ch.

Ernst was captain of this youthful band, and Andrew A'Dale and the young
Richard Gresham lieutenants. They had full fifty others with them.
That they were not sent off to prison at once, with no small risk of
afterwards being hung up, as were many older men, was owing to the
prudence of Ernst Verner. He advised that, should any demand their
intentions, their replies should be that they were arming for the
protection of their country, and that as yet they had not decided on
their plan of operation. Thus, while the citizens were assembling in
the public places or marching here and there, they also were able to go
forth, no one doubting that they were prepared to defend the City
against the insurgents. It may have been, however, that some of those
of more advanced age had the same intentions, and that, had Sir Thomas
Wyatt been successful, they would gladly have joined him. And now there
was a great commotion, it being known that the insurgents were
approaching close to the west end of London. On this Queen Mary came
into the City, and arriving at Guildhall, where a large concourse of
people was assembled, made a vehement oration against Wyatt and his
followers, Bishop Gardiner exclaiming as she concluded, "How happy are
we, to whom God has given so wise and learned a Queen!"

Not long after, however, when Wyatt drew still closer to the City, many
of the followers of the Queen went to her, crying out that all was lost,
and urged her to take boat, so that she might go down the river and
escape. Her women, too, were shrieking through terror, and endeavouring
to hide themselves away, thinking that the insurgents would speedily
come in and slay them. It might have been a happy thing for this
kingdom and people, if the advice of these timorous soldiers had been
followed. Some probably were only too glad at having an excuse for
persuading the Queen to leave the kingdom. She, however, refused to
move, declaring "that now she was Queen--Queen she would remain." One
thing certainly must be said of Queen Mary: she was a bold, brave woman,
determined in purpose, though all gentle feelings were completely
overcome by the influence of her bigotry and superstition; thus, having
once tasted of blood, her disposition seemed that of a veritable tiger.

The sound of guns was now heard in the City. Ernst and his companions
were very eager to march forth, but obtaining no certain information,
they knew not in which directio