The Bishop and the Dean [of Peterborough] stood at the altar, with two gilded basons.
All which being placed and set, and the Church quiet; [William Wickham,] the Bishop of Lincoln began his Sermon [out of Psalm xxxix. 5-7].[11]
And in his prayer [when he gave thanks for such as were translated out of this Vale of Misery, he] used these words:
"Let us bless GOD for the happy dissolution of Mary, late the Scottish Queen and Dowager of France. Of whose life and departure, whatsoever shall be expected, I have nothing to say: for that I was unacquainted with the one; and not present at the other. Of Her Majesty's faith and end, I am not to judge. It is a charitable saying of the Father Luther 'Many [a] one liveth a Papist; and dieth a Protestant.' Only this I have been informed, That she took her death patiently; and recommended herself wholly to Jesus Christ."
The Sermon ended, a long piece of velvet and a cushion were carried and laid before the Countess [of Bedford], to go and kneel upon; hard before the Bishop [of Peterborough]'s feet.
Then, by [Garter,] the King of Heralds, were carried the four Officers with their White Staffs; and placed two at the top of the stairs under the Bishop, and two beneath them.
Then the two principal Heralds [Garter and Clarenceux] fetched up the Countess; the two Earls [of Rutland and Lincoln] leading her, and the Lady St. John [of Basing] bearing up her train.
There she kneeled awhile.