CHAPTER XV.
The king hears Barbarsa and Yaccombourse discourse on the plot—They are impeached by Peter at a moucherait—Condemned and executed—Nicor submits, and is released.
I HAD now several important irons in the fire, and all to be struck whilst hot; there was the securing religion, sowing sedition amongst the enemy, tripping up the heels of two ministers and a she-favourite, and transporting artillery in the air some hundred leagues; either of which failing might have been of exceeding bad consequence; but as the affair of the ministers now lay next at hand, I entered upon that in the following manner.
The king coming to me the next day, as by appointment, and having assured me he had hinted nothing to any one, no, not to Barbarsa or Yaccom-bourse, told me that Barbarsa had given orders for stopping Nasgig and his men; and had persuaded him not to be in such haste in suffering me to do as I pleased, but to show his authority and keep me under. Says I, "Your majesty's safety is so near my heart, that even want of confidence in me shall not make me decline my endeavours to serve you. But have you suffered him to stop Nasgig?"—"No," says he, "Nasgig was gone some time before he sent."—"Oh, sir!" says I, "you do not half know the worth of that man! but you shall hereafter, and will reward him accordingly. But now, sir," says I, "to what we meet upon; if you will, as I told you, but comply with me for three days, without asking questions, I will show you the greatest traitors in your dominions, and put them into your power too." He promised me again he would. "Then, sir," says I, "you must not send to Yaccombourse to sup with you to-night."—"Nor lie with me?"—"No," says I.—"Pray, what hurt can arise to my affairs from her?" says he.—"Sir," says I, "you promised me to ask no questions."—"Agreed, agreed!" says he.—"Then," says I, "please to meet me at Nasgig's lodgings without being perceived, if you can; at least without notice taken."—"Good," says he.—"And when you are there, see or hear what you will, you must not say a word till you are retired again." All which the king engaging to perform, we parted till evening.
I called Maleck, and asked if he knew the way to Nasgig's lodging. He told me, very well: and, the time being come, he conducted me thither, where I had not waited long before the king came, most of the court being in bed. I desired the king to stay in the outer room till I went into the bedchamber two or three times, and I thought we must have put it off till another night: but listening once again, I found they were come, so I called the king, and led him to the place, entreating him, whatever he heard, to keep his patience or he would ruin all. We first heard much amorous discourse between Barbarsa and Yaccombourse, and then the ensuing dialogue.
Yac. My dearest Barbarsa, what was all that uproar at the moucheratt the other day?
Bar. Nothing, my love, but that mad fellow Peter, who sets up for a conjuror, and wants us all to dance to his pipe.
Yac. I heard he overcame the ragans at an argument about the Image.
Bar. Why, I don't know how that was, but it was the doating old ragan did their business; and truly the king's fingers itched to be on Peter's side, but I gave him a judicious nod, and you know he durst not displease so dear a friend as I am; ha, ha, ha! Am not I a sad fellow, my love, to talk so of my king?