_Miles_' black Eyes kindled like Coals at the Thought of defending the Bridge.... I confess I felt a Glow within me, and handled my Bill and Bow with exceeding Complacence. The Mayor complimented my Master on having a Couple of such smart Lads, and said his Premises would be well defended. Also he said he wished he had such a fair Daughter as Mistress _Anne_, who served him with Bread and Wine. If the Queen were ever popular, it was that Time! What joyous Smiles and brisk Words were exchanged as People ran along the Bridge!—what Glory attended the Guards that manned the Gates!—how we revelled in every Blow that cut down the Draw-bridge! Splash! it went into the River. Spontaneously we gave three Cheers. Just before the Approach was cut off, Lord _William Howard_, (since, Lord _Howard_ of _Effingham_,) with fifty of his Men, rode over the Bridge to St. _George's_ Church, _Southwark_, to note the State of Things, and so back. I remember his looking gaily over his Shoulder as he passed, crying out in Hearing of us all, "This Bridge hath to-day a Chance of being the _Thermopylæ_ of _London_!" [Illustration: J Jellicoe "Rode over the Bridge"] A Messenger from the Rebels came to parley, and was led blindfold across the Bridge, to and from Lord _Pembroke_, Commander in Chief. On _Saturday_ Morning, _Wyat_ was proclaimed Traitor, and a Price set on his Head. There was a grand Muster of Horse and Foot in _Finsbury Fields_. At three in the Afternoon, _Wyat_ advanced upon _London_ from _Deptford_; and, as soon as his Movement was perceived, an eight Pounder was levelled at him from the White Tower, the Shot of which took none Effect. Immediately my Lord Mayor and the Sheriffs made Haste to _London Bridge_: we gave them three Cheers. The Strete was presently choaked; People removing their Stalls and Wares, Shop Shutters putting up, young Men running up and down to Weapons and Harness, young Women beginning to shed Tears, Children and Maids shutting themselves up in the upper Stories. My Hands trembled so with Emotion I could scarce fasten a Buckle. Mistress _Anne_, passing, sayth, "Let me do it for you—Ladies of old Time buckled on Knights' Harness and bade them good Speed, as I bid you.... But oh! _Ned_, I am in Fear for my _Father_." I said, "But he hath no Fear, unless for you. Therefore look not forth; the only Danger is in a random Shot." Then she asked me what I thought would happen if the worst came to the worst. I told her I had not thought about it, so sure was I the best would come to the best. She said she thought so too; at least she hoped so; and bade me tell every Word of News I heard through the Wicket. Presently I heard that _Wyat_, with his Army, was close beyond the further Bridge Gate; and had pointed two Pieces of Ordnance against the Bridge: which I thought needless to tell Mistress _Anne_.