of Christianus.  “One day,” writes Sir John, “a great feast was held; and after dinner the representation of Solomon’s Temple and the coming of the Queen of Sheba was made, or (as I may better say) was meant to have been made before their Majesties, by device of the Earl of Salisbury and others.  But alas! as all earthly things do fail to poor mortals in enjoyment, so did prove our presentment thereof.  The lady that did play the Queen’s part did carry most precious gifts to both their Majesties, but forgetting the steps arising to the canopy, overset her casket into his Danish Majesty’s lap, and fell at his feet, though I rather think it was into his face.  Much was the hurry and confusion.  Cloths and napkins were at hand to make all clean.  His Majesty then got up, and would dance with the Queen of Sheba; but he fell down and humbled himself before her, and was carried to an inner chamber, and laid on a bed of state.  The entertainment and show went forward, and most of the presenters went backward, or fell down; wine did so occupy their upper chambers.”  Worthy Sir John seems to have been greatly scandalized, as he well might be, at these shameless proceedings, and he exclaims pathetically, “The Danes have again conquered the Britons; for I see no man, or woman either, that can command himself or herself.”  Nor does he fail to contrast these “strange pageantries” with what occurred of the same sort, in the same place, in Queen Elizabeth’s time, observing, “I never did see such lack of good order, discretion, and sobriety as I have now done.”

Having set his heart upon Theobalds, James offered the Earl of Salisbury, in exchange for it, the palace and domains of Hatfield; and the proposal being accepted (it could not very well be refused), the delivery of the much-coveted place was made on the 22nd May, 1607; the Prince Joinville, brother to the Duke de Guise, being present on the occasion, where fresh festivities were held, accompanied by an indifferent Masque from Ben Jonson.  Whether the King or the Earl had the best of the bargain, we are not prepared to decide.

Enchanted with his acquisition, James commenced the work of improvement and embellishment by enlarging the park, appropriating a good slice of Enfield Chace, with parts of Northaw and Cheshunt Commons, and surrounding the whole with a high brick wall ten miles in circumference.  Within this ring he found ample scope for the indulgence of his hunting propensities, since it contained an almost inexhaustible stock of the finest deer in the kingdom; and within it might be heard the sound of his merry horn, and the baying of his favourite stag-hounds, whenever he could escape from the cares of state, or the toils of the council-chamber.  His escapes from these demands upon his time were so frequent, and the attraction of the woods of Theobalds so irresistible, that remonstrances were made to him on the subject; but they proved entirely ineffectual.  He declared he would rather return to Scotland than forego his amusements.