how cardinal pole arrived in england, and how he
was welcomed by the king and queen.
the court returned to whitehall in november, parliament being about to meet in the middle of that month.
one morning, as the royal pair were walking together in the west gallery overlooking the garden, the lord chancellor presented himself with a despatch in his hand. it was easy to perceive, from the joyous expression of his countenance, that he brought good tidings.
“welcome, my good lord,” said mary. “i see you have satisfactory intelligence to communicate. have you heard from rome?”
“i have just received this transcript of the decree which has been sent to cardinal pole by the pope,” replied gardiner, “in which his holiness, after due deliberation, has agreed to extend the privileges of the legate, so as to enable him to act on all occasions with the same plentitude of power as the pope himself. in regard to church revenues and goods, his holiness fully recognises the great difficulty of the question, feeling it to be the main obstacle to the nation’s 181recognition of the papal supremacy, and he therefore invests his eminence with the most ample power to agree and compound with the present owners; to assure to them their possessions, on whatever title they may hold them; and to exempt them from any duty of restitution.”
“this is glad news indeed!” exclaimed the queen. “parliament meets in a few days. your first business must be to repeal the attainder of the cardinal, who will then be free to return to his own country, and aid us with his counsels. hasten his arrival, i pray you, my lord, by all means in your power. i shall not feel perfectly happy till i behold him!”
“there shall not be a moment’s needless delay, rely upon it, gracious madam,” replied gardiner. “the repeal of the attainder may be considered as already accomplished, since no opposition will now be made to the measure. meantime, an escort shall be immediately despatched to brussels to bring over his eminence with all honour to this country.”
having nothing more to lay before their majesties, he then bowed and withdrew.
parliament was opened by the king and queen in person, a sword of state and a cap of maintenance being borne before each of them as they went in state to the house of lords. everything proceeded as satisfactorily as had been anticipated by gardiner. the first bill brought before the lords was that for reversing pole’s attainder, which, being quickly passed, was sent down to the commons, and read thrice in one day; after which it received the royal assent, the impression of the great seal being taken off in gold.
meantime, in confident anticipation of this event, a brilliant escort, comprising lord paget, sir edward hastings, sir william cecil, and forty gentlemen of good birth, had been despatched to brussels, to bring back the illustrious exile to his own country. as soon as intimation was received by pole that he was free to return, he took leave of the emperor, and set out with his escort for england.
among the cardinal’s suite was one of whom some account may be necessary. years ago, while studying at the celebrated university of padua, pole contracted a friendship with ludovico priuli, a young venetian noble, distinguished for 182his personal accomplishments, refined manners, and love of learning. from this date the two friends became inseparable. possessed of an ample fortune, priuli, from his position, might have filled the highest offices in the venetian republic, but he preferred sharing pole’s labours, and proved a most valuable coadjutor to him. chosen as successor to the bishop of brescia by pope julius iii., priuli declined to exercise his functions, and even refused the purple rather than quit his friend. he had remained with pole during his retirement at the convent of maguzano, had attended him to brussels and to paris, whither the cardinal went to negotiate terms of peace between spain and france, and of course accompanied him to england. besides the lord priuli, pole was attended by his secretary, floribello, an excellent scholar, together with the signori stella and rollo, both men of learning and piety, though somewhat advanced in years.
owing to the infirm state of his health, the cardinal was unable to proceed far without resting, and after a week’s slow travel he reached calais (then, it need scarcely be said, in possession of england, though soon afterwards lost), where he was received by the governor with a distinction rarely shown to any other than a crowned head.
pole attended high mass at the cathedral, and the populace clad in holiday attire, flocked thither to receive his blessing. one circumstance occurred which was regarded as a most favourable omen. for more than a week strong adverse winds had prevailed in the channel, but a favourable change suddenly took place, promising a swift and pleasant passage to the cardinal.
a royal vessel awaited him, in which he embarked with his train, and escorted by six men-of-war, well armed, and under the command of the lord high admiral, he sailed on a bright sunny day for england, and, impelled by a fresh wind, arrived in a few hours at dover.
a royal salute was fired from the guns of the castle as the cardinal landed, and he was received by his nephew, lord montague, son of his elder brother, who had been put to death by henry viii. with lord montague were several other noblemen and gentlemen, amongst whom 183were the mayor and the town authorities, and besides these there was a vast miscellaneous concourse.
no sooner did the cardinal set foot on the mole, closely followed by his other nephew, sir edward hastings, and lord priuli, than the whole assemblage prostrated themselves before him. spreading his arms over them, pole gave them his solemn benediction. all eyes were fixed on the venerable and majestic figure before them—all ears were strained to catch his words. the noble cast of the cardinal’s countenance, proclaiming his royal descent—his reverend air, increased by the long grey beard that descended to his waist—the benignity and sweetness of his looks—the stateliness of his deportment—all produced an indescribable effect on the spectators. lofty of stature, and spare of person—the result of frequent fastings—pole, notwithstanding the ailments under which he laboured, carried himself erect, and ever maintained a most dignified deportment. to complete the picture we desire to present, it may be necessary to say that his garments were those proper to his eminent ecclesiastical rank, namely, a scarlet soutane, rochet, and short purple mantle. his silk gloves and hose were scarlet in hue, and from his broad red hat depended on either side long cords, terminating in tassels of two knots each. these garments became him well, and heightened the imposing effect of his presence.
behind him stood his friend, lord priuli, who was nearly of his own age, though he looked full ten years younger, and appeared scarcely past the prime of life. the noble venetian had a countenance which titian would have delighted to paint, so handsome was it, so grave and full of thought. priuli was attired in black taffetas, over which he wore a long silk gown of the same colour, and had a black skull-cap on his head.
signor floribello, pole’s secretary, was a roman, and had a massive and antique cast of countenance, which might have become one of his predecessors of the augustan age. he had a grave, scholar-like aspect, and was attired in dark habiliments. with him were the cardinal’s other attendants, stella and rolla, neither of whom merit special description. the former was the cardinal’s steward, and 184the latter his comptroller, and each wore a gold chain around his neck.
lord montague was a very goodly personage, and bore such a remarkable resemblance to his ill-fated father, that pole exclaimed, as he tenderly embraced him, “i could almost fancy that my long-lost and much-lamented brother had come to life again. i doubt not you possess your father’s excellent qualities of head and heart, as well as his good looks.”
“i trust i am no degenerate son, dear and venerated uncle,” replied montague. “but i would my father had lived to see this day, and to welcome you back to the land from which you have been so long and so unjustly exiled.”
“heaven’s will be done!” ejaculated pole, fervently. “i do not repine, though i have never ceased to lament the calamities and afflictions i have brought upon my family.”
“think not of them now, dear uncle,” rejoined lord montague. “they are passed and gone. the tyrant who inflicted these injuries is in his grave. happier days have dawned upon us. your brother yet lives in me, to honour and serve you. perchance your martyred mother now looks down from that heaven which her destroyer shall never enter, and joys at her son’s return.”
“it may be,” replied the cardinal, glancing upwards, “and ere long i hope to join her, for my sojourn in this vale of tears is nearly ended; but i have much to do while i tarry here. oh! my good nephew! what mixed emotions of joy and sorrow agitate my breast—joy at returning to the country of my birth—sorrow for the relatives and friends i have lost. many a time and oft, during my long banishment, have i besought heaven to allow me to return and lay my bones in my native land; and now that my prayers have been granted, i tremble and am sad, for i feel like a stranger.”
“you will not be a stranger long, dear uncle,” returned lord montague. “there is not one of this throng who does not feel that heaven has sent you to us to give us a blessing, of which we have so long been deprived.”
as he spoke, the crowd, which had been pressing on 185them, could no longer be kept back, but completely surrounded the cardinal; those nearest him throwing themselves at his feet, kissing his garments, trying to embrace his knees, and making every possible demonstration of reverence. little children were held up to him; old men struggled to approach him; and it was long before he could extricate himself from the throng, which he did with great gentleness and consideration.
graciously declining the hospitality proffered by the mayor, the cardinal proceeded with his suite to the priory of saint martin, where he tarried for the night.
on the next day, attended by an immense cortége, and having two great silver crosses, two massive silver pillars, and two silver pole-axes borne before him, as emblems of his legantine authority, he journeyed to canterbury. here he heard mass in the magnificent cathedral, of which he was so soon to become head, and rested at the palace.
on the second day he proceeded to rochester, his escort increasing as he went on; and on the third day he reached gravesend, where he was met by the bishop of durham, the earl of shrewsbury, and other important personages, who had been dispatched by their majesties to offer him their congratulations on his safe arrival in england, and at the same time to present him with a copy of the act by which his attainder was reversed.
at gravesend he again tarried for the night, and next morning entered a royal barge, richly decorated, lined with tapestry, and containing a throne covered with gold brocade. at the prow of this barge a silver cross was fixed, which attracted universal attention as he passed up the river, attended by several other gorgeous barges conveying his retinue.
as the cardinal approached the metropolis, the river swarmed with boats filled with persons of all ranks eager to welcome him, while crowds collected on the banks to gaze at his barge with the great silver cross at the prow.
while passing the tower, and gazing at the gloomy fortress where the terrible tragedies connected with his family had been enacted, the cardinal became a prey to saddening thoughts. but these were dispelled as he 186approached london bridge, and heard the shouts of the spectators, who greeted him from the windows of the lofty habitations. the next objects that attracted his attention were baynard’s castle and saint paul’s, and he uttered aloud his thanksgivings that the ancient rites of worship were again performed in the cathedral.
sweeping up the then clear river, past the old palace of bridewell, somerset house—built in the preceding reign by the lord protector, and which the cardinal had never before seen—past durham-place and york house, attended by hundreds of barques, he at length approached the palace of whitehall, and was taken to the privy stairs.
at the head of the stairs stood gardiner, ready to receive him, and after they had interchanged a most amicable greeting, and pole had presented his friend priuli, gardiner conducted the cardinal through two lines of attendants apparelled in the royal liveries, all of whom bowed reverentially as pole passed on to the principal entrance of the palace, where the king, with the chief personages of his court, awaited his coming.
as the lord legate slowly approached, supported by gardiner, philip advanced to meet him, and, embracing him affectionately, bade him welcome, saying how anxiously both the queen and himself had looked for his coming. to these gracious expressions pole replied:
“i have rejoiced at the union her majesty has formed, sire, because i regard it as a presage of my country’s future felicity. inasmuch as a nuptial disagreement between an english monarch and a spanish queen led to a most lamentable breach with the holy see, so the marriage of a spanish king and an english princess will serve to heal the breach. most assuredly my countrymen will reap the benefit of this auspicious alliance, and so far from finding any yoke placed upon them, as they once apprehended, will recognise the difference between your majesty and that prince who chastised them with so heavy a rod.”
“with the aid of your eminence in all spiritual matters, and with that of the lord chancellor in temporal affairs,” replied philip, “i doubt not i shall be able, through the queen’s highness, to contribute to the welfare and prosperity of the realm. such has been my constant endeavour since i 187have been here. and now suffer me to lead you to her majesty, who is all impatience to behold you.”
hereupon they ascended the grand staircase, the king graciously giving his arm to the lord legate. at the head of the staircase they found the queen, who exhibited the liveliest marks of delight on seeing the cardinal, and gave him a most affectionate greeting.
pole could not fail to be deeply moved by so much kindness, and with streaming eyes, and in broken accents, sought to express his gratitude. he soon, however, regained his customary serenity, and attended the queen to the privy-chamber, whither they were followed by the king and the lord chancellor. he then delivered his credentials to her majesty, and they had a long discourse together, in which both the king and the lord chancellor took part.
before withdrawing, pole besought permission to present his friend lord priuli, and mary kindly assenting, the noble and learned venetian was introduced to their majesties, and very graciously received by both. after this the cardinal took leave, and, attended by gardiner, re-entered his barge, and was conveyed in it to lambeth palace, which had been prepared for his residence.
on the same day a grand banquet was given at whitehall in honour of the lord legate, at which all the nobles vied with each other in paying him attention. indeed, since wolsey’s palmiest days no such distinction had been shown to an ecclesiastic. priuli, also, came in for some share of the tribute of respect paid to his illustrious friend.
on the following day, in order to celebrate pole’s arrival publicly, a grand tournament was held in the court of the palace, where galleries were erected, adorned with rich hangings, having two canopies of crimson cloth of silver, embroidered with the royal arms, prepared for their majesties—a chair for the cardinal being set near that of the queen. precisely at two o’clock her majesty issued from the palace in company with the cardinal, attended by her ladies, and took her place beneath the canopy, pole seating himself beside her. the galleries on either side presented a magnificent sight, being thronged with all the beauty and chivalry of the court—high-born dames and noble gallants, all richly apparelled.
188the lists were under the governance of the lord chamberlain, sir john gage, who was clad in russet armour, and mounted on a powerful and richly-caparisoned steed; and as soon as the queen and the cardinal had taken their places, loud fanfares were blown by a bevy of trumpeters stationed on the opposite side of the court.
at this summons two champions immediately rode into the ring, attracting great attention. one of them was the king. he was clad in a suit of richly chased armour inlaid with gold, and his helm was adorned with a panache of red ostrich plumes. his courser was trapped with purple satin, broached with gold. as he rode round the tilt-yard and saluted the queen, a buzz of applause followed his course.
his opponent was osbert clinton, whom his majesty had challenged to a trial of skill. osbert wore a suit of black armour, with a white plume, and was mounted on a powerful charger, with bases and bards of black cloth of gold of damask.
as soon as the champions had taken their places, the signal was given by sir john gage, and dashing vigorously against each other, they met in mid-career, both their lances being shivered by the shock. as no advantage had been gained on either side, fresh lances were brought, and they immediately ran another course. in this encounter, osbert had the best of it, for he succeeded in striking off the king’s helmet, and was consequently proclaimed the victor, and received a costly owche as a prize from the hands of the queen.
other courses were then run, and spears broken, all the combatants demeaning themselves valiantly and like men of prowess. amongst the spaniards, those who most distinguished themselves were don ruy gomez de silva, don frederic de toledo, and don adrian garcias; whilst amongst the englishmen the best knights were accounted the lord admiral and sir john perrot. the king was more fortunate in other courses than in those he had run with osbert clinton, and received a diamond ring from her majesty, amid the loud plaudits of the spectators.
after this, sir john gage called upon them to disarm, the trumpets sounded, and graciously bowing to the assemblage, the queen withdrew with the cardinal.
