agreed to, would insure their ruin, as he had written
secretly in such terms to Charles the Fifth as he was
satisfied would accomplish his object. Extraordinary de-
spatch was used by the messengers ; and to Renard's in-
finite delight, while he and Gardiner were struggling for
ascendency over the Queen, a courier arrived from Madrid.
Renard's joy was converted into positive triumph as he
opened his own letters received by the same hand, and
found that the Emperor acquiesced in the expediency of
the severest measures towards Elizabeth and her suitor,
and recommended their immediate execution. The same
despatches informed him that Charles, apprehensive of
some further difficulty in respect to his son's projected
union with Mary, had written to the Count D'Egmont at
Brussels, witli letters of ratification and procuration, com-



a:HE TOWER OF LONDON. 545

missioning him to repair to tlie court of London without
delay, and conclude the engagement by espousing the
Queen by Proxy.

Not many hours later, the Count himself, who had set
out instantly from Brussels on receivmg his commission,
arrived. He was received on the Queen's part by the
Earl of Pembroke, the Earl of Shrewsbury, Comptroller
of the Household, and the Marquis of Winchester, High
Treasurer, and conducted to the state apartments within
the Palace of the Tower, where the court was then stay-
ing. Mary appointed an audience with him on the fol-
lowing day, and in the interim, to Renard's disappoint-
ment, remained closeted with Gardiner, and would see no
one beside. The Ambassador, however, consoled him-
self with the certainty of success, and passed the evening
in consultation with D'Egmont, to whom he detailed all
that had passed since the flight of the latter.

" The heretical faction in England," he observed, " is
entirely crushed — or will be so, when Jane and Elizabeth
are executed. And if his Highness Prince Philip will fol-
low up my measures, he may not only restore the old faith
throughout the realm, but establish the Inquisition in the
heart of London within six months."

The next day, at the appointed hour, the Count D'Eg-
mont, attended by Renard and the whole of his suite, was
conducted with much ceremony to the council-chamber
in the White Tower. He found Mary surrounded by the
whole of her ministers, and prostrating himself before the
throne, acquainted her with his mission, and, presenting
her with the letters of procuration he had received from
the Prince, entreated her to ratify on her side the articles
already agreed upon. To this request, for which she was
already prepared by the Emperor's despatches, Mary
vouchsafed a gracious answer, saying : " I am as impatient
for the completion of the contract as the Prmce your mas-
ter can be, and shall not hesitate a moment to comply with
his wishes. But I would," she added, smiling, " that h^
had come to claim its fulfilment himself."
35



54G THE TOWER OF LONDON.

" His Highness only awaits your Majesty's summons,
and an assurance that he can land upon your shores with-
out occasioning further tumult," rejoined D'Egmont.

" He shall speedily receive that assurance," returned
Mary. " Heaven be praised ! our troubles are ended, and
the spirit of disaffection and sedition checked, if not alto-
gether extinguished. But I pray you hold me excused
for a short time," she continued, motioning him to rise ;
I have some needful business to conclude before I proceed
with this solemnity."

Waving her hand to Sir Thomas Brydges who stood
among the group of nobles near the throne, he immediately
quitted the presence, returning in a few moments with a
guard of halberdiers, in the midst of which were Eliza-
beth and Courtenay. At the approach of the prisoners
the assemblage divided into two lines, to allow them pas-
sage ; and, preceded by the lieutenant, they advanced to
within a short distance of the Queen.

Mary, meantime, had seated herself ; and her counte-
nance, hitherto radiant with smiles, assumed a severe ex-
pression. A mournful silence pervaded the courtly throng,
and all seemed as ominous and lowering as if a thunder-
cloud had settled over them. This was not, however, the
case with Renard. A sinister smile lighted up his features,
and he observed in an undertone to D'Egmont, " My hour
of triumph is at hand."

" Wait awhile," replied the other.

Elizabeth looked in no wise abashed or dismayed by the
position in which she found herself. Throwing angry and
imperious glances around, and bending her brows on those
who scanned her too curiously, she turned her back
upon Courtenay, and seemed utterly unconscious of his
presence.

At the Queen's command Gardiner stepped forward,
and taking a roll of paper from an attendant, proceeded
to read the charges against the prisoners, together with
the depositions of those who had been examined, as to
their share in the insurrection. When he concluded



THE TOWER OF LONDON. 547

Elizabeth observed in a haughty tone, " There is nothing
in all that to touch me, my lord. Wyat has recanted his
confession, and avowed he was suborned by Renard.
And as to the rest of my accusers, they are unworthy of
credit. The Queen's Highness must acquit me "

" What say you, my lord ? " demanded Gardiner of
Courtenay."

" Nothing," replied the Earl.

" Do you confess yourself guilty of the high crimes and
misdemeanors laid to your charge, then ? " pursued the
Chancellor.

" No," answered Courtenay firmly. " But I will not
seek to defend myself further. I throw myself on the
Queen's mercy."

" You do wisely, my lord," returned Gardiner ; " and
your Grace," he added to Elizabeth, " would do well to
abate your pride, and imitate his example."

" In my father's time, my lord," observed the Princess
scornfully, " you would not, for your head, have dared to
hold such language towards me."

" I dared to plead your mother's cause with him," re-
torted Gardiner with much asperity. " Your Majesty
will now pronounce such sentence upon the accused as may
seem meet to you," he added, turning to the Queen.

" We hold their guilt not clearly proven," replied
Mary. " Nevertheless, too many susi^icious circumstances
appear against them to allow us to set them at large till
all chance of further trouble is ended. Not desiring to
deal harshly with them, we shall not confine them longer
within the Tower. Which of you, my lords, will take
charge of the Princess Elizabeth ? It will be no slight
responsibility. You will answer for her security with
your heads. Which of you will take charge of her, I
say ? "

As she spoke she glanced inquiringly round the assem-
blage, but no answer was returned.

" Had not your Highness better send her Grace under a
sure guard to the Emperor's court at Brussels ? " observed



548 THE TOWER OF LONDON.

Renard, who could scarcely conceal his mortification at
the Queen's decision.

" I will think of it," returned Mary.

" Sooner than this shall be," interposed Sir Henry Bed-
ingfeld, " since none worthier of the office can be found,
I will undertake it."

" You are my good genius, Bedingfeld," replied Mary.
" To you, then, I confide her, and I will associate with
you in the office Sir JohnWilliams of Thame. The place
of her confinement shall be my palace at Woodstock, and
she will remain there till you receive futher orders. You
will set out with a sufficient guard for Oxfordshire."

" I am ever ready to obey your Highness," replied Bed-
ingfeld.

" Accursed meddler ! " exclaimed Renard to D'Egmont,

he has marred my project."

" The Earl of Devonshire will be confined in Fotherin-
gay Castle, in Northamptonsire," pursued Mary. " To
you. Sir Thomas Tresham," she continued, addressing one
of those near her, " I commit him."

" I am honored in the charge," returned Tresham, bow-
ing.

" Your Majesty will repent this ill-judged clemency,"
cried Renard, unable to repress his choler ; " and since my
counsels are unheeded, I must pray your Highness to
allow me to resign the post I hold near your person."

" Be it so," replied Mary in a freezing tone ; " we ac-
cept your resignation — and shall pray his Imperial Maj-
esty to recall you."

" Is this my reward ? " exclaimed Renard, as he retired,
covered with shame and confusion. " Cursed is he that
puts faith in princes ! "

The prisoners were then removed, and as they walked
side by side, Courtenay sought to address the Princess,
but she turned away her head sharply, according him
neither look nor word in reply. Finding himself thus
repulsed, the Earl desisted, and they proceeded in silence
as long as their way lay together.



THE TOWER OF LONDON. 54<)

And thus, without one farewell, they parted — to meet
no more. Liberated at the instance of Philip of Spain,
Courtenay journeyed to Italy, where he died two years
afterwards, at Padua, obtaining, as Holinshed touchingly
remarks, " that quiet which in his life he could never
have." Of the glorious destiny reserved for Elizabeth
nothing need be said.

The prisoners removed, the Queen presented her hand
to the Earl of Pembroke, and repaired with her whole
retinue to St. John's Chapel.

Arrived there, Mary stationed herself at the altar,
around which were grouped Bonner, Tunstal, Fecken-
ham, and a host of other priests and choristers, in their
full robes. In a short time the nave and aisles of the
sacred structure were densely crowded by the lords of
the council, together with other nobles and their atten-
dants, the dames of honor, the guard, and the suite of the
Count D'Egmont. Nor were the galleries above unoccu-
pied, every available situation finding a tenant.

D'Egmont, as the representative of Philip of Spain,
took up a position on the right of the Queen, and sus-
tained his part with great dignity. As soon as Gardiner
was prepared, the ceremonial commenced. D'Egmont
tendered his hand to Mary, who took it, and they both
knelt down upon the cushion before the altar, while the
customary oaths were administered, and a solemn bene-
diction pronounced over them. This done, they arose,
and Gardiner observed to the Queen, in a voice audible
throughout the structure : " Your Majesty is now wedded
to the Prince of Spain. May God preserve you both,
and bless your union ! "

" God preserve Queen Mary ! " cried the Earl of Pem-
broke, stepping forward.

And the shout was enthusiastically echoed by all
within the chapel. But not a voice was raised nor a
blessing invoked for her husband.

Te Beum was then sung by the choristers, and mass
performed by Bonner and the priests.



550 THE TOWER OF LONDON.

" His Imperial Majesty entreats your acceptance of
this slight offering," said D'Egmont, when the sacred
rites were concluded, presenting the Queen with a dia-
mond ring of inestimable value.

" I accept the gift," replied Mary, " and I beg you to
offer my best thanks to the Emperor. For yourself, I
hope you will wear this ornament in remembrance of me,
and of the occasion." And detaching a collar of gold set
with precious stones from her own neck, she placed it
over that of D'Egmont.

" I now go to bring your husband, gracious madam,"
said the Count.

" Heaven grant you a safe and speedy journey ! " re-
plied Mary.

" And to your Highness a prosperous union ! " re-
joined the Count ; " and may your race long occupy the
throne." So saying, he bowed and departed.

D'Egmont's wish did not produce a cheering effect on
Mary. Jane's words rushed to her mind, and she feared
that her union would not be happy — would not be blessed
with offspring. And it need scarcely be added, her fore-
bodings were realized. Coldly treated by a haughty and
neglectful husband, she went childless to the tomb.



CHAPTER XXXIX.

OF THE WEDDING OP SIR NARCISSUS LE GRAND WITH JANE
THE FOOL, AND WHAT HAPPENED AT IT ; AND OF THE
ENTERTAINMENT GIVEN BY HIM ON THE OCCASION TO HIS
OLD FRIENDS AT THE STONE KITCHEN.

Sir Narcissus le Grand made rapid strides in the
royal favor, as well as in that of his mistress. He was
now in constant attendance on the Queen, and his cox-
combry afforded her so much amusement, that she gave
him a post near her person, in order to enjoy it. Jane
the Fool, too, who had a secret liking for him, though




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THE TOWER OF LONDON. 551

she affected displeasure at Mary's command, became so
violently enamored, and so excessively jealous, if the
slightest attentions were paid him by the dames of honor,
that the Queen thought it desirable to fix an early day
for the wedding.

The happy event took place on Saturday, the 10th of
February, at St. Peter's Chapel on the Green, and was
honored by the presence of the Queen and all her at-
tendants. Never were merrier nuptials witnessed ! And
even the grave countenance of Feckenham, the officiat-
ing priest on the occasion, wore a smile, as the bride-
groom, attired in his gayest habiliments, bedecked at all
points with lace, tags, and fringe, curled, scented, and
glistening with silver and gold, was borne into the chapel
on the shoulders of Og — who had carried him from the
By- ward Tower through a vast concourse of spectators —
and deposited at the altar near the bride. Behind Og
came his two brethren, together with Dames Placida and
Potentia ; while Peter Trusbut, Ribald, and Winwike
brought up the rear.

Arrived at the height of his ambition, graced with a
title, favored by the Queen, and idolized by his bride,
who was not altogether destitute of i)ersonal attractions,
and was at least, twice his own size, the poor dwarf's
brain was almost turned, and he had some difficulty in
maintaining the decorous and dignified dej)ortment which
he felt it necessary to maintain on the occasion. The
ceremony was soon performed — too soon for Sir Narcis-
sus, who would willingly have prolonged it. The royal
train departed — not, however, before Mary had bestowed
a well-filled purse of gold upon the bridegroom, and com-
manded him to bring his friends to the palace, where a
supper would be provided for them. Sir Narcissus then
offered his hand to his bride, and led her forth, followed
by his companions.

A vast crowd had collected before the doors of the
sacred edifice. But a passage having been kept clear by
a band of halberdiers for the Queen^ the lines were un-



552 THE TOWER OF LONDON.

broken when the wedding-party appeared. Loud acclama-
tions welcomed Sir Narcissus, who paused for a moment
beneath the porch, and taking off his well-plumed cap,
bowed repeatedly to the assemblage. Reiterated shouts
and plaudits succeeded, and the clamor was so great from
those who could not obtain a glimpse of him, that the little
knight entreated Og to take him once more upon his
shoulder. The request was immediately complied with ;
and when he was seen in this exalted situation, a deafen-
ing shout rent the skies. The applauses, however, were
shared by his consort, who placed on the shoulder of Gog,
became equally conspicuous.

In this way they were carried side by side along the
Green, and Sir Narcissus was so enchanted that he desired
the bearers to proceed as slowly as possible. His enthu-
siasm became at length so great, that when several of
those around him jestingly cried, " Largesse, largesse !
Sir Narcissus," he opened the purse lately given him by
the Queen, and which hung at his girdle, and threw away
the broad pieces in showers. ".I will win more gold," he
observed to Og, who remonstrated with him on his pro-
fusion; "but such a day as this does not occur twice
in one's life."

" Happiness and long life attend you and your lovely
dame, Sir Narcissus ! " cried a bystander,

" There is not a knight in the Tower to be compared
with you, worshipful sir ! " roared another.

" You deserve the Queen's favor ! " vociferated a third.

" Greater dignities are in store for you ! " added a fourth.

Never was new-made and new-married knight so en-
chanted. Acknowledging all the compliments and fine
speeches with smirks, smiles, and bows, he threw away
fresh showers of gold. After making the complete circuit
of the fortress, he crossed the drawbridge, and proceeded
to the wharf, where he was hailed by different boats on
the river ; everywhere his reception was the same. On
the return of the party, Plairun invited them all to the
Lions' ToAver, and ushering them to the gallery, brought



THE TOWER OF LONDON. 553

out several of the wild animals, and went through his
performances as if the Queen herself had been present.
In imitation of the sovereign, Sir Narcissus bestowed his
last few coins, together with the purse containing them,
upon the bearward. During the exhibition, the knight had
entertained his consort with an account of his combat
with old Max ; and before quitting the menagerie he led her
into the open space in front of the cages, that she might
have a nearer view of the formidable animal.

" It will not be necessary to read you such a lesson,
sweetheart, as my friend Magog read his dame," he ob-
served. " But it is as well you should know I have re-
source in case of need."

" I shall not require to be brought to obedience by a
bear, chuck," returned Lady le Grand, with a languish-
ing look. " Your slightest word is law to me ! "

" So she says now," observed Dame Potentia who hap-
pened to overhear the remark, to Dame Placida. " But
let a week pass over their heads, and she will alter her
tone."

" Perhaps so," sighed Placida, " But I have never had
my own way since my encounter with old Max. Besides,
these dwarfs are fiery fellows, and have twice the spirit
of men of larger growth."

" There is something in that, it must be owned," re-
joined Potentia reflectively.

Max, by Sir Narcissus's command, was let out of
his cage, and when within a few yards of them, sat on his
hind-legs, and opened his enormous jaws. At this sight
Lady le Grand screamed, and took refuge behind her
husband, who, bidding her fear nothing, drew his sword,
and put himself in a posture of defence. Suppressing a
laugh, Hairun informed the knight that Max only begged
for something to eat; and sundry biscuits and apples
being given him, he was driven back to his cage without
any misadventure. Hairun then led the party to his
lodging, where a collation was spread out for them, of
which they partook. At its conclusion, Peter Trusbut



554 THE TOWER OF LONDON.

observed, that if Sir Narcissus and Lady le Grand would
honor him with their company at the Stone Kitchen on
the following night, he would use his best endeavors to
prepare a supper worthy of them.

" It will give me infinite pleasure to sup with thee,
worthy Peter," replied the knight, with a patronizing air ;
« but I must insist that the banquet be at my expense.
Thou shalt cook it — I will pay for it."

"As you please, worshipful sir," rejoined Trusbut.
" But I can have what I please from the royal larder."

" So much the better," returned Sir Narcissus. " But
mine the entertainment shall be. And I here invite you
all to it."

"My best endeavors shall be used to content your
worship," replied the pantler. " We have had some good
suppers in the Stone Kitchen ere now, but this shall ex-
ceed them all."

" It is well," replied the knight. " Hairun, you had
better bring your monkey to divert us."

" Right willingly, worshipful sir," replied the bear-
Avard ; " and if you have a cast-off suit of clothes to spare,
I will deck him in them for the occasion."

" You will find my last suit at the By- ward Tower,"
replied Sir Narcissus. " Og will give them to you ; and
you may, if you choose, confer upon him the name I have
cast off with them,"

" I will not fail to adopt your worship's suggestion."
returned Hairun, smothering a laugh. "Henceforth I
shall call my ape Xit, and who knows whether in due
season he may not attain the dignity of knighthood ? "

Sir Narcissus did not exactly relish this remark, which
made many of the guests smile ; but he thought it better
not to notice it, and taking a courteous leave of the hospi-
table bearward, proceeded to the Palace, where a lodging
was now given him, and where he passed the remainder
of the day with his friends in jollity and carousing. Nor
was it until the clock had chimed midnight that he was
left alone with his spouse.



THE TOWER OF LONDON. 565

At what hour Sir Narcissus arose on the followmg
morning does not appear. But at eight in the evening,
attired as on the previous day, and accompanied by his
dame in her wedding-dress, he repaired to the Stone
Kitchen. He found the whole party assembled, includ-
ing, besides those he had invited, Winwike and his son, a
chubby youth of some ten years old, Mauger, Wolfytt,
and Sorrocold. Sir Narcissus could have dispensed with
the company of the three latter; but not desiring to
quarrel with them, he put the best face he could upon the
matter, and bade them heartily welcome. He found, too,
that Hairun had literally obeyed his injunctions, and
brought his monkey with him, dressed up in his old
clothes.

" Allow me to present Xit, the ape, to your worship,"
said the bearward.

"He is welcome," replied Sir Narcissus, laughing, to
conceal his vexation at the absurd resemblance which the
animal bore to him.

Sir Narcissus was then conducted to a seat at the head
of the table. On the right was placed his lady, on the
left, Dame Placida; while the pantler, who, as usual,
filled the office of carver, faced him. The giants were
separated by the other guests, and Ribald sat between
Dames Placida and Potentia, both of whom he contrived
to keep in most excellent humor. Peter Trusbut did not
assert too much when he declared that the entertainment
should surpass all that had previously been given in the
Stone Kitchen ; and not to be behindhand, the giants ex-
ceeded all their former efforts in the eating line. They
did not, it is true, trouble themselves much with the first
course, which consisted of various kinds of pottage and
fish ; though Og spoke in terms of rapturous commenda-
tion of a sturgeon's jowl, and Magog consumed the best
part of a pickled tunny-fish. But when these were re-
moved, and the more substantial viands appeared, they
set to work in earnest. Turning up their noses at the
boiled capons, roasted bustards, stewed quails and other



556 THE TOWER OF LOx^DON.

light matters, they, by one consent, assailed a large shield
of brawn, and speedily demolished it. Their next incur-
sion was upon a venison pasty — a soused pig followed —
and while Gog prepared himself for a copious draught of
Rhenish by a dish of anchovies, Magog, who had just
emptied a huge two-handed flagon of bragget, sharpened
his appetite — the edge of which was a little taken off —
with a plate of pickled oysters. A fawn, roasted whole,
with a pudding in its inside, now claimed their attention,
and was pronounced delicious. Og then helped himself
to a shoulder of mutton and olives ; Gog to a couple of
roasted ruffs; and Magog again revived his flagging
powers with a dish of buttered crabs. At this juncture,
the strong waters were introduced by the pantler, and
proved highly acceptable to the laboring giants.

Peter Trusbut performed wonders. In the old terms of
his art, he leached the brawn, reared the goose, sauced
the capon, spoiled the fowls, flushed the chickens, unlaced
the rabbits, winged the quails, minced the plovers,
thighed the pigeons, bordered the venison pasty, tranched
the sturgeon, undertranched the tunny-fish, tamed the
crab, and barbed the lobster.

The triumphs of the repast now appeared. They were
a baked swan, served in a coflin of rye-paste ; a crane,
likewise roasted whole ; and a peacock, decorated with its
tail. The first of these birds — to use his own terms —
was reared by the pantler ; the second displayed ; and
the last disfigured. And disfigured it was in more ways
than one ; for snatching the gaudy plumes from its tail,
Sir Narcissus decorated his dame's cap with them. The
discussion of these noble dishes fully occupied the giants,
and when they had consumed a tolerable share of each,
they declared they had done. Nor could they be tempted
with the narrow toasts, the fritters, the puddings, the
wafers, and other cates and sweetmeats that followed, —
though they did not display the like objection to the
brimming cups of hippocras which wound up the repast.

The only person who appeared to want appetite for



THE TOWER OF LONDON. 557

the feast, or who, perhaps, was too busy to eat, was Sir
Narcissus. For the first time in his life he played the