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William Harrison Ainsworth Guy Fawkes or The gunpowder Treason An Historical Romance The Modern Man Pursues Drama and Bravery Fawkes in Ordsall Cave "Descending the eminence, and again entering the lane, which here made a turn, the soldier approached a grassy space, walled in on either side by steep sandstone rocks. At the further extremity of the enclosure, after a moment's search, by the direction of his companion, he found, artfully concealed by overhanging brushwood, the mouth of a small cave. He crept into the excavation, and found it about six feet high, and of considerable depth. The roof was ornamented with Runic characters and other grotesque and half-effaced inscriptions, while the sides were embellished with Gothic tracery, amid which the letters I>H>S>, carved in ancient church text, could be easily distinguished. Tradition assigned the cell to the priests of Odin, but it was evident that worshippers at other and holier altars had more recently made it their retreat. Its present occupant had furnished it with a straw pallet, and a small wooden crucifix, fixed in a recess in the wall. Gently depositing her upon the pallet, the soldier took a seat beside her on a stone slab at the foot of the bed. He next, at her request, as the cave was rendered almost wholly dark by the overhanging trees, stuck a light and set fire to a candle placed within a lantern. After a few moments passed in prayer, the recluse begged him to give her the crucifix that she might clasp it to her breast. This done, she became more composed, and prepared to meet her end. Suddenly, as if something had again disturbed her, she opened wide her glazing eyes, and starting up with a dying effort, stretched out her hands. I see him before them! she cried. They examine him--they adjudge him! Ah! he is now in a dungeon! See, the torturers advance! He is placed on the rack--once--twice-thrice...they turn the levers! His joints snap in their sockets--his sinews crack! mercy! he confesses! He is led to execution. I see him ascend the scaffold! Whom do you behold? Inquired the soldier, listening to her in astonishment. His face is hidden from me, replied the prophetess; but his figure is not unlike your own. Ha! I hear the executioner pronounce his name. How are you called? Guy Fawkes, replied the soldier. It is the name I heard, rejoined Elizabeth Orton. And, sinking backward, she expired..."- p.11 Nothing like high theatrical drama. Fawkes, the dammed criminal before the story can even properly begin. Clearly the romance does not extend to exoneration. The engravings, on steel, by George Cruikshank for Ainsworth's novel illustrate the style of the modern image of the plot quite well. Select your favorite scene from the table below. Let us know what you think ! send us e.mail |