Indeed, they now spoke of him in his absence as "Old
Rowley;" the reason of which is given by Richardson. "There was
an old goat," writes he, "in the privy garden, that they had
given this name to; a rank lecherous devil, that everybody knew
and used to stroke, because he was good-humoured and familiar;
and so they applied this name to the king."
CHAPTER VIII.
The Duke of York's intrigues.--My Lady Chesterfield and his royal
highness--The story of Lady Southesk's love.--Lord Arran plays
the guitar.--Lord Chesterfield is jealous.--The countess is taken
from court.--Mistress Margaret Brooke and the king.--Lady Denham
and the duke.--Sir John goes mad.--My lady is poisoned.
The while his majesty devoted himself to pleasure and intrigue,
neglectful of affairs of state, and heedless of public scandal,
his brother of York, whose disposition was not less amorous,
likewise followed the bent of his inclinations. Soon after her
appearance at court he professed himself in love with the
beautiful Elizabeth Hamilton, whom to behold was to admire. But
the duke being a married man, and she a virtuous woman, he dared
not address her on the subject of his affection, and was
therefore obliged to confine the expression of his feelings to
glances. These she refused to interpret; and he, becoming weary
of a pursuit which promised no happy results, turned his
attentions to the Countess of Chesterfield, who seemed in no way
loath to receive them.
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