room at the playhouse, than to be playing the part of a good huswife in her own house." "In truth, I do prefer that which I have seen in my you h to aught that the present age affords," observed her companion. Yet is there one gratification left me for which I am prodigiously thankful. I remember me the exceeding beauteousness, the exquisite swee' grace, and the right excellent accomplishments of that star of the court of Queen Mary, Mistress Deborah Varnon, and to find such great skill, such marvellous comeliness, and such admirable fine wit, still adorning the world wherein I am allowed to move, produce in me so rare a comfort as nothing else under heaven can bestow." During this courteous speech, which was delivered with a seriousness of countenance, and expression of voice, it is impossible to describe, Aunt Deborah frequently bent her head in acknowledgment of the compliments she was receiving, and fanned herself with an air of greater stateliness than ever. "Said you that you had written some new madrigals, Master Dulcimer?" inquired the old dame, in an indifferent sort of voice, as if she cared not for being so talked of. | I know not how it may be brought about, yet if it could be, I should like it well." "What mean you, Master Dulcimer ?" inquired Aunt Deborah. 66 There is my boy waiting below with with my cittern and music," answered he. "Now he hath as proper a voice as you might wish to hear; and having been long taught of myself, is cunning in all manner of singing." "If he can bear himself discreetly, let him join us," observed his companion, who seemed anxious to convince the musician of her own skill in minstrelsey. "For discretion be can not be excelled," replied the other; "but he is of a simple nature. Indeed he hath so wonderful a shyness with regard to ladies, that he can not bear to be looked at in the face by any." "Since that be his humor, I will not gaze on him at all,” said Aunt Deborah. "I implore you not to do so on any account," added Master Dulcimer, "else you will so put him out, that his voice will leave him on the sudden." 66 Neither I nor my niece shall regard him in any way, rest assured," answered the old lady; "and now, if you are for the trial of your madrigal, I will give or will about it without loss of time." "Indeed have I," replied the muscian, "and such as divers of my friends have well commended; but though these are persons of worship, and considered to be of a very absolute fine taste, I can not help being careless of their opinion while I lack the praise of so exceeding nice aders that your boy come here, and we judge as Mistress Deborah Varnon." Again that lady bowed her acknowledgments. "Such as I have done are for four voices, whereof the first part hath, by some ladies who have essayed the singing of it, been pronounced too difficult to be sung without a wonderful deal of study, and then, so it hath been said by them, it shall chance not to go so well as it ought. For mine own part, I doubt much whether any be so well skilled in music as to perform it at sight." "In the first place, there is a voice short," said Dame Deborah; "in the next, you have not your madrigal at hand, else would I prove to you, Master Duleimer, that there be no difficulties in singing I can not master." Joseph was summoned, and commanded to send Master Dulcimer's boy to them; immediately after which Dame Deborah and her visiter rose from their seats at the same moment, and she courteously giving him her hand, went sailing proudly along in all her finery, while he, quite as stiffly, walked at her side, and led her to a seat before the virginals. | carried his master's cittern and music so before him, that of his face but little could be seen. as graciously as if none could be held in such esteem of her. All parties being at last ready, they commenced singing of the madrigal, the words of which are here written. While Master Dulcimer was tuning of his cittern, sitting down close beside Aunt Deborah, to whom he kept addressing frequent observations relating to the music he had placed before her, Mistress Varnon was standing behind her aunt, holding with one hand a copy of the same madrigal, which was also held Hark! how from out yon green umbrageous bower "Come, shepherds, come, and whilst our lambkins Rise tuneful pastorals Come, shepherds, come! "Now, let us rival them till they take wing, low, in one hand by Master Dulcimer's boy, (or man he might be called by his stature), who stood at her elbow; and she appeared wondering much at the oddness of such a performance. All at once she felt her disengaged hand touched by her companion; and not being desirous of such a familiarity from one of so mean a quality as a musician's boy, she snatched away "Then, with pale lady's smocks and king cups yelher hand with some indignation. Presently she felt it touched again, and being mightily enraged at the impudency of the fellow-forgetting the injunction of her kinswoman, she turned round to give him a look which should convince him she was not to be so meddled with by such mean persons; but scarce had her eyes fallen on his face when she uttered a short scream, and let go her hand from the music. 66 What meaneth this?" exclaimed Dame Deborah, turning quickly round, at the same moment that the boy moved his face in an opposite direction, and seemed to be quietly intent on looking into his part. Nothing, aunt," replied Mistress Varnon, endeavoring to conceal her confusion. "That is-I only-I mean I felt it was but a small matter, aunt—a sudden pain. 'Tis going off now." And pansies newly blown, For him who singeth better than his fellow. It so happened that Aunt Deborah, not liking to put on her spectacles before so perfect a gallant, according to her notion, as seemed Master Dulcimer, was obliged to keep her face close to the music; and so her whole attention was taken up. Perchance it was well it was so; for had she been allowed opportunity for noticing what was going on behind her, I doubt not she would have been greatly scandalized. Never were appearances more deceptive than in Mistress Varnon and the musician's boy. The exceeding innocency of the one, and the marvellous shyness of the other, must needs have been nothing better than a catch; for, during the singing of the madrigal, not only did the one allow the other to take her hand, but when he had the presumption to raise it to his lips, she cared not even to frown at him. It may well be believed that they two were somewhat heedless in their singing. In truth, they did put out the others more than once, to Here we again return to the major the wonderful vexation of Aunt Deborah; chord," observed Master Dulcimer, draw- but the old gentlewoman went through ing her attention back to the madrigal: her part without halting in a bar; and and she was soon so occupied with listen- though her voice was none of the stronging to his explanations that she could est, she sung with a correctness and exthink of no other matter. The boy was pression that was somewhat marvellous once more at the side of Mistress Varnon, at her time of life. At the end, so liked and they held the music betwixt them as she the madrigal, or the praises Master before. But his impudency exceedeth all Dulcimer did lavish on her singing, that description; he took her hand, and, what she must needs have it gone through seemeth equally unpardonable, she al-again, to the which all, evidently in a lowed him to retain it. Nay, not only did she now exhibit no sign of indignation, but she ever and anon smiled on him "Let it go off, and quickly then," said her kinswoman, with exceeding seriousness; "I marvel at your want of discretion in having sudden pains at such a time. Attend to your part, and put not out the boy with any such follies." like humor with herself, cheerfully acceded. Now must I notice a fresh instance of most improper conduct of the 66 young pair standing behind; for whilst | ly were you, I more than once found myMaster Dulcimer was diligently singing self doubting your identity." and playing on his cittern, and therefore "I am a player, my good lord," ancould not see what his boy was at, and swered Master Shakspeare, with a smile; Aunt Deborah's countenance was close and it is our vocation to be the very upon the music, and could have no notion creatures of change. We are kings or of what her niece was about, that very beggars, priests or sinners, as there may boy who was said to be of so monstrous be occasion. The bed of Procrustes, that a shyness he could not bear to be looked is said to have stretched those who were in the face of any woman, had got his too short for it, and cut down such as arm round the waist of the lovely Mis- were too long, had much of the players' tress Varnon, singing away as carelessly art, for we make all characters fit us as you please, whilst she, with a counte- whether they will or no. As for the nance as modest as an angel's, delightedly playing of a music-master, it can be no sang her part, and seemed in no way dis- great matter, seeing what assistance I pleased at his abominable impudency. have had from mine esteemed friend But of all extraordinary things, was the Master Dowland: nor can it be surprising contrast betwixt the wonderful gravity I should so readily cozen the old dame, and the absolute stateliness of Aunt De- when it is remembered how much I borah and Master Dulcimer, with the learned of you of her particular humor." arch, handsome, youthful, happy faces behind them. After this they did essay other compositions of the same nature, whereof the greater part were so singularly liked of the old gentlewoman, or else she was so well pleased with the appearance and behavior of the musician, that she must needs show him her garden, where they stayed alone together some time, and pressed him very courteously to come as oft as he desired to her, and bring his boy also; the which he promised to do; and then-the boy taking his cittern and music in as humble and shy a manner as ever was seen-with an abundance of the same respectful bows that marked his entrance, that were duly acknowledged with a like number of profound courtesies from the lady, Master Dulcimer at last took his leave of her. Scarce had they well got out of view of the house, when the boy, again dropping of his humility and shyness, burst out into a loud laugh. By this hand, Master Shakspeare," exclaimed he, very merrily, to his associate, never saw I any old woman so thoroughly deceived." "Said I not, my Lord Southampton, I would procure you speech with your mistress before the day was over?" inquired the other, in his natural voice, who, out of all doubt, was no other than that most witty and ingenious gentleman just named. Indeed you did, and you have well kept your promise," replied his companion; but I must confess I had huge doubts of your success; for who could suspect for a moment so perfect a transformation. O' my life so exquisite state "I did more than once fear we should be discovered," observed my Lord Southampton ; "for sometimes I could scarce help from laughing at seeing how preposterous fine and proud you looked, and with what a monstrous gravity the ancient gentlewoman regarded your antiquated gallantries." 66 In honest truth it was droll enough," replied his companion; "but that was nothing to my being obliged to listen, whilst in the garden with her, to the very bitterest abuse of one Will Shakspeare, who, as she said, was turning the heads of all the women of the court with his abominable vile comedies and interludes." "I'faith that was exceeding good," exclaimed the other, laughing hearti ly; "but said you not a word in his favor?" "Had he been a drunken turnspit he could not have received less courtesy at my hands," answered Master Shakspeare, in the like humor; and thus they proceeded, laughing and jesting at their adventure, till they came to a by-lane in the neighborhood of Islington, where a caroch was waiting, into which they presently got, and were speedily driven home to their lodgings. CHAPTER XXV. And now a wind as forward as their spirits On, on. you noblest English Fathers that, like so many Alexanders, IN the morning of the next day, the city of San Josef de Oruño having been sacked of its valuables by the victors, who found great store of wealth in it, there was discovered, in a loathsome dungeon, five of the powerfulest native lords, chained, and dying of famine, after having been cruelly tortured, by the order of Don Antonio de Berrio, to make them say where they had hid their treasure. These were immediately liberated, and treated with exceeding attention by Sir Walter Raleigh. As soon as it was known that the power of the Spaniards had been overthrown in that island, the natives came flocking toward the city in great numbers, testifying, in every conceivable manner, how glad they were in their hearts that the iron rule of their oppressors had been put an end to. Sir Walter got them altogether, as many as were in the neighborhood, in a large plain outside of the city, and it was a goodly sight to behold so great a multitude of these people, all clad in divers colors, wonderfully discreet in their behavior, the most of them well limbed, and of comely faces, and regarding of their deliverers as a race from heaven. Sir Walter got the caciques about him, and then, by means of his interpreter, addressed them in a famous speech, explaining to them that he was the servant of a queen who was the powerfulest cacique in the world, and had under her more great chiefs than that island contained trees--that she had the very absolutest hatred for all sorts of oppression, and had sent him purposely to free them from the cruelty of the Spaniards, whose enemy she was on account of their treachery and tyrannical doings. Then he showed them a picture of Queen Elizabeth, on the which they gazed with wonderful veneration, and called out, in their language, that she was the mightiest princess on the earth; and it seemed as if they were almost inclined to worship the picture, so greatly had they been moved at the sight of it. What he said having been explained to the people, there presently arose such shouts as was almost deafening to hear; and every one did exhibit his satisfaction in a manner that, however strange it might be to some of the English officers and soldiers, was as sincere as any that was ever seen. The Acarawana then made a famous oration concerning of how grateful were the people of that island at finding that the heart of the Great Spirit had been turned toward them in the midst of the afflictions they were enduring at the hands of their oppressors, and had sent to their assistance a band of his choicest warriors for the overthrowing of their tyrants. He proceeded at some length, detailing many horrible cruelties his countrymen had suffered of the Spaniards out of their desperate thirst of gold, till all who understood were moved with wrath and indignation against such villanies; and it was resolved that the city should be burnt down forthwith: the which, when the Indians came to know, there arose such rejoicings amongst them as was quite wonderful to behold; and at the desire of Sir Walter Raleigh they hastened to set it on fire. In a brief space it was blazing away in many places, whilst hundreds of the natives danced, and sung, and shouted about the burning building like so many mad people. In the meanwhile Sir Walter did inquire of divers of the caciques, some of whom were of the main land, and had been planted in Trinidad by Don Antonio, in hopes of their destroying they that were natural of the island, such particulars of Guiana as he thought they could give; and they quickly made him acquainted with all they knew. Having liberated those of the Spaniards as were of the common sort, retaining only the governor and his officers till their ransom should be paid, Sir Walter departed to his vessels accompanied by great multitudes of the natives, carrying boughs of trees, and singing of his praises as if he were some mighty conqueror. When he had returned to Puerto de los Españoles he found that two more of his ships had arrived, the sight whereof pleased him mightily, and he made instant preparations for proceeding in search of El Dorado. Many were the plans that were considered before one was pitched upon, that was thought to be more practicable than the others for the purpose required, that had for its object the best means of navigating the great river Orinoco, up which they were about to proceed; but it was agreed at last, because only small vessels could be used, that an old gallego boat should be cut down into a galley, in the which he thrust with himself nigh upon sixty men, beside divers of his officers, his secretary, and Harry Daring-in the Lion's Whelp's boat and wherry he had other of his officers and twenty men, in another wherry and swam to the barge more dead than alive. Sir Walter retained the old Indiin, because he was natural of that place, and was like enough to know the navigation better than any stranger; and it was well he did, for it was soon discov these rivers and islands, and the old man proved them an admirable pilot. there were ten, and in Sir Walter's own barge ten also-making above a hundre in all. These carried victual for a month, and were well armed every one of them They rowed very famously from the open sea till they came to a stream, being the first Christians who had ever ventur-ered that Ferdinando knew nothing of ed therein, and Sir Walter in remembrance of his friend Master Spenser and his poem of the Faery Queen, did call it the river of the Red Cross. Here they spied three Indians in a canoe, and saw divers others on the banks of the stream, which were shadowed by a thick wood, gazing on them with a singular curious ness. Wishing to have speech with those in the canoe, Raleigh gave chase, and having eight oars with him was enabled to overtake them before the Indians could reach the island. By means of his interpreter he spoke to them of his desire to traffic, and those on the shore seeing that no harm was offered to their countrymen, did take heart, and straightway came and trafficked for such things as they had, with a show of such great friendliness that it induced the interpreter Ferdinando to go with his brother to a village close at hand to fetch some fruit and make acquaintance with the natives: but when he had there arrived, the lord of the island was for seizing him and putting him to death because he had brought a strange nation into his territory to spoil and destroy him, the which when the brothers saw they showed their nimbleness of foot without loss of time, and were soon seen by Sir Walter and his companions pursued by the Indians with a great cry and tumult. Ferdinando's brother having most speed quickly made for the barge, crying out that his brother was slain; whereupon an old man of the Indians who was standing close by was laid hold of at the command of Sir Walter, and told that if Ferdinando was not let free they would cut off his head; and then the man cried lustily to his countrymen to save the interpreter: but they heeded him not at all, for they set a hunting of him with deer-dogs with so main a cry that the woods did echo with the noise. It was debated whether the adventurers should land and by force carry off Ferdinando, but none knew where he was to be found, or what force the natives had in that island, so they kept coasting along the shore in hope of rescuing him should he make his appearance; and it so happened that he was presently seen to leap out of a tree where he had taken refuge, They rowed on among many fair islands covered with an abundance of goodly trees, and having speech with the natives whenever they could find occasion, passing up the river with the flood, and anchoring during the ebb, when they had the ill hap to have their galley ground, and stick so fast she could not be moved anyhow, which made many in her fearful that they should be forced to take up their dwellings in these parts after the fashion of the natives, who build their houses high up in the midst of tall trees; but Harry Daring said he doubted not there was as exquisite fine fun to be had in trees as elsewhere; however, after casting out all her ballast, and with a monstrous deal of tugging and hauling, they again got her afloat. At the fourth day they fell into as fair a river to look on as eye ever saw, which was liked all the better for having but few windings; but when the flood of the sea left them, which it did at that place, they were forced to row with might and main against a violent current, every one of them, the gentlemen taking it in turns with the mariners and soldiers, which they did on being persuaded it was but two or three days' work. When that time had passed, the sun shining fierce upon them, and the tall trees that bordered the banks of the river shutting out the air, and the current against them becoming stronger every day, the companies began to despair; but the pilot promised them relief on the next day, and they pulled on as vigorously as they could. Notwithstanding this, many days were spent by them in the same way, till they were driven to short allowance. At last their bread being nigh the last morsel, having no drink at all, and being scorched and tired almost unto death, some did begin to speak harshly of the enterprise, and were for turning back; but Sir Walter talked to them very reasonably that it would be worse to turn back than to go on, they having no provision to look to unless they proceeded, the which if they did they would be sure to get all they wanted in a day or two at the utmost; whilst, should they attempt to return, they would either be starved on the way, |