One feature of his character but little noticed by modern writers was very remarkable in those days, and will be better valued now than it was then. All who enjoyed the hospitality of Penshurst were equal in the consideration of the host: there were no odious distinctions of rank or fortune; "the dishes did not grow coarser as they receded from the head of the table," and no huge salt-cellar divided the noble from the ignoble guests.[119] [Sidenote: Chivalric politeness of the age of Elizabeth.] [Sidenote: The Earl of Oxford.] The polite gracefulness of Sidney was not rare in his time; and there was not a courtier, who, if placed in similar circumstances to those of Sir Walter Raleigh, that would not have cast his handsome plush cloak in the mire to serve for the Queen, as a foot-cloth. Tournaments as well masks were the amusements of the age. The prize was always delivered by Elizabeth who never thought that age could deprive her of the privileges of beauty. Edward Vere Earl of Oxford was more skilful in these manly exercises of chivalry than all the other courtiers, even than Sidney, who, like a magnanimous knight, was eloquent in his praise. "Having this day my horse, my hand, my lance, Guided so well that I obtained the prize, Both by the judgment of the English eyes, And of some sent from that sweet en'my France: Horsemen my skill in horsemanship advance, Townsfolks my strength; a daintier judge applies His praise to sleight, which from good use doth rise: Some lucky wits impute it but to chance, Others, because of both sides I do take My blood from them who did excel in this, Think nature me a man of arms did make. How far they shoot awry! The true cause is, STELLA look'd on, and from her heavenly face Sent forth the beams which made so fair my race." Astrophel and Stella, st. 41. The friendship of Sidney for him for awhile was the only circumstance which we know to his honour, and it implies the possession of virtuous qualities in the Earl. A considerable portion of coxcombry belonged to most of Elizabeth's courtiers; and the noble Lord in question was distinguished according to Stow, for introducing into this country embroidered and perfumed gloves. [Sidenote: Tilts in Greenwich Park.]