Kenilworth by Sir Walter Scott
Page 1 of 316
Produced by An Anonymous Volunteer and David Widger
KENILWORTH. by Sir Walter Scott, Bart.
Contents
INTRODUCTION
KENILWORTH
CHAPTER I.
CHAPTER II.
CHAPTER III.
CHAPTER IV.
CHAPTER V.
CHAPTER VI.
CHAPTER VII.
CHAPTER VIII.
CHAPTER IX.
CHAPTER X.
CHAPTER XI.
CHAPTER XII.
CHAPTER XIII.
CHAPTER XIV.
CHAPTER XV.
CHAPTER XVI.
CHAPTER XVII.
CHAPTER XVIII.
CHAPTER XIX.
CHAPTER XX.
CHAPTER XXI.
CHAPTER XXII.
CHAPTER XXIII.
CHAPTER XXIV.
CHAPTER XXV.
CHAPTER XXVI.
CHAPTER XXVII.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
CHAPTER XXIX.
CHAPTER XXX.
CHAPTER XXXI.
CHAPTER XXXII.
CHAPTER XXXIII.
CHAPTER XXXIV.
CHAPTER XXXV.
CHAPTER XXXVI.
CHAPTER XXXVII.
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
CHAPTER XXXIX.
CHAPTER XL.
CHAPTER XLI.
NOTES.
INTRODUCTION
A certain degree of success, real or supposed, in the delineation of Queen Mary, naturally induced the author to attempt something similar respecting "her sister and her foe," the celebrated Elizabeth. He will not, however, pretend to have approached the task with the same feelings; for the candid Robertson himself confesses having felt the prejudices with which a Scottishman is tempted to regard the subject; and what so liberal a historian avows, a poor romance-writer dares not disown. But he hopes the influence of a prejudice, almost as natural to him as his native air, will not be found to have greatly affected the sketch he has attempted of England's Elizabeth. I have endeavoured to describe her as at once a high-minded sovereign, and a female of passionate feelings, hesitating betwixt the sense of her rank and the duty she owed her subjects on the one hand, and on the other her attachment to a nobleman, who, in external qualifications at least, amply merited her favour. The interest of the story is thrown upon that period when the sudden death of the first Countess of Leicester seemed to open to the ambition of her husband the opportunity of sharing the crown of his sovereign.
It is possible that slander, which very seldom favours the memories of persons in exalted stations, may have blackened the character of Leicester with darker shades than really belonged to it. But the almost general voice of the times attached the most foul suspicions to the death of the unfortunate Countess, more especially as it took place so very opportunely for the indulgence of her lover's ambition. If we can trust Ashmole's Antiquities of Berkshire, there was but too much ground for the traditions which charge Leicester with the murder of his wife. In the following extract of the passage, the reader will find the authority I had for the story of the romance:--
Table of contents (by pages)
- 1: Kenilworth by Sir Walter Scott
- 2: As some report to the monks of Abington
- 3: Ben jonson's information to drummond of hawthornden
- 4: Silver'd the walls of Cumnor Hall
- 5: Why didst thou praise my hum'ble charms
- 6: Among the groves of Cumnor Hall
- 7: Since there are but four miles betwixt us and Oxford
- 8: No relation to Michael Lambourne
- 9: The Michael Lambourne whom I knew
- 10: If Giles Gosling wished to continue to thrive
- 11: Not quite so like old Benedict Lambourne
- 12: Still you are the inn keeper's guests
- 13: This peevish humour of melancholy sits ill upon you
- 14: But presented Master Tressilian to his nephew's company
- 15: Lambourne proceeded to inquire after Prance of Padworth
- 16: And to as bitter a precisian as ever ate flesh in Lent
- 17: Thou wouldst not compare thy pudding face
- 18: Answered Goldthred indignantly
- 19: Leaving Gosling and Tressilian in the empty apartment
- 20: And let him catch such a small butterfly as Goldthred
- 21: Said Tressilian to the adventurer
- 22: This was felt even by Michael Lambourne
- 23: And wherefore should not bare curiosity
- 24: When Lambourne had ceased speaking
- 25: As Tressilian could not help acknowledging to himself
- 26: And extended his hand to Michael Lambourne
- 27: Filled with shelves of the same wood
- 28: It is a thing thou canst not understand
- 29: My most precious friend Anthony
- 30: Tressilian was himself for a moment much overcome
- 31: Tressilian tell him I am well
- 32: Brought into the apartment Lambourne and Foster
- 33: But Tressilian was on his guard
- 34: Turning his back on Michael Lambourne
- 35: The daughter of Anthony Foster
- 36: Sighing Tressilian in his train
- 37: Tressilian must be looked after
- 38: This alteration did not escape Varney
- 39: Subtle pioneers to draw his contracts
- 40: Who amused the old knight and Tressilian
- 41: Silver'd the walls of Cumnor Hall
- 42: Which had its landing place at the door of an antechamber
- 43: The curtains were of blue velvet
- 44: Said the young and beautiful Countess
- 45: Janet Foster obeyed her mistress
- 46: In case Varney bath ought to say to me from my lord
- 47: I trust Tressilian has but forged this news
- 48: Your ladyship will do your pleasure
- 49: They know not Tressilian by sight
- 50: Regarding affectionately his lovely bride
- 51: Is the badge of the noble Order of the Golden Fleece
- 52: And see him enter dressed in sober russet
- 53: Because Richard Varney is my sworn man
- 54: And Varney and Foster sat beneath the salt
- 55: Varney neglect nothing that can blind suspicion
- 56: You must drag Richard Varney up with you
- 57: Consider how this Tressilian is leagued
- 58: Varney advanced to hold his master's bridle
- 59: Would listen to the thrush while the nightingale is singing
- 60: And desired to speak with Master Michael Lambourne
- 61: The knack of seeming serious and religious
- 62: My name is Master Richard Varney
- 63: Their attention was excited by the hasty arrival of Varney
- 64: And followed by Richard Varney
- 65: After his rencounter with Varney
- 66: But Tressilian repelled his advances firmly
- 67: And Cumnor Place amongst others
- 68: Sir Roger Robsart of Devon oh
- 69: The exquisite beauty of Mistress Amy Robsart
- 70: Get a petition drawn up for Sir Hugh Robsart
- 71: Whisked up by such a kite as this Varney
- 72: To her Tressilian addressed the oft repeated question
- 73: Tressilian mustered his learning to reply
- 74: In which the good woman Sludge so much abounds
- 75: Although it may be he never wrote even MAGISTER ARTIUM
- 76: This poor Zany thinks to himself
- 77: If he becomes thus a trinketer with Satan
- 78: Skipped on unconsciously before Tressilian
- 79: Said Tressilian to his young guide
- 80: Which lies across the top of these uprights
- 81: Made a careless whistle you must whistle louder than that
- 82: He confronted the hammer with his drawn sword
- 83: Whispered the urchin to Tressilian
- 84: But nature had endowed Tressilian with firm nerves
- 85: Till that we come to Canterbury town
- 86: He gave Tressilian a scroll of parchment
- 87: Tressilian drew his own girths tighter
- 88: And Tressilian also quickening his speed
- 89: Tressilian pursued the conversation no further
- 90: The companion of Gaffer Grimesby
- 91: And began a horrible exclamation against Jack Hostler
- 92: How little attention Tressilian paid to his meal
- 93: Tressilian hastily rode over the drawbridge
- 94: He then ushered Tressilian into a low parlour
- 95: Signed a mournful greeting to Tressilian
- 96: Tressilian was unable to reply
- 97: But wert thou not better apply to the Earl of Leicester
- 98: Who came attending on Master Tressilian
- 99: Wayland Smith was right in his prognostication
- 100: Tressilian hesitated to accept his services
- 101: And found the following contents MASTER TRESSILIAN
- 102: Or the assurances of Wayland Smith
- 103: Although Tressilian did not recollect the verses
- 104: And Tressilian observed that Wayland more than once
- 105: And vat might your vorship vant vith that drug
- 106: That Wayland ought to have paid the man for his drug
- 107: Sayes Court was watched like a beleaguered fort
- 108: And frank bearing of the Earl of Sussex
- 109: At the entrance of Tressilian both started from their musing
- 110: Tressilian evaded his inquiries for a moment
- 111: While Wayland obeyed the Earl's commands
- 112: Wayland Smith himself appeared anxious
- 113: Thou didst not refuse him admittance
- 114: Morning was well advanced when Tressilian
- 115: Said Walter to Blount the sun in heaven
- 116: Which suited so well with his fine features that the warders
- 117: Made a sign for the wherry to come alongside
- 118: A gentleman of the household of the Earl of Sussex
- 119: That repelled my messenger and my physician from Sayes Court
- 120: Court favour of Sir Walter Raleigh
- 121: The royal barge soon stopped at Deptford
- 122: The Queen took her leave of Sayes Court
- 123: Said Varney the Knight of the Cloak
- 124: Impeaching Varney of seduction
- 125: Tressilian could not help suspecting that
- 126: Bowyer kissed the hand which she extended towards him
- 127: My Lords of Sussex and Leicester
- 128: You have a gentleman in your household called Varney
- 129: And Tressilian and Varney appeared accordingly
- 130: As she addressed Varney speak on
- 131: Varney looked round the presence chamber
- 132: Elizabeth hath not forgotten that
- 133: Interrupted Tressilian scornfully
- 134: Thy wife must be at Kenilworth
- 135: My Lords of Sussex and Leicester
- 136: As a decisive triumph on the part of Leicester
- 137: Qualify thine office as thou wilt
- 138: Or rather his ever blushing petitioner
- 139: The seat allotted to Leicester in the stern
- 140: Answered the ready witted Varney
- 141: For this Orson Pinnit's request goes something further
- 142: Pinky eyes watching the onset of the mastiff
- 143: When I think of your cognizance of the bear and ragged staff
- 144: If this diffidence was affected
- 145: Once with deliberation to Lady Paget
- 146: And Lady Paget promised scrupulous secrecy
- 147: Tressilian instantly left the hall
- 148: As well as on those of my Lord Leicester himself
- 149: Varney waited for some minutes until he should speak
- 150: Leicester applied a key to the steel casket
- 151: And Alasco entered the Earl's apartment
- 152: He caught the eye of the astrologer fixed on him
- 153: Have thou double the recompense which Varney promised
- 154: And without ceasing to dupe others
- 155: Until the Green Dragon become a golden goose
- 156: I neither defy the manna of Saint Nicholas
- 157: We will have thee hanged if thou dost
- 158: Lambourne bowed in acquiescence
- 159: But Lambourne would not be controlled
- 160: Especially such a man as Lambourne
- 161: Young Lawrence Goldthred of Abingdon
- 162: That Tony Foster will not leave his own roof
- 163: Giles Gosling stole up to the apartment of the pedlar
- 164: Zhe will buy changes an zhe loikes stuffs
- 165: While the lady called to the pedlar
- 166: Alarmed by the anxious hints of Janet
- 167: To attempt an explanation with Janet
- 168: Endeavouring to quiet Lambourne
- 169: I learned from villain Varney to beware of that
- 170: Entertaining from the drunken ravings of Lambourne
- 171: But anon came a storm from a sudden gathering of clouds
- 172: She often recurs to the story of Amy Robsart
- 173: Said Varney after some hesitation
- 174: But Varney was already beyond call
- 175: But Amy had no natural genius either for the loom
- 176: I tell you that at Lidcote Hall
- 177: Master Varney Gracious Heaven
- 178: Anthony Foster went to Richard Varney
- 179: For he speaks to the dishonour of my noble lord
- 180: Pursued Varney from place to place
- 181: Anthony Foster paused before the door
- 182: Though you permit not Janet to do so
- 183: Alasco will leave your pewter artillery untransmigrated
- 184: Said the adept Varney already returned
- 185: And cheek as pale as clay Janet
- 186: Never was harmless draught served by such a cup bearer
- 187: And a friend to Master Tressilian
- 188: Listen to the dreams of the false prophet Zedekiah
- 189: The Countess might have Tressilian for her advocate
- 190: And such doings far surpass the means of Varney
- 191: Wayland taking the horse's bridle in his hand
- 192: I be right zure thou be'st the party
- 193: As the experienced eye of Wayland had descried at a distance
- 194: Thou wilt find the palfrey at the Angel yonder at Donnington
- 195: He carried the palfrey of Goldthred to the Angel Inn
- 196: And I think it is the drunken ruffian Lambourne
- 197: So as to place the other travellers betwixt them and Varney
- 198: To supply the place of Mistress Laneham
- 199: And when shall we reach Kenilworth
- 200: And Kenilworth may be distant some four or five miles
- 201: That I should warn Master Tressilian
- 202: ' We are not yet in Kenilworth Castle
- 203: Her fingers closed on it pretty willingly methought
- 204: Had once gaily revelled in Kenilworth
- 205: Were here stationed under the direction of a pursuivant
- 206: Wayland and his charge rode forward
- 207: Upon the battlements were placed gigantic warders
- 208: Whispered Flibbertigibbet into Wayland's ear
- 209: Amid this stately and busy scene Wayland halted his horse
- 210: Wayland and she followed in silence the deputy usher
- 211: Wayland was readily supplied with some light provisions
- 212: That he would seek out Tressilian
- 213: Answered the boy away with Dickie
- 214: I would to Heaven Master Tressilian would appear
- 215: And I behold before me the wife of Varney
- 216: As she stood silent before Tressilian
- 217: Tressilian will be ruin utter ruin to me
- 218: Look down upon poor Michael Lambourne
- 219: Tressilian was hastily and anxiously accosted by Wayland
- 220: Then there is the Doctor and Varney
- 221: And Michael Lambourne bolted out upon the astonished Wayland
- 222: Led the way to that same sallyport
- 223: Lawrence and Lambourne gazed a little while after Wayland
- 224: While Lambourne drew a long draught from a pitcher of claret
- 225: For the worshipful Master Varney
- 226: Replied Tressilian I would not be troublesome
- 227: Tressilian could not help feeling that he
- 228: The whisper of an immense multitude
- 229: Varney followed close behind his master
- 230: In the History of Kenilworth already quoted
- 231: Queen Elizabeth crossed the Gallery tower
- 232: He was none of Arion or Orion either
- 233: The Queen entered the base court of Kenilworth
- 234: This same poetical Master Tressilian
- 235: And a similar cold fit came over Varney
- 236: But since thou listest to be so formal Varney
- 237: But Tressilian had by this time collected himself
- 238: Tressilian was again endeavouring to address the Queen
- 239: And had bestowed one or two hearty kicks
- 240: For we intend Sir Richard Varney a companion in his honours
- 241: Blount was not as yet returned from seeing Tressilian
- 242: With the usual cry of LARGESSE
- 243: Leicester looked out on the blue arch of heaven
- 244: What said Alasco of my horoscope
- 245: I said but that the Countess was ill
- 246: He believed Master Tressilian had no such matter in his head
- 247: Amy had naturally a mind of great power
- 248: And which huntsmen then called a MORT
- 249: Lambourne flung the door behind him as he entered
- 250: When Lambourne again made at him
- 251: Lambourne and the sewer followed him close
- 252: Or of propitiating an intercessor
- 253: Gallantry becomes mingled with conversation
- 254: The Queen turned into the grotto in which her hapless
- 255: Varney Sir Richard Varney the servant of Lord Leicester
- 256: The Earl of Leicester knows it all
- 257: Leicester had not conscious innocence
- 258: And was about to fly towards Leicester
- 259: Our kinsman Hunsdon has ears of the dullest
- 260: Elizabeth again looked towards Leicester
- 261: That Leicester at length found himself alone with Varney
- 262: Fetch me one of the livery cloaks
- 263: And unheeding the presence of Varney
- 264: She has good interest with Master Edmund Tressilian
- 265: Unless they be counsels fitter for such as Varney
- 266: And accompanied Varney from the apartment
- 267: Varney will be found fighting or dying by your side
- 268: And had seen Lambourne and Tressilian set off together
- 269: The lady resorted immediately to the apartment of Tressilian
- 270: Can infamy thus assume the guise of purity
- 271: And that nature has given to Varney
- 272: This manoeuvre Leicester repeated twice
- 273: At the door of the apartment he was met by Varney
- 274: Varney spoke thus without hypocrisy
- 275: Tressilian must be thought of That indeed is a name
- 276: Leicester drew off the signet ring which he commonly used
- 277: Let Varney care for her with fitting humanity
- 278: At length the four quadrilles of maskers
- 279: Leicester went under this pretext
- 280: Together with Merlin and his assistants
- 281: And what does Master Edmund Tressilian require at my hand
- 282: Was not to be found when Sir Richard Varney departed
- 283: Given at our Castle of Kenilworth
- 284: As soon as Lambourne and the valet had left the apartment
- 285: Tressilian made a profound reverence
- 286: Struck Tressilian smartly with his sheathed sword
- 287: He conducted Tressilian to Mervyn's Tower
- 288: The Hocktide play was of a different character
- 289: Only inferior to the renowned Captain Coxe
- 290: Tressilian imitated his example punctually
- 291: Tressilian exposed himself at disadvantage
- 292: She is as surely Countess of Leicester as I am belted Earl
- 293: Or to get speech of Tressilian
- 294: He was prevented by Tressilian
- 295: Blount gave a long look after him
- 296: Tressilian dropped on his knee before the Queen
- 297: Tressilian told his story generously
- 298: But the Earl reckoned without his host
- 299: Tressilian shall go to Cumnor Place instead of you
- 300: And both Tressilian and Raleigh
- 301: Whose character resembled that of Lambourne
- 302: Think of Cumnor Place thine own proper copyhold
- 303: Terrified by the impatience of Varney
- 304: This style of objurgation Lambourne
- 305: Shot Lambourne through the body
- 306: While Varney falling about threescore paces behind it
- 307: And sue Alasco in the Devil's Court of Chancery
- 308: Varney summoned Foster to the execution of their plan
- 309: The despairing grief of Tressilian
- 310: In making some researches about Cumnor Hall
- 311: Ex isto Antonius stemmate quartus erat
- 312: Of the Michael Lambourne of the romance
- 313: Little is known of Robert Laneham
- 314: Of an artificiall catarre that stopped his breath
- 315: A crymson sattin counterpointe
- 316: Fringed with blew silck and goulde