
 her full-blown charms had attracted the 
 kings admiration. Her dress consisted of 
 
 i2
 
 I l6 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 a crimson velvet gown, richly embroidered, 
 and a large turban -shaped head-dress, 
 adorned with pearls. 
 
 The other ladies were, likewise, splendidly 
 dressed, and several of them possessed con- 
 siderable personal attractions ; but there 
 was not one who did not flatter herself 
 that she had been the special object of the 
 gallant king's regards. To gain the good- 
 will of the citizens, Edward made love to 
 their wives, and, judging by the result, the 
 plan succeeded. 
 
 The Lord Mayor was arrayed in crimson 
 velvet, and had a furred velvet cap on his 
 head, and a gold baldrick round his neck. 
 The sheriffs and aldermen wore scarlet 
 gowns, with purple hoods, and the splendour 
 of their habiliments added to the brilliant 
 appearance of the assemblage. Moreover, 
 as we have intimated, there were several
 
 ALB AN SHORE. 1 1 7 
 
 wealthy citizens among the company, and 
 they were all richly attired. 
 
 Jane drew all eyes upon her as she en- 
 tered, and was conducted to the upper end 
 of the saloon by the Lord Mayor. She 
 was very charmingly dressed in a gown of 
 blue velvet, trimmed with fur ; and in lieu 
 of a steeple cap, she wore a roll of white 
 silk, through the centre of which her fair 
 tresses were allowed to pass, and flow down 
 her back. A murmur of admiration arose 
 as she passed on, for there was a witchery 
 about her that was quite irresistible, and the 
 ladies were forced to admit the supremacy 
 of her beauty. 
 
 She was very graciously received by the 
 Lady Mayoress, who assigned her a place 
 near her own seat. This attention was the 
 more marked, as the stately dame's manner 
 towards Mistress Fordham was exceedingly 
 stiff and distant.
 
 I I 8 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 A few more arrivals took place, and 
 then, the whole party being assembled, the 
 gorgeous vessel commenced the ascent of 
 the river, amid the clangour of trumpets, 
 and the shouts of the throng congregated 
 on the wharf. 
 
 At first, the progress of the barge was 
 slow — intentionally so, perhaps — and it was 
 a very pretty sight to watch it as it moved 
 on, accompanied by a crowd of smaller 
 barques, nearly all of which were occupied 
 by persons in holiday apparel. 
 
 It being understood by the occupants of 
 the barques that the fair Mistress Shore was 
 on board the barge, great curiosity was ma- 
 nifested to obtain a glimpse of her. But 
 this was not so easily accomplished, since 
 Jane was hidden by those around her ; and 
 it was not till she was subsequently brought 
 on deck by the Lord Mayor, that she was 
 recognised and welcomed by a loud shout.
 
 ALBAN SHORE. I 1 9 
 
 As the day was remarkably fine, a de- 
 lightful excursion could be calculated upon ; 
 and having this pleasant prospect before 
 them, the company were all in high spirits, 
 and nothing was heard in the saloon, or on 
 deck, but lively sallies and laughter. 
 
 A water-party, at the time of which we 
 treat, must have been remarkably agree- 
 able ; the river being then perfectly clear, 
 and its banks free from all unsightly struc- 
 tures. Indeed, from London Bridge to the 
 old Palace of Westminster, built by Ed- 
 ward the Confessor, and greatly enlarged 
 by the then reigning monarch, a constant 
 succession of picturesque buildings de- 
 lighted the eye. 
 
 Higher up, charming prospects opened 
 on the view ; quaint habitations, constitut- 
 ing a small village, and each village boast- 
 ing a church ; ancient mansions, half hid- 
 den by trees ; gardens with terraces ; and
 
 120 THE GOLDSMITH'S IWFE. 
 
 smooth lawns, sloping down to the water's 
 edge ; grey convents and other monastic- 
 looking houses ; parks with long sweeping 
 glades, amidst which herds of deer could 
 be descried ; such were the principal fea- 
 tures of the scenery, through which ran 
 the bright, pellucid river. 
 
 Jane was enchanted. Often had she 
 made a little voyage on the Thames, but 
 never under circumstances more agreeable 
 — never on a finer day. 
 
 Moreover, the greatest court was paid 
 her — the Lord Mayor and all the principal 
 personages vying with each other in at- 
 tention. 
 
 Having breasted the silver current for 
 several miles, the barge had now brought 
 its company to a most lovely region, that 
 still retains its pristine beauty, though lack- 
 ing, of course, the quiet and secluded cha- 
 racter which then distinguished it.
 
 ALB AN SHORE. 1 2 I 
 
 The river was now flowing past a lovely 
 hill, partially clothed with wood. From 
 the summit of the eminence an unequalled 
 prospect could be obtained over a vast 
 plain, then so thickly covered with timber 
 that it resembled a forest. At intervals the 
 river could be traced as it winded its way 
 through the plain, and the distant view 
 was bounded by the towers of Windsor 
 Castle. 
 
 Nearer could be seen the antique village 
 of Kingston, with its reverend church. 
 
 The exceeding beauty of the river banks 
 at this point — the verdant slopes and noble 
 trees on the left, the lovely meads on the 
 right — all combined to form a most ex- 
 quisite picture.
 
 122 THE GOLDSMITH'S JVIFE. 
 
 XII. 
 
 HOW THEY WERE ENTERTAINED AT SKENE TALACE, AND 
 HOW MALBOUCHE, THE KING'S JESTER, CAME ON BOARD 
 THE BAKGE, AND WHAT PASSED BETWEEN HIM AND JANE. 
 
 Shortly ^afterwards, the royal mansion 
 of Skene, hitherto screened from observa- 
 tion by the intervening woods, came into 
 view, and formed a most striking object 
 with its grand faqade, its immense bay win- 
 dows, battlements, and turrets. 
 
 Nothing could be liner than the situation 
 of Shene Palace, the windows of which 
 commanded the magnificent prospect just 
 described, while its garden and terrace ex- 
 tended along the margin of the river.
 
 ALB AN SHORE. I 23 
 
 As the barge approached the stately pile, 
 a boat put off from the landing-place, 
 having on board a chamberlain and three 
 or four serving-men in the royal livery. 
 
 At a sign from the chamberlain, the 
 barge was stopped, and the official, respect- 
 fully saluting the Lord Mayor, invited him 
 and the rest of the party, in the king's 
 name, to enter the palace, and partake of 
 some refreshment. 
 
 The invitation was readily accepted, and 
 the company having landed, were con- 
 ducted by the chamberlain to the great 
 banqueting-hall, where a splendid collation 
 was laid out for them. At the same time 
 he explained that these preparations had 
 been made by his majesty's commands. 
 Half an hour being spent over the repast, 
 the Lord Mayor and those with him re- 
 turned to the barge, very well satisfied with 
 their entertainment.
 
 124 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 An addition was here made to the party 
 in the person of Malbouche, the king's 
 favourite jester. As Malbouche was pro- 
 ceeding to Windsor Castle to join his royal 
 master, he begged to be taken on board 
 the barge, and of course his request was 
 readily granted. Moreover, he was not 
 placed with the other servants, but was 
 allowed to remain on deck with the com- 
 pany, and he amused them very much by 
 his caustic remarks. 
 
 Malbouche's grotesque attire proclaimed 
 his office. On his head he Avore a cock's- 
 eomb, and carried a bauble in his hand. 
 Over his shoulder was suspended a broad 
 baldrick hung with silver bells. The royal 
 badge was embroidered in front, and at the 
 back of his scarlet cloth tunic, which had 
 loose hanging; sleeves lined with white. His 
 hose were parti-coloured, red and white. 
 
 Short and round shouldered, Malbouche
 
 ALB AN SHORE. 125 
 
 had an ill-favoured countenance, marked 
 by a decidedly malicious expression, and 
 lighted up by a pair of piercing black 
 eyes. 
 
 Like all jesters, Malbouclic was privi- 
 leged to say what he pleased, even to his 
 royal master, and he took full advantage 
 of the license. 
 
 " What hast thou been doing at Shcne, 
 my merry knave?" said the Lord Mayor 
 to him. 
 
 " I came here on important business, my 
 lord," replied Malbouche. " I was sent 
 by my royal master to see that your lord- 
 ship and those with you were fittingly en- 
 tertained." 
 
 " Why did his majesty select thee for 
 the office ? Thou art scarce suited to it," 
 observed the Lord Mayor. 
 
 "The king is a better judge than your 
 lordship," rejoined Malbouche. " Besides,
 
 126 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 I knew that fair Mistress Shore was to be of 
 the party, and I wished to behold her." 
 
 " Were that really thine object, thou hast 
 come on a very foolish errand," observed 
 Jane. 
 
 " Not so," replied Malbouche. " I rarely 
 pay compliments. But I have seen a 
 marvel. The king had said much of you, 
 but all he said fell short of the truth." 
 
 " Pooh ! thou art turned flatterer," re- 
 marked Jane. 
 
 " You will not think so, fair mistress, 
 when you know me better," rejoined the 
 jester. " The Court dames and damsels 
 give me a very different character. Take 
 advice, fair mistress, and stay not long at 
 Windsor, or you are never like to return. 
 Were I Master Shore, I would not have 
 brought you at all." 
 
 " Thou art a dislo} T al knave to say so," 
 observed the goldsmith.
 
 ALB AN SHORE. I 27 
 
 " And you are over confident," replied 
 Malbouche. " I warrant me you would not 
 expose your brightest jewel to a band of 
 robbers." 
 
 " Dost compare thy royal master and his 
 nobles to a band of robbers?" observed 
 Shore. 
 
 " An' your jewel be lost, you will cry out 
 that it is stolen," remarked the jester. 
 
 " Why dost thou not give like caution to 
 others besides me ?" observed Shore. 
 
 " Because none of them have such a pre- 
 cious gem," was the rejoinder. 
 
 The goldsmith said no more, fearing the 
 jester might make some farther sarcastic 
 remark calculated to give offence to the 
 City dignitaries. 
 
 Presently, Malbouche observed to the 
 Lord Mayor : 
 
 " Shall I tell your lordship why you are 
 all bidden to Windsor? Tis that the Kinn- 
 
 o
 
 128 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 expects an answer from his royal cousin r 
 Louis of France, to whom he has sent a 
 defiance bv Garter King-at-Arrns." 
 
 J CD 
 
 " That is no secret," replied the Lord 
 Mayor. " The citizens of London are ready 
 and willing to aid his majesty in a war with 
 France. Normandy and Guienne belong to 
 us of right, and we would gladly recover 
 them." 
 
 " Then the kins is wiser than I deemed 
 in embarking in the war," observed the 
 jester. " But what of James of Scotland? 
 Will he not take advantage of the oppor- 
 tunity thus afforded him to invade Eng- 
 land ?" 
 
 " We have a truce with the King of Scot- 
 land," rejoined the Lord Mayor. " There 
 is nothing to fear from him." 
 
 "If he break not the truce, I will send 
 him my fool's cap," said Malbouche.
 
 ALB AN SHORE. 12 0, 
 
 XIII. 
 
 HOW THE KING AND QUEEN, WITH THE LORDS AND LADIES 
 OF THE COURT, RETURNED FROM HAWKING IN THE 
 FOREST. 
 
 Meanwhile, they had gradually neared 
 Windsor Castle, and were now passing by 
 the Home Park, the beautiful woods of 
 which grew down to the margin of the 
 river. 
 
 Jane had long been gazing at the proud 
 regal structure, which she now beheld for 
 the first time. Much as she had heard of 
 it, its grandeur far surpassed all her pre- 
 conceived notions. 
 
 vol. 1. K
 
 '30 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. ' 
 
 From the eminence on which the lordly 
 pile was reared, it seemed to look down 
 majestically on the surrounding plain. The 
 royal standard floated from the keep, and a 
 party y£ armed men could be seen on the 
 northern terrace. 
 
 On the right of the river, surrounded by 
 trees, was the College of Eton, founded 
 
 i ■ live and thirty years previously by the 
 
 imfori mate Henrv the Sixth. But Jane's 
 _■■>/.■■ remained fixed upon the castle, and she 
 .•••I it. I look at nothing else till they reached 
 the u -Jiarf near the bridge. 
 
 Here half a dozen magnificent chariots, 
 with richly caparisoned horses attached to 
 rli -in. were waiting to convey the Lord 
 Mayor and the rest of the party to the 
 castle* Mounted grooms and henchmen 
 apparelled in the royal liveries, were like- 
 wise in attendance. The foremost chariot 
 w ••- assigned to the Lord Mayor, but at the
 
 A LB AN SHORE. 131 
 
 special request of the Lady Mayoress, Jane 
 and her husband, with Mistress Fordham, 
 rode with them. 
 
 As soon as the equipages were filled, the 
 cavalcade made its way through the old 
 town, and, mounting the steep street that 
 led past the walls of the castle, came to a 
 gateway, flanked by strong towers, leading 
 to the basement court. They did not, 
 however, enter the court, but, by the direc- 
 tions of the officer in attendance, proceeded 
 to the Great Park, where the king had 
 pitched his pavilion. 
 
 Driving past the south terrace of the 
 castle, they presently turned off into a long 
 avenue bordered by magnificent trees, and 
 having tracked it for about a quarter of a 
 mile, came to an opening on the right, that 
 admitted them to a large clear space, in the 
 midst of which was the royal pavilion. 
 Fashioned of red velvet, lined with silk, 
 
 k 2
 
 13 2 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 and embroidered all over in gold, Avith the 
 kind's cognizance — the " rose en soleil" — 
 it presented a superb appearance. 
 
 Accustomed to camp life, Edward liked 
 it during fine weather ; and hence, though 
 he had the noblest castle in the realm close 
 at hand, he chose to pitch his tent in the 
 forest. 
 
 But the place was deserted at the time 
 of the arrival of the Lord Mayor and his 
 party, for his majesty and the queen were 
 hawking in the forest with the lords and 
 ladies of the court. However, the new 
 comers had only just alighted, and were 
 still collected in front of the royal pavilion, 
 when word was given that the king was 
 returning, and immediately afterwards a 
 numerous and splendid party could be seen 
 approaching through the trees. 
 
 At the head of the cavalcade, which com- 
 prised, as just intimated, all the principal
 
 A LB AN SHORE. 133 
 
 lords and ladies of the Court, as well as 
 the two royal dukes, rode the king and 
 queen. 
 
 Edward was magnificently dressed, as 
 usual. His tunic was of green velvet, em- 
 broidered with gold, and trimmed with 
 sable. His cap was likewise of green velvet, 
 adorned with a heron's plume, and a silver 
 buode h 11112; from his shoulder. Attached to 
 his girdle was a wood-knife. His courser 
 was splendidly equipped, but not so much 
 so as to impede the action of the high- 
 mettled animal. 
 
 The queen, who rode a snow-white pal- 
 frey, trapped in cloth of gold, embroidered 
 with white roses, was exceedingly hand- 
 some ; but her features had a very haughty 
 expression, and her fine eyes had sometimes 
 a sinister look. Her tresses were still light 
 and luxuriant, and her figure faultless. 
 Personally, she was quite as attractive as
 
 134 THE GOLDSMITH'S UIFE. 
 
 when the king first beheld her, and became 
 so passionately enamoured of her, that he 
 married her despite all opposition. 
 
 To Edward's credit, it must be stated that 
 although he had long ceased to love his 
 consort, he paid her the utmost deference. 
 On her part, the queen manifested no jea- 
 lousy, though quite aware of his numerous 
 infidelities, being perfectly content with the 
 homage he paid her in public. Owing to 
 this judicious course, they had no quarrels, 
 and Elizabeth never lost her influence over 
 her royal husband. Her great desire was 
 to aggrandise her own family ; and she suc- 
 ceeded so well in the aim,' enriching her 
 father, ennobling her brother, and exalting 
 her sisters by marrying them into the 
 proudest families, that she incurred the 
 animosity of all the old nobility. Confident, 
 however, of Edward's support, she set them 
 completely at defiance.
 
 ALB AN SHORE. 
 
 .O 
 
 The queen was arrayed in a tight-fitting 
 long-waisted cote-hardie of baudekvn. Over 
 the own, which was so loiiir that it ouito 
 concealed her pointed shoes, she w »re : 
 furred mantle, which displayed her eb arm- 
 ing figure to perfection. It is needless to 
 describe the costly ornaments with v hich 
 she was bedecked, the jewels running dowii 
 the centre of her gown, or the splendour of 
 her girdle and collar ; but we must mention 
 that her hair was confined by a golden com] >. 
 
 « 
 
 with large and preposterous side ornament.-. 
 like wings, attached to it. 
 
 The queen was attended by a score of 
 ladies, almost all of whom were young and 
 beautiful, and made a splendid show on 
 their mettlesome palfreys. 
 
 The costume of these fair dames arid 
 damsels was somewhat varied, but they had 
 one feature in common peculiar to t!><- 
 period — namely, the tall steeple cap. 
 
 %
 
 i$6 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 With the queen Avere the two young 
 princesses, Elizabeth and Cicely, both very 
 pretty girls. They rode what were then 
 called hobby-horses, and managed them ex- 
 tremely well. 
 
 Mingled with the ladies of the Court 
 were an equal number of nobles and dis- 
 tinguished personages, chief amongst whom 
 were the king's two brothers, George, Duke 
 of Clarence, and Richard, Duke of Glou- 
 cester. Neither of them possessed Edward's 
 lofty stature, handsome physiognomy, nor 
 majestic deportment. Indeed, the Duke of 
 Gloucester was deformed and crook-backed, 
 by which epithet he was constantly distin- 
 guished. 
 
 The Duke of Clarence, who was not yet 
 thirty, was slight, but well-formed, and had 
 a noble countenance ; the expression, how- 
 ever, of his eyes was shifting, and betrayed 
 his treacherous character. His habiliments
 
 ALB JN SHORE. 1 37 
 
 were splendid, and he was mounted on a 
 fiery steed. 
 
 Some seven or eight years previously, the 
 Duke of Clarence had espoused Isabella, 
 eldest daughter of the great Earl of War- 
 wick, surnamed the " King Maker," and 
 who, in fact, had enabled Edward to obtain 
 the crown. Soon after his alliance, the am- 
 bitious young duke, who secretly aspired to 
 the throne, revolted against his brother. 
 True to no one, however, he deserted War- 
 wick at the most critical juncture, and join- 
 in <t his brother with several thousand men, 
 enabled him to win the battle of Barnet, at 
 which Warwick was slain. 
 
 The Duchess of Clarence was amongst 
 the ladies, but there was no cordiality be- 
 tween her and the queen. At the time of 
 her marriage, the duchess was considered 
 
 very handsome ; but she now looked pale 
 
 * 
 
 and thin, and appeared far from happy.
 
 ic-8 
 
 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 Could she be happy, indeed, when she knew 
 that the duke, her husband, had betrayed 
 her father, and caused his death ! 
 
 But if Clarence was perfidious, he was 
 not half so dangerous as his brother, the 
 dark, deceitful Gloucester. Clarence had 
 not the talent to conceal his designs, but 
 Gloucester, who was equally treacherous, 
 was a deep dissembler, and worked in 
 secret. Though the throne seemed com- 
 pletely shut out from him, he determined 
 to mount it, and nothing turned him from 
 his purpose. 
 
 To look at that bold, crafty visage, in 
 every line of which cunning was written ; 
 to feel the effect of that dark, searching 
 eye, caused those who came near him to 
 comprehend that they were in the presence 
 of a master spirit. Gloucester could not 
 inspire regard ; but he inspired dread. Men 
 hated him, but served him well, because
 
 ALB AN SHORE. 139 
 
 they feared him. Even Edward experienced 
 the force of his determined will. 
 
 Gloucester would have been of the 
 average height had not his crooked back 
 diminished his stature by several inches. 
 In other respects lie was well-proportioned, 
 and strongly built. His features were de- 
 cidedly handsome, though the expression 
 was sinister. His complexion and hair 
 were dark, and his eyes exceedingly "fine, 
 and their glances full of fire. Not only did 
 Gloucester possess the wisdom of the ser- 
 pent, but the venom. Courageous, and a 
 good leader, he never hesitated to attack a 
 superior force. 
 
 There was no love between him and the 
 Duke of Clarence, whom he had deeply 
 offended by his marriage with Anne, the 
 younger daughter of the Earl of Warwick, 
 and widow of Prince Edward, son of Mar- 
 garet of Anjou, and the unfortunate
 
 14°. THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 Henry VI. Having helped to despatch the 
 young prince, after the battle of Tewkes- 
 bury, which sealed the fate of the Lancas- 
 trian party, Gloucester resolved to marry 
 the princess, and succeeded in his design, 
 notwithstanding all the efforts of Clarence 
 to prevent him. 
 
 By this match, Gloucester secured a large 
 portion of Warwick's immense possessions, 
 and laughed at his brother's displeasure. A 
 long and bitter dispute ensued, which at 
 length was settled by the king, but from 
 that time the brothers nourished a deadly 
 animosity towards each other. 
 
 Gloucester was as fond of dress as the 
 king, and wore the richest stuffs and the 
 most splendid ornaments. His embroidered 
 mantle was so disposed as to hide his hunch- 
 back as much as possible. His black velvet 
 cap was adorned with gems. 
 
 It would seem scarcely possible that the
 
 ALB AN SHORE. 1 4 l 
 
 Princess Anne could endure the man who 
 had slain her husband, and forced her into 
 a marriage that at first had appeared 
 hateful to her ; but Gloucester had so won 
 upon her regard, that she now seemed to 
 like him. She was among the queen's 
 ladies, and rode by the side of the Duchess 
 of Clarence. 
 
 The Princess Anne was far handsomer 
 than her sister, and to judge from her 
 countenance, was disturbed by no secret 
 grief. Her attire was very sumptuous. 
 She wore a cote-hardie of blue velvet, and 
 her girdle was studded with gems. Pas- 
 sionately fond of hawking and of the chase, 
 she had greatly enjoyed the day's pastime. 
 
 Of the nobles who composed the king's 
 suite, we may enumerate the Duke of 
 Buckingham, the Marquis of Dorset, the 
 Lord Hastings, the Lord Rivers, the 
 queen's brother, the Lords Howard and
 
 H 2 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 Stanley, Sir Thomas Montgomery, and Sir 
 Thomas Saint Leger — the latter being a great 
 favourite with the king. All these nobles 
 and gentlemen were attired in hunting 
 dresses of green velvet, embroidered with 
 gold, and were mounted on fleet, well-bred 
 coursers. 
 
 At the rear of the cavalcade came the 
 falconers, carrying the hawks in their hoods 
 and jesses ; and the huntsmen, with the 
 hounds in leash. These, with a great number 
 of grooms, piquers, and pages, completed 
 the splendid train.
 
 ALB AN SHORE. 1 43 
 
 XIV. 
 
 OF THE GRAND COLLATION GIVEN IN THE PAVILION ; AND 
 OF THE STRANGE PRESENT BROUGHT BY GARTER FROM 
 LOUIS OF FRANCE. 
 
 As the king entered the open space, and 
 perceived the Lord Mayor and his party 
 stationed near the royal pavilion, he rode 
 forward, and offered them a most gracious 
 welcome. While distributing his smiles 
 among the bevy of fair dames, he bestowed 
 a special greeting on Jane. 
 
 Shortly afterwards the queen came up, 
 and the Lord Mayor and the Lady Mayoress 
 were presented by the king to her majesty, 
 who expressed herself delighted to see them.
 
 144 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 Some other presentations then took place, 
 and daring these formalities, the nobles and 
 ladies composing the cavalcade dismounted, 
 and their coursers and palfreys "were led 
 away by the grooms. 
 
 Having welcomed his guests, Edward 
 sprang from his charger, and bidding them 
 follow him without ceremony, took the hand 
 of the Lady Mayoress, and conducted her 
 to the pavilion, in which a splendid colla- 
 tion was laid out. They were followed by 
 the queen and the Lord Mayor ; and pur- 
 suing the example thus set them, the royal 
 dukes and the nobles each selected a 
 citizen's wife, while the sheriffs and alder- 
 men were honoured by Court dames. Jane 
 fell to the share of the Lord Chamberlain, 
 who took care to place her near his royal 
 master. 
 
 Thou oh a rigorous observer of re^al eti- 
 quette, Edward would sometimes dispense
 
 ALB AN SHORE. 145 
 
 with it altogether, as on this occasion, when, 
 his great object being to conciliate the citi- 
 zens, he treated them with unwonted fami- 
 liarity. At the same time, though exces- 
 sively affable, he was dignified in deport- 
 ment as usual. 
 
 The interior of the pavilion was splendid, 
 as it was roofed with cloth of gold. The 
 tables were covered with plate, and there 
 was a superb buffet. The daintiest fare and 
 the most exquisite wines were set before 
 the guests. 
 
 At the close of the repast, the king- 
 caused a large goblet to be filled by his cup- 
 bearer, and drank to the Lord Mayor and 
 the citizens. After which they all rose, and 
 pledged his majesty in return. 
 
 "You are aware, my good and faithful 
 lieges," said the king to the citizens, " that 
 we have sent a herald to our cousin, Louis 
 of France, to signify to him that he must 
 
 vol. 1. L
 
 I46 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 forthwith restore to us the duchies of 
 Guienne and Normandy, and if he refuses 
 to do so, wc will make war upon him, and 
 invade his dominions with all our power. 
 We shall soon know what answer Louis 
 hath sent, for Garter, the herald, as we learn, 
 hath returned to London from his embassy, 
 and is on the way hither." 
 
 At this juncture, Malbouche, who was 
 stationed at the back of the king's seat, 
 Avhispered something in his majesty's ear. 
 
 " Say'st thou that Garter has arrived ?" 
 cried Edward. 
 
 " Yea, my liege," replied the jester, speak- 
 ing in a loud voice, so that all around might 
 hear. " And he hath brought your majesty 
 some presents. King Louis hath sent you 
 the best horse in his stables, and a noble 
 steed it is. But that is not all — he hath 
 sent your majesty something more."
 
 ALB AN SHORE. 147 
 
 ."Indeed!" exclaimed Edward. "Doth 
 he think to pacify me by gifts ?" 
 
 " There is much significance in the pr - 
 sent," replied Malbouche. "But here comes 
 the herald, who will give your majesty all 
 needful explanation." 
 
 As he spoke, Garter appeared at th^ 
 entrance of the pavilion, and way was mad< 
 him to approach the king. 
 
 " Thou art welcome from France I" cried 
 Edward, as the herald bent profoundly. 
 " Hast thou made our demand of King 
 Louis? Speak out! AVe desire that all 
 should hear his answer." 
 
 " King Louis's answer was very brief, m\ 
 liege," rejoined Garter. " He received me 
 very well, and manifested neither anger 
 nor impatience while I made my demand. 
 When I had done, he regarded me fixedl} 
 and somewhat sternly, and remarked, 'Tel 
 
 l 2
 
 148 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 the king our cousin that we counsel him 
 to do nothing.' That was all he said. In 
 token of his friendly feeling towards your 
 majesty, he hath sent you the best horse 
 in his stables." 
 
 "Aught more?" inquired Edward. 
 
 " Yes, my liege," replied Garter, with 
 some hesitation. " Just before my depar- 
 ture he sent his quarter-master, Messire 
 Jean de Lailler, with a wolf, a wild boar, 
 and an ass, as a further present to your 
 
 majesty." 
 
 "Ha!" exclaimed Edward, angrily. 
 "Now, by Saint George! that seems like a 
 studied insult." 
 
 " 'Twas doubtless intended as an apo- 
 logue " remarked Malbouche. " Methinks 
 I can explain it. The wolf is your ma- 
 jesty — a vile comparison, doubtless — the 
 wild boar is Charles the Bold of Bur-
 
 ALB AN SHORE. 149 
 
 gundy, and the ass is the Duke of Bre- 
 tagne." 
 
 Incensed as he was, Edward could not 
 help laughing at the jester's explanation, 
 and some half-suppressed merriment was 
 heard among the company. 
 
 " Our cousin of France shall find that his 
 jest is ill-timed," said the king. "Our pre- 
 parations for the invasion are complete, 
 and, by Saint George, we will soon set foot 
 in his dominions." 
 
 At this announcement loud acclamations 
 arose from the assemblage, and it was 
 evident that the nobles and citizens were 
 of one mind in regard to the war. 
 
 Soon after this, the king arose and quitted 
 the pavilion, taking the Lady Mayoress 
 with him. His majesty was followed by 
 the queen, the Lord Mayor, and the rest of 
 the splendid company.
 
 i SO THE GOLDSMITH'S H1FE. 
 
 Shortly afterwards, the queen entered 
 her chariot with the two princesses, and 
 « as driven to the castle, whither other 
 chariots followed, filled by the Duchesses 
 of Clarence and Gloucester, and other 
 noble dames.
 
 ALB AN SHORE. 151 
 
 XV. 
 
 HOW JANE PROMISED THE KING AN ANSWER AT THE BALL. 
 
 The festivities of the day were not yet 
 ended. A grand ball was to be given in 
 the evening at the castle, to which all were 
 looking forward with delight. 
 
 A great portion of the company pro- 
 ceeded to the castle on foot, and they could 
 now be seen shaping their course thither 
 beneath the trees. 
 
 As the evening was delightful, nothing 
 could be more agreeable than the walk, 
 and Jane, who was accompanied by her
 
 152 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 husband and Mistress Fordham, enjoyed 
 it greatly. 
 
 They had just entered the great avenue, 
 and were proceeding slowly along the 
 gentle ascent leading to the castle, which 
 rose before them in all its grandeur, when 
 the trampling of horses was heard behind, 
 and the king was seen approaching, accom- 
 panied by Lord Hastings and some half- 
 dozen grooms. 
 
 As soon as he came up to Jane, the king 
 dismounted, and consigned his horse to a 
 Groom, while Hastings enframed Shore and 
 Mistress Fordham in conversation. The 
 grooms kept at a respectful distance. 
 
 As may be supposed, the enamoured 
 monarch did not lose the opportunity, but 
 protested his passion in the most ardent 
 terms. 
 
 " You have heard what has just passed," 
 he said. " I am about to invade France
 
 ALB AN SHORE 1 53 
 
 with a large army. You shall go with me, 
 and you will then be really queen. 
 
 Jane was dazzled by the brilliant pro- 
 spect opened before her. 
 
 " Could I believe that your majesty would 
 really devote yourself to me, I might be in- 
 duced to consent. But no, no !" she inter- 
 rupted; " I must not — cannot." 
 
 " Do not decide too hastily," he said. 
 "Give me your answer at the ball to- 
 night." 
 
 " My answer will still be the same, my 
 liege," she replied, trembling. 
 
 " I hope not," he rejoined. " Think what 
 you will throw away ! But I must not 
 continue this converse, lest I should excite 
 your husband's suspicions. Adieu for the 
 present." 
 
 At a sign, his horse was instantly brought 
 him by the groom, and he rode off with 
 Hastings towards the castle.
 
 154 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 Meanwhile, Shore had returned to his 
 wife. Fixing a melancholy look upon her, 
 he said : 
 
 " I cannot mistake the nature of his ma- 
 jesty's attentions to yon, Jane. He loves 
 you, and has told }^ou of his love." 
 
 Jane made no reply ; but her silence 
 convinced him he was right in the sur- 
 mise. 
 
 " You must not be exposed to this 
 danger," he said. " You shall not enter 
 the castle." 
 
 "You are needlessly alarmed," said Jane. 
 "I should be sorry to miss this grand ball. 
 To-morrow I shall be quite willing to 
 return, but not now." 
 
 " To-morrow may be too late," muttered 
 Shore. " I have made up my mind that 
 vou shall oo at once." 
 
 "But I am quite sure the king will not 
 permit our departure," she said.
 
 ALB AN SHORE. 1 55 
 
 " He will know nothing about it till we 
 are far hence," rejoined Shore, peremp- 
 torily. 
 
 " Alice," cried Jane, to Mistress Ford- 
 ham, " what do you think ? Alban says we 
 must go back immediately." 
 
 " Not stay for the ball !" exclaimed Mis- 
 tress Fordham. "It would not only be a 
 great disappointment to us, but a positive 
 disrespect to his majesty. Were I you, I 
 would positively refuse to go." 
 
 " You counsel badly, mistress," remarked 
 Shore, angrily. " Jane will obey me." 
 
 Alice gave her a look, encouraging her 
 not to yield. 
 
 " I never knew you so unreasonable be- 
 fore, Alban," said Jane. " You have ever 
 treated me with the greatest kindness, and 
 indulged all my fancies. But now you 
 would deprive me of a gratification on 
 which I have set my heart."
 
 156 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 " You know my motive Jane," lie cried, 
 in a reproachful tone. 
 
 " Yes. But I do not admit it. Dismiss 
 these silly fears. No harm will ensue." 
 
 " Since you give me that positive as- 
 surance, I will trust in you," he said. 
 
 " Then you consent to stay for the ball?" 
 she cried, eagerly. 
 
 " Very reluctantly," he replied. " I have 
 a presentiment of ill." 
 
 " Nonsense !" cried Mistress Fordham. 
 " If the king really meant to rob you of 
 your beautiful wife, do you think she would 
 be safe in Lombard-street ?" 
 
 " Make yourself easy, Alban," said Jane. 
 u The king is very powerful, but he shall 
 not take me from you." 
 
 " I am content with that promise," he 
 rejoined. " We will stay for the ball." 
 
 And they proceeded to the castle.
 
 J LB AN SHORE. I S7 
 
 XVI. 
 
 HOW JOUSTS WERE HELD IN* THE LOWER COURT OF WINDSOR 
 CASTLE; HOW THE PRIZE WAS BESTOWED ON JANE BY 
 THE MARQUIS OF DORSET ; WHAT OCCURRED AT THE BALL J 
 AND HOW SHORE LEFT niS WIFE. 
 
 On entering the upper ward of the 
 castle, Shore, with his wife and Mistress Ford- 
 ham, were met by the chamberlain, who 
 conducted them to apartments on the north 
 side of the quadrangle. Here they found 
 their trunks, which had been brought from 
 the barge, and by the time they had made 
 the necessary change in their attire, they 
 were summoned to a magnificent repast, 
 which was served in Saint George's Hall. The
 
 15^ THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 king and queen, with the royal dukes and 
 duchesses, were seated at a raised table, and 
 in the centre of the room sat the principal 
 nobles and ladies. 
 
 Supper over, the company adjourned to 
 a large apartment, which was brilliantly 
 lighted up. Jane was quite bewildered by 
 the splendour of the scene. The king had 
 now laid aside his mantle, and appeared in 
 a blue velvet tunic richly embroidered with 
 gold. Amongst his other accomplishments, 
 Edward excelled in dancing, and on this 
 occasion he selected his partners from the 
 wives of the citizens. 
 
 Jane's turn came at last, and, when the 
 bransle was over, he led her to a room 
 opening out of the hall, which seemed to be 
 empty at the time. 
 
 Thinking they were entirely alone, Ed- 
 ward addressed a few passionate w r ords to
 
 A LB AN SHORE. 1 59 
 
 her, and said, " Now, then, sweetheart, I 
 must have your answer. Will you remain 
 with me ?" 
 
 Ere she could reply, they were disturbed 
 by the unexpected appearance of Shore, who 
 had followed her into the room. 
 
 Edward signed to him angrily to be gone, 
 but he did not move. 
 
 " I am ready to obey you, my liege," he 
 said ; " but I must take my wife with me. 
 Come, madam," he added to Jane, who, 
 however, hesitated and consulted the king- 
 by a look. 
 
 " I shall not interpose my authority," said 
 Edward. " Mistress Shore is free to depart 
 if she thinks proper. Do as you please, 
 madam," he added to Jane. 
 
 " Then I will sta}'," she rejoined. 
 
 " Since this is your decision, Jane, fare- 
 well for ever !" said Alban, in a reproachful
 
 l6o THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 tone. " You know how fondly I have loved 
 you. But I now put you from me. You 
 are no longer mine." 
 
 He looked at her for a moment fixedly, 
 hoping she might relent ; but as she did not 
 stir, he made an obeisance to the king, and 
 quitted the apartment. 
 
 " Do not let him iro, mv lieo;e " said Jane. 
 " I shall be miserable if he departs in this 
 mood." 
 
 " Methinks vou are far better without 
 him, sweetheart," said the king ; " but since 
 you desire it, I will give orders that he be 
 not allowed to quit the castle. 
 
 With this, he led her back to the ball- 
 room, and, summoning the Lord Cham- 
 berlain, gave him some directions in a low 
 tone. 
 
 Next morning a sumptuous breakfast was 
 given at the royal hunting lodge in the 
 Home Park, to which all the guests were
 
 ALB AN SHORE. l6l 
 
 invited, and after the repast, they were taken 
 to see the vine) r ard. 
 
 Our climate must certainly have been 
 better in the fifteenth century than now-a- 
 days, since grapes from which tolerable wine 
 was made were then grown at Windsor. 
 
 The vineyard was situated on a slope 
 facing the south, so that the grapes had the 
 full benefit of the sun, and now hung in 
 ripening clusters from the trellised vines. 
 With the gay crowd wandering about the 
 alleys, the enclosure presented a very charm- 
 ing picture. 
 
 After another banquet in Saint George's 
 Hall, the whole company repaired to the 
 jousts. Barriers were here erected in the 
 lower ward, and overlooking them was a 
 superb gallery, hung with blue velvet, and 
 embroidered with white roses. This gallery 
 was reservedfor the queen, the two duchesses, 
 vol. I. M
 
 1 62 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 the Court dames, the Lady Mayoress, and 
 the wives of the citizens. 
 
 A lar2;e crowd was collected round the 
 harriers, and the vast court was rilled with 
 knights, pages, esquires, and halberdiers, all 
 in the royal livery. 
 
 Loud fanfares of trumpets were sounded 
 as the king came forth, equipped in a full 
 suit of shining mail, with a snowy plume 
 in his helm, and mounted on a charter 
 trapped in cloth of gold, adorned with his 
 cognisance. 
 
 His majesty was attended by the Duke of 
 Buckingham, the Lords Howard, Dorset, 
 and Stanley, Sir Thomas Montgomery, and 
 Sir John Cheyne, all clad in armour, and 
 all well mounted. 
 
 As soon as the king had taken his posi- 
 tion on one side of the lists, the trumpets 
 were again sounded, and the Duke of Cla- 
 rence, the Earl of Rivers, the Lord Hastings,
 
 A LEAN SHORE. 163 
 
 all clad in armour, and attended by half a 
 dozen knights and gentlemen, rode into the 
 lists. 
 
 The two parties having ridden past the 
 central part of the gallery, in which were 
 the queen with the two royal duchesses and 
 the two princesses, and bowed to her ma- 
 jesty, took their places on either side of the 
 lists. Jane sat with the ladies of the Lady 
 Mayoress's party. 
 
 Shortly afterwards the trumpets were 
 sounded, and the signal being given by the 
 king, two knights clapped spurs into their 
 steeds and rode against each other. 
 
 These were the Lord Howard and the 
 Lord Rivers. Thev met in mid career, and 
 both lances were splintered, but neither 
 cavalier was unhorsed. 
 
 They were followed by the Duke of Buck- 
 ingham and the Earl of Hastings, with 
 pretty nearly the same result ; except, per- 
 
 m 2
 
 164 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 haps, that the advantage was slightly in 
 favour of Hastings. 
 
 Next the Duke of Clarence and the 
 youthful Marquis of Dorset, the queen's 
 son by her first husband, Sir John Gray, 
 ran against each other, and a general mur- 
 mur of satisfaction arose when the youthful 
 marquis, "who was exceed ingly handsome, 
 struck off the duke's helmet. 
 
 Clarence did not bear his defeat with a 
 :good grace, but looked highly displeased. 
 
 Many more lances were splintered, but 
 good fortune attended the young Marquis 
 of Dorset, who unhorsed one of the knights 
 on the side of the Duke of Clarence, and 
 at length was adjudged the victor by the 
 king. 
 
 Amid the plaudits of the assemblage, the 
 shouts of the heralds, and the clangour of 
 trumpets, the youthful earl rode towards
 
 ALBAN SHORE. 1 6§ 
 
 the royal gallery, and as he bent before the 
 queen, she hung a -wreath of white roses on 
 the point of his lance. 
 
 The handsome voumr noble glanced round 
 the bevy of beauties, as if considering on 
 whom lie should bestow the prize, and many 
 a bosom throbbed high at that moment; 
 but as there could be no question that the 
 fairest amid the throng was Jane, he rode 
 up to the part of the gallery where she was 
 stationed, and, lowering the point of hit 
 lance, presented the wreath to her. 
 
 Loud applause followed, as Jane took the 
 prize thus gracefully offered her, and the 
 king seemed particularly well pleased. 
 
 Some other diversions followed, after 
 which the queen and all the ladies with- 
 drew, and returned to their apartments in 
 the castle. 
 
 In the evening there was a grand supper
 
 1 66 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 in Saint George's Hall, and when the com- 
 pany had feasted royally, a pleasant sur- 
 prise was given to the ladies. 
 
 The sreat doors of the hall beino; thrown 
 open, a troop of sirens came in, singing 
 melodiously. They were followed, after a 
 short interval, by an immense sea-monster, 
 which, from its size, caused the greatest 
 astonishment and even terror among the 
 female beholders. How the huo;e fish was 
 moved could not be understood, the me- 
 chanism being hidden ; but it seemed to 
 roll, or rather swim, into the hall, without 
 even being guided, only moving its tail and 
 fins. 
 
 On reaching the centre of the hall, the 
 monster opened its enormous jaws, and 
 forth came a troop of mermaids and mer- 
 men, who performed a grotesque dance, 
 while the sirens sang, amid the merriment 
 of the company.
 
 A LB AN SHORE. 167 
 
 This exhibition ended, the dancers re- 
 turned to their retreat, and the huge sea- 
 monster quickly disappeared from the hall. 
 
 Other amusements followed, after which 
 the company adjourned to the ball-room, 
 where dancing instantly commenced. 
 
 No opportunity occurred to the king that 
 night for any private converse with Jane ; 
 but next morning, at an early hour, he re- 
 paired to her apartments. 
 
 Mistress Fordham was with, her, but she 
 seemed to be in a state of great distress, and 
 when Edward appeared, she rushed towards 
 him, and threw herself at his feet. 
 
 "My husband has really left me, my 
 liege," she cried, " and has forbidden me to 
 return to him." 
 
 " Give yourself no concern about him," 
 he replied, raising her gently. " You shall 
 remain with me. Listen to me, sweetheart," 
 he continued. " You like the Hunting
 
 1 68 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 Lodge in the Home Park ? Is it not 
 so? 
 
 " I have seen nothing so charming, my 
 liege," she replied. 
 
 " Tis yours. Take possession of it at 
 once. You shall have your own servants, 
 and. everything you can desire. Thus much 
 for Windsor. At Shene, at Whitehall, at 
 Eltham, at the Tower, wherever I may be, 
 you shall have your own apartments." 
 
 Her thanks were murmured in a low 
 voice. 
 
 " My sole desire is to make you happy, 
 Jane," he said. 
 
 Something like a sigh was her response. 
 
 "Why that sigh?" he inquired, gazing at 
 her tenderly. 
 
 " I am thinking of poor Alban," she 
 replied. 
 
 "Think of him no more," said Edward, 
 u You are now mine, and shall be ever with
 
 J LB AN SHORE. I 69 
 
 me. When I embark for France you shall 
 accompany me." 
 
 " And your majesty will not abandon 
 me ?" cried she, gazing at him imploringly. 
 
 " Never ! " cried Edward, fervently. 
 " Never ! I swear it !"' 
 
 " Bear witness to the vow, Alice," cried 
 Jane. 
 
 " Ay, bear witness !" said Edward ; " and 
 call me false and perjured if I break it. But 
 that I will never do." 
 
 " I will trust you," replied Jane, and her 
 head sank upon his shoulder. 
 
 Ere many hours she was installed at the 
 Hunting Lodge. 
 
 lent) of 33oofo tbe ,-fptrst.
 
 23ook tfjc grecotttr. 
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE.
 
 I. 
 
 HOW JAKE RESIDED AT THE HUNTING LODGE IK THE HOME 
 PARK, AND HOW KING EDWARD PREPARED TO INVADE 
 FKANCE. 
 
 "The kino- seems infatuated with Mis- 
 tress Shore,'' observed the Duke of Buck- 
 ingham to Lord Hastings as thev walked 
 together one morning in the upper qua- 
 drangle of Windsor Castle. " Think you 
 she will retain her influence over him ?" 
 
 "For many reasons, I think she will," 
 replied Hastings. " In the first place, she is 
 incomparably beautiful, and beautv weighs 
 much with the king, as you know. But she 
 has something more than beautv to recom-
 
 1 74 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 mend her. Her disposition is most amiable, 
 and her manner extremely engaging:. She 
 is always ready to do a service to any one 
 who needs it. Her influence oyer the king 
 is unbounded, but she does not abuse it. 
 What is most surprising is that she has 
 embraced the queen's part, and does all 
 in her power to further her majesty's 
 plans." 
 
 " Is it from interest or good feeling that 
 she acts thus?" inquired Buckingham. 
 " You know I have been away, so that 
 I have not yet had any opportunity for 
 observation." 
 
 " Tis from goodness of heart," replied Has- 
 tings. "Mistress Shore, as I have just said, 
 is the most amiable person living. She has 
 more suitors than the queen herself. Every 
 one who has a favour to ask, or a petition 
 to present, comes to her. The king can 
 refuse her nothing; yet she asks little for
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. 1 75 
 
 herself. She might soon grow rich if she 
 chose ; but she gives away almost all she 
 receives. His majesty bestows the richest 
 dresses upon her, costly ornaments, dia- 
 monds and plate, and has given her an almost 
 regal establishment at the lodge ; but, by 
 my faith ! I believe she does not desire if, 
 but would rather live less ostentatiously." 
 
 " You amaze me," said Buckingham. " 1 
 did not think such a woman existed." 
 
 " Certes, there are few like her,'' rejoined 
 Hastings, laughing. "She has many enemies, 
 no doubt, foremost among whom are Cla- 
 rence and Gloucester ; but they are unable 
 to do her any injury. The queen, as I have 
 hinted, is favourable to her, and wisely de- 
 clares that as the king must have a favourite, 
 she would rather it should be Mistress Shore 
 than any other." 
 
 " But what of Shore? Is he reconciled 
 to the loss of his beautiful wife ?"
 
 176 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 " Since she has left him, he has disap- 
 peared altogether," replied Hastings. 
 
 " Disappeared !" exclaimed Buckingham. 
 
 " Ay ; he has sold his house in Lombard- 
 street, all his plate and jewels, has dis- 
 charged all his servants, and gone — no one 
 knows whither. Tis said he has become 
 a monk, but this is doubtful. He was 
 devoted to his wife, and her abandonment 
 of him seems to have disturbed his reason. 1 ' 
 
 " Only a fool would grieve for a woman 
 who leaves him," said Buckingham. "A 
 sensible husband would have reconciled 
 himself to the loss, and have reaped all the 
 benefit he could from it. 'With Jane's help 
 lie might have risen at Court." 
 
 " Evidently he disdained such a course. 
 But let us <ro to the loda;e. You will find 
 the king there. His majesty desires that as 
 much respect shall be paid Mistress Shore 
 as if she were actually queen."
 
 & 
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. IJ7 
 
 11 I understand," replied Buckingham. 
 
 Passing through the postern near Ed- 
 Avard the Third's tower, and crossing the 
 drawbridge over the moat, they proceeded 
 to the lodge, which was situated in the 
 Home Park. 
 
 A pleasant walk through the vineyard 
 brought them to the garden, which was 
 beautifully laid out. 
 
 On the terrace in front of the Hunting 
 Lodge, several pages in the royal liveries 
 were grouped, conversing with the kings 
 falconers, who had their hawks in readi- 
 ness. On the right were grooms, with a 
 splendid charger and a beautiful palfrey. 
 Halberdiers were stationed at the entrance, 
 and within were a gentleman usher, and a 
 number of serving-men. 
 
 Preceded by the usher, the two nobles 
 gained the private apartments, and entered* 
 an ante-chamber, crowded with courtiers 
 
 VOL. i. N
 
 1 78 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 and suitors, who bowed respectfully as the 
 distinguished personages passed through 
 their midst. The Lord Chamberlain and 
 his companion were then admitted to an 
 inner room, where they found the king and 
 Jane. 
 
 Seated in a velvet-covered fauteuil, in an 
 easy attitude, with his foot on a tabouret, 
 Edward was glancing at a letter which he 
 held in his hand, and Jane was leaning over 
 his shoulder. The attitude was well calcu- 
 lated to display the grace and beauty of her 
 figure. She was attired in a tight-fitting 
 cote-hardie of green velvet, with a girdle 
 above the hips, and her sunny tresses were 
 covered by a net of gold. Edward simply 
 wore a tunic of embroidered satin, and had 
 a black velvet cap on his head. 
 
 At a little distance from the king was Mal- 
 bouche, the jester, who was playing with a 
 small monkey, fastened to a stand.
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. I 79 
 
 On entering, the two nobles made a pro- 
 found obeisance to the king, and did not 
 neglect to salute the royal favourite. 
 
 "You are welcome, my Lord of Buck- 
 ingham," said Edward. " I am right fflad 
 to see you back." 
 
 "Your majesty will be pleased to learn 
 that I bring with me five hundred archers," 
 replied the duke. " They are now en- 
 camped with the rest of the army on Black- 
 heath, and await your majesty's orders." 
 
 " Tis well," replied Edward. " We shall 
 now be able to muster fifteen thousand 
 mounted archers, besides ten thousand foot 
 soldiers. In a few days I shall march the 
 whole army to Dover, where the embarka- 
 tion will take place. I have just received 
 a letter from my brother of Burgundy, 
 wherein he promises to send me five hun- 
 dred flat Dutch boats for transportation of 
 
 n 2
 
 i8o 
 
 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 the horses to Calais. Oar own ships will 
 convey the men-at-arms and ordnance." 
 
 " I hope your majesty will be able to 
 land all the men in safetv," said Hastings. 
 " Louis has several men-of-war at Bou- 
 logne, and he may capture some of our 
 transports." 
 
 " Heaven forbid !" exclaimed Jane. 
 
 "I suppose you would dissuade his ma- 
 jesty from this expedition, madam," re- 
 marked Buckingham. 
 
 " Your grace is mistaken," she replied. 
 " I would have him go on with it, unless 
 his terms are agreed to. Having defied 
 the King of France, he cannot honourably 
 withdraw." 
 
 "If I conquer France, I will make you 
 a countess, sweetheart," said Edward, " and 
 give you a castle in Tonraine, with a proud 
 domain attached to
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. l8l 
 
 " I would rather have this hunting-lodge 
 than any castle in France," she replied. 
 
 " Peradventure your majesty may not 
 get beyond Calais,"' remarked Malbouche. 
 " I have no great faith in your two potent 
 allies, the Duke of Burgundy and the Duke 
 of Bretagne." 
 
 " Neither have I," said Jane. " I fear 
 they may play you false." 
 
 "You misjudge them, sweetheart. Tis 
 their interest to be true to me. They are 
 both opposed to Louis." 
 
 " Since your majesty has determined to 
 commence the embarkation forthwith," said 
 Buckingham, " 'tis time that a portion of 
 the army should march to Dover. I will 
 take my five hundred archers thither with- 
 out delay, if your majesty desires it." 
 
 " You shall take thrice that number, my 
 lord," said Edward, "and Hastings shall
 
 I 82 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 follow with as many more. Ere a week is 
 out, the whole army shall assemble at 
 Dover." 
 
 "Whom think you, my lords, his majesty 
 is about to take with him to France, and at 
 my suggestion ?" observed Jane. 
 
 " A score of young knights, who will all 
 wear your colours," rejoined Buckingham. 
 
 " A score of the wealthiest citizens in 
 London," replied Jane. 
 
 "With what object ?" demanded the duke, 
 surprised. 
 
 " To show them honour, and make them 
 witnesses of the enterprise," said Edward. 
 
 " These fat and well-fed citizens will never 
 be able to endure the fatigues of war " ob- 
 served Hastings. 
 
 "Then their voices will be for peace," 
 said the jester ; " and should his majesty 
 require another loan — as most assuredly he 
 will — they will help him to raise it."
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. 1 83 
 
 Some further discussion ensued respect- 
 ing the march of the army to Dover, after 
 which the two nobles departed, and the 
 king and Jane rode out into the Great Park, 
 attended only by the falconers and a couple 
 of mounted grooms.
 
 184 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 II. 
 
 HOW KING EDWARD EMBARKED WITH HIS FORCES AT DOVER, 
 AKD HOW HE WAS RECEIVED AT CALAIS. 
 
 Ere a week had flown, Edward reached 
 Dover with his whole arm v. 
 
 mi 
 
 On the morning after his arrival, he 
 mounted to the ramparts of the ancient 
 castle, to watch the embarkation of the 
 troops. He was attended only by a young 
 esquire and a page, both remarkable for 
 good looks and symmetry of person. 
 
 From the lofty post he had chosen, the 
 French coast was perfectly distinguishable, 
 and even the tower of Notre Dame de
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. I 85 
 
 Calais, with some of the buildings of the 
 town, could be seen. 
 
 But the king's attention was chiefly 
 attracted by what was going on in the 
 harbour. 
 
 To a modern spectator, the crowd of 
 vessels there collected would have presented 
 a most singular and striking appearance. 
 The larger ships were exceedingly lofty, 
 and stood so high out of the water, that 
 they might be compared to floating castles. 
 They were richly gilded, and the royal 
 cognisance was not only displayed at the 
 sides, but painted on the sails. 
 
 These ships of forecastle, as they were 
 designated, had four masts — two in front 
 and two near the stern. The masts were 
 painted and gilt. Head and stern were 
 alike. The forecastle and cabin formed 
 two towers, on the summit of which archers 
 and arbalestriers could be stationed.
 
 i86 
 
 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 The king's own ship, the Rose Blanche, 
 as she was called, could be easily distin- 
 guished among her companions from her 
 superior height and splendour. Her stately 
 sides were emblazoned with the royal arms : 
 the royal standard was hoisted at the prow ; 
 and the masts were hum: with small flasrs 
 
 ♦ 
 
 of beaten " - old. 
 
 Though these ancient vessels cannot be 
 compared in point of utility with ironclads 
 and modern " leviathans of the deep/' it 
 must be allowed that their appearance was 
 infinitely more magnificent and imposing. 
 
 Beside the large ships, there were vast 
 numbers of smaller vessels — picturesque 
 looking galleys, with a high crook, sur- 
 mounted by a carved figure, with the 
 rudder at the side, and a short strong mast, 
 having a sort of cage at the top, in which 
 armed men could be placed ; barges, ba- 
 lingers, pinnaces, and carvels.
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. I 87 
 
 Then there were certain long vessels, 
 called huissieres, having two rows of oars, 
 with doors and bridges, for the transport of 
 horses ; and, in addition to these, there 
 were the five hundred flat-bottomed Dntch 
 boats sent by the Duke of Burgundy. 
 
 No grander spectacle can be imagined 
 than was now offered to the king, and the 
 sea being almost as calm as a lake, the fleet 
 could be seen to the Greatest advantage. 
 Even in the days of Edward the Third and 
 the Black Prince, no such armament had 
 ever been provided for the invasion of 
 France as was now collected. 
 
 But in other respects the picture was ex- 
 ceedingly lively and interesting. Not only 
 were the inner and outer courts of the castle 
 filled with men-at-arms and archers, but tin 1 
 cliffs were covered with troops, as were the 
 quay and the beach. 
 
 Knights and esquires were constantly
 
 I 88 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 riding to and fro, bringing companies of 
 foot soldiers to the quay, to be conveyed 
 thence in small boats to the pinnaces and 
 carvels, and hundreds of horses were put on 
 board the huissieres and Dutch boats. 
 
 Having contemplated this exciting scene 
 with the greatest interest for more than an 
 hour, Edward quitted the ramparts, and 
 attended by the young esquire and the page 
 just alluded to, and whom he addressed as 
 Isidore and Claude, mounted his horse, and 
 rode down to the harbour, to superintend 
 the proceedings in person. 
 
 But though the king's presence stimu- 
 lated the men to greater exertions, the em- 
 barkation did not go on rapidly, and the 
 whole fleet could not be got ready to sail 
 before the following morning. 
 
 The flat-bottomed boats containing the 
 horses and artillery, and which were pro- 
 pelled by oars, had been previously sent off,
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. I 89 
 
 but they moved very slowly, and had not 
 made more than a couple of leagues. 
 
 After remaining on the beach for several 
 hours, the king returned to the castle. The 
 two pages, from the richness ot their attire 
 and grace of person, had excited consider- 
 able attraction. Isidore, the chief of them, 
 had evinced great interest in the em- 
 barkation. 
 
 Next morning, at an early hour, amid 
 the roar of cannon from the castle, the 
 clangour of trumpets, and the beating of 
 drums, the kino; went on board the Rose 
 Blanche, which looked like a gorgeous pavi- 
 lion, the forecastle and cabin being hung 
 with cloth of gold and arras, and the deck 
 carpeted with velvet. 
 
 Amongst the distinguished persons al- 
 ready assembled on board the royal vessel, 
 were the Dukes of Clarence and Gloucester, 
 Thomas of Rotherhain, Bishop of Lincoln
 
 19° THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 and Lord High Chancellor ; the Duke of 
 Buckingham, the Earl of Northumberland, 
 the Lords Dorset, Hastings, Stanley, and 
 Howard, Sir Thomas Montgomery, Sir 
 Thomas Saint Leger, and other knights and 
 esquires. 
 
 Somewhat removed from these important 
 personages were Doctor Morton, the king's 
 chaplain and confessor, and the king's phy- 
 sician and almoner. 
 
 Edward was very sumptuously attired, 
 and was attended by the young esquires, 
 Isidore and Claude. Malbouche the jester 
 was likewise in attendance upon his royal 
 master. 
 
 Shortly afterwards, the signal was given, 
 and amid another roar of ordnance from 
 the castle, that made the cliffs echo, the 
 whole of the mighty armament was put in 
 motion. 
 
 The sight was truly splendid. Already
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. 1 9 I 
 
 the galleys, balingers, pinnaces, and carvels, 
 which were crowded with knights, esquires, 
 archers, and men-at-arms, were in move- 
 ment, and they were now followed by the 
 larger vessels. 
 
 Close beside the Rose Blanche was another 
 large and richly-ornamented ship called the 
 Azincourt, on board which were the wealthy 
 citizens invited by the king to accompany 
 the expedition. All these personages were 
 now on deck, and irazimr with admiration 
 at the spectacle. 
 
 Never from the heights of Dover had so 
 grand a spectacle been witnessed as was 
 then beheld. 
 
 The weather was most propitious, the 
 day being brilliantly fine, with just suffi- 
 cient wind blowing from the right quarter 
 to waft the fleet across the Channel. 
 
 After a time, as the sun became hot, a 
 rich awning was drawn over the deck, and
 
 I9 2 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 a splendid repast was served, to which the 
 king and all the principal personages sat 
 down. 
 
 Edward was waited upon by the two 
 pages, and being somewhat self-indulgent, 
 did not quit the table till the towers and 
 walls of Calais came in sight. 
 
 Almost immediately after the Rose Blanche 
 had cast anchor, Lord Wenlock, the Lieute- 
 nant-Governor of Calais, attended by several 
 officers, came on board. 
 
 Finding the king surrounded by nobles, 
 he bent the knee before him, and said : 
 
 " You are welcome, my liege. All is 
 ready for your majesty, and those with you, 
 in your loyal toAvn of Calais." 
 
 " I thank you, my lord," replied Edward, 
 graciously, " i)ut what of my good brother 
 of Burgundy? Has he arrived at Calais, 
 and what number of men-at-arms hath he 
 brought with him?"
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. 193 
 
 " I have not such good tidings to give of 
 the Duke of Burgundy as I could desire, 
 my liege," replied Lord Wenlock, rising. 
 " His Grace has raised the siege of Neuss, 
 and has taken his army into Lorraine. But 
 as vet he hath sent no men to Calais, nor 
 hath he come hither himself." 
 
 " Ah ! by Saint George ! .this is strange !" 
 exclaimed Edward, looking greatly sur- 
 prised and displeased. " His highness pro- 
 mised to meet me at my landing with 
 three thousand mounted men-at-arms, and 
 a large body of foot, and you say none have 
 arrived." 
 
 " My liege, it is as I tell you," replied 
 Lord Wenlock. " The Duke of Burgundy 
 hath taken the whole of his army into Lor- 
 raine." 
 
 A murmur of displeasure arose from the 
 nobles grouped around. 
 
 " Then he has broken his treaty with 
 
 vol. 1. o
 
 194 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 me," cried Edward, angrily. " He stipu- 
 lated to find me ten thousand men. But 
 what of the Constable Saint Pol, and the 
 Duke of Bretagne ?" 
 
 " Would that I could give you good 
 tidings of them, my liege !" replied Lord 
 Wenlock. " As yet, they have done no- 
 thing." 
 
 " And they will do nothing," said the 
 Duke of Gloucester. " Your majesty has 
 been deceived by false promises." 
 
 " So it would seem," cried Edward. " But 
 I can stand alone." 
 
 " Better alone than with such perfidious 
 allies," said Gloucester. 
 
 " Tis a grievous disappointment," re- 
 marked Clarence, " and will give confidence 
 to Louis !" 
 
 " If your majesty will deign to listen to 
 my advice, you will turn back without 
 landing," said Malbouche.
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. I 95 
 
 "Peace, thou foolish varlet!" cried the 
 young esquire, who was standing behind 
 the king. " His majesty would scorn thy 
 counsel. Though King Louis were before 
 Calais with all his army, our royal master 
 would land and give him battle." 
 
 " Thou art risrht, Isidore,"' said Edward. 
 " Our plans are in no way changed by these 
 untoward circumstances. We shall prose- 
 cute the war with as much vigour as if the 
 Duke of Burgundy had been here to join us. 
 Return at once, my lord," he added to the 
 governor, " and prepare for our entrance 
 into the town." 
 
 Thereupon Lord Wenlock departed, and 
 as soon as his boat touched the strand, a 
 orpat stir was observable amoiH the crowd 
 assembled on the quay. 
 
 Loud shouts arose, and repeated dis- 
 charges of cannon took place. The royal 
 standard of England was hoisted above the 
 
 o 2
 
 19^ THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 Lantern Gate fronting the port, and 
 another broad banner floated above the 
 tower of the Cathedral of Notre Dame de 
 ■Calais. 
 
 Meanwhile a considerable number of ar- 
 chers, men-at-arms, and horses had been 
 very expeditiously landed from some of the 
 -transports, and these were now collected on 
 •the quay. 
 
 All being at last in readiness a splendid 
 bark came out for the king and his nobles; 
 and as Edward stepped upon the landing- 
 place, which was covered with velvet, he 
 was met by the mayor of Calais, and the 
 heads of the municipal council, in their 
 robes, who bent the knee before him, and 
 offered him the keys of the town on a velvet 
 cushion. 
 
 This ceremony gone through, a pro- 
 cession was quickly formed, at the head of
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. I 97 
 
 which marched the mayor and the muni- 
 cipal council. 
 
 These authorities were followed by the 
 lieutenant-governor on horseback, wearing 
 a richly-furred mantle. 
 
 Fortunately, the citizens of London had 
 landed in time to join the procession, and 
 they followed Lord Wenlock. 
 
 A body-guard of mounted archers pre- 
 ceded the king;, who rode a milk-white 
 charger, and wore a crimson velvet surcoat, 
 lined with ermine. On his right side walked 
 Isidore, and on the left Claude. 
 
 Behind his majesty came the two royal 
 dukes, with the whole of the nobles who 
 had been in attendance upon him during 
 the voyage, while another troop of archers 
 brought up the rear of the procession. 
 
 In such state, amid the roar of cannon, 
 the ringing of bells, the beating of drums,
 
 1 9^ THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 and loud flourishes of trumpets, inter- 
 mingled with the shouts of the inhabitants, 
 Edward entered Calais by the Lantern Gate, 
 and proceeded to the cathedral, where he 
 offered up thanks for his safe voyage, and 
 invoked Heaven's aid for his arms. 
 
 On that night, the kin^ and his suite 
 were lodged at the Hotel de Ville, which 
 had been prepared for his majesty's recep- 
 tion.
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. 199 
 
 III. 
 
 HOW THE ENGLISH ARMY WAS ENCAMPED WITHOUT THE 
 WALLS OF CALAIS ; "AND HOW ISIDORE, THE YOUNG ESQUIRE, 
 WAS SENT ON A SECRET MISSION TO KING LOUIS. 
 
 Next clay the disembarkation commenced, 
 and was conducted with the greatest pos- 
 sible despatch. As may be imagined, the 
 greatest confusion prevailed in the port ; 
 but at length, the whole of the men and 
 horses were safely landed, and took up 
 their quarters in the cam]), which was 
 formed outside the walls of the town. 
 
 Never before had so large an English 
 army been seen in France as was now col-
 
 2 00 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 lected at Calais. There were fifteen hun- 
 dred men-at-arms — most of them gentlemen 
 — mounted on strong barded horses. Be- 
 sides these, there were fifteen thousand 
 archers, all well equipped and well 
 mounted, and above four thousand foot 
 soldiers — making a total of upwards of 
 twenty thousand men. No wonder those 
 who beheld this mighty host, commanded 
 by a warlike monarch, who had gained 
 almost every battle he had fought, pre- 
 dicted the conquest of France. But Ed- 
 ward himself was not altogether so san- 
 guine, and felt greatly mortified that he had 
 been deserted by the Duke of Burgundy, 
 on whose aid he counted. 
 
 Seen from the old walls of Calais, the 
 English camp presented a most striking 
 sight. Laid out in long lines, the tents 
 extended for more than a mile among the 
 sandy dunes. The ground was not all that
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. 20 1 
 
 could be desired, but none better offered. 
 The camp was divided into six quarters, 
 four of which were allotted to the horse- 
 men, as being the most numerous, and two 
 to the footmen. Through the midst of the 
 tents ran a broad street, and in the centre 
 of the camp a large square was reserved for 
 the assembling of the troops. Another 
 place, surrounded by palisades, was ap- 
 pointed for the horses ; and near the market- 
 place was an entrenched spot, designed for 
 the munition of the ordnance. 
 
 Besides the ordinary tents, there were 
 others much larger and handsomer, in 
 which the knights and officers were lodged. 
 Bell-shaped and fashioned of rich stuff, 
 these tents were surmounted by banners, 
 emblazoned with the arms of their oc- 
 cupants. 
 
 But the most splendid feature of the 
 camp, and which threw all else into the
 
 202 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 shade, was the royal pavilion, which was 
 placed in a commanding situation near the 
 town. This superb tent attracted universal 
 attention. Its size was equal to its splen- 
 dour. It consisted of five of the largest 
 tents or pavilions, composed of cloth of 
 gold, and connected by covered passages, 
 so as to form a palace of immense extent, 
 and comprehending every convenience. This 
 will be understood when we state that each 
 of the five grand pavilions had a smaller tent 
 attached to it on either side, and only sepa- 
 rated by curtains from the other part of the 
 structure. 
 
 The interior of this gorgeous silken pa- 
 lace was truly regal and magnificent, and 
 constituted a series of splendid apartments, 
 in which the two royal dukes, with the 
 Lord High Chancellor and all the nobles 
 and knights in immediate attendance upon 
 the kino;, could be lodged. Here also were
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. 203 
 
 lodged the wealthy citizens of London, 
 whom Edward had invited to accompany 
 him on his warlike expedition to France. 
 Here the luxurious monarch could be served 
 with as much state and splendour as if he 
 had been at Windsor Castle. Here he ban- 
 queted daily ; a long table, decked with 
 vessels of silver, being; laid in the central 
 pavilion, which was hung with cloth of 
 gold. 
 
 Externally, this grand pavilion presented 
 a splendid appearance, each angle of the 
 roof being ornamented by guilt heraldic 
 devices, representing the king's badges — 
 the falcon within a fetterlock, the rose and 
 sun, a white hart, a white wolf, a sable 
 dragon, and a bull — each holding a 
 small flag. 
 
 Thus splendidly housed, Edward could 
 well afford to wait for a few davs for the 
 Duke of Burgundy, but as the duke came
 
 204 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 not, he waxed impatient, and determined 
 to commence the campaign without him. 
 
 Before doing so, however, he judged it 
 proper to send another herald to Louis, who 
 was then at Compiegne with his army, and 
 he was about to give orders to this effect, 
 when the young esquire, Isidore, who 
 chanced to be alone with his royal master 
 at the time, said : 
 
 " Your majesty may smile, but the pro- 
 position I am about to make is perfectly 
 serious. You will do well to send me to 
 King Louis. I am firmly persuaded that 
 I can obtain an advantageous treaty of peace 
 for your majesty." 
 
 " Thou negotiate a treaty !" exclaimed 
 Edward, laughing incredulously. 
 
 " Yes, I," replied Isidore. " I should 
 proceed very differently from any herald or 
 ambassador your majesty might send, and 
 I think I should succeed. Although you
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. 205 
 
 have brought this vast army to France, I 
 am well aware that your majesty does not 
 desire the war, but would rather come to a 
 pacific arrangement, if it can be effected 
 on satisfactory terms." 
 
 " Very true," remarked Edward. 
 
 " I am equally certain that Louis is of 
 the same opinion," pursued Isidore. "He, 
 too, desires peace ; and I am very much 
 mistaken if he will not make large sacri- 
 fices to obtain it." 
 
 " Nay, forsooth, he will not part with any 
 portion of his kingdom, or even a small 
 town — such as Boulogne — unless it be 
 wrested from him," said Edward ; ' ; but he 
 will do much to avoid a war, which he 
 must perceive is inevitable unless he comes 
 to terms." 
 
 " He cannot doubt that you are in 
 earnest, sire, after all the preparations you 
 have made," said Isidore. " He will there-
 
 2o6 
 
 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 fore be ready to pay a large sum to get rid 
 of you. What will your majesty accept?" 
 
 " A hundred thousand crowns down be- 
 fore I will conclude a peace with him," said 
 Edward. 
 
 " Is that all?" asked Isidore. 
 
 "No ; I shall require an annuity of fifty 
 thousand crowns ; and a marriage must be 
 contracted between the Dauphin and my 
 eldest daughter, the Princess Elizabeth. On 
 such terms I may consent to take back my 
 army to England." 
 
 " I am of opinion that I can obtain these 
 terms for your majesty," replied Isidore. 
 
 lt You are very confident," observed the 
 king. " But, for many reasons, I cannot 
 trust you with the mission. The matter is 
 too important." 
 
 " If I fail, no harm will be done," said 
 Isidore. " But I shall not fail." 
 
 " You are aware of the risk you will
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. 207 
 
 incur in the journey to Compiegne ? I can 
 only send a very small guard with you/' 
 
 " A small guard will suffice. I feel sure 
 I shall arrive in safety.'' 
 
 " Since you are bent upon the expedi- 
 tion, I will not oppose you," said Edward. 
 " You shall have my signet ring," he added, 
 taking a large ring from his finger. " Show 
 this to my brother Louis, and it will con- 
 vince him that you come from me, and are 
 empowered to treat with him." 
 
 u I understand," replied Isidore, as he 
 took the ring. '' Claude must accompany 
 me. 
 
 " Be sure I shall not send you without 
 your friend and companion," replied Ed- 
 ward, smiling. " But you ought to take 
 Malbouche as well, for you are going on a 
 fool's errand. However, all shall be ready 
 for you and Claude to-morrow morning — 
 horses and attendants. Moreover, a guide
 
 2o8 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 shall be found well acquainted with the 
 country, and on whom you may place per- 
 fect reliance, and a safe-conduct shall be 
 prepared for you and your attendants." 
 
 " I am greatly beholden to your majesty 
 for allowing me to undertake this expedi- 
 tion," said Isidore, joyfully. " I scarcely 
 expected you would consent." 
 
 " You are wilful, and must have your 
 way ; but I shall never forgive myself if 
 harm should befall you," said the king. 
 
 At an early hour next morning, a little 
 party on horseback set forth from the 
 camp, and took the road towards Ardres 
 and Saint Omer. 
 
 The party consisted of three well-mounted 
 men-at-arms, at the head of whom rode the 
 young esquire, attended by Claude. Both 
 wore sreen velvet riding -dresses embroi- 
 dered with gold, green velvet caps, and 
 morocco boots ; and each was armed with
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. 2 9 
 
 sword and dagger. They were provided 
 with mettlesome jennets, which they man- 
 aged like perfect cavaliers ; and to judge 
 from their manner, they evidently did not 
 think any danger attended the adventure 
 they had undertaken. 
 
 Cyriac Franklin, the principal man-at- 
 arms, had been specially enjoined by the 
 kino; to take charge of Isidore and his com- 
 panion. He was strongly-built, and had a 
 resolute look. 
 
 The party rode on through the flat and 
 uninteresting countrv near Calais, then as 
 now intersected by dykes, and had pro- 
 ceeded for about three leagues, when they 
 descried a small party of horsemen ad- 
 vancing towards them at a rapid pace. 
 
 The leader of this little troop, whose 
 appearance proclaimed his exalted rank, 
 was a very powerful-looking personage, and 
 rode a superb war-horse. 
 
 vol. 1. p
 
 2 I O THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 He was clad in a complete suit of polished 
 mail, encrusted with gold, and the crest on 
 his helm was formed by a golden lion. 
 Over his shoulders was a crimson velvet 
 mantle lined with ermine, and from his 
 neck depended the order of the Toison d'or. 
 His features, which could be easily distin- 
 guished, since his visor was raised, were 
 strongly marked, and had an exceedingly 
 proud, almost fierce, expression. His com- 
 plexion was swarthy, and his eyes black 
 and piercing. 
 
 As he came up, he glanced inquiringly 
 at the young esquire, and seemed inclined 
 to stop and question him, but suddenly 
 changing his mind, he rode on. 
 
 Isidore, who had borne the knight's 
 scrutiny as well as he could, now turned to 
 Cyriac, and said, "Methinks that is the 
 Duke of Burgundy." 
 
 " You are right," replied the other. " Tis 
 Charles the Bold, in person."
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. 2 I I 
 
 The young esquire and the page ex- 
 changed glances. 
 
 "I am glad we had started before the 
 duke reached the camp," remarked Isidore. 
 " Had he seen the king he might have pre- 
 vented our journey." 
 
 " 'Tis fortunate he did not guess our 
 errand, or he might have compelled us to 
 turn back," said Claude. 
 
 Leaving them for the present, Ave will 
 follow the Duke of Burgundy to the English 
 camp. 
 
 Aware of the great dissatisfaction felt at 
 his conduct by the English soldiers, the 
 duke had need of all his hardihood to con- 
 front them ; but though menacing looks 
 were constantly thrown at him, he rode 
 slowly through the camp, and stopped not 
 till he came to the royal pavilion. 
 
 He then dismounted, and leaving his 
 charger with one of his men, entered the 
 
 p 2
 
 212 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 pavilion, and commanded the usher, who 
 advanced to meet him, to conduct him at 
 once to the king. 
 
 The usher bowed low, and led him cere- 
 moniously through a sort of gallery filled 
 with nobles and knights, who bowed re- 
 verently as the duke passed with haughty 
 step, and then drawing aside a curtain of 
 arras, which masked the entrance to a side 
 tent, ushered the princely visitor into the 
 presence of the king.
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. 1 1 
 
 IV 
 
 HOW CHARLES THE BOLD ARRIVED AT THE ENGLISH CAMP ; 
 AND OF HIS INTERVIEW WITH KING EDWARD IN THE 
 ROYAL PAVILION. 
 
 Charles, Duke of Burgundy, one of the 
 most renowned princes of his epoch, and 
 well deserving of the surname lie had ac- 
 quired of Le Temeraire, was in the full 
 vigour of manhood, being only just turned 
 forty. 
 
 Temperate and abstemious, almost to a 
 fault, the duke could not control the ter- 
 rible fits of anger to which a fierce and 
 violent temper rendered him liable, and he
 
 214 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 frequently indulged in acts of savage bar- 
 barity, apparently inconsistent with a ge- 
 nerous and noble nature, such as he once 
 possessed. But his disposition had become 
 hardened and unrelenting by the constant 
 warfare in which he was entailed, and he 
 seemed resolved to render himself feared 
 rather than beloved. 
 
 Ever since he succeeeded his father, 
 Philip the Good, Charles the Bold had 
 been continually at war with Louis the 
 Eleventh, whom he detested because he 
 felt himself inferior to that monarch in 
 dignity and power, and he repeatedly de- 
 clared that he would not rest till he had 
 dethroned the French king. Despite this 
 threat, he entered into several treaties with 
 the crafty Louis, and even received a large 
 bribe from him to discontinue the war, 
 but the treaties were broken almost as soon 
 as made.
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. 2 15 
 
 Charles the Bold's restless ambition and 
 warlike tendencies would not allow him to 
 remain tranquil, and he was ever planning 
 some new campaign. Firmly believing in 
 his own great military capacity, he would 
 never allow that he had been fairly de- 
 feated, and in the latter part of his career,, 
 after the disastrous battle of Gransen, a 
 deep dejection seized him. But at the time 
 of his introduction to the reader, thousrh he 
 had sustained several reverses, his con- 
 fidence in himself was entirely unshaken. 
 He had given numberless proofs of the 
 greatest intrepidity, and at the battle of 
 Montlhcry, when he Avas surrounded by 
 the enemy, he performed prodigies of va- 
 lour. 
 
 Eleven years prior to our story, the 
 Duke of Burgundy espoused Margaret of 
 York, sister to the King of England, at that 
 time remarkable for her beauty., Subse-
 
 2l6 THE GOLDSMITHS WIFE. 
 
 quently to the marriage, Edward sent him 
 the Order of the Garter. 
 
 Charles the Bold was warmly attached 
 to his royal brother-in-law, and when Ed- 
 ward was driven from his dominions by 
 Warwick, and compelled to take refuge in 
 Holland, the duke furnished him with 
 money and ships, and enabled him to re- 
 gain his kingdom. 
 
 For this aid Edward naturally felt grate- 
 ful, and promised to aid Charles in his 
 ambitious designs against Louis. On his 
 part, the duke was most urgent that his 
 royal brother-in-law should invade France, 
 doubtless anticipating that he himself would 
 reap the real harvest of the war. 
 
 Incited by the duke's representations of 
 an easy conquest, Edward got together a 
 large army, as we have related ; but in the 
 mean time, Charles, from some unaccount- 
 able caprice, had laid siege to Neuss —
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. 1 J 7 
 
 a strongly-fortified town on the Rhine, not 
 far from Cleves — and failing in his attempt 
 to take it, turned his arms against the 
 Duke of Lorraine, who had been induced 
 by the wily Louis to declare war against 
 him. 
 
 This was the ostensible reason why the 
 Duke of Burgundy had not joined his royal 
 brother-in-law at Calais, according to his 
 promise. 
 
 Two finer looking men than Charles the 
 Bold and Edward of England could not be 
 seen. Yet there was not the slightest per- 
 sonal resemblance between them. Both 
 were of lofty stature, but Edward was 
 the taller of the two, and had the most 
 graceful figure. Moreover, his features 
 were far handsomer than the duke's. 
 
 Charles had a noble cast of countenance, 
 and his deportment, though haughty, was 
 exceedingly dignified ; but his stern look
 
 2 I 8 
 
 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 inspired uneasiness — even terror. His per- 
 son was well-made, but robust, and indi- 
 cated great strength. 
 
 Sheathed from head to foot in shining; 
 mail, he wore his harness as easily as a 
 velvet jerkin. For a few moments he stood 
 there, with his left hand on the hilt of his 
 lengthy sword, looking fixedly at Edward, 
 as if uncertain how he should be received. 
 
 Edward did not embrace the duke, or 
 even offer him his hand, but saluting him 
 coldly, said, " Soli ! you are come at last, 
 brother !" 
 
 " It is not my fault that I have not been 
 here sooner," replied the duke. '• I have 
 lost sixteen thousand men before Neuss, and 
 was compelled to send the remains of my 
 shattered army into Lorraine." 
 
 Edward regarded him incredulously. 
 
 " From the steps you have taken, 
 brother," he said, " it would seem that you
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. 2 1 9 
 
 are more anxious to make the conquest of 
 Lorraine than to aid me in the conquest of 
 France." 
 
 "Mistake me not, brother," rejoined 
 Charles the Bold. " I have been compelled 
 to change my plans. 'Twill be better now 
 that we should not join our forces, but make 
 war separately. Indeed, we have no choice, 
 since the country has been so devastated by 
 Louis, that both armies could not find suf- 
 ficient food." 
 
 " But why did you allow Louis to lay 
 waste the country ?" demanded Edward. 
 
 " I could not prevent him," said Charles. 
 angrily. 
 
 " No ; because you were occupied on the 
 Rhine, instead of beino: here according to 
 your promise," cried Edward. 
 
 " Calm }^ourself, brother, and listen to 
 me," said the duke. " This is what I pro- 
 pose. While you pass the Somme, and
 
 2 20 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 proceed by way of Laon and Soissons, I 
 will drive the Duke of Lorraine from Lux- 
 embourg, and after possessing myself of Bar 
 and Lorraine, will meet you at my good 
 * city of Rheims, where you can be crowned 
 King of France." 
 
 "The plan pleases me not," rejoined Ed- 
 ward. " Since you seem to forget the terms 
 of our treaty, I must remind you of them. 
 It was agreed that I should pass over into 
 France at the head of an army of ten thou- 
 sand men, well armed and well equipped, 
 while you were to assist me in person with 
 all your forces to accomplish the invasion. 
 As soon as war was declared we were to 
 march together and attack the common 
 enemy in all convenient places ; and in the 
 event of the conquest of France, it was 
 agreed that I should bestow upon you the 
 Duchy of Bar, the counties of Champagne, 
 Nevers, Eu, Guise, the barony of Dousy,
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. 22 1 
 
 with all the towns on both banks of the 
 Somme." 
 
 " I have not forgotten our agreement," 
 remarked Charles. 
 
 "I have not done," pursued Edward. 
 £ * On your part you expressly undertook to 
 furnish for the war an army of twenty 
 thousand men. Where are they ?" 
 
 Charles made a movement of impa- 
 tience. 
 
 " I must tell you plainly, brother, that 
 your extraordinary conduct is viewed with 
 the deepest dissatisfaction by my nobles, 
 my knights, and my men. They do not 
 understand why you should engage in an- 
 other war at this particular juncture. If 
 they were surprised that you should besiege 
 Neuss, they are still more astonished that 
 you should attack Lorraine." 
 
 " I owe your nobles and knights no ex- 
 planation," remarked the duke, sternly.
 
 22 2 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 "But you owe me one, brother," rejoined 
 Edward. " I am not satisfied." 
 
 "You are angry with me without rea- 
 son," said Charles. " All will yet go well. 
 I have just reeeived a letter from the Con- 
 stable Saint Pol, in which he promises to 
 deliver up Saint Quentin to you. Further- 
 more, he engages to serve me and all my 
 allies — especially your majesty — against all 
 enemies. I will place his letter in your 
 hands. Are you now content with me ?" 
 
 Without making any direct reply, Ed- 
 ward took the despatch, and said, " I will 
 assemble my council at once, and you shall 
 meet them." 
 
 " Hold me excused, brother," replied the 
 duke. " I have come hither at the greatest 
 inconvenience to myself, in order to ex- 
 plain matters to you personally, and I now 
 desire to return to my camp in Lorraine 
 without delay."
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. 2 2 3 
 
 " By Saint George ! you shall not go, 
 brother, even if I forcibly detain you !'' 
 cried Edward, in a determined tone. "Your 
 sudden arrival, and hasty departure, would 
 have an injurious effect on the army. I 
 will march forthwith to Peronne ; and you 
 shall accompany me thither I" 
 
 " Since you will have it so, I yield to 
 your request," replied the duke, though 
 with evident reluctance. " But there must 
 be no needless delay. Commence the march 
 as soon as you can." 
 
 "The camp shall be struck to-morrow 
 morn," said Edward. " I will give imme- 
 diate orders to that effect." 
 
 He was about to summon an attendant, 
 when Charles stopped him. 
 
 " There is a slight matter that I would 
 fain mention to you, brother," said the 
 duke, regarding him fixedly. " As I came 
 hither, about three leagues hence, on the
 
 2 24 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 road to Guines, I encountered a handsome 
 young esquire, with a page and two or 
 three men-at-arms, who evidently came 
 from your camp." 
 
 "How know you that?" said Edward, 
 sharply. 
 
 " The men were clearly English, and so 
 was their leader," replied Charles. " Whither 
 were they bound ?" 
 
 " You should have questioned them 
 yourself, brother," replied Edward, care- 
 lessly. 
 
 " It struck me afterwards that the youth 
 might be a messenger to Louis," remarked 
 Charles, still keeping his eyes fixed on the 
 king. 
 
 " If I sent a messenger to Louis, he would 
 not be a youth, such as you describe," re- 
 plied Edward. " I can give you no infor- 
 mation respecting him."
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. 225 
 
 Though by no means satisfied, Charles 
 made no further remark. 
 
 A council of war was then summoned, at 
 which the Dukes of Clarence and Gloucester, 
 with all the principal nobles, were present. 
 
 Charles the Bold repeated all he had said 
 to the king, and his explanation appeared 
 satisfactory to every one save Gloucester. 
 
 The letter from the Constable Saint Pol, 
 who, it may be proper to mention, was 
 uncle to the Queen of England, was laid 
 before the council, and the promises con- 
 tained in it, apparently made in good faith, 
 dispelled much of the distrust hitherto felt. 
 At the close of the meeting, the citizens 
 of London were presented to the Duke of 
 Burgundy by the king, and were received 
 by Charles with the utmost courtesy. 
 
 After surveying the camp, so soon to be 
 broken up, the king and the duke, who 
 
 VOL. T. Q
 
 2 26 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 seemed now to have come to a perfectly 
 good understanding, entered Calais, and 
 proceeded to the church of Notre Dame, 
 where they both alighted and made their 
 prayers at the high altar. 
 
 A grand banquet in the royal pavilion 
 concluded the day ; and at this splendid 
 entertainment were present not only all the 
 important personages who had accompanied 
 the king in the expedition, but the mayor 
 and most worshipful citizens of Calais, as 
 well as the much-honoured citizens of 
 London.
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. 227 
 
 V. 
 
 HOW KING EDWARD MARCHED HIS ARMY TO PERONXE ; AND 
 HOW THE CONSTABLE SAINT POL REFUSED HIM ADMIT- 
 TANCE TO SAINT QUENTIN. 
 
 By noon next day, all preparations being 
 completed, the camp was struck, and the 
 march of the army commenced into Artois. 
 The first division was led by the king, who 
 was accompanied by Charles the Bold, the 
 Earl of Northumberland, and Lord Has- 
 tings, and attended by the spearmen of 
 Calais, in black velvet gowns, and having 
 massy chains round their necks. 
 
 Owing to the immense number of bag- 
 
 Q 2
 
 2 2 8 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 gage waggons and other equipages, together 
 with the long train of artillery, the progress 
 of the army across the marshy land in the 
 neighbourhood of Calais was exceedingly 
 slow, and the main body did not get beyond 
 Ardres. 
 
 The first division, however, reached Saint 
 Omer: but Edward, at the suggestion of 
 the Duke of Burgundy, who represented to 
 him that the inhabitants would be greatly 
 inconvenienced, did not enter the town. 
 
 Towards evening, next day, the whole 
 army arrived at Arras ; and Edward, despite 
 the duke's remonstrances, took possession of 
 the Hotel de Ville, and quartered the bri- 
 gade under his own immediate command 
 upon the townspeople. 
 
 Bapaume formed the limit of the next 
 day's inarch ; and on the fourth day, Pe- 
 ronne was reached. 
 
 In the immediate vicinity of this strongly
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. 229 
 
 fortified town, situated on the north bank 
 of the Somme, and possessing a castle garri- 
 soned by Charles the Bold, Edward pro- 
 posed to wait till Saint Quentin, which was 
 only a few leagues distant, should be de- 
 livered up to him by the Constable Saint 
 Pol. 
 
 Throughout the march, the conduct of 
 the Duke of Burgundy had been such as to 
 inspire distrust. Evidently, he was most 
 unwilling; that the English army should 
 enter any town belonging to him, or dis- 
 turb the inhabitants. At Arras, where his 
 wishes were disregarded, he could not con- 
 ceal his vexation ; and now at Peronne, 
 though he could not refuse Edward admit- 
 tance to the town, he would not lodge him 
 at the castle. 
 
 The drawbridge was kept constantly 
 raised, and no one w T as permitted to enter 
 the fortress. Determined not to brook
 
 2 3° THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 further delay, and fancying he perceived 
 some symptoms of uneasiness about his 
 brother-in-law, Edward called upon him to 
 compel the constable to fulfil his promise 
 to deliver up Saint Qucntin. 
 
 Accordingly, Charles sent a letter to the 
 constable ; but as the messenger did not re- 
 turn forthwith, the king waxed impatient, 
 and set out for Saint Quentin, with a guard 
 of two hundred archers, accompanied by 
 the Duke of Burgundy, who had likewise a 
 small guard with him. 
 
 On arriving within a couple of leagues of 
 Saint Quentin, Edward commanded the 
 captain of the guard to ride on with twenty 
 men, and announce his approach to the 
 constable. 
 
 On reaching the town with his company, 
 the officer found the gates shut, and a num- 
 ber of armed men on the walls. Two large 
 pieces of ordnance were placed on the sum-
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. 23 I 
 
 mit of the gate, and the engineers threat- 
 ened to fire upon him if he did not at once 
 withdraw with his men. 
 
 Highly offended, the officer demanded 
 admittance in the name of the King of 
 England, whereupon a body of cavalry, 
 commanded, it was thought, by the Con- 
 stable Saint Pol in person, sallied forth, 
 killed the officer and three of the men, and 
 drove off the rest, who galloped back as 
 hard as they could, to warn the king of his 
 danger. 
 
 Edward was riding slowly along, at the 
 head of his men, with Charles the Bold by 
 his side, and the Lords Hastings and Howard 
 close behind him, when the discomfited 
 soldiers came up, and told him what had 
 happened. 
 
 Highly incensed, he cried out to the 
 Duke of Burgundy, " By my soul, brother! 
 you shall rue this treachery !"
 
 232 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 " Am I answerable for the constable's mis- 
 doings ?" observed Charles, coldly. " Visit 
 your anger upon him." 
 
 " Think not to impose upon me by this 
 equivocation !" cried Edward, furiously. 
 ' : You are the real author of the mischief! 
 Can I doubt that the constable is acting by 
 your orders? But, as I live, both you and 
 he shall repent it !" 
 
 " Calm yourself, I pray you, my liege,' 
 interposed Hastings, fearing that the quarrel 
 might proceed to some dire extremity. 
 " Doubtless, his grace will be able to offer 
 an explanation." 
 
 u By Saint George of Burgundy ! I know 
 nothing of the matter," said Charles, " as I 
 will prove to you. Let us ride on, and 
 demand an explanation from the con- 
 stable." 
 
 But Edward refused to proceed. 
 
 " You have deceived me," he said, sternly.
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. ^2)3 
 
 " and I will not trust you further. You 
 shall return with me to Peronne." 
 
 "As your prisoner? Never!" rejoined 
 Charles, laying his hand upon the hilt of 
 his sword. " Whoso dares hinder my de- 
 parture had best look to himself! Come 
 with me, Burgundians!" 
 
 Thus enjoined, his scanty band of fol- 
 lowers pressed towards him. 
 
 Edward seemed disposed to stay him, 
 but Hastings again interposed. 
 
 " He will never surrender himself, my 
 liege," said the earl ; ' : and if he be slain, 
 you will be held accountable for his 
 death." 
 
 Edward was sufficiently master of himself 
 to listen to this judicious advice. 
 
 As the duke departed, he called out to 
 him, " Take refuge in Saint Quentin, 
 brother. The constable will gladly let you 
 in, though he refuses me admittance."
 
 2 34 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 Disdaining to make any reply, Charles 
 rode slowly away with his followers. 
 
 Firmly resolved to break off the alliance 
 with his faithless brother-in-law, Edward 
 returned to Peronne. 
 
 In the first impulse of his wrath, he deter- 
 mined to assault Saint Quentin, and wrest 
 the town from the constable ; but when he 
 grew calmer, he deemed it advisable to 
 await the result of the message to Louis. 
 
 Beginning to feel some uneasiness respect- 
 ing Isidore, he resolved to send another 
 messenger to Compiegne, and could "find 
 none more suitable than a cordelier, named 
 Father Severin, who had accompanied the 
 army from Dover. 
 
 Edward's instructions to the cordelier, 
 who could speak French fluently, were that 
 he should proceed as quickly as he could to 
 Compiegne, and ascertain if any mischance
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. *i>$ 
 
 had befallen Isidore and Claude. Father 
 Severin was charged to render them all the 
 assistance in his power. Moreover, he was 
 furnished with a letter, which he was to 
 deliver to Louis, in case circumstances ren- 
 dered the step necessary — not otherwise. 
 
 Provided with a stout, ambling nag, and 
 with ample means for the journey, the cor- 
 delier set out alone, as it was not deemed 
 prudent to send an escort with him. 
 
 Having taken this precautionary step, 
 Edward employed himself in preparing for 
 a vigorous prosecution of the war, should 
 Louis decline to accept his conditions. 
 
 The hulk of the army were anxious that 
 the campaign should commence in earnest, 
 as they felt sure that the same success that 
 had formerly attended the English arms 
 awaited them now. Moreover, their patience 
 was well-nigh exhausted and provisions were
 
 236 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 becoming scarce. They, therefore, ardently 
 hoped that the king would soon order an 
 attack upon Amiens. 
 
 The principal knights and nobles were, 
 however, quite satisfied with what had 
 already been done, and the citizens were of 
 the same opinion. 
 
 Unaccustomed to hardships of any kind, 
 the latter were annoyed by the trifling dis- 
 comforts to which they had been subjected 
 during the march from Calais to'Peronne, 
 and wished themselves safe back again in 
 London.
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. ^37 
 
 VI. 
 
 HOW ISIDORE PROCEEDED TOWARDS COMPIEGNE, AND HOW 
 HE WAS STOPPED BY A PARTY OF BURGUNDIAN SOLDIERS 
 ON THE WAY TO MONTDID1ER. 
 
 After the encounter with Charles the 
 Bold, which had caused considerable alarm 
 to Isidore and Claude, they proceeded across 
 a plain, rendered famous at a subsequent 
 period for the meeting between Henry the 
 Eighth and Francis the First ; and, without 
 halting at Ardres, rode along the banks of 
 a little river to Saint Omer, where they 
 halted for the night. 
 
 Resuming their journey at an early hour
 
 238 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 next morning, and passing through Bethune, 
 they reached Arras without hindrance or 
 misadventure. 
 
 There they would have sojourned for the 
 night, but as it seemed likely they might 
 be detained by the authorities of the town, 
 they decided upon proceeding as far as 
 Doulens. 
 
 Next day they rode to Peronne, but did 
 not enter the town, and after refreshing 
 themselves and their horses, shaped their 
 course towards Montdidier; but they had 
 not proceeded much more than a league, 
 when they perceived they were followed by 
 a small party of Burgundian soldiers, with 
 an officer at their head. 
 
 The leader of the troop called out to them 
 to stop, and, as it was impossible to fly, 
 they obeyed. 
 
 Facing about with his attendants, and 
 assuming a courageous look, Isidore waited
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. 239 
 
 till the officer came up, and then haughtily 
 inquired his business. 
 
 " Pardon me, fair sir," said the officer, 
 courteously. " The orders I have received 
 from the Governor of Peronne are to take 
 you and your attendants back to the town. 
 Be pleased, therefore, to come with me." 
 
 " I protest against any interruption in 
 the name of the Kino; of England !" said 
 Isidore. " I am an envoy from his majesty 
 to King Louis." 
 
 " I must remind you, fair sir, that you 
 are still in the territories of his highness 
 the Duke of Burgundy," said the officer, 
 who had not in the slightest degree abated 
 his courtesy. 
 
 " I am quite aware of it," replied Isidore. 
 " But the duke, your master, is the ally as 
 well as the brother-in-law of King Ed- 
 ward." 
 
 " Nevertheless, his highness dees not
 
 24° THE GOLDSMITHS WIFE. 
 
 choose that a message even from the King 
 of England shall be sent without his grace's 
 knowledge and approval to the King of 
 France." 
 
 " How has the duke learnt that I am 
 charged with any such message ?" demanded 
 Isidore. 
 
 " I am not bound to give any explana- 
 tion," replied the officer; "but it would 
 seem that his highness encountered } t ou 
 and your party near Ardres, and suspect- 
 ing your errand, has sent an order to have 
 you stayed." 
 
 li No doubt you have calculated the con- 
 sequences of such a step. It will naturally 
 give great umbrage to the king my master." 
 
 " I have simply to obey orders. You 
 w r ill be first taken to Peronne, and will then 
 be sent back to the English camp. Compel 
 me not, I pray you, to use force." 
 
 " Since needs must, I will go with you,"
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. 24s 
 
 said Isidore. " But I again warn you that 
 the king, my master, will deeply resent this 
 interference !" 
 
 " I cannot help it," rejoined the officer, 
 shrusrsino; his shoulders. 
 
 With great reluctance, Cyriac and his 
 comrades accompanied the Burgundian sol- 
 diers; but as their young leader did not 
 seem inclined to offer any resistance, they 
 obeyed, and the whole party turned back, 
 and proceeded towards Peronne. 
 
 They had not, however, got far when a 
 troop of horsemen, whose accoutrements 
 and the standard which they carried showed 
 they were French soldiers, issued from a 
 wood, and made quickly towards them. 
 
 At the sight of this troop, which more 
 than trebled his own in number, the Bur- 
 gundian officer, though a brave man, looked 
 quite dismayed. In the leader of the hostile 
 troop, he had recognised the Sire de Co 
 
 VOL. I. R
 
 242 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 mines, one of the ehief councillors of the 
 French king, and he felt almost certain that 
 this was only a reconnoitring party, and 
 that a much larger force must be close at 
 hand. 
 
 Bidding his men save themselves, he 
 seized hold of Isidore's bridle, and tried to 
 drag him along ; but Cyriac came to the 
 young esquire's assistance, and soon libe- 
 rated him. 
 
 The Burgundian officer then struck spurs 
 into his horse's flanks, and galloped off with 
 his men towards Peronne. 
 
 Pursuit, however, was not attempted by 
 the Sire de Comines, who presently came 
 up with his troop.
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. 243 
 
 VII. 
 
 WHAT PASSED BETWEEN ISIDORE AND THE SIRE DE 
 » COMIXES. 
 
 The chief councillor and chamberlain of 
 the French king was a noble-looking per- 
 sonage, and his strongly marked but hand- 
 some countenance was stamped by intel- 
 ligence, and had a grave and rather stern 
 expression. 
 
 Originally in the service of Charles the 
 Bold, with whom he was a great favourite, 
 Philip de Comines was induced to abandon 
 the duke by the magnificent offers made 
 him by the wily Louis the Eleventh, who 
 
 r 2
 
 244 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 desired to secure to himself a person of such 
 ability. 
 
 On the defection of Comines, all his 
 estates were immediately confiscated by the 
 Duke of Burgundy, but he was amply re- 
 warded for the loss. 
 
 Louis appointed him his chief councillor 
 and chamberlain, with a pension of six 
 thousand livres, and besides bestowing other 
 lucrative honours upon him, created him 
 Prince de Talmont. 
 
 Endowed with great shrewdness and 
 power of observation, Philip de Comines 
 kept a record of the most important events 
 that occurred during the reign of Louis the 
 Eleventh, and to him we are indebted for 
 the best chronicle of the period under con- 
 sideration. 
 
 But, though the pursuits of the Sire de 
 Comines were studious, he was well skilled 
 in military matters, and as fond of the sword
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. 2 45 
 
 as the pen. An excellent horseman, he con- 
 stantly accompanied his royal master in the 
 chase. He was above the middle height, 
 and strongly built. 
 
 On the present occasion, he was clad in 
 a suit of mail, damaskeened with gold, and 
 graven with his arms, and over his armour 
 he wore a rich mantle. 
 
 As he came up, he looked hard and in- 
 quiringly at Isidore, and said, " By your 
 looks and habiliments you should be an 
 English esquire. What do you here ?" 
 
 " I am the bearer of a message from the 
 King of England to King Louis of France,'' 
 replied Isidore. 
 
 "By Saint Philip!" exclaimed De Co- 
 mines, " your royal master does not show 
 much respect to his majesty in sending to 
 him such a coxcomb as thou art. Deliver 
 thy message to me ; I will convey it to the 
 king."
 
 246 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 " May I inquire who makes me the offer ?" 
 said Isidore. 
 
 "I am the Sire de Comines, Prince de 
 Talmont, the king's chief councillor and 
 chamberlain," said the other. 
 
 "And his majesty's best adviser," replied 
 Isidore, taking off his cap, and bowing 
 lowly. " I have often heard my royal 
 master speak of you in terms of the highest 
 commendation." 
 
 " Ah ! indeed," exclaimed De Comines, 
 looking hard at the speaker. " It appears 
 you have much influence with King Ed- 
 ward." 
 
 " Not much," replied the esquire. "But 
 he can trust me." 
 
 " And you have really an important mes- 
 sage for King Louis ? Do not trifle with 
 me." 
 
 " My message is most important, as you
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. 2 47 
 
 will admit when I tell you that on the 
 result of my interview depends war or 
 peace !" 
 
 ''Do you come as an ambassador from 
 the Kino; of England?" cried De Comines. 
 
 " No," replied Isidore ; " but I am 
 authorised by the king to negotiate a 
 truce." 
 
 Though scarcely crediting the assertion, 
 De Comines made no remark ; but, after 
 reflecting for a few moments, said, " I will 
 take you to the king. I had other matter 
 in hand, but this shall supersede it." 
 
 During the foregoing brief colloquy, the 
 countenances of both speakers had been 
 carefully watched by Claude and Cyriac, 
 who soon saw an understanding had been 
 arrived at. 
 
 They were not surprised, therefore, when 
 the Sire de Comines ordered his men to
 
 248 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 return at once to Compiegne, while Isidore 
 explained to his followers that he was about 
 to accompany the French noble. 
 
 The whole party then set off at a brisk 
 pace for Roye, where they halted, and then 
 proceeded to Gournay. 
 
 After resting themselves and their horses 
 at the latter place, they rode on to Com- 
 piegne. 
 
 During the whole of the journey, De 
 Comines paid great attention to the young 
 esquire, and seemed very anxious to obtain 
 information respecting Charles the Bold. 
 
 All Isidore could tell him was that the 
 duke had joined the king at Calais, but 
 with only a verv slender attendance.
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. 249 
 
 VIII. 
 
 ff 
 
 HOW ISIDORE MET THE COUNT DE BEAUJEU IN THE POREST 
 OF COMPIEGNE ; AND HOW THE YOUNG ESQUIRE AND HIS 
 COMPANION "WERE LODGED IN THE ROYAL PALACE. 
 
 Evening was coming on as the Sire de 
 Comines and Isidore, with the others, en- 
 tered the extensive forest adjoining Com- 
 piegne, and the) 7 were pursuing the road 
 that led through it, when from a side alley, 
 about a bow-shot in advance, there issued 
 a small hunting party, consisting of some 
 half-dozen huntsmen, at the head of whom 
 rode a man of middle age, habited in a 
 green velvet hunting-dress. This person
 
 250 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 had a couteau de cliasse in his belt, and a 
 riding-whip in his hand. Despite his plain 
 attire, there was an air of distinction about 
 him, and his manner, albeit peculiar and 
 abrupt, was not devoid of dignity. He rode 
 a verv fine horse, and though his own attire 
 was extremely plain, the liveries of the 
 huntsmen were magnificent. 
 
 " Tis the Count de Beaujeu. I did not 
 expect to meet him here," exclaimed De 
 Comines. 
 
 With this, he signed to his men to slacken 
 their pace, and rode on alone to join the 
 count, who waited till he came up, the 
 huntsmen slowly continuing their course, 
 accompanied by the hounds. 
 
 The name and title of the stranger con- 
 veyed nothing to Isidore. He had never 
 before heard of the Count de Beaujeu .; but 
 he was struck by his appearance. In age
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. 25 I 
 
 the count might be about fifty, perhaps 
 rather more ; but he looked full of vigour. 
 His features were strongly marked, and cha- 
 racterised by great shrewdness, and had a 
 very crafty and sarcastic expression. 
 
 While conversing with De Comines, the 
 count ever and anon cast a scrutinising 
 glance at Isidore, proving that the young 
 esquire was the subject of their discourse. 
 
 At length Isidore was summoned, and 
 presented to the count, who thus addressed 
 him, eyeing him keenly as he spoke. 
 
 " Sob ! you are an envoy from the King 
 of England, I am told, young sir. You have 
 some qualifications for the office, I admit. 
 You are good-looking, and the Sire de Co- 
 mines says you speak our language well ; 
 but I cannot understand whv your roval 
 master should send you on the errand, 
 unless a jest is intended/'
 
 2 5 2 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 " I fear the laugh would be against me' if 
 I attempted to jest with King Louis," re- 
 joined Isidore. 
 
 " You are right," remarked De Comines. 
 
 "Yet King Louis jested with his royal 
 brother when he sent him that singular pre- 
 sent of the wolf, the wild boar, and the ass," 
 observed the esquire. 
 
 "What said King Edward to the gift?" 
 demanded the count, laughing. 
 
 " I dare not tell you, my lord ; but his 
 majesty was highly offended." 
 
 " Perchance it is in reprisal that he now 
 sends you as his envoy." 
 
 " I am sent because his majesty felt cer- 
 tain I should succeed in the mission," Isi- 
 dore observed. 
 
 " He must place great reliance on your 
 powers of persuasion ?" remarked the count, 
 dryly. 
 
 " Persuasion will be unnecessary, my
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. ^S3 
 
 lord," rejoined the esquire. " King Louis 
 will gladly accede to the proposition I am 
 empowered to make to him." 
 
 " You think so," cried the count. 
 
 " I am sure of it," rejoined the esquire, 
 " because it is his interest to do so." 
 
 Both the Count de Beaujeu and De Co- 
 mines laughed heartily at this observation. 
 
 " You treat the matter lightly, my lords," 
 said the esquire ; " but your royal master 
 will view it very differently." 
 
 " We shall see !" rejoined the count. 
 " Have you a written authority from the 
 kino: !" 
 
 " I have his signet-ring," replied Isidore, 
 taking off his glove, and displaying it. 
 
 "Enough !" exclaimed the count, after he 
 had carefully examined the ring. " I am 
 satisfied. " You shall have an audience of 
 the king to-morrow." 
 
 " I thank you, my lord," said the esquire ;
 
 254 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 " but, perchance, you promise more than 
 you can perform." 
 
 " I promise nothing, save that you shall 
 see the king," rejoined the count. " I have 
 influence enough with him to procure you 
 an audience ; that is all. Take the youth 
 to the palace," he added, to De Comines, 
 
 So saying, he rejoined the huntsmen, 
 and again putting himself at their head, 
 rode off at a brisk pace, and quickly disap- 
 peared. 
 
 " I have heard that the king has some 
 strange favourites," observed Isidore. " The 
 Count de Beaujeu must be one of the 
 strangest of them." 
 
 " He has more influence than any one 
 else Avith the king," rejoined De Comines. 
 " His majesty can do nothing without 
 him. 
 
 Isidore would fain have questioned him 
 further as to this singular personage ; but
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. ^S5 
 
 finding him disinclined for converse, he 
 forbore. 
 
 Nothing more passed between them till 
 they emerged from the forest, and came in 
 sight of the old town of Compiegne. Plea- 
 santly situated on the banks of the Oise, it 
 formed a very charming picture from this 
 point of view. 
 
 Close to the town, but not within the 
 walls, was the palace — a large fortified pile, 
 surrounded by a deep moat, supplied with 
 water by the Oise. The aspect of the struc- 
 ture, with its towers and ramparts, was ex- 
 ceedingly striking. 
 
 Dismissing the greatest part of. his men, 
 with orders to proceed to the town, and re- 
 taining only a small guard, De Confines 
 conducted the young esquire and his 
 attendants to the palace. 
 
 The drawbridge was raised, but was in- 
 stantly lowered on the appearance of the
 
 250 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 party; and crossing it, and passing through 
 a gatewa} 7 , which was strongly guarded, they 
 reached the court-yard. 
 
 Here several grooms and pages, in the 
 royal livery, were collected ; and by the 
 time Isidore had dismounted, a gentleman 
 usher made his appearance. 
 
 Addressing the usher, De Comines told 
 him that lodgings were to be provided for 
 the young esquire and his attendant, point- 
 ing as he spoke to Claude, who Avas now 
 standing beside his master ; upon which the 
 usher bowed profoundly, said that orders 
 to that effect had been given him, and all 
 was ready for the young esquire's reception 
 in the best part of the palace. 
 
 The significance with which the latter 
 part of the speech was uttered did not 
 escape Isidore, and he remarked with a smile 
 to De Comines, " The Count de Beaujeu, 
 I perceive, has been beforehand with us."
 
 THE EXPEDITION 10 FRANCE. 1$"] 
 
 "In sooth, you are indebted to him for 
 this attention," replied De Comines. 
 
 " I am none the less indebted to you, my 
 lord," said Isidore. " Without your aid I 
 should not be here now." 
 
 " Perhaps not ; but all difficulties and 
 dangers are surmounted, and you are safe 
 in the royal palace. To-morrow you will 
 see the king. No doubt I shall be present 
 at the audience." 
 
 " And the Count de Beaujeu also?" 
 
 "Most likely. Till then, adieu! The 
 usher will conduct you to your apart- 
 ments." 
 
 Praying the young esquire to follow him, 
 the usher then led him and Claude, who 
 kept constantly near his master, to a wing 
 of the palace facing the Oise, and com- 
 manding a charming view. 
 
 It would seem that the rooms assigned 
 the young esquire and his attendant must 
 
 vol. i. s
 
 2 $8 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 have belonged to one of the Court ladies, 
 for an elderly gouvernante, who was ad- 
 dressed as Madame Benoite, and her 
 daughter Colombe, appeared to have entire 
 charge of them, and waited upon the guests. 
 No pages or valets were allowed to enter the 
 rooms. 
 
 Strange as it seemed, this arrangement 
 proved extremely agreeable to Isidore and 
 his companion, nor could they complain, 
 for the utmost attention was shown them 
 by Madame Benoite and Colombe. Supper 
 was served early, and, after partaking of it, 
 Isidore retired to rest, being somewhat 
 fatigued by the journey. 
 
 Next morning, there was a great stir 
 within the palace, and Isidore inquired 
 whether anything unusual had happened, 
 and was informed by the gouvernante that 
 the king was inspecting the garrison. 
 
 Feeling certain he should receive a sum-
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. 259 
 
 mons when it was proper to present himself 
 to his majesty, the young esquire did not 
 leave his room, but passed the time in con- 
 templating the beautiful view of the town 
 and the river from the windows. 
 
 He was thus occupied when De Comines 
 entered the room, and, after courteously 
 saluting him, proposed to conduct him to 
 the king. 
 
 " His majesty has graciously consented to 
 grant you an audience," he said. " Have 
 no misgiving; he is in a perfectly good 
 humour, and I think all will turn out as 
 well as you could desire." 
 
 " I am glad to hear it," replied Isidore. 
 " But where is the Count de Beaujeu ? I 
 hoped to see him." 
 
 " You will see him anon," replied De 
 Comines. " Let me show you the way to 
 the king's cabinet." 
 
 They then went forth together, leaving 
 
 s 2
 
 ~2 6o THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 Claude behind, though the page would fain 
 have accompanied his master. 
 
 After traversing a corridor thronged by 
 various officers connected with the royal 
 establishment, who made way respectfully 
 for them, and threading several narrow pas- 
 sages, they came to a second corridor, quite 
 as crowded as the first. 
 
 Here they entered an ante-chamber, in 
 which some half-dozen distinguished-looking 
 personages were collected. These persons 
 bowed to De Comines, and looked hard at 
 Isidore, but made no remark. 
 
 Stationed at the further end of the room 
 was an usher, bearing a white wand. On 
 seeing them approach, he opened the door 
 of the royal cabinet. 
 
 Greatly was Isidore surprised to find 
 that there was no one in the little chamber 
 except the person whom he had hitherto 
 Jknown as the Count de Beaujeu. The sup-
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. 26 I 
 
 posed count, however, no longer wore the 
 hunting-dress in which he had been first 
 seen, but a costume that proclaimed his 
 exalted rank. It was needless for De Co- 
 mines to inform the esquire that this was 
 King Louis. 
 
 Stepping forward, Isidore bent the knee 
 to the monarch, who smiled graciously as 
 he raised him.
 
 262 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 IX. 
 
 HOW ISIDORE HAD AX AVDIE2fCi: OF KIXG LOUIS THE ELE- 
 YENTII IK HIS MAJESTY'S PRIVATE CABINET IX THE 
 
 PALACE. 
 
 Born in 1423, Louis the Eleventh was 
 now upwards of fifty, but still strong and 
 remarkably active. He was of middle 
 height, and stooped slightly, but his person 
 was well formed. His features were sharp 
 and intelligent, and his face being scrupu- 
 lously shaven, its expression could easily be 
 read. His eyes were grey, and their glances 
 singularly keen and searching. 
 
 On his closely-cropped head he wore an
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. 263 
 
 embroidered velvet skull-cap, above which 
 was a bonnet bordered with pearls, and 
 having a little leaden figure of the Blessed 
 Virgin placed in front. About his person 
 were a number of saintly relics and images. 
 
 On the present occasion, his attire con- 
 sisted of a tawney- satin tunic, embroidered 
 with gold, over which he wore a purple 
 velvet robe, furred with ermine. Dark red 
 silk hose, and velvet buskins of the same 
 hue, completed his costume. Around his 
 neck hung the chain of the order of Saint 
 Michael, which he himself had founded in 
 14G9. 
 
 The cruel, treacherous, and vindictive 
 character of this able and most sagacious 
 monarch is well known. Dissimulation was 
 his practice ; his favourite motto being, 
 Qui nesclt dissimulare. nescit regnare. It is 
 said of him by Mezerai, " that he never 
 neglected to revenge himself, unless he
 
 264 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 feared the consequences would be dan- 
 gerous." And he always acted up to this 
 principle, for he sought to make himself 
 feared. 
 
 " Louis the Eleventh," says M. Pitre- 
 Chevalier, " is one of those political giants 
 that arise at the moment of social revolu- 
 tions ; some carry the sword, others the pen 
 — he carried the axe, and the executioner 
 was his gossip. This inflexible organiser, 
 who bequeathed to France in the midst of 
 the remains of the old world the elements 
 of a new world, a homogeneous kingdom, a 
 public administration, manufactures, roads, 
 ports, and that equality before the king, 
 which one day became equality before the 
 law — this man, who alone in his time com- 
 prehended and carried his thoughts in his 
 head — this politician so fine, that he at- 
 tempted to deceive Heaven, and braved 
 Satan, of whom he was so much afraid —
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. 265 
 
 this Louis the Eleventh, in short, for his 
 name alone ouitfit to define him, said to 
 himself, while thinking of his great vassals, 
 whom lie meant to destroy, ' My two 
 cousins, Burgundy and Bretagne, shall fall 
 the first."' 
 
 Numerous assassinations were laid to the 
 charge of this terrible kino-. It is said that 
 he poisoned Agnes Sorel, the beautiful and 
 amiable favourite of his father, Charles the 
 Seventh ; and so fearful was the father of 
 being poisoned by his son, that he refused 
 all nourishment, and died from excess of 
 precaution. 
 
 Those who became the confidants and 
 favourites of Louis were men of the lowest 
 condition. The three persons who had the 
 greatest ascendancy over him were his pro- 
 vost-marshal, Tristan THermite, whom he 
 familiarly styled his gossip ; his barber, 
 Olivier le Dain ; and his physician, Jacques
 
 266 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 Coictier. His best and sincerest adviser 
 was Philip de Comines, whom he had con- 
 trived to detach from the service of Charles 
 the Bold. 
 
 Louis never forgave a minister who 
 abused his confidence ; and having dis- 
 covered the treacheries of Cardinal Balue, 
 he subjected him to a long and terrible im- 
 prisonment in an iron cage. 
 
 Ever since he ascended the throne, Louis 
 had been en£ao;ed in a constant struo'2;le 
 with his great vassals, his rebellious sub- 
 jects, and his powerful and ambitious neigh- 
 bours. 
 
 Dangerous leagues were continually 
 formed against him by his brother, the 
 Duke de Guienne ; and when the duke 
 died, it was said that Louis had removed 
 him by poison. Other dark crimes were 
 laid to his charge, and not unjustly. 
 
 The last and most dangerous league
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. 1&J 
 
 formed against Louis was that with which 
 we have now to deal, and which compre- 
 hended the Duke of Burgundy, the Duke 
 of Bretagne, and King Edward of England. 
 But he hoped to break up this formidable 
 alliance by his superior craft, and his first 
 object was to get rid, at any cost, of the 
 warlike monarch who had invaded his king- 
 dom. 
 
 Fortunately for his purpose, the Duke of 
 Burgundy had acted towards his royal ally 
 with inconceivable folly, and Louis was not 
 slow to take advantage of the duke's esre- 
 gious blunder. If he could separate Edward 
 and Charles, the Duke of Bretagne would 
 be easily dealt with. 
 
 Regarding the young esquire with a 
 smiling and encouraging look, the wily 
 monarch said to him, " I promised you 
 should see the king, and you perceive I 
 have kept my word,"
 
 268 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 Isidore bowed, and Louis went on, in a 
 cajoling tone, " I am very glad my good 
 cousin, the Kino- of England, has sent vou 
 to me. He could not have chosen a better 
 messenger." 
 
 " I was not chosen, sire," rejoined Isidore. 
 " I volunteered to come." 
 
 " Pdques-Dieu ! you have plenty of 
 courage !" exclaimed Louis. " Yet I am 
 surprised the king could trust you." 
 
 " He knew I Avas in no danger, sire ; and 
 he knew, also, that he could rely upon me." 
 
 "Are you in full possession of his ma- 
 jesty's wishes, and able to treat for him?" 
 asked Louis. 
 
 " I am, sire. 
 
 " In that case, I am persuaded we shall 
 arrive at a satisfactory understanding. Be- 
 lieve me, when I assert that I have always 
 desired to live on terms of amity with my 
 good cousin, and, however appearances may
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. 269 
 
 be against me, my sincere wish has ever 
 been that the two kingdoms should be at 
 
 CD 
 
 peace. Never since my accession to the 
 throne have I undertaken a war against 
 England ; and if I received the Earl of 
 Warwick, it was against the .Duke of Bur- 
 gundy, and not against King Edward." 
 
 •' I will take care to mention this to my 
 royal master," remarked Isidore. 
 
 " I know very well," pursued Louis, " that 
 my good cousin has been induced to invade 
 my kingdom by the artful representations 
 of Charles of Burgundy. But the duke is 
 
 CD */ 
 
 unable to aid him. He has just returned 
 from the siege of Neuss, wholly discomfited. 
 His army is in such a deplorable condition, 
 that he dares not show it to the king, your 
 master." 
 
 " It would certainly appear so, sire," ob- 
 served Isidore. 
 
 " I am also aware," said Louis, " that
 
 270 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 King Edward has an understanding with 
 
 the Constable Saint Pol, whose niece he has 
 married. But let him beware. The con- 
 stable is a traitor, as I know to my cost." 
 
 "His majesty has little faith in him," 
 observed Isidore. 
 
 " Mark me !" said Louis, significantly. 
 " My good cousin will do far better to con- 
 clude a loyal peace with an old enemy, than 
 to count upon the promises of his faithless 
 allies." 
 
 "Such a peace may be concluded," said 
 Isidore. 
 
 " You think so ?" cried Louis, eagerly. 
 
 " I am able to state to your majesty the 
 terms on which alone King Edward will 
 consent to make peace." 
 
 " Let me hear them," cried Louis. 
 
 " Before King Edward will leave the 
 kingdom, he requires seventy-five thousand 
 crowns down."
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. 2 J I 
 
 " He shall have them," said Louis. 
 
 " Further, an annuity for life of fifty 
 thousand crowns." 
 
 " Granted !" cried Louis. " Is there aught 
 more i 
 
 " Yes, sire ; the most material part has 
 to come," said Isidore. "The next condi- 
 tion is that a marriage shall be contracted 
 between the Dauphin and King Edward's 
 eldest daughter, the Lady Elizabeth of 
 York — it being understood that the princess 
 shall receive an annual pension of sixty 
 thousand crowns, secured on the revenues 
 of Guienne, and to be paid at the Tower of 
 London until such time as she shall come 
 to France, to reside with her royal hus- 
 band." 
 
 " This demand requires consideration," 
 said Louis. " But I ma) r possibly accede to 
 it. How say you, De Comines ?"
 
 2J2 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 His councillor replied, in a low tone, cal- 
 culated only for the king's ear. 
 
 " Bear in mind, sire, the advice of Sforza, 
 Duke of Milan : ' Give what you have 
 not got, and promise what you cannot 
 give. 
 
 Seeing the drift of the remark, Louis 
 added, to the esquire, " I agree to the pro- 
 posed marriage. Is there aught more ?" 
 
 " There are some other demands," replied 
 Isidore ; " but they are of minor import- 
 ance, and relate chiefly to the citizens of 
 London. I doubt not the points will be 
 readily conceded by your majesty." 
 
 "Ay, such matters do not need discus- 
 sion," said Louis. " If I agree to the terms 
 proposed to me, my motives must not be 
 misunderstood. 1 desire peace, but am fully 
 prepared for war. All the passages of the 
 Somme are well guarded, and King Ed- 
 ward will not be able to pass the river
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. 273 
 
 without severe fighting — even if he should 
 succeed in passing it. Is lie prepared for a 
 long campaign ? I doubt it. The Duke of 
 Burgundy has led him to suppose he can 
 march on without difficulty. He will find 
 it otherwise. The country has been wasted, 
 and as he will not be able to procure pro- 
 visions for his army, he may have to retreat 
 ingloriously." 
 
 "King Edward will not retreat, if the 
 war once commences," said Isidore. "Of 
 that your majesty may rest assured. All 
 difficulties will be surmounted, and he will 
 return in triumph like Edward the Third 
 from Cressy and Poitiers, and Henry the 
 Fifth from Agincourt." 
 
 " We are talking of peace, not war," cried 
 Louis, sharply. 
 
 "True, sire," rejoined Isidore; "and 
 peace can be made, provided my royal 
 master's terms are agreed to by your ma- 
 
 vol. 1. T
 
 274 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 jesty. A formal treaty has been drawn up, 
 which only lacks your majesty's signature." 
 
 " Have you the treaty ?" demanded 
 Louis, hastily. 
 
 " Tis here, sire," rejoined Isidore, taking 
 the paper from his breast. 
 
 Louis almost snatched the document from 
 him, and ran his eye eagerly over its con- 
 tents. 
 
 " Your majesty will find nothing more 
 set down than what I have stated," said 
 Isidore. 
 
 " You have not misled me, I see," cried 
 Louis. " When this treaty is executed — 
 and I know you have sufficient interest 
 with King Edward to bring that about — 
 you shall have, in token of ray regard, nine 
 thousand crowns in gold, besides the thou- 
 sand I will presently bestow upon you." 
 
 "Ten thousand crowns of gold!" ex- 
 claimed the esquire. "Tis a royal gift."
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. 2-75 
 
 "But you will richly deserve it, if you 
 are the means of securing a peace be- 
 tween the two kingdoms," observed De 
 Comines. 
 
 " The conditions are fully agreed upon," 
 said Louis ; " but to keep up appearances, 
 they must be formally discussed by am- 
 bassadors, on King Edward's part, and 
 commissioners on mine ; after which, an 
 interview can take place between my good 
 cousin and myself, when the treaty can be 
 executed, and a truce concluded." 
 
 Isidore bowed assent, and Louis went 
 on. 
 
 " You must be content to be my guest 
 for a few days," he said, " while certain pre- 
 liminaries are arranged ; but you shall have 
 as much privacy as you can desire." 
 
 " I am in no haste to depart," replied 
 the esquire ; " but I trust I may be per- 
 mitted to communicate with the king, my
 
 2/6 THE GOLDSMITH'S WIFE. 
 
 master, who may feel some uneasiness con- 
 cerning me." 
 
 " Tis my wish that you should write to 
 King Edward," said Louis. " One of the 
 guard who attended you can take the letter 
 to him. Verv few words will suffice, as 
 the missive might fall into wrong hands. 
 Have you a man with you whom you can 
 trust?" 
 
 " There is an archer named Cyriac, my 
 liege, on whom I can perfectly rely." 
 
 "I have had some converse with the 
 man," remarked De Comines, " and will 
 answer for his fidelity." . 
 
 "Enough," said Louis. "He shall have 
 a safe-conduct, which will protect him, un- 
 less he should fall into the hands of the 
 Duke of Burgundy. Do not for a moment 
 imagine," he continued, with a singular 
 smile, "that I mean to detain you as a 
 hostage. But I may have a correspondence
 
 THE EXPEDITION TO FRANCE. 277 
 
 with King Edward, which you alone can 
 conduct." 
 
 " I quite understand, sire," said Isidore. 
 
 " During your stay at Compiegne. which 
 I will endeavour to make ple&sant to you," 
 said Louis, "you will do exactly as you 
 please. Servants and horses shall be placed 
 at your disposal. You can visit the town, 
 ride in the forest, go where you will ; all I 
 require is that you do not leave without 
 my consent." 
 
 Seeing that the interview was at an end, 
 Isidore bowed profoundly to the king, and 
 was re-conducted to his apartments by Te 
 Comines. 
 
 END of vol. 1. 
 
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