The Constable of the Tower by W. Harrison Ainsworth

As the knightly dwarf was brought within a short distance of the royal table, which, from his eminent position, he quite overlooked, he was met by Garter, who demanded his title and pretence.

“I am called Sir Pumilio,” replied Xit, in a shrill voice, “and the occasion of my coming hither is to do battle with a wild man in the king’s presence, if I be so permitted.”

“His majesty greets thee well, Sir Pumilio, “rejoined the Garter, with difficulty preserving his countenance. “Do thy devoir as becomes a valiant knight.”

“I will essay to do so,” cried Xit. “Where lurks the fierce savage?” he added.

“Behold him!” cried Pacolet.

While Xit was talking to Garter, the agile mountebank had climbed the shoulders of a tall yeoman of the guard who was standing near, and he now sprang upon the shield. Xit immediately charged him, and strove to drive him off the stage, but Pacolet adroitly avoided the thrust, and the dwarf had well-nigh gone over himself. The combatants had not a very large arena for the display of their prowess, but they made the best of it, and Pacolet’s tricks were so diverting that they excited general merriment. After the combat had endured a few minutes, Pacolet, apparently sore pressed, struck the shield with his club, and instantly afterwards leaped to the ground. Scarcely was he gone than the rim of the shield rose as if by magic, developing a series of thin iron bars, which enclosed the dwarf like a rat in a trap. Great was Xit’s surprise and rage at this occurrence, for which he was wholly unprepared. He struck the bars of his cage with his lance, but they were strong enough to resist his efforts; he commanded the giants to liberate him, but in vain. At last he was set free by Pacolet, and carried off amid inextinguishable laughter.

Preceded by trumpeters, making a loud bruit with their clarions, and attended by Norroy and Clarencieux, Garter next made proclamation of the king’s titles in different parts of the hall. At each proclamation, the heralds called out, “Largesse! largesse!” whereupon, many costly ornaments were bestowed upon them by the nobles, knights, and esquires.

Towards the close of the feast, the Lord Mayor of London, Sir Henry Hubblethorne, who it will be remembered was the first knight dubbed by the king on his arrival at the Tower, arose from his seat at the upper table, and kneeling before the young monarch, offered him a silver cup, encrusted with gems, and filled with hippocrass. Edward received him very graciously, and having drunk to the prosperity of the good city of London, returned him the cup, bidding him keep it in remembrance of the occasion.

So ended this grand and memorable banquet.

The king then repaired to the palace, where the jousts and tilting matches were held in the courts, at which Lord Seymour, to his royal nephew’s great contentment, bore away the chief prize.

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Chapter VIII

HOW THE LORD CHANCELLOR WAS DISGRACED

Though the crown had been placed on the youthful Edward’s brows, supreme authority rested with the lord protector. His only formidable opponent was Southampton, and the removal of the latter, as already intimated, had been resolved upon. A plan for effectually getting rid of him was hit upon by Paget, and unfortunately for the lord chancellor, his own imprudence furnished a pretext for his overthrow and disgrace.

Wholly unconscious, however, of the critical position in which he stood, and unaware of the projects of his enemies, Southampton attended the first council held within the palace, and commenced by fiercely attacking Somerset for his usurpation of power, and disregard of the king’s will. He had not proceeded far when he was interrupted by Paget, who called, “Hold, my lord; before accusing his highness the lord protector, you must answer certain grave charges which I have to prefer against yourself.”

“What charges be they?” demanded the lord chancellor, haughtily.

“My lord, I accuse you of gross neglect of duty,” rejoined Paget, “in putting the seal in commission, and deputing to certain masters in Chancery the power to hear causes and pronounce decisions; duties which ought by right to be discharged by yourself alone. This you have done without license or authority from the king’s majesty, the lord protector, or the lords of the council.”