to take any part
of it, but told him he heartily rejoiced at his prosperity, and hoped
the wealth he had acquired would be a comfort to him, and would make him
happy. He then applied to his mistress, and to his good friend Miss
Alice, who refused to take any part of the money, but told him she
heartily rejoiced at his good success, and wished him all imaginable
felicity. He then gratified the captain, factor, and the ship's crew,
for the care they had taken of his cargo. He likewise distributed
presents to all the servants in the house, not forgetting even his old
enemy the cook, though she little deserved it.

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

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

When her father perceived they had this good liking for each other he
proposed a match between them, to which both parties cheerfully
consented, and the Lord Mayor, Court of Aldermen, Sheriffs, the Company
of 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 several
children, and died at a good old age. Mr. Whittington served Sheriff of
London in the year 1340, and was three times Lord Mayor. In the last
year of his mayoralty he entertained King Henry V. and his Queen, after
his conquest of France, upon which occasion the King, in consideration
of Whittington's merit, said, "Never had prince such a subject;" which
being told to Whittington at the table, he replied "Never had subject
such a king." His Majesty, out of respect to his good character,
conferred the honour of knighthood on him soon after.

Sir