Over the fireplace was a chimney-breast by Gibbons; and the ceiling was all a-sprawl with gods and goddesses, I suppose by Verrio.

In the windows, which looked out on two sides, over the river and into a little court, were little tables covered with curious things, for His Majesty delighted in such ingenuities--Dutch figures in silver, clockwork, and the like, and a basket of spaniels lay beneath one of the tables.

A second great table stood against the wall on the further side from that on which I entered, covered with retorts and instruments, and behind it a press, and near it sat the King.

The floor was carpeted with rush matting, loosely woven, with rugs upon it.

But of all these things I saw little or nothing at the first, for Mr.Chiffinch was gone out behind me, and I was alone with His Majesty.