The Triumphes of Steele and Iron .

THis famous and most Honorable Citie of London , hauing ( for many hundred yeares ) had the Royall preheminence , to make choyce of her chiefe Magistrate , by the title of Lord Maior , and two Sheireffes , as his worthy Assistants in Office for the yeares authority , vnder the highest and supreme power , enioying the same by free voice & sufferages of publick election , in the Guild-Hall of London . Now in this instant yeare 1618. Sir Sebastian Haruey , Knight , and Aldermam of this Noble City , and free of the Right Worshipfull Company of Ironmongers , being chosen into that great and gracefull dignity ; his affectionate & kinde Brethren ( according to ancient and precedent custome , obserued to many more Lord Maiors of the same Society ) did thus tender their willing and hearty seruice to him , vpon the day of his inauguration , when ( passing by Barge with the other Aldermen his Brethren ) hee went to take his Oath at Westminster , on Thursday the 29. of October .

The first deuise , presenting it selfe for his Honors seruice , is an imaginary Island , tearmed Lemnos , very ingeniously and artificially fitted , sutable to the dayes solemnity . And , because fauourable conceit , must needs supply the defect of impossible performance , especially in so slender a compasse : let the Isle it selfe be swallowed vp in the apparance of a goodly Myne , aptly seated in the midst thereof . Therein Mulciber , the God of Mynes and Mettals ( especially such as consist of Steele & Iron ) sheweth his personall attendance , with diuers of his one-eyed Cyclops about him , forming from the Mynes Oare , Gads of Steele , Barres of Iron , & other such like matters out of the Mettals , for vse of the Ironmongers Societie , who are as Lords & Maisters of the sayd Myne , and therefore it is called the Ironmongers Myne . These feigned Cyclops , suted according to their seruice and diligence ( each with his Hammer busily imployed , while others attend the Fire and Bellowes ) are nimble and dexterious youthes , such , as to the continuall fall of their Hammers , in sweet Musicall voyces , and delicate variety of pleasing changes ; doe out-weare their worke merrily , as accounting no toyle tedious , thus bestowed in the Societies seruice : closing vp euery Stanza with Acier Dure , the worde or Motto belonging to the Companie .

This Isle or Myne being seated quadrangle-wise , at the foure corners sit foure beautifull Nymphes or Graces ; being named Chrusos , Argurion , Calcos and Sideros , figuring the foure ages of the world , and habited according to their true Carracters and natures . The Golden-Age , the Siluer-Age , and the Brazen-Age , hauing formerly triumphed , according to their seuerall turnes and times of eminency : doe now giue way to the Iron-Age ( wherein wee liue ) to haue her degree of soueraignty , as holding chiefe predominance in this daies Triumph . For , she being sole Commandresse , in Mettals of most vsuall imployment ; affordeth out of her bounteous Myne , all kinds of Martiall and Military weapons , honouring with them Armes and Souldiers . Likewise , for Tillage and Husbandry , those instruments best agreeing therewith : because it is the sustentation of life , and supporter of all other manuary Trades . Being not vnmindfull also , of Nauigation & Commerce with forraigne Nations , which can haue no consistence , but by her helpe .

Beside , the Companies Creast , of two Lizzards , linked together with a Golden Terret ( which in their Coate of Armes , is placed in the Cheueron ) stands fairely figured vpon the Myne . Aboue them all is Iupiter , mounted vpon his Royall Eagle , with his three-forked Thunderbolt in his hand , made in the Isle of Lemnos by Mulciber . He is also clad in a faire Armour , intended for the seruice of Mars ▪ but now bestowne on him , as an honourable present by Mulciber , because hee so graciously vouchsafed , to bee personally present in this Triumph , as Patron of all their pains , and protector from foule-mouthed slander and detraction .

This deuise is drawne by two goodly Estridges , as being supporters of the Sooieties Armes , and therefore aptly alluded as Guides to Mulcibers Myne , befitting none other so well as that : for , naturally they digest both Steele and Iron , as is auouched by many credible Authors .

One other Millitary Engine also , seeming to be forged in the same Myne , is appointed to the second place , which is a fair and goodly Cannon , strongly mounted vpon her Carriage , with all necessarie furnishment , for charging and discharging , by her , as also diuerse Chambers , to bee shot off as occasion serueth , and as the Maister Gunner and his Mate ( there present ) please to giue direction , or performe the seruice in their owne persons .

Certaine gallant Knights in Armour , well mounted on their Coursers for seruice , and readily prepared with their Petronells ; haue the charge or guiding of this Cannon ▪ besides a braue troupe of Musketiers . This was first imployed on the water , in the mornings seruice , and afterward helpeth the dayes further Triumph .

The Speeches betweene the Maister Gunner and his Mate , at the Cannon . Maist. Where are you Mate ? Mate . Here Sir , at hand , To doe what ere the Maister shall command . Maist. This goodly Canon , forged for this day In Lemnos , where great Mulciber beares sway , Hee and his Cyclops vsing all their skill , To frame it in best forme , and for good will They beare vnto that ancient Company , For whom their Hammers walke continually , Still to supply them from their plenteous Myne With Steele and Iron : which as they refine From the earths Oare ; So to all Lands they send , And all Artes else do bounteously befrend . Because , where Steele and Iron goe to wrack : Those Lands doe feele a lamentable lack . Now Mate , thou seest , this is a Iouiall day , And euery Trade triumphes as best it may , ( By yearly custome ) gladly to expresse , Their free affection , in full chearfulnesse . Be not we idle then , Seeing to our charge , This Cannon is committed : But at large Declare our dilligence . Our Gunners Arte , In this Triumphall day must beare a part . Fall to thy paines . Mate . Maister , with all my heart . And no men shall deliuer ( more then we ) How much we honour this dayes dignity . All this hee speaketh answerable to his action . First then , I le Spunge her , as she ought to be , Then Lade her , to Report her lustily . Next Ramme her . Now this Bullet passeth in , Which Ramd againe , lowder Report shall win . And shooting not Point blanck , but out at length : I le mount her higher on her Carriage strength . Now I haue done Sir . Maister . Then will I giue Fire ; And may all speed no worse then we desire .

Next followeth a siluer Leopard , thickly bespotted with blacke Pellets , being the Creast of the Lord Maiors Armes . Vpon the Leopard rideth an ancient Brittish Barde ; For Bardes were esteemed as Poets or Propheticall Sooth-sayers , and ( in those reuerend times ) held in no meane admiration and honour . Hee guideth the way to the Mount of Fame , being a Pageant , and aptly alluding to the other deuise ; but in a more morrall and significant manner . For therein is figured , a modell of Londons happy Gouernement , in that supreame dignity of the Maioraltie . Being a true type of that most sacred Maiesty , by whose gracious fauour it is best supported , and borroweth ( from thence ) all beames of true light and splendor .

In the most eminent place sitteth Fame , seeming as if shee sounded her Golden Trumpet , the Banner whereof , is plentifully powdred with Tongues , Eyes and Eares : implying , that all tongues should be silent , all eyes and eares wide open , when Fame filleth the world with her sacred memories .

This day , shee seemeth to present the new sworne Lord Maior to Soueraigne Maiesty , whose Lieutenant and lawfull Deputy hee is now inuested for London . Shee sheweth him , what other gracious personages shee hath there attending her , for more honourable solemnity of this generall Triumph ; presaging a happy and successefull course to his yeare of gouernment . By her is figured a goodly Shippe , whereby she conueighes all beatitudes of Kingdomes , Cities and Nations , to the furthest remoate Countries . Intimating thereby , how the Magistrate may honour his Prince , in that high trust and care committed to him , and supplying the State still with all needfull occasions , as by Trafficke and Commerce are continually required .

Expectation ( sitting somewhat lower on Fames right hand ) intimateth to him , that there will be more then ordinary matter expecte from him ▪ in regard , that hee is now mounted like a Beacon on an Hill , to flame forth brightly , and not to burne dimly . Whereof Hope ( sitting on the other side ) seemeth to giue a gracious perswasion . In regarde , that his worthy Father did formerly supply the same place , and left such sensible instructions to his Sonne , as cannot but edge his temper the more keenely , and quicken his spirits the more industriously . Because it is no common thing , for a Son , to succeed his Father in such eminencie , and therefore bindeth him to the more serious obseruance .

Wherein to encourage him the more , shee sheweth him all those sacred Vertues , that gaue his Father comfort in his Magistracie , Iustice and Fortitude , who will as forwardly further him ; treading downe those vile Incendiaries , Ambition , Treason , and Hostility , which seeke the subuersion of all estates , by Bribing , Corruption , and smoothing Insinuation , or else by open Fire and Sword . But because this yeare may be the better secured , against all their violences and treacherous attempts ; they sit gyued , and manacled together in Iron shackles , purposely made and sent from the Ironmongers Myne , to binde such base villaines to their better behauiour .

Now , because Fame cannot endure , that any part of her Mount should bee vnfitly furnished : In a degree more backward , & somewhat lower then her Seat , sit her two sober Sisters , Feare and Modesty ; both vailed , but so sharpe-sighted , that they can discerne through the darkest obscurities , when any disorder threatneth danger to Maiesty , or to his carefull Deputie . When any such inconuenience happeneth , forthwith they informe Vigilancy & Prouidence , sitting next to them . Who hearing the Larum and striking clock in the Castle : they awake Care the Sentinell , to ring the Bell in the Watch-Tower , which calleth vp Courage & Councel , that euery one may haue imploiment , for safe preseruing the Mount of Fame .

For better vnderstanding the true morality of this deuise , the personages haue all Emblemes and Properties in their hands , & so neere them , that the weakest capacity may take knowledge of them ; which course in such solemne Triumphes hath alwaies beene allowed of best obseruation : both for auoiding trouble to the Magistrate , by tedious and impertinent speeches , and deuouring the time , which craueth diligent expedition .

Concerning our Brittish Barde , raised to bee our Speaker , by sacred power of the Muses , hee reuoluing ouer his ancient volumes , concerning the course of times ; findeth , that in this yeare of 1618. the letter H. shall haue predominance in three distinct persons , as eminent Gouernours , & namely in the City of London , viz. the L. Maior , and both the Shieriffes . And if his predicting opinion doth not beguile it selfe , he saith that their names , will be Haruey , Herne and Hamarsley , for so the booke of Fate hath concluded of them , against which can be no contradiction . Whereupon making triall of his diuination by his staffe ( which vsually directed him in all such courses ) as hee speaketh to the Lord Maior ; he smiteth the Staffe vpon his foot , & suddenly issueth forth the three seuerall letters of H. apparantly to be discerned of all . So , finding his iudgement to be fallen out true , & that the persons figured by those three letters are also there present : he proceedeth on in the rest of his Speech , which according to the Brittish garbe , and as then he vttered it , is here set downe .

The Bardes first speech , deliuered to my Lord Mayor , at his going to Saint Paules Church in the afternoone . BLithe and bonny bin yee aw , And meckle blissings still be faw Vpon so faire and gudly meany , As thilke like , nere sawe I eny . A Brittish Barde , that long hath slept , And in his Graue would still ha kept : But that the spirit of Poesie ( Which haudeth highest Soueraigntie ) Hath raisde me from my silent rest , To make ene in this Iouiall Feaste . Aw for your seke , most worthy man , ( Lowting as lowly as I can ) To creue your fauour , that I may , For your Society somewhat sey , Of thilke their buxome looue to you , Which they present but as your due . As often they haue done befere , To mickle of their Bretheren mere . Among wha was your Fether one , Which this high charge did vndergone . O , let me sey it to your fece , It is a signe of speciall grece , ●ee to supply your Fethers plece : In sike an encient femous Citty , Vnder yer King , chiefe Deputie . And let me tell yee ey thing mere , Of Records haue I read good stere ; Yet neere could find the like befere , As now hath hapt . Thilke dignitie , Of Meire and Shrieffes authoritie , Whilke London yearely greants to three ▪ Eyne letter H beginnes them aw , And in so soote concordance faw : That Heruey , Herne and Hemersley , Maken ey pleasing Sympheny . Eyne Enegreme ilke neme mey blisse , With Honor , Heale and Happinesse . Honor to be sele Steffe and stey , Heale to vphaude all eirie wey , And Happinesse sa to attend . Yer yeare may heue a happy end . Thaese Shewes and Emblems ta expresse , Mayne trouble yee with tediousnes . And ay , wha wud na way offend , Yer kenning of them doe commend Vntill thilke Buke , whilke speeks them aw , Mere large than to my lot does faw . Sa , Honor , Heale and Happinesse , Giue aw yer actions gud successe .

At night at my Lords House . THilke eye of day , whilke grec'de our spart , Being clased vp , mekes his resarte Till vnder-dwellers . Seble-night , Was gledly lengthen an t delight : But standeth fearefull of offending , Because aw ioyes mun heue an ending . Not , that we desire to lieue yee , But for y ar awne heme mun receiue yee . And , thereto maken bauide intiusion , Was clase vp aw with rude confusion . Whilke fare my Leard , my perting is , Wisbing yee mickle yeares of blisse , That Iustice , Zeale and Payetie , Mayne shine in yee with Meiesty , That he wha puts yee in thilke trust , Mey finde yer rule sa true and iust , That efter times may talke , and sey Whan Heruey , Herne and Hemersley As Meire and Sheriffes did beare swey : True Honor , Helth and Heppinesse , Thilke yeare did their endeauours blisse . Yer Bretherens loue I mun commend To yer acceptance , sa I end . FINIS .