when, with more than royal glory is linked the potency of
virgin loveliness, who can withstand!"

"Why, how now, Sir Knight!" said Elizabeth, banteringly. "Are we less
lovely or less awful now than a moment since? You seem at least one half
restored."

"Nay, your Majesty," was the reply. "'Tis his sovereign's will and high
command that stiffens poor Percy's limbs, and in obedience only that he
finds strength to present his suit."

"A suit!" she exclaimed. "Pride cometh before a fall, 'tis said. Then,
in sooth, by the rule of contraries, a fall should presage humility's
reward. What says my Lord Baron?"

She turned to Burleigh, who smiled and, bowing, replied:

"So witty a flight to so sound a conclusion Cecil could not have winged
alone, but where majesty teacheth wisdom, who shall refuse it!"

"'Tis well!" said Elizabeth, more soberly. "Rise, Sir Knight, and, when
that we have supped, seek audience again. An the petition be in reason,
'twill not suffer for the fall you have had."

With this speech, Sir Percevall's first audience ended, and it was with
a happy face that he suffered himself to be helped to his feet by the
four gentlemen who had first been sent to his aid.

As the Queen resumed her progress and entered the apartments wherein she
was to prepare for her evening meal, there resounded through the palace
the ringing notes of trumpets and the musical booming of a kettle-drum.

In a large antechamber immediately outside of the room where the Queen
was to sup there was placed a splendidly carved table of black oak, and
here were made all the preparations for her repast, accompanied by the
usual ceremonies.

Moving to the sound of trumpets and drum, two gentlemen entered the
room, the first bearing a rod and the second a table-cloth. Advancing
one behind the other, they kneeled three times between the door and
table, apparently expressing the deepest veneration. Having spread the
table, they retired backward, not forgetting to repeat the genuflections
as performed on their approach.

These first two were followed immediately by two other gentlemen, the
first with a rod and the other carrying a salt-seller, plates, and
bread. These articles were carried to the table with the same ceremony
as had attended the spreading of the cloth.

Next there entered a young lady, whose coronet indicated the rank of
countess and whose uncovered bosom proclaimed the unmarried state. She
was accompanied by a married l