For a King! An historical romance

Chapter I

"Starres are poor bookes, and oftentimes do miss." George Herbert. A FEW days after the events last narrated, Prince Rupert finally quitted Shrewsbury, and joined the King in the neighbourhood of Banbury, whereon the following morning — Sunday, the twenty third day of September (the rebel army having come up unexpectedly in the night), the great battle of Edgehill took place. It vvas the first serious engagement of the cam paign ; the first occasion when rebel and Royalist had been confronted in the open field in any consid erable numbers ; and the first time also that Charles — to use his own expression — had "looked upon the rebels in a body" — alas! they were his own subjects, his own liege people who thus defied him. At first neither army had seemed anxious to attack — to accept the onus of the first blood-shedding; 2-2 ! 2 but at length, when the morning was already far spent, Essex advanced his troops in order of battle, and Charles, urged by the entreaties of Rupert, with his own hand fired the first cannon as a signal for the fray.

The battle once commenced, waged fast and furiously, though with varying success. It vvas a fair example of what was to come — brilliant courage, reckless bravery, and unskilful generalship on either side, but more especially on the side of the King. Prince Rupert distinguished himself by one of those brilliant charges which were afterwards to make him famous, but, pursuing too far, lost the advantage gained. In the other part of the field the rebel troops were in the ascendant. Lindsay, the nominal general of the Royal forces (though the King was his own generalissimo), vvas early taken prisoner, and died a few hours later of his wounds ; tbe Royal Standard was taken and recovered ; Sir Edmund Verney and Lord Aubigny were amongst the slain, with a large proportion of the bravest troops in either army.

When evening at last brought the strife to a conclusion, each party claimed the victory, without any real advantage to one or the other. The King, however, retained possession of the ground; while Essex drew off his men in the direction of Warwick, refusing, even when strongly reinforced by Waller, to incur the responsibility of a second attack. Charles, after passing the night upon the battlefield, retired to Edgecote, whence a few days later he pro ceeded to Oxford, where he had already decided for the present to fix his Court. ! 3 It was Christmas time : Hyde and Digby paced together the beautiful old avenues of St. John's College, listening to the sound of the bonny Christ church bells, borne clearly to them on the crisp, cold air, and thinking of the exquisite music that they had lately heard in the adjoining chapel.

For music was much cultivated amongst the gentlemen of that day, was especially studied at the universities ; and on holidays as well as Sundays, church and chapel were crowded by Cavaliers and courtiers, some, doubtless, from a sense of duty, but many also to listen to and criticise the grand old harmonies of psalm and anthem, now borne aloft only on the shrill, sweet voices of the youthful choristers, now swelled and enriched by the powerful tones of the organ, into one vast hymn of prayer and praise. Presently, Rupert, accompanied by his brother and suite rode past them, and the sight of him seemed on a sudden to recall the thoughts of the two statesmen to more mundane reflections. Digby turned and looked after him, an expression of vexation upon his face ; but it was Hyde who first broke the silence, following the train of thought into which, as he guessed, his companion had fallen.

" This treaty maketh but a sorry progress," he said, gravely, " nor know I rightly what to hope respecting it, seeing that fresh concessions may not be thought of; yet we need a breathing space from further fighting — no troops of any moment to depend on — discord and rivalry still raging everywhere — and our leader, forsooth, a boy in his twenties." ! 4 " And who, for the wisdom that his years have gathered, might never have left his teens behind him." " 'Tis therein Heth the blame," said Hyde. " Rash, imprudent, aye, and sorely headstrong — yet the King doth, natheless, hold his counsels as though they verily fell straight from Heaven." " Of which, in truth, they savour little," said Digby, drily ; and then he turned courteously to greet Lord Dorset, who, with Mr. Nicholas and Lord Arundell, had now come up to them.

" Ye were talking, I would warrant, of the Prince Rupert," said Dorset, smiling, " methinks I see it in your very countenance." " We were so, of a sorry truth, my lord," said Digby, " and much I fear to sorrier profit — this Palatine hath a lucky star, methinks, and fortune favours him. Thrice have I striven to cross him with the King, and thrice sailed utterly — which is new to me, and I do not like it." Mr. Nicholas turned hastily. " Have a care, my lord, should you seek his fall, that you have one of equal merit to succeed him." Digby laughed, but not unpleasantly. "Nay, I wish no ill, but rather good to any man — so long as he hurt not our cause. Give your Prince good advice as to caution and counsel, and God will yet make him an instrument of much happiness to King and kingdom ;* but, an he contemn the experience of others, then will he surely prove the ruin of all."

" Prince Rupert is a rare good soldier," answered * His own words. ! 5 Arundell. " Yet an old head sitteth not easily upon young shoulders, and we may not condemn him of a misdemeanour because at times he holds himself too rashly. N'atheless, I would we had an older leader, in whom men's minds would have more confidence — men's judgment more of satisfaction — and this, too, for the Prince's sake no less than for the King's." "'Tis our misfortune that there be so few to choose from," said Hyde, after a pause. " The Lord New castle is already in the north, Lord Hertford hath the western counties ; but we, who have the holding and the guarding of our King — in other words the life and the whole welfare of the land in keeping — have but a youth of twenty-three to lead us. Hopton and Herbert might, indeed, . do somewhat, but Hopton goeth also westward, and Herbert is — a Catholic."

" And what of that ? " said Dorset, curtly ; " Sir Arthur Aston is one also — so is my Lord Arundell here present — and my Lords Shrewsbury and Balti more." " Good loyalists all," said Digby. " The army teems with Papists — but not as yet the King's Council." " Well," said Dorset, drily, " though not, I trow, a Catholic myself, I have, I know, good friends among them ; nor see I how a man's convictions could make his arm more weak in battle, or his wit less useful at the Council-board." " Aye, truly, I think with you," said Lord Falk land ; " no one yet called me bigot, and I testify that these same Papists fight, and strive, and die as ! 6 leally, as the staunchest Protestant amongst us. Lord Arundell is silent, but his modesty maketh others speak." " My lord," replied Arundell, quietly, " we Papists love our King as you do — but we hold it also a most sacred duty, and a very part of our religion in this his hour of need and peril to stand by him at all cost and sacrifice ; but we do not ask for high commands," he added, in a lighter tone, " we well know that that would but prejudice the King's cause.

The nation is not so generous as the Lord Falkland — neither, may I say it, is it so just. Is it true that the commissioners are at length to be despatched to us ? " " It is verily. The Parliament have forgiven His Majesty for this late work that hath been at Brent ford, of which 'tis said the King hath disavowed him." " Then the burden lieth on Rupert's shoulders," said Digby, with some triumph. " 'Twas what I looked for from the onset. Yet men would have it that he had his orders for it." " I doubt me that we know the rights of it," said Nicholas, significantly, " but whoso ruled, it was a gallant action, albeit somewhat mistaken." " 'Tis strange he met not further opposition," said Lord Arundell, thoughtfully. " Well garrisoned, and fairly fortified, the town should sure have held out longer."

"And so it would," said Hyde, "except — against Prince Rupert. 'Tis marvel, verily, this magic in a name!' . " What's in a name ? " said Digby, lightly ; " like ! 7 Juliet do I fail to comprehend it. A mere stripling, rash and reckless as befits his years, but not his mission, and yet, which way soever we turn, men fly before him." " I can pardon him that" said Hyde, drily, " and so I doubt not can the King, who vvas in sooth so far from blaming him, that he went in person to give him succour." "Which, sooth to say, vvas but scant wisdom, with all due reverence be it uttered. We had borne, perchance, the loss of our Palatine, but it were sorry luck an our King had followed him." A few more words were interchanged, and then Digby and Arundell and Dorset left the gardens together, and proceeded to wait upon the King.

Hyde lingered an instant with Lord Falkland, who had sunk into a gloomy reverie. " You are sad," he said. " Is it that you distrust our strength, or is it the campaign which troubleth you ? Why persist in active service ? A secretary's office is one of peace. You need not take the sword unless you will." Falkland raised his head, and looked gloomily, almost absently upon his friend, as if his thoughts were far away Then he said, slowly and very quietly : " I choose to serve the King, because honesty obliges me to do so ; but I foresee my own ruin." A few evenings after this, a court fete was held at the residence of the Duchess of Richmond, to which most of the courtiers and Cavaliers were bidden. Lord Digby, who had ridden out with some of his ! officers in the environs, returned but late, and it was long after dusk when he, with his father, Lord Bristol, reached the stately portals of the mansion in which the Duchess had taken up her abode.

The glow and comfort of the well-lighted rooms were grateful to men just come from the cold dark street. Everything, indeed, seemed proportionately bright and charming ; everything more fairy-like in its splendour ; the more rich, the more luxurious, that for the last few minutes they had been threading their way through streets and squares, ill-lighted, and with a frosty feeling in the air, and only a faint glimmer of stars in the moonless sky. Add to this a vision of soberly-clad students going back to their chambers, after attending various classes in one or the other of the many colleges ; the occasional appear ance of a stately don in all his pompous authority ; long avenues of trees rearing themselves aloft in the gloom ; a passing glitter on the polished dome of college or cathedral ; bright red lights flashing out from open doorways, illuminating their path for an instant, and making it presently all the darker by comparison.

Digby drew a long sigh of relief, as he stepped into the more congenial atmosphere. He was a man who could put aside his luxuries without an effort, to en gage in the hair-breadth perils of an impromptu feat of arms ; who could bear hardships, aye, and suffer ing bravely, did duty or did chivalry demand it ; but he was a man, notwithstanding, who clung, almost more than any other of the Court, to the refinements and elegancies of life. His great charm, vvith many, ! 9 was his peculiar, nay, almost excessive courtliness, and the apartments of the Duchess of Richmond were especially to his taste. He looked around, as he en tered, pausing, as did Lord Bristol, to take in the general aspect of the scene. The room, or rather hall, in which the guests wer gathered, was of lofty proportions, and furnished with some attempt at modern luxury.

The walls were panelled and hung with pictures massively framed in oak or walnut, some vvith strange carvings of fauns and satyrs, others with panelled roundels and elaborate borderings, quaint and intricate yet artistic in design. Mirrors of beryl and steel, bordered vvith velvet, threw back the glare of a hundred tapers ; while heavy hangings of Genoa velvet, richly embroidered, screened, in a measure, the high, two-lighted windows, but without altogether concealing the graceful mould ing, or the exquisite tracery, which, to this day, excites the admiration of all beholders. On the dais, which occupied the further end of the apartment, the young Duchess of Richmond, the centre of a gay group of fair dames and courtly gallants, reclined languidly in a high-backed elbow chair of Venetian workmanship, her feet resting on a velvet tabouret, her fair hands toying negligently with an enormous fan, as she listened to the lively persiflage around her.

At a little distance the King conversed more gravely, with some of the nobles, and the young Princes listened attentively to an edifying controversy between Sir Gervase Scrope and Mr. Sherborne (him self a writer of some pretensions), on a doubtful ! 10 metaphor in a recent sonnet by the Court poet, Lord Digby. The conversation came abruptly to an end with the entrance of the author. Mr. Sherborne strolled over to the other side of the apartment, where a group of literary men were conversing, while Lord Digby, with his father, approached the dais, and proceeded to offer their homage to the Duchess. " Fair greeting to you, good, my lords,"she said, gaily, as she raised her long fair ringlets from the satin cushioned chair, and extended to each a white, slender hand, literally blazing with jewels.

" The day hath been exceeding wearisome — nay, the very sun forgot to shine upon us, and now there come despatches from the south, and I expire of mingled hope and curiosity. Nay, seat youselves, my lords," she added, glancing round her with a gracious but fleeting smile ; " and say if our fair Queen gives hopes of shortly joining us." Lord Bristol had heard nothing, and Digby answered, lightly : " Her Majesty waits, I trow, for fair wind and fine weather — and such, I fear, we have not to offer." " I die then of ennui" said the Duchess, with the most bewitching resignation, " for I doubt me there will be little stirring till she come. The Hague was dull and quiet enough, but Oxford is like a grave" " Paraus dome, magna quies," answered Digby, in the same tone. " Nay, we should not jest on such a subject," she added, gravely, " since, in very truth, there be death amongst us, and enough, I trow, to make us sober. ! 11 Have you heard, my lords, if this terrible plague hath at all spread in the lower city ?

" " It hath, at least, not spread beyond it, madam," said Lord Bristol. " It is less in the air than in the city, which lieth low, and is much crowded. And care is taken that all those affected be kept carefully apart." " Aye, Richmond told me 'twas a sight to weep over, when, to my sorrow, business called him thither ward. The houses sealed and marked with a red cross, which showed the passer-by how grief was within, and allowed no entrance in nor egress from them." "And the funerals are in the night-time, and vvith, I trow, scant ceremony," said Digby, gravely ; " but 'tis hoped, natheless, that the pest will diminish ere summer comes." " 'Tis horrible to think or speak of," said the Duchess, petulantly. " I shall dream all night of it. Say something, prithee, my Lord Digby, or you, Richmond, to drown the thought on't." " I will send your Grace a bunch of tormental or butterbur, which be both esteemed specifics by the wise," said Digby, obediently.

"And speaking of flowers, how please you, madam, these new gardens nigh to Magdalen Bridge, which you have seen, I doubt not?" " I walked there but a sennightsince, vvith Richmond," said the Duchess, " but marry, my lord, they were a world more suited to his discernment than to my — frivolity. 'Tis rather, methinks, for the study of plants, than for the mere beholding of them — to con- ! 12 stitute skilful herbalists, rather than gratify a woman's fancy." "That were indeed ungallant to a sin. Yet is it meant for scientific study, and science is apt to be a stern taskmistress, who puts the poetry of life away from her. Your Grace hath, I trow, found more to pleasure you in the recent changes at Merton College — its preparations for the Queen's reception." " Ah ! There your lordship hath judged me truly.

I could of a verity have passed a month there. The King is truly a right loving husband. The whole College hath been altered and embellished — the state apartments newly garnished in most fair fashion, and filled with bravery of every kind. Mirrors of glass, and ebony, couch-chairs embroidered in gold and silk, screens from the East — and I know not what besides ! — but, I trow, my lord, that you be already as in formed as I am." " Nay, I have waited rather to see the jewel for which so fair a setting is designed," said Digby, with a smile. " Such ' fair frivolities,' to quote your Grace, are beyond my province altogether." " But not, I trust, beneath your liking," said the Duchess, pouting, and vvith a swift glance at her own luxurious surroundings. " But, verily, my lord, you ought to go there — if but to gain a knowledge and experience of modern needs — before — before you bring a bride home," she added, saucily.

Digby laughed and became silent, but the Duchess went on gaily. "Why the very antechambers have been furnished sumptuously, and the Queen's withdrawing room is ! 13 hung with tapestry so rare and beauteous as to defy description." " And almost to defy criticism," said Richmond, as she paused. " And the further plenishing so rich and costly," sighed the Duchess, " with satin of Bruges, and ancient broderie, that, verily, I grew green with jealousy, so that Richmond promised me a new kirtle — to match my colour." " To match the rose were somewhat easier," said Digby, gallantly. " Richmond," said the Duchess, vvith a silvery little laugh " that is a prettier speech than thou didst make me ! Should I frown, perchance, on so bold a flatterer ■ — or recompense him ?" " Thou mayst surely proffer him fair guerdon," said the Duke, smiling ; " Lord Digby is a noted courtier, but in this instance will I bear him out."

" Thou art, of a truth, improving, Richmond," said the Duchess, graciously. "Ah, me ! this day is weari some. My Lord Digby, since you need a guerdon, you may — hold my fan for me." Lord Digby bowed deferentially as he received it, but the Duchess turned away from him. " You laughed in your sleeve, my lord, when you should have knelt to me — I will speak no more with you ? " " On my word of honour, Duchess, I assure you " Nay, fie, my lord, to pledge your word so lightly. Prithee, Richmond, cometh the Prince to-night, and wherefore doth he tarry ? " ! 14 " He hath been abroad since noon-tide," said her husband, " nor do I think his heart is with us in these gay scenes. 'Tis a Prince who more affecteth camp than court." "Yet in past years it hath not been so," said the Duchess, plaintively.

" I mind me well when first we came here, some few years back, yet seeming longer, the Prince was wont to be as gay as most of us. But the fair Countess Kuffheim was then still un known to him." " Those were gay times, in good sooth," said Rich mond, " I would some sorcerer would bring them back again." "Our old friends also," said the Duchess, sadly ; " that poor Archbishop* among the rest. 'Tis verily sad to look upon St. John's, where he of old so royally entertained us." " I mind me well that fair banquet which he gave unto us, whereat the King and Queen were present aye, and these two young Palatines (mere youths they were and students in these colleges) — and all the wealth and beauty of the land." " And the plays, the masques," said the Duchess, eagerly, " how well do I remember them ! — That one especially which the students gave us.

I forget the name on't." " ' The Lover's Hospital,' or some such title," said Lord Bristol. " A fair comedy to my thinking, and bravely represented. I mind me now how heartily we laughed at some of its quaint sayings, and witty satires." * Dr. Laud, then impeached and imprisoned_by the Parliament. For a Kins I 15 "As much, methinks, as at yon masque at Whitehall, wherein Lord Digby and the young Lord Feilding took so brave a part." " The times be changed, in truth, since then," said Richmond. " For my Lord Digby " (vvith a smile at his friend) " I will venture nothing — but my Lord Feilding hath beheld his folly, and, I warrant me, hates plays and playgoers, as he hates — the Bishops." " 'Tis a weary world," said the Duchess, plaintively, " and methinks it worsens as it getteth older. Lang syne the time went quickly — instead of lagging as to-day.

But what grave tidings hath my Lord Carnar von? Methinks the converse yonder lacks not fire. I would I knew hath evil happed. Heigh-ho ! I am so weary !" and, closing her eyes shejeant back upon her cushions. Richmond laughed softly, and passing his arm within Digby's — " How say you, my lord — shall we learn these weighty tidings ? It may be that by this fair service you may win forgiveness of her Grace." " Right willingly," replied the Viscount in the same tone, and they moved over to the little group of officers, who with Carnarvon in their midst, were exchanging theories about the war, with some heat and insistance. They 'paused as Digby approached them with the Duke. " Digby and Richmond ! " said Carnarvon, mean ingly, as he glanced towards the ill-mated pair. " What fate or what fortune hath befallen you, my lord ? 'Tis the first time I have seen you on the grave Richmond's arm." !

Digby laughed, but it was Richmond who replied : " We are here but on a mission from her Grace ; is all peace between ye, my lords and gentlemen ? " "It is," replied Carnarvon, " for frank discussion cuts not friendship ; but were it otherwise — is the Lord Digby here as mediator betwixt us ?" " Of a surety," said the Viscount, gaily. " Peace, peace, is now my motto — learnt but lately from the Lord Falkland." " Your lordship is, as we all know, an apt scholar ; but, prithee, are you the bearer of any tidings of importance?" " Nay, rather we hope to gather such from you, messieurs. There hath gone forth a report that a despatch hath reached the King." " We have learnt but now from Mr. Hyde that the commissioners are coming." "'Tis news and not news," said Lord Digby. " Like the sword of Damocles have they hung over our heads, and cast their gruesome shadow over everything."

" Aye, they have done that in truth, and will do so to the end," said Hyde, gravely ; and as he spoke Prince Rupert entered and approached the group. The Prince's presence seemed to cause a slight con straint ; a pause, a lull, a change of topic, for which none perhaps could well have told the reason for those who disliked him most were least afraid of him — Digby, who was measuring his strength vvith him, or Hyde, who openly distrusted him. There was a little silence, and the gay laugh of the Duchess and her friends broke pleasantly upon it, heard above the ! 17 rustle of silken garments, and the faint clash of swords as the Cavaliers moved to and fro ; the light flashed brightly upon gleaming jewels, colours blended harmoniouslytogether ; the voice of a street singer was heard outside, blending curiously enough in its rugged sweetness vvith the busy hum of voices within.

Servants with refreshments moved noiselessly ; an entering guest was announced ; the little Princes left their governor and went over to the Duchess. At length Digby broke the silence : " Your Highness, like the Lord Carnarvon, looks but coldly on the chance of peace. For me — methinks there be no risk of one." " The which rejoiceth me," returned the Palatine. The sword is surer servant than the pen." " In truth, Highness," said Mr. Hyde, " 'tis a many-sided question, and I marvel not hath many readings ; but whilst your Highness, aye, and many another, love rather the sound of the trumpet than the scratch of the quill, I yet hold, in all reverence, that 'tis but fitting to yield unto fair terms a fair accep tance, when the peace and welfare of thousands demand it of us." " 'Tis true enow," said Rupert, gravely.

" But an we yield us to the rebels now, then are both King and Crown humbled for ever. To win but one great victory — aye, one only, would make instead the rebels yield to us. You think vvith me, my Lord Car narvon ? " " Aye, surely, Highness," returned Carnarvon, with a smile. " There be, somehow, a soldier's love of battle in me, and I weary of these days of peace. To 3-2 ! die with the thunders of the battle round me hath ever been my choicest wish." " Yet I would not it were granted speedily," said Rupert, kindly ; " and yet," he added, more gravely, " those may be happiest who fall the first, and thus have not themselves to mourn their dearest." His words fell sadly, for he thought of Lord Aubigny, his friend, and Richmond's brother — gallant, brave, and young — who had perished in his first field, and left many a sad heart to mourn for him.

" Let us draw a horoscope for Lord Carnarvon," said Digby, after a pause. " My old friend Evans' teaching hath in this much served me, that the stars and I may work it out for him." " Nay, better raise thy master's spirit," said Rupert, mockingly. " Hear I not well that men pretend to it in this fair city where all sciences be learned, nay, e'en to the black art itself." "The science of the stars links not with the black art" said Digby, haughtily. "Would you that I should read your destiny, Highness ? Tell but your natal day — the place — the hour — (I warrant Mars hath had a hand in it). Nay, then, I have once drawn out mine own!' " And what then read you ? " exclaimed Richmond, in surprise. " Your fate, was it for good or evil ? " " A mingled weft, and a sore tangled one," said Digby, vvith a smile ; " but this much I alone will tell you — that this year, which is about to dawn on us, shall find me twice in the extremity of peril."

" But the which you will escape ? " said Rupert, earnestly, impressed by the gravity of the Viscount's words. ! o 19 " Nay, that will be as God willeth," replied Lord Digby ; " I said not I could read the whole on't." His words were impressive, and a little shudder fell upon the circle, as though some influence were at hand. It was a time in fact of strange superstitions, as of strange pursuits ; not astrology only, but alchemy also, and even divination, went hand in hand with the graver sciences, were largely studied, and still more largely credited : omens, spells, and charms, believed in vvith a blind credulity surprising to look back upon in these later days. Even Rupert himself, from his marvellous successes, from his hair-breadth escapes, and still more, perhaps, from his solitary vigils, his abstruse if fitful studies, and the strange chemical researches in which his leisure hours were spent, and to which we owe, though at a later period, the earlier rudiments of " Mezzotinto," had come to be regarded by the lower classes with a kind of terror, as one protected, and, perhaps, assisted by supernatural powers : whilst the hound that bounded by his side, that slept within his tent, and that feasted at his board, vvas shrunk from by the timorous-minded, as his familiar spirit !