Page:Hutton, William Holden - Hampton Court (1897).djvu/96

48 blow to warn to supper. The said officers right discreetly went and conducted these noblemen from their own chambers into the chambers where they should sup. And they being there, caused them to sit down; and that done, their service came up in such abundance, both costly and full of subtleties, and with such a pleasant noise of instruments of music, that the Frenchmen, as it seemed, were wrapt into a heavenly paradise.

"Ye must understand that my Lord Cardinal was not there, nor yet come, but they were merry and pleasant with their fare and devised subtleties. Before the second course, my Lord Cardinal came in booted and spurred all suddenly among them, and bade them proface; at whose coming there was great joy, with rising every man from his place. Whom my said Lord caused to sit still, and keep their rooms; and being in this apparel as he rode, called for a chair, and sat down in the midst of the high table, laughing and being as merry as ever I saw him in my life. Anon came up the second course, with many dishes, subtleties, and devices, about a hundred in number, which were of so goodly proportion and costly device that I think the Frenchmen never saw the like. The wonder was no less than it was worthy indeed. There were castles with images in the same; Paul's church, for the quantity as well counterfeited as the painter should have painted it upon a cloth or wall. There werebeasts, birds, fowls, and personages, most likely made and counterfeited; some fighting with swords, some with guns and crossbows, some vaulting and leaping; some dancing