nce.

"Methinks," he said, "that your honours are not inclined to fall into
the error of deciding in haste and repenting at leisure."

"Mr. Bacon," said Berkeley, "you must be aware that the appearance of
this armed force tends to prejudice your claims. It would be indecorous
in me to be over-awed by menaces, or to yield to compulsion. But the
necessities of the time demand that there should be an organized force,
to resist the encroachments of the Indians. It is, therefore, not from
fear of your threats, but from conviction of this necessity that I have
determined to grant you the commission which you ask, with full power to
raise, equip, and provision an army, and with instructions, that you
forthwith proceed to march against the savages."

Bacon could scarcely suppress a smile at this boastful appearance of
authority and disavowal of compulsion, on the part of the proud old
Governor. It was with a thrill of rapture that he thus at last possessed
the great object of his wishes. Already idolized by the people, he only
needed a legal recognition of his authority to accomplish the great ends
that he had in view. As the commission was made out in due form,
engrossed and sealed, and handed to him, he clutched it eagerly, as
though it were a sceptre of royal power. Little suspecting the design of
the wily Governor, he felt all his confidence in him restored at once,
and from his generous heart he forgave him all the past.

"This commission, though military," he said, proudly, "is the seal of
restored tranquillity to the colony. Think not it will be perverted to
improper uses. Royalty is to Virginians what the sun is to the pious
Persian. Virginia was the last to desert the setting sun of royalty, and
still lingered piously and tearfully to look upon its declining rays.
She was the first to hail the glorious restoration of its light, and as
she worshipped its rising beams, she will never seek to quench or
overcloud its meridian lustre. I go, gentlemen, to restore peace to the
fireside and confidence to the hearts of this people. The sword of my
country shall never be turned against herself."

The heightened colour of his cheek, and the bright flashing of his eye,
bespoke the pride and delight of his heart. With a profound bow he
turned from the room, and with his aids, he descended to rejoin his
anxious and expectant followers. In a few moments the loud shout of the
soldiery was heard testifying their satisfaction at the