Loving and beloved, he
existed but as the object of woman's regard. This foible he indulged not
farther. But many a bright eye waxed dim,--many a fond heart was
withered, in the first spring-tide of its affection.
"Now that I have granted you this audience for my cousin's sake, and
given him my reply, it is needful that we return. Besides, the night is
coming on. The king and the feast demand your presence."
"Nay, thou cruel tyrant, tell me not of my chain. The king's humour I
can control, but"----
"Presume not on the favour of princes; an ancient but wholesome
caution," said the maiden, laughing at Sir John, who, for the first
time, seemed to be aware of his duty, and was puzzling his brains for an
excuse.
The bell now rang out lustily from the Tower, increasing the knight's
perplexity. The innocent cause of this delay only laughed at his
concern, singing, as though to herself--
"'The bell has been rung, and the mass hath been sung,
And the feast eat merrily,
Merrily!'
"and the king's master of the ceremonies absent."
The aspect of affairs was now more serious than he had anticipated.
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