And as Gabriel hastened to the netted fencework, and prepared to drive
forth the hart, Henry assisted Anne Boleyn, who could not help
exhibiting some slight jealous pique, to mount her steed, and having
sprung into his own saddle, they waited the liberation of the buck,
which was accomplished in a somewhat unexpected manner.
Separated from the rest of the herd, the noble animal made a sudden
dart towards Gabriel, and upsetting him in his wild career, darted past
the king, and made towards the upper part of the forest. In another
instant the hounds were un coupled and at his heels, while Henry and
Anne urged their steeds after him, the king shouting at the top of his
lusty voice. The rest of the royal party followed as they might, and the
woods resounded with their joyous cries.
The hart royal proved himself worthy of his designation. Dashing
forward with extraordinary swiftness, he rapidly gained upon his
pursuers--for though Henry, by putting his courser to his utmost speed,
could have kept near him, he did not choose to quit his fair companion.
In this way they scoured the forest, until the king, seeing they should
be speedily distanced, commanded Sir Thomas Wyat, who, with the
Dukes of Suffolk and Norfolk, was riding close behind him, to cross by
the lower ground on the left, and turn the stag.
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