DE VERE;

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. III.

SECOND EDITION.

LONDON:

HENRY COLBURN, NEW BURLINGTON STREET.

DE VERE.

CHAPTER I.

FEMALE DELICACY.

A woman scorns sometimes what best contents her.

SHAKSPEARE.

Was it possible for De Vere to quit England without wishing to see Constance? He both wished and sought it; but, extraordinary as it may seem, it was not now so easy.

It may be supposed that, after all we have recorded, the pleasure (never very great) which his uncle had in seeing him had not lately been increased. With Clayton he had terminated, not merely friendship, but acquaintance; and the delicate feelings of that gentleman were so