repre posely enjoyed a holiday, induced to it by the sentations of his new acquaintance-if not perfectly in love, as nigh to it as it was possible for him to be. It was late in the evening of the same day when Sir Reginald, for the first time, found himself alone with his friend Sir Valentine, he having managed to draw the latter to walk with him in the park, convenient to the house. The sounds of revelry had ceased, and both actors and spectators had retired to their homes. The two young knights strolled together silently in the shadow of the trees, Sir Valentine thinking it would be a favourable -opportunity for him to acquaint his friend with what had taken place betwixt him and the sovereign of his heart's affections, and ask his advice and assistance to carry on his suit to her to an honourable conclusion. "Dost remember that exquisite sweet creature we rescued from villains at Kenilworth?" enquired Sir Reginald. "Indeed do I, marvellously well," replied Sir Valentine, somewhat wondering his friend should begin to speak of the very subject of his own thoughts. "I tell thee, Sir Valentine," continued the other, with exceeding earnestness, "all the whilst I was at court, even amongst the choicest damsels of the chiefest families of the kingdom, I could think of none other but her; for each did but remind me of her infinite superiority in all loveable delectable graces." His young companion walked on, listening with a pale cheek and a throbbing heart. "The first thing I did on approaching this neighbourhood," continued the other, "was to hie me to Charlcote, in the hope of delighting mine eyes with a glimpse of her fair beauty once again. I was so fortunate as to meet with her. She appeared lovelier than ever, and a sort of sadness was manifest in her dainty fair countenance, that made its attractiveness infinitely more touching. She seemed glad to see me. I assure thee I lingered in her delightsome society, utterly incapable of tearing myself away. Never met I a maiden of such moving graces, or of such delicate behaviour. In brief, I love her as absolutely as ever fond heart can." Sir Valentine felt as though he could scarce breathe. "I have sought thee here to tell thee of this," added Sir Reginald. Knowing thou art the truest friend. that ever knight had. And I would make such trial of thy friendship as I would of none other living. My entire happiness is in the keeping of this most divine creature; and I would give worlds could I sigh at her feet, or bask in her smiles as often as I desire. But I have plighted my word to my honourable good friend, that notable brave gentleman, Sir Philip Sydney, to accompany him in a certain expedition he is pre 66 paring for, and therefore it must needs be I can have but small occasion for carrying on my suit. Being in this strait, and knowing of thy extreme trust-worthiness, and exceeding love for me, I would obtain at thy hands such true service, as for thee to seek out my soul's idol on all warrantable occasions, and with such affectionate rhetorick as thou canst master for so loving a purpose, urge her on my behalf. Give her no cause to mark my absence. Press her with passionate importunities. Let thy talk be ever of my devotion to her, and thy manner of such a sort as should convince her of its earnestness." Sir Valentine essayed to speak, but the words died unuttered in his throat. "Can I have such important service rendered me?" enquired Sir Reginald. "But I am assured I cannot appeal to so true a friend unprofitably. I know enough of that honourable worthy nature to convince me nothing will be left undone that the circumstances require." Sir Valentine managed at last to utter his consent to do what was required of him; and then fearful he should betray his own feelings if he stopped where he was, he made an excuse for hurrying away, wrung his friend's hand more affectionately than ever he had done, though at the moment his own heart was more forcibly wrung by the fierce trial he was undergoing, and left him, to school his nature into the doing of what he had undertaken. CHAPTER VIII. Come my Celia, let us prove BEN JONSON. Oh with that I wish to breath my last; upon thy lips The sacred print next, may he prove more thrifty FORD. THE behaviour of the youthful Shakspeare to the yeoman's blooming daughter, might, perchance, be to the marvel of some who have in their re membrance the infinite delicacy and retiringness of his conduct towards the beautiful foundling at Charlcote, but these things are to be considered -to wit, that he had in a manner out-lived that age of boyish shyness which so manifestly appeared in him, and with it that mere ideal adoration with which it was accompanied. His love for Mabel was but a sentiment, born in the mind and dying there, yet heralding the coming of another love, partaking more of passion than of sentiment, engrossing both the heart and the mind in all their entireness, and shewing such a vigorous existence as plainly proved how firm a hold it had on the powerfulest energies of life. Anne Hathaway was altogether different from the foundling. Her rich rosy complexion - her careless free glance, and her eloquent soft smile expressed quite another character. Her manners were equally oppositebeing of that heedless enticing sort, which draweth all eyes admiringly, and soon suns them into a social delightsome warmth. But this was nothing more than the outward display of a natural fond temperament, where the heart was overflowing with generous sweet feelings, and was anxious for an. object on whom to display its exceeding bountifulness. Such a one, clothed with such resistless fascinations, was sure to produce an extraordinary impression on the ardent nature of the young poet. Her approving glance her seductive smile-or her slightest touch, filled him with a sense of joyousness no language could express. These were unequivocal signs of love in its riper stage. At this period of youth the imprisoned affections burst from their womb, and start into life with impulses that will allow of no controlling. Every thing weareth a new aspect. A rosier light shines |