And this dull cell of earth, in which we live,
Unto your name its latest praise shall give;
Confirm our grant, good king! Durham’s old city
Will powerful be, if bless’d with James’s pity.
The verses being ended, the mayor was placed in rank next before the sword borne before the king, and bearing the mace of the city all the way to the Cathedral Church.
DURHAM OLD WOMEN.
As aw was gannin to Durham
Aw met wi’ three jolly brisk women,
Aw ask’d what news at Durham?