The excellent and renowned history of the famous Sir Richard Whittington three times lord-mayor of the honourable City of London. Giving an account of all the remarkable and noted passages of his life. This may be printed, R.P.

CHAP. V. How Whittington being a third time Lord-Mayor of London, Entertained King Henry the fifth at Dinner in Guild-hall; of the Entertainment and Satis∣faction the King and his Nobles received, and other matters of note.

SIR Richard Whittington flourishing and abounding in Riches, beyond what can reasonably be credited; his Estate likewise augmented by the Death of Mr. Fitzwarren his Father-in-law, who left him sole Execu∣tor. He soon after the Inauguration of the Queen invited the King and his Royal Consort, together with the Ambassadors and Nobility of the Court to a splendid En∣tertainment at Guild hall, London; where they vouchsafed to come and honour the City with their Presence; and were enter∣tained not only with Pageants and pompous Shows, but with all the varieties imagina∣ble; with musick and whatever might be thought pleasing to the Royal Guest: and in the Presence Chamber where the King and Queen, &c. dined, the fire was made of Cedar, Cinamon and Cyprus; into which were cast Myrrh, Frankincense, Nutmegs,

Mace, Cloves and the like; which so fragrant¦ly perfumed the place, that the King being wonderfully pleased thereat, told Sir Rich∣ard, that although every thing was costly and delicate to his high contentment, yet he was taken with nothing more than the scent the fire cast through the Apartment: to whom he humbly replyed, that it much re∣joyced him that any thing was in his power to give his Majesty satisfaction, or the least cause to be pleased; but since his Highness had been pleased to praise that fire, he purpo∣sed, e'er he departed, to entertain him with one that should give him far greater content: which the King being desirous to prove, he went out and suddenly returning, brought under his arm a bundle of Writings: say∣ing, May it please your Majesty, I have here a Faggot, left designedly for this Fire, which I humble conceive will more redound to your Majesties satisfaction; and thereupon open∣ing the Bundle he said, here is your High∣nesses security for moneys lent by the Com∣pany of Mercers, to maintain your Wars in France, viz. 10000 marks; which I here ••••ncel in the flames: and after it I send ••••is security of 1500 marks lent by the City upon the like occasion; and next, another for 20000 marks borrowed of the Company of Grocers: a fourth for 3000 marks borrow∣ed

of the Merchant-Taylors: a fifth for 1000 marks borrowed of the Drapers: a sixth for 1000 mark borrowed of the Skin∣ners: a seventh for 1000 marks borrowed of the Ironmongers: an eighth for 1000 marks borrowed of the Merchant-Staplers: a ninth for 3000 marks borrowed of the Goldsmiths: a tenth for 3000 marks bor∣rowed of the Haberdashers: and three others for a thousand marks, each borrowed of the Vintners, Brewers and brown Bakers: with divers others, which here I sacrifice to the flame, due from your Majesty to Mr. Fitz-warren my Father-in-law, deceased, to whom I am sole Executor: with others likewise due from divers of your Nobility present; all which I sacrifice to the Love and Honour I bear my Soveraign: amount∣ing to the sum of 60000 pounds sterling. And can your Majesty, said he, desire a fire more pleasing? at which voluntary generosity, the King, not being a little surprized, rose from his Seat, and taking him in his Arms, ten∣derly embracing him, said he, I believe no King had ever such a Subject: and upon the returning to his Pallace, did him all the honour imaginable; promising ever to e∣steem him amongst the first rank of those he held his friend and wore nearest his heart: and so highly satisfied with his magnifieent

Entertainment; Sir Richard Whitting∣ton Lord-Mayor, carrying the Sword before the King, conducted him out of the City: and having received the thanks of the Noble-men at parting, who highly commended his ge∣nerosity and greatness of Spirit. He re∣turned to his Charge, and flourishing many years after; lived and dyed beloved of all men.

Thus he, who rising from a mean Estate, Was three times Londons chiefest magistrate; Favour'd of Princes, and belov'd of all; For which, him luckey Whittington we call.