oceeding which the honest Protestant
Englishman greatly dreaded. There was no lack of company, however, in
the house. Often entertainments were given to various guests. Seldom
indeed was the merchant's hospitable board spread without several
visitors being present.

Soon after Ernst had become an inmate of Master Gresham's house, a
personage arrived who was treated with great consideration. He had come
from the South, after having visited the Holy Land, and appeared to have
seen much of the world besides. Indeed, there were few countries about
which he had not something to say. There was nothing very remarkable
about his appearance. He was slightly built, and of middle size; but he
had that hardy, wiry look, which showed that he was capable of
undergoing great fatigue and enduring an excess of heat without
inconvenience, if not of cold. His ordinary dress was that of a simple
gentleman, with a flat cap, having a coif tying beneath the chin and
completely concealing his hair. His cloak, or gown, was of fine cloth,
trimmed with rich fur, and having long sleeves. Beneath it was a
closely-buttoned waistcoat, while he wore long hose, and puffed
breeches, reaching but a short way down the upper part of the leg. The
upper part of his shoes were pointed, a jewelled dagger hung to his
waist by a belt, in which were stuck his gloves when not in use, and
leathern purse also hanging to it. He was addressed by Master Gresham
as Sir John De Leigh, and was treated by him as a person of
consideration. A banquet was given in honour of his arrival, to which a
number of the principal merchants, magistrates, and other civil officers
of Antwerp were invited. It made a never-forgotten impression on Ernst,
young as he was. It took place in the grand hall on the ground floor of
the house. With interest he watched the placing of the tables and the
spreading of the cloths, while at one end the butler arranged on the
buffet the rich pieces of plate and other vessels, giving a magnificent
appearance to that part of the hall, and standing out well against the
dark tapestry hung up behind them. In the centre of the table was first
placed a silver vessel of large size, containing salt; and small round
cakes of bread were arranged where each guest was to sit. Drinking-cups
also, of glass, were placed along the table, with a plate and napkin for
each guest.

About thirty persons had been summoned, among whom were a few dames to
bear