re exhausted.

The occasion, as far as we have been able to gather, was thus:--Whilst
he sat at meat, casting his eyes upon a noble _surloin_ at the lower end
of the table, he cried out--

"Bring hither that _surloin_, sirrah, for 'tis worthy of a more
honourable post, being, as I may say, not _surloin_ but _sirloin_, the
noblest joint of all;" which ridiculous and desperate pun raised the
wisdom and reputation of England's Solomon to the highest.

Great was the stir and preparation for the evening masque; a pageant
containing many allegories and devices; dancing and merry games, with
all other "lawful recreations and honest amusements." Little heed was
given, we fear, to their Maker's service, these vain follies running in
the heads and filling the thoughts of the few who chose to attend in the
chapel; the greater portion were preparing for the entertainment, into
which service they entered heartily, and without grudge.

Sir George Goring and Sir John Finett were verily indefatigable on the
occasion, drilling and marshalling men, women, and children; conning
their lessons, and correcting the awkward and ridiculous movements and
mistakes of their pupils. Hobbe and the house steward were the foremost
in their parts, having important functions allotted to them; one to
grunt and howl in the similitude of a huge bear, and the other to roar
in lieu of a lion, before the "_Bower of Beautie_" for such was the
title or motto of the pageant. Nor was Sir John lacking in due homage to
his mistress; she was appointed to enact "The Queen of Beautie." It was
after much solicitation that she consented, receiving with great gravity
and attention the instructions of her accomplished preceptor.

The day was nigh spent and the sun fast sinking on the ocean, now
waiting with a chariot of flame to conduct him to other skies.

Grace was just finishing her toilet, and her maid adjusting the last
plait in her head-dress, when a low and guarded knock announced a
visitor. The door was slightly opened, when a messenger threw in a gay
billet and departed. It was superscribed thus:--"_To the Fairest,
These_."

With a quickened pulse and a tremulous hand, she glanced over the page,
elaborately penned as follows:--

"The Bower of Beautie hath a snake; beware that he come not nigh
thee, for his tooth has venom, and his tail a sting.

"From the mask with the black visard and silver mantle.

"THESE."

She had barely fini