The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1855-08-15

| Oiunt anu rusty, but which was doubtless
Keen and bright when it severed the proud
head of the Earl of Essex from his body.
and struck through the slender neck OF
poor Anne Boleyn. But more dreadful
to behold even than these, are the in.
struments Of torture. These are horrible
weapons and machines used to extort
confessions from criminals and SUI rected
persons. The sight Of them made me
shudder and grow faint--the thought of
them has ever since been painful to me
$50, if you please, VIC will talk of other
things.
At the further end Of this hall, there is
n figure of Queen Elizabeth, on horse
back, dressed as she was when she went
to 81. PduFsDto return thanks for the
destruction Of the Spanish Armada which
had been sent against England.
Out Of this hall opens the gloomy lit.
tie room in which Sir Walter Raleigh
was confined during his long imprison
ment in tho reign Of James !.
And now l will tell you some stories
of the Tower, beginning with the brief
life of Sir Walter Raleigh.
Walter Raleigh was the younger son
Of an ancient and honorable family, who
lived at a fine old country seat, called
Farde,l, near Plymouth. He was born
in 1852. AT an early age, he showed
such extraordinary talent, that his father,
who was an excellent scholar, educated
him very carefully, and took much pride
in the wonderful advances he made in all
branches Of learning. At the age Of six
teen, he entered Oxford, where he soon
gained great reputation for scholarship.
But in little more than \ year, he left
College and entered the army, having
volunteered to join noble expedition,
fitted out 10y the order Of Queen Eliza
beth, to aid the crsecutod Huguenots in
France. q ..e...
Like good son, he first returned home
to receive his fathers blessing and his
mothers farewell kiss. His proud father
gave him II fervent benediction gen
ttle mother kissed him tenderiy-and
when she had followed him down to the
court yard, aud seen him mount his fiery
stecd and ride away, with his pretty page
and faithful esquire, she ascendcd to her
chamber in a turret and watched him
from the window, as long rs she could see
the waving Of his white plume, and wept
and prayed for him, and then sat alone, n
long time-thinking of all the pleasant
past, and wondering il hsr darling son
woull come back TO her from the wars
unchangcd-still her own good beautiful
boy--lf she would eger see him again.
Walter Raleigh was abroad on this
dangerous and tolsomc service, five years
Then after a visit to his home, he made
a campaign in the Netherlands, and the
next year, embarked on his first voyage
TO America, with his half brother, Sir
Humphrey Gilbert. They mluckily en-
countered lnrge Spanish feet, and were
defested. Walter reached England just
in time to head an expedition to Ireland,
TO put down an insurrcction raised by the
intriguing Spaniards. Here he was sue
eessful, and so distinguished himself by
his bravery, that he was appointed to the
government Of Munster and Cork.
But matters becoming too quiet in
Ireland to suit his restless, daring spirit,
he returned to England, and went to
Court, ito seek his fortune" as they say
in old fairy.stories.
lie was then remarkably handsome
and accomplished gentleman, with ele-
giant manners and great taste Tor splen-
did dress.
For some time, he did not succeed in
his object, as he was not very wealthy
aud had no great friend to present him
70 the Queen. But fortune favored him
st last One day he was so lucky as to
| meet her Majesty walking out, with her
eourtiers and ladies. The Queen was
magnifccntly dressed in satip and velvet,
aud IA usual, was loaded with costly
jewels. Around her neck was stiff ruff
Of rich lace, full foot wide, and her hair
Of a-reddish yellow, called by the court
poets "golden," was confined by net Of
pearls aud diamonds.
1t was Raleigh's first view Of the Queen /;
he was quite awe-struck by her grand
manner, and so dazzled by her gorgeous
dtess as almost 70 think her beautiful.
His brave heart that had never failed
him In battle, or on the stormy seas, now
fiuttersd wildly in his breat, like . frighten.
ed bird. Such was English loyalty u the
olden time.
Il had been showery that morning, and
little pool Of water lay just across her
Msjestys path. As she came 10 this, she
| paused, not being willing 70 spoil her
gold-wrought slippers, or risk getting a
cold. just as her Minister, Lord Bur
leigh, was advising her to turn back and
take another path, Walter Raleigh step
ped forward, and bowipg very low, took
from lis shonlders his new court cloak ol
i purple plush. and spread il over the mud
! dy phee. The Queen smiled graciously
on The young stranger, tor she was pleas.
ed with bis gallantry and ready wit, and
not displeascd with his elegant ais and
4 handsome face; then setting heffoot -,
the cloak, she walked dainty over i 10
the dry ground.
Ai,er she and her gay train had pass.
ed n. Haleish took up his fine nav cloak,
u0e 1.,''1 f.ined. Bu. almost as soon a.