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allegiance for the performance of his duty; and
thereforo humbly besought his majesty to let him
know what service it was to do. "It is," said the
king, "to go to Cornwall, where, at your kins-
man's, near Lancaston, you will find your beaute-
ous kinswoman, Rosamond. Present her with this
jewel from me, and use your endeavours to bring
her to my court without her parents' knowledge."
Her uncle seemed startled at a command so far
from what he expected, which, when the king ob-
served, “0, my lord,” said he, “haye I shocked
you, then ? Where is your allegiance now?"
" Here is my heart," replied her uncle, "where
it has always been ; of which your majesty shall
soon be satisfied, by my obedience:" for he was loth
the king should think that he was unwilling to
obey him, lest he should incur his displeasure, and
run the of having those great offices he held
under the king taken from him. He set off to
Cornwall—and found his kinswoman willing to ac-
cept his offer; and therefore, without more to do,
provided for her journey a very noble chariot;
and so, attended by her tutoress, and a few trusty
servants, he brought her to court, and put her into
those lodgings which the king had appointed for
her reception.
Her uncle having acquainted the king that she
was come, and low he had disposed of her, he went
that very night to pay her a visit. The monarch
seeing that beauty in its first perfection, which was
but blooming when he saw her last, was surprised
with wonder and amazement. Rosamond fell on
her knees, on which he raised her up with this ex-
ordium: “O fairest of creatures under heaven!
kneel not to me, for thy excellent beauty com-
mands all knees and hearts to bow to thee." Ro-
samond answered—“ Under the frowns of my of-
fended parents, I beg protection at your royal hand,
