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does not happen to be exactly as 'pure of her husband's partial intoxicationas unsunned snow!'

'chaste as the icicle

That hangs on Dian's temple.' You understand me. She despises Weazle, and suffers her eye to hunt after new fancies!' Now this Brown-a fellow that takes the seconds in tragedy, sings comic songs, plays Harlequin, paints scenes, and makes himself generally useful, has hit Mrs. Weazle's fancy; and the unchaste virago takes every opportunity to elevate him and disparage me. Why, sir-but you will scarcely credit it-she actually wanted me-me! (emphasizing every word)-to play Macduff to Brown's Macbeth!"

I was horror-struck, of course; and, looking him incredulously in the face, exclaimed," Impossible!

Why, doubtless it appears so to you, and all the world,"-(nearly all actors have an impression that the general business of the world is suspended when any squabble occurs among themselves, and some labour under this hallucination to an almost incredible extent)" I knew you would not-could not, believe it; but (rising from his seat, and laying his hand upon his heart) I do solemnly assure you, sir, upon my word and honour as a gentleman, such was really the fact ! "

My countenance indicated that the world was coming to an end, but I faltered out -"Compose yourself, my

dear fellow."

"I will try. Much-injured shade of Shakspeare Brown's Macbeth ! Landlord, another bottle; and I indignantly spurned the damning degradation -she commanded Weazle to dismiss me!" "And did he comply?"

"He must have done it-legally married-no choice you know; but, luckily, there happened to be a 3. penalty in the way in case of breach of covenants, which, of course, rendered the thing im. possible."

"Infamous woman!"

"Ay, you may say that-exceedingly infamous; and what is worse, ugly to boot-five feet eleven and a beard, besides being partial to liquor, as I am a tragedian! But that's not all-your health, sir-she now takes every opportunity of marring my points, and ruining my effects. It was only the other week we had to enact Hamlet. I, of course, was Hamlet. Well, you shall hear. Weazle ought to have played first grave-digger -but what does this incarnation of evil -Mrs. Weazle-do, but take advantage

your especial good health, sir!-to persuade him he would make a hit as the Ghost of Hamlet's father! I saw her design at once-it was to kill me!" "Kill you!"

"That is, professionally kill me; and I told Weazle so; and what do you think was the reward of my candour?"

"We live in a base and ungrateful world, my dear sir-it is almost impossible to say."

"Why the vain-glorious blockhead told me that I was not the only man of ability in the world-others, he flattered himself (he did flatter himself, indeed!), had talent-the Ghost had been too often entrusted to inferior actors, and he was determined the part should, for once, have justice done it! Justice!-Think, sir, of a shrimp-of a-fellow, scarcely five feet high, very asthmatic, with a crablike shuffle in his gait, one leg being shorter than the other, and a voice like unto that of a penny-trumpet, personating the 'buried majesty of Denmark!' How self-love will blind a man!-don't you think so?"

"I do indeed. But did it turn out as you anticipated?"

"Worse, sir, much worse! Why as soon as the Spirit appeared, and I commenced (in capital voice) my 'Angels and ministers of grace, defend us!' there was a universal grin all over the house; and when the trifling abortion went on to speak of his brother, whose natural gifts were poor to those of his! derisive cries of Well done, Weazle !-bravo, little Weazle!' shook the theatre. All this, would you believe it, the misguided man took in good faith! and has since talked of trying the part in London! this went on-very pleasant, was it not?

Well,

until he made his exit, squeaking out, 'Adieu, adieu, adieu! remember me!' amid a tumult of noise and uproar which he calls applause. Now this was excellent sport, and very agreeable, I dare say, to those who were enjoying themselves, but only imagine my situation! Can you conceive it, sir? There was I standing gazing after my Father's Spirit with a countenance on which love, fear, pity, awe, horror, reverence, indignation, and amazement, were visibly depicted and the whole house convulsed with laughter!"

"Shameful! shameful!!"

LONDON:

(Concluded at page 163)

Published by Effingham Wilson, Junior, 16, King William Street, London Bridge, Where communications for the Editor (post paid) will be received.

[Printed by Manning and Smithson, Ivy Lane.]

OF FICTION, POETRY, HISTORY, AND GENERAL LITERATURE SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1836.

No. 118.

Price Two-pence.

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P. 159.

to take place on that day between the Duke of Glo'ster and the Lady Anne. Several had been engaged all night in cooking huge barons of beef, and sheep and hogs were roasted whole, which when cold were to be placed before the numerous retainers of the Duke, at the lower end of the hall. Game of almost every description lay dead in the out-houses ready for dressing, fawns and fallow-deer, and boars'-heads, for they paid but little regard as to what was in season. Heath and wood, and mountain and river, had been compelled to give up their inhabitants, to furnish forth the marriage-feast at Crosby Hall; for as Glo'ster intended at once to seize upon the crown, he deemed it prudent to collect as many followers around his table as could possibly be seated. Tables stood in readiness for the guests, extending the whole length of the hall, with the exception of a passage left at each end for the servants in waiting to pass to and fro. Under the minstrel gallery was placed the orsille, or high table, elevated above the rest; this was set apart for the nobles, and the line of division was also marked by a huge

silver salt-cellar; the cloth too that covered it was distinguished from the others, being bordered with flowers of gold. Below the salt-cellar was placed another table, - a little elevated from that adjoining, beneath; this was set apart for the knights, each being seated according to his rank, and was also covered with a cloth of less value. The others were strong oaken tables, wholly uncovered, and reached down beyond the large fire-place. On the upper table, or orsille, stood drinking vessels of gold and silver. A rich throne covered with crimson velvet was also fixed at the head of it, which was the seat appointed for the Duke and his consort. Green branches were suspended from various parts of the hall, flowers were also strewn upon the floor. Dishes of silver, gold, brass, and pewter glittered upon the upper tables, while on the uncovered oaken ones were seen long rows of wooden trenchers. The royal banner of England hung over the crimson canopy, making a deep shadow where its heavy silken folds drooped, while the emblazoned arms were reflected on the burnished vessels beneath. It was placed there by Glo'ster's command, he being the Protector during the minority of the prince of Wales, and had been removed for that purpose from the Tower during the night. The Duke's banner also was suspended from the minstrel's gallery, hanging high above the royal flag of England.

About two hours before noon Glo'ster entered the hall, unattended; he looked unusually sad, and walking slowly forward with his hands behind him, he came to the upper table, and throwing himself into the seat or temporary throne, he folded his arms across his bosom, and sat for several minutes occupied in deep thought. The rich banner hung above him, casting its shadow over his face, and making the dense furrows on his brow appear more gloomy; a slight quivering was visible on his upper lip, his eyes too occasionally flashed wildly, and his hands trembled, all evident signs that he had passed a restless night. At length he summoned a page to bring him wine, who soon attended, bearing a gold cup in his hand, which the Duke emptied at a draught. Buckingham and the Bishop of Ely were soon after announced, and Glo'ster arose to welcome them. After some short conversation, the Bishop retired into the chapel on the eastern side of the hall, and left the two Dukes alone. “The brat has arrived,” said Bucking

ham, "and sends his services to your Grace. By heaven, my lord, he hath a froward tongue."

"Which we will clip with speed," answered Glo'ster, "ere he be many hours older. I will meet this baby prince anon: to night he sleeps with York in the Tower; to morrow night, and all be well, he sleeps in Abraham's bosom. Saw you Hastings? will he grace our wedding?"

"No, by our Lady,” replied Buckingham, "he said that he must pay his devoir to the prince, and would meet your Grace with the council in the Tower this afternoon. Methinks Shore's wife did motion him to stay, for she was by during our conference."

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"Come cousin," said Glo'ster, smiling, "if thou goest on this way, I shall conclude that thou art only waiting for Hastings' death to wed her; thou art of a surety bewitched by her charms, for never did I hear thee praise woman so before. What think'st thou of my Lady Anne; would'st wed her, if she consented ?"

"No, by the Holy Mother," said Buckingham, "I would not, nor any one who cursed so deeply as she did curse your Grace but yesterday, and yet she's not ill-favoured. But see, she comes! by heaven! lovely as an angel-form: nay, now if I was asked to have her for myself, methinks I would repent me of my oath, and answer yes;' and one hangs on her arm too, exceedingly beautiful."

While Buckingham was speaking, the Lady Anne approached accompanied by Bridget Crosby, who was arrayed in white, and might have rivalled by her charms the famed Houris of Mahomet's Paradise. The Lady Anne, who appeared the most stately of the two, had her train borne by two young maidens, while four others of equal beauty fol

lowed behind. Their dresses were of rich white silk, embroidered with silver flowers. Anne's excelled the others in the richness of its ornaments, her train being of white satin-velvet with a border of golden stars. The sunbeams fell upon them from the gaudy windows, mingling a thousand hues with the splendour of their drapery.

As Glo'ster and Buckingham approached them, a band of musicians struck up a lively air from the gallery in which they were stationed. Just then the hall-doors were thrown open, and upwards of a hundred nobles and knights entered and joined the train, in exact order, filing off in the direction of the chapel, in which the ceremony was about to take place. As soon as the wedding train had departed, the hall was nearly filled with the followers of Glo'ster, and the adherents of other lords who were his friends. Lovel and Catesby were also amongst them, and having had their instructions were busied in sounding the praises of the Duke among the soldiers, while the menials were preparing the banquet against the return of the party from the chapel.

"How now, my man of war!" said Catesby, "art thou in love with that banner which thou gazest on so fixedly?" addressing a man in armour.

66

Marry! I have loved it ere now," replied the soldier, "and shown many a brave fellow down the gateway of darkness in its defence, but methinks it will be long enough ere I shall be called upon again to guard its golden lions."

"Why thinkest thou so?" inquired Catesby.

"Nay, by my troth," replied the soldier, "I should be wanting to think otherwise, when children are to become our rulers, what need we of banners, unless they are to be hung in the nursery ?"

"But is not the Duke of Glo'ster Protector?" said Catesby: "now by the mass, I thought thou hadst known his Grace better than to have supposed that he would long let a soldier remain idle." "I have seen his Grace active enough I trow, when in the field of Tewksbury," answered the soldier; "but men reigned then as kings, not beardless brats, like this young imp of Edward's just loosened from his leading-strings."

"Thou art a damned traitor," answered another soldier who bore the arms of Hastings upon his helmet, and had been listening to the follower of Buckingham, for such he was, who conversed

with Catesby; "none but a cut-throat knave like thee would speak against the royal prince."

"Hast thou been to shrift this morning," said the follower of Buckingham contemptuously, "that thou dost dare to beard me thus, or has Mistress Shore, thy master's ruler, insured thy life, that thou takest such license with thy tongue?"

"Thou art not my confessor," replied the soldier, "neither shall I answer thee but as a loyal subject, which I am, and thou a poor mean-hearted traitor, who instead of upholding the young king, wouldst take 'vantage of his youth and take part with those whose hands are ready now to strip him of his rights."

"Were not this a day of merrymaking," answered the follower of Buckingham, unsheathing his sword, "by the cave of hell I would cut out that mischief-making tongue of thine, and throw thy body into the court-yard."

"Thou art a mean braggart," retorted the soldier, also drawing his sword, "a base varlet. I saw thee in Guild-hall throw up thy helmet and shout for King Richard, when that thy master, Buckingham, attempted to poison the ears of the good citizens with forged lies.touching the honest birth of our young King Edward. Go to, thou art a villain!"

"Nay, now thou hast reflected on the good Duke, whom I serve," answered the follower of Buckingham, "I call thee villain in return, and thus confirm it;" saying which he aimed at him a blow with his sword, which the other dexterously parried, rushing in upon his opponent at the same time, and bearing him to the floor, where he would have despatched him, had not Catesby interfered, and Glo'ster and his party at the same moment re-entered the hall, which was in the greatest tumult.

"What means this?" exclaimed Glo'ster, quitting the arm of the Lady Anne and springing forward with his sword uplifted, "are ye Turks that ye must be at each others' throats on every occasion, disturbing by your brawls the quiet of our mansion; for shame, put up your swords. My Lord of Buckingham this is a follower of yours, I pray you learn their quarrel, and inform me of it."

Here Catesby interposed, and began to narrate all that our readers are already acquainted with, trying however to throw the blame upon the follower of Hastings. Glo'ster knit his brows, and bidding them to keep at peace, and join the feast, went and seated himself by the Lady Anne, who already occupied the throne. Drums

and trumpets and cymbals also began to sound, as the signal for commencing the banquet. Barons of beef, and hogs and sheep, stood upon the table on huge silver vessels and large dishes of pewter. Game of every description was also there, smoking, and sending up their savoury steam to the lofty roof of the hall. At the high table where Glo'ster presided, the greatest order was preserved, and as the different dishes appeared, they were cut off, then passed to the next table, where the knights were seated, and from them handed to the common soldiery, or servants, at the lower end. Wine was circulated on every hand without distinction, saving that the costliest vessels were placed at the upper end; but even the soldiers had their beer-horns filled with it on that day, with orders to drink ad libitum. A hundred voices were in conversation at a time, and as the wine circulated the noise increased; mirth and laughter reigned unbounded at the lower tables of the hall. Even Buckingham was uttering soft words to the fair Bridget Crosby who was seated beside him.

And Glo'ster also had succeeded in drawing faint smiles from his fair bride, to whom he was very attentive, for her beauty on that day would, for a moment, have divested the devil of evil thoughts to work wo upon one so lovely.

"Seest thou, Anne," said Glo'ster, "how closely my Lord Buckingham is besieging sweet Bridget? By my dukedom, she is a comely wench; and many a coronet has sat on brows less lovely."

"She is worthy of a place in a prince's heart," answered Anne 66 ; were I a lord I'd sooner wed her than many a haughty dame who holds her head highly in the dignity of titles, for Bridget hath that which rank giveth not,-a faithful heart, and a clear conscience."

"Have not all women faithful hearts?" inquired Glo'ster, fixing his dark eyes upon Anne as he spake.

"Faithful enough, I trow," replied Anne, colouring highly as she spoke, "when, like Bridget, they are a guerdon worthy of being received,-rich in their own first love, and free from all attaints."

"Now, by the Holy-rood, thou speakest in parables to me," said Glo'ster, for I have always deemed that woman's heart was like her kirtle, easily altered to the latest fashion."

"Thou mayest have deemed rightly," replied Anne, "but in sooth it is then only an old kirtle ;-however its new

form may gloze it, the eye-lets of the former needle remain, and though it be a costly stuff, 't is of less value than the shepherd's new gaberdine."

"Thou hittest me hard, fair wife," answered Glo'ster, knitting his brow. "What thinkest thou of the crown, then? it descends by entail; beshrew me, thou canst not say but it is new to him who never wore it before."

"I grant ye that, my lord," replied Anne, "so are its cares; but yet methinks that he who wears it should also have a charmed life, for 't is the magnet that draws down the steel, and entails but seldom does embar, the blade's approach. I wot not how it first became a curse; but he who wears it is enmined in bale. He is the target which ambition aims at."

"How now," inquired Glo'ster, turning to his page, who had long waited to address him.

"Your Grace's presence is desired at the Tower," said the page.

"We will be there anon," replied Glo'ster: "come, my lord of Buckingham, and Ely, we must leave these fair ladies for a time, for graver matters crave our attention.-I beg you to attend me to the Council." Then, addressing his guests generally, he arose and said, "Let not our absence be a damp upon your mirth. Whatever Glo'ster owns, is yours; I see many a face among you, that has with me looked on the storm of battle, and fought it bravely by my side, in many a well-won field-to all I say, make merry now. There have been nights when we have made our shields our pillows, and slept with naked swords grasped in our hands, wearied with long fatigue, quick march, and breathless charge; but then, we murmured not, for victory kept watch around us, and glory made our slumbers light with golden dreams. We had no wine cups then, soldiers, to make merry with as now; but I, your leader, shared the same fatigue-slept on the self-same field felt the same midnight wind steal o'er my limbs-quenched my thirst at the same meadow-stream, where hundreds knelt to drink. Who is there here can say that Glo'ster wrapt his limbs in feathery down, when his brave followers pressed the dewy sod (none! none! rolled from a hundred voices). I cannot forget your brave deeds at the field of Tewksbury," continued Glo'ster, "when we humbled the pride of the house of Lancaster to the earth, and took captive their only hope. Since then, the rose of

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