THE JOYFUL Receiving of the queen's most excellent Majesty into her Highness City of NORWICH: The thing done in the time of her abode there: and the dolour of the City at her departure.  
Wherein are set down divers Orations in Latin, pronounced to her Highness by Sir ROBERT WOOD Knight, now Maior of the same City, and others: and certain also delivered to her Majesty in writing: every of them turned into English.  
 
AT LONDON, Imprinted by henry Bynneman.   

¶ To the right worshipful Sir Owen Hopton Knight, the queen's majesties Lieutenant of her highness Tower of London, Ber. Gar. Citizen of London wisheth health and increase of Worship.  
sithence at my return from Norwich (Right worshipful) you vouchsafed to impart unto me your earnest desire to understand the order and manner how her Majesty was received into that worthy City: I am bold likewise to decipher unto your worship what occasion offered themselves to me upon the same your request. First appeared to me the Majesty of my Prince, which beautifieth her kingdom, as the bright shining beams of beautiful Phoebus decketh forth the earth: which gladded the hearts of the people there, as they no less laboured to travail forth to view the excellency of their sovereign, than the true labouring Bee enforceth herself in the Spring time (when dame Flora first decketh the soil) to seek their delights, and our profit, amongst the sweet smelling flowers. Then the abundant clemency of her highness, receiving the loyal hearts of her loving people in part, as good as their meaning deserved, so inflamed their former desires, as every spark kindled a bonfire. The Nobility delighting this Harmony, so endeavoured to hold in tune every string of this heavenly Music, as there seemed but one heart in Queen, Counsel, and Commonalty. The Mayor, Magistrates, and good Citizens employed their study and substance to hold on this happy beginning, the Prince had her pleasure, the Nobility their desire, the whole train such entertainment: As for the time of her continuance there, Norwich seemed (if any such there be) a terrestrial Paradise. But when the frowning Friday followed, which called her Majesty thence, I leave (because I am loath to tell) the dolour that was, to the report of them that did see it. These all, right Worshipful, upon your demand, presented themselves unto me to be uttered, and these (I think) are the things which you desired to hear. And because I doubt not but that there are a great number of your virtuous mind herein: to satisfy both them and you, I have here set forth what my final capacity could collect (touching the premises) during the whole time of her abode there. Accept my rude and rash dealing in this my doing, I beseech you, for that your Worshipful request carrieth me to my uttermost limit: wherein, though the sudden chop of an unskilful Carpenter perhaps disquareth the strong timber of this beautiful frame: yet let the skilful eye of your worship and other learned Readers (to whom I submit me) place the same to the best purpose, and hold my good will as recompense of my fault, and bind me to them, and you for ever. Vale.  
Your Worships to command. B. G.   

¶ The receiving of the queen's Majesty into her highness City of Norwich.  
ON Saturday being the xvi. of August. 1578. and in the twentieth year of the reign of our most gracious sovereign Lady Elizabeth by the grace of God Queen of England, France, and Ireland, defender of the Faith. etc. The same our most dread and sovereign Lady (continuing her Progress in Norfolk) immediately after dinner set forward from Brakenashe, where she had dined with the Lady Style, being five miles distant from Norwich, towards the same her most dutiful City: Sir Robert Wood, than Esquire, and now Knight, Maior of the same City, at one of the Clock the same happy day, set forward to meet with her Majesty in this order: First there road before him well and seemly mounted, threescore of the most comely young men of the City as Bachelors, appareled all in black satin doublets, black Hose, black Taffeta Hats and yellow Bands, and their universal livery was a Mandylion of purple Taffeta, laid about with silver Lace: and so appareled, marched forwards two and two in a rank. Then one which represented King GURGUNT, sometime King of England, which builded the Castle of Norwich, called Blanch Flower, and laid the foundation of the City. He was mounted upon a brave Courser, and was thus furnished: His body Armed: his Bases of green and white silk: on his head a black velvet Hat, with a plume of white Feathers. There attended upon him three Henchmen in white and green: one of them did bear his Helmet, the second his Tergat, the third his Staff. After him a noble company of Gentlemen, and wealthy Citizens in velvet Coats, and other costly furniture, bravely mounted. Then followed the Officers of the City every one in his place. Then Master Sword bearer, with the Sword and Hat of Maintenance. Then Master Maior, and four and twenty Aldermen, and Master Recorder, all in Scarlet gowns, whereof, so many as had been Majors of the City, and were justices, did wear their scarlet cloaks. Then followed so many as had been Sheriffs, and were no Aldermen, in violet Gowns, & satin tippets. Then followed divers other, to keep the people from disturbing the array aforesaid. This every thing in due and comely order, they all (except GURGUNT which stayed her majesties coming within a flight shot or two of the city, where the Castle of Blanch Flower was in most beautiful prospect) marched forwards to a bridge, called Hartford Bridge, the uttermost limit that way, distant from the City two miles or thereabouts, to meet with her Majesty: who, within one hour or little more after their attendance, came in such gracious and Princely wife, as ravished the hearts of all her loving subjects, and might have terrified the stoutest heart of any enemy to behold. Whether the Majesty of the Prince, which is incomparable, or joy of her subjects, which exceeded measure, were the greater, I think would have appalled the judgement of Apollo to define. The acclamations and cries of the people to the Almighty God for the preservation of her Majesty, rattled so loud, as hardly for a great time could any thing be heard: But at last, as every thing hath an end, the noise appeased: & Master Maior saluted her highness with the Oration following, and yielded to her Majesty there with the sword of the City, and a fair standing cup of silver and guilt, with a cover, and in the Cup one hundredth pounds in gold. The Oration was in these words:  

The mayor's Oration.  
SI nobis ab Optimo Maximo concederetur optio quid rerum humanarum nunc potissimum vellemus: nihil duceremus antiquius (Augustissima Princeps) quàm vt tuus ille, qui ita nos recreat, castissimi ocelliradius posset in abditissimos cordium nostrorum angulos se conferre. Cerneres profecto quanta sint hilaritate perfusa, quàm in ipsis arterijs & venulis spiritus & sanguis gestiant: dum intuemur te huius Regni lumen (vt david olim fuit Israelitici) in hijs tandem finibus post longam spem, & ardentissima vota exoriri. Equidem vt pro me, qui tua ex autoritate & clementia (quod humillimis gratijs profiteor) celeberrimae huic Civitati praesum, & pro hijs meis fratribus, atque omni hoc populo quem tuis auspicijs regimus, ex illorum sensu loquar, quod & ipse sentio: sic nos demum supplicibus votis exposcimus, vt Maiestatem tuam benevolam nobis, & propitiam experiamur: vt nunquam cviquam populo aduenisti gratior quàm nobis. In illius rei luculentissimum indicium, insignia haec honoris, & officij nostri, quae nobis clementissimus Princeps Henricus Quartus quinto sui Regni anno cum Praetore, Senatoribus, & Vicecomitibus concessit: (cùm antea Ballivis (vt vocant) vltra annalium nostrorum memoriam regeremur) perpetuis deinde Regum privilegijs, & corroborata nobis, & aucta magnificè, Maiestati tuae omnia exhibemus, quae per tuam unius clementiam (quam cum immortalibus gratijs praedicare nunquam cessabimus) vicesimo iam anno tenuimus. Atque unâ cum illis, hunc Thesaurum, quasi pignus nostrarum & voluntatum, & facultatum, quas omnes, quantae, quantulaeve sint, ad tuum arbitrium devovimvs: vt si quid omni hoc foelicissimi tui temporis decursu admisimus, quod amantissimos, obsequentissimos, amplitudinis tuae saluti, Coronae, emolumento devotissimos non deceat: statuas de nobis, & nostris omnibus, pro tua clementissima voluntate. Sin ita clawm huius Civitatis (Deo duce) reximus: vt eam in portu salvam Maiestati tuae conservaverimvs, & populum primum gloriae Dei, & verae religionis, deinde salutis, honoris, & voluntatis tuae studiosissimum, quantum in nobis est, effecerimus: tum non libet nobis id à te petere, quod insita tibi singularis clementia facillimè à te ipsa impetrabit. tantum obsecramus, vt Amplitudinem tuam Deus omnibus & animi, & corporis bonis cumulatissimè bear velit.   

The mayor's Oration Englished.  
IF our wish should be granted unto us by the Almighty, what humane thing we would chiefly desire: we would account nothing more precious (most Royal Prince) than that the bright beam of your most chaste eye, which doth so cheer us, might penetrate the secret straight corners of our hearts: then surely should you see how great joys are despised there, and how the spirit and lively blood tickle in our arteries and small veins, in beholding thee the light of this Realm (as David was of Israel) now at length, after long hope and earnest petitions, to appear in these coasts. Truly on mine own part, which by your highness authority and clemency (with humble thanks be it spoken) do govern this famous City, and on the part of these my brethren and all these people which by your authority we rule (speaking as they mean, and as I myself do think) this only with all our hearts and humble prayers we desire, that we may so find your Majesty gracious and favourable unto us, as you for your part never came to any subjects better welcome than to us your poor subjects here. For most manifest token whereof, we present unto your Majesty here, these signs of honour and office, which we received of the most mighty Prince Henry the fourth, in the fift year of his reign, then to us granted in the name of Mayor, Aldermen, and Sheriffs, where as before time out of mind or mention, we were governed by Bailiffs (as they term them) which ever since have been both established and increased with continual privileges of Kings: And which by your only clemency (which with immortal thanks we shall never cease to declare) we have now these. xx. years enjoyed: and together with those signs, this treasure is a pledge of our good wills and ability: which all how great or little soever they be, we pour down at your pleasure, that if we have neglected any thing in all this course of your most happy reign, which becometh most loving, obedient, and well willing subjects to perform, for the preservation of your Crown, and advancement of your highness, you may then determine of us and all ours, at your most gracious pleasure. But if we have (God being our guide) so ordered the governance of this city, that we have kept the same in safety to your majesties use, and made the people therein (as much as in us lieth) first, most studious of God's glory and true religion, and next of your majesties health, honour, and pleasure, then ask we nothing of you, for that the singular clemency engraffed in your highness, will easily of itself grant that which is requisite for us to obtain. We only therefore desire, that God would abundantly bless your highness with all good gifts of mind and body.   
Which Oration ended, her Majesty accepting in good part every thing delivered by the Maior, did thankfully answer him in these words, or very like in effect. We heartily thank you, Master Maior, and all the rest, for these tokens of goodwill, nevertheless Princes have no need of money: God hath endowed us abundantly, we come not therefore, but for that which in right is our own, the hearts and true allegiance of our Subjects, which are the greatest riches of a Kingdom: whereof as we assure ourselves in you, so do you assure yourselves in us of a loving and gracious sovereign: wherewith was delivered to Master Maior, a Mace or Sceptre, which he carried before her to her lodging, which was in the Bishop of Norwich his Palace, two miles distant from that place. The Cup and money was delivered to a Gentleman, one of her majesties footmen to carry: Master Maior said to her, Sunt hic Centum librae puri auri, the cover of the Cup lifted up, her Majesty said to the footman, look to it, there is a hundredth pound. With that her highness, with the whole company, marched towards Norwich, till they came to a place called the Town Close, distant from the City a good flightshot, where the party, which represented Gurgunt, came forth, as in manner is expressed, and was ready to have declared to her Majesty this speech following: but by reason of a shower of rain which came, her Majesty hasted away, the speech not uttered: But thus it was.  

Leave of to muse most gracious Prince of English soil,  
What sudden wight in Martial wise approacheth near:  
King Gurgunt I am height, King Belin's eldest son,  
Whose sire Dunwallo first, the British crown did wear.  
Whom truthless Gutlack forced to pass the surging seas,  
His falsehood to revenge, and Denmark land to spoil.  
And finding in return, this place a gallant vent,  
This Castle fair I built, a fort from foreign soil:  
To win a Conquest, gets renown and glorious name,  
To keep and use it well, deserves eternal fame.  
When brute through cities, towns, the woods and dales did sound  
ELIZABETH this country peerless Queen drew near:  
I was found out, myself in person noble Queen  
Did haste, before thy face in presence to appear.  
Two thousand years well-nigh in silence lurking still:  
Hear, why to thee alone this service I do yield.  
Besides that, at my City's suit, their founder first  
Should gratulate most this joyful sight in open field.  
four special points and rare concurring in us both  
This special service have reserved to thee alone:  
The glory though of each in thee doth far surmount,  
Yet great with small compared, will like appear anon.  
When doubtful wars the British princes long had wrong,  
My grandsire first uniting all did wear the Crown.  
Of York and Lancaster, who did conclude the broils?  
Thy grandsire Henry seventh, a king of great renown.  
Mine uncle Brennus eke, my father joining hands,  
Old Rome did raze, and sack, and half consume with fire:  
Thy puissant father so, new Rome that purple whore  
Did sack, and spoil her near of all her glittering tire.  
Lo Cambridge schools by mine assignment founded first,  
By thee my Cambridge schools are famous through the world,  
I thirty wandering ships of banished men relieved.  
The throngs of banished souls that in this City dwell,  
Do weep for joy, and pray for thee with tears untold.  
In all these things thou noble Queen dost far excel.  
But lo to thee I yield as duty doth me bind  
In open field myself, my City, Castle, Key,  
Most happy father's Kings in such a daughter Queen,  
Most happy England were, if thou shouldest never die.  
Go on most noble Prince, for I must haste away,  
My City gates do long, their Sovereign to receive:  
More true thou never couldst, nor loyal subjects find,  
Whose hearts full fast with perfect love to thee do cleave.   
THen her Majesty, drew near the Gates of the City called Saint Stephen's gates, which with the walls there were both gallantly and strongly repaired. The gate itself was thus enriched and beautified. First the portcullis was new made both timber and iron, than the outward side of the gate was thus beautified: The queen's Arms were most richly and beautifully set forth in the chief front of the gate, on the oneside thereof, but somewhat lower, was placed the scutcheon of S. George, or Saint George his cross: on the other side, the arms of the City: and directly under the queens majesties arms was placed the Falcon, her highness Badge in due form, & under the same were written these words, God and the Queen we serve. The Inner side of the gate was thus beautified: on the right side was gorgeously set forth the red Rose, signifying the house of York, on the left the side white Rose, representing the house of Lancaster: in the midst was the white & red Rose united, expressing the Union, under the which was placed by descent the arms of the Queen, and under that were written these two verses: 
DIVISION kindled strife,  
Blessed uNION quenched the flame:  
Thence sprang our noble phoenix dear, the peerless prince of FAME.   
And besides that, at this gate, the Waits of the City were placed with loud Music, who cheerfully and melodiously welcomed her Majesty into the City: and then passed she forward, through Saint Stephen's street, where the first Pageant was placed in form following.  

¶ The first Pageant was in Saint Stephen's Parish in this manner.  
IT was builded somewhat like the manner of a stage, of xl. foot long, and in breadth eight foot. From the standing place upward, was a bank framed in the manner of a free stone wall, in very decent and beautiful sort: and in the height thereof were written these Sentences. Viz.  

The causes of this common wealth are,  
God truly preached. 

justice duly executed.  
Idleness expelled.  
The people obedient.  
Labour cherished.    
Universal concord preserved.   
FRom the standing place downward, it was beautified with Painters work artificially, expressing to sight the portraiture of these several looms, and the Weavers in them (as it were working) and over every loom the name thereof, Viz. Over the first loom was written the weaving of Worsted: over the second, the weaving of russel's: over the third, the weaving of Darnix: over the fourth, the weaving of Tuft Mockado: the fifth the weaving of lace: the sixth the weaving of Caffa: the seventh the weaving of Fringen1. And then was there the portraiture of a Matron, and two or three children, & over her head was written these words, Good nurture changeth qualities. Upon the stage there stood knitting at the one end eight small women children spinning Worsted yarn, and at the other end as many knitting of Worsted yarn hose: & in the midst of the said stage stood a pretty Boy richly appareled, which represented the Common wealth of the City. And all the rest of the stage was furnished with men, which made the said several works, and before every man the work in deed: and every thing thus in readiness, stayed her majesties coming and when she did come, the child which represented, Common wealth, did speak to her highness these words. Viz.  


Most gracious prince, undoubted sovereign Queen,  
Our only joy next God, and chief defence:  
In this small show, our whole estate is seen.  
The wealth we have, we find proceed from thence,  
The idle hand hath here no place to feed,  
The painful wight hath still to serve his need.   

Again, our seat denies our traffic here,  
The Sea too near decides us from the rest,  
So weak we were within this dozen year,  
As care did quench the courage of the best:  
But good advise, hath taught these little hands  
To rend in twain the force of pining bands.   



1. Pointing to the spinners.  
2. Pointing to the looms  
3. Pointing to the works .  From Combed wool we draw this slender thread,  
From thence the looms have dealing with the same,  
And thence again in order do proceed,  
These several works, which skilful art doth frame:  
And all to drive Dame need into her cave,  
Our heads and hands together laboured have.   

We bought before the things that now we sell,  
These slender imps, their works do pass the waves,  
God's peace and thine we hold and prosper well,  
Of every mouth the hands the charges saves.  
Thus through thy help and aid of power divine,  
Doth NORWICH live, whose hearts and goods are thine.   
B. G.  
FINIS.   
THis show pleased her Majesty so greatly, as she particularly viewed the knitting and spinning of the children, perused the looms, and noted the several works and commodities which were made by these means: and then after great thanks by her given to the people, marched towards the market place, where was made a second devise as followeth.   

The second Pageant.  
THe second Pageant thwarted the street at the entrance of the Market, between Master Skinner and master Quash, being in breadth two and fifty foot of assize, and was divided into three gates, viz. in the midst a main gate, and on either side a postern: the main gate in breadth fourteen foot, each postern eight foot, their heights equal to their proportion: over each postern was as it were a Chamber, which Chambers were replenished with Music. And over all the gates, passed a stage of eight foot broad, made in the manner of a Pageant, both curious, rich, and delightful, the whole work from the Pageant downward, seemed to be jasper and Marble. In the forefront towards her Majesty, was the Arms of England on the one side the gate, and on the other side the Falcon with Crown and Sceptre, which is her own badge. The other side was beautified with the arms of England on the one side the gate, and with the crest of England on the other side. The Stage or Pageant was replenished with five personages apparelled like women. The first was, the City of Norwich: the second Debora: the third Judith: the fourth Esther: the fifth Martia, sometime Queen of England. At the first sight of the Prince, and till her majesties coming to the Pageant, the musicans, which were close in the Chambers of the said Pageant, used their loud Music, and then ceased: wherewith her highness stayed, to whom the parsonage representing the City of Norwich, did speak in these words. viz.  


WHom Fame resounds with thundering Trump, which rends the rattling skies,  
And pierceth to the haughty heavens, and thence descending flies  
Through flickering air: and so conjoins the Sea and shore together,  
In admiration of thy grace, good Queen thart welcome hither,  
More welcome than Terpsichore, was to the town of Troy.  
Seafaring men by Gemini conceive not half my joy:  
Strong Hercules to Theseus was never such delight  
Nor Nisus to Euryalus as I have in this sight,  
Penelope did never thirst Ulysses more to see  
Than I poor Norwich hungered have to gain the sight of thee.  
And now that these my happy eyes behold thy heavenly face,  
The Lord of Lords I humbly pray, to bliss thy noble grace  
With Nestor's life, with sibyl's health, with Croesus' stock and store,  
With all good gifts of Salomon, and twice as many more.  
What should I say? thou art my joy next God, I have none other,  
My princess and my peerless Queen, my loving nurse and mother.  
My goods and lands, my hands and heart, my limbs and life are thine,  
What is mine own in right or thought, to thee I do resign.  
Grant then (oh gracious sovereign Queen) this only my request,  
That that which shall be done in me, be construed to the best.  
And take in part my slender shows, wherein my whole pretence  
Is for to please you Majesty, and end without offence.  
So shall I clap my hands for joy, and hold myself as rich  
As if I had the gold of Jude, and double twice as much.  
B. G.  
FINIS.   

Then Spoke Debora  
WHere princes sitting in their thrones set god before their sight  
And live according to his law, and guide their people right,  
There doth his blessed gifts abound, there kingdoms firmly stand  
There force of foes cannot prevail, nor fury fret the land.  
myself (oh peerless Prince) do speak by proof of matter past,  
Which proof by practice I performed, and foiled his foes at last.  
For jabin king of Canaan, poor Israel did spite,  
And meant by force of furious rage to overrun us quite.  
nine hundred Iron Chariots, he brought into the field.  
With cruel captain Sisera by force to make us yield.  
His force was great, his fraud was more, he fought, we did defend,  
And twenty winters long did last this war without an end.  
But he that neither sleeps nor slacks such furies to correct,  
Appointed me Debora for the judge of his elect:  
And did deliver Sisera into a woman's hand.  
I slew them all, and so in rest his people held the land.  
So mighty prince, that puissant Lord, hath placed thee here to be,  
The rule of this triumphant Realm alone belongeth to thee.  
Continue as thou hast begun, weed out the wicked rout,  
Uphold the simple, meek and good, pull down the proud & stout.  
Thus shalt thou live and reign in rest, and mighty God shalt please.  
Thy state be sure, thy subjects safe, thy common wealth at ease.  
Thy God shall grant thee length of life, to glorify his name,  
Thy deeds shall be recorded, in the book of lasting fame.  
B. G.  
FINIS.   

Then spoke Judith.  

OH flower of Grace, oh prime of Gods elect,  
Oh mighty Queen and finger of the Lord,  
Did God sometime by me poor wight correct.  
The Champion stout that him and his abhorred?  
Then be thou sure thou art his mighty hand,  
To conquer those which him and thee withstand.   

The rage of foes Betbulia did besiege,  
The people faint were ready for to yield:  
God aided me poor widow ne'ertheless,  
To enter into Holofernes field,  
And with this sword by his directing hand,  
To slay his foe, and quiet so the land.   

If this his grace were given to me poor wight,  
If widows hand could vanquish such a foe:  
Then to a Prince of thy surpassing might.  
What Tyrant lives but thou mayest overthrow.  
Persever then his servant as thou art,  
And hold for aye a noble victor's part.   
B. G.  
Finis.   

Then Hester spoke.  

The fretting heads of furious foes have skill,  
As well by fraud as force to find their prey:  
In smiling looks doth lurk a lot as ill,  
As where both stern and sturdy streams do sway,  
thyself oh Queen, a proof hath seen of this,  
So well as I poor Esther have iwis.   

As Jabin's force did Israel perplex,  
And Holofernes fierce Betbuliel besiege,  
So Hamon's slights sought me and mine to vex,  
Yet showed a face a subject to his liege.  
But Force nor Fraud, nor Tyrant strong can trap,  
Those which the Lord in his defence doth wrap.   

The proofs I speak by us have erst been seen,  
The proofs I speak, to thee are not unknown.  
Thy God thou knowest most dread and sovereign Queen,  
A world of foes of thine hath overthrown,  
And hither now triumphantly doth call  
Thy noble Grace, the comfort of us all.   

Dost thou not see the joy of all this flock?  
Vouchsafe to view their passing gladsome cheer,  
Be still (good Queen) their refuge and their rock,  
As they are thine to serve in love and fear:  
So Fraud, nor Force, nor foreign Foe may stand  
Against the strength of thy most puissant hand.   
B. G.  
FINIS.   

Then spoke Martia.  
WIth long discourse (oh puissant Prince) some tract of time we spend,  
vouchsafe yet now a little more, and then we make an end.  
The thundering blast of Fame, whereof Dame Norwich first did speak,  
Not only shook the air and skies, but all the earth did break,  
It rend up graves, and bodies raised, each spirit took his place,  
And this alonely word was heard: Here cometh the pearl of Grace,  
Here comes the jewel of the world, her peoples whole delight,  
The Paragon of present time, and Prince of Earthly Might.  
The voice was strange, the wonder more: For when we viewed the Earth  
Each Prince that erst had reigned here, received again his breath,  
And with his breath, a liberty to hold again his place,  
If any one amongst us all exceed your noble Grace.  
Some comfort every one conceived to catch again his own,  
His utmost skill was trimly used, to have his virtues known.  
The plays surpass my skill to tell, but when each one had said,  
Apollo did himself appear and made us all dismayed.  
will you contend with her (quoth he,) within whose sacred breast  
Dame Pallas and myself have framed our sovereign seat of rest?  
Whose skill directs the Muses nine, whose grace doth Venus stain:  
Her eloquence like mercury: Like juno in her train?  
Whose God is that eternal love which holds us all in awe?  
Believe me, you exceed the bounds of equity and law.  
Therewith they shrunk themselves aside, not one I could espy,  
They couched them in their caves again and there full quiet lie,  
Yet I that Martia hight, which sometime ruled this land,  
As Queen for thirty three years space, gate licence at his hand,  
And so Gurguntius did, my husband's father dear,  
Which built this Town and Castle both, to make our homage here,  
Which homage mighty Queen accept: The Realm and right is thine:  
The Crown, the Sceptre, and the sword to thee we do resign.  
And wish to God, that thou mayst reign, twice Nestor's years in peace,  
Triumphing over all thy foes, to all our joys increase. Amen.  
B. G.  
FINIS.    
Herewith she passed under the gate, with such thanks, as plainly expressed her noble nature: and the Musicians within the gate upon their soft instruments used broken Music, and one of them did sing this Ditty.  


FRom slumber soft I fell asleep,  
From sleep to dream, from dream to deep delight,  
Each gem the Gods had given the world to keep  
In Princely wise came present to my sight:  
Such solace then did sink into my mind,  
As mortal man on mould could never find.   

The Gods did strive, and yet their strives were sweet,  
Each one would have a Virtue of her own,  
Dame juno thought the highest place most meet  
For her, because of riches was her throne.  
Dame Venus thought by reason of her love  
That she might claim the highest place above.   

The virgin's state DIANA still did praise,  
And CERES praised the fruit of fertile soil:  
And PRUDENCE did dame PALLAS chiefly raise.  
MINERVA all for eloquence did strive,  
They smiled to see their quarreling estate,  
And JOVE himself decided their debate.   

My sweets (quoth he) leave of your sugared strife,  
In equal place I have assigned you all:  
A sovereign wight there is that heareth life,  
In whose sweet heart I have enclosed you all.  
Of ENGLAND soil she is the sovereign Queen,  
Your vigours there do flourish fresh and green.   

They skipped for joy and gave their frank consent,  
The noise resounded to the haughty sky:  
With one loud voice they cried all, content,  
They clapped their hands, and therewith waked I.  
The world and they concluded with a breath,  
And wished long reign to Queen ELIZABETH.   
B. G.  
Finis   
HErewith she passed through the market place, which was goodly garnished, & thence through the other streets which were trimly decked, directly to the Cathedral church, where Te Deum was song, and after service she went to the bishop's palace, where her Majesty kept the time she continued in Norwich. All this was upon Saturday the xvi. of August. 1578.  
Upon the Monday following, M. Churchyard brought mercury in a gallant coach strangely appareled, into the green yard under the privy or bedchamber window, out of the which, the queens Majesty looked: which mercury, in verse made for the purpose, uttered to her highness, that if it were her pleasure at any time to take the air abroad, there were devices to be seen to pleasure her Majesty, & according to that promise, on Tuesday following (for before that day by means of the wether she went not abroad) he performed a very pretty pleasant show before her highness without S. benel's gates as she went towards Cossie Park to hunt. In which day the Minister of the Dutch church pronouncing to her Majesty the Oration following, presented the cup therein mentioned, which I esteem to be worth fifty pounds, very curiously wrought.  

Oratio ad Serenissimam Angliae Reginam habita. 19. Augusti. 1578. à Ministro ecclesiae Belgogermanicae Nordovici in loco publico.  
MAgna oratoribus qui percelebratorum aetate vixerunt fuit laus, Serenissima Regina, quod judicum animos partim svaviloquentia, partim posita rei personaeque ante ipsorum oculos calamitate, in quemcunque vellent animi habitum transformarent: Prius membrum non vulgarem nobis ob oculos ponit hominum facilitatem, quod adeo sequaces dictoque audientes fuerint, vt se linguis duci paterentur: Posterius magnam ubique apud gentes, quarum Respublica optabili ordine fuit constituta obtinuit gratiam: longè autem maiorem apud cos qui Christo nomen dederunt: omnium verò maximam apud te ô Serenissima Regina, ecclesiae Christi matrix, cuius animum verbo Dei obsequentem instruxit, non fucatus hic sermo, sed Christi spiritus, pietatisque zelus: ipsissima piorum calamitas afflictorumque lachrymae, lachrymae inquam Christifidelium te commoverunt, misera dispersaque Christi membra quibusuis iniurijs obiecta, mill iam mortibus territa, in tutelam salutemque animi juxta ac corporis recipere atque protegere: Ob haec singularia tua in nos pietatis beneficia, et quod tutore optimo Magistratus in hac tua Nordovicensi urbe (quam Maiestas tua nobis ob Christi religionem exulantibus domicilij loco clemeter concessit) vivimus, add quod populi in nos animum favorabilem experimur, inprimis Deo patri, & Domino unico servatori nostro Iesu Christo, deinde & tibi Serenissimae Reginae immortales non quas debemus sed quas possimus agimus gratias: Porrò humile quidem & unicum tamen nostrum est votum, animi nostri gratitudinem Maiestati tuae ostendere: Ecce igitur nullum munus, sed animum nostrum: nullum regium splendorem, sed pietatis posteritatisque monumentum Serenissimae tuae Maiestati consecratum, hoc autem co gratius maiestati tua fore confidimus, quod inculpati pijssimique josephi historia Dei erga Maiestatem tuam bonitas, ad vinum sit delineata, quem nulla astutia, nullum robur, nulla denique regnandi libido, sed fides constans, Christiani pectoris pietas, coelestisque virtus, singulari Dei favore ex sanguinaria fratrum conspiratione, mortisque metu, ad summam dignitatem, regnique decus evexerunt: In huius fratres non aliena videtur proverbialis illa apud Habraeos sententia, invidia malarum rerum appetitus, & studium variae gloriae hominibus saepissime occasio sunt sui interitus, tamen quod josephi animum attinet, ea fuit praeditus & temperantia, & fortitudine, vt nimis iniquus simul & pranus censeri posset, qui eum vel minimo vindicandi affectu accusare velit, adco Dei providentiae & se, & omne vitae svae studium, vitae inquam in alieno regno discrimen commisit, vt non aliunde quàm à solo Dei nutu pendere visus sit: sed quorsum ista? In te ne haec ipsa aliaque consimilia ô Serenissima Regina, & regni tui ratione omnium oculis conspicua sunt? Haec inquam esse ecclesiae Christi foelicissimum gaudium, spiritual diadema, & summum decus, huius vero regni verè Regium splendorem, atque perennem gloriam, quis nisi mente captus inficias ire potest? Pijssime tu quidem singulari Dei bonitate animum josephi tum in regni tui conseruatione, tum in regno Christi amplificando imitata es ô nutrix ecclesiae Dei fidelissima, solius enim Dei est nunc per res (prout hominum oculis sunt subiectae) secundasdisperdere, illum autem per quaevis tentationum genera rerumque discrimina extollere: quos vt vasa svae misericordiae agnoscit, ita etiam & bonitate & spiritus sui tum consolatione, tum fortitudine ad aeterna vitae foelicitatem prosequitur: Quod nostrum votum ratum esse, Maiestatem tuam regnique ordinem spirituali prudentia ac sapientia stabilire, camque in longam aetatem servare, tuae item Maiestatis subditos vera sui cognitione magis ac magis imbuere, dignetur bonus ille & clemens Deus, per merita filij sui Domini nostri Iesu Christi. Amen.   

REgiae Maiestati post orationem oblatum est monumentum aliquod, in cuius superficie artificiose sculpta erat historia josephi; ex Genesi.  
In circumferentia vero hoc carmen.  

Innocuum pietas ad regia sceptra josephum,  
Ex manibus fratrum, carnificisque, rapit:  
Carcere & insidijs sic te Regina tuorum  
Ereptam duxit culmina ad ista Deus.   
Inscriptio eras in ipsius capacitate scripta in orbem, hoc modo.  
Serenissimae Angliae Reginae Elizabethae, ecclesiae Belgicae Nordovici ob religionem exulantes, hoc monumentum & pietatis & posteritatis ergô consecrabant. 1578.  
In interiore ipsus part erat ensign serpentis in gyrum conuoluti, cvi media insidebat columba, cum hoc Christi Elogio: Prudens vt serpens, simplex vt columba.   

¶ The minister of the Dutch Church his Oration in English.  
THE Orators (most gracious Queen) which lived in the age of them that won greatest renown; were highly commended, for that they could transform the judges minds partly, by eloquence, and partly by setting down before their eyes the calamity of the thing and person they spoke of, into what disposition them listed: the first part declareth unto us no common facility of men, in that they were so willing in following, and attentive in hearing, as they would suffer themselves to be led by eloquence: the last, obtained great favour amongst all nations, whose common weal was governed in good order, and far greater amongst the Christians: but greatest of all with thee O most excellent Queen, the nurse of Christ his church, whose mind obedient to God's word, the spirit of Christ, and zeal of Godliness, and not this profane kind of speech hath instructed: the very calamity of Godly men, and tears of the afflicted, the tears, I say, of faithful Christians have thoroughly moved thee to defend and protect the miserable and dispersed members of Christ object to every kind of injury, before beaten in pieces by a thousand deaths with the safety and preservation as well of mind as body: for these thy singular benefits of Godliness towards us, and that we live under so good a tutor being magistrate in this the City of Norwich, which thy majesty hath of clemency granted unto us for a mansion place, which were banished for Christ his religion, & moreover that we find the minds of the people favourable towards us, first we give immortal thanks, not such as we ought, but such as we are able unto God the father, and the Lord our only saviour jesus Christ, and then unto thee most merciful Queen. Moreover it is our humble and yet our only petition to show unto your majesty the thankfulness of our mind: behold therefore dedicated to your most excellent majesty not any gift but our mind, no princely jewel but a monument of godliness and posterity, the which we hope will be so much the more acceptable to your majesty, for because the goodness of God towards your majesty is lively drawn out of the history of the innocent & most godly josephus, whom neither policy, strength nor desire of bearing rule, but constant faith, godliness of a Christian heart, and heavenly virtue by God's singular mercy, delivered from the bloody conspiracy of his brethren & fear of death, and brought unto high dignity and royal kingdom: to whose brethren that proverbial sentence of the Hebrews is very fitly alluded. Envy being the desire of evil things, and covetousness of transitory renown, is often times the occasion of man's destruction: but touching the mind of josephus, the same was endued with such temperance and fortitude, that he might be thought no less unjust than wicked, that would accuse him so much as with the least affection of revengement: so wholly did he commit himself and all the government of his life, his life, I say, put in hazard in a strange kingdom unto the providence of God, that he seemed to hang of no other thing than the only will of God. But to what end speak I this? Are not these self same things, and others their like (o most excellent Queen) by the eyes of all men clearly beholden in thee, and the order of thy kingdom? What man (I say) having his wits, can deny these things to be the most happy joy, spiritual crown, and chiefest ornament of Christ's church, and truly of this kingdom the princely beauty and perpetual renown? Thou surely dost follow most holily, the mind of josephus, by the singular goodness of God, as well in preserving thy kingdom, as in amplifying the kingdom of Christ (o thou most faithful nurse of the church of God:) for it is in God only to destroy this man by prosperity (as it seemeth unto man) and advance another by all kinds of adversity and humane danger: whom he acknowledgeth as the vessels of his mercy: and so by his goodness, together with the consolation and strength of his spirit, doth bring them to the happiness of eternal life, which our petition that good and merciful God grant may be ratified in establishing your majesty and governance of your kingdom with spiritual wisdom and understanding, in preserving the same for many years, and in enduing your majesties subjects more and more with true knowledge of him, for his sons sake our Lord jesus Christ. Amen.   
The Oration ended, there was a certain monument presented to her princely Majesty, in the upper part whereof, was artificially graven the history of josephus out of Genesis.  
In the compass thereof was this verse.  
To royal sceptres, godliness,  
josephus innocent,  
Doth take, from brother's bloody hands, and murderers intent.  
So thee, O Queen, the Lord hath led from prison and deceit  
Of thine, unto these highest tops of your princely estate.  
In the inner part of the same, there was the figure of a serpent, interfolding itself: In the midst whereof did sit a dove with this sentence of Christ, Mat. 10.16. Wise as the Serpent, and meek as the Dove.  
The Wednesday towards evening, master Church-yard was likewise ready upon the water with another devise, when her majesty was without the gates towards mount Surrey, but weather hindered it so, as nothing was then done by him. But as she returned homeward, within bishop's gate at the Hospital door, master Stephan Limbert, master of the Grammar school in Norwich stood ready to render her an Oration: her majesty drew near unto him, and thinking him fearful, said graciously unto him: be not afeard. He answered her again in English: I thank your majesty, for your good encouragement: and then with good courage entered into this Oration.  

¶ Ad illustrissimam Principem Elizabetham Angliae, Franciae, & Hiberniae reginam etc. Ante fores {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Nordouicensis, Oratio Stephani Limberti Ludimagistri publici.  
AEgyptum fama est inundante Nilo (serenissima Regina,) & aureo Pactoli flumine quotannis Lidiam irrigari, quaeres in ijs agris maxima faecunditatis causa putatur: In nos autem atque adeo universam Angliam, qua late patet, non è Tmolo aut aliis nescio quibus montibus, sed ex illo perenni & uberrimo font bonitatis tuae, multi maximique pietatis, justiciae, mansuetudinis, aliorumque innumerabilium bonorum, prae quibus iam viluit aurum & obsolevit, copiosissimi rivi profluxerunt. Atque vt ex infinitis vel unum leutter attingam, propterca quòd de pluribus dicere nec est huius loci & temporis, nec facultatis meae. Insignem illam misericordiam celsitudinis tuae, Nobilissima Regina, & ad levandum pauperrimorum hominum inopiam incredibilem propensionem (qua de plurimis virtutibus nulla deo gratior, {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} vt canit Homerus, 
{non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}  in summa principe nulla mortalibus admitabilior esse potest) quibus tandem laudibus efferemus? quàm honorificis verbis prosequemur? {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}, hoc est, hospitium pauperum celeberrimum est apud omnes posteros regiae virtutis atque beneficentiae monumentum futurum, institutum quidem ab illustrissimo Henrico, patre celsitudinis tuae, a nobilissimo Quomodo fratre maximis tabulis consignatum, à tua verò maiestate, quod non minorem laudem meretur, Cringlefordiensibus fundis & possessionibus egregiè nuper auctum atque amplificatum, vt non tam alienis iam ornamentis quàm proprijs virtutibus meritò laetari possis. Recordata quip es pro tua singulari prudentia atque eruditione, divinam illam sapientissimi Platonis legem, quam unde cimo de legibus libro scriptam reliquit, {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}. tantamigitur benignitatem, tam eximiam, & incredibilem misericordiam tuam, (illustrissima Princeps) quibus complectemur studijs? quibus officijs, aut qua voce grati animi voluntatem testificabimur? Cùm enim omnes referendae gratiae studio & labore, vel accuratissimas rationes exquisiverimus, ne uni us quidem huius beneficij, quo nos augustissimae maiestati tuae obstrictos esse & devinctos agnoscimus, magnitudinem assequi poterimus. Superabimur vel ab hoc uno & singulari merito, nedum sperandum est, vt immenso reliquorum meritorum pelago, quod tum in omnes tibi subditos publicè, & generatim, tum in hanc civitatem proprie ac particulatim exundavit, pares esse queamus. Verè nos iam {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} incolimus, & in beatis illis insulis de quibus meminit Hesiodus {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} aetatem agimus, qui non modo frugibus, lana, pecore, alijsque subsidijs humanae vitae, sed multo magis verae religionis verbique divini, in quibus animi solis acquiescunt preciosissimis opibus abundamus. Sunt qui Britanniam alterum orbem appellaverunt, quod hac aetate nostra dici rectissime posse arbitror, Cùm enivi omnes undique terrae gravissimis bellis affligantur, & discordiarum iactentur fluctibus, soli nos, celsitudine tua clanum moderante, in pacatissimo portu navigamus, & ab orb malorum disiuncti, in caelum quodammodo foelicitatis sublati videmur. Quod est ergo officij nostri, primum deo Opt. Max. gratias agimus, cuius unius bonitati omnem hanc, quantacunque est, be atitudinem acceptam referimus, precamurque vt cam nobis propriam & perpetuam esse velit: deinde celsitudini tuae, serenissima Regina, cuius opera, cura, solicitudine, & partam hanc nobis foelicitatem & tot annos conservatam agnoscimus. Laetamur hoc aspectu tuo, & gratulamur incredibili studio, quod tum ex meo ipsius sensu loquor, tum omnes qui iam undique confluxerunt Nordovicenses tui à me dici postulant. Atque utinam in haec pectora posses oculos inserere, & occultos animorum nostrorum sinus perlustrare, videres profectò inclusam intus, quae tantis angustijs erumpere non potest, infinitam molem voluntatis. Fidem omnem, studium, observantiam, quae tantae Principi debentur, vt hactenus promptissimè detulimus, ita studiosissimè semper deferemus, & si quando casus aliquis inciderit (quod Deus omen avertat) vt sacrosanctae maiestatis tuae, aut istius florentissimi regni vel salus in discrimen veniat, vel dignitas periclitetur, non solum bonorum omnium ac facultatum effusionem, sed laterum nostrorum oppositus & corporum pollicemur. Rogamus deinde & obsecramus excellentiam tuam, illustrissima Regina, vt & hoc nostrum qualecunque officium a summa benevolentia animoque quàm gratissimo profectum boni consulas, & de nobis Nordovicensibus sic existimes, ad lautiores te fortasse subditos venisse saepe, ad laetiores nunquam.   

The Oration of Stephan Limbert, public Schoolmaster, to the most magnificent Prince, Elizabeth of England, France, and Ireland Queen, etc. before the gates of the Hospital of Norwiche.  
IT is reported (most gracious Queen,) that Egypt is watered with the yearly overflowing of Nilus, and Lidia with the golden stream of Pactolus, which thing is thought to be the cause of the great fertility of these countries: but upon us, & farther, over all England, even in the uttermost borders many and main rivers of godliness, justice, humility, and other innumerable good things, in comparison of the which, gold is vile & nought worth, do most plentifully gush out, and those not from Tmolus, or other hills I know not which, but from that continual and most abundant wellspring of your goodness. And that of those infinite goodnesses I may lightly touch one, for that neither place, time, nor my faculty doth permit to speak of many: with what praises shall we extol: with what magnificent words shall we express that notable mercy of your highness, most renowned Queen, & uncredible readiness to relieve the need of poor men, than the which of many virtues none can be more acceptable unto God, as Homer writeth, neither any virtue in a mighty Prince more wondered at amongst men. This hospital of poor men is most famous, which will be a monument of princely virtue and beneficence amongst all posterity, instituted by the most mighty King Henry your highness father, confirmed with the great seal, by the most noble King Edward your brother, but by your majesty which deserveth no less praise, of late notably increased and amplified by the lands & possessions of Cringleford, that you may not now worthily rejoice so much in others ornaments, as your own virtues. For you are said for your singular wisdom and learning, to have studied that divine law of the most wise Plato, which he left written in the eleventh book of laws. Such your great bounty therefore, so exceeding, and incredible mercy (O most virtuous Prince) in what books shall we comprehend? with what duties, or with what voice shall we testify the good will of a thankful mind? For when we diligently seek all the most exquisite and curious means of thanksgiving: we cannot so much as attain unto the greatness of this one benefit, by the which we acknowledge ourselves bound & straightly holden to your most royal majesty. We shallbe overcome, even with this one and singular benefit, so much the less hope have we then in any point to countervail the huge Sea of the rest of thy benefits which overfloweth on every side as well publicly and generally over all thy Subjects, as properly and particularly upon this City. We certainly now inhabit, and lead our lives in those most happy islands of the which Hesiodus maketh mention, which not only abound with all manner of grain, will, cattle, and other aids of man's life, but much more with the most precious treasure of true religion and the word of God, in the which only the minds of men have rest and peace. There be that call England another world, which I think may be most true in this our age: For whereas all lands on every side of us are afflicted with most grievous wars, & tossed with the floods of dissension, we only, your highness governing our stern, do sail in a most peaceable haven, and severed from the world of mischiefs, do seem after a sort to be taken up into a heaven of happiness. We therefore, according to our bounden duty, first give thanks unto God Almighty, unto whose goodness only with thanks we refer all this our happiness, how great soever it be, and pray that he would vouchsafe to make the same proper and perpetual unto us. And afterwards, unto your highness, (O most gracious Queen) by whose study, care and diligence we confess this blessedness to be gotten, & so many years preserved unto us.  
We are glad in this beholding you, and we rejoice with desire more than may be believed, which as I speak of mine own thought, so also all these subjects of Norwich desire me to say the same in their behalf. And I would to God you could pierce these our breasts with your eyes, and thoroughly view the hidden and covered creeks of our minds: then undoubtedly should you behold an infinite heap of good will closely shut up within, which cannot break out of so narrow straits. All the faith, study, and obedience, which are due to so great a Prince, as hitherto we have most willingly employed, so will we always most diligently perform the same: and if at any time any chance shall happen (which fortune God turn from us) that the state of thy blessed majesty or of this flourishing realm should come in danger, or the worthiness thereof be in hazard, we do not only protest the effusion of all our goods and substance, but also the putting forth and brunt of our strengths and bodies therein. Finally we desire and beseech thy excellency (most renowned Queen) well to accept of this our duty, howsoever it be, proceeding from a singular good will, and a most thankful mind, and so to think of us Citizens of Norwich, that perhaps you have many times come to people more wealthy, but to more joyful never.   
Immediately after the beginning of the Oration, her Majesty called to her the French Ambassadors, whereof there were iij. and divers English Lords, & willed them to hearken, and she herself was very attentive, even until the end thereof. And the Oration ended, after she had given great thanks therefore to Master Limbert, she said to him: It is the best that ever I heard, you shall have my hand, and pulled off her glove, and gave him her hand to kiss, which before kneeling on his knee, he arose and kissed, & then she departed to the Court, without any other show that night, but that she sent back to know his name.  
The next night being Thursday, there was an excellent Princely Mask brought before her after Supper, by Master Goldingham in the Privy Chamber, it was of Gods & Goddesses, both strangely and richly appareled.  
The first that entered was mercury.  
Then entered two torchbearers in Purple Taffeta Mandelions laid with silver lace, as all other the torchbearers were.  
Then entered a consort of Music, viz six Musicians, all in long vestures of white Sarsenet girded about them, and garlands on their heads playing very cunningly.  
Then two torchbearers more.  
The JUPITER and JUNO.  
Then two Torch bearers more.  
Then MARS and VENUS.  
Then two Torch bearers more.  
Then APOLLO and PALLAS.  
Then two torchbearers.  
Then NEPTUNE & DIANA: And last cometh CUPIDO & concludeth the matter. Thus when they had once marched about the chamber, mercury dischargeth his message in these words to the Queen.  

The good meaning Maior, and all his brethren, with the rest, have not rested from praying unto the Gods to prosper thy coming hither, and the Gods themselves moved by their unfeigned prayers, are ready in person to bid thee worthily welcome, and I mercury the God of Merchants and Merchandise, and therefore a favourer of these Citizens, being thought meetest and chosen fittest to signify the same. Gods there be also which cannot come, being tied by the time of the year, as CERES in Harvest, BACCHUS in Wines, POMENA in Orchards. Only HIMINEUS denieth his good will, either in presence, or in person: notwithstanding, DIANA hath so counterchecked him therefore, as he shall ever hereafter be at your commandment. For my part, as I am a rejoicer at your coming, so am I a furtherer of your welcome hither, and for this time I bid you farewell.  Then marched they about again, and that done, jupiter spoke to the Queen in this sort, and then gave her a riding Wand of Whales fin curiously wrought. 

Fear not oh Queen, thou art beloved so,  
As Subjects true, will truly thee defend:  
Fear not my power to overthrow thy woe,  
I am the God that can each miss amend.  
Thou dost know, great JUPITER am I,  
That gave thee first thy happy Sovereignty.   

I give thee still, as ever thou hast had,  
A peerless power, unto thy dying day:  
I give thee rule to overcome the bad,  
And love, to love thy loving Subjects aye.  
I give thee here this small and slender wand,  
To show, thou shalt in quiet rule the Land.   Then juno spoke, whose gift was a Purse curiously wrought. 

IS JUNO rich? no sure she is not so  
She wants that wealth, that is not wanting here,  
Thy good gets thee friends, my wealth wins many a foe,  
My riches rusts, thine shine passing clear.  
Thou art beloved of Subjects far and nigh,  
Which is such wealth as money cannot buy.   

Farewell fair Queen, I cannot give thee aught,  
Nor take away thy good that is so bound:  
Thou canst not give, that I so long have sought,  
x can I hold the riches thou hast found.  
Yet take this gift, though poor I seem to be,  
That thou thyself shalt never poorer be.   Then after they had marched again about, Mars gave his gift, which was a fair pair of Knives, and said. 

WHere force doth fiercely seek to foster wrong,  
There MARS doth make him make a quick recoil,  
Nor can endure that he should harbour long,  
Where naughty wights manure in goodly soil,  
This is the use that aids the force of War,  
That MARS doth mend, that force doth seek to mar.   

And though oh Queen thou be'st a Prince of peace,  
Yet shalt thou have me fastly sure at need:  
The storms of strife, and blustering broils to cease,  
Which foreign foes, or faithless friends may breed.  
To conquer, kill, to vanquish and subdue,  
Such feigned folk, as loves to live untrue.   
These words were graven on those Knives.  
To hurt your foe, and help your friend,  
These Knives are made unto that end.  
Both blunt and sharp you shall us find,  
As pleaseth best your Princely mind.  Then spoke Venus, whose gift was a white Dove. 

IN vain (fair Queen) from Heaven my coming was,  
To seek t''amend that is no way amiss:  
For now I see thy favour so doth pass,  
That none but thou, thou only she it is,  
Whose beauty bids each wight to look on thee,  
By view they may another VENUS see.   

Where beauty boasts, and favour doth not fail,  
What may I give to thee O worthy wight?  
This is my gift, there shall no woe prevail,  
That seeks thy will, against thy wills delight,  
Not where they will, but where it likes thy mind,  
Accept that friend, if loyal thou him find.   
The Dove being cast off, ran directly to the Queen, and being taken up and set upon the Table before her Majesty, fate so quietly, as if it had been tied.  
Then after they had marched again about APOLLO presented his gift, which was, an Instrument called a Bandonet, and did sing to the said Instrument this Ditty, as he played.  
IT seemeth strange to see such strangers here,  
Yet not so strange, but strangers knows you well:  
Your virtuous thoughts to Gods do plain appear,  
Your acts on earth bewrays how you excel:  
You cannot die, Love here hath made your lease,  
Which Gods have sent, and God sayeth shall not cease.  
Virtuous desire desired me to sing,  
No subjects suit, though suitors they were all,  
Apollo's gifts are subjects to no King,  
Rare are thy gifts, that did APOLLO call,  
Then still rejoice, sithence God and Man say so,  
This is my gift, thou never shalt have woe.  PALLAS then speaketh, and presenteth her gift, which was a Book of Wisdom. 
MOst worthy wight, what wouldst thou have of me?  
Thou hast so much, thou canst enjoy no more:  
I cannot give, that once I gave to thee,  
Nor take away thy good I gave before.  
I robbed was by Nature's good consent  
Against my will, and yet I was content.  
A PALLAS thou, a Princess I will be:  
I Queen of loss, thou Goddess which haste got:  
I sometime was, thou only now art she,  
I take, thou gavest that luck that was my lot,  
I give not thee this Book to learn thee aught,  
For that I know already thou art taught.  Then after they had marched again about, NEPTUNE did speak: his gift was, a great Artificial Fish, and in the belly thereof a noble Pike, which he threw out before her Majesty. 

WHat art thou (Queen) that Gods do love thee so?  
Who won their wills to be so at thy will?  
How can the world become thy cruel foe?  
How can disdain or malice seek to kill?  
Can Sea or Earth devise to hurt thy hap,  
Since thou by Gods dost sit in Fortune's lap.   

As Heaven and Earth have vowed to be thine,  
So NEPTUNES Seas have sworn to drench thy foes,  
As I am God, and all the waters mine,  
Still shalt thou get, but never shalt thou lose:  
And since on Earth my wealth is nought at all,  
Accept good will, the gift is very small.   DIANA presented a Bow and Arrows nocked and headed with silver. Her speech was this. 
whoever found on Earth a constant friend,  
That may compare with this my Virgin Queen?  
whoever found a body and a mind  
So free from stain, so perfect to be seen,  
Oh Heavenly hew, that aptest is to soil,  
And yet dost live from blot of any foil  
Rare is thy gift, and given to few or none,  
maliced therefore of some that dare not say,  
More shines thy light, for that I know but one,  
That any such show, to follow on their way.  
Thou thou art she, take thou the only praise,  
For chastest Dame in these our happy days:  
Accept my Bow, since best thou dost deserve,  
Though well I know thy mind can thee preserve.  Cupido his speech, his gift an Arrow of Gold. 
AH ha, I see my mother out of sight,  
Then let the boy now play the wag a while,  
I seem but weak, yet weak is not my might,  
My boyish wit can oldest folk beguile.  
Who so doth think, I speak this but in jest,  
Let me but shoot, and I shall quench his rest,  
Mark here my shafts: This all is made of wood,  
Which is but soft, and breeds but soft goodwill.  
Now this is guilt, yet seems it gold full good,  
And doth deceive blind loving people still.  
But here is one is seldom felt or seen:  
This is of Gold, meet for the noblest Queen.  
Wherefore Dame fair, take thou this gift of me,  
Though some deserve, yet none deserve like you,  
Shoot but this shaft at King or Caesar: He,  
And he is thine, and if thou wilt allow.  
It is a gift, that many here would crave,  
Yet none, but thou, this golden Shaft may have.  
There was written upon the shaft.  
My Colour joy, my Substance Pure,  
My Virtue such as shall endure.  
Goldingham.  
FINIS.   
SIr Majesty received these gifts very thankfully, the Gods and Goddesses with the rest of the mask marched about the Chamber again, and then departed in like manner as they came in. Then the Queen called to her Master Robert Wood, the Mayor of Norwich, whom first the heartily thanked: and took by the hand, and used secret conference, but what, I know not. And thus this delightful night passed, to the joy of all which saw her Grace in so pleasant plight.  
The next day being Friday in which day the Course removed, the Streets towards Saint benet's gates, were hanged, from the one side to the other, with cords made of herbs and flowers, with Garlands, Coronets, Pictures, rich clothes, and a thousand devices. At the gates themselves, there was a stage made, very richly appareled with cloth of Gold, & crimson velvet, whereupon in a close place made thereon for the purpose, was placed very sweet Music: and one ready to tender her this speech following. The doleful hour of her departure came, she passed from the Court, to those gates, with such countenances, both of her majesties part, and her Subjects, now dolorous, now cheerful, as plainly showed the loving hearts of both sides: when she came there, the speech was thus uttered unto her.  


Terrestrial joys are tied with slender file,  
Each happy hap full hastily doth slide,  
As Summer season lasteth but a while,  
So Winter storms do longer time abide:  
Alas what bliss can any time endure?  
Our Sunshine day is dashed with sudden shower.   

Could tongue express our secret joys of heart,  
(Oh mighty Prince) when thou didst come in place?  
No no God wot, nor can express the smart  
Thy Subjects feel in this departing case.  
But gracious Queen, let here thy Grace remain  
In gracious wise, till thy return again.   

In am whereof, receive thy subjects hearts,  
In fixed Faith continually thine own:  
Who ready rest to lose their vital parts  
In thy defence, when any blast is blown.  
Thou art our Queen, our rock and only stay,  
We are thine own to serve by night and day.   

Farewell oh Queen, farewell oh Mother dear,  
Let jacob's God thy sacred body guard:  
All is thine own that is possessed here,  
And all in all is but a small reward  
For thy great grace, God length thy life like NO,  
To govern us, and eke thy Realm in joy. AMEN.   
B. G. and spoken by himself, to whom her Majesty said: We thank you heartily.  
FINIS.   
Then with the Music in the same place was song this short Ditty following, in a very sweet voice.  


WHat vaileth life, where sorrow soaks the heart?  
Who feareth Death that is in deep distress?  
Release of life doth best abate the smart  
Of him, whose woes are quite without redress.  
Lend me your tears, resign your sighs to me,  
Help all to wail the dolour which you see.   

What have we done, she will no longer stay?  
What may we do to hold her with us still?  
she is our Queen, we subjects must obey.  
Grant, though with grief to her departing will.  
Conclude we then, and sing with sobbing breath,  
God length thy life, (oh Queen ELIZABETH.)   
B. G.  
FINIS.   
THen departed her Majesty out of the gates, within a flight shot or little more whereof, Master churchyard had another show, which I leave to himself to utter: because my hope is, he will manifest that amongst the rest shortly.  
This finished, her Majesty in Princely manner marched towards the confines of the liberties of the City of Norwich, which I suppose almost two miles: before she came there, Master Maior broke to my Lord chamberlain, that he was to utter to her Majesty another Oration, whereof my Lord seemed to have good liking: but before they came to the said confines, Master Maior was willed to forbear the utterance of the same his Oration, because it was about vii. of the clock, and her Majesty had then five miles to ride. Nevertheless he gave to her Majesty both his Orations in writing, which she thanked him for. She also thanked the Maior, every Alderman, and the Commoners, not only for the great cheer they had made her, but also for the open households they kept to her highness servants, and all other. Then she called Master Maior & made him Knight: & so departing, said: I have laid up in my breast such good will, as I shall never forget Norwich, and proceeding onward did shake her riding rod and said: Farewell Norwich, with the water standing in her eyes: In which great good will towards us all, I beseech God to continue her Majesty with long and triumphant reign over us all. AMEN.    

The majors Oration at her departure, delivered in writing.  
QVae venientia lata sunt, ea cum recedunt solent esse tristiora. Quid enim (sum Deus) potuit hic Sol usquàm conspicere beatius, quam nos videbamur nobis, vel cum hic primum (Serenissima Princeps) Maiestatis tuae splendor illuxerit: vel reliquo hoc perexiguo sanè tempore quo in tua praesentia, tanquam in omnium rerum falicissima vbertate conqutevimus: Sed vae illi rerum humanarum vicissitudini, quae nihil illibatum, nihil aeternum patitur: ita voluptas tristitiam trahit, & letitiam nostram dolor non excipit solum: sed acerbissime intercipit: Ita vt, qui nuper accidentem te lautitijs omnibus excepimus: abeuntem nunc, si id pateretur Amplitudinis tuae & tanti comitaetus celebritas, pullatis vestibus prosequeremur. Tanti doloris causam si postules, nescio quid svae Maiestatis personae tuae Deus indidit, quod summam tui reverentiam aamirabilis cuiusdam amoris plenam excitat, quo fit vt agre pattamur nos à te devils. Accedit quòd utcunque Amplitudini tuae visi sumus (quae tua est clementiae) omne gratitudinis officio satisfecisse: nobis tamen ipsis nondum satisfecimus, nec unquam sanè satisfacturi sumus. Longioris tamen temperis usuram optaremus, si id commodum esset, vt si non maius, at certe diuturnius specimen vel obedienciae, velamoris nostri exhiberemus. Sed & voluntati tuae & utilitati publicae cedendum est: quam te & velle semper, & in omnibus spectare satis nobis magno cum emclumento nostro est compertum. I nunc igitur, i pede farsto, quo tua te virtus vocat. Nes autem vel hoc ipsum abunde consolabitur, (quod & immortales gratias, & perpetuam rei memoriam meretur) Te principem post omnium memoriam praestantissimam dignatam nostres lares tam humaniter invisisse. Postremum hoc erit, nos hic coram te, quam Dominus unxie, atque omni hac celebritate Deum nunc intuentem testari in animas nostras, nos fidem & obedientiam in illo, nostram tibi vns inperpetuum reseruaturos. Tu Religionis nutrix, Reipublicae mater, Principum decus, Subditorum solacium, falicissimè (nellem dicere) Vale.   

The Mayors last Oration Englished.  
THose things which at their coming are joyful, when they depart are the more sorrowful. For what (o mighty God) could this Sun at any time behold more happy, than we did seem to ourselves, either when first (o most merciful Prince) the brightness of thy Majesty did here shine out, or else in all the time we rested in your presence, as in a paradise or most happy abundance of all things. But woe to that changeable course of humane things, which suffereth nothing uncorrupt, nor any thing eternal: so pleasure bringeth after it sadness, and grief doth not only suddenly take away our delights, but most bitterly cut of the same. So that we that lately received thee approaching with all joys: should follow thee departing (if the renown of your highness and train would suffer it) with mourning garments. If you demand the cause of so great sorrow, I know not what part of his Majesty God hath endued your person withal, which doth stir up great reverence of thee, but full of a certain wonderful love, whereby it comes to pass that we hardly suffer ourselves to be severed from your presence. Add moreover, that we seem after a sort unto your highness (such is your clemency) to have satisfied every point of gratefulness: yet have we not, nor ever shall we satisfy ourselves in that behalf. We would wish a longer use of time (if it were profitable) that we might express, if not a greater, yet a more continual show of our love and obedience. But we must both yield to your pleasure, and to the common wealth, for that we know assuredly to our great and singular advancement, you never cease to seek out and afford the same to all your subjects. Go now therefore, go with lucky step thither, whether thy virtue calleth thee. And for us, this shall comfort us abundantly (which deserveth both immortal thanks and perpetual memory) that thou so renowned a Prince, hast vouchsafed so courteously to visit our dwellings. And finally, we here before thee, whom God hath anointed, and before all this famous assembly, take God (which now beholdeth us) to our witness, that we will keep our faith and obedience in him to thee only for ever. Thou Nurse of religion, Mother of the Common Wealth, Beauty of Princes, Solace of thy subjects, most happily (oh how I rue to speak it) Farewell.   

Oratio St. Limberti quae discessura Principe recitata fuisset, nisi quod sero iter ingressa est.  
SCribit Gellius in noctibus Atticis, Eminentissima Princeps, Phavorinum Philosophum dixisse, nunc matrem esse diem, nunc esse never cam, & hunc versum longo hominum aevo probatum sermonibus suis usurpasse, {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}. Quem ipse Gellius ita interpretatur, dolorum ac voluptatum esse vicissitudines, non omni dic bene esse posse, sed isto bene, atque alio malè. Nihil autem nec venustius unquam nec verius dictum fuisse, tum perpetua rerum humanarum volubilit as, & crebrae mutationes indicant, tum hodiernus dies fidem facit amplissimam. Non enim tam recreavit nos è diuturno me rore atque desyderio laetissimus ille aduentus celsitudinis tuae, quàm isto quem undiqueiam parari videmus discessu exanimamur, utque omnium aetatum atque ordinum infiniti plausus & gratulationes venientem exceperunt: ita nemo est qui non discedentem etiam luctu & lachrymis prosequatur. Equidem vt de me ipso loquar, quoniam meus mihi notissimus est animus, nunquam me duriorem provinciam sustinuisse profiteor, quàm est haec imposita mihi hoc tempore, non solum vt affarar cruditissimam principem, quod tamen per se arduum est & difficile, sed multo magis vt hoc tristi & acerbo valedicendi munere defungerer. Quis enim non vehementer indolueris brevissimo tempore ac veluti {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} vidisse se quod maxime concupierat, ereptum ante quam eo penitus perfrui liceret? Quam luctuosum est, lactentes infantulos ab uberibus matrum & charissimis amplexibus divelli? A patribus filios quibus unicè diliguntur grauiori aliquo casu separari? Nullis tamen mortalibus arbitror naturam tantos amores tantam benevolentiam, aut in cos quos procrearunt ingenerasse, aut a quibus sunt procreati, quanta est ea qua nos omnes celsitudinem tuam communem, videlicet parentem patriae, suspicimus, colimus, veneramur. Magna vis est amicitiae & necessitudinis, quae saepe facit, vt qui vel societate aliqua, vitaeque consuetudine aliquandiu coniuncti fuerint, ita cohaereant animis & quasi coalescant: vt a se invicem distrahi atque disiungi molestissime serant. Hinc Theseasides omnium ore ac literis celebrata, aliorumque innumerabilium arctissima necessitudo, quos nulla peris cula, nulli terra marique labores, ab eorum quibus convixissent suavissimo Comitatu depellere potuerunt. Quae autem tanta studia, tanti ardores animorum usquam reperti sunt, qui nostris erga te praestantissima Princeps synceris minimeque fucatis voluntatibus conferantur? Non satis ostendunt ista fidem & benevolentiam nostram, maior est quàm vel cuiusquam eruditissimi copia, nedum huius ingenij mei mediocritate possit illustrari. Nullas unquam res arctiori nexu & maiori concordia, quàm animum & corpus natura colligavit, quod & in vita declarat incredibilis illorum conspiratio, sibique mutuo subueniendi cura, & in morte gravissima distractio. Nos autem qui Christianam religionem ac pietate profitemur, multo magis quàm illi Decij, Scaevolae, Curtij, qui se pro Repub. Romana denovisse dicuntur, & patriam, & cam qua patriae salus continetur etiam vita nostra chariorem habere didicimus. Quis enim est qui pro ea dubitet mortem oppetere, quae si non esset, graviorem morte servitutem perpeti cogeretur? Neque vero est haec pietas tuorum animis leviter infixa, & quasi summo fundata solo, Illustrissima Regina, sed altis nixa radicibus qua nullis fortunae procellis ac tempestatibus concuti, nullis subuerti machinis, nullo impetu expugnari potest. Quantum enim facit ad amoris & fidei stabilitatem, quod sciamus celsitudinem tuam non arbitrio vacillantis fortunae, sediure haereditario, hoc est {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} dominationem & imperium obtinuisse, nec Homericum tibi iovem {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}, sed verum illum rerum omnium opificem & fabricatorem in manus tradidisse? ac propterea summam esse nobis parendi necessitatem etiam divinitus impositam, ne Gyganteo more {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}, vt est in fabulis, ipsique Deo sceleratissimè bellum indicere videamur. Quid cùm perspiciamus quantis quamque divinis rempub meritis affecerit celsitudo tua utiam ex innumerabilibus terris ac gentibus quae soli subiectae sunt, nulla, non dicam, anteferrinobis, sed ne comparari quidem possit. Non ad illam parendi legem & necessitatem summam etiam oporter voluntatem accedere? Quid enim referam vigintiiam totos annos in tanta nos pace, tanta tranquillirate vixisse, quantam non solum haec aetas nunquam vidit, sed ne omnium quidem seculorum ac gentium annales vetustatisque monumenta memoriae prodiderunt? Quid commemorem longè velut è specula prospectas tempestates, praevisa simul & anticipata censilio gravissima pericula, clandestinas insidias non tam vi quàm arte obrutas, omnes denique nefarios conatus maximo cum applausis extinctos, nullo aut sane perexiguo motum populari? Facerent ista quidem vt qualiscunque esses, omnem tamen fidem & benevolentiam maiestati tuae libentissimis animis praestaremus. I am vero cùm mitissimam te & clementissimam principem habeamus, quae in summa potestate constituta ne tantillum quidem ab aequitate modoque recedis, quis est tam ferus ac ferreus, quem non ad omnem observantiam tantae virtutis invitarent? Quare si firmissima sit custodia principum fides, subditorum, quemadmodum prudentissimos sensisse viros accepimus, quid potest tutius esse & securius excellentia tua, quàm tanta tuorum studia muniverunt? Extraxi longius orationem meam, Nobilissima Regina, vt paulo diutius frueremur usurae incundissimi conspectus tui, quem non fine maxima molestia gravissimoque dolore amissuri sumus. Sed quia ferenda sors est quae vitari non potest, ne profectionem tuam plus aequo remorari videar dum obsequi studeo cupiditati nostrae, finem dicendifaciā. Tuam vero Maiestatem quam ex oculis nostris hodiernus dies eripiet animis tamen & voluntatibus prosequemur, absentem semper intuebimur, legibus & mandatis studiosissime obtemperabimus, salutem denique & incolumitatem tuam quae nostra etiam salus continetur, Deo Opt. Max. assiduis precibus quàm diutissimè tuendam & conservandam commendabimus.   

Mr Limbert's Oration, which had been rehearsed at her Graces departing, but that she set late forward in her Progress.  
GEllius in his Noctibus Atticis (most excellent Princess) doth write, that it was the saying of Phaevorinus the Philosopher, that the day was one while a mother, another while a stepdame: and that he used this verse, long time allowed, among men, in his accustomed communication, {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}. Which verse Gellius in this manner expoundeth: That of sorrows & pleasures there be changes, that it cannot be well every day with us, but this day well, and that day ill. And surely, that nothing hath been at any time more gallantly or truly spoken, both the continual course of man's uncertain estate, and the often alterations whereto he is subject, manifestly declare, beside that, this present day giveth evident proof thereof. For, the most joyful coming of your highness, did not so much recreate and comfort us in our daily desire and longing, as we are discouraged by this your departing, whereto we see preparation made on all hands. And as all ages and degrees received your Majesty, with joy and gladness at your coming: so there is not one but lamenteth and mourneth at your graces going. And doubtless for my part, because mine own heart is best known to myself, I protest that I never took upon me a greater charge, then that, wherewith at this present I am burdened: not only to speak face to face with a most learned lady and princess, which notwithstanding is, of itself, a hard and a busy matter: but, which is much more, that to me is befallen the sad and sorrowful office of leave taking. For, who would not be exceedingly grieved, to see the thing which he principally desired, in a very short time, and as it were {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}, at an instant taken away, before he might have thereof full fruition? How lamentable a thing is it, to pull away sucking babes from the breasts and bosoms of their most loving mothers? That sons and fathers, through some miserable misfortune, should be sundered? Yet I notwithstanding am of opinion, that nature hath not engendered in any man, such large love, and so great good will, no not toward them whom they have begotten, or of whom they themselves have been begotten, as is the love and good will wherewith we advance, obey, and reverence your Majesty, being the mother and nurse of this whole Common wealth, and Country. Great is the force of friendship and familiarity, which oftentimes bringeth to pass, that they, which either by some kind of fellowship, or by an accustomed condition of life, in tract of time have been closely knit, and so become both of one mind, and as it were grown together, that hard and scant they may be separated, & set in sunder. Hereof sprang the faithfulness of Theseus, commended by the mouth and monuments of all men: and the entire friendship of innumerable more, whom no dangers, nor labours, either by sea or land, could sequester from their sweet society & comfortable company, with whom they long had lived. And what desires, or what delights have anywhere been found, that may be compared with the sincere affection, and unfeigned good will, which we bear to your Highness, most excellent Princess? These are not sufficient shows of our faith and benevolence, which is much greater, than that the eloquence of any learned man, or that the slenderness of my wit and capacity may make it manifest. Nature at no time tied any thing with a straighter knot, or set several things at greater agreement, than the soul and the body: a declaration whereof is, the incredible consent and concord of them both, the mutual care and regard of succouring each other resting in them both: and the grievous departing, at the hour of death, the one from the other remaining in them both. But we which profess Christian religion and godliness, have learned this lesson, not only to love our country, but also her highness, in whom the health and safety of our country consisteth, far above the valiant Decij, the Scaevolae the Curtii, which ventured their lives for the Common wealth of Rome: yea, to love her grace much better than our own lives. For, what is he that would doubt to die for her sake, who if she were not, he should be constrained to abide a bondage much more bitter than death? Neither is this faithful love of us your subjects (most excellent Queen) lightly laid up in our hearts, and scarcely covered as it were in the ground, but deeply rooted, so that by no storms nor tempests of Fortune it can be shaken, by no engines overthrown, by no force or violence undertrodden. For how much maketh it for the establishment of faith and love, in that we know your Majesty hath obtained regiment and rule, not at the pleasure and appointment of wavering Fortune, but by right of inheritance, that is to say, {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}: nor that the Homerical Jupiter {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}, but that the maker and Creator of all things delivered it into your highness hands? And therefore a singular necessity of obedience is laid upon us, even by God himself, least in Giant guise as it is feigned, we set shoulder against God, and being at defiance with him most wickedly, bid him battle. When we behold those excellent and divine benefits, which your grace hath bestowed upon the common wealth, in so much that among many, yea innumerable countries, and nations under the Sun, none (I will not say may be preferred before us) but not so much as one may be compared with us. Ought not then a singular love and good will to be linked with that law, and necessity of obedience? For what should I make rehearsal of full twenty years, wherein we have lived in such peace and tranquillity, as not only this our age hath never seen the like, but as in old records and ancient Chronicles of all ages and people, is nowhere mentioned? What should I call to memory hurly-burlies foreseen afar off, as from an espial: exceeding great dangers, not only perceived by wisdom, but also prevented by counsel: secret snares, and privy practises disappointed, not to much by violence, as by policy: finally, all Treacherous attempts, and Rebellious enterprises, with great gladness and rejoicing extinguished, without any tumult at all, or very little (doubtless) ensuing among the people? These things might make us (although your Grace were otherwise than you are) perform all duty of faith and love, with most willing minds to your Majesty. Now, for so much as we have your highness, our merciful and bountiful Sovereign, who possessing principality and royal regiment, dost not serve an hears breadth from justice and equity, what is he for a man so savage and obstinate, whom these so singular and rare virtues may not allure to all love and allegiance? Wherefore, if the surest safety of Princes is the faith of their subjects (as we have heard very wise men hold opinion) what can be more safe, what can be more sure, than your excellency, which the studies and endeavours of your people, being so great, have fenced and fortified? I have made mine Oration the longer (most noble Queen) to the intent we might the longer enjoy your comfortable presence, from the which, to our great grief and sorrow, we shall depart. But because luck must be borne, which can not be avoided, lest I might seem more than is meet to delay your grace's progress, whiles I am in hand to please mine own humour, I will make an end. Concerning your Majesty, whose presence this day will shut from our sight, we will notwithstanding in your absence behold and reverence, we will love your Highness with all our hearts, minds, and endeavours: we will most dutifully obey your grace's Laws and Commandments. Finally, your majesties good estate (whereupon likewise our safety dependeth) we will commend to Almighty God in our daily Prayers, that the same a long time may be continued, and also preserved. Amen.   

¶ Ad Solem nubibus obductum die Lunae. 18. Augusti. 1578.  
SPlendide Phoebe redi, cur te sub nube recondis?  
Innuba Pallas adest, splendide Phoebe redi.  
Hasta minax procul est, non Gorgonis ora videbis,  
Pallas inermis adest, splendide Phoebe redi.  
Scilicet à tanto metuis tibi lumine forsan:  
Ne superet radios foemina Phoebe tuos.  
Pulcher Apollo tibi ne sit Regina rulori:  
Ipse decore tuo vincis, & illa suo.  
Euge redux reducem quia pulsa nocte reducis  
Phoebe diem: toto est gratius orb nihil.  
Haec pepulit tetri tenebras noctemque papismi,  
Et liquidum retulit relligione diem.  
Euge nigras nebulas radijs quia saepe repellis  
Phoebe tuis: paene est gratius orb nihil.  
Texuerant remoras discrimina mill Papistae:  
Ne ceptum Princeps continuaret iter:  
Nec tamen hunc nebulae potuerunt condere Solem:  
quamvis tu nebulis cedis Apollo tuis.  
Ergo iubar nostrum repulisse obstacula cernis:  
Sic age, Sol nebulas lumine pelle tuo.  
Splendide Phoebe redi, cur te sub nube recondis?  
Innuba Pallas adest, splendide Phoebe redi.  

Eiusdem.  
SVstinet, ornat, habet, regnum, literaria, formam,  
Provida, docta, decens, juno, Minerva, Venus.  
Singula dona trium simul ELIZABETHA Dearum  
Provida, docta, decens, sustinet, ornat, habet.  
Esse Deas lusi: Divinam dicimus istam:  
Quamuis nec liceat nec libet esse Deam.    

¶ To the Sun covered with clouds, upon Monday, being the 18. of August. 1578.  
IN shadowing clouds why art thou closed? ò Phoebus bright retire:  
unspoused Pallas present is, o Phoebus bright retire.  
The threatening spear is flung far off, doubt not grim Gorgon's ire:  
Unarmed Pallas present is, o Phoebus bright retire.  
Perhaps thou art afraid: And why? at this so large a light:  
lest that a Woman should excel, thy beams (o Phoebus) bright.  
Let not a Queen, a Virgin pure, which is, and ever was,  
O fair Apollo, make thee blush: you both in beauty pass.  
O Phoebus safe and sound return, which, banishing the night,  
Bringst back the day: in all the world nothing of like delight.  
She, only she, the darkness drove of Poprye quite away:  
And, by Religion, hath restored the bright and lightsome day.  
O Phoebus, with thy beams, which foil'st the clouds both blind and black,  
The world, in manner all, a thing of like delight doth lack.  
A thousand dangers and delays, the Papists had devised,  
To th'end our Princess should abridge, her progress enterprised:  
Yet this our bright and shining sun, cast light through every cloud:  
Although in clouds thou art content, Apollo, oft to shroud.  
Thou seest our Sun in comely course, cuts off each stop & stay:  
Do thou the like, and by thy light drive every cloud away.  
In shadowing clouds why art thou closed? o Phoebus bright retire:  
unspoused Pallas present is: o Phoebus bright retire.  

By the same.  
her kingdom all by providence, Queen juno doth uphold:  
And of Minerva Lady learned, is learned lore extolled:  
And Venus fair of countenance, hath beauty uncontrolled.  
These sundry gifts of Goddesses three, Elizabeth possesseth:  
By providence her people's peace, and comfort she increaseth:  
Her learning, learning amplifies: her beauty never ceaseth.  
I did but jest, of Goddesses to give them three the name:  
This Lady mayst thou Goddess call, for she deserves the same:  
Although she will not undertake, a title of such fame.    

Gloria Civilis an bellica Maior. Dialogus.  {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}. POLE. 
GRaecia Alexandrum, praeclaros Roma triumphos  
Caesatis eximij, fortem Britannia Brennum  
Arthurumque canit, Permultos Anglia reges  
Edidit invictos summo quos aequat Olympo.  POLI. 
Ergò nihil maius? superant haec omnia laudes  
Virgineae, semper mirabitur Anglia nomen  
ELIZABETHA tuum, famamque ad sydera tollet  
Donec brumali concrescet frigore tellus.  
Donec & aestivis candescet solibus aether  
Tempora nulla tuae capient oblivia laudis.  POLE. 
Innumeras Macedo gentes sua sub iuga misit  
Et totum quà terra patet fortissimus orbem  
Imperio parere suo, virtute subegit  
Et doluit quod non alias superesset & orbis  
Quem bello peteret, rigidis & sterneret armis.  
Quis referat, tua quanta fuit celeberrime Caesar  
Gloria, cuitoties devictis hostibus urbem  
Ingresso, proceres claros statuere triumphos?  
Aurato quoties, curru devectus in arcem  
Romanae genti spectacula laeta dedisti?  
Roma recens Brenni funestis ignibus arsit  
Nobilis Arthurus Pictos dare terga coegit  
Saxoneasque manus, fecit iam regia virtus  
Anglorum nomen quàm formidabile Gallis?  
O memoranda mihi bello quae fama paratur.  POLI. 
Vera quidem narras, nec enim mihi carpere laudes  
Tantorum procerum magno discrimine partas  
Nec vafrè tenebras inducere fortibus ausis  
Est animus, Per me constet sua fama cvique.  
Sed qui justitia firmant & legibus aequis  
Imperium, Spaertamque svam conamine toto  
Exornare student tutis & finibus uti  
Quantò maiores illi meruêre triumphos?  
jura celebrantur plusquam Minōia bella  
Quis non praeponet Solomonia regna paternis?  
Praetulit ipse Deus, qui non sua templa Davidem  
Belligerum volvit manibus fabricare cruentis.  
Pacificus sacras extruxit filius aedes  
Qui justo sanctoque sui moderamine regni  
Clarus, in aeternum memori celebrabitur aevo.  
Quis non ante Numae foelicia tempora ponet  
Romuleis bello rigidis? Quae denique possunt  
Singula si lustres conferri secula nostris?  
O memoranda mihi quae gloria pace paratur.  POLE. 
Sed me laurea delectat.  POLI. 
Me mitis oliva,  POLE. 
At pulchrum multis dominari gentibus.  POLI. 
Esto  
{non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}.  POLE. 
Fortis memorabile nomen  
Magnanimique ducis toto clarescit in orb.  POLI. 
Exiguas quantum stellas radiantia Phoebi  
Lumina, sublustres tenebras lux alma diei:  
Civilis tantum superat prudentia Martem.  POLE. 
Vis dirimat nostram Critici sententia litem?  
Non etenim lingua tecum contendere pergam  
Cui pugnae est assueta manus.  POLI. 
Placet, ergo loquatur  
Et statuat finem Criticus certaminis huius  
Ambiguas doctè novit componere lites.  CRITI. 
Quisque suo trahitur studio, non omnibus idem  
Est animus, juuat hunc tranquillae pacis, at illum  
Martis & horrifici delectat gloria belli,  
Sed mea iam breviter quae sit sententia dicam.  
Foelix qui longo cruciatus membra dolore  
Post multos noctu gemitus, suspicia luce  
Amissas tandem vires animumque recepit.  
Sed tamen hic quanto foelicior esset habendus  
Languida si nunquam sensissent corpora morbum?  
Cur geritur bellum laetae nisi pacis amore?  
Quaesi consilio poterit, fatisque benignis  
{non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} servari, bella facessant  
Perpetuae maior pacis quàm gloria Martis  
Si modo labe caret maculis nec spargitur ullis.  
Stephani Limberti Carmen.   

{non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}.  
{non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman},  
{non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}  
{non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}  
{non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}  
{non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}  
{non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}  
{non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}  
{non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}.  
{non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}  
{non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}.  
W. G.   

¶ Ad Civitatem Norwicensem de Aduentu Serenissimae Reginae ELIZABETHAE.  
ERgo tibi antiquae laudes, & avita resurget  
Gloria Norwice, & veteris spes reddita famae est:  
Namque tuos Regina lares faelicibus intrat  
Auspicijs, clarumque tuae jubar intulit urbi.  
Magnum numen habes, quo nil augustius usquam  
Sol videt, aut ingens maius complectitur orbis.  
Illa suis magnum verae pietatis amorem.  
Restituit, sanctamque fidem sine fraud dolosa  
Reddidit aeternis è fontibus: illa tumentem  
Aequantemque Deo semet Regumque Tyrannum  
Fregit, & Inferno damnatum carcere mersit.  
Perge pijs Animis dignasque evolvito grates,  
Aduentumque sacrum Divinae Principis altis  
Laudibus illustra, vocesque in sidera mitte.  
Nempe facis: video motus vultusque tuorum  
Feruoresque avidos, plaususque & anhela flagrantum  
Pectora, sincerasque praeces, atque undique vulgi  
Laetitiam ingentem: neque enim haec sacra frequentant  
Soli primates urbis, lectusque Senatus,  
Quin etiam populus, pueri, innuptaeque pvellae  
Exultant Animis: adeo vox omnibus una est  
Aduentasse decus Regni, atque hac urbe coruscum  
Illuxisse jubar, magnamque in secula famam  
Norwico partam, nullus quam carpere livor  
Aut violare potest, nostris non eximet aetas  
Mentibus, aut nigra condet sub nube vetustas.  
Macte animis, notat ista deus, meritumque laborem  
Laudat, & obsequijs vestris studioque fideli  
Attribuet longos, optatae Principis Annos.  
Gul. Goldingham, Madge Mag..