The Abbot - Вальтер Скотт 7 стр.

Chapter the Fourth

When Roland Graeme was a youth about seventeen years of age, he chanced one summer morning to descend to the mew in which Sir Halbert Glendinning kept his hawks, in order to superintend the training of an eyas, or young hawk, which he himself, at the imminent risk of neck and limbs, had taken from the celebrated eyry in the neighborhood, called Gledscraig. As he was by no means satisfied with the attention which had been bestowed on his favourite bird, he was not slack in testifying his displeasure to the falconers lad, whose duty it was to have attended upon it.

What, ho! sir knave, exclaimed Roland, is it thus you feed the eyas with unwashed meat, as if you were gorging the foul brancher of a worthless hoodie-crow? by the mass, and thou hast neglected its castings also for these two days! Thinkst thou I ventured my neck to bring the bird down from the crag, that thou shouldst spoil him by thy neglect? And to add force to his remonstrances, he conferred a cuff or two on the negligent attendant of the hawks, who, shouting rather louder than was necessary under all the circumstances, brought the master falconer to his assistance.

Adam Woodcock, the falconer of Avenel, was an Englishman by birth, but so long in the service of Glendinning, that he had lost much of his notional attachment in that which he had formed to his master. He was a favourite in his department, jealous and conceited of his skill, as masters of the game usually are; for the rest of his character he was a jester and a parcel poet, (qualities which by no means abated his natural conceit,) a jolly fellow, who, though a sound Protestant, loved a flagon of ale better than a long sermon, a stout man of his hands when need required, true to his master, and a little presuming on his interest with him.

Adam Woodcock, such as we have described him, by no means relished the freedom used by young Graeme, in chastising his assistant. Hey, hey, my Ladys page, said he, stepping between his own boy and Roland, fair and softly, an it like your gilt jacket hands off is fair play if my boy has done amiss, I can beat him myself, and then you may keep your hands soft.

I will beat him and thee too, answered Roland, without hesitation, an you look not better after your business. See how the bird is cast away between you. I found the careless lurdane feeding him with unwashed flesh, and she an eyas. [Footnote: There is a difference amongst authorities how long the nestling hawk should be fed with flesh which has previously been washed.]

Go to, said the falconer, thou art but an eyas thyself, child Roland.  What knowest thou of feeding? I say that the eyas should have her meat unwashed, until she becomes a brancher twere the ready way to give her the frounce, to wash her meat sooner, and so knows every one who knows a gled from a falcon.

It is thine own laziness, thou false English blood, that dost nothing but drink and sleep, retorted the page, and leaves that lither lad to do the work, which he minds as little as thou.

And am I so idle then, said the falconer, that have three cast of hawks to look after, at perch and mew, and to fly them in the field to boot?  and is my Ladys page so busy a man that he must take me up short?  and am I of false English blood?  I marvel what blood thou art neither Englander nor Scot fish nor flesh a bastard from the Debateable Land, without either kith, kin, or ally!  Marry, out upon thee, foul kite, that would fain be a tercel gentle!

The reply to this sarcasm was a box on the ear, so well applied, that it overthrew the falconer into the cistern in which water was kept for the benefit of the hawks. Up started Adam Woodcock, his wrath no way appeased by the cold immersion, and seizing on a truncheon which stood by, would have soon requited the injury he had received, had not Roland laid his hand on his poniard, and sworn by all that was sacred, that if he offered a stroke towards him, he would sheath the blade in his bowels. The noise was now so great, that more than one of the household came in, and amongst others the major-domo, a grave personage, already mentioned, whose gold chain and white wand intimated his authority. At the appearance of this dignitary, the strife was for the present appeased. He embraced, however, so favourable an opportunity, to read Roland Graeme a shrewd lecture on the impropriety of his deportment to his fellow-menials, and to assure him, that, should he communicate this fray to his master, (who, though now on one of his frequent expeditions, was speedily expected to return,) which but for respect to his Lady he would most certainly do, the residence of the culprit in the Castle of Avenel would be but of brief duration. But, however, added the prudent master of the household, I will report the matter first to my Lady.

Very just, very right, Master Wingate, exclaimed several voices together; my Lady will consider if daggers, are to be drawn on us for every idle word, and whether we are to live in a well-ordered household, where there is the fear of God, or amidst drawn dirks and sharp knives.

The object of this general resentment darted an angry glance around him, and suppressing with difficulty the desire which urged him to reply in furious or in contemptuous language, returned his dagger into his scabbard, looked disdainfully around upon the assembled menials, turned short upon his heel, and pushing aside those who stood betwixt him and the door, left the apartment.

This will be no tree for my nest, said the falconer, if this cock-sparrow is to crow over us as he seems to do.

He struck me with his switch yesterday, said one of the grooms, because the tail of his worships gelding was not trimmed altogether so as suited his humour.

And I promise you, said the laundress, my young master will stick nothing to call an honest woman slut and quean, if there be but a speck of soot upon his band-collar.

If Master Wingate do not his errand to my Lady, was the general result, there will be no tarrying in the same house with Roland Graeme.

The master of the household heard them all for some time, and then, motioning for universal silence, he addressed them with all the dignity of Malvolio himself.  My masters,  not forgetting you, my mistresses,  do not think the worse of me that I proceed with as much care as haste in this matter. Our master is a gallant knight, and will have his sway at home and abroad, in wood and field, in hall and bower, as the saying is. Our Lady, my benison upon her, is also a noble person of long descent, and rightful heir of this place and barony, and she also loves her will; as for that matter, show me the woman who doth not. Now, she hath favoured, doth favour, and will favour, this jack-an-ape,  for what good part about him I know not, save that as one noble lady will love a messan dog, and another a screaming popinjay, and a third a Barbary ape, so doth it please our noble dame to set her affections upon this stray elf of a page, for nought that I can think of, save that she was the cause of his being saved (the mores the pity) from drowning. And here Master Wingate made a pause.

I would have been his caution for a gray groat against salt water or fresh, said Rolands adversary, the falconer; marry, if he crack not a rope for stabbing or for snatching, I will be content never to hood hawk again.

Peace, Adam Woodcock, said Wingate, waving his hand; I prithee, peace man Now, my Lady liking this springald, as aforesaid, differs therein from my Lord, who loves never a bone in his skin. Now, is it for me to stir up strife betwixt them, and put astwere my finger betwixt the bark and the tree, on account of a pragmatical youngster, whom, nevertheless, I would willingly see whipped forth of the barony? Have patience, and this boil will break without our meddling. I have been in service since I wore a beard on my chin, till now that that beard is turned gray, and I have seldom known any one better themselves, even by taking the ladys part against the lords; but never one who did not dirk himself, if he took the lords against the ladys.

And so, said Lilias, we are to be crowed over, every one of us, men and women, cock and hen, by this little upstart?  I will try titles with him first, I promise you.  I fancy, Master Wingate, for as wise as you look, you will be pleased to tell what you have seen to-day, if my lady commands you?

To speak the truth when my lady commands me, answered the prudential major-domo, is in some measure my duty, Mistress Lilias; always providing for and excepting those cases in which it cannot be spoken without breeding mischief and inconvenience to myself or my fellow-servants; for the tongue of a tale-bearer breaketh bones as well as Jeddart-staff. [Footnote: A species of battle-axe, so called as being in especial use in that ancient burgh, whose armorial bearing still represent an armed horseman brandishing such a weapon.]

But this imp of Satan is none of your friends or fellow-servants, said Lilias; and I trust you mean not to stand up for him against the whole family besides?

Credit me, Mrs. Lilias, replied the senior, should I see the time fitting, I would, with right good-will give him a lick with the rough side of my tongue.

Enough said, Master Wingate, answered Lilias; then trust me his song shall soon be laid. If my mistress does not ask me what is the matter below stairs before she be ten minutes of time older, she is no born woman, and my name is not Lilias Bradbourne.

In pursuance of her plan, Mistress Lilias failed not to present herself before her mistress with all the exterior of one who is possessed of an important secret,  that is, she had the corners of her mouth turned down, her eyes raised up, her lips pressed as fast together as if they had been sewed up, to prevent her babbling, and an air of prim mystical importance diffused over her whole person and demeanour, which seemed to intimate, I know something which I am resolved not to tell you!

Lilias had rightly read her mistresss temper, who, wise and good as she was, was yet a daughter of grandame Eve, and could not witness this mysterious bearing on the part of her waiting-woman without longing to ascertain the secret cause. For a space, Mrs. Lilias was obdurate to all inquiries, sighed, turned her eyes up higher yet to heaven, hoped for the best, but had nothing particular to communicate. All this, as was most natural and proper, only stimulated the Ladys curiosity; neither was her importunity to be parried with,  Thank God, I am no makebate no tale-bearer,  thank God, I never envied any ones favour, or was anxious to propale their misdemeanour-only, thank God, there has been no bloodshed and murder in the house that is all.

Bloodshed and murder! exclaimed the Lady, what does the quean mean?  if you speak not plain out, you shall have something you will scarce be thankful for.

Nay, my Lady, answered Lilias, eager to disburden her mind, or, in, Chaucers phrase, to unbuckle her mail, if you bid me speak out the truth, you must not be moved with what might displease you Roland Graeme has dirked Adam Woodstock that is all.

Good Heaven! said the Lady, turning pale as ashes, is the man slain?

No, madam, replied Lilias, but slain he would have been, if there had not been ready help; but may be, it is your Ladyships pleasure that this young esquire shall poniard the servants, as well as switch and baton them.

Go to, minion, said the Lady, you are saucy-tell the master of the household to attend me instantly.

Lilias hastened to seek out Mr. Wingate, and hurry him to his ladys presence, speaking as a word in season to him on the way, I have set the stone a-trowling, look that you do not let it stand still.

The steward, too prudential a person to commit himself otherwise, answered by a sly look and a nod of intelligence, and presently after stood in the presence of the Lady of Avenel, with a look of great respect for his lady, partly real, partly affected, and an air of great sagacity, which inferred no ordinary conceit of himself.

How is this, Wingate, said the Lady, and what rule do you keep in the castle, that the domestics of Sir Halbert Glendinning draw the dagger on each other, as in a cavern of thieves and murderers?  is the wounded man much hurt? and what what hath become of the unhappy boy?

There is no one wounded as yet, madam, replied he of the golden chain; it passes my poor skill to say how many may be wounded before Pasche, [Footnote: Easter.] if some rule be not taken with this youth not but the youth is a fair youth, he added, correcting himself, and able at his exercise; but somewhat too ready with the ends of his fingers, the butt of his riding-switch, and the point of his dagger.

And whose fault is that, said the Lady, but yours, who should have taught him better discipline, than to brawl or to draw his dagger.

If it please your Ladyship so to impose the blame on me, answered the steward, it is my part, doubtless, to bear it only I submit to your consideration, that unless I nailed his weapon to the scabbard, I could no more keep it still, than I could fix quicksilver, which defied even the skill of Raymond Lullius.

Tell me not of Raymond Lullius, said the Lady, losing patience, but send me the chaplain hither. You grow all of you too wise for me, during your lords long and repeated absences. I would to God his affairs would permit him to remain at home and rule his own household, for it passes my wit and skill!

God forbid, my Lady! said the old domestic, that you should sincerely think what you are now pleased to say: your old servants might well hope, that after so many years duty, you would do their service more justice than to distrust their gray hairs, because they cannot rule the peevish humour of a green head, which the owner carries, it may be, a brace of inches higher than becomes him.

Leave me, said the Lady; Sir Halberts return must now be expected daily, and he will look into these matters himself leave me, I say, Wingate, without saying more of it. I know you are honest, and I believe the boy is petulant; and yet I think it is my favour which hath set all of you against him.

The steward bowed and retired, after having been silenced in a second attempt to explain the motives on which he acted.

The chaplain arrived; but neither from him did the Lady receive much comfort. On the contrary, she found him disposed, in plain terms, to lay to the door of her indulgence all the disturbances which the fiery temper of Roland Graeme had already occasioned, or might hereafter occasion, in the family. I would, he said, honoured Lady, that you had deigned to be ruled by me in the outset of this matter, sith it is easy to stem evil in the fountain, but hard to struggle against it in the stream. You, honoured madam, (a word which I do not use according to the vain forms of this world, but because I have ever loved and honoured you as an honourable and elect lady,) you, I say, madam, have been pleased, contrary to my poor but earnest counsel, to raise this boy from his station, into one approaching to your own.