HIS MAJESTIE'S ENTERTAINMENT Passing through the City of LONDON TO HIS CORONATION; WITH A DESCRIPTION OF THE TRIUMPHAL ARCHES and CEREMONIES.
THE City of LONDON, participating the greatest share of that inexpressable Happiness, which these Kingdoms have received by the glorious Restauration of our Sovereign to his Throne, and of us His Subjects to our Religion, Laws, and Liberties, after a dismal Night of Usurpation, and Oppression, and proportionably exceeding in their Loyalty, have taken the occasion of His MAJESTIE'S Coronation, to express their Joy with the greatest Magnificence immaginable: imitating therein the antient Romanes, who at the Return of their Emperours, erected Arches of Marble, which though They, by reason of the Shortness of Time could not equal in Materials, yet do theirs far exceed the others in Number and stupendious Proportions. They have not herein spared any Cost to manifest their affectionate Duty to the KING, considering, that, if ever excessive Profusions of this nature might be justified, the [Page 2]present should be allowed, the occasion thereof being the most Miraculous, and Joyful of any, that ever happened. And to the intent, that the Ingenuous may be instructed, the Malevolent silenced, and Misinformations prevented, it is thought fit to publish a perfect Description of the Solemnity.
MONDAY, April the two and twentieth, His MAJESTY goes from the Tower, through the City, to Whitehall.
In his passage through Crouched Fryers, He is entertained with Musick, a Band of eight Waits placed on a Stage.
Near Algate, another Band of six Waits entertain Him in like manner with Musick, from a Balcony, built to that Purpose.
In Leaden Hall-street, near Lime-street End, is erected the First Friumphal Arch, after the Dorick Order. On the North-side, on a Pedestal before the Arch, is a Woman personating REBELLION, mounted on a Hydra, in a Crimson Robe, torn, Snakes crawling on her Habit, and begirt with Serpents, her Hair Snaky, a Crown of Fire on her Head, a bloody Sword in one Hand, a charming Rod in the other. Her Attendant CONFUSION, in a deformed Shape, a Garment of several ill-matched Colours, and put on the wrong way; on her Head, Ruines of Castles, torn Crowns, and broken Scepters in each Hand.
On the South Pedestal is a Representation of BRITTAIN'S MONARCHY, supported by LOYALTY, both Women; Monarchy, in a large Purple Robe, adorn'd with Diadems, and Scepters, over which a loose Mantle, edged with blue and silver Fringe, resembling Water, the Map of Great Britain drawn on it, on her Head London, in her right Hand, Edinburgh; in her left, Dublin: Loyalty all in White, three Scepters in her right Hand, three Crowns in her left.
[Page 3]The first Painting on the South-side is a Prospect of His Majestie's Landing at Dover-Castle, Ships at Sea, great Guns going off, one kneeling and kissing the Kings Hand, Soldiers, Horse, and Foot, and many People gazing: Above,
The whole Tablet representing His Majestie's blessed Arrival.
Beneath the Painting this Motto,
Alluding to that of Virgil,
Thus rendred,
The Painting on the North-side, opposite to this, is a Trophy with decollated Heads, having over it,
Taken out of Horace,
This Tablet representing in a Trophy the late Example of Gods Justice upon the Rebels, who commited that most horrid Murther upon his Majesties Royal Father of blessed Memory. To which Rebels the Motto beneath also referreth.
Said by Virgil of those, who were, for the like Crimes, condemned[Page 4]to the Pains of Erebus, as he closes the Description of it in the Sixth of his Aeneis,
The Painting over the Middle Arch represents the King, mounted in calm Motion, USURPATION flying before him, a Figure with many ill-favoured Heads, some bigger, some lesser, and one particularly shooting out of his Shoulder, like CROMWELL'S; Another Head upon his Rump, or Tayl; Two Harpies with a Crown chased by an Angel; Hell's Jaws opening. Under the said Representation of the King pursuing Usurpation, is this Motto,
Taken out of the Aeneis, lib. 9.
Above the Arch on two Pedestals, South-ward, and North-wards, stand the Statues of King JAMES, and King CHARLS I. In the Middle somewhat higher, just over the Arch, the Statue of His Sacred Majesty. Under that of King James;
Under that of King Charles I.
[Page 5]Under that of His Majesty this following Inscription;
CAROLO II.
D. G. BRITANNIARUM IMP.
OPT. MAX.
UBIQUE VENERANDO,
SEMPER AUG.
BEATISSIMO AC PIISSIMO,
BONO REIP. NATO,
DE AVITA BRITANNIA,
DE OMNIUM HOMINUM GENERE
MERITISSIMO,
P. P.
EXTINCTORI TYRANNIDIS,
RESTITUTORI LIBERTATIS,
FUNDATORI QUIETIS,
OB FELICEM REDITUM,
EX VOTO L. M.
P.
S. P. Q. L.
[Page 6]Behind the said Figure of Charles II. in a large Table is deciphered the ROYAL OAK bearing Crowns, and Scepters, instead of Acorns; amongst the Leaves, in a Label,
As designing its Reward for the Shelter afforded His Majesty after the Fight at Worcester: an expression of Virgil's, speaking of the Advancement of Fruits by the Art of Graffing.
The upper Paintings on the East-side are Ruinous, representing the Disorder the Kingdom was in, during His Majestie's Absence; with this Motto,
But on the West-side they are finished, to represent the Restauration of our Happiness by His Majestie's Arrival; the Motto,
On the Royal Oak, in a Label,
Over the Great Table,
Under King Charles II.
The Painting on the South-West-side represents the Lord Mayor delivering to the King the Keies of the City.
In the Niches are four Figures. The first on the South-side, a Woman in pleasant Colours; the Emblem on her Shield, a terrestrial Globe, the Sun rising, Bats, and Owls flying to the Shadow; the Word,
[Page 7]The Second hath on her Escutcheon a Swarm of Bees, whetting their Stings, the Word,
The Third, on the North-side, hath on Her Shield a Mountain burning, Cities, and Vine-yards destroyed, and ruined; the Word,
The Fourth hath on Her Escutcheon an Arm, as it were out of the Clouds; in the Hand a naked Sword: The Motto,
Eight Mutes above, on Pedestals; four in White, four in Crimson.
The Musick of this Fabrick is ten Drummers, flanking Rebellion; twelve Trumpets flanking Monarchy.
Aloft under the two Devastations, twelve Trumpets, four Drums.
Within the Arch, on two Balconies, six Trumpets, four Drums.
While the Train passeth along, the Drums beat the Marches of several Countries, and the Trumpets sound several Levets. At which time, His Majesty drawing near, the Drums turn their March to a Battel, the Trumpets sound a Charge, and on a sudden Rebellion rowseth up her Self, at which, Drums, and Trumpets ceasing, Rebellion addresses to his Majesty the following Speech.
At which Words, Monarchy, and Loyalty, unveiling themselves, Rebellion starts as affrighted, but recollecting her self, concludes her Speech thus.
[Page 9] Rebellion having ended her Speech, Monarchy entertains His Majesty with the following.
Monarchy having ended her Speech, the Trumpets sound pleasant Levets, and the Drums beat a lofty English March, whilst His Majesty, the Nobility, and the Rear-Guard pass on,
Upon His Majestie's Advance to the East-India House in Leaden-Hall-Street, the East-India Company take occasion to express their dutiful Affections to His Majesty in manner following.
This Entertainment was designed, and the Speeches made by a Person of Quality.First, a Youth in Indian Habit, attended by two Black-Moors, is sent out to bespeak the Kings Expectation, kneeling before His Horse in these Words;
In the mean while another Youth, in an Indian Vest, mounted upon a Camel, led out by two Black-Moors, & other Attendants, the Camel having two Panniers fill'd with Jewels, Spices, and Silks, to be scattered among the Spectatours, addresseth himself to His Majesty, as followeth.
Long live King CHARLES the Second.
The two Youths, who speak to His Majesty, as above, are John, and Samuel Ford, sons of Sir Richard Ford, one of the Committees of the East-India Company.
The next Entertainment is a Band of [...]ix Waits placed on a Balcony, erected in the Middle of the North-West Angle of Leaden-Hall.
The next Entertainment is at Corn-hill-Conduit, on the top of which stand eight Nymphs clad in White, each having an Escutcheon in one Hand, and a Pendent, or Banner in the other. On the Tower of the said Conduit, a Noise of seven Trumpets.
[Page 11] NEAR the Exchange, in Corn-hill, is erected the second Arch, which is Naval.
On the East-side are two Stages erected; on each side of the street, one. In that on the South-side is a person representing the River Thames; his Garment Loose and Flowing, Colour Blew and White, waved like Water, a Mantle over, like a Sayl; his Head Crown'd with London-Bridg, Flags, and Ozier, like long Hair, falling o're his Shoulders, his Beard long, Sea-green, and White, curl'd; an Oar in his right Hand, the Model of a Ship in his left, an Urn beside him, out of which issues Water; four Attendants in White, representing the four fresh Streams, which fall into the River Thames, viz. Charwell, Lea, Colne, and Medway.
In the other Stage on the North-side, which is made like the upper Deck of a Ship, are three Seamen, whereof one habited like a Boat-swain.
A Shield, or Table, in the front of the Arch, bears this Inscription,
CAROLO II,
CUJUS ARBITRIO
MARE
VEL LIBERUM, VEL CLAUSUM.
The first Painting, on the North-side over the City-Arms,[Page 12]represents NEPTUNE, with his Trident advanced; the Inscription,
On the South-side, opposite, MARS, with his Spear inverted, his Shield charged with a Gorgon; by his Knees the Motto,
Over the Arch, the Marriage of Thame, and Isis.
The Painting on the North-side, over Neptune, represents the EXCHANGE; the Motto,
An Expression of Virgil's, Georg. 4. speaking of the Industry of Bees, never discouraged by their Losses; his Description of it running thus,
The Painting on the South-side, over Mars, shews the Tower of London; the Inscription,
The Pedestals, in the Upper Story are Adorned with eight living Figures, representing EUROPE, ASIA, AFRICK, and AMERICA, with Escutcheons, and Pendents, bearing the Arms of the Companies, Trading into those Parts.
The uppermost great Table in the fore-ground represents[Page 13]King Charles the First, with the Prince, now Charles the second, in His Hand, viewing the Sovereign of the Sea, the Prince leaning on a Cannon; the Inscription,
Above, over the Cornich, between the two Celestial Hemi spheres, an Atlas, bearing a Terrestrial Globe, and on it a Ship under Sail; the Word,
The great Painting on the West-side, represents the Duke of YORK, habited a l'antique, like Neptune, standing on a Shell drawn by Sea-Horses, in one Hand a Trident, the Reins in the other; his Motto,
On the four Niches within the Arch are living Figures, with Escutcheons, and Pendents, representing ARITHMETICK, GEOMETRY, ASTRONOMY, and NAVIGATION.
Arithmetick, a Woman habited a l'antique; upon her Vestment Lines, with Musick-Notes on them: In her Escutcheon a Book opened, with a Hand, pointing to the Figures 1.2.3.4, &c. under,
Geometry, a Woman in a pleasant Green, in her Shield a Compass, and a Triangle; the Inscription,
[Page 14] Astronomy, a Woman in a loose Vestment, Azure, wrought with Stars of Gold, looking up to Heaven: in her Shield a Table, wherein are diverse Astronomical Figures; the Inscription,
Taken out of the third of the Aeneis, where the Poet Introduces Palinurus, contemplating the Heavens.
Navigation, a Woman in Sea-green Habit, in her Escutcheon an Archer, with a Cable about it; the Inscription,
While the Nobility pass the Triumphal Arch, the three Seamen Entertain them with this Song from the Stage on the North-side of the Arch.
Besides the three beforenamed, who sing the precedent Song, there are in like manner habited, like Sea-men, six other Persons, who make a Wind-Musick.
The Musick in the Stage consists of three Drums, and six Trumpets.
On the East-side, Winde-Musick, consisting of six Persons.
On two Balconies, within the Arch, Winde-Musick, consisting of twelve Persons.
On the West-Gallery are placed six Trumpets.
These, and all the other Musick, belonging to this Triumph, perform their Duty without Intermission, till such time as His Majesty fronts the Figure, which represents Thames, and then cease; upon which, Thames maketh the ensuing Speech.
The River Thames having ended his Speech, the three Seamen, who entertain'd the Nobility with the former Song, address the following to His Majesty.
[Page 20]The Seamen having ended their Song, the several sorts of Musick perform their Duty, whilst His MAJESTY passeth on towards Cheap-side.
At the Stocks, the Entertainment is a Body of Military Musick, placed on a Balcony consisting of six Trumpets, and three Drums, the Fountain there being after the Thuscan Order, venting Wine, and Water.
In like manner, on the Top of the great Conduit, at the Entrance of Cheap-side, there is another Fountain, out of which issue both Wine, and Water, as in a representation of Temperance; and on the several Towers of that Conduit are eight Figures, habited like Nymphs, with Escutcheons in one Hand, and Pendents, or Banners in the other: And between each of them, Wind-Musick; the number, eight.
On the Standard also in Cheap-side there is a Band of Wayts placed, consisting of six Persons.
[Page 21] THE third Triumphal Arch stands near Wood-street end, not far from the Place, where the Cross sometimes stood. It represents an Artificial Building of two Stories, one after the Corinthian way of Architecture, the other after the Composite, representing the Temple of Concord; with this Inscription on a Shield,
CONCORDIAE
IN HONOREM OPTIMI PRINCIPIS,
CUJUS ADVENTU
BRITANNIA TERRA MARIQ. PACATA,
ET PRISCIS LEGIBUS REFORMATA EST,
AMPLIOREM SPLENDIDIOREMQ.
RESTITUIT
S. P. Q. L.
In the Spandrils of the Arch there are two Figures, in Female Habits, leaning: One representing PEACE, the other TRUTH. That of Peace hath her Shield charged with an Helmet, and Bees issuing forth, and going into it; the Word,
[Page 22] Truth on the other side, in a thin Habit, on her Shield TIME, bringing Truth out of a Cave; the Word,
Over the great Painting upon the Arch of the Cupula, represents a large GERYON with three Heads crowned, in his three right-Hands, a Lance, a Sword, and a Scepter; in his three left-Hands the three Escutcheons of England, Scotland, and Ireland; before him the Kings Arms with three Imperial Crowns; beneath, in great Letters,
On the top of the Cupula CONCORD, a Woman in her right-Hand holding her Mantle; in her left-Hand a Caduceus; under her Feet, a Serpent strugling, which she seems to tread down.
On the West-side, the third great Figure, a Woman, standing at the Prow of a Ship; in her left Hand, a Cornucopia; the Word,
Above there are eight living Figures with Pennons, and Shields, representing the four Cardinal Virtues, each with an Attendant.
PRUDENCE, on her Shield Bellerophon on a Pegasus, runing his Javelin into the Mouth of a Chymera; the word,
JUSTICE, on her Shield a Woman holding a Sword in one Hand, a Ballance in the other; the word,
TEMPERANCE, a Viol in her left Hand, a Bridle in her right; the word,
[Page 23]FORTITUDE, a Lyon having the Arms of England, in an Escutcheon; the word,
The internal Part of this Triumph, or Temple, is Round, the upper part Dark, only enlightned by Artificial Lights; the lower part divided into ten Parts by Pilasters with Pedestals.
Within the TEMPLE are twelve living Figures, three placed above the Rest.
The First the Goddess of the TEMPLE in rich Habit, with a Caduceus in her Hand, and a Serpent at her Feet. Behind the Goddess, a Man in a Purple Gown, like a Citizen of London, presenting the KING with an Oaken Garland, Over the King's head.
Over the Citizen's,
OB CIVES SERVATOS.
The Second, TRUTH, standing next the Goddess CONCORD, in a thin, but rich Habit, her Shield charg'd with a Book held open, with wings fasten'd by a Chain to a Cloud; beneath, a Fury plucking at the End of the Chain; the word,
The Third, LOVE richly dress'd, on the other side of the Goddess; on her Shield a Cupid, Roses in his Right Hand, in his left a Fish.
Of the nine Lesser Figures; the first bears, on a Shield, the King of Bees flying alone; a Swarm following at some distance: the Word,
[Page 24]The Second, on his Shield, a Testudo advancing against a Wall; the Word,
The third, a Shield charged with Hearts Gules; the Word,
The Fourth, like a Spread-Eagle with two Heads, one of an Eagle, the other of an Estrich; in the Mouth of the Estrich a Horse-shoe, in the Foot of the Eagle a Thunderbolt; the Word,
The Fifth, a Bundle of Javelins; the Word,
The Sixth, two Hands joyned athwart the Escutcheon, as from the Clouds, holding a Caduceus with a Crown; the Word,
The Seventh, Arms laid down, Guns, Pikes, Ensigns, Swords; the Word,
The Eighth, a Caduceus, with a wing'd Hat above, and Wings beneath, two Cornucopias coming out at the middle, supported by a Garland; the Word,
The Ninth, a Bright Star striking a gleam through the midst of the Escutcheon; the Word,
With these Figures is intermingled a Band of twenty four Violins.
[Page 25]The Bases, and Capitals within this Triumph, are Brass, and the Pillars Steel.
The Triumph thus adorned, and the several Musick playing, all pass through, till such time as His Majesty comes to the middle of the Temple, at which time the three principal living Figures, viz. CONCORD, LOVE, and TRUTH, who till then had not been seen; are by the drawing of a Curtain discovered, and entertain His Majesty with the following Song.
The First Song ended, Concord addresses her self to His Majesty, in these Words,
The Speech ended, His Majesty, at his going off, is entertained with the following Song:
[Page 28]On the little Conduit, at the lower End of Cheap-side are placed four Figures, or Nymphs, each of them having an Escutcheon in the one Hand, and a Pendent in the other.
In a Balcony, erected at the Entrance of Pater-noster-Row, are placed His Majestie's Drums and Fife; the number of Persons, eight.
Between that and Ludgate there are two other Balconies erected: In one, is placed a Band of six Waits; In the other, six Drums.
On the Top of Ludgate six Trumpets.
At Fleet-Bridge a Band of six Waits.
On Fleet-Conduit are six Figures, or Nymphs, clad in White, each with an Escutcheon in one Hand, and a Pendent in the other; as also a Band of six Waits. And on the Lanthorn of the Conduit is the Figure of Temperance, mixing Water and Wine.
[Page 29] IN Fleetstreet, near VVhite Friers, stands the fourth Irsumphal Arch representing the Garden of PLENTY; it is of two Stories, one of the Dorick Order, the other of the Ionick. The Capitals have not their just Measure, but incline to the Modern Architecture.
Upon the great Shield over the Arch, in large Capitals, this Inscription,
AUG.
EXTINCTO BELLI CIVILIS INCENDIO
CLUSOQ. JANI TEMPLO
ARAM CELSISS.
CONSTRUXIT
S. P. Q. L.
Over the Postern, on the South-side of the Entrance is BACCHUS, in a Chariot, drawn by Leopards, his Mantle a Panther's Skin; his Crown, of Grapes, a Thyrsus with[Page 30]Ivy in his left Hand; a Cup in his right: underneath,
The Painting over this represents SILENUS on his Ass, Satyres dancing round about, in Drunken and Antick Postures; the Prospect, a Vine-yard.
On the North-side opposite, Ceres, drawn in a Chariot by winged Dragons, and crowned with Ears of Corn, in her left Hand, Poppy; in her right, a blazing Torch. The Painting over her is a Description of Harvest; with
On the VVest-side of the Arch, over the South-Postern, the Goddess FLORA, in a various Coloured Habit; in one Hand, Red and White Roses; in the other, Lilies; on her Head, a Garland of several other Flowers.
The Painting over this, a Garden, with Walks, Statues, Fountains, Flowers, and Figures of Men and Women walking.
Opposite to this, on the North-side, the Goddess POMONA, crown'd with a Garland of several Fruits; in her right Hand, the Sun; in her left Hand, a Wand; At her Feet, all Sorts of Graffing, and Gardening Tools.
The Painting above, an Orchard.
On the Corners, four living Figures; above, the four Seasons of the Year.
In the Niches stand four Figures, representing the four Winds.
EURUS, a Black-Moor with Black wings! his Embleme, the Sun rising, and a fair plain Country; his Motto,
[Page 31]BOREAS, instead of Feet, two Serpents Tails, his Wings covered with Snow; his Emblem, a rocky Mountainous Country, and the Pleiades rising over it; his Motto,
AUSTER, in a dark-coloured Habit, with Wings like Clouds; his Emblem a Cloudy Sky and Showres; his Motto,
ZEPHYRUS, like an Adonis with Wings; the Emblem, a Flowery Plain; the Word,
The great Figure on the top of all represents PLENTY, crowned, a Branch of Palm in her right Hand, a Cornucopiae in her left.
The Musick aloft on both sides, and on the two Balconies within, are twelve Waits, six Trumpets, and three Drums.
At a convenient distance before this structure, are two Stages erected, divided, planted, and adorned like Gardens, each of them eight Yards in length, five in breadth. Upon that on the North-side sits a Woman representing PLENTY, crowned with a Garland of diverse Flowers, clad in a Green Vestment embroidered with Gold, holding a Cornucopiae: Her Attendants, two Virgins.
At His Majestie's approach to the Arch, this Person representing PLENTY riseth up, and maketh address to Him in these Words;
His Majesty, having passed the four Triumphal Arches is, at Temple Bar, entertained with the View of a delightful Boscage, full of several Beasts, both Tame, and Savage, as also several living Figures, and Musick of eight Waits. But this being the Limit of the Citie's Liberty, must be so likewise of our Description.