CHAPTER IV.
The royal party entered London by the great bridge which divided Southwark from the capital; and we must pause to gaze a moment on the animated scene which the immemorial thoroughfare presented.
The whole suburb before entering Southwark was rich in orchards and gardens, lying round the detached houses of the wealthier merchants and citizens.

Approaching the river-side, to the left, the eye might see the two circular spaces set apart, the one for bear, the other for bull-baiting.

To the right, upon a green mound of waste, within sight of the populous bridge, the gleemen were exercising their art.

Here one dexterous juggler threw three balls and three knives alternately in the air, catching them one by one as they fell [30].

There, another was gravely leading a great bear to dance on its hind legs, while his coadjutor kept time with a sort of flute or flageolet.