ill omen, that the default and follye of some would bee
the very breaknecke of our ensueing sports, which how it fell out, I
leave to the censures of others; our selves (I am sure) were guilty to
our selves of many weaknesses and faultes, the number wherof were
increased by the crossinge untowardnesse, and backwardnesse of divers
of the Prince's neerest followers, nay the Prince himself had some
weaknesses which did much prejudice his state, wherof the chiefest
weere his openesse, and familiaritye with all sortes, beinge
unwillinge to displease eny, yet not able to please all. But to
proceede:--On St. Thomas day at night the officers before elect were
solemnly proclaimed by a Sergeant at armes, and an Herauld, the
trumpetts soundinge beetwixt every title. This proclamation after it
was read, was for a time hunge up in the Hall, that every man might
the better understande the qualitie of his owne place, and they that
were of lower, or no place, might learne what duety to performe to
others.

"The manner wherof was as followeth:

"Whereas by the contagious poyson, and spreadinge malice
of some ill disposed persons, hath been threatned not
onelye the danger of subvertinge peaceable & orderlye proceedinges,
but the allmost utter annihilatinge of auncient &
laudable customes--It hath been thought convenient, or
rather absolutely necessarye for the avoydinge of a most
dangerous ensuinge Anarchie, a more settled order of
goverment, for the better safetye of all well meaninge
Subjects, and curbinge of discontented, headstronge persons,
should bee established. And whereas through wante of good
lawes by wise and discreet Magistrates to bee duely and
truely executed, a giddye conceipt hath possest the
mindes of manye turbulent spirites, of endueringe no
superiour, hardly an equall, whereby the common-wealth
might growe to bee a manye-headed monster--It hath
been provided by the staide and mature deliberations of
well-experienced governours and provident counsellours, that
one whose highe deserts might answere his high advancement
should bee sett over all to the rulinge and directinge
of all--Therefore by these presentes bee it knowne unto
all of what estate or condicion soever whome it shall
concerne that Thomas Tucker, an honorable wise & learned
Gentleman to the great comeforte of the weale-publique from
hence-forth to be reputed, taken and obayed for the true,
onely and und