_Durham, May, 1827._
THE MANNER OF THE KINGES MAJESTY COMING TO THE CITTIE OF DURHAM, ANNO
DOM. 1617, AS FOLLOWETH.
Upon Good Friday, being the 18th of April, 1617, Mr. Heaborne, one of
his majesties gentlemen ushers spoke to George Walton, Maior, that it
was his majesties pleasure to come in state unto the cittie, and that it
were fitting that the maior and aldermen should be ready upon the next
daie following, being Satturdaie, to give their attendance upon his
majestie in some convenient place within the cittie; and the said maior
to have his _foot-cloth horse_ their ready to attend, which likewise was
done upon Elvet Bridge, near the tower thereof, being new rayled, within
the rayles of wood then made for that purpose: at which time his said
majesties said gentleman usher standing by the said maior and aldermen
till his majesties coming, when there was a speech delivered by the said
maior to his majestie, together with the maces and staffe; and at time
fitting in the same speech so made, a silver bowle gilt, with a cover,
was presented by the said maior to his majestie, which appeares as
followeth:--
“Most gracious soveraigne. What unspeakable joy is this your highness
presents unto us, your loving subjects; our tongues are not able to
utter, nor our meanes to shew you welcome. Your gracious majestie, at
your happie cominge hither with much peace and plentie found this cittie
inabled, with divers liberties and priveledges, all sovering pittie and
power spiritual and temporal being in yourself, gave unto us the same
againe; and afterwards, of your gracious bountie, confirmed them under
your great seal of England. We humbly beseech your majestie continue
your favours towards this cittie; and in token of our love and loyaltie,
crave the acceptance of this myte, and we shall be readie to the
uttermost expence of our dearest bloud, to defend you and your royal
progeny here on earth, as with our prayers to God to blesse you and all
yours in all eternitie.”
After which speech the maior was called by his majesties gentleman usher
to take his horse, and to ride before his majestie; immediate upon which
commandment made by his majesties gentleman usher, there was at the same
place, about forty yards distance, certayne verses spoken by an
apprentice of this cittie to his majestie, as followeth: after which,
the maior was placed in rank next the sword, and so rode forward,
carring the citties mace, to the church.
_To the Kinges most Excellent Majestie._
“Durham’s old cittie thus salutss our king
With entertainment, she doth homlie bring:
And cannot smyle upon his majestie
With shew of greatness; but humilitie
Makes her express herself in modern guise
Dejected to this north, bare to your eyes.
For the great prelate, which of late adorde
His dignities, and for which we implore
Your highnesse aide to have a continuance--
And so confirmed by your dread ---- arm.
Yet what our royal James did grant herein,
William, our bishoppe, hath oppugnant been;
Small task to sway down smallnesse, where man’s might
Hath greater force than equity or right.
But these are only in your brest included
From your most gracious grant. Therefore we pray,
That the faire sunshine of your brightest daie,
Would smyle upon this cittie with clere beams,
To exhale the tempest off insuing streames.
Suffer not, great prince, our ancient state,
By one fore’d will to be depopulate,
Tis one seeks our undoeing: but to you,
Ten thousand hearts shall pray, and knees shall bowe
And this dull cell of earth wherein we live,
Unto your name immortal prayse shall give.
Confirm our grant, good kinge. Durham’s old cittie
Would be more powerful so it has Jame’s pittie.”