“Thou shalt have the gratification anon,” returned Philip; “but where are thy brothers? They were with thee just now. Are they with Lilias?”
“I conclude so, Sire,” replied Og. “While your Majesty was in the White Tower, they were summoned by Xit, with what intent I knew not then, though I can guess it now. They are giving Lilias a joyful welcome preparatory to our meeting. Under these circumstances, may I crave your gracious permission to join my intended bride?”
“Control thine impatience for a moment, and answer me one question,” said Philip. “How long is it since thou hast seen her?”
“Not since your Majesty was espoused to the Queen at Winchester,” replied Og.
“And she has not changed her mind during that long interval? By my faith, she is a very model of constancy!” exclaimed Philip, laughing. “Sir Henry Bedingfeld,” he added to the lieutenant, “I would fain witness the meeting between this loving pair. Let the damsel be brought hither.”
Whereupon an order to that effect was instantly given by Bedingfeld.
Shortly afterwards the sound of a tabour and fife were heard, while the trampling of feet and other confused noises announced that a number of persons were coming up the road leading from the Bloody Tower to the Green, and in another moment a little procession came in view.
At the head of the train strutted Xit, in a jerkin and mantle of crimson velvet, embroidered with gold, and carrying in his hand a pole decorated with ribbons of various colours, and hung with bells. Behind the mannikin marched Gog and Magog, sustaining between them a chair, in which sat Lilias Ringwood, arrayed in a very becoming green kirtle, and her pretty countenance suffused with blushes. Some twenty or thirty persons in holiday attire followed the bride, amongst whom were Rodomont Bittern, and his friends Nick Simnel and Jack Holiday. Besides Lady le Grand and Magog’s wife, Dame Placida, there was a troop of young damsels, several of whom had considerable pretensions to beauty.[beauty.]
As soon as the procession reached the green it came to a halt, and Xit advancing alone towards the King, and making a very ceremonious obeisance to his Majesty, desired to know his pleasure.
“Let the damsel approach,” said Philip.