siege to. The tapestry, which once had the honour to represent kings and queens, sitting on their thrones, in all their regal pomp and glory, now were disrobed of their finery, and patched, here and there, to substitute the torn draperies, with large pieces of blue and brown paper, which, contrasted with other parts of the mutilated furniture, had a somewhat novel effect on the eye of the beholder. Even the sleeping chamber which was prepared for the reception of Sir Walter De Ruthen, and which Jacquelina had boasted was her best bed, was devoid of cleanliness, convenience, or comfort; and, in consequence of not lately having been occupied, sent forth a damp and noxious vapour, which rendered such a place of repose highly dangerous and injurious to the health of the sleeper who stretched his weary limbs in it. To make up for all these deficiencies, however, in the house of Bibbo, there was, in truth, a most excellent larder; a great quantity of fish and wild fowl of the most delicious quality, and for which this part of the country was remarkably peculiar; and to these delicacies, were added sweet butter, new cheese, honey, and eggs, and to which the hungry soldiers did ample justice before they retired to their roosts, made up of straw and hay, while some of them were furnished with matting from the neighbouring vineyards. But these to a soldier were luxuries, which to the pampered sons of idleness and dissipation would have appeared and been deemed the misfortunes of life, while to real misfortune, they are strangers. Several flaggons of strong ale were, by order of Sir Walter, given to the guards, to drink his health; and when the table was spread before them to take their repast, Bibbo, in order to keep them in good humour, and his house in perfect security, made his appearance with a large flask of brandy, and some segars, and pouring out a bumper, drank to the health of the goodly company, who had that night paid a friendly visit to the queen and the three crosses. "Save you, sirs, there is one thing that I had forgotten," uttered Bibbo," though truly I am reminded of it, every time I cast my eyes on the sign-post. I have sworn, never to taste of the juice of the grapes, nor a glass of the cordial spirit, without drinking the health of the Emperor Josephus." "And success to the great St. Julian!" vociferated Steevy Macgreggor, "dost thou not hear, my hearty? thou shalt drink that first,-or you will be reminded of another sign-post, that hangs pretty nigh to your habitation; it was thy friend Petro, the burgomaster, who was hanged for betraying a Bohemian soldier!— dost remember, Bibbo? if not, I will refresh thy memory. Come, here's success to St. Julian." The necessity, but not the will of Bibbo, consented to this arrangement, and to a command so imperative; and the bumper-toast was gulped down in silence, and without any opposition from the affrighted landlord. The allusion to his friend the burgomaster, was a lucky hit of Macgreggor's, to keep him in fear of him ; and the high post a memorandum, he was by no means desirous of having his memory refreshed with, a second time, and which bad afforded peals of hearty laughter, to the merry soldiery. CHAPTER VII. "There is a flower which oft unheeded blows, And when we'e parted by the foaming sea, And thou art heedless what may be my lot, I'll send that flower a messenger to thee, And it shall whisper thus,-" Forget me not." PHILLIPS. PERFECT courage or cowardice are extremes rarely known; some begin a battle with courage, but relax at its continuance; most are content to satisfy the world's opinion. Some are very unequal in their fears, and some are drawn on through panics; some attack through fear of remaining where they are ; small dangers fire the courage of some, and prepare them for greater; some are brave with the sword and the pistol; and, as we find all is seldom done that seems practicable, we may conclude the fear of death always diminishes valour. But no such fears alarmed or agitated the mind of Sir Walter De Ruthen, much less had any such fears |