their fines to be excused."

In the intermediate time they prepared for the due execution of their
duties, chose their under-sheriff's, &c.; and, "as it is customary for
each sheriff to preside over the two Counters separately, my brother
Marshall chose that in the Poultry, and the care of Wood-street
Counter was under my direction, and we agreed, at our joint expense,
to give the usual livery gowns to the officers of both, although they
are greater in number at the Poultry than in mine; in recompense for
which, it was settled that we should equally share in the sale of the
places upon any vacancy."

On Sunday, the 28th of September, the sheriffs elect met at ten
o'clock in the morning, at Drapers' Hall, "and there entertained
several of the Court of Aldermen, and sixteen of the Court of
Assistance of each of the Companies, viz: the Goldsmiths and the
Drapers, with the usual breakfast of roast beef, burnt wine," &c. He
continues,--

"Upon notice sent to us, that the Lord Mayor, with George Heathcote,
and Sir John Lequesne, aldermen and sheriffs for the last year were
attending at the council chamber, Guildhall, we all repaired thither;
the gentlemen of the Court of Assistance walking two by two, the
senior sheriff's company on the right hand, the aldermen following in
their coaches; in which, we, though sheriffs-elect, took our rank as
aldermen. Upon coming up to the area of Guildhall, the two companies
made a lane for the aldermen to pass through, and after having waited
on my Lord Mayor to Guildhall Chapel, to hear divine service, we
returned back to the court of the hustings, which being opened by
the common cryer, we were summoned to come forth and take the oath