"I'll tell thee truth--
Too oft a stranger to the royal ear,
But far more wholesome than the honeyed lies
That fawning flatterers offer."
_Any Port in a Storm._
Brief as was the time which had elapsed, the old hall presented a
different appearance to Hansford, from that which it maintained when he
last left it under such disheartening circumstances. The notable
mistress of the mansion had spared no pains to prepare for the reception
of her honoured guest; and, although she took occasion to complain to
her good husband of his inconsiderate conduct, in foisting all these
strangers upon her at once, yet she inwardly rejoiced at the opportunity
it presented for a display of her admirable housewifery. Indeed, the
ease-loving old Colonel almost repented of his hospitality, amid the
bustle and hurry, the scolding of servants, and the general bad humour
which were all necessary incidents to the good dame's preparation.
Having finally "brought things to something like rights," as she
expressed it, her next care was to provide for the entertainment of her
distinguished guest, which to the mind of the benevolent old lady,
consisted not in sparkling conversation, or sage counsels, (then, alas!
much needed by the Governor,) but in spreading a table loaded with a
superabundance of delicacies to tempt his palate, and cause him to
forget his troubles. It was a favourite saying of hers, caught up most
probably in her early life, during the civil war in England, that if the
stomach was well garrisoned with food, the heart would never capitulate
to sorrow.
But the truth of this apothegm was not sustained in the present
instance. Her hospitable efforts, even when united with the genial good
humour and kindness of her husband were utterly unavailing to dispel the
gloom which hung over the inmates of Windsor Hall. Sir William Berkeley
was himself dejected and sad, and communicated his own dejection to all
around him. Indeed, since his arrival at the Hall, he had found good
reason to repent his haste in denouncing the popular and gifted young
insurgent. The pledge made by Colonel Temple of the loyalty of the
people of Gloucester, had not been redeemed--at least so far as an
active support of the Governor was concerned. Berkeley's reception by
them was cold and unpromising. The enthusiasm which he had hoped to
inspire no where prevailed, and the old man felt himself deserted by
those whose zealous co-operation he had been led to anticipate. It was
true that they asserted in the strongest terms their professions of
loyal devotion, and their willingness to quell the first symptoms of
rebellion, but they failed to see anything in the conduct of Bacon to
justify the harsh measures of Berkeley towards him and his followers.
"Lip-service--lip-service," said the old Governor, sorrowfully, as their
decision was communicated to him, "they draw near to me with their
mouth, and honour me with their lips, but their heart is far from me."
But, notwithstanding his disappointment, nothing could shake the proud
spirit of Berkeley in his inflexible resolution, to resist any
encroachments on his prerogative; and, so providing his few followers
with arms from the adjacent fort on York River, he prepared to maintain
his power and his dignity by the sword.
Such was the state of things on the evening that Thomas Hansford and his
companions arrived at Windsor Hall. The intelligence of their arrival
created much excitement, and the inmates of the mansion differed greatly
in their opinions as to the intention of the young rebel. Poor Mrs.
Temple, in whose mind fear always predominated over every other feeling,
felt assured that Hansford had come, attended by another "ruffian,"
forcibly to abduct Virginia from her home--and a violent fit of
hysterics was the result of her suspicions. Virginia herself,
vacillating between hope and fear, trusted, in the simplicity of her
young, girlish heart, that her lover had repented of his grievous error,
and had come to claim her love, and to sue to the Governor for pardon.
Sir William Berkeley saw in the mission of Hansford, a faint hope that
the rebels, alarmed by his late proclamation, had determined to return
to their allegiance, and that Hansford was the bearer of a proposition
to this effect, imploring at the same time the clemency and pardon of
the government, against which they had so grievously offended.
"And they shall receive mercy, too, at my hands, "said the old knight,
as a tear glistened in his eye. "They have learned to fear the power of
the government, and to respect its justice, and they shall now learn to
love its merciful clemency. God forbid, that I should chasten my
repenting people, except as children, for their good."
"Not so fast, my honoured Governor," said Philip Ludwell, who, with the
other attendants of Berkeley, had gathered around him in the porch; "you
may be mistaken in your opinion. I believe--I know--that your wish is
father to the thought in this matter. But look at the resolution and
determined bearing of that young man. Is his the face or the bearing of
a suppliant?"
Ludwell was right. The noble countenance of Hansford, always expressive,
though sufficiently respectful to the presence which he was about to
enter, indicated any thing rather than tame submission. His face was
very pale, and his lip quivered for a moment as he approached the
anxious crowd of loyalists, who remained standing in the porch, but it
was at once firmly compressed by the strength of resolution. As he
advanced, he raised his hat and profoundly saluted the Governor, and
then drawing himself up to his full height, he stood silently awaiting
some one to speak. Colonel Temple halted a moment between his natural
kindness for his friend and his respect for the presence of Sir William
Berkeley. The first feeling prompted him to rush up to Hansford, and
greeting him as of old, to give him a cordial welcome to the hall--but
the latter feeling prevailed. Without advancing, then, he said in a
tone, in which assumed displeasure strove in vain to overcome his native
benevolence--
"To what cause am I to attribute this unexpected visit of Mr. Hansford?"
"My business is with Sir William Berkeley," replied Hansford,
respectfully, "and I presume I am not mistaken in supposing that I am
now in his presence."
"And what would you have from me young man," said Berkeley, coldly;
"your late career has estranged you and some of your friends so entirely
from their Governor, that I feel much honoured by this evidence of your
returning affection."
"Both I and my friends, as far as I may speak for them," returned
Hansford, in the same calm tone, "have ever been ready and anxious to
show our devotion to our country and its rulers, and our present career
to which your excellency has been pleased to allude, is in confirmation
of the fact. That we have unwittingly fallen under your displeasure,
sir, I am painfully aware. To ascertain the cause of that displeasure is
my reason for this intrusion."
"The cause, young man," said Berkeley, "is to be found in your own
conduct, for which, may I hope, you have come for pardon?"
"I regret to say that you are mistaken in your conjecture," replied
Hansford. "As it is impossible that our conduct could have invoked your
displeasure, so it is equally impossible that we should sue for pardon
for an offence which we have never committed."
"And, prythee, what then is your worshipful pleasure, fair sir," said
Berkeley, ironically; "perhaps, in the abundance of your mercy, you have
come to grant pardon, if you do not desire it. Nay!" he exclaimed,
seeing Hansford shake his head; "then, peradventure, you would ask me to
abdicate my government in favour of young Cromwell. I beg pardon--young
Bacon, I should say--the similarity of their views is so striking, that
as my memory is but a poor one, I sometimes confound their names. Well!
any thing in reason. Nay, again!--well then, I am at a loss to
conjecture, and you must yourself explain the object of your visit."
"I would fain convey my instructions to Sir William Berkeley's private
ear," said Hansford, unmoved by the irony of the old knight.
"Oh pardon me, fair sir," said Berkeley; "yet, in this I _must_ crave
your pardon, indeed. A sovereign would never wittingly trust himself
alone with a rebel, and neither will I, though only an obscure colonial
Governor. There are none but loyal ears here, and I trust Mr. Hansford
has no tidings which can offend them."
"I am sure," said Hansford, in reply, "that Sir William Berkeley does
not for a moment suspect that I desired to see him in private from any
sinister or treasonable motive."
"I know, sir," said Berkeley, angrily, "that you have proved yourself a
traitor, and, therefore, I have the best reason for suspecting you of
treasonable designs. But I have no time--no disposition to dally with
you thus. Tell me, what new treason, that my old ears are yet strangers
to, I am yet doomed to hear?"
"My instructions are soon told," said Hansford, repressing his
indignation. "General Nathaniel Bacon, by virtue of your own commission,
Commander-in-chief of the forces of Virginia, desires to know, and has
directed me to inquire, for what cause you have issued a proclamation
declaring both him and his followers traitors to their country and
king?"
Berkeley stood the shock much better than Hansford expected. His face
flushed for a moment, but only for a moment, as he replied,--
"This is certainly an unusual demand of a rebel; but sir, as I have
nothing to fear from an exposure of my reasons, I will reply, that
Nathaniel Bacon is now in arms against the government of Virginia."
"Not unless the government of Virginia be allied with the Indians,
against whom he is marching," said Hansford, calmly.
"Aye, but it is well known," returned Berkeley, "that he has covert
views of his own to attain, under pretext of this expedition against the
Indians."
"Why, then," replied Hansford, "if they are covert from his own
followers, proclaim them traitors with himself; or, if covert from the
government, how can you ascertain that they are treasonable? But, above
all, if you suspected such traitorous designs, why, by your commission,
elevate him to a position in which he may be able to execute them with
success?"
"'Fore God, gentlemen, this is the most barefaced insolence that I have
ever heard. For yourself, young man, out of your own mouth will I judge
you, and convict you of treason; and for your preceptor--whose lessons,
I doubt not, you repeat by rote--you may tell him that his commission is
null and void, because obtained by force and arms."
"I had not expected to hear Sir William Berkeley make such an
acknowledgment," returned Hansford, undauntedly. "You yourself declared
that the commission was not given from fear of threats; and even if this
were not so, the argument would scarce avail--for on what compulsion
was it that your signature appears in a letter to his majesty, warmly
approving the conduct of General Bacon, and commending him for his zeal,
talents and patriotism?"[40]
"Now, by my knighthood," said Berkeley, stung by this last unanswerable
argument, "I will not be bearded thus by an insolent, braggart boy.
Seize him!" he cried, turning to Bernard and Ludwell, who stood nearest
him. "He is my prisoner, and as an example to his vile confederates, he
shall hang in half an hour, until his traitorous tongue has stopped its
vile wagging."
Hansford made no attempt to escape, but, as the two men approached to
disarm and bind him, he fixed his fine blue eyes full upon Colonel
Temple, and said, mildly,
"Shall this be so? Though Sir William Berkeley should fail to respect my
position, as the bearer of a peaceable message from General Bacon, I
trust that the rites of hospitality may not be violated, even in my
humble person."
Colonel Temple was much embarrassed. Notwithstanding the recent conduct
of Hansford had alienated him to a great degree, he still entertained a
strong affection for his boy--nor could he willingly see him suffer a
wrong when he had thus so confidingly trusted to his generosity. But,
apart from his special interest in Hansford, the old Virginian had a
religious regard for the sacred character of a guest, which he could
never forget. And yet, his blind reverence for authority--the bigoted
loyalty which has always made the English people so cautious in
resistance to oppression, and which retarded indeed our own colonial
revolution--made him unwilling to oppose his character of host to the
authority of the Governor. He looked first at Sir William Berkeley, and
his resolution was made; he turned to Hansford, and as he saw his noble
boy standing resolutely there, without a friend to aid him, it wavered.
The poor old gentleman was sadly perplexed, but, after a brief struggle,
his true, generous heart conquered, and he said, turning to Sir William:
"My honoured sir, I trust you will not let this matter proceed any
further here. My house, my life, my all, is at the service of the king
and of his representative; but I question how far we are warranted in
proceeding to extremities with this youth, seeing that although he is
rather froward and pert in his manners, he may yet mean well after all."
"Experience should have taught me," replied Berkeley, coldly, for his
evil genius was now thoroughly aroused, "not to place too much
confidence in the loyalty of the people of Gloucester. If Colonel
Temple's resolution to aid the crumbling power of the government has
wavered at the sight of a malapert and rebellious boy, I had better
relieve him of my presence, which must needs have become irksome to
him."
"Nay, Sir William," returned Temple, reddening at the imputation, "you
shall not take my language thus. Let the youth speak for himself; if he
breathes a word of treason, his blood be on his own head--my hand nor
voice shall be raised to save him. But I am unable to construe any thing
which he has yet said as treasonable." Then turning to Hansford, he
added, "speak, Mr. Hansford, plainly and frankly. What was your object
in thus coming? Were you sent by General Bacon, or did you come
voluntarily?"
"Both," replied Hansford, with a full appreciation of the old man's
unfortunate position. "It was my proposition that some officer of the
army should wait upon the Governor, and ascertain the truth of his
rumoured proclamation. I volunteered to discharge the duty in person."
"And in the event of your finding it to be true," said Berkeley,
haughtily, "what course did you then intend to pursue?"
This was a dangerous question; for Hansford knew that to express the
design of the insurgents in such an event, would be little less than a
confession of treason. But he had a bold heart, and without hesitation,
but still maintaining his respectful manner, he replied,--
"I might evade an answer to your question, by saying, that it would then
be time enough to consider and determine our course. But I scorn to do
so, even when my safety is endangered. I answer candidly then, that in
such an event the worst consequences to the country and to yourself
would ensue. It was to prevent these consequences, and as far as I could
to intercede in restoring peace and quiet to our distracted colony, that
I came to implore you to withdraw this proclamation. Otherwise, sir, the
sword of the avenger is behind you, and within two days from this time
you will be compelled once more to yield to a current that you cannot
resist. Comply with my request, and peace and harmony will once more
prevail; refuse, and let who will triumph, the unhappy colony will be
involved in all the horrors of civil war."
There was nothing boastful in the manner of Hansford, as he uttered
these words. On the contrary, his whole bearing, while it showed
inflexible determination, attested his sincerity in the wish that the
Governor, for the good of the country, would yield to the suggestion.
Nor did Sir William Berkeley, in spite of his indignation, fail to see
the force and wisdom of the views presented; but he had too much pride
to acknowledge it to an inferior.
"Now, by my troth," he cried, "if this be not treason, I am at a loss to
define the term. I should think this would satisfy even your scepticism,
Colonel Temple; for it seems we must consult you in regard to our course
while under your roof. You would scarcely consent, I trust, to a
self-convicted traitor going at large."
"Of course you act in the premises, according to your own judgment,"
replied Temple, coldly, for he was justly offended at the overbearing
manner of the incensed old Governor, "but since you have appealed to me
for my opinion, I will e'en make bold to say, that as this young man
came in the character of an intercessor, you might well be satisfied
with his parole. I will myself be surety for his truth."
"Parole, forsooth, and do you not think I have had enough of paroles
from these rebel scoundrels--zounds, their faith is like an egg-shell,
it is made to be broken."
"With my sincere thanks to my noble friend," said Hansford, "for his
obliging offer, I would not accept it if I could. Unconscious of having
done any thing to warrant this detention, I am not willing to
acknowledge its justice, by submitting to a qualified imprisonment."
"It is well," said Berkeley, haughtily; "we will see whether your pride
is proof against an ignominious death. Disarm him and hold him in close
custody until my farther pleasure shall be known."
As he said this, Hansford was disarmed, and led away under a strong
guard to the apartment which Colonel Temple reluctantly designated as
the place of his confinement.
Meantime Berkenhead had remained at the gate, guarded by two of the
soldiers of the Governor; while old Giles, with a light heart, had found
his way back to his old stand by the kitchen door, and was detailing to
his astonished cronies the unlucky ventures, and the providential
deliverance, which he had experienced. But we must forbear entering into
a detailed account of the old man's sermon, merely contenting ourselves
with announcing, that such was the effect produced, that at the next
baptizing day, old Elder Snivel was refreshed by a perfect pentecost of
converts, who attributed their "new birf" to the wrestling of "brudder
Giles."
We return to Berkenhead, who, at the command of Col. Ludwell, was
escorted, under the guard before mentioned, into the presence of Sir
William Berkeley. The dogged and insolent demeanour of the man was even
more displeasing to the Governor than the quiet and resolute manner of
Hansford, and in a loud, threatening voice, he cried,
"Here comes another hemp-pulling knave. 'Fore God, the colony will have
to give up the cultivation of tobacco, and engage in raising hemp, for
we are like to have some demand for it. Hark ye, sir knave--do you know
the nature of the message which you have aided in bearing from the
traitor Bacon to myself?"
"Not I, your honour--no more than my carbine knows whether it is loaded
or not. It's little the General takes an old soldier like me into his
counsels; but I only know it is my duty to obey, if I were sent to the
devil with a message," and the villain looked archly at the Governor.
"Your language is something of the most insolent," said Sir William.
"But tell me instantly, did you have no conversation with Major Hansford
on your way hither, and if so, what was it?"
"Little else than abuse, your honour," returned Berkenhead, "and a
threat that I would be beat over the head if I didn't hold my tongue;
and as I didn't care to converse at such a disadvantage, I was e'en
content to keep my own counsel for the rest of the way."
"Do you, or do you not, consider Bacon and his followers to be engaged
in rebellion against the government?"
"Rebellion, your honour!" cried the renegade. "Why, was it not your
honour's self that sent us after these salvages? An' I thought there was
any other design afloat, I would soon show them who was the rebel. It is
not the first time that I have done the State some service by betraying
treason."
"Look ye," said the Governor, eyeing the fellow keenly, "if I mistake
not, you are an old acquaintance. Is your name Berkenhead?"
"The same, at your honour's service."
"And didn't you betray the servile plot of 1662, and get your liberty
and a reward for it?"
"Yes, your honour, but I wouldn't have you think that it was for the
reward I did it?"
"Oh, never mind your motives. If you are Judas, you are welcome to your
thirty pieces of silver," said the Governor, with a sneer of contempt.
"But to make the analogy complete, you should be hanged for your
service."
"No, faith," said the shrewd villain, quickly. "Judas hanged himself,
and it would be long ere ever I sought the apostle's elder tree.[41] And
besides, his was the price of innocent blood, and mine was not. Look at
my hand, your honour, and you will see what kind of blood I shed."
Berkeley looked at the fellow's hand, and saw it stained with the
crimson life-blood of the young Indian. With a thrill of horror, he
cried, "What blood is that, you infernal villain?"
"Only fresh from the veins of one of these painted red-skins," returned
Berkenhead. "And red enough he was when I left him; but, forsooth, he
reckons that the paint cost him full dear. He left his mark on Major
Hansford, though, before he left."
"Where did this happen?" said Berkeley, astonished.
"Oh, not far from here. The red devil was a friend at the hall here,
too, or as much so as their bloody hearts will let any of them be.
Colonel Temple, there, knows him, and I have seen him when I lived in
Gloucester. A fine looking fellow, too; and if his skin and his heart
had been both white, there would have been few better and braver
dare-devils than young Manteo."
As he pronounced the name, a wild shriek rent the air, and the
distracted Mamalis rushed into the porch. Her long hair was all
dishevelled and flying loosely over her shoulders, her eye was that of a
maniac in his fury, and tossing her bare arms aloft, she shrieked, in a
wild, harsh voice,
"And who are you, that dare to spill the blood of kings? Look to it that
your own flows not less freely in your veins."
Berkenhead turned pale with fright, and shrinking from the enraged girl,
muttered, "the devil!"--while Temple, in a low voice, whispered to the
Governor the necessary explanation, "She is his sister."
"Yes, his sister!" cried the girl, wildly, for she had overheard the
words. "His only sister!--and my blood now flows in no veins but my own.
But the stream runs more fiercely as the channel is more narrow. Look to
it--look to it!" And, with another wild shriek, the maddened girl rushed
again into the house. It required all the tender care of Virginia Temple
to pacify the poor creature. She reasoned, she prayed, she endeavoured
to console her; but her reasons, her prayers, her sweet words of
consolation, were all lost upon the heart of the Indian maiden, who
nourished but one fearful, fatal idea--revenge!
FOOTNOTES:
[40] This was indeed true, and renders the conduct of Berkeley entirely
inexplicable.
[41] The name given to the tree on which Judas hanged himself.