The Old English Baron: a Gothic Story
Page 4
hisduty, than to recommend himself to notice, and not seeming to aspire toany higher office than that of a serving man. This old man would fix hiseyes upon Edmund, whenever he could do it without observation; sometimeshe would sigh deeply, and a tear would start from his eye, which hestrove to conceal from observation. One day Edmund surprised him in thistender emotion, as he was wiping his eyes with the back of his hand:"Why," said he, "my good friend, do you look at me so earnestly andaffectionately?"
"Because I love you, Master Edmund," said he; "because I wish you well."
"I thank you kindly," answered Edmund; "I am unable to repay your love,otherwise than by returning it, which I do sincerely."
"I thank you, sir," said the old man; "that is all I desire, and morethan I deserve."
"Do not say so," said Edmund; "if I had any better way to thank you, Iwould not say so much about it; but words are all my inheritance."
Upon this he shook hands with Joseph, who withdrew hastily to concealhis emotion, saying, "God bless you, master, and make your fortuneequal to your deserts! I cannot help thinking you were born to a higherstation than what you now hold."
"You know to the contrary," said Edmund; but Joseph was gone out ofsight and hearing.
The notice and observation of strangers, and the affection ofindividuals, together with that inward consciousness that always attendssuperiour qualities, would sometimes kindle the flames of ambition inEdmund's heart; but he checked them presently by reflecting upon hislow birth and dependant station. He was modest, yet intrepid; gentle andcourteous to all; frank and unreserved to those that loved him, discreetand complaisant to those who hated him; generous and compassionateto the distresses of his fellow-creatures in general; humble, but notservile, to his patron and superiors. Once, when he with a manly spiritjustified himself against a malicious imputation, his young Lord,Robert, taxed him with pride and arrogance to his kinsmen. Edmund deniedthe charge against him with equal spirit and modesty. Master Robertanswered him sharply, "How dare you contradict my cousins? do you meanto give them the lie?"
"Not in words, Sir," said Edmund; "but I will behave so as that youshall not believe them."
Master Robert haughtily bid him be silent and know himself, and notpresume to contend with men so much his superiors in every respect.These heart-burnings in some degree subsided by their preparations forgoing to France. Master Robert was to be presented at court before hisdeparture, and it was expected that he should be knighted. The Barondesigned Edmund to be his esquire; but this was frustrated by hisold enemies, who persuaded Robert to make choice of one of his owndomestics, called Thomas Hewson; him did they set up as a rival toEdmund, and he took every occasion to affront him. All that MasterRobert gained by this step was the contempt of those, who saw Edmund'smerit, and thought it want of discernment in him not to distinguishand reward it. Edmund requested of his Lord that he might be MasterWilliam's attendant; "and when," said he, "my patron shall be knighted,as I make no doubt he will one day be, he has promised that I shall behis esquire." The Baron granted Edmund's request; and, being freed fromservitude to the rest, he was devoted to that of his beloved MasterWilliam, who treated him in public as his principal domestic, but inprivate as his chosen friend and brother.
The whole cabal of his enemies consulted together in what manner theyshould vent their resentment against him; and it was agreed that theyshould treat him with indifference and neglect, till they should arrivein France; and when there, they should contrive to render his couragesuspected, and by putting him upon some desperate enterprize, ridthemselves of him for ever. About this time died the great Duke ofBedford, to the irreparable loss of the English nation. He was succeededby Richard Plantagenet, Duke of York, as Regent of France, of whichgreat part had revolted to Charles the Dauphin. Frequent actions ensued.Cities were lost and won; and continual occasions offered to exercisethe courage, and abilities, of the youths of both nations.
The young men of Baron Fitz-Owen's house were recommended particularlyto the Regent's notice. Master Robert was knighted, with several otheryoung men of family, who distinguished themselves by their spirit andactivity upon every occasion. The youth were daily employed in warlikeexercises, and frequent actions; and made their first essay in arms insuch a manner as to bring into notice all that deserved it. Various a but all their contrivances recoiled upon themselves, and broughtincrease of honour upon Edmund's head; he distinguished himself uponso many occasions, that Sir Robert himself began to pay him more thanordinary regard, to the infinite mortification of his kinsmen andrelations. They laid many schemes against him, but none took effect.
[From this place the characters in the manuscript are effaced by timeand damp. Here and there some sentences are legible, but not sufficientto pursue the thread of the story. Mention is made of several actions inwhich the young men were engaged--that Edmund distinguished himselfby intrepidity in action; by gentleness, humanity and modesty in thecessations--that he attracted the notice of every person of observation,and also that he received personal commendation from the Regent.]
*****
[The following incidents are clear enough to be transcribed; but thebeginning of the next succeeding pages is obliterated. However, we mayguess at the beginning by what remains.]
*****
As soon as the cabal met in Sir Robert's tent, Mr. Wenlock thusbegan:--"You see, my friends, that every attempt we make to humble thisupstart, turns into applause, and serves only to raise his pride stillhigher. Something must be done, or his praise will go home before us,at our own expence; and we shall seem only soils to set off his glories.Any thing would I give to the man who should execute our vengeance uponhim."
"Stop there, cousin Wenlock," said Sir Robert; "though I think Edmundproud and vain-glorious, and would join in any scheme to humble him,and make him know himself, I will not suffer any man to use such basemethods to effect it. Edmund is brave; and it is beneath an Englishmanto revenge himself by unworthy means; if any such are used, I will bethe first man to bring the guilty to justice; and if I hear another wordto this purpose, I will inform my brother William, who will acquaintEdmund with your mean intentions." Upon this the cabal drew back, andMr. Wenlock protested that he meant no more than to mortify his pride,and make him know his proper station. Soon after Sir Robert withdrew,and they resumed their deliberations.
Then spoke Thomas Hewson: "There is a party to be sent out to-morrownight, to intercept a convoy of provisions for the relief of Rouen;I will provoke Mr. Edmund to make one of this party, and when he isengaged in the action, I and my companions will draw off, and leave himto the enemy, who I trust will so handle him, that you shall no more betroubled with him."
"This will do," said Mr. Wenlock; "but let it be kept from my twocousins, and only known to ourselves; if they offer to be of the party,I will persuade them off it. And you, Thomas, if you bring this schemeto a conclusion, may depend upon my eternal gratitude."
"And mine," said Markham; and so said all. The next day the affair waspublicly mentioned; and Hewson, as he promised, provoked Edmund to thetrial. Several young men of family offered themselves; among the rest,Sir Robert, and his brother William. Mr. Wenlock persuaded them not togo, and set the danger of the enterprize in the strongest colours. Atlast Sir Robert complained of the tooth-ache, and was confined to histent. Edmund waited on him; and judging by the ardour of his own courageof that of his patron, thus bespoke him:--"I am greatly concerned, dearSir, that we cannot have your company at night; but as I know what youwill suffer in being absent, I would beg the favour of you to let me useyour arms and device, and I will promise not to disgrace them."
"No, Edmund, I cannot consent to that: I thank you for your noble offer,and will remember it to your advantage; but I cannot wear honours ofanother man's getting. You have awakened me to a sense of my duty: Iwill go with you, and contend with you for glory; and William shall dothe same."
In a few hours they were ready to set out. Wenlock and Markham, andtheir dependants, found themselves enga
ged in honour to go upon anenterprize they never intended; and set out, with heavy hearts, to jointhe party. They marched in silence in the horrors of a dark night,and wet roads; they met the convoy where they expected, and a sharpengagement ensued. The victory was some time doubtful; but the moonrising on the backs of the English, gave them the advantage. They sawthe disposition of their enemies, and availed themselves of it. Edmundadvanced the foremost of the party; he drew out the leader on the Frenchside; he slew him. Mr. William pressed forward to assist his friend; SirRobert, to defend his brother; Wenlock, and Markham, from shame to staybehind.
Thomas Hewson and his associates drew back on their side; the Frenchperceived it, and pursued the advantage. Edmund pushed them in front;the young nobles