with branches of trees, intermingled with garlands of flowers, while the
better description was hung with pieces of tapestry, carpets, and rich
stuffs. Nor should it pass unnoticed that the loyalty of Bryan
Bowntance, the host of the Garter, had exhibited itself in an arch
thrown across the road opposite his house, adorned with various
coloured ribbons and flowers, in the midst of which was a large shield,
exhibiting the letters, b. and h. (in mystic allusion to Henry and Anne
Boleyn) intermingled and surrounded by love-knots.

Turning off on the left into the lower road, skirting the north of the
castle, and following the course of the river to Datchet, by which it was
understood the royal cavalcade would make its approach, the
procession arrived at an open space by the side of the river, where it
came to a halt, and the dean, chancellor, and prelate, together with
other officers of the Garter, embarked in a barge moored to the bank,
which was towed slowly down the stream in the direction of Datchet
Bridge--a band of minstrels stationed within it playing all the time.

Meanwhile the rest of the cavalcade, having again set for ward,
pursued their course along the banks of the river, proceeding at a foot's
pace, and accompanied by crowds of spectators, cheering them as
they moved along. The day was bright and beautiful, and nothing was
wanting to enhance the beauty of the spectacle. On the left flowed the
silver Thames, crowded with craft, filled with richly-dressed personages
of both sexes, amid which floated the pompous barge appropriated to
the officers of the Garter, which was hung with banners and streamers,
and decorated at the sides with targets, emblazoned with the arms of
St. George. On the greensward edging the stream marched a brilliant
cavalcade, and on the right lay the old woods of the Home Park, with
long vistas opening through them, giving exquisite peeps of the towers