As he passed they flung
leaves of trees and sweet May flowers beneath his horse's feet,
and waved green boughs on high, And when he came to St. George's
Fields, there was my lord mayor in his robes of new velvet,
wearing his collar of wrought gold, and attended by his aldermen
in brave apparel likewise. Going down on his knees my lord mayor
presented the king with the city sword, which his majesty with
some happy expressions of confidence gave back into his good
keeping, having first struck him with it upon the shoulder and
bade him rise up Sir Thomas Allen. Whereon that worthy man rose
to his feet and conducted the king to a large and richly adorned
pavilion, and entertained him at a splendid collation, it being
then one of the clock. And being refreshed his majesty set forth
again, and entered the city, which had never before shown so
brave and goodly an appearance as on this May day, when all the
world seemed mad with joy.
From London Bridge even to Whitehall Palace the way was lined on
one side by the train-bands of the city, and on the other by the
city companies in their rich livery gowns; to which were added a
number of gentlemen volunteers, all in white doublets, commanded
by Sir John Stanel. Across the streets hung garlands of spring
flowers that made the air most sweet, and at the corners thereof
were arches of white hawthorn in full bloom, bedecked with
streamers of gay colours. From wooden railed balconies, jutting
windows, and quaint gables hung fair tapestries, rich silks, and
stuffs of brilliant hues; and from the high red chimneys, grey
turrets, and lofty spires, floated flags bearing the royal arms
of England, and banners inscribed with such mottoes as loyalty
and affection could suggest.
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