So matters stood at the period of our store, on the eve of the
Christmas festivities of 1548, as, on, the arm of her boy escort,
Sir Robert Dudley, gentleman usher at King Edward's court, and,
years after, the famous Earl of Leicester of Queen Elizabeth's
day, the royal maiden entered the hall of Hatfield House. And,
within the great hall, she was greeted by Master Parry, her
cofferer, Master Runyon, her yeoman of the robes, and Master
Mitchell, the feodary. Then, with a low obeisance, the feodary
presented her the scroll which had been brought him, post-haste,
by Launcelot Crue, the courser-man.
"What, good Master Avery," exclaimed Elizabeth, as she ran her
eye over the scroll, "you to be Lord of Misrule and Master of the
Revels! And by my Lord of Somerset's own appointing? I am right
glad to learn it."
And this is what she read:
Imprimis[1]: I give leave to Avery Mitchell, feodary, gentleman,
to be Lord of Misrule of all good orders, at the Manor of
Hatfield, during the twelve days of Yule-tide. And, also, I give
free leave to the said Avery Mitchell to command all and every
person or persons whatsoever, as well servants as others, to be
at his command whensoever be shall sound his trumpet or music,
and to do him good service, as though I were present myself, at
their perils.
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