arrived, as we have said, at Calais towards the end of the
sixth day. The duke’s attendants, since the previous
evening, had traveled in advance, and now chartered a boat,
for the purpose of joining the yacht, which had been tacking
about in sight, or bore broadside on, whenever it felt its
white wings wearied, within cannon-shot of the jetty.
The boat was destined for the transport of the duke’s
equipages from the shore to the yacht. The horses had been
embarked, having been hoisted from the boat upon the deck in
baskets expressly made for the purpose, and wadded in such a
manner that their limbs, even in the most violent fits of
terror or impatience, were always protected by the soft
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support which the sides afforded, and their coats not even
turned. Eight of these baskets, placed side by side, filled
the ship’s hold. It is well known that in short voyages
horses refuse to eat, but remain trembling all the while,
with the best of food before them, such as they would have
greatly coveted on land. By degrees, the duke’s entire
equipage was transported on board the yacht; he was then
informed that everything was in readiness, and that they
only waited for him, whenever he would be disposed to embark
with the French gentleman; for no one could possibly imagine
that the French gentleman would have any other accounts to
settle with his Grace than those of friendship. Buckingham
desired the captain to be told to hold himself in readiness,
but that, as the sea was beautiful, and as the day promised
a splendid sunset, he did not intend to go on board until
nightfall, and would avail himself of the evening to enjoy a
walk on the strand. He added also, that, finding himself in
such excellent company, he had not the least desire to
hasten his embarkation.
As he said this he pointed out to those who surrounded him
the magnificent spectacle which the sky presented, of
deepest azure in the horizon, the amphitheatre of fleecy
clouds ascending from the sun’s disc to the zenith, assuming
the appearance of a range of snowy mountains, whose summits
were heaped one upon another. The dome of clouds was tinged
at its base with, as it were, the foam of rubies, fading
away into opal and pearly tints, in proportion as the gaze
was carried from base to summit. The sea was gilded with the
same reflection, and upon the crest of every sparkling wave
danced a point of light, like a diamond by lamplight. The
mildness of the evening, the sea breezes, so dear to
contemplative minds, setting in from the east and blowing in
delicious gusts; then, in the distance, the black outline of
the yacht with its rigging traced upon the empurpled
background of the sky — while, dotting the horizon, might
be seen, here and there, vessels with their trimmed sails,
like the wings of a seagull about to plunge; such a
spectacle indeed well merited admiration. A crowd of curious
idlers followed the richly dressed attendants, amongst whom
they mistook the steward and the secretary for the master
and his friend. As for Buckingham, who was dressed very
simply, in a gray satin vest, and doublet of violet-colored
velvet, wearing his hat thrust over his eyes, and without
orders or embroidery, he was taken no more notice of than De
Wardes, who was in black, like an attorney.
The duke’s attendants had received directions to have a boat
in readiness at the jetty head, and to watch the embarkation
of their master, without approaching him until either he or
his friend should summon them, — “whatever may happen,” he
had added, laying a stress upon these words, so that they
might not be misunderstood. Having walked a few paces upon
the strand, Buckingham said to De Wardes, “I think it is now
time to take leave of each other. The tide, you perceive, is
rising; ten minutes hence it will have soaked the sands
where we are now walking in such a manner that we shall not
be able to keep our footing.”
“I await your orders, my lord, but —- “