"Do you not remember how the old
Roman laureate complains of the same prejudice existing in his own day,
and argues that on such a principle merit could be accorded to no poet,
for all must have their admirers among cotemporaries, else their works
would pass into oblivion, before their worth were fairly tested?"

"I cannot be far wrong in the present age at least," said Temple, "from
what I learn and from what I have myself seen, the literature of the
present reign is disgraced by the most gross and libertine sentiments.
As the water of a healthful stream if dammed up, stagnates and becomes
the fruitful source of unwholesome malaria, and then, when released,
rushes forward, spreading disease and death in its course, so the
liberal feelings and manners of old England, restrained by the rigid
puritanism of the Protectorate, at last burst forth in a torrent of
disgusting and diseased libertinism."

Bernard had not an opportunity of replying to this elaborate simile of
the good old Colonel, which, like Fadladeen, he had often used and still
reserved for great occasions. Further conversation was here interrupted
by a new arrival, which in this case, much to the satisfaction of the
fair Virginia, proved to be the genuine Hansford.

CHAPTER VI.

"Speak of Mortimer!
Zounds, I will speak of him; and let my soul
Want mercy, if I do not join with him."
_Henry IV._

Thomas Hansford, in appearance and demeanour, lost nothing in comparison
with the accomplished Bernard. He certainly did not possess in so high a
degree the easy assurance which characterized the young courtier, but
his self-confidence, blended with a becoming modesty, and his open,
ingenuous manners, fully compensated for the difference. There was that
in his clear blue eye and pleasant smile which inspired confidence in
all whom he approached. Modest and unobtrusive in his expressions of
opinion, he was nevertheless firm in their maintenance when announced,
and though deferential to superiors in age and position, and respectful
to all, he was never servile or obsequious.

The same kind of difference might be traced in the dress of the two
young men, as in their manners. With none of the ostentatious display,
which we have described as belonging to the costume of Bernard, the
attire of Hansford was plain and neat. He was dressed in a grey doublet
and breeches, trussed with black s