Amador weekly ledger., 1858-03-20

came other carriages, in which were the
principal officers of the expedition just re-
turned. Raleigh was then in the prime of
life, and looked, in his magnificent attire
like sovereign. His form was erect, his
eye clear, his complexior fair, and his small
white hand studded with gems, peeped out
from the laced rufles of his velvet doubet
Brave in war, accomplished in literature, sa-
gacious in council, he well merited the salute
with which the culverins of the curfew tower
welcomed him, while the yeomen lowered
their halberds as he passed the warden's
lodge.
The queen was writing her ministers's COM
ing in the great hall of st. George, at one
extremity of which her throne was placed
upon platform Age had robbed her of
what little beauty she had once possessed,
but no art had been neglected to heighten
her charms. She wore dress of white bro
cade satin, embroidered with gold, and gir-
die of precious stones encircled her waist
A small crown surmounted her bright red
hair, and In her ears were costly diamond
pendants. On either side of her maidens, all
standing, and employed in embroidery or fau-
cy needle work At the other extremity of
the hall were the high officers of state, rich
attired, and bearing the symbols of their sta
tions.
"The lord proprietor of Virginia and the
lord of Roanoke cave an audience, said the
usher of the gold rod, bending his knees be-
fore the throne.
Admit the masquers," said the queen
And you, my maidens, can sit upon your
benches, after the sport commences. All
eyes were turned towards the door, but in
stead of troup Of masquers, Sir Walter
Raleigh entered with slow and steady step,
leading Manteo by the hand. A sailor who
had been so fortunate as to master the Indi-
an dialect during the voyage, followed at a
respectful distance.
Advancing to the foot of the throne, Ra-
leigh knelt, his companion following example,
and said in musical voice:
Permit me to present to your majesty
one on whom, by virtue of my character, |
have ennobled as England's ally-Lord of
Roanoke"
BY my sceptre," exclaimed the queen,
evidently pleased with the conceit, II confirm
the act Rise my Lord of Roanoke, and
you my trusty Raleigh. But where is the
proprietor of Virginia, who was just an
/ u.
1t was, may it please your majesty" re-
piled Raleigh; "but the vessels of your hum
bic servant having discovered its excellencies,
have presumed to name it in honor of that
virgin monarch, whose smile is the sunlight
of her subjects"
"A quaint conceit, my lord proprietor
and so this is Virginian. He is goodly
looking heather, albeit of copper hue"
(Which is more apparent when contras.
ted with the snowy neck of his queen. But
will your majesty examine the productions Of
Virginia 7"
Assent was graciously accorded, and the
presents were brought forward for the curl.
GUS examination of the queen and her atten-
dants. Fragrant tobacco, golden ears OF
maize, the basket Of potatoes, aud variety
of Indian apparel, curiously wrought with
porcupne quilts, were in turn handled AT
times the queen propounded questions, to Man
teo, and his answers, as interpreted, were much
to the point, but at last, while Raleigh was
conversing with the lord chancellor, an un.
lucky question was put.
d" Ask him, said the qneen, with a conceit-
ed smile, "who is the most beautiful lady in
this hail."
The honest sailor translated the question,
and Manteo's reply:
"He says that he knows not which to pre-
fer, of the two ladies in blue at your right
Gods mercy p exclaimed the vixen daugh-
ter Of Henry the Eighth, with suppressed
rage; "are these immodest wantons, with
their shameless glances. to make a parade Of
their enticements before our court 2"
May it please your majesty" interrupted
Raleigh, who had heard the unlucky remark
while the innocent maidens of honor shrunk
away to conceal their shame.
"No apologies, my lord Elizabeth asks
no one to apologize; but you may take away
this filthy savage. Faugh his presence is in
supportable."
To hear was to obey, and Raleigh left the
hall, accompanied by Manteo, who was some
what astonished at not having received {
present, as he had been told he would Ere
Raleigh could caution the interpreter, how
ever, the savage learned wherein he had of
feeded, and for once a grim smile stole ovei
his features
" He wishes me to tell you," said the in
terpreter, ''that he thought the mighty squaw
told the truth, and that she had intended tc
offer him the choice of her attendants. But
Manteo cannot lie. He cannot look IpoI
the leahess tree, and say it is vigorous sap
ling-the fruit Of the wild apple is not Q
beautiful blossom.
"Say to him." replied Raleigh, "that the
truth cannot always be spoken among us who
are civilized. But he need not be discom
forted. He shall yet be confirmed Lord o.
. Raanoka ~