tronomy should be chiefly cultivated. On
music, too, he set high value, while geometry he considered did not only
help forward astronomy, but is a fine exercise of the mental faculties.
The great Copernicus has written on astronomy, but his work is little
known in England; indeed, the science is but slightly cultivated or
respected.

Sir Thomas also, some time before this, constructed eight almshouses,
immediately behind his mansion, in the parish of Saint Peter the Poor,
and in his will he provided liberally for the inmates. This, however,
was only one of many charities which he established.

My wife and I frequently paid visits to our kind friends at their new
mansion of Osterley; and while we were there in May, 1576, they had the
honour of receiving a visit from the Queen's Majesty. I have not space
to describe the magnificent arrangements which were made for the
reception of her Majesty, or the numerous entertainments prepared to
render her stay agreeable. I may mention, however, that a play was
represented, written by my patron's old friend, Thomas Churchyard, as
also a pageant, "The Devises of War." Her Majesty was greatly pleased
with all she saw, but she found fault with the courtyard as too great,
affirming that it would appear more handsome if divided with a wall in
the middle. Scarcely had the words been spoken than Sir Thomas slipped
away and sent off for workmen to London, who, in the night time, so
speedily and silently laboured, that the next morning discovered the
court double which the night had left single. It is questionable
whether the Queen next day was more contented with the conformity to her
fancy, or more pleased with the surprise and sudden alteration when the
courtiers disported themselves with their expressions, avowing that it
was no wonder he who could build a _change_, could _change_ a building.
I have, I am afraid, given but a very imperfect idea of the character of
my kind and noble patron. I had met him in the afternoon at the
Exchange on the 21st of November, 1579, being Saturday. Parting from
him, I returned to Lombard Street. While sitting with my wife and
children about seven o'clock in the evening, a serving-lad came running
to say that Sir Thomas had suddenly fallen down in the kitchen soon
after he came home, and was then speechless. I hastened off. When I
arrived, I found my kind friend laid on a bed. A glance at his
countenance told me too truly what had happened.