It was seldom, such was his
privileged character, and the protection he enjoyed from the sovereign,
that any of the courtiers resented his remarks; but Sir Thomas Wyat's
feelings being now deeply interested, he turned sharply round, and
said, "How now, thou meddling varlet, what business hast thou to
interfere?"
"I interfere to prove my authority, gossip Wyat," replied Sommers, " and
to show that, varlet as I am, I am as powerful as Mistress Anne Boleyn--
nay, that I am yet more powerful, because I am obeyed, while she is
not."
"Were I at liberty," said Sir Thomas angrily, "I would make thee repent
thine insolence."
"But thou art not at liberty, good gossip," replied the jester, screaming
with laughter; " thou art tied like a slave to the oar, and cannot free
thyself from it--ha! ha!" Having enjoyed the knight's discomposure for a
few seconds, he advanced towards him, and whispered in his ear,
"Don't mistake me, gossip. I have done thee good service in preventing
thee from taking that kerchief. Hadst thou received it in the presence
of these witnesses, thou wouldst have been lodged in the Round Tower
of Windsor Castle to-morrow, instead of feasting with the knights-
companions in Saint George's Hall.
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