A TRUE DISCOURSE OF ALL THE ROYAL PASSAGES, TRIUMPHS and Ceremonies, observed at the Contract and Marriage of the High and Mighty CHARLES, King of Great Britain, and the most Excellentest of Ladies, the Lady HENRIETTA MARIA of Bourbon, sister to the most Christian King of FRANCE.  
Together with her journey from Paris to Boulogne, and thence unto Dover in England, where the KING met her, and the manner of their interview.  
As also the triumphant Solemnities which passed in their journeys from Dover to the City of London, and so to Whitehall, etc.  
O quam te memorem virgo.—  
— O Dea .  
LONDON, Printed by JOHN HAVILAND for HANNA BARRET. 1625.   

A TRUE RELATION of all the Royal Passages, Triumphs and Ceremonies, observed at the Contract and Marriage of the High and mighty CHARLES, King of Great Britain, and the most Excellentest of Ladies, the Lady HENRIETTA MARIA of Bourbon, Sister to the most Christian King of France, together with Her journey from Paris to Boulogne, and thence unto Dover in England, and so to the City of London, etc.  
AMongst all the infinite blessings wherewith it hath pleased the Divine Goodness to cloth and adorn our Nation: None is more remarkable or glorious, than this happy and long wished for Union between the two great Monarchies of France and Great Britain, since by it we have attained to the full height of all our hopes, all our wishes, all our contentments, and beholding, as in a goodly Mirror, the full portraiture of all our joys, we find our Kingdom fortified against the threatenings of Envy, our throne established with the hope of a most flourishing Issue, and the hearts of all true subjects revived with the memory of this blessed Match, and Conjunction: which may work terror amongst our adversaries, as oft as they hear the joint names of Great Britain and France, in a cheerful manner repeated.  
To proceed then to those Royal Passages and triumphant Ceremonies which were performed at these great Nuptials. It is to be understood that upon Thursday, being the eight of May, according to the French Computation, but the eight and twentieth of April, according to our English account, the most Christian King of France, with his Queen, and the Prince his only Brother, and attended by my Lords the Dukes of Nemeurs and Elbeuf, the two great Marshals of France, Mounsieur de Vitry and Bassompiere, With a world of other Noblemen, Ladies, Knights and Gentlemen, came forth of his Bedchamber or Cabinet, into the public Presence Chamber, where he sent for the most Excellent Lady his Sister, who with all Solemnity was presently brought forth by the Queen her Mother, and attended on by the Princess of Conde, the Princess of Countee, the Duchess of Guise, the Duchess of Cheureuse, and the Duchess of Elbeuf, and diverse other Ladies of State, and Maids of Honour: Her garments that day were exceeding rich and sumptuous, her Gown being of cloth of gold, cut upon cloth of silver, and richly embroidered all over with Flower de Luce's of gold, and chased and interlaid with Dimonds, Rubies, Pearl, and other rich juelrie of an inestimable value: Her Train was borne up by the young Lady of Bourbon, her dear Kinswoman, and a Lady of exceeding great beauty and wonderful admiration.  
After the Princess had in reverend and solemn wise done obeisance to the King her Brother, in which action of humility a man might have beheld all the glorious beams of Majesty and sweetness: there presently entered into the Chamber the Earl of Carlisle, and the Earl of Holland, being both Ambassadors for his Majesty of Great Britain; and both so rich and sumptuously attired, that neither art nor wealth was able to exceed them. These two noble men in a most solemn and respective manner Delivered to the King of France the Contract of Marriage, which was forthwith opened and publicly read by the Secretary of the King's Cabinet in an high and audible voice, and then all other Covenants and agreements concluded upon, the Contract was allowed and ratified by the Lord Chancellor, who made a congratulatory speech in honour of that day's Ceremony.  
Assoon as these things were performed, the two English Ambassadors withdrew themselves into the Duke of Cheureuse Chamber which was the King's lodgings, when all accommodations necessary for them and that day's solemnity was in goodly order prepared, here the Ambassadors communicated unto the Duke the Contract, who forthwith returned again to the King his Master, having the Ambassadors also with him, and diverse other Noblemen of great rank and place. The Duke was also himself most richly attired, and though the ground was black, yet was the imbrodery of admirable value, and abundance of Diamonds and other Precious stones bestowed within the same, but especially upon the panes of his breeches and the tags of his points, which were praised at an infinite world of treasure.  
Assoon as the Duke was come before the King (after solemn reverence done) he presented to his Highness his procuration, and shown the authority and Commission which the King of great Britain had given him, being in a certain schedule annexed and fixed unto the Contract, which after the King had read, he allowed and signed also: so did the great Lady herself the Queen of France, and the Queen Mother, the Duke of Cheurus●, to whom the proxey belonged, and both the Ambassadors for England; then all things being brought to this perfection, the Cardinal de la Roche Faucault attired in all his pontifical robes, after the custom and manner of the French Nation performed the Contract and published the affiance in a most stately and reverend manner, to the infinite joy and contentment of all the beholders, and the unspeakable comfort and prosperity of both the happy Kingdoms.  
This Contract thus happily performed in the King's Palace of the Lowre, forthwith our Lady's Church in Paris is chosen for the Celebration and final conclusion of the ever-happy marriage; and that it might be the fit for the receipt of so great a pomp and state, it was out of hand hanged all over with wonderful rich Arras, cloth of Tissue, cloth of Gold, and cloth of Silver; there was also in the same Church raised up upon goodly pilasters and gilt columbs a most rich and stately gallery or Scaffold of state, which extended from the first entry of the Archbishop's house to the very Choir or uppermost end of the same Church, being a structure of such good lives, that art could not possible express any thing beyond it. The Pillars and rails which did underprop this gallery were at the top covered with a very curious Purple or Violet coloured Satin, all embroidered and powdered over with golden Flower de Luce's, and at the bottoms they were overspread with very fine white linen and many burning tapers of wax flaming about the same, so that the Church seemed like the Palace of the Sun, described by Ovid in his second Book of the transmutations of shapes.  
Through this Gallery the whole pomp and body of this Royal and unmatchable solemnity was to pass, which I have thought good briefly to set down as I received it from those which were Noble eye witnesses of the same.  
First, the perfixed day and hour for the solemnity of this Royal and sacred Marriage being come, and the whole pomp thereof in a full readiness, the first that marched forth were the hundred Swissers of the King's Guard all clothed in the King's livery of estate with their Drums beating before and after them, the Fifes whistling, their Ensign displayed, and all other things suitable to a warlike preparation, for these are the King's first, and indeed most soldierlike guard, being men of that temper and condition, that they are truly said to be borne Soldiers, live Soldiers, and dye Soldiers. A good pretty space after them went twelve Oboes in the King's livery of Estate also, who playing upon those loud Instruments struck into some admiration, but into all delight and pleasure. Next unto these marched in two ranks eight of the King's principal Drums in their Liveries of Estate also, and these were said to beat their Drums with that bravery and courageousness, that as it was said of Alexander, that when he heard jonicke music, he would start up, call for his sword and armour, and express all the passions of anger and fury, so there was not an ear that heard these, but awaked the heart to think of heroical achievements. After these marched the King's second Guard, consisting of Frenchmen: Then came at least a dozen Trumpets in their Liveries of Estate also, with rich Banners containing the King's full Coat Armour, and fair Cordans of watchet silk and gold suitable to the rest in every proportion. After these Trumpets came in a stately manner Mounsieur de Rhodes, who is the great Master of the Ceremonies, being wonderfully richly apparelled, and at the least twenty of the King's ordinary Gentlemen attending about him. Immediately after him went all the Lords, and others who were Knights of the great and renowned Order of the Holy Ghost, in the rich Robes of their Order, and with their Palkes or Mantles of watchet velvet all, most bravely embroidered with Flower de Luce's of gold, and their other garments shining with precious stones and rich juelrie. Near unto these Knights went seven Heralds at Arms in very rich Coats of Crimson Velvet, with the Arms of France, and all powdered over with golden Flower de Luce's. Close unto these Heralds followed the two great great Marshals of France, Mounsieur de Vitry, and Mounsieur Bassompiere; and after them came alone the Duke of Elbeuf in most sumptuous attire. Then a little distance from him came (representing the Person of the Royal Bridegroom) the Duke of Cheureuse, in a suit of most rich perfumed blackecloth, cut upon cloth of gold, and lined with rich Tissue; upon his head he wore a Cap of cloth of gold, on which was fixed a jewel of a most inestimable value, every Diamond being so glorious, that it dazelled the eyes of all that gazed upon it; about his body Bautricke-wise he wore a wonderful curious rich Scarf, all embroidered over with Roses, and powdered with Paragon Diamonds, and great orient Pearl; he wore a short cloak all embroidered over with gold, and set with Diamonds so wonderful thick and furiously, that in his moving he seemed to burn and bear a living flame about him. After him came the Earl of Carlisle, and the Earl of Holland (being the Extraordinary Ambassadors for the Majesty of Great Britain) and they were both apparelled in white cloth of silver, richly embroidered and interchased with many precious stones and wealthy juelry. Then came the King of France in his own Person, in Royal garments of Estate, all embroidered over with gold and silver, and almost covered over with rich jewels, in his right hand holding the most Excellent Princess his sister, who that day wore a Crown of gold upon her head, chased and set with Diamonds, and a world of other precious stones, her Gown was all powdered over with golden Flower de Luce's: and on her other hand went Mounsieur the Kings Brother, wonderful sumptuously attired, and not inferior to any that hac place in the Royal assembly. Next unto the King, Prince, and Royal Bride, followed the Queen Mother of France, very grave, yet richly attired: and after her came the Queen of France, whose Gown was all lulyeoly, embroidered over with gold and silver, and set, and inchased with a world of precious stones, Pearl, and other juelry; the Princess of Conde, and the Princess of Countee bore up the Queen's long Train. And after them followed the young Lady of Montpensier, and the Countess of Soysons, and other Ladies of the King's blood, in rich gowns broidered about with golden Flower de Luce's. And after them the Duchess of Guise, the Duchess of Cheureuse, and the Duchess Elbeuf, with a world of other Ladies and Gentlewomen, which like so many fair Planets moving in their several orbs, made all the place like the Heaven's sparkle with renown and glory about them. After these came a little world of Noblemen, Knights, and Gentlemen. And last of all came the King's principal and chief Guard, consisting only of Stots and no other.  
All this royal and admired assembly having in this worthy equipage before described, advanced themselves from the King's Castle of the Lowre to our Lady's Church, they all made a stand at the entry of the great porch of the Church, before which was a most stately scaffold mounted whereon to celebrate the marriage, and in which place was raised a wonderful rich and curious Canopy or vealt royal of cloth of gold richly embroidered, and held almost of and incomparable value: to this Canopy or Vealt royal the King and Monsieur his brother conducted the Royal Bride their sister, and placing her under it, they there left her till some ceremony were finished, than they resigned her up into the hands of the Duke of Chereuse, to whom the Cardinal de la Roche Foncault came and performed all the ceremonies of marriage according to the orders of the Church, and the royal ceremonies of the French Nation, all acclamations of honour and renown ringing about the Church in a wonderful manner.  
The ceremonies being thus finished all, the troops and orders before rehearsed, passed in a most solemn manner up into the choir through along the gallery, principally erected for that purpose, and going by a direct line, just through the midst of the Church, and every part thereof hung and adorned with wonderful rich cloth of Arras, being more than three quarters of gold or silver.  
In the midst of the choir on both sides were placed diverse eminent and stately seats of more respect and view then any formerly repeated, on the principal side whereof sat all my Lords the Precedents of the Parliaments of France, with their mortars of gold upon their heads, and their gowns, robes and hoods of rich scarlet all lined with Ermines, and some small degree below them sat all the Councillors of the high Courts of Parliament in gowns like unto the Precedents, and other things appropriated unto their places.  
In opposition unto these, and in seats of like eminence, sat first alone by himself the Provost of the Merchants of Paris, clothed in a long robe of Crimson and Purple, or Violet coloured Velvet, and near unto him the Sheriffs of the City of Paris, and other principal Magistrates which were of especial note both in the City and in the University.  
Not far from these seats, and in the choir also was mounted another scaffold or flore, being raised full three steps high, upon which was mounted another large and goodly Canopy or Tent royal, under which the K. the Q. and the Q. mother, & Monsieur the King's brother were placed and conducted this thereby the Duke of Cheureuse, and the two extraordinary Ambassadors for the majesty of great Britain, who after they had seen every ceremony fitted, they withdrew themselves into the Archbishop's palace until the whole service was ended, & then they returned again to the K. & Queen.  
When the forms or ceremonies of the French devotions were ended, and that the acclamations of the people had carried joy to every proceeding, than the whole troop returned, in the same form or equipage as they came thither unto the Archbishop's palace, where the whole Court supped, and were entertained with all the state, pomp, and magnificence that could be devised. During all the pomp and solemnity of which feast, there was heard such thundering volleys of Cannon, and other great shot that the echoing report thereof was carried many leagues off, and even judgement itself could not but stand amazed to see and hear the wonderful terrors which proceeded from pleasure and rejoicings. After these infinite volleys of shot, was seen many other triumphs, as bonfires, fireworks, feasts, musics of all kinds, and all sounds, dance, masking, & all manner of revels, that France seemed to intent nothing but the present ravishing joy, & well; & truly may it be said of her that then now she was never seen more pleasant, never more abundantly clothed with contentments and comforts.  
But here lest I might be thought to gallop too swiftly over the glory of this high state and magnificence, and like the dogs upon the river Nilus to catch here and there a lap running, I will borrow leave a little to speak of the powerful state and magnificence of this hardly paralleled feast and sumptuous triumph.  
It is therefore first to be understood that this glorious and royal feast was held in the great hall belonging to the Archbishop's palace, being a room of wonderful long extent, the table stretched out from the one end of the hall to the other, and being covered and adorned with wonderful rich damask, and the salts and other apparel of infinite price and value, the King of France sat in the midst of the table, and was served by the grand Prior of France, who that day represented the person of the great Master of France, before him marched eight drums, four fifes, and sixteen trumpets, besides a world of clarions, oboes, cornets, and other loud instruments, his person was accompanied with Monsieur Beaumond, Lord grand Steward of the king's house, and two and thirty other inferior Stewards of his Majesty's household with white staffs in their hands, and other ensigns of their several places.  
The meat was this day carried up by the Lords, Princes, Dukes, Peers, Marshals, and Barons of France, followed by Knights, Esquires, Gentlemen of the Court, and other inferior officers and servants. Now touching the particular services of state, you shall understand that monsieur jainuilde served this day as the Lord great Pantler of France, the Duke of Elbeufe was Cupbearer, and the Earl of Harcourt was Carver. The Queen mother sat on the right hand of the King, and her person was attended by the Duke of Belgard principal Sewer, the Duke of Vzias, and the Duke of Luxembourge. The Queen of France herself sat on the right hand of the Queen mother, and was attended by the Duke of Aluine, the Duke Brissac, and the Duke of Chaune. The Queen of great Britain sat on the King's left hand, and was attended by the Marshal de Vittry, who served her as great Pantler, the Marshal de Aubeterce, who served her as Cupbearer, and the Marshal Bassampiere as Carver. My Lord the Duke of Cheureuse sat next the Queen of great Britain, and was attended by the Lord of Rochfort. The Earl of Carlisle, and the Earl of Holland Ambassadors for the Majesty of great Britain sat next the Duke of Cheureuse, and lastly monsieur the King's brother sat near unto the Queen, and after him the rest of the Peers and Princes, all which were served and attended on in most magnificent and heroical manner.  
After the solemnity of this great and royal feast, the King, Queens, and Princes returned back to the Lower, where there was great store of Music, Dancing, and Revels, and the joy of that days happy and blessed union, deprived the night of her ordinary accustomed dues, so that rest was in a manner quite forgotten, and the night and day were both thought too scant and confined to express a joy so strong and dilated.  
After these ceremonies and celebrations were to the contentment of all true hearted subjects finished, the ever admired and most excellent Queen of great Britain, after some short time of repose, with a wonderful glorious train of Princes, Noblemen, Ladies, and all the choicest flowers of France, took her happy journey towards Bulloyne, where after some travel, and the expense of some few days, her Majesty arrived with great prosperity; for in that place lay at anchor the goodly fleet of great Britain, ready to waft and carry her Majesty over at her own appointment, and in the passage of this fleet, there was one thing remarkable, as that in their departure from England the wind rose up so full South and South-West, being the only wind which was opposite and contrary to their course, that but with infinite great trouble and vexation they had power to attain to the French shore, but being there arrived, immediately the wind rose up full North-East, which was likewise the most contrary wind for their return that could possibly blow from any part of the Compass, neither was the Contrariety of this wind of a mean and indifferent nature, but so violent, fierce and impatient that it was hardly possible for any Ship to live or Continue upon that road, and although the necessity of their present occasion, the command and service to which was bound the uttermost of there obedience, and many other ties enforced them to use all Art, Care and wisdom still to continue in that place, yet was the impatience of the winds so great that in despite of all art or industry the goodly and tall ship called the Prince spent an anchor of above 30. hundred weight, the Anne, the Assurance, and all the rest of the fleet were on drift, and all hope being cut off to continue longer in that place, and they must now look for foreign safety. But Ecce quam opportunum, behold how great and good our God is in these fatal extremities, for in the very minute of this Desperation and Discontentment the Queen of great Britain came to Boulogne, and as if her very presence had dispeld the wind, or the sweetness of her excellent nature, had put into insensible things a sensible feeling of the Injuries which might be done to her goodness by the impatiency of such stormy weather, presently the storm & winds ceased and the Sea became so calm and mild that not a wrinkle was to be seen upon Neptune's face, & the winds as if they struggled to Conduct & bring her to the place where both her royal Lords and her own wishes and the people's long hourly aspired and that withal ease comfort and sweetness, they presently rose up so calmly and with such delicate breath that joining with the gentleness of the easy tides all so happily concurred together that not the best wish was able to outreach the happy event.  
This observation being taken both by her Excellent self, and those careful Princes who had the charge of her Royal Person, she presently took her Barge upon Sunday about ten of the clock in the forenoon, being the ninth of this instant june, according to our English computation and so came a board a goodly and stately ship, called the Prince, being Admiral, where after a world of shouts, prayers, vows and acclamations for the prosperity of her happy journey; they hoist sail, and came that day about six of the clock in the afternoon unto the Town of Dover in England, where she was received with that joy and humble respect, that never Queen could boast of a more general applause. From the water she was conducted in most stately and magnificent manner to Dover Castle, where her Highness reposed herself that night, being royally entertained both by the Town and Country, and magnificently feasted and accommodated with all the delights and pleasures which the leisure of that busy affair could give any liberty unto.  
Upon Monday being the thirteenth of june, the Kings most Excellent Majesty came unto Dover about ten of the clock in the forenoon, and after little short preparation, the Queen being full of all joyful expectation, they met together in the Privy Chamber, where in the first encounter she threw herself into his arms with that boundless and unexpresseable affection, that virtue, modesty, and all the perfections which can crown the best and most excellent creature, might there have learned the worthiest rules both of honour, true love, and obedience; neither did she so soon cast herself into his arms, as withal instantly threw down herself upon her knees before him, giving up into his sacred protection, her life, liberty, service, and everlasting obedience, acknowledging herself an Handmaid to his goodness, and that all the powers and strength both of her mind and body should wholly and absolutely, next unto her God, rest ever bound to his Kingly Commandments. What tongue or pen is able to express that joy wherewith he received her, and her dear protestations, for scarcely could you say she is now upon her knees, when with all the tendernesses which an immaculate and unspotted affection could express, he presently took her up into his arms, kissed her again, and gave her those dear expressions of a never changing love, that the beholders might see how each others heart flew out at the windows of their eyes, and by adeliazan interchange lodged themselves in each others bosom: after these pure and unfeigned caressments, they fell into private conference, and so passed the time till dinner; which finished, the King and Queen departed from Dover, and being come out of the Town, a gallant volley of shot was delivered both from the Castle and ships, which continued so long and loud, that the very peal in the echo carried back her royal welcome unto Callyes. Being come from the Town of Dover, they came upon Barrome Down, a spacious and goodly place, where were assembled all the English Nobility, and many Ladies of Honour and high place, which being ranked according to the dignity of their great places, and the knight Martial with a careful respect keeping the vulgar from intruding or doing them offence. The King and Queen in great State road between them, giving such respect and grace to every one of deserving quality, that every one striven in their prayers and praises, to let the world understand the infiniteness of their joy and comfort.  
From Barrome Down the King and Queen came the same night to the City of Canterbury, all the ways whereupon they road being strewed with green rushes, Roses, and the choicest flowers that could be gotten, and the trees loaden with people of all sorts, who with shouts and acclamations gave them a continual welcome. Being come near unto the City, their Highnesses were met, and received by the Mayor, and the rest of the City Magistrates, and so brought within the walls, where was pronounced before them diverse learned gratulatory Orations, and such infinite preparations made of all kinds for the general entertainment, that Canterbury seemed for that little time, a very Eden or Paradise, where nothing was wanting that might serve joy or delight.  

Master JOHN FINCH his Speech to King CHARLES at Canterbury, May 30. 1625.  
MOst Gracious and dread Sovereign: Those that would keep their spirits in a just and true temper, useful for speech or action, had need of a watchful eye upon two principal causes of their decay, the over-contracting, and the too-much extending of them; whereof the last doth most impoverish and weaken: whence it cometh, that in weighty griefs the spirits being penned up and imprisoned, have often the doors of utterance shut against them: but in excessive joy, where they spread and make haste to get forth by expression, they are commonly scattered and lost.  
Both these are at this time combined against us, your Majesty's humblest and meanest subjects.  
When we remember what a glorious and good King we have lost. A King from his cradle to those very years that are the common measure of this short line of Life, exercised in all the wisdom of well governing. A King that having taken away the wall of Separation united two puissant and military Nations reduced Ireland by foreign plantations, gave this Realm a large portion of the new world, and reigned above twenty years in such peace and felicity, as was beyond the event of former times; for even in the happy days of Queen Elizabeth of famous memory, her first years were interrupted by a Rebellion in England, and her last by a Rebellion in Ireland. A King that by his incomparable Writings, proclaimed himself true Defender of the Faith; and like josua, made the walls of spiritual jerico fall down before him. When we but remember this (as who can ever forget it) how are our sorrows pressed together, or who can find any door of speech to let his grief forth at? Non est dolour sicut iste, There is no woe can parallel this.  
But when we turn our eyes and hearts upon your most excellent Majesty, the true Heir of all his Princely Virtues, when in your Royal Person we see all these blessings and favours of God entailed upon us, and by this happy Conjunction now descendable to all posterity: who can draw forth the Legions of his joy in order, or find a language fit for the gladness of his heart.  
He that is borne a King (most Gracious Sovereign) can hardly attain one point of perfection in Government, the knowledge of obeying well. A contemplation which in one act of obedience in Henry the fift, (who was one of the noblest Princes that ever swayed the Sceptre of this Kingdom from the Conquest to his times, and he matched with a Daughter of France) gave extraordinary comfort unto his Father, a wise and prudent King. What happiness then hath your Majesty sealed us an assurance of, who having in all the actions of your life been an excellent Son to your Royal Father, can never be other than an excellent Father to your people. On the Throne (for Hills best discover Valleys) Princes may with much advantage, as in a perspective glass draw the state of the Commonwealth nearer their sight; but when they descend from themselves, and grow acquainted with the hearts and affections of their subjects; this is to measure the Valleys at hand, and not at distance, and doth at once win hope of their goodness, and make us in awe of their wisdom.  
Such were the effects of your Majesty's Princely judgement, when in the last (by you made happy) Parliament, and in the Assembly preceding it, your Highness, Exuta purpura, forgetting you were the only Son of the King, became the Son of the Kingdom, and took upon yourself the cares and desires of it. (By which, as by the balm of Gilead, our wounds were healed in time, and all of us as much encouraged (in humble and dutiful manner) to present our just grievances unto you, as we are deterred from creating any such out of our own vain or unmannerly fancies. Your Majesty's beams like those of the Sunrising were then most comfortable, now that your Majesty is in the exaltation of your orb, we cannot but hope to find more benign and serene aspects.  
But there is yet one joy above all these and which seasons all our other blessings, your Majesties so known and knowing zeal for true religion. Princes endued with moral virtues are like Diamonds, rich, but rough and unpolished, it is the knowledge and fear of God only adds the true lustre and sets them fair.  
This was our unspeakable comfort, and a blessing England must never be unmindful of, when you our Sun were in the West, and a full half years night clouded all our hearts with a fearful darkness.  
Let it not (most gracious and mighty King) be registered in your Royal heart amongst the errors of this City, that your Highness was here stayed in that your journey, (for I see they are damp at the remembrance of it) and humbly expect to have their pardon sealed by one gracious look of yours.  
True it is, like unskilled Astronomers, not knowing the Sun's proper course, we had all our eyes only on the rapid motion of those times. But therein these your Majesty's faithful subjects did but in little draw a perfect model of the secret votes and desires of your whole Kingdom, which afterwards upon your Highness' return, broke forth into flames of joy not unacceptable unto you.  
The hearty affection of your subjects is like the soul of man, all in all, and all in every part of your Kingdom. Vouchsafe then (most Gracious and Sovereign Liege) as in that, so now from these your humble and faithful subjects, the Mayor, Aldermen, and whole commonalty of this City, graciously to accept that Loyal and hearty welcome which the fullness of joy makes dew from all, and be not displeased, if as jacob did the King of Kings, we have once more stayed your Majesty till we might receive a blessing from you.  
This City (my most gracious Sovereign) hath been the seat of Kings and in repute amongst other Cities of this Kingdom. Velut inter ignes Luna minores. In King Ethelberts time above a thousand years since, it was Caput imperij sui: and by his donation to Austen made the first Archbishop's Sea, in which the most part of threescore and fourteen Metripolitans have kept their residence.  
Many of the Saxon Kings lie buried here, and since the conquest Henry the Fourth, the first King of the line of Lancaster, and that famous Edward the black Prince, who brought almost as much sorrow to France as your Majesty hath now done joy.  
Fuimus Troes, but by fire and consumer worse than that (Intestive discord and dissension) it hath been so often torn and defaced, that scarce any footsteps of the ancient splendour are now to be discovered. Some favours only of your Majesty's Royal Progenitors have kept life in it, and held it up by the Chin.  
Henry the third endowed it with many ample privileges.  
Henry the sixth bestowed the majoralty upon us, from whose time downwards, Dum nos aliquod nomenque decusque Gessimus, forty together of the best name and blood in this country, bear that office here.  
Edward the fourth made it a County of itself, severed and distinct from the rest of Kent.  
Your Majesty's most Royal Father (of ever blessed and happy memory) confirmed all our ancient liberties and bestowed on us this sword, the ensign of Honour and justice.  
The competent distance from the Sea, and a River that with no great cost might be made navigable, show how natural apt it is to embrace great traffic: And since it is the stairs by which all Ambassadors of foreign Princes and strangers ascend your Imperial chamber of London, we hope it will one day be held not unworthy the high thoughts of so great and glorious a King as King Charles, to make it in some sort proportionable to the rest of that building.  
It had once a Mint in it, but this poor present, will quickly tell your Majesty that is gone. Only as the glory of stars is not always in their magnitude, we hope the humble Zeal with which it is offered will find your Majesty's Gracious and benign Interpretation.  
The God of David be ever with King Charles, and make his throne greater than the throne of his Father.   

Master JOHN FINCH his Speech to King CHARLES and his Queen at Canterbury, june. 1●. 1625.  
IN all Sacrifices under the Law, Most High and Mighty King (Most Gracious and most Illustrious Queen) two things were of Principal use and mystery, Fire and Salt, one taught us the necessity of Zeal, the other how to make that Zeal acceptable by right guiding & ordering of it: for preposterous Zeal is like an excellent Instrument well strung, but out of tune. The glory and grace now shining upon us from your High Majesties, like the heavenly fire of Elias Sacrifice, hath so filled our souls with joy and gladness, that our humble and hearty expressions can never distrust your gracious acceptations, when all things concur to inflame the zeal of English hearts, that we could hope, or our Enemy's fear.  
This happy Union of two great and Potent Kingdoms in this so glorious and blessed Conjunction of your most Excellent Majesties, and this Regina votorum, this fair Daughter of France, whom our prayers and earnest expectations have so long attended. Kingdom's are but Epitomies of the World, as families are of them, yet in good neighbours both take comfort. If we credit some remains of Antiquity France and England have been heretofore conjoined by an Isthmus of land, where that small channel runs that now divides us. Certain it is we may say with the Poet, Hic vertex nobis semper sublimis. One Sun serves our turn by day, and the same Polestar by night: At illum sub pedibus Styx atra videt manesque profundi, There be that glory of many scattered kingdoms and titles in every part of the world one: But in this neighbourhood of hearts is yet nearer than that of habitations. For kingdoms separate in affection, are like the feet of Nebuchadnezzers Image, part iron, part clay, that never mingle well. No two Nations under heaven (the Spaniards and Moors except) give more assurance of consanguinity by the affections and dispositions of the people, than these two, both of able bodies, and fitting spirits, free and sociable, of a sweetness not allayed with the dulness of some, nor blown up with the affected gravity and pride of others, a finer and gentle temper, such as should be in men that were created for Cities, and not for Deserts. Both Nations military and populous, both joining together able to afford many armies, without the aid of auxiliary forces. France the best Cavalry of the world, and what infantry England yields, Spain can best tell.  
Your thrice renowned Father, Henry the Great (Most excellent Lady) knew well, and loved well this Nation: Nor was the faithful service it did him without some secret and divine instinct that from his loins should come; Magnae spes altera Britanniae, a companion fit for the glory of the British Throne, as at this day to our infinite comfort we all behold. It was the Daughter of Clotarius, King of France, that in this City lived and planted the Christian Faith here. From a Daughter of France came Edward the third of England, a glorious and happy Prince. By another match with the Daughter of Charles the sixth of France did our Henry the first reconcile those differences, which the sword and war could never do between us. All ages have found happiness in our uniting: and our dissensions never relished of others misfortune. But if ever, now, even now was the true period of time to summon our ancient affections to a new league, when the Chariot of jehu drives so furiously, when our neighbours and allies are so near danger, if not ruin, when (Oh that my tongue could not speak it, but graciously be pleased in the day of the gladness of thy heart, O Queen, to be put in mind of it) so many Royal branches of that blessed tree that now grows in Paradise, live transplanted, nay torn away from their own proper soil, and still droop by the over-dropping of far-spreading trees whose sap is sour and leaf baleful.  
The Kings of England and France have ever balanced the affairs of Christendom, and severally put weight into the western scales, or abated them by counterpoise as occasion of) state hath required. Now they both meet in one scale, no doubt the hand of heaven hath written Mene tekel upon the painted wall of their opposers, numbered and weighed their strength in the balance, and found it to light.  
A blessing not to have been hoped for, but in this happy union of your sacred persons, in whom (as many waters that make one great river) the Royal blood of many Princes is met to make perfect your greatness in glory & alliance. That of England Scotland and Denmark but one descent of, in your sacred person (Dread sovereign) and though farther (which perhaps doth best, for some springs run clearest fare from their head) the blood of Spain also in your most excellent person (Thrice illustrious Queen) the blood of France, Navarre, and the greatest Princes of Italy in both of you, and not without some great and happy prediction (for Heavenly bodies in conjunction have their glory doubled) the two Royal branches of Charlemagne, and Hugh Capell are now grown into one tree.  
It was a Charles brought the Empire first to France, A Charles that brought it first to Spain. Non indebita poscas Regna tuis fatis. It would ill become our joys to take time from yours. Be graciously pleased (most gracious and excellent Princes) in this poor earnest, of that humble, Loyal and hearty affections, with which these grave Magistrates meet the felicity you bring us, to take possession of this City, our hearts, and all that is ours. And the Author of all goodness, pour down upon you and us, the eternity of joys, that the Daughter, Sister, Spouse of Kings may be here made the Mother of Kings, who when you are crowned with heavenly glory may sit upon this Throne for ever. Et nati natorum, & qui nascentur abillis: to the end of all Kingdoms.  
nothing was wanting that might serve joy or delight.  
On Wednesday the King and Queen departed from Canterbury, and road in the most triumphant manner that might be to Cobham Hall, finding (as before I said) all the highways strewed with Roses, & all manner of sweet flowers, & here at Cobham they lodged all that night, where there was all plentiful entertainment, and nothing wanting that might add any honour either to the King or Kingdom.  
On Thursday being the Sixteenth of june according to our Computation the King and Queen departed from Cobham all the ways prepared as hath been before showed, and so in most glorious manner came to the City of Rochester where there was expectation of some stay; but the day being spent too fare they rid thorough the City, notwithstanding the Mayor, Magistrates & Citizens of that City gave both the King & Queen a noble & most hearty welcome, and the Recorder of the City made unto them a most learned and eloquent oration, for which both the King and Queen returned back their Royal thanks and so passing away from the City a brave volley of shot and great Ordnance was delivered from the Ships which lay upon the River.  
From the City of Rochester the King and Queen came to the Town of Gravesend, where whether it was the ignorance of the Pourtereeve or the overruling power of weak (but imagined wise) Counsel, or that the previledge of old rusty custom, or some other knot which my weak brain is not able to untie. I know not, but most assured it is, that neither the Portereeve nor any of his brethren gave the King or Queen any entertainment or tender of service until their highnesses were come into the very midst and as it were the very Centre of their Town, and there they made tender of their service and obedience, which was received withal Royal alacrity both of the King and Queen, and so they passed away in state towards the Bridge where the Barges of State attended their approach, here they dismounted, and all the Nobility attending on each side of the Bridge, with a world of Ladies and Gentlewomen: here they took solemn leave of the King and Queen, and kissed both their hands, but such was the excellent disposition of the Queen, and so royal and bountiful, her grace and favour, that to every Lady that came to kiss her hand, she bowed herself down and kissed their cheeks. Assoon as the King and Queen were entered into their Barge of Estate, and had a little put off from the shore, the Blockhouse which standeth upon the Kentish shore first let fly all her Ordnance, and sent forth a peal, that the Rocks and Chaulkie Cliffs resounded again, which was no sooner finished, but immediately the Blockhouse which standeth on the Essex shore made answer with the like Music, and discharged all her Ordnance; so that the smoke mixing and meeting together, made a cloud which enterposed betwixt the earth and the Sun's brightness making an Evening at Noon day.  
After the Blocke-houses had thus discharged all their Ordnance, then as the King and Queen passed along, the Ships which lay and anchored in the way, discharged their volleys distinctly after one another; Insomuch that the volley was hardly ever found to cease for the passage of twelve or fifteen miles together. And the nearer the King and Queen came to the City of London, the greater and greater still the volley increased. Lastly, a little before the King and Queen had shot the Bridge, the Tower of London let fly her Ordnance, which did so thunder and rattle in the air, that nothing could be heard for the terror of the noise. The throng of spectators was so great, that about two hundred being in a ship that lay almost dry, and leaning against the Wharfe, they with their weight and motion overthrew the Ship into the Thames. And by the way during all this long passage, both the King and Queen stood publicly in the open Barge, and not only discovered themselves to every honest and cheerful beholder, but also with all Royal affability and grace distributed their favours to all those which came to admire them, so that there was not a living soul which did not in heart conclude and say with the Poet, 
Quam bene conveniunt et in una sede morantur  
Maiestas & Amor.—   
And thus at last the King and Queen came to the King's Palace at Whitehall, where they were received with all the acclamations of joy that might be, and where I am now enforced to leave them with this true and ever hearty prayer, that it would please God to bless them together with days of the longest extent that ever made happy any mortal creature, to send them fair and flourishing Issue, and when they shall of necessity be translated from this life, that they may reign with God in glory everlasting. Amen.   

¶ The Feasting of the Duke de Cheveres, and the two French Ambassadors, with the declaration of the Marriage of the King and Queen.  
THe Tuesday being the 21. of june, the great Banqueting-house of Whitehall was prepared, and hung very richly with hangings of Silk and Gold, where at the one end of the house was placed the Chairs and Cloth of State, at the other end a sumptuous Cupboard of Plate in manner of an arch; in the middle of the house was placed one other Cupboard, not so great, but of a fare greater value, being Basins, Ewers, Cups, Salts, etc. all set with jewels, and of Crystal at the root. Then about eleven of the clock the the King leading his Queen, accompanied with the Duke de Cheveres, and his Duchess, with the two French Ambassadors, with all the rest of the Nobility and Ladies, as well English, as Scots and French, in most glorious attires and bravery, and such like as never before hath been seen in England, so that the jewels of the Duke de Cheveres were reported to be worth an hundred thousand pounds. The King being placed on this manner, with the Queen on his right hand, the Articles of the Marriage were read there in public assembly, and approved by the King and the French Ambassadors: After the which blessing being given by a Bishop, the King kissed the Queen in presence of the whole people. After which they retired to the Privy Chamber, while the dinner was prepared, which was brought up; after warning given with Drums and Trumpets, whereunto the King, with the Duke and the two Ambassadors came, the King sat in his Chair of Estate, the Duke at the end of the Table, with one Ambassador at either hand, where in the time of Dinner the King drank three Healths to the Ambassadors, which was proclaimed all over the house, one to the King of France, one to the Queen, and one other to the Queen Mother. Thus being feasted with three great services, and music playing all the while, they ended the Banquet at four of the clock, and retired back to the Privy Chamber, where they continued one hour, and after the King and the Queen, the Duke, and the rest of the Nobility, Lords and Ladies, returned, where they had dancing for the space of one hour: which being done, the Duke returned to  in great State, his Coach having eight horses, Coach-harnesse, and all being embroidered, together with three or four score of Coaches of the richest that ever was seen in England, accompanied with diverse of the Nobility.   
FINIS.