Also in the procession, as a special guard of honor through the
city, was the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company- an organization
already three hundred years old at that time, and the only military
body in England possessing the privilege (which it still possesses
in our day) of holding itself independent of the commands of
Parliament. It was a brilliant spectacle, and was hailed with
acclamations all along the line, as it took its stately way through
the packed multitudes of citizens. The chronicler says, 'The king,
as he entered the city, was received by the people with prayers,
welcomings, cries, and tender words, and all signs which argue an
earnest love of subjects toward their sovereign; and the king, by
holding up his glad countenance to such as stood afar off, and most
tender language to those that stood nigh his Grace, showed himself
no less thankful to receive the people's good will than they to
offer it. To all that wished him well, he gave thanks. To such as bade
"God save his Grace," he said in return, "God save you all!" and added
that "he thanked them with all his heart." Wonderfully transported
were the people with the loving answers and gestures of their king.'
In Fenchurch Street a 'fair child, in costly apparel,' stood on
a stage to welcome his majesty to the city. The last verse of his
greeting was in these words:
Welcome, O King! as much as hearts can think;
Welcome again, as much as tongue can tell-
Welcome to joyous tongues, and hearts that will not shrink;
God thee preserve, we pray, and wish thee ever well.
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