ease with
the Duke, trusted him exceedingly, and thought him wise and good, even
more than the Duke imagined.

The days had been full of feasting and pageants, and Renatus was
greatly excited and eager at finding himself in so great a place. He
had borne himself with much courtesy and dignity in his receiving of
embassies and such compliments; he had, too, besides the sweet gifts
of youth and beauty, a natural affectionateness, which led him to wish
to please those about him; and the Duke's heart was full of love and
admiration for the graceful boy, though there lay in the back of his
mind a shadow of fear; and this grew very dark when he saw two of the
most turbulent barons speaking together in a corner, with sidelong
glances at the Prince, at one of the Court assemblies, and divined
that they thought the boy would be but a pretty puppet in their hands.

The custom was that the Prince, on the eve of his enthroning, should
watch for two hours alone in the chapel of the castle, from eleven to
one at night, and should there consecrate himself to God; the guests
of the evening were departed; and a few minutes before eleven the Duke
sate with the Prince in a little room off the chapel, waiting till it
was time for the Prince to enter the building. Renatus was in armour,
as the custom was, with a white robe over all. He sate restlessly in a
chair, and there was a mischievous and dancing light of pleasure in
his eye, that made the Duke doubly grave. The Duke, after some
discourse of other matters, made a pause; and then, saying that it was
the last time that he should take the privilege of guardianship--to
offer advice unless it were sought--said: "And now, Renatus, you know
that I love you as a dear son; and I would have you remember that all
these things are but shows, and that there sits behind them a grave
and holy presence of duty; these pomps are but the signs that you are
truly the Prince of this land; and you must use your power well, and
to God's glory; for it is He that makes us to be what we are, and
truly calls us thereto." Renatus heard him with a sort of courteous
impatience, and then, with a smile, said: "Yes, dear uncle, I know it;
but the shows are very brave; and you will forgive me if my head is
full of them just now. Presently, when the pageants are all over, I
shall settle down to be a sober prince enough. I think you do not
trust me wholly in the matter--but I would not seem ungrateful," he
added rath