But if Philip was hated even by the Romanists, who after all were as true lovers of their country as those of the adverse sect, and equally hostile to the Spaniards, the universal feeling was favourable to Cardinal Pole, whose benevolent countenance pleased the Reformers, as much as his dignified deportment commanded their respect. He and the King rode together to Saint Paul’s, and after hearing the sermon, returned in the same way to Whitehall. Philip had the sword of state borne before him, but the Cardinal contented himself with the silver cross. A few days afterwards, intimation was sent by the council to Bonner, Bishop of London, that the Queen was in a condition to become a mother. Command was given at the same time that there should be a solemn procession to Saint Paul’s, in which the Lord Mayor, the aldermen, and all the City companies, in their liveries, should join, to offer up prayers for her Majesty’s preservation during her time of travail, coupled with earnest supplications that the child might be a male. This announcement, which, as may be supposed, was quickly bruited abroad throughout the City, gave great satisfaction to the Romanists, but it was anything but welcome or agreeable to the Reformers, who saw in it an extension of power to their enemies, and an increase of danger to themselves. If an heir to the throne should be born, Philip’s authority in England would be absolute. Such was the general impression, and its correctness was confirmed by a petition made to the King by both Houses, which prayed “that if it should happen otherwise than well to the Queen, he would take upon himself the government of the realm during the minority of her Majesty’s issue.” As may be supposed, Philip readily assented, and an act was immediately passed carrying out the provisions above mentioned, and making it high treason to compass the King’s death, or attempt to remove him from the government and guardianship confided to him. Under these circumstances the solemn procession to Saint Paul’s took place. Vast crowds encumbered the streets as the civic authorities proceeded from Guildhall to the cathedral, headed by ten bishops in their robes, the pix being borne before them under a canopy. This gave such offence, that had not a strong military force kept the populace in awe, it is certain that the procession would have been molested. As it was, expressions of antipathy to Philip could not be checked. “England shall never be ruled by the Spaniard,” was the indignant outcry, which found an echo in many a breast, whether of Romanist or Reformer.