And news of this distraction, which so forcibly swayed the
people, reaching the king, he speedily despatched the members of
his privy council to several quarters of the city, that in person
they might guard such of his subjects as stood in danger.
Lord Hollis and Lord Ashley were assigned Newgate Market and the
streets that lie around, as parts where they were to station
themselves. And it happened that riding near the former place
they saw a vast number of people gathered together, shouting with
great violence, and badly using one who stood in their midst.
Whereon they hastened towards the spot and found the ill-treated
man to be of foreign aspect. Neither had he hat, cloak, nor
sword; his face was covered with blood, his jerkin was torn in
pieces, and his person was bedaubed by mud. And on examination
it was found he was unable to speak the English tongue; but Lord
Hollis, entering into conversation with him in the French
language, ascertained that he was a servant of the Portuguese
ambassador, and knew not of what he was accused, or why he had
been maltreated.
Hereon a citizen of good standing pressed forward and alleged he
had truly seen this man put his hand in his pocket and throw a
fire-ball into a shop, upon which the house immediately took
flame; whereon, being on the other side of the street, he called
aloud that the people might stop this abominable villain. Then
the citizens had seized upon him, taking away his sword, and used
him according to their will.
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