"Marry," said the Lord of Thame, "GOD forbid that any such wicked purpose should be wrought! and rather than it should be so, I, with my men, are ready to die at her feet also."
And so, GOD be praised! they passed that doubtful night, with no little heaviness of heart.
The next day [17th May] passing over the water [i.e., the Thames] at Richmond, going towards Windsor; Her Grace espied certain of her poor servants standing on the other side, which were very desirous to see her. Whom, when she beheld, turning to one of her men standing by, said, "Yonder, I see certain of my men; go to them! and say these words from me, Tanquam ovis!"
So, she passing forward to Windsor, was lodged there that night, in the Dean of Windsor's house: a place indeed more meet for a priest, than a Princess.
And from thence [on 18th May] Her Grace was guarded and brought the next night, to Master Dormer's house; where much people standing by the way, some presented to her one gift, and some another. So that Sir Henry was greatly moved thereat, and troubled the poor people very sore, for shewing their loving hearts in such a manner; calling them "Rebels!" and "Traitors!" with such like vile words.
Besides, as she passed through the villages, the townsmen rang the bells, as being joyful of her coming; thinking verily it had been otherwise than it was indeed: and as the sequel proved after, to the poor men. For immediately the said Sir Henry hearing the same, sent his soldiers hither: who apprehended some of the ringers, setting them in the stocks, and otherwise uncourteously misused some others for their good wills.
On the morrow [18th May] Her Grace passed from Master Dormer's, where was, for the time of her abode, a straight watch kept; came to the Lord of Thame his house [at Thame] where she lay all the next night; being very princely entertained, both of Knights and Ladies, gentlemen and gentlewomen. Whereat Sir Henry Bedingfield gronted [grunted] and was highly offended, saying unto them that "They could not tell what they did, and were not able to answer to their doings in that behalf; letting them to understand that she was the Queen's Majesty's prisoner, and no otherwise; advising them therefore to take heed, and beware of after claps!"
Whereunto, the Lord of Thame answered him in this wise, that "He was well advised of [in] his doings, being joined in Commission as well as he," adding with warrant, that "Her Grace might, and should, in his house, be merry."
After this, Sir Henry went up into a chamber, where were appointed for Her Grace, a chair, two cushions, and a foot-carpet, very fair and prince-like; wherein presumptuously he sat, calling for Barwick, his man, to pull off his boots: which as soon as it was known among the ladies and gentles, every one musing thereat, did laugh him to scorn; and observed his indiscreet manners in that behalf, as they might very well.