The Star-Chamber, Volume 1 An Historical Romance

n Moun

ursue the dangerous theme; but perceiving one of their opposite neighbours glancing at them, Sir Francis checked him; a

nce, as I have said, brought me here to-day. Strolling forth early to view the sights of town, I crossed London Bridge, the magnificence of which amazed me; and, proceeding along the Bankside, entered Paris Garden, of which I had heard much, and where I was greatly pleased, both with the mastiffs kept there, and the formidable animals they have to encounter; and, methought, I should like to bait mine enemies with those savage dogs, instead of the bear.

deaux being that you may drink it with impunity; and the like cannot be said of your sophisticated sack. We

rder was obeyed, and t

hether it be Nat Field or Ned Alleyn. Our famous Shakespeare is fortunate, I trow, in having him to play his great characters. You must see Burbadge, likewise, in the mad Prince of Denmark,-the part was written for him, and fits him exactly. See him also in gentle and love-sick Romeo, in tyrannous and murderous Mac

young man rather sternly remarked; "but if the character of Vendi

n! a better bottle than the first! Nay, taste it. On my credit, it is perfect nectar. I pledge you in a brim

oung man exclaimed, raising his beaded flagon on high

the goblet to

e found at Court. Where think you most of those gallants, of whom you may catch a glimpse through the traverse, derive their revenues?-As I am a true gentleman!-from the royal coffers. Not many years ago, with all of them; not many months ago, with some; those brilliant and titled coxcombs were adventurers like yourself, having barely a Jacobus in their purses, and scarce credit for board and lodging with

d, with a sigh. "You hold a dazzling picture before

somest of them; and it was by good looks alone that the whole party rose to their present eminence. Why not p

;-"but I am wholly unknown in town. How then shall I accomplish an

at, I am able to offer you effectual assistance, and give you an earnest of a prosperous issue. Through my means you shall be presented to the king, and in such sort that the presentation shall not be idly made. It will rest then with yourself to play your cards dexterously, and to follow up a winning game. Do

unlooked-for offer?" the young man asked, his br

ubject of some misrepresentation; how justly applied, you yourself will

ung man started, and a deep angry

roduced, the wily knigh

er person would do. I have obtained the best interest I could for my money; and my losses have been almost equal to my gains. Folks are ready enough to tell all they can against you; but slow to mention aught they conceive to be in your favour. They stigmatize me as a usurer; but they forget to add, I am ever the friend of those in need.

d, in an altered tone, and with great sternness. "And you will understa

s turn to start, chang