The Spanish Match
Author: William Harrison Ainsworth
Publisher: General Books
Published: 2009-08
Total Pages: 160
ISBN-13: 9780217106627
DOWNLOAD EBOOKThis historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1865. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... VII. Of the Present! sent to Charles by the King. Thus far everything had gone well. Any misgivings that Charles entertained were banished from his breast, and gave place to joyful confidence. Unless some wholly unforeseen difficulty arose, it seemed impossible there could now be any serious impediment to the speedy completion of the treaty. Buckingham was quite as sanguine as the prince, and even Bristol, though he had so much experience of Spanish dissimulation, began to think that Olivarez meant to act fairly. Full of joyful anticipations of the future, Charles retired to rest. Next morning, when Graham entered his chamber, and at the prince's request threw open the casement, the white dove, which had been perched on the window-sill since dawn, flew into the room, and alighted near the couch -- so near, that Charles could have touched the beautiful bird if he had extended his hand. There it remained so long as the prince continued in the room. On descending to the lower room Charles was informed that two large chests had just arrived from the palace, containing sumptuous apparel, and fine linen for himself and his attendants. Other presents were also sent by the king in the course of the day. Among the few nobles who were presented that day to Charles by the Earl of Bristol was the Conde de Monterey, who, after kneeling and kissing the prince's hand, said, "I have to inform your highness that it has just been decided by the king and the council of state that your public entrance into the city shall take place at the earliest moment possible, his majesty being naturally anxious to have you as his guest in the palace. The ceremonial has, therefore, been fixed for the day after to-morrow, and will be conducted with the utmost splendour. On these occasions it is ...