vanity makes a fool of the wisest.
But come, let us on to this same Gallery Tower - though I see not what thou,
Tressilian, canst do with thy riding-dress and boots.«
    »I will take my station behind thee, Blount,« said Tressilian, who saw that
his friend's unusual finery had taken a strong hold of his imagination, »thy
goodly size and gay dress will cover my defects.«
    »And so thou shalt, Edmund,« said Blount. »In faith, I am glad thou think'st
my garb well-fancied, for all Mr. Witty-pate here, for, when one does a foolish
thing, it is right to do it handsomely.«
    So saying, Blount cocked his beaver, threw out his leg, and marched manfully
forward, as if at the head of his brigade of pikemen, ever and anon looking with
complaisance on his crimson stockings, and the huge yellow roses which blossomed
on his shoes. Tressilian followed, wrapt in his own sad thoughts, and scarce
minding Raleigh, whose quick fancy, amused by the awkward vanity of his
respectable friend, vented itself in jests, which he whispered into Tressilian's
ear.
    In this manner they crossed the long bridge or tilt-yard, and took their
station, with other gentlemen of quality, before the outer gate of the Gallery
or Entrance Tower. The whole amounted to about forty persons, all selected as of
the first rank under that of knighthood, and were disposed in double rows on
either side of the gate, like a guard of honour, within the close hedge of pikes
and partisans, which was formed by Leicester's retainers, wearing his liveries.
The gentlemen carried no arms save their swords and daggers. These gallants were
as gaily dressed as imagination could devise; and as the garb of the time
permitted a great display of expensive magnificence, nought was to be seen but
velvet and cloth of gold and silver, ribbons, feathers, gems, and golden chains.
In spite of his more serious subjects of distress, Tressilian could not help
feeling that he, with his riding-suit, however handsome it might be, made rather
an unworthy figure among these »fierce vanities,« and the rather because he saw
that his dishabille was the subject of wonder among his own friends, and of
scorn among the partisans of Leicester.
    We could not suppress this fact, though it may seem something at variance
with the gravity of Tressilian's character; but the truth is, that a regard for
personal appearance is a species