KENILWORTH - Penn State University

Sir Walter Scottnot treason to speak it) will rather, it is said, pardon a dozencourtiers for falling in love with herself, than one for givingpreference to another woman. Coragio then, my brave guest!for if thou layest a petition from Sir Hugh at the foot of thethrone, bucklered by the story of thine own wrongs, thefavourite Earl dared as soon leap into the Thames at the fullestand deepest, as offer to protect Varney in a cause of thisnature. But to do this with any chance of success, you mustgo formally to work; and, without staying here to tilt withthe master of horse to a privy councillor, and expose yourselfto the dagger of his cameradoes, you should hie you toDevonshire, get a petition drawn up for Sir Hugh Robsart,and make as many friends as you can to forward your interestat court.”“You have spoken well, mine host,” said Tressilian, “and Iwill profit by your advice, and leave you to-morrow early.”“Nay, leave me to-night, sir, before to-morrow comes,” saidhe landlord. “I never prayed for a guest’s arrival more eagerlythan I do to have you safely gone, My kinsman’s destiny ismost like to be hanged for something, but I would not thatthe cause were the murder of an honoured guest of mine.‘Better ride safe in the dark,’ says the proverb, ‘than in daylightwith a cut-throat at your elbow.’ Come, sir, I move youfor your own safety. Your horse and all is ready, and here isyour score.”“It is somewhat under a noble,” said Tressilian, giving oneto the host; “give the balance to pretty Cicely, your daughter,and the servants of the house.”“They shall taste of your bounty, sir,” said Gosling, “andyou should taste of my daughter’s lips in grateful acknowledgment,but at this hour she cannot grace the porch to greetyour departure.”“Do not trust your daughter too far with your guests, mygood landlord,” said Tressilian.“Oh, sir, we will keep measure; but I wonder not that youare jealous of them all.—May I crave to know with whataspect the fair lady at the Place yesterday received you?”“I own,” said Tressilian, “it was angry as well as confused,and affords me little hope that she is yet awakened from herunhappy delusion.”“In that case, sir, I see not why you should play the championof a wench that will none of you, and incur the resent-107