s, dedicated "To the
most honourable Matthew Smyth, Esq., Comptroller of the honourable
society of the Inner Temple."

The Prince of Purpoole was Mr. Henry Helmes, a Norfolk gentleman, "who
was thought to be accomplished with all good parts, fit for so great a
dignity; and was also a very proper man of personage, and very active
in dancing and revelling." His coffers were filled by voluntary
contributors, amongst whom the lord treasurer, Sir William Cecil, sent
him ten pounds, and a purse of rich needlework.

The performers were highly applauded by Queen Elizabeth, who expressed
satisfaction in her own peculiar style. When the actors had performed
their Masque, some of her Majesty's courtiers danced a measure,
whereupon the Queen exclaimed: "What! shall we have bread and cheese
after a banquet?" Finally the Prince and his Officers of State were
honoured by kissing her fair hands, and receiving the most flattering
commendations. The whole amusement terminated in fighting at barriers;
the Earl of Essex, and others, challengers; the Earl of Cumberland and
company defendants, "into which number," says the narrator, "our
Prince was taken, and behaved himself so valiantly and skilfully
therein, that he had the prize adjudged due unto him, which it pleased
her Majesty to deliver him with her own hands; telling him, that it
was not her gift, for if it had, it should have been better; but she
gave it to him, as that prize which was due to his desert, and good
behaviour in those exercises; and that hereafter he should be
remembered with a better reward from herself. The prize was a jewel,
set with seventeen diamonds and four rubies; in value accounted worth
a hundred marks."

The following is the Gray's Inn list of performers, which included
some gentlemen who were afterwards "distinguished members in the law."

[From "Gesta Grayorum," page 6.]

"The order of the Prince of Purpoole's proceedings, with his
officers and attendants at his honourable inthronization; which
was likewise observed in all his solemn marches on grand days,
and like occasions; which place every officer did duly attend,
during the reign of his highness's government.

A Marshal.} {A Marshal.
Trumpets. } {Trumpets.

Pursuevant at Arms _Lanye._

Townsmen in the Prince's Livery} {Yeomen of the Guard
with Halberts. } {three couples.

Captain of the Guard