“Never were the balconies, windows, and houses more numerously lined, or the streets closer thronged with multitudes of people, all expressing their abhorrence of popery, with continual shouts and exclamations, so that it is modestly computed that, in the whole progress, there could not be fewer than 200,000 spectators.
“Thus, with a slow and solemn state they proceeded to Temple-bar; where, with innumerable swarms, the houses seemed to be converted into heaps of men, and women, and children; for whose diversion there were provided great variety of excellent fireworks.
“Temple-bar being, since its rebuilding, adorned with four stately statues, viz. those of queen Elizabeth and king James on the inward, or eastern side, fronting the city, and those of king Charles I. and king Charles II. on the outside, facing towards Westminster; and the statue of queen Elizabeth, in regard to the day, having on a crown of gilded laurel, and in her hand a golden shield, with this motto inscribed,—‘The Protestant Religion and Magna Charta,’ and flambeauxs placed before it; the pope being brought up near thereunto, the following song (alluding to the posture of those statues) was sung in parts, between one representing the English cardinal, (Howard,) and others acting the people.
Cardinal.
“From York to London town we came,
To talk of popish ire,
To reconcile you all to Rome,
And prevent Smithfield fire
People.
“Cease, cease, thou Norfolk cardinal,
See yonder stands queen Bess,
Who sav’d our souls from popish thrall,
O! queen Bess, queen Bess, queen Bess.
“Your popish plot and Smithfield threat
We do not fear at all;
For lo! beneath queen Bess’s feet
You fall, you fall, you fall!
“’Tis true, our king’s on t’other side,
Looking tow’rds Whitehall,
But could we bring him round about,
He’d counterplot you all.
“Then down with James and set up Charles
On good queen Bess’s side,
That all true commons, lords, and earls,
May wish him a fruitful bride.