Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1854-03-09


France 10 Elizabeth. The Marquis, (after-
wards Duke) Of Suly was lodged and enter
tanned by Sir John in the most snmptuous man
ner, al his own private cost. He was under
stood to be worth million sterling, and had
but one child, daughter, his sole heiress,
Having fixed upon son-in-law in his own
rank in life, the worthy citizen had been deeply
lrrltated by the elopement of his daughter with
the young Lord Compton, and though at the
period referred TO in our story, more than a
year had elapsed since the event, Sir Johns
anger seemed to have been increased rather
than diminished by the lapse of time Various
attempts had been made to bring about recon-
cilation, but unsuccessfully. So stood the
family affairs of Sir John Spencer, when good
Queen Bess iniimated her wish to honor him
in the manner related.
OF that honor the citizen continued to think
with pride, up to the time of his receiving
message from the queen, requiring a second
visit from him at Greenwich Palace Thth-
er accordingly Sir John wended his way, med
tating how he might show, in marked man
ner, his sense of the favor bestowed on him by
the Queen. When ushered into the presence
of the latter, he found her with goodly COM
pany OF ladies and courtiers and in presence
also, was her Majestys household chaplain.
'Weleome, Sir John said the Queen, as the
citizen paid his duty on entrance 'thou art
punctual, yet we have been some time in read
mess. The ceremony shall be private, as
best BELTS the condition of our poor little
charge Sir John bowed in silence and the
company, at motion of the Queens hand,
proceeded TO the small chapel, where her
Majesty was accustomed TO perform her pri-
vate devotions.
We shall suppose the child baptized, and
the whole ceremony over. Increasing the
amount of the honor, the Queen gave the child
the Christian name of Spencer This unex-
pected circumstance and the uncommon beau
ty of the infant, seemed to determine the
knight in its favor. Madam said he to the
Queen, with tears in his eyes, | have re-
solved TO show my sense Of this honor by
adopting this child, now my nameson. :. He
shall be my sole heir and that no foolish re-
pentings may afterwards affect this resolve,
here solemnly VOW, before the holy altar, and
in presence OF your Majesty and this fair COM
pany, 10 settle irrevocably my estate by deed
In this chlld's favor, and to place it immedi-
ately in your Majesty possession, if you will
honor me by accepting such trust
The eyes of the Queen sparkled with unaf
fected pleasure. 'iTis well, Sir John Spen-
Ger, said she I'VE are witnesses to your
promise, and know that it will be kept She
then turned round, and exclaimed, looking to
a sde.door Without there you may enter
In an instant the door was thrown open, and
Sir John Spencer beheld his daughter, the
Lady Compton, and her husband, kneeling at
his feet. Before the agtated citizen could
speak, the Queen addressed him. Sir John,
the child whom thou hast here adopted is
thine own grandchild. Take these his parents
also TO your favor, and make this one of the
happiest hours in Queens life
Pardon, dearest father, pardonl' cried the
weeping daughter ofthe knight pardon, con-
tnued she, taking her child from an attendant
and raising it in her arms-'pardon for this
child's sake = Sir John Spencer could not
resist these appeals.
Heaven bless you, my children! = said he,
embracing them by turns; 4 do forgive all
the past and l heartily thank her Majesty,
who has brought about this happy event.
Our anecdote is told. Many glorious acts
signalize the reign of Elizabeth, but it may be
questioned if any recorded deed of hers places
her character in more pleasing light, than
the little r1tse by which she reconciled Sir
John Spencer and his daughter.