PENDENNIS CASTLE. 169 



barren hills which bound the western prospect like a girdle, and the 

 fine harbour of Falmouth although it was not then, as now, en- 

 livened with the mighty bulwarks of our power spread out its 

 crisped waters, now ruffled by the passing breeze, now glowing 

 with the golden rays of the departing luminary. The rich mag- 

 nificence of the scene, with its lake-like waters and distant groves, 

 contrasted powerfully with the barren wildness of the coast; 

 and as the eye of the traveller wandered from this to that feature 

 in the landscape, it was impossible not to ascribe to the former, 

 the character of surpassing beauty. 



The party of which we speak were riding slowly towards the 

 draw-bridge of the Castle : the lady, although somewhat past the 

 middle age, was eminently beautiful, she was attired in the hood 

 and riding-dress of the period, and as her little jennet gambolled 

 and caracoled along the downs, she displayed a grace and elegance 

 in its management which bespoke the dignity of her rank and 

 character. The elder cavalier rode beside her on an ambling pal- 

 frey; the purple vest, the richly embroidered cloak, and the 

 slouched hat and its nodding plume sufficiently attested his station ; 

 while from beneath the hat escaped a profusion of long dark hair, 

 after the well-known fashion of the time. The other followed at 

 a respectful distance, and was mounted on a spirited war-horse : 

 his appearance, though not more manly, had a more martial air 

 than that of his companion ; he wore a steel cap, back and breast, 

 and in his war-saddle were pistols of nearly two feet in length. 



" Faithful Cornwall, " said the lady, " many a day in my future 

 exile shall I recall the happiness I have derived from the pledges 

 of thy sincerity. We part in sorrow, Godolphin, but I leave be- 

 hind with you all the fond wishes of an afflicted but affectionate heart 

 for your prosperity and blessing. " " And you will carry with you, 

 Madam'* said Sir Francis Godolphin, " the earnest prayers of united 

 and loyal Cornwall for your Majesty's lasting happiness, and for the 

 restoration of this agitated kingdom to the glory of its former pride. " 

 " Alas ! Alas ! " replied Henrietta Maria, (for it was the Queen of 

 England who spoke,) " that day is, I fear, far distant ; and I 

 should leave these shores to-night with the light heart and the 

 joyous spirit which was once my portion, if I could hope that I 

 should die among my people, and lay my head in the grave in 

 the land which I so tenderly love. " 



" Heaven forefend, " said Godolphin, " that these forebodings 

 should be just. Let us hope for better things and better times; 

 blessings will attend the cause of truth and virtue, and I may yet 

 VOL. i. 1833. x 



