Between
this man of fifty-four and the boy of eighteen, who had gone abroad for
thoughtful travel and diligent study, a strong--even a romantic--friendship
had sprung up, and the letters which have been preserved show how
unwavering Hubert Languet was in his devotion to the young Englishman,
whose fine and noble qualities he had been quick to discover.

About this time Philip was anxious as to the health of his old friend. His
letters had been less frequent, and the last he had received during the
present year, had seemed to tell of failing powers of body, though the mind
was as vigorous as ever.

Thus, the two verses which Philip now read from his _Arcadia_ had reference
to his old and dearly-loved counsellor and friend, and were inspired by
the lifelong gratitude he felt for him. They are clothed, as was the two
frequent custom of the time, in pastoral images; but Fulke Greville and
Edward Dyer listened spellbound as the words were uttered, in musical
tones, with a strength of feeling underlying them, which gave every line a
deep significance.

'The song I sang, old Languet had me taught,
Languet, the shepherd, best swift Ister knew;
For, clerkly read, and hating what is naught
For faithful heart, clean hands, and mouth as true,
With his sweet skill my skilless youth he drew,
To have a feeling taste of Him that sits
Beyond the heaven, far more beyond our wits.

'He said the music best those powers pleased,
Was jump accord between our wit and will,
Where highest notes to godliness are raised,
And lowest sink, not down to jot of ill,
With old true tales he wont mine ears to fill,
How shepherds did of yore, how now they thrive,
Spoiling their flock, or while 'twixt them they strive.'

'There is naught to complain of in those verses, Philip,' Fulke Greville
said. 'He must be a sharp censor, indeed, who could find fault with them.
We must do our best to bring good old Gabriel Harvey back to join our
Areopagus, as Edmund Spenser is bold enough to call it.'

'Have you heard aught of the friend in whose praise the verses were
indited?' Edward Dyer asked.

'Nay, as I said, I have had but one letter from Languet for many months.
As soon as this tourney is over I must get leave to make a journey to
Holland to assure myself of his condition.'

'The Queen will rebel against your absence, Philip. You are in higher
favour than ever, methinks; nor do I g