216 Wild Darell oj Littlecote. 



curious in our locomotive and electric times, to read such a state- 

 ment as is contained in the beginning of this reply. "I received 

 your letters dated at Cloford the 3rd of March, by the hande of a 

 shepherde coming from the Downes by some distance from the 

 6th day after." Cloford is near Frome, and about 36 miles from 

 Littlecote. "We have also a letter from Sir John Danvers, to "his 

 loving friend and kinsman," dated March 5, 1582, mentioning 

 having conferred with "Mr. Attorney General" on the subject at 

 "Wilton. 



It is clear that Darell was an impracticable gentleman. Among 

 the memoranda made by him, we read that "my Lord of Pembroke 

 sent one Steven Appleford to me the 10th of January, for £60, and for 

 £5 more to be paid within a monneth, for my releasement of prison." 

 There is then a letter from one Arthur Massenger, to Appleford, 

 saying "that he " (Darell) "was in prison for his own knaverie and 

 not for his Lordship's sake, and that in denial of the performance 

 of his promise to his Lordship." And then he adds Lord Pem- 

 broke's opinion of him in the following forcible language. "His 

 Lordship saieth, that there is neither truth in his words, nor honestie 

 in his deeds, and because he doth play the knave, his lordship will 

 not only blast him, but baffle him like a knave." His "loveinge 

 frende," Mr. Attorney General, did not however desert him inhis hour 

 of need, he assisted him as much as lay in his power, and it is most 

 likely with money as well as with advice. In one portion of our 

 hero's reply to that functionary, he breaks forth in the following 

 semi-pious rhapsody, "wher" he asks "is become the integrite 

 clearnes of consciens and vertue that sometime hath bine ? I have 

 learned" he continues, "one rule in books from the auncyent 

 fathers, and I have found it in experience amongst men, that that 

 day that a man would have anothers lands or his goods," (it may be 

 inferred that this alludes to Lord Pembroke and his claim on Ax- 

 ford,) "that day he would have his liffe also, if he could. I pray 

 you, pray for me, for I am, at this present, in sore case." 



It is quite evident that, towards the close of his short career, 

 Darell was in very great difficulties, — pawning plate, according 

 to his own showing, and mortgaging lauds, as is evidenced in the 



