Page:Lancashire Legends, Traditions, Pageants, Sports, Etc., with an Appendix Containing a Rare Tract.djvu/136

 displayed was £1881, 5s. 6d. Whether there was any further pageant after the issue of this pamphlet does not appear. The writer names a Mr L as "one of the most principal supporters of the guising on the side of Barton." He concludes by declaring his conviction that Barton was the first offender and assailant, by invading Eccles with guisers; and that the victory remained with Eccles, which had only sought to defend its own territory.

HOGHTON PAGEANT IN 1617. following is given in Nichols's "Progresses of James I." as "A speech made to King James at his coming to Hoghton Tower [in August 1617] by two conceived to be the household gods. The first attired in a purple taffeta mantle, in one hand a palm-tree branch, on his head a garland of the same, and in the other hand a dog":—

First Tutelar God.

This day, great King, for government admired, Which these thy subjects have so much desired, Shall be kept holy in their heart's best treasure, And vowed to James, as is this month to Cæsar. And now the landlord of this ancient tower, Thrice fortunate to see this happy hour, Whose trembling heart thy presence sets on fire, Unto this house (the heart of all the shire) Does bid thee hearty welcome, and would speak it In higher notes, but extreme joy doth break it. He makes his guest most welcome, in whose eyes Love-tears do sit,—not he that shouts and cries. And we, the gods and guardians of this place, I of this house—he of the fruitful chace— Since the Hoghtons from this hill took name, Who with the stiff unbridled Saxons came;