“It was here that Sir Nicholas Throgmorton held a conference with an emissary of Wyatt’s: it was here that one of the bravos, engaged in the noted murder of Alden of Feversham, was hired. It was in St. Paul’s that Falstaff is made to say, he bought Bardolph.
“In bishop Earl’s admirable little book, called, ‘Microcosmography,’ the scene is described with all the wit of the author, and somewhat of the quaintness of his age, which was that of James the First. He says, ‘Paul’s walk is the land’s epitome, or you may call it the lesser isle of Great Britain. It is more than this; the whole world’s map, which you may here discern in the perfectest motion, jostling and turning. It is the great exchange of all discourse; and no business whatever, but is here stirring and afoot. It is the synod of all pates politic joined and laid together, in most serious posture; and they are not half so busy at the parliament. It is the market of young lecturers, whom you may cheapen here at all rates and sizes. It is the general mint of all lies, which were, like the legends of popery, first coined and stamped in the church. All inventions are emptied here; and not a few pockets. The best sign of a temple in it, is, that it is the thieves’ sanctuary.
“‘The visitants are all men, without exception; but the principal inhabitants and possessors are, stale knights, and captains out of service, men of long rapiers and breeches, which, after all, turn merchants here, and traffic for news. Some make it a preface to their dinner; but thriftier men make it their ordinary, and board here very cheap.’”
The bell now rang, and company was announced. Susan and Ann quitted the gallery with reluctance; but not before they had obtained a promise from Mr. Wilmot, that they should visit it again on the following day.
CHAP. VIII.
Punctual to the moment of appointment, Mr. Wilmot led his young friends into the gallery; and, after giving them leave to range round it, he begged that they would select a subject for the morning’s entertainment.
“Then, Sir,” said Susan, “I should like to be informed who that wounded officer is, and that poor soldier, who, even whilst drinking with eagerness, seems to fix his eyes so intently on him.”
“That officer,” answered Mr. Wilmot, “is Sir Philip Sidney, one of the brightest ornaments of queen Elizabeth’s court; and whose personal endowments were only equalled by his valour and humanity.