[Lord Hardwick's Miscellaneous State Papers, i. 114. Ed. 1788.]
Pleaseth it your Highness to understand the
Declaration of your humblest and faithful servant
John Highfield, concerning the besieging and
loss of your Grace's town of Calais.
First, being appointed by your most honourable
Council [i.e., the Privy Council in London] to repair into
England [on the previous 23rd May, see p. 186]; I came. And
after some intelligence that the French Army drew towards
the English Pale, I was commanded to return with diligence
to my charge at Calais; and I arrived there on New Year's
Day in the morning, the enemy being encamped about
Sandgate.
The said morning, after I had delivered letters to my
Lord Deputy, from your Grace's said Council, the said Lord
Deputy told me how the alarm was made the night before,
and also what he thought meet for me to be done for the
better furniture of those fortresses which were in most
danger, as the Bulwarks of the High Country [Froyton and
Nesle], Guisnes, Newhaven Bridge, and Rysbank: and also
for the defence of the Low Country, because his Lordship
thought their enterprise had tended only to the spoil thereof.
Then I showed that there was a sufficient store of all munitions,
and that I would send to all places as need required;
which was done.
Item. On Sunday following [2nd January, 1558], we perceived
the French ordnance was brought to their camp;
whereby appeared that the enemy meant to batter some
place: and thereupon were two mounts repaired for the
better defence. At the same time, I desired to have some
pioneers appointed to help the cannoneers, who were not
forty in number, for the placing and entrenching of our great
ordnance; which pioneers I could never get.
The same day, the enemy forced our men to forsake the
Bulwarks of the High Country. And then it was moved to
my Lord Deputy that the sea might be let in, as well to
drown the Causeway beyond Newhaven Bridge, as also
other places about the town: wherein was answered, "Not
to be necessary without more appearance of besieging," and
because that "the sea being entered in, should hinder the
pastures of the cattle, and also the brewing of the beer."
The same day, my Lord took order that victuals and other
necessaries should be sent to Newhaven Bridge for six days;
which was done.
Item. On Monday [3rd January] in the morning, my Lord
Deputy, with the rest of the Council there, perceiving that
the enemy intended to approach nearer, were in doubt
whether they might abandon the Low Country: and by
advice, my Lord gave order that the Bailiff of Marke should
appoint the servants and women of the Low Country, with
their superfluous cattle, to draw (if need happened) into the
Flemish Pale; and the said Bailiff with his best men, to
repair to Marke Church, and there to abide further orders.
The same morning before day, the enemy had made their
approaches, and did batter both Newhaven Bridge and the
Rysbank; which were given up before nine o'clock.
The Captain of Newhaven Bridge had word sent him that
if he saw no remedy to avoid the danger, that then he should
retire with his company into the Town.
The Captain of Rysbank did, about the same time,
surrender; because, as he told me since, his pieces were all
dismounted, and the soldiers very loth to tarry at the breach:
wherein I know no more.
But after the enemy was entered, I cause the said
Rysbank to be battered; and when my Lord saw how little
it profited, he commanded to cease.
The same day, the passages being both lost, the enemy
planted their ordnance on the Sand Hill, to batter the north
side of the town; and then I moved my Lord to call in as
many countrymen [English peasantry] as he could, and to
appoint them Captains and their several quarters, for the
relief of those which did most commonly watch and attend
on the walls. Who answered, "He had determined already
so to do." Howbeit the women did more labour [watch]
about the ramparts than the said countrymen; which, for
lack of order in time, did absent themselves in houses and
other secret places.
The same evening, Captain Saligues [or Sellyn] came
into Calais; whereupon the people rejoiced, hoping some succour:
but after that time, it was too late to receive help by land,
because the French horsemen were entered the Low Country.
Item. On Tuesday [4th January] in the morning, the
enemy began their battery to the Town; on which side I had
placed fourteen brass pieces. Howbeit, within short time,
the enemy having so commodious a place, did dismount
certain of our best pieces, and consumed some of the
gunners, which stood very open for lack of mounds and
good fortification. For if the rampart had been finished,
then might divers pieces have been brought from other
places; which were above sixty in number, ready mounted:
but lacking convenient place, and chiefly cannoneers and
pioneers, it was hard to displace the French battery. Which
counter battery could not have been maintained for lack of
powder. For, at the beginning, having in store, 400 barrels;
I found there was spent within five days, 100.
Item. On Wednesday [5th January], the enemy continued
their battery on the town, without great hurt done, because
they could not beat the foot of the wall, for that the contremure
was of a good height, and we reinforced the breach, in the
night, with timber, wool, and other matter sufficiently; and
we looked that the enemy would have attempted the assault
the same evening; whereupon I caused two flankers to be
made ready, and also placed two bombards, by the help of
the soldiers, appointing weapons and fireworks to be in readiness
at the said breach. At which time, my Lord commanded
the soldiers of the garrison to keep their ordinary wards, and
Master Grimston to the breach with the residue of the best
soldiers. And then my Lord exhorted all men to fight, with
other good words as in such cases appertaineth. And my
Lord told me, divers times, that "although there came no
succour; yet he would never yield, nor stand to answer the
loss of such a town."
Item. On Thursday [6th January], began one other battery
to the Castle; which being a high and weak wall without
ramparts, was made [as]saultable the same day. Whereupon,
the Captain of the Castle desired some more help to defend
this breach, or else to know what my Lord thought best in
that behalf. Then, after long debating, my Lord determined
to have the towers overthrown, which one Saulle took upon
him to do; notwithstanding, I said openly that "if the Castle
were abandoned, it should be the loss of the Town."
The same night, my Lord appointed me to be at the breach
of the town with him: and, about eight of the clock, the
enemy waded over the haven, at the low water, with certain
harquebussiers, to view the breaches; and, coming to the
Castle, found no resistance, and so entered. Then the said
Saulle failed to give fire unto the train of powder [see p. 204].
Then my Lord, understanding that the enemy were entered
into the Castle, commanded me to give order for battering
of the Castle; whereupon incontinent there were bent three
cannons and one saker [p. 251] before the gate, to beat the
bridge; which, being in the night, did not greatly annoy.
The same time, Master Marshall [Sir Anthony Aucher,
see p. 176] with divers soldiers, came towards the Castle,
lest the enemy should enter the town also. And after we had
skirmished upon the bridge, seeing no remedy to recover
the Castle, we did burn and break the said bridge: and there
was a trench immediately cast before the Castle, which was
[the] only help at that time.
Within one hour after, upon necessity of things, [my Lord]
determined to send a trumpet with a herald, declaring that
"If the Frenchmen would send one gentleman, then he would
send one other in gage." Whereupon my Lord sent for me,
and commanded that I should go forth of the town for the
same purpose; wherein I desired his Lordship that he would
send some other, and rather throw me over the walls. Then
he spake likewise to one Windebanke, and to Massingberd,
as I remember, which were both to go unto such service.
Then my Lord sent for me again, in Peyton's house; and
being eftsoons commanded by the Council there, I went forth
with a trumpet [trumpeter], and received in a French gentleman:
who, as I heard, was brought to my Lord Deputy's
house, and treated upon some Articles; which were brought,
within one hour, by one Hall, merchant of the staple.
Then Monsieur D'Andelot entered the town with certain
French gentlemen; and the said Hall and I were brought to
Monsieur de Guise, who lay in the sand hills by Rysbank,
and there the said Hall delivered a bill: and we were sent
to Monsieur D'Estrees' tent.
The Friday after [7th January], Monsieur D'Estrees told
me that my Lord Deputy had agreed to render the town with
loss of all the goods, and fifty prisoners to remain.
On Saturday [8th January], he brought me into the town,
willing me to tell him what ordnance, powder, and other
houses did belong unto my office; because he would reserve
the same from spoiling by the French soldiers. And after he
had knowledge that all my living was on that side [i.e., he had
only his Mastership of the Ordnance at Calais], he was content
that I should depart into Flanders.
Notwithstanding, I was driven off till Wednesday, [12th
January]. Then he said, "He would send me away, if I
would promise him to make suit that his son might be returned
in exchange for the Captain of the Castle," who, being
prisoner, desired me also to travail in it, for he would rather
give 3,000 crowns [= £900 then = about £9,000 now], than remain
a prisoner. Whereupon I promised to inquire and
labour in the same matter to the best of my power.
On my said return into the town, I found my wife, which
showed me that, in my absence, she had bestowed my money
and plate to the value of £600 [= about £6,000 now]; which
was found before my coming, saving one bag with 350 crowns
[= £105 = about £1,000 now], which I offered to give unto
Monsieur D'Estrees if he would promise me, on his honour,
to despatch me on horseback to Gravelines [then held by the
Spaniards]. Which he did.
And there I met with Monsieur de Vandeville, to whom
I told, that "I thought the enemy would visit him shortly";
and, among other things, I inquire where Monsieur
D'Estrees' son did lay; who told me, "He was at Bruges."
Then, at my coming to Dunkirk, there were divers Englishmen
willing to serve [i.e., in Philip II.'s army]: whereupon I
spake to the Captain of the town; who advised me to move
it to the Duke of Savoy.
Then I rode to Bruges, beseeching him to consider the
poor men, and how willing they were to serve the King's
Majesty, if they might be employed. Then he answered, that
he "thought my Lord of Pembroke would shortly arrive at
Dunkirk and then he would take order."
Further, the said Duke asked me, "After what sort the
town was lost?"
I answered that "The cause was not only by the weakness
of the Castle, and the lack of men; but also I thought there
was some treason, for, as I heard, there were some escaped
out of the town: and the Frenchmen told me, that they had
intelligence of all our estate within the town."
Then I put the Duke in remembrance of Guisnes; who
told me, that "he would succour the Castle, if it were kept
four or five days."
Then I took leave to depart from him, and when I was
going out of the house, he sent his Captain of his Guard to
commit me to prison, where I have remained nine weeks,
[January-March, 1558], without any matter laid to my charge;
saving he sent to me, within fourteen days after, to declare
in writing, after what sort the town was lost, which I did as
nigh as I could remember.
And at the Duke's next return to Bruges, I sent him a
supplication, desiring that, if any information were made
against me, I might answer it in England, or otherwise at
his pleasure.
[In the Public Record Office, State Papers, Foreign, Mary, is the
following letter in French.
1558
March 14.
Emanuel Philibert, Duke of Savoy to Queen Mary.
St. Omer.
She will have been advertised that, soon after the French had
entered Calais, John Highfield, late Master of the Artillery
there, came to Bruges. From strong suspicion that there had
been an understanding between him and the French, had
caused him to be arrested and detained at Bruges, where he
has been until now.
Lately, while repassing through that town, was importuned
by the prisoner's wife to set him free. Sends her under the
charge of a French gentleman, Francis du Bourch, the
bearer.]
Whereupon he took order to send me hither [i.e., to England]
without paying any part of my charges, which I have promised
to answer.
Most humbly praying your Highness to consider my poor
estate, and willing heart, which I bear, and am most bounden
to your Grace's service: beseeching God to conserve your
Majesty in all felicity.
[Actes and Monumentes, p. 1702, Ed. 1563.]
The worthy works of the LORD's mercy toward His
people be manifold, and cannot be comprehended:
so that who is he living in the earth almost, who
hath not experienced the helping hand of the
LORD, at some time or other upon him?
Amongst many other, what a piece of GOD's tender providence
was shewed, of late, upon our English brethren and
countrymen, what time Calais was taken by the tyrant
Guise (a cruel enemy to GOD's truth, and to our English
nation); and yet by the gracious provision of the LORD,
few, or none at all, of so many that favoured Christ and His
Gospel, miscarried in that terrible Spoil.
In the number of whom, I know a godly couple, one John
Thorpe and his wife, which fear the LORD and loveth His
truth; who being sick the same time, were cast out into the
wild fields, harbourless, desolate, and despairing of all hope
of life; having their young infant moreover taken from them
in the said fields, and carried away by the soldiers. Yet the
LORD so wrought, that the poor woman, being almost past
recovery of life, was fetched and carried, the space of well
nigh a mile, by aliens whom they never knew, into a village,
where she was recovered for that night.
Also the next day, coming towards England, she chanced
into the same inn at the next town, where she found her
young child sitting by the fireside.
[State Papers. Foreign, Mary, Vol. xii. No. 711.]
My most bounden duty humbly premised to your
Majesty. Whereas I have heretofore always in
effect written nothing to your Highness but good,
touching the service and state of your places
here; I am now constrained, with woful heart,
to signify unto your Majesty these ensuing.
The French have won Newhaven Bridge, and thereby
entered into all the Low Country and the marshes between
this [Guisnes] and Calais. They have also won Rysbanke,
whereby they be now master of that haven.
And this last night past, they have placed their ordnance
of battery against Calais, and are encamped at St. Peter's
Heath before it: so that I now am clean cut off from all
relief and aid which I looked to have (both out of England,
and from Calais) and know not how to have help by any
means, either of men or victuals.
There resteth now none other way for the succour of
Calais and the rest of your Highness's pieces on this side,
but a power of men out of England, or from the King's
Majesty [Philip II.]; or from both, without delay, able to
distress and keep them from victuals coming to them, as well
by sea as land; which shall force them to leave their siege
to the battle, or else drive them to a greater danger.
For lack of men out of England, I shall be forced to
abandon the Town [of Guisnes], and take in the soldiers
thereof for the Castle. I have made as good provision of
victuals as I could, by any means, out of the country; with
which, GOD willing! I doubt not to defend and keep this
piece as long as any man, whosoever he be, having no better
provision, and furniture of men and victuals than I have:
wherein your Grace shall well perceive that I will not fail
to do the duty of a faithful subject and Captain, although
the enemy attempt never so stoutly; according to the trust
reposed in me.
I addressed letters presently to the King's Majesty by this
bearer, most humbly desiring aid from him; according to the
effect aforesaid.
I might now very evil[ly] have spared this bringer, my
servant and trusty Officer here, in this time of service.
Howbeit considering the great importance of his message, I
thought him a meet man for the purpose; desiring your
Majesty to credit him fully, and to hear him at large, even as
directly as your Grace would hear me to open my mind in
this complaint of imminent danger.
Thus trusting for relief and comfort forthwith from your
Majesty for the safeguard of Calais, and your other pieces
here; I take my leave most humbly of your Grace.
At your Highness's Castle of Guisnes, most assured English
even to the death, the 4th January, 1557, at seven of the
clock in the morning.
Your Majesty's most humble servant,
And obedient servant,
William Grey.
[Besides living to an extreme age, all through Elizabeth's reign, and
writing very many poems and books: it is clear, from this account,
that Churchyard was one of the heroes of the Mary Bulwark at
Guisnes.]
[A General Rehearsal of Wars, &c. 1579. The title in the headline is Churchyard's Choice.]
Sir William Drury, now [in 1579] Lord Justice
of Ireland, was so inclined to martial affairs, that,
when foreign wars were ended, he sought entertainment
at Guisnes, and those parts; which had
war with the French, for King Phillip's Quarrel.
And he, having charge, and a lusty Band of Horsemen, did
many things that merit good liking.
For at that time, [there] was much ado: a Band [regiment]
of horsemen, very well appointed and full of gentlemen, was
sent from [Sir Thomas Cheney, K.G.] the Lord Warden [of
the Cinque Ports], an honourable and a worthy gentleman,
most full of nobleness; the Lord Cheney's father, now living.
In this band, and belonging to that charge, were sundry of the
Keyes, gentlemen of good service: Master Crippes having
the leading of all that company. There were sent, in like
sort, from the Prince [Sovereign, i.e., Queen Mary]: Master
William Herbert's (of St. Gillian) brother, called Master
George Herbert, with a Band of footmen; and one Captain
Borne, whose Lieutenant I was, at the siege of Guisnes.
These bands, a good season before Calais and Guisnes
were taken, joining with other bands of Calais, did make
divers journeys into Bollinnoyes [the Boullognois, or district
round Boulogne]; and sped very well: Sir William Drury,
at every service, deserved no little praise; and one Captain
Winnibank, an ancient soldier, was oftentimes so forward,
that he was once run through with a lance. Many Gentlemen
in those services did well and worthily: and sundry
times the Lord Warden's Band was to be praised.
And, at length, a voyage was made, by the consent and
whole power of Calais and Guisnes, to fetch a prey from
Boulogne gates; Monsieur Snarpoule [?Senarpont] then
being Governor of Boulogne: but we could not handle the
matter so privily, but the French, by espial, had gotten
word thereof. Notwithstanding, as soldiers commonly
go forward with their device, so we marched secretly all
the whole night to come to our proposed enterprise: with
our footmen, whereof Sir Harry Palmer, a man of great
experience, had the leading. He remained, with the whole
power of [the] footmen, near the Black Neasts, as a stale
[decoy] to annoy the enemy, and succour for such as
were driven in, if any such occasion came. So the Horse
Bands [troops] brake into the country, and pressed near
Boulogne; where there was a great number of gallant
soldiers to receive them: but our horsemen, making small
account of the matter, began to prey [upon] the country, and
drive a booty from the face of the enemy. The French
horsemen, taking their advantage, offered a skirmish, to
detract time, till better opportunity served to give a charge.
This courageous bickering grew so hot, that the French
bands began to show; and our men must abide a shock, or
retire hardily with some foil: whereupon the chiefest of our
horsemen charged those of the French that were nearest
danger; by which attempt, the French stayed a while. But,
upon small pause, they charged our men again, and overthrew
of the "Black Lances" a thirty: carrying away with
them into Boulogne, eighteen gentlemen, prisoners. This
skirmish began at seven o'clock in the morning; and lasted,
in very great service, till a leven [eleven]. From this overthrow,
came divers soldiers, sore wounded, to our Foot bands
[companies]; whose heaviness made the valiant sort pluck up
their hearts, and seek a revenge.
Then, albeit, that Foot Captains and gentlemen seldom
leave their Bands, and venture beyond their charge (a rule to
be much regarded!), yet the stoutest Captains and gentlemen
found means to horse themselves on cart horses and victuallers'
nags: and put certain scarfs, in manner of guidons
[standards] on staves' [spears'] ends; showing those guidons
under a hill in several sorts, sometimes appearing with
twenty men, sometimes with fifty. And, last of all, made
show of all our number, which was not fifty; and so, with a
courageous cry, set upon the enemy (leaving some of these
devised guidons behind on the hill top), and charged them
with such a fury that they left their booty, and stood to their
defence: but, in fine, were forced to retire, for by the little
stay we held the enemy in, our footmen had leisure to march;
the sound of whose drums gave no great courage to the
French. For they thereon, gave back, and left some of their
best soldiers behind them; whom we brought to Guisnes:
driving the prey before us, that was gotten in the morning,
lost in a skirmish, and recovered again at noon. At this
service, were Sir William Drury, Captain Alexander of
Newnham Bridge, Captain Crippes, Captain Keyes, and
three of his brethren, Captain George Herbert, and
sundry others, in like manner, that merit good respect.
Our power met many times together; and did much hurt
in the Boullognois. We besieged Fines Castle, and wan it:
and Blossling Church, and overthrew it; and killed all the
men that we found therein, because Sir Harry Palmer was
there hurt through the arm, with a shot. [A very sorry reason!]
A long season, our fortune was good; till, at length, by
some oversight or mishap (Let the blame fall where it ought!)
we lost Calais and Guisnes.
But a little, I pray you! give me leave to touch truly the
Siege of Guisnes: not because I had some charge there; but
because sundry reports hath been raised thereof, by those
that never thoroughly knew or understood the matter.
The very truth is, after Calais was won, and that all hope
was taken from us of any succour out of England, our
General, the honourable Lord Grey [of Wilton], that is dead
[he died in 1562], and Master Lewis Dive [p. 211], his Lieutenant,
Sir Harry Palmer, and all the Captains of Guisnes,
determined to abide the worst that Fortune or the French
could do.
And the day [13th of January, 1558] of the first approach
the enemy made, we offered a hot and stout skirmish; but
being driven in by an over great power, though our whole
people were 1,300 men, and kept the Town awhile. But
considering the Castle to be strongest, and doubting [fearing]
that by a Cambozade or sudden assault, the town might be
won, for it was but weak; we retired our whole power into
the Castle: and so manned the base Court, the Braies, and
Bulwarks, the Keep, the Catte, the Heart of the Castle, and
all that was necessary, with double men.
At the present siege, there came out of Flanders, fifty
valiant Spaniards; and a band of Burgundians, Monsieur
Dieffkie, being their Captain. Monsieur Mount Dragon
was leader of the Spaniards: who were placed in the Braies;
where Captain Lambert had some shot [harquebussiers] to
succour them.
The Burgundians were placed in Mary Bulwark; with
Captain Borne's Band, whose Lieutenant I was. Against
this Bulwark, which was thought impregnable, the [Frenchmen's]
great battery was planted: albeit, three or four days
[15th-18th January, see pp. 180-81] were spent (we held the
enemy such play), before the battery was planted.
One day, we issued [forth], and set upon Monsieur [i.e., the
Duke] De Guise, as he was in a place called Mill Field,
viewing the ground; and had taken him, had he not left his
cloak behind him: of the which white cloak, one of our
Gentlemen had hold of. And though he was succoured, we
brought away some of his company: and retired with little
loss or none at all. [Sir Arthur], the Lord Grey that now
is [1579], was at the hard escape of Monsieur De Guise.
We set upon a great troop of horsemen, not long before
this, that came from the spoil of Calais; and took numbers
of them. I had, for my part, a couple of fair horses and a
prisoner. At both these services, were old Captain Andrea,
Captain John Savage, and a sufficient number of lusty soldiers.
We made divers sallies, but that prevailed not. For the
battery went off, and many other great cannons did beat at
the high towers; the stones whereof did marvellously annoy
us: and the shot was so great; and the enemy had gotten
such great advantage of ground, that we could not walk, nor
go safely any way within the Castle. For our General and
Sir Harry Palmer sitting on a form, devising for our commodity,
were in such danger, that a cannon shot took
away the form, and brake Sir Harry Palmer's leg; of which
hurt, he died in Paris after. And a great shot took off
Master Wake's head, as he was sleeping under a great tree.
So sundry, that thought themselves safe, were so dribbed at
with cannon shot, that they never knew who did hurt them.
Well, the time drew on, after the breach was made, we
must defend the assault that was given to Mary Bulwark;
which stood out[side] of the Castle, and far from succour of
any: because the gate was rammed up; and we could not
pass into the Castle but by the way, first, along the Braies,
and then, between two gates. Which way, the enemy had
espied: and placed many great shot, full upon that passage.
Now [i.e., 18th January, 1558] Monsieur Diffkie, Captain
Borne, Captain Oswold Lambert [with their companies], and
the fifty Spaniards, [to the number in all of about 450 men] were
forced to abide the assault; which began at eleven o'clock,
and lasted till night. Mount Dragon came into Mary Bulwark,
and three gentlemen more; and stood stoutly to our
defence: two of whom were slain. My Captain's head was
smitten off with a cannon's shot: and unto our Band were left
no more but one Master Holford and I, to guide the whole
company. And Captain Diffkie was wounded to the death,
whose Band fought manfully in the revenge of their Captain.
The old Captain Andrea, covetous of fame, was desirous
to have our fellowship: but he had no Band [company] nor
people to do us pleasure. Captain Lambert was crossed
[struck] with a great shot; and mine armour, with the breaking
of a great piece, was stricken flat upon my body; but [it]
being unbraced, I might continue the service. Which
service, in mine opinion, was so terribly handled by the
French (Monsieur D'Andelot being the leader of the
assault), that both Englishman, Burgundian, and Spaniard,
at that Bulwark, had enough to do to keep the enemy out:
and, as I believe, at this assault, we lost 150 good soldiers.
But the night coming on, the French surceased their fury,
and yet kept themselves closely, under the top of the breach,
where our shot nor flankers could do them no harm: for all
our great ordnance was dismounted, long before the enemy
made any approach for the giving of an assault.
The next day [the 19th of January], within three half hours,
the battery had beaten the breach so bare (it moulded away,
like a hillock of sand) that we [reduced now to about 300 men]
were forced to fight on our knees. Having been kept waking
all the night before, with false allarummes [alarms]; our men
began to faint, and wax weary of working at the breach: but
we defended Mary Bulwark so well all that dangerous day,
that the French lost 1,000 soldiers, by their own confession, at
the same service; and yet the assault endured to the very
dark night, with as much cruelty as could be devised. And
always when the enemy's first men did wax feeble with
labour; there was a second and new relief of fresh bands to
continue the assault: so that, as long as the daylight served,
it seemed by the fight, a bloody broil hath no end, nor season
to take breath in; which certainly would have daunted any
heart living.
The next night, was so plied with politic practices, that we
had scarcely leisure to take any rest or sustentation. And,
indeed, with overwatching, some of our men fell asleep "in the
middle of the tale" and time of greatest necessity to debate
and argue of those things that pertained to life and liberty,
and to avoid utter servitude and shame [i.e., they slept in the
course of the fight].
And now we, that were without the Castle, might hear
great business and stir throughout the whole body and heart
of the piece [fortress].
For, the next morning [20th of January, 1558], which was
the third day we were assaulted, our General looked for a
general assault, and to be roundly assailed: as, of troth, he
was. In the meanwhile, we might speak one to another afar
off, and our friends answered us over the wall; for nearer
together, we might not come: and for succour or aid to our
soldiers in Mary Bulwark, we hoped not after. Every man
was occupied with his own business and charge; that no one
person might be spared from his place.
Well, as GOD would permit, the poor Spaniards [in the
Braie] and such Burgundians as were left alive in Mary
Bulwark, fell to make a counterscarf, to beat out the enemy
from the Braie, when the Bulwark should be won: as it was
likely to be lost, the breach was so bare, and the entry for
the enemy was so large; for, in a manner, they might assault
our Bulwark round about, on all sides. And they did lodge
at the very edge of the breach, to the number of 2,000, of their
bravest Bands: minding to assail us, as soon as the day
began to peep out of the skies.
Which they performed, when the third day approached.
For a general assault was given to every place of the Castle:
which assault endured till the very night came on. The
French, in this assault, wan the Base Court; and were
ready to set fire under the gate, and blow it up with powder.
Monsieur D'Andelot, in his own person, with 2,000
soldiers, entered the Mary Bulwark; who slew the Spaniards
in the Braie: and forced, as many Burgundians and English
as were left alive, which were but 15 (Captain Andrea,
Captain Lambert, and MYSELF; with twelve common soldiers)
out of 400, to leap down into the dykes, and so to scramble
for their lives; and creep into a hole of a brick wall that my
Lord Grey had broken out to receive such as escaped from
the assault. But when we had entered the hole in the wall,
the French followed at our heels; and we, to save our lives,
turned again, bending pikes against the passage, and so shot
off one hargaboze [harquibus]: by which means, the enemy
followed no further.
And yet we were in as great distress as before. For we
were between two gates: and at the gate we should have
entered, were two great cannon, ready charged to be shot
off, to drive them back that would have set fire on the gate.
And the cry and noise was so great and terrible, on all sides,
that we could not be heard to speak. But, as GOD would,
Master Lewis Dive [p. 207] (now, a man of worship in Bedfordshire)
heard my voice. Then I plied the matter so sore,
for life: so that, with much ado, Master Dive received us
into the heart of the Castle. And yet, in the opening of the
gate, the French were like to enter pelley melley [pell mell]
with us, if a cannon shot had not made place, whiles the gate
was a shutting.
But now, we were no sooner come before my Lord Grey:
but all the soldiers cried, "Yield up the Castle, upon some
reasonable composition!" And when the soldiers saw they
could not have the Castle yielded; they threatened "to fling
my Lord Grey over the walls": and that was determined;
if my Lord had not prevented [forestalled] them with a policy.
Whereupon the Captains were called together; and there,
they agreed to send me to Monsieur De Guise, with an
offer, that "If we might all march, with bag and baggage,
ensign displayed, and six pieces of ordnance: we would yield
the Castle into the hands of the French."
Now it was night, and I must be let out at Master Harry
Norwitch his Bulwark; but neither Drum nor Trumpet
went with me: because a Trumpeter was slain as he sounded
to have a parley; and, as I heard say, a Drum[mer] that
would have followed me, was shot in the leg. But there was
no remedy. I must wade over the water, in which there lay
certain galthroppes, as they term them, which were great
boards, full of long spikes of iron; on the which, having good
boots and a stay in my hand, I was taught daintily to tread:
and the night was so dark, that the enemy might not take any
good mark of me, albeit they shot divers times.
So, with some hazard, and no great hope to attain that I was
sent for, I was taken by the watch; and brought to Monsieur
De Guise's tent, where the Duke D'Aumale and many great
Estates were in presence.
My message being said, with due reverence made: the
Duke told me, that "all our ordnance was dismounted, and
that thereby our malice was cut off; and we could not do
his camp any annoyance. Wherefore," said he, "this was a
stout brag, to seek a capitulation with such advantage upon."
I replied to his Excellency, and told, "We had flankers
[guns with a cross fire] and other great pieces, which would
not be discovered till the next assault:" declaring likewise,
"Our soldiers had sworn rather to die in their [own] defence,
than not to march away, like men of war."
The noblemen, on this mine answer, bade me "Return!
and with the rest of the Castle, to do the worst they could!"
So I departed, and the Duke of Guise beholding, as he
thought, we were resolved to see the uttermost of fortune;
called me back again: and fell to questions and arguments
with me, such as I liked not [i.e., he tried to bribe Churchyard
in some way]; but other answer did I not make, than
you have heard before. Wherewith, he called for some meat;
and made me to sit down.
After I had a little refreshed myself, I demanded to know
his pleasure.
Who straightways told me, "There was no help to be had;
but to become all captives and prisoners to the French King."
"Not so, Sir," I answered; "and that should the next
assault make trial of."
Then, he went to talk with the Noblemen; and there, they
concluded, "That the soldiers should march away with bag
and baggage: and the Captains and Officers should remain
prisoners:" which I knew would not be liked: and so
desired to be sent to my Lord Grey.
But when I came into the Castle, and the soldiers had
gotten word that they might march away at their will: they
came to me, and threatened me with great words, commanding
me, "To make despatch, and yield up the fort!" For
they said, "Since the matter is in talk, and likely to be
brought to a good purpose; they would cut my throat, if I
made not, hastily, an end of the case." And thereupon had
they made a great hole in a wall; and so they thrust me out
among the Almains, who rudely handled me.
But my Lord Grey, at my departure, bade me tell the
Duke, that the Almains were about to break into the Castle,
and to set the gate afire: and my Lord said, "He would
shoot off his great ordnance among them; if the Law of
Arms were not better observed!"
But, in the meantime, at another place was entered Monsieur
De Tre [D'Estrees] Master of the [French] Ordnance;
and [Sir Arthur] the Lord Grey that now is, was sent to
the Camp, for the pawn [security] of Monsieur D'Estrees.
But I was come to Monsieur De Guise before those
things were finished: and had told him my message. And
he, like a noble Prince and faithful Captain, rode to the gate
(causing me to mount behind Master Harry Dudley);
where the Almains were busily occupied about some naughty
practice: and, with a great truncheon, he stroke divers of
the Almains and others, to make them retire; and laying a
load [i.e., of blows] about him, he made such way, that the
gate was free, and the capitulation was, at leisure, talked of.
But I was not suffered to enter any more into the Castle;
and so stayed as a prisoner.
Notwithstanding, look what promise Monsieur De Guise
made, it was so well kept and observed that our soldiers
marched away, with all their wealth, money, and weapons.
And great wealth was borne by them from Guisnes: insomuch
that divers poor soldiers were made thereby, for all
[the] days of their life after. And this is to be noted. There
was great honour in the Duke of Guise. For the Bands
[originally 1,300 p. 207; but now about 500, having lost 800, see
below] that parted [departed] (either sick or sound, hurt or
whole) were honestly conveyed, and truly dealt withal; even
as long as they were in any danger, albeit they had great
sums of money and treasure with them: and the General
with his Captains and Officers were courteously used, so long
as they were in the Duke of Guise his camp.
And, to say the truth, I think our peace was not so
dishonourable, as some report. For
Succour, had we no hope of.
The next assault had overthrown us.
The whole members [i.e., the external fortifications] of the
Castle were cut off from us.
There remained but the bare body of the Castle in our
custody.
The enemy's cannons did beat us from the breach on
the inside.
The Castle was subject to every shot; both from the
Keep, the Catte, and the Mary Bulwark.
The French possessed all the special places of our
strength and comfort.
The best and chiefest of our soldiers were slain, or lay
maimed in most miserable state.
And we had lost 800 men in these assaults and services;
which did their duty so well, that the enemy confessed
that they had lost 4,000, before we could be
brought to any parley or composition.
But some of our Officers [? Is our Author here alluding to
Captain Lord Dudley at Hammes, p. 183], by craft and cunning,
escaped homewards out of the Frenchmen's hands; came to
Court, and made up their Bands [companies] again; to the
great reproach of those that meant no such matters. So, by
that subtilty and shift, they that escaped got a pay or some
reward of the Prince: and those that abode out the brunt
and hazard of the bloody broil, were left in prison.
And the world thought, by seeing so many come home, we
had lost but a few at the siege of Guisnes; which is otherwise
to be proved and affirmed for a truth; when true trial
[inquiry] shall be made.
Calais was lost before, I cannot declare how. But well
I wot, Sir Anthony Ager, a stout gentleman, and a valiant
Knight, there lost his life: and one Captain Saule was terribly
burnt with powder, in making a train to destroy the enemy
[p. 199].
[The Ecclesiastical History ii. 2296, Ed. 1570].
Now then after these so great afflictions falling upon
this realm from the first beginning of Queen Mary's
reign, wherein so many men, women, and children
were burned; many imprisoned, and in prisons
starved, divers exiled, some spoiled of goods and
possessions, a great number driven from house and home, so
many weeping eyes, so many sobbing hearts, so many children
made fatherless, so many fathers bereft of their wives and
children, so many vexed in conscience, and divers against
conscience constrained to recant, and, in conclusion, never a
good man in all the realm but suffered something during all
the time of this bloody persecution. After all this, I say,
now we are come at length, the LORD be praised! to the
17th day of November, which day, as it brought to the persecuted
members of Christ rest from their careful mourning,
so it easeth me somewhat likewise of my laborious writing;
by the death, I mean, of Queen Mary. Who, being long
sick before, upon the said 17th day of November, 1558, about
three or four a clock in the morning, yielded her life to nature,
and her kingdom to Queen Elizabeth, her sister.
As touching the manner of whose death, some say that she
died of a tympany [dropsy]; some, by her much sighing
before her death, supposed she died of thought and sorrow.
Whereupon her Council seeing her sighing, and desirous to
know the cause, to the end they might minister the more
ready consolation unto her, feared, as they said, that "She
took that thought for the King's Majesty her husband, which
was gone from her."
To whom she answering again, "Indeed," said she, "that
may be one cause; but that is not the greatest wound that
pierceth my oppressed mind!" but what that was, she would
not express to them.
Albeit, afterwards, she opened the matter more plainly to
Master Ryse and Mistress Clarentius [p. 140] (if it be true
that they told me, which heard it of Master Ryse himself);
who (then being most familiar with her, and most bold about
her) told her that "They feared she took thought for King
Philip's departing from her."
"Not that only," said she, "but when I am dead and
opened; you shall find Calais lying in my heart," &c.
And here an end of Queen Mary and her persecution. Of
which Queen, this truly, may be affirmed, and left in story
for a perpetual Memorial or Epitaph, for all Kings and Queens
that shall succeed her, to be noted, that before her, never was
read in story of any King or Queen in England, since
the time of King Lucius, under whom, in time of peace,
by hanging, heading, burning, and prisoning, so much
Christian blood, so many Englishmen's lives were spilled
within this realm, as under the said Queen Mary, for
the space of four years, was to be seen; and I beseech
the LORD may never be seen hereafter.
[Compare this with the similar Procession of her Mother in Volume II.
p. 46; and of her sister Mary at p. 84 of this Volume.
Here we see the Londoners in a kind of delirium of joy. The horrid
nightmare of the burnings, of national loss and dishonour at Calais, &c.,
had passed away. Men could now breathe freely, and look forward to
better times.]
Vpon Saturday, which was the 14th day of
January, in the year of our Lord God,
1558 [i.e., 1559], about two of the clock, at
after noon, the most noble and Christian
Princess, our most dread Sovereign Lady,
Elizabeth, by the grace of GOD, Queen
of England, France, and Ireland, Defender
of the Faith, &c., marched from the Tower,
to pass through the City of London, towards Westminster:
richly furnished, and most honourably accompanied, as well
with Gentlemen, Barons, and other the Nobility of this realm,
as also with a noble train of goodly and beautiful Ladies,
richly appointed.
And entering the City, was of the people received marvellous
entirely, as appeared by the assembly's prayers, wishes,
welcomings, cries, tender words, and all other signs: which
argue a wonderful earnest love of most obedient subjects
towards their Sovereign. And, on the other side, Her Grace,
by holding up her hands, and merry countenance to such as
stood afar off, and most tender and gentle language to those
that stood nigh to Her Grace, did declare herself no less
thankfully to receive her people's good will, than they lovingly
offered it unto her.
To all that "wished Her Grace well!" she gave "Hearty
thanks!" and to such as bade "GOD save Her Grace!" she
said again, "GOD save them all!" and thanked with all
her heart. So that, on either side, there was nothing but
gladness! nothing but prayer! nothing but comfort!
The Queen's Majesty rejoiced marvellously to see that so
exceedingly shewed towards Her Grace, which all good Princes
have ever desired; I mean, so earnest Love of Subjects, so
evidently declared even to Her Grace's own person, being
carried in the midst of them. The people, again, were wonderfully
ravished with the loving answers and gestures of
their Princess; like to the which, they had before tried, at her
first coming to the town, from Hatfield. This Her Grace's
loving behaviour preconceived in the people's heads, upon
these considerations, was then thoroughly confirmed; and
indeed implanted a wonderful hope in them touching her
worthy government in the rest of her reign.
For in all her Passage, she did not only shew her most
gracious love towards the people in general; but also
privately, if the baser personages had either offered Her
Grace any flowers or such like, as a signification of their
good will; or moved to her any suit, she most gently (to the
common rejoicings of all lookers on, and private comfort of
the party) stayed her chariot, and heard their requests. So
that, if a man should say well, he could not better term the
City of London that time, than a Stage wherein was shewed
the wonderful Spectacle of a noble hearted Princess towards
her most loving people; and the people's exceeding comfort
in beholding so worthy a Sovereign, and hearing so prince-like
a voice; which could not but have set the enemy on fire,
(since the virtue is in the enemy always commended) much
more could not but inflame her natural, obedient, and most
loving people; whose weal leaneth only upon her Grace, and
her government.
Thus, therefore, the Queen's Majesty passed from the
Tower [see as to her former dismal visit in March, 1554, at p. 123],
till she came to Fanchurch [Fenchurch]: the people on each
side, joyously beholding the view of so gracious a Lady, their
Queen; and Her Grace no less gladly noting, and observing
the same.
Near unto Fanchurch, was erected a scaffold richly furnished;
whereon stood a noise of instruments; and a child,
in costly apparel, which was appointed to welcome the Queen's
Majesty, in the whole City's behalf.
Against which place, when Her Grace came, of her own
will she commanded the chariot to be stayed; and that the
noise might be appeased, till the child had uttered his welcoming
Oration, which he spake in English metre, as here
followeth.
O peerless Sovereign Queen! Behold, what this thy town
Hath thee presented with, at thy First Entrance here!
Behold, with how rich hope, she leadeth thee to thy Crown!
Behold, with what two gifts, she comforteth thy cheer!
The First is Blessing Tongues! which many a "Welcome!" say.
Which pray, thou may'st do well! which praise thee to the sky!
Which wish to thee long life! which bless this happy day!
Which to thy Kingdom "Heapes!" [Hips!], all that in tongues can lie.
The Second is True Hearts! which love thee from their root!
Whose Suit is Triumph now, and ruleth all the game,
Which Faithfulness has won, and all untruth driven out;
Which skip for joy, when as they hear thy happy name!
Welcome, therefore, O Queen! as much as heart can think.
Welcome again, O Queen! as much as tongue can tell,
Welcome to joyous Tongues, and Hearts that will not shrink!
"GOD, thee preserve!" we pray; and wish thee ever well!
At which words of the last line, the people gave a great
shout; wishing, with one assent, as the child had said.
And the Queen's Majesty thanked most heartily, both the
City for this her gentle receiving at the first, and also the
people for confirming the same.
Here was noted in the Queen's Majesty's countenance,
during the time that the child spake, besides a perpetual attentiveness
in her face, a marvellous change in look, as the
child's words touched either her person, or the people's
Tongues and Hearts: so that she, with rejoicing visage, did
evidently declare that the words took no less place in her
mind, than they were most heartily pronounced by the child,
as from all the hearts of her most hearty citizens.
The same Verses were fastened up in a table [painted board.
Table is the Elizabethan word for picture] upon the scaffold;
and the Latin thereof likewise, in Latin verses, in another
table, as hereafter ensueth.
Urbs tua quæ ingressu dederit tibi munera primo,
O Regina! parem non habitura, vide!
Ad diadema tuum, te spe quam divite mittat,
Quæ duo letitiœ det tibi dona, vide!
Munus habes Primum, Linguas bona multa Precantes,
Quæ te quum laudant, tum pia vota sonant,
Fœlicemque diem hunc dicunt, tibi secula longa
Optant, et quicquid denique lingua potest.
Altera dona feres, vera, et tui Amantia Corda,
Quorum gens ludum jam regit una tuum:
In quibus est infracta fides, falsumque perosa,
Quæque tuo audito nomine læta salit.
Grata venis igitur, quantum Cor concipit ullum!
Quantum Lingua potest dicere, grata venis!
Cordibus infractis, Linguisque per omnia lætis
Grata venis! salvam te velit esse DEUS!
Now when the child had pronounced his oration, and the
Queen's Highness so thankfully received it; she marched
forward towards Gracious [Gracechurch] Street, where, at the
upper end, before the sign of the Eagle, the city had erected
a gorgeous and sumptuous Ark, as here followeth.
A Stage was made which extended from one side of the
street to the other, richly vawted [vaulted] with battlements,
containing three ports [gates]; and over the middlemost was
advanced three several stages, in degrees [tiers]. Upon the
lowest stage, was made one seat royal; wherein were placed
two personages representing King Henry VII., and Elizabeth
his wife, daughter of King Edward IV. Both of these
two Princes sitting under one Cloth of Estate, in their seats;
no otherwise divided, but that th[e] one of them, which was
King Henry VII., proceeding out of the House of Lancaster,
was enclosed in a red rose; and the other, which was Queen
Elizabeth, being heir to the House of York, enclosed with
a white rose: each of them royally crowned and decently apparelled,
as pertaineth to Princes, with sceptres in their hands,
and one vawt [vault] surmounting their heads, wherein aptly
were placed two tables, each containing the title, of those two
Princes. And these personages were so set, that the one of
them joined hands with the other, with the ring of matrimony
perceived on the finger.
Out of the which two roses sprang two branches gathered
into one: which were directed upward to the second stage or
degree; wherein was placed one representing the valiant and
noble Prince, Henry VIII., who sprang out of the former
stock, crowned with a crown imperial. And by him sate
one representing the right worthy Lady, Queen Anne; wife
to the said Henry VIII., and mother to our most sovereign
Lady, Queen Elizabeth that now is. Both apparelled with
sceptres and diadems, and other furniture due to the estate of
a King and Queen: and two tables surmounting their heads,
wherein were written their names and titles.
From their seat also, proceeded upwards one branch directed
to the third and uppermost stage or degree, wherein likewise
was planted a seat royal; in the which was set one representing
the Queen's most excellent Majesty, Elizabeth, now
our most dread Sovereign Lady, crowned and apparelled as
the other Princes were.
Out of the forepart of this pageant was made a standing
for a child, which, at the Queen's Majesty's coming, declared
unto her the whole meaning of the said pageant.
The two sides of the same were filled with loud noises of music.
And all empty places thereof, were furnished with sentences
concerning Unity. And the whole pageant was garnished
with red and white roses; and in the forefront of the same
pageant, in a fair wreath, was written the name and title of
the same, which was
THE UNITING OF THE TWO
HOUSES OF YORK AND LANCASTER.
This pageant was grounded upon the Queen Majesty's name.
For like as the long war between the two Houses of York
and Lancaster then ended, when Elizabeth, daughter of
Edward IV., matched in marriage with Henry VII., heir
to the House of Lancaster; so since that the Queen's
Majesty's name was Elizabeth, and forasmuch as she is the
only heir of Henry VIII., which came of both Houses as the
knitting up of concord: it was devised that like as Elizabeth
was the first occasion of concord; so She, another
Elizabeth, might maintain the same among her subjects.
So that Unity was the end, whereat the whole device shot; as
the Queen's Majesty's name moved the first ground.
This pageant now against the Queen's Majesty's coming,
was addressed [set forth] with children representing the forenamed
personages; with all furniture due unto the setting
forth of such a well-meant matter, as the argument declared,
costly and sumptuously set forth, as the beholders can witness.
Now, the Queen's Majesty drew near unto the said pageant,
and forasmuch as the noise was great, by reason of the press
of people, so that she could scarce hear the child which did
interpret the said pageant; and her chariot was passed so
far forward that she could not well view the personages representing
the Kings and Queens above named; she required
to have the matter opened unto her, and what they signified,
with the End of Unity, and Ground of her Name, according as
is before expressed.
For the sight whereof, Her Grace caused her chariot to
be removed back; and yet hardly could she see, because the
children were set somewhat with the farthest in.
But after that Her Grace understood the meaning thereof,
she thanked the City, praised the fairness of the work, and
promised that "She would do her whole endeavour for the
continual preservation of concord!" as the pageant did import.
The child appointed in the standing above named, to open
the meaning of the said pageant, spake these words unto Her
Grace.
The two Princes that sit under one Cloth of State:
The Man in the red rose; the Woman in the white:
Henry the Seventh, and Queen Elizabeth his mate,
By ring of marriage, as man and wife unite.
Both heirs to both their bloods: to Lancaster, the King,
The Queen, to York; in one the two Houses do knit.
Of whom, as Heir to both, Henry the Eighth did spring,
In whose seat, his true Heir, thou, Queen Elizabeth! dost sit!
Therefore as civil war and shed of blood did cease;
When these two Houses were united into one:
So now, that jar shall stint and quietness increase,
We trust, O noble Queen! thou wilt be cause alone!
The which also were written in Latin verses. And both
drawn in two tables upon the forefront of the said pageant,
as hereafter followeth.
Hii quos jungit idem solium, quos annulus idem:
Hæc albente nitens, ille rubente rosa:
Septimus Henricus rex, regina Elizabetha,
Scilicet Hæredes gentis uterque suæ.
Hæc Eboracensis, Lancastrius ille dederunt
Connubio e geminis quo foret una domus.
Excipit hos hæres Henricus copula regum
Octavus, magni regis imago potens.
Regibus hinc succedis avis regique parenti
Patris justa Hæres Elizabetha tui.
¶ Sentences placed therein, concerning
Unity.
Nullæ concordes animos vires domant.
Qui juncti terrent, dejuncti timent.
Discordes animi solvunt, concordes ligant.
Augentur parva pace, magna bello cadunt.
Conjunctæ manus fortius tollunt onus.
Regno pro mœnibus æneis civium concordia.
Qui diu pugnant, diutius lugent.
Dissidentes principes, subditorum lues.
Princeps ad pacem natus, non ad arma datur.
Filia concordiæ copia, neptis quies.
Dissentiens respublica hostibus patet.
Qui idem tenent, diutius tenent.
Regnum divisum facile dissolvitur.
Civitas concors armis frustra tentatur.
Omnium gentium consensus firmat fidem.
&c.
These Verses and other pretty Sentences were drawn in
void places of this pageant, all tending to one end, that quietness
might be maintained and all dissention displaced: and
that by the Queen's Majesty, Heir to Agreement, and agreeing
in name with her which tofore had joined those Houses,
which had been the occasion of much debate and Civil War
with this realm (as may appear to such as well search
Chronicles; but be not to be touched in this Treatise, only
declaring Her Grace's Passage through the City, and what
provision the City made therefore).
And ere the Queen's Majesty came within hearing of this
pageant, as also at all the other pageants; she sent certain to
require the people to be silent, for Her Majesty was disposed
to hear all that should be said unto her.
When the Queen's Majesty had heard the child's oration
and understood the meaning of the pageant at large; she
marched forward towards Cornhill, always received with like
rejoicing of the people.
And there, as Her Grace passed by the Conduit, which was
curiously trimmed against that time, adorned with rich
banners, and a noise of loud instruments upon the top thereof:
she espied the second pageant. And because she feared, for
the people's noise, that she should not hear the child which
did expound the same, she inquired what that pageant was,
ere that she came to it. And there understood, that there
was a child representing Her Majesty's person, placed in a
Seat of Government, supported by certain Virtues which suppressed
their contrary Vices under their feet: and so forth,
as, in the description of the said pageant, shall hereafter
appear.
This pageant, standing in the nether end of Cornhill, was
extended from one side of the street to the other; and, in the
same pageant was devised three gates, all open: and over the
middle part thereof was erected one Chair or Seat royal, with
Cloth of Estate to the same appertaining, wherein was placed
a child representing the Queen's Highness, with consideration
had for place convenient for a table, which contained her
name and title.
And in a comely wreath, artificially and well devised, with
perfect sight and understanding to the people, in the front of
the same pageant, was written the name and title thereof
which is
THE SEAT OF WORTHY GOVERNANCE.
Which Seat was made in such artificial manner, as to the
appearance of the lookers on, the forepart seemed to have no
stay; and therefore, of force, was stayed by lively [living]
personages. Which personages were in number four, standing
and staying the forefront of the same Seat royal, each
having his face to the Queen and the people; whereof every
one had a table to express their effects. Which are Virtues,
namely, Pure Religion, Love of Subjects, Wisdom, and
Justice; which did tread their contrary Vices under their
feet: that is to wit, Pure Religion did tread upon Ignorance
and Superstition, Love of Subjects did tread upon
Rebellion and Insolency, Wisdom did tread upon Folly
and Vainglory, Justice did tread upon Adulation and
Bribery. Each of these personages, according to their
proper names and properties, had not only their names in
plain and perfect writing set upon their breasts, easily to be
read of all: but also every of them was aptly and properly
apparelled; so that his apparel and name did agree to
express the same person, that in title he represented. This
part of the pageant was thus appointed and furnished.
The two sides over the two side ports had in them placed
a noise of instruments [i.e., a band of players]; which, immediately
after the child's speech, gave a heavenly melody.
Upon the top or uppermost part of the said pageant stood
the Arms of England, royally portraitured; with the proper
beasts to uphold the same. One representing the Queen's
Highness sat in this Seat, crowned with an imperial crown:
and before her seat was a convenient place appointed for one
child, which did interpret and apply the said pageant as
hereafter shall be declared.
Every void place was furnished with proper Sentences
commending the Seat supported by the Virtues; and defacing
the Vices, to the utter extirpation of rebellion, and to everlasting
continuance of quietness and peace.
The Queen's Majesty approaching nigh unto this pageant,
thus beautified and furnished in all points, caused her
chariot to be drawn nigh thereunto, that Her Grace might
hear the child's oration, which was this:
While that Religion True shall Ignorance suppress,
And with her weighty foot, break Superstition's head;
While Love of Subjects shall Rebellion distress,
And with Zeal to the Prince, Insolency down tread;
While Justice can Flattering tongues and Bribery deface;
While Folly and Vainglory, to Wisdom yield their hands:
So long, shall Government not swerve from her right race,
But Wrong decayeth still, and Righteousness upstands.
Now all thy subjects' hearts, O Prince of peerless fame!
Do trust these virtues shall maintain up thy throne!
And Vice be kept down still, the wicked put to shame;
That good with good may joy, and naught with naught may moan!
Which Verses were painted upon the right side of the
same pageant; and in Latin thereof, on the left side, in
another table, which were these.
Quæ subnixa alte solio regina superbo est,
Effigiem sanctæ Principis alma refert,
Quam Civilis Amor fulcit, Sapientia firmat,
Justicia illustrat, Religioque beat
Vana Superstitio et crassæ Ignorantia frontis
Pressæ sub Pura Religione jacent.
Regis Amor domat Effrænos, animosque rebelles
Justus Adulantes, Donivorosque terit.
Cum regit Imperium sapiens, sine luce sedebunt
Stultitia, atque hujus numen inanis honor.
Beside these Verses, there were placed in every void room
of the pageant, both in English and Latin, such Sentences
as advanced the Seat of Governance up-holden by Virtue.
The ground of this pageant was that, like as by Virtues
(which do abundantly appear in Her Grace), the Queen's
Majesty was established in the Seat of Government; so she
should sit fast in the same, so long as she embraced Virtue,
and held Vice under foot. For if Vice once got up the head,
it would put the Seat of Government in peril of falling.
The Queen's Majesty, when she had heard the child, and
understood the pageant at full, gave the City also thanks
there; and most graciously promised her good endeavour for
the maintenance of the said virtues, and suppression of vices.
And so marched on, till she came against the Great
Conduit in Cheap; which was beautified with pictures and
sentences accordingly, against Her Grace's coming thither.
Against Soper Lane's end was extended from the one side
of the street to the other, a pageant which had three gates,
all open.
Over the middlemost whereof, were erected three several
stages, whereon sat eight children, as hereafter followeth.
On the uppermost, one child; on the middle, three; on the
lowest, four; each having the proper name of the Blessing
that he did represent, written in a table, and placed above
his head.
In the forefront of this pageant, before the children which
did represent the Blessings, was a convenient standing cast
out for a child to stand, which did expound the said pageant
unto the Queen's Majesty; as was done in the other before.
Every of these children were appointed and apparelled
according to the Blessing, which he did represent.
And on the forepart of the said pageant was written, in fair
letters, the name of the said pageant, in this manner following.
THE EIGHT BEATITUDES, EXPRESSED
IN THE FIFTH CHAPTER OF THE
GOSPEL OF SAINT MATTHEW,
APPLIED TO OUR SOVEREIGN
LADY QUEEN ELIZABETH.
Over the two side posts was placed a noise of instruments.
And all void places in the pageant were furnished with
pretty Sayings commending and touching the meaning of the
said pageant; which were the Promises and Blessings of
Almighty GOD made to His people.
Before the Queen's Highness came into this pageant, she
required the matter somewhat to be opened unto her; that Her
Grace might the better understand what should, afterward,
by the child, be said unto her. Which was so, that the City
had there erected the pageant with eight children, representing
the Eight Blessings touched in the Fifth Chapter of
St. Matthew; whereof every one, upon just considerations,
was applied unto Her Highness. And that the people
thereby put Her Grace in mind, that as her good doings
before, had given just occasion why that these Blessings
might fall upon her; that so, if Her Grace did continue in
her goodness, as she had entered, she should hope for the
fruit of these Promises, due unto them that do exercise
themselves in the Blessings.
Which Her Grace heard marvellously graciously, and
required that the chariot might be removed towards the
pageant, that she might perceive the child's words: which
were these, the Queen's Majesty giving most attentive ear,
and requiring that the people's noise might be stayed.
Thou hast been eight times blest! O Queen of worthy fame!
By Meekness in thy spirit, when care did thee beset!
By Mourning in thy grief! by Mildness in thy blame!
By Hunger and by Thirst, and justice couldst none get!
By Mercy showed, not felt! by Cleanness of thy heart!
By seeking Peace always! by Persecution wrong!
Therefore, trust thou in GOD! since He hath helped thy smart!
That, as His Promise is, so He will make thee strong!
When these words were spoken, all the people wished that
"As the child had spoken, so GOD would strengthen Her
Grace against all her adversaries!" whom the Queen's
Majesty did most gently thank, for their so loving wish.
These Verses were painted on the left side of the said
pageant; and other, in Latin, on the other side, which were
these:
Qui lugent hilares fient, qui mitia gestant
Pectora, multa soli jugera culta metent.
Justitiam esuriens sitiensve replebitur, ipsum
Fas homini puro corde videre DEUM.
Quem alterius miseret Dominus miserebitur hujus,
Pacificus quisquis, filius ille DEI est.
Propter justitiam quisquis patietur habetque
Demissam mentem, cælica regna capit.
Huic hominum generi terram, mare, sidera vovit
Omnipotens, horum quisque beatus erit.
Besides these, every void place in the pageant was furnished
with Sentences touching the matter and ground of the
said pageant.
When all that was to be said in this pageant was ended;
the Queen's Majesty passed on forward in Cheap side.
At the Standard in Cheap, which was dressed fair against
the time, was placed a noise of trumpets, with banners and
other furniture.
The Cross, likewise, was also made fair and well trimmed.
And near unto the same, upon the porch of Saint Peter's
Church door, stood the Waits of the City; which did give a
pleasant noise with their instruments, as the Queen's Majesty
did pass by. Who, on every side, cast her countenance, and
wished well to all her most loving people.
Soon after that Her Grace passed the Cross, she had espied
the pageant erected at the Little Conduit in Cheap; and
incontinent required to know what it might signify. And it
was told Her Grace, that there was placed Time.
"Time!" quoth she, "and Time hath brought me hither!"
And so forth the whole matter was opened to Her Grace, as
hereafter shall be declared in the description of the pageant.
But when in the opening, Her Grace understood that the
Bible in English, should be delivered unto her by Truth
(which was therein represented by a child), she thanked the
City for that gift, and said that she would oftentimes read
over that book; commanding Sir John Parrat, one of the
knights which held up her canopy, to go before, and to receive
it: but learning that it should be delivered unto Her
Grace, down by a silken lace, she caused him to stay.
And so passed forward till she came against the Aldermen,
in the high end of Cheap, tofore the Little Conduit; where
the Companies of the City ended, which began at Fanchurch
[Fenchurch Street] and stood along the streets, one by another,
enclosed with rails hanged with cloths, and themselves well
apparelled with many rich furs, and their Livery Hoods
upon their shoulders, in comely and seemly manner; having
before them sundry persons well apparelled in silks and
chains of gold, as Whifflers and Guarders of the said Companies:
besides a number of rich hangings (as well of
tapestry, arras, cloths of gold, silver, velvet, damask, satin,
and other silks) plentifully hanged all the way, as the
Queen's Highness passed from the Tower through the City.
Out at the windows and penthouses of every house did hang
a number of rich and costly banners and streamers, till Her
Grace came to the upper end of Cheap.
And there by appointment, the Right Worshipful Master
Ranulph Cholmeley, Recorder of the City, presented to
the Queen's Majesty, a purse of crimson satin, richly
wrought with gold; wherein the City gave unto the Queen's
Majesty a thousand marks in gold [= £666 = about £5,000
now]; as Master Recorder did declare briefly unto the Queen's
Majesty. [Compare the similar usual gift to her Mother
25 years before, at Vol. II. p. 48.] Whose words tended to
this end, that "The Lord Mayor, his brethren and commonalty
of the City, to declare their gladness and good will towards
the Queen's Majesty, did present Her Grace with that gold;
desiring Her Grace to continue their good and gracious
Queen, and not to esteem the value of the gift, but the mind
of the givers."
The Queen's Majesty, with both her hands took the
purse, and answered to him again marvellously pithily; and
so pithily that the standers by, as they embraced entirely her
gracious answer, so they marvelled at the couching thereof:
which was in words truly reported these. "I thank my
Lord Mayor, his brethren, and you all! And whereas your
request is, that I should continue your good Lady and Queen:
be ye ensured that I will be as good unto you, as ever Queen
was to her people! No will in me can lack! neither, do I
trust, shall there lack any power! And persuade yourselves
that, for the safety and quietness of you all, I will not spare,
if need be, to shed my blood! GOD thank you all!"
Which answer of so noble hearted a Princess, if it moved
a marvellous shout and rejoicing, it is nothing to be marvelled
at; since both the heartiness thereof was so wonderful,
and the words so jointly knit.
When Her Grace had thus answered the Recorder, she
marched towards the Little Conduit; where was erected a
pageant, with square proportion, standing directly before the
same Conduit, with battlements accordingly. And in the
same pageant were advanced two hills or mountains of convenient
height.
The one of them, being on the north side of the same
pageant, was made cragged, barren, and stony; in the which
was erected one tree, artificially made, all withered and
dead, with branches accordingly. And under the same
tree, at the foot thereof, sat one, in homely and rude
apparel, crookedly, and in mourning manner, having over
his head in a table, written in Latin and English, his name,
which was
RUINOSA RESPUBLICA,
A DECAYED COMMON WEAL.
And upon the same withered tree, were fixed certain tables
wherein were written proper Sentences, expressing the causes
of the Decay of the Common weal.
The other hill, on the south side, was made fair, fresh,
green, and beautiful; the ground thereof full of flowers and
beauty. And on the same was erected also one tree, very
fresh and fair; under which, stood upright one fresh personage,
well apparelled and appointed; whose name also was written,
both in English and in Latin, which was
RESPUBLICA BENE INSTITUTA,
A FLOURISHING COMMON WEAL.
And upon the same tree also, were fixed certain tables containing
Sentences, which expressed the causes of a Flourishing
Common weal.
In the middle, between the said hills, was made artificially,
one hollow place or cave, with door and lock
enclosed; out of which, a little before the Queen's Highness's
coming thither, issued one personage, whose name was
Time (apparelled as an old man, with a scythe in his hands,
having wings artificially made), leading a personage, of less
stature than himself, which was finely and well apparelled,
all clad in white silk; and directly over her head was set
her name and title, in Latin and English, Temporis Filia,
The Daughter of Time.
Which two, so appointed, went forward, towards the south
side of the pageant.
And on her breast was written her proper name, Veritas,
Truth; who held a book in her hand, upon the which was
written, Verbum Veritatis, The Word of Truth.
And out of the south side of the pageant, was cast a
standing for a child, which should interpret the same pageant.
Against whom, when the Queen's Majesty came, he spake
unto Her Grace these words:
This old man with the scythe, old Father Time they call:
And her, his daughter Truth, which holdeth yonder book;
Whom he out of his rock hath brought forth to us all,
From whence, these many years, she durst not once outlook.
The ruthful wight that sitteth under the barren tree,
Resembleth to us the form when Common weals decay;
But when they be in state triumphant, you may see
By him in fresh attire, that sitteth under the bay.
Now since that Time again, his daughter Truth hath brought;
We trust, O worthy Queen! thou wilt this Truth embrace!
And since thou understandest the good estate and nought;
We trust Wealth thou wilt plant, and Barrenness displace!
But for to heal the sore, and cure that is not seen,
Which thing the Book of Truth doth teach in writing plain;
She doth present to thee, the same, O worthy Queen!
For that, that words do fly, but writing doth remain.
When the child had thus ended his speech, he reached
his book towards the Queen's Majesty; which, a little before,
Truth had let down unto him from the hill: which by Sir
John Parrat was received, and delivered unto the Queen.
But she, as soon as she had received the book, kissed it;
and with both her hands held up the same, and so laid
it upon her breast; with great thanks to the City therefore.
And so went forward toward Paul's Churchyard.
The former matter, which was rehearsed unto the Queen's
Majesty, was written in two tables, on either side the
pageant, eight verses: and in the midst, these in Latin.
Ille, vides, falcem lava qui sustinet uncam,
Tempus is est, cui stat filia Vera comes;
Hanc pater exesa deductam rupe reponit
In lucem, quam non viderat ante diu.
Qui sedet a læva cultu male tristis inepto,
Quem duris crescens cautibus orbis obit
Nos monet effigiæ, qua sit Respublica quando
Corruit, at contra quando beata viget,
Ille docet juvenis forma spectandus amictu
Scitus, et æterna laurea fronde virens.
The Sentences, written in Latin and English upon both
the trees, declaring the causes of both estates, were these:
¶ Causes of a Ruinous Common
Weal are these.
- Want of the Fear of GOD.
- Disobedience to rulers.
- Blindness of guides.
- Bribery in magistrates.
- Rebellion in subjects.
- Civil disagreement.
- Flattering of Princes.
- Unmercifulness in rulers.
- Unthankfulness in subjects.
¶ Causes of a Flourishing
Common weal.
- Fear of GOD.
- A wise Prince.
- Learned rulers.
- Obedience to officers.
- Obedient subjects.
- Lovers of the Common Weal.
- Virtue rewarded.
- Vice chastened.
The matter of this pageant dependeth of them [i.e., the
pageants] that went before. For, as the first declared Her
Grace to come out of the House of Unity; the second, that
she is placed in the Seat of Government, stayed with virtues
to the suppression of vice; and therefore in the third, the
Eight Blessings of Almighty GOD might well be applied
unto her: so this fourth now, is to put Her Grace in remembrance
of the state of the Common Weal, which Time, with
Truth his daughter, doth reveal: which Truth also, Her
Grace hath received; and therefore cannot but be merciful
and careful for the good government thereof.
From thence, the Queen's Majesty passed towards Paul's
Churchyard.
And when she came over against Paul's School, a child
appointed by the Schoolmaster thereof, pronounced a certain
Oration in Latin, and certain Verses: which also were there
written, as follows.
Philosophus ille divinus Plato, inter multa præclare ac sapienter
dicta, hoc posteris proditum reliquit, Rempublicam illam
felicissimam fore, cui Princeps sophiæ studiosa, virtutibusque
ornata contigerit. Quem si vere dixisse censeamus (ut quidem
verissime) cur non terra Britannica plauderet? cur non populus
gaudiam atque lætitiam agitaret? immo, cur non hunc diem albo
(quod aiunt) lapillo notaret? quo Princeps talis nobis adest,
qualem priores non viderunt, qualemque posteritas haud facile
cernere poterit, dotibus quum animi, tum corporis undique felicissima.
Casti quidem corporis dotes ita apertæ sunt, ut oratione
non egeant. Animi vero tot tantæque, ut ne verbis quidem
exprimi possint. Hæc nempe Regibus summis orta, morum atque
animi nobilitate genus exuperat. Hujus pectus Christi religionis
amore flagrat. Hæc gentem Britannicum virtutibus illustrabit,
clipeoque justitiæ teget. Hæc literis Græcis et Latinis eximia,
ingenioque præpollens est. Hac imperante, pietas vigebit, Anglia
florebit, Aurea Secula redibunt. Vos igitur Angli, tot commoda
accepturi, Elizabetham Reginam nostram celeberrimam ab ipso
Christo hujus regni imperio destinatam, honore debito prosequimini.
Hujus imperiis animo libentissimo subditi estote, vosque
tali principe dignos præbete. Et quoniam, pueri non viribus
sed precibus officium prestare possunt, nos Alumni hujus Scholæ
ab ipso Coleto, olim Templi Paulini Decano, extructæ, teneras
palmas ad cœlum tendentes Christum Opt. Maxi. precaturi
sumus, ut tuum celsitudinem annos Nestoreos summo cum
honore Anglis imperitare faciat, matremque pignoribus charis
beatam reddat. Amen.
Anglia nunc tandem plaudas, lætare, re sulta,
Presto jam vita est, præsidiumque tibi.
En tua spes venit tua gloria, lux, decus omne
Venit jam solidam quæ tibi prestat opem.
Succurretque tuis rebus quæ pessum abiere.
Perdita quæ fuerant hæc reparare volet
Omnia florebunt, redeunt nunc aurea secla.
In melius surgent quæ cecidere bona.
Debes ergo illi totam te reddere fidam,
Cujus in accessu commoda tot capies.
Salve igitur dicas, imo de pectore summo.
Elizabeth Regni non dubitanda salus,
Virgo venit, veniatque optes comitata deinceps.
Pignoribus charis, lœta parens veniat.
Hoc DEUS omnipotens ex alto donet Olympo,
Qui cælum et terram condidit atque regit.
Which the Queen's Majesty most attentively hearkened
unto. And when the child had pronounced, he did kiss the
Oration, which he had there fair written on paper, and delivered
it unto the Queen's Majesty, which most gently received the
same.
And when the Queen's Majesty had heard all that was
there offered to be spoken; then Her Grace marched toward
Ludgate: where she was received with a noise of instruments;
the forefront of the Gate being finely trimmed against
Her Majesty's coming.
From thence, by the way, as she went down toward Fleet
Bridge, one about Her Grace, noted the City's charge, that
"there was no cost spared."
Her Grace answered, that "She did well consider the same,
and that it should be remembered!" An honourable answer,
worthy a noble Prince: which may comfort all her subjects,
considering there can be no point of gentleness or obedient
love shewed towards Her Grace; which she doth not most
tenderly accept, and graciously weigh.
In this manner, the people on either side rejoicing, Her
Grace went forward towards the Conduit in Fleet Street,
where was the fifth and last pageant, erected in the form
following.
From the Conduit, which was beautified with painting, unto
the north side of the street, was erected a Stage embattled
with four towers, and in the same, a square plat rising with
degrees.
Upon the uppermost degree was placed a Chair or royal
Seat; and behind the same Seat, in curious artificial manner,
was erected a tree of reasonable height, and so far advanced
above the seat as it did well and seemly shadow the same,
without endamaging the sight of any part of the pageant.
And the same tree was beautified with leaves as green as Art
could devise, being of a convenient greatness and containing
thereupon the fruit of the date tree; and on the top of the
same tree, in a table was set the name thereof, which was,
A Palm Tree.
And in the aforesaid Seat or Chair was a seemly and meet
personage, richly apparelled in Parliament robes, with a
sceptre in her hand, as a Queen; crowned with an open crown:
whose name and title were in a table fixed over her head in
this sort, Deborah, The Judge and Restorer of Israel. Judic. 4.
And the other degrees, on either side, were furnished with
six personages; two representing the Nobility, two the Clergy,
and two the Commonalty. And before these personages, was
written in a table,
DEBORAH, WITH HER ESTATES,
CONSULTING FOR THE GOOD
GOVERNMENT OF ISRAEL.
At the feet of these, and the lowest part of the pageant,
was ordained a convenient room for a child to open the
meaning of the pageant.
When the Queen's Majesty drew near unto this pageant;
and perceived, as in the others, the child ready to speak:
Her Grace required silence, and commanded her chariot to be
removed nigher that she might plainly hear the child speak;
which said, as hereafter followeth:
Jabin, of Canaan King, had long, by force of arms,
Oppressed the Israelites; which for GOD's People went:
But GOD minding, at last, for to redress their harms;
The worthy Deborah, as Judge among them sent.
In war, She, through GOD's aid, did put her foes to flight,
And with the dint of sword the band of bondage brast;
In peace, She, through GOD's aid, did always maintain right
And judgèd Israel, till forty years were past.
A worthy precedent, O worthy Queen! thou hast!
A worthy woman, Judge! a woman sent for Stay!
And that the like to us, endure always thou may'st;
Thy loving subjects will, with true hearts and tongues, pray!
Which verses were written upon the pageant: and the same
in Latin also.
Quando DEI populum Canaan, rex pressit Jabin,
Mittitur a magno Debora magna DEO:
Quæ populum eriperet, sanctum servaret Judan,
Milite quæ patrio frangeret hostis opes.
Hæc Domino mandante DEO lectissima fecit
Fœmina, et adversos contudit ense viros.
Hæc quater denos populum correxerat annos
Judicio, bello strenua, pace gravis.
Sic, O sic, populum, belloque et pace, guberna!
Debora sis Anglis, Elizabetha tuis!
The void places of the pageant were filled with pretty
Sentences concerning the same matter.
The ground of this last pageant was, that forasmuch as
the next pageant before, had set before Her Grace's eyes the
Flourishing and Desolate States of a Common Weal; she
might by this, be put in remembrance to consult for the worthy
Government of her people; considering GOD, ofttimes, sent
women nobly to rule among men, as Deborah which governed
Israel in peace, the space of forty years; and that it behoveth
both men and women so ruling, to use advice of good counsel.
When the Queen's Majesty had passed this pageant; she
marched towards Temple Bar.
But at St. Dunstan's, where the children of the Hospital
[i.e., Christ's Hospital, now known as the Blue Coat School, see
p. 246], were appointed to stand with their Governors; Her
Grace perceiving a child offered to make an oration unto her,
stayed her chariot; and did cast up her eyes to heaven, as who
should say, "I here see this merciful work towards the poor;
whom I must, in the midst of my royalty, needs remember."
And so, turned her face towards the child, which, in Latin,
pronounced an Oration to this effect.
That after the Queen's Highness had passed through
the City; and had seen so sumptuous, rich, and noble
spectacles of the citizens, which declared their most
hearty receiving and most joyous welcoming of Her
Grace into the same: this one Spectacle yet rested and
remained; which was the everlasting Spectacle of
Mercy unto the poor members of Almighty GOD, furthered
by that famous and most noble Prince, King
Henry VIII., Her Grace's Father; erected by the City
of London; and advanced by the most godly, virtuous,
and gracious Prince, King Edward VI., Her Grace's dear
and loving brother. Doubting nothing of the mercy of
the Queen's most gracious clemency: by the which they
may not only be relieved and helped, but also stayed
and defended; and therefore incessantly, they would
pray and cry unto Almighty GOD for the long life and
reign of Her Highness, with most prosperous victory
against her enemies.
The child, after he had ended his Oration, kissed the paper
wherein the same was written, and reached it to the Queen's
Majesty; who received it graciously both with words and
countenance, declaring her gracious mind towards their relief.
From thence, Her Grace came to Temple Bar, which was
dressed finely, with the two images of Gotmagot the Albion,
and Corineus the Briton; two giants big in stature, furnished
accordingly: which held in their hands, even above the gate,
a table, wherein was written, in Latin verses, the effect of all
the pageants which the City before had erected. Which
Verses are these:
Ecce sub aspectu jam contemplaberis uno
O Princeps populi sola columna tui!
Quicquid in immensa passim perspexeris urbe
Quæ cepere omnes unus hic arcus habet.
Primus, te solio regni donavit aviti,
Hæres quippe tui vera parentis eras.
Suppressis vitiis, domina virtute, Secundus,
Firmavit sedem regia virgo tuam.
Tertius, ex omni posuit teparte beatam
Si, qua cœpisti pergere velle, velis.
Quarto, quid verum, Respublica Lapsa quid esset,
Quæ Florens staret te docuere tui.
Quinto, magna loco monuit te Debora, missam
Cælitus in regni gaudia longa tui.
Perge ergo Regina! tuæ spes unica gentis!
Hæc Postrema urbis suscipe Vota tuæ.
"Vive diu! regnaque diu! virtutibus orna
Rem patriam, et populi spem tueare tui!
Sic, O sic petitur cœlum! Sic itur in astra!
Hoc virtutis opus, cætera mortis erunt!"
Which Verses were also written in English metre, in a
lesse[r] table, as hereafter followeth.
Behold here, in one view, thou mayst see all that plain;
O Princess, to this thy people, the only stay!
What eachwhere thou hast seen in this wide town; again,
This one Arch, whatsoever the rest contained, doth say.
The First Arch, as true Heir unto thy Father dear,
Did set thee in thy Throne, where thy Grandfather sat!
The Second, did confirm thy Seat as Princess here;
Virtues now bearing sway, and Vices beat down flat!
The Third, if that thou wouldst go on as thou began,
Declareth thee to be blessed on every side!
The Fourth did open Truth, and also taught thee when
The Common Weal stood well, and when it did thence slide!
The Fifth, as Deborah, declared thee to be sent
From heaven, a long comfort to us thy subjects all!
Therefore, go on, O Queen! (on whom our hope is bent)
And take with thee, this wish of thy Town as final!
"Live long! and as long, reign! adorning thy country
With virtues; and maintain thy people's hope of thee!
For thus, thus heaven is won! thus, must thou pierce the sky!
This is by virtue wrought! All other must needs die!"
On the south side [i.e., of Fleet Street, at Temple Bar] was
appointed by the City, a noise of singing children; and one child
richly attired as a Poet, which gave the Queen's Majesty
her Farewell, in the name of the whole City, by these words.
As at thine Entrance first, O Prince of high renown!
Thou wast presented with Tongues and Hearts for thy fair;
So now, sith thou must needs depart out of this Town,
This City sendeth thee firm Hope and earnest Prayer!
For all men hope in thee, that all virtues shall reign;
For all men hope that thou, none error wilt support;
For all men hope that thou wilt Truth restore again,
And mend that is amiss; to all good men's comfort!
And for this Hope, they pray thou mayst continue long
Our Queen amongst us here, all vice for to supplant!
And for this Hope, they pray that GOD may make thee strong,
As by His grace puissant, so in His truth constant!
Farewell! O worthy Queen! and as our hope is sure,
That into Error's place, thou wilt now Truth restore!
So trust we that thou wilt our sovereign Queen endure
And loving Lady stand, from henceforth, evermore!
While these words were in saying, and certain wishes
therein repeated for the maintenance of Truth, and rooting
out of Error; she, now and then, held up her hands to heaven-ward,
and willed the people to say "Amen!"
When the child had ended, she said, "Be ye well assured,
I will stand your good Queen!"
At which saying, Her Grace departed forth, through Temple
Bar towards Westminster, with no less shooting [i.e., firing
of guns] and crying of the people, than, when she entered the
City, with a great noise of ordnance which the Tower shot off,
at Her Grace's entrance first into Tower Street.
The child's saying was also, in Latin verses, written in a
table which was hanged up there.
O Regina potens! quum primam urbem ingredereris
Dona tibi, Linguas fidaque Corda dedit.
Discedenti etiam tibi nunc duo munera mittit,
Omina plena Spei, votaque plena Precum.
Quippe tuis Spes est, in te quod provida virtus
Rexerit, errori nec locus ullus erit.
Quippe tuis Spes est, quod ut verum omne reduces
Solatura bonas, dum mala tollis, opes.
Hac Spe freti orant, longum ut Regina gubernes,
Et regni excindas crimina cuncta tui.
Hac Spe freti orant, divina ut gratia fortem,
Et veræ fidei te velit esse basin.
Jam, Regina, vale! et sicut nos spes tenet una,
Quod vero indueto, perditus error erit.
Sic quoque speramus quod eris Regina benigna
Nobis per regni tempora longa tui!
Thus the Queen's Highness passed through the City! which,
without any foreign person, of itself, beautified itself; and received
Her Grace at all places, as hath been before mentioned,
with most tender obedience and love, due to so gracious a
Queen, and sovereign Lady.
And Her Grace likewise, of her side, in all Her Grace's
Passage, shewed herself generally an Image of a worthy Lady
and Governor; but privately these especial points were noted
in Her Grace, as signs of a most Prince-like courage, whereby
her loving subjects may ground a sure hope for the rest of
her gracious doings hereafter.
About the nether end of Cornhill, toward Cheap,
one of the Knights about Her Grace, had espied
an ancient Citizen which wept, and turned his
head back. And therewith said this Gentleman,
"Yonder is an Alderman," for so he termed him,
"which weepeth, and turneth his face backward! How may it
be interpreted that he doth so? For sorrow! or for gladness?"
The Queen's Majesty heard him; and said, "I warrant
you, it is for gladness!" A gracious interpretation of a noble
courage, which would turn the doubtful to the best. And
yet it was well known, that (as Her Grace did confirm the
same) the party's cheer was moved, for very pure gladness
for the sight of Her Majesty's person; at the beholding
whereof, he took such comfort, that with tears he expressed
the same.
In Cheapside, Her Grace smiled; and being thereof demanded
the cause, answered, "For that she had heard one
say, Remember old King Henry VIII!" A natural child!
which at the very remembrance of her father's name took so
great a joy; that all men may well think that as she rejoiced
at his name whom this Realm doth hold of so worthy memory,
so, in her doings, she will resemble the same.
When the City's charge without partiality, and only the
City, was mentioned unto Her Grace; she said, "It should
not be forgotten!" Which saying might move all natural
Englishmen heartily to shew due obedience and entireness to
their so good a Queen, which will, in no point, forget any
parcel of duty lovingly shewed unto her.
The answer which Her Grace made unto Master Recorder
of London, as the hearers know it to be true and with melting
hearts heard the same, so may the reader thereof conceive
what kind of stomach and courage pronounced the same.
What more famous thing do we read in ancient histories
of old time, than that mighty Princes have gently received
presents offered them by base and low personages. If that
be to be wondered at, as it is passingly! let me see any writer
that in any one Prince's life is able to recount so many precedents
of this virtue, as Her Grace shewed in that one
Passage through the City. How many nosegays did Her
Grace receive at poor women's hands? How ofttimes stayed
she her chariot, when she saw any simple body offer to speak
to Her Grace? A branch of rosemary given to Her Grace,
with a supplication, by a poor woman, about Fleet Bridge,
was seen in her chariot till Her Grace came to Westminster;
notwithstanding the marvellous wondering of such as knew
the presenter, and noted the Queen's most gracious receiving
and keeping the same.
What hope the poor and needy may look for, at Her
Grace's hand; she, as in all her journey continually, so in her
hearkening to the poor children of Christ's Hospital, with
eyes cast up unto heaven, did fully declare; as that neither
the wealthier estate could stand without consideration had to
the poverty, neither the poverty be duly considered unless
they were remembered, as commanded to us by GOD's own
mouth.
As at her first Entrance, she, as it were, declared herself
prepared to pass through a City that most entirely loved her;
so she, at her last Departing, as it were, bound herself by
promise to continue good Lady and Governor unto that City,
which, by outward declaration, did open their love to their so
loving and noble Prince, in such wise as she herself wondered
thereat.
But because Princes be set in their Seat by GOD's appointment,
and therefore they must first and chiefly render the
glory of Him from whom their glory issueth; it is to be
noted in Her Grace, that, forasmuch as GOD hath so
wonderfully placed her in the Seat of Government over this
realm; she in all doings, doth shew herself most mindful of
His goodness and mercy shewed unto her. And amongst all
other, two principal signs thereof were noted in this Passage.
First, in the Tower: where Her Grace, before she entered
her chariot, lifted up her eyes to heaven, and said:
O LORD! Almighty and everlasting GOD! I give Thee
most hearty thanks, that as Thou hast been so merciful
unto me, as to spare me to behold this joyful day! And I
acknowledge that Thou hast dealt as wonderfully and
mercifully with me, as Thou didst with thy true and
faithful servant Daniel, the prophet; whom thou deliveredst
out of the den, from the cruelty of the greedy
and raging lions: even so, was I overwhelmed, and only
by Thee! delivered. To Thee! therefore, only, be thanks,
honour, and praise for ever! Amen.
The second was, the receiving of the Bible, at the Little
Conduit, in Cheap. For when Her Grace had learned that
the Bible in English, should there be offered; she thanked
the City therefore, promised the reading thereof most diligently,
and incontinent commanded that it should be brought. At
the receipt whereof, how reverently, she did, with both her
hands, take it! kiss it! and lay it on her breast! to the great
comfort of the lookers on!
GOD will undoubtedly preserve so worthy a Prince; which,
at His honour, so reverently taketh her beginning. For this
saying is true, and written in the Book of Truth: "He that
first seeketh the Kingdom of GOD, shall have all other things
cast unto him."
Now, therefore, all English hearts, and her natural people
must needs praise GOD's mercy, which hath sent them so
worthy a Prince; and pray for Her Grace's long continuance
amongst us.
Imprinted at London in Fleet Street
within Temple Bar, at the sign of the
Hand and Star, by Richard Tottill,
the .rriii. day of January.
[1559]
