National Archives, SP 14/87/57, fols. 117r-v
Letter,
George Gerrard
to
Sir Dudley Carleton
, 14 June 1616, Strand. One folded sheet, two leaves: the letter occupies pp. 1-2;
p. 3, blank; p. 4, subscription.
[fol. 117]
The King
was invited by Alderman Cockin, and the new Company of Merchant Ventarers to a Dinner in
London
, They made a greate feast, Gaue him a Present of a 1000li in a Basen and eure of Gold; which because it wanted nigh 300li of that value in weight, they made it vp with 20s peeces. To
the Prince
also a Present. And for the Kings better Contentment, they presented, Dyers, Weaue<ers>with theyre Shitles, and Cloth dressers; speaking by way of Interlude to grace them selues, and theyre indistrye; after thys, was presented Certayne Hamburgians, with greate bellyed Dobletts, all
[fol. 117v]
druncke, which spake such language as Ben Ionson putt into theyr mouthes, only for merriment:
But thys they say since is taken so ill, that the Lord Embassador here Si r Nowell Caroune hath bin with the Lords to complayne of yt.
Bibliography
CSPD 1611-18, 373
H&S, 11.586-7
Bawcutt (1997), 92-4 (also quotes from Chamberlain's letters which mention the feast,
although not the masque itself.)
Nichols (1828), 1.136-7