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 U N I VERS ITY 
 
 or ILLI NOIS 
 
 En3G^ 
 
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 THE GREY FRIAR, 
 
 AND THE 
 
 BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 
 
 A EOMANCS. 
 
 Lane Larling, and Co. Leadenhall-btrcet.
 
 
 AND THE 
 
 Blacli i^pirit of ti)e fSaj)e : 
 
 A KOM^NCE* 
 IN TWO VOLUMES. 
 
 BY 
 
 JOHN ENGLISH, ESQ. 
 
 OF BLACKWOOD HALL* 
 
 The mind cannot res satisfied with reality, but gladly forsaking philosophy for 
 fictiou, wanders with pleasure and delight into the wild universe of con;ecture. 
 
 LIPSCOMB'S MATLOCK. 
 
 VOL. I. 
 
 LONDON: 
 PRINTED AT THE 
 
 POR A. K. Is EW INI AN AND CO, 
 
 (Successors to Lane. Newman, and Co J 
 
 JLEADENUALL-STEEET. 
 18iO.
 
 
 
 THE 
 
 G]REY FSIAR, 
 
 AND THE 
 
 BLACK SPIRIT OF THE JVYE. 
 
 "•WC9®M 
 
 ^ CHAP. L 
 
 I"" ISeRNWOOD Forest was the western ex- 
 
 ftremity of that immense track of woodland, 
 .^ which, in the early ages of British history, 
 '^ is recorded to have extended from the 
 ^ Kentish coast, in an oblique direction, 
 ^ more than a hundred and fifty miles west- 
 -^ ward. It included a considerable part of 
 ,^ Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire ; and, 
 ^ even long since civilization and culture 
 VOL. I, B have
 
 2 THE GREY FRIAR,, AND 
 
 have given new features to the country, 
 has afibrded a striking contrast to the fer- 
 tility of the surrounding district, in the 
 peculiar wildness of its scenery. 
 
 Large tracks of land lyi.ng open and un- 
 cultivated, and extensive woods, in which 
 the scathed heads of the decaying oak claim 
 the proud distinction of ancient pre- 
 emineiice, still mark the boundaries of the 
 Forest, although its name has been long lost 
 among the inhabitants of the neighbouring 
 hamlets. 
 
 The family of Bolebec numbered among 
 their vast possessions several castles, of 
 considerable strength and importance, in 
 various parts of Britain. One of them, if 
 not the most ancient, certainly the most 
 maonificent, \vas situated in Bernwood 
 Forest, and denominated Glandon Tower. 
 This edifice had for ages belonged to the 
 same illustrious race. * 
 
 Their prowess in war, and hospitality in 
 
 peace, were universally acknowledged ; and 
 
 the faithful attachment of their vassals and 
 
 6 dependants
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WVE. S 
 
 dependants was not only secured by the 
 confidence which distinguished valour as a 
 chieftain naturally inspires during warfare^ 
 but animated into enthusiasm by his paternal 
 regard for them^ in seasons of tranquillity 
 and peace. 
 
 Few of those nobles whose heroic deeds 
 illumine the rolls of fame have had a better 
 claim to the admiration of posterity than 
 the house of Bolebec. Descended from the 
 Kings of Mercian, the examples of their 
 illustrious progenitors seem to have in- 
 spired them with a becoming emulation to 
 rival their valour and their worth. 
 
 In an age when science only began to 
 dawn, and the softer virtues were but little 
 cultivated, the benijxnitv of their generous 
 nature was the more conspicuous; and 
 while tyranny and despotism were to6 ge- 
 nerally the sinews of power, the Bolebecs 
 established in the hearts'of their depend- 
 ants a principle of love, attachment, and 
 fidelity, which rendered them alike invin- 
 cible by open violence or secret machi- 
 
 B 2 nations.
 
 4 THE GREY FRIAP^ AND ' 
 
 nations. They v^ere thus ranked among 
 the most powerful subjects of the monarchy 
 — formidable on account of their virtues^ 
 as well as their valour, and the extent of 
 their possessions. 
 
 Whilst the habitations of the nobles af- 
 forded, in general, a dreary or melancholy 
 scene of gloomy pomp or revengeful 
 cruelty, Glandon Tower exhibited a pleas- 
 ing picture of social life. Its security did 
 not so much consist in the solidity of its 
 walls, the height of its battlements, or the 
 form id able n ess of its bastions, as in the 
 attachment of the neighbouring foresters 
 to their liege Lord, which was indeed an 
 impregnable defence. Instead of a dismal 
 fortification, suggesting to all who ap- 
 proached it the horrid idea of chains, impri- 
 sonment, and torture, it might be reckoned 
 among those hospitable mansions of ancient 
 English grandeur, 
 
 ** Where thronging Knights and Barons bold. 
 In weeds of peace, high triumphs hold -" 
 
 '* where/*
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. O 
 
 " where/*' to use the lano;uage of chivalry, 
 " the wandcrino" kniorht or distressed damsel 
 
 o o 
 
 found a willing reception and generous 
 entertainment, the hoary palmer repose for 
 his weary limbs, and the poor mendicants 
 their daily bread." 
 
 Such was Glandon Tower, and such the 
 character of its possessors. 
 
 At a very early period of life. Sir Hugh 
 de Bolebec had distinguished himself among 
 those patriotic nobles who laid the founda- 
 tion of English liberty, by obtaining the 
 great charter at Runny Mead, at which so- 
 lemnity he was present, with his father. Sir 
 Arthur; and having married the daughter 
 of the brave Earl of St. Clair, made Glandoii 
 Tower his principal residence; and here, 
 in conjunction witl^ some of his powerful 
 neighbours, devised a plan for settling the 
 government in the troublesome reign of 
 Henry the Third, when the supreme autho-. 
 rity had been wrested from the hands of 
 that irresolute monarch, by the turbulent 
 Barons. 
 
 £ 3. The
 
 ^^ THE GREY FRIARj AND 
 
 The insolence of these haughty nobles, 
 who having procured a convention to be 
 assembled at Oxford, for 'the redress of 
 grievances^ usurped a domination^ which 
 proved far more oppressive to the people 
 than the extravagance or caprice of the 
 King, induced theEarl of Glocester, Alfred 
 St. Clair, and others, to exert their influence 
 and authority in re-establishing the power 
 of Henry, and relieving their unfortunate 
 fellow-subjects from the despotism of an 
 oligarchy, which threatened the complete 
 subjugation of the liberties of th<e kingdom. 
 In this conjuncture, anxious for the public 
 weal, they resolved to obtain the assistance 
 of Prince Edward, whose vigour of intel- 
 lect and personal bravery afforded the hap- 
 piest presages of his future glory. 
 
 The young Prince, who had but just 
 reached maturity, was at first diffident in 
 entering upon so arduous and dangerous 
 an undertaking; but, at length, a high 
 sense of honour and philanthropy, and a 
 becoming deference for the wisdom and 
 
 experience
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. / - 
 
 experienre of those v/ho were his advisers^, 
 engaged him in their plan : and once re- 
 solved, he pursued it with all the eagerness 
 and zeal of a youthful^ an ardent/ and 
 generous mindj equally above dissimulation 
 and a stranger to fear. ' 
 
 It was at this period when the Lady 
 Bolebec, after an interval of several years 
 from the birth of her only daughter, pre- ' 
 sen ted to her affectionate Lord an infant 
 sen. An event which had been long and 
 anxiously desired, afforded universal satis- 
 faction. The delight of the fond parents 
 was inexpressible ; and the noble mansion 
 of Glandon Tower, notwithstanding the 
 perturbed state of the country at that time, 
 exhibited a scene of uninterrupted festivity 
 
 for several davs. 
 
 ■J 
 
 Hospitality, which is usually most culti- 
 vated in countries the least polished, and 
 in times the most turbulent, was the pre- 
 vailing and distinguished virtue of that age ; 
 and the fortunes, \\i^ disposition, and splen- • 
 dor of the house of Bolebec, all concurred 
 
 B 4 ' in
 
 8 THE GREY FRIAR^ AND 
 
 in prompting them^ on this happy occasion^ 
 to emulate, if not to exceed their contem- 
 poraries, in a display of magnificence, such 
 as had been seldom witnessed. The spacious 
 hall re-echoed to the tabor and the harp, 
 and the joyful rebec's sound; while the 
 capacious board, covered with the richest 
 and most costly viands, and the exhilarating 
 goblets circling in quick succession, invited 
 to luxurious indulgence every passing 
 stranger, as well as every inhabitant of 
 the vicinity of Glandon Towxr. Gladness 
 sparkled in every eye, and the welcome 
 guests united their congratulations on the 
 birth of an heir to the family of Bolebec, 
 with their good wishes for the health and 
 preservation of the munificent host. 
 
 In the midst of these rejoicings, Prince 
 Edward arrived at Glandon Tower, accom- 
 panied by the Earl of Glocester, with a 
 numerous train of attendants. The Prince 
 "was received with everv demonstration of 
 respect and attachment by Sir Hugh de 
 Bolebec; and after a conference had been 
 
 ' held
 
 THB BLACK SPIRIT 0? THE WYE,. 9 
 
 Beld respecting pr.blic affairs, and the mea- 
 sures necessary to be pursued, in order to 
 ensure success to the enterprise in which 
 they were about to engage, greeted his 
 loyal entertainer, with the warmest con- 
 gratulations on the birth of his son, and 
 condescended to assist in the ceremony of 
 Siivinix to the infant his own name of 
 Edward. 
 
 The vouno* Prince, surrounded bv his 
 faithful friends and counsellors, experienced 
 and expressed the liveliest satisfaction at the 
 generous hospitality of Hugh de Bolebec, 
 and departed^ to join the forces raising in 
 Glocestershire, whither Bolebec and his 
 brother-in-law, the Earl of St. Clair, were 
 speedily to follow him, at the head of their 
 numerous dependants. 
 
 The liberty of his country was to him a 
 sovereign law, and every partial and private 
 claim instantly vanished, when his native 
 land and the interests of his Prince, called 
 for his assistance. It was not without re- 
 luctance, however, that he quitted his man- 
 
 J3. 5- sion.
 
 30 THE GRKY FRIAR^ AND 
 
 sion, and the domestic comforts he enjoyed 
 in the society of an affectionate consort, 
 and the innocent and entertaining converse 
 of the gentle Isabeila, his beautiful daugh- 
 ter; and although the infant Edward was 
 at that time too young to attract much at- 
 tention, the natural solicitude of parental 
 tenderness inclined Sir Hugh to watch, with 
 peculiar emotion, every change of feature 
 in the little innocenc, and every dawning 
 of sensibility which beamed in his eye. 
 
 In ten days after the departure of Prince 
 Edward; the standard of Bolebec had been 
 joined by more than a thousand men, who 
 appeared to be inspired with the same 
 \'alour that animated their brave leader, 
 manifestincr the most determined resolu- 
 lion to support him in the enterprise 
 v/hich he had undertaken. After takins: 
 an affectionate leave of his Lady and 
 domestics. Sir Hugh proceeded, at the head 
 of this gallant company in martial array, 
 to join the army at the appointed place of 
 rendezvous, 
 
 The
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE Vv'YE. 1 1 
 
 The feudal times were alike unTavoiirable 
 to the cultivation of science, and dangerous 
 to domestic comfort. Wealth and power have 
 been^ in every age, almost synonimous; — 
 in those times they were truly so. Power 
 constituted riches, and the plunder of the 
 defenceless or unprotected was considered a 
 kind of prowess, which, hovveVer barbarous^ 
 was far from disgraceful. There was no 
 idea of virtue attached to com.passion or 
 humanity; an,d even the severest cruelties 
 were overlooked, in the boldness of the 
 enterprises which led to them, or the cou- 
 rage displayed in their execution. 
 
 This accounts for the savage practices of 
 that era, and the ravages which were daily 
 committed on each other;, by contending 
 chieftains; it produced the most^istressing 
 consequences, and gave rise to those stra- 
 tagems of reprisal and revenge, which were 
 executed without compunction, even in 
 seasons of peace, and in direct violation of 
 the most solemn engagements. 
 
 B 6 Hugh
 
 12 THE Grey friar, and 
 
 Hugh cle Bolcbcc had no sooner left his 
 residence at Gltindon Tower, than the gates 
 were formally closed, and the drawbridges 
 " properly secured. The household attend- 
 ants of Bolebec followed in his train, to 
 witness and assist in deeds of arms. Only a 
 few superannuated men-servants remained 
 at the Tower' besides the female attendants 
 of Lady Bolebec and her children. 
 
 The situation of Glandon Tower was in 
 a valley, and it was so completely sur- 
 rounded by thick woods, that only the sum- 
 mit of its hoarv battlements w^as visible at 
 any considerable distance from the site of 
 the building; and the approach of an enemy 
 was of course equally hidden^ fj'om those 
 who inhabited it. 
 
 A nobleman so rkh and powerful as 
 Hugh de BoIebeCj was naturally regarded 
 hy his political opponents with a degree of 
 envy and jealousy, at least proportionable 
 to the attachment of his friends; and as 
 these are much stronger passions than love 
 and gratitude, and mcalculably more ge- 
 nerally
 
 TFTE BLACK SPTKIT OF TIIE WYE. 13 
 
 nerallv diffused, the daTTj;crs to which his 
 family was exposed became very imminent, 
 whenever the faithful vassals by whom his 
 dwelling was encompassed were called from 
 their homes. The most sedulous precautions 
 were requisite to prevent the Tower from 
 being surprised by an enemy, or entered 
 by stratagem. If its security, on the one 
 hand, might have been promoted by a 
 greater force to resist an attack from with- 
 out, its danger would, on the other, have 
 been vastly increased by the chances of 
 treachery within. Little, indeed, was re- 
 quired but to maintain the strictest vigil- 
 ance, and prevent the admission of 
 strangers; for the immense thickness of 
 the walls, the depth of the moat, and the 
 strength of the portcullises, bade defiance 
 to any ordinary attack; whikt the quantity 
 of provisions with which its stores were 
 furnished, was sufficient for the inhabitants 
 during a regular siege. 
 
 The daily allowances of meat and drink 
 for the sustentation of the poor, was made 
 
 through
 
 14 THE GREY FPJAEj AND 
 
 through a casement or loophole, at the 
 principal entrance of the mansion ; and a 
 bugle-horn, attached to a pillar at the gate, 
 gave notice of the approach of every 
 visitor. 
 
 The turbulence of this period interrupted 
 even the usual intercourses of society; and 
 a few preaching friars, who were permitted 
 to wander from their convents to procure 
 subsistence for themselves, and subscrip- 
 tions in support of their order, were the 
 only travellers, at a time when the sanctity 
 of the clerical character was the only safe- 
 guard from violence, among a lawless and 
 contending people, divided between an im- 
 plicit regard for the arbitrary power of the 
 Sovereign, and an equally blind attachment 
 to the fortunes of those who took up arms 
 in direct opposition to his authority. The 
 monks were indeed the only fntelligencers 
 and the only medium of intercourse be- , 
 tween different parts of the country. Their 
 behaviour, too, was in general correct, and 
 their manners inoffensive* 
 
 All
 
 THE BTACK SPIPIT OF THE WYE. 15 
 
 All the little learnirrg of that period was 
 obtained through the same channel; but 
 the cultivation of letters formed only a very- 
 small portion of the business of life^ when 
 war and the chace occupied almost the 
 whole time^ and were the principal em- 
 ployments of those who were not compelled 
 by hunger and poverty to till the ground^ 
 or gather its produce^ and when the only 
 reading consisted in monkish legends^ while 
 devotion was insisted upon as a mystic rite^ 
 to be performed with awful and submissive 
 exactness^ without one word of inquiry into 
 those sublime mysteries, of which the priests 
 represented themselves to be the sacred 
 depositaries. 
 
 In a short time after the departure of Sir 
 Hugh de BolebeCj as before related, it was 
 observed that a Grey Friar frequently ap- 
 peared at the entrance of Glandon Tower, 
 among the crowd of mendicants who daily 
 resorted thither, to partake of the provi- 
 sions which were distributed there, accord- 
 ing to the fashion of those times, without 
 
 inquiry
 
 16 TKE GRKV FRIAR, AND 
 
 inquiry or remark. As the order lo which 
 his habit indicated that he belonged was 
 generally known to be very wealthy, a 
 repetition of the visits of the Friar excited 
 some degree of curiosity in the attendants 
 who were employed to dispense the bounty 
 of their absent Lord ,* and as he seemed to 
 examine the approaches to the Tower with 
 a scrutinizing eye, and always quitted the 
 spot with evident reluctance, some appre- 
 hensions began to be entertained respect- 
 ing the real motives for his frequent and 
 almost constant visits. It was at first con- 
 jectured that he belonged to a religious 
 house, which was situated at a few miles 
 from Glandon Tower, on the borders of the 
 Forest ; and that he was performing a sort 
 of penance, to which the monks of the 
 same establishment had often submitted,. 
 by taking up his abode at a hermitage i»- 
 the vicinity. This hermitage or cell was a 
 subterraneous cave, extremely dismal and 
 damp, situated in one of the most intrieate 
 recesses of the Forest, and enclosed by 
 
 sombrous,
 
 THE BLACK SRIRIT OF THE WYE. 17 
 
 £onnl>ro;»€ onlic:, whnse vafet branches form- 
 ed a magnificent portico at the entrance. 
 High amidst the trellis-work of this stu- 
 pendous piece of natural architecture, rooks 
 innumerable 
 
 -" built their airy city. 
 
 And ceaseless caw'd amusive." 
 
 A tinkling rill, gently descending from a 
 rock of granite, had worn a passage in the 
 living stone, at the door of the hermitage; 
 and to a rude and natural bason was attach- 
 ed an iron ladle, on which was inscribed, 
 *' Drink, and be thankful.'* The flowering 
 heath and variegated moss which covered 
 the sides and roof of the cell, presented the 
 only objects to divert the mind amidst the 
 gloom of the surrounding thickets, ren- 
 dered still more dreary by a mixture of the 
 melancholy yew with the closely-intertwin- 
 ing branches of the holly, and the mountain- 
 pine. 
 
 In the cell was a stone table, a bench 
 rudely formed out of the stump of a decayed 
 
 oak^
 
 18 THE GRKY FRIAP.^ AND 
 
 oakj an altar hewn out oT tliciackj and a 
 email crucifix. These, with a bed of rushes, 
 in a recess at the farthest side of the cave, 
 constituted the miserable furniture of the 
 dismal habitation to which the monks of 
 Studely were wont to retire, whenever the 
 pi*actice of uni^ual austerities was deemed 
 essential to their spiritual advantage — or, 
 in other wbrds^ wlienever it was thought 
 ricressary,by their superiors, that they should 
 expiate any irregvilarities of behaviour, or 
 neglect of their'accustomed devotions, by 
 rigid abstinence, and complete seclusion 
 from worldly intercourse. 
 
 Here, amidst the humidity of a gloomy 
 cave, destitute of everything which can 
 make life desirable, the excluded monk 
 passed his melancholy hours in penitence 
 and prayer, until, having accomplished the 
 days of probation, he was again restorexi to 
 the enjoyment of social intercourse and the 
 privileges of his order. 
 
 The Friar, whose presence at Glandon 
 Tower had occasioned some uneasiness, 
 
 having
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE VVVE. 19 
 
 having been observed to bend his course 
 towards the hermitage, gave rise to the 
 idea before hinted at. The Lady Bolebec^ 
 however^ who could not but consider the 
 frequency of his visits^ and the peculiarity 
 of his manner, as at least suspicious, caused 
 a strict inquiry to be made amongthe cot- 
 tagers in the neighbourhocid ; apd the in- 
 telligence which she obtained by no means 
 tended to diminish the apprehensions that 
 he was an instrument of mischief. One of 
 the verdurers of the Forest had the curiosity 
 to trace his footsteps, as he saw him slowly 
 proceeding along a narrow path, which led 
 towards a cottage, in an obscure part of the 
 Forest. 
 
 Having arrived at the hut, he cast his 
 eyes wistfully around, as if afraid of de- 
 tection ; and then hastily entering the cot- 
 tvif:^e, closed the door imimcdiately. The 
 forester, w^ho had stood at a distance un- 
 observed among the trees, approached in 
 silence; but how great was his astonish- 
 ment, v.hcn, just as he had reached a thicket, 
 
 which
 
 20 THE GREY FRIAR^ AND 
 
 which concealed the cottage from the path 
 that led towards the next hamlet, two horse- 
 men, clad in green vests, richly ornamented 
 w^ith silver embroidery, galloped up close 
 to the spot where he stood, and, alighting 
 from their horses under a large tree, dis- 
 appeared in a moment. 
 
 The rustic was so much astonished at an 
 incident so uncommon, that it was some 
 time before he recovered himself sufficient- 
 ly to reflect on the manner in which the 
 str^ingers had efTected their instantaneous 
 concealment. He felt confident that they 
 could not have entered the cottage, for the 
 place where they alighted was at least a 
 dozen yards distant from it; and. he did 
 not perceive any covert or ,hiding-place, 
 which could have so suddenly secluded 
 them from his view. 
 
 He hesitated a few minutes, in doubt 
 whether he should attempt to gain admis- 
 sion into the cottage, or proceed in search 
 of the strangers, of whom he had so instan- 
 taaeously lost sight ; but as their horses 
 
 remained
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE '.VYE. 51 
 
 remained standing under the branches of 
 the elm, he concluded, that \vhalsoever 
 might be the reason of this singular visit to 
 so sequestered a spot, the travellers would 
 not make any considerable stay there ; and 
 therefore determined to remain in the 
 thicket^ and await the issue of an adventure 
 which seemed to promise (xtraordir^ary 
 consequences. In about half an hour, the 
 cottage door was opened, the horsemen 
 mounted their steeds, in a moment, and 
 instantly set out at full speed. The forester 
 now no longer entertained any doubt that 
 the visit of the strangers had been made to 
 monk whom he had just before seen enter 
 the cottage. Desirous, therefore, of being 
 satisfied on this head, curiosity prompted 
 him to endeavour to gain admittance there 
 also. He first knocked gently at the door; 
 but no one answering, he lifted up the 
 latchet, and the door opening, his asto- 
 nishment was much increased to find the 
 hut completely empty. He had seen the 
 Friar enter by this very door, and he had 
 
 also
 
 §2 THE GREY FRIAR^ AND 
 
 also seen the strangers come out at it. 
 It is true, he had not perceived them en- 
 tering ; hut there was no other door to the 
 cottage; and, however extraordinary it was 
 that the Friar should have eluded his sight, 
 he felt convinced in his own mind that he 
 must* have taken his departure at the mo- 
 ment when his own attention was engaged 
 by the two horsemen, on their leaving the 
 wood. 
 
 The cottage consisted of three apart- 
 ments, opening into each other; it had 
 been long uninhabited, and^ in this, ne- 
 glected state, served only as an occasional 
 shelter for cattle. The only indication of 
 any human being having lately visited it, 
 was a bundle of fern and heath, which ap- 
 peared to have been carelessly thrown into 
 the innermost apartment. The forester 
 found his perplexity increase, as he rumi- 
 nated on the scene which had just passed 
 before his eyes, and, long before he reached 
 his own habitation, had begun to fancy that 
 the whole was an illusion ; but the time of 
 
 day.
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 23 
 
 day, and the distinct view which he had 
 both of the monk and the horsemen, con- 
 curred to remove any doubts respecting the 
 reality of a scene, which, in spite of the 
 evidence of his senses, he could scarcely 
 avoid entertaining. 
 
 On his return to the hamlet, he met with 
 Stephen, an old and confidential servant of 
 Lady Bolebec, who had been dispatched 
 from Glandon Tower to procure some in- 
 telligence, if possible, respecting the Grey 
 Friar, who had, of late, been seen so often 
 strolling about the mansion. 
 
 Stephen, who had been a faithful domestic 
 in the family during more than half a cen- 
 tury, and attached to his master by every 
 tie of gratitude and affection, had himself 
 first noticed the unusual curiosity and 
 minute attention with which the monk 
 seemed to examine the approaches to 
 Glandon Tower every time he came thitlier. 
 He had obsserved also that his appearance 
 ill accotded with the habit he wore. He 
 was young and active, apparently in the 
 
 vigour
 
 94 The grey friab, and 
 
 vigour of life, and as evidently a stranger 
 to the austerity and privations of the class 
 of persons whose garb he had assumed. 
 These circumstances having awakened his 
 suspicions^ they were immediately commu- 
 nicated to Lady Bolebec ; and a repetition 
 of the Friar's visits determined her to make 
 some inquiry respecting his real character 
 and condition. For this purpose, Stephen 
 had called upon almost every cottager in 
 the neighbourhood; but the only account 
 he could obtain was, that the monk had 
 usually taken the path which led towards 
 the hermitage, although he had never been 
 seen to enter it; that when he came to 
 Glandon Tower, it was by an opposite 
 road ; and that, although he had daily in- 
 termixed with those who attended there, for 
 the purpose of receiving alms, he had never 
 exchanged a single word with any of them, 
 not even the common salutation with which 
 it was usual for those of his order to greet 
 every one who approached them. 
 
 The forester hastened to inform Stephen 
 
 of
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYB. 25 
 
 of the extraordinary incidents he had wit- 
 nessed; and they immediately agreed to 
 lay the particulars before Lady Bolebec, 
 and receive her instructions respecting the 
 plan they should pursue to unravel so 
 mysterious an affair. It was evident, from 
 the dress and appearance of the horsemen 
 who had been seen in the wood, that they 
 "were above the ordinary rank; but for 
 what purpose they had visited that remote 
 spot, and in such apparent haste, or why 
 they came thither in broad day-light, if the 
 object of their journey required conceal- 
 ment, was perfectly unintelligible. 
 
 Their visit was evidently connected, in 
 some way, with the appearance of the Friar 
 at the Tower; but, at present, it was us 
 impossible to form any probable conjecture 
 respecting its object or intention, as to ac- 
 count for his sudden disappearance in the 
 wood, w^hen he seemed to vanish from the 
 sight of the forester, like one of those fleet- 
 ing and unsubstantial vapours '' drawn from 
 2n evening cloud."' 
 
 VOL. I. c The
 
 26 THE GREY FRIAR^ AND 
 
 The Lady Bolebec's anxiety, on ac- 
 count of the perils to which her beloved 
 Lord was exposed, had been greatly in- 
 creased, by the arrival of a messenger from 
 her brother, the Earl of St. Clair, then 
 serving in the forces under the command 
 of Sir Hugh de Bolebec, who bore the rank 
 of Lieutenant-General; by this communi- 
 cation, she was informed that the partisans 
 of Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester, 
 w^ere advancing, in great force, with inten- 
 tion to give battle to the King's army, and 
 that his emissaries were distributed through 
 that part of the country, in order to seize 
 by stratagem some of the strongest castles. 
 Lady Bolebec had scarcely dismissed the 
 messenger who had brought to her this 
 unwelcome news, when Stephen and the 
 forester requested admittance^ and disclosed 
 their marvellous tale. She listened with 
 great attention to the narrative ; and as she 
 had no other person whom she could con- 
 sult, capable of affording her any advice 
 on the occasion, she did not hesitate to 
 
 acquaint
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 27 
 
 acquaint her faithful attendants ^vith the 
 intelligence she had received^ and the 
 additional cause of alarm which it had 
 excited — '^ Without doubt," said she, '' tXiC 
 horsemen, he they wjiom they may, are 
 emissaries employed by Montfort, either to 
 procure information, or to devise some 
 scheme for surprising and gaining posses- 
 sion of Glandon Tower ; and the pretended, 
 monk is certainly one of the accomplices/' 
 
 After some deliberation, it was resolved 
 to dispatch a letter to the Prior of Studley, 
 describing, as exactly as possible, the per- 
 son, stature, and countenance, of the monk, 
 and requesting him to endeavour to ascer- 
 tain whether any person answering such a 
 description belonged to his society. 
 
 It was plain that the suspected person 
 was not one of the preaching friai-s before 
 mentioned, for he had avoided any asso- 
 ciation with the cottagers, never attempted 
 to address the people, and maintained a 
 profound silence, even when surrounded 
 by mendicants at the gate of Glandon 
 
 c 2 Tov.er ;
 
 28 THE GREY FRIAR^ AND 
 
 Tower; the only acknowledgment he ever 
 made in return for the manchet he almost 
 daily received there, being a slight inclina- 
 tion of the head and a wave of the hand. 
 
 As the return of the messenger was not 
 expected before the next day, LadyBoIebec 
 contented herself with securing the gates of 
 the mansion iii the completcst manner; 
 and having seen them carefully locked^ 
 took the keys into her own possession. 
 
 Before she retired to her apartment, this 
 heroic woman siimttioned to her presence 
 the whole family, and, after explaining the 
 reasons which inclined her to believe that 
 an attack on Glandon Tower was Bieditated 
 by the enemy, exhorted them all to the 
 utmost vigilance, and encouraged their 
 i]delity by the. promise of rewards. Lady 
 Bolebec then retired to rest, conscious of 
 having* worthily performed the duties of 
 an affectionate wife, zealous to maintain 
 the honour of her husband, and the illus- 
 trious house to which she belonged, and 
 having exhibited an example of fortitude 
 
 and
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 29 
 
 and magnanimity worthy of the Stock 
 whence she sprang — a family of which it, 
 might be truly said, '' that all the sons were 
 valiant and all the daughters yirtuous." 
 
 CHAP. II.- 
 
 Early the next morning, the messenger 
 who had been sent to Studley Priory re- 
 turned with a letter from the superior, in 
 which he assured the Lady Bolebec that 
 none of the monks belonging to his esta- 
 blishment were at that time absent, nor 
 had been so during the preceding week; 
 but that one of the fraternity had been 
 cruelly stripped of his habit, as he was re- 
 turning to the Priory from Godstowe, about 
 twelve days before : that, as this circum- 
 
 c 3 stance
 
 30 THE GREY FRIAR, AND 
 
 Stance might possibly afibrd some clue for 
 the detection of the supposed monk, whose 
 presence had occasioned the inquiry made 
 by Lady Bolebec, he was induced farther 
 to particularize, that the atrocity above 
 mentioned was committed by a banditti of 
 armed men, who seemed more intent on 
 obtaining the monk's clothes than desirous 
 of any other booty; for, on his humble 
 entreaty not to be left in so miserable a 
 condition, and quite naked^ they had given 
 him a silk vest, of more intrinsic value 
 than the habit of which they had deprived 
 him. He said that two of them were re- 
 markably well mounted, and that they all 
 had a martial appearance. The prior con- 
 cluded with a fervent prayer for the- pro- 
 tection of the Lady Bolebec and her family^ 
 and an offer of any services or assistance in 
 his power, as a grateful return for the pa- 
 tronage which had been afforded to himself, 
 and the benefits bestowed upon his order, 
 bv the house of Bolebec. 
 
 The Grey Friar came as usual, and, as 
 
 usual.
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 3 i 
 
 usual, was relieved. Stephen, who had re- 
 ceived the orders of his I,ady to watch all 
 his motions, had ascended a turret at the 
 angle of the building, where, unperceived 
 by any one, he could notice the behaviour 
 of the monk. The customary loaf v;ns 
 distributed through the portcullis, the sup- 
 plicants withdrew^ and the monk alone re- 
 mained, for a few minutes, looking ear- 
 nestly at the pcstern-gate, which commu- 
 Tiicated with a small garden inclosed within 
 the walls of the Tower. 
 
 A narrow bridge of wood crossed the 
 moat to this gate ; but the chains were 
 drawn up, and properly secured ; and the 
 projecting gables above the arch, from 
 which a portcullis descended, strongly im- 
 plated with iron^ frowned defiance at every 
 assailant. 
 
 The monk appeared to survey the spot 
 with peculiar attention, and then pursued 
 his walk towards that part of the forest to 
 which he had been traced by Norman the 
 verdurer. Stephen descended from the 
 
 c 4 turret.
 
 32 THE GREY FRIAR,, AND 
 
 turret^ and followed him at a distance. 
 "Norman, who had also received private in- 
 structions from Lady Bolebec, had already 
 placed himself^ as if by accident, with a 
 bill-hook in his hand, (and habited like one 
 of the persons employed to cut down 
 branches from the trees for the deer to 
 browze upon ), near the cottage which had 
 been visited by the unknown horsemen. 
 
 The monk walked steadily along, till 
 perceiving Norman, he suddenly turned 
 aside into a winding path which led round 
 the cottage, and, still watched by Stephen, 
 directed his steps towards the hermitage ; 
 and having arrived there, sat down com- 
 posedly at the table, in a posture of serious 
 meditation. 
 
 Stephen, who was not deficient in pene- 
 tration, did not fail to observe that the 
 pretended monk neglected the perform- 
 ance of an act of devotion, which amongst 
 friars was always customary, whenever they 
 entered a room in which there was a cruci- 
 fix. He was not surprised, however, at 
 
 such
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 35 
 
 such an omission on the part of one whom 
 he now regarded rather as a robber than a 
 priest ; but it convinced him that the per- 
 son whom he saw was an impostor. 
 
 Norman remained near the cottage, for 
 his business was to ascertain, if possible, 
 whether any, or what description of persons 
 resorted to it ; but no one appeared. He 
 entered the cottage, which was exactly in 
 the same desolate state in which he had 
 seen it the day before, excepting that the 
 bundle of fern had been removed. On 
 approaching the place where it had lain, his 
 astonishment exceeded all description, to 
 perceive a gloomy descent, which before 
 had been concealed from view, and seemed 
 to lead to a subterraneous apartment. 
 
 Korman, although he had distinguished 
 himself as a soldier, and fought and bled 
 in the service of his countrv, in the Barons' 
 wars, during the preceding reign, was ne- 
 vertheless so much alarmed at the idea of 
 being murdered in the cavern to which this 
 passage seemed to be the entrance, that, 
 
 c 5 without
 
 S4 THE GREY FRIAI?_, AND 
 
 without attempting to enter the cave, he 
 immediately hastened back to Glandon 
 Towerj to deliver an account of his dis- 
 covery. 
 
 As he proceeded through the wood, 
 rendered more and more solemn every 
 successive moment bv the evenin^r's in- 
 creasing gloom, the very breezes which 
 fluttered among the leaves seemed to the 
 agitated Norman like sighs of terror; and 
 he quickened his pace involuntarily, until 
 he had regained the beaten road which led 
 to the Tower; and indeed had scarcely re- 
 covered his usual composure by the time he 
 arrived there. 
 
 StephefW"; who had returned about an hour 
 before, had already recounted his adventure. 
 As soon as the Grey Friar had taken his seat 
 in the hermitage, Stephen posted himself 
 behind a projecting rock, by which he was 
 completely hidden from the object of his 
 suspicion ; but, at length, his patience being 
 quite exhausted, he advanced, with a slow 
 and respectful pace, to the entrance of the 
 6 cell.
 
 THE BLACK SPIPviT OF THE WYE. 35 
 
 cell, and implored a benediction. The pre- 
 tended friar, arising from his seat, waved 
 his hand thrice over the head of Stephen ; 
 and then, in a sullen and austere tone of 
 voice, thus addressed him : — '' Stranger ! 
 begone; no Jonger intrude on the solitude 
 of one whose thoughts are at present en- 
 gaged on matters of mighty import/* 
 
 " Father,'' replied Stephen, " in craving 
 your blessing, I had no intention to inter- 
 rupt your meditations; but methinks the. 
 harshness of your rebuke but ill accords 
 with the sanctity of your habit." 
 
 The monk made no reply, but, with a 
 look of resentment and indignation, quitted 
 the hermitage. 
 
 The sanctity of his assumed character 
 (for the doubts entertained respecting his 
 right to it were at present merely con- 
 jectures, unsupported by proof) deterred 
 Stephen from farther reproaches, all the 
 terrors of ecclesiastical censure immediately 
 presenting themselves, to oppose the dis- 
 position which he felt to detain the monk, 
 
 c G and
 
 36 THE GREY FRIAR^ AND 
 
 and compel him to give some account of 
 himself. 
 
 There was another obstacle ; Stephen 
 had nearly reached his seventieth year, 
 and though as brave a man as ever trod 
 on British ground, felt the approaching 
 decay of corporeal vigour, while the man 
 to whom he was opposed was in the prime 
 of life, and of a form remarkably athletic. 
 He was therefore content to follow the 
 same track, at such a distance as to keep 
 the monk constantly in view, until, by a 
 circuitous route, he had again reached the 
 dingle behind the cottage. Here Stephen 
 thought il most prudent to halt, as he 
 doubted not that Norman was still on the 
 Jook-out ; and as he had observed the monk 
 frequently looking round, as if to watch 
 his motions, the wary old man now struck 
 out of the path, and took a different course, 
 never once turning his face, lest he should 
 increase the suspicions which he feared that 
 he had already excited. He then returned 
 home, and was much disappointed when he 
 
 found
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 37 
 
 found that Norman had seen nothing of 
 the monk, after he first passed by him_, 
 although he had never quitted the spot, 
 except to examine the cottage. The dis- 
 covery of the subterraneous passage, how- 
 ever, afforded the strongest grounds for 
 supposing that there was a secret hiding- 
 place somewhere near the spot," which was 
 probably the rendezvous of a party of 
 Montfort's spies. 
 
 Lady Bolebec immediately transmitted a 
 circumstantial detail of all the circumstances 
 to Sir Hugh, directing her letter to the 
 head-quarters of the Prince's army, near 
 Glocester, and entreated that some step 
 might be taken towards liberating herself 
 and the neighbourhood from their present 
 apprehensions. She also sent a messenger 
 to the Prior of Studley, requesting his 
 advice and his assistance. It was her desire 
 to cause the supposed monk to be taken 
 into custody ; but she well knew, that if 
 ^ it should hereafter appear that the sus- 
 pected person Y/as really in holy orders, 
 
 such
 
 38 THE GREY FRIAR^ AND 
 
 such a proceeding on her part \vould be 
 attended with great personal risk, and that 
 the censures of the church (ever ready 
 to protect even the least worthy of its 
 ministers) might be incurred, unless the 
 measures adopted had been previously 
 sanctioned by the concurrence of ecclesias- 
 tical authority. Such was the reverence in 
 which the ministers of religion were held 
 in those davs^ that the proudest among 
 those potent nobles, who scarcely conde- 
 scended to submu to regal power, would 
 not have ventured to encroach on the 
 privileges of a churchman : and he whose 
 haughty *=;pirit prompted him to hurl de- 
 fiance in the teeth of his Sovereign, and to 
 raise the standard of rebellion, trembled, 
 as it were instinctively, at, the threat of 
 excommunication, and shrunk appalled at 
 the dread of a Papal anathema. 
 
 The Friar continued to visit the Tower; 
 and it was observed, that during two or 
 three succeeding days, several persons, in 
 the dress of pilgrims, were seen forming 
 
 small
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 39 
 
 small companies^ in different parts of the 
 Forest; but as the country was at that 
 period on the verge of a civil war, and 
 universal confusion and alarm had seized 
 the whole kingdom, no particular appre- 
 hensions would have been entertained for 
 the safety of Glandon Tower, more than 
 that of any other castellated mansions, the 
 possession of which was always esteemed 
 of great importance in times of public 
 disturbance, but for the discovery which 
 had been made by Stephen and Norman, 
 respecting the monk, the horsemen, and 
 ^ the cavern at the cottage. Moreover, from 
 the deeply-rooted enmity of Simon de 
 Montfort to the family of St. Clair, the 
 Lady Bolebec, who was a daughter of that 
 noble house, well knew that she had every 
 thing to fear, which subtilty could invent 
 or malice execute; and her union with 
 Hugh de Bolebec having, if possible, en- 
 creased the animosity of the proud Earl of 
 Leicester, she anticipated the utmost efforts 
 of his inveterate hatred. 
 
 On
 
 40 The Crey friar^ and 
 
 On the return of the messenger from 
 vStudley Priory, Lady Bolebec received an 
 assurance, that the next day, at the hour 
 when the pretended monk usually resorted 
 to her mansion, proper steps should be 
 taken to detect and punish the impostor; 
 for although the rules of the order did not 
 permit any interference \vith secular affairs, 
 so daring a violation of ecclesiastical pri- 
 vilege, as that of appearing in a monastic 
 habit, without having been regularly ad- 
 mitted into some convent, and taken the 
 proper oaths, was not only cognisable by 
 the church, but subjected the offender to 
 the severest punishment: that, in order 
 to effect the purpose intended, and at the 
 same time to convince her Ladyship of his 
 pastoral care, the prior would issue pro- 
 per orders to twelve of his monks, and as 
 many lay-brethren, who would arrive at 
 Glandon Tower earlv the next mornino^, 
 when he entreated that, preparatory to 
 the act of justice which they were about 
 to perform, they might be allowed the 
 
 use
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 4l 
 
 use of the chapel for the celebration of 
 matins. 
 
 Lady Bolebec accordingly caused every- 
 thing to be prepared for the reception of. 
 her reverend visitors. The chapel, \vhich 
 was a noble room, with windows of painted 
 glass, was hung with a rich suit of arras, 
 the altar covered w^ith cloth of gold, and 
 numerous banners, taken in battle by the 
 ancestors of the family, were suspended 
 over an eleVated seat for the prior, de- 
 corated with beautiful tapestry, and fur- 
 nished with cushions of velvet, richly em- 
 broidered. Opposite to this throne was 
 the gallery used by the Lady Bolebec her- 
 self, the front of which was adorned with 
 festoons of blue velvet, laced and fringed 
 with silver, and wrought with the arms of 
 the family. 
 
 At break of day, the sound of the 
 bugle at the gate announced the approach 
 pf the procession, which was received at 
 the entrance of the Tower by the Lady 
 Bolebec, clad in n mantle of azure silk, 
 
 bearing
 
 42 THE GREY FRIAR^ AKD 
 
 bearing in her right hand a wax taper in a 
 great silver candlestick, and in her left a 
 string of large pearls, with a magnificent 
 cross of diamonds appendant to it. 
 
 The siib-priorj before^whom were borne a 
 gilt cross and pastoral staff, by two priests in 
 surplices, was clad in the habit of his order, 
 and wore a rich cope. He approached 
 slowly at the head of his monks, and, 
 bowing himself reverently to the ground, 
 at the sight of Lady Bolebec^ entered 
 Glandon Tower with his attendants. The 
 procession passed forward immediately to 
 the chapel/( which was illuminated with an 
 incredible number of wax candles), each 
 of the monks receiving a lighted taper as 
 he marched through the cloisters. 
 
 The Lady Eolebec, with her attendants, 
 entered the gallery by a private door. A' 
 silver bell gave notice of the solemn ser- 
 vice, and every one being properly seated, 
 matins were celebrated, with all the im- 
 pressive solemnity of the forms of the 
 Koman Catholic church. High mass was 
 
 said
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 43 
 
 said by the prior; and the service being 
 ended, the procession left the chapel, and 
 returning through the cloisters, passed into 
 the refectory, where a sumptuous enter- 
 tainment was provided. The sub-prior was 
 served on plate, at a table by himself, at 
 the upper end of the room, the servitors 
 who brought in the meat chaunting as they 
 carried it up to the table, and halting at 
 every fifth step, as was the manner ob- 
 served in the greater abbeys, such as those 
 of St. Alban's, Reading, and Glastonbury, 
 when the abbot dined in public, on solemn 
 occasions. The monks and lay-brethren 
 were served at their respective tables, with 
 all due attention, and in a most magnificent 
 manner. 
 
 Immediately after having partaken of the 
 repast, the sub-prior and the six senior priests 
 were introduced into the great chamber, 
 where the Lady Bolebec was seated, under a 
 canopy of state, having on her right hand 
 her beautiful daughter, and on her left all 
 her principal attendants, ranged in proper 
 
 order.
 
 44 THE GREY FJRIABj AND 
 
 order, in their rich liveries of green and 
 silver. The ecclesiastics^ who were equally 
 delighted with their entertainment^ and 
 astonished at the magnificence of it^ seve- 
 rally made their obeisances; and the su- 
 perior returned thanks, in the name of his 
 order, f he hospitality they had experi- 
 enced ; and after assuring Lady Bolebec of 
 their entire devotion, withdrew, in order to 
 effect the purpose for which their visit had 
 been undertaken. 
 
 The prior and monks retired into a room 
 over the great gateway. In the meantime, 
 the lay-brethren had been conducted 
 through a postern gate to a recess in one 
 of the bastions, whence they were directed 
 to issue in a body, seize the suspected 
 person, and bring him forcibly into the 
 Tower. 
 
 At the hour of twelve, the poor cot- 
 tagers^ and other inhabitants o^ Bernwood 
 Forest, who dailv asked alms at the orate of 
 Glandon Tower, appeared as usual. A few 
 casual passengers were added to the number, 
 
 and
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. ^J 
 
 and the Grey Friar joined the «Toup, 
 after having perambulated the adjacent 
 grove,, and seemingly taken a survey of 
 the moat and turret at the south-west angle, 
 where the nature of the' out-works per- 
 mitted a nearer approach than on the op- 
 posite side. 
 
 A small piece of money was given to 
 each of the mendicants^ in remembrance 
 of St. George's day ; and the Grey Friar 
 having received his manchet, was imme- 
 diately accosted by two of the lay-brethren 
 of Studley Priory^ wearing the same habit 
 as his own — "' Save you, good brother of 
 our order^ whence come you this fair 
 day?" 
 
 " I come/' said he, " from Ramsay, but 
 can no longer stay ; wherefore, good 
 brothers, farewell — I hasten on my way;" 
 and with these words would have in- 
 stantly departed ; but the two monks 
 seizing him each by an arm, insisted on 
 bringing him into the presence of their 
 superior. 
 
 The
 
 46 -THE GREY FRIAR, AND 
 
 The prisoner at first made a desperate 
 resistance, and having extricated his right 
 hand from the grasp of one of his as- 
 sailants, drew a dagger, which had been 
 concealed in "his bosom, and severely 
 wounded one of the brethren ; but the rest 
 coming up, he was immediately disarmed, 
 bound hand and foot, and conveyed into 
 the Tower. 
 
 The prior and the rest of the ecclesiastics 
 beingseated, the prisonerwasbroughtbefcre 
 them, and commanded to give an account 
 of his name, the name of his convent, if 
 be really belonged to one, and the business 
 which brought him into this part of the 
 country. He said that he belonged to the 
 Abbey of Ramsay, in Huntingdonshire, 
 and was the bearer of dispatches from the 
 abbot to Sir Humhprey Bohun of Morde- 
 ford Castle ; but that, having been met by 
 a party of armed men, they had compelled 
 him to exchange his own habit for that 
 . which he now wore, deprived him of his 
 papers, and left him on the confines of 
 
 Bernwood
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 47 
 
 Bernwood Forest : that remembering to 
 have once been shellereU from a storm by 
 a hermit who resided in this Forest, he 
 had, with some difficulty, discovered his 
 abode, and that he had been constrained 
 by the hermit to remain with him at his 
 cell, until there should be less danger in 
 travelling back to Ramsay : and, finally, 
 that he had visited the gate of Glandon 
 Tower, for the purpose of obtaining sus- 
 tenance for the old hermit^ as well as 
 himself. 
 
 Many of the monks of Studley, as well 
 as the servants of Lady Bolebec_, knew 
 that the latter part of this tale was a 
 mere fabrication ; for the hermit who 
 formerly lived at the cell in the Forest 
 had been many years dead, and the her- 
 mitao:e had never afterwards been occu- 
 pied, but for the occasional mortifica- 
 tion of penitents, chiefly belonging to 
 the ecclesiastical establishment at Studley, 
 and one other of the neighbouring mo- 
 nasteries. 
 
 But
 
 48 THE GREY FRIAR, AND 
 
 But the pretended Friar persisted in his 
 story with great effrontery, until he was 
 confronted by Stephen and Norman, who 
 severally related what they had witnessed of 
 the behaviour of the prisoner. The prior 
 perceiving he was greatly confused, ex- 
 horted him to make a full^ free, and com- 
 plete confession of the truth, in order to 
 render to society all the recompence which 
 it was in his power to make for the injuries 
 hq had done, and the deceit which he had 
 practised. The monk, however, continued 
 refractory. He was then ordered to be 
 searched ; and on examining his garments, 
 there was found in his cowl or hood a 
 paper written in cyphers^ which, as far as 
 it could be understood, contained instruc- 
 tions from Simon de Montfort, relative to 
 a proposed plan for surprising the two 
 fortresses of Glandon Tower and Bal- 
 broughton Castle. 
 
 It appeared that the prisoner was an 
 officer in Montfort 's army, and that he was 
 employed for the purpose of procuring 
 
 the
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 49 
 
 the most accurate information respecting 
 the strength and condition of the above- 
 mentioned places: that he was to make 
 his rendezvous in a cavern^ which the writ- 
 ing expressly stated to have been '^ lately 
 made southward of the hermitage in Bern- 
 wood Forest;" here he was to receive far- 
 ther orders ; and certain days were specified, 
 when messengers would be sent to the 
 cavern, to receive his letters, and commu- 
 nicate the orders by which his future pro- 
 ceedings were to be regulated. The name 
 of Sir Walter Fitz-Parnellj governor of 
 Warkworth Castle, was repeatedly intro- 
 duced, and something added relative to 
 supplies of arms, of which a depot was to 
 be formed in the Forest ; but the writing 
 in this part appeared to have been defaced, 
 and was become illeo[ible. 
 
 The prior gravely asked, if he had 
 any instructions from the Earl of Leicester 
 to rob an ecclesiastic, or to assume the 
 sacred garb, as a cloak for treason and 
 hypocrisy ? 
 
 YOL. I. D The
 
 5-0 THE GREY TRIAR^ AND 
 
 The prisoner obstinately persisted in re- 
 fusing to tell his name, or make any farther 
 disclosure respecting the nature of his in- , 
 tercourse with IVlontfort ; but admitted^ 
 that he had .en trusted to the horsemen 
 ^vhom Norman had seen entering the cot- 
 tage, a letter for his chieftain. 
 
 The prior told him, that the offence of 
 which he was clearly guilty, subjected him 
 to the undoubted vengeance of the laws; 
 but that it was not the custom of the 
 church to interfere in secular concerns; 
 " and therefore/' said he, '' the punishment 
 which I shall cause to be inflicted is only 
 to be considered as the wholesome chastise- 
 ment of our holy mother, without reference 
 to civil or martial law, to Avliich you will 
 be afterwards consigned/* 
 
 The six junior monks w^re then com- 
 manded to attend in one of the dungeons 
 of the Tower, where the prisoner being 
 properly secured, received at their hands 
 the *' wholesome chastisement" of three 
 hundred stripes, with leather thongs, on his 
 
 bare
 
 THE Bf.AOK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 51 
 
 bare back, and was then committed to close 
 custody, till the pleasure of Sir Hugh de 
 Bolebec should be known. 
 
 The monks now preparing to return to 
 the Priory, received at the hands of the 
 Lady Bolebec a superb vase of massy silver, 
 for the use of the prior, and then de- 
 parted, with the same solemnity with 
 which they had entered, chanting vespers 
 as the procession marched' slowly out of 
 the Tower. 
 
 D 2 CHAP.
 
 52 THE GREY- FRIAR, AND 
 
 CHAP. III. 
 
 The Lady Bolebec was become extremeiy 
 anxious to receive some intelligence of Sir 
 Hugh. Many days had now passed over, 
 and everv moment en creased her alarms. 
 The messenger at length returned, wiih 
 intelligence that the forces of the Earl of 
 Glocester had marched -towards Wales, and 
 thejeft wing of the army, under the com- 
 mand of Hugh de Bolebec, was hastening 
 with the utmost expedition to the relief 
 of Devizes, now invested by Montfort's 
 forces. 
 
 Under these circumstances, it was not 
 without difficulty that he could spare even 
 
 a small
 
 TltE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 53 
 
 a small detachment ; but the urgency of the 
 case had suggested the necessity of imme* 
 diate succour; and therefore he had directed 
 his brother-in-law^ the Earl of St. Clair, 
 who was raising a body of troops near 
 Bristol, to proceed with as many of them 
 as he could collect to Glandon Tower, ta 
 act as exigences might require. 
 
 Sir Hugh was so well satisfied respecting 
 the strength of his own walls, and the pru- 
 dence and resolution of his Lady, who 
 added to all the virtues which adorn her 
 own sex, the firmness and intrepidity cf her 
 father, the great Earl of St. Clair, that he 
 entertained no apprehensions whatsoever 
 of Glandon Tower fallino^ into the enemy's 
 hands: at the same time he knew, that it 
 was of the utmost importance to prevent, 
 if possible, those destructive ravages to 
 which the defenceless families of his vassals 
 and tenantry would be necessarily exposed, 
 if the vindictive Montfort once established 
 a military force in the recesses of Bernwood 
 Forest. 
 
 D 3 Lady
 
 54 THE GRE7 FltlAR,, AND 
 
 Lady Bolebec, who had been incessantly 
 occupied with her inaternal and domestic 
 dutieSj and the care of so important a 
 fortress as Glandon Tower, looked forward 
 to the arrival of the Earl of St. Clair with 
 peculiar satisfaction, as it promised her at 
 least considerable relief, from constant 
 watchings and fatigue ; but the discovery 
 which had been made of Leicester's in- 
 tended plan to seize the Tower had opened 
 a fresh source of alarm, of which she 
 thought it necessary that St. Clair should 
 be apprized, because it might determina 
 him respecting the numbei* of troops he 
 might deem it proper or necessary to bring 
 with him. 
 
 Another messenger was therefore imme- 
 diately sent to Bristol, with a letter, in 
 which, after briefly stating that she had 
 discovered a plot that had been laid for 
 seizin^]: Balbrouohtcn Castle and Glandon 
 Tower, and thought it of great importance 
 that he should be informed of it, that he 
 might accelerate his march, in order, if 
 
 possibIe>
 
 tlTE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 5fr 
 
 possible, to avoid the hazard of meeting the 
 Earl of Leicester, who, she naturally ima- 
 gined, whenever he did venture before the 
 gates of her mansion, would make his ap- 
 pearance in considerable force. 
 
 On the detection of the pretended friar. 
 Lady Bolebec admitted into tlie Tower a 
 band of thirty of the neighbouring foresters, 
 who kept guard over the prisoner, and now 
 assisted in preparing the fortress for the 
 reception of the Earl of St. Clair and his 
 followers. It was one of these foresters 
 whom her Ladyship hadentrnsted with ther 
 letter to her brother; but in a few hours 
 after he had left tlie Tower, it occurred ta 
 her, that if any circumstances should pre- 
 vent the Earl of St. Clair from accompany- 
 ing his troops in person, it might be highly 
 imprudent to admit a bodv of strangers 
 within the walls. She therefore resolved 
 to send the faithful Stephen with a secret 
 message to her brother, by which that 
 danger might be avoided. He accordingly 
 set forward on. a fleet courser, being en- 
 
 D 4 tri:^ted
 
 56 THE GREY FRIAR, AND 
 
 trusted with a scarf of skv-blue silk, em- 
 broidered with silver flowers, the work of 
 the charming Isabella, with command to 
 deliver it privately to the Earl himself, and 
 request that it might be worn on his left 
 arm, or by whomsoever should conduct the 
 troops to Glandon, as a signal by which 
 Lady Bolebec might know that they who 
 approached were friends, and might be ad~ 
 mitted without danger. 
 
 Stephen proceeded with the utmost ex- 
 pedition ; but as the former messenger had 
 been dispatched at least ^\q hours before^ 
 it seemed scarcely possible for him to ar- 
 rive at Bristol until after the delivery of 
 Lady Bolebec's letter. However, when he 
 reached that city, the Earl of St. Clair was 
 absent, and not expected to return until 
 the next day, when Stephen took the earliest 
 opportunity of delivering his message, and 
 presenting the scarf. 
 
 St. Clair expressed soine surprise that the 
 first messenger had not yet arrived ; but 
 being verbally informed by Stephen that 
 
 Lady
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 57 
 
 Lady Bolebec had sent hirti;, in consequence 
 of the detection of the monk having aroused 
 her apprehensions of the To\.er being as- 
 sailed by stratagem^ desired Stephen to 
 return immediately to Lady. Bolebec, in 
 order to assure her of his assistance, as soon 
 as circumstances \vould permit ; in the 
 meantime, to recommend to her to cause 
 the Forest to be strictly watched, especially 
 the neighbourhood of the cottage ; and to 
 endeavour to obtain, if possible, some in- 
 telligence of the intention of the enemy, 
 from the prisoner in her custody, either by 
 conciliation or threatenings. 
 
 Stephen took leave of the Earl, and ]tft 
 Bristol; but he had not travelled more 
 than about twelve miles, when his horse 
 trod on a sharp spike, and was so com- 
 pletely lamed by the accident, as to be 
 wholly unable to proceed. He sought in 
 vain, at the next village, for some other 
 conveyance; but, in that age, the facilities 
 of travelling were few, and, at that parti- 
 cular period, almost all the horses in the 
 
 B 5 country
 
 58' THE GREY FRIAR^ AND 
 
 country had been taken away, for the use 
 of the army. Stephen was, therefore, re- 
 duced to the alternative either of remaining 
 where he w^as, until the Earl of St. Clair 
 should pass that way, or of proceeding on 
 foot towards the place of his destination. 
 Judging of his Lady's anxiety by his own 
 solicitude on her account, he preferred the 
 latter; and accordingly made the best of 
 his wav, leavins: his horse behind. 
 
 About the time that the return of the 
 first m.essenger might have been expected, 
 Norman, who filled the office of chief 
 porter, in the absence of Stephen, wasr 
 awakened, at a very early hour, by the 
 sound of the bugle-horn ; and a stranger, 
 mounted en a black palfrey, handsomely 
 caparisoned^ delivered a letter addressed to 
 the Lady Bolebcc. This .letter purported 
 to be written by command of the Earl of 
 St. Clair, to acknowledge the receipt of 
 Lady Bolebec's corn muricat ion by the 
 bands of the forester, and to say, that in 
 consequence of the messenger having been 
 
 seized
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OP THE WYE. 
 
 59 
 
 seized with a sudden illness, he had caused 
 a special courier to bring this answer; to 
 apprize her of the approach of his advanced 
 guar<l, under the command of^ Sir Michael 
 Fettiplace, the writer of the letter; and 
 stating, that the Earl himself might be ex- 
 pected in two or three days, with the re- 
 mainder of his forces. 
 
 The Lady Bolebec, who had never be- 
 fore heard that Fettiplace had taken part 
 2-n the war; felt some degree of surprise to 
 find that so aid and experienced a warrior 
 was serving under the command of her 
 ]>rother, St. Clair, who had himself- but 
 lately taken up arms as a volunteer in 
 Bolebec's forces; and although the young 
 Earl was a nobleman of distinguished cou- 
 rage and address, she was sufficiently ac- 
 (yuainted with military usage, to know that 
 it was at least very unusual for a veteran 
 warrior t'o place- himself under so juvenile 
 a commander. She was unable to reconcile 
 this extraordinary circumstance with ordi- 
 luicy practice; but at length imagined,. 
 
 D a thaV.
 
 CO THE GREY FRIARj AND 
 
 that the appointment of St. Clair on this 
 occasion must have been entirely on ac- 
 count of family connexions, and that he 
 had probably requested Sir Michael Fetti- 
 place to accompany him, on account of 
 never having before been entrusted with 
 so important a command. 
 
 As it was of great importance to know 
 whether Stephen had executed his com- 
 mission in safety, and as Lady Bolebec was 
 perfectly convinced of his fidelity and zeal, 
 she was much disappointed that he had not 
 before returned. The courier who brousjht 
 the letter from Sir Michael Fettiplace made 
 no mention of him, and having rode off 
 in great haste, as soon as he had delivered 
 it, on account €if having other dispatches, 
 as he said, of great importance, which re- 
 quired to be immediately forwarded, there 
 was no opportunhy of making any inquiry 
 on the subject. 
 
 In the course of the day, intelligence 
 
 was brought that a party of bowmen had 
 
 been seen passing through the Forest, in a 
 
 5 direction
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 61 
 
 direction leading towards Banbury ; and as 
 Wark worth Castle, in that neighbourhoorj, 
 had now a garrison under the command of 
 Fitz-Parnell, nephew of the Earl of Lei- 
 cester, it seemed probable that these bow- 
 men were some of his partizans : — they, 
 however, passed by Glandon Tower, with- 
 out haltinof. 
 
 Another day had now elapsed, without 
 any account of vStephen ; and the Lady 
 Bolebec began to entertain serious appre- 
 hensions that he had fallen in with some 
 straggling party of the enemy, and perhaps 
 had been taken prisoner by them. The 
 loss of a faithful servant would have been 
 at any time a serious evil ; but at so critical 
 a moment, the bare apprehension of it was 
 highly distressini;. 
 
 It was not until a late hour that Lady 
 Bolebec retired to her chamber; but the 
 agitation of her mind, distracted with 
 doubts and fears, and almost worn out with 
 constant watchings, would not suffer her 
 to clobe her eyes. While she contemplated 
 
 the
 
 6^' THE GREY FRIAKj ANIf 
 
 the placid countenance of her charming' 
 iiifantj the little Edward, who reposed by 
 her side, in all the tranquillity of health" 
 and innocence, a stranoer vet to care and 
 siifferinos, and unconscious of the dan<Ters' 
 by which he was surrounded, the tear of 
 maternal sensibility stole down her cheek; 
 and she breathed a prayer to Heaven for 
 his continual preservation. The lovely 
 Isabella was sleeping in an adjoining cham- 
 ber — her fine auburn hair, falling in ringlets 
 on her snowy necky presented a subject fit. 
 for the pencil of Apeiles — '' Possessed of 
 such a treasure," said Lady Bolebec, " it 
 would be an affront to the Power that 
 bestowed it, if I should suflTer my fortitude to 
 be subdued, or my patience exhausted, by 
 any circumstances which can possibly occur 
 — No ! thouorh Glandon Tower should even 
 undergo a siege, while one stone remains 
 iipon another, the daughter of the brave- 
 st. Clair will take her s^and upo^n the tot-- 
 tcring ruins, and prove herself worthy of>. 
 tier alliance with Hugh de Bolebec/' 
 
 Enthusiasm;^
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 03^ 
 
 Enthusiasm, which is the spur of valour, 
 and the encitement to, noble actions^ can- 
 not have a stronger spring than the feelings 
 of a virtuous parent^ anxious to preserve 
 the offspring o^ conjugal love. Inspirited 
 by the glorious^ thought^ Lady Bolebec 
 seemed to acquire fresh strength, and t<y 
 be animated above all sense of personal^ 
 danger; and while affection melted her 
 heart at the hazardous enterprize in which- 
 Sir Hugh was then engaged, she felt a glow- 
 of delight at the anticipation of his suc- 
 cess. 
 
 It was in this frame of mind that Lady 
 Bolebec received information that Stephen 
 was returned to the- Tower. Norman, who 
 kept watch on one of the turrets, had' 
 descried him by the light of the moon, 
 iind inynediately hastened to inform the 
 attendant of Lady Bolebec, who always^ 
 caused the keys of the gates to be brought 
 into her own apartment^ before she retired 
 to- rest. 
 
 Norman was directed to admit Stephen' 
 
 throu^rh
 
 04 THE GREY FRIAR^ AND 
 
 through the postern. He arrived, out of 
 breath, and greatly agilated. On his en- 
 trance into the Tower, he hastily inquired 
 if all were safe, in a tone and manner which 
 indicated the greatest anxiety and pertur- 
 bation-; and on being told that everything 
 was perfectly secure, desired to be imme- 
 diately brought into the presence of his 
 Lady, exhorting Norman to keep the strict- 
 est look-out, and give immediate informa- 
 tion of the approach of any one. 
 
 Stephen began his narrative by inform- 
 ing Lady Bolebec, that on his arrival at 
 Bristol, he had safely delivered the scarf 
 into the hands of the Earl of St. Clair, wha 
 in return desired him to assure her Lady- 
 ship that he would use the utmost expe- 
 dition in coming to her assistance ; but that, 
 from the difficulty he had found in raising 
 men, and the necessity which there was of 
 eirploying in such a service only those on 
 whom he could rely, with confidence, he 
 did not think it possible to arrive at 
 Glandon Tower in less than t^n days. 
 
 *' Did
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE W^E. 65 
 
 '' Did you hear anything of Sir Michael 
 Fettiplace?" said Lady Bolebec. 
 
 ^' Indeed/' replied Stephen, " I did, my 
 Lady ; and I feared that I should not have 
 been able to apprize your Ladyship of his 
 intended visit." 
 
 " It was unnecessary/' said Lady Bolebec, 
 " for a courier brought me this letter yes- 
 terday morning. — But how am I to recon- 
 cile your account with my brother's assur- 
 ance, that I may expect him in three 
 days?" 
 
 '' The Earl expressly told me the corv- 
 trary/' replied Stephen — '' Pray, how did 
 your Ladyship receive such intelligence?" 
 
 " By the letter," rejoined Lady Bolebec; 
 '^ and I suppose it must have been written 
 after you left my brother; it is dated on 
 Tuesday." 
 
 '' The Earl was not at Bristol," said 
 Stephen, with some surprise, '' on that 
 day." 
 
 '' Then," continued Lady Bolebec, " that 
 
 accounts
 
 66' TilE GREY FRIAR, ANIT 
 
 accounts for Sir Michael Fettiplace writing' 
 in the name of my brother." 
 
 " Is it possible/' exclaimed the asto- 
 nished Stephen, " that Sir Michael Fet- 
 tiplace, after seizing the dispatches, 
 shonld have forged the name of my Lord, 
 the Ear), in order to impose on your 
 Ladyship, and gain admittance into the 
 Tower?" 
 
 Lady Bolebec was, by this time^ eveir 
 more astonished, if possible, than her faith- 
 ful domestic, who imrtic^diately undeceived" 
 Mer with regard to the letter, by staling 
 that Sir Michael Fettiplace held a command 
 under the Earl of Leicester ; and having 
 met with the messenger who had been sent 
 from Glandon Tower with an account of 
 tl)e plan which had been laid for getting 
 possession of that fortress and Balbroughton 
 Castle, had fabricated this letter, in reply 
 to Lady Bolebec's communication, for the 
 very purpose which St-ephen had before 
 suggested; 
 
 Stepheifc
 
 THE BlACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 67 
 
 Stephen proceeded lo acquaint his Lady 
 with the accident that prevented his return 
 so early as he might have been expected : 
 that, in consequence of the inability of 
 his horse to proceed, he continued his 
 journey on foot, and deviated from the 
 road, in order to reach Glandon Tawer by 
 a nearer way : that he was benighted, so 
 that he did not reach the village where he 
 had intended to sleep, until it was very late: 
 that on endeavouring to procure a lodging, 
 he found every house occupied by Sir 
 Michael Fettiolare's soldiers; and that the 
 room in which, after much difficulty, he 
 was permitted to sleep, was contiguous to 
 a chamber where two of Sir Michael Fetti- 
 place's officers lodged : that he overheard 
 them discoursing upon Sir Michael's inten j 
 lion to attempt the surprise of Glandoa 
 Tower, in consequence of having inter- 
 eepted a letter, which Stephen had no 
 difficulty in conjecturing was that which 
 the Lady Bolebec had addressed to her 
 * brother.
 
 68' THK GREY FRIABj AND 
 
 brother, the Earl of St. Clair. Having 
 made this important discovery^ honest 
 Stephen almost forgot his fatigue, in the 
 desire he felt to communicate the intel- 
 lio^ence to Ladv Bolebec. He arose at the 
 earliest dawn of day, and, without stop:- 
 ping, excepting to allay his thirst, hastened, 
 with as much speed as he could, towards- 
 Glandon Tower. 
 
 In passing the woods, on the borders of ' 
 Oxfordshire, he heard some one calling to 
 him out of a thicket; but unwilling to sub- 
 «iit to 2 mcmei^ts delav. would have passed 
 on, if the same voice, in a plaintive tone^ 
 had not a second time besought his assist- 
 ance. The voice seemed familiar to his 
 ear, and, on approaching the thicket, 
 proved to be that of the forester who 
 had been sent with the letter from Glandon 
 Tower. 
 
 He had been stripped of his doublet, his^, 
 shoes taken away, and himself bound fast 
 Id a tree; and the road being unfrequent-
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 69 
 
 cd, he had remained in that wretched con- 
 dition two whole davs. without beincr able 
 to obtain his release. 
 
 The poor fellow's limbs were so much 
 swollen by the rude bandages with which 
 he had been tiedj and the violence used in 
 confining him, that he was in a condition 
 very unfit for travelling. Stephen, there- 
 fore, conducted him to the nearest village, 
 and left him under the care of a humane 
 cottager, who promised Xo afford him all 
 the assistance in his power. 
 
 The forester informed Stephen, that when 
 on his road to Bristol, he was pursued for 
 more than two miles by several horsemen : 
 that suspecting, at the time he passed by 
 them, that they belonged to the forces of 
 the enemy, he quickened his pace, in order 
 to escape their pursuit ; and, depending 
 • on the superior speed of his horse, had 
 endeavoured to fly from them, across the 
 country, till, in attempting \o cross a deep 
 foss, his horse fell with him, and he was 
 immediately secured by the troopers. On 
 
 being
 
 THE GREY FRIAR, AND 
 
 being searched, the letter of Lady Boleber. 
 ^as found upon him, and immediately 
 opened by one of the persons who had 
 pursued him, while another possessed him- 
 self of the forester's horse, and rode away 
 with it. The person who had opened the 
 letter put many questions to him respecting 
 the situation of Glandon Tower, the force 
 remaining in it, and its condition to resist 
 an attack ; and, in consequence of his re- 
 fusal to afford any information on such 
 subjects, ordered him to be stripped naked, 
 bound hand and foot, and tied to a tree ; 
 "which orders, ^o far as related to the latter 
 particulars, were immediately executed, 
 and he was left on the spot in the condition 
 before described, until the fortunate arrival 
 of his old acquaintance Stephen, by whom 
 he was released. 
 
 Havino- finished this account of his ad- 
 ventures, the Lady Bolebec recommended 
 to him to retire to rest immediately, as he 
 appeared to be greatly fatigued. She gave 
 immediate directions, in person, for main- 
 taining
 
 THE BLACK SPIHIT OF THE WYE. 7i 
 
 Gaining the security of the Tower, and re- 
 sisting any a-ttajk which might be made 
 upon it. 
 
 She very wisely foresaw, that as the plan 
 had been hastily adopted, tlve success of 
 the stratagem must depend on the secresy 
 ^nd suddenness with which it could be exe- 
 'CUted. She knew that a small force would 
 be ineffectual in any attempt upon a place 
 so strongly fortified, and therefore thought 
 it much more probable, that if Sir Michael 
 Fettiplace were disappointed of imm^^diate 
 admission into the Tower, he would be dis- 
 posed to give up the scheme, rather than 
 'to hazard a direct attack. 
 
 Glandon Tower was abundantly stored 
 with provisions, and well stocked with wea- 
 pons arid ammunition of all kinds. There 
 ■was a copious spring of pellucid water 
 v;ithin the area of the barbican, and a un- 
 ^xhaustible well in the very centre of the 
 building. It had three posterns, besides 
 the principal entrance, each of them se- 
 cured by a drawbridge and portcullis; and 
 
 the
 
 7i2 THE GREY FRIAR^ AND 
 
 the height and solidity of the walls were 
 calculated to resist the force of the most 
 powerfiil engines at that time used in 
 warfare The assistance required by the 
 Lady Bolcbec was, as has been before 
 stated, not for the defence of the Tower, 
 which was too strong to be readily sub- 
 dued, but for the purpose of clearing the 
 Forest of the Earl of Leicester's troops, 
 who, if allowed to remain there, would 
 probably commit many depredations and 
 atrocities. 
 
 CHAP.
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 73 
 
 CHAP. IV. 
 
 Early in the morning, the sound of the 
 bugle gave the signal of alarm to the in- 
 habitants of Glandon Tower; but instead 
 of the expected enemy, it was a messenger 
 from Sir Hugh de Bolebec, to announce 
 the success of his arms> in having thrown 
 a considerable reinforcement into the De- 
 vizes, and, in co-operation with the troops 
 of SirHumphreyBohun, driven the besiegers 
 from their attack; and that he was then in 
 pursuit of the fugitives, who had directed 
 their course towards the strong fort of 
 Badanburv, near Dorchester. 
 
 This good news filled every one with 
 >0L. I. E pleasure.
 
 74 THE GREY FRIAB^ AND 
 
 pleasure, and was a sort of cordial of as 
 much value as a strong military force. Lady 
 Bolebec wrote a concise account of the 
 recent occurrences, and besought the com- 
 mands of Sir Hugh respecting the prisoner 
 in custody ; and having presented the mes- 
 senger with a suitable reward for being the 
 bearer of such welcome tidings, directed 
 him to return by a route, in which he would 
 avoid the -danger of interruption from 
 Montfort's adherents. 
 
 With equal policy and satisfaction, the 
 Lady Bolebec resolved to mark the present 
 as a day of victory and rejoicing. She 
 caused flags to be displayed on the turrets 
 of the Tower, dressed her attendants in 
 their richest liveries, and provided a plen- 
 tiful entertainment, not only for those who 
 kept watch and ward within, but for the 
 purpose of making a generous distribution 
 to the poor and needy without; thus in- 
 fusing into all her dependants a portion of 
 ardour, resolution, and zeal, highly ad- 
 vantageous^ at so critical a moment. 
 
 The
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 75 
 
 The day was drawing towards a close, 
 when the sentinel gave notice from the 
 turrets of the approach of a troop of 
 horsemen, in martial order. They were 
 well mounted, and clothed in crimson 
 doublets. Scarcely had the alarm been 
 given, when a company of bowmen, in 
 green vests, also appeared, but halted at a 
 considerable distance, and seemingly re- 
 treated behind a thick grove of chesnut 
 trees, on the western side of the Tower. 
 
 Some of the servants belonging to the 
 mansion, and about twenty of the foresters, 
 with slings in their hands, were posted on 
 the great tower, while the porter standing 
 at the gate, completely armed, held in his 
 hand the chain of the portcullis half drawn 
 up. The commander advanced, and the 
 trumpets sounded. The porter demanded 
 who it was that approached. He was an- 
 swered, *' Sir Michael Fettiplace brings 
 succours for the defence of Glandon Tower, 
 and desires admittance.'* 
 
 The porter called aloud, " By what sign ?" 
 E 2 " In
 
 76 THE GREY FBIAH^ AND 
 
 '' In the name of Alfred Earl of St. 
 Clair," replied the officer^ '' who greets by 
 me the Lady Bolebec/' 
 
 At these words, the Lady Bolebec herself 
 caine forth upon the battlements, clad in 
 a rich robe of green and silver, having 
 on her head a sable plume, and bearing a 
 shield and lance. Sir Michael Fettiplace 
 immediately dismounted, and, with great 
 courtesy, entreated permission to enter the 
 gates, having, he said, brought forces from 
 Bristol for defence of her Ladyship and the 
 mansion. 
 
 " Sir Michael," said the Lady, '' we take 
 your visit kindly as you mean it ; but 
 Glandcn Tower wants no succours from 
 Montfort's servants, while the daughter of 
 St. Clair and humble wife of Bolebec can 
 hold a spear and shield. The night draws 
 on — you may have far to go to find repose. 
 We have no time for parley; wherefore. 
 Sir Knight, farewell." 
 
 With these words, and without waiting 
 for any reply, the Lady Bolebec immedi- 
 ately
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 77 
 
 ately retired, the drums and trumpets of the 
 garrison sounding a point of war. 
 
 Sir Michael Fettiplace, equally surprised 
 and mortified at the failure of his stratagem^ 
 made a precipitate retreat^ by the road 
 leading towards the north. 
 
 The night was dark and tempestuous^ 
 and the scheme which had been practised, 
 (notwithstanding its want of success), in 
 different degrees interrupted the repose of 
 every one in Glandon Tower. 
 
 The Lady Bolebec's apartments were 
 situated in the south-west angle of the 
 buildin":, and had a Drivate communication 
 with the gallery of the chapel, by means 
 of a winding staircase, vvhich was secured by 
 a strong door studded with iron, and kept 
 constantly locked, unless when the Lady 
 Bolebec was attending her devotions in the 
 chapel. 
 
 During almost the whole of this night, 
 without the smallest degree of preconceived 
 apprehension, or the slightest reason for 
 directing her attention to this part of the 
 
 E 3 building.
 
 78 . THE GREY FRIAR, AND 
 
 building, rather than to any other, her 
 Ladyship was incessantly disturbed by ideas 
 of insecurity and danger, which were not 
 the less distressing because she could not 
 account for them. Sometimes she fancied 
 that she heard the sound of footsteps on the 
 staircase; at another time, that the hinges 
 of the door creaked, as if attempted to be 
 forcibly opened ; then that the stones in 
 the wall were crushed, as if by some power- 
 ful engine ;,and presently that the loosened 
 bars which guarded the loopholes by which 
 the passage was lighted, were giving way. 
 Notwithstanding the natural fortitude of 
 an heroic mind. Lady Bolebec felt it im- 
 possible to conquer these unaccountable 
 emotions of terror. They continued during 
 the night, and were scarcely removed by 
 the cheerfulness of morning. 
 
 In consequence of these sensations, Lady 
 Bolebec caused every part of the Tower to 
 be carefully searched, more particularly in 
 that quarter whence the noises had seemed 
 to proceed; but nothing was discovered 
 
 to
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 79 
 
 to justify her alarm, or remove the appre- 
 sions which, in spite of all the reasoning 
 she could apply to the subject, still clung to 
 her mind. 
 
 In order to ascertain whether there Vv-ere 
 any parties of Sir Michael Fettiplace's men 
 lurking in the vicinage, Stephen, disguised 
 as a peasant, and accompanied by one of 
 the foresters, was sent towards the hermi- 
 tage, to explore that part of the Forest. 
 They were ordered not to venture into the 
 cavern at the cottage, it being thought 
 more prudent to await the arrival of the 
 Earl of St. Clair with his forces, before a 
 search was made there ; but to mark atten- 
 tively whether there were any appearances 
 of tiie spot having been of late much re- 
 sorted to. 
 
 In the meantime, the Lady Bclebec de- 
 scended to the dungeon in which the pri- 
 soner was confined, with an intention, if 
 possible, to obtain some farther account of 
 the designs of the enemy. 
 
 The room where the prisoner was shut 
 E 4 up
 
 80 THE GREY FRIAR^ AND 
 
 up was a large apartment, in which, con- 
 trary to the usual practice of those times, 
 both light and air were admitted. The 
 apertures were, however, well secured by 
 iron bars, and the door also was of iron. 
 
 The generous sentiments by which the 
 family of Bolebec were always actuated^ 
 extended to the captive in the dungeon ; 
 and he had experienced so much more 
 compassion and kindness than he at first 
 expected, as to have produced a very dif- 
 ferent fr^ime of mind from that with which 
 he had entered his prison : but nothing 
 could subdue his native obstinacy, nor 
 soften the malignity of his temper. 
 
 At the entrance of Lady Bolebec, who was 
 accompanied by her women, and attended 
 by several domestics well armed, he arose, 
 with a sort of sullen respect. She addressed 
 him with a frankness of manner, which 
 almost always conciliates, by affording the 
 best pledge of sincerity; and told him, that 
 the plot in which he had been engaged, 
 for seizing Glandon Tower, at a period 
 
 when
 
 THE ELACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 81 
 
 when its Lord had taken arms in defence 
 of his lawful sovereign, was an offence of 
 so heinous a nature, that there could be no 
 other chance of saving his life, but by the 
 interference of those against whom per- 
 sonally the destructiveness of that plot had 
 been designed : that she was well aware of 
 the rooted' animosity borne to her house 
 by the Earl of Leicester, but that, on the 
 present occasion, she was disposed to con- 
 sider the scheme which had been laid for 
 the destruction of herself and family in the 
 light of an offence against the legitimate 
 sovereignty of the monarch, rather than 
 an act of private treachery, or domestic 
 hostility : that she would therefore deal by 
 the prisoner with the strictestjustice, leaving 
 him to the judgment of Prince Edward, who 
 was then the administrator of the aifairs of 
 the kingdom : but that if he the prisoner 
 expected ordesircd mercy, a full and explicit 
 disclosure of all he knew of the conspiracy, 
 ,cculd alone entitle him to her application 
 in his behalf; and that if he could bring 
 
 E 5 himself
 
 S2 THE GREY FRIAE, AKD 
 
 himself to make such a disclosure, with 
 sincerity, and without delay, he might rely 
 on her influence being used to obtain his 
 pardon and release, both from captivity and 
 the anathema of the church. 
 
 The prisoner, who seemed to be much 
 affected by the generosity and frankness of 
 this address, replied, that however grateful 
 he might feel for any effort on the part of 
 Lady Bolebec to procure his liberation, he 
 should think himself but ill entitled to it 
 by treachery; that whatsoever might be 
 his future fate, he would make no farther 
 disclosure than he had already done ; and 
 therefore entreated that he might not be 
 pressed on that head. 
 
 There was something in his air and man- 
 ner v.'hich bespoke a person of high condi- 
 tion ; a lofty and supercilious brow marked 
 a certain haughtiness of disposition, which 
 shewed that he was more accustomed to 
 command than to obey ; and from the first 
 moment that Lady Bolebec cast her eyes 
 upon him, she felt a strong conviction that 
 
 he
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 83 
 
 he was no ordinary prisoner. Finding, 
 however, that no impression could be made 
 on his inflexible temper, her Ladyship told 
 him, that unless he would inform her of 
 his real name and rank, she would cause 
 him to be marched a prisoner to the Prince's 
 army, where military execution would be 
 his undoubted fate. The pretended friar 
 boldly replied — " With my name and rank. 
 Madam, you will perhaps be too well ac- 
 quainted, long before the time in which it 
 would be possible for me to reach the 
 Prince's army.'* 
 
 Lady Bolebec was now convinced thctt 
 the danger to be dreaded was near at hand. 
 The determined emphasis with which the 
 prisoner had spoken at once aroused her 
 astonishment and apprehensions. The pa- 
 per of instructions, which had been found 
 upon him, mentioned indeed that there were 
 spies employed to watch the motions of 
 those who inhabited Glandon Tower, in 
 order, if possible, to gain admission by 
 stealth; and that, if this could be eflfected, 
 
 K 6 ihc
 
 84 THE GREY FRIAR^ AND 
 
 the prisoner would receive not'ce of it 
 together with instructions how to proceed. 
 It also intimatedj that the garrison atWark- 
 worth would be ready to march at an hour's 
 warnings in case their assistance were re- 
 quired; but that^ as it was well known that 
 there were but few persons at Glandon; it 
 was expected that the force already at his 
 disposal would be sufficient to effect the 
 intended object^ without farther aid, if the 
 key of either cf the gates could once be 
 obtained. 
 
 The prisoner had been directed to fathom 
 the moalj and measure the walls, that it 
 might be judged whether it were practicable 
 to pass the one, and scale the other; and 
 he was ordered, in case of any accident 
 befalling him, to take care that one of 
 his associates should give immediate intel-* 
 ligence to Fitz-Parnell, the governor of 
 Warkworth Castle. There was much am- 
 biguity in what followed; but it was not 
 difficult to make out that the enemy thought 
 himself sure of possessing the Tower, if 
 
 either
 
 ttil: black spirit of the wye. 85 
 
 cither of his spies could once get within 
 the walls. Some contrivance was hinted at 
 for draining the moat, and undermining the 
 ^val-Is; but farther instructions on this head 
 were promised, when he should have made 
 a report of their condition. 
 
 Stephen and his companion traversed the 
 Forest in every direction for several miles, 
 but could see nothing indicative of the 
 presence of an enemy. The approach to 
 the cottage v/as indeed much more v/orn 
 than formerly, and there w^ere the marks of 
 footsteps, as if horses had passed through 
 various parts of the wood by which it was 
 surrounded ; but the cottage itself remain- 
 ed in the same desolate condition as usual ; 
 and on enterino; it, there was nothing: to 
 excite alarm. 
 
 vStephen, notwithstanding his instruc- 
 tions, had so strong an inclination to exa- 
 mine the subterraneous passage, that he 
 proposed to his companion to descend into 
 it. The proposal was readily assented to, 
 for there seemed to be no possible grounds 
 
 for
 
 86 THE GREY FRIAR^ AND 
 
 for fear, while curiosity offered its strongest 
 encouragement. 
 
 The descent was perfectly dark^ and the 
 travellers proceeded with great caution, 
 listening at every step, and each exploring 
 his way with a long staff, which they had 
 cut for that purpose in the neighbouring 
 wood. After proceeding in this manner 
 for some time, a sort of rumbling noise 
 w^as heard at some distance, but not imme- 
 diately in the direction towards which the 
 passage they were in seemed to lead. They 
 listened attentively. The sound seemed 
 like that which might be occasioned by a 
 heavy body rolling down a deep descent; 
 but in a moment every thing was again 
 still. 
 
 They resolved to pursue their journey, 
 and, if possible, to discover the termination 
 of the cavern. On a sudden a gleam of 
 light broke on them, from a narrow open- 
 ing, on the left hand ; but the passage 
 seemed to take an opposite direction.. 
 They moved slowly towards the aperture 
 
 whence
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 87 
 
 whence the light issued^ and found a long 
 flight of irregular steps, which brought 
 them up through the hollow trunk of a large 
 tree, on the spot where the two hoi'semcn 
 had disappeared from the sight of Norman, 
 when he had watched the friar to the cot- 
 tage, and which proved to be the identical 
 elm under the speading branches of which 
 the cavaliers had left their horses. It v/as 
 now evident that they had descended by 
 this passage to meet the monk; and it was 
 probable that when Stephen followed him 
 from the hermitage towards the cottage, 
 and as suddenly lost sight of him as Norman 
 had done of the horsemen, he also had 
 eluded his pursuer by the same route. The 
 internal aperture of the elm-tree was high 
 up among the branches, and so much hid- 
 den by the warty excrescences of the trunk, 
 that it had escaped either suspicion or ob- 
 servation. 
 
 Having thus explored the passage from 
 the cottage to the elm, without any in- 
 terruption^ they determined not to give 
 
 over
 
 88 THE GimY FRIARj AND 
 
 over their search nntil they had seen the 
 whole interior of the cavern ; and accord- 
 in ?]v returned through the hollow of the 
 tree^ and descended by the broken and 
 irregular steps into the passage before- 
 mentioned. Vv'hen they came to the spot 
 at which they had first seen the light, their 
 ears were a<^ain assailed bv a noise, very 
 different from that which they htid before 
 heard, and resembling the jarring of a 
 strong door shut with sudden violence ; 
 but no voice Was heard, and they were 
 shrouded in midnight darkness. 
 
 Proceeding onwards, the passage became 
 narrower, and Stephen, who was foremost, 
 struck his staff on a plank or board, which, 
 before he could recover himself, gave way, 
 and immediately precipitated him into a 
 vault. 
 
 From the roof was suspended a lamp, 
 which afforded just sufficient light for him 
 to perceive the figure of a man, (apparently 
 as much astonished as he was himself), who 
 immediately fell on his knees before 
 
 Stephen,
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 89 
 
 Stephen, and entreated him to do him no 
 harm ; for '' indeed, Sir7' said he, " I should 
 never have thought of coming here, if it 
 had not been for the accident/' 
 
 Stephen by this time perceived that it 
 %vas one of the cottagers that lived near 
 Glandon Tower who thus addressed him ; 
 and, taking him by Xi\e. hand, replied,^ 
 '' What, Simon! art thou here? and is tiiis 
 the way that you receive an old acquaint- 
 ance?" 
 
 The fright into which the poor man had 
 been already thrown rendered him inca- 
 pable of making an immediate reply. He 
 remembered the voice of the person who 
 spoke to him ; but coiild scarcely conceive 
 it possible to have met with Stephen by an 
 accident so very extraordinary. The truth 
 is, that Simon being employed in digging 
 gravel out of a pit in the neighbourliood, 
 had on a sudden made an opening into a 
 cavity, whence he fell, or rather rolled 
 down upon the trap-door before-mention- 
 ed ; and this v/as the accident which occa- 
 sioned
 
 90 THE GREY FRIAK^ AND 
 
 sioned the ncise that had been heard by 
 Stephen and the forester, on their first 
 coming into the passage. The subsequent 
 sound had been occasioned by an ineffectual 
 attempt \vhich the cottager had made to 
 ascend by the same passage, when the door, 
 v;hich turned upon a pivot in the centre, 
 being very heavy, shut of its own accord, 
 and detained him a prisoner till the arrival 
 of Stephen. 
 
 This was the relation which Simon made, 
 as soon as he had recovered sufficient pre- 
 sence of mind to reply to the question of 
 his unexpected visitor. In the interim, the 
 man who had accompanied Stephen having 
 in a moment missed bis companion, stood 
 motionless with fear and astonishment, 
 equally unwilling to proceed or rertreat. 
 At length, the welcome voice of his fellow- 
 traveller holloing to him, and desiring that 
 he would not he afraid to come forward, 
 encouraged him to go on ; when, stepping 
 on the plank, he was in turn let safely down 
 into the cavern below. 
 
 The
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 91 
 
 The three adventurers were now at lei- 
 sure to examine the contents of this dismal 
 cavern^ which was a capacious vault, cut cut 
 of a stratum of sand-stone. Everywhere 
 around them appeared weapons and instru- 
 ments of destruction^ together v/ith scaling- 
 ladders, mattocks, and mining tools. There 
 was also a quantity of provisions; but, 
 after the strictest search, they were unable 
 to discover that it had a communication 
 with any other apartment. 
 
 Stephen attempted, but in vain, to detach 
 tliC lamp from its connexion with the roof, 
 in order to facilitate their retreat through 
 the passage, bv the light which it would 
 afford. However, one of his companions 
 found amon^- the stores a number of 
 torches, which being still better adapted to 
 the same purpose, each man taking a light 
 in one hand, and a battle-axe in the other, 
 row thought himself more than a match 
 for any number of enemies that he might 
 have to encounter on his return ; and 
 having placed a ladder under the trap- 
 door.
 
 S2 THE GREY FRIAR^ AND 
 
 door, Stephen first, and after him his two 
 comrades, ascended without much diffi- 
 culty into the passage, and, making the 
 best of their way towards the cottage, 
 again ascended into the cheering light of 
 day. 
 
 Here extinguishing the torches, it was 
 resolved that one of them should remain 
 in the wood, near the spot, watching the 
 approach of an enemy, while the others 
 proceeded to Glandon Tower, to inform the 
 Lady Bolefcec of their discovery. 
 
 On receiving this extrarordinary intelli- 
 gence. Lady Bolebec summoned the neigh- 
 bourino^ inhabitants of the Forest bv the 
 sound of the^larm bell; and having im- 
 parted to them the urgency of the case, 
 required their immediate assistance in the 
 removal of the stores, promising, in re- 
 turn for their services, a bow and quiver to 
 every person am.ong them capable of using 
 them. 
 
 Stephen was again dispatched wi-th as 
 many men as could be spared from the 
 
 Tower ;
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 95 
 
 Tower; and, accompanied by a posse of 
 cottagers, both male and female, soon ar- 
 rived at the entrance of the cavern. No 
 person had been seen to approach the spot 
 during the absence of Stephen at the Tower; 
 the company therefore proceeded without 
 apprehension, leaving, however, a party to 
 guard the approaches both from the tree 
 and the cottage ; and while Stephen and a 
 few of the most active of his followers 
 descended into the inferior cavern, the re- 
 mainder distributed themselves alono; the 
 passage, in such a manner as to be enabled 
 to remove the weapons and mining tools 
 with the utmost expedition. Such was 
 the ardour and attachment of the honest 
 peasantry to the family of Bolebec, that 
 making their cause their own, even the 
 very children vied with their parents in 
 endeavouring to render themselves useful 
 on this occasion, and eagerly carried the 
 lighted torches, which were handed up to 
 them out of the cavern, to guide the steps 
 
 of
 
 94 THE GREY FRIAR^ AND 
 
 of those who were laden with the warlike 
 stores. 
 
 Having accomplished the removal of the 
 principal part of the contents of the re- 
 pository^ particularly the scaling-ladders 
 and mining implements, and safely deliver- 
 ed them at the gates of Glandon Tower, 
 the Lady Bolebec presented to every one 
 who chose it a bow and quiver of arrows ; 
 and Stephen divided among them the whole 
 stock of provisions which had thus fallen 
 into his hands. 
 
 Before they finally quitted the cavern, it 
 was thought prudent to extinguish the lamp, 
 which seemed to have been contrived in 
 such a manner as to be capable of burning 
 for a long period of time, without requir- 
 ing a fresh supply of oil. The aperture in 
 the elm-tree was also effectually enclosed, 
 and an attempt made to block up the pas- 
 sage, by throv;ing large quantities of sand 
 down the opening through which the cot- 
 tager had fallen from the pit into the 
 cavern. 
 
 These
 
 TEE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 95 
 
 These things being done, Stephen and 
 his associates returned in high spirits to 
 Glandon Tower. 
 
 The Lady Bolebec retired to her cham- 
 ber earlier this evening than it was her 
 usual custom. She had formed the reso- 
 lution, without imparling to any one her 
 design, of keeping watch all night, to 
 discover, if she could, the occasion of 
 the noise by which she had been so 
 much disturbed during the preceding 
 evening. 
 
 For this purpose, at the approach of 
 midnight, about the same time when '^he 
 had first heard the noise before mentioned, 
 she passed softly down the staircase leading 
 to the chapel, and stationed herself close 
 to the door w^hence the noise had seemed 
 to proceed. She had not remained there 
 long when the repercussion of some iron 
 instrument against the stones under her 
 feet was distinctly heard; she could even 
 perceive the steps shaken by the force em- 
 ployed, and heard large quantities of^ loos- 
 ened
 
 96 THE GREY FRIAR, AKD 
 
 ened stones falling down. She immediately 
 returned to her chamber, and taking with 
 her a light, and the key of' the gallery in 
 which were the apartments of the principal 
 domestics, descended the great staircase, 
 and knocked at the door of the room oc- 
 cupied by the faithful Stephen. At the 
 sound of his Lady's voice, Stephen in- 
 stantly arose, and Lady Bolebec desired him 
 to call some of the servants, and meet her 
 at the door of the chapel ; in the mean- 
 time intending to apprize the guard of the 
 occasion of her alarm, that there might be 
 more assistance at hand in case of emer- 
 gency. For this purpose, she crossed the 
 great court of the Tower, with the taper in 
 her hand, when, to her unspeakable sur- 
 prise, she found the sentinel, who had been 
 placed at the entrance of the passage lead- 
 ing to the dungeon in which the prisoner 
 was confined, struggling on the ground 
 with a man in armour. She immediately 
 called out loudly for the guard, and her 
 attendants hastened to the spot, where they 
 A had
 
 THE Bf.ACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 97 
 
 had scarcely extricated the sentinel from 
 the person with whom he was fighting, and 
 who had severely wounded him with a 
 dagger in many places, before several other 
 persons, rushing hastily out of the passage, 
 fell upon them with great violence. The 
 conflict now became general. The assail- 
 ants had either sv/ords or daggers; the 
 guards of Lady Bblebec their gisarmes and 
 battle-axes, with which they soon hev;ed 
 down their antagonists, even in the very 
 entrance by which they had broken in, and 
 thus prevented the admission of others. 
 The night was so extremely dark, and the 
 number of assailants being unknown, a 
 quantity of fascines, which lay in the court, 
 were thrust into the door-way, and many 
 large stones piled up against them, in order 
 to secure the garrison from a renewal of the 
 assault; and the sojdiers remained drawn 
 up in martial array during the remainder 
 of the night. 
 
 The Lady Bolebec, who with heroic for- 
 voL. I. F titude
 
 f)§ THE GREY FRIAR^ AND 
 
 titude bad stood by, exhorting and encou- 
 raging the soldiers to the performance of 
 their duty, and a manly and vigorous de- 
 fence, now ascended the turret at that angle 
 of the building nearest the spot where the 
 breach had been made; but the pitchy 
 darkness of the night rendered it impossible 
 to discern anv traces of the enemy. She 
 therefore again retired to her own apart- 
 ment, and anxiously awaited for the return 
 of daylight. 
 
 CHAF.
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 9f 
 
 CHAP. V. 
 
 Six prisoners had been taken in the conflictj, 
 all of thern wounded^ excepting the man 
 in armour, who proYed to be Sir Michael 
 Fettiplace himself. This commander had 
 been so much chagrined at the disappoint- 
 ment he experienced, on attempting to 
 seize the Tower by stratagem, that he had 
 resolved on taking the lead, in any attack 
 which might be made upon it. 
 
 The prisoners were all consigned to the 
 dungeon under the guard-room ; and as 
 there could be no doubt of the pretended 
 monk having planned, if not assisted in the 
 admission of the enemy, it was resolved 
 
 F 2 that
 
 100 THE GREY FRIAB^ AND 
 
 that no mistaken notions of lenitv should 
 prevent the assailants from being pro- 
 perly secured. The treatment which the 
 poor forester also had met with, who was 
 tied to the tre^ in the wood, and left to 
 perish, by direction of Sir Michael Fetti- 
 place, was still fresh in the memory of 
 Stephen, and he made it his particular re- 
 quest to the Lady Bolebec that the Knight 
 might be committed to his custody; which 
 being granted, he caused him to be put in 
 fetters, and assigned him no better accom- 
 modations than were allowed to the com- 
 mon prisoners, taking care to inform him, 
 at the same time^ of the reason for such 
 unusual severity. 
 
 When the morning appeared, the gallant 
 defenders of Glandon Tower, who had never 
 quitted the spot on which their valour had 
 been so successfully exerted, removed the 
 fascines with which they had barricaded 
 the passage where the assault was made ; 
 and, inclusive of seven who had fallen 
 ^'within the court, numbered fifteen of the 
 
 enemy
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 101 
 
 enemy slain bv their battle-axes, although 
 not one of their own body was materially 
 wounded, excepting the sentinel who was 
 first attacked by Sir Michael Fettiplace. 
 
 On removing the dead bodies, and enter- 
 ing the dungeon, the iron door of which 
 had been forced open, there was found a 
 large stone removed out of the floor, and 
 a passage made under the cloisters, through 
 the foundations of the turret at the western 
 angle, into the cemetery, and opening into^ 
 the moat, at the very surface of the wafer, 
 exactly under the staircase leading to the 
 chapel from Lady Bolebec*s apartment. 
 
 It was the removal of the stones in this 
 part which had occasioned the first alarm, 
 and thus eventually saved the Tower from 
 the hands of an implacable enemy. 
 
 The passage over the moat was eflTected 
 by a singular contri\ance. A lofty tree^. 
 which grew near the edge of the moat, had 
 been cut down, and placed across it, as a 
 temporary bridge for the assailants, who 
 had thus entered the passage before dc- 
 
 F 3 scribed^
 
 lO^ THE GREY FRIAR, AKD 
 
 scribed, and passing through the cemetery, 
 had there found ample space for the stones 
 and earth necessary to be removed for the 
 completion of their design. 
 
 It yet remained a secret bv what means 
 the prisoner, to whom the plan and exe- 
 cution of this arduous undertakinor was 
 naturaily attributed, had concealed the im- 
 plements with which he had eluded the 
 , vigilance of his guards, and violated the 
 boasted security of Glandon Tower; for it 
 was not supposed probable that the enemy 
 from without could have made their ap- 
 proaches to the dungeon in which he was 
 confined. The penetrating mind of Lady 
 Bolebec immediately suggested, that the 
 future safety of the mansion must depend 
 on the means of defence without, rather 
 than on the strength of the walls. 
 
 The assault which had been made on the 
 Tower prevented the arms and stores which 
 had been brought out of the cavern in the 
 Forest from being completely housed dur- 
 ing the ensuing day ; for every hand which 
 
 could
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE» 103 
 
 could be spared from the domestic avoca-^ 
 tions requisite to provide for so large an 
 establishment^ was employed in procuring 
 or applying the materials necessary for re- 
 pairing the breach. 
 
 While the Lady Bolebec was thus pro- 
 viding for the defence of her family, s^ie 
 did not neglect to employ the usual method 
 adopted in those days, of striking terror 
 into her enemies, bv causing the bodies of 
 those who had been slain to be hung on 
 the branches of the trees in the neighbour- 
 ing grove. 
 
 In three days, the wall of the turret was 
 properly secured, and the moat cleared of 
 the trees and stones which had been thrown 
 into it. On the morning of the fourth day, 
 while the garrison were employed in ar- 
 ranging the weapons in the armoury, and 
 stowing away the rest of the plunder which 
 had been brought from the carern, the Earl 
 of St. Clair, at the head of a gallant com- 
 pany, made his appearance before the great 
 gate of the Tower. 
 
 ff 4 This
 
 104 THE GREY FRIAKj AND 
 
 This young nobleman wore the rich scarf 
 which had been sent to him by his. sister. 
 He was mounted on « milk-white charger, 
 and his helmet decorated with a plume of 
 white feathei-s. On his right-hand, on a 
 black horse, richly caparisoned, rode that 
 renowned veteran. Sir Humphrey Bohun, 
 who having: left the command of the ^ar- 
 rison of Devizes to the Lord Scales, had, in 
 journeying towards the. north, met with the 
 Earl of St. Clair; and hearing from him of 
 the apprehensions which were entertained 
 that an attack would be speedily made upon 
 Qlandon Tower, requested to be permitted 
 to join his troop with the forces of the Earl, 
 and to accompany him with all his followers, 
 who were the flower of the army, that had 
 lately acquitted themselves so gallantly in 
 the west. 
 
 The Lady Bolebec received them with 
 every demonstration of regard. The Earl 
 with.Sir Humphrey and his attendant officers 
 were conducted into the state apartments, 
 and the soldiery commodiously entertained 
 
 and
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF TIIS WYE. 105 
 
 and lodged in the rooms which had been 
 for some time prepared for their, recep- 
 tion. 
 
 From the day when Sir Hugh de Bolebec 
 quitted his mansion, his amiable consort 
 had never enjoyed a moment so satisfactory 
 and delicious, as that which brought to h^r 
 assistance a beloved brother, who had al- 
 ways manifested for her the sincerest regard 
 and affection; 
 
 As the Earl approached Glandon Tower, 
 the dead bodies suspended on the boughs 
 of the trees proclaimed that a victory had 
 been obtained over the enemy ; and when 
 he was informed of the nature of the attack, 
 and the insidious stratagem which had been 
 defeated by the vigilance of his sister, he 
 joined with the brave and valorous Bohun 
 in the warmest congratulations and applause 
 of her heroic and admirable conduct. 
 
 Glandon Tower was now garrisoned with a 
 sufficient force to bid defiance to any attick ; 
 but as the army of. Simon de Montfort haa 
 been augmented by an incredible nur.iber 
 
 t 5 of.
 
 lOG THIS GREY FRIARj ANB 
 
 of malcontenis, and he had begun his march 
 towards the borders of Worcestershire, it 
 was expected that when the proud Earl 
 understood that his friend Sir Michael Fet- 
 tiplace was detained in prison^ he might 
 detach a part of his numerous forces to at- 
 tempt his rescue. 
 
 The experienced Bohun recommended 
 to the Lady Bolebec and St. Clair to cut 
 down all the trees which surrounded the 
 walls of Glandon, particularly on the west 
 and south sidesj where the spreadini^ 
 branches of some of the ancient oaks and 
 beech almost overshadowed the walls. 
 
 St. Clair having caused Sir Michael Fet- 
 tiplace to be brought into his presence, 
 severely reprimanded him for his mean and 
 iinsoklierlike conduct^ in having endea- 
 voured to gain possession of the mansion 
 of so generous a chieftain as Hugh de 
 Bolebec by an insidious stratagem ; and on 
 the relation being made by Stephen of the 
 cruelty which had been practised towards 
 the messenger sent by Lady Bolebec with 
 
 a letter
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 107 
 
 a letter to the Earl of St. Clair at Bristol, 
 and who must have perished but for the 
 accident which brought his fellow-servant 
 through the wood. Sir Humphrey Bohun 
 was so much incensed at what he heard, that 
 he upbraided Fettiplace in the strongest 
 terms, and told him, that if it had been one 
 of his own messengers who had been so- 
 cruelly treated, and the offender had after- 
 wards fallen into his hands, he would have 
 caused him to be instanily led to execution, 
 let his rank and condition have been what- 
 • soever it might. 
 
 As the truly brave are naturally humane, 
 so those who are distino uished bv arro2;ance 
 and cruelty when in the possession of power, 
 are usually most obsequious and dastardly 
 when under a reverse of circumstances. 
 This axiom was verified in Sir Michael 
 Fettiplace, who, though a soldier from his 
 youth, and had been often in the field of 
 battle, lost, with freedom, all that insolence 
 and /tJw/ewr which had marked his prosperous 
 fortunes, lie fell on his knees before Sir 
 
 F-G Humphrey
 
 108 THE GREY FRIAR, AND 
 
 Humphrey Bohun, and in the most humi- 
 liating manner entreated him to intercede 
 in his favour with the Lady Bolebec and 
 her noble brother, towards whom he ac- 
 know^Iedged that I>e had acted most un- 
 worthily. 
 
 The brave Bohun told him, in reply, that 
 "whatever commiseration he miijht have felt 
 for a brother soldier in adversitv, he cou}d 
 not bring his mind into a condition to pity 
 the distress of any man who suffered his ar- 
 rogance in prosperity to stifle the common 
 feelings of humanitv; but when misfo/- 
 tunes fell Xo his own lot, sunk pusillani^ 
 mously under their influence. 
 
 He was then remanded to his prison; 
 but his fetters were taken o^, and he was 
 •accommodated with a separate apartment, 
 by the especial order of Lady Bolebec. 
 
 A few days before Sir Humphrey Bohun 
 left Devizes, he had received intelligence 
 that Hugh de Bolebec having entirely routed 
 the remains of the army which he had driven 
 from the siege of that town, had determined 
 
 to
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. J 09 
 
 to effect a junction with the forces in the 
 north, and attempt to cut off the left wing 
 of Montfort's army, which at that time oc- 
 cupied the principal parts of Shropshire, 
 and overawed manv of the inhabitants of 
 that district, who, disgusted and oppressed 
 by the insolence of the Barons, were dis- 
 posed to join in support of the King's 
 cause, but prevented by the power of the 
 Earl of Leicester. 
 
 Prince Edward, with the main body of 
 his army, still remained in the south, daily 
 increasing the number of his forces. Ke 
 was already become a great favourite of the 
 soldiery, and possessed of distinguished 
 personal bravery, united with a suavity of 
 manners peculiarly captivating, was regard- 
 ed by the whole country as the great in- 
 strument of their deliverance, from a state 
 little better than that of the most abject 
 slavery ; for however oppressive may be 
 the tyranny of an absolute sovereign, the 
 despotism exercised by a band of usurpers,, 
 each intent on the aggrandisement of his 
 
 own
 
 riO' THE GREY FRIAR, AND 
 
 own family and connexions, and regardless 
 of the sufferings of those under his autho- 
 rity, far exceeds all that has been hitherto 
 recorded of the oppressions of a single 
 tyrant. 
 
 The power of an oligarchy, too, is main- 
 tained in constant vigour and activity by. 
 frequent changes. The admission of fresh 
 members into it, who have all their resent- 
 ments to oratifv, au2:ments the evils of such 
 a government: while the cruelty of a single 
 tyrant, although even the most ferocious, 
 becomes at length satiated and fatigued. 
 
 Thus, the oppressions which the people 
 of England had experienced in the begin- 
 ning of the reign of Henry, and which had 
 first excited the Barons to take up arms, in 
 opposition to his authority, were slight, in 
 comparison with those which these very 
 men inflicted on the inferior orders, when 
 thev in turn had assumed the reins of 2:0- 
 vernment, and seized the rod of power. 
 
 This consideration should check that rest- 
 less spirit of innovation, which rashly de- 
 mands
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 1 II 
 
 mands a change in forms of governments^ 
 without reflecting on the consequences 
 which experience has proved to be the 
 result of every sudden and hasty transfer of 
 authority. 
 
 He who would conduct the branches of 
 his vine into situations which appear to be 
 better adapted for promoting its growth 
 and fruitfulness than those which they have 
 before occupied^ bends the young shoots 
 by gentle means, and they are unresistingly 
 modelled according to his wishes ; but 
 violent and sudden attempts to force the 
 parent stock, or revert the matured limbs, 
 are always stubbornly opposed, and usually 
 lead to disappointment on the one hand, 
 and destruction on the other. This is a 
 useful lesson, and cannot be too often nor 
 too forcibly inculcated. 
 
 At the period above described, every one 
 looked forward with great anxiety to the 
 event of a battle, on which the fate of the 
 whole kingdom seemed to depend, and 
 which now appeared to be inevitable. 
 
 The
 
 112 THE GREY FRIAK^ AND 
 
 The experienced Montfort was at the 
 head of a powerful army, well appointed, 
 and eager to try their strength with tl>e 
 enemy. 
 
 Prince Edward, whose bosom glowed 
 with martial ardour, was equally desirous 
 of signalizing himself by a display of per- 
 sonal valour, at all times so attractive in 
 the eyes of a warlike people, and anxious 
 to support the throne of his father, the right 
 of his inheritance. 
 
 The impetuosity of their respective fol- 
 k)wers was heightened by innumerable cir- 
 cumstances of private animosity and feudal 
 disputes, which filled the contending parties 
 with a sort of ferocious zeal^ not merely, to 
 subdue, but to destroy each other. 
 
 Public grievances united with personal 
 wrongs to fortify their minds with a con- 
 tempt of danger and of death, and indis- 
 posed them from listening to any termiS of 
 reconciliation, and even from regarding 
 the claims of blood or the bonds of friend- 
 ship. Each eagerly grasped the spear, an-d 
 
 sacrificed
 
 TfllE BLACK SPIRIT OP THE WYE. 113 
 
 sacrificed every consideration to the grati- 
 fication of resentment or revenge. 
 
 These were the ordinary sentiments- of 
 the times^ and such were the feelings of 
 Simon de Montfort towards the houses of 
 Bolebec and St. Clair. 
 
 It could not long remain unknown to 
 him that his old associate in arms had fallen 
 into the hands of those towards whom he 
 had long borne the most inveterate hatred ; 
 nor was it likely he could patiently endure 
 that Sir Michael Fettiplace should remain 
 the prisoner of a woman, and in the custody 
 of the boy St. Clair. 
 
 The failure of the plan which had been 
 laid for obtaining possession of Glandon 
 Tower, was no sooner communicated, by 
 those who had escaped, to the Governor of 
 Warkworth, than he dispatched a messenger 
 to his uncle, the Earl of Leicester, for his 
 instructions, not thinking it prudent to 
 I^azard a direct artack upon that fortress with 
 the forces which he could then spare from 
 the garrison under his command, especially 
 
 as.
 
 114 THE GREY FRIAR;, AND 
 
 aSj from the intelligence he had received, 
 there was gocd ground for suspecting 
 that^ by the time he could arrive there, the 
 Earl of St. Clair vould have brought up 
 his auxiliaries from Bristol, and thus in- 
 creased the difficulty of the undertaking. 
 However, he was unwilling that Sir Michael 
 Fettiplace should remain a prisoner, and 
 therefore lost no time in communicating 
 to Montfort the intelligence of his cap- 
 tivity. 
 
 In the interim, the Lady Eolebec, assisted 
 by the counsel of Bohun and her brother, 
 caused every preparation to be made for a 
 vigorous defence. 
 
 Stephen, to whom the immediate custody 
 of the prisoners was particularly entrusted, 
 had so much ingratiated himself with two 
 of the most intelligent among them, as to 
 obtain from them some account of the plan 
 of the enemy. 
 
 One of these men had been employed in 
 the conveyance of the arms to the Forest, 
 which he described to have been effected- 
 
 by
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OP THE WYE. 115 
 
 by the garrison of Warkworth, in the dij?- 
 giiise of pilgrims, who, in small detached 
 parties, penetrated by night through the 
 Forest by dilFerent routes, and delivered 
 the implements and weapons which they 
 had brought to a chosen band, under the 
 immediate direction of John Fitz-Parnell, 
 brother of the Governor of Warkworth 
 Castle, who, with a band of chosen men^, 
 had designed to scale the walls of the 
 Tov/er, on the very day when his retreat in 
 the Forest was discovered by Norman. 
 
 Fitz-Parnell having observed that he was 
 watched, and fearing lest the forester whom 
 he had seen near the cottage might discover 
 the passage into the cavern, had concealed 
 the mouth of it, in the manner before de- 
 scribed. 
 
 On the arrival of the two horsemen, who 
 were officers belonging to Montfort's army, 
 he communicated to them his suspicions, 
 and desired that the execution of the pro- 
 ject he had planned might be delayed for 
 a few days, until he should have been able 
 
 to
 
 Ho THE GREY FRIAR/ AND 
 
 to ascertain whether the Latly Bolebec had 
 adopted any new precautions, in conse- 
 quence of the report which the forester had 
 undoubtedly made of what *he had seen ; 
 not supposing^, however, even if the pas- 
 sage to the cavern were discovered, th^tt 
 any one could be found daring enough to 
 venture to explore it, unless supported by 
 a stronger force than that which he knew 
 to be remaining in Glandon Tower. 
 
 The time for the intended attack was 
 therefore to depend upon the intelli- 
 gence which he promised to send to Wark- 
 worth, in four or five days. At this period, 
 Montfort being desirous of strengthening 
 his forces by the addition of all the men 
 who could be spared from Sir Walter Fitz- 
 Parnell's garrison, the company which had 
 been stationed in the Forest were required 
 to return toWarkworth, to supply the place 
 of those who had been called from that 
 fortress by the command of Leicester, John 
 Fitz-Parneli remaining at the cavern, at- 
 tended onlv bv two soldiers, wha were to 
 
 be
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 117 
 
 be employed alternately as messengers or 
 spies. 
 
 Clad in the habit of a monk^ ^vhich had 
 been forcibly taken from one of the Grey 
 Friars, for the purpose of a disguise the 
 least likely to excite curiosity, and the best 
 calculated for avoiding obtrusive inquiries 
 or examination, Fitz-Parnell continued his 
 daily visits to the Tower; and falling into 
 the hands of the monks of Studley, in the 
 manner before related^ his attendants, who 
 watched and observed the transaction, un- 
 seen by any one at the Tower^ conveyed 
 intelligenee of it immediately to the Gover- 
 nor of Warkworth, who instantly began his 
 operations for obtaining possession of 
 Glandon by stratagem, lest a more direct 
 and formidable attack should endanger the 
 life of his brother, 
 
 Fitz-Parndl had submitted to the itrno- 
 miny of personal chaslrsement by the 
 scourges of the monks, and all the subse- 
 quent horrors of a dungeon, without dis- 
 closing a single word respecting his con- 
 dition
 
 1*1 8 THE GREY FRIAR^ AND 
 
 dition or character ; but his mind brooded 
 on revenge. Naturally fertile in contriving 
 expedients, and endowed with an uncom- 
 mon share of perseverance, he had con- 
 tributed to effect the admission of his asso- 
 ciates, by the original suggestion of the 
 plan by which ihey ultimately succeeded 
 in forcing an entrance into the Tower, 
 and at the same time restored him to 
 liberty. 
 
 The expedient for passing the moat had 
 been previously planned by himself, and 
 an opening actually attempted from with- 
 out into the cemetery, which one of his 
 attendants remembered to have seen at the 
 interment of Sir Anthony de Bolebec, father 
 of the present possessor of Glandon Tower. 
 The description given by this man, aided 
 by the remarks which Fitz-Parnell had been 
 able to make in person, from the oppor- 
 tainities of examiiiing the site of the build- 
 ing in his daily and nightly visits, formed 
 the groundwork of the plan. 
 
 It was Fitz-Parnell's design, after obtain-. 
 
 ing
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 119 
 
 ?ng possession of this fortress^ to send the 
 Lady Bolebec and all her domestics prison- 
 ers to Montfort's army, who expected thus 
 to be able to detach Sir Hugh de Bolebec 
 from the royal cause, or at least to prevent 
 his active co-operation with Prince Ed ward's 
 forces. 
 
 Although Fitz-Parnell w'as unable to assist 
 his friends in forcing an entrance into the 
 Tower, he contrived to give them a signal 
 of the part in which he was confined ; for 
 they had no sooner penetrated into the 
 cemetery, than, by striking with a stone 
 against the wall of the dungeon, on that 
 side on which he heard the sound of their 
 mining instruments, he gave them notice 
 where he might be found, and of course^ 
 whither they should direct their exertions. 
 The thickness of the wall between the 
 cemetery and the dungeon was, however, 
 so immense, that the assailants found all 
 attempts to break through it ineffectual. 
 The cement had, by length of time, be- 
 come even harder than the stones them- 
 £ selves;
 
 120 THE GREY FRIAR^ AND 
 
 selves; and they were so firmly consoli- 
 dated, as to have become a sort of adaman- 
 tine barrier. The only method by which 
 this obstacle could be surmounted, v/as by 
 taking up the marble pavement of the 
 cemetery, and undermining the foundation 
 of the wall, which at length, with incredible 
 labour, they accomplished, the cemetery 
 itself affording abundant space for the rub- 
 bish and earth which they were obliged to 
 remove. 
 
 Sir Michael Fettiplace, as has been before 
 related, headed the assailants, and having at 
 length penetrated into the dungeon where 
 Fitz-Parnell was confined, resolved to force 
 an entrance into the court, and attempt to 
 gain possession of one of the turrets, where 
 it was thought they had sufficient strength 
 to maintain a position against the united 
 attack of the garrison, until fre»i succours 
 could arrive, and complete the conquest of 
 Glandon Tower. 
 
 They did succeed in forcing the iron 
 door which led to the area ; but Sir Michael 
 
 Fettiplace
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OP. THE WYE. 1^1 
 
 Fettiplace being instantly attacked by the 
 sentinel, and the rest of the guard coming 
 up immediately;, this daring scheme ter- 
 minated in the defeat of the enterprize, and 
 the destruction of the greater number of 
 those who had engaged in it. 
 
 Fitz-Parnell, however, effected his escape 
 in safety,* and thus Montfort regained his 
 favourite nephew, at the expence of losing 
 a powerful friend, in the capture of Fetti- 
 place. 
 
 In order to guard against a sudden attack, 
 either from the forces of Leicester or Sir 
 Walter Fitz-Pari>ell, the Earl of St. Clair 
 ordered a number of his troopers to scour 
 the country, and be constantly on the alert, 
 that the earliest notice might be given of 
 the approach of an enemy. Many days, 
 however, elapsed, without any intelligence 
 being received respecting either the one or 
 the other. 
 
 St, Clair, whose youthful ardour ill 
 brooked the tediousness of waitii/ffso lono- 
 in uncertain expectation, was extremely 
 
 VOL. I, G desirous
 
 i22 THE GREY FBIAR, AND 
 
 desirous ofendeavourin^ to reconnoitre the 
 enemy; and it was at length agreed upon, 
 that Sir Humphrey Bohun should remain 
 with Ladv Eolebec at the Tower, whilst St. 
 Clair, with about twenty of his followers, 
 well armed, should cross the country to- 
 wards Warkworth, and satisfy himself re- 
 specting the condition and strength of Fitz- 
 ParnelTs forces. 
 
 In these times, a chieftain seldom travel- 
 led far from home, without a great train of 
 attendants ; and whether he were going 
 into battle, or to pay a visit, was alike fol- 
 lowed by a multitude of vassals. 
 
 As Studley Priory was near the road by 
 which St. Clair intended to travel, he de- 
 termined on paying his personal respects 
 to the worthy fathers, who had lately so 
 kindly ' exerted themselves to oblige his 
 sister. A courier was therefore sent for- 
 ward, to notify the approach of the Earl, 
 who arrived early in the afternoon, and was 
 received \/ith all the respect due to his rank 
 and character. 
 
 This
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 125 
 
 This was perhaps the sublimest period of 
 aristocracy. The nobles everywhere main- 
 tained their superiority of condition, by a 
 suitable display of state and magnificence; 
 the forms of respect were never dispensed 
 with, the pride of ancestry never forgot- 
 ten ; and the awful restraints which were 
 instituted as the fences and guards of 
 power, were never even for a moment laid 
 aside. 
 
 In the progressive changes of society, 
 the energies of the mind acquired a new 
 and superior influence, and in time began 
 fo check and controul the arrogance of the 
 wealthy, and the hitherto unbridled will of 
 the great. Deference was not everywhere 
 paid to the opinions of those who possessed 
 vast territorial property; and the generous 
 spirit of liberty animated the patriot's mind 
 to break the fetters of tame obedience, and 
 unlimited submission. 
 
 Reciprocal rights began to be understood; 
 and the wealthy and the powerful at length 
 discovered, that something more was nece:> 
 
 G 2 ia'v
 
 124 THE GREY FRIAPj AND 
 
 sary than these adventitious advantages, to 
 preserve the respect of the world, or secure 
 4heir own possessions. By degrees they 
 associated more generally, and with less 
 and less restraint^ with those who sur- 
 rounded thern, until little more of their 
 ancient distinctions remained, besides the 
 superior splendour of their habitations, and 
 their titular honours. 
 
 But while we rejoice that reason and phi- 
 losophy have thus triumphed overVandalic 
 barbarism, that the glorious spirit of British 
 freedom has thus triumphed over tyranny 
 and despotism, let us not forget that there 
 is a point, beyond whirh the exercise of 
 that spirit, instead of increasing the happi- 
 ness of society, is dcsfructive of all its 
 comforts ; that even in the particular point 
 to which we now refevj the love of novelty, 
 and the desire of change, may go too far : 
 for if modern limes have gained, in many 
 respects, by the amalgamation of different 
 ranks, and the destruction of those ancient 
 barriers of dibtinclion of which the outlines 
 
 have
 
 TlJE BtACK SPIRIT OF THET WYE. 125 
 
 Fiave been just described, they have, on the 
 other hand, lost no inconsiderable portion 
 of that zealous attachment and that re- 
 spectful imitation which merit and virtue 
 ( however they may iimxa^sally (kserve them ) 
 never do command, unless when displayed 
 amono: the hioher classes of" society. 
 
 The same philosophy, therefore, which 
 teaches us to despise the ideal distinctions 
 of mere possession, when unaccompanied by 
 superior worth or superior virtue, should 
 teach us to guard against the false and hy 
 pothetical doctrines which would inculcate 
 the advantaijes of a total abolition of those 
 lines and barriers which experience has 
 taught us are absolutely necessary for the 
 preservation of the common interest of the 
 "whole community. 
 
 The Earl of St. Clair was conducted by 
 the Prior of Studley into the magnificent 
 refectory of that ancient edifice. The hos- 
 pitable board was spread with the choicest 
 dainties, (for iA those days the monks had 
 abundant opportunities of choosing among 
 
 G 3 the
 
 126 THE GBEY FRIAKj AND 
 
 the luxuries of life^ and, as Johnson ob- 
 served, as they had a choice, who can blame 
 them for having chosen well ?) ; and while 
 the Earl was sumptuously entertained by 
 the superiors, his brave followers were 
 plentifally regaled by the lay-brethren and 
 servitors. 
 
 St. Clair informed the prior of the daring 
 attack which had been made upon Glandon 
 Tower, of which he had not before heard ; 
 for although the sanctity of his order was 
 esteemed an efiTectual security against per- 
 sonal violence fi'om either of the contend- 
 ing parties, it was deemed incumbent upon 
 the clergy to maintain a decorous neutra- 
 lity ; and to prevent any irregularities 
 which might happen from promiscuous in- 
 tercourse with the people, it was usual, in 
 times of public disturbance, to confine 
 themselves within the walls of their respec- 
 tive monasteries, unless when called upon 
 to exercise their ecclesiastical functions. 
 Thus secluded from the wo/ld and its cares, 
 they lived in harmony and peace, free from 
 
 those
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 127 
 
 those conflicting passions which divided 
 the rest of their fellow-subjects in that bar- 
 barous and hostile age. 
 
 When St. Clair mentioned that the per- 
 son on whom the prior's servants had in- 
 flicted manual chastisement was no other 
 person than the nephew of Montfort, the 
 most powerful nobleman in the kingdom, 
 and at this very moment contendino for 
 the supreme authority, the venerable <jid 
 ecclesiastic, so far from expressing any re- 
 gret at what had been done, em[)h:!tfc.:]ly 
 told the Earl, that not doubting xX'iQ afro- 
 cities of Fitz-Parnell were countenanced 
 by his uncle, he wished that it had been 
 Leicester himself who had fallen into the 
 hands of his monks, that they might have 
 tr/jght him, that he to whom is comanitted 
 the discipline of the church is no respecter 
 of persons. 
 
 The repast being over, the Earl of vSt, 
 Clair returned thanks to the prior for his 
 hospitality, and leaving Studley, immedi- 
 
 G 4 ately
 
 ^i2^Sf THE GREY FRIAR, A^D 
 
 ately took hor.se^ and, with his attendants^ 
 galloped off roward:, Warkworth. 
 
 At the approach of evening, as they 
 passed through a small village, they fell in 
 with a party of Sir Walter FitzParnell's 
 soldiers, who were endeavouring to pro- 
 cure forage for their horses. St. Clair 
 directed one of his servants to enter inta 
 conversation with them, while the rest rode 
 slowly on. The soldiers, who seemed very 
 communicative, readily informed him that 
 the Governor of Warkvvorth had suddenly 
 left the garrison, the day before, in com- 
 pany with his brother and a few attendants, 
 and that it was conjectured they were 
 gone to meet the Earl of Leicester's army; 
 that the forces at Warkworth were under 
 orders to hold themselves in readiness lo 
 march at an hour's warning ; but that they 
 bad no certainty of the road they were 
 to pursue, unless they were destined to 
 join the main body of the army near- 
 Worceister. 
 
 The
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 129 
 
 The trooper having parted from his com- 
 panions, not without informing them, how- 
 ever, that the party which they had just 
 seen belonged to the Earl of Leicester, 
 and were proceeding towards Warwick, to 
 be stationed in the castle there, hastened 
 to rejoin the Earl of St. Clair, and to com- 
 municate the intellio^ence he had obtained. 
 
 A thought now suggested itself to St. 
 Clair, which he immediatelv communicated 
 to his principal attendants: — it was, to en- 
 deavour to seize part of the garrison of 
 Warkworth by stratagem, as a reprisal for 
 the attack which they had made upon Glan- 
 don Tower. 
 
 The critical period at which" they had 
 made this excursion, the time of night, and, 
 above all, the ardour of his followers, on 
 hearing the intention of the Earl, confirmed 
 his resolution to carry it into immediate 
 eflect. 
 
 Procuring, therefore; at' the nearest 
 hamlet, the necessary materials, St. Clair 
 
 G 5 caused
 
 130 THE GREY FRIAR^ AND 
 
 caused a short order to be fairly written, 
 in the i'ollowing terras : 
 
 TO THE GOVERNOR OF JVZRKfVORTH C21STLE, 
 OR HIS DEPUTY, 
 
 '^ Let an officer^ with twenty- 
 men, well mounted, immediately repair 
 with the utmost possible speed, to Ches- 
 terton, where they will be met by a party 
 of Sir John Penruddock's horse, attended 
 by a proper guide to conduct them to the 
 place of their destination. 
 '' Hereof fail you not. 
 
 '^ From the head-quarters of the Earl 
 of Leicester's army, by command- 
 of the- said Earl, 
 
 HSNRY FeTTIPLACE. 
 
 '' At the meeting of the troops^ the word 
 shall be, ' Montfort and Victory/' 
 
 On
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT Ot THE WYE. 131 
 
 On inquiring among his attendants who 
 would undertake to deliver this order at 
 Warkworth Castle, the Earl was answered 
 by them all so unanimously, that it was 
 difficult for him to fix upon a messenger. 
 He chose^, however, one of the old soldiers, 
 who was acquainted with the roads leading 
 to Warkworth, and entrusting him with the 
 order, commanded him to deliver it as soon 
 as possible, and to return immediately. 
 
 They were now at the distance of about 
 three miles from the Castle; but the moon 
 shone bright, and the roads were good. 
 St. Clair caused his men to alight from their 
 horses, and permit them to graze in a neigh- 
 bouring field. 
 
 Thus the rights of private property are 
 violated equally by friends and foes, when 
 a country unfortunately becomes the seat 
 of war, be the cause of that war whatsoever 
 it may. 
 
 Having allowed, as he thought, sufficient 
 time for the messenger to accomplish his 
 errand, St. Clair ordered his men to te- 
 
 G 6 mount
 
 ^32 THE GREY FRIAR, AND 
 
 mount their hoi'scs. The order was in- 
 stantly obeyed, and soon afterwards the 
 trooper returned. 
 
 On his arrival at Warkworth Castle, he 
 knocked boldly at the gate, and demanded 
 admittance to the governor, to deliver a 
 letter which he stated to have brought fronv 
 the Earl of Leicester. 
 
 - The gates being locked, he was refused 
 admittance ; but the governor, being in- 
 formed of his arrival, sent an officer to re- 
 ceive the letter. The messenger, however, 
 stating that he had received positive orders' 
 to deliver the letter to no one but the 
 governor himself, was, ai^'ter a long parley^ 
 admitted through the wicket, and broughr 
 into the presence of ihe commanding offi- 
 cer, to whom he delivered the order. 
 
 The governor having read the contents,, 
 demanded if he had any other message or 
 directions? The trooper told him that he: 
 was commanded to retiu*n to head-quarters 
 with all speed, carrying with him an ac- 
 knowledgmem of the delivery of the letter;, 
 
 whicK
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 135 
 
 which the governor immediately gave him 
 very courteously; and having ordered him 
 to take refreshment, desired that he would 
 commend him to the Earl of Leicester, and 
 return to the army without delay. 
 
 St. Clair rewarded the soldier with a piece 
 of gold, and im.mediately set forward with: 
 his gallant companions towards Chesterton, 
 there to await the arrival of the detachment' 
 from Wark worth. 
 
 The soldiers were directed to pay the 
 strictest attention to the commands which 
 would be issued on the junction of the two 
 troops^ and to remember, that in case of 
 resistance, the life of ever^^ man should be 
 the penalty of the escape of his prisoner; 
 but in like manner, as punishment was to 
 follow disobedience or neglect, rewards 
 were promised to obedience and alacrity. 
 
 The Earl of St. Clair and his followers 
 reached Chesterton at break of d<ny, and 
 stationed themselves in a farm-yard, at the 
 entrance of the village. Lest the appear- 
 ance of the man who had carried the letter 
 
 to
 
 154 THE GREY PRIAR^ AND 
 
 to the Governor of Warkworth might excite 
 suspicion, St. Clair sent him forward to 
 Glandon Tower, to apprize the Lady Bole- 
 bee and Sir Humphrey Bohun of the scheme 
 which he had planned, and soliciting their 
 co-operation and assistance in seducing the 
 enemy within the walls of the Tower. 
 
 They had not waited long at Chesterton, 
 before the sound of horses on the road 
 announced the approach of the party from 
 Warkworth. The Earl ordered his men ta 
 remain in perfect silence, while he himself 
 rode forward to meet the troop. Halting 
 at the distance of a few yards, he demanded 
 the signal, and was answered, ^' Montfort 
 and victory.'" Then saluting the officer, 
 he announced, that the directions he had^ 
 received were to proceed immediately to 
 Bernwood Forest, whither Sir Walter Fitz- 
 Parnell had been already sent by the Earl 
 of Leicester, to attempt the deliverance of 
 Sir Michael Fettiplace out of Glandon: 
 Tower. 
 
 The officer professed himself ready to 
 
 accompany.
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 1 55 
 
 accompany him; and inquiring for the 
 guide promised in the order ^vhich had 
 been sent to Warkworth, was immediately 
 answered bv one of St. Clair's men, that he 
 was appointed for that purpose. 
 
 St. Clair remarked, that his party having 
 been in waiting at the appointed place of 
 meeting longer than he had expected, it 
 would be desirable to proceed with as much 
 expedition as possible. 
 
 The two officers, at the head of their 
 respective parties, each drawn up in a 
 single rank, led the way. The whole body 
 proceeded towards the Forest. Silence was 
 strictly commanded ; and notwithstanding- 
 St. Clair's men and horses be^an to be-; 
 greatly fatigued, it was determined not to 
 halt until they arrived in the vicinity of 
 Glandon, at the pretended rendezvous of 
 Sir Walter Fitz-Parnell. 
 
 When they had reached the Forest, St. 
 Clair affected to express his disappointment 
 at not meeting with their auxiliaries. They, 
 however, proceeded towards the Tower. 
 
 5 At
 
 i3G THE GREY FRIAH^ Al^D' 
 
 At the distance of about half a mile frorre 
 the gate, a bowman came running towards 
 them in great haste, shouting, ** Victory! 
 victory ! — Fitz-Parnell has forced the 
 gates, and commands you to hasten to the 
 Tower." 
 
 The officer belong in 2, to the Warkwortii 
 men, not having any suspicion of the de- 
 ceit which had been practised, immediately 
 clapped spurs to his horse, and, encouraging 
 his followers, seemed eager almost to con- 
 tend with St. Clair who should first arrive to' 
 the assistance of his general. 
 
 St. Clair, with apparent reluctance, but 
 at the same time pleading the fatigue of 
 his horses, permitted the officer to lead the 
 way, and follovved close at his heels with his 
 gallant troop. 
 
 Arrived at Glandon Tower, the gates 
 were standing wide open, a company of. 
 bowmen were seen drawn up on each side 
 of the road, and Sir Humphrey Bohun, with' 
 a body of cuirassiers, within the gateway, 
 in the area of the principal court. 
 
 The
 
 THE BLACK SIPIRIT OF THE WYE. 137 
 
 The officer, not doubting that the bow- 
 men he saw were part of Montfort's merr^ 
 expecting every moment to meet Sir 
 Walter Fitz-Parnell and his companions, 
 and animated by the din of arms which 
 resounded from every part of the fortress, 
 rushed impetuously forward through the 
 gateway, followed by St. Clair and his men 
 pell-mell. 
 
 Scarcely had he entered the court, whert 
 the cuirassiers within surrounded his little 
 troop, and he found himself dismounted,, 
 disarmed, and the whole body made pri- 
 soners by the garrison. 
 
 The consternation occasioned by an event 
 so sudden and unexpected, deprived them 
 of the power of resistance, which, from the 
 numbers and arrangement of the enemy, 
 would have been indeed inefTectual, even 
 if it had been attempted ; for the brave 
 Bohun had no sooner heard of the plan 
 which had been formed by his friend St. 
 Clair, than he caused the whole garrison to 
 be duly prepared for affording the Earl 
 
 every
 
 138 THE GREY FRIAR^ AND 
 
 every assistance requisite for insuring suc- 
 cess to so gallant an undertaking. 
 
 Thus was a fit reprisal made for the as* 
 sault which had been conducted under vSir 
 Michael Fettiplace, and happily without 
 spilling a single drop of blood. 
 
 St. Clair was even himself surprised at 
 the alacrity with which Bohun's soldiers 
 fulfilled the orders of their experienced' 
 leader, the Earl having scarcely had time to 
 dismount, before the enemy had been com^ 
 pletely secured. 
 
 He approached the officer, now become 
 his prisoner, and, taking him by the hand, 
 requested his pardon for the stratageon by 
 'which he had been trepanned into captivity. 
 The officer, whose name was Devereux, was 
 a young gentleman, of interesting manners 
 and pleasing address. Chagrined at bcing- 
 so unexpectedly deprived of liberty, his 
 astonishment had scarcely yet sufficiently 
 subsided, to make room for any other im- 
 pression. He returned the salutation of 
 the Earl with respect, but accompanied 
 
 witb
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 139 
 
 with a kind of distrustful coldness. His 
 youthful heart, which just before beat high 
 with martial ardour, now palpitate 1, in 
 dreadful expectation of the horrors of a 
 dungeon^ and the melancholy anticipation 
 of the severities which he well knew were 
 usually practised towards prisoners, in that 
 barbarous age, by their unfeeling and re- 
 lentless conquerors. 
 
 St. Clair, who instantly perceived the 
 emotions of the young soldier, assured him 
 that he had nothing to fear; and, after pre- 
 senting him to the venerable Eohun, de- 
 sired him to accompany them into the pre- 
 sence of his sister, the Lady Bolebec. 
 
 He was received by her Ladyship with 
 her accustomed affability and condescen- 
 sion. On his name being announced, she 
 exclaimed, " Whom do I see? — surely not 
 the son of the brave Earl of Hereford, in 
 arms against the daughter of his friend St. 
 Clair/' 
 
 '' Madam," replied the graceful youf.i, 
 his check suffused by a crimson blush, of 
 
 dis-
 
 140 THE GREY FRIAR, AND 
 
 disappointment rather than of shame, ""sncB^ 
 indeed you might have seen rae an hour 
 ago; but yon now behold me your bro- 
 ther's prisoner." 
 
 Bohun, who from his early youth had 
 numbered the Earl of Hereford among, his 
 dearest friends, no sooner understood that 
 it was the son of that brave general who 
 stood before him, than he saluted him> 
 with the greatest regard imd cordiality. 
 
 St. Clair, after conferring in private with 
 Sir Humphrey Bohun for a few moments, 
 invited Devereux to partake of dinner at 
 Lady Bolebec's table ; and the repast being 
 over, informed him, that although he had 
 no desire to make him pass another night 
 on horseback, he was at perfect liberty to 
 depart, whither and whensoever he thought 
 proper; that he would not even desire to 
 extort from him a promise not to take up 
 arms against the family of Bolebec, but 
 leave it entirely to his own feelings, whether 
 he would hereafter visit Glandon Tower as 
 a friend or foe. 
 
 YounfiL
 
 TiTE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 141 
 
 "Young Devereiix, deeply affected by 
 this noble instance of generosity, was with 
 difficulty restrained from throwing himself 
 at the feet of Lady Bolebec and St. Clair, 
 while the eyes of Bohun glistened with de- 
 light, at a scene so congenial with his own 
 generous feelings — " Thou art a brave lad,*' 
 said the veteran warrior, addressing himself 
 to St. Clair, " a true branch of thy parent- 
 stock. Th^y only desene to conquer, 
 %vho, like thee, know how to use success 
 with moderation, and temper courage with 
 humanity." 
 
 Devereux having expressed his grateful 
 thanks to the Lady Bolebec and her noble 
 brother, observed, that whatsoever blame 
 might be imputed to him for having 
 espoused the cause of Monlfort, the te- 
 merity of having presumed to enter the 
 gates of Glandon Tower was solely attri- 
 butable to the Earl of St. Clair; but that 
 the kindness he had experienced induced 
 him to solicit the favour of being permitted 
 
 to
 
 142 THE GREY PRIAR, AND 
 
 to continue at tlie Tower at least until the 
 next morning. He was accordingly lodged 
 in a magnificent apartment ; but the tumult 
 of his mind, excited by the vicissitudes 
 which in such rapid succession had so va- 
 riously affected him, kept him awake during 
 the whcle of the night ; and even when 
 exhausted nature sunk at last into oblivious 
 slumbers, the fleeting images of the past still 
 crowded upon the imagination, and filled 
 it with wild extravagances innumerable. 
 
 One while he was pursuing his journey 
 to Glandon, eager with the hope of distin- 
 guishing himself in an attack, the success 
 of which he hoped would recommend him 
 to the friendship of the potent Montfort, 
 and crown him, even at the commencement 
 of his military career, with unfading laurels; 
 then he fancied that he approached the 
 scene of action, joined in the attack, and, 
 amidst the clangor of arms and the groans 
 of the wounded, trampled on heaps of dead, 
 and waded to glory through fields of car- 
 nage.
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 143 
 
 fiage. The surceeding vision perhaps pre- 
 sented a melancholy reverse : his imai^ina- 
 tion now pourtrayed the gloomy vault, 
 where, huddled amongst an undistinguished 
 heap of half-decayed corpses, he lay welter- 
 ing in the pangs of excruciating agony, or, 
 with short and convulsive sighs, witnessed 
 the last motion of life's purple tide, with- 
 out one pitying friend to sooth his anguish, 
 or close his dying eyes. Again would a 
 brilliant vision salute his imagination, and 
 change the awfu! scene. The gloomy vault, 
 the mangled bodies of the slain, were 
 changed in an instant for a display of 
 gorgeous magnificence, the luxuriance of 
 nature, and all the soft appliances of ease 
 and luxury; flowery banks, sheltered by 
 groves of trees, whose umbrageous branches, 
 waved by gentle zephyrs, diffused the mo^t 
 fragrant odours ; streams of pellucid water, 
 rivals of the famed Hydaspes, meandering 
 through irriguous valleys, rich in all the 
 bounties of Ceres and Pomona, formed an 
 Elysium, such as the poets feigned, where, 
 
 stretched
 
 144 THE CREY FRIAR, AND 
 
 Stretched at his ease, the gentle Devereux 
 seemed to repose in soft and uninterrupted 
 slumbers. Scarcely had the pleasing illusion 
 tranquillized the disturbance of his former 
 dream, when some other strange mutation 
 snatched him from this banquet of ideal 
 happiness, and again involved him in some 
 arduous enterprise, hurried the tide of his 
 spirits into fresh irregularities, or involved 
 him in new labyrinths of perplexity. 
 
 Thus passed the night ; but the return of 
 morning renewed the calm and pleasing 
 sensations of gratitude and admiration, with 
 which the generosity of St. Clair had filled 
 his mind ; and he hastened to pay the ho- 
 mage of his respectful acknowledgment. 
 
 St. Clr.ir and Bohun conducted Devereux 
 through the principal apartments of the 
 Tower, and pointed out to him the abode 
 of Sir Michael Feltij.lace, desiring him to 
 inform the Earl of Leicester that they were 
 prepared for his reception ; but, at the same 
 time, mat they desired peace rather than 
 hostility, and had no other object in de- 
 taining
 
 TH<E BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 145 
 
 taining the prisoners now atGIandonj than 
 to provide for security from a future attack, 
 but were disposed at all times to treat for 
 their liberation. . ^ 
 
 After many expressions of personal re- 
 gard, Devereux having respectfully taken 
 leave of Ladv Bolebec, the Earb and Sir 
 Humphrey Bohun, who sent a message by 
 him to his father, the Earl of Hereford, 
 intimating his desire to see him as a friend, 
 but by no means as an enemy, this accom- 
 plished young gentleman was conducted to 
 the principal gate of the Tower by the Earl 
 of St. Clair, who. in the instant of his de- 
 parture, presented to him six of the troopers 
 who had accompanied him from Wark worth, 
 to whom their liberty had been given, that 
 they might escort Captain Devereux on the 
 road. 
 
 VOL. J. H CHAP.
 
 146 -THE GREY FRIAR,, AND 
 
 CHAP. VL 
 
 Whilst these scenes were passing at Glan- 
 don Tower, Sir Hugh de Bolebec, who had 
 in vain attempted to bring the enemy to 
 an engagement, was recalled by Prince 
 Edward, to join the main feody of the army 
 near Taunton. 
 
 Simon de Montfort, intent on striking a 
 decisive blow by an attack on the Prince 
 himself, had directed his commanders to 
 avoid any engagement with the enemy, 
 until (the two armies having concentrated 
 their whole strength) he might, by oiie 
 mighty efTort, become master of the king- 
 dom. 
 
 Montfort,
 
 THE B/.ACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 147 
 
 Montfort, with his principal forces, was 
 now marching towards Worcestershire ; and 
 being desirous of consulting with Fitz- 
 Parnell, the latter, accompanied by his 
 brother, had privately left the foi'tress of 
 Warkworth, and was gone to meet the Earl 
 of Leicester at Warwick Castle, when the 
 enterprising spirit of St. Clair prompted 
 him to decoy a party of the garrison of 
 Warkworth, by the stratagem before re- 
 lated. 
 
 On the return of Fitz-Parnell, the next 
 day, he was astonished at the sight of the 
 order which had been sent in the name of 
 Sir Henry Fettiplace, having himself left 
 that officer in attendance upon the Earl of 
 Leicester, at the head-quarters of his army; 
 atid immediately suspected that it was a 
 scheme of the enemy, to draw out some of 
 his forces, in order that an attack might be 
 made upon Warkworth Castle in their ab- 
 sence. 
 
 Impressed with this notion, for it was 
 impossible for him to conjecture that there 
 
 H 2 could
 
 148 THE GREY FRIARj AND 
 
 could have been » any design to transfer 
 part of his forces directly into a garrison 
 of the enemy, orders were immediately 
 issued for scouts to prepare themselves 
 to examine the several roads leading to the 
 Castle, and give notice of the appearance 
 of troops. 
 
 The utmost uncertainty prevailed during 
 the day, and it was increased rather than 
 
 r 
 
 diminished by the approach of night. Dark- 
 ness was more favourable to cover a be- 
 sieging enemy, than to secure the fortress 
 from an assault. 
 
 At (he interview which had taken place 
 between \\\^ Earl of Leicester and the Fitz- 
 Parnells, he became apprized of the capture 
 of Sir Michael Fettiplace; but having nei- 
 ther time to attempt his deliverance in 
 person, nor troop^ to spare for that pur- 
 pose, he reluctantly submitted to leave his 
 friend in the dungeon of Glandon Tower, 
 without making any effort at present to 
 assist him. 
 
 Sir Hugh de Eolebec, disappointed of 
 
 • bringing
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 149 
 
 Bringing the enemy to a battle, hastened to 
 rejoin Prince Edward and the Earl of Gloces- 
 ter, with all his forces. The route by which 
 he marched broii<]:ht him within twenty miles 
 of Giandon Tower. The temptation of 
 paying a visit to his beloved consort was 
 too strong to be resisted. He quitted the 
 host in the dusk of the evening, attended 
 only by one servant, committing the com- 
 mand, in his absence, to Sir Arthur Pem- 
 bridge. 
 
 It was midnight before Sir Hugh reached 
 the gates of his mansion. The servant who 
 attended him sounded the bugle at the gate; 
 and the faithful Stephen, looking out at a 
 casement, recognised his much-respected 
 master, even before he heard the sound of 
 his voice. 
 
 The meeting between Sir Hugh and his 
 Lady was most aflf'ectionate ; and he re- 
 joiced to find under his roof his steady and 
 valuable friend, Sir Humphrey Bohun. 
 
 In the morning, conferring with the Earl 
 of St. Clair and Bohun on the subject of 
 
 H 3 the
 
 i.jO THE <S?REY FRIAR, /ii^jy 
 
 the prisoners in custody. Sir Hugh, accom- 
 pnniecl by Eohun, visited the apartment in 
 which Sir Michael Fettiplace was confined. 
 The principal object of this visit was to 
 prevail on him to join the army of Prince 
 Edward, on which condition Bolebec pio- 
 inised him his freedom without ransom ; 
 and farther, that he would bury all past 
 hostilities in oblivion, and recommend him 
 to the favour of the Prince. 
 
 Fettiplace, however, rejected the pro- 
 posal, and declared that it was his unalter- 
 able intention to live and die a firm and 
 consistent supporter of the cause in which 
 Simon de Montfort and himself had origin- 
 ajly commenced hostilities. 
 
 Bolebec, who, although distinguished by 
 a most compassionate disposition, possessed 
 great firmness of mind, and a peculiar dig- 
 nity of ipanuer, which always added great 
 weight to what he said, told Sir Michael 
 Fettiplace, that although he himself en- 
 gaged in the present contest solely with; a 
 desire to give peace to a distracted nation, 
 
 and
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 151^ 
 
 and establish the rights both of the crown 
 and the people^ on a basis which he hoped 
 would hercLifter remain unshaken^ he was 
 far from wishing to impose on any man the 
 necessity of subscribing to the same sen- 
 timents ; that the rejection of the offer he 
 had made should neither tempt him to 
 violate the laws of humanity or of com- 
 passion, nor subject an unfortunate gentle- 
 man to any additional rigour than that of 
 his present confinement; but as the attack 
 in which Sir Michael was made prisoner 
 must be considered rather as a personal 
 wrong, than the consequence of political 
 animosity, in leaving him to the custody 
 of his friendj Sir Humphrey Bohun, he 
 would not conceal his determination, that 
 if any similar attempt should be made 
 upon Glandon Tower, the lives of the 
 prisoners should answer for such an out- 
 rage. 
 
 In conclusion, he earnestly recommended 
 Sir Michael Fettiplace to reflect on the 
 consequences which would result to his 
 
 H 4 family.
 
 152 THE GREY PKIAE^ AND 
 
 family and conne^-cions, if, as there was 
 reason to expect, the Earl of Leicester's 
 forces should be defeated ; in which case, 
 his partizans and adherents would be in- 
 evitably exposed to the just resentment of 
 an injured and offended sovereign. 
 
 Bolebec was unwilling that his brother- 
 in-law, the Earl of St. Clair, should waste 
 his time in inglorious leisure, and lose his 
 share of the honours of a victory, which 
 the friends and supporters of the Prince 
 already anticipated, from the number of 
 their forces, as well as the approved courage, 
 skill, and fidelity, of the officers who com- 
 manded them ; and therefore proposed that 
 he should accompany him to the army^ 
 leaving Sir Humphrey Bohun to take the 
 command of the garrison at Glandon Tower, 
 for which post, whether his matured ex- 
 perience, distinguished valour, or zealous 
 loyalty, were considered, he was pre- 
 eminently qualified, although the advanced 
 period of his life rendered him less fit for 
 more active service. 
 
 The
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 15S 
 
 The Lady Bolebec possessed too much of 
 the martial spirit of her ancestors, to suffer 
 any personal considerations to interfere, 
 when the voice of honour called ; she there- 
 fore yielded a ready assent to the sugges- 
 tions of Sir Hugh ; and on the next day, 
 Bolebec and the Earl left Glandon Tower, 
 and hastened, with the utmost expedition, 
 to rejoin the forces, which were now within 
 a few days march of the head-q^uarters of 
 Prince Edward/s armyr 
 
 »5 CHAP.
 
 154 TilE GREY FRIARj AND 
 
 CHAP. VII, 
 
 On the return of Devereiix to Warkworth 
 Castle^ he found the garrison. in the utmost 
 consternation^ not only on account of his 
 absence^ but in consequence of the report 
 which had been made by one of the scouts,. 
 who, on the appearance of Dcvercux and 
 his six attendants, had been seized with a 
 panic, which represented them to his ima- 
 ginr.tion as a numerous and formidable 
 body; and having accordingly returned to 
 the Castle, in great haste, on announcing 
 this intelligence, the governor ordered 
 every man to his post, and was waitin.ir^ 
 sword in hand, to reieive the enemv. 
 
 Great
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 155 
 
 Great as had been the chagrin and vexa- 
 tion of Sir Walter Fitz-Parnell at the stra- 
 tagem by which he had been deprived of 
 the assistance of a brave young officer^, and 
 twenty of his best soldiers, his surprise was 
 st'iW greater, when he heard, from the lips 
 of Devereux, the history of the transaction; 
 and the generosity of the Earl of St. Clair 
 became the topic of universal admiration 
 and applause, even among those who had 
 been the most inveterate enemies of his 
 name and family. 
 
 Such an instance of liberality, in any 
 age, might be esteemed a proof of true 
 greatness of soul; but at a period when, 
 mild and benevolent feelings were scarcely 
 so much as heard of, it formed a new fea- 
 ture in the English character, which asio- 
 rushed as much, or perhaps even more, than 
 it ddigliicd those who heard of it; for there 
 is always a greater disposition in mankind 
 to admire virtue than to imitate it, 
 . Gland'on Tower was now for awhile freed 
 from all apprehensions of attack from 
 
 H,G !he
 
 156 THE GREY FRIAR, AND 
 
 the enemy ; for almost every man in that 
 part of the country, capable of bearing 
 arms, was gone to join either one party or 
 the other; and Monlfort's garrisons were 
 reduced to the lowest establishment pos- 
 sible^ in order to augment the forces with 
 which he was desirous to meet Prince 
 Edward. 
 
 The hopes and dependance of the whole 
 English people rested on the evenr of the 
 expected battle. 
 
 Those who had long groaned under 
 the iron hand of tyranny, in the oppres- 
 sions of the BaronSj by whom the supreme 
 authority had been usurped, were eager 
 for emancipation ; whilst those whose 
 opposition to the King's power had been 
 originally excited by similar hardships^ 
 having for som€ time enjoyed what almost 
 all men call the sweets of power, were 
 prompted to retain possession of it, even 
 at the hazard of extermination ; and a thirds 
 party, consisting of the more sober and 
 reflecting of the community,, although, in 
 
 commoa.
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 157 
 
 common with all good men^ they deplored 
 the calamities of war, looked forward to the 
 battle as a great evil, necessary to be sus- 
 tained, in order to produce general good, 
 and, by giving a preponderance to the 
 power of one of the competitors, lay the 
 foundation for future tranquillity, and put 
 an end to those shocking and disgraceful 
 scenes, which alwavs result from the exer- 
 cise of a spirit of lawless anarchy, unre- 
 strained by the fear of punishment, and 
 unawed by moral principles. 
 
 Mont fort's army had now approached 
 the vale of Evesham ; and after mutual de- 
 fiance had been pronounced, as the insults 
 ing prelude to actual engagement, the 
 armv. at whose head was Prince Edward 
 in person, was drawn out in order of 
 battle. 
 
 Historians have related, with what ardent 
 zeal and enthusiastic courage the heroes of 
 those time distingiiislied themselves; and it 
 is well known what savage fury was always 
 displayed in conflicts of this nature. Each 
 
 seemed 
 
 ^
 
 las THE GREY FRIAIi^ ANIT 
 
 seemed to seek his opponent with the most' 
 malicious perseverance, and to glut his re- 
 venge with the ferocity of the tiger. 
 
 The instruments of oflence, rude and 
 clumsy, were calculated to add misery to 
 the sufferings of the wounded; and the 
 atrocities committed on the field of battle, 
 were almost exceeded by the cruelties prac- 
 tised by those who won the day. 
 
 Barbed arrows, knotted clubs, and mas- 
 sive battle-axes, were among the horrid in- 
 struments of destruction used in the ^e]d ; 
 chains, torture, and mutilation, the means 
 of revenge in the dungeons of the van- 
 quished. 
 
 Humanitv would be inclined to draw a- 
 veil over such scenes, were it not for the 
 moral which they present. But they shew 
 the benefits of civilization and culture, the 
 advantages of social intercourse, and the 
 blessings of rational religion. The refine- 
 ments of science have extended their in^ 
 fluencc over the *' ensanguined plain ;" 
 synvpathy has smoothed even the rugged 
 
 g^aths
 
 TITB EI.ACK SPTSIT OP TPrE. WYE. 159 
 
 paths of death ; and rational religion, which 
 is true philosophy, has stayed the rack of 
 persecution, by the spring of Christian 
 charity and benevolence. And althou":h, 
 it must be confessed, that in the progress 
 of society towards its present improved 
 condition,. new evils have arisen, and only 
 a different tone has^ been given to the 
 vices and failinsfs of humankind, without 
 eradicating them, it cannot be denied, that 
 notwithstanding the atrocities which have 
 occasion?lly disgraced even modern times,, 
 notwithstanding the- lust after domination 
 still rages in the human heart, and notwith- 
 standing the murderous sword is^ even now 
 unshealhed, the present age has aflbrded 
 the most brilliant instances of philanthropy^ 
 moderation, and universal benevolence^ 
 which have ever adorned the annals of the 
 world, and particularly among oi-r own 
 countrymen. 
 
 Let us remember, with becoming respect, 
 
 the conduct of the gallant Keathfield, who, 
 
 in that memorable sir.fie, which lasted three 
 
 5 years
 
 160^ THE GREY FRIAIT, AN0 
 
 years without intermission, exhibited to ther 
 eyes of France and Spain, and to an amphi- 
 theatre of princes, who beheld the glorious 
 scene, an illustrious example of British 
 courage and humanity, in the vigour of his 
 military operations^ and in rescuing his 
 vanquished foes from a watery grave. 
 
 Let the naval heroes of the age in which 
 we live justify the honest pride with which 
 our countrymen may boast, that amidst all 
 the levities and follies of the present age, 
 and all the differences and divisions which 
 party spiril and polidcal intrigue have 
 generated, or which even faction at home 
 or hostility abroad may have excited among 
 us, there is one principle, in which all Britons 
 uniformly agree, that sympathy for the 
 distressed, compassion to the unfortunate, 
 and generosity towards a vanquished ene*- 
 my, form (he true criterion of valour. 
 
 To return to our narrative — The contest 
 between the two armies was long and 
 bloody. The Earl of Glocester, who led 
 the right wing of the Prince's army> 
 
 encountered
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 161 
 
 encountered that division of the enemy 
 which was under the command of Sir Hugh 
 Lacy, a distinguished veteran, who opposed 
 his forces to those of the Eari, with so much 
 prudence and valour, that after a severe 
 conflict, Glocester was compelled to give 
 way, and a great slaughter ensued. 
 
 In the meantime, the centre of Montfort's 
 line with great difficulty maintained its 
 ground against the shock of Prince Edward's 
 troops, animated by his presence, and emu- 
 lous to distinguish themselves in the eyes of 
 their heroic chief. 
 
 Bohun with his foresters gave a turn to 
 the fortunes of the day. Sorely galled by 
 their arrows, the right wing of the enemy 
 fled in every direction; and St. Clair, who 
 had signalised himself by prodigies of va- 
 lour, having slain one of the principal 
 standard-bearers, in the very heat of the 
 battle, and wrapping the colour about him, 
 bore it away in triumph, pursued the fu- 
 gitives with a great slaughter, until a re- 
 inforcement coming to their assistance, 
 
 they
 
 16'2 THE GREY FRIAR^ AND 
 
 4hey were at length rallied, and in turrr 
 falling upon their opponents, with the 
 most determined fury, St. Clair, surrounded 
 by a multitude of the enemy, his horse- 
 ,wounded by a spear, and rendered wholly 
 ;ungovernable,. the gallant Earl was taken 
 prisoner. 
 
 Jt was in this battle that Prince Edward, 
 in the heat of aetion, discovered his royar 
 fatjier. King Henry, at the very instant' 
 when, having been previously wounded in 
 the shoulder, he was dismounted, and on the 
 point of being slain. 
 
 The despairing monarch, in order to stay 
 the hand of the soldiers, who were about 
 to pierce him to the heart, called out, " I 
 am Henry of Winchester, your king ;" and, 
 these words being heard by Prince Edward, . 
 he immediately eiTec.ted the rescue of his 
 father, and, dismounting, paid him homage 
 on the spot. 
 
 The troops of Montfort being at length 
 defeated, and himself slain, the conquerors 
 remained on the field of battle,.^ until they 
 
 had.
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OP THE WYE, 163 
 
 had returned thanks for so signal a victory, 
 which promised to be productive of the 
 happiest consequences. 
 
 Prince Edward having thus become th« 
 arbiter of the kingdom, was principally 
 intent on the organization of the civil 
 government ; and well knowing that the 
 subniission of the remaining malcontents 
 -would soon follow the news of Montfort's 
 death, hastened towards the capital, in order 
 to establish such re2:ulations as seemed best 
 calculated for insuring future tranquillity. 
 
 Bolebec was left with a considerable 
 force, to effect the reduction of Hereford 
 Castle, and a few other foriresses, which 
 were still in the hands of Montfort's friendsr. 
 
 St. Clair had been hurried awav from 
 the field, and, with other prisoners, con- 
 veyed towards Oxford ; but the intelligence 
 of Montfort's death having reached the 
 party before their arrival there, Lacy'^ men, 
 who had the charge of the prisoners, fear- 
 ful of a rescue, in case the conquerors 
 diould direct tlieir march through Oxford, 
 
 determined*
 
 164 THK GREY FBIARj AND 
 
 determined to pass by that city, and coivdiicf 
 their prisoners to Waliingford Castle^, which 
 was at that time under the command of Lacy 
 himself. 
 
 On their arrival there, they found that 
 the defeat of the Earl of Leicester's forces 
 had been much more complete than they 
 had before suspected. Lacy, who had been 
 obliged to fly from the field of battle, with 
 the utm.ost precipitancy, had reached Wal- 
 iingford before the prisoners were brought 
 in ; and rejoiced that by having obtained 
 possession of so many of his enemies^ he 
 had at least secured to himself favourable 
 terms of capitulation, and indemnity for 
 his late proceedings. He, howxver, caused 
 the Earl of St. Clair and his fellow-prisoners 
 to be led immediately to a gloomy dungeon, 
 where they were indiscriminately confined 
 together, and allowed for their sustenance 
 only a small portion of the coarsest fare. 
 Their drink was nothing but water, their 
 beds were of straw and rushes, and the 
 humidity of their place of confinement 
 
 increased
 
 TH1E BLACK SPIRIT OP THE WYE. 165 
 
 increased its wretchedness, and the dangers 
 of their captivity. Remonstrances, how- 
 ever, were in vain, for Lacy possessed none 
 of the softer qualities of the mind, and was 
 wholly a stranger to any feelings but those 
 of avarice and selfishness. 
 
 When Bolehec understootl that the Earl of 
 St. Clair was a prisoner at Wallingford, he 
 resolved to proceed thither in person, at 
 the head of his forces, so soon as Hereford 
 Castle should have been surrendered to the 
 Prince's arms. 
 
 The defeat of Montfort had already 
 damped the spirit of the confederate 
 Barons, and the city of Hereford surren- 
 dered on the first summons. Bolebec took 
 possession of the Castle, in form, the keys 
 being delivered to him by t'.e governor, 
 on his knees. The soldiery, admitted every- 
 where by the citizens, were regaled with 
 the best provisions which the country af- 
 forded : but Bolebec, knowing the advan- 
 tage of striking a sudden and unexpected 
 blow, was anxious to attempt the liberation 
 
 of
 
 166 THE GREY PRTAR^ AND 
 
 t)f the Earl of St. Clair and his companions, 
 before the enemy had time to recover from 
 the panic into which they had been struck 
 by their recent defeat. He therefore al- 
 lowed onlv two davs rest to his men, before 
 he proceeded towards Wallingford. 
 
 The exact discipline which Sir Hugh de 
 Bolebec had always kept up in the army 
 under his command, and tlie veneration 
 which the troops entertained for him as 
 their leader, enabled him to accomplish 
 this long march with comparatively little 
 inconvenience, and in a much shorter space 
 of time than in those davs was usually con- 
 sumed in the moving of troops to such a 
 distance. 
 
 When the advanced guard arrived within 
 about a mile of the town, Sir Philip For- 
 tescue dispatched a trumpet, to summon the' 
 Castle, in the King's name. 
 
 The governor^ who, though a staunch 
 friend of Montfort, was well aware of the 
 dangerous condition to which their party 
 was now reduced, sent for answer, that he 
 
 already
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE V/'YE. 1G7 
 
 already held the Castle for the King, and 
 would not deliver the possession of it, un- 
 less by an order from his Grace himself. 
 
 Boluin, suspecting^ that this evasion wa^ 
 only for the purpose of gaining time, per- 
 haps in hopes of the arrival of additional 
 parties of the scattered forces of Montfort, 
 who micrht render an assault more difficult, 
 caused Sir Philip Fortescue to draw still 
 nearer to the town. 
 
 A second summons was then sent to Lacy, 
 with conditions of surrender ; to which he 
 replied, by derrianding twenty-four hours 
 to consider of thetn. 
 
 Bohun now advanced with the bodv of 
 his forces, which being drawn up within 
 •sight of the walls, made a very gallant ap- 
 pearance. They were composed of brave 
 men, flushed with recent success, and ani- 
 mated by the presence of officers to whom 
 ihcy were firmly and zealously attached. 
 
 A third summons was then sent to the 
 governor, stating, that unless the gates were 
 opened to wSir Hugh de Bolebec in half an 
 
 hour.
 
 158 THE GRFA' FRIAR, AND 
 
 hour, he would enter the town by storm ; 
 for which he desired the governor to ob- 
 serve that he was amply prepared, as might 
 be seen by the number of his forces. 
 
 Lacy, who beheld from the battlements 
 of the Castle the forces with which he had 
 to contend, and knowing the high and de- 
 termined spirit of Bolebec, moreover re- 
 flecting on the weakness of his own garri- 
 son, and the disinclination of the troops 
 under his command to hazard themselves 
 in so hopeless a cause, dispatched an officer 
 to Sir Hugh, with proposals to set open the 
 gates of the town, and deliver up all the 
 prisoners in his custody, provided indem- 
 nity were promised him for the past, and 
 security of his person and property from 
 molestation or injury, engaged for on the 
 word a* d honour of Bolebec. 
 
 To this proposal Sir Hugh consented, on 
 condition that Lacy would mount such of 
 the prisoners who had before served on 
 horseback on his own horses^ and himself 
 conduct them in person out of the gates of 
 
 the
 
 THE &LACK SPlUlT OP THE WYE. IGO 
 
 the town; his own soldiers laying down 
 their arms^ and remaining at the disposal of 
 Bolebec, unless they were disposed to retire 
 to their respective homes, under an en- 
 gagement, to be guaranteed by Lacy, that 
 they would not again take up arms against 
 King Henry or Prince Edward^ and their 
 respective officers^ especially of the houses 
 of St. Clair and Bolebec. 
 
 Lacy, glad to escape ne danger which 
 threatened his refusal, immediately assented 
 to these conditions ; and, in order to in- 
 gratiate himself with (he conqueror, not 
 only mounted his prisoner St. Clair on a 
 fine horse, agreeable to the stipulation, but 
 habited the Earl in a rich coat of mail, and 
 presented liim with an antique sword, which 
 had long been preserved in the Castle as a 
 relic of the great King Arthur. 
 
 Thus accoutred, at the head of his fellow- 
 prisoners, and attended by the governor 
 himself, the Earl of St. Clair was conducted 
 to the gates of the town, where he was 
 eordially embraced by SirHugh de Bolebec, 
 
 VOL. I. I ^vho
 
 170 THE GREY FRIAR,, AND 
 
 ^ho havin^a; received the keys at the hands 
 of the governor, immediately presented 
 them to St. Clair, and nominated him keeper 
 of the town, until the King's pleasure should 
 be known. 
 
 The two Knights having pledged them- 
 selves to each other in the most solemn 
 manner, by laying their right-hands on the 
 holy gospels, to observe strictly the con- 
 ditions which had been agreed upon, pro- 
 ceeded through the town to the Castle, 
 where the garrison, laying down their arms 
 at the feet of Bolebec, were replaced by 
 his own regiment; and the remainder of 
 the army took up their quarters in the town 
 and nei2:hbourin2: villasfes. 
 
 While apartments were preparing in the 
 Castle for the accommodation of the prin- 
 cipal officers, the Earl of St. Clair, accom- 
 panied by Sir Philip Fortcscue, SirMarma- 
 duke Langdale, Sir Ambrose de Hillingdon, 
 Sir William Fitz-Osborne, Sir Nigel de 
 Chillingplace, and the rest of Bolebec's 
 chief followers, went to the church, and 
 
 there.
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE Vv'YE. 171 
 
 there, before ibe altar, in the presence of 
 the principal inhabitants of the town, took 
 an oath to govern them with fidelity, and 
 to deliver up possession of the fortifications 
 to no other person save the King himself, 
 or his rightful heir, Edward the Prince, or 
 those whom they should lawfully appoint, 
 but to the utmost of his power defend them 
 against the attacksof the adherents of Simon 
 late Earl of Leicester, and all other the 
 King's enemies. 
 
 This ceremony being over, and mass 
 celebrated by the abbot of Wallingfurd, 
 they returned %vith great pomp to the 
 Castle. 
 
 Night coming on, every one 'was glad 
 to retire to rest, and none more so than 
 the Earl ol Ct. CJair, who had been thus 
 rescued from the gloom of a dungeon, and 
 exchanged his rushy pallet for a bed of 
 down. 
 
 The next dav, St. Clair made a maofnifi- 
 cent entertainment at the Castle ; and those 
 who had been his companions in the dun- 
 
 I 2 geon
 
 17'2 THE GREY TRIAP.^ AND 
 
 fi^eon had now the honourable distinction 
 of being seated at a table, expressly pre- 
 pared for them, immediately below that at 
 which the Earl himself dined, having on his 
 right-liand Sir Hugh de Bolebec, and on 
 his left tl>e abbot of Wallir;gford, Lacy 
 the former governor sitting on the op- 
 posite side, and the officers of Bolebec's 
 arir»y placed according to their respective 
 xank. 
 
 The death of Montfort crushed the hopes 
 of his pirtizans; and those few strong- 
 holds which, in diiferent parts of the king- 
 dom, were still in the hands of his ad- 
 herents, speedily surrendered to Prince 
 Edward. 
 
 Bolebec remained, for the present, at 
 Wallingford, until he should leain the in- 
 tentiori of the Prince with regard to the 
 dinpr-sai: ol the forces under his command ; 
 but he did not neglect to acquaint the 
 Lady fiolebec with his success in rescuing 
 the Earl of St. Clair from the dungeon of 
 Wallingford Castle. 
 
 King
 
 THE BLACK SPIKIT OF THE WYE. 173 
 
 Kin«: Kenrv bein<y restored to the exer- 
 cise of his authority^ the forces were or- 
 dered to be disbanded, and the prisoners 
 released. The Castle, with what was called 
 the Honour of Wallingford^ was besiowed 
 upon the gallant St. Clair, as a rew^ard for 
 his services. 
 
 Sir Hugh de Bolebec at length prepared 
 to return to Glandon Tower. His vassals 
 were so numerous, that they had contributed 
 a great proportion of the forces which had 
 accompanied him to Walllngford ; and after 
 the principal officers had taken their leave^ 
 and departed with their respective follow-: 
 ers, the attendants of Sir Hugh were so 
 numerous, that the cavalcade which fol- 
 lowed him into his own county resembled 
 the march of an armv, rather than the train 
 af a nobleman. 
 
 The Lady Bolebec, apprized of their ex- 
 pected arrival, had been employed many 
 days in preparing for the reception of 
 Boleber and V:is followers. Sir Michael 
 Fettiplace and the rest of the prisoners had 
 
 I 3 been
 
 i74 THE CREY FRIAE, AND 
 
 been already discharged from their con- 
 finement; and the whole neighbourhood 
 was filled with rejoicings upon the happy 
 event of a peace, to which the prudence 
 and valour of Sir Hugh de Bolcbcc had so 
 much contributed. 
 
 According to the usages of Our ancestors, 
 the hospitalities practised in seasons of 
 festivity extended to all who were disposed 
 ,to partake of them. The doors of the man- 
 sion were thrown open to every stranger 
 who was inclined to enter, and he was wel- 
 comed to a participation of the good cheer 
 always plentifully provided on such occa- 
 sions. 
 
 The Lady Bolebec met her beloved hus- 
 band at the gate of the Tower, leading the 
 beautiful Isabella in one hand, and carry- 
 ing in her arms the little Edward. Sir 
 Humphrey Bohun accompanied her; and 
 all those who so lately formed a garrison 
 under his command, as soldiers, now dressed 
 in liveries, attended to do honour to the 
 guests invited to Glandon Towei*. 
 
 The
 
 THE BLACK SPIKIT OF THE WYE. 175 
 
 The Earl of St. Clair attended his warlike 
 brother; and scarcely had they entered the 
 Tower^ now the mansion of peace^ before 
 they were joined by the Earl of Hereford 
 and his son Devereiix, who hastened to pay 
 their grateful respects to a family to whose 
 generosity tbey considered themselves so 
 much indebted. 
 
 Numerous were the visrtors, and the pro- 
 risions were ample. For nine successive 
 days, the sounds of festivity gladdened 
 the hospitable mansion. The night was 
 cheered with melody, and rural sports oF 
 every description amused and entertained 
 the different classes that formed the happy 
 group. 
 
 On the last day of the entertainmentj the 
 company was even more numerous than it 
 had ever been before. Many of the monks 
 from the neighbouring convents partici- 
 pated in the good cheer, and increased the 
 throng which filled ^XmoA every part of this 
 extensive buildins:. 
 
 At the approach of evening, the com- 
 I 4 pany
 
 176 THE GEEY PRIAI?, AND 
 
 pany began to disperse; but it was not 
 until late that the Tower was cleared of its 
 numerous visitors, who departed greatly 
 pleased with the noble hospitality of which 
 they had partaken. 
 
 When the Lady Bolebec retired to hejr 
 chamber, she was somewhat surprised at 
 the absence of her female attendant, who 
 was entrusted with the care of the infant 
 Edward. 
 
 The fair Isabella, who was too young to 
 be permitted to join in the crowd wTth 
 which the Tower had been filled during so 
 many days, had remained shut up in her 
 mother's apartments the whole time. From 
 her Lady Bolebec received the information 
 that Agnes, the servant, had carried Edward 
 down the great staircase, a long time be- 
 fore, and told her that she shoH'M speedily 
 return. 
 
 - An inquiry was immediately made after 
 the child and his nurse ; but no intelligence 
 could be procured respecting either of 
 them. The alarm thus excited increased 
 
 every
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OP THE WYE. 177 
 
 e^ery moment, and Mas aggravated by the 
 darkness of the night, which prevented the 
 possibility of making so strict a search in 
 the neighbourhood oi^ the'Tower as was de- 
 sirable. 
 
 The Lady Bole bee, whom we have seen 
 exercising all the fortitude of the stronger 
 sex, undismayed by the most imminent 
 dangers, and immoveable amidst the diffi- 
 culties with which she had been surrounded, 
 l6st in a single hour all her firmness, and 
 fell, apparently lifeless, -into the arms of 
 her attendants. Sir Hugh, infonned of the 
 occasion of her alarm, attempted in vain 
 to comfort her, wit'i the hope of soon ob- 
 taining some intelligence respecting the 
 lost infant. At the same time, he himself 
 suffered the greatest degree of uneasiness*, 
 and dispatched his attendants, in every^ 
 direction, to search for Agnes and the 
 child.- 
 
 The night was passed in anxiety and agi- 
 tation, such as only parents can feel ; and 
 the succeeding day brought no tidings to 
 
 1 5 alleviate •
 
 178 THE GREY FRIARj AND 
 
 alleviate the siiflTerings of the nfflicted 
 parents. 
 
 The Lady Eolebec Scarcely recovered 
 herself to a consciousness of her loss, with- 
 out immediately relapsins: into a state of 
 distressing incoherence, and melancholy 
 insensibility. Sir Hugh, who, amidst the 
 horrors of war, had remained unappalled, 
 wrung by the keenest tortures of parental 
 antruishj melted into tears, and almost sunk 
 lender the poignancy of his distress. 
 
 Victory had crowned him with or]crv. 
 Surrounded by admiring friends, whose 
 regard for his virtues was even heightened 
 by their being witnesses of his valour, high 
 in the confidence of his Prince, and pos- 
 sessing the love and admiration of his 
 fellow-subjects, this brave genei'al having 
 passed through the storms and tempests 
 which, for a season, overspread his native 
 land, had lived to see the termination of 
 those unhappy differences by which the 
 country had been so long agitated, and was 
 now retiring into the bosom of domestic 
 
 tranquillity.
 
 THE BLACK SPIHIT OF THE WYE. 179 
 
 tranquillity, and the rational enjoyment of 
 life, when a sudden blow seemed to have 
 been struck, which threatened to embitter 
 the remainder of his days, and seemed, by 
 its uncommon severity, to mark him as an 
 object of Heaven's peculiar displeasure. 
 
 The sun, which had risen upon him with 
 cheering splendor, and diffused comfort 
 and joy amidst the circle of his assembled 
 guests, had witiidrawn its vivifying rays, 
 and exchanged the brilliancy of the pros^ 
 pect for darkness, disappointment, and sor^ 
 row. — " Kow soon are our brightest views 
 obscured ! and, when basking in the sun- 
 shine of health, and glowing with the com- 
 forts of prosperity, how suddenly may the 
 iron hand of misfortune fall upon us, de-- 
 stroy our hopes, and banish our happi- 
 ness!" 
 
 Day succeeded day. The morning opened 
 with inquiries, and the evening closed in 
 disappointment. No tidings were heard of 
 the darling of his father's hope, the com- 
 pletion of his mother's joy. 
 
 1 6 When
 
 180 THE GREY FIlIAP.j AND 
 
 When the first transports of surprise and 
 perturbation had given place to calmer 
 moments of reflection, it was feared that 
 the child and the nurse had both fallen 
 into the moat which surrounded Glandon 
 Tpwer^ and had perished^ without being 
 able to obtain assistance or give alarm. 
 
 This indeed was scarcely probable, on 
 account of the number of persons in and 
 about the mansion at the time when Agnes 
 quitted Lady Bolebec's apartment. Some 
 of them must have witnessed the accident, 
 or have been near enough to hear their 
 voices, if th^y had called for assistance. 
 The moat was examined with the utmost 
 care ; but it led to no discoverv. 
 
 Isabella, "who was of an age to feel all the 
 sensibility of affection, was almost frantic 
 with distress, when she understood the cause 
 of her mother's grief, and ran from one of 
 her parents to the other, in vain attempting 
 to sooth their sorrov/, or to conceal her 
 own. Neither the voice of friendship nor 
 
 the
 
 THK BLACK SPIRIT O'F THE WYE. 181 
 
 the reasonings of philosophy could soften 
 the pangs they felt. 
 
 St. Clair and Bohun coiikl only join in 
 melancholy condolence, or assist in form- 
 ing useless conjectures respecting this ex- 
 traordinary occurrence. The only circiim- 
 stance which could lead even to an idea 
 whether the departure of the servant had 
 been des!o:ned or comnulsorv, was, that a 
 considerable quantity of the child s clothes 
 were misoing ; but, on the other hand, it 
 could not be ascertained that any of the 
 apparel belonging to Agnes had been taken ' 
 away. Scarcely any light was throvv^n upon 
 the niystel'ious transaction by this disco- 
 very. If it ]ed to a belief that the child 
 had been taken away by some stratagem, 
 in which the nurse was a party concerned, 
 in opposition to tlvis idea it might be urged, 
 that Agnes would then have contrived to 
 . remove at least some of her own apparel 
 also. Isabella, on being questioned, uni- 
 formly declared, that when Agnes quitted 
 Lady Bolcbec's apartment, with Edward in 
 
 3 her
 
 182 THE GREY FRIAR^ AND 
 
 her arms, she took neither bundle nor 
 package of any kind with her. 
 
 It has been already stated, that the Earl 
 of Hereford and his son were among the 
 guests assembled at Glandon Tower, to par- 
 take of the festivities in the late season of 
 rejoicing. This respectable nobleman, who 
 had remained shut up in his mansion on 
 the borders of Wales, during the late dis- 
 turbances, had not, without great reluc- 
 tance, permitted his son, at the earnest 
 entreaty of Montfort, to accept a commis- 
 sion in his army, himself entertaining an 
 opinijn, that more benefit wr.s likely to 
 accrue from the reduction of the power 
 of the Barons, than from supporting their 
 pretensions; and therefore secretly favourr 
 ing the cause of Prince Edward, although 
 his advanced age rendered him unable to 
 take an active part in the contest. But 
 when Montfort was killed^, the Earl was so 
 well aware that the power of the Fitz- 
 Parnells must soon yield to the opposing 
 voice of the country, that, fearfullest ihe 
 
 arrogance
 
 THE RLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 1 S3 
 
 arrogance ofthose two nobles might prompt 
 them to engao^e in some new scheme to 
 disturb the «Tovernment, and avenge their 
 uncle's death, he sent his positive commands 
 to Devereux to return home immediately. 
 
 He wisely reflected, that the same s^^ii it 
 which, Iinder recent circumstances, had 
 been excused, under the title of patriotism, 
 might hereafter, without much perversion, 
 subject hi?Tj who exercised it to the appel- 
 lation of a traitor. 
 
 Devereux instantly obeyed his fatlier's* 
 summons. He was too well acquainted with 
 the turbulent and revengeful disposition of' 
 Sir Walter Fitz-Parncll and his brother, to 
 suppose that they would long remain quiet; 
 and their fixed and rooted animosity to- 
 wards the family of Boleber, which they 
 took n^o paiiis to conceal, rendered his abode 
 at Warkworth the more uncomfortable, 
 since the obligations under which he had 
 been placed by the magnanimity of the Earl 
 of wSt. Clair and his sister, had entitled them 
 to the first place in his esteem. 
 
 It
 
 ISi Tim GREY PRIAR^ AND 
 
 It would have been equally disgraceful 
 to his honour, and repugnant to the best 
 feelings of his heart, to have even witnessed 
 any efforts to injure those to whom he was 
 bound by the strongest ties of regard and 
 gratitude. He hastened, therefore, to his 
 paternal seat ; and when, in his account of 
 the campaign in which he had been en- 
 ofaeed, he related to the Earl his father the 
 senerous treatment he had met with at'- 
 Glandon Tower, the venerable old man de- 
 terriiined to accompany his son among 
 those who appeared the foremost to offer 
 their congratulations on the safe return of 
 Sir Hugh de Bolebec, after the great event 
 to which his valour and prowess had so 
 essentially contributed, and to thank the 
 Earl of St.'Clair in person for the kindness 
 he had shewn to his ison. 
 
 The affliction in which Bolebec and his 
 Lady were involved sensibly affected both 
 Devereux and. his father; but their coun- 
 sels were unavailing ; and as time alone 
 seemed to be the balm for such a wound 
 
 as
 
 TilE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 185 
 
 as that which these worthy parents had re- 
 ceived, He.eford and Devereux would have 
 taken their leave of Glandon, but for the 
 solicitation of St. Clair, who, although he 
 agreed with them that seasons of distress 
 are but ill adapted to social intercourse, 
 justly entertained an opinion that solitude 
 may cherish grief, but never cures it. He 
 thought it therefore an act of true friend- 
 ship to remain at Glandon Tower himself, 
 and easily prevailed on the Earl of Here- 
 ford and Sir Humphrey Bohun to continue 
 there also, until the grief in which the 
 family were at present plunged should have 
 subsided into a softer and less painful me- 
 lancholy. 
 
 Devereux wanted no consideration of 
 this kind to induce him to remain near the 
 Earl of St. Clair, between whom and him- 
 self there had already sprung up a sincere 
 friendship, founded on that best of all pHn- 
 ciples, a becoming gratitude for an import- 
 ant -bent fit, didntcrestedU) conferred. 
 
 The sceptre having been again placed in 
 
 the
 
 186 THE GREY FPJAR^ AND 
 
 the hai.ds of King Keriry, he received the 
 homage of hiy subjects, now cnce more 
 retiirncii to their allegiance; and^ in order 
 to prevert future complaints, a new branch 
 of the legiblatLiC, which had scarcely en- 
 tered upon their important office, when the 
 confusion into which the nation had.been^ 
 thrown interrupted their consultations^ 
 again met for the dispatch of public busi- 
 ness. This was the first rude sketch of that 
 great design which future ages completed, 
 in the constitution of the English Parlia- 
 ment. 
 
 CHAP.
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 187 
 
 CHAP. VIII. 
 
 Whilst Prince Edward was thus, by hi^- 
 prowess in arms, securing to his father the 
 possession of the supreme authoritVj he 
 himself acquired such a degree of military 
 enthusiasm^ that, disdaining the stillness of 
 inglorious ease, and tainted by the super- 
 stition of the age, the affairs of his native 
 country wxre scarcely settled, when he 
 formed the resolution of c; gaging in the 
 crusade, or, according to tne phraseology 
 of that day, *' to take the cross." 
 
 Of all the absurdities into which mankind 
 have been betrayed by the influence of 
 superstition^ this was perhaps the greatest. 
 
 To
 
 iSS THE GREY PRIAK^ AND 
 
 To light for the acquirement of territorial 
 property and dominion, under the banners 
 of the author of Christianity, who empha- 
 tically declared, that his kingdom zvas not of 
 ^is ucorldj was then considered as the snm 
 and substance of true religion ; and the ut- 
 most turpitude of conduct and dereliction 
 of morality was supposed to be expiated, 
 by devoting a portion of life to severe and 
 voluntary penance, or applying the super- 
 fluities of wealth in support of the romantic 
 scheme of exterminating infidelity, and 
 compelling the consciences of others to. 
 conform to their own tenets. 
 
 The fashion, of a court, however absurd, 
 always readily finds imitators; and that 
 which sober reason and reflection would 
 have rejected and condemned^ is often 
 practised with enthusiasm, where the ex- 
 ample of the great can be pleaded in its 
 defence. 
 
 The folly of nnaking pilgrimages tO' 
 jTerusalem would ha c soon yielded to the 
 influence of common sense, ii princes and; 
 
 nobles
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. IS9 
 
 nobles had not joined in the comnian 
 frenzy of the times. 
 
 The determination of Prince Edward to 
 join the crusade, kindled a similar spirit in 
 the minds ©f many of those noble youths 
 who already had been his companions in 
 arms. Amougst them wa-^ tl.e gallant St. 
 Clair, who, no longer haviiig an opportu- 
 nity of signalising his valaiir at home, 
 resolved to prove those two rreat qualities 
 of a Christian wanior, patience and forti- 
 tude, by enduring hunger and thirst, and 
 cold and nakedness, in order to have the 
 satisfaction of encountering the Saracens in 
 Palestine. 
 
 Devereux felt a strong inclination to 
 accompany his frie .d, to share his dangers, 
 and participate in (he glory of exterminat- 
 ing infidels from the Holy Land. At that 
 time, no one inquired whether it were 
 -consistent with the benign and pacific spirit 
 of the founder of his faith to defend it by 
 the dcstriKticn of myriads of human beings, 
 or whether the precepts of the gospel en- 
 couraged
 
 190 THE GREY FRIAR,, AND 
 
 couraged that ferocious bigotry which 
 prompts to the most barbarous deeds. But 
 the Earl of Hereford was a nobleman who 
 superadded to the best natural understand- 
 ing a taste for the acquirement of know- 
 ledge, seldom to be found at that era, and 
 the impolicy of encouraging this ecclesias- 
 tical project for subjecting Europe to the 
 dominion of the papacy had not escaped 
 his penetrating mind. Wise, prudent, and 
 accomplished himself, he had endeavoured 
 to make those great advantages conducive 
 to the improvement of his son; and ac- 
 cordinolv instilled into his mind continual- 
 ly those liberal principles which operate 
 silently and imperceptibly to subdue the 
 influences of superstition. 
 
 The ardour which Devereux felt on the 
 present occasion, was that of a young man 
 desirous to signalize himself in such a man- 
 ner as to insure the esteem of his friends, 
 and the admiration of his country. It was 
 not wholly free from the taint of super- 
 stition ; but religious phrenzy and intoler- 
 ant
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF TFIE WYE. 191 
 
 ant zeal had far less influence on the mind 
 of the young hero^ than the generous claims 
 of friendship, and the laudable desire of 
 honourable fame. 
 
 Knowing that the sentiments of his father 
 were in direct opposition to his own wishes 
 in this particular, and apprehensive that the 
 Earl would not, without great difficulty, be 
 induced to consent that he should join in 
 the expedition, Devereux entreated Sir 
 Humphrey Bohun to exert his influence in 
 his behalf. Bohun, who considered the 
 crusade merely in the light of a military 
 campaign, without much regarding its po- 
 litical tendency or consequences, and, na- 
 turally fond of arms himself, readily under- 
 took the task; but although he urged his 
 suit with all the eloquence he was master 
 of, the Earl of Hereford persisted in his 
 resolution not to sanction a proceeding 
 which he thought repugnant to the prin- 
 ciples of reason and justice ; but concluded 
 his answer to Sir Humphrey by assuring 
 him, that there was no other request which 
 
 he
 
 192 THE GREY FRIAR, AND 
 
 he could have made to him, nor anv other 
 indulgence which his son could have de- 
 sired, that he would have refused. 
 
 Devereux, however, finding it in vain to 
 oppose the will of his father, reluctantly 
 submitted; and^ the time for the departure 
 of St. Clair being arrived, took leave of 
 him with the deepest regret. The Lady 
 Bolebec also^ who haa not yet recovered 
 from the shock of h^r r.ffiicting loss, seemed 
 to suffer a renewal of her grief at pjrrting 
 with her brother. A scrt of melancholy an- 
 ticipation (.f niisfortunes seemed to cover, 
 as with a dark cloud, the prospect of the 
 future, and to threrten fresh, though at 
 present unknown, calamities. 
 
 St. Clair took the nearest road towards 
 the southern cx)ast, and embarked, with 
 numerous of his f' 'lOW-adventurers, to 
 seek new scenes of ii^ilitary glory, by a 
 long and arduous course of toil and pa^ 
 tience. 
 
 After the departure ,of the Earl, Sir 
 Humphre} ijohun was every day more and 
 
 more
 
 THE B/wACK SPIRIT OP THE WYE. 193 
 
 more importunate with his friends at 
 Glandon to accompany him to his Castle 
 of Mordeford, there to endeavour, by a 
 chano:e of scene, to divert their attention. 
 from the melancholy subject of their do- 
 mestic losSj of which everything about 
 Glandon Tower was continually reminding 
 them. 
 
 Sir Humphrey had been so long absent 
 from Mordeford, that he was also anxious, 
 on his own account, to return to his family- 
 mansion, where his accustomed hospitalities 
 had been long suspended, and the want of 
 them severely felt by the neighbourhood. 
 
 Bohun had survived his Lady and a large 
 family, who all died in the prime of life; 
 but he was much esteemed in his county, 
 and possessed considerable property and 
 influence there. 
 
 He had early taken part against Simon de 
 Montfort in the late disturbances, both from 
 a personal regard for the King, and a dislike 
 which he had long entertained of some of 
 the principal and leading persons who had 
 
 ^OL, I. K associated
 
 194 THE GREY FRIARj AND 
 
 associated themselves with Leicester on that 
 occasion. 
 
 Bohiin was a hardy old soldier, who nei- 
 ther dissembled his animosities nor at- 
 tempted to justify them. He had succeeded 
 to the quarrels and feuds of his ancestors^ 
 together with their estates ; and he cherish- 
 ed them with almost equal care. If he did 
 not strive to subdue the feelings of hos- 
 tility, which, without any personal provo- 
 cation, he had thus inconsiderately assumed/ 
 neither did he seek new quarrels, nor em- 
 broil himself in fresh disputes. If he were 
 but little disposed to conciliate an adver- 
 sarv, it was rather to be attributed to the 
 haughty spirit which he had acquired as an 
 inheritance, than to any malignity of dis- 
 position, or implacability of temper; for 
 no man could be more generous in his 
 nature, or less disposed to take offence at 
 slight or unintentional provocations.. 
 
 He loved arms as a profession, and en- 
 tertained as nice a sense of honour as per- 
 haps any person of his day. He considered 
 
 a pro-
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 195 
 
 n promise sacred ; and though prudent and 
 sagacious^ was neither morose nor sus- 
 picious. 
 
 His friendships were, of course, few, but 
 thev were lastino^. No man had more firm- 
 ness, more determined bravery, nor less of 
 the coxcomb, (if a modern word may be 
 applied to the description of an ancient 
 character), than Sir Humphrey Bohun. 
 
 His generosity was devoid of affectation, 
 his economy free from meanness, his man- 
 ner open and sincere, his charity unsullied 
 by ostentation, and his religion less tinctur- 
 ed with bigotry than was usual at the period 
 in which he lived. 
 
 His conversation was pleasant and in- 
 teresting, more blunt than polite, but a 
 ways cheerful, and never offensive. 
 
 From his early infancy he hud been a 
 fectionatcly attached to the Bolcbec UimiJv- 
 and numbered the father of Sir liu^iii u 
 Bolebec among his best friends. Thcie wac 
 a consiuerabi'- dilTerence in their ages ; bin 
 <he sincerest friend^ihips are not unfe- 
 
 K .*^ queniiy
 
 106 THE GREY FRIAR, AND 
 
 quently found to subsist between persons 
 who have not lived an equal number of 
 years in the world. 
 
 Bohun had long ^designed to make the 
 son of his old friend, SirAnthonydeBolebec, 
 the heir of his possessions. He had always 
 manifested the greatest partiality for the 
 little Isabella ; and, after the birth of her 
 brother Edward, had often told her that she 
 should come and live at Mordeford, and be 
 his daughter. 
 
 Nor was there less attachment to Sir 
 Humphrey on the part of Bolebec and his 
 Lady. They had long known his worth, 
 and duly appreciated the sincerity of his 
 friendship. His kindness and assistance in 
 the defence of Glandon Tower, was among 
 innumerable proofs which they had expe- 
 rienced, of the desire he felt to contribute 
 to their comfort and happiness; nor was 
 the solicitude which he expressed to divert 
 them from the melancholy contemplation 
 of their late misfortune withou-t its due 
 influence on their grateful hearts. 
 
 k
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 197 
 
 It has been already said^ that the Earl of 
 Hereford and Bohiin were also old ac- 
 quaintances; and although the manners of 
 the former were far morof highly polished 
 than those of Sir Humphrey Bohun, their 
 dispositions were most intimately congenial. 
 
 Bohun having at length prevailed upon 
 the Lady Bolebec to consent, to the pro- 
 posed visit, insisted that the Earl of Here- 
 ford should be of the party ; and in order, 
 as he said^ to make sure of him, would, in 
 the first place, enlist his son Devereux, and 
 carry the young gentleman away to Mot- 
 deford^ to assist hjiVi in preparmg for the 
 reception of his guests. 
 
 Devereux, who was already become a 
 great favourite with Sir Humphrey, readily 
 agreed to this proposal ; and they took 
 their departure from Gland on Tower, with 
 an intention to proceed by the nearest road 
 towards Worcester, in their way to Mordc- 
 ford Castle. 
 
 In their first day's journey, nothing re- 
 markable occurred ; but in the evening of 
 
 K 3 the
 
 ISa THE GREY FRIAB^ AND 
 
 the second day, in passing a thick wood, 
 they were disturbed by the cry of a female, 
 in apparent distress. Hastening to the spat 
 whence the noise proceeded, Devereux, 
 who was foremost, perceived two men drag- 
 ging along a miserable-looking female, 
 whose hands were tied behind her, and 
 directing their steps t-owards a turf-built 
 iiut at a few paces distant. 
 
 The men, as soon as they saw Devereux 
 and the rest of his company, quitted the 
 Avoman, and fled with great precipitation. 
 Sir Humphrey and one of his servants at- 
 tempted to follow them ; but the thickets 
 were so closelv interwoven with each other, 
 that the wood was totally impervious ; and 
 they were soon compelled reluctantly to 
 give over the pursuit. 
 
 Devereux approached the woman, who 
 appeared to have been treated with great 
 barbarity, her face and arms-bting covered 
 with blood, in consequence of being for- 
 cibly dragged through the thickets and 
 brambles. She described herself to be the 
 
 wife
 
 TnE BLACK SPIRIT OF TETE WYE. 199 
 
 wife of a cottager belonging to a neigh- 
 bouring: vil]ao;e. and said that she was re- 
 turning with the basket of provisions, for 
 the use of her family, when, in passing the 
 wood, she was suddenly laid hold of by the 
 men whom they had just before seen, who 
 took away her provisions, and threatened 
 to strangle her, if she made the least noise; 
 but said, that'if she would go quietly with 
 them, and obey their instructions, no vio- 
 lence of r.ny kind should be ollered to her, 
 and in a few davs she might return to her 
 family. 
 
 The poor woman having heard of several 
 robberies committed in tl>e waocl, and of 
 one of her neighbours having been stripped 
 there a few weeks before, besought the two 
 ruffians to have some compassion, and be 
 content with the provisions they had taken 
 from her, in the purchase of whicb she had 
 laid out every farthing she possessed in the 
 world. But they disregarded her tears and 
 entreaties, and, tying her hands behind her,. 
 
 K 4 dragged.
 
 500 THE GREY TRIAK;, AND 
 
 dragged her throtigh the wood towards the 
 hi]t before mentioned. 
 
 Devereux and his attendants released the 
 Vvoman*s hands, and, being now rejoined 
 by Sir Humphrey Bohiin, proceeded to the 
 h 't, which they found in the occupation 
 of a haggard old woman, who was kindling 
 a fire under a large kettle, seemingly well 
 stored with provision. 
 
 Bohun inquired if she had not heard the 
 cries of some person in distress, a fewr" 
 minutes before.'^ to which the old woman 
 replied, '' Yes;" but she had distress enough 
 of her own, without troubling herself about 
 that of other people. On being asked, if 
 she knew whether there were any robbers 
 in the wood ? she said she could not tell 
 whether there were or not; but she had 
 little to lose, and therefore was not afraid 
 of robbers. 
 
 The manner in which she answered the 
 interrogatories put to her excited in Sir 
 Humphrey and Devereux a strong suspicion 
 
 that
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 201 
 
 that the old ^voman belonged to a gang of 
 freebooters, who had probably taken up 
 their abode in the wood. 
 
 The furniture of the hut increased this, 
 suspicion. There was a far greater variety 
 of utensils for culinary and domestic pur- 
 poses, than ordinarily fall to the lot of the 
 poor; and numerous garments of various 
 kinds were stowed in different parts of the 
 cottage. 
 
 The poor woman, who^ besides the 
 wounds she had received from the bushes, 
 and brambles through which she had been 
 dragged, was much hurt by the cords with 
 which she had been tied, by this time also 
 arrived at the hut; and on Devereux de- 
 siring that she might be accommodated with 
 a seat and some assistance, the old woman 
 churlishly replied, that she might sit down, 
 and rest herself a little while, but could not 
 remain there long, for if her husband should 
 come home, he would be very angry to find, 
 any stranger in the cottage. 
 
 Sir Humphrey Bohun, taking Devereux 
 K 5 aside.
 
 202 THE GREY FRIAR, AND 
 
 aside, in order to mention the suspicions 
 which he entertained respecting the old 
 w^oman, found that they were both of the 
 same opinion ; and conferring together on 
 w^hat should be done, resolved, as they had 
 fallen in with so extraordinary an adventure, 
 not to depart without obtaining some in- 
 formation at least to gratify their curiosity. 
 They had with them four servants, each, as 
 well as Sir Humphrey andDevereux, armed 
 with his dagger; and therefore, in point of 
 strength and number, felt sufficiently for- 
 midable to contend against any force which 
 they were at all likely to encounter. Be- 
 sides, fear made no part of Bohun's com- 
 position, and Devereux was too gallant and 
 too brave to shrink from danger, in what- 
 soever shape it might be presented. 
 
 Bohun directed one of the servants to 
 place himself in a situation where, unper- 
 ceived, he might be able to give notice of 
 the approach of any one; then returning 
 to the old woman, renewed his conversa- 
 tion with her, by asking if she had a large 
 
 family
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 203 
 
 family to provide for? The hag replied, 
 thai her family consisted of her husband^ 
 herselfj and her son ; but that the contents 
 of the pot were for sOme travellers^ who, 
 passing that way in the morning, had re- 
 quested her to prepare them some supper 
 against their return at night, and left the 
 provisions with her for the purpose of their 
 being dressed ; that she therefore hoped 
 they would not stay, to hinder her in what 
 she had undertaken, as the travellers bad 
 promised to reward her well for her trouble^, 
 and her husband would be angry if she 
 disappointed them. 
 
 '' Do you know who these travellers 
 are?'* said Devereux. 
 
 "Not at all/' replied the old woman; 
 " but they are very good gentlemen, and 
 always pay me well for what I do for 
 them/' - - 
 
 Although Eohun did not believe one 
 word of the story about the travellers, he 
 thought it might defeat their intention to 
 apprehend the robbers, if he seemed to 
 
 X 6 doubt
 
 204 THE GREY FRIAR^ AN© 
 
 "^doubt what she said. The poor woman was 
 by this time a little recovered, and ex- 
 pressed much anxiety to return to her 
 family. Sir Humphrey Bohun therefore 
 ©ffered to send one of his servants to ac- 
 company her, provided she would prevail 
 on her husband to return with the servant, 
 and take charge of the villains who had 
 treated her in so cruel a manner, in case 
 they were fortunate enough to fall in with 
 them. The woman was very thankful for 
 the kindness of this offer, and engaged tot^ 
 raise the whole village to the aid of her 
 deliverers. 
 
 The village to which she was going was 
 not more than two or three miles distant 
 from the wood ; but the poor creature was. 
 so much hurt by the bruises she had re- 
 eeived^ that on attempting to walk, she 
 found herself totally incapable of proceed- 
 ing. She was accordingly placed on horse- 
 back behind one of the servants, and ia 
 this manner set out towards her own ha- 
 bitation. 
 
 >^ight
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 205 
 
 Niffht %vas now cominor on ; but it was 
 resolved that that circumstance should not 
 prevent Bohun and Devereux from waiting 
 the arrival of the old woman's expected 
 guests^ particularly as they were provided 
 with good horses^ and not far from the 
 beaten road. 
 
 The old woman expressed great uneasi- 
 ness and displeasure that they did not take 
 their leave ; and v/hen Sir Humphrey told 
 her that it was their intention to stay, and 
 sup with her guests, she broke out into 
 bitter curses and revilings. 
 
 All this only contributed to establish 
 their belief that the storv which she had 
 told them was a mere fabrication, and to 
 convince them that this was the rendezvous 
 of a band of robbers. 
 
 They therefore, in plain terms, informed 
 the old woman of their determination to 
 watch the return of her husband and son ; 
 and if they discovered them to be the per- 
 sons who had committed the outrajje which 
 had occasioned their present visit, to deliver 
 
 them 
 S
 
 206 THE GREY FRIAR,, AKD 
 
 them into the hands of justice. On tlic 
 other hand^ that if the travellers whom she 
 talked of were the ofiTenders, and she would 
 give immediate information of all she knew 
 respecting them, they would not only pro- 
 tect her from any danger she might appre- 
 hend from such a disclosure, but amply 
 reward her for it.. 
 
 The old woman solemnly protested that 
 her husband was gone to his accustomed 
 labour, and that she knew nothing of the 
 travellers before mentioned, but that this 
 was the third time of their comino: to her 
 hut, in the manner she had before men- 
 tioned; that they had brought with them 
 several large bundles, containing the uten- 
 sils and clothes they saw, and had desired 
 her to take care of them in their absence. 
 
 Hereupon Sir Humphrey and Devereux, 
 pretending to be well satisfied with the 
 account she had given them, called to their 
 servants, and, remounting their horses, 
 civilly took leave. 
 
 They were, however^ still in as much 
 
 doubt;
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 207 
 
 doubt as ever respecting the truth of the 
 story which they had heard ; and even if 
 true^ it seemed to be sufficient to excite 
 their curiosiiv to make a more minute in- 
 quiry. They therefore jcsolvcd to return 
 secretly, and await the e\ent. Having 
 reached the confines of the wood, it was 
 agreed upon that Devereux should return 
 with one servant to the hut, and remain 
 there until the coming of the travellers, 
 while Sir Humplirey remained on horse- 
 back, occasionally looking out for the ar- 
 rival of the villagers, and at intervals ap- 
 proaching the hut, that he miglit be ready 
 to afford assistance, if it should be required. 
 
 Devereux and his servant arcoidingly 
 dismounted, and, returning to the cottage, 
 placed themselves under a small window, 
 so that they could not only see every one 
 who entered, but observe what was passing 
 within. 
 
 They had remained there about half an 
 hour, when an old man entered the hut, 
 and, in a querulous tone, demanded if his 
 
 supper
 
 208 THE GRKY FRIAK, AND 
 
 supper were ready ? The old woman, with- 
 out giving any answer to his question, 
 began an account of the unexpected visi- 
 tors, who had but lateJy quitted the hut, 
 and expressed great alarm for the safety of 
 the gentlemen, whom she said she was sure 
 they were in search of. 
 
 " I wish with all my heart that they may 
 find them," said the old man ; " for no 
 good will come of any such doings ; and if 
 they take you and your son Robert along 
 with them, it will be no more than you botb. 
 deserve/* 
 
 The old woman muttered a spiteful re- 
 ply, and then asked him if he had seen 
 Robert ? 
 
 " No," said the old man ; '^ and I never 
 desire to see him again. While be was 
 honest, I loved him as a father ought to 
 do; but since he has followed your advice, 
 and enlisted into your cursed gang, he is^ 
 DO son of mine." 
 
 Here the conversation was interrupted' 
 by the arrival of two men, whom, by their 
 
 dress.
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT Of THE WYE. 209 
 
 dress, Devereux immediately recognised to 
 be the same persons that had escaped from 
 their pursuit in the wood. The counte- 
 nance of the old woman brightened at their 
 approach, and she immediately expressed 
 great satisfaction to see them safely re- 
 turned — '' Indeed/* said she, '' 1 thought 
 you must have fallen into their hands, for 
 there were no less than six of them in all. 
 They asked me a hundred questions, and I 
 had a difficult matter to persuade them that 
 you were very honest. However^ I ma- 
 naged pretty well at last ; but it was a long 
 
 '' What became of the woman ?" said one 
 of the ruffians. 
 
 " Why, she was sent home behind one of 
 the servants," said the old woman ; '' and I 
 dare say you will hear no more about the 
 matter: but if you should, you have nothing 
 to do but roundly deny that you ever saw 
 her, and leave the rest to me. I can say that 
 you were fast asleep in the hut, or gone out 
 with Robert^ or make a thousand excuses.'* 
 
 '' I do
 
 210 THE GREY FRIARj AND 
 
 " I do not doubt it/' said the old man, 
 *' But hark ye^ my friends, let this be the 
 last time you ever ccme into my hut, or, 
 by Heaven, my old woman and you shall 
 turn out together. I do not wish to say 
 anything about what is past; but I will 
 not suiTer any more of your wickedness to 
 be carried on here." 
 
 Devereux had now heard enough, and 
 therefore giving a loud halloo lo Sir Hum- 
 phrey, he rushed into the hut, followed by 
 his servant; and each laying hold of one 
 of the ruffians, held a ^digger to his breast, 
 and declared, that if they made any resist- 
 ance, they would put them to instant 
 death. 
 
 The old v;oman snatched up a large knife, 
 and attempted to stab Devereux; but her 
 husband seizing her by the arm, deprived 
 her of the weapon, and dragging her into 
 an inner apartment, fastened the door. 
 
 In the mean time, Bohun and his servant 
 had entered the hut, and assisted in pinion- 
 ing the robbers. The old cottager lighted 
 
 a ccuidle.
 
 THE BT.ACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 211 
 
 a candle, and no sooner saw the face of Sir 
 Humphrey Bohun, than, falling on his knees, 
 he made himself known to his old master, 
 with many protestations of his ov/n inno- 
 cence of the transactions in which^ he 
 said, he had no doubt that his wife had 
 been unfortunately engaged, as well as the 
 villains whom they had found under his 
 roof. 
 
 Sir Humphrey recognised in the.cottager 
 an old servant, of whose honesty and fidelity 
 he had always entertained a good opinion. 
 — '' Robert,'' said the Knight, '' speak the 
 truth, and explain the whole business. You 
 know me too. well to suppose that I shall 
 either deceive you, or submit to be trifled 
 with mvself." 
 
 Robert ( for that was the cottager's name ) 
 immediately informed Sir Humphrey, that 
 one evening, on his return from his usual 
 employment, he was accosted at the door 
 of his hut by one of the very men who 
 now lay bound before him, requesting that 
 he might be permitted to shelter himself 
 
 from
 
 213 THE GREY FRIAR, AND 
 
 from the rain, which at that time fell very 
 heavily. Robert consented, and invited the 
 stranger to partake of his humble fare. The 
 night was excessively boisterous, the rain 
 fell in torrents; and as there was no bed 
 for the accommodation of the traveller, he 
 was left sitting up by the fireside, when the 
 cottager and his wife retired to rest. 
 
 In the morning, the traveller was gone ; 
 and Robert, supposing that he had been in 
 haste to pursue his journey, went as usual 
 to his own work. In the evening, on re- 
 turning from his employment, he was sur- 
 ^v^c^^ri fr> «^r»«* lAMfK the same man. near the 
 
 spot where he had been accosted by him 
 the night before. 
 
 He was now accompanied by two others, 
 who, addressing Robert with as much fa- 
 miliarity as if they had been old acquaint- 
 ances, said they had brought him some pro- 
 visions, in return for the hospitality he had 
 shewn to their friend the ni^ht before. 
 Without more ceremony, they entered the 
 cottage, and opening a large wallet, pulled 
 
 out
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OP THE WYE. #15 
 
 out two cheeses^ some poultry, and other 
 edibles, of which they invited the cottager, 
 his wife, and son, to partake, assuring thera, 
 at the same time, that ihey should not be 
 in want of such fare, if they would occa- 
 sionally allow them to make use of their 
 cottage as a retreat. 
 
 Robert immediately perceiving that they 
 "Were freebooters, expostulated with them 
 on the danger to which they subjected 
 themselves by such a course of life; but 
 they derided his remarks, told him to take 
 care of himself, and having finished their 
 repast, quitted his cottage. 
 
 From that time he had never seen them 
 until the present evening; but he had heard 
 from his wife that they had frequently 
 been at the hut when he was absent; and 
 found that they had seduced his son, who 
 was a Icid about seventeen years of age, 
 from the industrious habits in which he had 
 been brought up, and prevailed upon him 
 to join them in some of their midnight 
 excursions. 
 
 The
 
 214 THE GREY FRIAR^ AND 
 
 The old man said, that finding all his 
 endeavours to jeclaim the unhappy youth 
 counteracted by the encouragement which 
 his mother gave him to continue in his 
 vicious courses, by which she was supplied 
 with the means of indulging in the per- 
 nicious habit of drinking to excess^ too 
 common among the lower classes, he had 
 been for some time a silent observer of 
 what he could not prevent ; but that no^ 
 thing less than the dreadful alternative of 
 bringing his own son to the gallows, if he 
 did not thus connive at the conduct of 
 the gang, could have prevented him, long 
 ago, from surrendering them to public 
 justice. 
 
 Bohun inquired if the men had ever 
 given any account of themselves? The old 
 cottager replied, that two of them had been 
 soldiers in Montfort's army during the late 
 disturbances, and one of them had been a 
 prisoner at Glandon Tovver. 
 
 '^ See what comes of being rebels,*' said 
 the loyal Bohun — ^' Here, Devereux, I'll 
 
 warrant
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 215 
 
 V/arrant they are some of your Warkworth 
 men." 
 
 However^ Sir Humphrey was mistaken, 
 forDevereux could not recognise either of 
 them; and when Bohun began to question 
 the robbers themselves, he who appeared to 
 be the principal boldly replied, '' Surely, 
 General, you do not expect an old soldier 
 to answer questions, unless to save his life, 
 or obtain his liberty." 
 
 " A soldier," said Bohun, " is equally 
 disgraced by cowardice and by dishonesty. 
 He has no business in arms, if he do not 
 possess courage ; and he has no temptation 
 to be a thief, but the natural depravity 
 of a base mind. You have been guilty of 
 nn outrageous attack on a defenceless fe- 
 male, by robbing her of the food which her 
 industry had procured for the support of 
 her children. You disgrace the character 
 of a soldier by your villainy, and yet dare 
 to lay claim to the honour of a title, of 
 which such scoundrels as you are in every 
 respect unworthy. You have proved your 
 
 dishonesty:
 
 216 THE GREY PRIAR^ AND 
 
 dishonesfy : — I will put your courage to the 
 proof presently.*' 
 
 A confused noise now announced the 
 return of the servant, accompanied by a 
 posse of rustics from the neighbouring 
 village, some armed with pitchforks, others 
 with bludgeons, and at their head the hus- 
 band of the poor woman who had been so 
 barbarously treated by the robbers. 
 
 Bohun met them at the door of the cot- 
 tage, and thus addressed them :-— '* Good 
 people, the robbers are already secured ; 
 therefore nothing remains for you to do 
 but to guard them in safety to the next . 
 town, where I hope they will meet with 
 their deserts. However, as one of the 
 ruffians is disposed to be a little impertinent, 
 and boasts of being a soldier, if any of 
 you have a mind to put his courage to the 
 proof,' you shall both have fair play, and 
 as the moon shines very bright, it will be 
 a very good opportunity of trying your 
 strength.** 
 
 The cottagers, before their arrival at the 
 
 wood.
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 2 IT 
 
 wood, had been informed by the attendant 
 that he belonged to the bold Bohiin, by 
 which appellation this veteran warrior was 
 known throughout the whole country, even 
 by the very children, who had been accus- 
 tomed to recount his deeds in their festive 
 sonos. Their eagerness to revenge the in- 
 jur^' done to their neighbour was therefore 
 increased, by the opportunity which they 
 expected of seeing a man, of whom they 
 had all heard so much. They had hastened 
 with the utmost verity to the spot; and 
 the speech which they had just heard, so 
 congenial to the feelings of the English 
 populace, and so characteristic of the 
 speaker, delighted them so much, that 
 pulling off their caps, they saluted the 
 Knight with long and continued acclama- 
 tions. 
 
 The husband of the poor woman imme- . 
 diately stepped forward, and desired to face 
 his foe. He was a fine athletic fellow^ 
 whose nerves were strung by exercise, and 
 his sinews hardened by labour. The robber 
 
 VOL. I. L being
 
 218 THE GREY FRIAR^ AND 
 
 being unbound, was now brought forth from 
 the hut; but, on seeing his antagonist, 
 shrunk from the proposed contest, and 
 proved the truth of Bohun's assumption, 
 that he who is capable of offering violence 
 to the defenceless, is seldom possessed of 
 sufficient courage to defend himself. 
 
 Bohuh now consigned both the culprits 
 to the care of the villagers, with strict in- 
 junctions that they did not violate the laws^ 
 by attempting an illegal execution of pu- 
 nishment ; and having recommended old 
 Robert to be more careful in future re- 
 specting the admission of strangers into his 
 cottage, pursued his journey towards Mor- 
 deford. 
 
 CHAP.
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF TllE WYB. 2 19 
 
 CHAP. IX. 
 
 The return of Sir Humphrey Bohun being 
 soon known by the inhabitants of the 
 neighbourhood, they came in a body to 
 welcome their worthy benefactor, and tes- 
 tified their joy by expressions of the warm- 
 est attachment. • 
 
 Sir Humphrey, with his accustomed ge- 
 nerosity, set open his cellars, and gave a 
 hospitable reception to every one who en- 
 tered his gates. 
 
 In a few days. Sir Hugh de Bolebec, with 
 his Lady and daughter, accompanied by the 
 Earl of Hereford, and followed by a nu- 
 merous train of attendants, came, in pur- 
 
 L 2 suance
 
 220 THE GREY FRIAR^ AND 
 
 suance of the engagement which they had 
 inade, to partake of the hospitalities of 
 Mordeford Castle. 
 
 Sir Humphrey, who was desirous, above 
 all things, of doing honour to his noble 
 guests, had invited the whole of his tenantry 
 and dependants, to be present at the feast 
 which he made on this occasion. 
 
 It was late in the evening before the 
 company arrived at the mansion ; and they 
 had no sooner entered the outer court, than 
 all the windows of this extensive building 
 were instantly illuminated, arid a number 
 of beautiful rockets let off. The effect was 
 magical, and it was heightened by the 
 pageant which Sir Humphrey and Devereux 
 had contrived as its accompaniment. An 
 immense number of the vassals of Bohun, 
 some dressed like country nymphs and 
 swains, some like sylvan deities, and others 
 habited like the ancient Scythians and other 
 warlike inhabitants of the barbarous ages, 
 presented themselves to the company, and 
 as they passed, offered their gifts — some 
 
 corn
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 22 1 
 
 corn and fruits, the productions of the 
 earth in early timcs^ ^vhen, untilled, it 
 yielded its bounties spontaneously to the 
 ■possessors of the soil; some the luscious 
 juice of the grape^ and the riches of culti- 
 vation ; others the instruments of war^ 
 spears, shields, and magnificent banners, - 
 which they laid at the feet of the hero. Sir 
 Hugh de Bolebec, at the entrance of the 
 great hall. 
 
 The minstrels attuned their harps,, and 
 welcomed the guests with sounds of sweet- 
 est melody. A rich repast was provided;' 
 and, in short, nothing omitted which could 
 contribute to the gratification of the com- 
 pany. Nor was the festivity confined within 
 the walls of the Castle — oxen roasted whole, 
 and a p-lentiful distribution of the most 
 substantial fare to the neighbouring vil- 
 lagers, invited them to share the general 
 hilarity. 
 
 These scenes of rejoicing continued se- 
 veral days without intermission, and at 
 length oiily yielded to the calmer enjoy- 
 
 L 3 ment
 
 222 THE CRBY FRIAR, AN© 
 
 ipent of social intercourse^ uninterrupted 
 by obstreperous mirth^ or turbulent con- 
 Tivialify. 
 
 It was then that the company began to 
 taste the rational satisfaction of contem- 
 plating the beautiful scenery with which 
 Mordeford Castle was surrounded. 
 
 The site of the edifice was on the brow 
 of a lofty eminence, whose precipitous sides 
 were everywhere shaggy with woods of the 
 darkest foliage. On the west, a beautiful 
 river foamed among the rocks, at the foot 
 of the bold acclivity which sustained the 
 
 ivy-mantled turrets of the Castfe, from 
 whose windows and battlements the mean- 
 dering course of the river was visible for 
 several miles. Hills white with sheep, or 
 variegated with cultivation ; fields luxuri- 
 ant in wavy corn, or here and there inter- 
 spersed with groves and coppices; a rich 
 expanse of sylvan scenery, bordered by a 
 lake, and backed by cerulean hills, whose 
 summits pierced the clouds, terminated the 
 prospect on that side : while in an opposite' 
 
 direction.
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 893 
 
 direclioii;, the spire of the village churchy 
 a mill, a bridge, and the broad and mighty 
 base of "a pine-cap'd mountain/* presented 
 a picture unparalleled in the simplicity and 
 grandeur of its effect. 
 
 Aided by the cheerfulness of such scenery 
 around them, the natural vivacity of Sir 
 Humphrey Bohun, and the friendfy eiTorts 
 of the Earl of Hereford and his son, con- 
 tributed more, in one fortnight, towards 
 the removal of Lady Eolebec's melancholy, 
 than could have been effected amidst the 
 gloom and solemnity of the woods of 
 Glandon, in almost any given time, par- 
 licubrly as the memory was there perpe- 
 tually recalled to the melancholy event 
 which had filled the famiH^ with so much 
 afilictiGn. 
 
 The whole country had now begun to 
 feel the effects of peace ; or, in other words, 
 to recover itself from the perturbation and 
 anxiety which had pervaded the mind of 
 every one, either on account of himself, 
 h connexions^ or his property. 
 
 L 4 AgricultLire^
 
 22^4 THE GREY TVAAn, AK"© 
 
 Agriculture, which, during the late con- 
 fusion, had been entirely neglected, once 
 more occupied attention; and the care of 
 their flocks and herds reverted to their 
 former keepers, who now exchanged the 
 clangorof the trumpet, and the din ofarmSj 
 for the bleating of their sheep, and the soft 
 notes of the pastoral pipe.^ 
 
 The season of the year also contributed 
 to the pleasing sensations which these cir- 
 cumstances naturally produced in every 
 humane and generous bosom. The open- 
 ing spring had clothed the fields in a new 
 live ry of verdure, and renovated the face 
 of nature. The lark hailed the morning 
 of the cottager, and cheered the path which 
 led him to his daily toil. The spiral smoke 
 of his evening fire w^as a beacon to direct 
 him towards his humble cottage, v/hen the 
 labours of the day were over, and he again 
 sought repose in the bosom of domestic 
 affection and contentment. No cares dis- 
 turbed his mind, no anxieties perplexed 
 him. The insatiable thirst after riches, and 
 
 the
 
 TRE ELACK SPIRIT OP THE WYE. 225 
 
 the inquietude of disappointed ambition^ 
 were to him alike unknown. Such was the 
 life of the cottager in seasons of tranquillity 
 and peace ; and thus, 
 
 ** Far from the mad'ning crowd's ignoble strife. 
 They held the noiseless tenor of their way." 
 
 Sir Humphrey Bohun and his friends. at 
 Mordeford Castle, happy in the society of 
 each other, dailv added to the comforts of 
 the neighbourhood, by the exercise of be- 
 uevolence, and the distribution of charitable 
 assistance amongst those who stood in need^ 
 of it. 
 
 The Lady Bolebec, who had been edu- 
 cated with the strictest regard for the ob- 
 servance of all the social as well as moral 
 duties, wasdesirousof cultivating in the mind 
 of her daughter the same amiable sensibility 
 and compassion for the sufferings and wants 
 of her fellow-creatures, which afforded to 
 herself the most consolatory gratification, 
 encouraged Isabella to seek for objects of 
 
 l5 cb.arity^.
 
 226 THE GREY FRIAB^ AND 
 
 charity, and to be less fastidious in inquir- 
 ing into their merits than their distresses. 
 
 Her maxim was, first to relieve their 
 ^vants, and afterwards to inquire into their 
 deserts. She thought that the first was the 
 duty of compassion, implanted by the hand 
 of nature; the latter the inculcation of 
 reason, the effect of intellectual culture. 
 Respecting the first, few errors could be 
 committed, unless by neglecting it. The 
 latter being more liable to mistakes, from 
 ^fieiency of judgment and from prejudices 
 on t^^one hand, and fraud and cunning 
 oft the other, required more deliberation 
 than is perfectly consistent with the gener- 
 ous impulse of early youth ; and therefore, 
 in her opinion, was a less important lesson 
 to be taught at that period. 
 
 She thought that a disposition to relieve 
 the wants of the miserable would naturally 
 correct its own exuberances and excess, by 
 those cautions which maturity of years and 
 judgment seldom fails to suggest; and she 
 believed, that the discrimination so often 
 
 inculcated
 
 THE BLACK SPlKlT OF TH2 WYE. 237 
 
 inculcated as necessary in the selection df 
 proper objects of bounty, is more frequent- 
 ly the result of parsimonious frugality and 
 unfeelingavarice, than of that commendable 
 prudence and regard for the promotion of 
 good morals^ to ^vhich it is always attri- 
 buted. 
 
 The lovely Isabella was therefore early 
 taught, that the emotions of benevolence 
 and compassion were in themselves truly 
 amiable ; that distress, whensoever and 
 wheresoever it appeared, had always a claim 
 on her pity and assistance : and thus th# 
 natural sensibilities of her mind were nur- 
 tured and encouraged, v/ithout the danger 
 of checking their growth by the chilling 
 blasts of distrust. 
 
 Whilst the proprietor of Mordeford 
 Castle, Bolebec, and Devereux, were en- 
 joying the pleasures of the chase, or amused 
 themselves in hawking or fishing, the fa- 
 shionable diversions of that age, as pugil- 
 ism, harouche-driving, and the gaming- 
 table, are of the present day, the Lady 
 
 L 6 Bolebec
 
 S;28 THE GREY FRlARj AND 
 
 Bolebec and Isabella were alternately en> 
 ployed in those useful avocations by which 
 the habitations of our ancestors at once 
 preserved a memorkl of female industry> 
 and were rendered more comfortable and 
 commodious, or visited the neighbouring 
 cottagers, to relieve their necessities, or 
 reward their industry, and thus enjoy '' the 
 luxury of doing good.'* 
 
 In these employments^ and the innocent 
 recreations of a country life, they passed 
 their time ; but still the remembrance of the 
 lost Edward intruded itself, and still diffused 
 a gloom over their brightest prospects, and 
 obscured the natural cheerfulness of health 
 and innocence. 
 
 The family of Bolebec had now com- 
 pleted the third moiith of their residence 
 at Mordeford Castle, and Sir Humphrey 
 Bohun^ still desirous of detaining them, 
 every day suggested some new reason for 
 prolonging their visit. 
 
 It was in the beginning of summer, when, 
 one fme evening, while Sir Hugh and the 
 
 Earl
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 229 
 
 Earl of Hereford were listening to the re- 
 lation of some of Bohun's military achieve- 
 ments, whichj in common with most old 
 men^ he was fond of recounting, the Lady 
 Bolebec and Isabella, accompanied by De- 
 vereux, perambulating the grounds which 
 skirted the river, within sight of the Castle, 
 on a sudden descried, on the opposite 
 bank, a man walking about with a very ir- 
 regular pace, and apparently in great agi- 
 tation of mind. 
 
 Sometimes he approached the v^'ater, 
 ;with a quick and hasty step, as if about to 
 plunge into the stream; then folding his 
 arms, stood motionless, in an attitude of 
 contemplation. On a sudden, turning has- 
 tily about, he fled with great precipitancy 
 towards the neighbouring grove, and was 
 lost to their sight among the trees. Again 
 he appeared, and for a few minutes paced 
 to and fro close to the river's brink, wring- 
 ing his hands, as if overwhelmed with men- 
 tal anguish. 
 ' A sight so unusual attracted their par- 
 ticular
 
 S30 THE GREY FRIAR^ AND 
 
 licular notice; and Dcvereux proposed to 
 cross the river, and endeavour to discover 
 the cause of so much apparent distress — 
 indeed some interference seemed to be ne- 
 cessary, in order to prevent the perpetra- 
 tion of any rash design upon his own life, 
 which, from the agitation lliey had witnessed, 
 might be naturally apprehended. 
 
 The windows of the Castle were so high, 
 that it was impossible to give notice to the 
 company within of the scene which they 
 had just witnessed ; and therefore Lady 
 Bolebec and her daughter agreed to retura 
 into the mansion, while Devereux kept his^ 
 eye upon the stranger, until a boat could 
 be procured to carry him over the river. 
 
 A servant was instantly dispatched, \s'ith 
 two of those portable boats called coracles, 
 the use of which was extremely common 
 among our forefathers, and is even still 
 retained among the inhabitants of Wales, 
 as admirably adapted for passing rapid and 
 shallow rivers, and capable of being easily 
 removed from place to place. 
 
 The
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. S3 1 
 
 The man whom they had seen continued 
 his extravagances on the opposite shore, 
 seemingly absorbed in his own meditations, 
 and totally regardless of their approach. 
 
 In the meantime. Lady Bolebec had re- 
 joined Bohun and his party, and informetl 
 them of what she had seen. Sir Humphrey 
 told her, that if he had known the circum- 
 stance before, he could have saved Deve- 
 reux the trouble of his voyage, for that 
 the person they had seen was only a poor 
 man, who having in hrs youth met with a 
 severe disappointment, had fallen into a 
 state of derangement ; and having taken up 
 his abode in Holme-wood, on the opposite 
 bank of the river, at some seasons, when 
 more particularly affected by his malady, 
 was accustomed to wander about the vicin- 
 age, but without ever attempting any in- 
 jury to himself or bthers — '' I always call 
 him Merlin," said Sir Humphrey, with a 
 smile, " for the cottagers believe him io 
 be a wizard, and daily resort to him, Xo 
 solve their doubts, and give them advice 
 
 respecting
 
 §32 THE GREY FRIAR3 AND 
 
 respecting the loss of poultry, the straying 
 of sheep, or the portentous screaming of the 
 night-owl. 
 
 *' I wonder/* added the Knight, " that I 
 never thought of taking you to visit him. 
 You must know, that 1 often endeavour to 
 bring him to the Castle; but can seldom, 
 prevail upon him to come. However, he is 
 a most extraordinary person, and an every 
 subject, excepting that which immediately 
 relates to the cause of his unfortunate 
 malady, is extrem.ely sensible and well in^ 
 formed." 
 
 ' As Devereux drew near to the opposite 
 bank of the river, the appearance of the 
 poor man struck him with as much surprise 
 •as the extraordinary o^esticulations which he 
 had before witnessed. He appeared to be 
 on the verge of fourscore years. A long 
 white beard descended to his girdle. He 
 wore a vest, of which the original colour 
 was entirely undistinguishable, among a 
 thousand different pieces of various kinds, 
 with which it had been coarsely patched ; 
 
 on
 
 THE BIjlCK SPIRIT OP THE WYE. 233 
 
 on his head an old velvet cap, in which 
 W£S stuck a heron's feather; and a piece of 
 scarlet tafTeTy, tied in three knots, append- 
 ant from the crown, floated wildly in the 
 wind. But his shoes constituted by far the 
 most extraordinary part of his dress ; they 
 had been strengthened, or rather augment- 
 ed, by the addition of innumerable pieces,, 
 fastened upon each other with small laails, 
 until their size was become so unweildy, 
 that nothing but constant use could have 
 enabled the old man to move about with 
 such incumbrances. 
 
 An air of melancholy appeared in his 
 countenance, but his wildly-rolling eye still 
 marked the phrenzy of his mind. 
 
 He was standing with his hands folded 
 across his heart, looking stedfastly at the 
 eddying surface of the stream, and seemed 
 totally unconscious of the approach of 
 Devereux, until he accosted him with much 
 civility, and entreated to know if the dis- 
 tress which appeared to afflict him would 
 admit of any alleviation from the consola- 
 tions
 
 ftSi THE GREY FRIARj AND 
 
 tions of friendship, or a sincere desire to 
 afford him assistance? 
 
 The old man still kept his eyes fixed on 
 the water, and^ without attending to the 
 address of Devereux, continued in a solemn 
 and pathetic tone of voice thus to apos- 
 trophize the stream : — 
 
 " And thou, too, brawling stream ! always 
 murmuring at thy condition ! has thy fa- 
 vourite .nymph forsaken thee? or corn- 
 plainest thou that thy course is interrupted, 
 as thou hastenest towards the object of thy 
 affection} Is abe faithless? is she ungrate- 
 ful ? or does she haughtily despise ihf 
 proffered love ? Have these beauteous 
 groves, and fields, and flowers, no charms 
 for thee? Have the wildness of the rocks, 
 and the plumage of the birds,, whose me- 
 lodious notes re echo from the neighbour- 
 in;; hills, no power to sooth thy sorrows, 
 or divert thee from perpetual mourning? 
 — No! no! — Alas, such is thy condition, 
 pnd such also is mine !'* 
 
 Then hast.iy turning from the stream, he 
 
 wrung
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 23.7 
 
 wrung his hands in silent agony, while the 
 big tears chaced each other down his aged 
 cheek. 
 
 In an instant, assuming a more tranquil 
 look, and eyeing Devereux with a mixture 
 of surprise and curiosity, as if he had not 
 before seen him — " Stranger, whence come 
 you? Are you too in love? Are you un- 
 happy?" 
 
 Devereux, who perceived that the poor 
 man was suffering under a maniacal parox- 
 ism, thought that the most likely method 
 of tranquillizing his " perturbed spirit," 
 
 was, if possible, to change the subject of 
 his meditations, by the introduction of a 
 new train of ideas ; and, with this view, 
 immediately feigning himself to be ex- 
 tremely ill, told the old man, that being 
 afflicted with a severe disease, he had been 
 induced to travel from the remotest part 
 of the country, in search of a physician ; 
 and having heard of his great wisdom, now 
 besought his assistance. 
 
 Devereux strictly observed the old man's 
 
 countenance
 
 ^S6 THE GREY FRIATl^ AND 
 
 countenance while he uttered these words; 
 and perceiving that his agitation gradually 
 subsided^ as his attention was engaged by 
 a new set of ideas^ proceeded with a long 
 story of pretended sufferings ; and at length 
 told the old man, that he had dreamed of 
 obtaining a cure, by coming to the spot 
 which he now visited, where it was repre- 
 sented to him that he would find an aged 
 person^ who would accompany him to a 
 neighbouring castle, and there give such 
 directions as would effectually remove his 
 maladies. 
 
 " This is very strange indeed,'* said the 
 old man — '' I was going to ask who could 
 tell you of me; but it must have been the 
 Black Spirit that walks by night : — and he 
 shall be obeyed. However, you must know, 
 young man, that I never go into a boar, 
 and therefore we must either ford the 
 river, or else go round by the bridge; for 
 there is no other inhabited castle in this 
 neighbourhood, besides that of Sir Hum- 
 phrey Bohun^ which you see before you ; 
 
 therefore
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 237 
 
 therefore it must be that whither I am to 
 conduct you." 
 
 Devereux, supposing that it would be in 
 vain to attempt to persuade the old man 
 to step into the coracle^ gave his servant a 
 signal to cross the river^, that vSir Humphrey 
 Bohun might be informed of the arrival of 
 so extraordinary a visitor. Then turning 
 towards the bridge, which, though at a 
 considerable distance, was within sight, 
 would have directed his course that way ; 
 but was withheld by the old man, who 
 again expressed a desire to ford the river. 
 
 Devcreux, who had no great inclination 
 for being wet, and ignorant of the depth 
 of the water, gently remarked, that as the 
 evening was remarkably fine, the walk 
 would be pleasant; and, still keeping in 
 view the character which he had assumed, 
 of a sick person, added, that if the way was 
 not very long, he thought he should reach 
 the Castle without much difficultv. 
 
 " Come, come,*' said the old man, '^ none 
 of your excuses. If I am to be your phy- 
 sician.
 
 538 THE GREY FRIAR^ AND 
 
 sician, you must obey niy directions. The 
 water will not hurt me; and it is one of 
 the best remedies in the World for the com- 
 plaints which you have described/' And 
 3o saying, he laid hold of the arm df 
 Devereux, and, stepping into the stream, 
 walked boldly towards the opposite bank. 
 
 Devereux having thus embarked in the 
 adventure, was determined to pursue it, 
 rather than fail in the completion of his 
 design, which was to bring the old man to 
 the Castle, where, not imagining that he 
 was known, he naturally supposed that his 
 grotesque habit and eccentricity would 
 afford an interesting entertainment. He 
 however anticipated the merrim.ent which 
 would be created at his own expence among 
 his friends at Mordeford, if he got a com- 
 plete soaking, and therefore offered to 
 divest himself of his clothes before he fol- 
 lowed the old man ; but the latter would 
 not hear of any such thing, and insisted 
 upon his patient walking through with all 
 his clothes on. 
 
 Rather 
 3
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 239 
 
 Rather than offend the old man, he there- 
 fore complied. 
 
 The middle of the stream was very deep, 
 and the current so strong, that it was with 
 difficulty Devereux could keep himself on 
 his legs; the old man, however, assuring 
 him, at every step, that the state of his 
 health would be much benefited by this 
 process; and, as soon as they had gained 
 the opposite side, gathered a few leaves of 
 5ome herb, which grew near the water's 
 edge, and, gravely pronouncing a few words 
 over them, by way of charm, desired his 
 patient to eat them. 
 
 Devereux, apprehensive, from this spe- 
 cimen, that the number of the old man's 
 remedies would exceed that of his own 
 pretended complaints, thought it conve- 
 nient to tell him, that he already thought 
 himself much better. 
 
 Having ascended the steep p^th whicTi 
 led to one of the private entrances of the 
 Castle, the old man desired Devereux to 
 remain there, whilst he went into the man- 
 
 si€n^
 
 S40 IHE CflEY FRIAR, AND 
 
 sion, and requested permission to introduce 
 him — " For/* said he, ^* Sir Humphrey 
 Bohun is as generous as a prince, but I 
 never visit him, unless on particular occa- 
 sions, and therefore cannot take the liberty 
 of introducing a stranger, without first ob- 
 taining his permission.'* 
 
 Sir Humphrey having understood, from 
 the servant, that Devereux had contrived 
 to induce the old man to accompany him 
 to the Castk, and knowing that whenever 
 he came thither, it was his usual custom to 
 ford the river, had anticipated the condition 
 in which his guests might be expected to 
 arrive. 
 
 The old man, entering the steward's 
 apartment, desired that Sir Humphrey Bo- 
 hun might be informed of his coming, and 
 that there was a young stranger who re- 
 quired his hospitality. Bohun immediately 
 save orders for their admission ; but re- 
 quested that his guests would not, on any 
 account, oppose the old man in the di- 
 rections which he might give respecting 
 
 Devereux,
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 241 
 
 Devereux, as he said it would put the old 
 man out of temper, and spoil the amuse- 
 ment of the evening. 
 
 The garments of the adventurers were 
 yet dripping with wet, when they entered 
 Mordeford Castle; but Devereux was per- 
 haps the most rueful figure, for the old 
 man had been so much accustomed to wade 
 through the river^ that he seemed totally 
 regardless of the condition of his clothes^ 
 and was as unembarrassed as if nothin,^ 
 uncommon had occurred ; while Devereux, 
 who was not naturally fond of the water, 
 could scarcely dissemble his vexation, 
 at having thus been the dupe^of his own 
 scheme ; nor was it without embarrassment 
 that he encountered the sarcastic glance of 
 his friend Sir Humphrey, when the Knight 
 welcomed him to the Castle, with as much 
 formality as if he had never seen him 
 before. 
 
 '* Merlin,'* said Sir Humphrey, 'at his 
 entrance, " you have been in the ba(h, 
 I see." 
 
 VOL. I. M '* Yes,"
 
 249 THE GREY FRIAR_, AND 
 
 '' Yes/' replied the old man ; *' but it 
 was entirely on account of the young gen- 
 tleman, who is much benefited by it al- 
 ready — 
 
 * There are who teach 
 Truths they not feel, nor practise what they preach j' 
 
 but, for my part, my own feelings are al- 
 ways the rule of my actions towards others; 
 and whatsoever I recommend to my patients, 
 I am always ready to submit to myself. 
 
 " Now, Sir Humphrey, I am sure you 
 do not expect any apologies for the 
 trouble I may have occasioned, by coming 
 to Mordeford Castle, in order to restore 
 this young gentleman to a good state of 
 health. You see he is in a very wretched 
 condition at present/' 
 
 Sir Humphrey and his guests could 
 scarcely forbear smiling; and Devereux, 
 who was completely wet through, blushed 
 assent. 
 
 " Pray, Sir Knight," continued the old 
 man, " let the stranger be put to bed im- 
 mediately.
 
 TirE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 213 
 
 mediately, and give him a cup of wine, and, 
 if your cook can prepare it, a mess of 
 dalcgrout." 
 
 '' And do YOU mean to follow the same 
 prescription vourself?"-said Sir Humphrey, 
 giving a glance at the oLl man's wet 
 clothes. 
 
 ^' Not exactly/' replied the old man, 
 totally indifferent about the state of his 
 dress — " You know I never touch vine, 
 and cannot get dalcgroiit; which, by the 
 by, is only fit for a king or a nobleman : 
 but I suppose this young man is no mean 
 person, or the black spirit would not have 
 sent him to me." 
 
 " »Lose no lime," said Sir Hur.iphrey, 
 addressing himself to Devereux, '' in fol- 
 lowing Merlin's prescription. Get you to 
 bed, and the chamberlain shall prepare the 
 dalegrout." 
 
 Devereux withdrew; and Sir Humphrey 
 presented Merlin to his guests, who were 
 equally astonished at his appearance and 
 manners. The former bespoke the un- 
 
 M j2 happy
 
 244? THE UREY FHIAB^ AND 
 
 happy state of his mind ; the latter evinced 
 that he had formerly conversed in the 
 worlds and among the superior ranks of 
 life. 
 
 He was at once an interesting and me- 
 lancholy proof of the predominating in- 
 fluence of a passion, which in every age 
 has bid defiance to the calm suggestions of 
 reason^ prudence, and reflection, which 
 gains strength by resistance, which time 
 cannot cure^ and is only vanquished by 
 death. 
 
 " Merlin," said SirHum.phrey, carelessly^ 
 " I have often told you, that I thought you 
 very much resembled Simon de Montfort. 
 I wish you w^ould put on one of my buff 
 coats, and a pair of military buskins; we 
 would then take the opinion of this Lady 
 on the subject, who was well acquainted 
 with the Earl." 
 
 '' Certainly/' said the old man ; and 
 immediately retired, in order to be equip- 
 ped in a suit of the Knight's. 
 
 This was, however, only a feint, to induce 
 
 him
 
 THE BLACK STIRIT OV THE WYE. 24 J 
 
 him to change his vvct clothes, which, if 
 attempted in a more direct manner, would 
 probably have been either altogether in- ^ 
 effectuab or perhaps occasioned his imme- 
 diately quitting the Castle in disgust. 
 
 When the old man returned to the room, 
 habited in his new dress, his aspect and 
 manner so well accorded, that there could 
 not remain any doubt of his having for- 
 merly been accustomed to a military di^ss. 
 This, however, was a string on which Sir 
 Humphrey well knew it would be danger- 
 ous to touch ; and as the presence of the 
 company, particularly of the Lady Bolebec, 
 seemed to restrain him from any irregu- 
 larities of behaviour, at least at present, 
 they were content with telling him, that 
 he was so exact a resemblance of the Earl 
 of Leicester, that, bating the difference of 
 their ages, it would have been dangerous 
 for him to have fallen in with any of the 
 King's army, during the late hostilities, un- 
 less they were strangei-s to the person of 
 Montfort. 
 
 M 3 ''I never
 
 24Q THE GREY FRIAR^ AND 
 
 '' I never go far from home/' said the 
 old man ; '' nor should I have ventured out 
 to-night, if the black spirit had not com- 
 manded it." 
 
 '' PraVj, who is this black spirit?'* said 
 Sir Humphrey. 
 
 " It is rather a figurative expression then 
 a descriptive one/' replied the old man ; 
 *' and yet I have some doubts whether it 
 be merely a spectre. — However/** continued 
 he, '^ it is so exact in the performance of 
 its engagements, that I cannot^ dare not, 
 slight its orders." 
 
 CHAP.
 
 TtiE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. SIT 
 
 CHAP. X. 
 
 '* You excite my curiosity very much/' 
 said the Earl of Hereford. '' It might not 
 be proper to ask an explanation ; but if 
 you feel at liberty to say anything more 
 on the subject, although your friend Sir 
 Humphrey Bohun is very incredulous re- 
 specting such affairs, I, like you, (^ntertain 
 doubts whether they may not be sometimes 
 entitled to our attention ; and should profit 
 by your remarks.*' 
 
 The old man surveyed the Earl with great 
 seriousness ; then turning to SirHumphrcv, 
 inquired who was the person that hadspoketi 
 to him? 
 
 M 4 On
 
 24 S -THE GREY FRIAR^ AND 
 
 On being told that it was the Earl of 
 Hereford, he fetched a deep sigh ; but in- 
 stantly recovering himself, said, with much 
 dignity, '' ^My Lord, your name is well 
 known to me ; and I am glad to find that 
 a nobleman of your talents is disposed to 
 think seriously on a subject, which persons 
 of far inferior minds too often venture to. 
 ridicule. Sir Humphrey Bohun has known 
 me for many years, and I believe will bear 
 testimony of my inoffensive way of life. 
 It is not for me to attempt to argue him 
 out of his disbelief that a secret intelligence 
 subsists between the intellectual part of 
 our nature, and that mind, although in- 
 visible, is capable of maintainingintercourse 
 with mind, without the medium of corpo- 
 real agency or intervention ; but although 
 I may fail in producing conviction in the 
 mind of an-y one present, I am satisfied that 
 neither the Earl of Hereford, nor Sir Hum- 
 phrey Bohun, will ridicule me for the bias 
 my mind has received, when I relate the 
 occasion of it. It will not, however, go 
 
 entirely
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OP THE WYE. 249 
 
 entirely to the length I have just assumed; 
 but it is at least sufficient to impress ray 
 mind very forcibly, that the corporeal 
 senses may be imposed upon by incorporeal 
 agency, and that mental operations are 
 perfectly independent of organization. 
 
 " Whatever may have been my faults or 
 my misfortunes, I cannot accuse myself of 
 having cherished any unmanly fears, or su- 
 perstitious notions. One who has lived ia 
 a hermitage for forty years, almost wholly 
 excluded from human converse, one vvho 
 passes whole months (nights as well as days) 
 in perfect solitude, and listens to the howling 
 of the wintry wind, without a single wish 
 to visit the busy scenes of active life — nay,> 
 who has resisted all the efforts which have 
 been made to draw him from his lonely 
 cell, and the banks of his beloved river; 
 such a person, my Lord, is not likely to be 
 scared by midnight sprites, or to cherish 
 those ideal fancies, which weakness and 
 terror have conjured up to afTright and ter- 
 rify the mind. 
 
 M 5 " My
 
 250 THE GREY PrvIAR, AND 
 
 '' My Lord, I am one of those unfortu- 
 nate persons who are considered by the rest 
 of the world to be under the influence of 
 that intellectual disease called madness ; but 
 you know the same was said of Democritus, 
 who; like me, was also a philosopher, if not 
 a physician." 
 
 The whole company ( excepting Bohun ) 
 listened in silent astonishment, on hearing 
 him thus touch on his own unfortunate 
 malady ; but Sir Humphrey had frequently 
 heard him discuss the nature of it, with the 
 utmost composure and ingenuity, when the 
 bars mention of the cause that produced 
 it would throw him into the wildest extra- 
 vagances and incoherence. On every other 
 subject but this^ he was capable of dis- 
 coursing in the most interesting and in- 
 structive manner; and possessed a fund of 
 knowledge, which added to the impressive- 
 ness of his eloquence. 
 
 The old man again fetched a deep sigh, 
 and thus proceeded : — 
 
 *' You perhaps may have heard, my Lord, 
 
 that
 
 THK BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 231 
 
 that some such unhappy persons never 
 sleep, not even for years. I believe that 
 tills may have been the case with myself. 
 At all events,, it is the impossibility of as- 
 certaining whether I have slept or not^ that 
 occasions my doubts on the subject now 
 under discussion. I am persuaded in my 
 own mind, that when the circumstances 
 happened which I am about to relate, 1 was 
 broad awake, as much so as I am now. If 
 I am niiblaken, you must account for the 
 events which I shall describe ; for as they 
 admit of proof, it will be equally unfair 
 and useless to pretend not to believe them, 
 without having submitted them to the test 
 ^of your own experience." 
 
 " Aye," said Sir Humphrey, '' this is 
 something like. On this condition, I will 
 myself become a convert ; but when you 
 talk of the dragon of Mordeford, you know 
 that yoii always declare tradition to be a 
 suflicient proof of its existence, without 
 monstrative evidence." 
 
 *' With your leave, we will wave that 
 M 6 subject/'
 
 !^52 THE GPxEY FRIAR^ AKO 
 
 subject/' said Merlin — '' At the present, I 
 will only relate what has happened, and 
 submit myself to your indulgence, with 
 respect to the degree of credit due to my 
 veracity in the relation. The principal 
 fact, I repeat it, is capable of proof. 
 
 '' It is now a considerable time ago, for 
 the weather was very cold, and the nights 
 dark, when, as I was reclining on my rushy 
 pallet, as I suppose, about midnight, I heard 
 a voice calling to me from the door of my 
 hut. 
 
 " Supposing that it was one of those 
 poor people who often resort to me, alike 
 for the purpose of bringing me provisions, 
 of which their kindness never allows me to 
 be in want, or in order to solicit my poor 
 advice about their own little concerns, for 
 they give me credit for having more sense 
 than themselves, although they believe me 
 mad, I inquired, ' who it was that called ?* 
 — ' Father,* replied the voice, whispering 
 in my ear, though I had never heard the 
 person come into the hermitage, and the 
 G wicker
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 253 
 
 wicker door was closed, ' I ask your charily; 
 and if you have any provisions in store, 
 and any feeling for the distressed, I conjure 
 you to relieve my wants.* 
 
 " I was, I confess, much startled by this 
 address, and involuntarily stretched out my 
 hand towards the person who spoke to me ; 
 when, to my great surprise, I could find no 
 one; and examining the door, it was per- 
 fectly safe, as I had left it when I retired to 
 my couch. 
 
 " While I was musing on the strangeness 
 of the occurrence^ the voice again whis- 
 pered to me, ' If you have any Christian 
 charity, do not suffer an unfortunate person 
 to perish for want.' — I im^nediately asked, 
 ' Where is he who speaks?' but no answer 
 was returned. Again I searched the hut; 
 but there was no person save my wretched 
 self. I opened the door, and called aloud ; 
 but the moon was obscured by thick clouds, 
 so that I could discern nothing, and solemn 
 stillness reigned. 
 
 '' I might
 
 2j4 the grey friaKj and 
 
 '' I might have thought this an illusion, 
 I might have supposed it a dream ; but 
 mark what followed ! — A third time the same 
 voice renewed its supplication, even close 
 in mine car. I will confess, that there was 
 something so unaccountable in this re- 
 peated address from an invisible, that a 
 thrilling horror seized me, such as I had 
 never before felt. ' What wouldest thou?' 
 gaid I; " tell me, and if it be not sinful, I 
 will obey/ — ' Set some of your provisions 
 at the door,' said the voice, ^ and hereafter 
 I will explain niyself.' — I accordingly arose, 
 opened the door, and placed on the outside 
 a loaf and a pitcher of milk, which one of 
 the cottagers had brought to me on the 
 preceding day. I closed the door, and 
 retired to my couch. 
 
 " When the morning dawned, my wan- 
 dering mind prompting me to a renewal 
 of my accustomed walks, I opened the 
 door — the loaf and the pitcher were both 
 gone. 
 
 '' The
 
 THE BI ACK SPirJT OF THE WYE. 253 
 
 " The dav passed, and on the night 
 followinor the same voice a^ain addressed 
 me : ' You are benevolent/ said the voice, 
 ' therefore I will be just: your pitcher is 
 at the door; but I have still need of your 
 assistance.' — ' Tell me then/ said \, ' who 
 and what you are ?' — ' I am/ said the voice, 
 ' and I am not.' — ^ Art thou then a spirit?* 
 said I. — ' Dost thou not see me?' said the 
 voice, audibly, and' in a tone which con- 
 veyed the idea of the person who spoke 
 being of very low stature, and standing near 
 the bedside. — I answered, ' No.* The spirit, 
 if it be a spirit, then laughed aloud. — ' I 
 will do thee no harm,' said the voice, again 
 whispering in my ear; ' lam the Black 
 Spirit of the Wye ! By that name shalt thou 
 know me.' — ' If thou art insubstantial,' said 
 I, ' what need hast thou of food ? ' — •' It is not 
 for myself,' replied the voice, still whisper- 
 ing; ' but for an unfortunate woman, who 
 is at the point of death.' — I asked where 
 was her abode? — ' In the ruins of Rose- 
 
 mont
 
 256 THE GREY FRIARj AND 
 
 rront Castle,' said the voice; ' biitj as thou 
 vainest thy life/ continued the spirit, ' I 
 command thee never to approach those 
 niins.' — ' My life, black spirit/ I rejoined, 
 ^ has long been of so little valiie^ that no 
 apprehensions of losing it will deter me 
 from immediately going to the ruins. 
 Wheresoever there be distress, thither let 
 me hasten, that by seeing the sufferings of 
 others, I may learn, with more patience, to 
 endure my own." 
 
 Here the old man sighed deeply, and 
 seemed much affected. 
 
 '' I instantly arose, and going to the door, 
 attempted to open it ; but found that it was 
 held by a strong hand ; and, at the same 
 instant, the groan of a person, as if in great 
 agony, proceeding from the bed 1 had just 
 quitted, distressed me beyond expression. 
 
 " I returned to the pallet ; but as no one 
 was there, my surprise was heightened into 
 consternation, although I did not* know that 
 I had any thing to fear. 
 
 ' Black
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 257 . 
 
 ' Black spirit/ said I^ ' let me conjure 
 thee, by that Power before whom all created 
 beings ought to tremble, distract me not 
 thus by foul incantations. If thou be some 
 damned sprite, wandering from the yawn- 
 ing sepulchre, to which, by thine own hand, 
 thou hadst forced an untimely admission, 
 hie thee to the guilty wretch, who, point- 
 ing the glittering steel to the bosom of the 
 way-worn traveller, seeks by midnight ra- 
 pine the support of his wretched life; 
 awaken him to repentance, by the terrors of 
 thy remorse; and teach him, by thine own 
 sufferings, to avoid the murderer's fate! 
 — But come not hither, to the miserable 
 hut of poverty.' 
 
 ^* I was proceeding in my adjuration, 
 when a piercing shriek rent my very soul ; 
 and the bare remembrance of it, even at 
 this distance of time, makes me tremble. 
 1 called again upon the black spirit; but 
 received no answer. I commended myself 
 to the care of Providence, and became 
 
 tranquil.
 
 558 THE GREY FRIARj AND 
 
 tranquil. My conscience did not upbraid 
 me: — whom then should I fear? 
 
 " In the morning, the pitcher was stand- 
 ing at the door, and in it several pieces of 
 silver. After what had passed, was it su- 
 perstitious that I would not touch the 
 money? I threw it on the ground with 
 indignation ; I v^ashcd the pitcher in the 
 pure spring, which pours its translucent 
 stream through the rocks at the door of 
 my hermitage, and was on the point of 
 departing to visii the ruins of Rosemont 
 Castle, when one of the neighbouring pea- 
 sants came to mv abode, to consult me 
 respecting the loss of one of his kids. This 
 was the third complaint of the same kind 
 which (he man had made, in the course of 
 as many weeks. His goats were herded on 
 that side of the country bordering upOn 
 Rosemont. I inquired if any one lived at 
 the Castle, or if he had searched the ruins 
 for his lost kids? Ke replied, that he dared 
 not approach the place; that nobody lived 
 
 there ;
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 259 
 
 there; but dreadful shrieks were often 
 heard^, which terrified the casual passenger; 
 and spectres had been seePj by moonlight, 
 emersino: from the bushes with which the 
 ruins were inclosed. I was aware of the 
 superstition which prevailed respecting this 
 spot; but it was iixed and rooted in the 
 minds of the inhabitants of the neighbour- 
 hood, and I had in vain endeavoured to 
 remove their fears, by enlightening their 
 understanding. 
 
 " I told the man to come again the next 
 day. As soon as he had departed, I took 
 my staff, and hastened towards Rosemont. 
 Scarcely had I proceeded half a mile, before 
 a severe storm of thunder and lightning 
 came on, which increased to so great a 
 degree of violence, that a knotted oak, one 
 of the primeval occupiers of the forest, 
 was shivered to pieces, within a few paces 
 of the place where I stood. My mind was 
 agitated — I returned to my hut. 
 
 '' Perhaps it was superstitious in me to 
 
 have
 
 260 THE GREY FRTAR^ AKD 
 
 have m«icle the storm an excuse for not 
 visiting the ruins; but I will not deny that 
 I did so. 
 
 '' A few nights afterwards, the same voice 
 again whispered. I made no reply. The 
 voice became more audible. It proceeded 
 from the couch on which I lay. I had been 
 so much accustomed to this nocturnal 
 visitor, that I was more angry than afraid. 
 Perhaps I was peevish that day. I arose 
 softly, and, taking my staff in my hand, 
 suddenly threw open the door. The moon 
 shone bright : but I could not discern any 
 person. The voice again addressed me from 
 the chair on which I usually sat, and called 
 to me familiarly, ' Si^ down a little, and 
 let us converse together.' — I looked round, 
 but could see no one. The voice pro- 
 ceeded — ' It is to no purpose that you look 
 fur an invisible.' — ' Cursed spirit!' I replied, 
 ' if thou wilt not render thyself apparent, 
 I will henceforth remain silent to thy hate- 
 ful voice.* — The voice again called me. 
 
 *^ Perplexed
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYF. 961 
 
 ^' Perplexed and an^ry at the iinr.c- 
 countableness of the scene, and at being: 
 thus continually disturbed, Ismore the chair 
 "with the staff in my hand, vsith consider- 
 able force. A scream imir»ediatcly issued 
 from it, as if the blow had fallen upon an 
 infant; and the scream being over, the in- 
 visible distinctly sobbed. 
 
 '' I was now more astonished than ever, 
 and again demanded what the spirit wanted ? 
 — ' Corporeal food/ said the voice, whis- 
 pering as usual in my ear. 
 
 " I fetched another loaf, and placed it at 
 the door. I believe it was a tribute to im- 
 porutnity, rather than a gift of charity. I 
 shut the door, and returned to my couch. 
 The voice again addressed me in a distinct 
 and audible manner, as if standing close to 
 my bedside. — ' Father, be less desirous, in 
 future, of examining into the condition of 
 a supplicant, than of relieving him. The 
 encouragement of distrust makes the heart 
 callous, and steels it against the miseries of 
 
 our
 
 S62 THE GREY FRIARj AND 
 
 our fellow-creatures. To convince thee 
 that thou hast not given to one who needs it 
 not, to-morrow, at mid-day, place thyself 
 on the summit of the hill, and attentively 
 regard the scene before thee; but, as thou 
 valuest thy repose, the tranquillity of thy 
 retirement, attempt not to approach or to 
 address those v/honi thou shalt see/- — The 
 voice ceased. 
 
 '^ The spirit had now touched the right 
 spring. He had, by reiterated importunity, 
 made even the stillness of night, in w^hich 
 my soul had formerly rejoiced, trouble- 
 some and uneasy. Dared 1 then to disobey 
 him.'' 
 
 '' I attended at . the appointed time. 
 The day was gloomy ; dark clouds hung 
 upon the neighbouring mountains, al- 
 ternately spreading themselves over the 
 surface of the ground, and anon con- 
 tracting into vast and awful pillars, on 
 which the dom£ of Heaven seemed to 
 rest. 
 
 *' I placed
 
 THE BLACK SPJ^IT OF THE WYE. 265 
 
 '*■ I placed myself on the sumniii of the 
 hill. About thirty paces from where I 
 stood, a rock, partly denuded of its mossy 
 coverinsr, bv the chillins: blasts of the fu* 
 rious east wind, might, by a vivid imagina- 
 tion, have been converted into the like- 
 ness of a human fio^ure. While I was con- 
 templating it, a gentle breeze sprang up, 
 and wafted away the murky clouds by which 
 it had been partly obscured. I then dis- 
 *tinctlv saw a female fi2:ure sittin;:^ on a 
 projecting ledge of the rock, with a young 
 child in her arms. The countenance of the 
 woman was as the face of one who has but 
 a short time to live. Pale disease seemed 
 to have nearly completed its last ravages, 
 and the deepest melancholy sat upon her 
 brow. 
 
 '' She arose, but her tottering limbs 
 seemed unable to support even her ema- 
 ciated frame. She essayed to walk, but 
 could not. A tall man at this instant came 
 from behind the rock ; and taking hold of 
 
 the
 
 264 THE GREY FCIAR^ AND 
 
 the \vretched woman, assisted her to re- 
 move towards a small opening, which I then, 
 for the first time, perceived amongst the 
 rocks. As they walked alongj I heard the 
 voice of the female distinctly say, ' And is 
 there no possibility of his escape, nor of 
 my return ?* — '. Urge me no more,' said 
 her conductor ; ' have I not already told 
 you I will make one effort more? but what- 
 ever be the event, remember I have pre- 
 served your life/ — They entered the narrow 
 opening between the rocks, and were hid- 
 den from my sight. 
 
 '' There was no illusion here. I v/ould 
 have followed them, and had actually pro- 
 ceeded to the verge of the entrance, when 
 the voice, to which I had been so much 
 accustomed, that it was impossible for me 
 to mistak*:* it, whispered very audibly, * Re- 
 member the power of the black spirit.* — 
 I hesitated, paused, and returned. 
 
 ^' Satisfied that there was real distress, 
 although I was wholly unacquainted with 
 
 the
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OP THE WYE. 265 
 
 the cause of it, the words of the black 
 spirit sunk deep into my mind. 
 
 " Bread, milk, or vegetables, I regularly 
 placed at the door of my hermitage. I 
 asked no questions, and the spirit ceased to 
 be troublesome. 
 
 '- During all the years that I had occu- 
 pied my retirement;, I had never heard of 
 any cave or hiding-place among the rocks. 
 Engaged by my own melancholy reflec- 
 tions, I had never thought of attempting 
 to explore their recesses. My object was 
 rather to avoid company, than to seek for 
 it. Curiosity, however, to know the his- 
 tory of the unfortunate, struggled continu- 
 ally with the involuntary awe which I had, 
 and still have, for the supernatural agency 
 of the black spirit; and one night, having 
 repeated my earnest entreaty that the 
 voice would satisfy my doubis on this sub- 
 ject, I received the following emphatical 
 reply : — 
 
 ' The woman whom thou hast seen is 
 VOL, I. N pinini'
 
 266 THE GREY FRIAR^ AND 
 
 pining away, under the influence of disease, 
 credulity, and disappointment. The child 
 is of noble race ; and the lives of many are 
 interested in his concealment. That no 
 trace of their abode might lead to detec- 
 tion, thou hast been made the instrument 
 of furnishing provisions for their support ; 
 and the black spirit is their guard. Be 
 content, be secret, nor reveal to mortal 
 man what thou hast row heard, till that day 
 when a stranger shall visit thee from a 
 distant country, who, without knowing the 
 mystery of this transaction himself, shall be 
 the instrument of its explanation.* 
 
 " I continued to appropriate a portion 
 of my humble provisions to the use of the 
 unknown. I have also forborne to make 
 any inquiries, or to attempt the farther 
 investigation of what it perhaps does not 
 concern me to know. A few days since, 
 the pitcher, which I found returned, as 
 usual, at the door of my hermitage, had 
 two bright pieces of gold at the bottom of it. 
 ^ Money
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 267 
 
 Money is of no use to me : I threw it away, 
 as I had done the silver before. My nightly 
 visitor came no more. The pitcher and the 
 loaf have since remained untouched. The 
 arrival of the young gentleman who ac- 
 companied me hither, I imagine to be the 
 accomplishment of the black spirit's pro- 
 phecy. I thought myself at liberty to give 
 this. account ; and it will, I hope, convince 
 those who have heai;d it, that there are 
 some secret monitions which ought not to 
 he despised, some invisible agencies, which 
 ^e ought not to deny or disregard." 
 
 The hermit ceased. vSir Hugh, the Earl 
 of Hereford, and Bohun, looked at each 
 other in expressive silence; but the Lady 
 Bolebec, who had retired to a seat on tke 
 opposite side of the room, had become 
 insensible to the concluding sentences. 
 Struck by a variety of circumstances, as 
 the old man proceeded, she had felt a lively 
 interest in the relation ; but when he spoke 
 of the woman and the child, the conviction 
 
 N 2 that
 
 SC8 THE GREY FRIAR, AKD 
 
 that* they were the dear lost Edward and 
 his nurse whom the hermit had seen, flashed 
 upon her mind; and, no longer able to 
 support her feelings, she sunk down mo- 
 tionless on the seat, where she remained 
 unobserved, till, at the conclusion of the 
 story, which had struck every one present 
 with the same idea, though with different 
 degrees of force, the eyes of every one were 
 directed to her Ladyship. 
 
 Her pallid and lifeless countenance was 
 a sufficient answer to this spontaneous ap- 
 peal. The company hastened to her assist- 
 ance ; and the old man, who naturally at- 
 tributed what he saw to the impression 
 made by his narrative, although ignorant 
 of the true cause of Lady Bolebec's being 
 so much interested in it, was agitated with 
 extreme distress, at having been the invo- 
 luntary occasion of so much uneasiness. 
 
 The Lady Bolebec, however, soon began 
 to revive ; the current of life Was restored 
 to its wonted channel; and though her 
 
 heart
 
 TKB BLACK SFIPaT OF THE WYE. 969 
 
 heart still palpitated with violence, and her 
 nerves still vibrated with excess of sensi- 
 bility, a flood of tears, in a short time^ 
 relieved the first violent emotions of re- 
 turning hope. 
 
 While Sir Hugh de Bolebec and Bohun, 
 with the attendants, were endeavouring to 
 tranquillize the mind of Lady Bolebec, the 
 venerable Hereford, taking the old hermit 
 into an adjoining apartment, briefly in- 
 formed him of the loss of Edward de Bole- 
 bec; and the distress which the old man 
 had previously felt, was instantaneously 
 converted into an ardent hope, that he 
 might be the happy instrument of restoring 
 the lost infant to his afflicted parents. 
 
 Bohun having witnessed the revival of 
 the Lady Bolebec, hastened to the apart- 
 ment of Devereux. At the sound of his 
 friend's voice, Devereux, who expected 
 that Sir Humphrey had come for the pur- 
 pose of rallying him on his aquatic ad- 
 venture, was equally delighted and siir- 
 
 j. 3 'prised
 
 270 THE GREY FRIAR^ AND 
 
 prised at the consequences which had been 
 the result of the innocent deception that 
 he had practised^ in order to bring the her- 
 mit to Mordeford Castle; and although it 
 was the hour of midnight, could scarcely 
 be prevented from immediately setting out 
 in quest of the child. 
 
 Bohun was so well acquainted with the 
 strict veracity of Merlin, that although he 
 would have been better satisfied with the 
 story, had it been devoid of what he consi- 
 dered the extravagant episode of the black 
 spirit, he knew that every tittle of the 
 narrative might be depended upon. 
 
 The bias of the old man's mind, and the 
 repeated and frequent paroxysms of his 
 unfortunate malady, often interrupted, and 
 sometimes perverted, his judgment ; but 
 the sincerity of his disposition, and correct- 
 ness of his memory, were unimpeachable. 
 
 However, at the same time that tlie in- 
 telligence which had been thus unexpect- 
 edly procured seemed likely at least to lead 
 
 to
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OT THH" WYE. QTl 
 
 to such a discovery as inight remove their 
 present uncertainty respectino- the r'iild_, 
 it by no means followed, thar the restora- 
 tion of the infant to his parents would be 
 the necessary consequence. 
 
 Conjecture musi still supply the want of 
 more perfect information^ and much mi«rht 
 yet depend upon the sagacity and prudence 
 of those who v/ere employed in the sub- 
 sequent attempts to trace this extraordinary 
 business through the intricacies in which it 
 '^vas enveloped. 
 
 AmontT^ the difficulties which suo:2:ested 
 themselves on this subject, that which ap- 
 peared to Bohiin of primary importance 
 was, to dispossess the m.ind of Merlin of the 
 awe and respect which he acknowledged 
 that he still entertained for the supposed 
 black spirit ; for unless this could be ef- 
 fected, it might still be difficult to engage 
 the old man in the undertaking, in which 
 his assistance seemed to be in some measure 
 necessary. 
 
 Sir
 
 272 THE GREY FRIAR^ AND 
 
 Sir Humphrey Bohiin having communi- 
 cated this hint to Devereux, it was resolved 
 that the Earl of Hereford, whose suggestion 
 had originally paved the way for the dis- 
 closure which the hermit had alreadv made, 
 should, by renewing the conversation, en- 
 deavour to make some farther discovery 
 respecting what Merlin called '^ the Black 
 Spirit;" for notwithstanding this part of 
 the subject was at present inexplicable, 
 both Sir Humphrey and \\\^ Earl concurred 
 in the belief, that some plot lurked beneath 
 this veil of mysterv, and that the black 
 spiiit, if not the principal, was at all events 
 one of the agents of the confederacy. 
 
 Hereford prefaced his intended inquiries 
 by assuring the old hermit, that, under all 
 the circumstances of the case, he should 
 have himself entertained tbe same opinion 
 as that which he had imbibed with regard 
 to the black spirit ; and, therefore, that he 
 trusted that any questions which he might 
 suggest, would be deemed the result of an 
 
 earnest-
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. 275 
 
 .earnest desire to arrive at the truth, and 
 not attributed to any doubts respecting the 
 possibility of intellectual agency, and in- 
 corporeal intercourse. 
 
 The sagacious Hereford well knew, that 
 the true method of subd.iing prejudices, 
 is by seeming to connive at them, until 
 the hand which is employed to root them 
 out can obtain a firm and powerful grasp. 
 Direct opposition is, therefore, seldom suc- 
 cessful in its efforts to extirpate errors, or 
 change opinions. The mind becomes 
 alarmed at the attempt. It regards the at- 
 tack made upon it as a sort of insult, at 
 which it revolts, more perhaps from the 
 innate pride of self-complacency, than from 
 any conviction of propriety of sentiment, 
 or any consciousness of intrinsic superi- 
 ority. 
 
 The old hermit, who had already conceiv- 
 ed a great respect for the Earl of Hereford, 
 felt no small degree of pleasure at the de- 
 claration he had made. The avenues which 
 
 lead
 
 574 THE GREY FRIAB^ AND 
 
 lead to the heart are never effectually closed 
 against the admission of flattery, if well 
 adapted, and slcilful-y applied. Time, which 
 renders these avenues in^ pervious to a va- 
 riety of ideas connected with the different 
 passioi.s, inclinations, and feelings, of hu- 
 man creanires, always leaves sufficient room 
 for those sentiments which are calculated 
 to sooth our vanity, and gratify our pride. 
 Even when the mind itself has become 
 diseased, this principle still adheres to it in 
 all its aberrations, and is inseparable from 
 it in every condition. 
 
 Hereford, like the black spirit, had 
 touched the right spring. Merlin's heart 
 expanded ; and, although at other times apt 
 to take offence at every question w^hich. 
 related to himself or his assertions, readily 
 entered upon the desired investigation ; 
 and, in reply to the interrogatories of the 
 Earl, farther informed him, that the black 
 spirit had never visited him in the day- 
 time, nor had ever manifested himself by 
 
 any
 
 THE BLACK SPIRIT OF THE WYE. J75 
 
 ^ny other method than the varied modula- 
 tions of different human voices, as before 
 related. 
 
 He said, that having made no promise 
 to the spirit, he was not under any other 
 obligation to secrecy, nor to abstain from 
 attempting to discover the unfortunate wo- 
 man and child, than what had arisen from 
 the ascendency which the invisible had 
 gained over his mind, by the power of 
 disturbing him in his beloved solitude. 
 
 That, believing the invisible to be a be- 
 nevolent spirit, he had thought it his duty 
 to obey the impulse which his mind had 
 involuntarily imbibed : that it was in con- 
 formity with what he understood to be the 
 desire of the same spirit, (whether good 
 or bad), that he had disclosed the circum- 
 stances which had happened ; and presum- 
 ing that it would lead to a development of 
 the whole affair, he was now readv to afford 
 any assistance in his power to the young 
 gentleman, whom he considered to have 
 3 been
 
 f76 THE GREY FRIAR,, AND 
 
 been intended by the black spirit, when he 
 mentioned a stranger, who, '' though ig- 
 norant of the mystery of the transaction,'* 
 was to be ^^ the instrument of its expla- 
 nation." 
 
 END OF VOL. I. 
 
 Lane, Darling, and Co. Laadenhall-Streci.
 
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