London (England) -- History; London (England) -- Social life and customs
On the king's return after the glorious field of Agincourt, the
Mayor of London and the Aldermen, apparelled in orient grained
scarlet, and four hundred commoners clad in beautiful murrey, well
mounted and trimly horsed, with rich collars and great chains, met
the King at Blackheath; and the clergy of London in solemn
procession with rich crosses, sumptuous copes, and massy censers,
received him at St. Thomas of Waterings. The King, like a grave and
sober personage, and as one who remembered from Whom all victories
are sent, seemed little to regard the vain pomp and shows, insomuch
that he would not suffer his helmet to be carried with him, whereby
the blows and dints upon it might have been seen by the people, nor
would he suffer any ditties to be made and sung by minstrels of his
glorious victory, because he would the praise and thanks should be
altogether given to God.
At the entrance of London Bridge, on the top of the tower, stood a
gigantic figure, bearing in his right hand an axe, and in his left
the keys of the city hanging to a staff, as if he had been the
porter. By his side stood a female of scarcely less stature,
intended for his wife. Around them were a band of trumpets and other
wind instruments. The towers were adorned with banners of the royal
arms, and in the front of them was inscribed CIVITAS REGIS JUSTICIE
(the City of the King of Righteousness).
At the drawbridge on each side was erected a lofty column, like a
little tower, built of wood, and covered with linen; one painted
like white marble, and the other like green jasper. They were
surmounted by figures of the King's beasts,--an antelope, having a
shield of the royal arms suspended from his neck, and a sceptre in
his right foot; and a lion, bearing in his right claw the royal
standard unfurled.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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