"
So the "muckle stane" was replaced for the next comer who had strength
and curiosity enough to unriddle the sphinx.
But James did not relish fooleries wherein he was the butt. Whether it
was devised by some wicked rhymester and contemner of royalty in the
neighbourhood, or placed there by some of the wits of his own company,
was never ascertained, though he challenged them at random, and swore
lustily that he would know the originator of this piece of folly and
impertinence.
As the king drew nigh to the avenue, there presently issued forth a
goodly flourish of trumpets, which made the women caper and the horses
prance. Sir Richard Hoghton rode with the king; but his son Sir Gilbert
met his Majesty with a great retinue, clad mostly after the same
fashion; many of the neighbouring gentry, as we have before observed,
not disdaining to put on Sir Richard's gowns and liveries, to swell the
pomp and magnificence of that memorable occasion.
The javelin-bearers rode two and two: halting at his Majesty's approach,
they formed an avenue, through which Sir Gilbert, sumptuously attired,
went forth to salute the king.
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