The Lancashire Witches by William Harrison Ainsworth

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Scarcely had Nicholas joined his companions, than word was given that
the king was about to attend morning prayers in the domestic chapel.
Upon this, an immediate rush was made in that direction by the crowd;
but the greater part were kept back by the guard, who crossed their
halberts to prevent their ingress, and a few only were allowed to enter
the antechamber leading to the chapel, amongst whom were the squire and
his companions.

Here they were detained within it till service was over, and, as prayers
were read by the Bishop of Chester, and the whole Court was present,
this was a great disappointment to them. At the end of half an hour two
very courtly personages came forth, each bearing a white wand, and,
announcing that the King was coming forth, the assemblage immediately
divided into two lines to allow a passage for the monarch. Nicholas
Assheton informed Richard in a whisper that the foremost and stateliest
of the two gentlemen was Lord Stanhope of Harrington, the
vice-chamberlain, and the other, a handsome young man of slight figure
and somewhat libertine expression of countenance, was the renowned Sir
John Finett, master of the ceremonies. Notwithstanding his
licentiousness, however, which was the vice of the age and the stain of
the court, Sir John was a man of wit and address, and perfectly
conversant with the duties of his office, of which he has left
satisfactory evidence in an amusing tractate, "Finetti Philoxenis."

Some little time elapsed before the King made his appearance, during
which the curiosity of such as had not seen him, as was the case with
Richard, was greatly excited. The young man wondered whether the
pedantic monarch, whose character perplexed the shrewdest, would answer
his preconceived notions, and whether it would turn out that his
portraits were like him. While these thoughts were passing through his
mind, a shuffling noise was heard without, and King James appeared at
the doorway. He paused there for a moment to place his plumed and
jewelled cap upon his head, and to speak a word with Sir John Finett,
and during this Richard had an opportunity of observing him. The
portraits _were_ like, but the artists had flattered him, though not
much. There was great shrewdness of look, but there was also a vacant
expression, which seemed to contradict the idea of profound wisdom
generally ascribed to him. When in perfect repose, which they were not
for more than a minute, the features were thoughtful, benevolent, and
pleasing, and Richard began to think him quite handsome, when another
change was wrought by some remark of Sir John Finett. As the Master of
the Ceremonies told his tale, the King's fine dark eyes blazed with an
unpleasant light, and he laughed so loudly and indecorously at the close
of the narrative, with his great tongue hanging out of his mouth, and
tears running down his cheeks, that the young man was quite sickened.
The King's face was thin and long, the cheeks shaven, but the lips
clothed with mustaches, and a scanty beard covered his chin. The hair
was brushed away from the face, and the cap placed at the back of the
head, so as to exhibit a high bald forehead, of which he was
prodigiously vain. James was fully equipped for the chase, and wore a
green silk doublet, quilted, as all his garments were, so as to be
dagger-proof, enormous trunk-hose, likewise thickly stuffed, and buff
boots, fitting closely to the leg, and turned slightly over at the knee,
with the edges fringed with gold. This was almost the only appearance of
finery about the dress, except a row of gold buttons down the jerkin.
Attached to his girdle he wore a large pouch, with the mouth drawn
together by silken cords, and a small silver bugle was suspended from
his neck by a baldric of green silk. Stiffly-starched bands, edged with
lace, and slightly turned down on either side of the face, completed his
attire. There was nothing majestic, but the very reverse, in the King's
deportment, and he seemed only kept upright by the exceeding stiffness
of his cumbersome clothes. With the appearance of being corpulent, he
was not so in reality, and his weak legs and bent knees were scarcely
able to support his frame. He always used a stick, and generally sought
the additional aid of a favourite's arm.

In this instance the person selected was Sir Gilbert Hoghton, the eldest
son of Sir Richard, and subsequent owner of Hoghton Tower. Indebted for
the high court favour he enjoyed partly to his graceful person and
accomplishments, and partly to his marriage, having espoused a daughter
of Sir John Aston of Cranford, who, as sister of the Duchess of
Buckingham, and a descendant of the blood royal of the Stuarts, was a
great help to his rapid rise, the handsome young knight was skilled in
all manly exercises, and cited as a model of grace in the dance.
Constant in attendance upon the court, he frequently took part in the
masques performed before it. Like the King, he was fully equipped for
hunting; but greater contrast could not have been found than between his
tall fine form and the King's ungainly figure. Sir Gilbert had remained
behind with the rest of the courtiers in the chapel; but, calling him,
James seized his arm, and set forward at his usual shambling pace. As he
went on, nodding his head in return to the profound salutations of the
assemblage, his eye rolled round them until it alighted on Richard
Assheton, and, nudging Sir Gilbert, he asked--

"Wha's that?--a bonnie lad, but waesome pale."

Sir Gilbert, however, was unable to answer the inquiry; but Nicholas,
who stood beside the young man, was determined not to lose the
opportunity of introducing him, and accordingly moved a step forward,
and made a profound obeisance.

"This youth, may it please your Majesty," he said, "is my cousin,
Richard Assheton, son and heir of Sir Richard Assheton of Middleton, one
of your Majesty's most loyal and devoted servants, and who, I trust,
will have the honour of being presented to you in the course of the
day."

"We trust so, too, Maister Nicholas Assheton--for that, if we dinna
forget, is your ain name," replied James; "and if the sire resembles the
son, whilk is not always the case, as our gude freend, Sir Gilbert, is
evidence, being as unlike his worthy father as a man weel can be; if, as
we say, Sir Richard resembles this callant, he must be a weel-faur'd
gentleman. But, God's santie, lad! how cam you in sic sad and sombre
abulyiements? Hae ye nae braw claes to put on to grace our coming? Black
isna the fashion at our court, as Sir Gilbert will tell ye, and, though
a suit o' sables may become you, it's no pleasing in our sight. Let us
see you in gayer apparel at dinner."

Richard, who was considerably embarrassed by the royal address, merely
bowed, and Nicholas again took upon himself to answer for him.

"Your Majesty will be pleased to pardon him," he said; "but he is
unaccustomed to court fashions, having passed all his time in a wild and
uncivilized district, where, except on rare and happy occasions like the
present, the refined graces of life seldom reach us."

"Weel, we wouldna be hard upon him," said the King, good-naturedly; "and
mayhap the family has sustained some recent loss, and he is in
mourning."

"I cannot offer that excuse for him, sire," replied Nicholas, who began
to flatter himself he was making considerable progress in the monarch's
good graces. "It is simply an affair of the heart."

"Puir chiel! we pity him," cried the King. "And sae it is a hopeless
suit, young sir?" he added to Richard. "Canna we throw in a good word
for ye? Do we ken the lassie, and is she to be here to-day?"

"I am quite at a loss how to answer your Majesty's questions," replied
Richard, "and my cousin Nicholas has very unfairly betrayed my secret."

"Hoot, toot! na, lad," exclaimed James; "it wasna he wha betrayed your
secret, but our ain discernment that revealed it to us. We kenned your
ailment at a glance. Few things are hidden from the King's eye, and we
could tell ye mair aboot yoursel', and the lassie you're deeing for, if
we cared to speak it; but just now we have other fish to fry, and must
awa' and break our fast, of the which, if truth maun be spoken, we stand
greatly in need; for creature comforts maun be aye looked to as weel as
spiritual wants, though the latter should be ever cared for first, as
is our ain rule; and in so doing we offer an example to our subjects,
which they will do weel to follow. Later in the day, we will talk
further to you on the subject; but, meanwhile, gie us the name of your
lassie loo."

"Oh! spare me, your Majesty," cried Richard.

"Her name is Alizon Nutter," interposed Nicholas.

"What! a daughter of Alice Nutter of Rough Lee?" exclaimed James.

"The same, sire," replied Nicholas, much surprised at the extent of
information manifested by the King.

"Why, saul o' my body! man, she's a witch--a witch! d'ye ken that?"
cried the King, with a look of abhorrence; "a mischievous and malignant
vermin, with which this pairt of our realm is sair plagued, but which,
with God's help, we will thoroughly extirpate. Sae the lass is a
daughter of Alice Nutter, ha! That accounts for your grewsome looks,
lad. Odd's life! I see it all now. I understand what is the matter with
you. Look at him, Sir Gilbert--look at him, I say! Does naething strike
you as strange about him?"

"Nothing more than that he is naturally embarrassed by your Majesty's
mode of speech," replied the knight.

"You lack the penetration of the King, Sir Gilbert," cried James. "I
will tell you what ails him. He is bewitchit--forespoken."

Exclamations were uttered by all the bystanders, and every eye was fixed
on Richard, who felt ready to sink to the ground.

"I affirm he is bewitchit," continued the King; "and wha sae likely to
do it as the glamouring hizzie that has ensnared him? She has ill bluid
in her veins, and can chant deevil's cantrips as weel as the mither, or
ony gyre-carline o' them a'."

"You are mistaken, sire," cried Richard, earnestly. "Alizon will be here
to-day with my father and sister, and, if you deign to receive her, I am
sure you will judge her differently."

"We shall perpend the point of receiving her," replied the King,
gravely. "But we are rarely mista'en, young man, and seldom change our
opinion except upon gude grounds, and those you arena like to offer us.
Belike ye hae been lang ill?"

"Oh! no, your Majesty, I was suddenly seized, about a month ago,"
replied Richard.

"Suddenly seized--eh!" exclaimed James, winking cunningly at those near
him; "and ye swarfit awa' wi' the pain? I guessed it. And whaur was
Alizon the while?"

"At that time she was a guest at Middleton," replied Richard; "but it is
impossible my illness can in any way be attributed to her. I will answer
with my life for her perfect innocence."

"You may have to answer wi' your life for your misplaced faith in her,"
said the King; "but I tell you naething--naething wicked, at all
events--is impossible to witches, and the haill case, even by your own
showin', is very suspicious. I have heard somewhat of the story of Alice
Nutter, but not the haill truth--but there are folk here wha can
enlighten us mair fully. Thus much I do ken--that she is a notorious
witch, and a fugitive from justice; though siblins you, Maister Nicholas
Assheton, could give an inkling of her hiding-place if you were so
disposed. Nay, never look doited, man," he added, laughing, "I bring nae
charges against you. Ye arena on your trial noo. But this is a serious
matter, and maun be seriously considered before we dismiss it. You say
Alizon will be here to-day. Sae far weel. Canna you contrive to produce
the mother, too, Maister Nicholas?"

"Sire!" exclaimed Nicholas.

"Nay, then, we maun gang our ain way to wark," continued James. "We are
tauld ye hae a petition to offer us, and our will and pleasure is that
you present it afore we go forth to the chase, and after we have
partaken of our matutinal refection, whilk we will nae langer delay;
for, sooth to say, we are weel nigh famished. Look ye, sirs. Neither of
you is to quit Hoghton Tower without our permission had and obtained. We
do not place you under arrest, neither do we inhibit you from the chase,
or from any other sports; but you are to remain here at our sovereign
pleasure. Have we your word that you will not attempt to disobey the
injunction?"

"You have mine, undoubtedly, sire," replied Richard.

"And mine, too," added Nicholas. "And I hope to justify myself before
your Majesty."

"We shall be weel pleased to hear ye do it, man," rejoined the King,
laughing, and shuffling on. "But we hae our doubts--we hae our doubts!"

"His Majesty talks of going to breakfast, and says he is famished,"
observed Nicholas to Sherborne, as the King departed; "but he has
completely taken away my appetite."

"No wonder," replied the other.

CHAPTER VII.--THE ROYAL DECLARATION CONCERNING LAWFUL SPORTS ON THE
SUNDAY.

Not many paces after the King marched the Duke of Buckingham, then in
the zenith of his power, and in the full perfection of his unequalled
beauty, eclipsing all the rest of the nobles in splendour of apparel, as
he did in stateliness of deportment. Haughtily returning the salutations
made him, which were scarcely less reverential than those addressed to
the monarch himself, the prime favourite moved on, all eyes following
his majestic figure to the door. Buckingham walked alone, as if he had
been a prince of the blood; but after him came a throng of nobles,
consisting of the Earl of Pembroke, high chamberlain; the Duke of
Richmond, master of the household; the Earl of Nottingham, lord high
admiral; Viscount Brackley, Lord Howard of Effingham, Lord Zouche,
president of Wales; with the Lords Knollys, Mordaunt, Conipton, and Grey
of Groby. One or two of the noblemen seemed inclined to question Richard
as to what had passed between him and the King; but the young man's
reserved and somewhat stern manner deterred them. Next came the three
judges, Doddridge, Crooke, and Hoghton, whose countenances wore an
enforced gravity; for if any faith could be placed in rubicund cheeks
and portly persons, they were not indisposed to self-indulgence and
conviviality. After the judges came the Bishop of Chester, the King's
chaplain, who had officiated on the present occasion, and who was in his
full pontifical robes. He was accompanied by the lord of the mansion,
Sir Richard Hoghton, a hale handsome man between fifty and sixty, with
silvery hair and beard, a robust but commanding person, a fresh
complexion, and features, by no means warranting, from any marked
dissimilarity to those of his son, the King's scandalous jest.

A crowd of baronets and knights succeeded, including Sir Arthur Capel,
Sir Thomas Brudenell, Sir Edward Montague, Sir Edmund Trafford, sheriff
of the county, Sir Edward Mosley, and Sir Ralph Assheton. The latter
looked grave and anxious, and, as he passed his relatives, said in a low
tone to Richard--

"I am told Alizon is to be here to-day. Is it so?"

"She is," replied the young man; "but why do you ask? Is she in danger?
If so, let her be warned against coming."

"On no account," replied Sir Ralph; "that would only increase the
suspicion already attaching to her. No; she must face the danger, and I
hope will be able to avert it."

"But what _is_ the danger?" asked Richard. "In Heaven's name, speak more
plainly."

"I cannot do so now," replied Sir Ralph. "We will take counsel together
anon. Her enemies are at work; and, if you tarry here a few minutes
longer, you will understand whom I mean."

And he passed on.

A large crowd now poured indiscriminately out of the chapel and amongst
it Nicholas perceived many of his friends and neighbours, Mr. Townley of
Townley Park, Mr. Parker of Browsholme, Mr. Shuttleworth of Gawthorpe,
Sir Thomas Metcalfe, and Roger Nowell. With the latter was Master Potts,
and Richard was then at no loss to understand against whom Sir Ralph had
warned him. A fierce light blazed in Roger Nowell's keen eyes as he
first remarked the two Asshetons, and a smile of gratified vengeance
played about his lips; but he quelled the fire in a moment, and,
compressing his hard mouth more closely, bowed coldly and ceremoniously
to them. Metcalfe did the same. Not so Master Potts. Halting for a
moment, he said, with a spiteful look, "Look to yourself, Master
Nicholas; and you too, Master Richard. A day of reckoning is coming for
both of you."

And with this he sprang nimbly after his client.

"What means the fellow?" cried Nicholas. "But that we are here, as it
were, in the precincts of a palace, I would after him and cudgel him
soundly for his insolence."

"And wha's that ye'd be after dinging, man?" cried a sharp voice behind
him. "No that puir feckless body that has jist skippit aff. If sae,
ye'll tak the wrang soo by the lugg, and I counsel you to let him bide,
for he's high i' favour wi' the King."

Turning at this address, Nicholas recognised the king's jester, Archie
Armstrong, a merry little knave, with light blue eyes, long yellow hair
hanging about his ears, and a sandy beard. There was a great deal of
mother wit about Archie, and quite as much shrewdness as folly. He wore
no distinctive dress as jester--the bauble and coxcomb having been long
discontinued--but was simply clad in the royal livery.

"And so Master Potts is in favour with his Majesty, eh, Archie?" asked
the squire, hoping to obtain some information from him.

"And sae war you the day efore yesterday, when you hunted at
Myerscough," replied the jester.

"But how have I forfeited the King's good opinion?" asked Nicholas.
"Come, you are a good fellow, Archie, and will tell me."

"Dinna think to fleech me, man," replied the jester, cunningly.--"I ken
what I ken, and that's mair than you'll get frae me wi' a' your
speering. The King's secrets are safe wi' Archie--and for a good reason,
that he is never tauld them. You're a gude huntsman, and sae is his
Majesty; but there's ae kind o' game he likes better than anither, and
that's to be found maistly i' these pairts--I mean witches, and sic like
fearfu' carlines. We maun hae the country rid o' them, and that's what
his Majesty intends, and if you're a wise man you'll lend him a helping
hand. But I maun in to disjune."

And with this the jester capered off, leaving Nicholas like one
stupefied. He was roused, however, by a smart slap on the shoulder from
Sir John Finett.

"What! pondering over the masque, Master Nicholas, or thinking of the
petition you have to present to his Majesty?" cried the master of the
ceremonies, "Let neither trouble you. The one will be well played, I
doubt not, and the other well received, I am sure, for I know the king's
sentiments on the subject. But touching the dame, Master Nicholas--have
you found one willing and able to take part in the masque?"

"I have found several willing, Sir John," replied Nicholas; "but as to
their ability that is another question. However, one of them may do as a
make-shift. They are all in the base court, and shall wait on you when
you please, and then you can make your election."

"So far well," replied Finett; "it may be that we shall have Ben Jonson
here to-day--rare Ben, the prince of poets and masque-writers. Sir
Richard Hoghton expects him. Ben is preparing a masque for Christmas, to
be called 'The Vision of Delight,' in which his highness the prince is
to be a principal actor, and some verses which have been recited to me
are amongst the daintiest ever indited by the bard."

"It will be a singular pleasure to me to see him," said Nicholas; "for I
hold Ben Jonson in the highest esteem as a poet--ay, above them all,
unless it be Will Shakspeare."

"Ay, you do well to except Shakspeare," rejoined Sir John Finett. "Great
as Ben Jonson is, and for wit and learning no man surpasses him, he is
not to be compared with Shakspeare, who for profound knowledge of
nature, and of all the highest qualities of dramatic art, is
unapproachable. But ours is a learned court, Master Nicholas, and
therefore we have a learned poet; but a right good fellow is Ben Jonson,
and a boon companion, though somewhat prone to sarcasm, as you will find
if you drink with him. Over his cups he will rail at courts and
courtiers in good set terms, I promise you, and I myself have come in
for his gibes. However, I love him none the less for his quips, for I
know it is his humour to utter them, and so overlook what in another and
less deserving person I should assuredly resent. But is not that young
man, who is now going forth, your cousin, Richard Assheton? I thought
so. The King has had a strange tale whispered in his ear, that the youth
has been bewitched by a maiden--Alizon Nutter, I think she is named--of
whom he is enamoured. I know not what truth may be in the charge, but
the youth himself seems to warrant it, for he looks ghastly ill. A
letter was sent to his Majesty at Myerscough, communicating this and
certain other particulars with which I am not acquainted; but I know
they relate to some professors of the black art in your country, the
soil of which seems favourable to the growth of such noxious weeds, and
at first he was much disturbed by it, but in the end decided that both
parties should be brought hither without being made aware of his design,
that he might see and judge for himself in the matter. Accordingly a
messenger was sent over to Middleton Hall as from Sir Richard Hoghton,
inviting the whole family to the Tower, and giving Sir Richard Assheton
to understand it was the King's pleasure he should bring with him a
certain young damsel, named Alizon Nutter, of whom mention had been made
to him. Sir Richard had no choice but to obey, and promised compliance
with his Majesty's injunctions. An officer, however, was left on the
watch, and this very morning reported to his Majesty that young Richard
Assheton had already set out with the intention of going to Preston, but
had passed the night at Walton-le-Dale, and that Sir Richard, his
daughter Dorothy, and Alizon Nutter, would be here before noon."

"His Majesty has laid his plans carefully," replied Nicholas, "and I can
easily conjecture from whom he received the information, which is as
false as it is malicious. But are you aware, Sir John, upon what
evidence the charge is supported--for mere suspicion is not enough?"

"In cases of witchcraft suspicion _is_ enough," replied the knight,
gravely. "Slender proofs are required. The girl is the daughter of a
notorious witch--that is against her. The young man is ailing--that is
against her, too. But a witness, I believe, will be produced, though who
I cannot say."

"Gracious Heaven! what wickedness there must be in the world when such a
charge can be brought against one so good and so unoffending," cried
Nicholas. "A maiden more devout than Alizon never existed, nor one
holding the crime she is charged with in greater abhorrence. She injure
Richard! she would lay down her life for him--and would have been his
wife, but for scruples the most delicate and disinterested on her part.
But we will establish her innocence before his Majesty, and confound her
enemies."

"It is with that hope that I have given you this information, sir, of
which I am sure you will make no improper use," replied Sir John. "I
have heard a similar character to that you have given of Alizon, and am
unwilling she should fall a victim to art or malice. Be upon your guard,
too, Master Nicholas; for other investigations will take place at the
same time, and some matters may come forth in which you are concerned.
The King's arms are long, and reach and strike far--and his eyes see
clearly when not hoodwinked--or when other people see for him. And now,
good sir, you must want breakfast. Here Faryngton," he added to an
attendant, "show Master Nicholas Assheton to his lodging in the base
court, and attend upon him as if he were your master. I will come for
you, sir, when it is time to present the petition to the King."

So saying, he bowed and walked forth, turning into the upper quadrangle,
while Nicholas followed Faryngton into the lower court, where he found
his friends waiting for him.

Speedily ascertaining where their lodgings were situated, Faryngton led
them to a building on the left, almost opposite to the great bonfire,
and, ascending a flight of steps, ushered them into a commodious and
well-furnished room, looking into the court. This done, he disappeared,
but soon afterwards returned with two yeomen of the kitchen, one
carrying a tray of provisions upon his head, and the other sustaining a
basket of wine under his arm, and a snowy napkin being laid upon the
table, trenchers viands, and flasks were soon arranged in very tempting
order--so tempting, indeed, that the squire, notwithstanding his
assertion, that his appetite had been taken away, fell to work with his
customary vigour, and plied a flask of excellent Bordeaux so
incessantly, that another had to be placed before him. Sherborne did
equal justice to the good cheer, and Richard not only forced himself to
eat, but to the squire's great surprise swallowed more than one deep
draught of wine. Having thus administered to the wants of the guests,
and seeing his presence was no longer either necessary or desired,
Faryngton vanished, first promising to go and see that all was got ready
for them in the sleeping apartments. Notwithstanding the man's civility,
there was an over-officiousness about him that made Nicholas suspect he
was placed over them by Sir John Finett to watch their movements, and he
resolved to be upon his guard.