number of gentlemen volunteers, all in white doublets, commanded
by Sir John Stanel. Across the streets hung garlands of spring
flowers that made the air most sweet, and at the corners thereof
were arches of white hawthorn in full bloom, bedecked with
streamers of gay colours. From wooden railed balconies, jutting
windows, and quaint gables hung fair tapestries, rich silks, and
stuffs of brilliant hues; and from the high red chimneys, grey
turrets, and lofty spires, floated flags bearing the royal arms
of England, and banners inscribed with such mottoes as loyalty
and affection could suggest. The windows and galleries were
filled with ladies of quality in bright dresses; the roofs and
scaffolding, with citizens of all classes, who awaited with eager
and joyous faces to salute their lord and king.

And presently, far down the line of streets, a sound was heard of
innumerable voices cheering most lustily, which every minute
became nearer and louder, till at last a blare of trumpets was
distinguished, followed by martial music, and the tramp and
confusion of a rushing crowd which suddenly parted on all sides.
Then there burst on view the first sight of that brave and
glorious cavalcade to the number of twenty thousand, which
ushered the king back unto his own. First came a troop of young
and comely gentlemen, three hundred in all, representing the
pride and valour of the kingdom, wearing cloth of silver doublets
and brandishing naked swords which flashed in the sunlight. Then
another company, less by a hundred in number, habited in rich
velvet coats, their footmen clad in purple liveries; and next a
goodly troop under the command of Sir John Robinson, all dressed
in buff coats with cloth of silver sleeves, and green scarves
most handsome to behold. These were followed by a brave troop in