LONDON'S LOVE, TO THE ROYAL PRINCE HENRY, MEETING HIM ON THE RIVER OF THAMES, at his return from Richmonde, WITH A WORTHY FLEET OF HER CITIZENS, ON Thursday the last of May, 1610.  
WITH A BRIEF REPORT OF THE water Fight, and Fire works.  
LONDON, Printed by EDW. ALLDE, for NATHANIEL FOSBROOKE, and are to be sold at the West-end of Paul's, near to the Bishop of London's gate, 1610.   

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE, Sr. THOMAS CAMBELL, KNIGHT, LORD Major of this famous City of London: And to all the Aldermen his worthy brethren, etc.  
I Hold it but right & justice (Honourable Lord, and you the rest of this Politic body) to give you that which you have best deserved: to wit, a true taste of that days solemn Triumph (in honour of so hopeful a Prince) and wherein your great love appeared not a little. Your time for preparation was very short, and mine, for your service, much shorter: yet (of mine own knowledge) both of them were very Royally and gratefully accepted, which I am sure was all your chiefest expectation, and, than which, nothing could be more desired by myself. Accept then your own, and me at your continual service.   

LONDON'S LOVE, TO THE ROYAL PRINCE HENRY, meeting him on the River of Thames (at his return from Richmonde) with a worthy Fleet of her Citizens, on Tursday the last of May. 1610. etc.  
IT hath ever been the nature of this honourable & famous City (matchless for her love and loyalty in all ages past and present) to come behind none other of the world whatsoever, in duty to her Sovereign, and care, not only of common good, but also of virtuous and never-dying credit. And such hath always been the indulgent endeavour of her worthy Magistrates, from time to time, that they would never let slip any good occasion, whereby so main & especial respect might be duly and successively preserved. And so much the rather, because Plato termeth Magistracy, to be the Anchor, Head, and Soul of any City: & holdeth it for the same thing in any commonwealth, as the Heart is in the body of a living creature, or as Reason in the Soul: which being the chief and essential parts of either, the life and existence of the whole, is in that power, & their cheerful motion, gives courage and alacrity to all the other parts of the body.  
Whereof no better exemplary rule can be made, than the late apparent testimony of London's Love to Royal Prince Henry, appointed by our dread Sovereign his Father, to be created Prince of Wales, and Earl of Chester, even now in the assembly of the high Court of Parliament: that he might be the twelve Prince in that Royal creation, succeeding those eleven so long since passed.  
For our Chronicles and Records do name but eleven, that (since the Conquest) were Princes of Wales. Whereof the first was Edward, Son to King Henry the third, who afterward was King Edward the first, he was created Prince at London.  
The second was Edward his Son, called also afterward King Edward the second, and he had his creation at London likewise.  
Thirdly, Edward his Son being after that King Edward the third: but he had his creation at York.  
Fourthly, Edward, surnamed the Black Prince, who was Son to King Edward the third, that conquered France, and quartered their Arms with ours: he also was created at London.  
The fift was King Richard the second Son to that worthy warrior the Black Prince, who lived not to enjoy the Crown: he had his creation at Hauering.  
The sixt was Henry the fift, eldest Son to King Henry the fourth, and he had his creation at London.  
The seventh, was Edward the Son of King Henry the sixt, whose creation I read to be at Reading.  
The eight was Edward, the Son of King Edward the fourth, afterward called Edward the fift, never crowned, but made away by his cruel uncle Richard the third: he was also created at London.  
The ninth, was Edward, Son to King Richard the third, created at London also,.  
The tenth was Prince Arthur, Son to King Henry the seventh, who deceasing, his brother Henry (afterward King Henry the eight) who was made the eleventh, was also created Prince of Wales, and both of them at London.  
All these forenamed Princes of Wales, were created solemnly, by and in the Court of Parliament; except three, which were Richard the second, Edward the fift, & Edward the Son of Richard the third. And those that were created out of Parliament, were Princes of hard and disaster fortune: For Richard the second was deposed: Edward the fift murdered, and Richard the third, his Son died with in three months after, as a just judgement of God for his Father's wickedness.  
But now our Royal Henry coming to be the twelfth Prince in this great dignity, and London's chief Magistrate the Lord Maior, with his worthy brethren the Aldermen, having very short and sudden intelligence thereof: after some small consultation, understanding that the Prince was to come from Richmonde, by water; they determined to meet him in such good manner, as the brevity of time would then permit them.  
Wherefore, upon Thursday, being the last day of May, about eight of the clock in the morning, all the worshipful Companies of the City, were ready in their Bardges upon the water, with their Streamers and Ensigns gloriously displayed, Drum, Trumpets, mischiefs and other Musics attending on them, to await the Lord Maior and Alderman's coming.  
No sooner had his Honour and the rest taken Barge, but on they rowed, with such a cheerful noise of Harmony, and so goodly a show in order and equipage; as made the beholders and hearers not meanly delighted; beside a peal of ordinance, that welcomed them as they entered on the water.  
To beautify so sumptuous a show, and to grace the day with more matter of Triumph, it seemed that Neptune smiled thereon auspiciously, and would not suffer so famous a cities affection, to go unfurnished of some favour from him: especially, because it is the Metropolis and chief honour of the Island, whereunto himself ever bare such endeared affection.  
For, according to the affirmation of Annius de Viterbo, Diodorus Siculus, Higginus, and Pictonius, Neptune being called King, or God of the Seas, had by his Queen Amphitrita divers Children, 
Script. Bri. cent. 2.  and as Bale setteth down, each one of them he made King of a several Island. Britain, which himself termed to be Insula beata, he bestowed upon his fourth, but best affected son Albion, who subduing the Samotheans, became sole ruler thereof, according to the testimony of Nicholaus Perottus, Rigmanus Philesius, Aristotle, and Humphrey Lloyd, and after his own name, called it Albion.  
Now it is not without good reason to be imagined, that in mere love to his sons memory, and for his ancient affection to this Island; no blessedness at any time can befall it, but it shall receive some especial and regardful note of his favour. But more especially at this time, when Heaven, Earth, Sea, and all had interlaced love together, to honour the general rejoicing, for so fair a fortune, so royal a hope, and a Prince of so unusual strain or expectation.  
For where mortals do consent together and sing as in a Choir of settled joy; the supremer powers can never sit as idle spectators: but seeing how weaker strength expresseth itself; they, in great bounty, must needs add applause unto it, and out of their rich abundance, enable their meaner power, by their help, and express also their own liking thereof, by some familiar addition or other.  
Wherefore let us thus think of Neptune, that out of his spacious watery wilderness, he then suddenly sent a huge Whale and a Dolphin, and by the power of his commanding Trident, had seated two of his choicest Tritons on them, altering their deformed Sea-shapes, bestowing on them the borrowed bodies of two absolute Actors, even the very best our instant time can yield; & personating in them, the several Genii of Corinea, the beautiful Queen of Cornwall, and Amphion the Father of harmony or Music.  
In these two well-seeming and richly appointed persons, the Dukedom of Cornwall, and the Principality of Wales, (by order of Neptune's Prophet, or Poet, call him whether ye will) carried some type or figure, and not improperly to them so applied.  
For such representations and mystical understandings, have always been reputed lawful, and are evermore allowed to hold and carry correspondency, with such solemn shows and Triumphs; as before in Elder Antiquity, so likewise in Modern and later use.  
Let it suffice then, that thus was this goodly Fleet of Citizens accompanied, and ushered the way so far as Chelseye, where hovering on the water until the Prince came: all pleasures that the times interim could afford, were plentifully intercoursed, and no disorder or breach of array in the whole Navy.  
Upon the Princes near approach, way was made for his best and aptest entertainment, which by multitude of Boats and Bardges (of no use, but only for desire of sight) was much impeached for a while, Till order being taken for the contrary, the Prince's Barge accosted the Lord majors, where duty entertaining on the one side, & Princely Grace most affably accepting on the other: Corinea mounted on her Whale, presented herself in this manner to his Highness.  

CORINEA, a very fair and beautiful Nymph, representing the Genius of old Corineus' Queen, and the Province of Cornwall, suited in her watery habit yet rich and costly, with a Coronet of Pearls and Cockle shells on her head, saluteth the PRINCE.  

THE SPEECH, SPOKEN BY CORINEA, riding on a Whale.  
GRacious Prince, and great Duke of Cornwall, I, the good Angel or Genius of Corinea, Queen to Brutus' noble Companion Corineus, the first of fair britains Regions, and your own worthy Dukedom; in honour of this general rejoicing day, and to express the endeared affections of London's Lord Maior, his brethren the Aldermen, and all these worthy Citizens, Merchants that hold Commerce with me and the wide world, in our very best and richest commodities: do thus usher them the way, to applaud in this Triumph, and to let you know their willing readiness, by all means possible to love and honour you.  
The shortness of time, hath been no mean bridle to their zealous forwardness, which (else) would have appeared in more flowing and abundant manner. Nevertheless, out of this little limitation, let me humbly entreat you to accept their boundless love, which is like to Jacob's Ladder, reaching from Earth to Heaven. Whereon, their hourly, holy and devout desires (like to so many blessed Angels) are continually ascending and descending: For their Royal Sovereign your Father, his Queen your peerless Mother, your sacred self, and the rest of their illustrious race. That unpolluted souls may be ever about ye, false hearts or foul hands never to come near ye; but the Host of Heaven, always to defend ye.   
here could I wish for such a copious brain, and liberal plenty of Art, as might suffice to declare the Royal respect and affability of the Prince, not only to my Lord Maior and his brethren, but to all the Companies in general, spreading his gracious acceptance of their love and kindness, like to the large extended wings of jove's Bird the Eagle, even over them all, and standing in the door of his Barge, he suffered no occasion to pass him, but still it took hold of his grace and liking.  
And thus they set on towards White Hall, in so soft, mild and gentle a pace, as the very Thames appeared proud of this gallant burden, swelling her breast to bear them with pomp and Majesty: and not one wrinkle appeared in her brow, but as plain and even, as the smoothest ivory. Nor durst any rude storm peep forth his head, or the least noise of an ungentle wind stir: but all were whist and still, as forgetful of those uncivil offices, and overcome with admiration of the days delight.  
Being come near White Hall, the Bardges (according to their quality and degree in order & dignity) divided themselves on either side, to make a spacious passage for the Prince and his train between them, even until they came near to the Court Bridge, the Lord Major's Barge being then the foremost and nearest. Now the Prince being ready to land, Amphion on his Dolphin saluteth him.   

AMPION, a grave and judicious Prophet-like parsonage, attired in his apt habits, every way answerable to his state and profession, with his wreath of Sea-shelles on his head, and his harp hanging in fair twine before him: personating the Genius of Wales, giveth the Prince this Farewell.  

THE SPEECH, OF AMPHION ON a Dolphin.  
Royal PRINCE of Wales, in this figure of Musical Amphion upon his Dolphin, we personate the Character of Wales your Principality. Who having with my fair Sister Corinea thus far attended you, on behalf of London's Lord Major, his worthy brethren, and this goodly Fleet of well affected Citizens; we are all now forced to an unwilling departure.  
See how our Streamers hang the head, as loath to leave you: Our Bardges lag and seem lumpish, as grieving to forego you: Our trumpets and other Musics appear tongueless, the word of farewell is so offensive to them. And except you put spirit into them all, with a gracious acceptance of this their love and loyalty: the bosom of fair Thames shrinks, and they fear swallowing.  
But the Sun of trueborn Majesty shines in your bright eye, and your more serious affairs calling you hence, speaks both your love to them, and liking of their humble duty at their dismission.  
Home again then fair Fleet, you have brought a Royal freight to landing, such a burden as hath made the River not meanly proud to bear. And since we must needs part, in our loudest voice of Drum, trumpets and ordinance, be this our last accent: Long live our Prince of Wales, the Royal Henry.   
At which very instant, off went the Chambers, and such a triumphal noise of Drum and trumpets, as made the very Air to Echo: which done, they returned back to London again, wherewith we conclude this solemn days Triumph.  
Upon the Sunday following, five and twenty Knights of the bath were made by his Majesty, in honour of the Prince his Son, and they all rode in their apt habits, with their Squires and Pages, from Durham house to White Hall, to their no little praise and commendation.  
On the Monday, the King and all the Nobility, going by water from the Court to Westminster; in the Court of Requests (which then was reputed as the Parliament house) the Prince had his creation of Prince of Wales, Duke of Rotchsaye, Earl of Chester, and Knight of the most noble Order of the Garter, with all the due ceremonies and vestures thereto belonging, his Majesty himself girding on his Sword. Which being ended they returned in the like manner to the Court again.  
In the evening of the same day, it was expected that the water Fight & Fire works should have been performed, no mean multitude of people attending to see it But whether by the violent storm of rain, or other appointment of his majesty, I know not (albeit Protheus mounted on a Sea Monster, had delivered the intent of the devise to his Highness) yet was it deferred till the Wednesday following.  
Upon which day, after a most Royal and sumptuous Tilting, the water fight was worthily performed, and by such report as was thereof made to me, thus it was ordered:  
A Turkish Pirate prowling on the Seas, to maintain a Turkish Castle (for so their Arms and Streamers described them both to be) by his spoil & rapine, of Merchants, and other Passengers; skulking abroad to find a booty: he descried two Merchants Ships, the one whereof bearing to wind somewhat before her fellow, made the Pirate waft her to strike sail and come in, which the Merchant either not regarding, or no way fearing, rode still boldly on. The Pirate with drawn weapons and other menaces, wafts her again to veil her bonnet, but the Merchant still refusing: the Pirate sends a commanding shot, which the Merchant answered again, encouraged thereto by her fellow Merchant, who by this time was come near her, and spoke in like language with her to the Pirate. When he perceived his hope defeated, and this bold resistance returned; he sent shot upon shot very fiercely, whereto they replied as resolvedly: so that between them grew a very fierce & dangerous fight. Wherein the Merchants waxing to be somewhat distressed (by reason that the Castle likewise often played upon them) two men of war happening then to be near, made in to help and relieve their hard detriment.  
And now the fight grew on all sides to be fierce indeed, the Castle assisting the Pirate very hotly, and the other withstanding bravely and courageously: divers men appearing on either side to be slain, and hurlled over into the Sea, as in such adventures it often comes to pass, where such sharp assaults are used indeed.  
In conclusion, the Merchants and men of war, after a long and well fought skirmish, proved too strong for the Pirate, they spoiled both him, and blewe up the Castle, ending the whole battery with very rare and admirable Fireworks, as also a worthy peal of Chambers.   
FINIS.