During the monarch's progress through
"Crouched Friers," he was diverted with music discoursed by a
band of eight waits, placed upon a stage. At Aldgate, and at
several other stages of his journey, he was received in like
manner. Arriving at the great arch in Leadenhall Street, his
ears were greeted by sounds of trumpets and drums playing
marches; when they had finishes, a short scene was enacted on a
balcony of the arch, by figures representing Monarchy, Rebellion,
and Loyalty. Then the great procession wended its way to the
East India House, situate in the same street, when the East India
Company took occasion to express their dutiful affections, in a
manner "wholly designed by person of quality." As the king
advanced, a youth in an Indian habit, attended by two
blackamoors, knelt down before his majesty's horse, and delivered
himself of some execrable verse, which he had no sooner ended
than another youth in an Indian vest, mounted on a camel, was led
forwards and delivered some lines praying his majesty's subjects
might never see the sun set on his crown or dignity. The camel,
it my be noticed, bore panniers filled with pearls, spices, and
silks, destined to be scattered among the spectators. At
Cornhill was a conduit, surmounted by eight wenches representing
nymphs--a sight which must have rejoiced the king's heart; and on
the tower of this same fountain sounded "a noise of seven
trumpets." Another fountain flowed with wine and water; and on
his way the king heard several speeches delivered by various
symbolic figures.
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