Beyond the lake lay an extensive chase,full of red deer,fallow deer,roes,and every species of game,and abounding with lofty trees,from amongst which the extended front and massive towers of the Castle were seen to rise in majesty and beauty.We cannot but add,that of this lordly palace,where princes feasted and heroes fought,now in the bloody earnest of storm and siege,and now in the games of chivalry,where beauty dealt the prize which valour won,all is now desolate.The bed of the lake is but a rushy swamp;and the massive ruins of the Castle only serve to show what their splendour once was,and to impress on the musing visitor the transitory value of human possessions,and the happiness of those who enjoy a humble lot in virtuous contentment.
It was with far different feelings that the unfortunate Countess of Leicester viewed those grey and massive towers,when she first beheld them rise above the embowering and richly-shaded woods,over which they seemed to preside.She,the undoubted wife of the great Earl,of Elizabeth's minion,and England's mighty favourite,was approaching the presence of her husband,and that husband's sovereign,under the protection,rather than the guidance,of a poor juggler;and though unquestioned Mistress of that proud Castle,whose lightest word ought to have had force sufficient to make its gates leap from their massive hinges to receive her,yet she could not conceal from herself the difficulty and peril which she must experience in gaining admission into her own halls.
The risk and difficulty,indeed,seemed to increase every moment,and at length threatened altogether to put a stop to her further progress at the great gate leading to a broad and fair road,which,traversing the breadth of the chase for the space of two miles,and commanding several most beautiful views of the Castle and lake,terminated at the newly constructed bridge,to which it was an appendage,and which was destined to form the Queen's approach to the Castle on that memorable occasion.
Here the Countess and Wayland found the gate at the end of this avenue,which opened on the Warwick road,guarded by a body of the Queen's mounted yeomen of the guard,armed in corselets richly carved and gilded,and wearing morions instead of bonnets,having their carabines resting with the butt-end on their thighs.
These guards,distinguished for strength and stature,who did duty wherever the Queen went in person,were here stationed under the direction of a pursuivant,graced with the Bear and Ragged Staff on his arm,as belonging to the Earl of Leicester,and peremptorily refused all admittance,excepting to such as were guests invited to the festival,or persons who were to perform some part in the mirthful exhibitions which were proposed.
