"Were I at liberty," said Sir Thomas angrily, "I would make thee repent
thine insolence."

"But thou art not at liberty, good gossip," replied the jester, screaming
with laughter; " thou art tied like a slave to the oar, and cannot free
thyself from it--ha! ha!" Having enjoyed the knight's discomposure for a
few seconds, he advanced towards him, and whispered in his ear,
"Don't mistake me, gossip. I have done thee good service in preventing
thee from taking that kerchief. Hadst thou received it in the presence
of these witnesses, thou wouldst have been lodged in the Round Tower
of Windsor Castle to-morrow, instead of feasting with the knights-
companions in Saint George's Hall."

"I believe thou art right, gossip,"said Wyat in the same tone.

Rest assured I am," replied Sommers; "and I further more counsel thee
to decline this dangerous gift altogether, and to think no more of the
fair profferer, or if thou must think of her, let it be as of one beyond thy
reach. Cross not the lion's path; take a friendly hint from the jackal."

And without waiting for a reply, he darted away, and mingled with the
cavalcade in the rear.

Immediately behind Anne Boleyn's litter rode a company of henchmen
of the royal household, armed with gilt partisans. Next succeeded a
chariot covered with red cloth of gold, and drawn by four horses richly
caparisoned, containing the old Duchess of Norfolk and the old
Marchioness of Dorset. Then came the king's natural son, the Duke of
Richmond--a young man formed on the same large scale, and
distinguished by the same haughty port, and the same bluff manner, as