io6 THOMAS KEN AND IZAAK WALTON 



Gosden, who edited a very charming edition of 

 Dr. Zouch's " Life of Walton," says : " The curiously 

 decorated house at the west corner of Chancery 

 Lane, said to have been the oldest house in Fleet 

 Street, erected in the reign of King Edward VI. for 

 an elegant mansion at a time when there were no 

 shops in that part of the City, was long distinguished 

 by the sign of The Harrow. Queen Elizabeth, 

 on a visit to Sir Thomas Gresham, January 23, 

 1570, was complimented by the descent of several 

 cherubs from the top of the house, who from thence, 

 by a contrivance of the students, flew down and 

 presented her Majesty with a crown of laurels and 

 gold, together with some verses, the fourth cherub 

 delivering the following — 



" Virtue shall witness of her worthyness, 



And fame shall registrate her princelie deeds ; 

 The world shall still praie for her happiness, 

 From whom our peace and quietude proceeds.'' 



It was during Walton's residence in Fleet Street 

 that he became acquainted with the celebrated Dr. 

 Donne, whose life he wrote many years afterwards. 



Dr. Donne was born in London about the year 

 1573, was educated at Oxford and Cambridge, 

 whence he removed to Lincoln's Inn. Donne 

 afterwards became secretary to Lord EUesmere. 



