,
the types of which existed in his monitor and his preceptor; two great
men, whom history has not failed to distinguish--Archie Armstrong and
George Buchanan--the wit and the scholar, which in him became the
representatives of two much more useful and esteemed qualities--fool and
pedant!

Attended by his favourite Buckingham and a numerous train of officials,
he "progressed" upon the road to Hoghton Tower, the spacious and
splendid dwelling of Sir Richard Hoghton, the first baronet of that
family, whose guest he was to continue for a space, to the great envy
and admiration of the whole neighbourhood.

As they came nigh the Tower, nothing could be conceived more beautiful
or picturesque. Its embattled-gateway, bartizans, and battlements,
crowning the summit of a bold and commanding eminence, became brightly
illuminated, flashing against grim and shapeless masses of cloud, the
shattered relics of a storm, that was rolling away in the distance.

Many of the neighbouring gentry were in attendance, not disdaining to
wear, out of grace and courtesy to Sir Richard Hoghton, the livery of
their thrice-honoured entertainer.

The king's train alone were very numerous, amongst whom appeared Lord
Zouch, Constable of Dover Castle, and Sir George Goring, Lieutenant of
the Gentlemen Pensioners.[29] With the latter rode Sir John Finett,[30]
Assistant Master of the Ceremonies, but who acted the chief part in this
important office during the king's journey; two worthies, of whom it
might be said, that for tempering of the king's humour, and aptness in
ministering to his delights, their like could scarcely have been found.
Such nights of feasting and dancing, such days of hawking, hunting, and
horse-racing, had never before gladdened the heart of "Merry Englonde,"
or England's monarchs. It seemed as if the whole realm were given up to
idolatry and dissipation. The idol pleasure was worshipped with such
ardour and devotion, that all ranks were striving to outdo each other in
tinsel, trumpery, and deeds of worthlessness and folly.

The king loved such disguises and representations as were witty and
sudden; the more ridiculous, and to him the more pleasant. This vain and
frivolous humour might seem unworthy and unbecoming in so great a
prince, whose profundity of wisdom had well entitled him to the
appellation of "our English Solomon," did we not call to remembrance
that the greatest of men have not disdained to be children in their
sp