Londons triumph: or, The solemn and magnificent reception of that honourable gentleman, Robert Tichborn, Lord Major

Londons Triumph.

WEre it now the intention of our discourse to dwell upon so Noble a Theame, I might quickly run beyond the limits of those few sheets to which I am tied, in relating the glory and antiquity of this famous City. For as the Romans, to dignifie their great and potent City of Rome, de∣duc'd the originall thereof from the Gods them∣selves; so doe also our own Historians draw the foundation of this mighty City from as high a be∣ginning. It being by them affirmed that Brute de∣scended from the loyns of Aeneas, the son of Venus, the daughter of Jupiter, above a thousand years before the Nativity of Christ, built this City upon the banks of the River Thames. It was afterward re∣pair'd and beautifi'd by King Lud, and call'd after his name Lud's Town, and in processe of time, with a small depravation of the pronunciation, London. But letting pass the first foundation of it, the un∣controul'd and fortunate estate thereof even to this day, hath given evident proof that it was built in a lucky hour, and mark'd out for life and a long con∣tinuance. There being no City that hath more flourish'd, nor any City that hath been lesse afflicted with calamities. And indeed whether we consider the Politique government thereof, or the wealth of the Inhabitants, or the priviledges which it enjoyes, there are few Cities in the world may compare with

it. Mark the publike government thereof, and say, where is lesse disturbance among such a multitude of men throng'd together. Consider the order and decorum of the military force, being furnished with a body of well trained and expert Souldiers for the defence thereof, as no where is to be found the like. Consider the fair provisions made for poor and sick, and say where are to be found Alms-houses and Hospitals of larger extent and greater maintenance.

And though the learning of the Nation have its proper seat and aboad, yet hath it for the admiration and recreation of strangers, Schools, Li∣braries and Colledges of no small note and fame. And whereas Common-wealths and Cities cannot have next under God any surer foundation then the love and good will of one man towards another, as also of the people obeying to the Magistrate Ruling, that also is closely kept and maintained in this City. And now I have made mention of the Magistrates of this City, I shal likewise speak something of the Anti∣quity of the government now in being. It is true, that in old time the government of this City with the Law and customs us'd therein, were register'd in a book call'd Domus Dei or Doomsday book, which was written in the Saxon language; but of latter times when those Laws and customs were chang'd, that book was defac'd, and the things therein im∣bazl'd and lost. Notwithstanding we do find in other Records, that in the time of Edward the Confessor, this City had two Governours, which were then called Portgraves, which were no other then those who at this time are called Sheriffs. For these Port∣graves are in divers Records called Viscounts or She∣riffs,

because that they then us'd the same authority as now the Sheriffs do. Others there be that call them Aldermen or Judges of the Kings Court. In the time of Edward the Confessor, there were two officers of this nature that governd this City, by name William Bishop, and one other called Leofstane. In the time of Will. the Conquerour, the aforesaid Will. Bishop and one Godfrey were Portgraves or Sheriffs. In the reign of Will. Rufus, one Godfrey de Magnavile was Portgrave or Sheriff; and Richard de Par, Provost or Major. In the reign of Richard the first, Hugh Buche was Portgrave and Leofstane Provost. After them Aubery de vere was Portgrave, and Robert Querel Provost. In this posture of government stood the City till the beginning of the reign of Richard the first. Which gave occasion to some Authors to liken and compare this City even to Rome it self, It being in the first place divided into Wards: and secondly, having Sheriffs instead of Consuls, and an assembly of Sena∣tors or Aldermen, together with several Courts, or general meetings upon certain dayes. Now that we may come to the Office of Major in particular, we must take notice that in the time of King Richard the first, the Citizens of London obtained to have a Major for their principal Governour, who was to enter into his Office at the feast of St. Michael the Arch-Angel. Of the grandure of this dignity I shall speak more at large by and by; It shall suffice at present to say thus much in reference to the present occasion, that above fifteen of those who have sate in this seat of honour and dignity, have been members of the worshipful company of Skinners; so fruitful hath that society been of worthy Patriots and Magistrates to uphold

the government of this City. The wealth of this City is apparent by the sumptuousnesse of the buildings both private and publike, and indeed I may affirm that there have not been greater actions either of charity or munificence done by any persons more then by the Citizens of this place. Great Almshouses and Churches having been built by particular men. What good lier sight can there be, then to behold such numbers of tall Ships riding as it were under the walls of the City, so well fraught with the merchan∣dise of the whole earth; bringing in yearly such a mass of wealth as if all the world pay'd tribute to this one City. So that the rich live splendidly, and the poorest are free from want. To speak of the strength hereof, it is a City glorious for manhood, potent in Arms, and furnish'd with such store of munition and inhabi∣tants, insomuch that it hath shew'd in a muster-roll above 20000 Horsemen, and threescore 1000 foot∣men fit for war. For its priviledges it hath many; but among the rest there is none more notable then the many marks of favor bestowed upon those who have been Lord Majors, by several the Kings of England, who seldom leave their Office without the honour of Knighthood confer'd upon them. Neither do they make this dignity lesse pleasing and splendid to the people, by the pomp and gayety which is solemnly us'd when they are sworn at Westminster. Which are perform'd upon this score, knowing that Triumphs are that most choice and pleasant fruit that only springs from peace and plenty. They are begot by love, all people being willing to contribute toward the outward dignity of their Magistrates.

They are but the glorious beams and ornaments of State and Magnificence, which adde a light and lustre to the Mansions and the titles of Governours. And when they are but seldom done, they carry so alluring a shape, that Princes themselves delight to behold them, there being this distinction between them and the vulgar, that they behold them with delight; those, with admiration. They are many times a debt due to Custome; which being done with a sumptuous thrif∣tinesse is laudable in a City so rarely govern'd as this. For the Chairs of Magistrates ought to be adorn'd, and to shine like the Chariot of the Sun, to dazle and amaze the common Eye, and to make them know, there is something more excellent in Magistracy then they understand, whereby they may be drawn to a stricter and greater obedience. In a happy hour did his Lordship that now governs this renowned City, being born a Citizen thereof, take upon him that noble and ancient honour, who being a Person of such a generous mind, had the happinesse to meet with a Company equal to himself in spirit. Neither have they shed the seed of their bounty upon an unfruitful and barren ground, which with a soon ripe and libe∣ral gratitude answers their expectation so fully. It was a comely sight to see all the Companies striving to set forth and brighten the glory of the day. For what Infamy could there have been greater, then now to be morose, sullen, and niggardly, when all eares are listening for no news but those of Feasts and Triumphs, and when all eyes are open to behold them? when all the Nation seems to be drawn together, and to be Epitomiz'd within the Walls of her Metropolis. If you think what we have here said hath been any thing of flattery, let us but lead you to the River,

and the Thames shall shew you all the Honours of this Day's Triumph; That being done, step again upon the Land; and there again, the Land it self, throng'd with multitudes of Witnesses, will be an easie confirmation of what we shall declare.

In the first place, the loving members of the honou∣rable Societie exercising Arms in Cripplegate Ground being drawn up together, march'd in a military or∣der to the house of my Lord Maior, where they at∣tended on him, and from thence march'd before him to the three Crane Wharfe, where part of them under the Red Colours embarqued them∣selves in three severall Barges; and another part took water at Stone Staires being under green colours as enemies to the other: and thence wafting to the o∣ther side of the water, there began an encounter be∣tween each party, which continued all the way to Westminster; a third body consisting of Pikes and Musquets march'd to Bainards Castle, and there from the Battlements of the Castle gave Thundring Ecchoes to the vollies of those that pass'd along the streame. Part before and part behind, went the severall Com∣panies waiting on the Lord Maior in severall Barges, with Drums beating, and Trumpets sounding, and varietie of other Musick to take the eare, while the Flaggs and Silver Pendents made a pleasant sight de∣lectable to the beholders.

When the Barges wherein the Souldiers were, came right against White-Hall, they saluted the Lord Protector and his Councell, with severall peales of shott, which the Lord Protecter answered with sig∣nal testimonies of grace and courtesie: and thence pro∣ceeding forward to Westminster-Staires, they gave another volley at the landing of the Lord Maior.

While the Lord Maior was taking his Oath before the Barons of the Exchequer, both parties began a sharp incounter one against the other, which continuing for a short space, the green colours sounded a parley; which being accepted, both parties suddenly became friends. Thus, being united, they attended the Lord Maiors taking Barge againe, and as soon as he was on the Water, they all together gave him another volly, as acknowledging him their present Governour, and the great Guns also gave him a Thundring fare∣well as he pass'd by. Thence, returning to White-Hall againe, the Souldiers saluted the Lord Protector with another volly, which being done, they wafted down to Bainards Castle, the small short Thundring all the way, and being still answered by those upon the Bat∣tlements of the Castle, who stood ready to receive them at their landing, in Triumph. Thus the Lord Maior and Companies, together with the military Souldiers being landed, put an end to the Water so∣lemnitie; than which there hath not been a more gracefull sight upon the Thames ever since the City stood. The Lord Maior being landed, the severall Companies went to their severall stations appointed for them in the streets, and the Lord Maior being now readie to proceed on his way, the Military Band march'd before with Drums beating and Colours fly∣ing, all in a noble and War-like equipage: after them the aged Pensioners of the City, doing a kind of small homage for their maintenance, went bearing the Escucheons of the City, and severall of the Members of that company out of which the Lord Maior was chosen.

After these came severall Gentlemen-Ushers

adorn'd with Gold Chaines; behind them certaine rich Batchelours, wearing gownes furr'd with Foynes and upon them Sattin Hoods; And lastly after them, followed the Worshipfull Company of SKINNERS it self, whereof the Lord Maior is a member. Next these, the City Officers passing on before, rode the Lord Maior with the Sword, Mace, and Cap of Main∣enance before him, being attended by the Recorder, & all the Aldermen in Scarlet Gowns on Horseback. Thus attended, he rode from Bainards Castle into Cheapside, the Companies standing on both sides of the way as farr as the upper end of the Old Jury, ready to receive him. When he was come right against the Old Change, a Pageant seem'd to meet him. On the Pageant stood two Leopards bestrid by two Moors, attird in the habit of their Country; at the foure Cor∣ners sate four Virgins arraid in Cloth of Silver, with their haire disheveld, and Coronets on their Heads. This seem'd to be the embleme of a City pensive and forlorn, for want of a Zealous governor: the Moors and Leopards, like evill customs tyrannizing over the weak Virginitie of undefended Virtue; which made an aged man, who sate at the fore part of the Pageant, mantled in a black garment, with a dejected counte∣nance seem to bewaile the condition of his Native City; but thus he remaind not long: for at the ap∣proach of the Lord Maior, as if now he had espy'd the safety of his Country, he threw off his mourning weeds, and with the following Speech made known the joy he had for the Election of so happy and just a Magistrate.

The Speech spoken over against the Old Change:

AMazement vanish! Joy, instruct my Tongue, T'expresse our wishes, such as the Romans sung To their Patroni, when that Glorious State By free Elections, became fortunate. Though Honours, Marks of Envy are, we see That your Election (Sir) was Envy free: The Peoples Love; not sinister regard, Gave to your Virtue, Sir, its just reward: They knew your Worth, found you a Man most fit For such a Trust, so seated you in it: Son of a Freeman of this Company Whose Virtues you inherit; Oh may we Ne're want like Branches from so good a Tree. Your Prudence, Sir, we Praise, your Active care Both of the City's, and of our welfare. Our hearts go with our wishes, none can be Fill'd with more Joy then is your Company, To see this Day; vouchsafe then to approve The early tender of their Zealous Love.

THe Speech being spoken, the first Pageant past on before the Lord Maior as far as Mercers Chap∣pel; a Gyant being twelve foot in height going before the Pageant for the delight of the people. Over against Soper-Lane End, stood another Pageant also; upon this were plac'd several sorts of Beasts, as Lyons, Ty∣gers, Bears, Leopards, Foxes, Apes, Monkeys, in a great Wildernesse; at the forepart whereof sate Pan with a Pipe in his hand; in the middle was a Ca∣nopie, at the Portal whereof sate Orpheus in an antique

Attire, playing on his Harp, while all the Beasts seem'd to dance at the sound of his melody. Under the Canopie sate four Satyrs playing on Pipes. The Embleme of this Pageant seem'd proper to the Com∣pany out of which the Lord Maior was elected; put∣ting the Spectators in mind how much they ought to esteem of such a Calling, as clad the Judges in their Garments of honour, and Princes in their Robes of Majestie, and makes the wealthy Ladies covet Win∣ter, to appear clad in their sable Furrs. A second signification of this Emblem may be this; That as Orpheus tam'd the wild Beasts by the alluring sound of his melody; so doth a just and an upright Gover∣nour tame and govern the wild affections of men, by good and wholesome Lawes, causing a general Joy and Peace in the place where he commands. Which made Orpheus being well experienced in this truth, to addresse himself to the Lord Maior in these follow∣ing Lines:

The Speech from off the Wil∣dernesse at Soper-Lane-End.

ORder, saith Plato, is the Soul of things, And from that Fountain every good Art springs: Beasts become tame and usefull, Man would be, More fierce then they, did not Authority Awe his unruly Actions, and loose will, Making distinctions 'twixt the Good and Ill. Good Governours like skilfull Surgeons give, Where useful, Corrosives, and also Lenitive

In its due place applies: without which, Man would grow up into a lep'rous Itch. And surround the whole Body: such a cure Is properest for you, my Lord, whose Pure Untainted Life and Reputation will Make Virtue more Esteem'd and cherisht still, The Vicious see their want of Good, and be Reclaim'd to Virtue and to Piety. So, Honoured Sir, may Plenitude of daies, Crown all your Actions with deserved Praise; And so rewarded in our City be Found to Your Fame and honour'd Memory.

THe Speech being ended, the Lord Maior rode forward to his House in Silver-Street, the Mili∣tary Bands still going before him. When he was in his House, they saluted him with two Volleys of shot, and so marching again to their Ground in Cripple-ga••e Church-yard, they lodg'd their Colours; and as they began, so concluded this dayes Triumph.

How noble the Love of these Gentlemen was to his Lordship, was testify'd in this their publick ex∣pression of their Duty toward him. As for my self, I should do ill to take upon me, the going about to give any lustre either to the exactnesse of their mar∣shalling themselves, or to set down the bravery of their Souldier-like Habits; that being a businesse not within the compasse of my performance. And be∣sides this, there were so many more judicious Eye∣witnesses of their Gallantry, that it would be in me altogether superfluous.

Now for a conclusion to the Triumphs of this Day let me not deprive that worthy Architect Mr. Jerman, of a debt so justly due to his ingenuitie, as is the praise which he hath merited by the handsome contrivance, neat curiosities, and rare inventions wherewith he did adorn this Day's Triumph. Though I confesse, that the Courtesie done him is very small, where his own Works would have spoken his praise, should I have been silent in my applause. I may adde this also as a farther Congratulation to that Honourable Person so lately invested in the Di••nity of Maioralty, That he must needs be the most welcome Governour that hath for many years rul'd this City; who comes bringing in his hand the Olive Branch of Peace, restoring to the City those Ancient Customs of Joy and Triumph, which formerly gave it the Title of the most Fortunate, Plentiful, and Flourishing Citie in the World.

FINIS.