"And what news abroad, Wat?" said his father.
"No great matter, my Lord, to my knowledge. 'Tis said the Venetians have won the Isle of Cyprus, that lieth off the coast of the Holy Land: and likewise that, I know not well how, they of Genoa have lost a certain land[#] that lieth beyond the Grand Turk. Here at home, the King goeth to build a new chapel to his Castle of Windsor. You shall have heard, I reckon, of the young Lady of Clarence[#] that was born some weeks gone? I mind not aught else of any moment, without you would hear of a poor Lollard of late brent upon Tower Hill."
[#] The Crimea.
[#] Margaret Countess of Salisbury.
"The Lord may reckon that of more moment than all the rest, Wat," said the Lady Idonia, gravely.
"Truly so, Madam."
"Was he of any note, lad?"
"In no wise, my Lord: a parchment-maker, as I heard, that dwelt without the City."
"Of what name?" asked Frideswide, quickly.
"Why, 'twas a queer name," said her brother. "One John Goose, they told me. A young man, I heard—scarce elder than I."