No suspicion whatever had been entertained of the Prince’s absence from the ship. He was supposed to be alone in the state-cabin, where, as we know, the Count D’Egmont had been left as his representative, and, after the strict orders given to that effect, the Count remained entirely1 undisturbed. As time wore on, and midnight drew near, D’Egmont began to feel uneasy, and it was a relief to him when, shortly afterwards, the Prince appeared with Osbert.
“I fear you must be fatigued2 with waiting for me, Count,” said Philip, as soon as the usher3 had retired4. “I have stayed longer on shore than I intended.”
“I trust your Highness has been amused,” observed D’Egmont, assisting the Prince to take off his mantle5. “Heavens! what do I see?” he exclaimed. “The cloak is cut in pieces.”
“Not unlikely,” replied Philip, laughing. “It has warded6 off more than one deadly thrust. Your cloak has done me good service, Count. Without it, Queen Mary might have wanted a husband, and the Emperor an heir to his dominions7.”
“Your Highness has acted rashly and unwisely in thus exposing yourself,” cried D’Egmont. “Recollect how much hangs upon your life. The destinies of the world would be changed if aught befel you. The saints have guarded you at this moment of peril8, and will continue to guard you, 72but it is tempting9 Heaven to jeopardise your safety unnecessarily.”
“You assume that I have acted rashly, D’Egmont,” rejoined Philip, “but I did not provoke the conflict. Set upon by assassins, I was compelled to defend my life. Thanks to your cloak and to my own right hand, I have come off without a scratch.”
“I do not presume to ask for particulars,” said the Count. “But I trust you have not been recognised. If so, your secret visit to the town will be known to all within it to-morrow, and will assuredly be reported to the Queen.”
“I have thought of that,” rejoined the Prince. “Precautions must be taken lest any idle tale be told her Majesty10. No tidings of the occurrence can reach her to-night, and at daybreak you shall convey a letter to her, wherein I will inform her that I landed privily11 with the design of hastening to Winchester to throw myself at her feet, when my purpose was prevented by this untoward12 circumstance. Osbert Clinton shall accompany you. Having been with me at the time of the attack, he will be able to answer any questions the Queen may put to him relative to it.”
“Your Highness will be pleased to give me my lesson previously13,” remarked Osbert. “I presume I must say nothing of Constance Tyrrell?”
“Nothing but what will recommend her to the Queen,” rejoined Philip. “Her Majesty will be pleased to learn that the damsel preserved my life by stepping between me and the weapons of the assassins.”
“And did she so?” inquired D’Egmont.
“Ay, in good sooth,” returned Philip; “and it was worth the risk I ran to be so protected. Constance Tyrrell is the fairest creature my eyes ever lighted on. Her charms have completely enthralled14 me.”
“Then let me counsel your Highness to shake off the fascination15 as speedily as possible,” said D’Egmont, gravely. “It was an unlucky chance that threw the temptress in your way at this juncture16.”
“Lucky or not, I shall not relinquish17 her,” rejoined Philip. “Were you to preach to me as energetically as Father de Castro, you would produce no effect, so you may 73spare your breath. And now to prepare the letter to the Queen.”
So saying, he withdrew into an inner chamber18, from which he presently emerged with the letter, sealed with a broad seal, and tied with a silken thread.
“This for her Majesty’s own hands,” he observed, with a smile, while delivering it to D’Egmont. “Be it your business to obtain an audience before any messenger from Southampton can reach her. All will then go well. As you serve me discreetly,” he added, significantly to Osbert, “so shall you prosper19.”
With this he dismissed them, and summoning his groom20 of the chamber, prepared to retire to rest.
In obedience21 to the Prince’s commands, Count D’Egmont, accompanied by Osbert and a small train of attendants, went ashore22 at an early hour in the morning, and as soon as horses could be procured23, started for Winchester.
A glorious day dawned upon Southampton. A morning gun, fired from the batteries of the castle, awoke the slumbering24 town into sudden animation25, while another gun from the English admiral’s ship had a similar effect upon the crews of the combined fleets studding the smooth waters. Men could be seen on the decks, or amidst the rigging, actively26 employed in decorating the vessels27 with banners and streamers. Hundreds of boats came ashore to obtain fresh meat, bread, fruit, vegetables, and milk; and the quays28, which were speedily thronged29, became a perfect Babel. Horses and mules30, bearing heavy panniers, laden31 with provisions, crossed the drawbridges, and were soon sent back for fresh stores, the supply being far from equal to the demand.
In the town all was bustle32 and excitement. The church bells began to peal33 joyously34, and the streets were soon thronged with townsfolk, clad in holiday attire35. But there was considerable misgiving36 amongst those who were aware of the occurrence of the previous night. At an early hour the mayor and aldermen repaired to the Guildhall, which, as we have previously mentioned, occupied the interior of the Bar-gate, and here they found the Earl of Arundel, Lord Steward37 of the Queen’s Household, the Marquis of Winchester, Lord High Treasurer38, and other 74noblemen, who had met to investigate the attempt upon the Prince’s life, and to consider the measures necessary to be adopted to ensure his Highness’s safety on his disembarkation.
Nothing, it appeared on inquiry39, had been found upon Derrick Carver; but on the body of the man slain40 by Philip, a letter, written in the French language, was discovered, which, though very cautiously worded, bore evident reference to the dark transaction. The plan, no doubt, had been precipitated41 by the recognition of the Prince during his secret visit to the town. Diligent42, but hitherto fruitless, search had been made for the four other ruffians engaged in the attack. These daring miscreants43 being yet at large, it was possible some further attempt might be made, and no precaution, said the Earl of Arundel, who presided over the meeting, must be neglected to ensure the Prince’s safety. The guard must be doubled, and persons of assured loyalty44 must be placed near his person, while the slightest attempt at outbreak or commotion45 must be instantly repressed.
“It would have been a lasting46 disgrace to the country,” continued the Earl, “if the Prince whom our Queen has chosen as her spouse47, and whom we are all bound to love, honour, and defend, had been basely assassinated48 on setting foot on our shores, and we may be thankful that we have been spared that foul49 reproach—thankful, also, that the design was not conceived by an Englishman. But for the present, for reasons which will be apparent to you all, a veil must be thrown over the mysterious occurrence. Out of these walls none of you will speak of it. The preservation50 of public tranquility necessitates51 this caution. Some rumours52 of the attempt may be bruited53 abroad, but it will be best to discredit54 them. Doubtless the Prince desires to keep his nocturnal visit to the town secret. Nothing, therefore, must be publicly said of it. This you will carefully observe. Bear in mind, also, that you will have many Spaniards in your town to-day. They are a fiery55 nation, easily roused to anger, and if this unlucky affair be talked about, they may resent it, and quarrels and bloodshed will ensue. It is the Queen’s desire that all who come with her destined56 consort57 be cordially welcomed. As loyal subjects, I am sure you will carry out her wishes.”
75The mayor and the town authorities having promised compliance58 with his lordship’s instructions, the meeting broke up.
Before leaving the Bar-gate, however, the Earl of Arundel desired to see the prisoner. Accordingly, he was conducted by the mayor to the subterranean59 dungeon60, where, in a dark and noisome61 cell, the floor of which was humid with the drippings from the stone walls, they found the miserable62 wretch63 stretched upon a few trusses of straw. His wounds had been bound up, but little beyond had been done for his comfort. Pained by the light of the lamp flashed upon him by the officer in attendance on the visitors, he tried to turn aside his head, but ineffectually.
“Raise him, that I may look at him,” said the Earl of Arundel to the officer.
The execution of the order gave the poor wretch so much pain that he could not repress a groan64. But though he was suffering excruciating agony, his courage did not desert him, and his answers to the interrogations put to him showed unfaltering resolution. Threats of torture could wring65 nothing from him, and he sternly refused to betray his accomplices66.
“I gave no orders to have his wounds dressed,” said the mayor. “By whom hath he been tended, Piers67?”
“By Master Malwood, the chirurgeon,” replied the officer.
“I thank him not for his care,” said the prisoner. “Had he let me be, I had ere this escaped man’s malice68.”
“He speaks the truth, an please your worship,” observed Piers. “Master Malwood declared, that if left to himself, the poor wretch would die before the morning.”
“But who sent for Master Malwood, answer me that, Sirrah?” demanded the mayor.
“Nay, I am not to blame, your worship,” rejoined Piers, humbly69. “The chirurgeon was sent by Mistress Constance Tyrrell, at her proper charge.”
“This is the second ill turn she hath done me,” said Derrick Carver. “But for her, the idolatrous tyrant70 had not escaped me, and now she preserves me for a lingering death.”
“Thou art like the wild beast, who would tear the hand 76put forth71 to succour him,” cried the mayor, in disgust. “Will it please your good lordship to question him further?”
“Not now,” returned the Earl of Arundel. “Who is this Mistress Constance Tyrrell of whom he has just spoken?”
“The daughter of one of our wealthiest merchants,” replied the mayor. “A very pious72 damsel, and ever engaged in acts of charity.”
“Is she a heretic?” demanded the Earl.
“Not so, my lord; she is a most zealous73 Catholic, and it is most like she will enter a nunnery,” replied the mayor.
“Accursed be she, then!” cried Derrick Carver. “Had I known this, I would have resisted the chirurgeon.”
“Let us hence, my good lord,” cried the mayor. “If he continues these blasphemies74, we shall have the walls fall upon us and crush us.”
“Before your worship goes, I would fain know whether I may admit Mistress Constance Tyrrell to the prisoner,” said Piers. “She hath asked to see him, but I would not grant the request till I had your worship’s sanction.”
“Let her not come near me,” cried Derrick Carver. “Her presence will trouble me.”
“For that very reason she shall have admittance to thee,” rejoined the mayor. “She hath helped to cure thy body—may she now help to save thy soul!”
“I need not her aid,” rejoined Derrick Carver. “She hath more need of my teaching than I have of hers.”
“If I thought thou wouldst taint75 her with thy heresies76, I would keep her from thee,” said the mayor. “But I have no such fear. Admit her when she will, Piers.”
And he quitted the cell with the Earl.
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1
entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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fatigued
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| adj. 疲乏的 | |
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usher
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| n.带位员，招待员；vt.引导，护送；vi.做招待，担任引座员 | |
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retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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mantle
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| n.斗篷，覆罩之物，罩子；v.罩住，覆盖，脸红 | |
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6
warded
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| 有锁孔的，有钥匙榫槽的 | |
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dominions
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| 统治权( dominion的名词复数 )； 领土； 疆土； 版图 | |
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peril
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| n.(严重的)危险；危险的事物 | |
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tempting
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| a.诱人的, 吸引人的 | |
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10
majesty
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| n.雄伟，壮丽，庄严，威严；最高权威，王权 | |
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privily
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| adv.暗中，秘密地 | |
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12
untoward
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| adj.不利的，不幸的，困难重重的 | |
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13
previously
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| adv.以前，先前（地） | |
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14
enthralled
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| 迷住，吸引住( enthrall的过去式和过去分词 )； 使感到非常愉快 | |
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15
fascination
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| n.令人着迷的事物，魅力，迷恋 | |
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16
juncture
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| n.时刻，关键时刻，紧要关头 | |
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17
relinquish
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| v.放弃，撤回，让与，放手 | |
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18
chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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19
prosper
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| v.成功，兴隆，昌盛；使成功，使昌隆，繁荣 | |
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20
groom
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| vt.给（马、狗等）梳毛，照料，使...整洁 | |
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21
obedience
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| n.服从，顺从 | |
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22
ashore
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| adv.在(向)岸上，上岸 | |
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23
procured
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| v.（努力）取得， （设法）获得( procure的过去式和过去分词 )；拉皮条 | |
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24
slumbering
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| 微睡，睡眠（slumber的现在分词形式） | |
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25
animation
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| n.活泼，兴奋，卡通片／动画片的制作 | |
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26
actively
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| adv.积极地，勤奋地 | |
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27
vessels
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| n.血管( vessel的名词复数 )；船；容器；（具有特殊品质或接受特殊品质的）人 | |
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28
quays
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| 码头( quay的名词复数 ) | |
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thronged
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| v.成群，挤满( throng的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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mules
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| 骡( mule的名词复数 )； 拖鞋； 顽固的人； 越境运毒者 | |
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31
laden
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| adj.装满了的；充满了的；负了重担的；苦恼的 | |
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bustle
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| v.喧扰地忙乱，匆忙，奔忙；n.忙碌；喧闹 | |
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33
peal
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| n.钟声；v.鸣响 | |
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34
joyously
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| ad.快乐地, 高兴地 | |
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35
attire
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| v.穿衣，装扮[同]array；n.衣着；盛装 | |
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36
misgiving
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| n.疑虑，担忧，害怕 | |
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37
steward
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| n.乘务员，服务员；看管人；膳食管理员 | |
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38
treasurer
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| n.司库，财务主管 | |
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39
inquiry
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| n.打听，询问，调查，查问 | |
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40
slain
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| 杀死，宰杀，杀戮( slay的过去分词 )； (slay的过去分词) | |
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41
precipitated
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| v.（突如其来地）使发生( precipitate的过去式和过去分词 )；促成；猛然摔下；使沉淀 | |
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42
diligent
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| adj.勤勉的，勤奋的 | |
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43
miscreants
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| n.恶棍，歹徒( miscreant的名词复数 ) | |
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44
loyalty
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| n.忠诚，忠心 | |
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45
commotion
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| n.骚动，动乱 | |
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46
lasting
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| adj.永久的，永恒的；vbl.持续，维持 | |
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47
spouse
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| n.配偶(指夫或妻) | |
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48
assassinated
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| v.暗杀( assassinate的过去式和过去分词 )；中伤；诋毁；破坏 | |
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49
foul
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| adj.污秽的；邪恶的；v.弄脏；妨害；犯规；n.犯规 | |
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50
preservation
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| n.保护，维护，保存，保留，保持 | |
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51
necessitates
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| 使…成为必要，需要( necessitate的第三人称单数 ) | |
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52
rumours
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| n.传闻( rumour的名词复数 )；风闻；谣言；谣传 | |
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53
bruited
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| v.传播（传说或谣言）( bruit的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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54
discredit
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| vt.使不可置信；n.丧失信义；不信，怀疑 | |
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55
fiery
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| adj.燃烧着的，火红的；暴躁的；激烈的 | |
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56
destined
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| adj.命中注定的；(for)以…为目的地的 | |
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57
consort
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| v.相伴；结交 | |
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58
compliance
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| n.顺从；服从；附和；屈从 | |
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59
subterranean
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| adj.地下的，地表下的 | |
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60
dungeon
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| n.地牢，土牢 | |
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61
noisome
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| adj.有害的，可厌的 | |
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62
miserable
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| adj.悲惨的，痛苦的；可怜的，糟糕的 | |
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63
wretch
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| n.可怜的人，不幸的人；卑鄙的人 | |
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64
groan
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| vi./n.呻吟，抱怨；(发出)呻吟般的声音 | |
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65
wring
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| n.扭绞；v.拧，绞出，扭 | |
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66
accomplices
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| 从犯，帮凶，同谋( accomplice的名词复数 ) | |
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67
piers
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| n.水上平台( pier的名词复数 )；（常设有娱乐场所的）突堤；柱子；墙墩 | |
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68
malice
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| n.恶意，怨恨，蓄意；[律]预谋 | |
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69
humbly
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| adv. 恭顺地，谦卑地 | |
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70
tyrant
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| n.暴君，专制的君主，残暴的人 | |
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71
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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72
pious
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| adj.虔诚的；道貌岸然的 | |
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73
zealous
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| adj.狂热的，热心的 | |
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74
blasphemies
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| n.对上帝的亵渎，亵渎的言词[行为]( blasphemy的名词复数 )；侮慢的言词（或行为） | |
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75
taint
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| n.污点；感染；腐坏；v.使感染；污染 | |
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76
heresies
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| n.异端邪说，异教( heresy的名词复数 ) | |
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