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allegiance for the performance of his duty; and thereforo humbly besought his majesty to let him know what service it was to do. "It is," said the king, "to go to Cornwall, where, at your kins-      man's, near Lancaston, you will find your beaute-       ous kinswoman, Rosamond. Present her with this       jewel from me, and use your endeavours to bring       her to my court without her parents' knowledge." Her uncle seemed startled at a command so far from what he expected, which, when the king ob- served, “0, my lord,” said he, “haye I shocked you, then ? Where is your allegiance now?"        " Here is my heart," replied her uncle, "where it has always been ; of which your majesty shall soon be satisfied, by my obedience:" for he was loth      the king should think that he was unwilling to       obey him, lest he should incur his displeasure, and       run the of having those great offices he held       under the king taken from him. He set off to       Cornwall—and found his kinswoman willing to ac-       cept his offer; and therefore, without more to do,       provided for her journey a very noble chariot;       and so, attended by her tutoress, and a few trusty       servants, he brought her to court, and put her into       those lodgings which the king had appointed for       her reception.         Her uncle having acquainted the king that she       was come, and low he had disposed of her, he went       that very night to pay her a visit. The monarch       seeing that beauty in its first perfection, which was       but blooming when he saw her last, was surprised with wonder and amazement. Rosamond fell on      her knees, on which he raised her up with this ex- ordium: “O fairest of creatures under heaven! kneel not to me, for thy excellent beauty com- mands all knees and hearts to bow to thee." Ro-      samond answered—“ Under the frowns of my of-       fended parents, I beg protection at your royal hand,