Winchester being one of the fixed markets or staples for wool appointed
by King Edward, the city had risen in power and affluence above its
neighbours. Yet the plague, by which it was almost depopulated some
years before, had considerably abated its magnificence. But the favour
of royalty still clung to it, and Arthur's "Round Table" attested its
early claims to this distinguishing character--a monarch's residence.
The castle, where the Round Table is still shown, was then a building of
great strength, and, enlivened by the king's presence, displayed many a
staff and pennon from its stately battlements.
Isabella passed by the fortress just as the trumpets announced the near
approach of the king down the covered way. The chains of the drawbridge
were lowered, and presently issued forth the armed retinue of the
monarch. Isabella and her train were obliged to remain awhile as idle
spectators.
The king, though old and infirm, yet retained his lofty and commanding
appearance. His charger was armed with the _chanfrons_ and gamboised
housings, having thereon the royal arms, and proudly did the conscious
beast paw and champ, as if rejoicing under his burden.
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