The Dangers of a Court. the gayest of the gay, her volatile heart bounded with a delight, that diffused itself to all around her. The Duchess of York lived but in her beloved Edward; this, her favourite son, appeared to her almost free from faults. The harshest name she could give them was, youthful indiscretions. Thus, the gay, the beautiful, composed the female part of her court, to please her darling Edward; who roved from fair to fair, his susceptible heart, or rather fickle mind, attaching himself to one, while giddy inconstancy deserted her for another. He would chat a while with Maria, but he revered her virtue, in spite of himself; and besides, he ever loved an easy conquest. The tender nature, however, of this unfortunate woman, was not proof against his blandishments: the subtle The Dangers of a Court. poison of love penetrated her heart; unheeded, and by slow degrees. It was customary in those unpolished times, in almost every entertainment, to introduce a fool or clown; they were an appendage in the families of the chief nobility, and Edward and the rest of the princes, each had his peculiar jester. While Maria was performing the part of the Danish Princess, one of these clowns rushed in, his face and hands besmeared with blood, and shrieked out, "Oh!. our beloved prince! alas, alas! Our prince was, but a minute ago, as one may say, in perfect health, and now, oh now, our prince is no more!" Maria instantly fainted; and, on her recovery, found herself supported by her prince, with the most tender solicitude. Heavenly powers, he lives!" uttered she, with unconscious extasy. "Ah! 66 The Dangers of a Court. yes, for you he lives," whispered the enraptured Edward. Thus, Maria's secret betrayed, the art of self-gratifying man was soon put in practice to allure her to her unhappy fate. The clown alluded to the cruel and unfortunate death, which was planned for that unhappy young man, who had borne the title of Prince of Wales, and came with such heroic bravery to claim, what he called, his father's rights and his own; and such was the barbarity of the times, that the cruel wit, as it was called, was highly applauded, and the princes and nobles each gave a mark a-piece to the ridiculous and unfeeling jester. Motley as the coat of the fool, are the events of this world; where the gay and the serious prevail by turns. Man thoughtlessly laughs, but has more often cause to mourn. A gallant youth doomed to be The Dangers of a Court. deprived of his throne and life, gives birth to the laughter of folly. The unconscious fool is the means of discovering a secret, which undermines the virtuous soul, and imbitters each succeeding day of its sojournment in its earthly prison. So pass life's checquered scenes of good and evil. After the fatal intoxication of temporary happiness, Maria De Rosenvault saw but too plainly the inconsiderate and frivolous character she had to depend upon. A superb houshold had been established for her, and, to flatter the pride of her royal protector, she was commanded to attire herself not only with elegance, but grandeur; to support which expence, she was informed a settlement of uncommon munificence should be made her, and be insured to her daughter. This made her contentedly support that splendid in The Dangers of a Court. 1 famy which was become her lot. To the poor, she became the constant patroness, while her house and table were ever at the service of merit in either scx. The generous part of mankind saw her conduct with the eye of charity; and, while they deplored the fall of one, so formed for virtue, they eagerly sought her acquaintance as the charming solace of every leisure hour. The mother of Edward, though she pitied her, could no longer afford her countenance or protection. And many of her own sex would shun her, not from principle, for the manners of the age, from the example of the prince, were too relaxed, to make chastity, by any means, the reigning virtue; but envy, while it sought to depreciate, was often obliged to acknowledge, how great her merit, and how extraordinary the circumstances 1 |