But these expressions were
few, for, though tottering, Wolsey was yet too formidable to be insulted
with impunity. On either side of him were two mounted attend ants,
each caring a gilt poleaxe, who, if he had given the word, would have
instantly chastised the insolence of the bystanders, while behind him
rode his two cross-bearers upon homes trapped in scarlet.
Wolsey's princely retinue was followed by a litter of crimson velvet, in
which lay the pope's legate, Cardinal Campeggio, whose infirmities
were so great that he could not move without assistance. Campeggio
was likewise attended by a numerous train.
After a long line of lords, knights, and esquires, came Henry the Eighth.
He was apparelled in a robe of crimson velvet furred with ermines, and
wore a doublet of raised gold, the placard of which was embroidered
with diamonds, rubies, emeralds, large pearls, and other precious
stones. About his neck was a baldric of balas rubies, and over his robe
he wore the collar of the Order of the Garter. His horse, a charger of the
largest size, and well able to sustain his vast weight, was trapped in
crimson velvet, purfled with ermines. His knights and esquires were
clothed in purple velvet, and his henchmen in scarlet tunics of the
same make as those worn by the warders of the Tower at the present
day.
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