Page:An English Garner Ingatherings from Our History and Literature (Volume 1 1877).pdf/37

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NORWICH, PETERBOROUGH, CLEVELAND, DERBY, Duke of RICHMOND, and His Majesty's own Life Guards.

In this order proceeding towards London, there were placed in Deptford, on his right hand—as he passed through the town—above an hundred proper maids, clad all alike in white garments, with scarves about them: who having prepared many flaskets covered with fine linen, and adorned with rich scarves and ribbons; which flaskets were full of flowers and sweet herbs, strewed the way before him as he rode.

From thence passing on he came into Saint George's Fields in Southwark, where the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of London in their scarlet, with the Recorder and other City Council, waited for him in a large tent, hung with tapestry; in which they had placed a chair of state, with a rich canopy over it. When he came thither the Lord Mayor presented him with the City sword, and the Recorder made a speech to him; which being done, he alighted and went into the tent, where a noble banquet was prepared for him.

From this tent the proceeding was thus ordered, viz. First the City Marshal, to follow in the rear of His Majesty's Life Guards. Next the Sheriff's trumpets. Then the Sheriff's men in scarlet cloaks, laced with silver on the capes, carrying javelins in their hands. Then divers eminent citizens well mounted, all in black velvet coats, and chains of gold about their necks, and every one his footman, with suit, cassock and ribbons of the colour of his Company: all which were made choice of out of the several Companies in this famous City and so distinguished: and at the head of each distinction the ensign of that Company.

After these followed the City Council, by two and two, near the Aldermen; then certain Noblemen and Noblemen's sons, Then the King's trumpets. Then the Heralds at Arms. After them the Duke of BUCKINGHAM. Then the Earl of LINDSEY, Lord High Chamberlain of England; and the Lord General MONK. Next to them Garter Principal King of Arms; the Lord Mayor on his right hand bearing the City sword, and a Gentleman Usher on his left: and on each side of them the Sergeants at Arms with their maces.

Then the King's Majesty with his equerries and footmen, on each side of him; and at a little distance on each hand his royal brothers, the Dukes of YORK and GLOUCESTER: and after