The Triumphs of Truth; The Entertainment on Michaelmas Day 1613

THE TRYVMPHS Of Truth .

SEarch all Chronicles , Histories , Records , in what language or letter soeuer ; let the inquisitiue man waste the deere Treasures of his Time and Eye-sight , he shall conclude his life only in this certainty , that there is no subiect vpon earth receiued into the place of his gouernement with the like State & Magnificence as is the Lord Maior of the Citty of London . This being then infallible ( like the Mistresse of our Triumphs ) and not to be denied of any , how carefull ought those Gentlemen to be , to whose discretion and Iudgement the weight and charge of such a businesse is entirely referred and committed by the whole Society , to haue all things correspondent to that Generous and Noble freenesse of cost and liberality , the streames of Art , to aequall those of Bounty ; a Knowledge that may take the true height of such an Honorable Solemnity ; the miserable want of both which in the impudent common Writer , hath often forc'd from me much pitty and sorrow ; and it would heartily grieue any vnderstanding spirit to behold many times so glorious a fire in bounty and goodnesse offering to match in selfe with freezing Art , sitting in darknesse , with the candle out , looking like the picture of Blacke Monday .

But to speake truth , which many beside my selfe can affirme vpon knowledge , a care that hath beene seldome equal'd , and not easily imitated , hath been faithfully showne in the whole course of this businesse , both by the Wardens and Committies , men of much vnderstanding , industry , and carefulnesse , little weighing the greatnesse of expence , so the cost might purchase perfection , so feruent hath beene their desire to excell in that ( which is a learned and vertuous Ambition ) and so vnfainedly pure the loues and affections of the whole Company to his Lordship ; If any shall imagine that I set fairer colours vpon their Deserts , then they vpon themselues , let them but reade and conceiue , and their owne vnderstandings will light them to the acknowledgement of their errors . First , they may here behold loue and bounty opening with the morning , earlier then some of former yeares , ready at the first appearing of his Lordship , to giue his eare a taste of the dayes succeeding glory , and thus the forme of it presents it selfe .

At Soper-lane end a Senate-house erected , vpon which Musitians sit playing ; and more a quicken time , a sweet voyce married to these words :

THE SONG . Mother of many honorable Sounes , Thinke not the Glasse too slowly runnes That in Times hand is set , Because thy worthy Sonne appeares not yet : Lady be pleas'd , the hower growes on , Thy ioy will be compleate anon ; Thou shalt behold The man enrold In Honours bookes , whom Vertue raises , Loue-circled round , His triumphs crownd With all good wishes , prayers , and praises .

After this sweet aire hath liberally spent it selfe , at the first appearing of the Lord Maior from Guild-hall in the morning , a Trumpet plac'd vpon that Scaffold , sounds forth his welcome ; then after a straine or two of Musicke , a Graue Foeminine Shape presents it selfe , from behinde a silke curtaine , representing London , attired like a reuerend Mother , a long white haire naturally flowing on either side of her : on her head a modell of Steeples and Turrets , her habite Crimson silke , neere to the Honourable garment of the Citty : her left hand holding a Key of gold , who after a comely grace , equally mixt with Comfort and Reuerence , sends from her lips this Motherly salutation .

The speech of London . Honour and Ioy salute thee , I am raisd In comfort and in loue to see thee , glad And happy in thy blessings , nor esteeme My words the lesse , cause I a woman speake , A womans counsell is not alwayes weake . I am thy Mother , at that name I know Thy heart do's reuerence to me , as becomes A Sonne of Honour , in whose soule burnes cleere The sacred lights of diuine feare and knowledge , I know , that at this instant , all the workes Of Motherly loue in me , showne to thy Youth When it was soft and helplesse , are sum'd vp In thy most gratefull minde , thou well remembrest All my deere paines and care , with what affection I cherish thee in my bosome , watchfull still Ouer thy wayes , Set wholesome and Religious Lawes before The foot-steps of thy youth , show'd Thee the way That lead thee to the Glory of this Day . To which ( with teares of the most fruitfull ioy that euer Mother shed ) I welcome Thee . Oh I could be content to take my part Out of Felicity onely in weeping , Thy Presence and this Day is so deere to me . Looke on my age ( my Honorable Sonne ) And then begin to thinke vpon thy Office : See how on each side of mee hang the cares Which I bestowd on Thee , in siluer haires . And now the Faith , the Loue , the zealous Fires With which I cheer'd thy Youth , my Age requires , The duty of a Mother I haue showne , Through all the Rites of pure affection , In Care , in Gouernment , in Wealth , in Honour , Brought Thee to what thou art , throw'st all from mee , Then what thou shouldst be I expect from Thee . Now to Thy Charge , Thy Gouernment , Thy Cares , Thy Mother in her age submits her yeares . And though ( to my abundant griefe I speake it , Which now ore-flowes my ioy ) some Sonnes I haue Thanklesse , vnkind , and disobedient , Rewarding all my Bounties with Neglect , And will of purpose wilfully retire Themselues , from doing grace and seruice to me , When they haue got all they can , or hope for , from me , The thankfulnesse in which Thy Life doth moue , Did euer promise fairer fruits of Loue , And now they show themselues , yet they haue all My blessing with them , so the world shall see 'T is their vnkindnesse , no defect in me ; But go Thou forward ( my thrice Honor'd Sonne ) In waies of goodnesse , Glory is best wonne When Merit brings it home , disdaine all Titles Purchas'd with Coine , of Honor take Thou hold , By thy Desert let others buy 't with Gold ; Fixe thy most serious Thought vpon the Weight Thou goest to vndergo , 't is the iust Gouernment Of this Fam'd Citty , ( Mee ) whom Nations call Their brightest Eye , then with great care & feare Ought I to be ore-seene to be kept cleare . Spots in deformed Faces are scarce Noted , Faire cheekes are stain'd if ner'e so little blotted . See'st thou this Key of Gold ? it showes thy charge , This place is the Kings Chamber , all pollution , Sinne and Vncleannesse must be lock't out here , And be kept sweet , with Sanctity , Faith & Feare , I see Grace take effect , Heauens Ioy vpon her , 'T is rare , when Vertue opes the Gate to Honor , My blessing be vpon thee , Sonne , and Lord , And on my Sonnes all , that obey my word .

Then making her Honour , as before , the Waites of the Citty there in seruice , his Lordship and the Worthy Company , are lead forward toward the water side , where you shall finde the Riuer deck't in the richest glory to receiue him ; vpon whose Christall Bosome stands fiue Islands art-fully garnished with all manner of Indian Fruite-Trees , Drugges , Spiceries ; and the like , the middle Island with a faire Castle especially beautified .

But making haste to returne to the Citty againe , where Triumph waites in more Splendor and Magnificence , the first then that attends to receiue his Lordship off the water at Bainards Castle , is Truths Angell on Horse-backe , his Raiment of white Silke powdred with Starres of Gold : on his head a Crowne of Gold , a Trumpeter before him on Horse-backe , and Zeale the Champion of Truth , in a Garment of Flame-coloured Silke , with a bright haire on his head , from which shoot Fire-beames , following close after him , mounted alike , his Right hand holding a flaming Scourge , intimating thereby that as hee is the manifester of Truth , he is likewise the chastizer of Ignorance and Error .

The Salutation of the Angell . I haue within mine Eye my blessed Charge , Haile Friend of Truth , Safety and Iay attnds thee ; I am Truths Angell , by my Mistresse sent To guard and guid thee , when thou took'st thy Oath I stood on thy Right hand , though to thy eye In visible forme I did not then appeare , Aske but thy Soule t' will tell thee I stood neere ; And 't was a Time to take care of Thee then At such a Marriage before Heauen and Men , ( Thy Faith being wed to Honor ) close behinde thee Stood Errors Minister , that still sought to blinde thee , And wrap his subtill mists about thy Oath , To hide it from the nakednesse of Troth , Which is Truths purest glory , but my light Still as it shone , Expeld her blackest spite ; His Mists fled by , yet all I could deuise , Could hardly keepe them from some Peoples eyes , But thine they flew from , thy Care 's but begun Wake on , the Victory is not halfe yet wun , Thou wilt be still assaulted , thou shalt meete With many dangers , that in voyce seeme sweet , And waies most pleasant to a worldlings eye , My Mistresse ha's but One , but that leads hye To yo'n triumphant Citty follow mee , Keepe thou to Truth , Eternitie keepes to thee . ZEALE . On boldly Man of Honor , thou shalt win , I am Truths Champion , Zeale , the Scourge of Sin .

The Trumpet then sounding , the Angell and Zeale ranke themselues iust before his Lordship , & conduct him to Pauls-chaine , where in the South-yard Error in a Chariot with his infernall Ministers attends to assault him , his Garment of Ash-colour Silke , his head rowld in a cloud , ouer which stands , an Owle , a Moale on one shoulder , a Bat on the other , all Symboles of blinde Ignorance and Darknesse , Mists hanging at his Eyes : close before him rides Enuy his Champion , eating of a humane heart , mounted on a Rhenoceros , attired in Red Silke , sutable to the bloudinesse of her manners her left Pap bare , where a Snake fastens , her Armes halfe Naked , holding in her right hand a Dart tincted in bloud .

The greeting of Error . Art come ? O Welcome my triumphant Lord , My Glories Sweet-heart ! how many millions Of happy wishes hath my loue told out For this desired minute , I was dead Till I enioyd the Presence , I saw nothing , A Blindnesse thicker then Idolatry , Cloue to my Eye-bals , now I am all of Light , Of Fire , of Ioy , Pleasure runs nimbly through mee , Let s ioyne together both in State and Triumph , And down with beggarly and friendlesse Vertue , That hath so long impouerish't this faire Citty , My Beasts shall trample on her naked breast , Vnder my Chariot-wheeles her Bones lye prest , She ner'e shall rise againe , great Power this day , Is giuen into thy hand , make vse on 't Lord , And let thy Will and Appetite sway the Sword , Downe with them all now , whom thy heart enuies , Let not thy Conscience come into thine Eyes This twelue-month , if thou lou'st reuenge or gaine , I le teach thee to cast mists , to blinde the plaine And simple eye of Man , he shall not know 't , Nor see thy Wrath when 't is vpon his throte , All shall be carried with such Art and Wit , That what thy Lust Acts , shal bee counted fit , Then for Attendants that may best obserue thee , I l'e picke out Seriants of my band to serue thee , Here s Gluttony and Sloth , two pretious Slaues , Wil tell thee more then a whole heard of Knaues , The worth of euery Office to a Haire , And who bids most , and bow the Markets are , Let them alone to smell , and for a need , They 'l bring thee in Bribes for Measure and light Bread , Keepe thy eye winking , and thy hand wide ope , Then thou shalt know what Wealth is , and the scope Of rich Authority , Ho t is sweete and deere , Make vse of Time then , thou 'st but one poore Yeare , And that will quickly slide , then be not nice , Both Power and Profite cleaues to my Aduice , And what 's he lockes his Eare from those sweet Charmes , Or runs not to meet Gaine with wide-stretch't Armes , There is a poore thin thred-bare thing , cal'd Truth , I giue thee warning of her , if shee speake Stop both thine eares close , most Professions breake That euer delt with her , an Vnlucky thing , Shee 's almost sworne to nothing , I can bring A thousand of our Parish , besides Queanes , That nere knew what Truth meant , nor euer meanes . Some I could cull out here , e'en in this Throng , If I would show my Children , and how strong I were in faction ; 'lasse poore simple Stray , Shee 's all her life time finding out one way : Shee 'as but one foolish way , streight on , right forward , And yet she makes a toyle on 't , and goes on With Care and Feare forfooth , when I can run Ouer a hundred with delight and pleasure , Backe-waies , and by-waies , and fetch in my Treasure After the wishes of my heart , by shifts , Deceits , and slightes , and I le giue thee those giftes ; I le show thee all my corners yet vntold , The very nookes where Beldams hide their gold , In hollow wals and chimneies , where the Sun Neuer yet shone , nor Truth came euer neere , This of thy Life I le make the golden yeare : Follow me then . Enuy . Learne now to scorne thy Inferiours , those must loue thee , And wish to eate their Hearts , that sit aboue thee .

Zeale stird vp with Diuine Indignation , at the Impudence of these Hel-hounds , both forces their retirement , and makes way for the Chariot wherein Truth his Mistresse sits , in a close garment of white Sattin , which makes her appeare thin and naked , figuring thereby her simplicity and neerenesse of heart to those that embrace her ; a roabe of white silke cast ouer it , fil'd with the eies of Eagles , shewing her deep insight , and height of wisedome , ouer her thrice sanctified head a milke-white Doue , and on each shoulder one , the sacred Emblemes of Purity , Meekenesse , and Innocency , vnder her Feete , Serpents , in that she treads downe all Subtelty and Fraud , her Fore-head empal'd with a Diadem of Stars , the Witnesse of her Eternall descent ; on her Breast a pure round Cristall , showing the brightnesse of her thoughts and actions ; a Sun in her Right-hand , then which , nothing is truer , a fan fild all with Starres in her left , with which she parts Darkenesse , and strikes away the vapours of Ignorance ; if you hearken to Zeale her Champion after his holy anger is past against Error , and his crue , hee will giue it you in better tearmes , or at least more smoothly and pleasingly .

The speech of Zeale . Bold Furies , backe , or with this scourge of Fire Whence sparkles out Religious chast-desire I le whip you downe to darkenesse ; this a place Worthy my Mistresse , her Aeternall Grace Be the full obiect to feast all these eies But Thine the first , hee that feeds here is wise ; Nor by the naked plainenesse of her weeds Iudge thou her worth , no burnisht glosse Truth needs ; That Crowne of Starres showes her descent from heauen ; That Roabe of white fild all with Eagles eies , Her piercing sight through hidden mysteries ; Those milke-white Doues her spotlesse Innocence ; Those Serpents at her feete her victory showes Ouer deceite and guile , her rankest foes , And by that Cristall Mirrour at her Brest , The cleerenesse of her Conscience is exprest ; And showing that her deeds all darkenesse shun , Her Right-hand holds Truths Symbole , the bright Sunne ; A Fan of Starres shee in the other twists , With which shee chaceth away Errors mists : And now shee makes to thee , her so euen Grace , For to her Rich and Poore looke with one Face . The Words of Truth . Man raysd by Faith and Loue , vpon whose Head Honour sits fresh , let not thy Heart be led In ignorant waies of insolence and pride From Her , that to this day hath bene thy guide ; I neuer showed thee yet more Paths then one , And thou hast found sufficient That alone To bring Thee hether , then go forward still , And hauing most power , first subiect thy Will , Giue the first Fruits of Iustice to thy Selfe , Then dost thou wisely Gouerne , though that Elfe Of Sin and Darkenesse still opposing mee , Counsels thy Appetite to Master Thee . But call to minde what brought thee to this Day , Was Falshood , Cruelty , or Reuenge the way ? Thy lust or pleasures ? peoples curse or hate ? These were no waies could raise Thee to this State The ignorant must acknowledge , if then from Mee , Which no Ill dare deny , or Sin controule , Forsake mee not , that can aduance thy soule : I see a blessed yeelding in thy Eye , Thou 'rt mine , leade on , thy Name shall neuer dye .

These words ended , they all set forward , this Chariot of Truth and her coelestiall hand-maids the Graces & Vertues , taking place next before his Lord ship , Zeale and the Angell before that , the Chariot of Error following as neere as it can get , all passing on , till they come into Pauls Church-yard , where stand ready the fiue Ilands , those dumbe Glories that I spake of before vpon the water , vpon the heighth of these fiue Ilands sit fiue persons representing the fiue Sences , Visus , Auditus , Tactus , Gustus , Olfactus , ( or ) Seeing , Hearing , Touching , Tasting , Smelling ; at their feete their proper Emblemes , Aquila , Ceruus , Araneus , Simia , Canis , an Eagle , a Hart , a Spider , an Ape , a Dogge .

No sooner can your eyes take leaue of these , but they may suddenly espy a strange Ship making toward , and that which may raise greater astonishment , it hauing neither Saylor nor Pilot , onely vpon a white silke streamer these two words set in letters of Gold , Veritate Gubernor , I am Steer'd by Truth ; the Persons that are contained within this little Vessell are onely foure ; a King of the Moores , his Queene , and two Attendants of their owne colour , the rest of their followers , people the Castle that stands in the middle Iland , of which company two or three on the top appeares to sight , this King seeming much astonied at the many eies of such a multitude , vtters his thoughts in these words .

The Speech of that King . I see amazement set vpon the faces Of these white people , wondrings , and strange gazes , Is it at mee ? do's my Complexion draw So many Christian Eyes , that neuer saw A King so blacke before ? no , now I see Their entire obiect , the 're all meant to thee ( Graue Citty Gouernour ) my Queene and I Well honor'd with the Glances that by , I must confesse many wilde thoughts may rise , Opinions , Common murmurs , and fixt Eyes At my so strange arriuall , in a Land Where true Religion and her Temple stand : I being a Moor , ethen in Opinions lightnesse As far from Sanctity as my Face from whitenesse ; But I forgiue the Iudgings of th' Vnwise , Whose Censures euer quicken in their Eyes , Onely begot of outward forme and show , And I thinke meete to let such Censurers Know , How euer Darkenesse dwels vpon my Face , Truth in my soule sets vp the Light of Grace ; And though in daies of Error I did runne To giue all Adoration to the Sunne , The Moone & Stars ; nay Creatures base and poore , Now onely their Creator I adore : My Queene and People all , at one time wun , By the Religious Conuersation Of English Merchants , Factors , Trauailers , Whose Truth did with our Spirits hold Commerse As their affaires with vs , following their path Wee all were brought to the true Christian Faith : Such benefite in good Example dwels , It oft hath power to conuert Infidels ; Nor could our Desires rest , till wee were led Vnto this place , where those good Spirits were bred ; And see how we arriu'd , in Blessed Time , To do that Mistresse Seruice , in the Prime Of these her Spotlesse Triumphs , and t' attend That Honorable Man , her Late sworne Frend . If any wonder at the safe Arriue Of this small Vessell , which all Wethers driue According to their Rages , where appeares Nor Marriner nor Pylot ( arm'd 'gainst feares ) Know this came hether from mans guidance free , Onely by Truth Steer'd ; as our Soules must bee ; And see where one of her faire Temples stands , Do Reuerence , Moores , bow low , and Kisse your hands , Behold our Queene . Queene . Her Goodnesses are such Wee cannot Honour Her , and Her House too much .

All in the Shippe and those in the Castle bowing their bodies to the Temple of Saint Paul , but Error smiling betwixt Scorne and Anger to see such a deuout humility take hold of that complexion , breakes into these ,

Error . What , haue my Sweete-fac'st Deuils forsooke me too , Nay , then my charmes will haue enough to doo ?

But Time , sitting by the Frame of Truth his Daughters Chariot , attir'd agree-able to his Condition , with his Hower-glasse , Wings , and Sithe , Knowing best himselfe when it is fittest to speake , goes forward in this manner :

This Time hath brought t' effect , for on thy Day Nothing but Truth and Vertue shall display : Their Virgin Ensignes , Infidelity , Barbarisme and Guile shall in deepe Darkenesse lye . O I could euer stand still thus , and gaze , Neuer turne Glasse agen ; wish no more daies So this might euer last , pitty the Light Of this rich Glory must be casde in Night ; But Time must on , I go , 't is so decreed , To blesse my Daughter Truth , and all her seed With Ioyes Immortal , Triumphs neuer ending : And as her Hand lifts mee , to thy Ascending May it be alwaies ready ( worthy Sonne ) To hasten which , my Howers shall quickly run , Seest thou you place , Saint Pauls Crosse . thether I le weekely bring thee , Where Truths coelestiall Harmony Thou shalt heare , To which I charge Thee bend a serious Eare : Leade on , Times swift Attendants .

Then the fiue Ilands passe along into Cheape-side , the Ship next after them ; the Chariot of Truth still before his Lord-ship , and that of Prror still chac'st before it , where their Eies meete with another more subtile Obiect , planting it selfe close by the little Conduite , which may beare this Character , the True Forme and Fashion of a Mount Triumphant , but the Beauty and Glory thereof ouer-spred with a thicke Sulphurous Darkenesse , it being a Fog or Mist raisde from Error , enuiously to blemish that Place which beares the Title of Londons Triumphant Mount ( the chiefe Grace and Luster of the whole Triumph ) at the foure corners sit foure Monsters Errors Disciples , on whom hangs part of the Mist for their cloathing , holding in their hands little thicke Clubbes , coloured like their Garments ; the Names of these foure Monsters , Barbarisme , Ignorance , Impudence , Falshood , who at the neere approaching of Truths Chariot , are seene a little to tremble , whilst her Deity giues life to these words .

Truth . What 's here ? the Mist of Error ? dare his Spight Staine this Triumphant Mount ? where our delight Hath bene Diuinely fixt so many Ages , Dare darkenesse now breathe forth her Insolent Rages , And hang in poysnous Vapours o're the Place From whence wee receiu'd Loue and return'd Grace ? I see if Truth a while but turne her Eies , Thicke are the Mists that o're faire Citties rise : Wee did expect to receiue welcome here , From no deform'd Shapes but Diuine and Cleere , In steed of Monsters that this place attends ; To meete with Goodnesse and her Glorious Frends , Nor can they so forget mee to bee far , I Know there stands no other enuious Bar : But that foule Cloude to Darken this Bright Day , Which with this Fanne of Starres I le Chace away . Vanish Infectious Fog that I may see This Citties Grace , that takes her Light from Mee .

At this her powerfull command , the Vanish , giue Way , Cloude suddenly rises , and changes into a bright spredding Canopy , stucke thicke with Starres , and beames of Gold , shooting forth round about it , the Mount appearing then most rich in Beauty and Glory , the foure Monsters falling flat at the Foote of the Hill ; that graue Foeminine Shape , figuring London , sitting in greatest Honour ; next aboue her in the most eminent place , sits Religion , the Modell of a faire Temple on her Head , and a burning Lampe in her Hand , the proper Emblemes of her Sanctity , Watchfulnesse , and Zeale ; on her right Hand sits Liberality , her head circled with a Wreath of Gold , in her hand a Cornucopia , or Horne of Abundance , out of which rusheth a seeming Floud of Gold , but no way flowing to Prodigality ; for as the Sea is gouern'd by the Moone , so is that wealthy Riuer by her Eie , ( for Bounty must bee led by Iudgement ) and hence is Art-fully deriued the onely difference betweene Prodigality and Bounty , the one deales her Giftes with open eyes , the other blind-fold ; on her left side sits Perfect Loue , his proper Seate being neerest the Heart , wearing vpon his Head a wreath of white and red Roses mingled together , the Antient Witnesse of Peace , Loue and Vnion , wherein consists the Happinesse of this Land , his Right hand holding a Sphaere , where in a Circle of Gold , is contained all the 12 Companies Armes ; and therefore cal'd the Spaere of true Brother-hood , or Annulus Amoris , the Ring of Loue : vpon his left hand stand two Billing Turtles , expressing thereby the happy Condition of mutuall Loue and Society : on either side of this Mount are displaid the Charitable and Religious workes of London ( especially the worthy Company of Grocers ) in giuing maintenance to Schollers , Souldiers , Widdowes , Orphans , and the like , where are plac'd one of each number : & on the two Heights sit Knowledge & Modesty ; Knowledge wearing a Crowne of Starres , in her Hand a Perspectiue Glasse , betokening both her High Iudgement , and Deepe In-sight , the Brow of Modestie circled with a Wreath all of red Roses , expressing her Bashfulnesse and Blushings , in her hand a Crimson Baner , fild with Siluer Stars , figuring the white Purity of her Shamfastnesse , her cheeks not red with Shame or Guilt , but with Virgin-Feare , and Honor . At the Backe of this Triumphant Mount , Chastity , Fame , Simplicity , Meeknesse , haue their Seats , Chastity wearing on her Head a Garland of white Roses , in her Hand a white Silke Banner , fild with Starres of Gold , expressing the aeternity of her vn-spotted Purenesse : Fame next vnder her , on her a Head a Crowne of Siluer , and a Siluer Trumpet in her hand , showing both her Brightnesse and Shrilnesse : Simplicity with a Milke-white Doue vpon her Head , and Meekenesse with a Garland of mingled Flowers , in her hand a white Silke Banner with a red Crosse , a Lambe at her Feet , by which both their Conditions are sufficiently exprest ; The Mount thus made glorious by the Power of Truth , and the Mist expeld , London thus speakes .

London . Thicke Scales of Darknesse in a Moments space Are fell from both mine Eyes , I see the Face Of all my Friends about me ( now ) most cleerely , Religions Sisters , whom I Honour deerely ; Oh I behold the worke , it comes from Thee Illustrious Patronesse , thou that mad'st me see In Dayes of blindest Ignorance , when this Light Was ee'n extinguisht , Thou Redeem'st my sight ; Then to Thy Charge ( with Reuerence ) I commend That worthy Son of mine , thy vertuous Friend , Whom on my Loue and Blessing I require , To obserue Thee Faithfully , and his Desire To imitate Thy will , and there lye bounded , For Power 's a Dangerous Sea , which must be sounded With Truth and Iustice , or Man soone runs on 'Gainst Rockes and Shelues to Dissolution ; Then that thou maist the Difference euer know , Twixt Truth and Error , a few words shall show ; The many Wayes that to blind Error slide Are in the entrance broad , Hell-mouth is wide , But when Man enters farre , he findes it then Close , Darke and Streight , for Hell returnes no Men ; But the One sacred Way which Truth directs , Onely at Entrance Mans Affection Checks , And is there strict alone , to which place throngs All Worlds Afflictions , Calumnies and wrongs . But hauing past those , then thou find'st a way In bredth , whole Heauen , in length , aeternall Day , Then following Truth , she brings Thee to that way ; But first obserue what workes she here requires , Religion , Knowledge , Sanctity , Chast Desires , Then Charity , which Bounty must expresse , To Schollers , Souldiers , Widdowes , Fatherlesse ; These haue beene still my Workes , they must be thine , Honour and Action must together shine , Or the best part 's Eclipst , behold but this , Thy very Crest showes Bounty , here 't is put , Thou giu'st the open Hand , keepe it not shut ; But to the Needie , or Deseruing Spirit , Let it spred wide , and Heauen enrowles that Merit ; Do these , and proue my Hopefull Worthy Sonne , Yet nothing's spoke , but needfully must bee done . And so lead forward .

At which Words the whole Triumph moues in his richest glory toward the Crosse in Cheape , at which place Error full of Wrath and Mallice to see his Mist so chaced away , falles into this Fury .

Error . Heart of all the Fiends in Hell ! Could her Beggarly Power expell Such a Thicke and Poisonous Mist Which set Enuies Snakes to twist ; Vp Monsters , was her Feeble Frowne Of Force to strike my Officers downe ? Barbarisme , Impudence , Lies , Ignorance , All your Hell-bred Heads aduance , And once againe with Rotten Darknesse shroud This Mount Triumphant , drop downe sulphurous Cloud .

At which the Mist falles againe , and hangs ouer all the Beauty of the Mount , not a Person of Glory seene , onely the foure Monsters gather courage againe , and take their Seates , aduancing their Clubs aboue their Heads , which no sooner perceiu'd , but Truth in her Chariot making neere to the place , willing still to rescue her Friends and Seruants , from the Powers of Ignorance and Darknesse , makes vse of these Words ,

Truth . Dare yet the workes of Vglinesse appeare Gainst this Dayes Brightnesse , and see Vs so neere ? How bold is Sinne and Hell , that yet it dare Rise against Vs ? but know ( Perditions Heire ) T' is Idle to contend against our Power , Vanish againe Fowle Mist from Honors Bower .

Then the Cloud dispersing it selfe againe , and all the Mount appearing Glorious , it passeth so on to the Standard , about which place , by Elaborate action from Error it falles againe , and goes so darkned , till it comes to S. Laurence lane end , where by the former words by Truth vtter'd , being againe chac'd away , London thus gratefully requites her Goodnesse .

London . Aeternities bright Sister , by whose Light , Errors infectious Workes still flye my Sight . Receiue thy Seruants Thankes ; Now perfect Loue Whose Right hand holds a Sphaere , wherein doe moue Twelue blest Societies , whose belou'd encrease , Stiles it the Ring of Brother-hood , Faith and Peace , From thy Harmonious Lips let them all taste , The Golden Counsell that makes Health long last .

Perfect Loue then standing vp , holding in his right hand a Sphaere , on the other , two Billing Turtles , giues these words .

Perfect Loue . First then I banish from this Feast of Ioy , All Excesse , Epicurisme , both which destroy The Healths of Soule and Body , no such Guest Ought to be welcome to this Reuerend Feast Where Truth is Mistresse , who 's admitted here , Must come for Vertues loue more then for Cheere , These two white Turtles may example giue How Perfect Ioy and Brother-hood should liue , And they from whom Graue Order is expected , Of rude Excesse must neuer bee detected ; This is the Councell which that Lady calles Golden Aduice , for by it no man falles Hee that desires Dayes healthfull , sound and blest , Let moderate Iudgement serue him at his Feast , And so lead on , may Perfect Brother-hood shine , Still in Sphaere , and Honor still in thine .

This Speech so ended , his Lordship and the Companies passe on to Guild-hall ; and at their Returning backe , these Triumphs attend to bring his Lordship toward Saint Pauls Church , there to performe those yearely Ceremoniall Rites , which Antient and Graue Order hath determined , Error by the way still busie and in Action to drawe Darknesse often vpon that Mount of Triumph , which by Truth is as often disperst : then all returning homewards full of Beauty and Brightnesse , this Mount and the Chariot of Truth , both plac'd neere to the Entrance of his Lordships Gate , neere Leaden-hall ; London , the Lady of that Mount ; first giues vtterance to these words ,

London . Before the Day sprang from the Mornings Wombe I rose , my Care was earlier then the Light , Nor would it rest till I now brought Thee Home , Marrying to one Ioy both thy Day and Night ; Nor can we call this Night , if our Eyes count The Glorious beames that dance about this Mount , Sure did not Custome guide 'em , Men would say Two Noones were seene together in one day , The Splendor is so piercing , Triumph seemes As if it sparkled , and to Mens esteemes Threw forth his Thankes , wrapt vp in Golden Flames , As if hee would giue Light to reade their Names That were at Cost this Day to make him shine , And be as free in Thankes , as they in Coine , But see Time checkes me , and his Sithe stands ready To cut all off , no State on Earth is steady , Therefore Graue Sonne the Time that is to come , Bestow on Truth , and so Thou r't welcome Home .

Time standing vp in Truths Chariot , seeming to make an offer with his Sithe to cut off the Glories of the Day , growing neere now to the Season of Rest and Sleepe , his Daughter Truth thus meekely stayes his Hand .

Truth . Father desist a while till I send forth A few Words to our Friend , that Man of Worth : The Power that Heauen , Loue , and the Cities choyce , Haue all confer'd on Thee with Mutuall voyce , As it is Great , Reuerend , and Honorable , Meet it with equall Goodnesse , striue t' excell Thy former Selfe , as thy Command exceeds Thy last-yeares State , so let new Acts , old Deeds ; And as great men in Riches and in Birth ( Heightning their Blouds , and ioyning Earth to Earth , ) Bestow their best houres and most serious cares In chusing out fit Matches for their Heires : So neuer giue Thou ouer day or howre Till with a Vertue thou hast matcht this Power : For what is Greatnesse if not ioyn'd with Grace ? Like one of High-bloud that hath married Base . Who seekes Authority with an Ignorant Eye , Is like a man seekes out his Enemy : For where before his Follies were not spred Or his corruptions , then theire cleerely read Ee'n by the eyes of all men ; 't is so pure A Cristall of it selfe , it will endure No poyson of Oppression , Bribes , Hir'd Law , But 't will appeare soone in some cracke or flaw , How e're men sooth their hopes with Popular breath , If not in Life , she 'ile finde that crack in Death : I was not made to fawne or stroake fin smooth Bee wise and heare me then that cannot sooth : I haue set Thee High now , bee so in Example , Made thee a Pinacle in Honors Temple , Fixing ten thousand Eyes vpon thy Brow There is no hiding of thy Actions now , They must abide the Light , and imitate Mee , Or bee throwne downe to Fire where Errors bee . Nor onely with these words thy eare I feede , But giue those part that shall in Time succeed , To thee in present , and to them to come That Truth may bring you all with Honour home To these your Gates , and to those , after these Of which your owne good Actions Keepe the Keyes ; Then as the Loues of thy Society Hath flowde in Bounties on this Day and Thee , Counting all Cost too little for true Art , Doubling rewards there where they found Desert , In Thankefulnesse , Iustice , and Vertuous care Perfect their hopes , those thy Requitals are ; With Fatherly Respect embrace 'em all , Faith in thy Heart , and Plenty in thy Hall , Loue in thy Walkes , but Iustice in thy State , Zeale in thy Chamber , Bounty at thy Gate : And so to Thee and these a Blessed Night , To thee Faire Citty , Peace , my Grace and Light . Trumpets sounding Triumphantly ,

Zeale , the Champion of Truth on Horse-backe , his head circled with strange Fires , appeares to his Mistresse , and thus speakes :

See yonder , Lady , Errors Chariot stands , Brauing the Power of your incenst commands , Emboldned by the priuiledge of Night And her blacke Faction , yet to crowne his Spight Which I le confound , I burne in Diuine wrath . Truth . Strike then , I giue thee leaue to shoote it forth . Zeale . Then here 's to the destruction of that Seate , There 's nothing seene of Thee but Fire shall eate .

At which , a Flame shootes from the Head of Zeale , which fastening vpon that Cariot of Error sets it on Fire , and all the Beasts that are ioynde to it .

The Fire-worke being made by Maister Humphrey Nichols , a Man excellent in his Art : and the whole Worke and Body of the Triumph , with all the proper Beauties of the Workemanship most Artfully and Faithfully performed by Iohn Grinkin : and those furnished with Apparrell and Porters by Anthony Monday , Gentleman .

This proud Seate of Error lying now onely glowing in Imbers , ( being a Figure or Type of his Lord-ships Iustice on all wicked offenders in the Time of his Gouernement , ) I now conclude , holding it a more learned Discretion to cease of my selfe , then to haue Time cut mee off rudely , and now let him strike at his pleasure .