This excuse the king was graciously pleased to accept,
commending him for his great diligence and zeal.
The night now wore on with much outward show of mirth and revelry; but
the king went early to rest, purposing to rise betimes.
On the following day he went out again with a great company, and killed
a brace of stags, which mighty achievement, by authentic record, we find
was accomplished before dinner--the king alone being able to bring down
the venison.
We willingly pass over this day's banquet; nor do we care to chronicle
the feats of Morris the head-cook, and his deputies of the ranges and
the pastries. The boiling and roasting of poults and pullets, and the
construction of comfits and confections, we consign to everlasting
oblivion.
When the king rose from table, about four o'clock, as we find it in the
private journal of one present, he purposed to view the alum-mines,
about two miles distant from the Tower; but, being eager for the sport,
he went forth again a-hunting. He shot at a stag and missed. The next
bolt broke the thigh-bone, and the dog being long in coming, Lord
Compton despatched the poor beast, whereby his capture was effected.
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