Simon Dale

ment of my life. Ambition was in my head, youth in my veins, my eyes looked out on a gay world with a regard none too austere. Against these things even love's might can wage but an equal battle. Fo

ng to harm him, I kept my knowledge to myself, but found a malicious sport in setting him to supply me with all the varieties of raiment, perfumes, and other gauds-that last was his word, not mine-which he abhorred, but which Mr Simon Dale's new-born desire for fashion made imperative, however little Mr Simon Dale's purse could properly afford the expense of them. The truth is that Mistress Barbara's behaviour spurred me on. I had no mind to be set down a rustic; I could stomach disapproval and endure severity

e young Duke of Monmouth, whom I now saw for the first time and thought as handsome a youth as I had set eyes on. The ladies did not enjoy the licence offered by this new fashion, but they contrived to hold their own in the French mode, and I, who had heard much of the poverty of the nation, the necessities of the fleet, and the straits in which the King found himself for money, was left gaping in sheer wonder whence came all the wealth that was displayed before my eyes. My own poor preparations lost all their charm, and I had not been above half an hour in the place before I was seeking a quiet corner in which to hide the poverty of my coat and the plainness of my cloak. But the desire for

ing his mouth to Darrell's ear he whispered. Darrell shook his head, and I thought t

" said I, when we sta

my superstition," answe

ion," thought I. "It would do no harm if t

on. Opposite to them stood a gentleman to whom the Duke, when I had made my bow, presented me, bidding me know Mr Hudleston, the Queen's Chaplain. I was familiar with his name, having often, heard of the Romish priest who befriended the King in his flight f

young gentleman of most loyal sentiments. My brother and w

arm, whispering that I had no need to be embarrassed. But Mr Hudleston tur

t Mr Dale is most solicitous to

saying to

. I ask nothing b

abruptly. "In all things, sir?" H

d pleasantly; he knew that kindnes

ll things," he observed.

of the priest's temper

ve never known Mr Hudleston ask a

leased to serve the King," said Hudleston gravely. "Is Mr Dale one of these? Is it

mport from a man's lips, and had come to a graver matter. They were asking some pledge of me, or their looks belied them. Why or to

e King in all t

ll said," murm

on, and not conceiving that there could be harm in it, "the li

he smiled no less pleasantly than before. But the Duke, less able or less ca

are not served with

tiful bow and a silent tongue. But who was this priest to rate me in such a styl

ith these reservations, sir, an

body spoke. The

as yet less a courtier

rose to

oldly, and, taking no more heed of me, he walked away, while

why must I blurt out my old lessons as though I had been standing again at my father's knee and not in the presence of the Duke of York? Yes, my race was run before it was begun. The Court was not the place for me. In great bitterness I flung myself down on the

d have given a thousand c

confusion, bowing low, for the youn

, I held my laughter in till they were gone. The liberties of the Kingdom and the safety of the Re

r," I cried, "don't tell th

good uncle," said he. "You

red in a rueful tone, whi

accuse the Duke of loving the Reformed Religio

d, no,

him! He held your arm, to the l

y lord was most

call you friend. Come then, we'll go to the King with it."

ace must pardon

grave as he said, "I am for the liberties of the Kingdom and

does me infi

grace and a dignity which became him wonderfully. Often in these later days I see him as he was then, and think of him with tender

egan to ply the lady with most extravagant and high-flown compliments, displaying an excess of devotion which witnessed more admiration than respect. She had treated me as a boy, but she did not tell him that he was a boy, although he was younger than I; she listened with heightened colour and sparkling eyes. I glanced at Carford and found,

e turned round a

here it is! For you are, I learn, the friend of Mistress Quinton, and

ur Grace do for my

ted. Then he added rather low, "Though I fe

in the world for your Grace's sake," said Barb

d. "Is passion a thing to smi

ce set it in ve

s it in verse on

nge the kiss that I gave Cydaria in the Manor Park at Hatchstead; but was it not well avenged when I stood humbly, in deferential silence, at the back while his Grace the Duke sued for her favour, and half the Court looked on? I w

he lady's hand. But now Barbara's modesty took alarm; the signal of confusion flew in her cheeks, and she looked round, distres

ss Barbara too much marked. Can'

r. But something in my look banished

you, sir?" he asked. "And do you include a

es?" s

of Monmo

hand, I walked up to Barbara and the Duke. She looked at me as I c

et me lose my audience

and ignorance, or with a meaning which seemed too bold to believe in, he broke into a doubtful laugh. In an instant Barbara drew away with a curtsey. He did not pursue her, but caught my

rupted me,

how poor a courtier I

gin to think you know a pretty face when you see it, Master Simon Dale

Lord Carford t

hurry me off to find the King! But

ful ladies of His Majesty's Court that

n, and pinched

ng with chastity, Buckingham with modesty of demeanour, Rochester with seemli

I can boast o

mself and me. Moreover, he lost no time on his errand; for when I reached his side (since they who made way for him afforded me no such civility)

ght I; but I set my teeth, an

lay on his lap and was incessantly caressed with his hand. He heard his son's story wi

erties which are so

ble enough for one day, so I s

ved and honoured by your

pped me on the back; but

Religion that you s

r, of which yo

u had spoken to my brother as skilfully as you

ity, meaning only to excuse myself for the disrespect I had show

s questioned me, Sir, I

King followed with a more subdued but not less th

bound to speak truth to me. Nor, by heave

, looking at the ceiling i

ed glance at his son. "Well, Mr Dale, can yo

not doubt it,

ld be his conscien

onscience to the King

evil things he may bring into the w

k it with pretty grace, bendi

o serve two masters," said t

I began; but the King interrupte

like to have s

"For I am firm in my love of these libe

should speak as though my brother were not." He smiled very maliciously at the young Du

mouth, "Mr Dale may c

King and the Duke were gone to meet Madame d'Orléans. I longed to go, and the little hope I had cherished that Darrell's good offices

aughed openly without respect of matter or person, he now bent over his little dog, as though he soug

s. Mr Dale can serve you, and me, and his

e like to Monmouth he was very ready, and received my homage most regally. As

every hour's a chance, and every wench an angel to you. Do what you will, and God forgive your sins." And he lay back in his great chair with a good-humoured,

e your M

aid the King gravely.

the Duke's pleasure to relieve him also of my company, wh

aid of honour to wai

r; it is ve

mong the Duchess's-for I swear no man in his senses would c

e to say, your G

ara Quinton." And with a last laugh he ran off in hot pursuit of a

quarrelling, love-making, and intriguing. I caught sight here of great ladies, there of beauties whose faces were their fortune-or their ruin, which you will. Buckingham went by, fine as a galley in full sail. The Duke of York passed with Mr

e. "Alas, I must go to Dover without you, m

reat harm," said I, "and yo

he cried

onmouth and my Lord A

outh? What have y

proudly; "and, moreover, I'm to go wit

this? How were you br

is eagerness. Then I took him b

able, and I have

sson do

who are curious as to the Duke of Monmouth's

I caught vexat

teachable, S