On Cecyl-on Ralegh.

301

"Of a verity I believe it. He complaineth, too, the Secretary promised him the monopoly of the sweet wines."

"It would appear Sir Robert having, in his zeal or fpleen, o'ershot himself last year, was of late content to let fome others try the Bow."

"He kept his eye a' th' clout, though.”

"No blame, fir! Is he not the Queen's minister?"

“So is not Ralegh.”

"Nor would not so reft, neither. He'd rule all."

"He is too vindictive, Ralegh!"

"Too mercenary, methinks."

"How? Ralegh?”

“Why, yes, fir! do you not know he shall make more

of this attainder than of a voyage to the Indies?"

"I am at a lofs, fir! How understand it? you

Marry, thus: and good Mr. Camden will avouch

it. Ralegh getteth a fum of Baynham shall go far to it."

"Ten thousand pound, I hear!"

“ Nay, nay !

"In fad truth, fir, I would be loth to traduce the man;

but I hear, and indeed believe, he hath from Master

Littleton, one of great fortune, though a reprobate, as large a fum."

"'Tis a Difcovery, fir, brings him little credit for his honesty."

"Sir Walter hath much property in the Judges."

"Or they in him! Some be corrupt enow."

"You are i' the right, friend; and 'tis very pregnant, if they don't cut off the chief traitor, there shall be no bringing the small fry to compofition."

"'Tis whifpered he is urgent with the Secretary?"

"So I have heard, fir."

"Writ to him holding a terror over his issue?”

"So I believe, fir."

"Sir Robert now, doth he frequent the Queen?"

"He keepeth much retired just whiles; yesterday was in

the Tower, partaking of the Holy"

"So I heard it faid. There be fome ".

"Cobham and Ralegh, have they not the ear "

"Who elfe?"

"Whispering companions!"

“Ay, fir, and you might fay whispering comparatives;

for they liken this prefent to Bothwell and the Duke of

Guise's factionary.”

"Then, I fear me, the Warrant will foon follow."

"Alas!"

"Doft not know 't is already figned-nay, fent?"

"Indeed, gentlemen, 'tis no matter for a falfehood. It was sent and shortly stayed, and by Young Cary, as I learned."

""Tis rumoured the Angel in the Ring he weareth shall bring him deliverance when he willeth."

"I thought he would have used it with the commiffioners, as Cranmer his to King Henry's council-and with like fuccefs."

"It might be, fir! But, in my poor opinion, he shall not use it to that end."

"Percafe her Highness, now fo exafperate, would difallow her pledge?"

"He would weigh that, too, I do affure you; but, as I said, there be respects abroad would thruft away that hope"-——

"How? You make me fcrupulous, fir."

"O, fir, he is shut up with fuborned preachers, who on

his aching health and bruised spirit practise

"How mote that be, good fir? As I heard, he did much affect worthy Master Ashton."

"A bafe, fearful, mercenary man, fir, on my word: who, by a formal fhew of zeal, hath gotten a good opinion on his Mafter ".

"Oh, for a minister to be prepared and taught to such ufe!"

"He was prepared, taught, fuborned, fir-on my hon

"We most forrowfully credit you, good Master Antony."

Taking vantage of his bodily ailment, firs, which, as all know, constantly disqualified his judgement: this man, I fay, finding him cheerfully resigned-seeing his mind would anchor on humours and imaginary dread, as freely as on realities-thrusts into the harbour of his heart fears and fancies, defpondencies and doubts. Then doth he bitterly reproach him with dishonouring God, shaming his Christian profeffion, offending that fovereign who was Heaven's deputy, and drawing a mark

of infamy on himself, his family, and order. Anon chargeth him with being a Hypocrite in religion, an Atheist, or a Papift.

"Blefs us, and keep us! Could any man be all these?” ""Twas in the alternative, fir-in the alternative." "Well, fir, 'tis fome comfort there's another alternative, too!"

"Many, and thank ye!"

"He was none of these."

"Believe me, firs, Cuffe, who knew him well-nor no man better—was wont to complain to me that he was flow to any wickedness, of a soft nature to take offence, yet hard to lay it down. One that could not cover his affections, ever carrying his love and hatred on his forehead."

"True, Sir Clarencieux! he could not conceal neither." "To fpeak in a word—no man was more ambitious of glory by virtue: nor no man more careless of all things elfe."

""Twas this, believe me, fir, unfitted him for Courts." "Most certainly."

"Na'th'lefs this Ashton wormed out his fins-fins of his

youth-of his whole life; now extorting full confeffions.”

VOL. III.

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