does the rattle-snake, the agonies of his prey. Ethelbald was torn with a thousand sensations; but his follower, instead of despairing, looked forward with a hope, he would yet devise some sort of plan for their escape. They were next conveyed to different parts of the cave for confinement, and every day brought out to be tormented with threats and taunting speeches. Harold, from continual solicitation, day after day, to be admitted into their band, had in a great measure won upon them, and a thought, in the end, occured to him that proved effectual. He proposed, if they would let him join them, to prove his firm intentions, he would in the first place murder the Earl, well knowing Furbrand was not likely to admit of his death so suddenly.ais mod be This at last banished all scruple, and Harold was received into the dissolute band, without the task being exacted. We have before mentioned, he was a man of penetration and judgment, but it cost him time, and the most earnest entreaty, and ingenious cunning imaginable, before he could accomplish this. After having been out several nights, armed and accoutred like the rest, he was left with six others, one evening, to watch at the cave. As usual, the old rough oak table supported their brawny arms, and the liquor went merrily round. By one of those fortunate, but trivial circumstances to appearance, which has often won or lost a battle, saved or overthrown a nation, events took a change. Harold had in his pocket a small bottle he took from an old friar, containing a quantity of liquid, distilled from certain flowers, which he informed Harold, would make him sleep, naming at the same time the quantity. It came to his turn next, to fill the flaggon, which he did not fail to drug highly, and in a short space the influence of Somnus completely overpowered his stubborn and robust companions. Finding they were in profound sleep, he dropped on his knee and returned thanks to heaven, then rising, flew to the relief of the Earl. He soon found means to break asunder the strong chain that secured the door of that part of the cavern which confined him. Ethelbald at first could not believe the evidence of his own senses; but, as no time was to be lost, Harold hurried him on. Suddenly they heard a noise at the other end of the cave, and feared it was the Captain and the rest returning; but on Harold's going to investigate, it was only one of the six had fallen from his seat, under the table; he was still asleep, and snoring like a worn-out pilgrim. They armed themselves, mounted two of the best horses that were in the cave, and bidding adieu to the half poisoned wretches at the table, ascended. Once more the Earl was allowed to breathe the wholesome air. Alas! for what? but to return to the castle more miserable than ever firmly assured of Florimund's treachery, and an aged wife's dishonour. No sooner escaping the horrors of the cave, than the "green-ey'd monster," jealousy, assailed him again, and his brain once more becomes the seat of wild and extravagant thought.' Harold took especial care so to remark the spot, and the course of the forest, as |