parliament, the history of this reign may more
properly be called the history of the court, than that of the nation.
An interesting object had for some years engaged the attention of the
court; it was a favorite, and one beloved by James with so profuse and
unlimited an affection, as left no room for any rival or competitor.
About the end of the year 1609, Robert Carre, a youth of twenty years of
age, and of a good family in Scotland, arrived in London, after having
passed some time in his travels. All his natural accomplishments
consisted in good looks: all his acquired abilities in an easy air and
graceful demeanor. He had letters of recommendation to his countryman
Lord Hay; and that nobleman no sooner cast his eye upon him, than he
discovered talents sufficient to entitle him immediately to make a great
figure in the government. Apprised of the king's passion for youth and
beauty, and exterior appearance, he studied how matters might be so
managed that this new object should make the strongest impression upon
him. Without mentioning him at court, he assigned him the office, at a
match of tilting, of presenting to the king his buckler and device; and
hoped that he would attract the attention of the monarch. Fortune proved
favorable to his design, by an incident which bore at first a contrary
aspect. When Carre was advancing to execute his office, his unruly horse
flung him, and broke his leg in the king's presence. James approached
him with pity and concern: love and affection arose on the sight of his
beauty and tender years; and the prince ordered him immediately to be
lodged in the palace, and to be carefully attended. He himself, after
the tilting, paid him a visit in his chamber, and frequently returned
during his confinement. The ignorance and simplicity of the boy finished
the conquest begun by his exterior graces and accomplishments. Other
princes have been fond of choosing their favorites from among the lower
ranks of their subjects, and have reposed themselves on them with the
more unreserved confidence and affection, because the object has been
beholden to their bounty for every honor and acquisition: James was
desirous that his favorite should also derive from him all his sense,
experience, and knowledge. Highly conceited of his own wisdom, he
pleased himself with the fancy, that this raw youth, by his lessons and
instructions, would, in a little time, be equal to his sagest ministers,
and be initiated int