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 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS LIBRARY AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN
 
 MISTEES8 HASELWODE.
 
 Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 
 in 2009 with funding from 
 
 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/mistresshaselwod01moor
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE, 
 
 A TALE OF THE REFORMATION OAK. 
 
 A NOVEL IN TWO VOLUMES. 
 
 F. H. MOORE. 
 
 VOL. I. 
 
 LONDON: 
 REMINGTON AND CO., 5, ARUNDEL STEEET, STEAND, W.C. 
 
 1876.
 
 8- A 3 
 
 i 
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 > 
 
 i 
 
 T was May-day in tlie old town 
 of Windham — named by its 
 Saxon founders ''the pleasant village on 
 a mount" — and a right gay and merry 
 day the Windham folks clearly meant to 
 make of it. 
 
 For the houses of the burghers in the 
 chief streets were decked out with banners 
 of varied coloured stuffs drooping from the 
 lattices, and with festoons of green leaves, 
 hung with garlands, stretching across the 
 narrow road. 
 
 VOL. I. B
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 The peasants' cots, too, in the bye-lanes 
 leading off the bettermost streets were 
 smartly tricked with boughs, and wreaths 
 of golden buttercups and silvery daisies, 
 with here and there a bunch of bright blue- 
 bells tied to the end of a pole projecting 
 from the little dormers. 
 
 Is or had the old Abbey Church of S. 
 Mary the Virgin been forgotten, but was 
 vested in its annual May-day garb ; there, 
 from its great west tower floated lazily in 
 the breeze the flag of merrie England. 
 Many such days that church had witnessed, 
 as it stood with its lines of bold-capped 
 columns, and rounded arches of Norman 
 type, zigzagged and tooth-moulded by the 
 cunning hands of artificers, directed by the 
 skilful monks, who lived in the adjacent 
 Priory. Here, fraternity after fraternity 
 had enjoyed undisturbed possession from 
 the time of Prior Daubeney in the days of
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 
 
 the 1st Henry, and since till the 8th, who 
 had turned them adrift and taken fast hold 
 of their lands, but a few years before our 
 story opens. 
 
 Beneath that Church — the monument of 
 their art — rested in peace the silent dust 
 of good Daubeney and many another prior, 
 who had in turn served before its altars and 
 with his monks expended the revenues in 
 dispensing hospitality and charity to all 
 needy comers. 
 
 Although the day had not long dawned, 
 all the town was stirring; for in those 
 times folks went early to bed, and early 
 rose, either for work or pleasure. It was, 
 however, quite evident that but little work 
 was to be done on this day, for already at 
 their cottage doors stood the comely house- 
 wives, or their sturdy spouses, peeping forth 
 to see what the morning betokened. 
 
 And, in truth, it was an enlivening pros- 
 
 B 2
 
 4 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 pect for that holiday whicli greeted their 
 eager gaze. The sun had risen brightly, 
 and was shedding his gilding beams on the 
 moss-grown, thatched roofs and trim gar- 
 dens of the cottages ; on the flint-dressed 
 walls, gurgoyled cornices, and crockets of 
 the Church ; and on the peaked gables, 
 mullioned casements, steep red-tiled roofs, 
 and carved oaken beams of the well-to- 
 do burghers' dwellings ; making the tiny 
 lattice lights twinkle, diamond-like, with 
 his glmting brightness in the soft grey of 
 this May morn. 
 
 The neighbouring meadows and gardens, 
 too, sent forth the sweet essences of the 
 white-flecked bushes, and of the early 
 flowers, which, wafted by the gentle wind, 
 impregnated the air with delicious sweet- 
 ness ; while the warbling notes of thrushes 
 and song birds, tickled the ears with 
 melody.
 
 MISTRESS HASELWOPE. 
 
 Ah ! May- day of old, with all thy merry 
 light-hearted frolics, and all thy rustic joys 
 and sorrows; how many a long year has since 
 rolled by and buried these memories deep 
 in oblivious shade ! Yet, let the misty veil 
 of time be for once uplifted, and that May- 
 day frolic live again for a little space ! 
 
 Soon the clano- of the bells soundinsT 
 forth from the church tower — those evan- 
 gelist bells, dedicated long since when 
 blessed by good Prior Daubeney — sum- 
 moned from their homes the expectant 
 revellers, who, coming out of their open 
 doors, mingle together and exchange morn- 
 ing greetings as they wend their way 
 towards the well-known Town green, 
 where the May-pole will presently be 
 reared. 
 
 Youths and damsels, gammers and gaffers, 
 all are making holiday, with even the old 
 grandsires, who, trudging on by the help of
 
 6 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 their stout ashen sticks, recall to their 
 accompanying dames in quavering tones 
 that May-day of theirs long gone by, when 
 first love taught them, while but lad and 
 lass, its sweet lesson. 
 
 And a picturesque assemblage, too, are 
 they all in their festal garments. Women 
 and girls wearing their best petticoats of 
 gay-coloured stuffs, with neat white kerchers 
 pinned on their heads, and puffed linen 
 sleeves fastened at the wrist by a band, 
 intermingle with the men and boys in their 
 round slop, breeches, cloth jerkins, white 
 stockings, square-toed shoes, and flat caps 
 of woven wool, which they carry jauntily 
 on the side of their closely cropped heads. 
 
 Each seemed joyous, as was Nature her- 
 self ; and so this May morn broke. 
 
 Windham Green was a large space of 
 common land, lying pleasantly just with- 
 out the little town, and through it ran a
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 road leading to the city of Norwich, distant 
 some nine miles or so. 
 
 Along this road might even now be seen, 
 at this early hour, many lissom foot pas- 
 sengers trudging over from the city, and 
 from Silfield, Wattlefield, Downham, and 
 other adjacent townships. For Windham 
 May-day, with Windham play, was the 
 great festival of all that country side, and 
 the peasant lads, and bouncing lasses, with 
 the sober burghers, their wives, daughters, 
 and prentices all made holiday, and donned 
 their festive dress to join in the yearly 
 sports. 
 
 Here and there, too, some stalwart 
 yeoman on his trotting nag, with his spouse 
 perched up on her pillion, mingled with the 
 pedestrians. 
 
 About the taverns hissing ostlers were 
 already busy stabling horses, while the 
 riders were refreshing their thirsty souls
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 
 
 with the good ale of the house ; and 
 lively serving wenches were laying out 
 solid food in the shape of buttocks of beef, 
 haunches of mutton, chines, fat capons, 
 large wheaten loaves, and saffron-tinted 
 cheeses in readiness for the mid-day meal, 
 when the exhausted pleasure seekers would 
 be crowding into the neatly sanded parlours 
 of the taverns. 
 
 At the sign of the " Falcon," in the Sheep 
 Market, there was more bustle than at any 
 other of the hostels ; and it would appear to 
 an observer that the better sort were putting 
 up there, those who came being mostly well 
 horsed, and some attended by their serving 
 men. The visitors who had as yet arrived 
 were gathered together in the long, low- 
 ceilinged room of the Inn, which was used 
 only on these special occasions, when an 
 unusually large party required accommoda- 
 tion, and were holding whispered conver-
 
 MISTEESS HASELAVODE. 
 
 sation one with another on some topic of an 
 
 apparently engrossing character. They 
 
 were presently joined by a pleasant-looking 
 
 young fellow, well built, and with Saxon 
 
 features, blonde hair, and moustache ; who, 
 
 glancing round the group of guests, doffed 
 
 his cap, and bowed an acknowledgment to 
 
 their recognition. Then one of them, whose 
 
 tonsure, on the removal of his cap, betrayed 
 
 him to be a priest of the unreformed faith, 
 
 in spite of the disguise of his dress — for these 
 
 now scarce dare show their faces abroad, 
 being dispossessed of their cures, and 
 
 many of them hidden away in the houses 
 
 of the nobility and gentry, who secretly 
 
 adhered to their former principles — came 
 
 forward saying, — 
 
 ''Welcome as May flowers. Master 
 
 Flowerdew and may the day be indeed far 
 
 distant, when one of thy staunch stock 
 
 shall not meet with hearty good will from 
 
 B 5
 
 10 MISTRESS EASELWODE. 
 
 all true sons of holy church. Thou hast 
 ridden hard, so methinks 'twere well to 
 taste good Stubb's tap, ere we broach busi- 
 ness, for talking is but thirsty work." 
 
 " True, father," replied Flowerdew, " a 
 thirsty soul hath no ears ; and, by my 
 faith, I know of none so good refresher 
 for serious talk as sound malt liquor, 
 wherefore, I'll bid mine host draw a 
 stoup. Hey ! Master Stubbs, come, let us 
 taste this homebrewed, which, to judge by 
 thine own comely paunch, hath no scant 
 measure of malt, for its wholesome strength 
 hath surely advantaged thee." 
 
 Host Stubbs, who was in all conscience 
 a fat and pursy soul, and withal a good 
 natured, departed puffing and blowing on 
 his journey to the cellar, amid the laughter 
 of the company ; for the old man waddled 
 not unlike his porkers, which were grunt-
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 11 
 
 ing unmusically in their snug lodging 
 outside the parlour window. 
 
 While Host Stubbs is gone for the 
 ale, we will glance at the rest of the 
 company gathered together in the tavern 
 parlour, to the number of some twenty or 
 thirty. 
 
 Their master spirit was evidently the 
 priest, whose restless black eyes, thin cut 
 lips, and rapid utterance, discovered a de- 
 termined and energetic temperament. In 
 truth, the memory of recent wrongs, which 
 he and his brethren had sustained, when 
 the rude servants of the law, at Cromwell's 
 bidding, had turned them forth from their 
 retreat, was ever present to Michael Sykes, 
 ex-prior of Bromeholme ; and this had 
 roused all the latent fire and energy of his 
 nature, which before the monotonous 
 routine of his daily life had suppressed ;
 
 12 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 till now, the sole aim of his active mind 
 was directed towards the recovery of the 
 power and possessions lost by his Church. 
 Near him stood a young man some two and 
 twenty years of age, or so, dressed in the 
 rich fashion of men of quality, in a doublet 
 and hose of dark claret colour hemmed 
 with gold, and with an embroidered waist 
 belt, from which hung his blade in a bright 
 steel scabbard. With a rakish mien, he bore 
 about his countenance, which was handsome, 
 albeit somewhat delicate-featured for a man, 
 the premature lines of self-indulgence. His 
 eyes were black, as was his hair, which he 
 wore according to the style of the day, 
 closely trimmed under a plumed cap. 
 This was Hubert de Burgh, whose father, 
 the Lord de Burgh, had risked his head and 
 estate rather than yield up his faith. To 
 judge, however, by the demeanour of the 
 young De Burgh, he would be made of other
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 13 
 
 metal than his sire ; since his frequent 
 yawns, and restless glances often cast at 
 the window, betrayed that he was hankering 
 after the amusement to be gained from the 
 May- day sports, rather than any matter of 
 serious discussion. 
 
 There were also some half-a-dozen others, 
 richly clad, of the degree of gentry, stern 
 and earnest-looking, to whom De Burgh 
 afforded a great contrast. The remaining 
 guests were mainly country yeomen of good 
 substance ; but mixed up with them were 
 a few others of no defined station, loose 
 and dissolute in appearance, who seemed to 
 be half gallant, half cut-purse — mere waiters 
 on fortune — and were singularly unlike the 
 rest. All carried side-arms. 
 
 Host Stubbs soon re-entered with his 
 wife Bridget, carrying a large black-jack 
 filled with ale, and also smaller flagons, 
 into which the buxom hostess poured the
 
 14 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 frothy liquor, and with smirking face 
 handed it round to the guests. 
 
 The drink being tossed off, Flowerdew 
 turned to the priest, saying — 
 
 " And now that we have washed the dust 
 from out our throats, I pr'ythee tell us, 
 father, how your plans be cast for this day' s 
 hurle." 
 
 " Right, my son," answered Sykes, " I 
 will enlighten ye forthwith on the course 
 we have mapped out, as suited best in our 
 poor judgment to advantage Holy Church, 
 and to uproot these broad-blown time-serv- 
 ers, who now lie a-cloveredin our pastures ; 
 ay, and not content, would yet despoil us 
 of the sorry remnant sinful Harry — whom 
 may God reward — hath left us. Is not the 
 memory of the brutal deeds wrought by 
 him alive within us, sirs ? Or, have we 
 forgot how, when Sir Ralph Warren was 
 Mayor, the holy Abbot of Fountans, with
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 15 
 
 the Priors of Gisbiirg and Bridlington, 
 the learned Doctor Peckering, and Adam 
 Sodburj, Abbot of Jar vis, witli many 
 a valiant knight, were hanged, headed and 
 quartered on Tyburn Hill ; because, for- 
 sooth, they would not desert their church 
 at sensuous Harry's will ? But," con- 
 tinued he, waxing warm, '' soon shall 
 Cranmer and his strifeful crew feel the 
 hand of a loftier King than puny Edward, 
 whoso mother sank to death in his childbed 
 on St. Crispin's eve ; and on whose boyish 
 brow King Death hath already set his mark, 
 if all be true that meets the ear — too soon 
 ripe, soon rotten ! — but enough; now, gentle 
 sirs, list ye to our plan. When next we meet 
 on yon green, 'twill then be the time for 
 daring acts ; and to the guiding of such, we 
 poor priests do look to your bold arms, sharp 
 swords, and ready courage ; and remember 
 — success doth ever tread the footsteps of
 
 16 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 the bold. Mayhap ye know that even 
 now the Devonshire men, led by that worthy 
 Captain, Sir Humfrey Arundel, have arisen 
 in defence of their ancient Church's rights, 
 and by a trusty messenger I do hear that 
 they be sate down before Exeter, whence 
 they will not budge till the city be yielded 
 up, I'll warrant you. While the men of 
 Buckingham and Oxford have aroused 
 from their torpor, and begun to bestir them ; 
 four thousand men, who will not blench. 
 Shall then, we Norfolk men, be deedless 
 with so earnest a bodement of success ?" 
 
 Murmurs of approval met the priest's 
 appeal, and he went on — " It hath been 
 fixed to act the play of the Scriveners, 
 which depicteth the miracle of Christ's 
 appearance to holy Peter, James and John, 
 and the faithless Thomas — See, here be the 
 very men who will enact," pointing to four 
 debonair looking fellows, whose appearance
 
 MISTEESS HASEL^VODE. 17 
 
 easily showed them to be of the race of 
 stage players, " a broad piece or two hath 
 secured their good service in getting this 
 play chosen, for actors are scarce in these 
 parts, and they did by favour of mine hire 
 protest to Master Bailiff, that no other play 
 could they enact. Come forward, Harry 
 Killigrew, Bob Dighton, Dick Cockbill, and 
 Jack Jeff coat, and speak to this goodly 
 company for yourselves." 
 
 In response to the priest's invitation, 
 Killigrew, as spokesman, stepped forward, 
 and bowing with tragedy grace, and no 
 lack of assurance, to the guests, said : — 
 
 " How think ye, fair sirs, shall we play 
 our parts ? I'faith, methinks the Arch 
 pastor, Master Cranmer himself, will scarce 
 approve our playing, or will own us sheep 
 of his flock, rank Protestants though we 
 be ; for he holdeth these Scripture enact- 
 ments but as Popish mumming, and had
 
 18 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 he gleaned a grain of knowledge as to the 
 miracle acting — why, he would have forbid 
 the game. I befear me then we poor 
 actors are but on the road to jail, when our 
 procedure reacheth his ears, an ye prevail 
 not in this business. Yet, what reck we,'* 
 added he, singing a snatch with a nasal 
 twang — 
 
 " We're for him who pays us quick, 
 Protestant, or Catholic — " 
 
 " So, your worships, were we fain to take 
 this reverend father's palm ; when he, 
 hearing we were chose to play at the May 
 acting, did persuade us to try the Scriven- 
 er's piece, and here we be at your service." 
 
 " Here, too," said the priest, " is Will 
 Lively, who hath played in the Globe afore 
 "Wanton Harry and his Court, he will enact 
 the chiefest part." 
 
 " Trust me," spake up Will, " for a right 
 proper portraiture; and further, credit me.
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 19 
 
 tlie Globe company will tell ye how Will 
 Lively can play liis part, be it Pope or 
 Devil, King or Beggar, Saint or Sinner, 
 Priest or Preacher, Knave or Fool, Gentle 
 or Churl." 
 
 Sykes frowned at Will's familiar bold- 
 ness of speech, but retained command 
 over his well-trained temper ; and mutter- 
 ing to himself, "One catcheth more flies 
 with honey than with vinegar," replied 
 jestingly to the perky play actor, " Well, 
 well. Master Will, see that thou makest 
 good thy boast, else wilt be held but a 
 cavtel chatterbox." 
 
 Then turning to the company, " So 
 far, good friends, ye see our plan ; yet 
 must I further advise ye of the part 
 which I have pledged me to bear in the 
 coming hurle. First am I to be book- 
 holder in the play, so shall I keep them to 
 the mark ; then 'twill be mine, by special
 
 20 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 agreement witli them, to come forth on the 
 stage, when I purpose holding such speech 
 as shall stir up the deep-set passions of the 
 people, which in all honest truth do now 
 but slumber, but, when they have drunk 
 them chokeful of ale, trust me, these 
 Norfolk country folk, and smerky 'prentice 
 lads, will be ready for any devilment — 
 when the belly's full the music goeth the 
 better — so I hope to fan the sparks, which 
 deep-mouthed Will must kindle, like waving 
 stammel cloth before a herd of cattle, to 
 such a flame as shall singe that arch 
 heretic Cranmer, spite his seeming power, 
 and squelsh him with his co-plotters in 
 one ruin. But now must we part till 
 noon, when all should keep tryst on the 
 Green, and wait a fitting moment for the 
 signal — 'twixt now and then much yet lieth 
 before me — some score or so trusty helpers 
 are awaiting speech without, and I may no
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 21 
 
 longer delay — Farewell, then, for the 
 nonce." 
 
 With which the priest left the room, 
 accompanied by a small number of the 
 party ; and he, whom we know as Flower- 
 dew, turned to the others, saying : — 
 
 " By the mass, good sirs, methinks our 
 holy father hath laid his train with some 
 discernment, I trust naught may hap to 
 mar his plans ; yet to waste more of this 
 bright May sun, would be a grievous sin, 
 so I'll e'en go too awhile, and watch the 
 lissom rustics at their games."
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 More matter for a May morning." — 
 
 Twelfth Night. 
 
 ASTER FLOWERDEW, on leav- 
 ing the rest of the company at 
 the Falcon to discuss Host Stubbs' ale 
 and their plans, turned down the Sheep 
 Market, and made his way through 
 the gathering crush towards the Green. 
 Among the crowd he saw, here and there, 
 some whose appearance of dare-devil care- 
 lessness betokened they were there for no 
 good purpose ; and once he caught a glimpse 
 of the Priest, guised by a long cloak, in an 
 animated talk with one of these gallants, 
 by which he concluded they formed a part
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 23 
 
 of the little band hired by him to lead the 
 day's racket. But his quick eye observed 
 also that these gentry were not regarded 
 with much favour by the country folk, for 
 many of the rustic youths seemed disposed 
 to resent the leering glances cast on their 
 modest sweethearts by these hardened 
 worldlings. All this Flowerdew noting, 
 soliloquised — '' I much befear me the good 
 Priest's ardour hath o'er stepped the bounds 
 of his judgment, for scarce ever saw I 
 more unpromising comrades than these ill- 
 favoured curs." 
 
 Turnino: the corner of the street, Flower- 
 dew found himself on the verge of the 
 crowd gathered on the Green, by this time 
 swollen with visitors from Dereham, Hing- 
 ham, Attleburgh, and other towns within 
 reach, and a rare medley, too, it was. 
 Portly burghers and their wives walked 
 along with stately carriage as they received
 
 24 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 
 
 respectful salutes from their prentices and 
 menials ; the worthy traders being easily 
 distinguished from the yeomen and country- 
 folks by the extra spruceness of their attire. 
 Here and there also strutted some young 
 gentle, casting his killing glances at the 
 smiling maidens. 
 
 Among them all went one on whom 
 eyes of disfavour were turned by many 
 a fellow burgher, and many a gentle; 
 which looks were as boldly returned by the 
 stout recipient; for Master Robert Ket, 
 the tanner, of Windham, was both rich and 
 thriving, and had, too, by many a bold act 
 proved his unscrupulous daring; holding 
 sway among the prentices and the lower 
 sort, although an object of special dislike to 
 the surrounding lords of the soil, on whose 
 manorial rights he had ere this often rudely 
 trespassed. Moreover, screened by the jea- 
 lousy of the municipal privileges which the
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 25 
 
 burghers allowed to all their freemen when 
 claimed, whether or not they approved of 
 the object of their protection, he had openly 
 defied and braved his opponents. Not a 
 few reprisals had, however, been effected by 
 the gentry, for when Ket's fellows would, 
 without leave or heed, venture into the en- 
 closed lands and woods in pursuit of sport, 
 or poach in the well-preserved ponds and 
 meres for pike and carp, then a tussle would 
 often ensue betwixt them and the varlets 
 of the manor, resulting in broken pates 
 and bloodshed, in which the former usually 
 came off but second-best. 
 
 Master Ket, moreover, had of late pre- 
 sumed to hold forth among his fellows and 
 the other folk on matters which keenly 
 touched the sensitive pride of the here- 
 ditary gentry ; and, although his views and 
 theories were distasteful to the leading 
 burghers, still his fiery oratory, albeit rough 
 
 VOL. I. c
 
 26 MTSTEESS HASELWODE. 
 
 and unlearned, had often stirred the lower 
 sort, and would, doubtless, when next heard 
 produce a like commotion. 
 
 By every gentle, and in particular by 
 those of the old faith, was Master Robert 
 Ket regarded, in spite of his substance, as 
 an audacious meddler ; for, ever since the 
 first movement of the Reformation, had 
 Ket thrust himself forward in these parts 
 as a wholesale reformer, and rendered him- 
 self thoroughly obnoxious to all easy- 
 going folks, and to those round about, 
 who had been reared in, and were deeply 
 attached to the faith of their ancestors. 
 
 He had also taken advantage of the recent 
 anti-papal crusade to persecute all whom 
 he fell foul of, inciting the prentices and his 
 sympathisers to commit summary acts of 
 violence regardless of law. 
 
 Robert Ket was a strongly-built, large- 
 limbed man, with a countenance betraying
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 27 
 
 powerful and sensuous passions, and having 
 a dogged look about him, as of a man ob- 
 stinate and self-willed. With him walked 
 "William Ket, whose likeness to his brother 
 shewed him to be a chip of the same block ; 
 but his features betokened the indecision of 
 character of a man more calculated to follow 
 than to lead. 
 
 As thej went along, exchanging greet- 
 ings with sundry of their acquaintance, 
 they were presently joined by one, whose 
 lengthened visage and sad-coloured gar- 
 ments unmistakeably marked him as a 
 Preacher of the ultra-Protestant section of 
 the unsettled Church. 
 
 ''Giveyegood day, my masters," exclaimed 
 he, " are ye then bound for this May play? 
 Ah !" sighed the good man, "I would that 
 this land of ours were purged of all the 
 remnant of these idolatrous vanities." 
 
 " Tut, tut, parson Whitehead," returned 
 
 c 2
 
 28 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 
 
 Robert, " dost think thee, man, that youth 
 and merriness will be tamed by all thy 
 preaching ? I tell thee nay, let them have 
 their frolic. Marry, 'tis not so long since 
 thyself played handball at Easter for tansy 
 cakes. Be content, hast thou already drunk 
 so deep of godliness that thou canst not 
 stomach so small a draught of pleasure ?" 
 
 " Peace, friend Robert," replied the par- 
 son, "nor taunt me with thy jests, which 
 are but unseemly. I fear me that our recent 
 preachments have not duly edified, and that 
 thou art backsliding ; else thou wouldst at 
 least have joined me in making end of all 
 this mumming, which is but one of Satan's 
 devices to lure our children back to Romish 
 wiles. Yerily, I have oft bethought me, 
 thou only didst join with us for thine own 
 worldly ends, and not for the just cause of 
 Heaven." 
 
 " Marry, then, if that be so. Master
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 29 
 
 Whitehead," cried Ket, " at least we may 
 cry quits ; for thou hast got a snug parson 
 house, and some score acres of the Prior's 
 glebe to boot." 
 
 The parson, in a heat, was about to reply, 
 when their attention was distracted by the 
 hurrahs of the crowd ; and so Master Robert 
 escaped further sermonising. The shout- 
 ing heralded the approach of the pole ; and 
 groups of lads and maids appeared nearing 
 the green, with in their midst some twenty 
 meek-eyed oxen, festooned with flowers 
 around their necks, and each with a nose- 
 gay tied to the tips of his horns, dragging 
 a rough carriage, on which was the pole 
 gaily painted in stripes of blue, red and 
 white, and tricked out with many a branch 
 of birch and fennel sprig, with may -boughs, 
 garlands of flowers, and silken ribbons. 
 
 As the cavalcade was spied approaching, 
 long and lusty cheers were raised, and kept
 
 30 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 up till the oxen and their burden had readied 
 the green ; when the pole was removed 
 from its rough and ready carriage, and a 
 band of sturdy fellows began the task of 
 rearing it, which was safely done, and in 
 all its bravery the pole spread its trap- 
 pings to the soft breeze. 
 
 Then the hustling crowd opened its ranks 
 to allow a smart procession to pass, as 
 there came on the scene the Lord and Lady 
 of May. The lord, apparelled as Robin 
 Hood, in a fanciful costume of green, led by 
 the hand his " ladye faire," clad in a petticoat 
 and kercher of simple white, as MaidMarian ; 
 while Little John with bow and arrows, and 
 Friar Tuck in his monkish garb, with all 
 the gay company of the Greenwood, 
 followed, waiting on Eobin and Marian. 
 Many morris dancers gaily skipped about 
 them, all in fantastic dress, and hung with 
 dozens of little bells, which jingled as they
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 31 
 
 danced, and added to the excitement of the 
 revellers, who greeted Robin and his maid 
 with loud plaudits, modestly acknowledged 
 by them, as they progressed towards the 
 pole. 
 
 Then the attendant youths and maidens 
 joining hands, danced and capered round 
 them, again and again, keeping up the sport 
 till downright faint with fatigue, when they 
 in turn were succeeded by others, and so 
 the simple folks began their May-day 
 games. 
 
 "Will Dickson, the Lord of May, was a 
 fine sun-browned springal, and seemed 
 mightily proud of his Lady, pretty Peggy 
 Goodeve, daughter of Master Goodeve, a 
 substantial yeoman, living at Downham, but 
 a short way out of Windham, from whose 
 woods and fields many of the green boughs 
 which decorated the town had been 
 cropped.
 
 32 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 And, in sooth, Peggy was a fair sight to 
 look on, when one of the ministering 
 maidens, deputed by her fellows, stepped 
 forward and placed on her brow the tinsel 
 crown, which betokened her dignity. 
 
 Well, indeed, might Will feel proud as 
 he gazed on the girl's sweet face all aglow 
 with modest blushes ; while many an en- 
 vious sheep's-eye was cast, and many a cap 
 was doffed to the blue-eyed May Queen. 
 Both lord and queen seemed to satisfy 
 their courtiers. 
 
 Among the crowd, and near to the 
 pole, stood Mistress Margery Goodeve with 
 her stalwart spouse. 
 
 " By my troth, goodman," cried the 
 dame, with all a mother's pride, "Will 
 Dickson doth not mislike our Peggy's 
 comeliness — a prettier pair I scarce ever 
 
 saw." 
 
 Ah ! wife," answered Goodeve, " that
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 33 
 
 be true, i'faith ; yet do I somehow feel but 
 sad and sorebearted ; for last nigbt I 
 dreamt our lass lay asleep on tbe bigb bank, 
 alongside tbe Kinecroft, befringed even as 
 now, and in this selfsame white petticoat. 
 Then when I looked, lo ! her bed was of 
 sweet savoured violets, — and well thou 
 knowest, that to dream of violets with one 
 thou lovest well, on May eve betokeneth 
 coming sorrow. Somehow I'm minded 
 of evil Mayday, when the prentice hurle 
 was in Cheap, all over Master Lincoln 
 playing buckler on May eve against the 
 Lord Cardinal's commands — ^you heard tell 
 how he was strung up for his game ?" 
 
 " Tut, tut," answered Margery, cheerily, 
 " why dost let such bawbling fancies fret 
 thee, man ? Hath not good Cranmer said 
 that dreams are but idle superstitions, 
 Satan-sprung ? Eather, sweetheart, let us 
 dream of our Maying, long since, when 
 
 5
 
 34 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 thou wast Robin and I thy Marian — scarce 
 then thought I the day would come when 
 we should stand by and see our own lass 
 trip it with her Eobin. Lack a day ! how 
 quick the years do speed ! But, see, here 
 be the milkmaids !" 
 
 As she spoke, a group of bouncing 
 maidens came along, hand in hand, form- 
 ing a ring, in the centre of which 
 skipped the chief dairymaid. This buxom 
 wench bore on her head a marvellous erec- 
 tion of tankards and vessels, ornamented 
 with green sprays ; while those forming the 
 ring were also decked out with flowers, 
 and each carried a pail on her head with 
 much dexterity. Two antiquated musicians 
 marched along with them, and discoursed 
 such lively strains as their instruments — 
 which consisted of a species of fiddle, and 
 a drounslate, or round narrow drum, sus- 
 pended from the neck, and thrashed with
 
 MISTRESS HASELTVODE. 35 
 
 fierce vigour by the performer — could pro- 
 duce. Many, however, was the copper 
 coin which the free-handed spectators 
 dropped into the httle box, at the soft 
 entreaty of the coquettish dairymaid ; and 
 not a few silver pieces, too, for the crowd 
 was leavened by a fair sprinkling of gal- 
 lants, whose rich dress and plumed caps 
 easily distinguished them. Among the con- 
 course might be seen swarthy Egyptians, 
 both men and women, the latter plying their 
 art of palmistry among the credulous fair of 
 their own sex, while the men picked up 
 stray coins by sleight of hand, and pilfer- 
 ing from the simple folk. 
 
 Then, too, there were the purveyors of 
 household gear, such as flax, bed linen, 
 books, wax, and the like ; hawkers, with 
 their baskets filled with tempting wares, 
 pewter mugs, wooden spoons and brooches, 
 bawling out their prices ; and sharp -
 
 36 MISTRESS HA.SELWODE. 
 
 tongued pedlars, with their packs of sarcenet, 
 woollen cloths of sundry colours, cauls, 
 scarves, and kerchiefs, driving a brisk 
 trade, and lessening the capacity of their 
 packs by increasing the weight of their 
 pouches, as the country yokels treated 
 their gratified sweethearts to ribbons and 
 fallals. On the outskirts of the fair little 
 knots of lads and young men were testing 
 their skill in games of trap ball, wrestling, 
 leaping, and other manly sports. 
 
 So were the merry folks killing this May 
 morning, all seeming bent on taking their 
 fill of pleasure, till, the time for mid-day 
 meal having come, Robin led the May 
 Queen — preceded by the musicians, and 
 followed by the tinkling morris dancers — 
 to the sign of the Barley Mow, in the 
 market, where was provided for their refec- 
 tion substantial food and flagons of sound 
 home-brewed ; for in these days modest
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 37 
 
 dames and tender lasses quaffed their ale, 
 and vowed the liquor good. 
 
 After them the rest of the company also 
 gradually dispersed, all to recruit their 
 spirits, preparatory to the great event of 
 the yearly May-day — the acting of the 
 Dramatic Mystery. 
 
 Then, for the space of an hour, the 
 streets rested in quiet, save where little 
 parties of peasantry might be seen under 
 the friendly shade of tree, or wall, eating 
 their simple prog ; and through the opened 
 windows were heard the laughter and 
 songs of the feasting revellers. 
 
 After awhile, the hum of voices and 
 tramp of feet told that the people were 
 turning out again, having satisfied their 
 healthy appetites, and were hurrying down 
 the narrow streets towards the Green ; for 
 by this the Church dial marked the noon, 
 and at half after was to commence the 
 great play acting.
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 " What, a play toward ? I'll be an auditor, 
 An actor too, perhaps, if I see cause." 
 
 Midsummer Night's Deeam. 
 
 N" the centre of the green stood the 
 stage — a platform of wood, sup- 
 ported at each corner by a square-cut post, 
 which was continued up to form abearer of the 
 covered top. This roof was hipped to the 
 centre, where was a stop finial springing out 
 of a moulded base, and along the hips ran 
 crockets, fashioned after the shape of oak 
 leaves. The finial formed the bearer of a 
 pennant, on which was delineated the pic- 
 ture of " Our Ladye" — the traditional 
 patroness of May. Round the roof went a 
 parapet carved into miniature battlements,
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 39 
 
 with, at each of tlie four corners, a pinnacled 
 terminal. The whole was curtained in front 
 with gaudy hangings of stuff, interwoven 
 with gold threads, and was draped behind 
 and below the platform with a plainer ma- 
 terial to hide the rough wooden planking. 
 On the centre of the curtain was an em- 
 blematic device — a cross and Jacob's ladder, 
 gi'ouped together, forming the chief fea- 
 ture. Near the stage stood a couple of 
 trumpeters, whose especial business it was 
 to herald each act with a flourishing rou- 
 lade. The people were kept clear of the 
 stage for a space of some three yards or 
 so, roundabout, by stakes of wood set at 
 intervals and connected together by ropes. 
 The trumpets' bray being now heard, all 
 pressed forward to get a good sight, and 
 then the hum of the crowd was soon hushed 
 and turned into silence, as the curtains were 
 drawn from the front, and the actors dis-
 
 40 MISTRESS HASELWODB. 
 
 covered posed for their parts, eacli being 
 suitably vested. 
 
 The play was carried on in a rhythmical 
 dialogue, representing the miraculous ap- 
 pearance of Christ to SS. Peter, James, 
 John and Thomas, the actors alternately 
 saying a verse. While it proceeded with 
 the attendant scenic display and illusions, 
 the hushed and superstitious people, on 
 whose ignorant minds the performance pro- 
 duced a deep impression, watched every 
 action, and drank in every utterance of the 
 actors, as they recited in the quaint words 
 of the Scriveners that familiar history. 
 
 When the last line was spoken, Lively 
 went quickly to the back of the stage, and 
 drawing aside a curtain disclosed the priest 
 robed in the canonicals of Kome, whom he 
 took by the hand and led to the front, 
 the other actors grouping behind them. 
 Then, before the spectators had time to
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 41 
 
 recover of their awe, Sykes addressed 
 them : — 
 
 " Good friends, ye have just heard, as 
 once before were spoke, the words of power 
 deputed to the priests of God — the power 
 to bind and loose men's sins on earth. Take 
 then a pattern from holy Thomas, who, 
 first an unbeliever, yielded him a willing 
 servant to his God. So if ye give a due 
 obedience to His true servants, shall ye be 
 loosed from your grievous sins. Are not 
 these Protestants, now-a-days, but as the 
 Jews of old, concerning whom ye heard 
 just anow, Peter, James, and John, lament 
 the woe they wrought them, even to driving 
 them forth out of their very birthland? 
 Thus is it with us, the poor priests of God, 
 homeless and churchless are we; chased 
 and hunted, even as wild beasts. Men of 
 Norfolk ! — ye, whose sires ever loved their 
 fathers' faith, and true as steel clove to
 
 42 MISTETISS HASELWODE. 
 
 Holy Church, which hath now been so long 
 oppressed, since mighty Wolsey's fall, by 
 these sonr-faced Reformers — will ye longer, 
 barren-spirited, abrook their yoke, mere 
 beasts of soil, and still be drove by them ? 
 What ! when yourselves have seen our 
 Ladye's Sacred Image dishonoured, and 
 torn from out its very shrine, before the 
 altar in yon Abbey Church ; and have heard 
 that sainted Beckett's bones have been 
 rudely dragged from their last abiding- 
 place. What ! when ye see your faithful 
 Priests ousted, to make room for these new 
 preachers ; and when ye know our Nuns, 
 pure brides of Heaven, are turned adrift, 
 to shift as best they may in this sin-steeped 
 land. While, mark ye, even these your 
 cherished games, and Mayday sports are 
 doomed ; for are they not now denounced 
 as vain superstitions, savouring of Rome, 
 by all these Reformers ? Nay, nay, I know
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 43 
 
 ye better, I^orfolk men ; and so I bid ye 
 rouse from your sleep ; and now, on this 
 her very festal day, araise our Ladye's 
 banner, and strike a blow for ber honour. 
 Methinks, ye Norfolk men dare do all the 
 Kentish men have done." 
 
 The speaker's words took magic effect 
 on the crowd, as oil poured on flame, and 
 hums of assent arose on all sides, for they 
 were wrought up by the play ; and, as the 
 Priest had foreseen, their passions, excited 
 by the strong liquor freely imbibed, began 
 to usurp the place of joviality, and frolic- 
 some merriment. 
 
 Just now, however, as the Priest's ill luck 
 would have it, there occured an incident 
 which seemed likely to divert the attention 
 of the assemblage, now quite ready for 
 mischief, to another quarter. A great 
 commotion was visible on the outskirts of 
 the throng, and all began to rush towards
 
 44 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 the spot, where the riot was, leaving the 
 orator with bub so poor a hearing, that, 
 disheartened, he was forced to cease awhile. 
 There, De Burgh, with a small knot of 
 gallants, who had been lounging astrut, and 
 amusing themselves by attracting the notice 
 of the rustic damsels, was standing near to 
 the group of May revellers, and from time 
 to time casting glances at Maid Marian, 
 which presently caused the shy May-queen 
 to exhibit signs of confusion ; till, at 
 length, incited by the jeers of his com- 
 panions, he waxed yet bolder, and approach- 
 ing said : — 
 
 " Fair sweetheart, I pr'thee, give me but 
 one sprig of Mayblossom to keep me mind- 
 ful of thy kind grace. Surely the Queen 
 will grant so slight a boon to her most 
 devoted subject." 
 
 The timid girl was turning away from 
 the forward gallant, when, reaching for-
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 45 
 
 ward, lie snatched a posej from her hand, 
 saying,— 
 
 " Nay then, sweet one, an thou wilt not 
 compassionate me, I must e'en help 
 myseK !'' 
 
 Will Dickson, fired with indignation at 
 his daring, and, moreover, egged on by 
 others, some of whom called out, " sowle 
 him. Will, sowle him," felt it only due to his 
 queen to assert his dignity as Lord of May ; 
 so, without more ado, he seized De Burgh 
 by his right ear, and gave the amorous 
 gallant a sharp tweak, crying, — 
 
 " Take that for thy pains, softling, and 
 learn that the Lord of May can protect his 
 Queen from any such a Jackanapes as 
 
 you." 
 
 For a moment, De Burgh, wincing under 
 the pain and disgrace openly put on him, 
 stood overcome with confusion ; then, his 
 face all aflame with rage, exclaimed, —
 
 46 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 " What ! baseborn swinker, darest thou 
 lay hands on me ?" and rushed at Will, 
 attempting to draw his word, with the 
 evident intention of taking prompt ven- 
 geance. This, however the press of the 
 crowd prevented him from doing ; and also 
 closed in on his companions, who were 
 moving forward to his assistance. 
 
 Just then Robert Suet's stentorian voice 
 was heard above the clamour, — 
 
 " Friends, will ye abrook to see your 
 sweethearts thus served ? Marry, it seemeth 
 your May-queen, on her crowning-day, can 
 not be freed of these pestering gallants ! 
 Seize him, lads, and let's give the smart 
 popinjay such a wholesome lesson, as he'll 
 not forget in a hurry." 
 
 In response to his shout, the excited pren- 
 tices and rustics rushed on the little band, 
 and, despite their struggles, soon over- 
 powered them. Then the Lord of May
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 47 
 
 spoke up; *' What say ye, comrades, liow 
 shall we serv^e this smerky youth ?" 
 
 In answer, a woman's shrill voice called 
 out, " Duck him ! my masters, duck him ! 
 to the pond with him !" 
 
 " Marry, yes, to the pond with him !" 
 bawled out Ket ; and his cry was quickly 
 caught up, and repeated from mouth to 
 mouth, as the unfortunate De Burgh, 
 struggling desperately, was dragged by 
 the angry yokels from his hustled friends 
 who, already much mauled, availed them- 
 selves of the diversion and beat a speedy 
 retreat to avoid a similar fate towards a 
 dirty duck pond, into which, by means of 
 an open ditch, the refuse and filth of sundry 
 cottages near were conveyed. There, amid 
 the boisterous and hearty jeers of the 
 delighted lookers on, the amorous gallant 
 was soused, and soused, and soused again; 
 till, half suffocated and besmirched with
 
 48 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 dirt, lie was permitted to crawl out, and 
 in his draggled finery, diffusing a most un- 
 savoury smell, left to find his way to his 
 friends as best he could, the crowd dividing 
 to let him pass, and greeting him with 
 many a sneer and sally. 
 
 " Now, by the mass !" said Flowerdew, 
 who, with some of those whom we have 
 seen in the parlour of the Falcon, had been 
 standing among the crowd, waiting for the 
 signal from the priest, and had watched 
 this miscarriage of their scheme with much 
 disgust, "I'd say that De Burgh was 
 properly served for a marplot, an it were 
 not for yon asshead tanner's cackling. 'Tis 
 but a week, come to-morrow, that his fellows 
 trapped as fine a buck as ever trod Hether- 
 sett bracken, and left poor Dick Bold half 
 dead, when he with some other of my 
 varlets fell on them. Marry ! I'd quick 
 have him afore a swainmote, only none can
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 49 
 
 swear it clear upon him. 'Twere indeed a 
 shame he should get off scot-free, who 
 while he raileth at his betters, hath taken 
 care to enrich himself during the Church's 
 weakness, and now is possessed of more 
 than one fat manor. Perchance, however, 
 we may yet turn the tables on him. Look 
 ye. Will Summers, my bawcock," continued 
 he, turning to one of those standing by, 
 " I know that thou are ready for any dare- 
 devil trick, if it will but fill thy scanty 
 pouch. See you where yon roan cow 
 pastureth afield? — 'Twas of old the good 
 Prior's glebe, and is now this fellow Ket's 
 recent gain — dost note how trim he hath 
 made his fencing with quickset hedging ? 
 'Twere worth the trial, to tempt those 
 hallooing varlets to throw his fences all 
 adown; and, having turned the laugh 
 against him, we'll upraise the cry of Church. 
 Come, here be five broad pieces; go, try 
 
 VOL. I. D
 
 60 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 them, trust me they'll not refuse ; and if 
 thou dost succeed, five more I'll add for 
 thine own pay." 
 
 " Will's your man. Sir," cried Summer?, 
 " for this, or any other job, where ready wit 
 can buy ready cash," and, taking the coins, 
 he started on the errand, in which his per- 
 suasions appeared to succeed, for the crowd 
 were seen in a twinkling to follow him, 
 and, making for the pasture field, quickly 
 set themselves to work the demolition of 
 its neat fences. 
 
 Ket marked Will Summers cheering on 
 the throng, and, knowing him for Flower- 
 dew's dependent, had no difficulty in guess- 
 ing the quarter from whence the attack 
 proceeded ; as, running up, he tried all his 
 persuasion to induce them to desist from 
 their work of destruction. But the spirit 
 of mischief, which he had helped to rouse, 
 had inflamed the rioters beyond all control,
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 51 
 
 and he was forced to look on and witness 
 his much-prized field laid open and waste. 
 
 At last his smouldering rage burst out. 
 
 " By my soul !" swore he, " I'll have a 
 full payment for this day's work," shaking 
 his brawny fist in the direction where 
 Flowerdew and his abettors were standing. 
 Then, leaping on a wain, which stood near, 
 the tanner boldly braved the storm, crying 
 out in a loud voice — 
 
 " Shame on ye, neighbours, that thus 
 work your tyrants' behest on a friend of 
 your own degree. I'll warrant me, the brave 
 Kentish men had not done so, else would 
 they not have driven out from their lands 
 these overbearing gentry, whose skins seem 
 scarce wide enough to hold their swelling 
 pride. Come now, I'll make a pact with 
 ye — a goose's sauce doth serve well for the 
 gander — I'vebeen made your goose ; marry I 
 and I'll find ye a gander ; for I swear these 
 
 D 2 
 
 LIBRARY — - 
 
 HNIVERS'TY OF ItT.Jwnrs
 
 62 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 proudlings shall smart, as ye have made 
 me ! Hark ye ! neighbours, I'll forgive ye 
 all this wanton trespass, if ye'U be but fail', 
 and keep the ball a rolling, till these gentles 
 be repaid in their own coin ; ay, and with 
 good interest." 
 
 The speaker pausing, more for lack of 
 wind than words, the fickle mob cheered 
 him lustily, singing out, " Hurrah for Ket ! 
 Ket for ever !" and their excited gesticu- 
 lations, and the buzz of their tongues, told 
 that the Tanner had touched a sympathetic 
 chord. Seeing his advantage, he con- 
 tinued — 
 
 " Will ye not then bestir yourselves, and 
 follow the good lead have themselves set 
 ye? Or, are ye very cravens, coward- 
 hearted loons ? Fay then, I know ye better, 
 you're made of as stockey stuff as them 
 of Kent ; you're of like bone and sinew 
 to them; and now dame Fortune bids
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 53 
 
 ye kiss the hand she holds afore ye, you'll 
 not hang back, I'll warrant — Speak up, 
 friends, what say ye ?" 
 
 Amid the hubbub and confusion, Will 
 Dickson, carried away by excitement, 
 jumped up on to the wain alongside 
 Ket, and enthusiastically called out, 
 " The Lord of May doth vote you our 
 Captain, Master Ket, for you be just- 
 spoken, and one of us ; so, our Captain 
 shall you be. Comrades ! we'll all follow 
 Ket." And, waving his hand. Will led the 
 cheers, which rent the air, as the Tanner 
 stood erect in the wain with doffed cap, the 
 idol of the hour, till the throats of the 
 shouters were glad of a rest ; when, taking 
 advantage of the lull, he spake up again — 
 
 " Friends all, now that ye have, by mouth 
 of the very Lord of the revels, called me 
 to be your Captain, and with your plaudits 
 have approved his choice, I'll promise ye
 
 54 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 Ket's no man to crj back, but will prove 
 by bis deeds, as be batb often done afore, 
 tbat ye bave not miscbose a leader. Yet 
 must ye not only sbout, for any craven can 
 do tbat, but eacb one bear a part. Hark 
 ye ! to-morrow's dawn sball prove wbat 
 metal ye be cast of ; for tben, I call on all 
 true Norfolk men to meet tbeir Captain on 
 tbis green ; and, be sure ye come not empty 
 banded, I'll warrant tbere'U be tougb work 
 in plenty to be done — 'twixt now and tben 
 I've mucb to tend to, so I'll bid ye all 
 good day." 
 
 Witb wbicb be leaped from tbe cart and 
 went off tbrougb tbe surging tbrong to- 
 wards bis dwelling, beckoning to some of 
 bis cbosen ones to follow bim ; wbile tbe 
 crowd noisily discussed tbe morrow's pro- 
 gramme as tbey dispersed. 
 
 Tbere were not, bowever, wanting tbose 
 of tbe lookers-on wbo, wbetber converts to
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 55 
 
 the new faith or adherents of the old, had 
 viewed these proceedings with dislike and 
 grave distrust ; as, gathered in little sets 
 here and there, they watched the progress 
 of the riot. 
 
 Worthy Master Jakeman, the saddler, 
 thoughtfully journeying homewards, re- 
 marked to his companion. Master Short- 
 reed, the goldsmith : — 
 
 " I much mislike Bob Ket's doings, 
 neighbour ; an he make good his purpose, 
 'twill but justly rouse the rage of all the 
 gentles against his class ; and we, peaceful 
 traders, will be milked for his saucy pride. 
 Besides, you well wot how these hurles are 
 trades' death blow. Credit me, if he'd 
 but stick to his calling, and keep his 
 hides in pit a full year, instead of a few 
 months, 'twould be better for him and 
 them who buy my saddlery."
 
 56 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 " You're right," answered Master Short- 
 reed, who belonged to the old faith, " this 
 Robert Ket hath, in sooth, long been a 
 thorn in our sides ; quiet going folks can 
 scarce ever get any peace now-a-days, that 
 he hath indoctrinated these shallow-pated 
 churls with his nonsense. Marry ! since he 
 hath become enriched, he's more like an 
 ass fed on beans than aught else I wot of ! 
 Eeform, forsooth ! let him first reform his 
 overbearing ways, and live in conform to 
 law, instead of spouting rank sedition !" 
 
 " Ay, ay. Master Shortreed," chimed in 
 another, " that's true enough. Bob Ket's 
 but a sounding pot — hollow within." 
 
 Thus, and in a like strain, did many a 
 peaceful burgher hold forth ; some taking 
 Ket's part so far as to say that it was a 
 shame to throw his fences down ; but 
 qualifying their sympathy by holding that
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 57 
 
 it was but a reprisal which he deserved ; 
 and so on. Meanwhile, the Bailiff and 
 other chief burghers were considering 
 what steps to take in order to prevent the 
 threatened riot. 
 
 D 5
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 " I tell thee, Jack Cade, the clothier, means to dress the 
 Commonwealth, and turn it, and set a new nap upon it." 
 
 King Henkt VI. 
 
 HE tanner, in company with his 
 brother and a few picked follow- 
 ers, on leaving the green went across the 
 Sheep Market, and turned into a narrow 
 street, which branched out of it. Here, he 
 opened a small wicket gate in the wall, and 
 led the way into a good-sized garden, which, 
 in the gathering dusk, seemed to be laid out 
 in stiff patterns of trefoils, quatrefoils, 
 squares and hexagons ; but the fragrance of 
 its spring flowers was overpowered by a 
 stronger smell, arising from the adjoining 
 tanyard, where many a hide was pickling.
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 59 
 
 The house was that of a well-to-do 
 trader, two storied and flint built, the 
 windows having square stone heads with 
 chamfered edges, and substantial mul- 
 lions. The front doorway was arched, 
 and above it was worked a neat hood 
 mould. Hanging by the side of the 
 door was a bell chain, which Ket pulled 
 vigorously, and his impetuous summons 
 quickly brought to the door a serving girJ. 
 Striding in, he led the others, following him, 
 to a long room comfortably wainscotted in 
 oak, which opened off the entrance-hall c 
 There, was a table ready spread with 
 supper, and Ket took his seat at the head 
 of the board, while his guests, boisterously 
 talking over the day's rumpus, settled 
 themselves down, each one getting the best 
 place he could. At the lower end sat his 
 prentices and menials. All fell to with 
 appetites, which did not appear to have
 
 60 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 
 
 been blunted by the day's events, for tlie 
 good cheer disappeared from tlie trenchers 
 with wonderful rapidity. Plenty of malt 
 liquor, too, was swilled to help the meat 
 down. 
 
 In due course all were satisfied ; and 
 then the host stood ap, beckoning for 
 silence, and said,— 
 
 "I give ye welcome, friends, a hearty 
 welcome, which ye will best return me by 
 drinking a cup to Reformation, and con- 
 fusion to the lordlings, who would make 
 free sport with your maidens, and to the 
 gentles, who would despoil us of the earn- 
 ings of our sweat — Here's to Reformation !" 
 
 With which, he tossed off a bumper, and 
 the others followed suit with noisy assent. 
 
 Flagon succeeded flagon; and their threats 
 and valourous vaunts waxed louder and 
 louder. 
 
 We must now, however, leave them to
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 61 
 
 their revelry, and tlie concoction of plans 
 for the more serious business of the morrow, 
 to which they were pledged ; and look in 
 at another party, gathered in the parlour 
 of the Falcon Tavern. 
 
 Here were disposed about the room those 
 whom we met there in the morning ; and, 
 amongst them reclining on a sort of couch — 
 having changedhis damaged smart garments 
 for a suit of Host Stubb's coarse spun, 
 which hung loosely about his slender person 
 — ^lay De Burgh, who had received so severe 
 a mauling from the mob. He was pale, 
 except a dark red mark round his right ear, 
 which showed where the Lord of May's 
 brawny hand had inflicted punishment. 
 Altogether he presented a picture calcu- 
 lated to move to pity even those who would 
 reprehend his frivolous behaviour ; for, 
 after all, he was but a youth. Yet, to judge 
 from the sour looks cast on him by the rest.
 
 62 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 
 
 it would seem but little pity for his condition 
 dwelt in their hearts. 
 
 " Thus then," exclaimed the priest, "have 
 vanished into vapour all our well-laid plans, 
 which were so flourishing but a few short 
 hours ago — marred by the amatory folly 
 of yon headstrong youth, which that 
 daring meddler hath with ready wit 
 seized as a fitting cloak for covering all 
 his betters, and our cause, with disrepute ! 
 Methinks, Sirs, it were well we forthwith 
 look to our own poor selves, for 'twixt 
 the King's men and Master Ket, we're in 
 but poor plight." 
 
 De Burgh flushed at the disappointed 
 priest's rebuke, as he answered him, 
 
 " Now, by our Ladye ! good father, I do 
 assure thee that I did but jest with the 
 maiden. Methinks, 'tis hard a noble can 
 not pass a joke with the May Queen, as 
 well as a yokel, or a prentice lad !"
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 63 
 
 " It doth grieve me sorely," returned the 
 priest, " to hear a son of noble Ralph de 
 Burgh (whom may God assoil — ever fore- 
 most champion of his Church) so lightly 
 hold her in esteem, as to yield her up a 
 sacrifice to lust's fleeting hopes. Ay, and 
 I marvel, too, that you, Master Andrew 
 Flowerdew, shouldst choose this very day 
 to run a muck with thine old foe." 
 
 " Nay, father," replied Flowerdew, " I 
 did but take on me to try divert them to 
 your ends, by the best mode my poor judg- 
 ment could devise ; so, I pr'ythee, be not 
 wrath with one, who did his best for thee ; 
 though that fickle jade, Fortune, hath not 
 favoured his endeavour." 
 
 " Say no more, Andrew," answered the 
 priest, " but forgive me, an I credited thee 
 not with discretion. My soul hath been 
 grievously vexed by this miscarriage. But 
 now, fair sirs, I must bid ye all farewell —
 
 64 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 ere this night's moon doth wane, I must 
 ride for Thorpe, where fair Mistress Hasel- 
 wode awaiteth in anxiety the result of our 
 effort. I do not, however, despair but that 
 we may yet work out our ends in some 
 other fashion — when the train be laid, ye 
 shall have timely warning — till then, fare- 
 well !" 
 
 After the priest, others of the party 
 slipped off, one by one, till none were left 
 save Flowerdew, De Burgh, and Lively; 
 and the former, whose kindly blue eyes 
 showed sympathy for the unfortunate noble, 
 said; 
 
 " Come, Lord Hubert, cheer up ! What, 
 if the good priest hath been somewhat hard 
 upon us ? Surely 'tis to be excused, for he 
 did regard thee as the prime cause of the 
 mishap ; and, i' faith, was after disinclined 
 to credit my poor wit with bare justice. 
 What's done is past mending; we must
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 65 
 
 console us with the hope of better luck 
 next time." 
 
 "Marry! Flowerdew, I'd forgive the 
 anger which his wasted oratory maybe 
 warranted ; but, I protest, 'twas not fair to 
 make me scape-goat for both sides, I did 
 but move towards a wench, and thou didst 
 but repay a tiny sum of the long score 
 owed to this Tanner. I could not tell the 
 churls would take me so amiss, and you 
 scarce could have dreamt that bold-faced 
 brawler would so quick have enchained 
 them; but fret not, my back's broad 
 enough to bear this wrathful priest's scold- 
 ings. Methinks, good friend, we must not 
 longer sojourn here, so I make bold to 
 claim thine hospitality. Faugh ! how the 
 stink of that foul duck pond sticketh to 
 one, I'd be glad of a sweet water bath." 
 
 " My poor house at Hethersett is at thy 
 service, De Burgh," replied Flowerdew,
 
 66 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 " whither we had best quickly journey, and 
 stand prepared, for I know of old the audacity 
 of this Ket." With which, he summoned 
 his varlets from the kitchen, and the nags 
 having been saddled, the whole party with 
 the addition of Will Lively — who, scenting 
 free quarters and a good cheer, had attached 
 himself to them — were soon riding for 
 Hethersett. 
 
 They went at a brisk trot through the 
 town, giving a wide berth to those groups 
 of sots and swilbowls who were quarrelling 
 about the streets ; and after an hour or 
 go's riding left the highway, turning along 
 a bye road, when they presently came to 
 an enclosured park, fenced in trimly with 
 pales and newly-planted hedgerows. A 
 pair of handsome iron gates, wrought in a 
 cunning fashion, shewed the entrance to 
 the demesne. These Flowerdew unlocked, 
 and admitted the party into the park,
 
 MISTRESS HASEL^ODE. ^7 
 
 whence the Manor House was soon seen in 
 the clear moonlight, lying on a slope before 
 them. On a nearer approach it was found 
 to be built quadrangular, in the half-tim- 
 bered style known as post-and-pan, many 
 a gable with spike-pointed finial peeping 
 up in picturesque grouping. In the centre 
 of the front was a porch, supported on 
 dark oak columns, the capitals of which 
 were carved grotesquely with flowers and 
 animals' heads intertwined. On either 
 side stretched the main building, broken 
 up by large, many-mullioned, bay windows 
 carried up to the second story, where their 
 slanting roofs merged in the chief roof of 
 the house. All along, and around, the 
 faces of the building were laced with 
 diagonal and segmental patterns, formed 
 by the timber quarterings, the interstices 
 being filled in with white plaster, in pleas- 
 ing contrast to the dark oak. The steep
 
 68 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 
 
 tiled roofs were relieved in places by small 
 dormers, and big chimney stacks, built 
 lozenge wise, with many a projecting angle, 
 reared themselves gaunt against the sky 
 line, casting deep shadows aslant them. 
 The rear of the quadrangle was occupied 
 by the stabling and out-buildings ; whither 
 they rode straight and dismounted. 
 
 Flowerdew, consigning Will Lively to the 
 care of one of his attendants with orders to 
 see him snugly housed and victualled, con- 
 ducted his guest across the courtyard into 
 the house, which was wrapped in quiet, the 
 inmates being all abed, except Jenny True- 
 love, the housekeeper, who, roused from a 
 nap, came out of her parlour, candle in 
 hand, and received the Master with a 
 respectful curtsey. Flowerdew bade her 
 promptly prepare a guest chamber for his 
 companion, and, while she bustled about 
 to perform his order, the pair paid due
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 69 
 
 attention to their creature comforts. By 
 when they had finished this agreeable task 
 the bedchamber was ready, to which 
 Flowerdew ushered his guest ; and, giving 
 him good night, himself retired to seek the 
 repose which would be found especially 
 grateful after the excitement of the day. 
 
 The sun was up and shining bright 
 through his window in the morning before 
 De Burgh rose from his comfortable bed ; 
 and, when he descended to the breakfast 
 parlour, he found his host with Lively and 
 several servants, their morning meal being 
 despatched, busily engaged furbishing up 
 weapons, of which there was an abundant 
 supply, of one sort and another, about the 
 house. 
 
 " Give thee good day, my lord," ex- 
 claimed Master Flowerdew, as he entered, 
 " I scarce need ask how you fare after 
 yesterday's racket, for, unless your looks
 
 70 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 do mucli belie you, thou'rt fresh as a lark, 
 and ready to take your revenge wlien a 
 fitting moment offers." 
 
 " Thank ye, Flowerdew," replied De 
 Burgh, " yes, the sound sleep, which thy 
 comfortable bed did coax, hath banished all 
 the ill effects of yesterday's turmoil ; save, 
 indeed, the memory of that foul disgrace, 
 for which my very blood doth burn to get 
 a prompt vengeance." 
 
 " If your worship will trust to me,'* whis- 
 pered Lively in the young noble's ear, as 
 he sat down to his breakfast, " I will show 
 you a sure, ay, and a sweet-spiced revenge. 
 An I mistake not, the pretty May-queen's 
 charms still haunt thee ; so — " 
 
 " Hush !" replied De Burgh, under his 
 breath, " hush ! we will speak together on 
 this matter anon, when none be by to hear 
 
 us." 
 
 The meal ended, they withdrew from the
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 71 
 
 parlour. Lively showing the road down a 
 long passage and through a side door to 
 the pleasure gardens, which lay round the 
 front and south sides of the house. These 
 were arranged, in the pleasing fashion of 
 the period, with hedges of aged dark- 
 toned yew, contrasting with light-shaded 
 box-trees, which, cut into fantastic, bird- 
 like shapes, dotted the sward. Here, old 
 England's modest spring flowers were dis- 
 playing their beauties in charming con- 
 fusion; the bright, vari-tinted, polyanthus 
 and tawny-hued pansy, growing side by 
 side with pale-yellow daffodils and prim- 
 roses ; sweet-scented gillyflowers kissing 
 slender bluebells ; and the trailing Pro- 
 vence rose with bursting buds revelling in 
 unfettered freedom. From the garden, 
 which was separated fi^om the park by a 
 sunk fence, there was a fair prospect over 
 intervening country till the steeple of Wind-
 
 72 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 ham church could be seen in the clear 
 morning light. Surely such a scene ought 
 rather to raise pure inspirations in the 
 minds of the two loungers, than be the 
 chosen spot for unlicensed plotting ! At 
 first they walked in silence, each shy at 
 approaching the subject of his thoughts. 
 Presently De Burgh broke the ice. 
 
 " Marry ! good Lively, I know not how it 
 is, but that rosy May-queen's coyness hath 
 raised within me such a flutter, that I scarce 
 can bethink me of aught else. 'T would be 
 a sad shame if so much rustic loveliness 
 were owned by that malapert churl, on 
 whom I propose to revenge me.'' 
 
 " Of a verity, your worship," replied 
 "Will, " 'tis a poor barndoor cock that will 
 not crow on his own dunghill. He hath had 
 his crow; ay, and struck thee with his 
 spurs ; and I can devise no neater recom- 
 pense than to lure his mate to the game-
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 73 
 
 bird's yard — I'll wager he'll not show 
 fight, and she'll plume her feathers in her 
 pride." 
 
 ''By the mass ! Will, I avow your 
 ready wit hath hit the right nail o' the 
 head. An I can get speech with the maid, 
 I'll quick try and cozen her of a kiss ; but 
 if she be coy, then shall the May-queen learn 
 thatDe Burgh brooks not baulking." 
 
 Thus, screened by the yew hedges, the 
 pair walked up and down the shady walks, 
 weaving a web in which to catch pretty 
 
 VOL. I. B
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 " I see them! I see them! There's Best's son, the tamier of 
 Wingham ; 
 
 And Dick the butcher ; 
 
 ******* 
 And Smith the weaver. 
 
 King Henry VI. 
 
 T was the hour appointed for the 
 rendezvous on the Green, which 
 yesterday was the scene of the May-play 
 with its attendant turbulence, and the 
 rioters were coming together, by twos 
 and threes, from their various quarters. 
 All were of the lower grades of life. 
 Conspicuous among them were some of 
 those who had been hired in the cause 
 of the Church, and now seized on the 
 opportunity afforded them by Ket to
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 75 
 
 transfer their allegiance, reckoning on free 
 and uncontrolled license. 
 
 Here came a fellow, whose ugly visage 
 was stamped with those 
 
 " TVo tldngs, wliicli a drunkard dofh disclose, 
 A crimsoned phiz and a pimpled nose," 
 
 ready for any sword law, looking asquint, 
 and swaggering along, his rapier clanking 
 with every stride, and a pistol peeping 
 forth from his rusty doublet — Joe Box 
 by name — who had earned for himself a 
 questionable reputation; many a helpless 
 traveller having yielded up to him his 
 purse — ay, and it was said his life, too, 
 else, why the letter M branded deep on his 
 left thumb ? 
 
 Along with him walked his boon com- 
 panion, Peter Griles, also a spongy fellow, 
 twirling at his moustache, and carrying his 
 highly coloured nose loftily in the air. 
 Many another loose-looking fish, with well- 
 
 E 2
 
 76 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 known swilpots and idle ne'er-do-wells, 
 there was, too, who preferred any hurle to 
 working for honest bread, mixed up with 
 stray peasants and yokels. These were 
 mostly armed only with sticks and cudgels, 
 although some few carried scythe blades 
 fastened to poles, yet, wielded by the stout 
 limbed rustics, would the sticks and cudgels 
 be found pretty dangerous weapons in a 
 hand-to-hand combat. The prentice class, 
 too, was represented ; for these were, as 
 of yore, ever ready for any devilment ; and 
 those from a distance, freed from restraint, 
 were only too eager to seize on any pretext 
 for further excitement ; they, as the rustics, 
 were armed only with hedge stakes, and 
 scratch weapons. Flitting about amongst 
 them all were to be seen women earnestly 
 endeavouring to dissuade their husbands 
 or sweethearts from embarking further in 
 the enterprise ; but, to all the persuasive
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 77 
 
 entreaties, and even sharp scoldings of 
 their good angels, thej turned but deaf 
 ears, for the frenzj of passion, and the 
 prospect of gain had taken deep root in 
 their ignorant minds. Then the force of 
 example swayed others, as like a rolling 
 snowball their numbers swelled. 
 
 They had not long to await their leader, 
 for he presently came, armed with pike 
 and pistol, marshalling a compact band, 
 all equipped with halberts, bills, or javelins. 
 With him were his brother and the Lord 
 of May, who flourished a hastily-made 
 banner, on which were blazoned the words 
 — " Ket and Eeformation." As they ap- 
 proached, those assembled shouted — " Hur- 
 rahi for Ket ! Ket for ever !" and other- 
 wise demonstrated by the force of lungs 
 their approval of his proceedings, little 
 dreaming how great a tyrant they were 
 about to set up^
 
 78 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 Ket soon shewed he was not wanting in 
 one quality of a good captain, for he 
 promptly set to work ranging his recruits in 
 some kind of order, and it was astonishing 
 how his domineering manner had its due 
 effect on the rabble, who obediently fell 
 into rank, and stood four abreast instead 
 of in a confused mass. Then Kefc, 
 putting himself in the centre, was prepar- 
 ing to address them, when there came 
 bustling up a small company of the town 
 watch, headed by the High Bailiff, Master 
 Buss well, the mercer, who was accompanied 
 by Masters Jakeman and Shortreed, and 
 other of the leading burghers of Wind- 
 ham. With them also walked Parson 
 Whitehead, carrying a Bible in his hand, 
 as a symbol of his profession. The civic 
 train approached with some fuss ; and in 
 a tone, which betrayed a conscious sense 
 of his dignity as Bailiff, worshipful Master
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 79 
 
 Busswell thus addressed his fellow 
 burgher : — 
 
 " Wherefore, neighbour, is this unseemly 
 concourse ? and why, these armed men ? 
 I fear much it be for no good thing ye be 
 all gathered here, so, as becomes my office, 
 I command you, Master Robert Ket, forth- 
 with to yield yourself, and I do promise 
 you shall not be more hardly dealt with 
 than your procedure doth warrant. All 
 ye others, I order to disperse to your 
 dwellings, and remain peaceful subjects of 
 the king." 
 
 " Methinks thou'rt out of breath to no 
 purpose. Master Bailiff," returned Ket to 
 the astonished magistrates. 
 
 " For shame, Robert Ket, to answer up 
 the Bailiff so !" exclaimed Parson White- 
 head, " nay, then do I charge thee, by the 
 duty which thou owest to thine ordained 
 instructor, refrain, while now there be time,
 
 80 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 from further violation of the law. Know 
 that these, thy fellow burghers, be firmly and 
 rightly moved to uphold it ; and as in by- 
 gone times thou hast been a good servant 
 of the Protestant Reformation — receiving 
 a full reward for your service, I trow — I 
 now beseech thee by the reverence due to 
 this Holy Bible, which thou professest to 
 honour — ay, and did keep a copy writ by 
 Master Tyndall to thy peril, when proud 
 Gardiner decreed its burning, or else a 
 forfeit of goods and life — yield a loyal 
 obedience to them, who by God's will he 
 set in authority ; as thou wilt have learned, 
 if thou hast read that sacred book aright. 
 Then will we, after the due acknowledg- 
 ment of thine error, receive thee back to the 
 fold, and try persuade them to overget this 
 backsliding." 
 
 " Gramercy ! Parson Whitehead," replied 
 Ket, " thou takest too much on thyself,
 
 MISTRESS HASELTVODE. 81 
 
 tliat presumest to lecture me. Dost think 
 that I am to be turned from my bent by 
 thy scolding ? Nay, rather, know that I 
 will have none of thy blather, but will pur- 
 sue my purpose even to the triumphant 
 issue, which awaiteth me. 'WTiy should I, 
 forsooth, bow to thee, who some few years 
 agone thyself sold Whitsun ales in Wickle- 
 wood churchyard for thine own profit ?" 
 
 " Then go thy way, saucy man," cried 
 the indignant parson, " and with these poor, 
 misguided fools seek the fate which all 
 godless law breakers surely find." 
 
 "Ah! ah !" laughed Ket, "why Master 
 Whitehead, thou'rt as two-faced as the 
 crystal vial of Hales. Xow thou cry est up 
 the Church's power; afore none, more 
 loudly than thou, did decry Wolsey and his 
 Pope, and side with Harry, because it so 
 suited thee to get free of them. Thou 
 didst but rob Peter to pay Paul, and now, 
 
 E 5
 
 82 MTSTBESS HASELWODE. 
 
 belike, thou fearest to get some present 
 loss. Go to, parson, thou'lt get thy tithe 
 pig !" 
 
 " Paternoster, hark ! how hebewraileth us," 
 exclaimed Whitehead, in a hot fury," surely 
 the devil hath him fast, as presently will 
 the catch-poll." 
 
 " Peace, canter," returned Ket rudely ; 
 but his speech was cut short by Master 
 Bus swell, whose patience was clean ex- 
 hausted. 
 
 " I'll abear no longer with this paltering 
 — Watch, seize your prisoner." 
 
 In obedience to the Bailiff's command, 
 Sergeant Jimes advanced, and placed his 
 hand on the tanner's shoulder, saying, — 
 
 " Master Ket, I arrest you in the name 
 of the King." 
 
 For reply, Ket briskly struck Jimes's 
 halbert from his hand, and left the sergeant 
 disarmed.
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 83 
 
 "Now, by my soul 1 this is past all 
 bearing," shouted the Bailiff, " thus to 
 beard us — Guards ! advance, and on your 
 lives secure this audacious brawler, who 
 shall answer for his daring afore the 
 justices." 
 
 Thus urged on the posse made a rush at 
 Ket, who called on his followers, and they 
 quickly ran to second him, crying out, — 
 " a Ket, a Ket." 
 
 It was but a short struggle, for the civic 
 guards were soon beaten down and mauled, 
 and began to cry mercy lustily ; so that the 
 discomfited Bailiff with his constables was 
 glad to beat a retreat, more rapid than 
 dignified. 
 
 Ket distributed the arms, which they 
 were deprived of, among the rioters, and 
 stayed the more impetuous of them, who, 
 having tasted the fray, would have liked 
 to pursue their retreating worships, and
 
 84 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 wreak some vengeance on them for old 
 scores' account. 
 
 " Thus then, my fellows, I promise ye, 
 we'll serve all the bloated offspring of 
 power, whether they be of high degree, 
 or but of middle rank, an they yield 
 not our demands. But now, let's on 
 for Hethersett, where Master Flowerdew 
 awaits us." 
 
 With which, Ket, placing himself at their 
 head, marched off eager for revenge on 
 his old opponent. 
 
 As they went the rioters passed the little 
 hamlet of Downham, where stood yeoman 
 Goodeve's farm house. In front of it lay 
 a pleasant garden filled with flowers, pot- 
 herbs and vegetables, with a fair sprinkling 
 of apple trees and gooseberry bushes. A 
 well-stocked foldyard, and a herd of milch 
 cows browsing on the yellow pastures 
 round the house, with the contented grunt-
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 85 
 
 ing of swine, and cackling of hens, told that 
 the farmer was prosperously off. 
 
 Several little cots for his peasantry 
 were nestled alongside the road, which 
 was near to the homestead. 
 
 The farmer, with his wife and daughter, 
 watched them pass from the large bayed 
 window of the spacious kitchen ; which, 
 well hung with stores of bacon, bunches 
 of sweet herbs — both for medicinal purposes 
 and for strewing the chambers — looked, 
 with its clean sanded floor, homelike and 
 cozy. In one corner stood the distaff, 
 where from home-grown flax the women 
 spun their household linen a nights, while 
 the master busied himself in fashioning 
 gear and yokes for his oxen team. On a 
 dresser lay wooden trenchers with spoons 
 for the pottage ; and pewter dishes and 
 mugs shone brightly ranged along the wall. 
 
 Peggy, now looking a sweeter and fairer
 
 86 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 daughter of England, in her work-a-day 
 dress, than even in her gay May-day finery, 
 stopped awhile the performance of her 
 domestic duties to gaze with astonishment 
 on the long line of Ket's men. 
 
 " I tell thee what, wife," exclaimed Good- 
 eve, " I much mistrust this Master Ket of 
 Windham. I fear he hath beguiled our Will 
 Dickson into his ways, for I'll swear I've 
 just seen him go along walking nigh to Ket. 
 Ah! naught but evil can befall him, if he 
 follow such a lead." 
 
 "But thou'lt surely say, father," said 
 Peggy, " that Will's a brave lad, and an 
 honest, who will not let his sweetheart be 
 put on by any." 
 
 " In sooth, wench, I'll own the gallant 
 was properly served by Will; ay, and 
 pluckily too, which deed all just men will 
 deem fair ; but with yon riotous wastrils, 
 who seek to live without labour, and to eat
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 87 
 
 without sweat tlie bread of ease, I hold not 
 one whit. May be, 'tis the tanner's ale 
 hath turned poor TVill's brain for him thus 
 to join hands with one who sets our good 
 laws at scorn. Marry ! if he mend not his 
 ways, you and he shall soon part, ^eggj.^' 
 
 " You're right, John," said dame Mar- 
 gery, '^ why, I could scarce trust mine own 
 eyes when I saw the folks pass by the 
 paddock, and Will with them a marching 
 along. Ah, me ! he's but a sad fool to lend 
 himself to work that troublous burgher's 
 ends." 
 
 " It were better far," answered Goodeve, 
 " he minded his plough and got the leasows 
 seeded, else, I'll warrant, there'll be never 
 a bite for his muttons come winter time." 
 
 " Pr'ythee, father," said Peggy, into 
 whose blue eyes the tears were welling, 
 " be thou not so harsh towards him." 
 
 " Tut, tut, wench, thou'rfc but as very a
 
 88 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 
 
 daff as Will; an thou thinkest he will 
 advantage him in this matter. I tell thee 
 this riot will but land him in Norwich 
 jail. What ! dost think Master Flowerdew 
 and his sort will abrook this Ket's sauce, 
 which hath of late been more and more 
 provoking ? Nay, I know our gentles 
 better; aj, and am with them hand and 
 glove in this quarrel. I bid thee tell this 
 Will of thine that my wench shall never 
 pair with a skimble scamble fellow, who 
 follows in the tail of yon spouting burgher, 
 and flouts his betters while his sull stands 
 still. A young man should be modest." 
 
 The honest farmer spoke with much 
 energy and warmth, but failed to convince 
 Peggy, who answered him — 
 
 " Nay but, father, bethink thee that on 
 last St. Valentine's, when the birds do 
 choose their mates, how I looked out a- 
 doors, and the first soul I met was Will a
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 89 
 
 singing as lie went to plough. Thou 
 well wottest, that so 'twas willed by 
 Heaven, for him and me ever after to 
 keep true." 
 
 This was a skilful move of Peggy's, for 
 it brought her mother round to her side. 
 
 " Come, goodman, you must own Will's 
 a lad of spirit; may be when this fit 
 be past he will return a wiser man, sobered 
 down to work ; so be not too hard on him. 
 Now, ^eggj girl, hie thee to the churning, 
 the butter must be got for to-morrow's 
 market. Let's hope no further plague will 
 come of it." 
 
 '' I tell thee, dame, that as he breweth, 
 so must he drink," was the parting shot 
 fired by Groodeve, as Peggy retired pouting 
 to the dairy, shewing for the first time 
 symptoms of resistance to the paternal 
 control. 
 
 Then the farmer went forth to his lands,
 
 90 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 where the oxen were lazily drawing the 
 plough over his top furlong piece. 
 
 The neglect of this duty on Will Dick- 
 son's part had seemingly added to his 
 wrath, for he muttered grumblingly to him- 
 self as he went along — 
 
 " To lose such a day for sull as this — 
 I'd stake my best cow, Poppet, against a 
 sucking calf he'll come to a bad ending. 
 No, no, I'll trust my wench to none such 
 as he."
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 " Take thy lute, wench ; my soul growa sad with troubles j 
 Sing, and disperse them, if thou canst — leave working." 
 
 King Hexey YIII. 
 
 YOTJiSJ'G girl sat in an oak- 
 panelled parlour of Thorpe Hall. 
 The room was furnished with comfort, 
 the floor having a carpet of sweet dry 
 rushes. On the hearth was a firepan, with 
 hand-irons, fire-fork, and tongs, ranged 
 on either side of it. Over the carved 
 chimney-place hung a burnished steel mir- 
 ror, bordered with yellow velvet. The table 
 was inlaid with a pattern of polished cypress 
 and fir woods ; on it stood an ebony stan- 
 dish with silver mountings for ink, and 
 for dust to dry the writing. Before the
 
 92 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 
 
 windows and door were hangings of 
 arras, worked by some industrious ances- 
 tress long since gone to rest. The panels 
 on the walls were relieved by portraits 
 of knights and their dames, to some of 
 whom the girl's features had a strong 
 likeness. 
 
 As she sat in a quaint, high-backed chair, 
 her deft fingers were busily engaged 
 embroidering a Scriptural scene on coarse 
 canvas with threads of many-coloured silks, 
 the skeins of which hung round her neck — 
 an apparently interminable task, but one 
 prevalent with ladies then-a-days. 
 
 At her feet lay a handsome hound, 
 which looked up now and again into its 
 mistress's face with the anxious gaze of an 
 attached follower, as though detecting in 
 her mien some sorrow or trouble. 
 
 By the window another girl was seated 
 on alow stool diligently reading ; apparently
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 93 
 
 half companion, half attendant. She was 
 a pleasant, blue-ejed, maiden of altogether 
 a bolder type of beauty ; for her hands 
 were larger made, her figure plumper, and 
 her cheeks browner than those of her 
 fair mistress, whose complexion was clear 
 and pale, and features dehcately cast, while 
 her ejes were dark and lustrous. 
 
 The dying rays of the evening sun, fall- 
 ing slantwise through the narrow window, 
 showed that the lady boasted good blood, 
 and rare beauty, two of fortune's gifts, 
 which have ever been rightly prized. 
 
 The richness of her dress helped to set 
 off her person to advantage. A gown of 
 flowered damask, cut square at the neck and 
 left open to the waist, disclosed the kirtle 
 of plainer stuff beneath. The sleeves were 
 puffed, and pinched with rich broidery work, 
 and a fair, white lawn partlet, knit with 
 Venice gold, covered her neck. Her hair
 
 94 MISrRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 was mostly hidden beneath a caul of black 
 velvet, from which had however escaped a 
 a raven tress, which fell naturally on her 
 shoulder. 
 
 The companion was neatly dressed in a 
 petticoat of murrey coloured stuff, with a 
 white kercher over her head, and linen 
 sleeves confined at the wrist by a silk band. 
 She also wore a large snowy linen apron. 
 
 Such then, were Mistress Catherine 
 Haselwode, the orphan daughter of Sir 
 Denys Haselwode — reckoned the fairest, 
 as well as the greatest heiress in those parts 
 — and her companion, Dorothy Luttrell, 
 whose father, a bold rebel captain, had met 
 his fate in the Pilgrimage of Grace, leaving 
 Dorothy portionless to the bounty of his 
 patron. Sir Denys, who did not long sur- 
 vive his follower. 
 
 Being fervently attached to the unre- 
 formed Church, the Mistress of Thorpe, as
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 95 
 
 lier father had also been, was in high 
 disfavour with the dominant party. 
 
 From the days of young Flowerdew's 
 manhood Catherine Haselwode had been 
 betrothed to him, and the time fixed for 
 their nuptials was now not far distant. 
 
 Presently, the lady with a weary sigh 
 laid aside her work, and addressed her 
 companion : — 
 
 *'In sooth, Dorothy, my heart is well 
 nigh sickened, as I think on these troublous 
 times ; when rude and ignorant men tear 
 adown our holy shrines, and trample under 
 foot our precious relics. Ay, and drive the 
 saintly sisters forth from their retreats to 
 fare as they may. Alack ! since the great 
 Cardinal's fall, these evils have come on 
 apace." 
 
 " And yet, dear Mistress," replied 
 Dorothy, " there be still among us some
 
 96 MISTRESS HASELWOBE. 
 
 brave hearts, who shrink not from ventur- 
 ing them in Heaven's own cause — 'Tis 
 surely time the good father's messenger 
 were here with news, since he promised 
 thee speedy word how he prospered at 
 Windham, and he seemed in mighty great 
 spirits about it, too." 
 
 " Welaway !" said Catherine, " I fear me 
 some mischance hath fallen out, else had 
 he been here. Dorothy, I've daily waited 
 some great sorrow, since last Christmas 
 Eve, when the yule log — and, thou mayest 
 remember^ 'twas a mighty large one, burnt 
 but part the night, and afore morning clean 
 went out. 'Twas an augur of ill to our 
 house. Ah ! little did I think, when 'twas 
 drawn in by the gay company, with my Lord 
 of Misrule sitting atop, and we clapped our 
 hands and cried with very laughter at their 
 antics, that it presaged a mournful face on
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 07 
 
 the morrow — Go now, fetch me my virginal 
 and pricksong, I'll try banish these sad 
 thoughts awhile." 
 
 Dorothy, rising at her mistress's bidding, 
 brought the virginal ; and Catherine, touch- 
 ing the strings, soon filled the room with 
 tuneful melody, for, as she played and sang, 
 the fair musician seemed to pour all her 
 soul into the work, and, forgetting her 
 painful musings, to kindle in her bosom 
 more enlivening emotions. 
 
 The pastime was interrupted by the en- 
 trance of a serving man, on whose doublet 
 sleeve was woven the Haselwode badge — 
 a sprig of hazel. He announced the ar- 
 rival of one, craving instant speech ; and 
 was closely followed by him, whom 
 Catherine at once knew for the priest, in 
 spite of the long cloak and muffler, which 
 hid his figure and features. She could 
 
 VOL. I. p
 
 98 MISTRESS HA.SELWODE. 
 
 hardly wait until the servant had retired, 
 ere she began to question him how his 
 errand had sped. 
 
 " Alas ! daughter," replied he, whom we 
 have seen the guiding spirit of the May- 
 plot, " I am but the messenger of our 
 failure. 'Tis a long tale to tell chapter 
 and verse, but I'll try and give the kernel 
 of it. Listen — Hubert de Burgh, by wanton 
 folly, caused our discomfiture on the thres- 
 hold of success ; when he must needs go 
 try some lovepasses with the May Queen, 
 afore the very eyes of her lord. Then up 
 got Ket, the Windham Tanner, and spirited 
 the folks, who took a vengeance on the gay 
 youth, which he'll not quick forget. 'Twas 
 then. Master Flowerdew tried to retrieve 
 us, hoping to get the advantage of his old 
 foe ; but the churls were led captive by the 
 vapourings of the Tanner, and elected to 
 follow him in a raid against their betters.
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 99 
 
 rather than to adventure them for the 
 Church of God." 
 
 "Thine is in sooth poor news, father," 
 answered Catherine. " 'Tis strange, I was 
 but just telling Dorothy how methought a 
 fit of sadness boded some evil chance — this 
 is a proof that coming sorrow doth cast its 
 shade before it." 
 
 '' Be not downcast, daughter, " said 
 Sykes, '' but let us meet trouble with a 
 bold face. Pr'ythee now, let me advise 
 thee ; it would be well to take time by the 
 forelock, and call together the varlets of 
 thy manor; none can tell to what deeds 
 these fever-heated Ket's men may pass, so 
 'tis best to be ready." 
 
 " What ! thinkest then these churls will 
 dare pit them against us ? By our Ladye!" 
 exclaimed Catherine, with flashing eye, 
 " they shall meet with a wholesome wel- 
 come ! I'll see to this forthwith, and speak 
 
 F 2
 
 100 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 to Captain Da&ow; so farewell awhile, 
 father, you will find the hiding chamber 
 ready prepared. — Come, Dorothy." 
 
 Leaving the parlour. Mistress Haselwode 
 and her companion turned along a broad 
 corridor, off which were built the principal 
 sleeping chambers of the Hall, and descend- 
 ing the wide oaken stairs, the balustrade 
 of which was richly, though grotesquely, 
 carved, entered the great hall. This was 
 a long and lofty, yet somewhat narrow, 
 apartment, lighted on one side only by a 
 row of tall mullioned windows, the pointed 
 heads of which were arched after the 
 depressed style of Henry the Seventh's 
 time, when Catherine's grandsire. Sir Giles 
 Haselwode, had made alterations to his 
 house. These windows were filled in with 
 small quarries, except at the heads, where 
 each mullioned space terminated in a 
 cusped trefoil, in the centre of which
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 101 
 
 were painted on the glass the armorial 
 bearings of the Haselwodes, each one 
 varied bj the quartering of some family 
 alliance. The bare stone walls were hung 
 all round with helmets, corslets, casques, 
 javelins, arquebuses, axes, and other wea- 
 pons, sufficient to arm a moderate force. 
 Down in the vaults beneath, too, there was 
 no lack of powder. The ceiling was of 
 oak, sub-divided into many lozenge-shaped 
 panels, in the centre of each of which was 
 displayed the Tudor rose, or some device 
 of bird or animal. At either end of the 
 hall doors opened, leading to the several 
 parts of the house. 
 
 Here they found Captain Daffrow, whose 
 titular captaincy had been acquired by his 
 service in the Pilgrimage of G-race, where 
 lie led a troop — wearing on his sleeve the 
 emblem of the five wounds, and following 
 the banner of the picture of Christ — and
 
 102 mSTR-RSS HASELWODE. 
 
 had been granted to him by the rebel 
 leader, in recognition of his valour, prior 
 to the collapse of the cause. 
 
 Daffrow was a weather-stained, broad- 
 chested, stalwart soldier, past fifty; on 
 whom hard living, adventure, and exposure 
 to all weathers, had only had the effect of 
 ironing his muscles, and greying his beard. 
 
 When Mistress Haselwode entered, the 
 soldier, who was busily engaged in polish- 
 ing the barrel of an arquebus, which he 
 had just reached down from the wall, rose, 
 and clumsily performed his obeisance, 
 while he cast on Dorothy a look, which 
 would lead one to suppose that lively maid 
 had been practising her art of captivation 
 on the man of war, and that some love 
 passes had gone between them, for she 
 blushed slightly at his covert attention. 
 Catherine observing them, jestingly re- 
 marked —
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 103 
 
 " 'Tis said, Dorothy, that an amorous 
 old man is like a winter flower ; but, me- 
 thinks, good Daffrow is younger at heart 
 than his frosted beard would warrant." 
 
 She quickly relapsed, however, into her 
 former mood, as she told the Captain in a 
 few words the news brought by Sykes, 
 and bade him take prompt action to make 
 a sure defence, if needs were. 
 
 " Fear not, mistress," replied Daffrow, 
 briskly, " but I will acquit me of thy trust 
 to the best of my power ; I love the game 
 too well. By the mass ! if they show their 
 faces here, they shall find it a tough job to 
 get in. I'll forthwith send your command, 
 and call the men together, and betake me 
 to the gates to see how a careful disposi- 
 tion can best be made." 
 
 With which, the Captain departed in 
 zealous haste to perform his lady's orders, 
 and was soon occupied in the congenial task
 
 104 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 of summoning the retainers, distributing 
 arms, and assigning their various posts ; 
 and great was the bustle all over the hall. 
 
 " Dorothy," said Mistress Haselwode, as 
 they returned to her parlour, " I cannot 
 rid me of this melancholy fit ; even now I 
 am troubled lest mischief befall the reverend 
 prior. My thoughts persist in dwelling on 
 the doleful sight I once witnessed with my 
 loved father. 'Twas on the 22nd day of 
 May, some seven years gone, when I was 
 yet a girl, that Sir Denys took me along 
 with him on a journey to London, whither 
 he went on some secret errand. There we 
 lodged in Cheap the night, and on the mor- 
 row, bidding me get on my hood, he led me 
 by the hand to a part called Smithfelde. Here 
 I saw gathered a large crowd of folk, and 
 there were set up three scaffolds, on one of 
 which was seabed, in all the civic state, my 
 Lord Mayor with their worships the Alder-
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 105 
 
 men ; and, on either side, my Lord Dukes 
 of Norfolk and Suffolk. Before tliem, on 
 a second, was standing some one making a 
 preachment. On the third stood another 
 whom I remembered having heard awhile 
 before saying mass, and preaching at Paul's 
 Cross, counselling all men not to yield 
 the King supreme over Holy Church. My 
 father whispered me, 'twas Doctor Forrest, 
 of the Grey Friars, of Greenwich. By 
 him was set a picture, sent from Wales, 
 called ''Darvell Gatheren," and by it a 
 gallows tree. Beneath the tree was writ, 
 in big letters, — 
 
 " David Darvell Gatheren, 
 As saith the Welshmen, 
 
 Fetched outlaws out of hell. 
 Now he is come, with spere and shilde, 
 In hames to bum in Smithfelde, 
 
 For in Wales he may not dwell. 
 And Forest the frier, 
 That obstinate Ijer, 
 
 That wilfully shall be dead, 
 In his conttimacie, 
 The Gospell doth deny, 
 
 The king to be supreme head." 
 
 F 5
 
 106 MTSTEESS HASELWODE. 
 
 And, oh ! Dorothy, many a one had full 
 faith in the holy image, as the doggrel 
 shewed. But when the Preacher had 
 ended his saying, methought all sense 
 would leave my body, so numbed with 
 fright was I. Lo ! some seized the pious 
 friar, and had him to the gallows, hanged 
 alive by the middle with chains, and burned 
 with the picture. Welaway ! the me- 
 mory of that dread sight is again in mine 
 eyes, and I do so tremble lest our good 
 prior should fall into such bloodthirsty 
 hands ; for if he did, he would surely meet 
 a short shrive and quick reckoning for his 
 deeds at Windham. Wherefore, it behoveth 
 us to see with care that none — save only 
 trusty Ralph, who brought him in by the 
 postern door — learn the secret of his 
 abiding-place, or that such an one be with 
 
 u ' 
 
 Tis, in sooth, a doleful tale, dear Mis-
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 107 
 
 tress," said Dorothy ; " yet be comforted, 
 I hear that Master Cranmer hath set his 
 face against all such bloody deeds, and he 
 hath sway with the Kin^. We'll keep 
 Father Sykes hid away in the secret 
 chamber, where, I trow, none will dream 
 of him. Methinks, though, he will now be 
 hankering after supper, for he hath a mar- 
 vellous fine appetite, and loveth not to be 
 kept a waiting." 
 
 " In sooth, we must not forget his sup- 
 per," said Mistress Haselwode, as taking 
 up a basket, she proceeded to fill it with 
 wine and food from the table, which was 
 laid with a light refection for rere supper. 
 She then opened a small closet door, formed 
 in the panelling at one corner of the 
 room, and touched some concealed spring, 
 when the back of the closet itself shot 
 back, and revealed a narrow passage, into 
 which she went, carefully closing the door
 
 108 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 behind her. Guiding herself by the walls 
 down the windings of the passage, which 
 was dark as pitch, and barely two feet 
 wide, she came presently to a small cham- 
 ber, so low that a tall man could hardly 
 stand upright, and lighted by a mere slit 
 in the walls, out of the massive thickness of 
 which it was contrived. Here sat the late 
 Prior of Bromeholme, having divested him- 
 Belf of his disguise. Father Michael Sykes 
 had, but a few years back, held great 
 power in these parts ; for his Priory had 
 waxed fat with the accumulated offerings 
 of many a pious donor. This had been 
 one of the earliest confiscated by the King, 
 and now its broad acres and beeves were 
 distributed among other owners, and the 
 Prior, with his monks, scattered abroad. 
 He was not alone a sufferer; Bishops 
 Gardiner and Bonner, and others of the 
 Romish persuasion, lay in prison ; while
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 109 
 
 Cranmer, great with the King, seemed dis- 
 posed to uphold and support the Reformers. 
 
 Michael Sykes had passed the time since 
 his deposition in busily scheming^ with 
 other kindred spirits, to forward the agita- 
 tion, now being fiercely carried on in 
 various parts of the country, for a restora- 
 tion of his Church to power. 
 
 He was sitting buried in thought, and, 
 so absorbed, that the entrance of Mistress 
 Haselwode was unnoticed by him, till she 
 spoke, and told him of the defensive pre- 
 parations going on in the Hall, when he 
 roused himself from his reverie, and an- 
 swered her : — 
 
 " Ah ! Mistress Catherine, would that 
 there were but a few score more of hearts 
 true as thy departed sire's in this degene- 
 rate land, and I should not despair of 
 speedily prevailing against the strength of 
 these heretical usurpers ! IVe been a think-
 
 110 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 ing on this Windham racket, daughter, and 
 am assured it bodeth not so ill for us as at 
 first it seemed, for an they strike not for 
 us, yet will they be an engine to batter the 
 Protestants. They'll distract the King's 
 men, who will so be weakened, and impo- 
 tent to cope with Arundel, when he striketh 
 home. But, if I be told aright — and the 
 news came to me by a sure hand — the time 
 draweth nigh when proud Cranmer shall 
 have a fall. The King, I hear, hath a 
 grievous sickness ; and well thou knowest, 
 who keeps the Lady Mary's love and 
 duty. Yes, by the Rood! there's a day 
 of reckoning at hand. Affliction is the 
 wholesome soil of virtue, which yieldeth a 
 rich harvest in God's own season. We 
 suffer but awhile !" 
 
 " Truly, father," answered Catherine, 
 "ye of the faith have been hardly used ; 
 and, if aught befall the young King, I
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. Ill 
 
 make no doubt our pious Lady Mary will 
 restore ye again. Yet, remember the old 
 wives' saying, "Tis ill looking for dead 
 men's shoes.' But, pr'ythee, now excuse 
 me, I may not longer tarry." 
 
 " The Virgin have thee in her holy keep- 
 ing, daughter," said the priest, as Mistress 
 Catherine bade him good night, and left 
 his chamber ; when he turned to his supper 
 basket, and proceeded to make a hearty 
 meal.
 
 
 CHAPTER YII. 
 
 ' And you, that love the commons, follow me — 
 Now show yourselves men ; 'tis for liberty. 
 We will not leave one lord, one gentleman, — 
 Spare none, but such as go in clouted shoon." 
 
 King Heney VI. 
 
 ^^HEN Ket and his followers 
 yl^ reached Hethersett, they found 
 Master Flowerdew's gates locked. This 
 was, however, no effectual hinderance to 
 them. At a sign from their leader, the 
 rioters commenced tearing up the paling, 
 which fenced off the park from the road- 
 way, for a considerable circuit on each 
 side of the gates; and very soon many 
 a perch of it was levelled to the ground. 
 The work of destruction was at its height, 
 when Flowerdew, with whom rode De
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 113 
 
 Burgh, came rapidly up to the spot, 
 accompanied by such servants and retainers 
 as he had been able to get together. 
 Astonished at the great number of his 
 opponents, and the determination expressed 
 by their acts, ho tried them with soft words, 
 but without avail, for Ket set up a loud 
 jeer. 
 
 " Aha ! dost think to turn us by sugary 
 speech ? I'd ha' credited thee with 
 more brains. Begone ! else we'll souse 
 thee in thine own mere, as we did yon 
 dainty duckling. Comrades ! mind him 
 not, he'll but bamfoozle ye, let us to 
 work." And seizing hold on one of the 
 posts, he wrenched it up, when a length 
 of the paling fell with a loud crash. 
 
 " Take that for thy pains," cried Flower- 
 dew, in a hot passion as, drawing a pistol 
 from his belt, he took an aim at Ket ; 
 but somehow the bullet missed its billet,
 
 114 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 SO he dashed the weapon at his adversary's 
 head, and drawing his sword, rushed full 
 tilt on the rioters, his handful of men 
 bravely seconding him. 
 
 In the hand-to-hand fight which ensued, 
 De Burgh singled out Will Dickson, and 
 endeavoured to take his revenge on him, 
 but stout Will — albeit not accustomed to 
 the use of his weapon, which was Serjeant 
 Jimes' own halbert — managed to ward 
 off his thrusts, till the baffled gallant, 
 barely able to keep his saddle from the 
 plunging of the horse — frightened and hurt 
 by the blows showered on its flanks by the 
 yokels' cudgels — was forced in self-defence 
 to back out. 
 
 Flowerdew, seeing that his men were 
 being severely punished — although not a 
 few of Ket's had fought their first and 
 last fight, and others were sadly hurt — 
 called on those, who could, to follow
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 115 
 
 him, and gallopped off to the house; 
 leaving, perforce, several in the hands of 
 his enemy. 
 
 Their retreat was hailed with derisive 
 cheers, while Ket, waving aloft his pike — 
 now, alas ! bloodstained — encouraged his 
 men : — 
 
 " To the house, comrades, to the house ! 
 our work hath begun well !" 
 
 So they started briskly in pursuit to- 
 wards the manor, where by this. Flower- 
 dew, with the remnant of his followers, 
 now reduced to twenty, had arrived, and 
 was holding a hurried consultation with 
 them how best to keep the house against 
 their assailants. 
 
 It was soon resolved that the doors 
 should be made fast, and all the lower 
 windows blocked, while the men were 
 distributed at the upper windows, and 
 other posts of vantage about the building,
 
 116 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 where they would be best able to repel any 
 attack. 
 
 Their preparations were scarce completed 
 before Ket and his people came in sight, 
 and proceeded to spread themselves round 
 the house. 
 
 Ket directed the operations not unskil- 
 fully, for he first made his men keep under 
 cover of the trees round about, while he 
 carefully surveyed the place on all sides. 
 Then he told off a detachment to a wood- 
 pile hard by, ordering them to knock up 
 some rough ladders, with a view to effect 
 an entrance by the upper windows of the 
 back, while a general attempt was made on 
 the front. 
 
 All this while the little garrison were not 
 idle, but fired on the besiegers from their 
 posts within ; and many a rash churl and 
 prentice lad bit the dust. The fate of their 
 fellows did not, however, daunt the rest,
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 117 
 
 who returned tlie fire whenever opportu- 
 nity offered, making havoc with the window 
 glass. 
 
 Night now drew on, and Ket determined 
 to make his effort, hoping, by a combined 
 attack on several sides, to get a foothold 
 within the place. 
 
 In pursuance of this plan he divided his 
 men into four parties, naming a lieutenant 
 to each, and at a given signal sent them to 
 the assault on three sides, so as to compel 
 the defenders to draw to the defence of 
 those quarters. 
 
 As the conflict waxed warm, Ket himself 
 led his picked lot round to the back of the 
 house, and, unnoticed in the din which was 
 going on in front, stealthily reared a ladder 
 to the upper window of a sleeping room. 
 
 The captain himself first mounted, and 
 easily forced an entrance, and was followed 
 by the others, one by one; when, silently
 
 118 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 making their way down a narrow stair, 
 they found their way into the front part, 
 rushing in and taking the garrison in the 
 rear, just as his men, who had been partly 
 screened from the fire of those inside by 
 the projection of the upper story over the 
 lower, broke in the chief door, and were 
 pouring into the hall. 
 
 Here Flowerdew with a handful of men 
 was trying to oppose their entrance, when 
 he was pounced on behind, and his dis- 
 heartened followers, seeing their master a 
 prisoner, and themselves taken front and 
 rear, laid down their arms. 
 
 De Burgh and Lively, hearing the riot 
 in the hall, came from their posts, and 
 looking over the staircase, saw the place in 
 the hands of Ket's men, and Flowerdew 
 himself a prisoner, so they concluded it 
 wise to take care of themselves. Accord- 
 ingly, they crept round to the back as
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 119 
 
 quick as thej could, and, slipping out of an 
 outhouse door, struck across country, un- 
 cliallenged and unobserved. 
 
 Tlie dining-liall of the Flowerdews now 
 presented an unaccustomed appearance, 
 crowded as it was with the victorious 
 rioters, while in one corner stood the humi- 
 liated master, eying his rough and unwel- 
 come visitors. From the walls portraits 
 of bygone Flowerdews — stern soldier, 
 stately dame, coquettish beauty, and 
 solemn-visaged priest — looked down, re- 
 proachfully and disdainfully, on the in- 
 truders. Ket, leaning on a pike, gazed 
 on his prisoner with exultant glee, not 
 unlike a hawk about to strike his quarry. 
 
 " So, so," said he, " Master Andrew 
 Flowerdew ! Squire of Hethersett ! Lord of 
 its fair manor ! Every dog hath his day; 
 yesterday your bark was heard, now you 
 feel my bite — and, i' faith, I'll make all your
 
 120 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 quality feel it, too! Ha ! ha !" laughed he, 
 "the great Master Andrew Flowerdew, 
 Esquire, and his varlets, beat by the 
 burgher tanner and his poor followers ! 
 'Tis a pretty sight to seel" 
 
 His prisoner, surveying Ket contemptu- 
 ously, disdained to answer him; but not 
 so Jenny Truelove, who, with the other 
 females, had been brought into the hall. 
 She was quite unable to restrain her pas- 
 sion on seeing the indignity put on her 
 master, and cried — 
 
 " Marry come up ! a pretty fellow you 
 be to crow ! Know none but a startup 
 would thus becall his betters, hold thy 
 ribald tongue, man !" 
 
 " Hoity toity ! my fat, perky, dame," 
 answered Ket, " an thou wast not past thy 
 prime, I'd quick kiss those lips of thine; 
 but now I keep my kisses for other redder 
 lips, and rosier cheeks. Beware though
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 121 
 
 thou keepest a better curb on that refrac- 
 tory tongue of thine, else will I not restrain 
 my more eager comrades, who even now 
 do burn, seeking some reward for their 
 valour, and mayhap will not scorn such an 
 one as thou ! Come ! do you and your 
 wenches just set out some supper, we are 
 hungry, and hardset with fasting since the 
 morn — methinks, my men, weVe earned 
 our supper — so, see thou quickly to our 
 creature comforts. Come ! art sui^d, 
 
 dame?" 
 
 But Jenny Truelove, her honest brown 
 
 eyes flashing, did not budge, as she re- 
 plied : — 
 
 "And is it for Robert Ket of Wind- 
 ham to order me, forsooth, whose own 
 grandsire was himself of the company of 
 Merchant Adventurers ? Get thy supper 
 how thou canst, fellow !" 
 
 Flowerdew, now, wisely interfered. 
 VOL. I. G
 
 122 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 " Peace ! good Jenny, 'twere better for 
 us his will were done peaceably; so take 
 the wenches, and see what victual there is 
 in the buttery. Here be the cellar keys, let 
 them have their fill, else will they take it." 
 
 Jenny Truelove departed, bridling with 
 wrath, as Ket fired a parting shot at her. 
 
 " I' faith, there goes a scold enough for 
 the cucking stool !" 
 
 Meanwhile, bands of the rioters wandered 
 unlet over the house, and, incited by the ex- 
 ample of Joe Box and Giles, ransacked the 
 place from top to bottom, breaking open 
 cupboards and closets, and helping them- 
 selves freely to any articles that took their 
 fancy, quarrelling one with another for 
 possession. 
 
 Flowerdew, with his arms bound to his 
 sides, watched with impotent rage the ap- 
 propriation of his household gods by these 
 light-fingered gentry.
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 123 
 
 When the women had set out the 
 victuals, the work of revelry and feasting 
 began in earnest, and the choice sack, as 
 well as the nut-brown ale, with which the 
 manor cellars were well stocked, were 
 freely indulged in by the hot and thirsty 
 Ketites. 
 
 Jenny Truelove and her wenches took 
 advantage of the opportunity afforded them 
 by the feasting of the rioters, who had 
 omitted to set any guard at the doors, to 
 slip out ; and, hurriedly as she could, the 
 plump housekeeper made across for Yeo- 
 man Groodeve's, where she arrived when 
 the good folks were all abed. Her cries 
 for admission, and the barking of the house 
 dog, aroused the slumbering inmates, 
 when the farmer promptly descended and 
 gave admittance to the agitated women, 
 who commenced pouring forth their tale of 
 woe into his sympathising ears. 
 
 G 2
 
 124 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 " Alack ! Alack !" cried Jenny, " that I 
 should have lived to see this day ! Woe is 
 me ! Yeoman Goodeve, that knave, Kobert 
 Ket of Windham, hath dared to say he'd 
 kiss me, an I had not passed my prime — 
 I, who am scarce turned forty years, and he 
 — a red-nosed, stomachous fellow. Faugh ! 
 I am quite a sick. Ay, and your Will 
 Dickson, too, is along with him, as brazen- 
 faced as any, egging on the others — and 
 they've tied the Master's arms, and are 
 making a sad racket up at the manor. Oh 1 
 dear, dear !" 
 
 Here she was so overcome, that a burst 
 of tears ensued, in which the other 
 wenches followed suit. 
 
 The kindly farmer and his wife tried to 
 console them as best they could. 
 
 " Ha ! sayest so, Jenny ? Well now, I 
 told my Meg but this very day at dinner 
 time, when we saw them troop past, I
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 125 
 
 befeared young Will would come to bad, 
 and forbade our Peggy holding further 
 speech of such a rapscallion. I've always 
 stood up for Church and quality, as my 
 forbears did afore me. Honour, where 
 honour is due, say I, none of your brawl- 
 ing Kets for me. But come, cheer up, thy 
 master will soon be rescued, I'll warrant !" 
 With such like honest talk did Goodeve 
 sooth the agitated Jenny and her wenches, 
 who had also found their tongues, till the 
 time that the sleeping-rooms were ready, 
 when the housekeeper with her fluttering 
 covey, betook themselves and their lamen- 
 tations to roost, but hardly to slumber. 
 Meanwhile, Ket, with two or three others 
 of the chiefest among them, had made a 
 close inspection of the house, and found 
 sundry underground vaults on the eastern 
 side, such as it was common to find in all 
 mansions at that time, and available either
 
 126 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 for storage of powder and arms, or even a 
 prison. 
 
 They were built of massive stone, and 
 had formerly been a part of the basement 
 of an ancient tower, on the site of which 
 the manor house was built. Into one of 
 these gloomy vaults, lighted only by a 
 small slit in the wall, through which the air 
 freely passed, and the light faintly strug- 
 gled, was the indignant -master dragged ; 
 and, some straw being thrown in to form 
 a shake-down, the key was turned on him, 
 and he was left to his meditations. 
 
 From the propinquity of a small mere^ 
 the walls, in spite of their thickness, were 
 damp ; and the discomfort of the place did 
 not conduce to his serenity of mind, 
 racked, as it was, with rage that the 
 tanner had got the upper hand of him, 
 and vexation at the humihating figure he 
 would cut in the eyes of the high-spirited
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 127 
 
 girl, to whom he was betrothed, as well 
 
 as before all the neighbouring gentry. 
 
 Here, however, we must leave him to fret 
 
 for a time. 
 
 Every day added to the numbers of those 
 
 who had thrown in their lot with Ket ; 
 
 and while Flowerdew lay imprisoned m 
 
 his own house, the rioters were clovered 
 
 there, using his property without scruple, 
 
 guzzling his drink, slaughtering his cattle 
 and sheep, and stalking his bucks; for 
 
 there were now many mouths to feed. 
 
 With swelling pride Ket saw his num- 
 bers grow larger and larger, and ambitious 
 visions turned his brain, as he began to 
 assume a more decided authority. 
 
 They had no lack of present employ- 
 ment, for he divided them into various 
 bands, and appointed to each one of 
 his picked friends as a lieutenant or 
 overseer. These bands he sent out, right
 
 128 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 and left, to devastate the district, and 
 right heartily did they take to their job, 
 the hedges and fences, planted with care 
 by Flowerdew and his predecessors, being 
 soon thrown down and torn up, while the 
 park was laid an open waste. 
 
 Day by day Captain Ket watched the 
 proceedings of his willing tools with un- 
 concealed pleasure, as they went from 
 one outrageous act to another, till he per- 
 suaded himself the time had come to 
 make them a stepping stone for his own 
 ambition. Accordingly he determined to 
 strike the iron while it was hot, and called 
 them round him in front of the house, 
 where, from an upper window, he boldly 
 unfolded his views. 
 
 " Comrades ! ours is a task but new 
 begun, yet, having put our hands to the 
 plough, must we not look back, else shall 
 we be apperilled by speedy ruin. Ye see
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 129 
 
 how Fortune, wliich ever sticketh to the 
 bold, hath so far smiled on our endea- 
 vours. This man, our oppressor, already 
 cast down ; and ye, who have some of 
 you borne his yoke, revelling in his stead. 
 Will ye, then, now turn back? I trow 
 not. Rather, let your Captain lead you 
 on to greater deeds than this ; and, with 
 the hoarded riches of these gentle folks 
 and feudal lords, make you all rich as 
 they, who in turn shall be your varlets. 
 Comrades ! never more need ye work, if 
 ye but prove yourselves men, and show 
 your pluck. Who is there can with- 
 stand us ? 'Tis said, the king's men can 
 not even face the Devonshire rebels — and 
 they be but Papish scum — so they be not 
 like to prevail against us. Why should 
 we be content with so small a meed of 
 Reform, that the Church only should be 
 handled, while the rich get off scot 
 
 G 5
 
 130 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 free? Say I, reform them all, lords 
 and gentry ; ay, and traders and yeomen, 
 too ! I, Eobert Ket, will lead ye on to 
 help yourselves to their fat possessions. 
 But first must we enrol, and train us in a 
 soldier- like fashion ; then, shall we beat 
 any that may venture against us. Where- 
 fore, I do propose all true men yield them 
 to my command. I'll bear with no laggards, 
 and all coistrils can even now be gone. 
 They, who be not with us heart and soul 
 in this quarrel, were best without. And, 
 hark ye ! I swear to visit all traitors and 
 carry- tales with speedy punishment." 
 
 Ket's specious words were caught at by 
 the ignorant beer-flushed rabble, and scarce 
 a man left him, so that a large muster were 
 soon enrolled, and divided into companies, 
 each with a lieutenant. 
 
 The Manor, like every other gentle- 
 man's house, had contained a fair stock of
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 131 
 
 arms of various kinds, and these Ket dis- 
 tributed among them, organising expedi- 
 tions to the neighbouring gentry's houses 
 for procuring an additional supply of 
 weapons. Thus he set the ball a rolling.
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 " His soul, like bark with rudder lost, 
 On passion's changeful tide was tost ; 
 Nor Vice nor Virtue had the power 
 Beyond the impression of the hour ; 
 And ! when passion rules, how rare 
 The hours that fall to Virtue's share !" 
 
 KOKEBY. 
 
 HE moon was feebly struggling to 
 assert herself against the black 
 clouds, which kept passing before her disk, 
 veiling her pale face now and again ; till, in 
 the contest, the clouds prevailed, so that 
 ihe prospect was soon wrapped in the sable 
 garments of darkness. It was a stormy 
 night ; the high wind rushed impetuously 
 through the tops of the trees, forcing them 
 to bow their lofty heads, and dashing
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 133 
 
 off their maimed limbs with fierce violence 
 to the ground, while the rain blew with 
 blinding force into the faces of the two 
 pedestrians, who were making their way 
 across country from Hethersett, towards 
 Thorpe. 
 
 ''By the mass!" said one of them, 
 breaking a long silence, '' I would this 
 journey were done, and Thorpe in view ; 
 'tis an unkid night to be abroad. I'd 
 rather be a sucking Master Flowerdew's 
 March ale than bound on this errand ; 
 and so, too, would you, T7ill, an I mistake 
 not !" 
 
 " I'faith, that would I, noble sir," 
 answered Lively, for he and De Burgh 
 were the two companions. " A plague take 
 the knaves ! Yet, even this is better than 
 to have shared Master Andrew's state. 
 By cock and pye ! this Ket hath some 
 pluck to face what many a stout heart
 
 134 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 would shrink from ; 'twill now be war 
 to the knife 'twixt him with his scurvy 
 bands, and all the strength of the gentle 
 folk and sober sided traders. 'Tis strange 
 how things turn out. Why ! now I come to 
 think on't, 'tis but some six years agone 
 last Allhallows Eve, when I was staying 
 out at "Wattlefield, sithen I was made King 
 of the Bean — and a right merry crew did I 
 get together. We dressed us all in green 
 doublets and russet slops, with ribbons and 
 laces, which the wenches lent us, I'll war- 
 rant you, sir ; and, with the bells a jingling 
 about our legs, we footed it along. First 
 the Boar's head, then the music blowers, 
 then some as hobby horses, others as 
 dragons ; so we marched to Church, which 
 was all decked with holly boughs. The 
 folks looked out a window as we went, and 
 none did laugh louder — ay, or give us 
 better huffcap and cakes, than did Bob
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 135 
 
 Ket in return for my Lord of Misrule's 
 badge of rlajme. All ! we had a right gay 
 time on't, for we piped and danced, gilli- 
 ard and pavo, in the great Tithe Barn the 
 livelong night. I'd be glad to see the like 
 again " 
 
 " Come ! come ! Will, a truce to thy 
 memory's fancies," interrupted De Burgh, 
 '' Can not thy wit discern I am burning 
 to discuss other matter with thee ? Let us 
 tr}' devise some plan, by which this coy 
 May-queen may be coaxed to give me 
 speech : — I swear by my barony, she hath 
 so enslaved me, that 'twill go hard but I 
 compass mine end — De Burgh hath not 
 often wooed in vain — what d'ye say? 
 Shall I make you my henchman, and take 
 you into service with pay proportionate ? 
 Thou'lt find it a merrier game than play- 
 acting, man." 
 
 " Now beshrew me for a rank greenhorn,
 
 136 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 an I close not hands on the compact," cried 
 Lively, " we must first put coin in our 
 pouches, and virtue may follow as best it 
 can. I pray your lordship to command 
 poor Will's service forthwith — old dogs are 
 staunch hunters !" 
 
 " Marry ! then so let it be," said De 
 Burgh, " and though we must first seek 
 succour for our benighted friend, Andrew, 
 mayhap, this other matter will dovetail 
 with it." 
 
 In such like talk they held forth, and 
 beguiled the time till day dawned, by 
 when Thorpe Hall was reached, which, as 
 it stood looming in the grey light, looked, 
 as it was, the fitting home of some feudal 
 lord. 
 
 Built of stone and fl.int, three stories 
 high, it had at each angle a high loop- 
 holed turret, and was encircled by em- 
 battled walls, with a deep moat running
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 137 
 
 before them, crossed by a bridge, now 
 high-drawn, to the guard-house, where a 
 portcullis barred the way. 
 
 In reply to the challenge of the look-out 
 man, De Burgh announced his style and 
 errand, when the bridge was lowered, and 
 the young noble ushered into the guard- 
 room, where he found Captain Daffrow, to 
 whom he narrated the doings at Hether- 
 sett, and depicted the unfortunate position 
 of its master. Xor did he forget to tell 
 the numbers of his foes. 
 
 The Captain, sniffing the fray from afar, 
 bustled off to summon Dorothy, whom he 
 bade rouse her lady, and communicate to 
 her the arrival of the Lord De Burgh, and 
 Master Flowerdew's sad plight. 
 
 Ere a long while had elapsed Mistress 
 Catherine appeared, attended by Dorothy, 
 and to her De Burgh advanced with a 
 gallant air. Bending his knee he attempted,
 
 138 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 after the fashion of the time, to kiss her 
 hand, which, however, the Ladj of Thorpe 
 withheld, and exclaimed — 
 
 " What ! and art a true knight to leave 
 thy friend in misfortune, and seek a feeble 
 woman's aid ? You, too, who first didst 
 rouse their just ire, and then fled from the 
 churls. Fy on thee ! De Burgh, rather 
 had I heard thee dead, than that one of 
 thy noble blood should thus demean his 
 order." 
 
 " Nay, sweet mistress," answered the 
 noble, flushing with choler, " rebuke me, 
 an thou wilt, for a moment's folly, since I 
 perceive some tell-tale hath whispered thee 
 of mine indiscretion at Windham Fair ; 
 still, I pr'ythee, spare mine honour re- 
 proach, for — as my comrade here will 
 avouch — I stayed and fought by Flower- 
 dew's side till all was lost ; and then — 
 wotting the bond 'twixt thee and him — I
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 139 
 
 did what a true knight should, when I 
 escaped their clutches, trusting to raise 
 some speedy succour, and by the aid of 
 thy men at arms to rescue him, and give 
 Ket's rabble a sound drubbing." 
 
 " Well, my lord," said Catherine, whose 
 manthng cheeks betrayed that De Burgh's 
 sly shaft had struck home, '' of all this I 
 know naught, save thy own report; but, 
 from our Reverend Father Sykes' own lips, 
 I learned that our plans, so well matured, 
 were marred by thy folly at "Windham 
 Fair, where thou didst act a very Lord of 
 Mis-rule. Yet, God forbid ! that I, woman 
 as I be, should judge thee, or press too 
 hard upon thee. We'll e'en try and repair 
 the mischief done ; thou shalt have a fair 
 chance of retrieving thy soiled fame, and 
 teaching these audacious churls to respect 
 us — Daffrow," continued she, turning to 
 her Captain, " let a troop of picked men
 
 140 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 
 
 ride for Hethersett with speed, T make no 
 doubt you'll quick rescue Master Flowerde w 
 from this bold Tanner's clutcli — Lord De 
 Burgh, you ride with them, so, I'll bid you 
 farewell, and wish ye all God speed !" 
 
 With which the Mistress of Thorpe de- 
 parted to seek the priest, and tell the 
 unwelcome news, leaving DafErow to the 
 task of collecting his men, and De Burgh 
 and Lively to their meditations, the former 
 of whom stood apart with a frowning brow, 
 clearly not relishing the lady's abrupt 
 dismissal. When the coast was clear, 
 Lively said — 
 
 " Take not the lady's words awry, 
 noble sir, she spake but the blunt truth, 
 albeit unpalatable. Of a verity, 'twas 
 thine amorous eye — and nought else — 
 caused the downfall of her cherished 
 hopes. She is but a churchwoman, whom 
 these priests play shuttlecock with !"
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 141 
 
 "You're right, Will," replied De Burgh, 
 striving to hide his spleen, while he swore 
 an inward oath of revenge on Dickson, as 
 the prime cause of all the slights put upon 
 him, " the tongue is a woman's sword, 
 which she never suffereth to rust, and I 
 can but allow my jest hath raised a storm 
 which I would fain see quelled. Marry ! 
 though, she was too hard on me, because 
 the people sickened of the shaveling's plot- 
 tings. Well ! so let it be — every miller 
 draweth water to his own mill — I'll 
 wash my hands of all these sly priestly 
 schemes, and, henceforth, play my own 
 game in mine own fashion." 
 
 There was soon a great fuss about the 
 hall, as the men-at-arms were gathered in 
 the courtyard. Then the captain reviewed 
 his force with military precision, and, leav- 
 ing sufficient men for the proper defence of 
 the place, started for Hethersett, De Burgh
 
 142 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 and Lively riding with the little troop. 
 Mistress Catherine watched from the turret 
 her men ride forth in all their bravery, and 
 her lips breathed a soft prayer to Heaven 
 for their success. Ever since her betrothal 
 she had regarded Flowerdew with a tender 
 affection, and it now hurt her womanly 
 pride to hear that his rashness had, in part, 
 been the cause of his ignominious state, 
 as also, that so paltry an antagonist should 
 have prevailed against him. 
 
 The fair girl's anxiety was not, however, 
 destined to be rewarded as it deserved, for 
 the scattered remnant of her troop with 
 the discomfited captain returned by night- 
 fall of the following day from a bootless 
 errand, having found the rioters more than 
 their match, by reason of their far greater 
 numbers. After leaving many of his men 
 on the ground, Daffrow had been forced to 
 draw off the remainder and retire, which he
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 143 
 
 was enabled to do without pursuit, as Ket's 
 men lacked horses. 
 
 Somewhat crestfallen, wounded, and 
 bearing about him marks of the fraj, the 
 stern, grey-bearded, soldier ruefully pre- 
 sented himself before his impatient mistress 
 to report the issue of the combat, and 
 meekly withstood her reproachful looks, 
 encom^aged by the sympathetic glances 
 which the coquettish Dorothy stole at him. 
 
 " What, then !" exclaimed Mistress Ca- 
 therine, after his tale was told, " couldst 
 thou, too, not prevail over such a mighty 
 foe ? Then, trow I, that by none can 
 Master Flowerdew be held a palterer, nor 
 can any smirch his honour. I thought thou 
 couldst have forced this tanner's power, 
 and rescued him with whom, in his fallen 
 state, mine heart doth mourn. Pr'jthee, 
 leave me ; I would ponder awhile what 'tis 
 best were done in this our strait."
 
 144 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 When lie was gone, Catherine Hasel- 
 wode made her way in haste to the priest's 
 chamber, and imparted her tidings, which 
 were received by him with no little agita- 
 tion, although his impassable countenance 
 betrayed few signs of the conflicting feel- 
 ings which were working in his active 
 mind. After some moments of thought, he 
 replied; — 
 
 " Daughter, thou well wottestGodworketh 
 in many diverse ways his own will, albeit 
 we poor mortals be forbid to see. It may 
 be this Ket will prove a pliant tool in our 
 hands ; and, could we devise some course 
 whereby to lure him to the side of Holy 
 Church, we would cast him by as a rotten 
 garment when our ends be served." 
 
 " Nay, father," said Catherine, " I should, 
 in sooth, be grieved to see our Holy Church 
 owe its uprising to such a source." 
 
 " Tush ! daughter," answered Sykes,
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 145 
 
 " bethink thee ; the fall was by the hand 
 of an adulterous king — once, forsooth, so 
 fiery in his zeal for Church that he wrote 
 a defence of the seven Sacraments, and 
 subtly earned the proud title of '' Defender 
 of the Faith " from the holy Father, Leo 
 himself. — Besides, thou hast heard that 
 martyred maid, the Xun of Kent, when she 
 lay prostrate afore our Ladye's shrine at 
 Court-a-Street, foresaw a speedy uprising 
 of the Church, but through blood letting. 
 Make no doubt, 'twas of this very Ket she 
 spake. The cause will purify the tools 
 with which we work. Methinks I'll send a 
 message to him — fair words cost naught !" 
 
 " Of a verity thou art the better arbiter 
 twixt right and wrong," answered Catherine, 
 " and I must fain yield me to thy wisdom 
 — ^yet," continued she, hesitatingly, " this 
 course doth run counter to all my sense 
 of honour ; nor — forgive me the speech, 
 
 VOL. I. H
 
 146 MISTRESS HASELWODB. 
 
 father — do I think mine honoured sire, 
 if he were on earth to guide me, would hold 
 with thee in this." 
 
 " Mistress Catherine," said Sykes, '* thou 
 wast ever taught by thy valiant sire, when 
 he walked with thee in life, that Holy 
 Church can do no wrong ; so I, thy spiri- 
 tual father, do charge thee by St. Faith to 
 yield me prompt and dutiful obedience. 
 Methinks, daughter, it were well now thou 
 shouldst betake thyself to thy stitchery, 
 which, I know, will better suit thee than 
 talk of rude war." 
 
 Catherine submitting, but unconvinced, 
 left the subtle Priest to his musings how 
 best to advantage his cause by the present 
 unpropitious turn of events. 
 
 After long consideration, he indited a 
 letter, holding out to Ket great offers 
 of future reward, if he would make common 
 cause with the deposed priesthood, and
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 147 
 
 despatched it to him by a sure messenger, 
 awaiting in impatience for a reply. 
 
 A couple of days elapsed, ere the return 
 of his messenger, when Ket's answer was 
 placed in his hands. Breaking the seal he 
 eagerly perused the contents, and, from the 
 frown on his brow, it was soon clear that 
 the response was unpalatable to him. In 
 it, Captain Ket made answer, that being- 
 somewhat inclined to listen to his proposals, 
 he demanded as a preliminary condition 
 and as a surety of good faith, that the 
 hand of Mistress Catherine Haselwode 
 should be first pledged to him in wed- 
 lock; which done, he would further treat 
 of the matter. 
 
 With a malison on the tanner's audacity, 
 Sykes crushed the letter in his hand, 
 muttering, " Xow, by the rood ! I'm clean 
 amazed — set a beggar on horseback, and 
 he'll ride straight to the devil ! I dare not 
 
 H 2
 
 148 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 even tell Mistress Catherine — and yet," 
 pondered he, " if she would but lend her- 
 self to lure him on ; by our Ladye ! she 
 would be a bait to catch a nobler fish 
 than Bob Ket, the Windham tanner !"
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Cade. — " I have thought upon it ; it shall be so. 
 
 Away bum all the records of the realm ; my 
 Mouth shall be the parliament of England — 
 And henceforth all things shall be in common." 
 
 King Henet YI. 
 
 COUPLE of months after TTind- 
 ham fair, there was gathered 
 together under the gnarled branches of 
 one of the stoutest oaks that ever grew on 
 old England's soil, a motley assemblage, 
 part adventurer, part misguided enthusiast, 
 part churl, part riffraff. 
 
 Standing on the Hill of Mousehold, but 
 a few miles distant from Xorwich city, this 
 famed oak reared its sturdy trunk, and 
 outspread its wide green branches. Now, 
 grouped beneath its shade, were Captain
 
 150 MISTKESS HASELWODE. 
 
 Ket with bis brother, and a little knot of 
 his picked followers. From the spot where 
 they stood, a fine view was obtained of 
 Norwich and the surrounding country ; 
 and the leader of the insurgent army — for 
 to these proportions had it by this time 
 arrived — had well chosen the position for 
 his centre of operations. 
 
 E-ound about, the country was dotted 
 with rough tents, and with huts made of 
 withy and osier sticks, the interstices be- 
 ing daubed with mud, and the roofs covered 
 with straw and branches of trees, in which 
 were encamped the hosts, who had enrolled 
 themselves under Ket's banner. 
 
 One by one, the houses of the gentry 
 had fallen, despite the stout resistance of 
 their occupants, and now the whole district 
 lay at the rebel leader's feet, whose first 
 success over Flowerdew had so raised him 
 in the minds of the common sort, that they
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 151 
 
 had unquestioningly yielded submissive 
 obedience to his orders. 
 
 Ket — as his brother, who seemed but his 
 echo — was now clad in soldier-like fashion, 
 with corslet and greaves, and wore a plume 
 in his helmet. By him stood Will Dickson 
 and other lieutenants, all armed, though 
 after a somewhat incongruous style. One 
 had a breastplate and helmet ; another, a 
 helmet but no breastplate ; and some had 
 neither, but were equipped with swords, 
 halberts, pikes, and other odd weapons. 
 The stock of arms, which the sack of 
 Hethersett had afforded them, had since 
 been largely increased by the stores got 
 from the towns and from the other gentle- 
 men's houses in the district, all which, 
 save only Thorpe, had shared the fate of 
 Master Flowerdew's. 
 
 The camp was at best but a jarring con- 
 cord. It was quite beyond the power of 
 the Captain or his lieutenants to exercise
 
 152 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 a strict discipline over the miscellaneous 
 host, even if they had understood how to 
 set about the job. 
 
 It seemed that the discussion, which was 
 being held under the oak by the conclave, 
 was now over, for Ket said, " As we be all 
 agreed, comrades, let us now to the busi- 
 ness of the general weal. Sound the 
 call !" In answer to the loud blast of 
 the trumpeters, the rioters came running 
 up from all quarters towards the oak. 
 
 When the motley crowd was gathered 
 round, Ket, by the aid of a rough ladder — 
 clambered up into the tree, and, sitting 
 astride on a thick branch, addressed them. 
 " Comrades ! what is this I hear ? that 
 the more greedy of ye have — in diversion of 
 the pact, whereby 'twas agreed to have 
 equal partition of all plunder and pillage — 
 dared to contravene our license, and to en- 
 rich yourselves by hiding that which ye
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 153 
 
 have got, not in fair faith bringing it to 
 the common stock, when we, your Captain 
 and Grovernors, would ourselves have seen 
 proper division made. No^, harken ! as ye 
 wot 'tis opportunity makes a thief, likewise 
 a short reckoning maketh long friends ; 
 wherefore, we be minded to have a stricter 
 honour among ye, and now adjudge that 
 all spoil be henceforth brought together, 
 that a true partition may be made. And, 
 further, do decree this tree be styled the 
 ' Reformation Oak,' for here we pledge us 
 to remedy all complaints, and justly to give 
 a fair hearing to all. So then, we do forth- 
 with stablish here Courts of Chancery, of 
 Pleas, and of King's Bench, similarly to 
 those at "Westminster. Marry ! but free of 
 the long-tongued lawyers — here, each man 
 shall be his own tell-tale, and we, the 
 Governors, will adjudicate. Henceforth let 
 any of ye, who have grievance or complaint 
 
 H 5
 
 154 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 against others, come boldly, and we will 
 take speedy means for the redressing of 
 your wrongs. Yet, remember, that a knave 
 discovered is the greatest fool ; so will we 
 send to instant prison, — ay, and if need be 
 to death — any who shall bear false witness, 
 or shall dare to controvert this our will. 
 * Liberty and Reformation ' hath been, and 
 shall ever be, oar motto." 
 
 " The Captain speaketh aright," cho- 
 rassed the lieutenants, when Ket's sten- 
 torian voice had ceased, and they started 
 a loud cheer, which the multitude took 
 up, and repeated over and over again ; till, 
 from hill to hill, over dale and valley, the 
 hoarse murmur of the shouting host was 
 echoed. 
 
 There were not wanting, however, those 
 among them to whom Ket's views were 
 highly distasteful ; who, although they 
 allowed his leadership, still held themselves
 
 MISTBESS HASELWODE. 155 
 
 free from all discipline ; and of the cheerers, 
 only those about the oak knew the cause 
 for which their voices were exercised. 
 
 " Marry ! now," whispered Box to his 
 companion cut-purse, Peter Giles, " this 
 is but a government without a govern- 
 ment, for who shall judge the governors 
 themselves ? The tanner bes^inneth earlv 
 to lord it over us — I trow, 'twill soon be 
 well for us to shift our quarters, an 
 he heareth of our secretion of Master 
 Flowerdew's silver cups, and the bonny 
 pearl necklet, which we had from the 
 sacking of Sir Giles Starling's, and other 
 sundry chattels— to say nothing of the 
 broad pieces, which these dolts' pouches 
 have yielded, now and again, to our finger- 
 ing — 'twill go hardish with us." 
 
 " Never fear," answered Giles, '' none 
 will guess the spot where the swag is 
 stowed. Ergot's cave hath ever been
 
 156 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 shunned as Satan's haunt. 'Tis said, he 
 walketh there a nights, and spiriteth off any 
 who may venture near. Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! 
 these Canterbury tales make good times 
 for us sly rogues ! We be the cats that 
 catch the mice ! Why, 'twas I, my very self, 
 first put out that tale, and frightened poor 
 old parson Whitehead by mumming there 
 one summer's eve, dressed in a jackass's 
 skin, when he passed by pondering on a 
 homily for the Sabbath. Ha! Hal All's 
 well that ends well !" 
 
 His companion's loud cackling testified 
 to a due appreciation of Giles's wit ; and, as 
 they pursued their way, arm in arm, we 
 may warrant the greenhorn, who next fell 
 in their path, would have to lament the 
 loss of his pouch. 
 
 Through the camp, lack of military order 
 and trained discipline was very manifest. 
 Idleness, and debauchery, rather appeared
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 157 
 
 to be the main attractions for the many. 
 Here, a group of quarrelling varlets drunk 
 from silver cups, Sack and rich Burgundy 
 wines, purloined from out some squire's 
 cellars. Anon, one met others wearing the 
 rich trunk hose and feathered cap of the 
 higher classes, setting all the sumptuary 
 laws at open defiance, strutting about like 
 jackdaws in peacocks' plumes. Xor was 
 there any scarcity of women, mostly of 
 a low grade, flaunting about the encamp- 
 ment, bedizened in the finery of plundered 
 ladies of quality, and aping the manners of 
 their betters. Here, noisy gamblers played 
 span -farthing. There, loud uproarious 
 laughter told that some troller was singing 
 in cracked notes his bawd ditty. 
 
 It was plain to see, such a crew would 
 be easy prey to a very inferior number 
 of smart soldiers, when the issue came to 
 be tried.
 
 158 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 A picked band of the best of tliem was 
 now being collected under the superintend- 
 ence of the Captain himself, whose heart 
 was set on seeing the inside of Thorpe Hall, 
 ay, and who can tell what other motive 
 urged him ? since the loveliness of Mistress 
 Catherine Haselwode, and her betrothal to 
 Master Flowerdew, were the common talk 
 of the countryside. 
 
 The attention of the gamblers and 
 loiterers was presently directed into an- 
 other channel by the appeara.nce of a small 
 cavalcade, slowly, and with dignity, winding 
 its way up the hill. 
 
 Leaving their games and songs, all ran 
 and crowded round the procession, which 
 consisted of a Herald, clad in tabard and 
 all the distinctive array of his office, at- 
 tended by a brace of trumpeters, and 
 half-a-dozen men-at-arms. 
 
 Advancing to the front of the Reforma-
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 159 
 
 tion Oak, the trumpeters blew a shrill 
 fanfare, repeated three times, while the 
 people stood round, agape at the novel 
 sight. Then the Herald read out in a clear 
 voice : — 
 
 " Men of Norfolk and of Suffolk, hark 
 ye ! I be charged to speak bv your most 
 high and natural sovereign, King Edward, 
 who hath been anointed of God to rule 
 you, preserve you, save you from your 
 enemies, and to administer the laws well 
 and rightly every man getting his own 
 and to suppress disordered folks, to correct 
 traitors, thieves, robbers, and such like. 
 Now, know ye, that he hath for love 
 descended from his high majesty to con- 
 sider you in your simple ignorance, and to 
 send you instruction — like a father to un- 
 ruly children — who could in justice send 
 you destruction — like a king to wicked 
 rebels. "Wherefore, by his command I
 
 160 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 make proclaim that every man of ye 
 rebels, traitors, and robbers as ye be wlio 
 shall lay aside his arms, and quietly and 
 peaceably go home to his dwelling — first 
 freeing them who be in present bondage, 
 and yielding up their plundered chattels — 
 shall get a free pardon, and his misdoings 
 shall be forgot. But if ye will not listen, 
 then I give ye to know, that as ye see his 
 mercy thus abundantly, so if ye further 
 provoke him, he doth swear by the living 
 God, ye shall feel the power of the same 
 God in his sword ; which, how mighty it 
 is, no subject knoweth ; how puissant it is, 
 no private man can judge ; how mortal it 
 is, no Englishman can dare to think ! 
 God save the King !" 
 
 When the Herald had finished, dead 
 silence reigned for a moment amongst 
 them ; but, in the impressiveness of the 
 heraldic ceremony, the gentle language of
 
 MISTRESS HISELWODE. 161 
 
 the proclamation defeated its own end, and 
 Ket's harsh voice soon broke on the silence 
 in answer : — 
 
 " Master Pursuivant ! thou hast spoke 
 thy king's message, and now shalt hear 
 the answer of the Reformers from the 
 mouth of their chosen captain. Tell, then, 
 this king of thine. Sir Herald, that we 
 neither need nor desire pardon for aught ; 
 and that I, their captain, Robert Ket, have 
 pledged me to reform this land, even as 
 thy king hath been trying to reform the 
 Church. Wherefore, in the name of this 
 great Army of the Reformation, I now bid 
 him defiance. Get thee back, quick, and 
 tell him that we make no account of such 
 manner of mercy ; nor be minded to turn 
 our hands back from the plough we have 
 set a-going." 
 
 The insurgents loudly endorsed their
 
 162 MISTRESS HASBLWODB. 
 
 Captain's spirited defiance, calling out, 
 " God save Ket !" 
 
 Ay, and the more forward of them, but 
 that Ket checked their ardour, had not 
 scrupled to lay hands on the Herald him- 
 self, who stood unmoved in the midst of 
 the surging throng, while the bold and 
 ambitious traitor uttered his defiance ; 
 then, contemptuously turning away, left, 
 and went unlet through them, to report his 
 mission to the Council sitting up in London.
 
 
 '^^^^W 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 " Love and meekness, lord, 
 Become a Chm-chman better than ambition ; 
 Win straying souls with modesty again, 
 Cast none away." 
 
 King Henky YIII. 
 
 X liis hiding-cliamber at Thorpe 
 sat the dispossessed Prior of 
 Bromeliolme. During the time which has 
 intervened since we last saw him there, 
 his circumstances had not brightened, but 
 events had rapidly gone counter to his 
 wishes. Though ignoring Ket's first auda- 
 cious answer to his overtures, he had, 
 nevertheless, since plied him with bribes 
 and tempting offers of another sort ; which, 
 skilfully as they had been administered, 
 had been by that Captain promptly refused.
 
 164 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 Now, growing bolder than before, Ket, by 
 a message whicli lay before him, demanded 
 the surrender of the Hall in terms of in- 
 solent command. 
 
 Sykes had, in vain, tried all his rhetoric 
 to coax Mistress Catherine Haselwode into 
 lending herself a lure to attract Ket to his 
 service. The fair girl, obedient as she had 
 ever been to his advice in all other things, 
 was not to be stirred on this point from 
 her maiden troth by all the manoeuvring 
 priest's cajolery, or sophistry. Indeed, 
 words had passed between them almost to 
 a quarrel ; for she had been hard pressed 
 by him, who perhaps thought that his 
 Church's cause could be better served by 
 the rising and now powerful Ket, than 
 by the gentry, since they had of late been 
 everywhere getting the worst end of the 
 stick. 
 
 As the priest sat deep in thought,
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 165 
 
 Catherine presented herself for her morn- 
 ing salutation. After the customary greet- 
 ings had passed, Sykes, playing somewhat 
 nervously with the letter which lay before 
 him, returned once more to the charge. 
 The task was, however, not a congenial 
 one to him, nor did he find his words come 
 so ready to the tongue as they were wont ; 
 and he kept his searching eyes averted 
 from the girl's face. Presently he spoke — 
 " Daughter, thou wottest we have of 
 late in our talk often marvelled at the 
 quick strides with which this Ket, the 
 Windham Tanner, hath been mounting up 
 the ladder of fame. But a few years agone, 
 when I was fresh at Bromeholme, he was a 
 humble burgher of small account in Wind- 
 ham. After awhile, waxing fat as we 
 declined, he made the first step. Then, 
 did he elect himself Captain leader of this 
 great host, and, subverting our gentles
 
 166 MTSTEESS HASELWODE. 
 
 by force of arms, set his foot on the top- 
 most rung. Now the country folks tell us 
 he is held a very king by them, and hath 
 stablished Courts of Justice, so that all 
 Norfolk and Suffolk acknowledge none 
 other king than Ket. By the Rood ! T am 
 persuaded if he would make common cause 
 v/ith Holy Church — to which end I have 
 writ him divers letters — I'd not doubt me 
 of a marvellous triumph. Daughter ! thou 
 art, I trow, a true child of Holy Church, 
 and daily readest the Bedes, which tell thee 
 to pray for her weal, it resteth with thee, 
 and with thee alone, whether this rebel 
 king be so seduced as to vantage her. 
 Bethink thee of the mighty work thou art 
 called to do to thine honour. He hankereth 
 to make thee his Queen Ket ; so, if thou 
 wouldst but give the presumptuous burgher 
 some encouragement — not i' faith, to turn 
 recreant to thy old love, but to lure him into
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 167 
 
 the meshes of our plot — then could we use 
 him awhile till our end be served, when he 
 should meet the proper reward of his 
 audacity. All's fair in so good a cause ! 
 What sajest thou ?" 
 
 Mistress Catherine Haselwode's bright 
 eyes sparkled with wrath, as she answered 
 the plotting churchman. 
 
 " And dost thus speak to a daughter of 
 Haselwode — to me, the betrothed of another, 
 with whom, in his desolate state, my heart 
 is firmer linked than in days of yore when 
 we took our pleasuring, and shared our 
 griefs together ? Never ! father, never will 
 Catherine Haselwode, of her own free will, 
 become the weapon for wounding the true 
 heart of another ! Methinks, thou hast 
 mistaken me." 
 
 " Kay, then, daughter," replied Sykes, 
 mildly, '' be not up in arms ; thou dost not 
 read the purport of my appeal aright. I
 
 168 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 would fain persuade thee the course I 
 shadowed out will be approved even by 
 Master Flowerdew himself; ay, and, if 
 thou'lt but say the word, I'll promise to 
 secure his yea — 'T would in truth be a 
 hard trial for him to watch the game ; yet, 
 methinks, a good son of Holy Church 
 would yield him for her sake." 
 
 " Stay, father," cried Catherine, " I 
 beseech thee spare me further annoy, nor 
 think I would so distress him. My mind 
 is fully set in this matter ; I can yield thee 
 duty no whit." 
 
 Sykes, seeing that it was useless to 
 press the high-spirited girl further, re- 
 plied— 
 
 " Be at ease, daughter, I'll urge thee no 
 more. Gro, pay thy wonted visit to the 
 hen-yard, and, I beseech thee, forgive me, 
 and believe that I am thy daily beadsman." 
 
 After she was gone, he began to cast
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 169 
 
 about for other ways of furthering his 
 plans ; and at length settled, that he could 
 best serve his cause by betaking himself to 
 Exeter, which, by a late advice he was in- 
 formed. Sir Humfrey Arundel with ten 
 thousand men was besieging for the Church. 
 Sykes' restless activity requiring constant 
 fuel to feed its fire, he resolved to flit while 
 the way was yet open to him. Accordingly, 
 he busied himself in collecting such of his 
 papers as were most valuable, and, having 
 packed up a change of garments and other 
 necessaries for the journey, he reassumed 
 his disguise, and descended to the parlour. 
 Here he found Mistress Catherine, whom 
 he acquainted with his movements, and 
 bade farewell for a time, praying to be 
 served with a strong horse. 
 
 His request being readily granted, he 
 departed, journeying through Norfolk 
 without misadventure, and arrived in 
 
 VOL. I. I
 
 170 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 due course before the city of Exeter, 
 round about which, as he approached, he 
 saw the camp of his rebellious co-church- 
 men. 
 
 He was soon stopped by a company of 
 them patrolling the outposts ; and, on giving 
 his name and style to the Captain, was con- 
 ducted through the camp to the tent of the 
 leader. Sir Humfrey Arundel, which was 
 distinguished by the broad banner of "Our 
 Ladye " floating above it. 
 
 As fchey went, the Captain, in reply to 
 the queries of the priest, told him that the 
 city had been closely beleaguered for a 
 fortnight or more, and that all supplies of 
 food and drink were cut off, so that it 
 could but be a matter of short time ere 
 the gates would be thrown open to them. 
 
 Sykes, keenly scanning the camp, mar- 
 velled at the loose and shacking discipline 
 which appeared to be maintained. The
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 171 
 
 Captain now conducted liim to tlie tent of 
 Sir Hunifrey, whom he found seated at a 
 rough table, surrounded by his chief officers 
 in gay uniforms, and by not a few priests 
 in their sombre dress. Indeed, all through 
 the camp, the sacred banner^ displaying 
 figures of guardian Saints, emblems of the 
 Cross and other tokens, and the soldiery, 
 or rather combatants, bearing the badges 
 of their respective leaders, with the priests 
 openly moving about among them in their 
 distinctive garb, stamped its character that 
 of a religious crusade. 
 
 Here a body of men were gathered round 
 a priest saying mass; there a knot of priests 
 were collected in close council. 
 
 Arundel gave Sykes a cordial reception. 
 " Ah ! Sir Prior, faithful member of the 
 Church militant, welcome to our camp. We 
 trust soon to restore thee to thine old pos- 
 sessions, and to reinstate thee in thy former 
 
 I 2
 
 172 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 House, as we have just done for this our good 
 father, Anthony Court, stringing up his 
 audacious despoiler, Sir Thomas Bullen, 
 whom, mayhap, thou sawest a hanging for 
 a scarecrow afore the Priory gates, as thou 
 didst pass by. Marry ! — though long since 
 delivered to the Devil, accursed in sleeping 
 and waking, in town or village, and every- 
 where anathema, he hath all these years 
 escaped punishment, and waxed fatter and 
 fatter with spoil, till now a tardy fate hath 
 overcome him. Ay, and so have we sworn 
 to serve all such !" 
 
 " Thy zeal for holy Church hath ever been 
 a watchword with us, and thou a pattern 
 Knight, good Sir Humfrey," replied Sykes, 
 " I am sanguine that, under thy bold 
 leadership, our star will again peep forth 
 from the clouds, which of late have over- 
 shadowed it." 
 
 " Well now, reverend sir, thou'rt kind
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 173 
 
 thus to commend me," continued the 
 Knight, " and I'll promise you 'twill not be 
 Humfrey Arundel's fault, if the cause 
 miscarry. I trust ere many days be past, 
 this stubborn city will be gained. We hear 
 the folks within the walls are divided among 
 them ; some speak for yielding, and have 
 already treated; but two Protestantising 
 knaves, Barnard Duffield, and Jack 
 Courtenay, do, by their blatant chatter, 
 prevent them who hold by us from render- 
 ing up the place. Wherefore, we have 
 resolved to starve them out, and use their 
 bellies for our good allies. Already have 
 we cut off their water conduits, of which 
 we make bullets to pelt them, thou didst, 
 mayhap, pass the forge on thy way ? but I 
 will reserve further talk till the morrow, 
 when we shall hope for the benefit of your 
 council as to our best procedure." 
 
 Father Sykes bowed his acknowledg-
 
 174 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 ment of Sir Humfrey's courtesy, and pro- 
 mised to attend at the council board ; tlien 
 departed to glean for himself some insight 
 into the manner of the investment. 
 
 From a slight eminence he surveyed the 
 city, as it lay before him dim in the twi- 
 light ; and the cries of the sentries, and the 
 clank of their arms, could ever and anon 
 be plainly heard by him. Here he stood, 
 ruminating awhile, then turned to retrace 
 his steps ; but, wrapped in thought, missed 
 his way, and wandered too near the walls, 
 when out of a gate there suddenly issued a 
 party of the watch, who had, doubtless, 
 spied him before, and lain in wait till dark. 
 These pounced on him, and stifling his 
 lusty cries for help, bore their struggling 
 prisoner off in triumph from under the very 
 noses of his friends into the city, where 
 they promptly clapped him in the common 
 ward, and left him, supperless, to his reflec-
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 175 
 
 tions till the morrow, when, the leader of 
 the citizen band told him, he would be 
 brought up before their worships at the 
 Court House. 
 
 He was not long left the sole tenant of 
 his cell, for a great noise presently arose 
 without, and, the door being thrown open, 
 a large, powerfully-built, man was thrust 
 in, who seemed convulsed with passionate 
 indignation, and made so stout a resist- 
 ance that the guards could scarce over- 
 power him. They succeeded at length, how- 
 ever, in getting him in, when they slammed- 
 to the great oak door, and locked it after 
 them. 
 
 The new-comer, on being left alone, gave 
 vent to his rage, and roundly abused his 
 captors in language at once coarse and vio- 
 lent. When his passion had somewhat sub- 
 sided, the priest coughed slightly to attract 
 his attention, on which his fellow-prisoner
 
 176 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 turned, and gazing upon liim by the dim 
 light of an oil -lamp, which had in the 
 scuffle been left behind in the cell, shrewdly 
 guessed at his profession. 
 
 "Marry! sir," said he, "adversity maketh 
 strange bedfellows ! I do perceive thou art 
 a priest of Rome by thy shaven poll ; and 
 I, — Ha ! Ha ! — was, till this morning, the 
 chosen leader of all the haters of papish 
 abominations and priestcraft in Exeter ; 
 while now, egad, I be thy comrade in dis- 
 grace. Hast heard of Barnard Duffield ? 
 Ask any citizen of Exeter, and he will tell 
 thee that 'twas I withstood the presump- 
 tuous upstart, Jack Courtenay, to his face, 
 scorning to follow in such a wake ; and, 
 lo ! the common ward is my bedchamber, 
 sent by the drivelling mayor and his fellow- 
 aldermen. 'Tis bad enough to have tasted 
 neither flesh nor ale these two weeks, and 
 to have fed on puffins and swine's food,
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 177 
 
 but to be treated to a jailbird's roost is a 
 sorry recompense for good service. Marry ! 
 I trust thy belly is not dainty, sir priest, 
 for no morsel of other victual than horse- 
 flesh will they give you here." 
 
 Sykes saw the advantage to be derived 
 from conciliating the disgusted and deposed 
 leader, and accordingly, condoled with him 
 in his mortification. 
 
 As, however, they had not many topics of 
 conversation in common, both after awhile 
 relapsed into silence, presently broken only 
 by the deep snores of the large-chested, 
 broad-nosed, Duffield, which, acting on the 
 sensitive nerves of Sykes, aggravated him 
 to the verge of distraction, and effectually 
 banished all sleep. In the morning a 
 jailor came with breakfast, which turned 
 out to be as foretold by Duffield — a dish of 
 coarse horseflesh and some puffin-cake, or 
 rather dumpling with prunes, for which 
 
 I 5
 
 178 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 superior fare the priest was, doubtless, in- 
 debted to the chance of his companion being 
 a prisoner of so great local importance, as 
 no citizen of Exeter that morning had a 
 more tempting breakfast. 
 
 Dufl&eld made a voracious meal, and ap- 
 peared to relish the fare ; but Sykes, un- 
 accustomed to the exigencies of a besieged 
 town, sickened at the bare sight of the 
 food, and merely eat a mouthful of dump- 
 ling, the unpalatable flavour of which 
 caused him to spit with disgust. 
 
 Before long, the civic guard came for 
 their prisoners, and marched them off 
 between two files of halberdiers, through a 
 gesticulating crowd, which was waiting 
 outside, many of whom were partisans of 
 Duffield, and encouraged him by their loud 
 exclamations, to the Common Hall, where 
 was seated the Worshipful Mayor, with his 
 Aldermen, on the judgement bench. Ere
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 179 
 
 business was broaclied, however, there was 
 a great stir among the crowd, which divided 
 as a tall, bold-faced, young woman stalked 
 through, and made her way straight to the 
 worshipful bench. 
 
 " 'Tis my brave wench, Bess, by the 
 Lord !" exclaimed Duffield, nudging Sykes, 
 who had watched in great astonishment the 
 girl's proceedings. " I'll warrant you, she 
 speaketh her mind to Master Mayor ; ay, 
 and clapperclaweth him, too, an he resisteth 
 her will !" 
 
 He guessed right, for the girl's shrill 
 voice rose above the murmurs of the throng, 
 as she addressed the startled magistrate. 
 
 '' Marry come up ! a fine fellow you 
 be, forsooth, to lord it over Barnard 
 Duffield ! I tell thee, let him go quick, 
 else shalt repent of laying hands on him — 
 thou, whose spirit is better fitted for 
 fingering thy drapings, and hosen, and
 
 180 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 ribbon silks, than for adventuring against 
 a brave and bold man — let him go, I say, 
 forthwith ! Dost hear me, Master Mayor ?'* 
 
 " Bravo ! Bess," called out Duffield, in 
 ecstacy, " well spoken, wench !" 
 
 The worthy Mayor, a nervous, timid 
 body, albeit mightily impressed with his 
 dignity, and over-conscious of his state, 
 shuffled on his cushioned chair, and pur- 
 pled with wrath at being bearded by a 
 woman in the face of his brother citizens. 
 
 " Get ye away, girl !" cried he, " else will 
 I send thee to keep thy father company in 
 his prison. Begone !" 
 
 Bess seemed transported with passion, 
 and, mindless of her sex, without more 
 ado pressed forward, and caught the pursy 
 mayor a loud smack on his fat cheek, on 
 which his worship bellowed out lustily, and 
 the citizens — seeing the blow, and not 
 knowing but that he might be struck to
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 181 
 
 death — set up a loud outcry, soon repeated 
 without from mouth to mouth, with due 
 exaggeration, all over the city. 
 
 Such was the bewilderment and com- 
 motion, that some ran, and set the Church 
 bells ringing, and folks rushed out of their 
 houses to arms, thinking their enemies had 
 made an entrance into the city. 
 
 Meantime, the Mayor, having recovered 
 his courage somewhat, and fearing a rescue, 
 ordered Bess to be seized, and hurried off 
 to jail ; whither Duffield and Sykes were 
 also dragged back, the council being for 
 the nonce broken up. 
 
 Here, however, we must take leave of 
 the priest, and his fortunes, to follow the 
 course of events at Hethersett.
 
 CHAPTEE XI. 
 
 " No matter, since 
 They have left their viands behind ; for we have 
 
 Stomachs " 
 
 Tempest. 
 
 HE squire of Hethersett, a pri- 
 soner all this while in his own 
 house, had found the time pass wearily 
 by, the sole break on each day's solitude 
 being the morning and evening visits of 
 the jailer, who attended to his wants only 
 so far as to provide him with food and 
 drink — usually plain bread and water. It 
 was also his habit to remain in the cell 
 whilst the prisoner went through those 
 petty oJ0&ces, commonly done by menials. 
 Flowerdew was fast losing his ruddy,
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 183 
 
 liealtlij, colour ; and tlie moping, induced 
 bj loneliness, was gradually preying on Ms 
 spirits, and so on his health. He made an 
 effort at first to beguile the jailer by tempt- 
 ing bribes, but the surly man was honest 
 to his trust ; and he was soon convinced 
 that it was useless to try and tamper with 
 him. The only diversion he had was the 
 sound of revelry, which, now and again, 
 reached his aggravated ears when the 
 feasters became in their cups even more 
 quarrelsome and boisterous than usual. 
 
 Many a wild thought for escape sug- 
 gested itself to him, only to be rejected on 
 further consideration. Sometimes he felt 
 tempted to rush on the jailer, and pit him- 
 self unarmed against him, despite the 
 disparity of odds in the ugly weapon, 
 without which the man never came. He 
 thought, too, that, if he could slip out- 
 side the cell door with just a start in
 
 184 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 the gloomy passage, lie would be able to 
 baffle pursuit till lie reached a vault at the 
 opposite end of the range. There, hidden 
 by a cunningly-designed door of masonry, 
 was a passage, which led for some distance 
 underground, and terminated in a thick 
 spiny surrounding the grotto, called Er- 
 get's cave, cut out of the solid rock, which 
 we have seen the two cut-purses, Giles 
 and Box, had taken possession of as a 
 hiding-place for their plunder, secure in 
 the bad reputation it had acquired of being 
 the haunt of the devil himself. Meanwhile, 
 his mind was distracted, and tortured by 
 doubts and fears as to Mistress Catherine 
 Haselwode's safety ; for the jailer had not 
 failed to keep him well posted in Ket's 
 marvellous success ; telling him with a 
 particular relish of all the achievements 
 of the rioters, doubtless according to in- 
 structions received from Ket himself ; so
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 185 
 
 that the Squire was daily fretting at his 
 powerlessness to avenge himself, and to 
 protect his betrothed. 
 
 At length he resolved no longer to endure 
 the worry, but to make an attempt for his 
 liberty on the first favourable opportunity, 
 by trying his strength against the jailer's. 
 His simple plot was soon arranged ; and, 
 the better to aid him to his end, he feigned 
 an illness, and betook himself to his straw 
 shakedown whenever the jailer's step was 
 heard, in the hope that this supposed weak- 
 ness might at length have the effect of put- 
 ting him off his guard. 
 
 The man, unaccustomed to prison ways, 
 was quite taken in by Flowerdew's simple 
 contrivance ; so much so, that he relented 
 a little, and brought him a basin of pottage, 
 and a cup of the squire's own good wine, — 
 being the first time such a luxury had been 
 granted him since his imprisonment.
 
 186 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 The wine he swallowed down with an 
 eager relish, and it, acting on his nervous 
 frame, gave him the required excitement 
 and stimulus for his purpose. When he 
 had drained the last drop, taking advantage 
 of the lax habit of leaving the cell door 
 unlocked behind him, into which the jailer 
 had fallen since his illness, and feigning 
 great weakness, he induced the unsuspicious 
 man to assist him in rising. 
 
 No sooner was he on his legs, than he 
 threw himself full weight on the fellow, 
 who had no time to draw his weapon, but 
 had to contend with his opponent muscle 
 against muscle. 
 
 The suddenness of the attack completely 
 favoured Flowerdew, and he had the best 
 of the wrestle, throwing the other after a 
 momentary tussle on his back. Then, 
 kneeling on his breast, he promptly got 
 hold of the key, which hung at his girdle,
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 187 
 
 and wrencHng liimself from the grasp of 
 the astonished jailer darted through the 
 door, which he banged to and locked after 
 him — and not a moment too soon, for the 
 man was up in a twink, and thundering at 
 th.e door with all the force of his heavy 
 leathern boots. 
 
 In his haste Flowerdew had neoiected 
 to pick up the lamp, so had to grope his 
 way through the gloom in the direction of 
 the vault, where was the entrance to the 
 secret passage. 
 
 Bewildered by the darkness, he was 
 quite puzzled as to the direction of the 
 cellar he wished to find, and the riot, which 
 the jailer kept kicking up against the door 
 of his cell, made him fear that, if the 
 noise reached the ears of the others, they 
 would make a speedy appearance to as- 
 certain the cause, and so he should be cut 
 off from escape.
 
 188 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 As his only mode of progression was by 
 feeling with his hands, it is not to be 
 wondered at that he quite lost his reckon- 
 ings, and he was just debating whether he 
 should not run the gauntlet of the house, 
 when there appeared at the stair head two 
 or three fellows, apparently coming to 
 broach an ale cask ; since one had a large 
 black jack, and another a flaming lamp. 
 This shewed Flowerdew his whereabouts, 
 and he recognised the vault he was so 
 anxious to find, into which he slipped ; not 
 however so quickly but that his shadow 
 was seen by them, for he heard one say : 
 
 " Surely 'twas a bogle, Dick — didst see 
 it, man ? — By the mass ! I'll not budge 
 another inch — if your throat be dry, go 
 thjself and draw — as for me, I'll get back 
 spry !" 
 
 Just then, the jailer renewing his kicks, 
 they recovered their spirits, and forgot all
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 189 
 
 about the bogle at those signs of mortal life ; 
 as Flowerde^, from liis biding place, beard 
 tbe same voice exclaim witb a loud lauo:b : 
 
 *" Ha ! Ha ! metbinks Master Flowerdew 
 dotb object to our swilling of bis good 
 liquor ! Come along — we'll find tbe tap — 
 let bim kick, an be will, 'twill avail bim 
 naugbt if be goes on from now till cock- 
 crow — be will but make bis own legs acbe — 
 tbe door will stand all Master Flowerdew's 
 kicks — Ha ! Ha ! kick away, mj master ! 
 kick away !" 
 
 Master jailer did kick away witb a 
 vengeance, and raised bis busky voice to 
 its fall pitcb, till at last one of tbem said 
 — " Wby ! that's more like jailer Jack's 
 bull's bellow, than Master Flowerdew's 
 soft spoken tones;" — and, going to the 
 cellar door called out through the key 
 hole : — 
 
 " Come now, master prisoner, less noise,
 
 190 MISTRESS HASELWODB. 
 
 else wilt thou fright thine only friends, the 
 rats and toads, from thee, man ; and gentle 
 Jack will be wroth, and stop you short of 
 a bellyful for your pains." 
 
 To the banterer's great surprise, how- 
 ever, Jack's gruff voice answered instead 
 of Flowerdew's. — 
 
 " Unlock the door, Dick, you fool ! and 
 waste not time in jawing ; else he will be 
 gone for good, and Ket will be stark mad 
 with rage, and string us all up — quick, T 
 say, open ! open !" 
 
 His passion quite scared the fellows, 
 who, convinced by his voice, tried to open 
 the door ; and after fumbling some time 
 with the lock succeeded in doing so, 
 Flowerdew in his haste having left the key 
 in. 
 
 The jailer on coming out, cut short their 
 enquiries with — " Dame fortune hath played 
 me a scurvy trick — a murrain on her ! —
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 191 
 
 He's got out. Come along, let's try and 
 lay him by the heels again, he can't be 
 gone far away." So they began searching 
 on all sides for him. Presently they re- 
 membered the bogle, and Dick exclaimed — 
 
 " This way. Jack, 'twas into yonder 
 cellar I saw the bogle cut." Then they 
 rushed pell mell into the vault, which was 
 empty of all but odd rubbish ; so that, 
 baulked and disappointed, they searched 
 one after the other, peeping and peering 
 into every nook. 
 
 " Deuce take him," cried the jailer, " this 
 beats warrening ; but stick to it, we must 
 unearth the coney, he can't have strayed 
 far. He'd scarce got out when I heard 
 you come down stairs, and is still below 
 that I'll stake my neck on." So again 
 they explored the gloomy recesses of the 
 vaults, in the vain hope of recovering their 
 prey.
 
 192 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 Meantime Flo werdew had found the hidden 
 door, and was endeavouring to move the 
 knob, which worked the spring, — it was 
 skilfully wrought, of a size scarce exceed- 
 ing the brass head of a nail, but it had got 
 rusted by the damp and long disuse, and 
 would not answer his coaxing. He had 
 almost begun to despair, as he heard 
 their voices approach nearer and nearer ; 
 when, giving a fiercer wrench than before, 
 to his great joy the door, contrived of 
 joggle-jointed masonry to match the walls, 
 turned slowly on its pivot, and in his 
 haste he nearly pitched down the steps, 
 which led from it into the passage, and 
 gave his head a smart bump against the 
 low lintel. Closing the door silently behind 
 him, he was forced to go on his hands and 
 knees, and make his way onward feeling 
 each step before him, while the slimy 
 crawling things, with which his hands came
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 193 
 
 in contact, caused his very flesh to creep 
 with disprust. In due time he emerg^ed 
 into the grotto, to which a door similarly 
 contrived gave access, and felt with a sigh 
 of relief the fresh breath of heaven once 
 again. 
 
 Little fearing that his mode of flight 
 would be soon discovered, Flowerdew re- 
 solved to delay in the cave till night, and 
 then trusting to the disguise afforded 
 by his ragged doublet and hose, and the 
 wild length of his hair and beard, which 
 had not been polled since his imprison- 
 ment, to assume the part of a wandering 
 ballad troller, for he could ever pitch a 
 stave, when called on, at the merry hawk- 
 ings, and hunting gatherings, or a love- 
 ditty, when, as he often had been, pressed 
 by the fair sex. 
 
 He soon heard voices shouting and call- 
 ing to each other in loud tones all around, 
 
 VOL. I. K
 
 194 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 by whicli lie guessed that, failing to find 
 his mode of exit, they supposed he had 
 escaped through the house. Presently 
 some of them approached quite near, and 
 one exclaimed — 
 
 " What ! look into Erget's cave ? No, in- 
 deed ! if he be there, i' God's name let him 
 stay, I'll not go anear. Well do we know 
 the devil himself on two sticks doth walk 
 there. Oh, no ! I reckon Master Flowerdew's 
 too sharp to run to the devil even to cut from 
 Ket. Why ! Joe Box himself did see him, 
 and parson Whitehead was so affrighted 
 once there that he spoke an anathema on 
 the habitant of the cave ; but it so did hurt 
 him that he could not make a preachment 
 to the godly folks next Sabbath day ; for 
 the leech pronounced him sore troubled of 
 palpitations, and all of the devil. Come ! 
 let's away while we may." 
 
 With a sigh of relief, Flowerdew heard
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 195 
 
 their retreating steps and voices ; then, 
 feeling dry and thirsty, he called to mind 
 that in one corner of the cave there gushed 
 a spring of pure water from the rock ; so 
 he "went and lay flat down while he slaked 
 his thirst at the sweet flowing stream, 
 which seemed to him more delicious than 
 the rich red Burgundy, or brown ale, he 
 had been used to quaff. 
 
 In rising his foot kicked against some 
 substance, which sent forth a metallic ring, 
 and he instinctively put out his hand to 
 pick it up. On taking it to the lighter 
 end of the cave, to his astonishment he be- 
 held his own silver drinking-cup, on which 
 his armorial sign was graven. This in- 
 duced him to prosecute a further search, 
 when he soon unearthed Dame Starling's 
 pearl necklet, and a parcel of gold sove- 
 reigns and Wolsey groats — to say nothing 
 of broidered cauls, girdles and wearing 
 
 K 2
 
 196 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 apparel, a clock of silver gilt, a chessboard, 
 sundry gold spoons, and many another 
 article hidden away by the light-fingered 
 Box and Giles. 
 
 " Heyday ! *' chuckled he to himself, 
 " here, at least, be some who dare brave 
 the devil — methinks ere long they will be 
 paying him a visit. Wherefore I'd best 
 scuttle afore they come ; but it can be no 
 sin to take one's own, so I'll just make bold 
 to grace me with this velvet cap, 'twill well 
 become a wild, roving minstrel. Ay, and 
 here's a lute, by my faith ! the very one 
 good Aunt Dorothy Strongitharm gave as 
 a keepsake to mine own dear mother, long 
 years since, and with her name inscribed." 
 
 Enchanted with his luck, he set to work 
 and appropriated such of the garments as 
 he judged best to suit his assumed character, 
 secreting within the passage his silver cup, 
 and many other of his pilfered chattels.
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 197 
 
 He had begun to stuff his pockets with 
 broad pieces, when he was disturbed by 
 the trampling of feet and crackling of 
 twigs, and had but just time to pop into 
 his lurking-place, leaving the door ajar so 
 that he could peep out. 
 
 The new-comers were evidently in a 
 merry mood, and it would seem something 
 had tickled them mightily, for one spoke 
 with a laugh. 
 
 " Ha ! Ha ! these fools are playing into 
 our hands. We've so stuffed their poor 
 weak noddles with this tale that they mis- 
 took a screech owl in the spiny for the 
 devil himself — cackling geese as they be ; 
 yet do they so suit us, better than if they 
 were foxes, as we be. The fox doth hide 
 his prey, and so 'tis with Joe Box and Peter 
 Giles, eh? Ha! Ha! Ha!" 
 
 " Ha ! Ha !'' chorussed the other ; " by 
 St. Becket's bones ! thou hast a rare wit,
 
 198 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 comrade ; and I've an appetite to matcli 
 it. So then, here we be, all ready for a 
 carousal. What hast thou there — Rhenish? 
 Good ! See, I've a pie of tender pullet, 
 and some well-roded bacon, with a bite 
 of white wlieatcake. By cock and pye ! a 
 supper on the sly is a whimsical conceit, 
 and a pleasant. Let's fall to ; I'll go fetch 
 the drinking-cup, whilst you lay out the 
 victuals." 
 
 Flowerdew from his place of conceal- 
 ment heard him go to the other end of the 
 cavern, whence he presently called out — 
 
 " Hallo ! What now ! By the blessed 
 St. Margit Pattens, some foul thief hath 
 been here — the tankard's gone — Ah!" 
 added he with a cry of rage, *' and so too 
 be the broad pieces ! — and the necklet ! — 
 and I know not what else beside — False 
 villain ! 'tis thou, none other durst come 
 here !"
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 199 
 
 " Yillain thyself, man !" replied Box, 
 " I'll just slice that ugly copper-red nose 
 of thine, so that thine own mother would 
 not own thee, if thou darest thus to — " 
 
 " Ha !" exclaimed he, as Giles sprang on 
 him, and they wrestled together, till a heavy 
 fall told that one had gained the mastery, 
 and Flowerdew heard Box say — 
 
 " Now will I pay a debt of favour long 
 outstanding, and teach thee better manners, 
 thou false cur, than thus to fall foul of thy 
 bosom chum. Two minutes do I give 
 thee to make thy last prayer, then will I 
 send thee to visit thine old friend the 
 devil. Marry ! he'll not let you go in a 
 hurry !" 
 
 Then he opened a clasp knife with a 
 loud click, while the fallen hero abjectly 
 begged his life, and professed sorrow in 
 fulsome terms for his hasty abuse. 
 
 The sense of freedom had so exhilarated
 
 200 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 riowerdew's pent up spirits, that he could 
 no longer restrain his merriment, and, 
 putting his hand to his mouth, he perpe- 
 trated a most ghostly and devilish screech. 
 Scarcely had he uttered his yell, which 
 reverberated down the passage, and echoed 
 all round the grotto, so that one might 
 suppose the place tenanted by evil imps, 
 than, with hushed voices, the wrangling 
 heroes picked themselves up, and fled as fast 
 as they could scuttle from the spot, forget- 
 ing their quarrel in the sudden fright. 
 
 Flowerdew indulged in a hearty guffaw, 
 and coming out calmly helped himself to 
 their supper. Hungry as he was, he found 
 the pullet pie and flask of Rhenish a very 
 refreshing meal after his long abstinence ; 
 and, with many a smack of relish, he 
 demolished a part of the pie, and gulped 
 down the invigorating wine ; which done, he 
 felt considerably more like his former self.
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 201 
 
 Night had now quite closed in : and, as 
 he guessed the defrauded thieves would 
 not be likely to favour him with a return 
 visit, he resolved to postpone till another 
 day his departure from the cave ; doubting 
 not that by then his limbs, now cramped by 
 long confinement, would be better able to 
 endure the stiff walking he expected to get. 
 Accordingly, choosing a dry corner for his 
 bed he laid himself down, and was soon 
 buried in the first comfortable sleep he had 
 enjoyed since the day of his misfortune. 
 
 K 5
 
 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 Thy daughter I have dearly loved 
 
 Full long and many a day ; 
 But with such love as holy kirk 
 
 Hath freely said we may." 
 
 The Childe of Elle. 
 
 EOMAN GOODEVE and his wife 
 had, in common with all the 
 steady going folks thereabout, viewed 
 Ket's proceedings with amazement and 
 dislike. 
 
 The rapid way in which the gentry had 
 been, one after another, overthrown by him 
 had filled their honest, orderloving, hearts 
 with alarm; for they knew that with the 
 well-being of the gentry their own pros- 
 perity was linked. It was not long before 
 their wisdom was tested, Groodeve's cattle
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 203 
 
 and sheep being freely seized on, and 
 carried oS for the feedino: of Ket's larofe- 
 mouthed idle host. 
 
 Peggy, however, wilfully persisted in 
 regarding Will Dickson as a hero, and 
 dared to brave her parents' opinions, mop- 
 ing at their determination to keep her apart 
 from her sweetheart. 
 
 On this morning the grumbling farmer 
 had gone to his wheat-fields, and there 
 found a large party of rioters busily em- 
 ployed trampling under foot, and cutting 
 down, his ripening corn. On expostulation 
 he had been treated to hard words and 
 threatened with hard blows, wherefore he 
 was returning homewards in a state of 
 wholesome rage ; when, as chance would 
 have it, he met Will Dickson — or Lieutenant 
 Dickson, as he was styled by Ket's men. 
 
 The sight of Will roused all the choler 
 of the farmer, who, stopping his hurried
 
 204 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 walk as the other came up, let loose his 
 pent-up feelings. 
 
 " Marry ! I do marvel thou darest come 
 anigh me, man ! — I tell thee 'twill be of 
 no avail, an thou seekest again to cajole 
 me. By the Lord ! I swear me, thou shalt 
 never more have speech with Peggy, — you'll 
 be strung up for a crackhemp ere long, 
 else I be much mistook. Thinkest thou, 
 because for a brief space this Ket hath 
 prevailed, that no reprisal will be took ? 
 You'll soon learn that Kings have long 
 hands, and see his scurvy crew melt as wax 
 in the bright sunshine afore the King's 
 trained men, who even now be handy." 
 
 " Nay, nay. Gaffer," replied Will, good- 
 temperedly bearing with the farmer's 
 wrath, " be not too hard on us — credit me, 
 you're wrong advised ; Ket hath so laid 
 his plans that never a King's force can 
 withstand him. We do but wait to get our
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 205 
 
 grievance put straight, and then will return 
 to our homes in peace. King Ket can 
 battle with King Edward, if need be. We 
 seek for naught, save equal partition of 
 lands and chattels 'twixt gentle and simple.'* 
 
 " Which you'll never get, thou stupe," 
 burst in the farmer. " Can not thy shallow 
 pate tell thee an such a work were done 
 to-day, that o'the morrow some would be 
 the richer ; others, wastrels, the poorer ? 
 Naught but experience can make a fool 
 wise, though, I trow !" 
 
 " Have thine own way, Gaffer," said 
 Will, " and hold me to be a fool if it 
 pleaseth thee, I'll not quarrel with thee for 
 it. Try not, though, to rob me of my very 
 own, — your Peggy and I be long plighted ; 
 and in sooth she is the very apple of mine 
 eye. Let me speak with her, kind Sir." 
 
 " Hold thy saucy tongue, fellow !" replied 
 the angry yeoman. " Great gifts do make
 
 206 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 the beggar bold, forsooth 1 Never again 
 shall our Peggy have speech with the like 
 of you. — And yet," added he, somewhat 
 relenting, as the memory of former times 
 came over him, " even now, Will, I could 
 a' most find it in my heart to forgive thee. 
 Come, pledge me thy word to cut from 
 this Ket, and stick to honest plough ; and 
 let me see thee busied with the muck wain, 
 so that thy tilled land may give some pro- 
 mise of a yield ; then, I'll not say but in 
 time I might forgive thee, and let thee see 
 our wench again." 
 
 " Nay, then," answered Will, with spirit, 
 " methinks, 'tis I should forgive thy stub- 
 born-hearted pride. Marry ! am I not own 
 lieutenant to the mighty Captain Ket, 
 and thou but a yeoman ? No, Gaffer, I'll 
 not ask for Peggy on those terms." 
 
 " Then begone !" said Goodeve, " and 
 cross not my threshold again, lest I be
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 207 
 
 tempted to try my strength with thine, and 
 take some vengeance for thy ill doings." 
 And the sturdy farmer, turning on his heel, 
 left Will to his meditations, who bent his 
 way thoughtfully towards the encampment. 
 " Why, Will, man !" cried Ket, who in 
 high good humour was at supper when 
 Dickson presented himself, and noticing the 
 downcast looks of his lieutenant rallied him. 
 " Art down in the mouth ? I'll warrant 
 that saucy jade hath provoked thee. Never 
 heed her, you're too good to wed with a 
 yeoman's wench. 'Twill go hard but I find 
 thee a mate among these lily-handed 
 gentle girls, who be in our hands. There's 
 Mistress Joan Starling, straight built, and 
 a comely lass enough — or, brown-eyed 
 Mistress Marget Hearnshaw, than whom a 
 trimmer never stepped — Or, stay, wouldst 
 prefer a blue- eyed wench ? What dost say 
 to Dolly Luttrell, whom, ere many days
 
 208 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 be past, I hope to find at Thorpe ? Be- 
 shrew me, an I think not either were well 
 mated to Robert Ket's lieutenant !" 
 
 "Kind sir," replied Will, ''thou hast 
 mistook me, I do but feel hurt that Good- 
 eve hath forbade me further speech with 
 Peggy, who is loving as a dove, and true 
 as steel. Naught he can say, or do, will 
 turn her from me — that I'll stake my life 
 on. I'll not break my troth with her for 
 all his hard words. Yet, should I like to 
 hear again from her sweet lips that her 
 love is still aright towards me. Long ab- 
 sence will make her heart grow sick !" 
 
 " Why did the farmer refuse thee speech 
 of her ?" asked Ket. 
 
 " Gramercy ! to tell truth, sir," replied 
 Will, hesitatingly, *' he did offer me favour 
 again, an I'd leave thee and turn to 
 plough again.'* 
 
 " Ah I dared he tempt thee so !" cried
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 209 
 
 Ket, in a passion. " By tlie Lord ! I'll find 
 speedy means of speecli for thee, despite 
 him. Thou sayest the wench is true — why 
 not take a company, and release her from 
 his controul ? What ! dost shake thy head ? 
 Pshaw ! Captain Ket will act for thee ; ere 
 many days be past I'll promise thee thy 
 sweetling. But, hark ye ! first must we get 
 the mastery over this strong house, and 
 that haughty damsel, whose beauty hath 
 set my soul aflame. Then could we have 
 a twin wedding ; Ket shall wed the 
 Lady on the selfsame day that Dick- 
 son mates with the May-queen ! Marry ^ 
 'twould be a brimming cup of vengeance, 
 an I paired with Flowerdew's nest-bird! 
 But now, Will, go, see to thy men ; on the 
 morrow we must essay with a will against 
 this stubborn Hall." 
 
 Thus did the bold and ambitious Leader 
 open up his game ; and, while Mistress
 
 210 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 Catherine was enjoying some sort of relief 
 in the absence of the zealous priest, Ket 
 was planning an immediate attempt to get 
 hold of her. 
 
 Michael Sykes' persistent endeavour to 
 lure Ket over to his side by a partial con- 
 currence in his schemes had much vexed 
 Catherine's lofty spirit ; and all her natural 
 pride had been aroused as the conviction 
 dawned upon her that Sykes wanted to 
 treat her as a puppet, of which he should 
 be wire-puller. 
 
 In spite of the shock which this discovery 
 gave to her earliest prejudices, her devotion 
 to the Church itself yet remained un- 
 shaken. 
 
 She had, however, but small time to 
 brood over reflections of this kind; for 
 news came to Captain Daffrow, from a 
 friendly countryman — who having in former 
 days received favours from the people at
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 211 
 
 the hall, was not now unmindful of them, in 
 pleasing contrast to many another ungrateful 
 churl, and had come in, breathless, with his 
 news — that Ket had started from Mouse- 
 hold towards Thorpe, with a large company 
 of men. On receiving the tidings, Daffrow 
 at once summoned all the retainers, who 
 were without, to repair inside the walls, 
 and took prompt measures to be in readi- 
 ness for the anticipated attack, that Master 
 Ket might not catch them napping. The 
 hall was the last of the great houses there- 
 abouts which had resisted ; and now 
 stood solitary, without a chance of any 
 relief being afforded to its defenders yet 
 awhile. But the spirit was roused in 
 the bosom of the last daughter of the 
 knightly race of Haselwode, who proudly 
 declared rather to risk the destruction of 
 her house than to yield it up at the first 
 call to the captain of such a scurvy crew.
 
 212 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 Her retainers, whose fathers before them 
 had served with and fought under the flag 
 of her sires at Cressj and Agincourt, at 
 Barnet and Bosworth field, and who were 
 loyally attached to her, mustered strongly 
 when first called on. Daffrow, too, had 
 taken advantage of his time, and stored 
 the hall with provisions, strengthening its 
 defences, and laying in an additional store of 
 powder and shot, surreptitiously got from 
 Norwich, so that by skilful management, 
 and by husbanding his resources of food and 
 ammunition, he hoped to hold out till the 
 king's troops should come and divert the 
 attention of the rebels. 
 
 The old warrior, now in all the panoply 
 of war, was occupied from morn till dusk 
 in surveying his defences and drilling his 
 men, some of whom he stationed in the 
 turrets, others on the walls. The portcullis 
 with its strongly-laced crossbars of iron
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 213 
 
 having been lowered, and tlie bridge drawn, 
 tlie inmates of Thorpe Hall quietly expected 
 the appearance of their foe. They had not 
 long to wait. Next day the watchman 
 sighted Ket's men, divided into several 
 companies, marching along in loose array. 
 The sage captain, closely reconnoitering, 
 drew his conclusion that they were strong 
 solely by reason of numbers, their free 
 and easy method of progression, and 
 loose, undisciplined style, marking them as 
 unreliable in the face of trained soldiers. 
 But the retainers of Mistress Catherine 
 Haselwode were not anything much to 
 boast of in the way of their military 
 knowlege, being yeomen and depend- 
 ants drawn from the manor. Many of 
 them had wives and children, and these 
 Catherine had insisted should be brought 
 to the hall also for shelter ; therefore, the 
 place, despite its capacity, was somewhat
 
 214 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 put to to find sleeping room for them all, 
 and the stabling had to be requisitioned, 
 and fitted up for such of the men as could 
 not be accommodated in the dormitories 
 of the house. 
 
 The approaching bands having halted 
 without musket shot, sent forward a trum- 
 peter, accompanied by one of their leaders, 
 with a white flag. On coming up to the 
 walls he blew a loud blast; and, the 
 bridge being lowered, his companion rode 
 up to the portcullis and handed a missive 
 to Daffrow, who carried it off to his lady 
 for reading. On breaking the clumsy seal, 
 she read — 
 
 " Mistress Catherine Haselwode, — 
 
 *' You be hereby required to yield 
 up peaceably your house and chattels, with 
 the fighting men and arms, within the 
 space of six hours to the undersigned.
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 215 
 
 Else, know that none within shall be held 
 to quarter. Given on behalf of the Army 
 of Reformation, 
 
 " Captain Ket." 
 
 " Now, by our Ladye !" cried Catherine, 
 *' the tanner lacketh not modesty ! Cap- 
 tain Ket, forsooth ! What sayest thou, 
 Daffrow ? How shall we answer this pro- 
 voking fellow ?" 
 
 " In good sooth," said the Captain, 
 " the best answer my poor wit can de- 
 vise would be to seize his trumpeter and 
 herald. Ay, and string them both up 
 over the guard-house as a warning to their 
 fellows, like Ket did hang his own jailer at 
 Hethersett for letting Master Flowerdew 
 slip out." 
 
 " Nay, nay, good Daffrow, " replied 
 Catherine, " bethink thee, 'twould in truth 
 be sorry justice to smite the helpless tool.
 
 216 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 while the hand which wields it gets off scot 
 free. Rather, hie thee back to the gate, 
 and bid them be gone quick, and tell this 
 Ket that Catherine Haselwode wotteth not 
 of the Army of Reformation, nor holdeth 
 terms with him, who subscribeth himself 
 Captain Ket." 
 
 Daffrow, in obedience to his lady's order 
 returned to the gate, and, handing back 
 the missive to the bearer, delivered her 
 message, adding a few words of his own, 
 suggestive of prompt punishment if the 
 presumptuous messengers dared to dally. 
 This was, however, hardly necessary ; they 
 were but too thankful to get away with a 
 safe skin, and sped back fast as their nags 
 could take them to the main body. The 
 defenders, watching from the walls, saw 
 the herald and his trumpeter ride up to 
 their chief and report themselves, after 
 which, Ket by his gesticulations appeared
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 217 
 
 to be addressing his men, then he took his 
 banner and waved it defiantly aloft, while 
 his followers set up a hoarse cheer. They 
 then spread round the walls, posting them- 
 selves so as to cut off the besieged from all 
 communication with the outside world. 
 Thus was the siege begun by the forming 
 of a strict blockade ; and, as the defenders 
 of Thorpe were determined to resist to the 
 last, Daffrow at once set about making 
 careful arrangements for an economical 
 use of the stores, which he divided into 
 daily rations. 
 
 Mistress Catherine Haselwode herself, 
 giving up those personal luxuries, to which 
 she had been accustomed, put herself on 
 the same footing as the meanest of her 
 followers. Nor could all the persuasions 
 of Daffrow and Dorothy Luttrell induce her 
 to alter her course, which earned for her 
 the devoted fidelity of her people. 
 
 VOL. I. L
 
 218 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 
 
 Let us, however, now look for awMe into 
 the camp of the besiegers. 
 
 Captain Ket had j&xed his quarters in 
 a small farm house, — the home of one 
 of Catherine's tenants, but just now de- 
 serted by him and his family, who had 
 removed with their chattels inside the Hall 
 walls for safety — and was sitting in the 
 kitchen, puzzling over a rough map of the 
 place and its defences. 
 
 The tale brought by his messengers as to 
 the strength of the place, and the number 
 of its garrison, forced him to the conclusion 
 that it would be quite useless to try and 
 get possession by assault, without the aid 
 of cannon to make a breach in the outer 
 walls. This was by no means a satisfactory 
 discovery to him, as he had completely 
 reckoned on the house being yielded up at 
 the first summons, like so many others had 
 been, that he had not thought it necessary
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 219 
 
 to hinder liis march with the artillery, 
 of which there was a tolerable supply at 
 Household — got from Norwich, whose citi- 
 zens had opened their gates in hot haste 
 from fear of a sacking on the appearance of 
 the martial Ket. Moreover, scouring parties 
 had been down as far as the coast, where 
 they had plundered cannon from the ships, 
 which lay at Yarmouth and Lowestoft. 
 
 With Ket were his brother. Will Dickson, 
 and other leaders crowding the little room ; 
 all of whom knew better how to plough, or 
 to ply their trade, than to conduct a siege 
 in military fashion. 
 
 They agreed, however, that it would be 
 sheer madness to attempt to climb the 
 walls, defended as they were by well armed 
 and determined men. 
 
 " Marry now !" cried Ket, *' I'll wager 
 our iron-mouthed squelchers will bring my 
 lady to book. Come, Will, take a com- 
 
 L 2
 
 220 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 panjj and bring them up, and the sooner 
 we see thy face again the better shall we 
 be pleased. Tarry not an hour." 
 
 Accordingly, Dickson went off with his 
 men to fetch the guns, leaving Ket chafing 
 at the delay, and burning with impatience 
 to batter the walls of the defiant Mistress 
 of Thorpe, and rendered so much the more 
 eager by her opposition. 
 
 Pending the arrival of the cannon, both 
 sides watched each other.
 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 " The copse must give my evening fare, 
 Some mossy bank my couch must be, 
 Some rustling oak my canopy." 
 
 The Lady or the Lake. 
 
 T is time we took a peep at Master 
 Flowerdew, whom we left sound 
 asleep in Erget's cave after his lucky 
 escape from the Hethersett vaults. He, 
 on awaking, found the sun high up in 
 the sky, so was forced to wait till dark 
 before he ventured to come out of his 
 hiding-hole. The day was spent in making 
 preparations, and fitting out a rough dis- 
 guise to his mind. When night drew 
 on, he shouldered his lute and struck 
 across the country, having a perfect know-
 
 222 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 ledge of the whereabouts of each wood and 
 covert that would afford him temporary 
 concealment — his plan being, to journey by 
 night and lie hid in the day time. As he 
 came out of the coppice which fringed the 
 cave, he stood and gazed at his home, 
 where it lay close by. From the many 
 lights shining out of the windows, and the 
 wild bursts of merriment, which ever and 
 anon reached his ear, he concluded that 
 the rioters were in full enjoyment of their 
 free quarters. 
 
 There were no signs of a watch about, 
 and everything betokened that the occu- 
 pants held themselves to be in a state of 
 complete security. 
 
 " Oh !" sighed Flowerdew, " oh, for a 
 bare handful of mine old trusty varlets, 
 and I would soon relieve yonder walls from 
 the burthen of these knaves !" But it 
 was one thing to wish, and another to
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 223 
 
 possess; and, as the trusty varlets could 
 not be summoned, save by a magic wand, 
 there remained to the indignant master no 
 other course open, than to avail himself of 
 the enemy's negligence and continue his 
 flight. 
 
 All hedges and palings having been long 
 since broken down and torn up, he met 
 with few obstructions, while he strode 
 along boldly across his demesne, giving 
 the house a wide berth. This was all very 
 well for a start, but the necessity of ob- 
 taining food would soon force him to 
 approach some habitation ; else he could 
 reckon on no better victual than nuts and 
 haws. Towards morning he was tired of 
 his walk, and glad to creep into the shade 
 of a friendly wood, where, scraping to- 
 gether some leaves, he placed his back 
 against the trunk of a wide-spreading 
 beech, and ruminated on his prospects.
 
 224 MTSTEESS HASELWODE. 
 
 The result of his cogitation was, that 
 he resolved to risk detection, and make for 
 a little roadside hostel, which lay on an 
 unfrequented by road, against the Hamlet 
 of Downham. Here, at least, he knew he 
 could get a crust of chete bread, and a 
 cup of beer. At first he had hesitated 
 whether he should not go to farmer Good- 
 eve's, but the risk of falling in with Ket's 
 men there decided him to take the other 
 course. 
 
 Although he was well known in these 
 parts, yet the change wrought in his ap- 
 pearance by the growth of his beard, and 
 by his long straggling locks, rusty doublet 
 and lute, made so good a disguise, that it 
 would take a sharp eye to find Master 
 Andrew Flowerdew, Esquire of Hethersett, 
 in the strolling troller with ragged clothes 
 and unpolled hair. 
 
 Flowerdew laughed to himself, as the
 
 MISTRESS HASEL^ODE. 225 
 
 odd contrast struck him, " I' faith, I'm but 
 a beggar with an empty pouch, who can 
 sing afore the footpad !" forgetting that he 
 had the chinkling pieces of the robbed 
 thieves stowed snuglj away. 
 
 He could hardly persuade himself that 
 he was not dreaming, so strange did it 
 seem that he should thus have become an 
 outcast ; but, ponder as he might, he could 
 not overget the stern reality which haunted 
 him. 
 
 As he sat on his bed of crackling leaves 
 beneath the beech, the nuts of which lay 
 in plenty around, and afforded an unsatis- 
 factory breakfast, he began to feel rather 
 thankful that fortune had landed him free 
 from his enemies, than disposed to repine 
 at his necessities ; discovering that, after 
 all, hunger was the best sauce. 
 
 A smart red-coated robin was from an 
 adjacent bush warbling his sociable notes 
 
 L 5
 
 226 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 of greeting, as he watched the long-locked 
 man partaking of breakfast from the same 
 broad table as himself; now and then 
 stifling his voice, as he darted down and 
 picked up a grub, but returning to his 
 perch to resume his song. 
 
 "The nyghttingale will scarse be tame, 
 No companye kepe he can ; 
 He dare not show his face for shame, 
 He f eareth the loke of man ; 
 But Robyn like a man can loke, 
 And dothe shunne no place ; 
 He will synge in every noke, 
 And stare yon in the face. 
 He takith bred upon the borde, 
 And then awaye he goes ; 
 Wherefore, to tell you at a worde, 
 His noble kynde he showes." 
 
 Many another wild waif, too, seemed dis- 
 posed to make his acquaintance. First, a 
 field-mouse ran over his leathern boot, nor 
 did it seem scared when its little bright eye 
 caught his gaze, but scuttled unconcernedly 
 away to its burrow under the moss. 
 On a limb of the tree, just over his head,
 
 mSTRESS HASELWODE. 227 
 
 sat a white-throated squirrel, on his brick- 
 brown haunches, cracking his nut with a 
 connoisseur-like air; while a brown, sheeny- 
 skinned snake lay curled on a bank hard 
 by, sunning in the morning rays which 
 glinted through a break in the foliage. 
 
 The ousted squire felt that animal nature 
 sympathised and claimed fellowship with 
 him in his trouble, and found the fancy 
 soothing. After a while he got up from his 
 couch, and stretched his limbs ; then, leav- 
 ing the shelter of the wood, took his way 
 in the direction of Downham. Carefully 
 avoiding the roads, he made his track 
 across pastures and marshes, and in a 
 roundabout way, till by-and-by, he came 
 to the hamlet. As he went, he was scarcely 
 surprised to note that he met with none of 
 the light-hearted, plodding, tillers of the 
 soil. There were no ploughs going, no 
 fallows formed, hardly a beast or sheep
 
 228 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 
 
 about — these, indeed, had ere this been 
 plundered and butchered for the feeding of 
 Ket's hungry followers. All work seemed 
 at a standstill, the little cottages deserted 
 by the men, and tenanted by women alone. 
 
 In front of one stood a peasant woman 
 with two or three children about her. She 
 was occupied in washing her coarse-spun 
 linen, and Flowerdew, as he passed, bade 
 her a cheery good day to which she re- 
 sponded and, knowing that all her sort 
 loved a gossip over the washtub, lingered 
 and chatted. Presently, he ventured to 
 ask her where Master Ket was now 
 located. 
 
 "Eh? man," replied the woman, " dost 
 not know that he be camped at Mouse- 
 hold ? and there my own goodman, and many 
 a hundred other, be with him. Wouldst 
 believe it ? My Dick did first hang back, 
 and wanted not to go, — saying, forsooth,
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 229 
 
 he was against such goings on — but I told 
 him every man with pluck should go, and 
 then he'd get his share, so he went. Oh ! 
 'twill be a bljthe time for us poor folk after 
 a bit, Master Minstrel, I can tell jou ! 
 Listen, I'll whisper thee a secret. 'Tis 
 said, the great captain hath pledged him 
 to part all the gentlefolks' lands in equal 
 bits, so that each shall have a piece. I've 
 told Dick to bespeak a slice of Hether- 
 sett, where Master Flowerdew did live, 
 and his sires afore him many a long year. 
 Why, bless you ! he's but a very vagrom 
 now!" 
 
 Flowerdew could not repress a smile of 
 amusement as he heard the peasant woman's 
 talk; and the cool manner in which she 
 announced herself as the future possessor 
 of his land tickled him mightily. 
 
 "Which part, then, of Hethersett," 
 answered he, ^' hast fixed thy mind on ?
 
 230 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 mayhap 'tis the house and pleasance, with 
 just an acre or two of the park land ?" 
 
 " Well, now," said the woman, '^ to speak 
 truth, I have heard the captain meaneth 
 the house for his lieutenant, lucky Will 
 Dickson, who is a courting gaffer Goodeve's 
 Peggy ; but, they do say, the farmer hath 
 turned crossgrained, and swears his Peggy 
 shall no longer keep company with the 
 likes of Will; and Thorpe Hall is for the 
 great captain himself — he's a hankering 
 after that lily-handed, papish Mistress 
 Haselwode. No, man ! I shall be easy with 
 a piece of the rich park, enough to graze a 
 cow and plant with pot-herbs." 
 
 " I make no doubt, dame, an Ket keepeth 
 his oath, and parteth the gentlefolks' land 
 among all comers, thou'lt get a fair slice ; 
 and, i' faith! methinks a smart damask 
 gown would not ill become thee. I've 
 seen, in my journeyings, many a worse
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 231 
 
 favoured madam bedecked in gown and 
 partlet. Be tliese thj pretty chicks ?" 
 asked tlie sly minstrel. 
 
 The woman was quite charmed by his 
 simple flattery, and would in no wise rest 
 till she had forced him to enter her cot, 
 and set out for him a meal of coarse bread 
 and bacon, chattering the while of future 
 luck in store for her. 
 
 The minstrel fed well ; then, thinking it 
 a good opportunity for airing his min- 
 strelsy, struck up and sang a simple ballad, 
 to which the woman listened with uncon- 
 cealed pleasure, the story dove-tailing with 
 her romantic fancy : — 
 
 'Twas on a fair and blithesome day, 
 In the jovial month of !May, 
 There rode along, right gay and free, 
 A springal knight of high degi-ee, 
 Singing, tra la, la, la, la lee. 
 
 Lo ! as he pranced adown the street, 
 A peasant lass he happed to meet ; 
 She stood a washing just afore 
 Her gaffer's Httle cottage door, 
 Singing, tra la, la, la, la lee.
 
 232 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 Sir Ralph, he drew his bridle rein, 
 And sat stock still with 'stonished mien, 
 A gazing on the pretty maid, 
 Who kept on ne'er a whit afraid, 
 Singing, tra la, la, la, la lee. 
 
 Sweet woodbine clomb, and wild rose hung 
 Atop the porch, 'neath which she sung, 
 While, busy as a honey bee. 
 On at her humble task worked she, 
 Singing, tra la, la, la, la lee. 
 
 Now, by St. John ! the young knight swore, 
 Ne'er have I seen a wench afore, 
 'Mongst all the maids of quality. 
 So comely, or so fair as she, 
 A singing, tra la, la, la, la lee. 
 
 With which, from ofE his steed he leaped, 
 And nearer coming askance peeped. 
 When, lo ! the maiden stopt her song. 
 And bade the bold knight get along, 
 Singing, tra la, la, la, la lee. 
 
 Sweet maid, quoth he, be not unkind. 
 Thy grace hath smit me sudden blind ; 
 Wot well, I'd make thee my ladye, 
 So pry'thee, do my ladye be ? 
 Singing, tra la, la, la, la lee. 
 
 Alack ! cried she, that may not be. 
 Such state, fair sir, would ill fit me, 
 Who long be plighted to Bill Mow — 
 A truer man than thou, I trow ! 
 Singing, tra la, la, la, la lee. 
 
 Sir Ralph, he coaxed, but coaxed in vain, 
 The maid kept faithful to her swain, 
 So downcast, and with heavy heart. 
 He left the lass, and did depart. 
 Sighing, ah, me ! ah, me ! ah, me !
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 233 
 
 The song finished, she renewed her 
 gossip, and the minstrel drew much useful 
 information from her. She told him that 
 bands were patrolling round all the district 
 in search of Master Flowerdew ; and that 
 Ket was in a towering rage at his escape, 
 and had sworn an oath that when he next 
 caught him, he would keep him in a safer 
 way. She also said that the wretched jailer 
 had swung for his negligence, and hung 
 over the gate at Hethersett ; winding up 
 her tale with the news that Ket had pro- 
 mised ten gold pieces and a lieutenant's 
 place to the man who brought in Flower- 
 dew, dead or alive. 
 
 This last was scarcely pleasant informa- 
 tion to the minstrel ; so, his inner man 
 being refreshed with the meal, and his wit 
 sharpened by the woman's chatter, he took 
 up his lute again, and, bidding her fare- 
 well, pursued his journey.
 
 CHAPTEE XIV. 
 
 " On battlement and bartizan 
 Gleamed axe, and spear, and partizan; 
 Falcon and culver on each tower, 
 Stood prompt their deadly hail to shower ; 
 And flashing armour frequent broke, 
 From eddying whirls of sable smoke, 
 Where, upon tower and turret head, 
 The seething pitch and molten lead 
 Eeeked, like a witch's cauldron red. 
 While yet they gaze, the bridges fall, 
 The wicket opes, and from the wall 
 Kides forth the hoary Seneschal." 
 
 The Lay or the Last Minstrel. 
 
 HORPE HALL was still under 
 siege, and Kefc was fuming at 
 the delay. The small cannon, which 
 Dickson brought up from Household, 
 had been placed with some judgement 
 on an eminence, and the Captain himself 
 fired the first shot ao^ainst the walls
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 235 
 
 amid the acclamation of his followers ; 
 it was, nevertheless, but ill directed, and 
 fell wide of the mark. Meantime the 
 garrison, on their part, from the turrets 
 and walls worried the besiegers with their 
 falconets, which often dropped an unex- 
 pected shot among the clustered assailants, 
 causing them to scatter like a covey of 
 birds. Ket's men, however, improved by 
 practice, till at length the range was ac- 
 quired, and they peppered the strong walls 
 without intermission, so that they yielded 
 to the stronger force of the iron storm, and 
 a breach was made — some twenty feet of 
 the wall being levelled. Few of the de- 
 fenders were hurt by the missiles, but of 
 the besiegers many a man was picked off 
 by old Daffrow's well-aimed shots. 
 
 The breach being made, Ket determined 
 to try his assault without delay ; and when 
 dark had set in moved forward, preceded
 
 236 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 bj men carrying bags of earth to ifling in 
 the moat, in order to facilitate the passage. 
 But the garrison had not been idle the 
 while, having piled up stones and wood 
 faggots to barricade the breached wall; 
 and the watchmen keeping a good look- 
 out, soon discovered their approach. 
 Then Daffrow quickly had his men 
 together to receive them, and the bold 
 assaulters got a warmer reception than they 
 had bargained for. Balls of tow and other 
 combustible stuff, steeped in oil, had been 
 got ready, which, being ignited, were 
 thrown from the walls into their midst, and 
 the flaring light enabled the defenders 
 securely to pick off their opponents, who 
 did not long relish the job, and 
 presently refused to advance to the breach, 
 about which a number of their fellows 
 were lying dead and wounded ; so Ket re- 
 luctantly ordered a retreat. If, however,
 
 MISTEESS H.iSELWODE. 237 
 
 thej supposed they were to get off scot- 
 free, thej had mucli mistaken the pluck of 
 the Thorpe men. Xo sooner had they 
 turned tail than the portcullis was promptly 
 drawn, and there rushed out over the 
 lowered bridge Daffrow with a picked band, 
 who, throwing themselves on the confused 
 mass, inflicted a severe loss on them. Then 
 in the darkness the flurried and frightened 
 mob began to fight with each other, the 
 conflicting cries of "A Ket ! a Ket !"— " For 
 our Ladye and Haselwode !" mixed with 
 shrieks, and hoarse cries of wounded and 
 dying, making a scene of great bewilder- 
 ment. Ket, quite powerless to stop the 
 flight of his men, ran with them for 
 the sake of his own skin. But it 
 was no part of Daffrow's plan to pursue 
 his foes, until like rats they turned by 
 excess of pressure, so he recalled his com- 
 pany and retired within the walls satisfied
 
 238 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 witli his success. Nevertheless it was clear 
 that, unless prompt relief came, famine 
 would accomplish what Ket was unable 
 to do. 
 
 After this repulse great excitement, fuss, 
 and confusion prevailed all through the 
 camp of the Reformers, which occupied 
 Ket and his lieutenants some time 
 in quelling. Then they set about tending 
 to the wounded men ; for, mortified as the 
 Leader was at the damage done to his 
 credit by this ignominious retreat, he knew 
 well enough that his best chance of retain- 
 ing influence over his followers was by 
 ministering to their animal wants. Accord- 
 ingly he visited them with the leeches in 
 their huts and quarters, and interested 
 himself in looking to their creature com- 
 forts ; while for the rest he caused ample 
 supplies of victual and strong beer to be 
 served out to renovate their spirits. This
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 239 
 
 done, lie settled himself down to wait for 
 the foe within to starve out his opponents, 
 whom by this time he thoroughly respected, 
 rather than risk another venture against 
 their walls. 
 
 The days sped on, and the garrison of 
 Thorpe began to be sorely pinched for 
 food, so much so that many of the weaker 
 of the women and children succumbed and 
 died. 
 
 Daily did the watchman look out for a 
 glimpse of the spears of the expected King's 
 men, and daily was he doomed to disap- 
 pointment. At length the rations were so 
 reduced that Captain Daffrow waited on 
 his mistress, and informed her that there 
 now remained but a bare day's victual in 
 the place. Then he sought her permission 
 to make a night sally, and, placing the 
 women in the midst, to try and slip through 
 the enemy.
 
 240 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 Mistress Catherine listened to her Cap- 
 tain's report with grief, and sadly rephed 
 to him : — 
 
 " Nay, good Daffrow, believe me, I am 
 downright sickened of this blood-letting, 
 and will have never another of my faithful 
 friends spill their' s without avail for my 
 sake, since afterward we must perforce 
 yield us. Wherefore, o' the morrow I will 
 to deliver up the place ; but do you, 
 Daffrow, and all other who list, sally forth 
 and try to make an escape, and may the 
 good God be with ye ! Fear not lest these 
 churls should maltreat us poor women, 
 rather 'twill be on thee, and mine other 
 brave fellows, their wrath will fall. Ah ! 
 Daffrow, as long as there remained a crust 
 for ye all, so long would I be content to 
 share it with ye, and to withstand this 
 forward Ket. But now, when starvation 
 is the hard lot of all who hold by me —
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 241 
 
 although God knoweth I'd rather die than 
 yield to this fellow — do I owe a duty to 
 all these warm-hearted folks, for whose 
 lives, if needlessly wasted, I shall have to 
 render strict account before the footstool 
 of my God. Ye see, too, these tender 
 women and babes, of whom already some 
 have died, while the fever hath laid hold on 
 others. In sooth, I must take heed for 
 their further welfare, even if in so doing 
 all mine own pride and dignity be the price. 
 Pr'ythee, let it be known through the walls, 
 that all who desire to try and get clear away 
 can leave, for on the morrow Catherine 
 Haselwode will have neither house to 
 protect, nor bread to feed her faithful 
 followers." 
 
 Tears stood in the girl's eyes as she 
 spoke, and looked, every inch of her, a 
 true and worthy representative of her 
 knightly house. 
 
 VOL. I. M
 
 242 • MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 Poor old Daffrow was much moved at 
 his lady's distress, and roundly vowed his 
 intention to stay and share her fate, and to 
 try for terms of honourable capitulation. 
 He then went into the court-yard, and, 
 calling the men together, delivered his 
 mistress's message. All refused to avail 
 themselves of her offer to seek escape, but 
 loudly declared they were willing to rush 
 out and fight for her sake, if she would but 
 give the word. Daffrow, however, only 
 shook his head; he well knew how im- 
 possible it would be to persuade her to 
 that. Then, heavy-hearted, he went to the 
 guard-house and hung out a white flag. 
 
 The signal was speedily answered by 
 the appearance of a trumpeter and mes- 
 senger from the other side, to whom the 
 Captain made known that, on condition of 
 honourable respect for the persons of the 
 inmates, and full quarter for her fighting
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 243 
 
 men. Mistress Haselwode would yield up 
 her house to Captain Ket. 
 
 The envoy departed and reported to his 
 Leader the terms proposed by the garrison, 
 to which he readily enough agreed, and then 
 went forward to the gate with a large 
 company. Here Daffrow stood awaiting 
 him, to whom Ket announced his acceptance 
 of Mstress Haselwode's terms, and, the 
 portcullis being raised, strode in at the 
 head of his fellows, who crushed after him 
 pell mell, almost doubting their luck. 
 
 Daffrow handed to Ket the keys of the 
 place when he entered, and these that trium- 
 phant leader took from him in a rough - 
 handed way, saying, rudely, " Methought, 
 my master, 'twas of custom for the 
 vanquished to uncover to his conqueror — 
 ay, and oft to kneel, too, in grateful humility 
 for the boon of his life." 
 
 "And I tell thee, Sir Ket," retorted 
 
 M 2
 
 244 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 Daffrow, " that I never yet uncovered head 
 to my victor in fair fight, nor ever will to 
 thee, who art no conqueror by battle, 
 but rather a turntail runaway — There's my 
 glove ! — I dare thee try a bout with me." 
 With which, he pulled off his great leathern 
 glove and dashed it down at the feet 
 of Ket, who purpled with rage, and half 
 drew his sword as if with the intention 
 of putting the matter to instant issue, but 
 seemingly thought better of it, for he let 
 the sword slip back, exclaiming, — 
 
 " 'Tis not fitting for the Captain leader 
 of this mighty army to fight with any 
 squabbling varlet, who may chance to fall 
 foul of him. Marry though ! si^ce this 
 swordless captain is now not on a par with 
 the very meanest of his victors, I declare 
 that any one of ye, my fellows, who 
 listeth to take a turn with him, hath free 
 license — ay, and if he conquer the loud-
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 245 
 
 tongued braggart, shall have his armour 
 and equipment for booty. Who speaks ?" 
 
 None among them, however, appeared 
 eager to respond to Ket's invitation, and 
 while thej were hesitating, Daffrow hotly- 
 answered, — 
 
 " Thinkest then, man, that thou canst 
 range thy betters in their style and rank ? 
 Thou, who art but a self-styled Captain, 
 forsooth ! Why ! 'twas an honour done 
 thee, when the seneschal of Thorpe offered 
 thee fair arbitrament ; and, if thou thinkest 
 I will combat with these rapscallions, thou 
 art much mistook — I, indeed, who am a 
 full Captain, earned by tough fighting 1 
 Go to !" 
 
 To all appearance, matters were becom- 
 ing serious, for the rival Captains eyed each 
 other like game-cocks. 
 
 Ket, however, smothered his rage, and 
 replied, —
 
 246 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 "Beware, sirrah, lest you tempt me 
 beyond patience with the unbridled license 
 of thy boastful tongue. By Heaven ! were 
 I not pledged to quarter, I'd hang thee up 
 atop yonder turret, as I've served many a 
 better man than thou afore this !" 
 
 At this moment Mistress Haselwode 
 with Dorothy Luttrell came towards them 
 from the house, and their appearance 
 fortunately caused a diversion, the Cap- 
 tains ceasing their fiery declamations. Ket 
 performed a clumsy salute " to the lady, 
 who, however, scarcely acknowledged his 
 effort, for with feminine instinct she saw 
 in the gleam of gratified triumph lurking 
 in his sensuous eyes an omen, that it might 
 have been better had she allowed her 
 followers to try and cut a way for her 
 through the foe. 
 
 " Methinks, Mistress," said he, " it had 
 been more profitable if this doughty
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 247 
 
 captain of tlune liad yielded up your house 
 when first summoned ; 'twould have saved 
 us all this spent time, which it hath been 
 mighty tantalising to waste — to say nought 
 of the lives it hath cost us. But 
 since at last we be gotten within your stub- 
 born walls, I'll warrant you we'll take care 
 of them — ay, and my merry dogs shall 
 make them ring with many a carouse. 
 Meantime, 'tis our hard luck, fair mistress, 
 to will that you and yon sharp-eyed wench 
 be together held in ward for the common 
 weal. See ye to it," continued he, signing 
 to an attendant lieutenant, who was none 
 other than our old acquaintance Giles. 
 " Nor must we forget a dark lodging for 
 this doughty captain, mayhap the darkness 
 will tame his fiery spirit. And you" - to 
 another lieutenant — " go, take a company, 
 and fetch provinder for this rat- starving 
 place, and be sure that some good sound
 
 248 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 Burgundy be brought, I'm minded to tarry- 
 here awhile, ere we move back to Mouse- 
 hold." 
 
 Catherine Haselwode, turning shrinkingly 
 away from the elated Ket, followed with 
 Dorothy her newly-appointed jailer, who, 
 strutting on ahead, found his road to her 
 parlour, where he rummaged and made a 
 careful survey, lest there should be a secret 
 exit. He failed, however, to make any dis- 
 covery, so took himself off quite satisfied, 
 and locked the door behind him. 
 
 " Alack, Dolly !" said her mistress, when 
 Giles had gone, " how hard hath fate pressed 
 me since my goodsire's death ! And yet, I 
 cannot charge me with aught that's un- 
 confessed or unabsolved. Methinks some 
 shortcomings must, of a surety, be unthought 
 on, else had holy Mary spared me these 
 trials — Andrew, a homeless wanderer ! — 
 and I, Catherine Haselwode, locked in mine
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 249 
 
 own parlour, while this churlish fellow and 
 his knaves disport them unlet about mine 
 house ! Hark ! dost hear them hallooing ? 
 Welaway !" 
 
 *• I beseech thee, dear mistress," answered 
 Dorothy, "fret not thyself; this fellow's 
 rule must surely be shortlived. Maybe these 
 are trials sent as aids to faith, to force our 
 thoughts heavenward from earthly cares." 
 
 "Perchance 'tis so, Dolly; but didst 
 mark the look this Ket fastened on me 
 with his evil eyes ? 'Twas like to a snake, 
 which hath fascinated some poor coney. 
 Woe's me ! I do afear our treatment, and 
 can find no help for us on any side ! — Yet, 
 stay, methinks I see a gleam of chance, 
 though 'tis but faint. — An we could dis- 
 patch word to my Lord of Northampton, 
 who once was my father's chosen friend — 
 although in these unhappy strifes 'twixt 
 the Reformers and Holy Church each did 
 
 M 5
 
 250 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 take the other side, and, instead of friends, 
 became sturdy foes. I wot liis honour, for 
 he was ever a true knight, would not 
 brook that his ancient comrade's daughter 
 should be maltreated by this boastful Ket, 
 and never a rescue be tried. Canst 
 bethink thee of any device how a billet 
 may be dispatched ? '' 
 
 " Lack a day ! no, answered Dorothy," 
 unless, in sooth, we could cozen some 
 underling of this Ket's to carry the missive. 
 I'll presently try the fellow who brought us 
 in, his evil visage sheweth that he'll cheat 
 his own master — and, now I mind me, me- 
 thought I knew his face — Why 1 'twas but 
 last Whitsuntide I saw him pilloried in 
 Windham market, and the folks said he'd 
 overdrunk him with Whitsun ale, and stole 
 the parson's alms — But how to write the 
 letter?" 
 
 " That were easy done," replied Cathe-
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 251 
 
 rine, " they know not of the priest's 
 chamber, where be writing material enough, 
 and my chiefest treasures, too, be stowed 
 there. He'll do our errand for the string 
 of pearls, T trow — they were mine own 
 dear mother's, but I must give them up to 
 save her daughter, and thee, too, Dolly, 
 from an unkid fate. I'll go and write the 
 billet now, while the secret place be yet 
 unfound." 
 
 Touching the spring, Catherine disap- 
 peared, and made her way to the priest's 
 chamber, where she sat down and indited 
 her letter to Lord IS'orthampton. Reviv- 
 ing the memory of those days, when he 
 was her father's boon companion, she told 
 him of her present plight, and besought 
 him to forget the shadow which had fallen 
 between their friendship, and to rescue his 
 old comrade's orphan daughter from Ket's 
 vicious clutch. Having sealed the missive.
 
 262 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 she enclosed it in a cover addressed to a 
 Norwich leech, and wrote within instruc- 
 tions for him to forward it speedily to 
 Lord l^orthampton, and, returning to 
 Dorothy, waited for the arrival of her ill- 
 favoured attendant. 
 
 Towards evening Master Giles came, 
 and by his hiccoughing voice, sodden eyes, 
 and shackling gait, was evidently in his 
 cups ; as also, from the riot and row going 
 on through the Hall, no doubt the others 
 were in a like condition. 
 
 Eying the shrinking women, he ex- 
 claimed — 
 
 " See here, sweet mistresses, I've got 
 some chickweed for the caged birds 
 by order of our glorious Captain Ket. 
 Here's chete bread — the Captain bade me 
 say he hath never a mancet — and a coney 
 to pick at, currant cake and marmalade, 
 with a flask of honey metheglim — swish.
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 253 
 
 swash, I call it. Grive me rather a 
 flagon of foaming hnffcap, say I." 
 
 He then placed on the table a little tray 
 with an air of drunken grace, and a side 
 leer at Dorothy, of whose charms he 
 seemed to take a ready impression, for he 
 stood swaying backwards and forwards, 
 smirking and ogling her. 
 
 Dorothy briskly responded to the Lotha- 
 rio's wicked smile by a coquettish look, 
 which quite overcame the amorous drun- 
 kard, and he staggered twards the table 
 where she sat. 
 
 " Marry, now ! pretty one," said he, " I'd 
 rather far a look from thy bright eyes, 
 than a kiss from many another wench's 
 lips, but I dare not risk a poaching on 
 the Captain's manor, else would Peter Giles 
 be ready to court thee against any man." 
 
 " La ! sir," replied Dorothy, " sayest so ? 
 Well now, methought when first I set
 
 254 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 eyes on thee, that fortune had favoured 
 the mistress and her poor waiting woman, 
 by appointing so well-favoured a gallant, 
 and so soft spoken, to wait on us. Me 
 thanks thee, fair sir, for thy kind speech.'* 
 
 Giles edged nearer and nearer to Doro- 
 thy, as the artful girl drew him on ; and 
 at last fairly sank on his knees, and 
 offered up his devotion to her. Dorothy 
 kept up the game, and, inwardly con- 
 vulsed with laughter at the absurd red- 
 nosed figure at her feet, killed at first sight 
 by one shot from her mischievous eyes, 
 fetched him a playful box on his ears, 
 crying— 
 
 " Nay, nay, sir ; but thou goest too fast, 
 I trow. First prove thy service to be true, 
 and then will T award thee some recompense 
 — I say not what. Look here. Master Giles, 
 durst do me a small favour ?" 
 
 '' Dare, forsooth !" broke in Giles, " egad !
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 255 
 
 I'd like to see him, who'd question my 
 spirit !" 
 
 ^' See here/' continued Dorothy, " 'tis 
 but a small trifle, valiant sir, yet know I 
 not, unhappy prisoner as I be, in whose 
 hands to trust it. This packet, as thou 
 seest by the superscription, is for Master 
 Rawbone, the barber leech of High Street, 
 Norwich, and within is writ a message 
 praying for a parcel of his powders for the 
 meagrims" — here she sighed, and feigned to 
 weep — "I do hear they be all potent in 
 cheering up one's spirits, which have been 
 mightily down of late. If then thou darest 
 fly i' the face of Ket, and get this packet 
 conveyed, and will show me the powders, 
 and the leech's answer, that I may know 
 no trick hath been played on me, thou'lt 
 have earned a fair reward, sir, I promise 
 thee." 
 
 " What ! be that all my task, sweetling ?"
 
 256 MISTRT^SS HASELWODE. 
 
 answered Giles. " Come then, give me the 
 packet, I'll send it by a sure hand, and at 
 to-morrow's dusk you shall have an an- 
 swer." 
 
 So Dorothy handed him the letter, which 
 he hid away in his doublet, and with a 
 languishing ogle withdrew. 
 
 When he was well gone, Catherine spoke 
 up,— 
 
 " Grramercy ! wench, I admire thy ready 
 skill in so cajoling that bibbing villain. 
 Heaven grant the packet be delivered safe, 
 then we shall hear Lord Northampton's 
 trumpets ere long, I feel light-hearted 
 already !" 
 
 The grating, of the key in the lock stop- 
 ped their conversation, and the door opened 
 to admit another visitor. Catherine's light 
 heart leapt into her throat, as she recog- 
 nised the face of her captor, wine-flushed 
 and heated by triumph.
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 257 
 
 He now appeared clad in full knightly- 
 garb, with trunk breeches of rich velvet 
 ribbed with gold, and doublet to match, 
 silk hose and a velvet cap with feather. 
 His rich dress served to contrast with his 
 coarse features. He advanced with a 
 debonairly-attempted bow. while Catherine, 
 on her part, rose and made him a dignified 
 curtsey. 
 
 Ket opened the conversation, — 
 
 " So the fates have warred against thee, 
 fair Mistress, and thou too, like all thy 
 compeers, art overcome by the burgher 
 tanner of Windham, with his following 
 of churls ! Yet doth it in sooth, lady, cut 
 me to the very quick to controul thee in 
 thine own Hall, wherefore would I gladly 
 see thee resume thy place by a step, which 
 thou' It never repent of, I trow." 
 
 "Is it not enough. Master Ket," replied 
 Catherine, " that thou hast prevailed over
 
 258 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 
 
 the power of a woman and her handful 
 of retainers ; or dost thou mean to add to 
 the injury by words of insult ? I pr'ythee 
 let me be in quiet." 
 
 " Come, come. Mistress," answered Ket, 
 *'be not up i'the stirrups ; mayhap my 
 lack of courtly breeding will be held an ex- 
 cuse for some bluntness of speech. Harken, 
 and I will confide to thee the secret of my 
 inmost heart, — 'tis to link thy fate to mine, 
 and to raise thee with me. I will be King 
 Ket, and thou mayest be his Queen." 
 
 "Kay, sir," said Catherine, " that can 
 never be. Thou wettest not I be plighted 
 to another, whom to desert would be foul 
 perfidy, such as a Haselwode never did. 
 Your proffer doth in sooth honour me, who 
 am now but your prisoner ; yet is it im- 
 possible I should yield to it." 
 
 " Ah !" cried Ket, with a frowning brow, 
 "thou meanest Master Flowerdew, I'll
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODB. 259 
 
 warrant ? What ! wouldst tliou, sprung 
 of no mean race, weigh an outlawed gentle- 
 man in the balance with his conqueror, the 
 Captain of this great Reformation Army, at 
 whose name the gentry tremble, at whose 
 feet the country lies, and at whose call the 
 people rush to arms ?" 
 
 " 'Tis surely hard thus to press on me," 
 said Catherine — "I was betrothed to Master 
 Flowerdew from my girlhood, and were I 
 to desert him in his present pass, then 
 should I, the last of my race, be unworthy 
 of my name, and a very creature of scorn." 
 
 " Methinks then ! Mistress, I'd best bid 
 thee adieu, lest any should say that Ket 
 did press his suit unduly at the first 
 wooing. Yet I bid thee remember that 
 'tis no longer the tanner pleading afore 
 the highborn Lady of Thorpe. The tables 
 be turned, — 'tis Ket, the people's Captain, 
 bidding an imprisoned subject to yield him
 
 260 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 her duty ! When next T visit thee, mayhap 
 I shall fare better — I give thee 'Good- 
 night.' " 
 
 As he left the room, slamming the door 
 behind him, Catherine's pride deserted her, 
 and she burst into a fit of sobbing, which 
 Dorothy tried in vain to stem. After nature 
 had its sway, she calmed and yielded to her 
 companion's consolations, who reasoned 
 with her mistress, that they must strive for 
 delay by all means, even if they stooped to 
 deceit, till they heard the packet had been 
 safely delivered. 
 
 Lieutenant Giles was as good as his 
 word, for on the following evening when 
 he brought them their supper, and had 
 deposited the dishes on the table, he pro- 
 duced from his doublet, with an air of 
 mystery, a small packet, which he handed 
 to Dorothy, saying, — 
 
 " Thou seest, sweet wench, that I be true
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 261 
 
 to my promise, and have done thine errand 
 — Marry ! and at some risk, too. Wherefore 
 I claim payment of thee, in accord with 
 our compact. 'Twas a kiss on thy ripe 
 cherry Hps — an my memory serveth 
 aright." And the gay swill-pot, diffusing 
 liquory odours, advanced for his reward. 
 But the girl waved him back, crying, — 
 " Stay, sir, thou must not be too forward ; 
 I promised thee some substantial reward — 
 Look here. Surely that were more to thy 
 taste, than so unreal a gift as a passing 
 kiss." And Dorothy put in his hands the 
 string of pearls. 
 
 " By cock-and-pye !" exclaimed Giles, his 
 eyes twinkling with delight, " 'tis in sooth 
 a pretty gift ! Yet I do avouch I'd rather 
 ha' had a kiss from thy honey-sweet lips, 
 than even these sheeny pearls, which do re- 
 mind me of thy satin cheeks" — and lifting 
 them to his Hps, he gravely saluted them.
 
 262 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 
 
 Dorothy Luttrell burst into a peal 
 of affected laughter, which Giles took com- 
 placently enough, as he retired smirking — 
 his gallantry, however, not impelling him 
 to return the pearls. 
 
 When his back was turned, Dorothy 
 handed the packet to her Mistress, who 
 iDroke the seal and found inside the powders, 
 and wrapped round them a paper, on which 
 was written a few words from the leech,- — 
 
 " Powders for the meagrims, with John 
 Eawbone's humble duty, and haste to do 
 Mistress Haselwode's bidding."
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 ilyself have lim'd a bush for her ; 
 
 And placed a quire of such enticing birds. 
 That she will light to listen to their lays." 
 
 King Henry VI. 
 
 EGGY GOODBYE was perform- 
 ing her weekly task in the cool, 
 brick-floored, dairy of the homestead, 
 where, with sleeves tucked up to her 
 rosy elbows, she was squeezing the rich 
 yellow clots of churned cream into the 
 neat pats of butter which she and her 
 mother meant to take to Windham market 
 next day according to custom. 
 
 Although singing to herself, as she 
 worked and kneaded her butter, Peggy 
 had a shade of sorrow on her sunny fea-
 
 264 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 tures, wliich was not to be traced there 
 when we saw her at her Maying. Since 
 the eventful day which followed it she had 
 rather an uncomfortable time. Her father's 
 stern determination — in which, too, her 
 mother joined — to keep her sweetheart 
 away, in consequence of his headstrong 
 persistence in following Ket, whom and his 
 principles the good folks had sound reason 
 for detesting, had made matters very un- 
 pleasant for the maiden. Her life at home 
 was no longer peaceful as before, since she 
 had wilfully allowed herself to regard Will 
 Dickson with all a young girl's romantic 
 imagination, till in her simple mind he 
 already sat enthroned, a mighty hero. It 
 is not then to be wondered at, the more 
 her parents' anger was roused against Will 
 so much the more did she think he was 
 wrongfully becalled, and clove to him with 
 the full strength of her warm affections.
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 265 
 
 As Peggy worked away and sang, she 
 suddenly became aware of a shadow cross- 
 ing the light, and, looking up, was startled 
 to see a man's smiling face peeping in at 
 the little iron-barred opening, which served 
 the double purpose of a light and a venti- 
 lation to the dairy. She stopped her song, 
 and gazed wonderingly at him, who 
 nimbly put a finger to his lips, with a ges- 
 ture for silence, and whispered — '' Hist ! 
 mistress, see here; I've brought thee a 
 token from one who loveth thee well and 
 true, but cannot himself come, being let 
 by causes of which you wot not. Thou 
 needst not rack thy brains to guess from 
 whom the gift cometh — Look !" 
 
 Peggy, thinking of her Will, went blush- 
 ingly to the lattice, and took the token, 
 which the stranger passed through the win- 
 dow to her. 
 
 It was but a little gold heart, set round 
 VOL. I. N
 
 266 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 
 
 with pearls, yet seemed to the girl's unso- 
 phisticated eyes far too grand an ornament 
 for her, who was used to see jewels worn 
 only by the quality-folk. Her blue eyes 
 sparkled with pleasure at first sight of the 
 treasure, and then saddened as she began 
 to marvel how Will could have become 
 possessed of it. 
 
 After a slight hesitation, however, she 
 handed it back to the messenger with a 
 shake of the head, saying, — " Nay, sir, I 
 cannot credit that Will Dickson hath sent 
 me the jewel. Pr'ythee take it back ; I'd 
 rather far he gave me a posey, or a scarf, 
 such as he brought melast New Year's-day, 
 when he took the wassail-bowl round from 
 house to house ; and I, in return, bestowed 
 on him a silver groat, hung by a ribbon, 
 after my sip." 
 
 " Ah ! fair mistress " 
 
 " Call me not so, sir," interrupted
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 267 
 
 Peggy, modestly, '' I be but Peggy Good- 
 eve." 
 
 The polite stranger, however, was not to 
 be baflBled, and witti a waive continued, un- 
 mindful of her interruption, — 
 
 " Sweet Mistress, thou wettest how easy 
 it hath become now-a-days for some to 
 enrich themselves, when all the treasures 
 of the gentle folk have fallen to the share 
 of Captain Ket, and them whom he fancieth. 
 I make no doubt some proud gentle hath 
 ere to-day dispatched this very token to his 
 sweetheart by other hands, even as I now 
 bring it to thee." 
 
 "Nay then," answered Peggy, " I do 
 beseech thee take it back. Methought Will 
 had known me better than to dream I'd 
 love to be bedecked in the rifled fallals of my 
 betters. Return it, sir, and bid him from 
 me to send a sweet nosegay as he was 
 wont," — and she held out the jewel to her 
 
 N 2
 
 268 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 visitor, who however, with a gesture of 
 dissent exclaimed, — 
 
 " I cry you mercy, fair damsel — be not 
 so hard on me — bethink thee of the greeting 
 I shall get from the sender, an I persuade 
 thee not to take it. Pr'ythee compassionate 
 me." 
 
 There was in the air and manner of the 
 speaker something so irresistible to Peggy 
 — the simple maid was quite unused to his 
 style of talk — that, after slight hesitation, 
 she relented and with feminine caprice 
 hung it round her neck, saying, — 
 
 ''In sooth, sir, 'twould ill become me to 
 cause thee trouble as a recompense for thy 
 kindness. I well know Will is hot tempered, 
 and might take it amiss of thee, wherefore 
 I'll have the keepsake, and thank thee 
 kindly, sir, for thy pains." 
 
 The go-between waving his hat to her 
 murmured an adieu, and disappeared;
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 269 
 
 leaving the romantic little maiden to her 
 thoughts, which were of a somewhat con- 
 fused nature. While persuaded that Dickson 
 was the sender of the gift, she was, neverthe- 
 less, not quite clearin her mind as to whether 
 she had acted right in taking it. Moreover, 
 despite the man's politeness, there was a 
 lurking smile about his mouth, which 
 Peggy, as she ruminated, for the first time 
 discovered : too^ether with a something^ in 
 his features, which reminded her of a face 
 she had seen before, although she could not 
 remember when. 
 
 Altogether, Peggy felt uneasy as she 
 continued her interrupted task. 
 
 When the golden butter had been moulded 
 into saleable pats, she went and joined her 
 mother, who was engaged in the kitchen 
 boiling luscious dewberries into conserve 
 for the winter stock. 
 
 Meantime, the messenger had briskly
 
 270 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 gone on his way, and his actions showed 
 him to be elated at the result of his inter- 
 view with Peggy ; for he cut many a 
 lissom caper, snapped his fingers, laughed 
 softly, and performed other pantomimic 
 gestures of satisfaction. 
 
 Cautiously skirting the back of the yeo- 
 man's premises, where the dairy was built, 
 so as to evade observation, he made his 
 way rapidly across Goodeve's pastures till 
 he entered a wood. Here, two paths branch- 
 ed off, right and left. Choosing that to 
 the right, he followed it till he came to a 
 wide common of unenclosed land, across 
 which the path went, probably to some 
 distant hamlet. 
 
 The common was bounded on one side 
 by a large mere, its depths well stocked 
 with pike, carp, eels, and perch ; while 
 on its surface wild ducks and water- 
 fowl flapped, and long-necked hemshaws
 
 MISTEESS HASELWOBB. 271 
 
 with flocks of plovers, quails and bustards, 
 hovered round its marshy edges. From 
 it a sluDconsh streamlet meandered across 
 the common. This he followed, and 
 it was apparently his landmark, for the 
 clumps of pollards, and other trees, dotted 
 about here and there, were so much alike, 
 that any attempt to guide himself by them 
 would indubitably end in the traveller's 
 bewilderment. 
 
 After some sharp walking, during which 
 he every now and then slipped over his boot 
 tops in the splashing soil, to the detriment 
 of his temper, he came to a little thatched 
 cottage, standing quite secluded under a 
 clump of trees, which was the only habita- 
 tion he had as yet met with. 
 
 The door stood ajar, and the tenant was 
 busily engaged as he entered — without the 
 ceremony of a knock — in her domestic
 
 272 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 duties, boiling or stewing something in an 
 iron pot over a stick fire. 
 
 " Aha !" exclaimed he, with a sniff of 
 satisfaction at the savonrj smell, which 
 issued from the pot as the old female took 
 off the lid, " getting dinner ready art thou ? 
 I shall be right glad of some victual, — mj 
 belly hath given me warning o'the clock by 
 its craving this hour and more." 
 
 The dame took no notice of him, but 
 continued her work, so he added to him- 
 self,— 
 
 " Oh ! I forgot, deaf as an adder — marry, 
 and not unlike ! Well ! maybe 'tis a gain ; 
 though bawling may cause some inconveni- 
 ence to the throat, 'twere better that, than 
 the old cat should be too sharp of hearing." 
 Then raising his voice, he shouted in tones 
 which the old woman could not fail to 
 hear, — " Dinner ! mother, dinner, quick !
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 273 
 
 I be part famished — and harkye, majhap 
 you'll have a pretty mistress here afore long 
 to keep thee company. Wouldst take her 
 in, treat her gently, and keep a quiet 
 tongue if need were ?" 
 
 "Ay, Master, that would I," replied the 
 dame, turning round and disclosing her 
 features, which were repulsive and forbid- 
 ding. It was no wonder that an ugly 
 squint, a gabbling voice, and a large pro- 
 jecting tooth — the only one left in her 
 gums — together with a parchment -like skin, 
 and scraggy figure surmounted by a high 
 mob cap, had procured for old Bet Bolt the 
 credit of a witch amongst the simple pea- 
 santry, by whom she was avoided as a 
 plague. Many, too, were the tales told of 
 children blighted by her evil eye, and the 
 like by the credulous folk. The marvel was 
 that she had so far escaped the ducking- 
 stool and the faggot. 
 
 N 5
 
 274 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 " Ay, that would I, if paid in good silver 
 pieces for my pains, and some down at the 
 start ; but I mistrust all these fine promises 
 of thine. Master Smarbling, and would 
 rather see the colour of thy coin than hear 
 the chatter of thy glib tongue. Beshrew 
 me for a fool, if I lodge thee longer without 
 pay, an thy master doth not come soon 
 with his pouch." 
 
 " Master, forsooth, hag !" muttered he, 
 " S'death ! I'm minded to spit thee, cat as 
 thou art" — then aloud, "Wot ye, good dame, 
 he whom thou callest my master, who'll be 
 as good as a milch cow to thee, is mine own 
 friend and comrade ; and I'll not abear to 
 hear thee call him master to my face !" 
 
 The dame with her back turned to him 
 apparently did not hear Will Lively' s 
 harangue — for he it was — but continued 
 talking to herself as she stirred the pot, — 
 
 " Bah ! Bet can tell a true blood from a
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 275 
 
 startup, I trow, as easy as the ring 'twixt a 
 rose noble and a base coin !" 
 
 Steps were now heard outside, and De 
 Burgh entered the cottage. When he saw 
 whom the visitor was. Lively, in contradic- 
 tion to his former bombast, hastened to 
 show his respect, doffing his cap with a low 
 bow, and offering the stool, which formed 
 the chief sitting accommodation of the 
 place, to his patron, who flung himself down 
 on it exclaiming, — 
 
 " A malison on this out-of-the-way place ! 
 Here have I been on the stretch since dawn, 
 when I left my lodging in Dereham. Egad ! 
 I thought I had never found thee. Will. 
 Come, tell me how your errand sped ? I 
 scarce need ask though, for your smirky 
 looks proclaim success. Didst see the 
 wench ?" 
 
 " Credit me, Lord Hubert," said Lively, 
 " I both saw and spake with her. Ay, and
 
 276 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 
 
 have paved the way for future cooings by 
 the gift of your keepsake, which she first 
 refused, but afterwards took to kindly ; 
 thinking, simple goose, 'twas from her Will 
 and none other. This hath got me her ear, 
 and trust me I'll soon devise some plan 
 of liming the pretty song-bird — Gad, how 
 sweet she trilled ! — to this secluded 
 nest." 
 
 "Well, the sooner thou dost perform 
 thy promise, Will, the more wilt thou please 
 me," answered De Burgh, " for to tell thee 
 the honest truth, methinks to bide long 
 in this forsaken den, and with nought but 
 yon old scare-crow to gaze on, would turn 
 me grey as a polecat, and change my fever 
 heat to a wintry chill. But see, the dame 
 hath got us some dinner, it smells like 
 good rabbit stew. Come, let's fall to." 
 
 " Ay, sir," said Will, " that I will readily 
 enough, I told her but just now my belly
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 
 
 277 
 
 rattled with very emptiness. Thank' e, 
 dame, thank'e." 
 
 Here we must take our leave of the 
 cottage and its occupants awhile, and 
 follow Catherine's fortunes.
 
 
 CHAPTER XYI. 
 
 " But now thy beauty is propos'd my fee, 
 My proud heart sues, and prompts my tongue to speak. 
 Teach not thy lip such scorn ; for it was made 
 For kissing, lady, not for such contempt." 
 
 King Richard III, 
 
 ISTEESS CATHERINE HASEL- 
 WODE was allowed to rest 
 awhile in quiet without being pestered 
 by Ket's unwelcome solicitations ; but 
 Dorothy Luttrell was not so fortunate, 
 her tippling, pimple-specked admirer eye- 
 ing her with ever increasing favour during 
 his short visits, till at last he began to 
 advance to further familiarity. 
 
 Dorothy was at her wit's end how to 
 play the awkward part of keeping friends 
 with him, and yet of repelling his particular
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 279 
 
 attentions, but the presence of her Mistress 
 was in some degree a restraint on him. 
 
 The girl, however, was one of nature's 
 own coquettes, so that the task was not 
 altogether uncongenial. Occasionally she 
 would cast him some crumbs of favour, on 
 which he fed for a time unsatisfied. 
 
 This comfortable state of things was not 
 always to last, and a change was at hand. 
 Ket had been so occupied in the multi- 
 farious affairs of the commonweal, hearing 
 plaints, patching up quarrels, and dividing 
 plunder, that he could find no leisure to 
 devote to the accomplishment of his pet 
 project. Events had moved rapidly, and 
 he was now the supreme and undisputed 
 master of all the country round ; no one 
 could call his goods, or scarce his life, 
 his own. 
 
 Instead, however, of pushing on his suc- 
 cess he seemed for the present content to
 
 280 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 
 
 lie idle, basking in the sunshine of power, 
 and hugging himself with the prospect 
 of enjoying Catherine's smiles ; for he was 
 quite persuaded that her former opposition 
 was but a maidenly scruple, and that she 
 would indeed be more than his ideal of a 
 woman, if she could resist the dazzling 
 prospect he flattered himself he had offered 
 her. Already he had begun to act and 
 talk as though a very King ; and had 
 fully made up his mind to wed her, volun- 
 tarily if she would, if not by force. 
 
 At length one fine morning Lieutenant 
 Giles announced that the Captain would 
 honour them with a visit on that very 
 day, and warned Catherine to prepare 
 for him ; adding that he opined his visit 
 was a-courting, wherefore he advised the 
 lady to put on her best smiles for the 
 occasion. 
 
 Having delivered his message, Griles
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 281 
 
 turned to Dorothy to pursue his own 
 game. 
 
 " And you, sweetheart, wilt thou not be- 
 stow thyself on me at last ? I'd adventure 
 my very life to call thee mine own." 
 
 '' La ! Master Giles," said Dorothy, 
 '' surely thou dost not mean to offer 
 thyself to the likes of me — -just a poor 
 waiting-maid — although, 'tis true, a brave 
 Captain's daughter. In sooth, a potent 
 leader, such as thou art, should mate with 
 some well-dowered damsel." 
 
 " Marry now ! there's wisdom in that, 
 since 'tis of course that Lieutenant 
 Giles (here the warrior swelled him pom- 
 pously, and drew up his pursy figure to 
 its full height) should wed with whom he 
 listeth out of the many high-born damsels, 
 who be in his power. Egad !" with a 
 knowing wink, " I say not how many have 
 already sighed to me, yet have not won, —
 
 282 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 despite them, I've chose thee, sweetling, 
 to be my wife." 
 
 " Mercy me ! fair sir," simpered Dorothy, 
 " thou. Master Ket's lieutenant, and I but 
 a simple waiting woman ! Nay then, thou 
 jesteth with me." 
 
 " Never a bit was Peter Giles more in 
 earnest, and set on mating with thee, 
 pretty lass, spite of thy present strait. 
 Trust me, I'll quick get thee out of prison- 
 ment. Why ! if thou wert but a milking 
 wench, I'd still make thee Mistress Giles. 
 "What care I, forsooth ! Come, sweetheart, 
 say yes, and dally no longer with thy good 
 fortune." 
 
 There's no knowing to what corner poor 
 Dorothy had been driven to evade her im- 
 portunate lover, had not the door in the nick 
 of time suddenly opened, and Ket unex- 
 pectedly entered, catching his lieutenant in 
 the act of attempting an embrace.
 
 mSTEESS HASELWODE. 283 
 
 "Ha!" exclaimed he, "dost dare carry 
 on tlij games here, fellow ? I'm minded 
 to send thee to cool i' the dungeon for 
 thine impudence, cheat as thou art ! Gret 
 thee gone, quick !" 
 
 Giles, whose red nose had actually paled 
 at the sight of his Captain, began to splutter 
 out a lame apology, but Ket cut him short, 
 roughly : — 
 
 " Enough said, sirrah — begone !" and 
 the dejected lieutenant slid out of the room 
 like a whipped hound, his exit forming a 
 ludicrous contrast to his previous boastful 
 and grandiloquent style. 
 
 " And so, most coy of waiting maids to 
 the coyest of mistresses," said Ket, turning 
 to Dorothy ; " thou hast been trying thine 
 arts upon yon poor fool of a swillpot, whose 
 head-piece is ever so fuddled with strong 
 drink that he can scarce tell whether he 
 standeth on his head or his heels. By St.
 
 284 MTSTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 Peter! I can't say I admire your choice. Ha ! 
 Ha ! Ha !" laughed he, coarsely — " And thou, 
 too, most dainty mistress, didst sit by and 
 watch their billing, as became one whose 
 troth be plighted. Ay, and I'll warrant 
 me thou didst reprove them in a maidenly 
 fashion, forsooth !" 
 
 " Fy on thee!" answered up Dorothy^ 
 with spirit, " to speak thus to the Mistress, 
 and to jeer us on account of your jailer's 
 impudence ; I pray I may never set eyes 
 on his face again." 
 
 " That, at least, T can promise thee ; but 
 you'll cozen me by no such trumpery device 
 as this, wench, I assure you," returned 
 Ket. 
 
 The agitated girl was about to make a 
 sharp reply, when she was stopped by a 
 gesture from her mistress, entreating 
 silence, to which she at once yielded. 
 
 Ket then turned his attention to Cathe-
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 285 
 
 rine, and, possibly reflecting that his late 
 exhibition of rage was a bad opening of his 
 lovesuit, changed his tactics, and moderat- 
 ing his husky voice, assumed a coaxing 
 tone. 
 
 " Sweet Mistress Haselwode, I beseech 
 thee forgive my wrath, which this waiting- 
 woman of thine, and my fellow, atween 
 them provoked. Pr'ythee let it pass — Ket 
 sues for thy pardon r" 
 
 "Which thou hast, freely given, sir," re- 
 plied Catherine. 
 
 " Wherefore, lady, my heart bids me 
 search yet again, if thou hast in aught re- 
 lented towards me, touching the matter 
 whereon we last talked ?" 
 
 " Nay, sir," replied Catherine, " me- 
 thought that was enough spoke on then, 
 and ended for good." 
 
 " Why, mistress, surely thou art a jest- 
 ing ! Bethink thee ; did I not promise to
 
 286 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 return and persuade thee after a brief 
 space ? Come, tell me, sweet Kate, thou 
 hast thought aright on my proffer. Be not 
 hard as flint, untrue to thy very nature, 
 but rather soft as wax, tender, womanly, 
 and loving as befitteth thee." 
 
 Catherine, blushing, deeply indignant at 
 these endearing epithets, firmly replied : — 
 
 " Again, sir, I do thank thee for thy 
 favour, yet must you hold me excused ; for, 
 as I told you afore, I be the betrothed of 
 another." 
 
 " That may be, Mistress Haselwode," 
 cried Ket, dropping the persuasive tone, 
 and reassuming his more natural voice 
 and expressions ; *' marry ! but I give thee 
 to know, I could easy make end of him, 
 and thou wouldst be free !" 
 
 " Ah! sir," said Catherine, "be merci- 
 ful, as becometh so great a Captain, and 
 press me not thus sorely — By thine honour,
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 287 
 
 I conjure thee — surely thou art not so 
 savage a man as thou dost becall thy- 
 self!" 
 
 " By heaven ! " burst out Ket, who, 
 unaccustomed of late to any opposition, 
 could ill brook her determined mien — 
 *' honour me no honour ! Why dost 
 thus cross and annoy me ? I tell thee, 
 that I be fully set to wed thee, in the 
 stead of this favoured lover — this vaga- 
 bone gentleman — this Master Flowerdew — 
 whose deeds have scarce proved him a 
 worthy mate for the last of thy knightly 
 house ! Put a good face on it, and force 
 me not to try other means than loving 
 suasion — Speak !" 
 
 Every word he uttered stung the girl 
 to the quick, and she proudly answered 
 him — 
 
 " What say I, ask you ? This then — 
 I will never break my plighted word ; and
 
 288 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 learn, rude upstart, that I would rather 
 far be hewed in pieces than become thy 
 wedded wife !" 
 
 " Heyday ! sayest so ? Methinks Ket, 
 too, hath a say in the matter. Hearken, 
 proud mistress, who hast chose to defy 
 and scorn me. By all the calendar of thy 
 Saints I swear thou shalt either wed with 
 me, or worse !" With which the impe- 
 rious demagogue, without another word, 
 left her, swelling with irritation at his 
 failure. On account of her resistance he 
 was, nevertheless, the more resolved to 
 achieve his end. 
 
 Next day a new attendant made his ap- 
 pearance, in the place of Giles, bringing 
 orders for them to get ready to ride with 
 the array to Household, where Ket had 
 suddenly determined to take up his head- 
 quarters. Accordingly, they hastily made 
 preparation, and were conducted to the
 
 MISTEESS HASELWODE. 289 
 
 court-yard, where they saw large numbers 
 of the Reformation Army collected. 
 
 A lieutenant came forward to meet them, 
 leading a couple of horses, between which 
 was slung a rough litter, or sort of coach 
 open at the sides, and the females, having 
 mounted into the jolting vehicle, were soon 
 started off, escorted by him with a small 
 company of footmen. 
 
 Ket himself, so he informed them, had 
 already gone on with the main body of his 
 men, and had ordered all the rest to march 
 straight to Household. Probably he had 
 some object in view, which his lying longer 
 quiet in Thorpe would scarcely enable him 
 to accomplish. 
 
 Mistress Catherine, as she rode along 
 with her unmannerly escort of churls and 
 riff-raff, whose coarse language, often reach- 
 ing her unaccustomed ears, filled her with 
 fright and disgust, felt most acutely the 
 
 VOL. I.
 
 290 MISTRESS HASELWODB. 
 
 indignity of her position, and, even more 
 so, her inability to resent it. The sight of 
 her court-yard filled with wrangling fellows 
 and stolen herds, and the contrast it now 
 presented to the days when she used to 
 ride out a-hawking with her retainers — or 
 when, in the time of Sir Denys, crowded 
 with a gay company of jousters, gallant 
 knights and gentlemen, and fair ladies, she 
 reigned the queen of the sports — made her 
 wretched ; and to render her misery com- 
 plete, as she passed under the vaulted gate- 
 way, she saw through the grated window 
 the wan face of her old Captain, and heard 
 him murmur with bated breath, "God keep 
 thee, lady." 
 
 " Dost mind, Dolly," said she, after a 
 long silence, " when, but three short years 
 agone, our gay jousts were held in honour 
 of my birthday, and I was Lady Para- 
 mount ?"
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 291 
 
 "Alack! yes, dear mistress," answered 
 Dorottiy, " 'tis, in sooth, a marvellous 
 change. I well remember thou wast tired 
 with pearls, and wore a flowered damask 
 gown, and sat on the dais beneath the 
 canopy which was built at yonder end of 
 the green. Nor have I forgot the gallant 
 stranger, whose harness was all black, save 
 only a scarlet plume in his visor — how he 
 unhorsed Sir Ralph Godfrey, and after- 
 ward was in turn borne down by Master 
 Flowerdew, who was adjudged the victor, 
 and right well won the crown which thou 
 didst place across his brow. La, me ! 
 'tis an unkid sight to see, and a harder 
 far to credit." 
 
 Mistress Catherine and her companion 
 were thus pursuing their gossiping remi- 
 niscences when the lieutenant — whose 
 previous calling had been that of a cord- 
 wainer — rode up, and placing his hand
 
 292 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 familiarly on the side of the vehicle,, 
 said, — 
 
 " Come, my Mistress, I've orders from 
 the Captain to have never a bit of talking 
 o'the march ; wherefore, if the men be forbid 
 to talk, I be sure the prisoners must keep 
 a still tongue. So stop thy prattle, and bid 
 thy waiting wench cease her whimper. 
 Marry ! rather than whine, ye ought both 
 to be proud of the great Captain's favour 
 — 'tis not all the lily-handed gentlewomen 
 who have been thus softly treated. I could 
 tell thee of Mistress Betty Beckingham, 
 who was forced to marry with Lieutenant 
 May cock — ay, and pretty Dame Mary, too, 
 wife to young Sir Richard Soynds, who 
 was slain at the sacking of his house, she 
 was wedded to Eeuben Makepeace, the 
 currier of Lowestoft. See — this was the 
 ring the Knight wore on his midfinger" — 
 holding out his hand to show a glittering
 
 MISTBES3 HASELWODE. 298 
 
 ring which looked singnlarlj out of place 
 there. " Ket himself gave it me ; for, wot 
 ye, 'twas I fired the shot which broke the 
 proud Knight's sword-arm atwain, and 
 then he was easily finished off by Bob 
 Onion and his lads." 
 
 Apparently the prohibition of talking did 
 not apply to the Lieutenant, for he mono- 
 polised all the talk, till Dorothy, indignant 
 at his free manner to her mistress, and sick 
 of his uncongenial speech, interrupted 
 him. 
 
 *' What ! thou the fellow who shot brare 
 Sir Kichard, and boastest of the coward 
 deed ? Yj on thee, Dick Betts, of Sheep- 
 street, Windham I Take thy hand off mj 
 lady's litter." 
 
 " Marry come up ! you shall rue this 
 tongue license," returned Betts. " FU have 
 a proper payment, you saucy jade." 
 
 *' In sooth you're a courtly tender on a
 
 294 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 
 
 gentlewoman," answered Dorothy, "me- 
 
 thinks you're better suited to cobbling 
 
 than to riding a-horseback, and better used 
 
 to sewing curried hide for treswells than 
 
 to sit astride it — right gallant Knight of the 
 Boot !" 
 
 Betts purpled with rage at the spirited 
 girl's reply, and half raised his whip, as 
 though to give her a switch ; but remember- 
 ing the care he had been ordered to take 
 of them by Ket, and the respect they were 
 to be treated with, he thought better of his 
 intention. 
 
 Mistress Catherine, too, interfered, — 
 
 " Keep still, Dolly — and, sir lieutenant, 
 do you bear in mind that you first provoked 
 her wrath by your uncourteous bearing. 
 I warn you, that if we be further annoyed, 
 I will appeal to Captain Ket, who will 
 award you some speedy punishment." 
 
 Betts glowered at the women, but the
 
 MISTRESS HASELWODE. 295 
 
 threat of an appeal to Ket operated in their 
 favour, for he had no wish to swing, and 
 had a wholesome dread of the absolute 
 rule of his chief, which he had seen ex- 
 ercised on several already. 
 
 So, with a dissatisfied grunt, he fell back 
 and suffered them to continue their talk 
 uninterrupted. 
 
 END OF VOL I.