THE BISHOP OF DURHAM LEADING HIS FORCES AGAINST THE SCOTS.

6

come to you within fifteen days, in any part of Scotland you like to name.' 'Agreed,' said Sir James, ' provided you will meet me within three weeks, at Edinburgh, and wherever you go acknowledge yourself my prisoner.' Then each sought his horse, and taking a courteous leave of each other, they rode off in different directions, Sir James turning back to Otterbourne, and Sir Matthew riding on to Newcastle.

"I told you Hotspur had bitter reason to regret his impatience in setting out in such a hurry, for that very evening the Bishop of Durham, and full seven thousand men with him, arrived at Newcastle. Though they had had a fifteen-miles' march from Durham, they determined on going on to Otterbourne; but they had not advanced far when they fell in with the fugitives flying from the battle, and learnt from them that all was lost. Finding it too late to be of any service in helping Hotspur, they thought it best to return to Newcastle.

"When Sir James Lindsay left Sir Mat

thew Redman, the night had fallen very dark, for the moon had gone down, and Sir James, who was unacquainted with the country, lost his way, and on a sudden found himself in the midst of a body of armed men. He had fallen in with the Bishop of Durham and his followers returning to Newcastle; they took poor Sir James prisoner, and carried him along with them. In the morning he met Sir Matthew, who was surprised to see him, and wondered what had brought him there. 'Ill luck,' said Sir James. 'I fell in with the Bishop, to whom I am a prisoner, as you are to me. Ah, Sir Matthew, if my captor will agree, I need not trouble you to come to Edinburgh.' We shall find no difficulty in arranging our exchange, I doubt not,' said Sir Matthew; but you must come and dine with me to-day, and this story will serve us to laugh at for many a day to come.' Thus did these two prisoners enjoy each other's company in Newcastle, and Sir Matthew had no occasion to

cross the borders, for the bishop gave Sir James his liberty, on his releasing Sir Matthew. I dare say, both often thought of their fight on the road to Otterbourne; and when next Sir James rode in the dark, he kept a better look-out lest he should meet with another Bishop of Durham.

"And now,

'God save our queen and bless this land
With plenty, joy, and peace,

And grant henceforth that foul debate
'Twixt man and man may cease!'"

SECOND EVENING.

THE WARS OF GHENT.

Flourishing condition of Flanders-Jacob Van ArtaveldeOrigin of the Troubles in Ghent-John Lyon establishes the White-Hoods-Murder of the Earl's Bailiff, and destruction of his favourite Country-house-War between the Earl and the Ghent Men-Peace mediated by the Duke of Burgundy—— Recommencement of the War-Siege of Ghent-Death of John de Launoy.

"DEAR uncle," cried Clara, as she ran into the hall to meet her uncle, who stood there shaking off the snow which covered him, (for she had heard his well known rap,) "Dear uncle, make haste and take off your great-coat and come and sit down by the fireside. I have put your chair in a nice warm corner, and I have a pair of papa's slippers all ready warmed for you, that you may not sit down in your damp shoes. And now," said she, looking up laughingly in her uncle's face, "do you know what I expect you to do for taking so much care of you ?"