Then she asked me what I thought would happen if the worst came to the worst. I told her I had not thought about it, so sure was I the best would come to the best. She said she thought so too; at least she hoped so; and bade me tell every Word of News I heard through the Wicket. Presently I heard that _Wyat_, with his Army, was close beyond the further Bridge Gate; and had pointed two Pieces of Ordnance against the Bridge: which I thought needless to tell Mistress _Anne_.
He was a fine Fellow, _Hew_, in his Way, there's no gainsaying. He thought to free his Country from Harm; and, when he heard a Price was set upon his Head, he wrote his Name on a Slip of Paper and set it on his Cap.
My Master was a-foot and in Harness on the Bridge all Night. The Women kept close and quite still above-stairs, while _Miles_ and I kept Watch below, but, I wot, they were as wakeful as ourselves. Towards Daydawn my Master comes in: Mistress _Anne_, in her white Wrapper over her Dress, leans over the Rail at the Stair-head, and cryeth, "Is all well?" "All well, my Heart!" returns her Father. "Oh! thank GOD," cries she; and meeting him half-way down the Stair, casts herself into his Arms.
'Twas _Sunday_ Morning; and maybe, a Day of much Prayer, if of little Church-going: but scarcely a Day of Rest. A Banner of Defiance was unfurled a-top of the Tower, and a heavy Piece of Ordnance discharged when they changed the Watch.
Lord _Howard_ was walking to and fro on the Bridge, his Sword clanking at every firm, heavy Tread; and anon he goeth to the Gate at the _Southwark_ End, and calleth in a loud, determined Voice, "_Wyat!_"
Presently some one makes Answer, "What would ye with him?"
Answereth the other, "Our Captain is busy; if ye have any Message for him, I will bear it."
"Marry," sayth my Lord, "ask of him what he meaneth by this Invasion; and whether he continue in his Purpose or no."
The Messenger departed; and in about three Quarters of an Hour returned with a weighted Purse, containing Master _Wyat's_ Answer; which, being flung over the Gate, was received and read by my Lord, who tare it up, as good for Nought. On the _Saturday_ Afternoon, all Boats had been brought to the City Side of the River, not to be taken therefrom on Pain of Death.