Henry the Eighth, so as it became a royal Palace: which for beauty and grandeur is exceeded by no structure in Europe; whether it be the Escurial in Spain, which appears so magnificent by having the addition of a fair monastery dedicated to S. Laurence, wherein live a hundred and fifty monks of the Order of S. Jerome, and hath also a college, schools, and outhouses built by King Philip II., who married our Queen Mary.
"Hampton Court was then made ready for the court, and by Mr. Kinersley, yeoman of the wardrobe, prepared with what was needful for the court. And a court it now appeared to be; for there was a revival of what lustre it had formerly, his Majesty then having the nobility about him, his chaplains to perform their duty, the house amply furnished, and his services in the accustomed form and state; every one of his servants permitted to attend in their respective places; nothing then appeared of discrimination; intercourse was free between King and Parliament, and the army seemed to endeavour a right understanding amongst different parties; also some treaties passed upon proposals presented his Majesty from the Parliament, which gave hopes of an accommodation. The Commissioners also continued their attendance about the King, and those gentlemen that waited at Holmby were by his Majesty's appointment kept in their offices and places; the general likewise and other military commanders were much at court, and had frequent conference with
