Under a pavilion of crimson cloth, decked with fringes and valences of
gold, walked forth the monarch. He leaned familiarly on the arm of his
host, who, together with Sir John Finett, was in immediate attendance.
After the king's train had passed, came a troop of morris-dancers, and
the hobby-horse, who frolicked in a most ungainly fashion round the
Bower of Beautie, kissing hands, and making many salutations towards
their enthralled queen. Next came out a bear and a lion, accompanied by
a thing intended to represent an ape, whose office it was to torment
these grave animals with his tricks. But so encumbered were they in
their disguise,--a heavy covering of bucks' skins and long wool,--that
they had much ado to keep on their clothes, while attempting to resent
the indignities they endured.
"Hang thee, Will--keep thy paws off my tail," said lion: "Dost not see I
shall be uncovered before the king?"
"I'll baste thine hide," said bear, "if thou meddlest any more with
mine."
The ape had settled himself on the back of this august-looking animal,
from whence he was suddenly dislodged, much to the delight and
entertainment of the king, who laughed heartily at his disaster.
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