_Chap-Books_

 _and_

 _Folk-Lore Tracts. _

 _Edited by_

 _G. L. Gomme, F. S. A. _

 _and_

 _H. B. Wheatley, F. S. A. _

 _First Series. _

 ~V. ~

 THE HISTORY

 OF

 SIR RICHARD WHITTINGTON. 

 BY T. H. 

 EDITED, WITH AN INTRODUCTION, BY

 HENRY B. WHEATLEY, F. S. A. 

 LONDON: PRINTED FOR THE VILLON SOCIETY. 1885. 

 ~Introduction. ~

The popular story of Whittington and his Cat is one in which a versionof a wide-spread folk-tale has been grafted upon the history of the lifeof an historical character, and in the later versions the historicalincidents have been more and more eliminated. The three chief points inthe chap-book story are, 1, the poor parentage of the hero; 2, hischange of mind at Highgate Hill by reason of hearing Bow Bells; and, 3, his good fortune arising from the sale of his cat. Now these are allequally untrue as referring to the historical Whittington, and thesecond is apparently an invention of the eighteenth century. When theRev. Canon Lysons wrote his interesting and valuable work entitled _TheModel Merchant_ he showed the incorrectness of the first point bytracing out Whittington's distinguished pedigree, but he was loath todispute the other two. It is rather strange that neither Mr. Lysons norMessrs. Besant and Rice appear to have seen the work which I now presentto my readers, which is the earliest form of the life of Whittingtonknown to exist. This is printed from the copy in the Pepysian Library, a later edition of which, with a few typographical alterations, will befound in the British Museum library. This _History_ will be found todiffer very considerably from the later and better-known story, whichappears to have been written early in the eighteenth century. Acomparison between the latter which I print at the end of this Preface(p. Xxix. ) with T. H. 's earlier text will not, I think, be foundunprofitable. _The Famous and Remarkable History_ here reprinted isundated, but was probably published about 1670; the later edition in theBritish Museum is dated 1678. One passage on page 7--"The merchant wentthen to the Exchange, which was then in Lumber-street, about hisaffairs"--seems to show that it was originally written quite early inthe century, and it is just possible that T. H. Stands for thevoluminous playwright and pamphleteer Thomas Heywood. The Exchange wasremoved to its present site in 1568, and therefore our tract could nothave been written before that date, but must have appeared when thememory of the old meeting-place was still fresh in public memory. Onpage 11 it will be seen that Whittington, when discontented with hisposition in Fitzwarren's house, set out before day-break on AllHallows-day with his clothes in a bundle, in order to seek his fortuneelsewhere. He had only got as far as Bunhill when he heard Bow bellsring out what appeared to be--

 "Turn again, Whittington, Lord Mayor of London, Turn again, Whittington, Lord Mayor of London. "

These words took complete possession of him, and he returned before itwas known that he had run away. In the more modern chap-book Whittingtonis made to reach Holloway, where it would be less easy to hear Bowbells, and from which place he would have found it more difficult toreturn before the cook had risen. As far as I can find there is noallusion to Holloway or Highgate hill in any early version, and it isevident that this localization is quite modern. Mr. Lysons is certainlywrong when he says that at Highgate "a stone continued to mark the spotfor many centuries. " It is not known when the stone was first erectedthere, but it was probably put up when the name of the place was firstfoisted into the tale. One stone was taken away in 1795, but others havesucceeded it, and now there is a Whittington Stone Tavern; and thesituation of Whittington College, which was removed to Highgate in 1808, has helped to favour the supposition that Whittington himself was insome way connected with that place. 

The form of invitation which the bells rung out varies very much in thedifferent versions. 

In Richard Johnson's ballad (1612) we find--

 "Whittington, back return. "

which is then amplified into--

 "Turn againe, Whittington, For thou in time shall grow Lord Maior of London. "

In T. H. 's _History_ (see p. 11) we have--

 "Turn again, Whittington, Lord Mayor of London. "

In the later chap-book version this is altered into--

 "Turn again, Whittington, Lord Mayor of great London. "

It will be seen that the special reference to the fact that Whittingtonwas three times Lord Mayor is not to be found in either the ballads orthe chap-books. 

In the _Life_, by the author of _George Barnwell_ (1811), however weread--

 "Return again, Whittington, Thrise Lord Mayor of London. "

And in _The Life and Times of Whittington_ (1841)--

 "Turn again, turn again, Whittington, Three times Lord Mayor of London. "

In the early version of the _History_ by T. H. The fanciful portions areonly allowed to occupy a small portion of the whole, and a long accountis given of Whittington's real actions, but, in the later chap-bookversions, the historical incidents are ruthlessly cut down, and thefictitious ones amplified. This will be seen by comparing the twoprinted here. Thus T. H. Merely says (p. 6) that Whittington wasobscurely born, and that being almost starved in the country he came upto London. In the later chap-book the journey to London is more fullyenlarged upon (p. Xxxiii. ), and among those at Whittington's marriagewith Alice Fitzwarren the name of the Company of Stationers not then inexistence is foisted in (pp. Xlii. ) It does not appear in T. H. 's_History_. 

In many other particulars the later chap-book which contains the storyas known to modern readers is amplified, and thus shows signs of a verylate origin. 

With regard to the three fictitious points of Whittington's historymentioned at the beginning of this preface, the first--his poorparentage--is disposed of by documentary evidence; the second--hissitting on a stone at Highgate hill--has been shown to be quite a moderninvention; and the third--the story of the cat--has been told of so manyother persons in different parts of the world that there is every reasonto believe it to be a veritable folk-tale joined to the history ofWhittington from some unexplained connection. None of the earlyhistorians who mention Whittington allude to the incident of the cat, and it is only to be found in popular literature, ballads, plays, &c. The story seems to have taken its rise in the reign of Queen Elizabeth. The reason why however the life of Whittington should have been chosenas the stock upon which this folk-tale should be grafted is stillunexplained. Some have supposed that he obtained his money by theemployment of "cats, " or vessels for the carriage of coals; but thissuggestion does not appear to be worthy of much consideration. 

It is said that at Newgate, which owed much to Whittington, there was astatue of him with a cat, which was destroyed in the Great Fire; and in1862, when some alterations were made in an old house at Gloucester, which had been occupied by the Whittington family until 1460, a stonewas said to have been dug up on which was a basso-relievo representingthe figure of a boy carrying a cat in his arms. This find, however, appears rather suspicious. 

Keightley devotes a whole chapter of his _Tales and Popular Fictions_ tothe legend of Whittington and his Cat, in which he points out how manysimilar stories exist. The _Facezie_, of Arlotto, printed soon after theauthor's death in 1483, contain a tale of a merchant of Genoa, entitled"Novella delle Gatte, " and probably from this the story came to England, although it is also found in a German chronicle of the thirteenthcentury. Sir William Ouseley, in his _Travels_, 1819, speaking of anisland in the Persian Gulf, relates, on the authority of a Persian MS. , that "in the tenth century, one Keis, the son of a poor widow in Siráf, embarked for India with a cat, his only property. There he fortunatelyarrived at a time when the palace was so infested by mice or rats thatthey invaded the king's food, and persons were employed to drive themfrom the royal banquet. Keis produced his cat; the noxious animals soondisappeared, and magnificent rewards were bestowed on the adventurer ofSiráf, who returned to that city, and afterwards, with his mother andbrothers, settled on the island, which from him has been denominatedKeis, or according to the Persians Keisch. " Mr. Halliwell-Phillippsquotes from the _Description of Guinea_ (1665) the record of "howAlphonso, a Portuguese, being wrecked on the coast of Guinney, and beingpresented by the king thereof with his weight in gold for a cat to killtheir mice; and an oyntment to kill their flies, which he improvedwithin five years to 6000l. In the place, and, returning to Portugalafter fifteen years traffick, became the third man in the kingdom. "[1]Keightley also quotes two similar stories from Thiele's _Danish PopularTraditions_ and another from the letters of Count Magalotti, aFlorentine of the latter half of the seventeenth century. 

Mr. Lysons gives much information as to the great value of cats in theMiddle Ages, but the writer of the _History of Whittington_ does notlead us to believe that they were dear in England, for he makes the boybuy his cat for one penny. The two following titles are from theStationers' Registers. The ballad is probably the one subsequentlyreferred to as by Richard Johnson:--

"The History of Richard Whittington, of his lowe birthe, his greatfortune, as yt was plaied by the Prynces Servants. Licensed to ThomasPavyer, Feb. 8, 1604-5. "

"A Ballad, called The vertuous lyfe and memorable death of Sir RichardWhittington, mercer, sometymes Lord Maiour of the honorable Citie ofLondon. Licensed to John Wright, 16 July, 1605. "

The first reference that we find to the cat incident is in the play_Eastward Hoe_ by Chapman, Ben Jonson, and Marston; for, as the portraitwhich was said to have existed at Mercers' Hall is not now known, it canscarcely be put in evidence. This half-length portrait of a man of aboutsixty years of age, dressed in a livery gown and black cap of the timeof Henry VIII. With a figure of a black and white cat on the left, issaid to have had painted in the left-hand upper corner of the canvas theinscription, "R. Whittington, 1536. "

In _Eastward Hoe_, 1605, Touchstone assures Goulding that he hopes tosee him reckoned one of the worthies of the city of London "When thefamous fable of Whittington and his puss shall be forgotten. "

The next allusion is in Thomas Heywood's _If you know not me, you knownobody_, 2nd part, 1606. 

 _Dean Nowell. _ "This Sir Richard Whittington, three times Mayor, Sonne to a knight and prentice to a mercer, Began the Library of Grey-Friars in London, And his executors after him did build Whittington Colledge, thirteene Alms-houses for poore men, Repair'd S. Bartholomewes, in Smithfield, Glased the Guildhall, and built Newgate. 

 _Hobson. _ Bones of men, then I have heard lies; For I have heard he was a scullion, And rais'd himself by venture of a cat. 

 _Nowell. _ They did the more wrong to the gentleman. "

Here it will be seen that, although the popular tale is mentioned, it istreated as a mere invention unworthy of credence. 

The next in point of time is the ballad by Richard Johnson, published inthe _Crowne Garland of Goulden Roses_ (1612), which probably had a muchearlier existence in a separate form. It is the earliest form of thestory of Whittington now in existence. 

_A song of Sir Richard Whittington, who by strange fortunes came to beethrice Lord Maior of London; with his bountifull guifts and liberallitygiven to this honourable Citty. _

 (To the tune of "_Dainty come thou to me_. ")

 "Here must I tell the praise Of worthie Whittington, Known to be in his dayes Thrice Maior of London. But of poor parentage Borne was he, as we heare, And in his tender age Bred up in Lancashire. 

 Poorely to London than Came up this simple lad, Where, with a marchant-man, Soone he a dwelling had; And in a kitchen plast, A scullion for to be, Whereas long time he past In labour grudgingly. 

 His daily service was Turning spits at the fire; And to scour pots of brasse, For a poore scullions hire. Meat and drinke all his pay, Of coyne he had no store; Therefore to run away, In secret thought he bore. 

 So from this marchant-man Whittington secretly Towards his country ran, To purchase liberty. But as he went along In a fair summer's morne, London bells sweetly rung, 'Whittington, back return!'

 'Evermore sounding so, Turn againe, Whittington; For thou in time shall grow Lord-Maior of London. ' Whereupon back againe Whittington came with speed, Aprentise to remaine, As the Lord had decreed. 

 'Still blessed be the bells' (This was his daily song), 'They my good fortune tells, Most sweetly have they rung. If God so favour me, I will not proove unkind; London my love shall see, And my great bounties find. '

 But see his happy chance! This scullion had a cat, Which did his state advance, And by it wealth he gat. His maister ventred forth, To a land far unknowne, With marchandize of worth, And is in stories shewne. 

 Whittington had no more But this poor cat as than, Which to the ship he bore, Like a brave marchant-man. 'Vent'ring the same, ' quoth he, 'I may get store of golde, And Maior of London be, As the bells have me told. '

 Whittington's marchandise, Carried was to a land Troubled with rats and mice, As they did understand. The king of that country there, As he at dinner sat, Daily remain'd in fear Of many a mouse and rat. 

 Meat that in trenchers lay, No way they could keepe safe But by rats borne away, Fearing no wand or staff. Whereupon, soone they brought Whittington's nimble cat; Which by the king was bought; Heapes of gold giv'n for that. 

 Home againe came these men With their ships loaden so; Whittington's wealth began By this cat thus to grow. Scullions life he forsooke To be a marchant good, And soon began to looke How well his credit stood. 

 After that he was chose Shriefe of the citty heere, And then full quickly rose Higher as did appeare. For to this cities praise Sir Richard Whittington Came to be in his dayes Thrise Maior of London. 

 More his fame to advance, Thousands he lent his king To maintaine warres in France, Glory from thence to bring. And after, at a feast, Which he the king did make, He burnt the bonds all in jeast, And would no money take. 

 Ten thousand pound he gave To his prince willingly, And would not one penny have. This in kind courtesie. God did thus make him great, So would he daily see Poor people fed with meat, To shew his charity. 

 Prisoners poore cherish'd were, Widdowes sweet comfort found; Good deeds, both far and neere, Of him do still resound. Whittington Colledge is One of his charities, Records reporteth this To lasting memories. 

 Newgate he builded faire, For prisoners to live in; Christ's Church he did repaire, Christian love for to win. Many more such like deedes Were done by Whittington; Which joy and comfort breedes, To such as looke thereon. 

 Lancashire thou hast bred This flower of charity; Though he be gone and dead, Yet lives he lastingly. Those bells that call'd him so, 'Turne again, Whittington, ' Call you back may moe To live so in London. "

This ballad, as it stands here with the exception of the last stanza, was reprinted in _A Collection of Old Ballads_, 1823, vol. I. P. 130. 

This ballad is the original of all the later ballads, although thetitles have been greatly varied. The Roxburghe ballad (vol. Iii. P. 58)is dated in the British Museum Catalogue 1641[?]. Its full title is asfollows:--

"London's Glory and Whittington's Renown, or a Looking Glass forCitizens of London, being a remarkable story how Sir Richard Whittington(a poor boy bred up in Lancashire) came to be three times Lord Mayor ofLondon in three several kings' reigns, and how his rise was by a cat, which he sent by a venture beyond sea. Together with his bountiful giftsand liberality given to this honourable City, and the vast sums of moneyhe lent the King to maintain the wars in France; and how at a greatFeast, to which he invited the King, the Queen, and the Nobility, hegenerously burnt the writings and freely forgave his Majesty the wholeDebt. Tune of 'Dainty, come thou to me. ' London: Printed for R. Burton, at the Horse Shoe in West Smithfield. "

The bulk of the ballad is the same as Richard Johnson's, but thefollowing first stanza is added, the original first stanza becoming thesecond:--

 "Brave London Prentices, Come listen to my song, Tis for your glory all And to you both belong. And you poor country lads, Though born of low degree, See by God's providence What you in time may be. "

The second half of the original seventh stanza, and the eighth, ninth, and tenth stanzas, are left out. 

Immediately before the last stanza the following one is introduced:--

 "Let all kynde Citizens Who do this story read, By his example learn Always the poor to feed. What is lent to the poor The Lord will sure repay, And blessings keep in store Until the latter day. "

The other alterations are not many, and chiefly consist intranspositions by which the rhymes are varied. This may be seen bycomparing with the original the Roxburghe version of the last stanzawhich is as follows:--

 "Lancashire, thou hast bred This flower of charity; Though he be dead and gone, Yet lives his memory. Those bells that call'd him so, Turn again, Whittington, Would they call may moe Such men to fair London. "

At the end of one of the chap-books there is a version of the ballad inwhich Lancashire is replaced by Somersetshire. 

In the same volume of the _Roxburghe Ballads_ (p. 470) is a shortversion [1710?] containing a few only of the verses taken from theballad. It is illustrated with some woodcuts from T. H. 's earlier_History_. 

"An old Ballad of Whittington and his Cat, who from a poor boy came tobe thrice Lord Mayor of London. Printed and sold in Aldermary ChurchYard, London. "

There is a copy of this in the Chetham Library. 

The following are some of the chief references to Whittington's story inliterature after the publication of Johnson's ballad, arranged inchronological order:--

 "As if a new-found Whittington's rare cat, Come to extoll their birth-rights above that Which nature once intended. "--

 Stephens's _Essayes and Characters_, 1615. 

 "Faith, how many churches do you mean to build Before you die? Six bells in every steeple, And let them all go to the _City tune_, _Turn again, Whittington_, and who they say Grew rich, and let his land out for nine lives, 'Cause all came in by a cat. "--

 Shirley's _Constant Maid_ (1640), act ii. Sc. 2. 

"I have heard of Whittington and his cat, and others, that havemade fortunes by strange means. "--Parson's _Wedding_ (1664). 

Pepys went on September 21, 1668, to Southwark Fair, "and there saw thepuppet show of Whittington, which was pretty to see. " He adds in his_Diary_ "how that idle thing do work upon people that see it, and evenmyself too. "

In the _Tatler_ of September 13, 1709 (No. 67), is a list of great mento be entered in the Temple of Fame, and in the subsequent No. 78 isprinted the following letter from a Citizen:--

 "Mr. Isaac Bickerstaff, Sir, Your _Tatler_ of September 13 I am now reading, and in your list of famous men desire you not to forget Alderman Whittington, who began the world with a cat, and died worth three hundred and fifty thousand pounds sterling, which he left to an only daughter three years after his mayoralty. If you want any further particulars of ditto Alderman, daughter, or cat, let me know, and per first will advise the needful, which concludes, Your loving Friend, LEMUEL LEGER. "

 "I am credibly informed that there was once a design of casting into an opera the story of Whittington and his Cat, and that in order to it there had been got together a great quantity of mice; but Mr. Rich, the proprietor of the playhouse, very prudently considered that it would be impossible for the cat to kill them all, and that consequently the princes of the stage might be as much infested with mice as the prince of the island was before the cat's arrival upon it; for which reason he would not permit it to be acted in his house. "--_Spectator_ (No. 5, March 6, 1711). 

The Rev. Samuel Pegge brought the subject of Whittington and his Catbefore a meeting of the Society of Antiquaries in 1771, but he couldmake nothing at all of the cat. There is no record of the inquiry in the_Archaeologia_, but it is mentioned in a letter from Gough to Tyson, 27Dec. 1771 (Nichols's _Literary Anecdotes_, vol. Viii. P. 575). HoraceWalpole was annoyed at the Society for criticising his "Richard III. "and in his _Short Notes on his Life_ he wrote--"Foote having broughtthem on the stage for sitting in council, as they had done onWhittington and his Cat, I was not sorry to find them so ridiculous, orto mark their being so, and upon that nonsense, and the laughter thataccompanied it, I struck my name out of their book. "

Foote brought out his comedy of _The Nabob_ at the Haymarket Theatre in1772. Sir Matthew Mite, the hero of the piece, is elected a member ofthe Society of Antiquaries, and delivers an address on Whittington andhis Cat in which he gave the following solution of the difficulty:--"Thecommerce this worthy merchant carried on was chiefly confined to ourcoasts. For this purpose he constructed a vessel which for its agilityand lightness he aptly christened a cat. Nay, to this our day, gentlemen, all our coals from Newcastle are imported in nothing butcats. From thence it appears that it was not the whiskered four-footed, mouse-killing cat that was the source of the magistrate's wealth, butthe coasting, sailing, coal-carrying cat; that, gentlemen, wasWhittington's cat. "

We may now pass from the fictitious to the real Richard Whittington, andalthough this is not the place for a life of the distinguished citizen, which may be found elsewhere, it will be convenient to set down in orderthe chief incidents of his career. 

Richard Whittington was the third son of Sir William Whittington, knight, of Pauntley, Gloucestershire, and it is assumed, by somewriters, that he was born in or about the year 1360. We must, however, place his birth at an earlier date, for his name appears in the city_Letter Book_, H, fol. 110_a_, (as Richard Whyttingdone), in the secondyear of Richard II. (A. D. 1379), as a contributor of five markstowards a loan to the city authorities; about four-fifths of thesubscribers contributing the same, which is the lowest figure among thecontributions. [2] This is the first appearance of Whittington's name inthe city books. William, the eldest son, succeeded to the familyproperty of Pauntley, but, dying without issue, the estate went toRobert, the second son, who became high sheriff of the county in 1402, and again in 1407. Pauntley remained in the family as late as 1546. 

Nothing is known of Richard's early life, either as to when or how hecame to London. He appears to have married Alice, daughter of HughFitzwarren, and probably he was originally apprenticed to hisfather-in-law, whose name appears in all the versions of his history. 

The second appearance of Whittington's name in the city books is in 8Richard II. , when he was one of the eight common councilmen for ColemanStreet ward. In 11 Richard II. He is named as becoming surety to thechamberlain in the sum of ten pounds towards providing money for defenceof the city. In the following year he appears to have been no longer amember for Coleman Street ward. On the 12th of March, 1393, he is namedas then chosen alderman of Broad Street ward; and on 21st September ofthe same year he was chosen by the mayor, William Staundon, one of thesheriffs for the ensuing year. [3]

When Adam Bamme died in the year 1397, during his mayoralty, Richard II. Arbitrarily put Whittington in his place, and at the lord mayor's day ofthat year Whittington again filled the office, being then regularlyelected. [4] From his will we find that this king, who was a member ofthe Mercers' Company, to which Whittington was apprenticed, was anespecial patron of his. In 1400 he was excused from attending theScottish wars, and in 1406 he was again elected mayor. He rebuilt hisparish church, and Mr. Riley has printed in his valuable _Memorials_ (p. 578) the grant by Whittington of land or the re-building of the churchof St. Michael, Paternoster, "in the street called La Riole, " calledafter the merchants of La Riole, a town near Bordeaux, who hadestablished themselves there. 

Whittington was knighted by Henry V. , and in 1419 he was elected mayorfor the fourth time. It was in this year that John Carpenter commencedthe compilation of his famous _Liber Albus_. We see how highly thisdistinguished citizen was appreciated from the writings of such men asGrafton and Stow. Richard Grafton writes in his _Chronicle_ (1569, p. 433)--

 "This yere (1406) a worthie citizen of London, named Rychard Whittyngton, mercer and alderman, was elected maior of the sayde citie, and bare that office three tymes. This worshipfull man so bestowed his goodes and substaunce to the honor of God, to the reliefe of the pore, and to the benefite of the comon weale, that he hath right well deserved to be regestered in the boke of fame. First, he erected one house or church in London to be a house of prayer, and he named the same after his awne name Whittyngtons College, and so it remayneth to this day. And in the same church, besydes certeine priestes and clerkes, he placed a number of poore aged men and women and buylded for them houses and lodgyngs, and allowed unto them wood, cole, cloth, and weekly money to their great reliefe and comfort.... He also buylded for the ease of the maior of London and his brethren, and of the worshipfull citizens at the solempne dayes of their assemblye, a chapell adioining to the Guyldhall, to the entent they should euer before they entered into any of theyr affayrs first to go into the chappel, and by prayer to call upon God for assistaunce.... He also buylded a great part of the east ende of the Guildhall, besyde many other good workes that I knowe not. But among all other I will shewe unto you one very notable, which I receyved credibly by a writyng of his awne hande, which also he willed to be fixed as a schedule to his last will and testament, the contentes whereof was that he willed and commaunded his executors as they would aunswere before God at the day of the resurrection of all fleshe, that if they found any debtor of his that ought to him any money, that if he were not in their consciences well worth three tymes as much, and also out of the debt of other men, and well able to pay, that then they shoulde never demaund it, for he cleerely forgave it, and that they should put no man in sute for any debt due to him. Looke upon thys, ye aldermen, for it is a glorious glasse. "

Stow writes as follows in his _Survey of London_ on some ofWhittington's good works:--

 "Richard Whittington, mercer, three times mayor, in the year 1421 began the library of the grey friars in London, to the charge of four hundred pounds: his executors with his goods founded and built Whittington College, with almshouses for thirteen poor men, and divinity lectures to be read there for ever. They repaired St. Bartholomew's hospital in Smithfield; they bare half the charges of building the library there, and they built the west gate of London, of old time called Newgate, " &c. [5]

 "The 1st year of Henry VI. John Coventrie and John Carpenter, executors to Richard Whitington, gave towards the paving of this great hall twenty pounds, and the next year fifteen pounds more, to the said pavement, with hard stone of Purbeck; they also glazed some windows thereof, and of the mayor's court; on every which windows the arms of Richard Whitington are placed. "[6]

Respecting the library at Guildhall, Stow, after relating how the Dukeof Somerset, Lord Protector, borrowed the books and never returned them, writes:--"This library was built by the executors of Richard Whittingtonand by William Burie; the arms of Whittington are placed on the one sidein the stone work, and two letters, to wit W and B, for William Burie, on the other side; it is now lofted through, and made a storehouse forclothes. "[7]

Whittington appears to have died childless, and in the interestingpicture of his deathbed, copied by Mr. Lysons from an illumination inthe ordinances of his college, his executors are seen around his bed. His will was proved in 1423 by John Coventry, John White, William Groveand John Carpenter. The College of St. Spirit and St. Mary consisted ofa master, four fellows (masters of arts), clerks, conducts, chorists, &c. It was dissolved by Edward VI. ; but the memory of it remains in thename College Hill, Upper Thames Street. God's House or Hospital forthirteen poor men was moved to Highgate in 1808. 

By his will Whittington directed that the inmates of his college shouldpray for the souls of himself and his wife Alice, of Sir WilliamWhittington, and his wife Dame Joan, of Hugh Fitzwarren and his wifeDame Malde, as well as for the souls of Richard II. And Thomas ofWoodstock, Duke of Gloucester, "special lords and promoters of the saidWhittington. "

Whittington's epitaph is preserved by Stow and is in Latin; yet theauthor of a _Life of Whittington_ (1811) makes the followingmisstatement:--

 "Record, however, has handed down to us the original epitaph, as it was cut on the monument of Sir Richard, by order of his executors; and, exclusive of its connection with the subject of these pages, it may be subjoined as a curious specimen of the poetry of an age which was comparatively with the present so entirely involved in the darkness of superstition and ignorance. "

 "Beneath this stone lies Whittington, Sir Richard rightly named; Who three times Lord Mayor served in London, In which he ne'er was blamed. 

 He rose from indigence to wealth By industry and that; For lo! he scorned to gain by stealth What he got by a cat. 

 Let none who reads this verse despair Of providences ways; Who trust in him he'll make his care, And prosper all their days. 

 Then sing a requiem to departed merit, And rest in peace till death demands his spirit. "--

 _Life of Sir R. Whittington_, by the author of _Memoirs of George Barnwell_, 1811, p. 106. 

 * * * * *

 LIST OF VERSIONS, EDITIONS, &c. 

 1604-5, Feb. 8. Play licensed, see _ante_, p. Vii. 

 1605, July 16. Ballad licensed, see _ante_, p. Vii. 

 1612. Johnson's Ballad published in _Crowne Garland of Goulden Roses_, see _ante_, p. Ix. 

 1641? Roxburghe Ballad ("London's Glory"), see _ante_, p. Xiv. 

 1670? Famous and Remarkable History by T. H. , reprinted in this volume (see p. 1). 

 1678. Another edition with the same title as the above (see p. 1), but with the following imprint:

 "London: Printed by A. P. And T. H. For T. Vere and J. Wright, and are to be sold at their shops at the Angel without Newgate and at the Crown on Ludgate Hill. 1678. "

 There are a few alterations in spelling, &c. But otherwise it is the same as the earlier edition. 

 1730. The History of Sir Richard Whittington, thrice Lord Mayor of London. Durham: Printed and sold by I. Lane. 

 This is the earliest version of the common chap-book tale in the British Museum. It is divided into chapters, and the headings of these chapters are given at p. Xxx. Of the present preface. All the other chap-books that I have seen are more or less versions of this story, but one of the most complete is that printed in this Introduction (p. Xxxii. ) The book was printed in most of the chief towns, as Newcastle, Edinburgh, &c. But one of the most interesting editions is that printed at York and illustrated by Bewick:--

 The History of Whittington and his Cat; how from a poor country boy destitute of parents or relatives he attained great riches and was promoted to the high and honorable dignity of Lord Mayor of London. York: Printed by J. Kendrew, Colliergate. 

 The frontispiece represents the stiff figure of a man in wig and gown of the time of Charles II. , underneath which is printed--

 "Sir Richard Whittington behold In mayor's robes and chain of gold. "

 1808. In the _Antiquarian Repertory_ (vol. Ii. Pp. 343-346) there is a good account of Whittington. 

 1811. The Life of Sir Richard Whittington, Knight, and four times Lord Mayor of London, in the reigns of Edward III. Richard II. And Henry V. Compiled from authentic documents; and containing many important particulars respecting that illustrious man never before published: intended to amuse, instruct, and stimulate the rising generation. By the Author of "Memoirs of George Barnwell. " Harlow: Printed by B. Flower for M. Jones, No. 5, Newgate Street, London. 1811. Small 8vo. 

 1828. The Life of Sir Richard Whittington, Knight, four times Lord Mayor of London. London: Published by Thomas North, 64, Paternoster Row. 1828. (Lysons. )

 1841. The Life and Times of Dick Whittington: an Historical Romance. London: Hugh Cuningham, St. Martin's Place. 1841. 8vo. 

 This is a novel written in imitation of Ainsworth, illustrated with plates in imitation of Cruikshank. 

 [1845. ] Woodcock's "Lives of Illustrious Lords Mayors and Aldermen of London, with a Brief History of the City of London. " London. 8vo. Pp. 28-46, Life of Whittington; but it contains no information of any value. 

 1860. The Model Merchant of the Middle Ages, exemplified in the Story of Whittington and his Cat: being an attempt to rescue that interesting story from the region of fable, and to place it in its proper position in the legitimate history of this country. By the Rev. Samuel Lysons, M. A. London: Hamilton, Adams & Co. 1860. 8vo. 

 1871. The Story of Sir Richard Whittington, Lord Mayor of London in the years 1397, 1406-7, and 1419 A. D. Written and illustrated by Carr. London: Longmans, Green and Co. 1871. Folio. 

 A new Ballad prettily illustrated, in which Canon Lysons's researches are taken into account, and the boy is made of good parentage, but the rest of the legend is retained. 

 1881. Sir Richard Whittington, Lord Mayor of London. By Walter Besant and James Rice. London: Marcus Ward and Co. 1881. Sm. 8vo. 

 Whittington and his Cat. By Ernest J. Miller. Published by the Albany Institute, Albany, N. Y. Weed, Parsons, and Company. 1881. 8vo. 

 A valuable paper, which contains a great mass of information on both the true and----the fictitious Whittington. 

 Whittington and his Cat, an Entertainment for Young People, by Miss Corner. 

 The Remarkable History of Richard Whittington and his Cat. Aunt Busy Bee's New Series. Dean and Son. Coloured illustrations on the page. 

 The following title is taken from Mr. Lysons's book, and I presume it is merely an edition of the ordinary chap-book. 

 History of Sir Richard Whittington. Printed at Sympson's in Stonecutter Street, Fleet Market. 

 * * * * *

The following extract from Granger's _History of England_ is curious asshowing that the public would not have a portrait of Whittington withouta representation of his famous cat:--

 "The true portraicture of Richard Whitington, thrise Lord Maior of London; a vertuous and godly man, full of good works, and those famous. He builded the gate of London called Newegate, which before was a miserable doungeon. He builded Whitington College, and made it an almose-house for poore people. Also he builded a great parte of the hospitall of St. Bartholomew's, in West Smithfield, in London. He also builded the beautiful library at the Grey Friars in London, called Christe's Hospitall. He also builded the Guildehalle chappell, and increased a great parte of the east ende of the said halle, beside many other good workes. "--_R. Elstracke sc. Collar of SS. ; his right hand on a cat. _

Granger says of this:

 "The cat has been inserted as the common people did not care to buy the print without it. There was none originally in the plate, but a skull in the place of the cat. I have seen only two proofs of this portrait in its first state, and these were fine impressions. "--1775, vol. I. P. 62. 

The following is a copy of the headings of the chapters in an early formof the chap-book version of Whittington's life:

 THE

 HISTORY

 OF

 SIR RICHARD WHITTINGTON, THRICE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 

 _Durham: Printed and sold by I. Lane. _ [1730. ]

 THE LIFE OF

 SIR RICHARD WHITTINGTON. 

 CHAP. I. 

 How, Whittington, being born of unknown parents, was left to a desperate fortune, and rambled the country till necessity and fear made him come to London. 

 CHAP. II. 

 How, at the instance of Mrs. Alice, the Merchant's daughter, he became a servant in the family under the cook maid, who used him cruelly, and how Mrs. Alice took pity on him, and interpos'd her authority. 

 CHAP. III. 

 How, lying in a garret, he was ready to be devoured by rats and mice, and to prevent it purchased a cat with a penny given him for cleaning shoes; and how, with the servants, he adventured the cat, being all his stock. 

 CHAP. IV. 

 How the bitter jade of a cook maid encreasing her cruelty towards him he grew weary of his service, and was running away on All-Hallow's day; but upon hearing the ringing of Bow bells came back again. Also how the merchant abroad disposed of his cat. 

 CHAP. V. 

 Of the great riches received for Whittington's cat more than for all the goods in the ship; on the arrival of which his master sent for him upstairs by the title of Mr. Whittington, and the excuses he made, and how he distributed part of his wealth to his fellow-servants giving the ill-natur'd cook maid 100l. 

 CHAP. VI. 

 How Mr. Whittington, being genteely dress'd, became, to all appearance, a very comely, proper person; how Mrs. Alice, his master's daughter, fell in love with him, and, by her father's consent, married him; and also how he was chosen sheriff of London. 

 CHAP. VII. 

 How he was thrice elected Lord Mayor of London; how he entertain'd King Henry V. In his return from the conquest of France: with an account of his buildings for pious and charitable uses, great liberality to the poor, his death, burial, and epitaph. 

 EPITAPH. 

 Here lies Sir Richard Whittington, thrice mayor, And his dear wife, a virtuous, loving pair; Him fortune rais'd to be belov'd and great, By the adventure only of a cat. Let none who read of God's great love despair, Who trusts in Him of him He will take care; But growing rich chuse humbleness, not pride, Let these dead persons' virtues be your guide. 

The following reprint of a later version of the chap-book is almostidentical with a large number of editions:

 THE

 ADVENTURES

 OF

 SIR RICHARD WHITTINGTON, WHO WAS

 THREE TIMES

 LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 

 _And the Surprising History of his_

 CAT, TO WHICH IS ADDED

 THE CALEDONIAN, A POEM. 

 _Banbury: Printed and sold by J. Cheney, in the High Street. _

 * * * * *

 THE

 HISTORY

 OF

 WHITTINGTON. 

 * * * * *

Dick Whittington was a very little boy when his father and mother died;little indeed, that he never knew them, nor the place where he wasborn. He strolled about the country as ragged as a colt, till he metwith a waggoner who was going to London, and who gave him leave to walkall the way by the side of his waggon without paying anything for hispassage, which pleased little Whittington very much, as he wanted to seeLondon badly, for he had heard that the streets were paved with gold, and he was willing to get a bushel of it; but how great was hisdisappointment, poor boy! when he saw the streets covered with dirtinstead of gold, and found himself in a strange place, without a friend, without food, and without money. 

Though the waggoner was so charitable as to let him walk up by the sideof the waggon for nothing, he took care not to know him when he came totown, and the poor boy was, in a little time, so cold and so hungry thathe wished himself in a good kitchen and by a warm fire in the country. 

In this distress he asked charity of several people, and one of them bidhim "Go to work for an idle rogue. " "That I will, " says Whittington, "with all my heart; I will work for you if you will let me. "

The man, who thought this favoured of wit and impertinence (tho' thepoor lad intended only to show his readiness to work), gave him a blowwith a stick which broke his head so that the blood ran down. In thissituation, and fainting for want of food, he laid himself down at thedoor of one Mr. Fitzwarren, a merchant, where the cook saw him, and, being an ill-natured hussey, ordered him to go about his business or shewould scald him. At this time Mr. Fitzwarren came from the Exchange, andbegan also to scold at the poor boy, bidding him to go to work. 

Whittington answered that he should be glad to work if any body wouldemploy him, and that he should be able if he could get some victuals toeat, for he had had nothing for three days, and he was a poor countryboy, and knew nobody, and nobody would employ him. 

He then endeavoured to get up, but he was so very weak that he fell downagain, which excited so much compassion in the merchant that he orderedthe servants to take him in and give him some meat and drink, and lethim help the cook to do any dirty work that she had to set him about. People are too apt to reproach those who beg with being idle, but givethemselves no concern to put them in the way of getting business to do, or considering whether they are able to do it, which is not charity. 

 "Think of this ye affluent, And when the overplus of your fortunes disturb Your minds, think how little stops the lash of penury, And makes the wretched happy!"

I remember a circumstance of this sort, which Sir William Thompson toldmy father with tears in his eyes, and it is so affecting that I shallnever forget it:

 STORY

 OF

 SIR WILLIAM THOMPSON. 

"When Sir William Thompson was in the plantation abroad, one of hisfriends told him he had an indentured servant whom he had just bought, that was his countryman and a lusty man; 'but he is so idle, ' says he, 'that I cannot get him to work. ' 'Aye, ' says Sir William, 'let me seehim. ' Accordingly they walked out together and found the man sitting ona heap of stones. Upon this Sir William, after enquiring about hiscountry, asked why he did not go out to work. 'I am not able, ' answeredthe man. 'Not able?' says Sir William, 'I am sure you look very well;give him a few stripes. ' Upon this the planter struck him several times, but the poor man still kept his seat. 

"Then they left him to look over the plantation, exclaiming against hisobstinacy all the way they went; but how surprised were they, on theirreturn, to find the poor man fallen from off the place where he had beensitting, and dead! 'The cruelty, ' says Sir William, 'of my ordering thepoor man to be beaten while in the agonies of death lies always next myheart. It is what I shall never forget, and will for ever prevent myjudging rashly of people who appear in distress. How do we know what ourchildren may come to? The Lord have mercy upon the poor, and defend themfrom the proud, the inconsiderate, and the avaricious. "

But we return to Whittington: who would have lived happy in this worthyfamily had he not been bumped about by the cross cook, who must bealways roasting or basting, and when the spit was still employed herhands upon poor Whittington! 'till Miss Alice, his master's daughter, was informed of it, and then she took compassion on the poor boy, andmade the servants treat him kindly. 

Besides the crossness of the cook, Whittington had another difficulty toget over before he could be happy. He had, by order of his master, aflock-bed placed for him in a garret, where there were such a number ofrats and mice that often ran over the poor boy's nose and disturbed himin his sleep. After some time, however, a gentleman, who came to hismaster's house, gave Whittington a penny for brushing his shoes. Thishe put into his pocket, being determined to lay it out to the bestadvantage; and the next day, seeing a woman in the street with a catunder her arm, he ran up to know the price of it. The woman (as the catwas a good mouser) asked a deal of money for it, but on Whittington'stelling her he had but a penny in the world, and that he wanted a catsadly, she let him have it. 

This cat Whittington concealed in the garret, for fear she should bebeat about by his mortal enemy the cook, and here she soon killed orfrightened away the rats and mice, so that the poor boy could now sleepas sound as a top. 

Soon after this the merchant, who had a ship ready to sail, called forhis servants, as his custom was, in order that each of them mightventure something to try their luck; and whatever they sent was to payneither freight nor custom, for he thought justly that God Almightywould bless him the more for his readiness to let the poor partake ofhis fortune. "He that giveth to the poor lendeth to the Lord, who willreturn it seventy-fold. "

All the servants appeared but poor Whittington, who, having neithermoney nor goods, could not think of sending anything to try his luck;but his good friend Miss Alice, thinking his poverty kept him away, ordered him to be called. 

She then offered to lay down something for him, but the merchant toldhis daughter that would not do, it must be something of his own. Uponwhich poor Whittington said he had nothing but a cat which he bought fora penny that was given him. "Fetch thy cat, boy, " said the merchant, "and send her. " Whittington brought poor puss and delivered her to thecaptain, with tears in his eyes, for he said he should now be disturbedby the rats and mice as much as ever. All the company laughed at theadventure but Miss Alice, who pitied the poor boy, and gave himsomething to buy another cat. 

While puss was beating the billows at sea, poor Whittington was severelybeaten at home by his tyrannical mistress the cook, who used him socruelly, and made such game of him for sending his cat to sea, that atlast the poor boy determined to run away from his place, and, havingpacked up the few things he had, he set out very early in the morning onAll-Hallows day. He travelled as far as Holloway, and there sat down ona stone to consider what course he should take; but while he was thusruminating, Bow bells, of which there were only six, began to ring; andhe thought their sounds addressed him in this manner:

 "Turn again, Whittington, Lord Mayor of great London. "

"Lord Mayor of London!" said he to himself; "what would not one endureto be Lord Mayor of London, and ride in such a fine coach? Well, I'll goback again, and bear all the pummelling and ill-usage of Cicely ratherthan miss the opportunity of being Lord Mayor!" So home he went, andhappily got into the house and about his business before Mrs. Cicelymade her appearance. 

We must now follow Miss Puss to the coast of Africa, to that coast whereDido expired for loss of Ænus (_sic_). How perilous are voyages at sea, how uncertain the winds and the waves, and how many accidents attend anaval life!

The ship, which had the cat on board, was long beaten at sea, and atlast, by contrary winds, driven on a part of the coast of Barbary whichwas inhabited by Moors, unknown to the English. These people receivedour countrymen with civility, and therefore the captain, in order totrade with them, shewed them the patterns of the goods he had on board, and sent some of them to the king of the country, who was so wellpleased that he sent for the captain and the factor to his palace, whichwas about a mile from the sea. Here they were placed, according to thecustom of the country, on rich carpets, flowered with gold and silver;and the king and queen being seated at the upper end of the room, dinnerwas brought in, which consisted of many dishes; but no sooner were thedishes put down but an amazing number of rats and mice came from allquarters, and devoured all the meat in an instant. The factor, insurprise, turned round to the nobles and asked "If these vermin were notoffensive?" "O yes, " said they, "very offensive; and the king would givehalf his treasure to be freed of them, for they not only destroy hisdinner, as you see, but they assault him in his chamber, and even inbed, so that he is obliged to be watched while he is sleeping for fearof them. "

The factor jumped for joy; he remembered poor Whittington and his cat, and told the king he had a creature on board the ship that woulddespatch all these vermin immediately. The king's heart heaved so highat the joy which this news gave him that his turban dropped off hishead. "Bring this creature to me, " says he; "vermin are dreadful in acourt, and if she will perform what you say, I will load your ship withgold and jewels in exchange for her. " The factor, who knew his business, took this opportunity to set forth the merits of Miss Puss. He told hismajesty "That it would be inconvenient to part with her, as, when shewas gone, the rats and mice might destroy the goods in the ship--but tooblige his majesty he would fetch her. " "Run, run, " said the queen; "Iam impatient to see the dear creature. "

Away flew the factor, while another dinner was providing, and returnedwith the cat just as the rats and mice were devouring that also. Heimmediately put down Mrs. Puss, who killed a great number of them. 

The king rejoiced greatly to see his old enemies destroyed by so small acreature, and the queen was highly pleased, and desired the cat might bebrought near that she might look at her. Upon which the factor called"Pussy, pussy, pussy, " and she came to him. He then presented her to thequeen, who started back, and was afraid to touch a creature who had madesuch a havoc among the rats and mice; however, when the factor strokedthe cat and called "Pussy, pussy, " the queen also touched her and cried"Putty, putty, " for she had not learned English. 

He then put her down on the queen's lap, where she, purring, played withher majesty's hand, and then sung herself to sleep. 

The king having seen the exploits of Mrs. Puss, and being informed thatshe was with young, and would stock the whole country, bargained withthe captain and factor for the whole ship's cargo, and then gave themten times as much for the cat as all the rest amounted to. With which, taking leave of their majesties, and other great personages at court, they sailed with a fair wind for England, whither we must now attendthem. 

The morn had scarcely dawned when Mr. Fitzwarren stole from the bed ofhis beloved wife, to count over the cash, and settle the business forthat day. He had just entered the compting-house, and seated himself atthe desk, when somebody came, tap, tap, at the door. "Who's there?" saysMr. Fitzwarren. "A friend, " answered the other. "What friend can come atthis unseasonable time?" "A real friend is never unseasonable, " answeredthe other. "I come to bring you good news of your ship _Unicorn_. " Themerchant bustled up in such an hurry that he forgot his gout; instantlyopened the door, and who should be seen waiting but the captain andfactor, with a cabinet of jewels, and a bill of lading, for which themerchant lifted up his eyes and thanked heaven for sending him such aprosperous voyage. Then they told him the adventures of the cat, andshewed him the cabinet of jewels which they had brought for Mr. Whittington. Upon which he cried out with great earnestness, but not inthe most poetical manner, --

 "Go, send him in, and tell him of his fame, And call him Mr. Whittington by name. "

It is not our business to animadvert upon these lines; we are notcritics, but historians. It is sufficient for us that they are the wordsof Mr. Fitzwarren; and though it is beside our purpose, and perhaps notin our power to prove him a good poet, we shall soon convince the readerthat he was a good man, which was a much better character; for whensome, who were present, told him that this treasure was too much forsuch a poor boy as Whittington, he said, "God forbid that I shoulddeprive him or a penny; it is his own, and he shall have it to afarthing. " He then ordered Mr. Whittington in, who was at this timecleaning the kitchen, and would have excused himself from going into thecompting-house, saying, the room was rubbed, and his shoes were dirtyand full of hob-nails. The merchant, however, made him come in, andordered a chair to be set for him. Upon which, thinking they intended tomake sport of him, as had been too often the case in the kitchen, hebesought his master not to mock a poor simple fellow, who intended themno harm, but let him go about his business. The merchant, taking him bythe hand, said, "Indeed, Mr. Whittington, I am in earnest with you, andsent for you to congratulate you on your great success. Your cat hasprocured you more money than I am worth in the world, and may you longenjoy it and be happy. "

At length, being shown the treasure, and convinced by them that all ofit belonged to him, he fell upon his knees and thanked the Almighty forhis providential care of such a poor and miserable creature. He thenlaid all the treasure at his master's feet, who refused to take any partof it, but told him he heartily rejoiced at his prosperity, and hopedthe wealth he had acquired would be a comfort to him, and would make himhappy. He then applied to his mistress, and to his good friend MissAlice, who refused to take any part of the money, but told him sheheartily rejoiced at his good success, and wished him all imaginablefelicity. He then gratified the captain, factor, and the ship's crew, for the care they had taken of his cargo. He likewise distributedpresents to all the servants in the house, not forgetting even his oldenemy the cook, though she little deserved it. 

After this Mr. Fitzwarren advised Mr. Whittington to send for thenecessary people and dress himself like a gentleman, and made him theoffer of his house to live in till he could provide himself with abetter. 

Now it came to pass that when Mr. Whittington's face was washed, hishair curled, and dressed in a rich suit of clothes, that he turned out agenteel young fellow; and, as wealth contributes much to give a manconfidence, he in a little time dropped that sheepish behaviour whichwas principally occasioned by a depression of spirits, and soon grew asprightly and good companion, insomuch that Miss Alice, who had formerlyseen him with an eye of compassion, now viewed him with other eyes, which perhaps was in some measure occasioned by his readiness to obligeher, and by continually making her presents of such things that hethought would be most agreeable. 

When her father perceived they had this good liking for each other heproposed a match between them, to which both parties cheerfullyconsented, and the Lord Mayor, Court of Aldermen, Sheriffs, the Companyof Stationers, and a number of eminent merchants attended the ceremony, and were elegantly treated at an entertainment made for that purpose. 

History further relates that they lived very happy, had severalchildren, and died at a good old age. Mr. Whittington served Sheriff ofLondon in the year 1340, and was three times Lord Mayor. In the lastyear of his mayoralty he entertained King Henry V. And his Queen, afterhis conquest of France, upon which occasion the King, in considerationof Whittington's merit, said, "Never had prince such a subject;" whichbeing told to Whittington at the table, he replied "Never had subjectsuch a king. " His Majesty, out of respect to his good character, conferred the honour of knighthood on him soon after. 

Sir Richard many years before his death constantly fed a great number ofpoor citizens, built a church and a college to it, with a yearlyallowance for poor scholars, and near it erected an hospital. He alsobuilt Newgate for criminals, and gave liberally to St. Bartholomew'sHospital and other public charities. 

 * * * * *

Two old houses in London, which were pulled down at the beginning of thepresent century, have been associated with the name of Whittington, butthere is no evidence that he really dwelt in either of them. One ruinousbuilding in Sweedon's Passage, Grub Street, engravings of which will befound in J. T. Smith's _Topography of London_, was pulled down in 1805, and five houses built on its site. A tablet was then set up, on whichwas an inscription to the effect that the house had been called GreshamHouse, and that Whittington once inhabited it. 

The magnificent house which stood in Hart Street, Crutched Friars, a fewdoors from Mark Lane, is said to have been called Whittington's palacein the old leases, but this is the only evidence in favour of thepopular belief. The front was elaborately carved in oak, the work of amuch later date than that of Whittington. The decoration is attributedto the latter part of the reign of Henry VIII. , and on the ceiling amongother forms was that of a cat's head, from which possibly the traditionof its having been the residence of Whittington arose. There was apopular superstition that the cat's eyes followed the visitor as hewalked about the room. This house was taken down in 1801, but both itand the house in Sweedon's Passage were reproduced in the interestingOld London Street at the International Health Exhibition of 1884. 

FOOTNOTES:

[1] _Catalogue of Chap Books, Garlands, &c. _ 1849, p. 69. 

[2] Riley's _Memorials of London and London Life_, p. 534 (note). 

[3] Riley's _Memorials_, pp. 533-4. 

[4] The Royal Mandate, dated June 8, is printed in Riley's _Memorials_, p. 545. 

[5] _Survey of London_, ed. Thoms, 1842, p. 41. 

[6] _Survey of London_, ed. Thoms, 1842, p. 162. 

[7] _Ibid. _ p. 103. 

 * * * * *

 THE

 FAMOUS AND REMARKABLE

 HISTORY

 OF

 SIR RICHARD WHITTINGTON, THREE TIMES LORD MAYOR OF LONDON:

 _who lived in the time of King Henry the Fifth in the year 1419, with all the Remarkable Passages, and things of note, which happened in his time: with his Life and Death. _

 WRITTEN BY T. H. 

 _Printed by W. Thackeray and T. Passinger. _

 _The Printer to the Reader. _

Courteous Reader, --I here present unto thee no strange or forreign news, no imagination, or vain conceit of poetical fiction; neither do I tellthee of Gallagantua or of the Red Rose Knight, nor such like stories;but I here offer to thy view a true pattern of humility; being the gloryof our Kingdom, and raised to Honour by desert; the title tells you thatit is the life and death of Richard Whittington, who for his clemencyand understanding was three times chosen Lord Mayor of the HonourableCity of London, who always acknowledged his beginning to be of mean andlow rank; yet he was beloved of the King for his fidelity and trust, asmay appear in larger volumes, and the entertainment that he gave at hisown house to his Soveraign at several times: his bounty upon alloccasions, when the King wanted his purse; his love to the City andCommons; which are not to be buried in oblivion, but rather to beproclaimed as living monuments to all people of what condition soever, to animate them never to be dejected though never so poor, as the storywill more at large declare; all which happened in the days of ourforefathers, and very probable it may be for us to believe; if we willnot give credit to former historians who will give the like to us infuture ages: read it through, and you will find something worthyof note, and thou shall do thy self some pleasure and me a highfavour. _Vale. _

 _The Life and Death of Sir Richard Whittington; who was three times Lord Mayor of the City of London. _

The saying is not so old as true, He that refuseth to buy counsel cheapshall buy repentance dear; neither let any work [mock?] a man in hismisery, but rather beware by him how to avoid the like misfortune; ifthou intend to do any good, defer it not till the next day, for thouknowest not what may happen over night to prevent thee. Behold thyselfin a looking glass, if thou appearest beautiful do such things as maybecome thy beauty; but if thou seem foul or deformed, let the actions ofthy life make good that splendor which thy face lacketh. Tell not thymind to every man, make thy self indebted to no man, be friend to fewmen, be courteous to all men, let thy wit be thy friend, thy mind thycompanion, thy tongue thy servant, let vertue be thy life, valour thylove, honour thy fame and heaven thy felicity. These (Reader) be gooddocuments for thee to follow, and I am now to present thee with aworthy president to imitate; observe his beginning, forget not themiddle passage of his life, and thou wilt no question crown his head. Hethat made all things of nothing can of a little make much, and multiplya mite into a magazine, as will easily appear by the succeeding history. 

This Richard Whittington was so obscurely born that he could scarcelygive account of his parents or kindred, and being almost starved in thecountry, necessity compelled him up to London, hoping to find morecharity in the town than in the country: to beg he was ashamed, to stealhe did abhor: two days he spent in gaping upon the shops and gazing uponthe buildings feeding his eyes but starving his stomach. At length meerfaintness compell'd him to rest himself upon a bench before a merchant'sgate, where he not long sat but the owner of the house having occasionof business into the town finding him a poor simple fellow, and thinkingthat he had no more within him than appeared without, demanded of himwhy he loytered there, and being able to work for his living did notapply himself unto some lawful calling, threatning him at the first withthe stocks and the whipping-post; but the poor man, after the making ofsome plain leggs and courtesie, desired him to pardon him, and told himthat he was a dejected man, who desired any imployment, and that nopains how mean or course (_sic_) soever could seem tedious orburthensome unto him, so he might but find some good master, by whosecharity he might relieve his present necessity: for his great ambitionwas but to keep his body from nakedness and his stomach from hunger, and told him withal how long it was since he had tasted meat or drink. 

The worthy merchant seeing him of a personable body, and an ingeniousaspect howsoever both were clouded under a rustick habit, began somewhatto commiserate his estate, and knocking for a servant had him take inthat fellow and give him such victuals as the house for the presentafforded, and at his return he would have further conference with him. The servant did as he was commanded and took him in. 

The merchant went then to the Exchange, which was then in Lumber Street, about his affairs; in which intrim (_sic_) poor Whittington was hiedinto the kitchin to warm himself, for faintness by reason of hunger andcold (for it was then in the winter time) had quite rob'd him of hiscolour. Meat was set before him in plenty, and being bred in thecountry, as the proverb goeth, _He fed like a farmer_, and havingsatisfied himself sufficiently and warm'd him to the full, a freshcolour began to come into his cheeks: at which the Merchant's daughter(hearing of a new come guest) came into the kitchin, and began toquestion him of divers things concerning the country, to all which hegave her such modest and sensible answers that she took a great likingunto him, and so left him. 

Dinner time came, and Master Fitzwarren (for so was the merchant called)came home with a good stomach, and brought a friend or two with him fromthe Exchange; down they sat to meat, and had speech of many things atthe table; meanwhile the servants were set also at dinner, who wouldneeds have Whittington, though he had so lately broke his fast, to keepthem company, some of them delighting in his country speech, othersderiding his supposed simplicity. 

But to come to the purpose, the table being withdrawn in the parlour, and the guests departed, and Master Fitzwarren and his daughter leftalone, she being of a good and gentle disposition, began to commend hischarity concerning the poor man whom he relieved that morning, to whomhe answered, God-a-mercy daughter, thou hast done well to remember me, such a one I sent indeed, but have my servants done as I commanded them?and where is he now? who answered him, that she had given order heshould stay dinner, and not depart the house till he himself had furtherspoken with him. At which they both went unto the Hall, and called thefellow before them; who appeared unto them with such a bashful humilitythat it seemed to them both to beg a charity; some language past betwixtthem concerning him, which gave them content; at length they bid himretire himself. 

When the father and the daughter had some private conference concerninghim she urged him to entertain him into his house, and that there wouldbe some employment for him, either to run or to go of errands or else todo some drudgery in the kitchin, as making of fires, scouring kettles, turning the spit, and the like: To whom the father reply'd that indeedhis work might be worth his meat, but he had no lodging to spare, andshe again answered that there were garrets in the house that were put tono use at all, and in one of them he might conveniently be lodged andput the house to no trouble at all. 

Well at length he was admitted, and made a member of the family, inwhich he demeaned himself so well by his willingness to run or go or doany service how mean so ever that he had got the good will of all thewhole houshold, only the kitchin maid being a curst quean, and knowinghim to be an under servant to her, domineered over him and used him verycoursely and roughly, of which he would never complain, though he hadcause enough. The garret in which he lay, by reason it had been longunfrequented, was troubled with rats and mice, insomuch that he couldnot sleep in the night but they ran over his face, and much disturb'dhim in his rest: to prevent which having got a penny either for going ofan errand, or for making clean boots or shooes or the like, with that hebought a young cat which he kept in his garret, and whatsoever he hadfrom the reversion of the servants table he would be sure to reservepart for her, because he had found by experience that she had rid him ofthe former inconveniences. 

The History tells us that this merchant, Master Hugh Fitzwarren, was sogenerous that he never adventured any ship to sea but he would have hisdaughter, his cashire, and every one of his servants, whar (_sic_) orwhatsoever, to put in something, and to adventure with him, andaccording to that proportion which they could spare, every one receivedto a token at the return of the ship. His daughter she began, the restfollowed, and the servants borrowed out of their wages everyoneaccording to their abilities, and when they all had done Whittington wasremembered and called for, and his master telling him the custome of hishome, asked him what he had to hazard in this adventure, who replyedagain, he was a poor man, and had nothing in the world saving thecloaths upon his back, but for money he had none at all: then hisdaughter drew out her purse and told her father, that for his servantWhittington she would lay down whatsoever he would desire. Who answeredagain, that what she had spoke was nothing to the purpose; forwhatsoever was ventured in that kind must be out of ones proper goodsand chattels, and again demanded of him if he had anything he could callhis own to put to hazard, and charged him deeply concerning that point, who making some unnecessary leggs, told him that he had nothing which hecould call his saving a cat, which he had bought with his penny, whichhe could not spare because she had done him so many good offices, andtold them every circumstance before, related, which when the merchantheard he told him that he should venture that commodity and none else, and charged him to fetch her instantly (for the ship which was calledthe Unicorn) was fallen down as low as Blackwal and all their ladingwas already had aboard. Whittington although unwilling to part from sogood a companion yet being forced by his masters command by whom he hadhis subsistence he brought her and (not without tears) delivered her tohis factor who was partly glad of her, by reason they were troubled withmice and rats in the ship, which not only spoyled their victuals butdamaged their wares and commodities. 

I must leave the cat upon her voyage at sea and honest Whittington onland, who by that cursed quean the kitchin maid was so beaten and abusedthat he was as weary of his life as of his service: for she (usurpingupon his plainness and modesty) would be quarrelling with him, uponevery small or no occasion at all; sometimes beating him with the broom, sometimes laying him over the shoulders with a laddle, the spit or whatcame next to her hands, being of so dogged a disposition that she stillcontinued her cruelty towards him, and therefore he resolved withhimself to run away, and for that purpose he had bundled up those fewclothes which he had, and before day broke was got as far as Bunhill, and then he sat down to consider with himself what course he were bestto take; where by chance (it being all-hallows day) a merry peal fromBow Church began to ring, and as he apprehended they were tun'd to thisditty, --

 Turn again Whittington, Lord Mayor of London, Turn again Whittington, Lord Mayor of London. 

This took such a great impression in him, that finding how early it was, and that he might yet come back in his masters house before any of thefamily were stirring, he resolved to go back, and found every thingaccording to his own wishes and desires, insomuch that when thehousehold were up none could challenge him to have been missing. Andthus he continued as before in his first plainness and honesty, wellbeloved of all save the kitchin drudge; I come now to tell you whatbecame of his adventure. 

It so hapned that this goodly ship Unicorn was by contrary gusts and badweather driven upon the utmost coast of Barbary, where never anyEnglishman (or scarce any Christian) had ever traded before, where theyshowed their commodities and offered them to be vended. The Moors camedown in multitudes, much taken with the beauty of their ship, for theyhad never seen any of that bigness or burthen before, but when they hadtaken a serious view of their commodities as hatchets, knives andlooking-glasses, fish-hooks, &c. But especially their cloth and kersiesof several sizes and colours, they brought them gold in abundance for itwas more plentiful with them then (_sic_) lead or copper with us. 

Presently the news was carryed to the king who sent some of his chiefnobility to bring him some sorts of every commodity that was aboard, which when he saw they pleased him highly, sending for the master andmerchants factor to court. He at their own rate bargained with them fortheir whole lading, nor would he suffer them to depart till he hadfeasted them royally. 

Now the fashion of the Moors is not to sit at the table as the custom isamong us, but to have a rich carpet spread upon the ground, and when themeal or banquet is served in, as well the king himself as the rest sitround about cross-legg'd as taylors commonly used to do upon theirshop-boards, and in that manner our English are set at the king'sbanquet, but the meal was no sooner served in but swarms of rats andmice seized upon the dishes, and snatched away the meat even from theking and queen's trenchers: at which the factor being annoyed asked oneof the nobility (by an interpreter) if they preserved those vermin forsport, or if they were noysome, and troublesome unto them: who answeredhim again, that they were the greatest vexation unto them that could bepossible, and by reason of their multitudes they could not be destroyed, but the king would willingly give half the revenue of his crown if hecould but only clear the court of them, for not only his table but hisvery bed-chamber swarmed with them, insomuch that he durst not lay himdown to rest without a watch about him, to keep them off his pillow: Towhom the factor replyed, that they had a strange beast aboard which hemade no doubt would rid them of those vermine: which being told the kinghe rose from his place and imbracing the factor told him if he couldshew him such a creature he would ballast his vessel with silver andlade her with gold and pearl. Who apprehending the occasion made verycoy of the business, telling him it was a creature of great value andnot common. Besides they could not spare her from the ship, in regardwhen they were asleep yet she was still waking in the night, not only topreserve their merchandise but there dyet from the like spoyl. The moredainty that he made of the matter the more earnest was the king for thisbeast, insomuch that he was presently sent for. 

And a second feast being prepared and the rats and mice appearing asthey did before, the young merchant having the cat under his cloak theking desired to see the thing which he had before so much commended;when presently he discovered her, and cast her among them; she no soonersaw these vermine but fell upon them with such a fury that here lay onepanting, there another quite dead; nor left them till she had frightedand disperst the whole number, but such as she seized their carkasseslay there as witnesses of their unexpected slaughter. 

Great pleasure took the king and the nobility in the sport, vowing thatthe hunting of the lyon (of which there was plenty in that country) wasnot answerable unto it. In the interim one began to praise her for hercolour, another commending her for her valour, one said she had thecountenance of a lyon, and every one gave his sentence. When the poorcat finding no more work for her to do, went round to the King and Queenpurling and curling (as their manner is), which they apprehended to be, as if she inquired of them what she had deserved for that late service. 

To cut off circumstance, no price could part them, and the rather whenthe factor had told the king that she was with kittens, and that herbrood would in some few years, being carefully lookt into, furnish thewhole kingdom, so that Whittingtons cats adventure only surmounted allthe ships lading beside, with which fortune and unexpected gain we bringthem safe into England; the ship lying at anchor near Blackwal, and thePilot and Cape-merchant, with some other officers in the ship at Mr. Fitzwarrens house, which was by Leaden-Hall, to give accompt of theirvoyage. But these caskets of jewels and pearls, with other unvaluable(_sic_) riches which were given for the cat, they caused to be broughtalong, not daring, by reason of their inestimable value, to trust themin the ship. The Bills of lading and the benefit of the return of theCommodities being viewed and considered of by the owner, he praised Godfor so prosperous a voyage, and called all his servants and gave orderthat according to their adventures every one should receive his portion. 

At length casting his eye upon those rich caskets and cabinets, he askedto whose share they belonged; who whispered him in the ear, and toldhim to his poor Whittington, relating every particular as is beforediscoursed. To whom Master Fitzwarren replyed, if they then be his, Godforbid I should keep from him the least farthing that is his right, andpresently commanded Whittington to be sent for by the name of Mr. Whittington. 

The servants not knowing anything of the business, went unto him intothe kitchin, where he was then rubbing the spits, scouring the kettles, and making clean the dressers, and told him he must come to his Masterpresently into the parlor. The poor man excused himself, that his shooeswere dirty and the room was rubb'd, and if he should but touch any thingthere he should spoyl and deface those things in the room. But still themaster of the House called for Master Whittington, sending one servantafter another till he was brought before him; and having scraped somefew legs, instantly his master took him by the hand, and called for achair for Master Whittington, his daughter, the pilot, and the factor, every one of them saluted him by the name of Mr. Whittington and forcedhim to sit down. He wondering what this should mean desired them not tomock a poor simple man who meant none any harm, &c. And wept (the tearsdropping from his eyes), desiring them not to deride his poverty, forhis ambition was never to come so high as from the kitchin to the hallmuch more from the hall to the parlor. 

Then came his master to him seriously and said, Indeed Mr. Whittington, we are all in very good earnest, for you are at this time a better manthan myself in estate, and then shewed him all those cabinets andcaskets, and how richly they were lined. 

When he perceived by all their earnest asservations that all was true hefirst fell down upon his knees and gave God most hearty thanks, who outof his great bounty would vouchsafe to cast an eye upon so poor andwretched a creature as himself; then turning to his master he presentedall his riches before him and told him that all he had was at hisdisposing and service, who answered him again, that for his own part Godhad sent him sufficient of his own, neither would he take from him thevalue of one Barbary ducket. He came nere and with a low leg saluted hismistris, and told her that when she pleased to make choice of a husbandhe would make her the richest marriage in London, because she was sowilling out of her own purse (when he was altogether penniless) to layout for his adventure. To the pilot, and master, and every officer, andcommon saylor he gave liberal according to their degree, even to theship boy, and then to every servant of the house, nay to the verykitchin wench who was so churlish unto him, and had so often basted himinstead of her roast meats; having caused her to be called unto him hegave her an hundred pounds towards her marriage. 

This being done, taylors were sent for, sempsters and the like to puthim into cloaths and linnen of the best, who were to accommodate himwith all speed possible, and his lodging in the garret was chang'd intothe best chamber of the house. And when the barber had been with him andthe rest to make him compleat in his habit, there was a strange andsudden metamorphosis; for out of a smoky and dirty kitchin-drudge thereappeared a proper and well-proportioned man, and gentile merchant, in somuch that his young mistris began to cast a more amorous eye upon himthan before, which not a little pleased Master Fitzwarren her father, who intended a match betwixt them. 

The brute of this great adventure was presently revised through thewhole city, insomuch that his master intreated his late servant to walkwith him into the Exchange to see the fashion of the merchants, which hedid, when all of them came about him and saluted him, some bid God givehim joy of his fortune, others desired of him better and furtheracquaintance, and every one as his several fancy led him: some commendedhim for his person, others for his modest answers and discreet carriage. Indeed, wealth is able to make all these good where they are mostwanting, which was not in him as appears by the sequel. 

Within few weeks the match was propounded betwixt Master Whittingtonand Mistris Alice, and willingly entertained by both parties and notwithout great cost, with the invitation of the Lord Mayor and theAldermen very nobly celebrated, and the bridegroom by this means had gotacquaintances with the best. 

After this his father-in-law demanded of his son what he purposed totake in hand (his freedom being offered him). Who made answer again thatsince God had so blest him in his small adventure he would not leave itof so, but prove his goodness in a greater, and that his purpose was toturn merchant, which reply gave him no small content in regard he knewthe best among them would be glad to have the society of so hopeful acitizen, which he continued adventuring in divers bottoms with hisfather, and had very happy and prosperous returns. 

The time being come when he was prickt for Sheriff he modestly refusedit as unable to take so great a charge, and would willingly have paidhis fine, which his father-in-law would not suffer, at whose persuasionhe took the place upon him, in which he so well behaved himself in themanagement of all affairs belonging to his office that he not only leftit without the least taxation, but with a general love and approbation, insomuch that the universal eye of the whole city was fixt upon him inan hopeful expectation what a profitable member of that united body hemight futurely prove, and this hapned in the year of our Lord 1493, SirJohn Hodley grocer being mayor and Drewerie Barentine his fellowSheriff, of the truth of which Mr. Fabian in his _Chronicle_ and Mr. John Stow in his _Survey of London_ can fully satisfie you. 

In the year 1497 and the one and twentieth of the same Kings reign, SirRichard Whittington was Lord Mayor of London, John Woodcok and WilliamAskam being Sheriffs, and he held the place with great reputation andhonour. In which time of his Mayoralty there was much discontent in thekingdom, by reason of many differences betwixt the King and the Commons;the circumstances whereof were here too long to relate, only one thingis worthy of observation that whether by his adventures or no may it bequestioned, bringing in yearly such store of gold, silks, sattins, velvets, damasks, stones, and jewels, &c. Into the kingdom might be thecause of that great pride and rioting in apparel which was used in thosedays. But as Harding, Fabian, and others have left to me how in thatyear of his Mayoralty and after there resorted to the Kings Court attheir pleasures daily, at the least ten thousand persons. In his kitchinwere three hundred servitors, and in every office according to thatrate. Moreover of ladies, chambermaids, and laundresses about threehundred, and they all exceeded in gorgeous and costly apparel far abovetheir degrees; for even the yeomen and grooms were clothed in silks andvelvets, damasks, and the like, with imbroydery, rich furs, andgoldsmiths work, devising very strange and new fashions. 

And in this year also, about the feast of St. Bartholomew, grew a greatdiscord betwixt the Duke of Hereford and Mowbery, Duke of Norfolk, thebeginning thereof being as followeth: The two Dukes riding from theParliament towards their lodgings, the Duke of Norfolk said to theother, Sir, you see how variable the King is in his words, and(reflecting upon what had past) how without mercy he putteth his Lordsand kinsfolks to death, imprisoning some and exciting others. Thereforeit behoveth us not too much to trust to his fair and smooth language, for doubtless in time he will bring even to us the like death anddestruction. Of which words he accused him to the King, which the otherdenying it was to be tryed by combate. The lists were appointed and theday of meeting the eleventh day of September, to which place and on theday assigned came both the Dukes and bravely accoutred, appeared beforethe King ready to enter into battel; when the King threw down hiswarder, and staying the combate banished the Duke of Hereford for tenyears, but the Duke of Norfolk for ever, was travelling many countries, at the last came to Venice and then ended his life. 

Again in 1406, and in the eighth of Henry the fourth, Sir RichardWhittington was the second time Lord Mayor, Nicholas Worton and GefferyBrook being Sheriffs. Again in the year 1409, being the seventh year ofHenry the fifth, he supplyed the Pretorship, Robert Whittington (hisnear Kinsman) and John Butler being Sheriffs, and which is moreremarkable of him then of any other that ever preceded him in that placeof honour, he was once Sheriff and three times Lord Mayor of this famousand honourable City in three several Kings reigns. 

Now to cut off all circumstances and come close to the matter, we mayeasily find what this man was, by the pious and religious acts done inhis life to the Cities present grace, use and benefit, and to his ownblessed memory for ever. 

In the Vintry-ward he built a church and dedicated it to S. Michaelcalling it Pater Noster in the Royal, and added to it a Colledge foundedto St. Mary, and placed therein a President and four fellows which oughtto be masters of arts, besides other yearly allowance to clerks andyoung schollars, near which he erected an Hospital which he called God'shouse, for thirteen poor men, and there according to the devoutsuperstition of those days were to pray for the souls of hisfather-in-law Hugh Fitzwarren and Dame Molde his wife, for whom heerected a fair tomb in the church he before built, leaving also a placefor himself and Dame Alice his lady when it should please God to callthem. In which place they were afterwards both of them according totheir degree very honourably interred, great mourning and muchlamentation being made for him by the Commons of the City in regard hewas a man so remarkable for his charity. 

He builded another brave structure which he called after his own nameWhittington Colledge, with a perpetual allowance for Divinity Lecturesto be read there for ever, leaving good land for the maintenancethereof. 

And on the west side of the City he built that famous gate and prison tothis day called Newgate, and thereupon caused the Merchants arms to begraven in stone. He added to St. Bartholomew's Hospital in Smithfieldand was at the charge of repairing thereof. 

Further at the Grey-Fryars in London he erected a Library as a testimonyof the great love he had to Learning, which he began in the year of ourLord 1421 and finished it in the year following. Moreover that placewhich is called the Stocks to this day, betwixt Cheapside and Cornhill, a good house of stone, which for a flesh market and a fish marketgreatly beneficial to the City. 

Besides he enlarged Guild Hall and glazed most or all of the windows athis own costs or charges, paving the Hall and contributing largely tothe Library, adding to those places a conduit which yieldeth store ofsweet and wholesome water to the general good and benefit of the City. 

In the year 1497, when Sir Richard Whittington was first elected LordMayor, that rebel Sir John Oldcastle was taken in the territories of theLord Powess, not without danger and hurt of some that took him, at whichtime all the States of the realm were assembled at Parliament inLondon, therein to provide the King of a subsidy and other aid of moneyand ammunition, who took great pains beyond the seas in France. TheseLords and others when they heard that the publick enemy was taken theyagreed all not to dissolve the Parliament, until he were examined, andheard to answer in the same. Whereupon the Lord Powess was sent for tofetch him up with power and great aid, who brought him to London in alyter wounded very much having received seventeen wounds and also aclerk which he called his Secretary with him that was of his counsel inall his secrecy. As soon as the aforesaid Sir John Oldcastle was broughtinto the Parliament before the Earl of Bedford who was then left Regentand Governour of the Realm in the time of the King's absence being inFrance and other Lords and States, his indictment being read before himof his forcible insurrection against the King and State in St. Gyles'sFields, and other treasons and outrages by him committed, the questionwas asked how he could excuse himself and show why he should not bejudged to dye according to the law. But he seeking other talk anddiscourse of the mercies of God, and that all mortal men that would befollowers of God ought to prefer mercy above judgment and that vengeancepertained only to the Lord, and ought not to be practised by them thatworship, but to be left to God alone, with many other words to protractthe time, until the Lord Chief Justice admonished the Regent not tosuffer him to spend the time so vainly, in molesting the nobles of theRealm, whereupon the Duke of Bedford, Regent, commanded him to answerformally and punctually to the matter laid to his charge. 

Then said Sir John, being thus urged at last after deliberation taken, he said, It is the least thing that I account of to be judged by you asof man's judgment, and again he began to talk, but nothing to thepurpose until the Chief Justice commanded him again to answer finally, and to answer them if he could, why he should not suffer death accordingto his desert. To which he stoutly answered that he had no judge amongstthem, so long as his liege Lord King Richard was alive and in his realmof Scotland, which answer when he had made, because there needed nofurther witness, he was then presently censured to be drawn and hangedon a gallows and then to be burnt hanging upon the same, which judgmentwas executed upon him the thirtieth day of December in St. Gyles'sFields, where many honourable persons were present, and the last wordsthat he spake were to Sir Thomas Upingham, adjuring him that if he sawhim rise from death to life again the third day he would procure thathis sect which he had raised might be in peace and quiet. He was hangedby the neck in a chain of iron and after consumed by fire. 

Moreover it is recorded that in the time of this worthy pretor SirRichard Whittington the glorious city of Constantinople was taken byMahomet the Second, Prince of the Turks, whose souldiers sacked it withall extremity and omitted no manners of cruelty by violence to eithervirgins, aged women, or sucking babes. This Sir Richard Whittington hadtraffick from thence by his factors which there abode, and were thentaken prisoners, so that he lost near upon fifteen thousand pounds, which when he heard of never was so much as cast down or dismayed, butsaid God will send more; yea such was the incessant practice of theTurkish tyranny upon this imperial city, as it exceeded the damage, rapes and spoyls of other cities. They also beheaded at the same timeConstantine, sticking his head upon a launce, and with derision causedit to be carried thorow the Turkish camp. 

In the space of a week after, there hapned a horrible tempest of thunderand lightning which burned almost eight hundred houses and spoiled threethousand people at the sacking of the aforesaid city by the saidMahomet. The Turks found therein so much treasure that they wondred thatthe citizens would not spend it in souldiers for their own defence, butso dotingly to spare the true spending thereof to become an enticingprey for their irreconcileable enemies, for indeed it was thought thatif the State would have hired souldiers, and given them good pay theymight have raised the siege of the Turks. It is an old and true saying, Covetousness is the mother of ruine and mischief. 

This strange thing happened in the second time that he was elected LordMayor and that was upon the twenty-seventh of April, being Tuesday inEaster week: William Foxley, Pot maker for the Mint in the Tower ofLondon, fell asleep, and so continued sleeping and snoring and could notbe wakened with pricking, cramping, or otherwise burning or whatsoevertill the first day of the term, which was full 14 days and 15 nights. The cause of this his sleeping could not be known though the same wasdiligently searched for by the King's Command of his Physicians andother learned men, yea the King himself examined the said WilliamFoxley, who was in all points sound at his awaking to be as if he hadslept but one night, and yet lived 41 years after. But in length of timedid call to mind how he did wish to God that he might sleep a fortnighttogether if it was not so and so concerning a bargain between aneighbour of his and himself. 

One Thursday in Whitson week following the Duke of Somerset with AnthonyRivers and four others kept Justs and Tournament before the King andQueen and others of the nobility in the Tower of London, against threeEsquires of the Queen's Bedchamber, which were performed before some ofthe French nobility that then were Prisoners to the King, which he tookin France, to the great admiration of those strangers who never saw thelike action before, being so earnestly performed. There was also SirRichard Whittington and the two Sheriff's, and that night the King andQueen did sup with the Lord Mayor. 

Those strangers which beheld those Justs were prisoners in the Tower atthat time, namely, the Duke of Orleance and Burbon, brother to the Dukeof Britain, the Earls of Vaudosine, of Ewe and Richmond, and the HighMarshal of France, and many other Knights and Esquires to the number ofseven hundred, all which were at one time prisoners to the King, butnobly used and attended every one according to their rank and quality, who when they were ransomed made it known to their King how honourablythey were attended in England, and what respect the King and our Englishnation shewed them being prisoners who might have taken their lives awayas well as their persons prisoners. 

The second thing that was remarkable in Sir Richard Whittington's yearwas that the King kept his Christmas at Lambeth, and at the feast ofPurification seven Dolphins of the sea came up to the River of Thamesand played there up and down until four of them were kill'd. 

On Saturday the eve of St. Michael the Archangel the year following, inthe morning before day, betwixt the hour of one and two of the Clock, began a terrible earthquake with Lightning and thunder which continuedthe space of six hours, and that universally through the whole world, sothat most men thought the world as then would have ended. Theunreasonable beasts roared and drew to the town with a hideous noise, also the fowls of the ayr cryed out, such was the work of God at thattime to call his people to repentance. 

The four and twentieth day of January following a battel or combat wasfought in Smithfield within the lists before the King between the men ofFeversham in Kent, John Upton Notary Appelant and John Down Gentlemandefendant. John Upton accused John Down that he and his compiers shoulddesign the King's death on the day of his Coronation following. Whenthey had fought somewhat long and received each of them some wounds, andstill persisting in their violent action and no hopes to find out thetruth, the King took up the matter and forgave both parties. 

On Candlemas eve following in divers places of England was greatweathering of wind, hail, snow, rain with thunder and lightning, wherebythe church of Baldock in Hertfordshire and the church and part of thetown of Walden in Essex, with other neighbouring villages, were soreshaken, and the steeple of St. Pauls in London about two in theafternoon was set on fire in the midst of the shaft first on the westside and then on the south, and divers people espying the fire came toquench it in the steeple, which they did with vinegar, so far as theycould find, so that when the Lord Mayor with much people came to Paulsto have holpen if need had been they returned again every man to his ownhome, trusting in God all had been well, but anon after between eightand nine of the clock the fire burst out again afresh out of thesteeple, by reason of the wind more hot and fervent then before, and didmuch hurt to the lead and timber thereof. Then the Lord Mayor and manypeople came thither again and with vinegar quenched the fire which wasso violent, but no man received any hurt. 

Moreover in Sir Richard Whittington's time lived one Richard Fleming, Bishop of Lincoln, in the year 1430 who founded Lincoln Colledge inOxford, which was afterwards in Richard the third's time in the year ofour Lord 1479 by Thomas Rotherham Bishop of the same sea (_sic_) muchaugmented and enlarged with great revenues. Likewise Magdalen Colledgein Oxford was built by William Wainfleet Bishop of Winchester, who was aloving and constant friend to Sir Richard Whittington and did much goodin many parts of this kingdom, and the said Sir Richard did largelycontribute to these and the like pious uses by the intreaty of thisBishop. 

In the year of our Lord 1419, in which Sir Richard Whittington was thethird time inaugurated into the Mayoralty as is before mentioned KingHenry the fifth, who having conquered the greatest part of France andespoused Katherine sole daughter to the King and heir to the crown, taking leave of his father-in-law, embarked with his Royal bride andlanded at Dover upon Candlemas Day, leaving in France for his deputy hisbrother the Duke of Clarence, from thence arrived in London thefourteenth day of February, and the Queen came thither the one andtwentieth day of the same month, being met upon Black-Heath by the LordMayor and three hundred aldermen and prime citizens in gold chains andrich costly habits with other sumptuous and brave devices as pageants, speeches and shows to the great delight and content of both theirMaiesties. 

The four and twentieth day of February following being St. Mathew's Dayher coronation was solemnized in St. Peter's Church in Westminster;which being ended, she was afterwards royally conveyed into the greathall and there under a rich canopy of State sat to dinner, upon whoseright hand sate at the end of the table the Lord Archbishop's grace ofCanterbury and Henry called the rich Cardinal Bishop of Winchester, uponthe left hand of the Queen sat the King of Scots in a chair of State, and was served with covered dishes, as the Bishops were. But after themand upon the same side next to the Boards end were seated the Dutchessof York and Countess of Huntington, the Earl of March holding a scepterin his hand, kneeling upon the right side, the Earl Marshal in the likemanner kneeled upon the left hand of the Queen: the Countess of Kent satunder the table at the right foot, and the Countess Marshal at the leftfoot of her Majesty. 

Humphery Duke of Glocester was that day overseer and stood before theQueen bareheaded, Sir Richard Newel was carver and the Earl of Suffolk'sbrother cup-bearer, Sir John Stewart, Sewer, the Lord Clifford (insteadof the Earl of Warwick) Pantler, the Lord Willoby (instead of the Earlof Arundel) chief Butler, the Lord Gray Caterer, Naperer, the LordAudley (in the stead of the Earl of Cambridge) Almner, the Earl ofWorcester was Lord high Marshal, who rode about the Hall on a greatcourser, with many tip-staves about him to make room in the Hall. In thewhich Hall next after the Queen, the Barons of the Cinque Ports beganthe table, upon the right hand towards St. Steven's Capel (_sic_), andbeneath them at the table sat the Vouchers of the Chancery, and upon theleft hand next to the cupboard sat Sir Richard Whittington (now thethird time Lord Mayor) and his brethren the Aldermen of London. The restof the Bishops began the table over against the Baron of the CinquePorts, and the ladies and chief noble-women the table against the LordMayor and the Aldermen, at which two tables of the Bishops the Bishop ofLondon and the Bishop of Durham sat highest at the one and the Countessof Stafford and the Countess of March on the other. And for ordering ofthe service divers chief lords were appointed officers as Steward, Controuler, Surveyor, and the like, which places were supplyed by theEarls of Northumberland and Westmorland, the Lord Fizmur, the LordFarneval, the Lord Gray of Wilton, the Lord Feres of Groby, the LordPoynings, the Lord Harrington, the Lord Ducy, the Lord Daker, the LordDelaware, &c. 

I have shewed you onely the ordering of this rich feast, but the costand sumptuousness of the fare would ask too long and large acircumstance to discourse; what I have hitherto done was onely to showto the world that at those high solemnities inaugurations andcoronations the Lord Mayor of the City of London and the Aldermen haveplace, and their presence is still required; the City being the King'sChamber and in an interregnum he the first and prime officer in thekingdom. But I fear I have dwelt too long on the premises which I hopenone will hold for an unnecessary deviation. I come now to discourseunto you of Sir Richard Whittington's invitation of the King and Queeninto the City when he bountifully feasted them in his own house at hisown proper charge. 

How great and magnificent the Londoners feasts be even amongstthemselves especially at that high and pompous festival at Guild-Hallthe day after Simon and Jude, at the solemn inauguration of his Lordshipwho but knows, as also the ordinary Tables of the Lord Mayor and theSheriffs where there is free and generous entertainment for all men offashion and quality, the like both for plenty of dishes and order ofservice is not elsewhere to be or found through Europe. If then theirdaily provision be so curious and costly, what may we think theirvariety and rarity was at the invitation and entertainment of two suchgreat majesties? I must therefore leave it to the Readers imaginationbeing so far transcending my expression. Let it therefore givesatisfaction to any one that shall doubt thereof, that it was performedto the everlasting reputation of the honour of the city and greatcontent of these royal personages invited. The bounty of the table notto be question'd. I come now to the fire that he made in the Presencechamber where the King and Queen then dined, which was only of sweet andodoriferious (_sic_) wood, far exceeding the smell of juniper, for itwas mixed with mace, cinnamon, and other rare and costly spices, whichdid cast such a pleasant and delightful savor through the room that itpleased his majesty to call him unto him and say, my good Lord Mayor, though your fare be choice, costly and abundant, yet above all things Ihave observed in your noble entertainment this fire which you haveprovided for me gives me more content. To whom Sir Richard Whittingtonmaking a low obeysance made answer, It much rejoyceth me dread Soveraignthat any that remaineth in my power can give your highness the leastcause to be pleased, but since you praise this fire already made Ipurpose ere your sacred majesty depart the house to entertain you withone (I hope) that shall content you much better. The King not thinkingit could be possible desired him to make a proof thereof, when he(having before provided himself for that purpose) brought a great bundleof Bonds, Indentures and Covenants under his arm, said thus to the King, Royal Soveraign to whom I owe both my fortunes and my life, I have herea faggot of purpose left for this fire, which I hope will smell muchmore sweetly than the first in your nostrils, for saith he, here isfirst your Highness security for ten thousand marks, lent you for themaintainance of your royal wars in France, by the Right WorshipfulCompany of the Mercers, which I here cancel and cast into the fire, fifteen hundred lent by the City to our Majesty I send after the former, two thousand marks borrowed of the Grocers Company, three thousand ofthe Merchant Taylors, one thousand of the Drapers, one thousand of theSkinners, one thousand of the Ironmongers, one thousand of the MerchantStaplers, of the Goldsmiths three thousand, of the Haberdashers as much, of the Vintners, Brewers and Brown Bakers three thousand marks. Allthese you see are cancel'd and burnt, saith he, with divers other bondsfor money lent by my father in law Aldermen Fitzwarren for the paymentof your souldiers in France, which coming unto me by executorship I havetaken in and discharged. 

Others there likewise due to me of no small sums by divers of yournobility here present, all which with the former I have sacrificed tothe love and honour of my dread sovereign, amounting to the sum of threescore thousand pounds sterling, and can your Majesty (saith he) desireto sit by a fire of more sweet scent and savour? At this the King wasmuch extasi'd and the rather because it came unexpectedly and from sofree a spirit, and embracing him in his arms said unto him that hethought never King had such a subject, and at his departure did him allthe grace and honour that could descend from a King to a subject, promising him moreover that he should ever stand in the first rank ofthose whom he favoured. And so the Lord Mayor bearing the sword beforetheir two most sacred Majesties as far as Temple Bar the King for hisformer service and his most kind and loving entertainment at that time, and the noble men for that extraordinary courtesie offered them allunitely (_sic_) and unanimously commended his goodness, applauded hisbounty and wished that he might live to perpetual memory and so bid bothhim and the City for that time adieu. 

To omit all other circumstances having acquainted you with the poor andmean estate of this Sir Richard Whittington when he came first into theCity of London, and by what means he was relieved in his miserablepoverty, as also the fortunate success of his small adventure whereby hewas raised unto so great honour, that he became the Cities Governour, and how discreetly and wisely he behaved in his authority and office, gaining thereby the love and probation (_sic_) of all men. And furtherhaving shewed you what goodly buildings have been raised by his greatcost and charge, as one church, two colledges, and certain almshouses, with yearly means left for the maintenance of all such as shall beadmitted into them, and many other charitable acts performed by himwhich are before related, to the great good and benefit of the City, andwhat things of note happened in his time, I will now conclude withMaster Stow, O that London had a Park near adjoining to it, stored withsuch Deer (as doubtless it hath, though not easily known) for some buildAlms houses, free schools, causies and Bridges in needful and necessaryplaces, others repair ruinated and decayed churches, relieving Hospitalsin a bountiful manner, and are weekly benefactors to Prisons and thoseperformed by such agents faithfully, that the true bestowers are notpublicly noted, howsoever they may be easily supposed. But the glorythey seek to invade here will (no doubt) for ever shine on themelsewhere. And that great God who hath created us, and plentifullydistributed in his great bounty all things to men, and yet not given allthings to any one man, lest it might take away that necessary commerceand mutual society which ought to be amongst us, stir up the minds ofmore of them to imitate at least, though not to exceed them in theirbounty and liberality. 

FINIS.