Hobbe and the house steward were the foremost
in their parts, having important functions allotted to them; one to
grunt and howl in the similitude of a huge bear, and the other to roar
in lieu of a lion, before the "_Bower of Beautie_" for such was the
title or motto of the pageant. Nor was Sir John lacking in due homage to
his mistress; she was appointed to enact "The Queen of Beautie." It was
after much solicitation that she consented, receiving with great gravity
and attention the instructions of her accomplished preceptor.
The day was nigh spent and the sun fast sinking on the ocean, now
waiting with a chariot of flame to conduct him to other skies.
Grace was just finishing her toilet, and her maid adjusting the last
plait in her head-dress, when a low and guarded knock announced a
visitor. The door was slightly opened, when a messenger threw in a gay
billet and departed. It was superscribed thus:--"_To the Fairest,
These_."
With a quickened pulse and a tremulous hand, she glanced over the page,
elaborately penned as follows:--
"The Bower of Beautie hath a snake; beware that he come not nigh
thee, for his tooth has venom, and his tail a sting.
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