bullocks, and being thus despatched into Normandy, were thrown into separate dungeons. Two hundred knights who had done their devoir bravely in the field, were also in like manner conveyed to different prisons in Normandy and England, where-in a word, to pursue their sad history to the end--they were never more restored to liberty, twenty-two noblemen being actually, by especial order, starved to death in Corfe Castle.

With the remorseless cruelty of some eastern despot, John gloated over the misery of his victims, even during those softer hours in which sweet music, brilliant halls, and the glance of beauty might at least to have melted the sternness of his iron heart.

Let our readers picture to themselves a royal assembly, during the circumstance and hurry of glorious war, held as it was in the vast chambers of the citadel of Mirabeau, within whose walls were to be seen silken dalliance, brilliant beauty, revelry, and minstrelsy; whilst the strict watch, the barred helm, the iron guard, the prison, and the

monster death reigned without.

What a

scene presents itself to our eye as we gaze within that vast thick-ribbed apartment, hung

round as it is with arras, decorated with arms and banners, and illumined with lamps which give forth a gaudy light; whilst serving-men bear fruits, refreshments, and rich wines to the guests during the interval of the dance.

Beautiful women are there apparelled in the heraldic devices of the brave, their symmetry and elegance untrammelled by the capricious requirements of modern fashion; the high-born and chivalrous warriors whispering his flattering tale in lovely ears, and stern royalty even unbending in the fascination of the soft hour.

Seated at the upper end of the vast apartment, and a little apart from Elinor, who is in earnest conversation with Blanche of Castile, the unscrupulous John, the greatest fop of his day, in gorgeous attire, holds converse with Bertha Daundelyonne. The King's eager looks, as he plies the proud beauty with flattery, proclaim that he means to succeed in his suit.

The lady, we perceive, is all blushes and indignation. By and bye, however, her suitor appears to implore forgiveness for some heedless word he may have used, for he is really for the moment deeply captivated with the lady's imperious charms; and yet, perhaps, his heart was never colder than at the moment his voice appears to falter, and his false eyes to glisten. What can be more flattering to the haughty Bertha than the low passionate tone in which she is addressed by the dangerous monarch? What more persuasive than his earnest and deferential humility? The beauty almost forgets the language of refusal or rebuke.

When kings condescend to single out an object of notice, it is generally considered fitting to allow them full scope,-no prying eyes presuming to interfere with the royal pleasure.

Accordingly, whilst John gave himself

up exclusively to Bertha Daundelyonne, the majority of his immediate attendants received their cue and retired, gladly taking the opportunity of mixing amongst the throng. Two pair of eyes,

VOL. II.

F

however, were fastened upon the King and Bertha, from the midst of the brilliant assemblage, which marked their every movement and gesture-the Brabançon Knight, whom we have before seen at the royal feast, and a youthful minstrel of extreme beauty, seemed both deeply interested in watching the fair damsel and her royal admirer.

The Brabançon, indeed, as much as he dared, appeared bent upon catching any word which might fall from the royal lips. He carried his system of espial so far at last, that John, as the Knight passed the spot where he was sitting, slowly arose from his seat and bent so ruinous a frown upon him, that he drew off abashed, and mingling with the crowd, although he still kept watch, suffered himself no more to encounter the monarch's glance.

The youthful minstrel, standing at a more respectful distance, as his foot kept time to the music, appeared totally lost in admiration of the fair form of Bertha, who was not altogether insensible of the admiration she created,

since her eye, even whilst she seemed intoxicated with the royal attention, occasionally returned his glance.

The King at length observing this, turned an impatient look towards the spot where the youth stood; and after scrutinizing the crowded assemblage, at length espied him.

"Ha!" he said, as he smiled and again sought the lady's eye, "we had almost forgotten yonder springald. But, in truth, I am not altogether sorry to behold him in the presence to-night. Report speaks him possessed of wondrous skill with his instrument."

"Of whom is your Highness speaking?" inquired Bertha, her cheeks suffused with blushes, as she marked the direction of the King's glance.

"Of yonder follower of thine," replied John; "of yonder minstrel, or whatever else it is your fair pleasure to call him. I saw him in

situation of some peril in the field, and am not sorry to perceive that he hath escaped the death which seemed almost inevitable."