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CHAPTER XLIV.
THE FEAST OF KINGS.

N the day after the arrival of Henry and his
queen in Paris, that marvellous banquet,
described as ‘the feast of kings,’ was given in the
great hall of the Old Temple; and a mighty enter-
tainment it appears to have been, if we are to judge
from the description of the chronicler, who tells us
that ‘never in times past was there ‘given such a
rich and splendid banquet, even in the time of
Esther, or of Arthur, or of Charles.’ Besides three
kings—those of Navarre, and France, and England,
with their queens—there were present eighteen
countesses, and twenty-five counts, and twe:ve
bishops; not to mention a host of noble knights
and ladies—knights illustrious for their valour, aud
ladies celebrated for their beauty.

As the guests were ranged according to their
rank, some difficulty arose as to who was to preside.
Henry requested Louis to assume the post of honour ;
but Louis protested.

‘It is more fitting,’ said he, ‘that the master of
the feast should occupy the chicf seat.’

Not so, my lord king, ureed Henry. ‘It is more