and a large
face and double chin. For his noisy ways and rough manners he has been
familiarly called "Bluff King Hal" and "Burly King Harry." He was fond
of the hunt and the tournament and all kinds of manly exercise. He was
also much given to show and display, and loved rich dresses.

He employed as his court painter the celebrated Dutch artist Holbein,
who made various portraits of the members of the royal family. There
was one particularly fine group which was unfortunately destroyed by
fire, but as a copy had previously been made we still know what the
picture was like.

Henry VIII. had been dead some two hundred years before the Master
Crewe of our picture was born, but English kings are not allowed to be
forgotten. Successive generations of children were shown Holbein's
portraits of the bluff old ruler, and were taught something about his
reign.

It happened one time that the children of Master Crewe's acquaintance
had a fancy dress party. The Crewes were people of fashion who entered
constantly into social affairs. Naturally there was much discussion
over their son's part and costume. It was a happy thought which fixed
upon the character of Henry VIII., for the boy's round face, square
shoulders, and sturdy frame were well fitted for the role.

Evidently no pains were spared to make the costume historically
correct. Holbein's portrait was the costumer's model, and every detail
was faithfully followed. The boy is dressed in the fashion of the
sixteenth century in "doublet and hose." This consists first of a
richly embroidered waistcoat, the most effective part of the dress.
The sleeves are made of the same material and are gathered at the
wrists in a ruffle. The lower part of the doublet is a skirt falling
just above the knees.

[Illustration: MASTER CREWE AS HENRY VIII.]

Over all is flung a handsome mantle; but this is drawn apart in front
to display the smart waistcoat to full advantage. A broad-brimmed hat
set jauntily on one side, and trimmed with a long feather, completes
the costume. By way of ornament is worn a big jewelled collar and a
long chain with locket. A short sword swings from the girdle, and
on the left leg is the garter, which is the badge of membership in the
ancient Order of the Garter, of which Henry VIII. was the tenth
sovereign member. This is of dark blue ribbon edged with gold, and
bearing in gold letters the motto "Honi soit qui mal y pense".[4]

[Footnote 4: Evil to him who evi