Hampton Court ... Illustrated with forty-three drawings by Herbert ...

48
HAMPTON COURT
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 theFrenchmen,
as it seemed, were wrapt into a heavenly paradise.
" Ye must understand that myLord 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
risingevery man from his place. Whom my saidLord
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 everIsaw 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 thatI
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 thepainter shouldhave
painted it uponacloth 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