The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1863-03-04
"Nay, my good UNCLE" he said, "your

of 1t to the confusion Of the enemies OF
our crown and person !"
As Henry said this, he fixed his eyes
keeDly upon the eountenance of the SER
vitor, who, during this conversation, had
been vainly striving to conceal his in
creasing agitation.
He turned slightly pale as the king
pushed the cup toward him. Neverthe-
less. he said in clear, steady voice:
Il pray your majesty to excuse me-
I have made a vow that no wine shall
pass my lips until my own wrongs be
righted"
"Is that thy reason ?" said the king,
with a significant smile. 1--WE shall see.
Here, Eric ne added, offering the cup
to large greyhound that was crOuched
at his feet.
The long, smooth tongue of the noble
animal had scarcely Tapped the last drop,
when, staggering, he fell lifeless upon
the floor.
King Henry sprang to his feet.
"Treasou p he shouted, bringing his
clenched hand down heavily upon the ta-
ole, e,and glancing with flashing eyes around
upon the astonished courtiers, who follow
ing his example, arose, and stood looking
at each other in terror and dlsmay.
Il trust that your majesty will bear
witness" said the duke, in an agitated
voice, "that | would have drank of the
cup, had you permitted me-"
IL would that the hearts Of all present
were as loyal as thine ?" said Henry, lay
ing his hand kindly upon the dukes
shoulder "Yet well DO | know" he ad-
ded, gancing darkly around, "that you,
der knave has a master at whose bidding
be has done this. Away with him If
he reveals the name of his instlgaior, he
may find mercy at our hands. If he re-
fuses lie dies at the break of day p
During this scene, a slight female fig
ure had been vainly striving to force
her way through the body Of armed men,
who, fearful of further treachery, had
gathered around she king.
As soon as Henry observed her, he
bade them stand back, and beckoned her
to approach.
With pale cheek and unsteady step the
young glrI obeyed, and throwing herself
at his feet, casped his knees.
Rise, fair maiden" exclaimed Henry;
this posture Ill BELTS tie preserver OF
Englands king!
Il will not rise. sire" returned the
suppllant, "untiI you have pardOned that
unhappy man, my wretched, misguided
father, whose wrongs and suferlngS have
Leariy bereft him OF reason. 1t is his
life that ask at your hands !"
"W hat p exclaimed Henry, with a
frown, 1.-THE life of my attempted murder
er? Methinks that is strange request,
lady"
My liege," said the maiden, implor-
ingly, remember thine oath. Break
not thy kingly word, Let me not feel
that in saving my Sovereigus life, have
become paTrlcide !"
These is some strange mystery here, )"
said the king, addressing those around
him. "Let the man be brought before
me-"
The criminals brow did not blench, as
ne stood before the king, who, regarding
him sternl y, said
"What prompted you to this deed of
guilt and madness ("
The wrongs and insults heaped upon
NE by your cwn hand y returned The ac-
cused, giving look as stern and naughty
as his own.
"Now by the holy rood, thou liest,
kDave!' exclaimed Henry, angriIy. Il
knew not, until now, that there was such
a person as thyself in merrie England"
Thou shouldSt have known 1t. The
son of Sir Philip Darcy, who fell at Bos-
worth, fighting for his king, should not
have fingered all these years IN poverty
aud obscurlty."
"Sir Philip left no son. He was an
imposter who claimed his estate and
title"
81 am that imposter," said the man,
raising his head haughtily, as he spoke.
And yet, nevertheless, his son and right
ful heir"
Thy look and bearing show thou
speak est truly" said the king, in gent
ler tone, for he still held in grateful re-
membrance the brave knight who fell at
his right hand on the victorious field of
Bosworth. "But why didst thou not
present the proofs of thy birthright 2"
Il did, your majesty, but was unable
to obtain a hearing. | thrice sought
personal interview, and was thrust from
your gate with indignities that nearly
maddensd me- | then went to France,
my mothers birthplace and mine. Col
ecting the most conclusive evidence of
the validity of my claims, | transmitted