t, of Sienna, in Italy
(where his name is ancient), who came into England in quality of servant
to Cardinal Campegius, and married a maid of honour to Queen Katharine.
"Sir John was always bred in the Court, where by his wit, innocent
mirth, and great skill in composing songs, he pleased James the First
very much. He was sent into France in 1614, about matters of public
concern, and in the year after received the honour of knighthood at
Whitehall; about which time (or rather about 1612) he was made assistant
to the master of the ceremonies, with the reversion of that
place."--Nichols's _Progresses_, vol. iii. p. 133.

[31] This stone, the author has been told, was in existence less than a
century ago, though not in the precise situation above alluded to. He
has heard the disappointment of the curious passers-by told with
considerable humour; they, however, generally took care to replace the
stone with its word of promise before the eye, that the next comer might
bestow the same labour for the like result.

[32] Some say this petition was presented at Myerscough, but we incline
to the opinion here given.

[33] Royal proclamation, May 21, 1618.

[34] This ceremony was formerly used for the conveyance of rushes
intended to be strewed in the church upon the clay floors between the
benches. It is now generally known but as an unmeaning pageant still
practised in the northern and eastern parts of Lancashire, for the
purpose of levying contributions on the inhabitants. An immense banner,
of silk adorned with tinsel and gay devices, precedes the rush-cart,
wherein the rushes, neatly woven and smooth cut, are piled up and
decorated with flowers and ribands, in rustic taste. The cart, thus
laden, is drawn round to the dwellings of the principal inhabitants, by
morris-dancers, who perform an uncouth dance, attended by a man in
motley attire, a sort of nondescript, made up of the ancient fool and
Maid Marian. This personage jingles a horse-collar hung with bells,
which forms not an unsuitable accompaniment to the ceremony.

[35] See Note at the end.

[36] This person is supposed to be the writer of a curious satire (Harl.
MSS. 5191), called a Description of Scotland. Welden's name is not
attached to it in the MS., but it is duly ascribed to him by Sir Walter
Scott, in his description of Holyrood Chapel, in the _Antiquities of
Scotland_. Sir Anthony Weldon accompanied the king into Scotland; but
that he returned with him is n