glish. Her respect for the Bible, and her
desire to have it spread throughout her realms, was still more clearly
shown on the occasion of her progress from the Tower to Westminster, the
day before her coronation, on the 15th of January, 1559.

I cannot describe the magnificent way in which the City was decorated,
nor the numerous pageants which were prepared to do her honour. From
one, a child--who was intended to represent Truth--let down, by a silk
lace, an English Bible, richly bound, before the Queen. She kissed both
her hands, with both her hands she received it, afterwards applying it
to her breast, and lastly, standing up and thanking the City for its
gifts, promised to be a diligent reader thereof. When any good wishes
were cast forth for her virtuous and religious government, she would
lift up her hands towards heaven, and desired the people to answer
"Amen."

My patron was not long absent. I had been labouring in the shop that
day, and at supper had joined the family, my master, who had been absent
at court, having just returned, when Sir John Leigh came in. The
conversation turned on various matters abroad. News had just been
received that King Philip had actually quitted Flanders and gone to
reside for the future in Spain. The Queen's ministers had therefore
resolved to send an ambassador resident to his court. For this office
Sir Thomas Chaloner, who had hitherto been in Flanders, was appointed.

"And I understand my friend Sir Thomas Gresham is to fill his place at
Brussels in the capacity of an ambassador," observed Sir John Leigh,
bowing to my patron.

"What!" exclaimed Lady Anne. "You are not joking with my husband?"

"No, assuredly," answered Sir John; "this very day he has received the
honour of knighthood, and as I came here I heard of the appointment I
have mentioned."

"Sir John speaks the truth, my dear wife," said my patron, turning to
Lady Anne. "I have received that honour from the Queen's Majesty, but I
wished that another might tell you of it rather than myself. I am ready
to devote my powers to the service of our good Queen, and therefore
gladly accept the office she has put upon me, albeit it may be rather to
my loss than profit."

I will not repeat the congratulations of Lady Anne, or of the guests who
were present. No time was to be lost, as the matter was pressing; and I
was well pleased to find that I was to accompany my patron in the
character rather of a secretary