victory.' This is
supposed to be preserved in the song 'Our King went forth to Normandy.'

On Cornhill there was erected a tent of crimson cloth ornamented with
the King's arms. Within it was a company of 'prophets' in golden coats.
As the King approached they set loose a great number of small birds,
which fluttered about while the 'prophets' sung 'Cantate Domino canticum
novum'--'Sing unto the Lord a new song.'

In Cheapside the conduit was hung with green. Here sat the twelve
Apostles and the twelve Kings, Martyrs and Confessors of England. They
also sung a chant and made the conduit run with wine. This represented
the reception of Abraham by Melchisedek.

The Cross of Chepe was built over by a high tower of wood covered all
over with splendid coats of arms. There was a stage in front, on which a
crowd of girls came with timbrels dancing and singing. Thus the maidens
welcomed David when he returned from the slaughter of Goliath. And all
about the building were crowds of boys, representing the Heavenly Host,
who showered down coins resembling gold, and boughs of laurel, and sang
'Te Deum Laudamus.'

Lastly, there was another tower at the west end of Chepe. In each corner
of this stood a girl, who out of a cup strewed golden leaves before the
feet of the King. And there was a high canopy painted with blue and
stars, and beneath a figure all gold, to represent the sun surrounded by
angels singing and playing all kinds of musical instruments.

This witnessed, the King went on to St. Paul's to pay his devotions.

When you read this bald account of one of the greatest Pageants ever
celebrated in the City, you must fill it up by imagining the long
procession, every one in his place. Trumpeters, bowmen in leather
jerkins, men-at-arms in shining helmet and cuirass, horsemen in full
armour, knights, nobles, heralds all in full panoply, banners and
bannerets, the Bishop and all the clergy, the King and his retinue, the
Lord Mayor and his four hundred followers. Imagine the blare of the
trumpets, the singing of the chants, the roaring of the people, the
crimson hangings all along the line of march at every window. There were
no police to keep the line: you might see the burgesses running out of
the taverns on their way with blackjacks of Malmsey to regale the
gallant soldiers who had fought and won the victory. You would see the
King bareheaded. Why was he bareheaded? Because he was so modest--this
brave King. Because he wo