The Golden Grasshopper | Page 4

a coif tying beneath the chin
and completely concealing his hair. His cloak, or gown, was of fine
cloth, trimmed with rich fur, and having long sleeves. Beneath it was a
closely-buttoned waistcoat, while he wore long hose, and puffed
breeches, reaching but a short way down the upper part of the leg. The
upper part of his shoes were pointed, a jewelled dagger hung to his
waist by a belt, in which were stuck his gloves when not in use, and
leathern purse also hanging to it. He was addressed by Master Gresham
as Sir John De Leigh, and was treated by him as a person of
consideration. A banquet was given in honour of his arrival, to which a
number of the principal merchants, magistrates, and other civil officers
of Antwerp were invited. It made a never-forgotten impression on Ernst,
young as he was. It took place in the grand hall on the ground floor of
the house. With interest he watched the placing of the tables and the
spreading of the cloths, while at one end the butler arranged on the
buffet the rich pieces of plate and other vessels, giving a magnificent
appearance to that part of the hall, and standing out well against the
dark tapestry hung up behind them. In the centre of the table was first
placed a silver vessel of large size, containing salt; and small round
cakes of bread were arranged where each guest was to sit.
Drinking-cups also, of glass, were placed along the table, with a plate
and napkin for each guest.
About thirty persons had been summoned, among whom were a few
dames to bear the Lady Anne company. At the further end of the hall
was a gallery where the musicians were stationed; while cushioned
chairs were arranged on each side of the table and covered with
handsome tapestry work.
When the guests began to arrive, the servitors came forward with basin,
ewers, and towels, that each might wash his hands before sitting down
to the meal.
Master Gresham and Lady Anne received them with due courtesy,
when each guest was conducted to the place assigned to him at the table;
Sir John De Leigh and other personages of distinction being seated at

the upper part, while Master Clough and several other secretaries and
attendants took their seats at the further end below the salt-cellar.
And now the musicians struck up a lively tune. The servitors entered
with the good cheer, which was, in due course, served round.
It would be impossible to describe all the luxuries. Among them a
boar's head was seen, highly ornamented, while on either side were two
peacocks, the feathers of their tails spread out, while on their necks
hung two golden grasshoppers, the armorial bearings of the host. The
peacocks, which had been roasted, and covered with the yolk of eggs,
after having cooled, had been sewed into their skins, and thus looked
almost as if they were alive. There were two pair of cocks which had
been roasted, and then covered, one with gold, and the other with silver
foil. There was also venison, a swan boiled, roasted pheasant and
roasted bittern, with fish of various sorts--pike and perch. A variety of
ornaments, too, made their appearance, subtilties, they were called, and
ornamental devices in pastry. One was a lofty castle, covered with
silver, flags of gold waving on its summit. However, it would take up
too much space to describe the numberless dishes which appeared at
this banquet.
The musicians at intervals played for the amusement of the guests, and
toward the end, lest they might have become weary of too many sweet
sounds, the doors of the hall opened, and a band of maskers entered
habited in various grotesque costumes. With a deep obeisance to the
master of the feast, as well as to the lady and their visitors, the leader of
the party commenced an oration the subject of which Ernst Verner was
too young at the time to note down, and has long since forgotten. It was
followed by the representation of a Morality, the subject of which also,
for the same reason, is not noted in this diary. Ernst, with his young
companion, little Richard Gresham, were running about the hall hand in
hand, watching the maskers, and amusing themselves by observing the
guests. One of the former, wearing a huge cloak which completely
concealed his form, during the performance separated himself from his
companions. His eye was fixed on the two boys. It might have been
that he supposed no one observed him; but, even though attending to

her guests, the mother's glance was following her young Richard. With
cautious steps the masker slowly moved up towards where the little
boys were standing, their attention occupied