Power to do good, is the true and lawful end of aspiring: for good
thoughts (though God accept them), yet, towards men, are little better
than good dreams, except they be put in act; and that cannot be with-
out power and place, as the vantage and commanding ground.

BACON.

IN FOUR VOLUMES.

VOL. IV.

SECOND EDITION.

LONDON:

HENRY COLBURN, NEW BURLINGTON STREET.

DE VERE.

CHAPTER I.

DECISION.

Belike she thinks that Proteeus has forsook her..

Now by the honour of mine ancestry,

I do applaud thy spirit, Valentine.

SHAKSPEARE.

THE first month of the mourning of Constance was passed with her aunt in the privacy of Talbois; during which, Mortimer had taken order for the numerous things that needed attention at the castle. He had, as nearest male relation, in the quality of chief mourner, attended the funeral of his uncle, which was as private as the rank and consequence of the deceased could admit. Indeed, except by Lord Clanellan, whose regard for Constance, and Dr.