scarcely possible to help joining him. His attire consisted of a long
loose gown of spotted crimson silk, with the royal cipher woven in front
in gold; hose of blue cloth, guarded with red and black cloth; and red
cordovan buskins. A sash tied round his waist served him instead of a
girdle, and he wore a trencher-shaped velvet cap on his head, with a
white tufted feather in it. In his hand he carried a small horn. He was
generally attended by a monkey, habited in a crimson doublet and
hood, which sat upon his shoulder, and played very diverting tricks, but
the animal was not with him on the present occasion.

Will Sommers was a great favourite with the king, and ventured upon
familiarities which no one else dared to use with him. The favour in
which he stood with his royal master procured him admittance to his
presence at all hours and at all seasons, and his influence, though
seldom exerted, was very great. He was especially serviceable in
turning aside the edge of the king's displeasure, and more frequently
exerted himself to allay the storm than to raise it. His principal hostility
was directed against Wolsey, whose arrogance and grasping practices
were the constant subjects of his railing. It was seldom, such was his
privileged character, and the protection he enjoyed from the sovereign,
that any of the courtiers resented his remarks; but Sir Thomas Wyat's
feelings being now deeply interested, he turned sharply round, and
said, "How now, thou meddling varlet, what business hast thou to
interfere?"

"I interfere to prove my authority, gossip Wyat," replied Sommers, " and
to show that, varlet as I am, I am as powerful as Mistress Anne Boleyn--
nay, that I am yet more powerful, because I am obeyed, while she is
not."