MOTTRAM CHURCH AND VILLAGE CROSS.
“Fare thee well, good Master Hamnet,” cried one; “God prosper thy journey.”
“If the king but touch thee thou art surely healed,” said another.
“Look well to thy pistols, parson,” quoth a third. “’Twere a pity not to put to good service the weapons God hath placed in our hands. And, of a truth, there be many rogues upon the road.”
“Be sure the beds whereon thou sleepest are well aired,” put in an old dame. “Nothing aggravates the sickness like a damp bed.”
And so with numerous manifestations of good will, the sturdy Mottram folk sped their parson upon his journey.
Now, after safely passing the many perils of the road, Master Hyde arrived at Greenwich in due course and, securing an audience of the King, was touched by His Majesty upon the 22nd day of May, 1610. There was a crowd of sufferers gathered about the Royal Palace, many of whom, like the curate, had travelled from a distance, and they cried aloud for joy when the King came amongst them. They fell upon their knees before him; and, with a gracious smile and many words of comfort, the monarch passed through the crowd, touching each patient as he passed, and breathing a prayer for their welfare. Immediately the fingers touched the patient, the royal virtue passed into the frame of the sufferer, and he was instantly healed. Then the crowd gave thanks to God and his Majesty, and with glad hearts set out for their homes.
It is needless to dwell long over the homecoming of good Master Hamnet. The news of his return was heralded abroad, and when he entered the village, the people flocked about him, throwing up their caps and cheering lustily, so that he returned like some great conqueror to his own.
After his return, he not only showed his gratitude by rendering public thanks to God for the wonderful cure performed upon him, but in order that future generations might know of the Divine goodness, and the King’s most excellent kindness, he inscribed the following passage in the parish register of Mottram, where it may be read to this day.