Now it came to pass at the end of the first day that they saw the Trent
in the Bermudas, even in the channel.
Then the brave captain sent on board Lieutenant FAIRFAX,--which
in the Norse tongue is Harfager or Fair-Haired; since it runneth in the
family to be sea-kings, and brave on the ocean.
And he, mounting the ship, cried aloud, 'Where are they?'
Then the Englishman replied, 'I know not whom ye seek,--lo, they are not
here!'
Then he, seeing MASON a little apart, cried, 'Lo! here he is.'
And MASON, hearing this, turned to the color of ashes; his
knees smote together; he became even as a boiled turkey-cock; there was
no soul left in him.
Yea, even his collar wilted, and the stock of his heart went down
ninety-five per cent.
Howbeit he said, with Slidell, 'We will not go save we be forced.'
'Then' replied FAIRFAX, 'I shall take you by force.'
So they held a council together, and resolved to go.
But their wives and little ones they sent on to Europe, and gave
instructions to poor EUSTIS.
Bidding him go in when it should rain, and be sure and put up his
umbrella if he had one.
Likewise to bear certain documents promptly and speedily to the kings
and princes;
Which WILKES hearing, he speedily smashed, taking poor
EUSTIS with the papers.
This was the end of the Council of Trent. It was not that great council
of the name, but a very small one, and which came to nothing--small
potatoes, and few in a hill. Selah!