Interwoven vines form the handles, and leaves
and grapes adorn the margin of the vase. Superb views were had from the
castle towers. In the Beauchamp chapel in the old town of Warwick repose
the remains of Dudley, Earl of Leicester, one of Queen Elizabeth's
favorites. She gave Leicester beautiful Kenilworth Castle, which is five
miles distant.
As the carriages drove over the smooth road, beneath the venerable elms
and sycamores, artists along the way were sketching. Both Alfonso and Leo
tipped their hats, as members of a guild that recognizes art for art's
sake, a society that takes cognizance of neither nationality nor sect.
Gertrude and George had read Scott's novel in which he tells of the
ancient glories of Kenilworth, which dates back to the twelfth century,
and to-day is considered the most beautiful ruin in the world. Ivy mantles
the lofty ruined walls; the sun tinges in silver the gray old towers, and
sends a flood of golden light through the deep windows of the once
magnificent banqueting hall.
For years Kenilworth Castle was a royal residence, and later it was
the scene of bloody conflicts between kings and nobles. Today sheep
peacefully graze within the ruins and about the grounds.
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