The Constable of the Tower by W. Harrison Ainsworth

This time the sound proceeding from the flag was deeper and more awful than on the previous occasions.

“The knave ought to pay for his insolence with his ears,” cried Sir John Gage, angrily.

“I have his Majesty’s word that I am to go scot-free,” rejoined Mauger. “I cannot alter the decrees of fate, and am no more responsible for what may ensue than the senseless weapon I strike withal. But I do grieve sometimes; and it saddens me to think that a fair and noble young creature, whom I beheld for the first time in the Tower only three days ago, will most like claim mine office.”

Edward shuddered on hearing this remark, for he could not help fearing that the caitiff alluded to the Lady Jane Grey. However, he forbore to question him.

“Are there any more who desire to make the experiment?” pursued Mauger.

“Ay, I would fain ascertain if my death is to be by decapitation,” cried Xit, leaping on to the block, and regarding the executioner with ludicrous sternness.

“Hence!” exclaimed Mauger, pushing him with the handle of his axe, and causing him to skip off with all haste. “No such honorable ending is reserved for thee.”

This incident, which created some merriment, dissipated the unpleasant effect produced by the previous trials; and directing that half-a-dozen rose-nobles should be given to Mauger, the king quitted the vault with his attendants.

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Chapter X

HOW KING EDWARD VISITED THE DUKE OF NORFOLK IN THE BEAUCHAMP TOWER

Preceded by Sir John Gage, and followed by the rest of his attendants, Edward next ascended a short spiral staircase communicating with an upper apartment in the Bloody Tower, wherein the dark deed was done that has conferred such fearful celebrity on the structure; and after examining the mysterious chamber, and listening to the constable’s details of the tragical affair, he tracked a narrow passage, constructed in the inner ballium wall, leading to the lieutenant’s lodgings. On arriving there, he was received with great ceremony by Sir John Markham, and shown over the building.

Throughout his investigations, the young monarch allowed no object of interest, historical or otherwise, to escape him, and displayed a quickness and a fund of knowledge surprising in one so young. Inquiries having been made by the king of the constable respecting the state delinquents at that time imprisoned in the Tower, Sir John Gage seized the opportunity of asking whether it would please his majesty to visit any of them, and especially the Duke of Norfolk. As may be conjectured, the proposition was not made without a latent motive on the part of the worthy constable, who, being warmly attached to the duke, hoped that Edward’s compassion might be so much moved by the sight of the illustrious captive, that he would grant him a pardon. The lord protector evidently entertained a like impression, and his dread lest his royal nephew’s clemency might be exercised in behalf of the unfortunate nobleman was so great, that he would have opposed the visit had he not feared to incense Sir John Gage, with whom, for many reasons, he desired to continue on good terms. He therefore raised no objections when Edward agreed to go at once to the Beauchamp Tower, where the Duke of Norfolk was confined, but bowing gravely in token of acquiescence, observed, “Your Majesty must steel your heart. Efforts, I foresee, will be made to move it. But you must not forget that the Duke of Norfolk is a condemned traitor, and still under sentence of death.”

“I shall not forget it,” replied Edward.

It was not necessary for the royal party to go forth in order to reach the tower in question, since a communication existed between it and the lieutenant’s lodgings by means of a paved footway along the summit of the inner ballium wall, and by which the chief officer of the fortress could visit the prisoners unperceived. This mode of access, which still exists, soon brought them to the chamber wherein the duke was immured.

No intimation was given the prisoner of the king’s approach. The door was unbarred by Tombs the gaoler, and Edward and his attendants admitted.