The Monastery Page 33

  Chapter the Thirty-Third.

  Now, on my faith, this gear is all entangled, Like to the yarn-clew of the drowsy knitter, Dragg'd by the frolic kitten through the cabin, While the good dame sits nodding o'er the fire! Masters, attend; 'twill crave some skill to clear it. OLD PLAY.

  Edward, with the speed of one who doubts the steadiness of his ownresolution, hastened to prepare the horses for their departure, and atthe same time thanked and dismissed the neighbours who had come to hisassistance, and who were not a little surprised both at the suddennessof his proposed departure, and at the turn affairs had taken.

  "Here's cold hospitality," quoth Dan of the Howlet-hirst to hiscomrades; "I trow the Glendinnings may die and come alive right oft, ereI put foot in stirrup again for the matter."

  Martin soothed them by placing food and liquor before them. They atesullenly, however, and departed in bad humour.

  The joyful news that Halbert Glendinning lived, was quickly communicatedthrough the sorrowing family. The mother wept and thanked Heavenalternately; until her habits of domestic economy awakening as herfeelings became calmer, she observed, "It would be an unco task tomend the yetts, and what were they to do while they were broken in thatfashion? At open doors dogs come in."

  Tibb remarked, "She aye thought Halbert was ower gleg at his weapon tobe killed sae easily by ony Sir Piercie of them a'. They might say ofthese Southrons as they liked; but they had not the pith and wind of acanny Scot, when it came to close grips."

  On Mary Avenel the impression was inconceivably deeper. She had butnewly learned to pray, and it seemed to her that her prayers had beeninstantly answered--that the compassion of Heaven, which she had learnedto implore in the words of Scripture, had descended upon her after amanner almost miraculous, and recalled the dead from the grave at thesound of her lamentations. There was a dangerous degree of enthusiasm inthis strain of feeling, but it originated in the purest devotion.

  A silken and embroidered muffler, one of the few articles of more costlyattire which she possessed, was devoted to the purpose of wrapping upand concealing the sacred volume, which henceforth she was to regardas her chiefest treasure, lamenting only that, for want of a fittinginterpreter, much must remain to her a book closed and a fountainsealed. She was unaware of the yet greater danger she incurred, ofputting an imperfect or even false sense upon some of the doctrineswhich appeared most comprehensible. But Heaven had provided against boththese hazards.

  While Edward was preparing the horses, Christie of the Clinthill againsolicited his orders respecting the reformed preacher, Henry Warden,and again the worthy monk laboured to reconcile in his own mind thecompassion and esteem which, almost in spite of him, he could not helpfeeling for his former companion, with the duty which he owed to theChurch. The unexpected resolution of Edward had removed, he thought, thechief objection to his being left at Glendearg.

  "If I carry this Well-wood, or Warden, to the Monastery." he thought,"he must die--die in his heresy--perish body and soul. And though such ameasure was once thought advisable, to strike terror into the heretics,yet such is now their daily increasing strength, that it may ratherrouse them to fury and to revenge. True, he refuses to pledge himselfto abstain from sowing his tares among the wheat; but the ground hereis too barren to receive them. I fear not his making impression on thesepoor women, the vassals of the Church, and bred up in due obedience toher behests. The keen, searching, inquiring, and bold disposition ofEdward, might have afforded fuel to the fire; but that is removed, andthere is nothing left which the flame may catch to.--Thus shall he haveno power to spread his evil doctrines abroad, and yet his life shall bepreserved, and it may be his soul rescued as a prey from the fowler'snet. I will myself contend with him in argument; for when we studied incommon, I yielded not to him, and surely the cause for which I strugglewill support me, were I yet more weak than I deem myself. Were this manreclaimed from his errors, an hundred-fold more advantage would ariseto the Church from his spiritual regeneration, than from his temporaldeath."

  Having finished these meditations, in which there was at once goodnessof disposition and narrowness of principle, a considerable portionof self-opinion, and no small degree of self-delusion, the Sub-Priorcommanded the prisoner to be brought into his presence.

  "Henry," he said, "whatever a rigid sense of duty may demand of me,ancient friendship and Christian compassion forbid me to lead thee toassured death. Thou wert wont to be generous, though stern and stubbornin thy resolves; let not thy sense of what thine own thoughts term duty,draw thee farther than mine have done. Remember, that every sheep whomthou shalt here lead astray from the fold, will be demanded in time andthrough eternity of him who hath left thee the liberty of doing suchevil. I ask no engagement of thee, save that thou remain a prisoner onthy word at this tower, and wilt appear when summoned."

  "Thou hast found an invention to bind my hands," replied the preacher,"more sure than would have been the heaviest shackles in the prisonof thy convent. I will not rashly do what may endanger thee with thyunhappy superiors, and I will be the more cautious, because, if we hadfarther opportunity of conference, I trust thine own soul may yet berescued as a brand from the burning, and that, casting from thee thelivery of Anti-Christ, that trader in human sins and human souls, I mayyet assist thee to lay hold on the Rock of Ages."

  The Sub-Prior heard the sentiment, so similar to that which had occurredto himself, with the same kindly feelings with which the game-cock hearsand replies to the challenge of his rival.

  "I bless God and Our Lady," said he, drawing himself up, "that myfaith is already anchored on that Rock on which Saint Peter founded hisChurch."

  "It is a perversion of the text," said the eager Henry Warden, "groundedon a vain play upon words--a most idle paronomasia."

  The controversy would have been rekindled, and in all probability--forwhat can insure the good temper and moderation of polemics?--might haveended in the preacher's being transported a captive to the Monastery,had not Christie of the Clinthill observed that it was growing late, andthat he, having to descend the glen, which had no good reputation, carednot greatly for travelling there after sunset. The Sub-Prior, therefore,stifled his desire of argument, and again telling the preacher, that hetrusted to his gratitude and generosity, he bade him farewell.

  "Be assured, my old friend," replied Warden, "that no willing act ofmine shall be to thy prejudice. But if my Master shall place work beforeme, I must obey God rather than man."

  These two men, both excellent from natural disposition and acquiredknowledge, had more points of similarity than they themselves would haveadmitted. In truth, the chief distinction betwixt them was, that theCatholic, defending a religion which afforded little interest to thefeelings, had, in his devotion to the cause he espoused, more of thehead than of the heart, and was politic, cautious, and artful; whilethe Protestant, acting under the strong impulse of more lately-adoptedconviction, and feeling, as he justly might, a more animated confidencein his cause, was enthusiastic, eager, and precipitate in his desire toadvance it. The priest would have been contented to defend, the preacheraspired to conquer; and, of course, the impulse by which the latter wasgoverned, was more active and more decisive. They could not part fromeach other without a second pressure of hands, and each looked in theface of his old companion, as he bade him adieu, with a countenancestrongly expressive of sorrow, affection, and pity.

  Father Eustace then explained briefly to Dame Glendinning, that thisperson was to be her guest for some days, forbidding her and her wholehousehold, under high spiritual censures, to hold any conversation withhim on religious subjects, but commanding her to attend to his wants inall other particulars.

  "May Our Lady forgive me, reverend father," said Dame Glendinning,somewhat dismayed at this intelligence, "but I must needs say, that owermony guests have been the ruin of mony a house, and I trow they willbring down Glendearg. First came the Lady of Avenel--(her soul be atrest--she meant nae ill
)--but she brought with her as mony bogles andfairies, as hae kept the house in care ever since, sae that we have beenliving as it were in a dream. And then came that English knight, if itplease you, and if he hasna killed my son outright, he has chased himaff the gate, and it may be lang eneugh ere I see him again--forby thedamage done to outer door and inner door. And now your reverence hasgiven me the charge of a heretic, who, it is like, may bring the greathorned devil himself down upon us all; and they say that it is neitherdoor nor window will serve him, but he will take away the side of theauld tower along with him. Nevertheless, reverend father, your pleasureis doubtless to be done to our power."

  "Go to, woman," said the Sub-Prior; "send for workmen from the clachan,and let them charge the expense of their repairs to the Community, and Iwill give the treasurer warrant to allow them. Moreover, in settling therental mails, and feu-duties, thou shalt have allowance for the troubleand charges to which thou art now put, and I will cause strict search tobe made after thy son."

  The dame curtsied deep and low at each favourable expression; and whenthe Sub-Prior had done speaking, she added her farther hope thatthe Sub-Prior would hold some communing with her gossip the Miller,concerning the fate of his daughter, and expound to him that the chancehad by no means happened through any negligence on her part.

  "I sair doubt me, father," she said, "whether Mysie finds her way backto the Mill in a hurry; but it was all her father's own fault that lether run lamping about the country, riding on bare-backed naigs, andnever settling to do a turn of wark within doors, unless it were todress dainties at dinner-time for his ain kyte."

  "You remind me, dame, of another matter of urgency," said FatherEustace; "and, God knows, too many of them press on me at this moment.This English knight must be sought out, and explanation given to him ofthese most strange chances. The giddy girl must also be recovered. Ifshe hath suffered in reputation by this unhappy mistake, I will not holdmyself innocent of the disgrace. Yet how to find them out I know not."

  "So please you," said Christie of the Clinthill, "I am willing to takethe chase, and bring them back by fair means or foul; for thoughyou have always looked as black as night at me, whenever we haveforgathered, yet I have not forgotten that had it not been for you,my neck would have kend the weight of my four quarters. If any mancan track the tread of them, I will say in the face of both Merse andTeviotdale, and take the Forest to boot, I am that man. But first I havematters to treat of on my master's score, if you will permit me to ridedown the glen with you."

  "Nay, but my friend," said the Sub-Prior, "thou shouldst remember Ihave but slender cause to trust thee for a companion through a place sosolitary."

  "Tush! tush!" said the Jackman, "fear me not; I had the worst too surelyto begin that sport again. Besides, have I not said a dozen of times,I owe you a life? and when I owe a man either a good turn or a bad, Inever fail to pay it sooner or later. Moreover, beshrew me if I care togo alone down the glen, or even with my troopers, who are, every loonof them, as much devil's bairns as myself; whereas, if your reverence,since that is the word, take beads and psalter, and I come along withjack and spear, you will make the devils take the air, and I will makeall human enemies take the earth."

  Edward here entered, and told his reverence that his horse was prepared.At this instant his eye caught his mother's, and the resolution which hehad so strongly formed was staggered when he recollected the necessityof bidding her farewell. The Sub-Prior saw his embarrassment, and cameto his relief.

  "Dame," said he, "I forgot to mention that your son Edward goes with meto Saint Mary's, and will not return for two or three days."

  "You'll be wishing to help him to recover his brother? May the saintsreward your kindness!"

  The Sub-Prior returned the benediction which, in this instance, he hadnot very well deserved, and he and Edward set forth on their route. Theywere presently followed by Christie, who came up with his followers atsuch a speedy pace, as intimated sufficiently that his wish to obtainspiritual convoy through the glen, was extremely sincere. He had,however, other matters to stimulate his speed, for he was desirous tocommunicate to the Sub-Prior a message from his master Julian, connectedwith the delivery of the prisoner Warden; and having requested theSub-Prior to ride with him a few yards before Edward, and the troopersof his own party, he thus addressed him, sometimes interrupting hisdiscourse in a manner testifying that his fear of supernatural beingswas not altogether lulled to rest by his confidence in the sanctity ofhis fellow-traveller.

  "My master," said the rider, "deemed he had sent you an acceptable giftin that old heretic preacher; but it seems, from the slight care youhave taken of him, that you make small account of the boon."

  "Nay," said the Sub-Prior, "do not thus judge of it. The Communitymust account highly of the service, and will reward it to thy master ingoodly fashion. But this man and I are old friends, and I trust to bringhim back from the paths of perdition."

  "Nay," said the moss-trooper, "when I saw you shake hands at thebeginning I counted that you would fight it all out in love and honour,and that there would be no extreme dealings betwixt ye--however it isall one to my master--Saint Mary! what call you yon, Sir Monk?"

  "The branch of a willow streaming across the path betwixt us and thesky."

  "Beshrew me," said Christie, "if it looked not like a man's hand holdinga sword.--But touching my master, he, like a prudent man, hath kepthimself aloof in these broken times, until he could see with precisionwhat footing he was to stand upon. Right tempting offers he hath hadfrom the Lords of Congregation, whom you call heretics; and at one timehe was minded, to be plain with you, to have taken their way--for he wasassured that the Lord James [Footnote: Lord James Stewart, afterwardsthe Regent Murray.] was coming this road at the head of a round body ofcavalry. And accordingly Lord James did so far reckon upon him, thathe sent this man Warden, or whatsoever be his name, to my master'sprotection, as an assured friend; and, moreover, with tidings that hehimself was marching hitherward at the head of a strong body of horse."

  "Now, Our Lady forfend!" said the Sub-Prior.

  "Amen!" answered Christie, in some trepidation, "did your reverence seeaught?"

  "Nothing whatever," replied the monk; "it was thy tale which wrestedfrom me that exclamation."

  "And it was some cause," replied he of the Clinthill, "for if Lord Jamesshould come hither, your Halidome would smoke for it. But be of goodcheer--that expedition is ended before it was begun. The Baron of Avenelhad sure news that Lord James has been fain to march westward with hismerry-men, to protect Lord Semple against Cassilis and the Kennedies.By my faith, it will cost him a brush; for wot ye what they say of thatname,--

  "Twixt Wigton and the town of Ayr, Portpatrick and the cruives of Cree, No man need think for to bide there, Unless he court Saint Kennedie.'"

  "Then," said the Sub-Prior, "the Lord James's purpose of comingsouthwards being broken, cost this person, Henry Warden, a coldreception at Avenel Castle."

  "It would not have been altogether so rough a one," said themosstrooper; "for my master was in heavy thought what to do in theseunsettled times, and would scarce have hazarded misusing a man sent tohim by so terrible a leader as the Lord James. But, to speak the truth,some busy devil tempted the old man to meddle with my master's Christianliberty of hand-fasting with Catherine of Newport. So that broke thewand of peace between them, and now ye may have my master, and all theforce he can make, at your devotion, for Lord James never forgave wrongdone to him; and if he come by the upper hand, he will have Julian'shead if there were never another of the name, as it is like there isnot, excepting the bit slip of a lassie yonder. And now I have told youmore of my master's affairs than he would thank me for; but you havedone me a frank turn once, and I may need one at your hands again."

  "Thy frankness," said the Sub-Prior, "shall surely advantage thee; formuch it concerns the Church in these broken times to know the purposesand motives of those around us. But what is it that thy master expectsfrom u
s in reward of good service? for I esteem him one of those who arenot willing to work without their hire."

  "Nay, that I can tell you flatly; for Lord James had promised him, incase he would be of his faction in these parts, an easy tack of theteindsheaves of his own Barony of Avenel, together with the lands ofCranberry-moor, which lie intersected with his own. And he will look forno less at your hand."

  "But there is old Gilbert of Cranberry-moor," said the Sub-Prior; "whatare we to make of him? The heretic Lord James may take on him to disponeupon the goods and lands of the Halidome at his pleasure, because,doubtless, but for the protection of God, and the baronage which yetremain faithful to their creed, he may despoil us of them by force; butwhile they are the property of the Community, we may not take steadingsfrom ancient and faithful vassals, to gratify the covetousness of thosewho serve God only from the lucre of gain."

  "By the mass," said Christie, "it is well talking, Sir Priest; but whenye consider that Gilbert has but two half-starved cowardly peasants tofollow him, and only an auld jaded aver to ride upon, fitter for theplough than for manly service; and that the Baron of Avenel never rideswith fewer than ten jackmen at his back, and oftener with fifty, bodinin all that effeirs to war as if they were to do battle for a kingdom,and mounted on nags that nicker at the clash of the sword as if it werethe clank of the lid of a corn-chest--I say, when ye have computed allthis, ye may guess what course will best serve your Monastery."

  "Friend," said the monk, "I would willingly purchase thy master'sassistance on his own terms, since times leave us no better means ofdefence against sacrilegious spoliation of heresy; but to take from apoor man his patrimony--"

  "For that matter," said the rider, "his seat would scarce be a soft one,if my master thought that Gilbert's interest stood betwixt him and whathe wishes. The Halidome has land enough, and Gilbert may be quarteredelsewhere."

  "We will consider the possibility of so disposing the matter," saidthe monk, "and will expect in consequence your master's most activeassistance, with all the followers he can make, to join in the defenceof the Halidome, against any force by which it may be threatened."

  "A man's hand and a mailed glove on that," said the jackman. "They

  [Footnote: As some atonement for their laxity of morals on mostoccasions, the Borderers were severe observers of the faith which theyhad pledged, even to an enemy. If any person broke his word so plighted,the individual to whom faith had not been observed, used to bring to thenext Border-meeting a glove hung on the point of a spear, and proclaimto Scots and English the name of the defaulter. This was accountedso great a disgrace to all connected with him, that his own clansmensometimes destroyed him, to escape the infamy he had brought on them.

  Constable, a spy engaged by Sir Ralph Sadler, talks of two Borderthieves, whom he used as his guides:--"That they would not care tosteal, and yet that they would not betray any man that trusts in them,for all the gold in Scotland or in France. They are my guides andoutlaws. If they would betray me they might get their pardons, and causeme to be hanged; but I have tried them ere this."--_Sadler's lettersduring the Northern Insurrection._]

  call us marauders, thieves, and what not; but the side we take we holdby.--And I will be blithe when my Baron comes to a point which side hewill take, for the castle is a kind of hell, (Our Lady forgive me fornaming such a word in this place!) while he is in his mood, studying howhe may best advantage himself. And now, Heaven be praised, we are inthe open valley, and I may swear a round oath, should aught happen toprovoke it."

  "My friend," said the Sub-Prior, "thou hast little merit in abstainingfrom oaths or blasphemy, if it be only out of fear of evil spirits."

  "Nay, I am not quite a Church vassal yet," said the jackman, "and ifyou link the curb too tight on a young horse, I promise you he willrear--Why, it is much for me to forbear old customs on any accountwhatever."

  The night being fine, they forded the river at the spot where theSacristan met with his unhappy encounter with the spirit. As soon asthey arrived at the gate of the Monastery, the porter in waiting eagerlyexclaimed, "Reverend father, the Lord Abbot is most anxious for yourpresence."

  "Let these strangers be carried to the great hall," said the Sub-Prior,"and be treated with the best by the cellarer; reminding them, however,of that modesty and decency of conduct which becometh guests in a houselike this."

  "But the Lord Abbot demands you instantly, my venerable brother,"said Father Philip, arriving in great haste. "I have not seen him morediscouraged or desolate of counsel since the field of Pinkie-cleugh wasstricken."

  "I come, my good brother, I come," said Father Eustace. "I pray thee,good brother, let this youth, Edward Glendinning, be conveyed to theChamber of the Novices, and placed under their instructor. God hathtouched his heart, and he proposeth laying aside the vanities of theworld, to become a brother of our holy order; which, if his good partsbe matched with fitting docility and humility, he may one day live toadorn."

  "My very venerable brother," exclaimed old Father Nicholas, who camehobbling with a third summons to the Sub-Prior, "I pray thee to hastento our worshipful Lord Abbot. The holy patroness be with us! never sawI Abbot of the House of St. Mary's in such consternation; and yet Iremember me well when Father Ingelram had the news of Flodden-field."

  "I come, I come, venerable brother," said Father Eustace--And havingrepeatedly ejaculated "I come!" he at last went to the Abbot in goodearnest.