fortification. From its sides projected two enormous
arms, each sustaining a formidable club. At the summit
stood a smaller turret, within which, encircled by a
wi'eath of roses and other flowers, decorated with silken
THE TOWER OF LONDO:?. 287
pennoncels, sat Xit, his pigmy person clothed in tight
silk fleshings. Glittering wings fluttered on his shoulders,
and he was armed with the weapons of the Paphian god.
The tower, which, with its decorations, was more than
twenty feet high, was composed of basket work, covered
with canvas, painted to resemble a round embattled
structure. It was tenanted by Og, who moved about in
it with the greatest ease. A loophole in front enabled
him to see what was going forward, and he marched
slowly towards the centre of the enclosure. An edging
of loose canvas, painted like a rocky foundation, con-
cealed his feet. The effect of this moving fortress was
highly diverting, and elicited shouts of laughter and ap-
plause from the beholders.
" That device," observed Courtenay to the Queen, " rep-
resents a tower of strength — or rather, I should say, the
Towner of London. It is about to be attacked by the
rabble rout of rebellion, and, I trust, will be able to make
good its defence against them."
" I hope so," replied Mary, smiling. " I should be
grieved to think that my good Tower yielded to such as-
sailants. But who is that I perceive? Surely it is
Cupid ? "
" Love is at present an inhabitant of the Tower," re-
plied Courtenay, with a pa-ssionate look.
Raising his eyes, the next moment he perceived Eliza-
beth behind Sir Henry Bedingfeld. She turned from him
with a look of reproach.
A seasonable interruption to his thoughts was offered
by the tumultuous cry arising from the mummers. Gog
and Magog having placed themselves on either side of the
Tower as its defenders, the assault commenced. The ob-
ject of the assailants was to overthrow the fortress. With
this view, they advanced against it from all quarters,
thrusting one another forward, and hurling their weapons
against it. This furious attack was repelled by the two
giants, who drove them back as fast as they advanced,
hurling some head over heels, trampling others under
S88 THE TOWER OF LONDON.
foot, and exhibiting extraordinary feats of strength and
activity. The Tower itself was not behind-hand in resist-
ance. Its two arms moved about like the sails of a wind-
mill, dealing tremendous blows.
The conflict afforded the greatest amusement to the
beholders ; but while the fortress and its defenders main-
tained their ground against all the assailants, there was
one person who began to find his position somewhat un-
comfortable. This was Xit. So long as Og contented
himself \vith keejDing off his enemies, the dwarf was de-
lighted ^vith his elevated situation, and looked round with
a smile of delight. But when the giant, animated by the
sport, began to attack in his turn, the fabric in which he
was encased swayed to and fro so violently, that Xit ex-
pected every moment to' be precipitated to the ground. In
vain he attempted to communicate his fears to Og. The
giant was unconscious of his danger, and the din and con-
fusion around them was so great, that neither Gog nor
Magog could hear his outcries. As a last resource he tried
to creep into the turret, but this he found imiDracticable.
" The god of love appears in a perilous position, my
lord," observed the Queen, joining in the laughter of the
spectators.
" He does, indeed," replied Courtenay : " and though the
Tower may defend itself, I fear its chief treasure mil be
lost in the struggle."
" You speak the truth, my lord," remarked the deep
voice of Simon Renard from behind.
If Courtenay intended any reply to this observation of
his mortal foe, it was prevented by an incident which at
that moment occurred. Combining their forces, the rab-
ble rout of dragons, gorgons, imps, and demons had made
a desperate assault upon the Tower. Og whirled around
his clubs with increased rapidity, and dozens were pros-
trated by their sweep. Gog and Magog likewise plied
their weapons vigorously, and the assailants were driven
back completely discomfited.
But, unluckily, at this moment, Og made a rush foi'
THE TOWER OF LONDON. 289
ward to complete his conquest, and in so doing pitched
Xit out of the turret. Falling head foremost into the
yawning jaws of an enormous goggle-eyed sea-monster,
whose mouth seemed purposely opened to receive him,
and being moved by springs, immediately closed, the
dwarf entirely disappeared. A scream of delight arose
from the spectators, who looked upon the occurrence as
part of the pageant.
The Queen laughed heartily at Xit's mischance, and
even Courtenay, though discomposed by the accident,
could not help joining in the universal merriment.
" I might take it as an evil omen," he remarked in an
undertone to Mary, " that love should be destroyed by
your Majesty's enemies."
" See ! he reappears," cried the Queen, calling the Earl's
attention to the monster, whose jaws opened and dis-
covered the dwarf. " He has sustained no injury."
Xit's disaster, meanwhile, had occasioned a sudden
suspension of hostilities among the combatants. All the
mummers set up a shout of laughter, and the echoing of
sound produced by their masks was almost unearthly.
Gog and Magog, grinning from ear to ear, now approached
the dwarf, and offered to restore him to his turret. But
he positively refused to stir, and commanded the monster
in whose jaws he was seated, to carry him to the Queen,
After a little parley, the order was obeyed ; and the huge
pasteboard monster, which was guided withinside by a
couple of men, wheeled round, and dragged its scaly length
towards the terrace.
Arrived opposite the royal seat, the mimic Cupid sprang
out of the monster's jaws, and fluttering his gauzy wings
(which were a little the worse for his recent descent) to
give himself the appearance of flying, ran nimbly up the
side of the terrace, and vaulted upon the balustrade in
front of her Majest5^ He had still possession of his bow
and arrows, and poising himself with considerable grace
on the point of his left foot, fitted a silver shaft to the
string, and aimed it at the Queen.
19
290 THE TOWER OF LONDON.
" Your Highness is again threatened," observed Sir
Henry Bedingfeld, advancing and receiving the arrow,
Avhicli, winged with but little force, dropped harmlessly
from his robe.
" You are ever faithful, Sir Henry," observed Mary to
the knight, whose zeal in this instance occasioned a smile
among the attendants ; " but we have little fear from
the darts of Cupid."
Xit, meanwhile, had fitted another arrow, and drawing it
with greater force, struck Courtenay on the breast. Not
content with this, the mischievous urchin let fly a third
shaft at the Princess Elizabeth, who had advanced some-
what nearer the Queen, and the arrow chancing to stick
to some of the ornaments on her stomacher, appeared to
have actually pierced her bosom. Elizabeth colored
deeply as she plucked the dart from her side, and threw
it angrily to the ground. A cloud gathered on the Queen's
brow, and Courtenay was visibly disconcerted.
Xit, however, either unconscious of the trouble he had
occasioned, or utterly heedless of it, took a fourth arrow
from his quiver, and affecting to sharpen its point upon
the stone balustrade, shot it against Jane the Fool. This
last shaft likewise hit its mark, though Jane endeavored
to ward it off with her marotte ; and Xit completed the
absurdity of the scene by fluttering towards her, and seiz-
ing her hand, pressed it to his lips — a piece of gallantry
for which he ^vas rewarded by a sound cuff on the ears.
" Nay, mistress," cried Xit, " that is scarcely fair. Love
and Folly were well matched."
" If Love mate with Folly, he must expect to be thus
treated," replied Jane.
" Nay, then, I will bestow my favors on the wisest
woman I can find," replied Xit.
" There thou wilt fail again," cried Jane ; " for every
wise woman will shun thee."
" A truce to thy rejoinders, sweetheart," returned Xit,
" Thy wit is as keen as my arrows, and as sure to hit the
mark."
THE TOWER OF LONDON. 291
" My wit resembles thy godship's arrows in one partic-
ular only," retorted Jane. " It strikes deepest where it
is most carelessly aimed. But, hie away 1 Thou wilt
find Love no match for Folly."
" So I perceive," replied Xit, " and shall therefore pro-
ceed to Beauty. I must have been blinder than poets
feign, to have come near thee at all. In my pursuit of
Folly, I have forgot the real business of Love. But thus
it is ever with me and my minions ! "
With this, he fluttered towards the Queen, and pros-
trating himself before her said, " Your Majesty will not
banish Love from your court ? "
" Assuredly not," replied Mary ; " or if we did banish
thee, thou wouldst be sure to find some secret en-
trance."
" Your Majesty is in the right," replied the mimic deity.
"I should. And disdain not this caution from Cupid.
As long as you keep my two companions, Jealousy and
Malice, at a distance, Love will appear in his own rosy
hues. But the moment you admit them, he will change
his colors and become a tormentor."
" But if thou distributest thy shafts at random, so that
lovers dote on more than one object, how am I to ex-
clude Jealousy ? " asked the Queen.
" By cultivating self-esteem," replied Cupid. " The
heart I have wounded for your Highness can never feel
disloyalty."
" That is true, thou imp," observed Courtenay ; " and
for that speech I forgive thee the mischief thou hast
done."
"And so thou assurest me against infidelity?" said
Mary.
" Your Highness may be as inconstant as you please,"
replied Cupid, " since the dart I aimed at you has been
turned aside by Sir Henry Bedingfeld, But rest easy.
He who loves you can love no other."
" I am well satisfied," replied Mary with a gratified
look. " And since I have thy permission to love whom I
292 THE TOWER OF LONDON.
please, I shall avail myself largely of it, and give all my
heart to my subjects."
" Not all your heart, my gracious mistress," said Cour-
tenay in a tender whisper.
At this juncture, Xit, watching his opportunity, drew
an arrow from his quiver, and touched the Queen with it
near the heart.
" I have hit your Majesty at last, as well as the Earl of
Devonshire," he cried gleefully. " Shall I summon my
brother Hymen to your assistance? He is among the
crowd below."
A half-suppressed smile among the royal attendants
followed this daring remark.
" That knave's audacity encourages me to hope, gracious
madam," whispered Courtenay, " that this moment may
be the proudest — the happiest of my life."
" No more of this — at least not now, my lord," replied
Mary, whose notions of decorum were somewhat scandal-
ized at this public declaration. " Dismiss this imp. He
draws too many eyes upon us."
"I have a set of verses to recite to your Majesty," in-
terposed Xit, whose quick ears caught the remark, and
who was in no hurry to leave the royal presence.
" Not now," rejoined Mary, rising. " Fear nothing,
thou merry urchin. We will take care Love meets its
desert. We thank j'ou, my lord," she added, turning to
Courtenay, " for the pleasant pastime you have afforded
us."
As the Queen arose, loud and reiterated shouts re-
sounded from the spectators, in which all the mummers
joined. Amid these acclamations she returned to the
palace. Courtenay again tendered her his hand, and the
slight pressure which he hazarded was sensibly returned.
Just as she was about to enter the window, Mary
turned round to bow for the last time to the assemblage,
when there arose a universal cry : " Long live Queen
Mary ! — Long live the Earl of Devonshire ! "
Mary smiled. Her bosom palpitated with pleasure,
and she observed to her lovei;, " Yoyi are the people's fav
THE TOWER OF LONDON. 293
orite, my lord. I should not deserve to be their Queen if
I did not share in their affection."
" May I then hope ? " asked the Earl eagerly.
" You may," replied Mary softly.
The brilliant vision which these words raised before
Courtenay's eyes was dispersed by a look which he at
that moment received from Elizabeth.
The festivities in the court did not terminate with the
departure of the Royal train. Xit was replaced in the
turret, whence he aimed his darts at the prettiest damsels
he could perceive, creating infinite merriment among the
crowd. An immense ring was then formed by all the
mummers, who danced round the three giants, the
minstrels accompanying the measure with appropriate
strains. Nothing more grotesque can be imagined than
the figures of Gog and Magog, as engaged in the dance,
in their uncouth garbs. As to Og, he flourished his
clubs, and twirled himself round with great rapidity in
the opposite direction to the round of dancers, until at
last, becoming giddy, he lost his balance, and fell with a
tremendous crash, upsetting Xit for the second time.
Ever destined to accidents, the dwarf, from his diminu-
tive stature, seldom sustained any injury, and upon this
occasion, though a good deal terrified, he escaped unhurt
Og was speedily uncased, and glad to be set at liberty
joined the ring of dancers, and footed it with as much
glee as the merriest of them.
As the evening advanced fireworks were discharged,
and a daring rope-dancer, called Peter the Dutchman,
ascended the cupola of the south-east turret of the White
Tower, and got upon the vane, where he lighted a couple
of torches. After standing for some time, now upon one
foot — now on the other, he kindled a firework placed in
a sort of helmet on his head, and descended amid a shower
of sparks by a rope, one end of which was fastened in
the court where the masquers were assembled. A sub-
stantial supper, of which the mummers and their friends
partook, concluded the diversions of the evening, and all
departed well satisfied with their entertainment.
294 THE TOWER OF LONDON.
CHAPTER XV.
BY WHOSE INSTRUMENTALITY QUEEN MARY BECAME CON
VINCED OF COURTENAy's INCONSTANCY ; AND HOW SHI
APFIANCED HERSELF TO PHILIP OF SPAIN.
While the festivities above described occurred without
the palace, within all was confusion and alarm. The look
which Elizabeth had given Courtenay sank into his very
soul. All his future greatness appeared valueless in his
eyes, and his only desire was to break off the alliance
with Mary, and reinstate himself in the affections of her
sister. For the Queen, it is almost needless to say, he
felt no real love. But he was passionately enamored of
Elizabeth, whose charms had completely captivated him.
As soon as she could consistently do so, after her re-
turn to the palace, the Princess retired to her own apart-
ments, and though her departure afforded some relief to
the Earl, he still continued in a state of great perturba-
tion. Noticing his altered manner, the Queen inquired
the cause with great solicitude. Courtenay answered her
evasively. And putting her own construction upon it,
she said in a tone of encouragement, " It was a strange
remark made by the little urchin who enacted Cupid.
Was he tutored in his speech ? "
" Not by me, gracious madam," replied Courtenay dis-
tractedly.
" Then the knave hath a ready wit," returned the
Queen. " He has put thoughts into my head which I
cannot banish thence."
" Indeed ! " exclaimed the Earl. " I trust his boldness
has not offended you."
" Do I look so ? " rejoined Mary, smiling. » If I do,
my countenance belies my feelings. No, Courtenay, I
THE TOWER OF LONDON. 295
have been thinking that no woman can govern a great
kingdom like mine unaided. Slie must have some one
to whom she can ever apply for guidance and protection,
some one to whom she can open her whole heart, to whom
she can look for counsel, consolation, love. In whom could
she find all this ? "
" In no one but a husband, gracious madam," replied
Courtenay, who felt he could no longer affect to misunder-
stand her.
" You are right, my lord," she rei3lied playfully. " Can
you not assist our choice ? "
" If I dared" — said Courtenay, who felt he was stand-
ing upon the verge of a precipice.
" Pshaw ! " exclaimed Mary. " A Queen must ever
play the wooer. It is part of her prerogative. Our
choice is already made — so we need not consult you on
the subject."
"May I not ask whom your Majesty has so far dis-
tinguished ? " demanded the Earl, trembling.
" You shall learn anon, my lord," replied the Queen.
"We choose to keep you a short time in suspense, for
here comes Simon Renard, and we do not intend to admit
him to our confidence."
" That man is ever in my path," muttered the Earl,
returning the Ambassador's stern glance with one equally
menacing. " I am half reconciled to this hateful alliance
by the thought of the mortification it will inflict upon
him."
It would almost seem from Renard's looks, that he
could read what was passing in the other's breast ; for his
brow grew each instant more lowering.
" I must quit your Majesty for a moment," observed
Courtenay, " to see to the masquers. Besides, my presence
might be a restraint to your councillor. He shall not
want an opportunity to utter his calumnies behind my
back."
Renard smiled bitterly.
" farewell, my lord," said, the Queen, giving him hey
296 THE TOWER OF LONDON.
hand to kiss. . " When you return you shall have your
answer."
" It is the last time his lips shall touch that hand,"
muttered Renard, as the Earl departed.
On quittmg the royal presence, Courtenay wandered in
a state of the utmost disquietude to the terrace. He
gazed vacantly at the masquers, and tried to divert his
thoughts with their sports ; but in vain. He could not
free himself from the idea of Elizabeth. He had now
reached the utmost height of his ambition. He was all
but affianced to the Queen, and he doubted not that a few
hours — perhaps moments — would decide his fate. His
bosom was torn with conflicting emotions. On one side
stood power, with all its temptations — on the other pas-
sion, fierce, irrepressible passion. The struggle was almost
intolerable.
After debating with himself for some time, he deter-
mined to seek one last interview with Elizabeth before
he finally committed himself to the Queen, vainly imagin-
ing it would calm his agitation. But, like most men
under the influence of desperate emotion, he acted from
impulse rather than reflection. Tlie resolution was no
sooner formed than acted upon. Learning that the Prin-
cess was in her chamber, he proceeded thither, and fomid
her alone.
' Elizabeth was seated in a small room partially hung with
arras, and over the chair she occupied were placed the por-
traits of her sire, Henry the Eighth, and two of his wives,
Anne Boleyn and Catherine of Aragon. Greatly surprised
by the Earl's visit, she immediately arose, and in an
authoritative tone commanded him to withdraw.
" How is this ? " she cried. " Are you not content ^vith
what you have already done, but must add insult to
perfidy ? "
" Hear me, Elizabeth," said Courtenay, advancing to-
wards her, and throwing himself on his knee. " I am
come to implore your forgiveness."
" you have my compassion my lord," rejoined Elizabeth :
THE TOWER OF LONDON. 297
" but you shall not have my forgiveness. You have deeply
deceived me."
" I have deceived myself," replied Courtenay.
"A paltry prevarication, and unworthy of you," ob-
served the Princess scornfully. "But I have endured
this long enough. Arise, and leave me."
" I will not leave you, Elizabeth," said Courtenay, " till
I have explained the real motives of my conduct, and the
real state of my feelings, which, when I have done, I am
persuaded you will not judge me as harshly as you do
now."
" I do not desire to hear them," replied the Princess.
« But since you are determined to speak, be brief."
" During my captivity in this fortress," began Courte-
nay, " when I scarcely hoped for release, and when I was
an utter stranger, except from description, to the beauties
of your sex, I had certain vague and visionary notions of
female loveliness, which I have never since found realized
except m yourself."
Elizabeth uttered an exclamation of impatience.
" Do not interrupt me," proceeded Courtenay. " All I
wish to show is, that long before I had seen you, my heart
was predisposed to love you. On my release from im-
prisonment, it was made evident in many ways that the
Queen, your sister, regarded me with favorable eyes.
Dazzled by the distinction — as who would not be ? — I
fancied I returned her passion. But I knew not then what
love was — nor was it till I was bound in this thraldom
that I became acquainted with its pangs." .
" This you have said before, my lord," rejoined Elizabeth,
struggling against her emotion. " And if you had not, it
is too late to say it now."
« Your pardon, dearest Elizabeth," rejoined Courtenay,
" for such you will ever be to me. I know I do not
deserve your forgiveness. But I know, also, that I shall
not the less on that account obtain it. Hear the truth
from me, and judge me as you think proper. Since I
knew that I had gained an interest in your eyes I never
:i-t»^
298 THE TOWER OF LONDON.
could love your sister. Her throne had no longer any
temptation for me — her attachment inspired me with dis-
gust. You were, and still are^ the sole possessor of my
heart."
" Still ARE ! my lord," exclaimed Elizabeth indignantly.
" And you are about to wed the Queen. Say no more, or
my pity for you will be changed into contempt."
" It is my fate," replied the Earl. " Oh ! if you knew
what the struggle has cost me, to sacrifice love at the
shrine of ambition, you would indeed pity me."
" My lord," said Elizabeth proudly, " if you have no
respect for me, at least have some for yourself, and cease
these unworthy lamentations."
" Tell me you no longer love me — tell me you despise —
hate me — anything to reconcile myself to my present lot,"
cried Courtenay.
" Were I to say I no longer loved you, I should belie
my heart," rejoined Elizabeth ; " for, unfortunately for my
peace of mind I have formed a passion which I cannot
conquer. But were I also to say that your abject con-
duct does not inspire me with contempt — with scorn for
you, I should speak falsely. Hear me, in my turn, my lord.
To-morrow I shall solicit permission from the Queen to
retire from the court altogether, and I shall not return till
my feelings towards yourself are wholly changed."
" Say not so," cried Courtenay. " I will forego all the
brilliant expectations held out to me by Mary. I cannot
endure to part with you."
"You have gone too far to retreat, my lord," said
Elizabeth. " You are affianced to my sister."
"Not so," replied Courtenay, "and I never will be.
When I came hither, it was to implore your forgiveness,
and to take leave of you forever. But I find that wholly
impossible. Let us fly from this fortress and find,
either in a foreign land or in some obscure corner of
this kingdom, a happiness which a crown could not
confer."
wfVs he pronounced these words with all the ardor o|
THE TOWER OF LONDON. 299
genuine passion, he pressed her hand to his lips. Eliza-
beth did not withdraw it.
" Save me from this great crime," he cried, " save me
from wedding one whom I have never loved — save me
from a union which my soul abhors."
" Are you sincere ? " asked Elizabeth, much moved.
"On my soul I am," replied Courtenay fervently.
« Will you fly with me — this night — this hour — now ? "
" I will answer that question," cried a voice which struck
them both as if a thunderbolt had fallen at their feet. " I
will answer that question," cried Mary, forcibly throwing
aside the arras and gazing at them with eyes that literally
seemed to flash fire — " she will not.''''
" Had I not heard this with my own ears," she con-
tinued in a terrible tone, addressing her faithless lover,
who still remained in a kneeling posture, regarding her
with a look of mingled shame and defiance, " had I not
heard this with my own ears, and seen it with my own
eyes, I could not have believed it ! Perfidious villain !
you have deceived us both. But you shall feel what it is
to incur the resentment of a Queen — and that Queen the
daughter of Henry the Eighth. Come in, sir," she added
to some one behind the arras, and Simon Renard immedi-
ately stepped forth. " As I owe the discovery of the Earl
of Devonshire's perfidy to you, the least I can do is to let
you witness his disgrace."