Page:Hutton, William Holden - Hampton Court (1897).djvu/95

Rh all others were, one better than another, and furnished with tall yeomen to serve. There were set tables round about the chamber, banquet-wise, covered. A cupboard was there garnished with white plate, having also in the same chamber, to give the more light, four great plates of silver, set with great lights, and a great fire of wood and coals.

"The next chamber, being the chamber of presence, was hanged with very rich arras, and a sumptuous cloth of estate, furnished with many goodly gentlemen to serve. The tables were ordered in manner as the other chamber was, saving that the high table was removed beneath the cloth of estate, towards the midst of the chamber, covered. Then was there a cupboard, in length as broad as the chamber, with six desks of height, garnished with gilt plate, the nethermost desk was garnished all with gold plate, having with lights one pair of candlesticks of silver and gilt, being curiously wrought, which cost three hundred marks, and, standing upon the same, two lights of wax burning as big as torches to set it forth. This cupboard was barred round about that no man could come nigh it; for there was none of all this plate touched in the banquet, for there was sufficient besides. The plates that hung on the walls to give light were of silver and gilt, having in them great perchers of wax burning, a great fire in the chimney, and all other things necessary for the furniture of so noble a feast.

"Now was all things in a readiness and supper-time at hand. The principal officers caused the trumpets to