THe eternal Majesty, in whose hand are both the mean and mighty of the earth, pleased to deliver from weakness of body and grief of mind, Elizabeth his Hand Maid, our late royal Mistress and gracious Sovereign: easing her age from the burthen of earthly Kingdoms, and placing her, as we steadfastly hope, in his heavenly empire; being the resting place, after death, for all them that believe faithfully in their life.
Thursday, the 24th of March, some two hours after midnight [i.e. 25th March 1603], departed the spirit of that great Princess from the prison of her weak body; which now sleeps in the Sepulchre of her grandfather [i.e. in Henry VII.'s Chapel in Westminster Abbey].
The Council of State and the Nobility (on whom the care of all the country chiefly depended), immediately assembling together, no doubt assisted with the Spirit of Truth, considering the infallible right of our Sovereign Lord, King James, took such order that the news of the Queen's death should no sooner be spread to deject the hearts of the people; but, at the instant, they should be comforted with the Proclaiming of the King.
Being hereon determined, Sir Robert Carey took his journey in post towards Scotland, to signify to the King's Majesty the sad tidings of his Royal Sister's death; and the joyful hearts of his subjects that expected no comfort but in, and by, His Majesty's blessed Government.
This noble Gentleman's care was such that he intermitted no time: but, notwithstanding his sundry shift of horses and some falls that bruised him very sore, he by the way, proclaimed the King at Morpeth.
And, on Saturday [26th March 1603], coming to Berwick, acquainting his worthy brother, Sir John Carey, how all things stood, posted on to Edinburgh; where he attained that night: having ridden near[ly] 400 miles in less than three days.