to draw neer, and understand his pleasure;
saying to him; in few words, to this effect: "Palaphilos, seeing it
hath pleased the high Pallas, to think me to demerit the office of
this place; and thereto this night past vouchsafed to descend from
heavens to increase my further honour, by creating me Knight of her
Order of Pegasus; as also commanded me to join in the same Society
such valiant Gentlemen throughout her province, whose living honour
hath best deserved the same, the choice whereof most aptly belongeth
to your skill, being the watchman of their doings, and register of
their deserts; I will ye choose as well throughout our whole armyes,
as elsewhere, of such special gentlemen, as the gods hath appointed,
the number of twenty-four, and the names of them present us:
commanding also those chosen persons to appear in our presence in
knightly habit, that with conveniency we may proceed in our purpose."
This done, Palaphilos obeying his Prince's commandement, with
twenty-four valiant Knights, all apparelled in long white vestures,
with each man a scarf of Pallas colours, and them presented, with
their names, to the Prince; who allowed well his choise, and commanded
him to do his office. Who, after his duty to the Prince, bowed towards
these worthy personages, standing every man in his antienty, as he had
borne armes in the field, and began to shew his Prince's pleasure;
with the honour of the Order.'"

"_Other Particulars touching these Grand Christmasses, extracted
out of the Accompts of the House_.

"First, it hath been the duty of the Steward, to provide five fat
brawns, vessels, wood, and other necessaries belonging to the kitchen:
as also all manner of spices, flesh, fowl, and other cates for the
kitchen.

"The office of the Chief Butler, to provide a rich cupboard of plate,
silver and parcel gilt: seaven dozen of silver and gilt spoons: twelve
fair salt-cellers, likewise silver and gilt: twenty candlesticks of
the like.

"Twelve fine large table cloths, of damask and diaper. Twenty dozen of
napkins suitable at the least. Three dozen of fair large towels;
whereof the Gentleman Sewers, and Butlers of the House, to have every
of them one at mealtimes, during their attendance. Likewise to provide
carving knives; twenty dozen of white cups and green potts: a carving
table; torches; bread, beer, and ale. And the chief of the Butlers was
to give attendance on the highest table in the Hall, with wine, ale
and beer