The passage of our most drad Soueraigne Lady Quene Elyzabeth through the citie of London to westminster the daye before her coronacion Anno 1558. Cum priuilegio.

The receiuing of the Quenes maiestie

VPon Saturday , whiche was the xiiii . day of Ianuarye in the yere of our Lord God .1558 . about .ii. of the clocke at after noone , the moste noble and Christian princesse , oure mooste dradde soueraigne Ladye Elyzabeth by the grace of god Quene of Englande Fraunce & Irelande , defendour of the faith . &c. marched from the towre to passe through the citie of London towarde Westminster , richely furnished , & most honorably accompanied , as well with gentilmen , Barons , & other the nobilite of this realme , as also with a notable trayne of goodly and beawtifull ladies , richly appoynted . And entryng the citie was of the people receiued marueylous entierly , as appeared by thassemblie , prayers , wishes , welcomminges , cryes , tender woordes , and all other signes , whiche argue a wonderfull earnest loue of most obedient subiectes towarde theyr soueraigne . And on thother syde her grace by holding vp her handes , and merie countenaunce to such as stode farre of , and most tender & gentle language to those that stode nigh to her grace , did declare her selfe no lesse thankefullye to receiue her peoples good wyll , than they louingly offred it vnto her . To al that wyshed her grace wel , she gaue heartie thankes , and to such as bade God saue her grace , she sayde agayne god saue them all , and thanked them with all her heart . So that on eyther syde ther was nothing but gladnes , nothing but prayer : nothing but comfort . The Quenes maiestie reioysed marueilously to see , that , so exceadingly shewed towarde her grace , which all good princes haue euer desyred , I meane so earnest loue of subiectes , so euidently declared euen to her graces owne person being caried in the middest of them . The people again wer wonderfully rauished with the louing answers and gestures of theyr princesse , like to the which they had before tryed at her first comming to the towre from Hatfield . This her graces louing behauiour preconceiued in the peoples heades vpon these consideracions was then throughly confirmed , and in dede emplanted a wonderfull hope in them touchyng her woorthy gouernement in the reste of her reygne . For in all her passage she did not only shew her most gracious loue toward the people in generall , but also priuately if the baser personages had either offred her grace any flowres or such like , as a signification of their good wyll , or moued to her any sute , she most gently , to the common reioysing of all the lookers on , & priuate comfort of the partie , staid her chariot , and heard theyr requestes . So that if a man shoulde say well , he could not better tearme the citie of London that time , than a stage wherin was shewed the wonderfull spectacle , of a noble hearted princesse toward her most louing people , & the peoples exceding comfort in beholding so worthy a soueraigne , & hearing so princelike a voice which could not but haue set thenemie on fyre , since the vertue is in thenemie alway commended , much more could not but enflame her naturall , obedient , and moste louyng people , whose wea●e leaneth onely vppon her grace , and her gouernement . Thus therefore the Queenes maiestie passed from the Towre , tyll she came to Fanchurche , the people on eche side ioyously beholdyng the viewe of so gracious a Ladye theyr queene , and her grace no lesse gladly notyng and obseruing the same . Nere vnto Fanchurch was erected a scaffolde richely furnished , wheron stode a noyes of instrumentes , and a chylde in costly apparell , whiche was appoynted to welcome the queenes maiestie in the hole cities behalfe . Agaynst which place when her grace came , of her owne wyll she commaunded the chariot to be stayde , and that the noyes might be appeased tyll the childe had vttered his welcomming oration , which hespake in English meter as here foloweth . O pereles soueraygne quene , behold what this thy town Hath thee presented with at thy fyrst entraunce here : Behold with how riche hope she ledeth thee to thy crown Beholde with what two gyftes she comforteth thy chere . The first is blessing tonges , which many a welcome say Which pray thou maist do wel , which praise the to the sky Which wish to the long lyfe , which blesse this happy day Which to thy kingdome heapes , al that in tonges can lye . The second is true hertes , which loue thee from their roote Whose sute is tryumphe now , and ruleth all the game . Which faithfulnes haue wonne , & al vntruthe driuen out , Which skip for ioy , when as they heare thy happy name . Welcome therfore O quene , as much as herte can thinke , Welcome agayn O quene , as much as tong can tell : Welcome to ioyous tonges , & hartes that wil not shrink , God the preserue we praye , & wishe thee euer well . At which wordes of the last line the hole people gaue a great shout , wishing with one assent as the chylde had said . And the Quenes maiestie thanked most hartely both the citie for this her gentle receiuing at the first , & also the people for confirming the same . Here was noted in the Queenes maiesties countenance , during the time that the childe spake , besides a perpetuall atte●tiuenes in her face , a meruelous change in loke , as the childes wordes touched either her person or the peoples tonges and hertes . So that she with reioysyng visage did euidently declare that the woordes tooke no lesse place in her minde , than they were moste heartely pronounced by the chylde , as from all the heartes of her moste heartie citizeins . The same verses wer fastned vp in a table vpon the scaffolde , and the latine therof likewise in latine verses in another table as hereafter ensueth .

Vrbs tua quae ingressu dederit tibi munera primo , O Regina parem non habitura , vide . Ad diadema tuum , te spe quám diuite mittat , Quae duo letitiae det tibi dona , vide . Munus habes primum , linguas bona multa precantes , Quae te quum laudant , tum ●ia vota sonant , Foelicemque diem hunc dicunt , tibi secula longa Optant , et quicquid denique lingua potest . Altera dona feres , vera , et tui amantia corda , Quorum gens ludum iam regit vna tuum : In quibus est infracta fides , falsumque perosa , Quaeque tuo audito nomine laeta salit Grata venis igitur , quantum cor concipit vllum , Quantum lingua potest dicere , grata venis . Cordibus infractis , linguisque per omnia laetis Grata venis : saluam te velit esse deus .

Now when the childe had pronounced his oration , and the Quenes highnes so thankefully had receiued it , she marched forwarde towarde gracious streate , where at the vpper ende , before the signe of the Egle , the citie had erected a gorgeous and sumptuous arke as here foloweth .

A stage was made whiche extended from thone syde of the streate to thother , rychely vawted with batlementes conteining three portes , and ouer the middlemost was auaunced .iii. seuerall stages in degrees . Upon the lowest stage was made one seate royall , wherin wer placed two personages representyng kyng Henrie the seuenth and Elyzabeth his wyfe doughter of kyng Edward the fourth , eyther of these two princes sitting vnder one cloth of estate in their seates , no otherwyse diuided , but that tho●e of them whiche was kyng Henrie the seuenth proceding out of the house of Lancastre , was enclosed in a read rose , and thother which was Queene Elizabeth being heire to the house of Yorke enclosed with a whyte rose , eche of them royally crowned , and decently apparailled as apperteineth to princes , with Sceptours in their handes , & one vawt surmounting their heades , wherin aptly wer placed two tables , eche conteining the title of those two princes . And these personages wer so set , that the one of thē ioyned handes with thother , with the ring of matrimonie perceiued on the finger . Out of the which two roses sprang two braunches gathered into one , which wer directed vpward to the second stage or degree , wherin was placed one , representing the valiant & noble prynce king Henry theight which sprong out of the former stock , crowned with a crown imperial , & by him sate one representing the right worthy ladie quene Anne , wife to the said king Henry the●ght , & mother to our most soueraign ladie quene Elizabeth that now is , both apparelled with Sceptours & diademes , and other furniture due to the state of a king & Queene , & ii . tables surmounting their heades , wherein were written their names & titles . From their ●eate also proceaded vpwardes one braunche directed to the thirde and vppermost stage or degree , wherein lykewyse was planted a seate royall , in the whiche was sette one representyng the Queenes most excellent maiestie Elizabeth nowe our moste dradde soueraigne Ladie , crowned and apparelled as thother prynces were . Out of the foreparte of this pageaunt was made a standyng for a chylde , whiche at the Quenes maiesties comming declared vnto her th● hole meaning of the said pageaunt . The two sides of the same were filled with loude noyses of musicke .

And all emptie places thereof were furnished with sententces concerning vnitie . And the hole pageant garnished with redde roses and white and in the forefront of the same pageant in a faire wreathe was written the name , and title of the same , which was . The vniting of the two howses of Lancastre and Yorke . Thys pageant was grounded vpon the Queenes maiesties name . For like as the long warre betwene the two houses of Yorke and Lancastre then ended , when Elizabeth doughter to Edward the fourth matched in mariage with Henrye the seuenthe heyre to the howse of Lancastre : so since that the Queenes maiesti●s name was Elizabeth , and forsomuch as she is the onelye heire of Henrye the eight , which came of bothe the howses as the k●itting vp of concorde , it was deuised that like as Elizabeth was the first occasion of concorde , so she another Elizabeth myght maintaine the same among her sub●ectes , so that vnitie was the ende wherat the whole deuise shotte , as the Queenes maiesties names moued the first grounde . Thys pageant nowe agaynste the Quenes maiesties comming was addressed with children representing the forenamed personages , with all furniture dewe vnto the setting forth of such a matter well ment , as the argument declared , costly and sumptuouslye set forth as the beholders can beare witnes . Now the Quenes maiestie drewe neare vnto the sayde pageaunt , and forsomuche as the noyse was greate by reason of the prease of people , so that she coulde skarce heare the childe whyche did enterprete th● said pageaunt , and her chariot was passed so farre forwarde that she could not well v●ew the personages representing the kynges and Queen●s abouenamed : she required to haue the mater opened vnto her , & what they signified , with the ende of vnitie , and gro●id of her name , according as is before expressed . For the fight wherof , her grace caused her chariot to be remoued back , and yet hardly could she see , because th● children wer set somewhat with the farthest in .

But after that her grace had vnderstode th● meaning therof , she thanked the citie , praised th● fairenes of the worke , and promised that she woulde doe her whole endeuour for the continuall preseruacion of concorde , as the pageant did emport .

The childe appointed in the standing abouenamed to open the meaning of the said pageant , spake these wordes vnto her grace .

The two princes that sit vnder one cloth of state , The man in the redd rose , the woman in the white : Henry the .vii. And Queene Elizabeth his mate , By ring of mariage as man and wife vnite . Both heires to both their bloodes , to Lancastre the kyng The Queene to Yorke , in one the two howses did knit , Of whom as heire to both , Henry the eyght did spring , In whose seat his true heire thou quene Elsabeth dost sit Therfore as ciuill warre , and shede of blood did cease When these two houses were vnited into one So now that ●arre shall sti●t , and quietne● encrease , We trust , O noble Queene , thou wilt be cause alone .

The which also wer written in latin verses , and both ●rawen in two tables vpon the forefront of the saide pageant as hereafter foloweth .

Hii quos iungit idem solium quos annulus idem : Haec albente nitens , ille rubente Rosa : Septimus Henricus Rex , Regina Elizabetha , Scilicet Haeredes genti : vterque suae . Haec Eboracensis , Lancastrius ille dederunt Connubio e , geminis quo foret vna domus Excipit ●os haeres Henricus copula regum Octauus , magni Regis imago potens Regibus hinc succedis auis Regique parenti Patris iusta haeres Elizabetha tui . ¶ Sentences placed therin concerning vnitie . Nullae concordes animos vires domant . Qui iuncti terrent , deiuncti timent . Discordes animi soluunt , concordes ligant . Augentur parua pace , magna bello cadunt . Coniunctae manus fortius tollunt onus . Regno pro moenibus aeneis ciuium concordia . Qui diu pugnant diutius lugent . Discidentes principes subditorum lues . Princeps ad pacem natus non ad arma datur Filia concordiae copia , neptis quies . Dissentiens respublica hostibus patet . Qui idem tenent , diutius tenent . Regnum diuisum facile dissoluitur . Ciuitas concors armis frustra tentatur . Omnium gentium consensus firmat fidem &c.

These verses and other pretie sentences were drawen in voide places of thys pageant , all tending to one ende that quietnes might be mainteyned , and all dissention displaced , and that by the Quenes maiestie , heire to agrement , and agreing in name with her , which tofore had ioyned those houses , which had ben thoccasyon of much debate and ciuill warre within thys realme , as may appere to such as will searche cronicles , but be not to be touched in thys treatise only declaring her graces passage through the citie , and what prouisyon the citie made therfore . And ere the Quenes maiestie came wythin hearing of thys pageaunt , she sent certaine as also at all the other pageauntes to require the people to be silent . For her maiestie was disposed to heare all that shoulde be sayde vnto her .

When the Queenes maiestie had hearde the chyldes oration , and vnderstoode the meanyng of the pageant at large , she marched forward toward Cornehill , alway receiued with lyke reioysing of the people , and there as her grace passed by the conduit which was curiously trimmed agaynst that tyme with ryche banners adourned , and a noyse of loude instrumentes vpon the top therof , she espyed the seconde pageant , and because shee feared for the peoples noyse , that she should not heare the child which dyd expounde the same , she enquired what that pageant was ere that she came to it . And there vnderstoode , that there was a chylde representing her maiesties person , placed in a seate o● gouernement , supported by certayne vertues , which suppressed their contrarie vyces vnder their feete . and so forthe , as in the description of the sayd pageant shall herafter appeare .

This pageant standynge in the nether ende of Cornehill , was extended from thone syde of the streate to the other , and in the same pageant was deuysed three gates all open , and ouer the middle parte thereof was erected one chayre , or seate royal with clothe of estate to the same apperteynyng , wherein was placed a chylde representinge the Queenes highnesse , with consideracion had for place conuenient for a table whiche conteyned her name and tytle . And in a comely wreathe artificially and wel deuised with perfite sight and vnderstanding to the people . In the front of the same page at was written the name and title thereof , whych is The seate of worthie gouernance , whych seate was made in such artificiall maner , as to the apperance of the lookers on , the forparte semed to haue no staye , and therfore of force was stayed by liuely personages , which personages were in numbre foure , standing and staieng the forefronte of the same seate royall , eche hauing his face to the Quene and people , wherof euery one had a table to expresse their effectes , which are vertues namely . Pure religion , Loue of subiectes , Wisdome and Iustice , which did treade their contrarie vices vnder their feete , that is to witte , Pure religion , did treade vppon Superstition and Ignoraunce , Loue of subiectes , dyd treade vpon Rebellion and insolencie , Wisdome did treade vpon Follie and Vaine glorie , Iustice did treade vpon Adulacion and Bribery . Eche of these personages according to their proper names and properties had not onely their names in plaine and perfit writing set vpon their breastes easely to be read of all , but also euery of them was aptly and properly apparelled , so that hys apparell and name did agre to expresse the same person , that in ●●tie he represented . This part of the pageant was thus appointed and furnished . The two sydes ouer the two side portes had in them placed a noyse of instrumentes , whych immediatlye , after the chyldes speache gaue an heauenly melodie . Upon the top or vppermost part of th● said pageant stode the armes of England ro●ally portratured with th● proper beastes to vpholde the same . One representing the Quenes highnes , sate in this seate crowned with an Imperiall crowne , and before her seate , was a conuenient place appointed for one childe which did interprete and applye the said pageant as hereafter shal be declared . Euerye voyde place was furnyshed with proper sentences commendyng the seate supported by vertues , and defacing the vyces , to the vtterextirpacion of rebellion , and to euerlastyng continuaunce of quyetnes and peace . The Quenes maiestie approching nyghe vnto this pageaunt thus beawtifyed and furnyshed in all poyntes , caused her chariot to bee drawen nyghe thereunto , that her grace myght heare the chyldes oration , whiche was this .

Whyle that religion true , shall ignorance suppresse , And with her weightye foote , breake superstitions head , Whyle loue of subiectes , shall rebellion distresse And with zeale to the prince , insolency down treade . While iustice , can flattering tonges & bribery deface , While follie & vayngtorie to wisdome yeld their handes : So long shal gouernment , not swar●e from her right race But wrong decayeth still , and rightwisenes vp standes . Now all thy subiectes hertes , O prince of pereles fame Do trust these vertues shall maintayn vp thy throne , And vyce be kept down still , the wicked put to shame , that good with good may ioy , & naught with naught may mone

Which verses were painted vpon the right syde of the same pageant , and the latin therof on the left side in an other table , which were these .

Quae subnixa alte solio regina superbo est , Effigiam sanc●t●e principis alma refert , . Quam ciuilis amor fulcit , sapientia firmat , Iustitia illustrat , Relligioque beat V●na superstitio ● crassae ignorantia frontis Pressae sub pura relligione iacent . Regis amor domat effraenos , arimosque rebelles Iustus adulantes , Doniuorosque ●erit . Cum regit imperium sapiens , sine luce sedebunt Stultitia atque ●uius numen manis honor .

Beside these verses there wer placed in euery voide rome of the pageant both in Englishe and latin such sentences as aduannced the seate of gouernaunce vpholden by vertue . The grounde of thys pageant was , that like as by vertues ( whych doe aboundantly appere in her grace ) the Queenes maiestie was established in the seate of gouernement : so she should sitte fast in the same so long , as she embraced vertue and helde vice vnder foote . For if vice once gotte vp the head , it would put the seate of gouernement in peryll of ●alli●g .

The Queenes maiestie when she had heard the childe and vnderstode the pageant at full , gaue the citie also thankes there , and most graciouslie promised her good endeuour for the maintenaunce of the sayde vertues , and suppression of vyces , and so marched on till she came againste the great conduite in cheape , which was bewtified with pictures and sentences accordinglye against her graces coming thether ▪

Against Soper la●es ende was extended from thone side of the streate to thother , a pageant which had three gates all open . Ouer the middlemoste wherof wer erected three seuerall stages , whereon sate eight children , as hereafter foloweth . On the vppermost one childe , on the middle three , on the lowest .iiii. eche hauing the proper name of the blessing , that they did represent , written in a Table and placed abouetheir heades . In the forefront of this pageant before the children which did represent the blessinges , was a conuenient standing cast out for a chylde to stande , which did expownd the sayd pageant vnto the Quenes maiestie , as was done in thother tofore . Euerie of these children wer appointed & apparelled according vnto the blessing which he did represent . And on the forepart of the sayde pageant was written in fayre letters the name of the said pageant in this maner folowing .

The eight beatitudes expressed in the .v. chapter of the gospel of . S , Mathew , applyed to our soueraigne Ladie Quene Elizabeth .

Ouer the two syde portes was placed a noyes of instrumentes . And all voyde places in the pagea●t wer furnished with prety sayinges , commending and touching th● meaning of the said pageant , which was the promises & blessinges of almightie god made to his people . Before that the quenes highnes came vnto this pageant , she required th● matter somewhat to be opened vnto her , that her grace might the better vnderstand , what should afterward by the child be sayd vnto her . Which so was , that the citie had there erected the pageant with . vi●i . children , representing theyght blessinges touched in the .v. Chapiter of S. Mathew . Wherof , euery one vpon iust consideracions was applyed vnto her high●es , a●d that the people therby put her grace in mind , that as her good doinges before had geuen iust occasion , why that these blessinges might fall vpon her , that so if her grace did continue in her goodnes as she had entred , she shoulde hope for the fruit of these promises due vnto them , th● doe exercise themselues in the blessinges , whiche her grace heard merueilous graciously , and required that the chariot myght be remoued towardes the pageaunt , that she might perceyue the chyldes woordes , which were these , the Quenes maiestie geuing most attentiue eare , and requiring that the peoples noyse might be stayde .

Thou hast b●en .viii. times blest , ● quene of worthy fame By me●enes of thy spirite , when care did thee besette By mourning in thy griefe , by mildnes in thy blame By hunger and by thyrst , and iustice couldst none gette . By mercy shewed , not felt , by cleanes of thyne harte By seking peace alwayes , by persecucion wrong . Therfore trust thou in god , since he hath helpt thy smart That as his promis is , so he will make thee strong .

When these woordes were spoken , all the people wished , that as the child had spoken , so god woulde strengthen her grace against all her aduersaries , whom the Quenes maiestie did most gently thanke for their so louing wishe . These verses wer painted on the left syde of the said pageant , and other in laten on thother syde , which wer these .

Qui lugent hilares fient , qui mitia gestant Pectora , multa soli iugera culta metent Iustitiam esuriens sitiensue replebitur , ipsum . Fas homini puro corde videre deum Quem alterius miseret , dominus miserebitur huius , Pacificus quisquis , filius ille Dei est . Propter iustitiam quisquis patietur habetque Demissam mentem , caelica regna capit . Huic hominum generi terram , mare , sidera vouit Omnipotens , horum quisque beatus erit .

Besides these , euery voide 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 Quenes maiestie passed on forward in Chepe syde .

At the standarde in Cheape which was dressed fayre agaynste the tyme , was placed a noyse of Trumpettes , with banners and other furniture . The Crosse lykewyse was also made fayre and well trimmed . And neare vnto the same , vppon the porthe of Saint Peters church dore , stode the waites of the citie , which did geue a pleasant noyse with their instrumentes as the Quenes maiestie did passe by , whiche on euery syde cast her countenaunce , and wished well to all her most louing people . Sone after that her grace passed the crosse , she had espyed the pageant erected at the little conduit in cheape , and incontinent required to know what it might signifye . And it was tolde her grace , that there was placed Tyme . Tyme●{quod} she , and Tyme hath brought me hether . And so furth the hole matter was opened to her grace , as hereafter shal be declared in the descripcion of the pageaunt . But in the opening , when her grace vnderstode that the Byble in Englyshe shoulde be deliuered vnto her by Trueth , whiche was therein represented by a chylde : she thanked the citie for that gyft , and sayde that she woulde oftentymes reade ouer that booke , commaunding sir Iohn Parrat , one of the knightes which helde vp her canapy ▪ to goe before and to receiue the booke . But learning that it should be deliuered vnto her grace downe by a silken lace , she caused hym to staye , and so passed forward till she came agaynste the Aldermen in the hyghe ende of Cheape tofore the little conduite , where the companies of the citie ended , whiche beganne at Fanchurche , and stoode along the streates , one by another enclosed with rayles , hanged with clothes , and themselues well opparelled with manye ryche furres , and their liuery whodes vppon their shoulders in comely and semely maner , hauing before thē sondry persones wellapparelled in silkes & ●haines of golde , as wyflers and garders of the sayd companies , beside a number of riche hanginges , aswell of Tapistrie , Arras , clothes of golde , siluer veluet , damaske , Sattin , and other silkes plentifullye hanged all the way as the Queenes highnes passed from the Towre through the citie . Out at the windowes & penthouses of euery house , did hang a number of ryche and costlye banners and streamers , tyll her grace came to the vpper ende of Cheape . And there by appoyntment , the right worshipfull maister Ranulph Cholmeley Recorder of the citie , presented to the Quenes maiestie a purse of crimeson satti● richely wrought with gold , wherin the citie gaue vnto the Quenes maiestie a thousand markes in gold , as maister Recorder did declare brieflie vnto the Queenes maiestie , whose woordes tended to this ende , that the Lorde maior his brethren , and comminaltie of the citie , to declare their gladnes and good wille towardes the Quenes maiestie , dyd present her grace with that golde , desyering her grace to continue theyr good and gracious Quene , and not to esteme the value of the gift , but the mynd of the geuers . The Quenes maiestie with both her handes tooke the purse , and aunswered to hym againe merueylous pithilie , and so pithilie , that the standers by , as they embraced entierly her gracious aunswer , so they meruailed at th● cowching therof , which was in wordes truely reported these . I thanke my lord maior , his brethren , & you all . And wheras your request is that I should continue your good ladie & quene , be ye ensured , that I wil be as good vnto you , as euer quene was to her people . No wille in me can lacke , neither doe I trust shall ther lacke any power . And perswade your selues , that for the safetie and quietnes of you all , I will not spare , if nede be to spend my blood , God thanke you all . Whiche aunswere of so noble an hearted pryncesse , if it moued a meruaylous showte and reioysing , it is nothyng to be meruayled at , since both the heartines thereof was so woonderfull , and the woordes so ioyntly knytte . When her grace hadde thus aunswered the Recorder , she marched toward the little conduit , where was erected a pageaunt with square proporcion , standynge directlye before the same conduite , with battlementes accordynglye . And in the same pageaunt was aduaunced two hylles or mountaynes of conuenient heyghte . The one of them beyng on the North syde of the same pageaunt , was made cragged , barreyn , and stonye , in the whiche was erected one tree , artificiallye made , all withered and dea●●e , with braunches accordinglye . And vnder the same tree at the foote thereof , sate one in homely and rude apparell crokedlye , and in mournyng maner , hauynge ouer hys headde in a table , written in Laten and Englyshe , hys name , whiche was Ruinosa Respublica , A decayed common weale . And vppon the same withered tree ware fixed certayne Tables , wherein were written proper sentences , expressing the causes of the decaye of a commonweale . The other hylle on the South syde was made fayre , freshe , grene , and beawtifull , the grounde thereof full of flowres and beawtie , and on the same was erected also one tree very freshe and fayre , vnder the whiche , stoode vprighte one freshe personage well apparaylled and appoynted , whose name also was written bothe in Englyshe and in Laten , whiche was , Respublica bene instituta . A florishyng commonweale . And vppon the same tree also , were fi●ed certayne Tables conteyning sentences , which expressed the causes of a flourishing common weale . In the middle betwene the sayde hylles , was made artificiallye one hollowe place or caue , with doore and locke enclosed , oute of the whiche , a lyttle before the Queenes hyghnes commynge thither , issued one personage whose name was Tyme , apparaylled as an olde man with a Sythe in his hande , hauynge wynges artificiallye made , leadinge a personage of lesser stature then himselfe , whiche was fynely and well apparaylled , all cladde in whyte silke , and directlye ouer her head was set her name and tytle in latin and Englyshe , Temporis filia , the daughter of Tyme . Which two so appoynted , went forwarde , toward the South syde of the pageant . And on her brest was written her propre name , whiche was Veritas . Trueth who helde a booke in her hande vpon the which was writen , verbum veritatis , the woorde of trueth . And out of the South syde of the pageaunt ▪ was cast a standynge for a childe which should enterprete the same pageant . Against whom , when the Quenes maiestie came , he spake vnto her grace these woordes .

This olde man with the sythe , olde father tyme they call , And her his daughter Truth , which holdeth yonder boke Whom he out of his rocke hath brought furth to vs all , From whence this many yeres she durst not once out loke . The ruthfull wight that sitteth vnder the barren tree , Resembleth to vs the fourme , when common weales decay But when they be in state tryumphant , you may see By him in freshe attyre that sitteth vnder the baye . Now since th● Time agaī his daughter truth hath brought , We trust O worthy quene , thou wilt this truth embrace And since thou vnderstandste the good estate and nought We trust welth thou wilt plant , and barrennes displace . But for to heale the sore , and cure that is not seene , which thing the boke of truth doth teache in writing playn : She doth present to thee the same , O worthy Quene , For that , that wordes do flye , but wryting doth remayn .

When the childe had thus ended his speache , he reached his booke towardes the Quenes maiestie , whiche a little before , Trueth had let downe vnto him from the hill , whiche by sir Iohn Parrat was receiued , and deliuered vnto the Quene . But she as soone as she had receyued the booke , kissed it , and with both her handes held vp the same , and so laid it vpon her brest , with great thankes to the citie therfore . A●d so went forward towar●s Paules churchyard . The former matter whych was rehersed vnto the Queenes maiestie was written in two tables , on either side the pageant eight verses , and in the middest , these in laten .

Ille , vides falcem laeua qui sustinet vncam , Tempus is est , cui stat filia vera comes Hanc pater exesa deductam rupe repo●it In lucem , quam non viderat ante di● Qui sedet a laeua cultu male tristis inepto Quem duris crescens cautibus orbis obit Nos monet effigie , qua sit respublica quand● Corruit , at contra quando beata viget Ille docet iuuenis forma spectandus amictu Scitus , et aeterna laurea fronde virens .

The sentences written in latin and englishe vpon both the trees , declaring the causes of both estates , were these .

¶ Causes of a ruinous common weale are these . Want of the feare of god Disobedience to rulers . Blindnes of guides . Briberie in maiestrats Rebellion in subiectes . Ciuill disagrement . Flattring of princes . Vnmercifulnes in rulers Vnthankfulnes in subiects ¶ Causes of a florishing common weale . Feare of god . A wise prince . Learned rulers . Obedience to officers Obedient subiectes . Louers of the common weale Vertue rewarded Vice chastened .

The mater of this pageant dependeth of them th● went before . For as the first declared her grace to come out of th● house of vnitie , th● second th● she is placed in th● seat of gouernment staied with vertue to the suppression of vice , and therfore in the third the eight blessinges of almighty god might well be applyed vnto her : so this fourth now is , to put her grace in remembrance of the state of the common weale , which Time with Truth his doughter doth reuele , which Truth also her grace hath receiued , and therfore cannot but be mercifull and caref●l for th● good gouernment therof . From thence the Quenes maiestie passed towarde Paules churchyard , and when she came ouer against Paules scole , a childe appointed by the scolemaster therof pronounced a certein oration in latin , & certein verses which also wer there written as foloweth .

Philosophus ille diuinus Plato inter multa preclare ac sapienter dicta , hoc posteris proditum reliquit , Rempub● illam faelicissimāfore , cui princeps sophiae studiosa , virtutibusque ornata contigerit ▪ Quem si vere dixisse censeamus ( vt quidem verissime ) cur non terra Britannica plauderet ? cur non populus gaudium atque laetitiam 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 vndique faelicissima . Castiquidem corporis dotes ita apertae sunt , vt oratione non egeant . Animi vero tot tantaeque , vt ne verbis quidem exprimi possint . Haec nempe Regibus summis orta , morum atque animi nobilitate genus exuperat . Huius pectus Christi religionis amore flagrat . Haec gentem Britannicam virtutibus illustrabit , clipeoque iustitiae teget . Haec literis graecis etlati●is eximia , ingenioque prepollens est . Hac imperante pietas vigebit , Anglia florebit , aurea secula redibunt . Vos igitur Angli tot commoda accepturi Elizabetham Reginam nostram celeberrimam ab ipso Christo huius regni imperio destinatam , honore debito prosequimini . Huius imperiis aimo libentissimo subditiestote , vosque tali principe dignos prebete . Et quoniam pueri non viribus sed precib{us} . officium prestare possunt , nos Alumni huius scholae ab ipso Coleto olim Templi Paulini Decano , extructae teneras palmas ad caelum tendentes Christum Opt : Maxi : precaturi sumus vt tuam cel●itudinē annos Nestoreos summo cum honore Anglis imperitare faciat , matremque pignorib{us} charis beatam reddat . Amen .

Anglia nunc tandem plaudas , laetare , resulta , Presto iam vita est , praesidiumque tibi En tua spes venit tua gloria , lux , decus omne Venit iam solidam quae tibi prestat opem . Succurretque tuis rebus quae pessum obiere ▪ Perdita quae fuerant haec reparare volet Omnia florebunt , redeunt nunc aurea secla . In melius surgent quae cecidere bona . Debes ergo illi totam te reddere fidam Cuius in accessu commoda tot capies . Salue igitur dicas , imo de pectore summo . Elizabeth Regni non dubitanda salus , Virgo venit , veniatque optes comitata deinceps . Pignoribus charis , laeta parens veniat Hoc deus omnipotens ex alto donet olympo . Qui caelum & terram condidit atque regit .

Which the Queenes maiestie most attentiulye harkened vnto . And when the childe had pro●ounced he did kisse the oration whi●h he had there faire written in paper , and de●iueredit vnto the Quenes maiestie , which most gently receiued the same . And when the Quenes maiestie had heard all th● was there offred to be spoken , thē her grace marched toward Ludgate , where she was receiued with a noyse of instrumentes , the forefront of th● gate being finelie trimmed vp against her maiesties comming . From thence by the way as she went down toward fletebridge , one aboute her grace noted the cities charge , that there was no cost spared . Her grace answered that she did well consyder the same , and that it should be remembred . In honorable aunswere , worthie a noble prince , which may comforte all her subiectes , considering there can be no point of gentlenes , or obedient loue shewed towarde her grace , whych she doth not most renderlie accepte , and graciously waye . In this maner , the people on either side reioysing , her grace wente forwarde , towarde the conduite in Fleetestrete , where was the fifte and last pageaunt erected in forme folowing . From the conduite which was bewtified with painting , vnto the Northside of the strete , was erected a stage embattelled with foure towres and in the same a square platte rising with degrees , and vppon the● vppermost degree was placed a chaire , or seate royall , and behynde the same seate in curious and artificiall maner , was erected a tree of reasonable height and so farre aduaunced aboue the seate as it did well and semelye shadow the same , without endomaging the syght of any part of the pageant , and the same tree was bewtified with leaues as greene as arte could deuise being of a conuenient greatnes and conteining therupon the fruite of the date , and on the toppe of the same tree in a table was set the name thereof which was A palme tee , and in the aforesaide seate or chaire was placed a semel●e and mete personage richlie apparelled in parliament robes , with a sceptre in her hand , as a Quene crowned with an open crowne , whose name and title was in a table fixed ouer her head , in this sort . Debora the iudge and restorer of the house of Israel . Iudic . 4. and the other degrees on either side were furnished with .vi. personages , two representing the nobilite , two the clergie , & two the comminaltye . And before these personages was written in a table Debora with her estates consulting for the good gouernement of Israel . At the feete of these and the lowest part of the pageant was ordeined a conuenient rome for a childe to open the meaning of the pageant . When the Queenes maiestie drew nere vnto this pageant , and perceiued , as in the other , the childe readie to speake , her grace required silence , and commaunded her chariot to be remoued nigher , that she myght plainlie heare the childe speake , whych said as hereafter foloweth .

Iaben of Canaan king had long by force of armes Opprest the Isralites , which for gods people went But god mind●ng at last for to redresse their harmes , The worthy Debora as iudge among them sent . In war she , through gods aide , did put her foes to flight , And with the dint of tworde the bande of bondage brast . In peace she , through gods aide , did alway mainteine right And iudged Israell till fourty yeres were past . A worthie president , O worthie Queene , thou hast , A worthie woman iudge , a woman sent for staie . And that the like to vs endure alway thou maist Thy louing subiectes wil with true hearts & tonges praie .

Which verses were written vpon the pageant , and the same in latin also .

Quando dei populum , Canaan rex pressit Iaben , Mittitur a magno Debora magna deo : Quae populum eriperet , sanctum seruaret Iudan , Milite quae patrio frangeret hostis opes . Haec domino mandante deo lectissima fecit Faemina , et aduersos contudit ense viros . Haec quater denos populum correxerat annos Iudicio , bello strenua , pace grauis . Sic , O sic populum belloque et pace guberna , Debora sis Anglis Elizabetha tuis .

The voide places of the pageant were filled with pretie sentences concerning the same matter . Thys ground of this last pageant was , that forsomuch as the next pageant before had set before her graces eyes the florishing & desolate states of a common weale , she might by this be put in remenbrance to consult for the worthy gouernment of her people , considering god oftimes sent women nobly to rule among men , as Debora whych gouerned Israell in peas the space of .xl. yeres : & that it behoueth both men & women so ruling to vse aduise of good counsell . When th● Quenes maiestie had passed this pageant , she marched toward Templebarre . But at S. Dunstones church where th● children of thospitall wer appointed to stand with their gouernours , her grace perceiuing a childe offred to make an oracion vnto her , stayed her chariot , and did caste vp her eyes to heauen , as who should saye , I here see thys mercyfull worke towarde the poore whom I muste in the middest of my royaltie nedes remembre , and so turned her face towarde the childe , whych in latin pronounced an oracion to this effecte , that after the Queenes hyghnes had passed through the citie and had sene so sumptuous , rich , and notable sepectacles of the citiezens which declared their most hartie receiuing and ioyous welcomming of her grace into the same : thys one spectacle yet rested and remained , which was the euerlasting spectacle of mercy vnto the poore membres of almighty God , furthered by that famous and most noble prince king Henry the eight , her graces father , erected by the citie of London , and aduaunced by the most godly verteous and gracious prince kyng Edwarde she .vi. her graces dere and louing brother doubting nothing of the mercy of the Queenes most gracious clemencie by the which they may not onely be releued and helped , but also stayed and defended , & therfore ince●●auntly they would pray and crie vnto almighty God for the long life and raigne of her highnes with most prosperous victory against her enemies .

The childe after he had ended his oracion , kissed the paper wherin the same was written , and reachedit to the Quenes maiestie whych receiued it graciouslye both with woordes & countenance , declaring her gracious mynde towarde theyr reliefe . From thence her grace came to Temple barre , which was dressed fynelye with the two ymages of Gotmagot the Al●ione , and Corineus the Briton , two gyantes bigge in stature fur●ished accordingly , which held in their handes euen aboue th● gate , a table , wherin was writen in latin verses , theffect of all the pageantes wh●●h the citie before had erected , which verses wer these .

Ecce sub aspectu iam contemplaberis vno . O princeps populi sola columna tui . Quicquid in immensa passim perspexeris vrbe Quae cepere omnes vnus hic arcus habet : Primus tesolio regni donauit 〈◇〉 , Haeras quippe tui vera parentis ●ras . Suppress●● vitiis , domina virtute , Secundus Firma●it sed●m r●gia virgo tuam . Tertius ex omni posuit te parte beatam Si , qua caepisti pergere velle , velis Quarto quid verum , respublica lapsa quid esse● Quae florens staret te docuere tui Quinto magna loco 〈…〉 Caelitus in regni gaudia 〈…〉 Perge ergo , regina , tuae spes 〈◇〉 gentis , Haec postrema vrbis sus cip● vota tuae . Viue diu , regnaque diu , virtutibus orna Rem patriam , et populi spem tueare tui . Sic o sic petitur caelum Sic itur in astra Hoc virtutis opus , caetera mortis erunt .

Which versis wer also written in Englishe meter in a lesse table as hereafter foloweth .

Behold here in one view , thou mayst see all that playne O princesse to this thy people the onely stay : What echewhere thou hast seen in this wide town , agaī This one arche whatsoeuer the rest conteynd , doth say . The first arche as true ●eyre vnto thy father dere , Did set thee in the th●one where thy graund father satte , The second did confirme thy seate as princesse here , Uertues now bearing swaye , and vyces 〈◇〉 down flatte . The third , if that thou wouldst goe on as thou began , Declared thee to be blessed on euery syde , The fourth did open Trueth , and also caught thee whan The commonweale stoode well , & when it did thence slide . The fifth as Debora declared thee to be sent From heauen , a long comfort to vs thy subiectes all , Therfore goe on O Queene , on whom our hope is bent , And take with thee this wishe of thy town as finall . Liue long , and as long raygne , adourning thy countrie With vertues , and mayntayne thy peoples hope of thee , For thus , thus heauen is won , thus must th● pearce th● skye , This is by vertue wrought , all other must nedes dye .

On the South side was appoynted by the citie a noyse of singing children , & one child richely attyred as a Poet , which gaue the quenes maiestie her fare well in the name of the hole citie , by these wordes .

As at thyne entraunce first , O prince of high renowne , Thou wast presented with tonges & heartes for thy fayre , So now sith thou must nedes depart our of this towne , This citie sendeth thee firme hope and earnest prayer . For all men hope in thee , that all vertues shall reygne , For all men hope that thou , none errour wilt support , For all men hope that thou wilt trueth restore agayne , And mend that is amisse , to all good mennes comfort . And for this hope they pray , thou mayst continue long , Our Quene amongst vs here , all vyce for to supplant , And for this hope they pray , th● God may make the strong , As by his grace puissant , so in his trueth constant . Farewell O worthy Queene , and as our hope is sure , That into errours place , thou wilt now trueth restore , So trust we th● thou wilt our soueraigne Queene endure , And louing Lady stand , from hencefurth euermore .

Whyle these woordes were in saying , and certeine wishes therein repeted for maintenaunce of trueth and rooting out of errour , she now and then helde vp her handes to heauenwarde and willed the people to say , Amen .

When the childe had ended , she said , be ye well assured , I will stande your good quene . At whiche saying her grace departed forth through temple barre towarde Westminster , with no lesse shoutyng and crying of the people , then she entred the citie with a noyse of ordinance whiche the towre shot of at her graces entraunce first into towre streate .

The childes saying was also in latin verses wrytten in a table which was hanged vp there .

O Regina potens , Cum primam vrbem 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 prouida virtus Rexerit , errori nec locus vllus erit Quippe tuis spes est , quod tu verum omne reduces Solatura bonas , dum mala tollis , opes Hac 〈◇〉 orant , longu● vt Reg●●● gubernes , Et regni excindas , crimina cuncta tui . ◇ freti orant , diuina vt gratia fortem , Et verae fidei te velit esse basin . Iam Regina vale , et sicut nos spes tenet vna , Quod vero inducto 〈◇〉 ditus error erit . Sic 〈◇〉 speramus quod eris Regina be●igna Nobis per regni tempora longa tui

Thus the Queenes hyghnesse passed through the citie , whiche without any forreyne persone , of it selfe beawtifyes it selfe , and receyued her grace at all places as hath been before mencioned , with most tender obedience and loue , due to so gracious a quene and soueraigne ladie . And her grace lykewise of her side in all her graces passage shewed her selfe generally an ymage of a woorthye Ladie and Gouernour , but priuately these especiall poyntes wer noted in her grace , as sygnes of a most princelyke courage , whereby her louing subiectes maye ground a sure hope forthe rest of her gracious doinges hereafter .

Certain notes of the quenes maiesties great mercie , clemencie , and wisdom vsed in this passage

Aboute the nether ende of Cornehyll towarde Cheape , one of the knightes about her grace had espyed an auncient citizen , whiche wepte , and turned his head backe , and therewith said this gentleman , yonder is an Alderman ( for so he tearmed hym ) whiche wepeth & turneth his face backeward . How may it be interpreted that he so doth , for sorowe , or for gladnes ? The quenes maiestie heard hym , and said , I warrant you it is for gladnes . A gracious interpretation of a noble courage , which would turne the doutefull to the best . And yet it was well known that as her grace did confirme the same , the parties cheare was moued for verye pure gladnes for the sight of her maiesties person , at the beholding whereof , he toke such comforte , that with teares he expressed the same .

In Cheapeside her grace smiled , and being therof demaunded the cause , aunswered , for that she had heard one say , Remember old king Henry ●heyght . A naturall child , which at the very remembraunce of her fathers name toke so great a ioy , that all men may well thinke , that as she reioysed at his name whom this realme doth hold of so woorthy memorie : so in her doinges she will resemble the same .

When the cities charge withoute parcialitie and onely the citie was mencioned vnto her grace , she , saide it shoulde not be forgotten . Whiche saying myght moue all Englishemen heartely● to shewe due obedience and entiernes , to their so good a Queene which will in no poynt forgeat any parcell of duetie louingly shewed vnto her .

The answer which her grace made vnto maister Recorder of London , as the hearers know it to be true , and with melting heartes heard the same : so may the reader thereof conceiue what kinde of stomacke and courage pronounced the same .

What more famous thing doe we reade in auncient histories of olde tyme , then that mightye prynces haue gentlye receyued presentes offered them by base and lowe personages . If that be to be wondred at ( as it is passingly ) let me se any writer that in any one princes lyfe is able to recounte so manye presidentes of this vertue , as her grace shewed in that one passage through the citie . How many nosegayes did her grace receiue at poore womens handes ? How ofttimes stayed she her chariot , when she sawe any simple body offer to speake to her grace ? A branche of Rosemary geuen to her grace with a supplication by a poore woman about flete bridge , was seen in her chariot til her grace came to westminster , not withou● the merueylous wondring of such as knew the presenter , and noted the Queenes most gracious receiuing and keping the same .

What hope the poore and nedy may looke for at her graces hande , she as in all her iourney continuallye , so in her harkenyng to the poore chyldren of Christes hospitall with eyes cast vp into heauen , did fullye declare , as that neither the welthier estate could stande without consideracion had to the pouertie , neither the pouertie be duelye considered , vnles they were remembred , as commended to vs by goddes owne mouth .

As at her first enterance she as it were declared , her selfe prepared to passe through a citie that most entierly loued her , so she at her last departing , as it were , bownde her selfe by promes to continue good Ladie and gouernor vnto that citie whiche by outward declaracion did open their loue , to their so louing and noble prince in such wyse , as she her selfe wondered therat .

But because princes be set in their seate by gods appoynting and therfore they must first and chiefly tender the glory of him , from whom their glory issueth , it is to be noted in her grace , that forsomuch as god hath so wonderfully placed her in the seate of gouernment ouer this realme , she in all doinges doth shew her selfe most myndfull of his goodnes and mercie shewed vnto her , & amongest all other , two pryncipall sygnes thereof were noted in thys passage . First in the Towre , where her grace before she entred her chariot , lifted vp her eyes to heauen and sayd .

O Lord , almighty and euerlasting God , I geue thee most hearty thankes that thou hast been so mercifull vnto me as to spare me to beholde this ioyfull daye . And I acknowledge that thou hast dealt as wonderfully & as mercifully with me , as thou didst with thy true and faithfull seruant Daniel thy prophete whom thou deliueredst out of the denne from the crueltie of the gredy and rageing Lyons : euen so was I ouerwhelmed , and only by the deliuered . To thee therfore onely be thankes , honor , & prayse , foreuer . Amen .

The second was the receiuing of the Byble at the little conduit in cheape . For when her grace had learned that the Byble in Englishe should there be offered , she thanked the citie therefore , promysed the reading thereof most diligentlye , and incontinent commaunded , that it should be brought . At the receit wherof , how reuerently did she with both her handes take it , kisse it , & lay it vpon her breast ●● the great comfort of the lookers on . God will vndou●tedly prese●●e so worthy a prince , which at ●●s honor ◇ taketh her beginning 〈◇〉 this saying is true , and written in the boke of Truth , He that first seketh the kingdome of God , shall haue all other thinges cast vnto him .

Now therfore all English hertes , and her naturall people must nedes praise Gods mercy , which hath sent them so woorthy a prince , and pray for her graces long continuance amongest vs.