Page:Stories from Old English Poetry-1899.djvu/154

132 pale with rage. “Not Lacy? I would have staked my life on his trustiness.”

“Even Lacy, my lord. The witch Beauty has charms more potent than men’s friendship can hold out against. Do you wish to be made sure of the truth of what I have said?”

“I do desire it with all my heart,” answered the prince.

No sooner had he spoken than the friar produced from a closet in his study an oval mirror of polished steel resting on a standard of carved wood. Putting the mirror on the table he placed before it a silver chafing dish, containing lighted coals. Upon these he threw a handful of gray powder. At once an aromatic smoke arose from the dish, and wreathed itself about the mirror.

“Now look, and see what you may see,” said Bacon, motioning the prince to stand before the mirror.

As Edward looked, he beheld the green forest of Framlingham appear in the polished surface. The scene grew more and more distinct, till at length he could see the spreading oak where Margaret and Lacy were wont to hold tryst; then the fair maiden, and finally Lacy himself, were clearly visible. With angry eyes he saw the lovers meet, and heard, as one hears in a dream, the words with which they plighted troth, and Lacy promised to make Margaret his wife