His cloak and hose were all glistening
and spangled with embroidery; his vest was cloth of gold, enriched with
rare and costly stones; his shirt-bands and ruffles were worked in
silver; and his gloves, Spanish, breathing out the choicest perfume; his
hat was of French murrey, the brims thick set with gold twist and
spangles; round it was a band of goldsmith's work, looped with a crystal
button.
On approaching the monarch he gracefully alighted; whereupon James
commanded that the carriage should be stayed, thrusting out his hand in
a very gracious sort to this worthy knight, who, on his knees, received
the blessing.
His Majesty then took horse, assisted by Buckingham, who held the
stirrup. But the king's peculiar and unsteady vaulting was much noticed.
Many of the bystanders, not aware of his Majesty's dislike to these
equestrian feats, marvelled not a little at the motion of his leg, and
the disturbed and uneasy position he assumed. The pathway up the avenue
was laid with purple velvet, on which the glittering cavalcade, horse
and foot, formed a noble pageant, whose pomp was almost dazzling to
behold. The carriages took another path opened for the occasion.
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