The prelate, chancellor, register, black rod,
and other officers of the Garter, together with the whole of the royal
retinue who had dismounted, came after them. A vast concourse of
spectators, extending almost as far as the Lieutenant's Tower, was
collected in front of the alms-knights' houses; but a wide space had
been kept clear by the henchmen for the passage of the sovereign and
his train, and along this Henry proceeded with Anne Boleyn, in the
direction of the upper ward. Just as he reached the Norman Tower,
and passed the entrance to the keep, the Duke of Shoreditch, who was
standing beneath the gateway, advanced towards him and prostrated
himself on one knee.
"May it please your majesty," said Shoreditch, "I last night arrested a
butcher of Windsor for uttering words highly disrespectful of your
highness, and of the fair and virtuous lady by your side."
"Ah! God's death! " exclaimed the king. "Where is the traitor? Bring him
before us."
"He is here," replied Shoreditch.
And immediately Mark Fytton was brought forward by a couple of
halberdiers. He still preserved his undaunted demeanour, and gazed
sternly at the king.
"So, fellow, thou hast dared to speak disrespectfully of us--ha!" cried
Henry.
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