An hour or two after this, when the sun was higher in the heavens, and
the dew dried upon the greensward, the king and a large company of
lords and ladies rode forth from the upper gate of the castle, and taking
their way along the great avenue, struck off on the right when about
half-way up it, and shaped their course towards the haye.
A goodly sight it was to see this gallant company riding beneath the
trees; and pleasant was it, also, to listen to the blithe sound of their
voices, amid which Anne Boleyn's musical laugh could be plainly
distinguished. Henry was attended by his customary band of archers
and yeomen of the guard, and by the Duke of Shoreditch and his
followers. On reaching the haye, the king dismounted, and assisting
the Lady Anne from her steed, ascended the stand with her.
He then took a small and beautifully fashioned bow from an attendant,
and stringing it, presented it to her.
"I trust this will not prove too strong for your fair hands," he said.
"I will make shift to draw it," replied Anne, raising the bow, and
gracefully pulling the string. "Would I could wound your majesty as
surely as I shall hit the first roe that passes.
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