An English Garner: Ingatherings from Our History and Literature (4 of 8)
History
An English Garner: Ingatherings from Our History and Literature (4 of 8)
English literature
On the morrow [_18th May_] Her Grace passed from Master DORMER's, where
was, for the time of her abode, a straight watch kept; came to the Lord
of Thame his house [_at Thame_] where she lay all the next night; being
very princely entertained, both of Knights and Ladies, gentlemen and
gentlewomen. Whereat Sir HENRY BEDINGFIELD gronted [_grunted_] and
was highly offended, saying unto them that "They could not tell what
they did, and were not able to answer to their doings in that behalf;
letting them to understand that she was the Queen's Majesty's prisoner,
and no otherwise; advising them therefore to take heed, and beware of
after claps!"
Whereunto, the Lord of Thame answered him in this wise, that "He was
well advised of [_in_] his doings, being joined in Commission as well
as he," adding with warrant, that "Her Grace might, and should, in his
house, be merry."
After this, Sir HENRY went up into a chamber, where were appointed for
Her Grace, a chair, two cushions, and a foot-carpet, very fair and
prince-like; wherein presumptuously he sat, calling for BARWICK, his
man, to pull off his boots: which as soon as it was known among the
ladies and gentles, every one musing thereat, did laugh him to scorn;
and observed his indiscreet manners in that behalf, as they might very
well.
When supper was done, he called my Lord, and willed him that all the
Gentlemen and Ladies should withdraw themselves; every one to his
lodging: marvelling much that he would permit there such a company;
considering so great a charge was committed to him.
"Sir HENRY!" quoth my Lord, "content yourself! All shall be voided,
your men and all."
"Nay, my soldiers," quoth Sir HENRY, "shall watch all night."
The said Lord of Thame answered, "It shall not need."
"Well," said he, "need or need not, they shall do so," mistrusting,
belike, the company; which, GOD knoweth, was without cause.
The next day [_19th May_] Her Grace took her journey from thence, to
Woodstock; where she was enclosed, as before in the Tower of London;
the soldiers guarding and warding both within and without the walls,
every day to the number of three score, and, in the night, without the
walls forty; during the time of her imprisonment there.
At length, she had gardens appointed for her walks, which were very
comfortable to Her Grace. Always when she did recreate herself therein,
the doors were fast locked up, in as straight a manner as they were
in the Tower; there being at the least five or six locks between her
lodging and her walks; Sir HENRY himself keeping the keys, trusted no
man therewith.
Whereupon she called him "her gaoler:" and he, kneeling down, desired
Her Grace not to call him so, for he was appointed there to be one of
her Officers.
"From such Officers," quoth she, "good Lord, deliver me!"
* * * * *
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