made itself felt in different directions, and sharply broken across by the distinct divergence of the Commonwealth. But certain episodes stand out in its ecclesiastical history, such as the gorgeousness of Wolsey, or the theological interests of the first Stewart king of England.
Wolsey, with all his sees and all his dignities,supported an ecclesiastical establishment of corresponding grandeur; Cavendish seems to glory in its magnificence.
"Now I will declare unto you the officers of his chapel, and singing men in the same. First, he had there a Dean, a great divine and a man of excellent learning; a Sub-dean, a Repeater of the quire; a Gospeller, a Pisteller; of Priests ten; a Master of the children. The seculars of the chapel, being singing men, twelve; singing children,ten, with one servant to attend upon the said children. In the Revestry, a yeoman and two grooms: over and besides divers retainers that came thither at principal feasts. And as for the furniture of his chapel, it passeth my capacity to declare the number of the costly ornaments and rich jewels that were to be occupied in the same continually. For Ihave seen in procession about the hall forty-four of very rich copes of one suit worn, besides the rich crosses and candlesticks, and other necessary ornaments to the furniture of the same. Now shall ye understand that he had two cross-bearers, and two pillar-bearers: and in his great chamber and in his privy chamber all these persons; first, the chief Chamberlain and Vice Chamberlain; of Gentlemen ushers besides one in his
