Anne Boleyn had summoned Sir Thomas Wyat, in order to gratify her vanity by showing him the unbounded influence she possessed over his royal rival; and the half-suppressed agony displayed by the unfortunate lover at the exhibition afforded her a pleasure such as only the most refined coquette can feel.
Surrey was sent for by the king to receive instructions, in his quality of vice-chamberlain, respecting a tilting-match and hunting-party to be held on successive daysthe one in the upper quadrangle of the castle, the other in the forest.
Anxious, now that he was somewhat calmer, to avoid a rupture with Richmond, Surrey, as soon as he had received the kings instructions, drew near the duke; and the latter, who had likewise reasoned himself out of his resentment, was speedily appeased, and they became, to all appearance, as good friends as ever.
Soon afterwards the Lady Anne and her dames retired, and the court breaking up, the two young nobles strolled forth to the stately terrace at the north of the castle, where, while gazing at the glorious view it commanded, they talked over the mysterious event of the previous night.
I cannot help suspecting that the keeper we beheld with the demon hunter was Morgan Fenwolf, remarked the earl. Suppose we make inquiry whether he was at home last night. We can readily find out his dwelling from Bryan Bowntance, the host of the Garter.
Richmond acquiesced in the proposal, and they accordingly proceeded to the cloisters of Saint Georges Chapel, and threading some tortuous passages contrived among the canons houses, passed through a small porch, guarded by a sentinel, and opening upon a precipitous and somewhat dangerous flight of steps, hewn out of the rock and leading to the town.
None except the more important members of the royal household were allowed to use this means of exit from the castle, but, of course, the privilege extended to Richmond and Surrey. Here in later times, and when the castle was not so strictly guarded, a more convenient approach was built, and designated, from the number of its stairs, The Hundred Steps.
Having accomplished the descent in safety, and given the password to the sentinel at the foot of the steps, the two young nobles emerged into the street, and the first object they beheld was the body of the miserable butcher swinging from the summit of the Curfew Tower, where it was left by order of the king.
Averting their gaze from this ghastly spectacle, they took their way up Thames Street, and soon reached the Garter. Honest Bryan was seated on a bench before the dwelling, with a flagon of his own ale beside him, and rising as he saw the others approach, he made them a profound salutation.
Upon leaning what they sought, he told them that Morgan Fenwolf dwelt in a small cottage by the river-side not far from the bridge, and if it pleased them, he would guide them to it himselfan offer which they gladly accepted.
Do you know anything of this Fenwolf? asked Surrey, as they proceeded on their way.
Nothing particular, replied Bryan, with some hesitation. There are some strange reports about him, but I dont believe em.
What reports are they, friend? asked the Duke of Richmond.
Why, your grace, one ought to be cautious what one says, for fear of bringing an innocent man into trouble, returned the host. But if the truth must be spoken, people do say that Morgan Fenwolf is in league with the devilor with Herne the Hunter, which is the same thing.
Richmond exchanged a look with his friend.
Folks say strange sights have been seen in the forest of late, pursued Bryanand it may be so. But I myself have seen nothingbut then, to be sure, I never go there. The keepers used to talk of Herne the Hunter when I was a lad, but I believe it was only a tale to frighten deer-stealers; and I fancy its much the same thing now.
Neither Surrey nor Richmond made any remark, and they presently reached the keepers dwelling.
It was a small wooden tenement standing, as the host had stated, on the bank of the river, about a bow-shot from the bridge. The door was opened by Bryan, and the party entered without further ceremony. They found no one within except an old woman, with harsh, wrinkled features, and a glance as ill-omened as that of a witch, whom Bryan Bowntance told them was Fenwolfs mother. This old crone regarded the intruders uneasily.
Where is your son, dame? demanded the duke.
On his walk in the forest, replied the old crone bluntly.
What time did he go forth? inquired Surrey.
An hour before daybreak, as is his custom, returned the woman, in the same short tone as before.
You are sure he slept at home last night, dame? said Surrey.
As sure as I am that the question is asked me, she replied. I can show you the very bed on which he slept, if you desire to see it. He retired soon after sunsetslept soundly, as he always sleepsand arose as I have told you. I lighted a fire, and made him some hot pottage myself.
If she speaks the truth, you must be mistaken, observed Richmond in a whisper to his friend.
I do not believe her, replied Surrey, in the same tone. Show us his chamber, dame.
The old crone sullenly complied, and, throwing open a side door, disclosed an inner apartment, in which there was a small bed. There was nothing noticeable in the room except a couple of fishing-nets, a hunting-spear, and an old cross-bow. A small open casement looked upon the river, whose clear sparkling waters flowed immediately beneath it.
Surrey approached the window, and obtained a fine view of the Brocas meads on the one hand, and the embowered college of Eton on the other. His attention, however, was diverted by a fierce barking without, and the next moment, in spite of the vociferations of the old woman, a large black staghound, which Surrey recognised as Fenwolfs dog, Bawsey, burst through the door, and rushed furiously towards him. Surrey drew his dagger to defend himself from the hounds attack, but the precaution was needless. Bawseys fierceness changed suddenly to the most abject submission, and with a terrified howl, she retreated from the room with her tail between her legs. Even the old woman uttered a cry of surprise.
Lord help us! exclaimed Bryan; was ever the like o that seen? Your lordship must have a strange mastery over dogs. That hound, he added, in a whisper, is said to be a familiar spirit.
The virtue of the relic is approved, observed Surrey to Richmond, in an undertone.
It would seem so, replied the duke.
The old woman now thought proper to assume a more respectful demeanour towards her visitors, and inquired whether her son should attend upon them on his return from the forest, but they said it was unnecessary.
The king is about to have a grand hunting-party the day after to-morrow, observed Surrey, and we wished to give your son some instructions respecting it. They can, however, be delivered to another keeper.
And they departed with Bryan, and returned to the castle. At midnight they again issued forth. Their steeds awaited them near the upper gate, and, mounting, they galloped across the greensward in the direction of Hernes Oak. Discerning no trace of the ghostly huntsman, they shaped their course towards the forest.
Urging their steeds to their utmost speed, and skirting the long avenue, they did not draw the rein till they reached the eminence beyond it; having climbed which, they dashed down the farther side at the same swift pace as before. The ride greatly excited them, but they saw nothing of the wild huntsman; nor did any sound salute their ears except the tramp of their own horses, or the occasional darting forth of a startled deer.
Less than a quarter of an hour brought them to the haunted beech-tree; but all was as silent and solitary here as at the blasted oak. In vain Surrey smote the tree. No answer was returned to the summons; and, finding all efforts to evoke the demon fruitless, they quitted the spot, and, turning their horses heads to the right, slowly ascended the hill-side.
Before they had gained the brow of the hill the faint blast of a horn saluted their ears, apparently proceeding from the valley near the lake. They instantly stopped and looked in that direction, but could see nothing. Presently, however, the blast was repeated more loudly than before, and, guided by the sound, they discerned the spectral huntsman riding beneath the trees at some quarter of a miles distance.
Striking spurs into their steeds, they instantly gave him chase; but though he lured them on through thicket and over gladenow climbing a hill, now plunging into a valley, until their steeds began to show symptoms of exhaustionthey got no nearer to him; and at length, as they drew near the Home Park, to which he had gradually led them, he disappeared from view.
I will take my station near the blasted oak, said Surrey, galloping towards it: the demon is sure to revisit his favourite tree before cock-crowing.
What is that? cried the Earl of Surrey, pointing to a strange and ghastly-looking object depending from the tree. Some one has hanged himself! It may be the caitiff, Morgan Fenwolf.
With one accord they dashed forward, and as they drew nearer the tree, they perceived that the object that had attracted their attention was the body of Mark Fytton, the butcher, which they had so recently seen swinging from the summit of the Curfew Tower. It was now suspended from an arm of the wizard oak.
A small scroll was stuck upon the breast of the corpse, and, taking it off, Surrey read these words, traced in uncouth charactersMark Fytton is now one of the band of Herne the Hunter.
By my fay, this passes all comprehension, said Richmond, after a few moments silence. This castle and forest seem under the sway of the powers of darkness. Let us return. I have had enough of adventure for to-night.
And he rode towards the castle, followed more slowly by the earl.
VII
How the Earl of Surrey and the Fair Geraldine plighted their troth in the Cloisters of Saint Georges Chapel.
Barriers were erected on the following day in the upper ward of the castle, and the Lady Anne and her dames assembled in the balcony in front of the royal lodgings, which was decorated with arras, costly carpets, and rich stuffs, to view the spectacle.
Perfect in all manly accomplishments, Henry splintered several lances with his brother-in-law, the Duke of Suffolk, who formed an admirable match for him in point of weight and strength; and at last, though he did not succeed in unhorsing the duke, he struck off his helmet, the clasp of which, it was whispered, was left designedly unfastened; and being thereupon declared the victor, he received the prizea scarf embroidered by her own handsfrom the fair Anne herself.
He then retired from the lists, leaving them free for the younger knights to run a course at the ring. The first to enter the arena was Sir Thomas Wyat; and as he was known to be a skilful jouster, it was expected he would come off triumphantly. But a glance from the royal balcony rendered his arm unsteady, and he missed the mark.
Next came the Duke of Richmond, superbly accoutred. Laughing at Wyats ill success, he bowed to the Fair Geraldine, and taking a lance from his esquire, placed it in the rest, and rode gallantly forward. But he was equally unsuccessful, and retired, looking deeply chagrined.
The third knight who presented himself was Surrey. Mounted on his favourite black Arabiana steed which, though of fiery temper, obeyed his slightest movementhis light symmetrical figure was seen to the greatest advantage in his close-fitting habiliments of silk and velvet. Without venturing a look at the royal balcony, the earl couched his lance, and bounding forward, bore away the ring on its point.
Amid the plaudits of the spectators, he then careered around the arena, and approaching the royal balcony, raised his lance, and proffered the ring to the Fair Geraldine, who blushingly received it. Henry, though by no means pleased with Surreys success, earned as it was at the expense of his son, complimented him upon his skill, and Anne Boleyn joined warmly in his praises.
The lists were then closed, and the royal party retired to partake of refreshments; after which they proceeded to the butts erected in the broad mead at the north of the castle, where the Duke of Shoreditch and his companions shot a well-contested match with the long-bow.
During these sports, Surrey placed himself as near as he could to the Fair Geraldine, and though but few opportunities occurred of exchanging a syllable with her, his looks spoke a sufficiently intelligible language. At last, just as they were about to return to the palace, he breathed in an imploring tone in her ear
You will attend vespers at Saint Georges Chapel this evening. Return through the cloisters. Grant me a moments interview alone there.
I cannot promise, replied the Fair Geraldine. And she followed in the train of the Lady Anne.
The earls request had not been unheard. As the royal train proceeded towards the castle, Will Sommers contrived to approach the Duke of Richmond, and said to him, in a jeering tone You ran but indifferently at the ring to-day, gossip. The galliard Surrey rode better, and carried off the prize.
Pest on thee, scurril knavebe silent! cried Richmond angrily; failure is bad enough without thy taunts.
If you had only missed the ring, gossip, I should have thought nothing of it, pursued Will Sommers; but you lost a golden opportunity of ingratiating yourself with your lady-love. All your hopes are now at an end. A word in your earthe Fair Geraldine will meet Surrey alone this evening.
Thou liest, knave! cried the duke fiercely.
Your grace will find the contrary, if you will be at Wolseys tomb-house at vesper-time, replied the jester.
I will be there, replied the duke; but if I am brought on a bootless errand, not even my royal father shall save thee from chastisement.
I will bear any chastisement your grace may choose to inflict upon me, if I prove not the truth of my assertion, replied Sommers. And he dropped into the rear of the train.
The two friends, as if by mutual consent, avoided each other during the rest of the daySurrey feeling he could not unburden his heart to Richmond, and Richmond brooding jealously over the intelligence he had received from the jester.
At the appointed hour the duke proceeded to the lower ward, and stationed himself near Wolseys tomb-house. Just as he arrived there, the vesper hymn arose from the adjoining fane, and its solemn strains somewhat soothed his troubled spirit. But they died away; and as the jester came not, Richmond grew impatient, and began to fear he had been duped by his informant. At length the service concluded, and, losing all patience, he was about to depart, when the jester peered round the lower angle of the tomb-house, and beckoned to him. Obeying the summons, the duke followed his conductor down the arched passage leading to the cloisters.
Tread softly, gossip, or you will alarm them, said Sommers, in a low tone.
They turned the corner of the cloisters; and there, near the entrance of the chapel, stood the youthful pairthe Fair Geraldine half reclining upon the earls breast, while his arm encircled her slender waist.