"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.
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