5
she was, demanded to see her, vowing he would not dine till he had; so that all their exeuse of illness availed nothing. She was ordered to put on her best apparel, and come down, that she might pay her duty to the king. Her blushes added to her beauty, so that at first sight she appeared in his eyes like an angel. He commanded she should sit down, causing her to be placed directly opposite to him, on whose eyes he so long gazed, that he forgot oftentimes to eat. The king having been entertained by Lord Clif- ford for three days together, he had several oppor- tunities to discourse privately with the charming fair, whom he so much won upon with the presents of fine jewels, and other costly things, that he raised an ambition in her tender breast, to glitter near a throne, though but in tinsel splendour. He also bestowed his gold liberally on her tutoress. Having given store of gold to the servants, he took leave of his mistress, which ho had no sooner done, than ho heard that troubles were again risen in his terri- tories beyond the seas, which required his presence to allay and settle. The king raising a gallant army passed into France. The terror of his name so daunted his enemies, that they quickly fled, leaving the towns and castles they had surprised to his obedience. Yet in the midst of war, his lovo prevailed, and made him write to Rosamond; and after she received it, it filled her with fears and irresolutions, not knowing how sho should behave herself in a matter concerning her fame and chastity; but the glittering prospect of greatness and honour proceeding on the other hand, she resolved to show it to her tutoress, who had not been negligent in soliciting her to accept the king's love and favour, expecting thereby advancement to herself, if she should be effectually instrumnental in bringing it to pass,