CHAPTER XI.
It was a fair morning in the January of the year Wonderful, orAdmirable year, as it had been forenamed by Doctor Dee, and otherknowing astrologers, that two cavaliers, mounted on gallantsteeds, rode up to the Strand entrance to Durham House, andthere alighted. The taller of the two, and, it may be said, thesenior also, then stepped up to the door, and inflicted thereon aloud rap. His summons was promptly answered, and a servant, whoappeared uncapped at the door, inquired his business.
“I would see Sir Walter Raleigh, an’ he be within,” replied thetaller cavalier.
“Will it please your worship to advertise me of your name,”answered the servant.
“Master Hildebrand Clifford, of his worship’s cruizer, the‘Eliza,’” rejoined the cavalier.
“His worship will be heartily glad to see thee, Sir,” said theservant. “An’ it please thee, prithee follow me to his presence.”
Hildebrand and his companion, who was no other than Don Rafaele,immediately entered the house, and were led by the servant to thelibrary. There, agreeably to a premonition of the servant, theyfound Sir Walter Raleigh.
As they presented themselves in the doorway, and Sir Walter’seyes, glancing thitherwards, caught a glimpse of their features,he sprang to meet them, and caught Hildebrand by both his hands.
“My right trusty Clifford,” he cried, “give thee a heartywelcome home! I need not inquire of thy health; for ’tis manifestin thy face.”
“An’ the face offer such credible testimony, I have a fairassurance of thine, Sir Walter,” said Hildebrand. “But,” headded, with a smile, “wert thou ever so ailing, I have news forthee would make thee right merry.”
“The matter! the matter!” cried Sir Walter, eagerly.
“We have brought home with us a fair galleon,” answeredHildebrand, “and, among other choice freights, she hath aboardof her, under a goodly guard, five hundred bars of gold, of theesteemed worth of thirty thousand doubloons.”
As Hildebrand thus briefly made known the successful result ofhis voyage, Sir Walter’s face became brighter and more bright ateach word. So great was his joy, and, as it appeared afterwards,his surprise, that for a brief space he could not speak, andit was only by the sparkle of his eyes that Hildebrand becamesensible of his gratification. In a moment or two, however, herecovered himself, and gave his sentiments utterance.
“Fair befall thee, my noble Clifford, for thy news,” he said;“and, to requite it, mayst thou never hear ill tidings thyself!Albeit I had a brave hope of thee, I looked not that thy reportshould bear such an excellent complexion. Sooth to speak, indeed,I had begun to fear thee lost.”
“I fear me, the chartered bark, which was designed to be mineabettor, is lost of a verity,” observed Hildebrand.
“Not so,” answered Sir Walter, smiling. “She hath returned safe,but hath been seized by the creditors. On reaching Roanoke, shewas advised of thy visit and departure; and thereupon, having nohope of rejoining thee, came straight back. But who is this bravefriend of thine, Master Clifford?”
“I’faith, Sir,” returned Hildebrand, “I may say, with a friendof thine, in one of his right famous plays, ‘thereby hangs atale.’ He hath come with me from Cadiz, his native city; and Ibeseech thee, if my poor commendations can win him thy favour, tolook upon him graciously; for I hold him even as myself.”
“No more,” said Sir Walter. “I would be friends with him.”
And, so speaking, he caught up Don Rafaele’s hand, and clasped itcordially.
“Fair Senhor, I give thee welcome to England!” he said, inSpanish. “While thou art here, beseech thee, as thou wouldst dome a courtesy, to make thy stay in my house.”
“I thank you, Senhor,” answered Don Rafaele, in a low voice.
Sir Walter was about to address him further, when Hildebrand,with more abruptness than his wont, interposed.
“I have another matter to tell thee of, Sir Walter,” he said,“which requires to be considered with all despatch.”
“What may it be?” inquired Sir Walter.
“There is a great expedition on foot at Cadiz,” answeredHildebrand, “and, as I am advised, in all the other ports ofSpain; and men report (I know not how truly) ’tis designedagainst England. Moreover, the ambassador at Madrid has beenplaced in durance.”
“This is strange news, indeed,” observed Sir Walter. “How wastthou advertised of it?”
Hildebrand, in a few comprehensive words, informed him, by way ofreply, how he had been arrested in Cadiz, and, without going intoparticulars, of his dialogue on that occasion with Don Felix diCorva. Sir Walter heard him to an end with the deepest interest,when, without a moment’s pause, he announced his intentionof repairing instantly to the palace, and communicating hisintelligence to the Queen.
“Thou must with me,” he added to Hildebrand. “Thy friend, whomust be mine also henceforth, can tarry our return here.”
Don Rafaele, on being made acquainted with the proposition,and the fact that they were about to wait on the Queen, readilyagreed to tarry there till they should return; and, at the sametime, suggested that, if their business required despatch, SirWalter could make use of his horse, which, as it was stillsaddled at the door, would prevent any delay. Sir Walter embracedhis offer, and, together with Hildebrand, thereupon took leaveof Don Rafaele, and departed. On reaching the exterior of thehouse, they paused only to commend Don Rafaele to the care of theservant, and then, with a prompt spring, mounted their horses,and set out for the palace.
Putting their horses to a brisk pace, they shortly arrived atthat structure. They found, however, on inquiry, that the Queenwas then in council, and, consequently, was not likely to grantthem an audience. But Sir Walter, notwithstanding this, insistedthat his message should be conveyed to her; and Sir FerdinandGeorges, to whom his communication was made, and who was theofficer attending on the council, ultimately undertook to be itsbearer.
Sir Walter waited the Queen’s answer with some impatience. Atlast (and, to say the truth, before very long), Sir Ferdinandreturned, and informed him that the Queen would not see him tillshe rose from the council.
“I must even ask thee to seek her Highness once more, then,worthy Sir Ferdinand,” answered Sir Walter; “and advise her,that what I have to deliver withal is of exceeding moment, andinvolves the honour, safety, and welfare of her crown.”
“On such a message, Sir Walter, I dare not pause,” answered SirFerdinand. “Though it should bring me to the block, I will evenadvise her thereof.”
So answering, he turned away, and repaired once more to theQueen. While our two friends were speculating on the result ofhis mission, he reappeared, and, in a low voice, summoned SirWalter to appear before the council.
Sir Walter entered the council-chamber with a firm step, and,making a low bow, advanced to the Queen’s chair, when he droppedgracefully on one knee, at her feet.
“Rise, Sir Walter Raleigh,” said the Queen, graciously. “We havereceived thy most alarming message; and as it comes from thee,whom we know to be wise above most men, and, withal, a rightloyal gentleman, we may say truly, it is alarming.”
“Not less so than your Highness conceives,” answered Raleigh. “Iam informed, from a sure quarter, that the Spaniard is preparingto invade us.”
An exclamation of surprise broke from several of the council.
“This news finds us unprepared,” observed the Queen. “Let amessenger be despatched for my Lord Burleigh.”
While Secretary Herbert, who sat nearest to the door, sprang toobey her injunction, the Queen resumed.--
“Whence derivedst thou these tidings, Sir Walter?” she asked.
“From the captain of my expedition to America, my liege,”answered Sir Walter. “He hath just returned, after capturing,with only one poor ship, a rich galleon, laden to the brim withSpanish gold.”
“By my troth, I give thee joy!” exclaimed the Queen, withsparkling eyes. “Let this brave adventurer, whoever he be, attendus at his convenience,
and”----
While she was yet speaking, the chamber-door was thrown open, andLord Burleigh, leaning on a crutch, and bearing in one hand acapacious green bag, appeared in the doorway.
All eyes were turned on the aged nobleman as he entered thechamber, and, with a slow and tottering step, advanced to hisseat. His countenance, always grave, was now unusually darkand heavy, and seemed to intimate that he also was the bearerof important tidings. The Queen only replied to his bow witha smile, and all waited his first words in silent but eagerexpectation.
He did not keep them waiting long. On gaining his seat, he pausedonly to turn an inquiring glance on Sir Walter Raleigh, and then,in a grave tone of voice, proceeded to deliver himself.
“I met your Grace’s messenger on the stair,” he said, addressingthe Queen. “I should have attended the council afore; but I wasstayed, as I was mounting to my litter, by a courier from Madrid.”
“The news?” cried the Queen, anxiously.
“A scandal to Christendom!” exclaimed Burleigh. “Your Grace’sambassador, Master Mason, had been placed under restraint, andwas only just released. Further, a large armada, numbering onehundred and thirty ships of war, was preparing to invade yourHighness’s realm. The ordering and force of the armada hath beenboastingly set down in a book, as if it were above resistance;and certes, an’ we rely only on our earthly means, we are asIchabod, and our glory hath departed. The courier”--here heput his hand into his large green bag, and drew forth a smallbook--“hath brought over one of these books, and I here offer itfor your Grace’s inspection.”
The Queen, as he ceased speaking, eagerly caught up the book,and, drawing it open, glanced anxiously at its contents. Asshe turned hastily from page to page, the council watchedthe changing expressions of her countenance with the deepestearnestness; and for nearly half an hour, during which she neveronce looked up, or removed her eyes from the book, maintained themost profound silence. At length, the Queen laid the book down,and, in a somewhat agitated voice, broke the protracted pause.
“As the Lord liveth, we must to arms straight!” she cried.“Antichrist is up; and our fair realm, which hath been hisgreatest eyesore, is to be his first victim. The force is ahundred and thirty ships, commanded by the Marquis of Santa Cruz,who, we all know, is reputed both brave and skilful. AdmiralPaliano, Don Amadius of Savoy, Don John of Medicis, the Duke ofMedina Sidonia, the Duke of Sabionetta, with many others, themost renowned lords and princes of Spain and Italy, have a partin the expedition. Twenty thousand men, under that bloody man,the Duke of Parma, join it from Flanders. And--which shows itsdevilish origin--the Pope lays on its standard his most solemnbenediction.”
As she ceased speaking, the several members of the council brokeinto various exclamations, which revealed, in distinct andforcible colours, both their surprise and their concern; but notone of them displayed the least indecision. Glancing hastily attheir respective faces, the Queen seemed, by a sudden change inher demeanour, to derive from them a new confidence, which madeher naturally stout heart even more determined, and put all herfears and apprehensions to flight.
“We must discuss this matter anon,” she said, after a pause.“Meantime, let each of you, in your several departments,ascertain our means and capabilities of defence, and be preparedpromptly to settle what order and provision can be made in thatregard. My Lord Burleigh, be it your business to summon togetherthe Parliament. To-night, at nine of the clock, I will meet youall here again.”
“Before we take our leaves, my liege,” said Lord Burleigh, “itwere advisable, methinks, that a measure should be resolved onfor delivering these heavy tidings to your loyal people. Shall itbe done by proclamation?”
There was a brief pause, when the Queen, in a happy spirit ofinvention, directed that the intelligence should be dispersedabroad through the medium of a public journal, to be publishedperiodically; and which, at a merely nominal charge, shouldput the people in possession of every particular. The councilunanimously approved of the project; and thus, at the dictationof the great princess, arose the first idea of an Englishnewspaper.
As this grave and important point was settled, the Queen,happening to look on one side, let her glance fall on Sir WalterRaleigh, and she thereupon called that personage forward.
“We owe thee some thanks,” she said, “yet will we not pay theenow. We will see thee anon, when thou shalt deliver to us, aslargely as thou canst, the several particulars of thy lateexpedition. Meantime, give thee farewell!”
Sir Walter caught up her proffered hand, and, with a lowlyand graceful bow, raised it to his lips. He then bowed to thecouncil, and retired.
He found Hildebrand without, looking anxiously for his return.Nevertheless, before he informed him how his intelligencerespecting the Spanish armada had been confirmed, and whatmeasures were meditated in consequence, he led him down thecontiguous stairs, and brought him forth from the palace. There,being no way pledged to secrecy, he briefly acquainted him withall that had taken place at the council-board.
Hildebrand heard him to an end without interruption, when hesuggested that, as he had yet a great deal to learn from him,and much to tell him, they had better ride off to the ships, atDeptford; and they would then be able to converse freely ontheir way. Sir Walter agreed to his proposal, and, accordingly,without further discussion, they mounted their horses, and setoff in the direction of Deptford.
As they rode along, Hildebrand inquired anxiously after hisfriends the Nevilles, and how they had fared, subsequent tohis departure for America, in their suit with the Government.Sir Walter’s reply called up in his bosom the most discordantand conflicting feelings. If the picture it presented of thesufferings of Sir Edgar, under the mortifications and indignitiesthat he had been subject to, excited his indignation, he wasmoved to a softer sympathy by its detail of the patience,fortitude, and filial devotion of the incomparable Evaline. Norwas he indifferent to the favourable mention that was made ofBernard Gray, though, as Sir Walter’s knowledge of that personwas limited, and derived only from the grateful remarks ofEvaline, he was spoken of but briefly. He was silent for a shorttime after Sir Walter had put him in possession of the severalparticulars of the transaction, when he delivered himself atlarge.
“I do heartily admire Mistress Evaline’s dutiful bearing,” hesaid. “Of a verity, she hath a store of notable good qualities,and very excellent virtues. More have I never noted in any onemaiden, in England or elsewhere. But, to hear thy tale out, SirWalter, hast thou had no advice of her since her worshipfulfather was set at large?”
“I’faith, have I!” answered Sir Walter. “Sir Edgar and shecame to me together, on the same day that he was enlarged; anddiscoursed with me concerning his liberation right familiarly.In especial did they dwell on their obligations to thee, and, asI failed not to confess, not without reason. Further, Sir Edgardid importune me, with many hearty fair words, to speed thee tohim on thy return; and, albeit sweet Mistress Neville said nota word, methought she did second his invitation with her sweetlooks, whereunto I tendered my whole allegiance.”
Hildebrand sighed. “I will even hold me to the good knight’sinvitation with all despatch,” he said.
“Well,” smiled Sir Walter, “I would have thee do no less. But,now that I have made thy heart light (nay, look not at me sogrievously amazed), prithee unfold to me at large the particularsof thy late voyage.”
Glad to escape from a subject which he began to think couldnot be pursued, at the passing moment, without subjecting himto Sir Walter’s raillery, though he could not remember that hehad ever laid himself open to such a consequence, Hildebrandreadily complied with this request, and proceeded to delivera succinct history of his voyage. He touched as lightly aspossible, however, on his personal adventures, and, in relatingwhat had passed at Cadiz, entirely skipped over the romanticincident of his connexion with Donna Inez, which was, in reality,the liveliest reminiscence that the voyage presented to him. Bythe time that he had finished his narrative, they arrived atDeptford, and
they then made straight for the ships.
They found that Master Halyard, impatient to have a turn ashore,had already begun to unload the galleon. The precious cargo ofthat vessel was now being raised up, and carted, under a guardof armed seamen, to the Queen’s warehouse. In the course of theday, the whole of the boxes of metal, the most valuable portionof the cargo, were thus secured, and every arrangement made foreffecting a perfect clearance. When they had seen matters broughtto this satisfactory stage, Sir Walter and Hildebrand, taking ahearty leave of Master Halyard, quitted the ship, and, mountingtheir horses, returned straight to town.