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 coelum 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, loeta 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.
* * * * *