[The following takes place in 1520.]
In the midst of the festivities Henry, with boisterous joviality, had seized his royal brother [Francis I, of France] by the collar, shouting “Come, you shall wrestle with me!”
Francis was taken off guard; to the horror of the watchers there was a grim moment of writhing strain, a sudden twist, and the majesty of England measured his length on a carpet [lost the match].
People simply did not throw Henry. He rose, pale eyes dangerous, a dark tide of red rising from his neck, squared himself and grunted “Again!”
Had the tact of the queens not intervened, and a rush of babbling gentlemen not come between the two, there was no telling what might have happened. It was an incident to undo a week’s geniality, though perhaps Francis did not know it.
Source:
Mattingly, Garrett. “Part II: England’s Queen (1509-1527); Chapter Four, Section iv” Catherine of Aragon. New York: Quality Paperback , 1990. 213. Print.
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