The foremost of them wore a low-crowned cap, simply decorated
with a heron's plume, and a doublet of mulberry-coloured velvet, puffed
out capaciously at the shoulders. Trunk-hose of a goodly diameter, and
wide-flapped boots, decorated the lower extremity of his person. On his
left hand he bore a hooded falcon. The jesses were of crimson and yellow
silk, its legs fancifully adorned with little bells fastened by rings of
leather. These made a jingling and dissonant music as it flew, being
generally tuned one semitone below another, that they might be the more
sonorous considering their small size. The bearer wore a pair of stout
leathern mittens, and he carried a long pole to aid him, as it might
seem, in the chase. His manner bespoke him above the ordinary rank; and
his garb, from the minute regulations then existing in regard to dress,
showed at any rate his pretensions to nobility. This proud cavalier was
followed by one servant only, who carried a capacious wallet, not
over-well replenished with provision, as was apparent from its long lank
shape and attenuated proportions. His master's cloak was slung on the
other shoulder; and his belt displayed some implements that appeared
alike formidable as means of offence or defence.
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