were decorated with banners and streamers; some
with cloth-of-gold and arras embroidered with coats
of arms; others with silken flags that had number-
less little silver bells fastened to them, which shook
out tiny showers of joyous music whenever the
breezes fluttered them; others of yet higher preten-
sions, since they belonged to nobles in the prince's
immediate service, had their sides picturesquely
fenced with shields gorgeously emblazoned with
armorial bearings. Each state barge was towed by
a tender. Besides the rowers, these tenders carried
each a number of men-at-arms in glossy helmet and
breastplate, and a company of musicians.

The advance-guard of the expected procession now
appeared in the great gateway, a troop of hal-
berdiers. "They were dressed in striped hose of
black and tawny, velvet caps graced at the sides with
silver roses, and doublets of murrey and blue cloth,
embroidered on the front and back with the three
feathers, the prince's blazon, woven in gold. Their
halberd staves were covered with crimson velvet,
fastened with gilt nails, and ornamented with gold
tassels. Filing off on the right and left, they formed
two long lines, extending from the gateway of the
palace to the water's edge. A thick, rayed cloth or
carpet was then unfolded, and laid down between
them by attendants in the gold-and-crimson liveries
of the prince. This done, a flourish of trumpets
resounded from within. A lively prelude arose from
the musicians on the water; and two ushers with
white wands marched with a slow and stately pace
from the portal. They were followed by an officer

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