depiction of Prince Charles HONI SOIT QVI MAL Y PENSE ICH DIEN coronet of the Prince of Wales adorned with three ostrich feathers and motto and surrounded by garter of Knights of the Garter with their motto Prince Charles HIS WELCOME FROM SPAIN: Who landed at Portsmouth on Sunday the fift of October, and came safely to London on Monday the sixth of the same, 1623. WITH The Triumphs of London for the same his happy Arrival. AND The Relation of such Towns as are situate in the ways to take post-horse at, from the City of London to Dover: and from Calais through all France and Spain, to Madrid, to the Spanish Court. LONDON, Printed by G.E. for john Wright, and are to be sold at the sign of the Bible without Newgate. 1623. Prince Charles HIS WELCOME FROM SPAIN. AFter Great Britain (overwhelmed with doubts, hopes, fears and most careful, loving and dutiful jealousy) had dolourously drooped, and mourned in a robe of melancholy 8, months long, for the absence of our hopeful, unparallelled, and illustrious Prince Charles, each minute of whose unexpected, and vnthought of journey from hence, seeming a tedious torture to millions of loving and wel-wishing hearts, whose happy and wel-comes home doth like the radiant Sun expel all the dismal and moody clouds of grief and melancholy; to the universal joy of his Royal Father, and all his loyal Subjects, having passed so long and tedious a journey, so much change of air & varieties of diet, preserved (by the Almighty's especial providence) from all dangers and casualties that might any way impeach his Highness' health, or prejudice his Princely person, in any of his affairs. After his Highness' stay from the 7. of March with his Catholic Majesty at his Court at Madrid, with the great and magnificent Entertainments, Feast, Maskings, Banquet, Hunt, Hawkings, and diverse other royal, pleasant, laudable, costly, sumptuous, and manly disports, and exercises, where, with the King, the Queen, the fair, virtuous, and lovely Lady Maria, (the highborne Infanta) his Highness having all the content and welcome which so potent a Monarch could any way express, or our gracious Prince expect: Then (to ease our common grief, & to revive our half dead hopes, it pleased his Grace to take his leave of Madrid, & passing by easy journeys on his way, accompanied some part with the King, after whose departure from his Highness, he was attended by certain of the Graundes of Spain, so that in thirteen or fourteen days space his Highness came in perfect health to the Port of Saint Anderas, in the Province of Biscay, where, when our English fleet had knowledge of his long looked for and welcome coming, then did the hearts of every man leap within him for joy, their eyes overflowed with tears of loving and dutiful affection, their voices shouted with acclamations. The great Ordnance thundered and filled the earth and skies with loud rejoicings, the trumpets clangor pierced the welkin, the beaten drums rattled triumphantly, all manner of Instruments sounded melodiously, and to better and sweeten all the rest, his Highness' most graciously accepted their loves mutually and thankfully. But blustering Boreas, with his brother Eurus (the North and East winds) blew most stiffly, and churlishly detained our joy and happiness from us here in Britain. So that never any loving mother desired with more longing to see her hopeful son, whose long absence had filled her with grief, than all the honest Inhabitants of this Kingdom did hunger and thirst to see or hear from their most hopeful and beloved Prince. With what greedy desire did many thousands (as it were) nail their eye-sights daily upon Fanes, Weathercocks, the smoke of Chimneys, and the Racking of the clouds; and for fifteen long days and nights, the thwartover and cross North and Easterly wind blew us nothing but lengthening of our sorrows, and delaying of our comforts, until at last on Friday the third of October last it pleased the great Archmaster of winds and Seas, to turn the breath of Aeolus the way we most hearty prayed for: So that his Highness speedily taking advantage of this most happy and prosperous Gale; Anchors were soon weighed, Sails suddenly displayed, and by the providence of the Almighty, and the diligent industry of the skilful Navigators and Mariners, his Highness' most safely landed at Portsmouth in Hampshire on Sunday the 5 of October, betwixt the hours of three and four in the afternoon, where he took coach and came that night and lodged near Gilford in Surrey, 25 miles from London, at the house of the Right Honourable the Lord Viscount Anuan's. The happy news of his Highness' most welcome arrival was brought to London on Monday being the sixth of October, and shortly after the same morning he came in person himself, taking Barge at Lambeth with the Duke of Buckingham, followed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, and diverse others; whence he passed to Yorkehouse, betwixt eight and nine of the clock, where he having taken some repast, he took Coach again to go towards his royal Father, to rejoice his heart with his Princely presence. The joyful news of his happy return, filled the whole Kingdom with excessive joy: first his most royal Father had a chief share in the comfort: secondly, many of his good Servants, who were almost with grief for his long absence like so many bodies without life: but now they are all relieved by his welcome presence, with the spirits of mirth and alacrity. But the City of London in expression of their loving duties, have spared for no cost, either general or particular. THe Bells proclaimed aloud in every steeple, The joyful acclamations of the people. The Ordnance thundered with so high a strain, As if great Mars they meant to entertain. The Bonfires blazing, infinite almost, Gave such a heat as if the world did roast. True mirth and gladness was in every face, And healths ran bravely round in every place: That sure I think this sixth day of October, Ten thousand men will go to bed scarce (etc.) This was a day all dedicated to mirth, As 'twere our Royal Charles his second birth. And this day is a jewel well returned, For whom this Kingdom yesterday so mourned. God length his days who is the cause of this, And make us thankful for so great a bliss. The whole day being spent thus in mirth, triumphs, and thanksgiving, wherein the people of all degrees, from the highest to the lowest, both rich and poor in London, Westminster, and the Suburbs, to their powers expressed their loves: that not so much but the four Elements, Fire, Water, Air, and Earth, seemed to applaud the celebration of this happy and welcome day, for the Heaven's most abundantly poured down a shower of rain of nine hovers continuance, which the dry and thirsty Earth drank most greedily, or as I may say most lovingly, to the health of so joyful and auspicious a solemnity. The Fire (or fires) in all places, streets, lanes, courts, and corners, (despite the rain, or envying that it should quench the flaming ardency of its transcendent love) ascended upwards in show of thankfulness: and the vast, empty, and subtle Air was filled with the shouts and acclamations of people, with the rejoicing noises of Instruments, Ordnance, Muskets, Bells, Drums, & Trumpets. And further I heard it credibly reported, that there was one Bonfire made at the Guildhall in London which cost one hundred pounds (belike it was some Logwood which was prohibited or unlawful to be used by Dyers, and being forfeited was ordained to be burnt in triumph:) But (as good cause we had) the day was commanded to be kept holiday, so that no shops were opened, no manner of work was done from morning till night, but carrying and recarying wood to make Bonfires, ringing, filling and emptying of pots, that all seemed as if the world was newly preserved from some second flood (as indeed our whole Kingdom was from a flood of grief) to the safe and happy haven of happiness. Moreover, his Highness' happy and joyful coming on that day, was a putting off of an execution which six men and two women condemned malefactors were to suffer at Tyburn, whereby he was the most fortunate cause of their reprieves & saving, and a larger time of repentance to amend their lives. The very Vintners burned their bushes in Fleetstreet and other places, and their wine was burnt (all over London and Westminster) into all colours of the Rainbow, whole pints, quarts, pottles, and gallons, were made into Bonfires of Sack and Claret, whilst good fellows like loving Salamanders swallowed those liquid fires most sweetly and affectionately. But as concerning this fuel of Bacchus, a great many would not stay, or could not endure to see it burnt, and so devoured those French and Spanish billets and faggots raw, which after being warmed with shouting, laughing, singing, and leaping, the heat burst out so hotly that it appeared in many a high coloured face, till in the end the fire was quenched in the embers and ashes of sleep. And to the intent all estates should be merry, there were diverse Noblemen, Gentlemen, and others, that gave store of gold to the poor, some gave vessels of wine in the streets. Thus was the whole day spent, till the dark night came, and then began the second part of England joy: for the night's love did as it were scorn to be outstripped with the day's affection and obedience. Amongst the rest, the Spanish Ambassadors, both at Exeter house in the Strand, and at Ely house in Holborn, did express their loves by their charges and rejoicings. Then began a most merry and joyful confusion of billets, faggots, bavins, and logs, baskets, buckets, and tubs were hotly and merrily consumed, butts, pipes, hogsheads, teirces, puncheons, barrles, kilderkins, firkins, runlets, and dryfats most bravely blazed and suffered; some in Smithfield burnt their old Coaches, (and I wish they had all been so well bestowed) washing bowls and beerles went to wrack, old graters and stools were turned to ashes, mouse traps and tinderboxes came to light, and he or she that had but four tokens, or as much credit, committed their whole estate to fire and faggot; insomuch that Chandler's shops and storehouses were most willingly emptied. But in Paul's Churchyard was exceeding benighted triumphs, for on the cross round about were placed, on the battlements & on the top of it as many burning Links as the Prince his Highness was years old: and in some good distance from the Cross, were two mighty bonfires; beside there was a cross of wood erected which extended into four branches, and upon every branch a pitchbarrell was fastened, and one in the midst on the top, which made a brave show in the burning: then were there Cressit lights, and most excellent fireworks, with squibs, crackers, racketts, which most delightfully flew every way. And it is certain to be proved, that betwixt Paul's Church yard & London-bridge in the nearest way that could be gone, there were 108 Bonfires told, many of them having at least one load of wood in each, some more, some less: I speak not of other streets and lanes which are out of that way, besides the Strand, Westminster, and Holborn, with hundreds of places which I saw not. All these and much more was done here in London, Westminster, and the adjoining places, nor is it to be doubted but that all Cities, Towns, and Villages, will generally and particularly show their loving obedience and affections. Here is set down the long and tedious journey, with the several stages or places where men take Post-horse from the City of London, quite through the spacious Kingdom of France; and so throughout into Spain, to the City of Madrid, being in all 141 several stages or Poste-Townes, some 8, some 10, 12, or 16 miles from each other, being in all about 1100 miles. London Darford Rochester Sittingbourne Canterbury Dover Callaice Le Bison Marquessa Boulogne Neuchattell Franeaz Montruell Neupon Bernai Noieane Abeville Aillyle hanc dordes Fleircourt Piguigny Amiens Hancourt. Flaire Briteur Ravigny St. Remy Clerimont Roucellei Saint Leu Lufarder Escoven St. Denis PARIS La Burlarayur Longuemiaux Chator Bonur Estampe Guillerua Angueruille Shaupillary Shateugaillad Artenay Sercott ORLEANS St. Minion Nostra Dama de Clara Lestroya shemina Le Laurena der eux Maid Mondinaux BLOIS Les Montriba Lambin Mont Richard Vr Liege Lochez Varenur Liguer La hay Perlane Shatibben La Tredevir Chaffener POITIERS Rufigni's Vrporte Aioutete Vinour Vmenieur Cover Chour Chouffa Villa foignant Aiger Gouruille St. Severdeaux Villara Chasteauneuf Nonnaville Barbefieux Raignar La Grole Mou Lien Plant Blac Chavignon Vr voya de Lion Cusac Le port de Crussac Le Charbon blanc Le port de la Bastil BOURDEAUX Le petit Bordeaux Hauborre Troia Pooter Belleene Muret Allispostel Le Brouheer Jen Guiller La haree Les Sperroone Chastel Maier S. Vincent Le Cabalon Les Anders Vnposte Aioutee BAYON Bidarbe S. jan de Luz Arinanat. What Towns are named in this Catalogue since you read Callaice, are all standing in France: Now we come to relate of the passage through Spain to the City of Madrid; And first after your passage from Bayon you come shortly into the Kingdom of Navarre, which is now in the King of Spain's dominions, the first place therein where they take Post horse is named, Iron, or Feria Oyason Eseruand Toullousette Tolosa Verafrangii Segaur Gallarette Andicamer VITORIA Poypela Miranda Maiogur Soguire Breniea Castill de pione Quinta Palla BURGOS Bisbregur Songuide Lerma Bahabon Arandadeduera Roubia Fressenuille Chastel St. Mersieur Bouteagur Canawille St. Augustine Acavenda MADRID. Thus having showed the long and dangerous tract by Land from London to Madrid, we may herein see in part how much we are all bound to be thankful to our great and good God, who hath so healthfully, happily, and timely preserved and returned our gracious Prince so wishedly, after so many perils passed on his part, and so many doubts and fears on ours, upon the which I have (for a conclusion) written these following verses. THe Prince of Princes, and the King of Kings, Whose eye of providence foresees all things: To whom what ever was, or ere shall be, Is present still before his Majesty. Who doth dispose of all things as he list, And graspeth Time in his eternal fist; He sees and knows (for us) what's bad or good, And all things is by him well understood; Man's weak conjectures no way can aread, What's in th'immortal parliament decreed, And what the Trinity concludeth there, We must expect it with obedience here. Then let not any man presume so fare, To search what the Almighty's counsels are, But let our wills attend upon his will, And let his will be our direction still. Let not Plebeians be inquisitive, Or into any profound State-business dive. We in five hundred and ne'er sixty year, Since first the Norman did the Sceptre bear, Have many hopeful royal Princes had Who as heaven pleased to bless, were good or bad, Beauclarke was first (who was first Henry crowned) For learning and for wisdom, high renowned, Beyond the verge of Christendom, swift Fame Did make the world admire his noble name. The black Prince Edward, all his life time ran The race of an accomplished Gentleman: His valour and triumphant victories, Did fill the world, and mount unto the skies. The warlike Henry of that name the fift, With his innated virtue up did lift His name and fame, to such perspicuous grace, Which time, or no oblivion can deface. Prince Arthur (whom our Chronicles record To be) a virtuous and a hopeful Lord: His budding fortunes were by death prevented, And as he lived beloved, he died lamented. His brother Henry from his fall did spring, First to be Prince of Wales, than England's King, He was magnificent, and fortunate, According to the greatness of his state. Next Edward his undoubted heir by birth, Who (for the sins of men upon the earth) God took him hence as he began to bloom, Whose worthy memory men's hearts entomb. Prince Henry last, a Prince of as great hope As ere was any yet beneath the Cope, He lived and died bewailed and renowned, And left this land with tears of sorrow drowned. Then only this illustrious Branch remained, Our gracious Charles, by Heaven's high grace ordained To be our joy, whose virtues (as I gather) Will length the life of his beloved Father. True love and honour made his Highness please Aduentrously to pass o'er lands and seas, With hazard of his royal person, and In that, the hope of all our happy Land. But blessed be his name, whose great protection Preserved him still from change of Ayres infection, That gave him health and strength 'mongst sundry nations, T'endure and like their diets variations, That though to others these things might be strange, Yet did his Princely vigour never change, But with a strong and able constitution, He bore out all with manly resolution. Love sometimes made the gods themselves disguise, And muffle up their mighty Deities, And virtuous Princes of the gods have odds, When Princes goodness do outgo the gods. Then foolish man this is no work of thine, But operation of the Power divine, Let God alone with what he hath in hand, 'tis saucy, folly, madness, to withstand What his eternal wisdom hath decreed, Who better knows than we do, what we need. To him let's pray for his most safe protection, Him we implore for his most sure direction: Let his assistance be Prince Charles his guide, That in the end God may be glorified. Let us amendment in our lives express, And let our thankes be more, our sins be less. Amongst the rest this is to be remembered, that two Watermen at the Tower Wharfe burned both their Boats in a Bonfire most merrily. FINIS.