There a long oration being made, the Lord Mayor delivered the Sword and Keys to His Majesty, together with a cup of gold, filled full of gold: which present His Majesty gratefully accepted; delivering the Keys again to the Lord Mayor.
But about the bearing of the Sword, there was some contention; the Lord President [of the North] taking it for his place, the Lord Mayor of the city esteeming it his.
But to decide the doubt, the King's Majesty merrily demanded If the Sword being his, they would not be pleased that he should have the disposing thereof.
Whereunto when they humbly answered, It was all in his pleasure; His Highness delivered the Sword to one that knew well how to use a sword, having been tried both at sea and on shore, [George Clifford] the thrice honoured Earl of Cumberland; who bare it before His Majesty, riding in great state from the gate to the Minster.
In which way, there was a conduit that, all the day long, ran white, and claret, wine; every man to drink as much as he listed.
From the Minster His Majesty went on foot to his own House, being the Manor of St Mary's; having all the way a rich canopy over his head, supported by four Knights: and being brought hither, he was honourable received by the Lord Burlegh; who gave cheerful entertainment to all the followers of His Majesty during the time of his continuance in York.
The 17th day [of April 1603], being Sunday, His Majesty passed towards York Minster; being one of the goodliest Minsters in all the land: England being as famous for churches as any one kingdom in Europe, if they were kept in reparations as that Minster is.
To this Minster, the King passed to hear the Sermon; and at the gate [i.e., of the Manor House] a coach was offered to His Highness. But he graciously answered, "I will have no coach. For the people are desirous to see a King, and so they shall: for they shall as well see his body as his face." So, to the great comfort of the people, he went on foot to the Church; and there heard the Sermon, which was preached by [Dr John Thornborough, Dean of York and also] the Bishop of Limerick: whose doctrine and method of teaching was highly by His Majesty commended. And what his judgment is, is as extant to us all of any understanding as the light of the clear mid-day, or sun, to every perfect eye.
The Sermon ended, His Majesty returned afoot, in the same sort as he came, to his Manor; where he was royally feasted.