a great retinue], which were in number above fourscore persons, of
the most noblest and worthiest gentlemen in all the court of France,
who were right honourably received from place to place after their
arrival, and so conveyed through London unto the bishop's palace in
Paul's Churchyard, where they were lodged. To whom divers noblemen
resorted and gave them divers goodly presents; and in especial the
Mayor and city of London, as wine, sugar, wax, capons, wild fowl,
beefs, muttons, and other necessaries in great abundance, for the
expenses of their house. Then the next Sunday after their resort to
London, they repaired to the court at Greenwich, and there, by the
king's majesty, most highly received and entertained. They had a
special commission to create and stall the king's highness in the Royal
order of France; for which purpose they brought with them a collar of
fine gold of the order, with a Michael hanging thereat, and robes to
the same appurtenant, the which was wondrous costly and comely, of
purple velvet, richly embroidered; I saw the king in all this apparel
and habit, passing through the chamber of presence unto his closet;
and afterward in the same habit at mass beneath in the chapel. And to
gratify the French king with like honour, [he] sent incontinent unto
[him] the like order of England by a nobleman (the Earl of Wiltshire),
purposely for that intent, to create him one of the same order of
England, accompanied with Garter the Herald, with all robes, garter,
and other habiliments to the same belonging; as costly in every degree
as the other was of the French king's, the which was done before the
return of the great embassy.
And for the performance of this noble and perpetual peace, it was
concluded and determined that a solemn mass should be sung in the
cathedral church of Paul's by the cardinal; against which time there
was prepared a gallery made from the west door of the church of Paul's
[through the body of the same], unto the quire door, railed on every
side, upon the which stood [vessels] full of perfumes burning. Then
the king and my Lord Cardinal, and all the Frenchmen, with all other
noblemen and gentlemen, were conveyed upon this gallery unto the high
altar into the traverses; then my Lord Cardinal prepared himself
to mass, associated with twenty-four mitres of bishops and abbots,
attending upon him, and to serve him, in such ceremonies as to him, by
virtue of his legatine prerogative, were due.
And after the last agnus[129], the king rose out of his travers and
kneeled upon a cushion and carpet at the high altar; and the Grand
Master of France, the chief ambassador, that represented the king his
master, kneeled by the king's majesty, between whom my lord divided the
sacrament, as a firm oath and assurance of this perpetual peace. That
done, the king resorted again to his travers, and the Grand Master in
like wise to his. This mass finished, which was sung with the king's
chapel and the quire of Paul's, my Lord Cardinal took the instrument
of this perpetual peace and amity, and read the same openly before the
king and the assembly, both of English and French, to the which the
king subscribed with his own hand, and the Grand Master, for the French
king, in like wise, the which was sealed with seals of fine gold,
engraven, and delivered to each other as their firm deeds; and all this
done and finished they departed.
The king rode home to the cardinal's house at Westminster, to
dinner, with whom dined all the Frenchmen, passing all day after in
consultation in weighty matters, touching the conclusion of this peace
and amity. That done, the king went again by water to Greenwich; at
whose departing it was determined by the king's device, that the French
gentlemen should resort unto Richmond to hunt there, in every of the
parks, and from thence to Hampton Court, and therein likewise to hunt,
and there my Lord Cardinal to make for them a supper, and lodge them
there that night; and from thence they should ride to Windsor, and
there to hunt, and after their return to London they should resort to
the court, whereas the king would banquet them. And this perfectly
determined, the king and the Frenchmen all departed.
Then was there no more to do but to make provision at Hampton Court
for this assembly against the day appointed. My Lord Cardinal called
for his principal officers of his house, as his Steward, Comptroller,
and the Clerks of his Kitchen, whom he commanded to prepare for this
banquet at Hampton Court; and neither to spare for expenses or travail,
to make them such triumphant cheer, as they may not only wonder at it
here, but also make a glorious report in their country, to the king's
honour and [that] of this realm. His pleasure once known, to accomplish
his commandment they sent forth all the caterers, purveyors, and other
persons, to prepare of the finest viands that they could get, other for
money or friendship among my lord's friends. Also they sent for all the
expertest cooks, besides my lord's, that they could get in all England,
where they might be gotten, to serve to garnish this feast.
The purveyors brought and sent in such plenty of costly provision, as
ye would wonder at the same. The cooks wrought both night and day in
divers subtleties and many crafty devices; where lacked neither gold,
silver, ne any other costly thing meet for the purpose.
The yeomen and grooms of the wardrobes were busied in hanging of the
chambers with costly hangings, and furnishing the same with beds of
silk, and other furniture apt for the same in every degree. Then my
Lord Cardinal sent me, being gentleman usher, with two other of my
fellows, to Hampton Court, to foresee all things touching our rooms, to
be noblily garnished accordingly. Our pains were not small or light,
but traveling daily from chamber to chamber. Then the carpenters, the
joiners, the masons, the painters, and all other artificers necessary
to glorify the house and feast were set at work. There was carriage and
re-carriage of plate, stuff, [and] other rich implements; so that there
was nothing lacking or to be imagined or devised for the purpose.
There were also fourteen score beds provided and furnished with all
manner of furniture to them belonging, too long particularly here to
rehearse. But to all wise men it sufficeth to imagine, that knoweth
what belongeth to the furniture of such triumphant feast or banquet.
The day was come that to the Frenchmen was assigned, and they ready
assembled at Hampton Court, something before the hour of their
appointment. Wherefore the officers caused them to ride to Hanworth,
a place and park of the king's, within two or three miles, there to
hunt and spend the time until night. At which time they returned
again to Hampton Court, and every of them conveyed to his chamber
severally, having in them great fires and wine ready to refresh them,
remaining there until their supper was ready, and the chambers where
they should sup were ordered in due form. The first waiting-chamber
was hanged with fine arras, and so was all the rest, one better than
an other, furnished with tall yeomen. There was set tables round about
the chamber, banquet-wise, all covered with fine cloths of diaper. A
cupboard of plate, parcel gilt, having also in the same chamber, to
give the more light, four plates of silver, set with lights upon them,
a great fire in the chimney.
The next chamber, being the chamber of presence, hanged with very rich
arras, wherein was a gorgeous and a precious cloth of estate hanged
up, replenished with many goodly gentlemen ready to serve. The boards
were set as the other boards were in the other chamber before, save
that the high table was set and removed beneath the cloth of estate,
towards the midst of the chamber, covered with fine linen cloths of
damask work, sweetly perfumed. There was a cupboard made, for the
time, in length, of the breadth of the nether end of the same chamber,
six desks high[130], full of gilt plate, very sumptuous, and of the
newest fashions; and upon the nethermost desk garnished all with plate
of clean gold, having two great candlesticks of silver and gilt, most
curiously wrought, the workmanship whereof, with the silver, cost three
hundred marks, and lights of wax as big as torches burning upon the
same. This cupboard was barred in round about that no man might come
nigh it; for there was none of the same plate occupied or stirred
during this feast, for there was sufficient besides. The plates that
hung on the walls to give light in the chamber were of silver and gilt,
with lights burning in them, a great fire in the chimney, and all other
things necessary for the furniture of so noble a feast.
Now was all things in a readiness and supper time at hand. My lord's
officers caused the trumpets to blow to warn to supper, and the said
officers went right discreetly in due order and conducted these noble
personages from their chambers unto the chamber of presence where they
should sup. And they, being there, caused them to sit down; their
service was brought up in such order and abundance, both costly and
full of subtleties, with such a pleasant noise of divers instruments
of music, that the Frenchmen, as it seemed, were rapt into a heavenly
paradise.
Ye must understand that my lord was not there, ne yet come, but they
being merry and pleasant with their fare, devising and wondering
upon the subtleties. Before the second course, my Lord Cardinal
came in among them, booted and spurred, all suddenly, and bade them
_proface_[131]; at whose coming they would have risen and given place
with much joy. Whom my lord commanded to sit still, and keep their
rooms; and straightways, being not shifted of his riding apparel,
called for a chair, and sat himself down in the midst of the table,
laughing and being as merry as ever I saw him in all my life. Anon came
up the second course, with so many dishes, subtleties, and curious
devices, which were above a hundred in number, of so goodly proportion
and costly, that I suppose the Frenchmen never saw the like. The wonder
was no less than it was worthy indeed. There were castles with images
in the same; Paul's church and steeple, in proportion for the quantity
as well counterfeited as the painter should have painted it upon a
cloth or wall. There were beasts, birds, fowls of divers kinds, and
personages, most lively made and counterfeit in dishes; some fighting,
as it were with swords, some with guns and crossbows, some vaulting
and leaping; some dancing with ladies, some in complete harness,
justing with spears, and with many more devices than I am able with
my wit [to] describe. Among all, one I noted: there was a chess board
subtilely made of spiced plate, with men to the same; and for the good
proportion, because that Frenchmen be very expert in that play, my lord
gave the same to a gentleman of France, commanding that a case should
be made for the same in all haste, to preserve it from perishing in the
conveyance thereof into his country. Then my lord took a bowl of gold,
which was esteemed of the value of five hundred marks, filled with
hypocras, whereof there was plenty, putting off his cap, said, "I drink
to the king my sovereign lord and master, and to the king your master,"
and therewith drank a good draught. And when he had done, he desired
the Grand Master to pledge him cup and all, the which cup he gave him;
and so caused all the other lords and gentlemen in other cups to pledge
these two royal princes.
Then went cups merrily about, that many of the Frenchmen were fain to
be led to their beds. Then went my lord, leaving them sitting still,
into his privy chamber to shift him; and making there a very short
supper, or rather a small repast, returned again among them into the
chamber of presence, using them so nobly, with so loving and familiar
countenance and entertainment, that they could not commend him too
much.
And whilst they were in communication and other pastimes, all their
liveries were served to their chambers. Every chamber had a bason and
a ewer of silver, some gilt, and some parcel gilt; and some two great
pots of silver, in like manner, and one pot at the least with wine and
beer, a bowl or goblet, and a silver pot to drink beer in; a silver
candlestick or two, with both white lights and yellow lights [of] three
sizes of wax; and a staff torch; a fine manchet, and a cheat loaf of
bread. Thus was every chamber furnished throughout the house, and yet
the two cupboards in the two banqueting chambers not once touched.
Then being past midnight, as time served they were conveyed to their
lodgings, to take their rest for that night. In the morning of the next
day, (not early), they rose and heard mass, and dined with my lord, and
so departed towards Windsor, and there hunted, delighting much of the
castle and college, and in the Order of the Garter. They being departed
from Hampton Court, my lord returned again to Westminster, because it
was in the midst of the term.
It is not to be doubted, but that the king was privy of all this worthy
feast, [and] intended far to exceed the same; (whom I leave until the
return of the Frenchmen), who gave a special commandment to all his
officers to devise a far [more] sumptuous banquet for the strangers,
otherwise than they had at Hampton Court; which was not neglected, but
most speedily put in execution with great diligence.
After the return of these strangers from Windsor, which place with
the goodly order thereof they much commended, the day approached that
they were invited to the court at Greenwich; where first they dined,
and after long consultation of the sagest with our counsellors, and
dancing of the rest and other pastimes, the time of supper came on.
Then was the banqueting chamber in the tiltyard furnished for the
entertainment of these strangers, to the which place they were conveyed
by the noblest persons being then in the court, where they both supped
and banqueted. But to describe the dishes, the subtleties, the many
strange devices and order in the same, I do both lack wit in my gross
old head, and cunning in my bowels to declare the wonderful and curious
imaginations in the same invented and devised. Yet this ye shall
understand: that although it was at Hampton Court marvellous sumptuous,
yet did this banquet far exceed the same, as fine gold doth silver in
weight and value; and for my part I must needs confess, (which saw them
both), that I never saw the like, or read in any story or chronicle of
any such feast. In the midst of this banquet, there was tourneying at
the barriers (even in the chamber), with lusty gentlemen in gorgeous
complete harness, on foot; then was there the like on horseback; and
after all this there was the most goodliest disguising or interlude,
made in Latin and French, whose apparel was of such exceeding riches,
that it passeth my capacity to expound.
This done, then came in such a number of the fair ladies and
gentlewomen that bare any bruit or fame of beauty in all this realm,
in the most richest apparel, and devised in divers goodly fashions
that all the cunningest tailors could devise to shape or cut, to set
forth their beauty, gesture, and the goodly proportion of their bodies:
who seemed to all men more angelic than earthly [creatures] made of
flesh and bone;--surely to me, simple soul, it seemed inestimable
to be described, and so I think it was to other of a more higher
judgment,--with whom these gentlemen of France danced until another
mask came in of noble gentlemen, who danced and masked with these fair
ladies and gentlewomen, every man as his fantasy served [him]. This
done, and the maskers departed, there came in another mask of ladies
so gorgeously apparelled in costly garments, that I dare not presume
to take upon me to make thereof any declaration, lest I should rather
deface than beautify them, therefore I leave it untouched. These lady
maskers took each of them a French gentleman to dance and mask with
them. Ye shall understand that these lady maskers spake good French,
which delighted much these gentlemen, to hear these ladies speak to
them in their own tongue.
Thus was this night occupied and consumed from five of the clock until
two or three after midnight; at which time it was convenient for all
estates to draw to their rest. And thus every man departed whither they
had most relief. Then as nothing either health, wealth, or pleasure,
can always endure, so ended this triumphant banquet, the which in the
morning seemed to all the beholders but as a fantastical dream.
After all this solemn cheer, at a day appointed they prepared them to
return with bag and baggage. Then, as to the office of all honourable
persons doth appertain, [they] resorted in good order to the court, to
take their leave of the king, and other noblemen, then being there: to
whom the king committed his princely commendations to the king their
master, and thanked them of their pains and travel, and after long
communication with the most honourable of the embassy, he bad them
adieu.
[They were] assigned by the council to repair to my Lord Cardinal for
to receive the king's most noble reward, wherefore they repaired to my
lord, and taking of their leave, they received every man the king's
reward after this sort; every honourable person in estimation had most
commonly plate, to the value of three or four hundred pounds, and some
more, and some less, besides other great gifts received at the king's
hands before; as rich gowns, horses, or goodly geldings of great value
and goodness; and some had weighty chains of fine gold, with divers
other gifts, which I cannot now call to my remembrance; but this I
know, that the least of them all had a sum of crowns of gold: the worst
page among them had twenty crowns for his part: and thus they (nobly
rewarded), departed. And my lord, after humble commendations had to the
French king, bad them adieu. And the next day they conveyed all their
stuff and furniture unto the seaside, accompanied with lusty young
gentlemen of England: but what praise or commendation they made in
their country at their return, in good faith, I cannot tell you, for I
never heard any thing thereof.
Then began other matters to brew and take place that occupied all
men's heads with divers imaginations, whose stomachs were therewith
full filled without any perfect digestion. The long hid and secret
love between the king and Mistress Anne Boleyn began to break out into
every man's ears. The matter was then by the king disclosed to my Lord
Cardinal; whose persuasion to the contrary, made to the king upon his
knees, could not effect: the king was so amorously affectionate, that
will bare place, and high discretion banished for the time[132]. My
lord, provoked by the king to declare his wise opinion in this matter
for the furtherance of his desired affects, who thought it not meet
for him alone to wade too far, to give his hasty judgment or advice
in so weighty a matter, desired of the king license to ask counsel of
men of ancient study, and of famous learning, both in the laws divine
and civil. That obtained, he by his legatine authority sent out his
commission unto all the bishops of this realm, and for other that were
either exactly learned in any of the said laws, or else had in any
estimation for their prudent counsel and judgment in princely affairs
of long experience.
Then assembled these prelates before my Lord Cardinal at his place in
Westminster, with many other famous and notable clerks of both the
Universities (Oxford and Cambridge), and also divers out of colleges
and cathedral churches of this realm, renowned and allowed learned
and of witty discretion in the determination of doubtful questions.
Then was the matter of the king's case debated, reasoned and argued;
consulting from day to day, and time to time; that it was to men
learned a goodly hearing; but in conclusion, it seemed me, by the
departing of the ancient fathers of the laws, that they departed with
one judgment contrary to the expectation of the principal parties.
I heard the opinion of some of the most famous persons, among that
sort, report, that the king's case was so obscure and doubtful for any
learned man to discuss; the points therein were so dark to be credited
that it was very hard to have any true understanding or intelligence.
And therefore they departed without any resolution or judgment. Then
in this assembly of bishops it was thought most expedient that the
king should first send out his commissioners into all the Universities
of Christendom, as well here in England as in foreign countries and
regions, to have among them his grace's case argued substantially, and
to bring with them from thence the very definition of their opinions in
the same, under the seals of every several University. Thus was their
determination for this time; and thereupon agreed, that commissioners
were incontinent appointed and sent forth about this matter into
several Universities, as some to Oxford, some to Cambridge, some to
Louvain, some to Paris, some to Orleans, some to Bologna, and some to
Padua, and some to other. Although these commissioners had the travail,
yet was the charges the king's; the which was no small sums of money,
and all went out of the king's coffers into foreign regions. For as
I heard it reported of credible persons (as it seemed indeed), that
besides the great charges of the commissioners, there was inestimable
sums of money given to the famous clerks to choke them, and in especial
to such as had the governance and custody of their Universities'
seals[133]. Insomuch as they agreed, not only in opinions, but also
obtained of them the Universities' seals, (the which obtained), they
returned home again furnished for their purpose. At whose return there
was no small joy made of the principal parties. Insomuch as the
commissioners were not only ever after in great estimation, but also
most liberally advanced and rewarded, far beyond their worthy deserts.
Notwithstanding, they prospered, and the matter went still forward,
having then (as they thought), a sure foundation to ground them upon.
These proceedings being once declared to my Lord Cardinal, [he] sent
again for all the bishops, whom he made privy of the expedition of
the commissioners; and for the very proof thereof he showed them the
opinions of the several Universities in writing under the Universities
seals[134]. These matters being thus brought to pass, they went again
to consultation how these matters should be ordered to the purpose.
It was then thought good and concluded, by the advice of them all,
that the king should (to avoid all ambiguities), send unto the pope
a legation with the instruments, declaring the opinions of the
Universities under their seals; to the which it was thought good that
all these prelates in this assembly should join with the king in this
legation, making intercession and suit to the pope for advice and
judgment in this great and weighty matter; and if the pope would not
directly consent to the same request, that then the ambassadors should
farther require of him a commission to be directed (under lead[135]),
to establish a court judicial in England, (** **** *****) directed to
my Lord Cardinal, and unto the Cardinal Campeggio, (who was then Bishop
of Bath), although he was a stranger, which [bishopric] the king gave
him at such time as he was the pope's ambassador here in England), to
hear and determine according to the just judgment of their conscience.
The which after long and great suit, they obtained of the pope his
commission. This done and achieved, they made return into England,
making report unto the king of their expedition, trusting that his
grace's pleasure and purpose should now be presently brought to pass,
considering the estate of the judges, who were the Cardinal of England
and Campeggio, being both his highness's subjects in effect.