Nothing could be pleasanter than the situation of the Spanish ambassador’s residence, surrounded as it was by noble gardens; but its beauties seemed now likely to be devastated by the blind fury of the apprentices.  Much mischief would indeed have been done in a very short time if it had not been for their leader.  He authoritatively commanded them to refrain from the work of demolition till they had settled accounts with the ambassador himself, who might be expected each moment, as they had ascertained that he was on his way home from the palace.  The information they had received proved to be correct; and ere many minutes elapsed, a magnificent litter, borne by eight stout varlets, and attended by several gentlemen and pages, in the well-known liveries of De Gondomar, was seen to pass through Holborn Bars and advance towards them.

Very soon, however, the bearers of the litter halted, surprised and alarmed at the sight of the crowd investing Ely House; but De Gondomar, who had no apprehension, commanded them to proceed, and they reluctantly obeyed.  The ’prentices allowed the litter to come on till they could surround it, when they set up a loud shout, making it evident that mischief was intended.

On this the gentlemen and pages in attendance upon the ambassador drew their swords and put themselves into a posture of defence, endeavouring to keep off the crowd.  But their resistance was of little avail.  The ‘prentices’ clubs quickly shivered their weapons, and drove them back.

When he became aware of the jeopardy in which he stood, De Gondomar, anxious to gain time, in the hope that assistance might arrive, demanded of the leader of the furious-looking crew who had drawn aside the curtains of his litter, and ordered him in insolent tones to come forth, why they molested him.  The individual appealed to replied that, having heard of his infamous usage of Sir Jocelyn Mounchensey, and of the false accusation he had brought against him to the King, they were determined to inflict upon his Excellency the punishment due to public and notorious slanderers.

“And by what right do you constitute yourselves my judges?” cried De Gondomar.  “Take heed what you do—­you may bring yourselves within reach of a halter.”

“You hear what he says, brother ’prentices?” cried Dick Taverner.  “He threatens to hang us, and no doubt if he could carry out his schemes, and bring back the Pope’s authority, he would burn us in Smithfield, as they did the holy martyrs in Mary’s days.  He has charged a true and loyal subject of his Majesty with being a spy.  In return we tell him he is the worst of spies—­a spy employed by the Pope; and we will teach him the danger of his employment.”

“Hands off, base varlets!” exclaimed De Gondomar, endeavouring to shake himself free from the rude grasp imposed upon him.

But, in spite of his resistance, he was dragged from the litter, while a shower of blows from the ’prentices cudgels fell upon his shoulders; and it is probable he would have experienced much severer treatment, if indeed he had escaped with life, if at this moment Sir Jocelyn Mounchensey, sword in hand and followed by Clement Lanyere, had not burst through the throng.