The Golden Grasshopper | Page 2

lordships will see how differently situated the Netherlands are at the
present time to our happy England, under the rule of our gentle
sovereign, King Edward."
Master Clough having added some further remarks, closed the letter,
and sealed it carefully with the signet ring of his employer, the
Worshipful Master Thomas Gresham (the device on which was a
grasshopper).
Thomas Gresham at that time held the honourable post of Royal agent
at Antwerp. The letter being carefully done up with other papers in a
silk covering, Richard Clough took it out of the room, and delivered it

into the hands of a special messenger who was to convey it to England.
He soon returned, saying that a lady earnestly craved an audience.
"I know her not," he added, "but she will in no wise receive a refusal.
She is a matron of comely appearance, though her cheeks are pale, and
her eyes betoken grief and anxiety. She is accompanied, too, by a
young boy, who appears to be her son, and stands holding her hand,
trembling as if lately put in great bodily fear."
"Let her come up by all means, Master Clough," answered the
merchant; "if we can assist her in her distress, we are bound to do so.
The Lady Anne will, I doubt not, if she finds her worthy, be interested
in her case."
"I will obey you, sir," said Richard Clough, hurrying out. In a short
time he returned with a lady, who although not young, yet retained
many traces of beauty. She led by the hand a boy apparently about nine
years of age, who, as Master Clough had remarked, looked completely
terrorstricken. The merchant rose, and with becoming courtesy placed a
chair for the lady opposite to where he sat.
"Pray, madam, tell me how I can assist you," he said, "for I see at once
that you are in distress."
"Indeed, indeed, I am, sir," she answered. "I come to pray a great boon
of you. I am your countrywoman, though married to a Netherlander.
My husband, Karl Van Verner, may not be unknown to you, as he is a
wealthy and highly honoured burgher of Antwerp. My maiden name
was Bertram, and my family, as well as that of my husband, have long
been attached to the Protestant faith. We had till lately worshipped God
in private, according to the way we considered most acceptable to Him,
not intruding, however, our opinions on our neighbours, but, alas! my
husband's wealth was coveted by those in power. Some secret enemy
informed against us, and only this morning the officers of the
Inquisition suddenly entered our house. We had just assembled for
morning prayer. As my young boy beheld them seize his father, he
cried out with terror, at the same time attempting to drag him out of
their hands. I could not help at first giving way to my grief and terror.

In vain my husband expostulated with them, and promised to
accompany them quietly if they would set him at liberty. He contrived,
however, to whisper to me, to place our boy in safety, and to endeavour
to escape myself. In spite of my tears and entreaties, my beloved
husband was then dragged off by the officers of the Inquisition, and I
hastened away to obey his directions. My husband's fate is, I fear, too
certainly sealed. The Bible was found in his hands. He had long been
known to be a consistent Protestant. What may be my fate, I know not,
but my desire and hope are to share his. Again, I ask you, sir, will you,
in the abundance of your compassion and charity, take charge of this
boy--soon, I verily believe, to be an orphan? Ernst is his Christian name.
He will, in return, I feel sure, serve you well, and prove true and
faithful."
The merchant cast an eye of compassion on the boy. The mother saw
the look, and trusted that she had gained an advantage.
"Oh! take him, sir, take him! I implore you!" she exclaimed, clasping
her hands. "Should he be deprived of his father and me, as I feel sure he
soon will be, though his life may be spared, he may be brought up by
the priests in the fearful errors of the Romish faith. I appeal to you as a
Protestant. Oh! save him from such a fate! I know no one else who is
able to protect him, but you can do so fully and completely. I ask you
not to bestow wealth on him. I will make over all we possess to you, if
I have the power. Let him only labour for you, and be brought up in the
Reformed faith."
While the lady was speaking, the merchant had been considering