The second thing that was remarkable in Sir Richard Whittington's year
was that the King kept his Christmas at Lambeth, and at the feast of
Purification seven Dolphins of the sea came up to the River of Thames
and played there up and down until four of them were kill'd.
On Saturday the eve of St. Michael the Archangel the year following, in
the morning before day, betwixt the hour of one and two of the Clock,
began a terrible earthquake with Lightning and thunder which continued
the space of six hours, and that universally through the whole world, so
that most men thought the world as then would have ended. The
unreasonable beasts roared and drew to the town with a hideous noise,
also the fowls of the ayr cryed out, such was the work of God at that
time to call his people to repentance.
The four and twentieth day of January following a battel or combat was
fought in Smithfield within the lists before the King between the men of
Feversham in Kent, John Upton Notary Appelant and John Down Gentleman
defendant. John Upton accused John Down that he and his compiers should
design the King's death on the day of his Coronation following. When
they had fought somewhat long and received each of them some wounds, and
still persisting in their violent action and no hopes to find out the
truth, the King took up the matter and forgave both parties.
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