KENILWORTH - Penn State University

Kenilworth“Lawn as white as driven snow,Cyprus black as e’er was crow,Gloves as sweet as damask roses,Masks for faces and for noses.”“What hath fortune sent us here for an unwonted sight,Janet?” said the lady.“One of those merchants of vanity, called pedlars,” answeredJanet, demurely, “who utters his light wares in lighter measures.I marvel old Dorcas let him pass.”“It is a lucky chance, girl,” said the Countess; “we lead aheavy life here, and this may while off a weary hour.”“Ay, my gracious lady,” said Janet; “but my father?”“He is not my father, Janet, nor I hope my master,” answeredthe lady. “I say, call the man hither—I want somethings.”“Nay,” replied Janet, “your ladyship has but to say so in thenext packet, and if England can furnish them they will besent. There will come mischief on’t—pray, dearest lady, letme bid the man begone!”“I will have thee bid him come hither,” said the Countess;—”orstay, thou terrified fool, I will bid him myself, andspare thee a chiding.”“Ah! well-a-day, dearest lady, if that were the worst,” saidJanet sadly; while the lady called to the pedlar, “Good fellow,step forward—undo thy pack; if thou hast good wares, chancehas sent thee hither for my convenience and thy profit.”“What may your ladyship please to lack?” said Wayland, unstrappinghis pack, and displaying its contents with as muchdexterity as if he had been bred to the trade. Indeed he hadoccasionally pursued it in the course of his roving life, and nowcommended his wares with all the volubility of a trader, andshowed some skill in the main art of placing prices upon them.“What do I please to lack?” said the lady, “why, consideringI have not for six long months bought one yard of lawn orcambric, or one trinket, the most inconsiderable, for my ownuse, and at my own choice, the better question is, What hastthou got to sell? Lay aside for me that cambric partlet andpair of sleeves —and those roundells of gold fringe, drawnout with cyprus—and that short cloak of cherry-coloured finecloth, garnished with gold buttons and loops;—is it not ofan absolute fancy, Janet?”244