Chapter 10 - Page 2

been
liberally extended to men who would now be deemed freebooters. In short,
that system of violence and specious morality, which commenced with the
gifts of Ferdinand and Isabella, and the bulls of the Popes, was
continued, with more or less of modification, until the descendants of
those single-minded and virtuous men who peopled the Union, took the
powers of government into their own hands, and proclaimed political ethics
that were previously as little practised as understood.

Alida knew that both the Earl of Bellamont and the unprincipled nobleman
who has been introduced in the earlier pages of this tale, had not escaped
the imputation of conniving at acts on the sea, far more flagrant than any
of an unlawful trade; and it will therefore create little surprise, that
she saw reason to distrust the legality of some of her uncle's
speculations, with less pain than might be felt by one of her sex and
opinions at the present hour. Her suspicions, however, fell far short of
the truth; for it were scarce possible to have presented a mariner, who
bore about him fewer of those signs of his rude calling, than he whom she
had so unexpectedly met.

Perhaps, too, the powerful charm, that existed in the voice and
countenance of one so singularly gifted by nature, had its influence in
persuading Alida to reappear. At all events, she was soon seen to enter
the room, with an air, that manifested more of curiosity and wonder, than
of displeasure.

"My niece has heard that thou comest from the old countries, Master
Seadrift," said the wary Alderman, who preceded Alida, "and the woman is
uppermost in her heart. Thou wilt never be forgiven, should the eye of any
maiden in Manhattan get sight of thy finery before she has passed judgment
on its merit."

"I cannot wish a more impartial or a fairer judge;" returned the other,
doffing his cap in the gallant and careless manner of his trade. "Here are
silks from the looms of Tuscany, and Lyonnois brocades, that any Lombard,
or dame of France, might envy. Ribbons of every hue and dye, and laces
that seem to copy the fret-work of the richest cathedral of your Fleming!"

"Thou hast journeyed much, in thy time, Master Seadrift, and speakest of
countries and usages with understanding," said the Alderman. "But how
stand the prices of these precious goods? Thou knowest the long war, and
the moral certainty of its continuance; this German succession to the
throne, and the late earthquakes in the country, too, have much unsettled
prices, and cause us thoughtful burghers to be wary in our traffic.--Didst
inquire the cost of geldings, when last in Holland?"

"The animals go a-begging!--As to the value of my