A long silence followed this intemperate speech, which at last was
broken by the mounted traveller.
"You spoke of innovations, and I also believe it is ill to try
experiments in states, unless the need be urgent, and unless it be
the reformation that draweth on the change, and not the love of
change that urgeth the reformation. Is not time the greatest
innovator?--is he not always changing? It hath been said that, as
in nature things move violently to their place, and calmly in
their place; so virtue in ambition is violent, in authority settled
and calm. Steel sharpens steel; so one glory perfecteth another:
and I am of belief, that they who are glorious, must have been
factious. Yet are there degrees in honour, and amongst the first
of them I should rank founders of commonwealths, or even states,
such as we read of in history--Romulus----"
"And you would, I suppose, include the name of Cromwell in the list you
were about to make?" interrupted De Guerre.
"And why not?" retorted the other proudly; "why not Cromwell? Is the oak
to be despised because it was once an acorn? Remember what he suffers
for his state; if, like the stars above us, he is much venerated, even
like them he hath no rest."
"Nor doth he deserve it," said the youth.
"Ah! say'st so!" exclaimed the stranger, hastily, but instantly adding
in a settled voice--"Walter De Guerre, or whatever be your name, beware,
and use not such expressions when you know not your company. You said
but now, your opinions were your property; then give them not away
unasked where we are going. I know you to be brave, and generosity
follows bravery as truly as one star succeedeth another; but discretion
of speech is more valuable than eloquence. And, as to Cromwell, the
people's shepherd has need to keep good count and careful watch; for
wolves and foxes in sheep's clothing break into the pinfolds, kill and
devour. Did he not act the part of Epimetheus (according to the profane
but wise fable), who, when griefs and evils flew abroad, at last shut
down the lid, and kept Hope in the bottom of the vessel, verily, indeed,
his lot would be severe. We can know but little how hard it is to labour
through evil report and good report. Charity in judgment is befitting in
all, but most of all in the young."
They were now within sight of Cecil Place. De Guerre had to contend with
many painful feelings, and a provoking consciousness of the strange
ascendency his companion had acquired over him, so that he dared hardly
speak his own words, or think his own thoughts. Nor could he trace this
to any external influence: the man was plain almost to vulgarity; his
dress common; and though his sword-blade was strong, the handle was
perfectly devoid of ornament. His horse was the only thing in his
appointments that indicated the station of a gentleman; but the saddle
appeared so old and battered, and withal so ill-made, that De Guerre
marvelled so noble an animal would condescend to carry such a weight of
old leather and damaged flock. It is true, that towards the close of
their conversation he had uttered some sentiments that, for a moment,
startled the Cavalier; but then he had uttered them in so unskilled and
confused a manner, and with such an unmusical voice, that it reminded
him, not unaptly, of a blacksmith stringing pearls, so coarse was the
medium through which these fine things came. He ventured to console
himself, however, by the reflection, that a man of such cool and
determined bravery must be, despite external appearances, a person of
some consequence: an opinion confirmed by his being a guest, and
evidently a privileged guest, of Sir Robert Cecil. He arrived at this
conclusion as they passed the postern-gate; and, as the night was now
far gone, the old porter lighted his flambeaux to escort them to the
house.