Page:History of Whittington and his cat (3).pdf/22

 put into his place, to finish the year; and this is the first mention of his being knighted, and of his great importance in the city at that time, being only about ten years after his coming there.

In 1377, the first year of King Richard II. he was called by summons to the parliament. Thus we see Whittington, from a poor deserted and forlorn boy, conducting the concerns of the first and most renowned republic in any kingdom of the world; for so must the City of London be considered, governing itself independently by its own laws.

Thus he grew in riches and fame the most considerable of the citizens, greatly beloved by all, especially the poor, several hundreds of whom he publicly or secretly assisted or supplied.

About this time it was that he married his master's daughter, Miss Fitzwarren; and at their wedding was present, among other noble characters, the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, &c.

According to the banner, once existing in Guildhall, but since destroyed by the fire which consumed the city, Whittington served his first mayoralty in 1397. He was now near forty years of age, of a goodly form, and chosen into the office by his fellow citizens, whose approbation of his eonductconduct [sic] is a sound and substantial proof that he was a good, loyal, and patriotic man.

His second mayoralty occurred in 1408, in the reign of Henry IV. His third and last service of Mayor happened in 1419, in Henry the Fifth's time, in which situation he behaved with his usual prudence. Though age had now taken off much of his activity, yet he was the most vigilant magistrate of his time. Soon after Henry's conquest of France, Sir Richard entertained him and his queen at Guildhall, in such grand style, that he was pleased to say, "Never prince had such a subject;" and conferred upon him and some of the aldermen the honour of knighthood.

At this entertainment the king particularly praised the fire, which was made of choice wood, mixed with mace, cloves, and other spices; on which Sir Richard said, he would endeavour to make one still more agreeabloagreeable [sic] to his majesty, and immediately tore, and threw into the fire, the king's bond for 10,000 marks duodue [sic] to the company of mercers; 12,500 to the chamber of London; 12,000 to the mercers, staplers, goldsmiths, haberdashers, vintners, brewers, and bakers; 8000 marks each. "All these," said Sir Richard," with divers others lent for the payment of your soldiers in France, I have taken in and discharged to the amount of £60,000 sterling. Can your majesty desire to see such another sight?” The king and nobles were struck dumb with surprise at his wealth and liberality.