=Source.=--Ellis, _Original Letters_. London, 1824. Vol. iii., p. 118.
_Mr. Joseph Mead to Sir Martin Stuteville, 25th Jan., 1623._
... The Lieutenant of the Middle Temple played a game this Christmas
time whereat his Majesty was highly displeased. He made choice of
some thirty of the civillest and best-fashioned gentlemen of the
House to sup with him. And being at supper, took a cup of wine in one
hand, and held his sword drawn in the other, and so began a health to
the distressed Lady Elisabeth, and having drunk, kissed his sword,
and laying his hand upon it, took an oath to live and die in her
service; then delivered the cup and sword to the next, and so the
health and ceremony went round....