The firste [laste] volume of the chronicles of England, Scotlande, and Irelande conteyning the description and chronicles of England, from the first inhabiting vnto the conquest : the description and chronicles of Scotland, from the first original of the Scottes nation till the yeare of our Lorde 1571 : the description and chronicles of Yrelande, likewise from the first originall of that nation untill the yeare 1571 / faithfully gathered and set forth by Raphaell Holinshed.

Queene Elizabeth.

[illustration] royal blazon or coat of arms

HONI SOIT QVI MAL Y PENCE

* 1.1WHen true knowledge was had y^t Queene Mary was deceas∣sed, who left hir life in this worlde the xvij. day of Nouē∣ber as is before mē∣tioned in the latter [ 40] ende of hir hystorie, in the tyme of a Parliament, the Lordes that were assmbled in the vpper house, being resolued according to the lawes of the lande, to declare the Ladie Elizabeth sister to the sayde Queene to be verie true and lawfull heyre to the Crowne of Englande, sent immediately to the speaker of the Parliament, willing him with the knightes and Burgesses of the neather house, without de∣lay to repayre vnto them into the vpper house, for [ 50] their assents in a case of great importaunce: who being come thither, after silence made (as the ma∣ner is) the Archbishop of Yorke Chauncellor of Englande, whose name was Nicholas Heth, Doctor in Diuinitie, stood vp and pronounced in effect these wordes following.

The cause of your calling hither at this time, is to signifie vnto you, that all the Lordes here present are certainly certified, that God this pre∣sent morning hath called to his mercie, our late soueraigne Ladie Queene Marie, which happe as it is most heauie and grieuous vnto vs, so haue we no lesse cause an other way to reioyce, wyth prayse to almightie God, for that he hath left vn∣to vs a true, lawfull and right inheritrice to the crowne of this realme, which is the Ladie Eliza∣beth, second daughter to our late soueraigne Lord of noble memorie King Henrie the eight, and si∣ster to our sayd late Queene, of whose most law∣full right and title in the succession of the crowne (thankes be to God) wee neede not to doubt. Wherefore the Lordes of this house haue deter∣mined with your assentes and consents, to passe from hence into the Palace, and there to proclaim the sayde Ladie Elizabeth Queene of thys realme, without further tract of tyme, wherevnto the whole house answered with euident appea∣raunce of ioy, God saue Queene Elizabeth, long may Queene Elizabeth raigne ouer vs: and so this present Parliament beeing dissolued by the acte of God, the sayde Lordes immediately cal∣ling vnto them the Kings and Principall He∣rauldes at Armes, went into the Palayce of Westmynster, and directly before the Hall doore in the foore Noone of the same day, after seuerall soundings of trumpets made,* 1.2 in most solemne maner proclamed the newe Queene, by thys name and tytle, Elizabeth by the grace of God Queene of England, Fraunce and Irelande, defen∣der of the fayth, &c. to the great comfort and re∣ioysing of the people, as by theyr maners and countenaunces well appeared, after which Pro∣clamation made at Westminster, the sayde lords to witte the Duke of Norffolke, the Lord Trea∣surer, the Erle of Oxforde, and diuerse other lords and Bishops, with all speede repayred into the Citie of London, where the lyke proclamation was made in presence of them, and also of the lord Maior and Aldermen in their skarlet gownes, at the Crosse in Cheape, with no lesse vniuersall ioy and thanks giuing to God of all the hearers: and so our sayd most gracious soueraigne Ladie Q. Elizabeth began hir happie raigne ouer this realm of Englande, to the great cōfort and gladnesse of al estates, vpō the foresaid .xvij. day of Nouēber, in the yere after the creation of the world .5525. af∣ter the birth of our sauiour .1558.* 1.3 of the Empire of Ferdinando the first Emperor of Rome bearing that name, the fyrste. In the .xij. yere of the raigne of Henrie the second of that name French King, and in the .xvj. yeare of the raigne of Marie Q. of Scotlande.

The Fryday morning being the .xviij. of Nouember, and morrow after the deceasse of Q.* 1.4 Marie, Reginalde Poole, Lorde Cardinall, and Archbishop of Canterburie departed this life

at Lambeth, and was after buryed at Caunter∣bury in Christs Churche there.

* 1.5On Wednesday the three and twentith of Nouember, the Queenes maiestie remoued frō Hatfielde, vnto the Charter house in London, where she lodged in the Lord Northes house, in which remouing, and comming thus to the Ci∣tie, it mighte well appeare how comfortable hir presence was to them that went to receyue hir on the way, and likewise to y^e great multitudes [ 10] of people, that came abrode to see hir grace, she∣wing their reioycing hearts in countenance and wordes, with hartie prayers for hir Maiesties prosperous estate and preseruation, whiche no doubt were acceptable to God, as by y^e sequeale of things it may certaynely be belieued, sith hys deuine Maiestie hathe so directed hir doyngs, that if euer the commō wealth of this land hath flourished, it maye rightly bee saide, that in hir most happie raigne, it hathe bin most flouri∣shing, [ 20] in peace, quietnesse, and due administra∣tion of iustice, mixed with mercifull clemencie, so as those whiche cannot contente themselues with the presente state of things vnder hir rule, no doubt they are such factious creatures, as wil not rest satisfyed with anye kynde of gouerne∣mēt, be it neuer so iust and commendable, from the which sort of men, the Lord deliuer hir royal Maiestie, and all hir true and louing subiectes, and preserue hir in long life to all our comforts, [ 30] and continue hir in such happie proceedings, as she hath begun to the ende.

On Monday, the eyghte and twentith of Nouember, about two of the clocke in the after noone, hir grace remoueth agayne,* 1.6 and takyng hir Charet, rode from my Lorde Northes house alongst the Barbican, and entring by Criple∣gate into the Citie, kept along the wall to By∣shoppes gate, and so by blanke Chapelton vnto Marke lane.

At hir entring into blanke Chapelton, the ar∣tillerie in the Tower began to goe off continu∣ally, shooting for the space almost of halfe an houre, but yet had made an ende before hir Ma∣iestie was aduanced to Berking Churche, and so with great ioy and prease of people, of whom all the streetes were full as she passed, declaring their inward reioycings by gesture, wordes, and countenance, she entred the Tower,* 1.7 where shee continued til the fifth of December being Mon∣day, on the whiche daye, she remoued by water vnto Somerset place in the Strond, where shee arriued aboute tenne of the clocke in the fore∣noone the same day.

The thirtenth of December beeing Tewes∣daye, the corps of Queene Mary was ryghte honorably conueyd from hir manor of Sainte Iames, vnto the Abbey of Westminster.* 1.8 Hir picture was layd on the coffin, apparelled in hir royall robes, with a Crowne of gold sette on the head thereof, after a solemne manner.

In the Abbey was a riche and sumptuous herse prepared and set vp with waxe, and richely decked with penons, baners, and scutchions, of the armes, of England and Fraunce, vnder whi∣che herse, the corpse rested all that nighte, and the next day it was brought into the new Chap∣pell, where King Henry the seuenth lyeth, and

[illustration]

there in the side Chappell it was enterred.

* 1.9The four and twentith of December, beeing the euen of the natiuitie of our Lord, was a so∣lemne obsequie kepte in the Abbey Churche of Westminster, for Charles the seuenth late Em∣perour, who departed this life in September last, the one and twentith of the same moneth, in the Monasterie of Saint Iustus in Castille, being then of age about eyght and fiftie yeares, hauing gouerned the Empire before hee renounced the

same a sixe and thirtie yeares, and hys Kyng∣domes of Castill, Aragone, Naples, Sicill, and others, aboue fortie yeares.

* 1.10Moreouer in this yeare .1558. there dyed two of the saide Emperours sisters, that wente wyth him into Spayne, after he had resigned the Em∣pire, to witte, Queene Leonore, first maried vn∣to Emanuel King of Portingale, and after his deceasse, vnto the Frenche King Frances the first of that name. She deceassed in Februarye [ 10] last past. His other sister Mary, Queene of Hū∣garie,* 1.11 late regente of the lowe Countreys, de∣ceassed on Sainte Lukes day, the eyghtenth of October last past, and so the one preuenting him, the other taried not long after him, in so muche, that King Philip dyd celebrate the exe∣quies in the Towne of Brussels, of his father the Emperoure, of hys Aunt Mary, Queene of Hungary, and of his wife Mary, Queene of England, in this present moneth of December [ 20] subsequently, after the most pompous and so∣lemne manner.

* 1.12 On Sonday the first of Ianuary, by vertue of the Queenes Proclamation, the Englishe Letanie was redde accordingly as was vsed in hir graces Chappell, in Churches through the Citie of London.

And likewise, the Epistle and Gospell of the day began to bee redde in the same Churches at Masse time in the English tong, by commaun∣dement [ 30] giuen by the Lord Maior, according to the tenor of the same Proclamation, published the thirtith of the last moneth.

On Thurseday the twelfth of Ianuary, the Queenes maiestie remoued from hir Palace of Westminster by water, vnto the Tower of London, the Lord Maior and Aldermen in their Barge, and all the Citizens, with their Barges decked and trimmed with targets & banners of their misteries accordingly, attending hir grace. [ 40]

The Bachelers Barge of the L. Maiors cō∣pany, to wit, y^e Mercers, had their Barge with a Foist, trimmed with three toppes, and artillerie aboorde, galantly appointed to waite vpon thē, shooting off lustily as they went, with great and pleasaunt melodie of instruments, which playde in most sweete and heauenly manner. Hir grace shut the Bridge aboute two of the clocke in the afternoone, at the still of the ebbe, the L. Maior and the rest following after hir Barge, attēding [ 50] the same, til hir Maiestie tooke land at the priuie staire at the Tower Wharfe, and then the sayd Lorde Maior with the other Barges returned, passing through the Bridge againe with the floud, and landed at the Wharfe of the three Cranes in the vintrie.

Vpon Saterday, whiche was the fourtenth day of Ianuary, in the yeare of our Lorde God. 1558. about two of the clocke at after noone, the most noble and Christian Princesse, oure most dradde soueraigne Lady Elizabeth by the grace of God Queene of England, Fraunce and Ire∣land, defendour of the faith. &c. marched from the Tower, to passe through the Citie of London toward Westminster, richly furnished, and most honorably accompanyed, as well with Gentle∣men, Barons, and other the nobilitie of thys Realme, as also with a notable trayne of goodly and beautifull Ladyes, richely appointed. And entring the Citie, was of the people receyued maruellous entierly, as appeared by the assem∣bly, prayers, wishes, welcommings, cryes, ten∣der wordes, and all other signes, whiche argue a wonderfull earnest loue of most obediente sub∣iects toward their soueraigne. And on the other side, hir grace by holding vp hir hands, and mer∣rie countenance to suche as stoode farre off, and most tender and gentle language to those that stoode nigh to hir grace, dyd declare hir selfe no lesse thankefully to receiue hir peoples good will, than they louingly offred it vnto hir. To al that wished hir grace well, she gaue heartie thankes, and to such as bade God saue hir grace, she sayd againe God saue them al, and thanked thē with all hir heart. So that on either side ther was no∣thing but gladnes, nothing but prayer, nothing but comfort. The Queenes Maiestie reioysed maruellously to see y^t, so exceedingly shewed to∣ward hir grace, which al good Princes haue euer desired, I mean so earnest loue of subiects, so eui∣dētly declared euē to hir graces owne person be∣ing caried in y^e middest of thē. The people again were wōderfully rauished w^t the louing answers & gestures of their princesse, like to y^e which they had before tried at hir first cōming to the Tower frō Hatfield. This hir graces louing behauioure preconceiued in y^e peoples heads, vpon these con∣siderations was then throughly cōfirmed, and in deede emplanted a wonderful hope in them tou∣ching hir worthy gouernement in the rest of hyr raign. For in al hir passage she did not only shew hir most gracious loue toward the people in ge∣neral, but also priuatly if y^t baser personages had either offred hir grace any floures or such like, as a signification of their good wil, or moued to hir any sute, she most gently, to y^e cōmon reioysing of al y^e lokers on, & priuat cōfort of y^e party, staid hir chariot, and heard their requests. So that if a man should say well, he could not better tearme the Citie of London that time, than a Stage, wherein was shewed the wonderfull spectacle of a noble hearted princesse toward hir most lo∣uing people, and the peoples exceeding comfort in beholding so worthy a soueraigne, and hea∣ring so princelike a voice, which coulde not but haue sette the enimie on fire, since the vertue is

in the enimie alway cōmēded, much more could not but ••••flame hir naturall, obedient, and most louing people, whose weale leaneth only vpō hir grace, and hir gouernement. Thus therefore the Queenes Maiestie passed from the Tower, tyll shee came to Fanchurche, the people on each side ioyously beholding the viewe of so gracious a Lady their Queene, and hir grace no lesse glad∣ly noting and obseruing the same. Neere vnto Fanchurch was erected a scaffold richely furni∣shed, [ 10] whereon stoode a noyse of instruments, and a childe in costly apparell, whiche was appoyn∣ted to welcome the Queenes Maiestie in the whole Cities behalfe. Against which place, whē hir grace came, of hir owne will she commaun∣ded the Chariot to bee stayde, and that the noyse might be appeased, till the child had vttered hys welcoming Oration, which he spake in English metre as heere followeth.

O pereles souerayne Queene, behold what thys thy Towne [ 20] ••••ch thee presented with, at thy fyrst entraunce heere: Behold with how riche hope she leades thee to thy Crowne, Behold with what two gyftes, she comforteth thy cheere.

The fyrst is blessing tongs, which many a welcome say, ••••ch pray thou maist do well, which prayse thee to the Skye, •…•…uch wish to thee long lyfe, which blesse this happie day, •…•…uch to thy kingdome heapes, all that in tongs can lye.

The second is true heartes, which loue thee from theyr roote, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sute is triumph now, and ruleth all the game. ••••ch faithfulnes haue wonne, and all vntruth driuen out, ••••ch skippe for ioy, when as they heare thy happy name.

welcome therefore O Queene, as much as heart can thinke, welcome agayne O Queene, as much as tong can tell: [ 30] welcome to ioyous tongs, and hearts that will not shrinke, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thee preserue we pray, and wish thee euer well.

At which words of y^e last line, the whole peo∣ple gaue a great shout, wishing with one assent as the child had said. And the Queenes maiestie thanked most hartily, both the Citie for this hir gentle receyuing at the first, and also the people for confirming the same. Here was noted in the Queenes Maiesties countenance, during the time that the child spake, besides a perpetuall at∣tentiuenes [ 40] in hir face, a maruellous change in loke, as the childs words touched either hir per∣son, or the peoples tongs and hearts. So that she with reioicing visage did euidently declare that the words toke no lesse place in hir minde, than they were most heartely pronounced by the childe, as from all the heartes of hir most heartie Citizens. The same verses were fastned vp in a table vppon the scaffolde, and the latine thereof likewise in latine verses in another table, as [ 50] heereafter ensueth.

Vrbs tua quae ingressu dederit tibi munera primo, O Regina parem non habitura, vide. Ad diadema tuum, te spe quàm diuite mittat, Quae duo letitia det tibi dona, vide. Munus habes primū, linguas bona multa precātes, Quae te quum laudant, tum pia vota sonant, Foelicem{que} diem hunc dicunt, tibi secula longa Optant, & quicquid deni{que} longa potest. Altera dona feres, vera, & tui amantia corda, Quorum gens ludum iam regit vna tuum. In quibus est infracta fides, falsum{que} perosa, Quae{que} tuo audito nomine laeta salit: Grata venis igitur, quantum cor concipit vllum, Quantum lingua potest dicere, grata venis. Cordibus infractis, linguis{que} per omnia laetis Grata venis: saluam te velit esse deus.

Now when the child had pronounced his O∣ration, and the Queenes highnes so thankeful∣ly had receiued it, she marched forward towarde Gracious streete, where at the vpper ende, before the signe of y^e Egle, the Citie had erected a gor∣geous and sumptuous arke as heere followeth.

A stage was made whiche extended from the one side of the streete to the other, richly vawted with batlementes conteining three portes, and ouer the middlemost was aduanced three seue∣rall stages in degrees.

Vpon the lowest stage was made one seate royall, wherein were placed two personages, re∣presenting King Henry the seuenth, and Eliza∣beth his wife, daughter of King Edwarde the fourth, eyther of these two Princes sitting vnder one cloth of estate in their seates, no otherwise deuided, but that the one of them whiche was Kyng Henry the seuenth, proceeding out of the house of Lancaster, was enclosed in a red rose, and the other which was Queene Elizabeth, be∣ing heire to the house of Yorke, enclosed with a white rose, eache of them royally crowned, and decently apparelled, as apperteineth to Princes, with Scepters in their handes, and one vaute surmounting their heads, wherein aptly were placed two tables, eache conteyning the title of those two Princes. And these personages were so set, that the one of them ioyned handes wyth the other, with the ring of Matrimonie percey∣ued on the finger. Out of the whiche two roses, sprang two braunches gathered into one, which were directed vpward to the second stage or de∣gree, wherein was placed one, representing the valiaunte and noble Prince Kyng Henrye the eyghte, whiche sprong out of the former stocke, crowned with a Crowne imperiall, and by him sate one representing the righte worthy Ladye Queene Anne, wise to the said King Henry the eyght, and mother to our most soueraine Ladye Q. Elizabeth that now is, both apparelled with Scepters and diademes, and other furniture due to the state of a King and Queene, and two tables surmounting their heads, wherein were written their names and titles.

From their seate also proceeded vpwards one braunche, directed to the thirde and vppermost

stage or degree, wherein likewise was planted a seate royall, in the which was set one, represen∣ting the Queenes most excellent Maiestie Eli∣zabeth, now our most dradde soueraigne Lady, crowned & apparelled as y^e other Princes were.

Out of the foreparte of this Pageaunt, was made a standing for childe, whiche at the Queenes Maiesties comming, declared vnto hir the whole meaning of the saide Pageaunt.

The two sydes of the same were filled wyth [ 10] loude noyses of musicke. And all emptie places thereof were furnished with sentences concer∣ning vnitie. And the whole Pageant garnished with redde roses and white. And in the forefront of the same Pageaunte, in the faire wreath, was written the name and title of the same, whyche was. The vniting of the two houses of Lancaster and Yorke.

This Pageaunte was grounded vppon the Queenes Maiesties name. For like as the long [ 20] warre betweene the two houses of Yorke and Lancaster then ende, when Elizabeth, daugh∣ter to Edwardd the fourth marched in marriage with Henrye the seuenth, heyre to the house of Lancaster: so since that the Queenes, Maiesties name was Elizabeth, and for somuch as shee is the only heire of Henry the eyght, whyche came of both the houses, as the knitting vp to cōcord, it was deuised, that the lyke as Elizabeth was the first occasion of concord, so shee another Eliza∣beth, [ 30] mighte maynteyne the same among hyr subiects, so that vnitie was the ende whereat the whole deuise shotte, as the Queenes Maiesties name moued the first grounde.

This Pageant nowe against the Queenes Maiesties comming, was addressed with chil∣dren, representing the forenamed personages, with all furniture due vnto the setting forthe of such a matter well meante, as the argument de∣clared, costly & sumptiously sette forth, as y^e be∣holders [ 40] can beare witnes. Nowe the Queenes Maiestie drew neere vnto y^e said Pageant, & for somuch as the noyse was great, by reason of the preasse of people, so that shee coulde scarce heare the childe, which did interprete the said Pageāt, and hir Chariot was passed so farre forwarde, that she could not well view the personages re∣presenting the Kings and Queenes aboue na∣med: she required to haue the matter opened vn∣to hir, and what they signified, with the ende of [ 50] vnitie and ground of hir name, according as is before expressed. For the sight whereof, hir grace caused hir Chariot to be remoued backe, and yet hardly could she see, bycause the childrē were set somewhat with the farthest in. But after that hir grace had vnderstoode the meaning thereof, shee thanked the Citie, praysed the fairenesse of the worke, and promised that shee would do hyr whole endeuour, for the continuall preseruation of concord, as the Pageante did importe. The child appoynted in the standing abouenamed, to open the meaning of the sayde Pageaunt, spake these words vnto hir grace.

The two Princes that sitte vnder one cloth of state, The man in the redde Rose, the woman in the white: Henry the seuenth, and Queene Elizabeth his mate, By ring of marriage, as man and wife vnite.

Both hetres to both their blouds, to Lancaster the Kyng, The Queene to Yorke, in one the two houses did knitte, Of whome as heyre to both, Henry the eyght did spring, In whose seate his true heire thou Queene Elizabeth dost fitte

Therefore as ciuill warre, and shede of bloud did ceasse, when these two houses were vnited into one, So now that iarre shall stint, and quietnes encrease, We trust, O noble Queene, thou wilt be cause alone.

The which also were written in latin verses, and both drawen in two tables vppon the fore∣front of the said Pageant as hereafter foloweth.

Hij quos iungit idem solium quos annulus idem: Haec albente nitens, ille rubente Rosa: Septimus Henricus Rex, Regina Elizabetha, Scilicet haeredes gentis vter{que} sua. Haec Eboracensis, Lancastrius ille dederunt Connubio, è geminis quo foret vna domus. Excipit hos hares Henricus copula regum Octauus, magni Regis imago potens Regibus hinc succedis auis Regi{que} parenti Patris iusta haere Elizabeth tui.

Sentences placed therein con∣cerning vnitie.

Nulla concordes animos vires domant. Qui iuncti terrent, deiuncti timent. Discordes animi soluunt, concordes ligant. Augentur parua pace, magna bello cadunt. Coniunctae manus fortius tollunt onus. Regno pro moenibus aeneis ciuium concordia. Qui diu pugnant diutius lugent. Dissidentes pricipes subditorum lues. Princeps ad pacem natus non ad arma datur Filia concordiae copia, neptis quies. Dissentiens respublica hostibus patet. Qui idem tenent, diutius tenent. Regnum diuisum facilè dissoluitur. Ciuitas concors armis frustrà tentatur. Omnium gentium consensus firmat fidem. &c.

These verses and other pretie sentences were drawen in voide places of this Pageant, all ten∣ding to one ende, that quietnes might be main∣teyned, and all dissention displaced, and that by the Queenes Maiestie, heire to agreement, and agreeyng in name with hir, which tofore hadde ioyned those houses, whiche had bin the occasion of muche debate and ciuill warre within thys

Realme, as may appeare to suche as will search Chronicles, but be not to bee touched heerein, onely declaring hir graces passage though the Citie, and what prouision the Citie made therfore. And ere the Queenes Maiestie came within heating of this Pageant, shee sente cer∣taine as also at all the other Pageauntes, to re∣quire the people to bee silent. For hir Maiestie was disposed to heare all that shoulde bee sayde vnto hir. [ 10]

When the Queenes Maiestie had hearde the childes Oration, and vnderstoode thē meāning of the Pageant at large, she marched forwarde towarde Cornehill, alway receiued with lyke reioycing of the people, and there as hir grace passed by the cōduit, which was ••••••ously trim∣med againste that time with rich banners ador∣ned, and a noyse of loude instruments vpon the toppe therof, she espyed the seconde Pageaunt; and bycause she feared for the peoples noyse, that [ 20] she should not beare the child which did expound the same, shee enquired what that Pageant was ere that shee came to it. And there vnderstoode, that there was a childe representing hir Maie∣sties person, placed in a seate of gouernemente, supported by certaine vertues, whiche suppressed their contrarie vices vnder their feete, & so forth, as in the description of the saide Pageaunt shall heereafter appeare.

This Pageant standing in the nether ende of [ 30] Cornehill, was extended from the one syde of the streete to the other, and in the same Page∣ant was deuised three gates all open, and ouer the middle parte thereof, was erected one chaire or seate royall, with a cloth of estate to y^e same apperteyning, wherein was placed a childe, re∣presenting the Queenes highnes, with conside∣ration had for place conuenient for a table, whi∣che conteyned hir name and title: and in a comely wreath artificially and well deuised, [ 40] with perfite sighte and vnderstandyng to the people.

In the front of the same Pageāt was writtē the name and title thereof, which is The seate of worthy Gouernaunce, which seate was made in such artificiall manner, as to the apprea∣rance of the lookers on, the foreparte seemed to haue no stay, and therefore of force was stayde by liuely personages, which personages were in number foure, standing and staying the fore∣front [ 50] of the same seate royall, eache hauing hys face to the Queene and people, whereof euerye one had a table to expresse theyr effects, whyche are vertues, namely, Pure Religion, Loue of Subiectes, VVisedome and Iustice, which did treade their contrary vices vnder their feete, that is to witte, Pure Religion dyd treade vpon Superstition and Ignoraunce, Loue of Subiects, did treade vpon Rebelliō and Insolencie, VVisedome did treade vp∣pon Follie and Vaine glory, Iustice dyd treade vpon Adulacion and Briberie. Eche of these personages according to their proper names and properties, had not only their names in playne and perfite writing set vppon theyr breastes easily to be redde of all, but also euerye of them was aptly and properly apparelled, so that is apparell and name dyd agree to expresse the same person, that in title he represented.

This part of the Pageant was thus appoin∣ted and furnished.

The two sydes ouer the two side portes had in them placed a noyse of instrumentes, whyche immediately, after the childes speeche, gaue an heauenly melodie.

Vpon the toppe or vppermost part of the said Pageant, stoode the armes of England, royal∣ly portratured with the proper beastes to vphold the same.

One representing the Queenes highnes, sate in this seate, crowned with an imperial crowne, and before hir seate, was a conuenient place ap∣poynted for one childe, which did interprete and apply the said Pageant, as heereafter shall be de∣clared. Euery voyde place was furnished with proper sentences, commending the seate suppor∣ted by vertues, and defacyng the vices, to the vtter extirpation of Rebellion, and to euerla∣sting continuance of quietnesse and peace. The Queenes Maiestie approching nigh vnto thys Pageaunte thus beautifyed and furnished in all poyntes, caused hir Chariot to be drawen nygh therevnto, that hir grace myght heare the childs Oration, which was thys.

While that Religion true, shall ignorance suppresse, And with hir weigtie foote, breake superstitious head, whyle loue of subiects, shall Rebellion distresse, And with zeale to the Prince, insolency downe treade.

Whyle Iustice, can flattering tongs and briberie deface, While follie and vayneglorie to wisedome yeeld their handes So long shall gouernement not swarue from hir right race, But wrong decayeth still and rightwisenes vp standes.

Now all thy subiuects heartes, O Prince of yereles fame, Do trust these vertues shall mainteyne vp thy throne, And vice be kept downe still, the wicked out to shame, That good with good may ioy, & naught with naught may mone.

Whiche verses were painted vpon the ryghte side of the same Pageant, and the latine thereof on y^e left side in another table, which were these.

Quae subnixa altè solio regina superboest, Effigiem sanctae principis alma refert, Quam ciuilis amor fulcit, sapientia firmat, Iusticia illustrat, Relligio{que} beat, Vana superstitio & crassa ignorantia frontis Pressae sub pura relligione iacent. Regis amor domat effraenos, animos{que} rebelles Iustus adulantes, Doniuoros{que} terit.

Cùm regit imperium sapiens, sine luce sedebunt Stultitia, at{que} huius numen inanis honor.

Beside these verses, there were placed in eue∣ry voyde rome of the Pageant, both in English and latin, such sentences, as aduanced the seate of gouernaunce vpholden by vertue. The groūd of this Pageante was, that lyke as by vertues (whiche doe aboundantly appeare in hir grace) the Queenes Maiestie was established in the [ 10] seate of gouernemente: so shee shoulde sitte fast in the same, so long as shee embrased Vertue, and helde vice vnder foote. For if vice once gote vp the head, it woulde put the seate of gouerne∣ment in perill of falling.

The Queenes Maiestie when she had heard the childe, and vnderstoode the Pageant at full, gaue the Citie also thankes there, and most gra∣ciously promised hir good endeuour for y^e main∣tenance of the saide vertues, and suppression of [ 20] vices, and so marched on, till she came agaynste the great conduit in Cheape, whiche was beau∣tified with pictures and sentences accordingly, against hir graces comming thither.

Against Soper lanes ende was extended frō the one side of the streete to the other, a Pageant which had three gates all open. Ouer the midle∣most whereof were erected three seuerall stages, whereon sate eyght children, as heereafter follo∣weth. On the vppermost one childe, on y^e middle [ 30] three, on the lowest foure, eache hauing the pro∣per name of the blessing, that they did represent, written in a table, and placed aboue their heads.

In the forefront of this Pageant, before the children which did represent the blessings, was a conueniēt standing cast out for a child to stand, which did expound the sayd Pageante vnto the Queenes Maiestie, as was done in the other tofore. Euery of these children were appointed & apparelled, according vnto the blessing which [ 40] hee dyd represent. And on the foreparte of the sayde Pageaunte, was written in faire letters the name of the sayde Pageant in this manner following.

The eight beatitudes expressed in the fifth Chapter of the Gospell of Sainte Mathew, applyed to oure soueraigne Lady Queene Elizabeth.

Ouer the two side portes was placed a noise [ 50] of instruments. And all voyde places in the Pa∣geant were furnished with pretie sayings, com∣mending and touching the meaning of the said Pageaunte, whiche was the promises and bles∣sings of Almightie God, made to hys people.

Before that the Queenes highnes came vnto this Pageaunte, shee required the matter some∣what to be opened vnto hir, that hir grace might the better vnderstand, what should afterwarde by the child be sayde vnto hir. Which so was, y^t the Citie had there erected the Pageaunte with eyght children, representing the eyght blessings touched in the fifth Chapter of S. Mathewe. Wherof euery one vpon iust consideratiōs, was applyed vnto hir highnesse, and that the people thereby putte hir grace in mind, that as hir good doings before had giuen iust occasion, why that these blessings might fall vpon hir, that so if hyr grace did continue in hir goodnes as she had en∣tred, shee shoulde hope for the frute of these pro∣mises out vnto thē, that do exercise themselues in the blessings: whiche hir grace heard maruel∣lous graciously, and required that the Chariot might be remoued towardes the Pageaunt, that she might perceiue the childs words, which were these, the Queenes Maiestie giuing most attē∣tiue eare, and requiring that the peoples noyse might be stayde.

Thou hast bin eyght times blest, O Queene of worthy 〈◊〉〈◊〉 By meekenes of thy spirit, when care did thee besette, By mourning in thy griefe, by mildnes in thy blame, By hunger and by thirst, and iustice couldst none gette.

By mercy shewed, not felt, by cleanes of thine heart, By seeking peace alwaies, by persecution wrong. Therefore trust thou in God, since he hath helpe thy smart, That as his promis is, so he will make thee strong.

When these words were spoken, all the peo∣ple wished, that as the childe had spoken, so God woulde strengthen hir grace againste all hir ad∣uersaries, whome the Queenes Maiestie dyd most gently thanke for their so louing wishe. These verses were painted on the left side of the sayd Pageaunte, and other in latin on the other side, which were these.

Qui lugent hilares fient, qui mitia gestant Pectora, multa soli iugera culta metent: Iustitiam esuriens sitiensue replebitur: ipsum Fas homini puro corde videre deum: Quē alterius miseret, dominus miserebitur huius: Pacificus quis quis, filius ille Dei est: Propter iustitiam quisquis patietur habet{que} Demissam mentem, caelica regna capit. Huic hominum generi terram, mare, fidera vouit Omnipotens, horum quisque beatus erit.

Besides these, euery voide place in the Pa∣geant was furnished with sentences touchyng the matter and ground of the sayd Pageaunte. When all that was to be sayd in this Pageant was ended, the Queenes Maiestie passed on forward in Cheape side.

At the Standert in Cheape, which was dres∣sed faire against the time, was placed a noyse of Trumpettes, with banners and other furni∣ture. The Crosse lykewise was also made faire, and well trimmed.

And neere the same, vppon the porche of Saint Peeters Church dore, stoode the Waites of the Citie, which did giue a pleasaunte noyse with their instrumentes, as the Queenes Ma∣iestie did passe by, whiche on euery side cast hyr countenance, and wished well to all hir most lo∣uing people. Soone after that hir grace passed y^e Crosse, she had espyed the Pageant erected at the little conduit in Cheape, and incontinent requi∣red to know what it might signifie. And it was [ 10] tolde hir grace, that there was placed Tyme. Tyme? quoth shee, and Tyme hath broughte me hither. And so forth the whole matter was opened to hir grace, as heereafter shall be decla∣red in the description of the Pageant. But in the opening, when hir grace vnderstoode that the Byble in Englishe shoulde be deliuered vnto hir by Trueth, which was therin represented by a childe: she thanked the Citie for that gift, and sayd, that she would oftentimes reade ouer that [ 20] Booke, commaunding Sir Iohn Parrat, one of the Knights which helde vp hir Canapie, to goe before, and to receiue the Booke. But lear∣ning that it shoulde bee deliuered vnto hir grace downe by a silken lace, shee caused him to stay, and so passed forwarde till shee came agaynste the Aldermen in the high ende of Cheape tofore the little conduite, where the companyes of the Citie ended, which beganne at Fanchurche, and stoode along the streetes, one by another enclo∣sed [ 30] with rayles, hanged with clothes, and them∣selues well apparelled with manye riche furres, and their liuery whodes vpon their shoulders in comely and seemely maner, hauing before them sundrye persons well apparelled in silkes and chaynes of golde, as wyflers and garders of the sayde companyes, beside a number of riche han∣gings, as well of Tapistrie, Arras, clothes of golde, siluer, veluet, damaske, Sattin, and other silkes plentifully hanged all the way as the [ 40] Queenes highnesse passed from the Tower tho∣rough the Citie.

Out at the windowes and penthouses of e∣uery house, did hang a number of riche and cost∣ly banners and streamers, till hir grace came to the vpper ende of Cheape. And there by appoint∣mente, the ryght worshipfull Maister Ranulph Cholmeley, Recorder of the Citie, presented to the Queenes Maiestie a purse of crymeson sat∣tine, richely wroughte with golde, wherein, the [ 50] Citie gaue vnto the Queenes Maiestie a thou∣sande markes in golde, as Maister Recorder did declare briefely vnto the Queenes Maiestie, whose words tended to this ende, that the Lord Maior his breethren, and communaltie of the Citie, to declare their gladnes and good will to∣wards the Queenes Maiestie, did presente hyr grace with that gold, desiring hir grace to con∣tinue their good and gracious Queene, and not to esteeme the value of the gift, but the mynde of the giuers. The Queenes Maiestie with both hir hands, tooke the purse, and aunswered to him againe maruellous pithily, and so pithily, that the standers by, as they embraced entierly hyr gracious aunswere, so they maruelled at the cowching thereof, which was in wordes truely reported these. I thanke my Lorde Maior, hys breethre, and you all. And whereas your request is that I should continue youre good Lady and Queene, bee yee ensured, that I will be as good vnto you, as euer Queene was to hir people. No will in mee can lacke, neyther doe I trust shall there lacke any power. And perswade your selues, y^t for the safetie and quietnesse of you all, I will not space, if neede be, to spend my bloud, God thanke you all. Whiche aunswere of so noble an hearted Princes, if it moued a maruel∣lous shoute and reioycing, it is nothing to bee maruelled at, since both the heartinesse thereof was so wonderfull, and the wordes so ioyntly knitte. When hir grace had thus aunswered the Recorder, shee marched towarde the little con∣duit, where was erected a Pageant with square proportion, standing directly before the same conduit, with battlementes accordingly. And in the same Pageant was aduanced two hylles or Mountaynes of conuenient height. The one of them beeing on the North syde of the same Pa∣geante, was made cragged, barren and stonie, in the whiche was erected on tree, artificially made, all withered and dead, with braunches accordingly.

And vnder the same tree at the foote thereof, sate one in homely and rude apparell crokedly, and in mourning maner, hauing ouer hys head in a table, written in Latin and Englishe, hys name, whiche was Ruinosa Respublica, A de∣cayed common weale.

And vppon the same withered tree were fixed certayne Tables, wherein were written proper sentences, expressing the causes of the decay of a common weale. The other hill on the South syde was made fayre, fresh, green, and beauti∣full, the ground thereof full of floures and beau∣tie, and on the same was erected also one tree, very freshe amd faire, vnder the whyche, stoode vpright on freshe personage well apparelled and appoynted, whose name also was written both in English and Latin, which was, Respu∣blica bene instituta, a flourishing common Weale.

And vpon the same tree also, were fixed cer∣taine Tables conteyning sentences, whych ex∣pressed the causes of a flourishing common Weale. In the myddle betweene the sayde hylles, was made artificially one hollow place

or caue, with dore and locke enclosed, out of the which, a little before the Queenes highnes com∣ming thither, issued on personages, whose name was Tyme, apparelled as an old man, with a Sythe in his hande, hauing wings artificially made, leading a personage of lesser stature than himselfe, which was finely and well apparelled, all cladde in white sylke, and directly ouer hyr head, was sette hir name and title in latine and English, Temporis filia, the daughter of Tyme. [ 10] Whiche two so appoynted, wente forwarde to∣ward the South side of the Pageant. And on hir brest was written hir proper name, which was Veritas, Truth, who helde a Booke in hir hand, vpon the which was written, Verbum veritatis, the word of trueth. And out of the South syde of the Pageant, was cast a standing for a child, which shoulde interprete the same Pageant. A∣gainste whome, when the Queenes Maiestie came, he spake vnot hir grace these words. [ 20]

This old man with the sythe, olde father Tyme they call, And hir his daughter Trueth, which holdeth yonder Booke, Whome he our of his rocke hath brought forth to vs all, From whence this many yeares she durst not once out looke.

The ruthfull wight that sitteth vnder the barren tree, Resembleth to vs forme, when common weales decay, But when they be in state triumphant, you may see By him in freshe attire that sitteth vnder the baye.

Nowe since that Tyme agayne his daughter Trueth hathe brought, We trust O worthy Q. thou wilt this trueth embrace, And since thou vnderstandst the good estate and naught, We trust welth thou wilte plant, and barrennes displace. [ 30]

But for heale the sore, and cure that is not seene, Whiche thing the Booke of trueth doth teach in writing playne: She doth present to thee the same, O worthy Queene, For that, that words do flye, but writing doth remayne.

When the childe had thus ended his speeche, hee reached his Booke towardes the Queenes Maiestie, which a little before, Trueth had lette down vnto him from the hill, whyche by Sir Iohn Parrat was receiued, and deliuered vnto [ 40] the Queene. But shee as soone as she had recey∣ued the Booke, kissed it, and with both hir hands helde vp the same, and so layd it vpon hir brest, with great thankes to the Citie therefore. And so wente forwarde towardes Paules Church∣yarde. The former matter whiche was rehear∣sed vnto the Queenes Maiestie, was written in two tables, on eyther side the Pageant eight verses, and in the middest, these in latine. [ 50]

Ille, vides falcem laeua qui sustinet vncam, Tempus is est, cui stat filia vera comes Hanc pater exesa deductam rupe reponit In lucem, quam non viderat ante diu. Qui sedet à laeua cultu male tristis inepto Quem duris crescens cautibus orbis obit, Nos monet effigie, qua sit respublica quando Corruit, at contra quando beata viget Ille docet inuenis forma spectandue amict•…•… Scitus, & aeberna laurea fronde virens.

The sentences written in latine and Eng∣lishe vpon both the trees, declaring the causes of both estates, were these.

Causes of a ruinous common weale are these.

• Want of the feare of God
• Disobedience to rulers
• Blindnes of guides
• Briberie in Magistrates
• Rebellion in subiects
• Ciuill disagreement
• Flattering of Princes
• Vnmercifulnesse in Rulers
• Vnthankefulnesse in Subiects.

Causes of a flourishing common weale.

• Feare of God
• A wise Prince
• Learned Rulers
• Obedience to officers
• Obedient subiects
• Louers of the common Weale
• Vertue rewarded
• Vice chastned.

The matter of this Pageaunte dependeth of them that went before. For as the first declared hir grace to come out of the house of vnitie, the second that she is placed in the seate of gouerne∣mente staid with vertues, to the suppression of vice, and therefore in the thirde, the eyght bles∣sings of almighty God mighte well bee applyed vnto hir: so this fourth nowe is, to put hir grace in remembraunce of the state of the common weale, which Time with Trueth his daughter doth reueale, which Trueth also hir grace hathe recieued, and therefore cannot but bee mercifull and carefull for the good gouernement thereof.

From thence, the Queenes Maiestie passed towarde Paules Churchyard, and when shee came ouer againste Paules Schoole, a child ap∣poynted by the Scholemaister thereof, pronoū∣ced a certayne Oration in Latine, and certayne verses, whiche also were there written as follo∣weth.

Philosophus ille diuinus Plato inter multa pre∣clarè ac sapienter dicta, hoc posteris proditum re∣liquit, Rempublicam illam faelicissimam fore, cui princeps sophiae studiosa, virtutibus{que} ornata cō∣tigerit, Quem si vere dixisse censeamus (vt quidé

verissme) cur non terra a Britannica plauderet•…•… cur non populus gaudium at{que} letitiam agitaret •…•… immo, cur non hunc diem, alb•…•… (quod aiunt) lapit∣ly rot•…•…ret•…•… quo princeps talis nobis adest, qua∣lem priores non viderant, qualem{que} posteritas haud facile aernere poterit, dotibus quum a noni, tum corpuris v•…•…di•…•…{que} faelicissima. Casti quidem corporis dorels ita apertae sunt, vt oratione non egeant Animi veru tot tantae{que} vt ne verbis quidem ex rimi possint. Haec nenipe regibus sum∣mis [ 10] orta, morum at{que} animi nobilitate genus exu∣perat. Haias pectus Christi religionis amore fla∣grat. Haec gentem Britannicam virtusibus illu∣strabit, clipeo{que} iustitiae teget. Haec literis gracis & latinis eximia, ingenio{que} praepollens est. Hac imperante pictas vigebit, Anglia florebit, aurea secula redibunt. Vos igitur Angli tot commoda accepturi Elizabetham Reginam nostram celeber∣rimam ab ipso Christo huius regni imperio de∣stinatam, honore debito prosequimini. Huius [ 20] imperitjs animo libentissimo subditiestote, vos{que} tali principe dignos prebete. Et quoniam pueri non viribus sed praecibus, Off•…•…cium praestare pos∣sunt, nos Alumni huius s•…•…holae ab ipso Coleto o∣lim Templi Paulini Decano, extructae teneras palmas ad Caelum tendentes Christum Opt. Maxi praecaturi sumus vt tuam celsitudinem annos Nestoreos summo cum honore Anglis im∣peritare faciat, matrem{que} pignoribus charis bea∣tam reddat. Amen. [ 30]

Anglia nune tandem plaudas, laetare, resulia, Presto iam vita est, praesidium{que} tibi En tua spes venit tua gloria, lux, decus omne Venit iam, solidam quae sibi prestat ope••••. Succurret{que} tuis rebus quae pessum abiere. Perdita quae fuerant haec reparare volet Omnia florebunt, redeunt ni•••• aurea secla. In melius surgent quae cecidere bona. Debes ergo illi totam te reddere fidam [ 40] Cuius in accessu commoda tot capies. Salue igitur dicas, imo de pectore summo. Elizabeth Regni non dubitanda salus, Virgo venit, veni at{que} optes comitata deinceps. Pignoribus charis, laeta parens veniat, Hoc deus omnipotens ex alto donet olympo, Qui caelum & terram condidit at{que} regit.

Which the Queenes Maiestie most atten∣tiuely hearkned vnto. And when the childe had [ 50] pronounced, he did kisse the Oration which hee had there fayre written in Paper, and deliuered it vnto the Queenes Maiestie, which most gent∣ly receyued the same.

And when the Queenes Maiestie had heard all that was there offred to bee spoken, then hir grace marched towarde Ludgate, where shee was receyued with a noyse of Instruments, the forefront of the gate beeyng such tr••••med vp agaynst hir Maiesties comming.

From thence by the way as ••••e went downe towarde Fleetebridge, one abdure hir grace no∣ted the Cities charge, that there was no cost spared. Hir grace answered, that shee did well consider the same, and that it shoulde be remem∣bred. An honourable aunswere worthie a no∣ble Prince, which may comfort all hir subiects, considering that there can be no point of gentle∣nesse, or obedient loue ••••••wen toward hir grace, which she doth not most tenderly accept, and graciously wey.

In thys maner, the people on euerie syde reioysing, hir grace went forwarde towarde the Conduyte in Fleetestreete, where was the fyft and luste Pageant erected in forme fol∣lowing.

From the Conduyte which was beautified wyth paynting, vnto the Northsyde of the streete, was erected a Stage, embattayled with foure Towers, and in the same a square platte rysing wyth degrees, and vpon the vp∣permost degree was placed a Chayre, or seate royall, and behinde the same seate, in curious artificiall maner was erected a tree of reaso∣nable heigth, and so farre aduaunced aboue the seate, as a did well and seemely shadowe the same, withoute endamaging the fight of anye part of the Pageant, and the same tree was be∣autified with leaues as greene as Ar•••• coulde deuise, being of a conuenient greatnesse, and conteyning therevpon the fenite of the Date, and on the toppe of the same tree in a Table was set the name thereof, which was A Palme tree, and in the aforesayd seale •••• Chayre was placed a seemely and meete personage richely appatayled in Parliament Ro•…•…es, with a scep∣ter in hir hande, as a Queene crowned wyth an open Crowne, whose name and ryth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in a Table fixed ouer hir head, in this fort. De∣bora the Iudge and restorer of the house of Israell Iudic. 4. And the other degrees on eyther side were furnished with •…•…ixe personages: two representing the Nobilitie, two the Clear∣gie, and two the Comunaltie: And before these personages was writters 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a Table, Debora with hir estates, consoling for the good gouernment of Israell. At the feete of those, and the lowest part of the Pageant, was ordey∣ned a conuenient roome for anihelde to open the meaning of the Pageant.

When the Queenes Maiestie drewe neare vnto thys Pageant, and perceyued, as in the other, the childe readie to speake, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Grace requyred me•…•…e, and commaunded hir Chariot to bee rerewared nigher, that shee myght plainly heare the childs speake, whiche

sayde as hereafter followeth.

Iabin of Canaan king had long by force of armes Opprest the Israelites, which for Gods people went, But God mynding at last for to redresse theyr harmes, The worthie Debora as iudge among them sent.

In warre she through Gods ayde, did put hir foes to flight. And with the dint off worde the band of bondage brast. In peace she, through Gods ayd, did alway mainteyne right, And iudged Israell till fortie yeares were past.

A worthie president, O worthie Queene, thou hast, [ 10] A worthie woman iudge, a woman sent for stay. And that the like to vs endure alway thou mayst, Thy louing subiects will with true hearts and tongs pray.

Which verses were written vpon the Pa∣geant, and the same in latine also.

Quando dei populum Canaan, rex pressit Iaben, Mittitur a magno Debora magna deo: Quae populum eriperet, sanctum seruaret •…•…udan, Milite quae patrio frangeret hostis opes. [ 20] Haec domino mandante deo lectissima fecit. Faemina, & aduersos contudit ense viros. Haec quater denos populum correxerat annos Iudicio, bello strenna, pace grauis, Sic, O sic populum bello{que} & pace guberna, Debora sis Anglis Elizabetha tuis.

The voyde places of the Pageant were fil∣led with pretie sentences concerning the same matter. The ground of this last Pageant was, [ 30] that forsomuch as the next Pageant before had set before hir graces eyes the flourishing and de∣solate states of a common weale, shee might by this be put in remembrance to consult for the worthie gouernment of hir people, considering God oftentymes sent women nobly to rule a∣mong men, as Debora, which gouerned Israell in peace the space of .xl. yeares: and that it beho∣ueth both men and women so ruling to vse ad∣uise of good counsaile. When the Queenes ma∣iesty [ 40] had passed this pageāt, she marched toward Temple barre. But at S. Dunstones Church where the children of the Hospitall were appoin∣ted to stand with their gouernors, hir grace per∣ceyuing a childe offred to make an oration vnto hir, stayed hir Chariot, and did cast vp hir eyes to heauen, as who shoulde say, I here see this mercifull worke towarde the poore, whome I must in the middest of my royaltie needes re∣member, and so turned hir face towarde the [ 50] childe, which in Latin pronounced an Oration to this effect, That after the Queenes highnesse had passed through the Citie, and had seene so sumptuous, riche, and notable spectacles of the Citizens, which declared theyr most heartie re∣ceyuing, and ioyous welcomming of hir grace into the same: this one spectacle yet rested, and remayned, which was the euerlasting spectacle of mercie vnto the poore members of Almightie God, furthered by that famous and moste noble Prince king Henrie the eight hir graces father, erected by the Citie or London, and aduaunced by the most godly vertuous and gracious prime King Edwarde the sixt, hir Graces deare and louing brother, doubting nothing of the mercie of the Queenes moste gracious clemencie, by the which they may not onely bee relieued and helped, but also stayed and defended, and there∣fore incessantly they woulde pray and crie vnto almightie God, for the long life and raigne of hir highnesse, with most prosperous victorie against hir enimies.

The childe after he had ended hir Oration, kissed the Paper wherein the same was written, and reached it to the Queenes Maiestie, which receyued it graciously, both with wordes and countenaunce, declaring hir gracious mynd to∣warde their reliefe. From thence hir grace came to Templebarre, which was dressed finely with the two Images of Gotmagot the Albion, and Corineus the Briton, two Gyants, bigge in stature, furnished accordingly, whiche helde in theyr handes euen aboue the Gate, a Table, wherein was written in Latin verses, the effect of all the Pageants which the Citie before had erected, which verses were these.

Ecce sub aspectu iam contemplaberis vno O princeps populi sola columna tui. Quicquid in immensa passim sim per spexeris vrbe Quae cepere omnes vnus hic arcus habet. Primus te solio regni donauit auiti, Hares quippe cui vera parentis eras. suppressis vitijs, domina virtute, Secundus Firmauit sedem regia virgo tuam. Tertius ex omni posuit te parte beatam Si, qua caepisti pergere velle, velis. Quarto quid verum, respublica lapso quid esset Quae florens staret te docuere tui. Quinto magna loco monuit te Debora, missam Caelitus in regni gaudia longa tui. Perge ergo regina, tuae spes vnica gentis, Haec postrema vrbis suscipe vota tuae. Viue diu, regna{que} diu, virtutibus orna Rem patriam, & populi spem tueare tui. Sic o sic petitur caelum. Sic itur in astra Hoc virtutis opus, caetera mortis erunt.

Which verses were also written in English meter, in a lesse table as hereafter foloweth.

Beholde here in one view, thou marst see all that plaine, O princesse to this thy people the onely stay: what eche where thou hast seene in this wide towne, againe This one arche whatsoeuer the rest concernd, doth say

The first arche as true heyre vnto thy father deere, Did set thee in thy throne where thy grandfather sat,

The seconde did confyrme thy seate as Princesse here, ••••tues now bearing sway, and vices bet downe flatte.

The thirde, if that thou wouldest go on as thou began, Declared thee to be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 on euery syde, The fourth did vpon 〈…〉〈…〉 and also taught ther whan The common weale stoode well, and when it did thence slide.

The fift, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Debora declared thee to be sent •…•…am heauen a long comfort to vs thy subiects all, Therfore go on O Queene, on whome our hope is bent, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 take with thee this 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the towne as finall.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 long, and as long raigne, adorming the Countrey. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vertues, and mainteine thy peoples hope of thee, [ 10] •…•…n thus, heauen is wonne, thus must thou pierce the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 This is by vertue wrought, all other must needed did.

On the Southside was appoynted by the Citie a noyse of singing children, and one childe richly attyred as a Port, which gaue the Quee∣nes Maiestie hir farewell in the name of the whole Citie, by these wordes.

••••at thine entrance first O Prince of high renowne, [ 20] Thou wast presented with ••••••gues and ••••rth for thy fayre, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 now sith thou must needes depart out of this towne, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Citie sendeth thee firme hope and earnest prayer.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 all men hope in thee, that all vertues shall raigne, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 all men hope that thou, none errour wilt support. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 all men hope that thou wilt truth restore againe, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 mend that is amisse, to all good mennes comfort▪

〈◊〉〈◊〉 for this hope they pray, thou mayght continue long, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Queene amongst vs here, all vice for to supplant, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for this hope they pray, that God may neede thee wrong, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by his grace puissant, so in his truth ••••••all 〈◊〉〈◊〉

•…•…arwell O worthis Queene, and as our hope is sure, •…•…t into errours place thou wilt nowe truth restore, [ 30] 〈◊〉〈◊〉 trust we that thou wilt our soueraigne Queene endure, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 louing Ladie stande, from henceforth euenmore.

While these wordes were in saying, and certaine wishes therin repeated for maintenance of truth, and rooting out of errour, she nowe and then helde vp hir handes to heauenwarde, and willed the people to say, Amen.

When the childe had ended, she sayde, deye well assured, I will stande your good Queene, [ 40] At which saying, hir grace departes forth throgh Temple Barre toward Westminster, with no lesse shouting and crying of the people, than shee entred the citie with a noyse of ordinance which the Towne shot off at hir graces entrance fyrst into Towre streete.

The childes saying was also in latin verses written in a Table whiche was hanged vppe there.

[ 50]

O regina potens, quum prima vrbem ingredereris Dona tibi, linguas fida{que} corda dedit. Discedenti etiam tibi nunc duo munera mittit, Omnia plena spei, vota{que} plena precum. Quippe tuis spes est, in te quod prouida virtus Rexerit, errori nec locus vllus erit. Quippe tuis spes est, quod tu verū omni reduces solatura bonas, dum mala tollis, opes. Huc spel freti de d••••, lor•••••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 reginae gubernes, Et negue excindus 〈…〉〈…〉 Hac spe freti orant, diuina vt gratia fortem, Et vero si •…•…rite velit ess•••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Iam Regina vide, er sicut 〈◊〉〈◊〉 spes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ve•…•…, Quod vero inducto, per•…•…itus 〈◊〉〈◊〉 erat Sic quo{que} speramus quod eris regina benigne Nobis per•…•…aegni tempora 〈…〉〈…〉.

Thus the Queenes highnesse passed tho∣row the Citie, which without any foraigne per∣son, of it selfe beautified it selfe, and receyues hir grace at all places as hath beene before mentio∣ned, with most tender obedience and loue, due to so gracious a Queene and soueraigne Lady. And hir grace likewise of his side in all hir gra∣ces passage, shewed hirselfe generally an Image of a worthie Ladie and Gouernour, but pri∣uately these especiall poputes were noted in hir grace, as signes of a most Princelyke courage, whereby his louing Subiectes may grounde a sure hope for the rest of hir gracious doyngs hereafter.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Queene Eliza∣beth.
• * 1.2

  The Ladie E∣lizabeth pro∣claymed Queene.
• * 1.3

  1558
• * 1.4

  The death of Cardinall Poole.
• * 1.5

  The Queenes remouing frō Hatfielde.
• * 1.6

  Hir grace re∣moueth to the Tower.
• * 1.7

  Hir remouing to Somerset house.
• * 1.8

  Queene Mary buryed.
• * 1.9

  obsequie •…•… or the •…•…oure.
• * 1.10

  The deceasse of the Queene of Fraunce.
• * 1.11

  The deceasse of the Queene of Hungarie.
• * 1.12

  1559

  The Letany. The Epistle and Gospell in Englishe.