Note 560 — Chapter IV

“On Easter Day, Her Majesty appeared in the chapel, where Mass was sung in English, according to the use of her brother, King Edward, and the communion was received in both ‘kinds,’ kneeling, facendoli il sacerdote la credenza del corpo et sangue prima; nor did he wear anything but the mere surplice (la semplice cotta), having divested himself of the vestments (li paramenti) in which he had sung Mass; and thus Her Majesty was followed by many Lords both of the Council and others. Since that day things have returned to their former state, though unless the Almighty stretch forth His arm a relapse is expected. These accursed preachers, who have come from Germany, do not fail to preach in their own fashion, both in public and in private, in such wise that they persuaded certain rogues to forcibly enter the church of St. Mary-le-Bow, in the middle of Cheapside, and force the shrine of the most Holy Sacrament, breaking the tabernacle, and throwing the most precious consecrated body of Jesus Christ to the ground. They also destroyed the altar and the images, with the pall (palio) and church linen (tovalie), breaking everything into a thousand pieces. This happened this very night, which is the third after Easter.... Many persons have taken the communion in the usual manner, and things continue as usual in the churches” (Calendar of State Papers, Venetian, 1558-80, p. 57).