Thus went I forth, having on either side of me a man to stay [_uphold_] me; and so went to the West end of Paul's; and there placed myself amongst others that sat on horseback to see the Queen pass by. Before her coming, I beheld Paul's steeple bearing top and top-gallant [yards] like a royal ship, with many flags and banners: and a man [_PETER, a Dutchman_] triumphing and dancing in the top. I said unto one that sat on horseback by me, who had not seen any coronation, "At the coronation of King EDWARD, I saw Paul's steeple lie at anchor, and now she weareth top and top-gallant. Surely, the next will be shipwreck, ere it be long!" which chanceth sometimes by tempestuous winds, sometimes by lightnings and fire from heaven. But I thought that it should rather perish with some horrible wind, than with lightning or thunderbolt [_evidently alluding to the destruction by lightning of the Steeple, on the 4th June,1561_]; but such are the wonderful works of GOD, whose gunners will not miss the mark that He doth appoint, be it never so little. When the Queen passed by, many beheld me, for they might almost touch me, the room [_space_] was so narrow; marvelling, belike, that one in such a state would venture forth. Many of my fellows the Pensioners, and others, and divers of the Council beheld me: and none of them all knew me. I might hear them say one to another, "There is one that loveth the Queen well, belike; for he ventureth greatly to see her. He is very like never to see her more." Thus my men whose hearing was quicker than mine, that stood by me, heard many of them say. The Queen herself, when she passed by, beheld me. Thus much I thought good to write, to shew how GOD doth preserve that which seemeth to man impossible; as many that day did judge of me. Thus returned I home. * * * * * And about two months after [_i.e., in December_], I was able to walk to London at an easy pace; but still with my kerchiefs and pale lean face. I muffled me with a sarsenet, which the rude people in the streets would murmur at, saying, "What is he? Dare he not show his face?" I did repair to my old familiar acquaintance, as drapers, mercers, and others: and stood talking with them, and cheapened their wares; and there was not one of them that knew me. Then would I say unto them, "Do you not know me? Look better upon me! Do you not know my voice?" For that also was altered. "Truly," would they say, "you must pardon me! I cannot call you to remembrance." Then would I declare my name unto them; whereat they so marvelled, that they could scarcely credit me, but for the familiar acquaintance that I put them in remembrance of. * * * * *