Page:Hutton, William Holden - Hampton Court (1897).djvu/99

Rh with ladies, some on horses in complete harness, justing with long and sharp spears, with many more devices than I am able to describe. Among all, one noted there was a chess-board made with spiced plate, with men thereof to the same; and for the good proportion, and because Frenchmen be very cunning and expert in that play, my Lord Cardinal gave the same to a gentleman of France, commanding there should be made a goodly case for the preservation thereof in all haste, that he might convey the same safe into his country. Then took my Lord a bowl of gold, filled with hypocras, and putting off his cap, said, 'I drink to the King my Sovereign Lord, and next unto the King your master,' and therewith drank a good draught. And when he had done, he desired the Grand Master to pledge him cup and all, the which was well worth 500 marks; and so caused all the board to pledge these two royal princes.

"Then went the cups so merrily about, that many of the Frenchmen were fain to be led to their beds. Then rose up my Lord, and went into his privy chamber to pull off his boots and to shift him; and then went he to supper in his privy chamber, and making a very short supper, yea, rather a short repast, returned into the chamber of presence among the Frenchmen, using them so lovingly and familiarly that they could not commend him too much.

"And whilst they were in communication and other pastime, all their liveries were served to their chambers.