THE ENGLAND OF THE TUDORS.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 1518, 5 February 1886, Page 4

THE ENGLAND OF THE TUDORS.

On the whole, Giustiniani's picture of England is <|iiite as pretty and as civilised as Cellini's picture of Italy at the same period. There is, perhaps more feasting and Btately jousting, but though Henry presided in London and God's Vicar on earth in Rome, infinitely less intriguing with your neighbour's wife, less stabbing and scuffling in streets. But these were not Henry's evil days ; he was only between JI and 28, and be was still married to his brother's widow, Ivatberine of Arragon. The Queen we are told, was and very plain, but the picture of the young King is delightful. " His majesty is the handsomest pot* ntate I ever let eyes upon ; above the usual height, with an extremely tine calf to his lee, his complexion very fair and bright, with auburn hair combed straight and short, and a round face so very beautiful that it would become a pretty woman, his throat being rather long and thick." " Nature could not have done more for him !" cries the enthusiastic ambassador ; and again he declares that 44 This most serene king is not only very expert in arms and of great valour, and most excellent in personal endowments, but is likewise so gifted and adorned with mental accomplishments that we believe him to have few equals in the world. He speaks English, French, and Latin, understands Italian well, plajs almost every instrument, sings and composes | fairly, is prudent and safe, free from every vice." Such was the monarch Torrigiani undertook to serve. The Court was as gay as the king. Again and again 'Giontiniani expresses his satisfaction, and exclaims with wonder !at the magnificence of the brocades | and jewels of Henry's Court. The | bodyguard, too, were all very handsome |men, and ."They are all at big at giants J'—The Magazine of Art,