Last spring, the periodical cicadas emerged across eastern North America. Their vast numbers and short above-ground life spans inspired awe and irritation in humans—and made for good meals for birds and small mammals.

The lies and dissemblings about this period are beyond most people's imaginations.

Listen closely, we, the Gardanes, heard tell of the glory of the nation-kings, how those nobles performed deeds of valor!

Another Alderman, Master Thomas Robertson provided vestments of green velvet and white damask with an orphray (a rich embroidered border) of red velvet, another of white satin of Bruges powdered with flowers and an orphray of black velvet and green Bruges satin.