The Chymical Wedding of Christian Rosenkreutz

THE HERMETICK ROMANCE OR THE CHYMICAL VVEDDING▪

Written in high Dutch By Chriſtian Roſencreutz.

Tranſlated by E. Foxcroft, late Fellow of Kings Colledge in Cambridge.

Licenſed, & Entred according to Order▪

Printed, by A. Sowle, at the Crooked-Billet in Holloway-Lane Shoreditch: And ſold at the Three-Kyed in Nags-Head-Court Grace-Church-ſtreet, 1690.

The Hermetick ROMANCE, &c.

The Firſt Book.

The Firſt Day.

ON an Evening before Eaſter-Day, I ſate at a Table, and having (as my Cuſtom was) in my humble Prayer ſufficiently converſed with my Creator, and conſidered^[1] many great Myſteries (whereof the Father of Lights his Majeſty had ſhown me not a few) and being now ready to prepare in my Heart, together with my dear Paſchal Lamb, a ſmall unleavened, undefiled Cake, All on a ſudden ariſeth ſo horrible a Tempeſt, that I imagined no other but that through its mighty force, the Hill whereon my little Houſe was founded would flye in pieces. But in as much as this, and the like from the Devill (who had done me many a ſpight) was no new thing to me; I took courage, and perſiſted in my Meditation, till ſome body (after an unuſual manner, touched me on the Back; whereupon I was ſo hugely terrified, that I durſt hardly look about me; yet I ſhewed my ſelf as cheerful as (in the like Occurrences) humane frailty would permit; Now the ſame thing ſtill twiching me ſeveral times by the Coat, I looked back, and behold it was a fair^[2] and glorious Lady, whoſe Garments were all Skye-colour, and curiouſly (like Heaven) beſpangled with golden Stars, in her right Hand ſhe bare a Trumpet of beaten Gold, whereon a Name was ingraven (which I could well read in) but am as yet forbidden to reveal it. In her left Hand ſhe had a great bundle of Letters of all Lunguages, which ſhe (as I afterwards underſtood) was to carry into all Countries. She had alſo large and beautiful Wings, full of Eyes throughout, wherewith ſhe could mount aloft and flye ſwifter than any Eagle. I might perhaps been able to take further notice of her, but becauſe ſhe ſtaid ſo ſmall a[•]t[•••]e with me, and terror and amazement ſtill poſſeſſed me, I was fain to he content. For as ſoon as I turned about, ſhe turned her Letter▪ over and over, and at length drew out a ſmall one, which with great Reverence ſhe laid down upon the Table, and without giving one word, departed from me. But in her mounting upward, ſhe gave ſo mighty a blaſt on her gallant Trumpet, that the whole Hill ecchoed thereof, and for a full quarter of a hour after, I could hardly hear my own Words.

In ſo unlooked for an adventure I was at a loſs, How either to adviſe, or aſſiſt my poor ſelf, and therefore fell upon my Knees, and beſought my Creator to permit nothing contrary to my Eternal Happineſs to befall me; whereupon with fear and trembling, I went^[3] to the Letter, which was now ſo heavy, as had it been meet Gold, it could hardly have been ſo weighty. Now as I was diligently viewing it, I found a little Seal, whereupon a curious Croſs with this Inſcription, IN HOC SIGNO [•] VINCES, was in graven.

Now as ſoon as I eſpied this Sigh I was the more comforted, as not being ignorant that ſuch a Seal was little acceptable, and much leſs uſeful to the Devil. Whereupon I tenderly opened the Letter, and within it, in an Azure Field, in Golden Letters, found the following Verſes written.

This day, this day, this, this^[4]

The Royal Wedding is.

Art thou thereto by Birth inclin'd,

And unto joy of God deſign'd▪

Then may'ſt thou to the Mountain tend,

Whereon three ſtately Temples ſtand,

And there ſee all from [•]id to end.

Keep watch, and ward,

Thy ſelf regard;

Ʋnleſs with diligence thou bathe,

The Wedding can't thee harmleſs ſave:

He'l dammage have that here delays;

Let him beware, too light that weighs.

Underneath ſtood Sponſus and Sponſa.

As ſoon as I had read this Letter, I^[5] was preſently like to have fainted away, all my Hair ſtood an end, and a cold Sweat trickled down my whole Body. For although I well perceived that this was the appointed Wedding, whereof ſeven Years before I was acquainted in a bodily Viſion, and which now ſo long time I had with great earneſtneſs attetded; and which laſtly, by the account and calculation of the [〈◊〉] I had muſt diligently obſerved, I found ſo to be, yet could I never fore-ſee that it muſt happen under ſo^[6] grievious and perilous conditions, For [•••••…]eds I before imagined that to he a wel-come, and acceptable Gueſt, I needed only be nearly to appear at the Wedding: I was now directed to Divine. Providence, of which until this^[7] time I was never certain. I alſo found by my ſelf, the more I examined my ſelf, that in my Head there was nothing^[8] but groſs miſ-underſtanding, and blindneſs in my ſt[••••••…] things, ſo that I was not able to comprehend even thoſe things which lay under my Feet and which I daily I converſed with, much^[9] leſs that I ſhould be born to the ſearching^[10] out, and underſtanding of the Secrets of Nature; ſince in my opinion Nature might every where find a more^[11] vertuous Diſciple, to whom to intruſt her precious, though temporary, and changeable Treaſures▪ I found alſo that my bodily behaviour, and outward good Converſation, and Brotherly ^[12] Love toward my Neighbour, was not duly purged and cleanſed; Moreover the tickling of the Fleſh manifeſted it ſelf, whoſe affection was bent only to Pomp and Bravery, and Worldly Pride, and not to the good of mankind; And I was always contriving how by this art I might in a ſhort time abundantly increaſe my profit and advantage, rear up ſtately Palaces, make my ſelf an everlaſting Name in the World, and other the like Carnal deſigns. But the obſcure Words concerning the Three Temples did particularly afflict me, which I was not able to make out by any after-Speculation, and perhaps ſhould not yet, had they not been wonderfully revealed to me. Thus ſticking betwixt Hope and Fear, examining my ſelf again and again, and finding only my own Frailty and Impotency, not being in any wiſe able to ſuccour my ſelf, and exceedingly amazed at the fore-mentioned threatning; at length I betook my ſelf to my uſual and moſt ſecure courſe; after I had finiſhed my earneſt and moſt fervent Prayer, I laid me down in my Bed, that ſo perchance my good Angel by the Divine permiſſion might appear, and (as it had ſometimes formerly happened) inſtruct me in this doubtful affair, which to the praiſe of God, my own good, and my Neighbours faithful and hearty warning and amendment did now likewiſe fall out. For I was yet ſcarce fallen aſleep, when me-thought, I, together with a numberleſs multitude of men lay fettered with^[13] great Chains in a dark Dungeon, wherein without the leaſt glimps of Light, we ſwarmed like Bees one over another, and thus rendred each others affliction more grievous. But although neither I, nor any of the reſt could ſee one jot; yet I continually heard one heaving himſelf above the other, when his Chains or Fetters were become ever ſo little lighter, though none of us had much reaſon to ſhove up the other, ſince we were all Captive Wretches. Now as I with the reſt had continued a good while in this affliction, and each was ſtill reproaching the other with his blindneſs and captivity, at length we heard many Trumpets ſounding together, and Kettle Drums beating ſo artificially thereto, that it even revived and rejoyced us in our Calamity. During this Noiſe the cover of the Dungeon was from above lifted up,^[14] and a little light let down unto us. Then firſt might truly have been diſcerned the buſtle we kept, for all went peſle, meſle, and he who perchance had too much heaved up himſelf, was forced down again under the others Feet. In brief, each one ſtrove to be uppermoſt, neither did I my ſelf linger, but with my weighty Fetters ſlipt up from under the reſt, and then heaved my ſelf upon a Stone, which I^[15] laid hold of; howbeit, I was ſeveral times caught at by others, from whom yet as well as I might, with Hands and Feet I ſtill guarded my ſelf. For we imagined no other but that we ſhould all be ſet at Liberty, which yet fell out quite otherwiſe. For after the Nobles, who looked upon us from above through the Hole, had a while recreated themſelves with this our ſtrugling and lamenting, a certain^[16] hoary-headed Ancient Man called to us to be quiet, and having ſcarce obtained it, began (as I ſtill remember) thus to ſay on.

If wretched Mankind would forbear

Themſelves ſo to uphold,

Then ſure on them much good confer,

My righteous Mother would▪

But ſince the ſame will not inſue,

They muſt in Care and Sorrow rue,

And ſtill in Priſon lie.

Howbeit, my dear Mother will^[17]

Their Follies over-ſee,

Her choiceſt Goods permitting ſtill

Too much in th' Light to be.

Though very rarely it may ſeem

That they may ſtill keep ſome eſteem,

Which elſe would paſs for Forgery.

Wherefore in honour of the Feaſt

We this day ſolemnize,

That ſo her Grace may be increaſt,

A good deed ſhe'l deviſe.

For now a Cord ſhall be let down,

And whoſe'er can hang thereon,

Shall freely be releaſt.

He had ſcare done ſpeaking. when an Antient Matron commanded her Servants to let down the Cord ſeven times ^[18] into the Dungeon, and draw up whoſoever could hang upon it. Good God! that I could ſufficiently deſcribe the hurry and diſquiet that then aroſe amongſt us; For every one ſtrove to get to the Cord, and yet only hindred each other. But after ſeven Minutes a ſign was given by a little Bell, whereupon at the firſt Pull the Servants drew^[19] up four. At that time I could not come near the Cord by much, having (as is before-mentioned) to my huge miſ-fourtune, betaken my ſelf to a Stone at the Wall of the Dungeon, and thereby was diſabled to get to the Cord which deſcended in the middle. The Cord was let down the ſecond time,^[20] but divers, becauſe their Chains were too heavy, and their Hands too render, could not keep their hold on the Cord, but with themſelves beat down many another, who elſe perhaps might have held faſt enough; Nay, many an one was forcably pulled off by another, who yet could not himſelf get at it; ſo mutually envious were we even in this our great miſery. But they of all others moſt moved my Compaſſion, whoſe weight was ſo heavy, that they tore their very hands from their Bodies, and yet could not get up. Thus it came to paſs that at theſe five times very few were drawn up. For as ſoon as the ſign was given, the Servants were ſo nimble at the draught, that the moſt part tumbled one upon another, and the Cord, this time eſpecially, was drawn up very empty. Whereupon the greateſt part, and even I my ſelf, deſpaired of Redemption, and called upon God that he would have pitty on us, and (if poſſible) deliver us out of this obſcurity, who alſo then heard ſome of us: For when the Cord came down^[21] the ſixth time, ſome of them hung themſelves faſt upon it; and whilſt in the drawing up, the Cord ſwung from one ſide to the other, it (perhaps by the will of God) came to me, which I ſuddainly catching, got uppermoſt above all the reſt, and ſo at length beyond hope came out; whereat I exceedingly rejoyced, ſo that I perceived not the Wound, which in the drawing up I^[22] received on my Head by a ſharp Stone, till I with the reſt who were releaſed (as was always before done) was fain^[23] to help at the ſeventh and laſt pull, at which time through ſtraining, the Blood ran down all over my Cloathes, which I nevertheleſs for joy regarded not. Now when the laſt draught whereon the moſt of all hung, was finiſhed; The Matron cauſed the Cord to be laid away, and willed her aged Son (at^[24] which I much wondred) to declare her Reſolution to the reſt of the Priſoners; who after he had a little bethought himſelf ſpoke, thus unto them.

Ye Children dear

All preſent here,

What is but now compleat and done,

Was long before reſolved on:

What er'r my Mother of great Grace

To each on both ſides here hath ſhown,

May never Diſcontent miſ-place;

The joyful-time is drawing on,

When every one ſhall equal be,

None Wealthy, none in Penury.

Who er'e receiveth great Commands

Hath work enough to fill his Hands.

Who er'r with much hath truſted been,

'Tis well if he may ſave his Skin.

Wherefore your Lamentations ceaſe,

What it't to waite for ſome few days;

As ſoon as he had finiſhed theſe Words, the Cover was again put to and looked down, and the Trumpets and Kettle-Drums began afreſh, yet: could not the noiſe thereof be ſo loud, but that the bittet Lamentation of the Priſoners which aroſe in the Dungeon was heard above all, which ſoon alſo cauſed my Eyes to run-over. Preſently after the Antient Matron, together with her Son ſate down upon ſeats before prepared, and commanded the^[25] Redeemed ſhould be told. Now as ſoon as ſhe underſtood the number, and had written it down in a Gold-yellow Tablet, ſhe demanded every ones Name, which were alſo written down by a little page; having viewed us all, one^[26] after another, ſhe ſighed, and ſpoke to her Son, ſo as I could well hear her, Ah how hartily am I grieved for the poor Men in the Dungeon! I would to God I durſt releaſe them all, whereunto her Son replyed; It is^[27] Mother thus ordained of God, againſt whom we may not contend. In caſe we all of us were Lords, and poſſeſſed all the Goods upon Earth, and were ſeated at Table, who would there then be to be bring up the Service? whereupon his Mother held her peace, but ſoon after ſhe ſaid▪ Well, however, let theſe be freed from their Fetters; which was likewiſe preſently done, and I, except a few was the laſt; yet could I not refrain, but (though I^[28] ſtill looked upon the reſt, bowed myſelf before the Antient Matron, and thanked God that through her, had graciouſly and fatherly vouchſafed to bring me out of ſuch Darkneſs into the Light: After me the reſt did likewiſe, to the ſatisfaction of the Matron. Laſtly,^[29] to every one was given a piece of Gold for a Remembrance, and to ſpend by the way, on the one ſide whereof was ſtamped the riſing Sun, on the other (as I remember) theſe three Letters, D L. S, And therewith every^[30] one had Licenſe to depart, and was ſent to his own Buſineſs with this annexed Intimation, That VVe to the Glory of God ſhould benefit our Neighbours, and Reſerve in ſilence what we had been intruſted with, which we alſo promiſed to do, and ſo departed one from another; But in regard of the Wounds which the Fetters had caſed me, I could not well go forward, but halted on both Feet, which the Matron preſently eſpying▪ laughing▪ at it, and calling me again to her ſaid thus to me, My Son,^[31] let not this defect afflict thee, but call to mind thy Infirmities, and therewith thank God who hath permitted thee even in this World, and in the ſtate of thy imperfection to come into ſo high a light, and keep theſe wounds for my^[32] ſake. Whereupon the Trumpets began again to ſound, which ſo affrighted me that I awoke, and then firſt perceived^[33] that it was onely a Dream, which yet was ſo ſtrongly impreſſed upon my imagination, that I was ſtill perpetually troubled about it, and me thought I was yet ſenſible of the wounds on my Feet.^[34] Howbeit, by all theſe things I well underſtood that God had vouchſafed that I ſhould be preſent at this [〈◊〉] and hidden Wedding; wherefore [〈◊〉] [•…] ildlike confidence I returned [〈◊〉] to his^[35] Divine Majeſty, [〈◊〉] ſought him, that he would further preſerve me in his fear, that he would daily fill my Heart with Wiſdom and Underſtanding, and at length graciouſly (without my deſert) conduct me to the deſired end. Hereupon^[36] I prepared my ſelf for the way, put on my white linnen Coat, girded my Loyns, with a Blood-red Ribbon bound croſs-ways over my Shoulder: In my Hat I ſtuck four red Roſes, that I might the ſooner by this Token be taken notice of amongſt the throng. For food I took Bread, Salt, and Water, which by the counſel of an underſtanding perſon I had at certain times uſed, not without profit, in the like occurrences. But before I parted from my Cottage, I firſt [••] this my dreſs, and wedding Garment, fell down upon my Knees, and beſought God, that in caſe ſuch a thing were, he would vouchſafe me a good iſſue. And thereupon in the preſence^[37] of God I made a vow, that if any thing through his grace ſhould be revealed unto me, I would employ it neither to my own honour nor authority in the World, but to the ſpreading of his Name, and the ſervice of my Neighbour. And with this v[•••…] and good hope I departed out of my [〈◊〉] with joy.

The Second Day.

I was hardly got out of my Cell into^[38] a Forreſt, when me thought that the whole Heaven and all the Elements had already trimmed themſelves againſt this Wedding. For even the Birds in my opinion chanted more pleaſantly then before, and the young Fawns skipped ſo merrily, that they rejoyced my old Heart, and moved me to ſing: wherefore with a loud Voice I thus began:

With mirth thou pretty Bird rejoice,

Thy Maker's praiſe in-hanced.

Lift up thy ſhrill and pleaſant Voice,

Thy God is high advanced.

Thy food before he did provide,

And gives it in a fitting ſide,

Therewith be thou ſufficed▪

Why ſhould'ſt thou now unpleaſant be,

Thy wrath againſt God venting▪

That he a little Bird made thee,

Thy ſilly head tormenting▪

Becauſe he made thee not a Man,

O peace, he hath well thought thereon.

Therewith be thou ſufficed▪

What is't I'd have poor earthly worm,

By God (as 'twere) inditing,

That I ſhould thus 'gainſt Heaven ſtorm

To force great arts by ſighting?

God will out braved be by none,

Who's good for naught, may hence be gone,

O man b' herewith ſufficed.

That he no Caeſar hath thee fram'd,

To pine therefore 'tis needleſs

His Name perhaps thou hadſt defam'd

Whereof he was not heedleſs.

Moſt clear and bright Gods eyes do ſhine,

He pierces to thy heare within,

And cannot be deceived.

This ſang I now from the bottom of my Heart throughout the whole Forreſt, ſo that it reſounded from all parts, and^[39] the Hills repeated my laſt words, until^[40] at length I eſpyed a curious green Heath, whither I be took my ſelf out of the Forreſt. Upon this Heath ſtood three lovely tall Cedars, which by reaſon^[41] of their breadth afforded an excellent and deſired ſhade, whereat I greatly rejoyced; for although I had not hither to gone far, yet my earneſt longing made me very faint, whereupon I haſted to the Trees to reſt a little under them, but as ſoon as I came ſomewhat nigher,^[42] I eſpyed a Tablet faſtned to one of them, on which (as afterwards I read) in curious Letters the following words were written:

Hoſpes ſalve: ſi quid tibi forſitan de nuptijs Regis auditum, Verba haec perpende. Quatuor viarum optionem^[43] per nos tibi Sponſus offert, per quas omnes, modo non in devias delabaris, ad Regiam ejus aulam pervenire poſſis. Prima brevis eſt, ſed periculoſa, et quae te in varios ſcopulos deducet, exquibus^[44] vix te expedire licebit. Altera longior, quae circumducet te, non abducet, plana eſt et facilis, ſi te Magnetis auxilio neque ad dextrum, neque ſiniſtrum abduci patiaris. Tertia vere^[45] Regia eſt, quae per varias Regis noſtri delicias et ſpectacula viam tibi reddet jucundam. Sed quod vix milleſimo hactenus obtigit. Per quartam nemini hominum licebit^[46] ad Regiam pervenire, utpote quae conſumens et non niſi corporibus incorruptibilibus conveniens eſt. Elige nunc ex tribus quam velis, et in ea conſtans permane. Scito autem quamcunque ingreſſus fueris, abimmutabili fato tibi ita deſtinatum, nec niſi cum maximo vitae periculo regredi fas eſſe. Haec ſunt quae te ſciviſſe voluimus; ſed heus cave ignores, quanto cum periculo te huic viae commiſeris, nam ſi te vel minimi delicti contra Regis noſtri leges noſti obnoxium, quaeſo dum adhuc licet per eandem viam qua acceſſiſti domum te confer quam citiſſime.

Now as ſoon as I had read this Writing, all my joy was near vaniſhed again, and I who before Sang merrily, began^[47] now inwardly to Lament. For although I ſaw all the three ways before me, and underſtood that hence forward it was vouchſafed me, to make choice of one of them; yet it troubled me that in caſe I went the ſtony and rocky way, I might get a miſerable and deadly fall, or taking the long one, I might wander out of it through by-ways, or be otherway's detained in the great Journey. Neither durſt I hope, that I amongſt thouſands ſhould be the very He, who ſhould chooſe the Royal way. I ſaw likewiſe the Fourth before me, but it was ſo invironed with Fire and Exhalations, that I durſt not (by much) draw near it, and therefore again and again conſidered, whether I ſhould return back, or take any of the ways before^[48] me. I well weighed my own unworthineſs, but the Dream ſtill comforted me, that I was delivered out of the Tower, and yet I durſt not confidently^[49] rely upon a Dream; whereupon I was ſo variouſly perplexed, that for very great wearineſs, hunger and thirſt ſeiſed me, whereupon I preſently^[50] drew out my Bread, cut a ſlice of it, which a ſnow-white Dove of whom I was not aware, ſitting upon the Tree, eſpyed and therewith (perhaps according to her wonted manner) came down, and betook her ſelf very familiarly to me, to whom I willingly imparted my food, which ſhe received, and ſo with her prettineſs did again a little refreſh me. But as ſoon as her enemy a moſt^[51] black Raven perceived it, he ſtreight darted himſelf down upon the Dove, and taking no notice of me, would needs force away the Dove's meat, who could no otherwiſe guard her ſelf but by flight; whereupon they both together flew toward the South, at which I^[52] was ſo hugely incenſed and grieved, that without thinking what I did, I made haſt after the filthy Raven, and ſo againſt my will ran into one of the forementioned ways a whole Fields length; and thus the Raven being chaſed away, and the Dove delivered, I then firſt obſerved what I had inconſiderately done, and that I was already entred into^[53] a way, from which under peril of great puniſhment I durſt not retire. And though I had ſtill wherewith in ſome meaſure to comfort my ſelf, yet that which was worſt of all to me, was, that I had left my Bag and Bread at the Tree, and could never retrieve them: For as ſoon as I turned my ſelf about, a contrary wind was ſo ſtrong againſt the, that it was ready to fell me. But if I went forward on my way, I perceived no hinderance at all: From whence I could eaſily conclude, that it would coſt me my life, in caſe I ſhould ſet my ſelf againſt the Wind; wherefore I patiently took up my croſs, got upon my feet, and reſolved, ſince ſo it muſt be, I would uſe my utmoſt endeavour to get to my Journeys end before night. Now although many apparent by-ways ſhewed themſelves, yet I ſtill proceeded with my Compaſs, and would not budge one^[54] ſtep from the Meridian Line; howbeit the way was oftentimes ſo rugged and unpaſſable, that I was in no little doubt of it. On this way I conſtantly thought upon the Dove and Raven, and yet could not ſearch out the meaning, until at length upon a high. Hill afar of I eſpyed^[55] a ſtately Portal, to which not regarding how far it was diſtant both from me and the way I was in, I haſted,^[56] becauſe the Sun had already hid himſelf under the Hills, and I (by far) could elſewhere eſpy no abiding place, and this verily I aſcribe only to God, who might well have permitted me to go forward in this way, and with held my Eyes that ſo I might have gazed beſide this Gate. To which (as was ſaid) I now made mighty haſte, and reached it by ſo much Daylight, as to take a very competent view of it. Now it was an exceeding Royal beautiful Portal, whereon were carved a multitude of moſt noble Figures and Devices, every one of which (as I afterwards learned) had its peculiar Signification; Above was fixed a pretty large Tablet, with^[57] theſe Words, Proculhinc, procul ite profani, and other things more, that I was earneſtly forbidden to relate. Now as ſoon as I was come under the Portal,^[58] there ſtreight ſtepped forth one in a Sky-coloured habit, whom I in friendly manner ſaluted, which though he thankfully returned, yet he inſtantly demanded^[59] of me my Letter of Invitation. O how glad was I that I had then brought it with me! For how eaſily might I have forgotten it (as it alſo chanced to others) as he himſelf told me? I quickly preſented it, wherewith he was not only Satisfied, but (at which I much wondred) ſhewed me abundance of reſpect, ſaying, Come in my Brother, an acceptable Gueſt you are to me; and withal intreated me not to with-hold my Name from him. Now having replyed, that I was a Brother of the Red-Roſie Croſs, he both wondred, and ſeemed to rejoyce at it, and then^[60] pr[••••] ded thus, My Brother have you nothing about you wherewith to purchaſe a Token? I anſwered my ability was ſmall, but if he ſaw any thing about me he had a mind to, it was at his ſervice. Now he having requeſted of me my Bottle of Water, and I^[61] granted it, he gives me a golden Token whereon ſtood no more but theſe two Letters, S. C. intreating me that when^[62] it ſtood me in good ſtead, I would remember him. After which I asked^[63] him, how many were got in before me, which he alſo told me, and laſtly out of meer Friendſhip gave me^[64] a ſealed Letter to the ſecond Porter. Now having lingered ſome time with him, the Night grew on: Whereupon a great Beacon upon the Gate was immediately fired, that ſo if any were ſtill upon the way, he might make haſte thither. But the way where it finiſhed at the Caſtle, was on both ſides incloſed^[65] with Walls, and planted with all ſorts of excellent Fruit-Trees, and ſtill on every third Tree on each ſide Lanthorns were hung up, wherein all the Candles were already lighted with a glorious Torch by a beautiful Virgin, ^[66] habited in Skye-colour, which was ſo noble and Majeſtick a Spectacle, that I^[67] yet delayed ſomewhat longer then was requiſite. But at length after ſufficient Information, and an advantageous Inſtruction, I friendly departed from the firſt Porter. On the way, though I would gladly have known what was written in my Letter, yet ſince I had no reaſon to miſtruſt the Porter, I forbare my purpoſe, and ſo went on the way, until I came likewiſe to the ſecond Gate, which although it was very like the^[68] other, yet was it adorned with Images & myſtick ſignifications. In the affixed Tablet ſtood Date & dabitur vobis. Under this^[69] Gate lay a terrible grim Lyon chain'd, who as ſoon as he eſpi'd me aroſe & made^[70] at me with great roaring: whereupon^[71] the ſecond Porter who lay upon a Stone of Marble, awaked, and wiſhed me not to be troubled or affrighted, and then drove back the Lion, and having received the Letter which I with trembling reached him, he read it, and with very great reſpect ſpake thus to me; Now well-come in Gods Name unto me the man whom of long time I would gladly have ſeen. Mean while he alſo drew out a token, and asked me whether I could purchaſe it? But I having nothing elſe left but my Salt, preſented^[72] it to him, which he thankfully accepted. Upon this token again ſtood only^[73] two Letters namely, S. M. Being now juſt about to enter diſcourſe with him, it began to ring in the Caſtle, whereupon the Porter counſelled me to run apace, or elſe all the paines and labour I had hitherto taken would ſerve to no purpoſe, for the Lights above began already to be extinguiſhed; whereupon I diſpatched with ſuch haſte that I heeded not the Porter, in ſuch anguiſh was I, and truly it was but neceſſary, for I could not run ſo faſt but that the Virgin, after whom all the lights were put out, was at my heels, and I ſhould never have found the way, had not ſhe with her Torch afforded me ſome light; I was more-over conſtrained to enter the very next to her, and the Gate was^[74] ſo ſuddainly clap't to, that a part of my coate was locked out, which I verily was forced to leave behind me; for neither I, nor they who ſtood ready without and called at the Gate could prevail with the Porter to open it again, but he delivered the Keys to the Virgin, who took them with her into the Court. Mean time I again ſurveyed the Gate, which now appeared ſo rich, as the whole World could not equal it; juſt by the Door were two Columns, on one^[75] of them ſtood a pleaſant Figure with this Inſcription, Congratulor. The other having its Countenance vailed was ſad, and beneath was written, Candoleo. In brief, the Inſcriptions and Figures thereon, were ſo dark and myſterious, that the moſt dextrous man upon Earth could not have expounded them. But^[76] all theſe (if God permit) I ſhall e'er long publiſh and explain. Under this Gate I was again to give my Name, which was this laſt time written down in a little Vellum-Book, and immediately with the reſt diſpatched to the Lord Bridegroom. Here it was where I firſt received the true Gueſt-token, which was ſomewhat leſs than the former, but yet much heavier, upon this ſtood theſe Letters S. P. N. Beſides this, a new pair of Shoes were given^[77] me, for the Floor of the Caſtle was laid with pure ſhining Marble; my old Shoes I was to give away to one of the Poor (whom I would) who ſate in throngs, howbeit in very good order, under the Gate. I then beſtowed them^[78] on an old man: after which two Pages with as many Torches, conducted me into a litlte Room; there they willed me to ſit down on a Form, which I did, but they ſticking their Torches in two holes, made in the Pavement, departed and left me thus ſitting alone. Soon after I heard a noiſe, but ſaw nothing, and it proved to be certain men who ſtumbled in upon me; but ſince I could ſee nothing, I was fain to ſuffer, and attend what they would do with me; but preſently perceving them to be Barbers, I intreated them not to juſtle me^[79] ſo, for I was content to do whatever they deſired, whereupon they quickly let me go, and ſo one of them (whom I could not yet ſee) fine and gently cut away the Hair round about from the^[80] Crown of my Head, but on my Fore-head, Ears and Eyes he permitted my Icegrey Locks to hang. In this firſt incounter (I muſt confeſs) I was ready to diſpair, for inaſmuch as ſome of them ſhoved me ſo forceably, and I could yet ſee nothing, I could think no other but that God for my Curioſity had ſuffered me to miſcarry. Now theſe inviſible Barbers carefully gathered up the Hair which was cut off, and carried it away with them. After which the two Pages^[81] entred again, and heartily laughed at me for being ſo terrified. But they had ſcarce ſpoken a few Words with me, when again a little Bell began to ring; which (as the Pages informed me) was to give notice for aſſembling; whereupon they willed me to riſe, and through many Walks, Doors and winding Stairs lighted me into a ſpacious^[82] Hall. In this Room was a great multitude of gueſts, Emperors, Kings, Princes, and Lords, Noble and Ignoble, Rich, and Poor, and all ſorts of People, at which I hugely marviled, and thought to my ſelf, ah, how groſs a fool haſt thou been to ingage upon this Journey with ſo much bitterneſs and toil, when (behold) here are even thoſe fellows whom thou well know'ſt, and yet hadſt never any reaſon to eſteem. They are now all here, and thou with all thy Prayers and Supplications art hardly got in at laſt. This and more the Devil at that time injected, whom I notwithſtanding (as well as I could) directed to the iſſue. Mean time one or other of my acquaintance here and there ſpake to me: Oh Brother Roſencreutz! art thou here too; yea, (my Brethren) replyed I, the Grace of God hath helped me in alſo; at which they raiſed a mighty laughter, looking upon it as ridiculous that there ſhould be need of God in ſo ſlight an^[83] occaſion. Now having demanded each of them concerning his way, and found that moſt were forced to clamber over the Rocks, certain Trumpets (none of which we yet ſavv) began to ſound to the Table, whereupon they all ſeated themſelves, every one as he judged himſelf above the reſt; ſo that for me and ſome other ſorry▪ Fellows there was hardly a little Nook left at the lowermoſt Table. Preſently the two Pages entred, and one of them ſaid Grace in ſo handſom and excellent a manner, as rejoyced the very Heart in my Body.^[84] Howbeit, certain great Sr John's made but little reckoning of them, but f[•] eired and winked one at another, biting their Lips within their Hats, and uſing more the like unſeemly Geſtures. After this^[85] Meat was brought in, and albeit none could be ſeen▪ yet every thing was ſo orderly managed, that it ſeemed to me as if every Gueſt had had his proper^[86] Attendant. Now my Artiſts having ſomewhat recruted themſelves, and the Wine having a little removed^[87] ſhame from their Hearts, they preſently began to vaunt and brag of their▪ Abilities▪ One would prove this, another that, and commonly the moſt ſorry Idiots made the loudeſt noiſe. Ah, when I call to mind what preternatural and impoſſible enterpriſes I then heard, I am ſtill ready to vomit at it. In fine, they never kept in their order, but when ever one Raſcal here, another there, could inſinuate himſelf in between the Nobles; Then pretended they the finiſhing of ſuch Adventures as neither Sampſon, nor yet Hercules with all their ſtrength could ever have atchieved: This would diſcharge Atlas of his burden; The other would again draw forth the three-headed Cerberus out of Hell. In brief, every man had his own Prate, and yet the great Lords were ſo ſimple that they believed their pretences, and the Rogues ſo audacious, that although one or other of them was here and there rapped over the Fingers with a Knife, yet they flinched not at it, but when any one perchance had filched a Gold-Chain, then would all hazard for the like. I ſaw one who heard the ruſtling of the Heavens: The ſecond could ſee Plato's Ideas: A third could number Democri[••] s's Atoms. There were alſo not a few pretenders to the perpetual motion. Many an one (in my opinion) had good underſtanding, but aſſumed too to much to himſelf; to his own deſtruction. Laſtly, there was one alſo who would needs out of hand perſwade us that he ſaw the Servitors who attended, and would ſtill have purſued his Contention, had not one of thoſe inviſible waiters reached him ſo handſom a cuff^[88] upon his lying Muzzle, that not only he, but many who were by him, became as mute as Mice. But it beſt of all pleaſed me, that all thoſe, of whom I had any eſteem, were very quiet in their buſineſs, and made no loud cry of it, but acknowledged themſelves to be miſ-underſtanding men, to whom the^[89] myſteries of Nature were too high, and they themſelves much too ſmall. In this Tumult I had almoſt curſed the day wherein I came hither; For I could not but with anguiſh behold that thoſe lewd vain People were above at the Board, but I in ſo ſorry a place could not, however reſt in quiet, one of theſe Raſcals ſcornfully reproaching me for a motly Fool. Now I thought not that there was yet one Gate behind, through which we muſt paſs, but imagined I was during the whole Wedding, to continue in this ſcorn, contempt and indignity, which yet I had at no time deſerved, either of the Lord Bride-groom or the Bride; And therefore (in my opinion) he ſhould have done well to have ſought out ſome other Fool to his Wedding than me. Behold, to ſuch impatience doth the Iniquity of this World reduce^[90] ſimple hearts. But this really was one part of my Lameneſs, whereof (as is before mentioned) I dreamed. And truly this clamour the longer it laſted, the more it increaſed. For there were already thoſe who boaſted of falſe and imaginary Viſions, and would perſwade us of palpably lying Dreams▪ Now there ſate by me a very fine quiet Man, who oftentimes diſcourſed^[91] of excellent matters, at length he ſaid, Behold my Brother, if any one ſhould now come who were willing to inſtruct theſe blockiſh People in the right way, would he be heard? No, verily, replyed I. The world, ſaid he, is now reſolved (whatever ^[92] comes on it) to be cheated, and cannot abide to give Ear to thoſe who intend its good. Seeſt thou alſo that ſame Cocks-Comb, with what whimſical Figures and fooliſh Conceits he allures others to him. There one makes Mouthes at the People with unheard of Myſterious Words. Yet believe me in this, the time is non coming when thoſe ſhameful Vizards ſhall be plucked off, and all the World ſhall know what Vagabond Impoſters were concealed behind them. Then perhaps that will be valued which at preſent is not eſteemed. Whilſt he was thus ſpeaking, and the clamour the longer it laſted, the worſe it was, all on a ſuddain there began in the Hall ſuch excellent and ſtately Muſick, as^[93] all the days of my Life I never heard the like; whereupon every one held his peace, and attended what would become of it: Now there were in this Muſick all ſorts of ſtringed Inſtruments imaginable, which ſounded together in ſuch harmony, that I forgot myſelf, and ſate ſo unmovably, that thoſe who ſate by me were amazed at me, and this laſted near half an hour, wherein none of us ſpake one word, For as ſoon as ever any one was about to open his Mouth, he got an unexpected^[94] blow, neither knew he from whence it came: Me thought ſince we were not permitted to ſee the Muſitians. I ſhould have been glad to view only all the Inſtruments they made uſe of. After half an hour this Muſick ceaſed unexpectly, and we could neither ſee nor hear any thing further. Preſently after, before the Door of the Hall began a great noiſe ſounding and beating of Trumpets, Shalms and Kettle-Drums, alſo Maſter-like, as if the Emperor of Rome had been entring: whereupon the Door opened of it ſelf, and then the noiſe of the Trumpets was ſo loud, that we were^[95] hardly able to indure it. Mean while (to my thinking) many thouſand ſmall Tapers) came into the Hall, all which of themſelves marched in ſo very exact an order as altogether amazed us, till at laſt the two fore-mentioned Pages^[96] with bright Torches, lighting in a moſt beautiful Virgin, all drawn on a gloriouſly gilded Triumphant Selfmoving Throne, entred the Hall. It ſeemed to me ſhe was the very ſame who before on the way kindled, and put out the Lights, and that theſe her Attendants were the very ſame whom ſhe formerly placed at the Trees. She^[97] was not now as before in Skye-colour, but arrayed in a ſnow-white glittering Robe, which ſparkled of pure Gold, and caſt ſuch a luſtre that we durſt not ſteadily behold it. Both the Pages were after the ſame manner habited (albeit ſomewhat more ſlightly; as ſoon as they were come into the middle of the Hall, & were deſcended from the Throne, all the ſmall Tapers made obeiſance before her: Whereupon we all ſtood up from our Benches, yet every one ſtaid in his own place. Now ſhe having to us, and we again to her, ſhewed all Reſpect and Reverence; in a moſt pleaſant Tone ſhe began thus to ſpeak;

The King my Lord moſt gracious,^[98]

Who now's not very far from us.

As alſo his moſt lovely Bride,

To him in troth and honour ti'd;

Already, with great joy indu'd,

Have your arrival hither view'd:

And do to every one, and all

Promiſe their Grace in ſpecial;

And from their very Hearts deſire▪

You may it at the time acquire;

That ſo their future Nuptial joy

May mixed be with none's annoy.

Hereupon with all her ſmall Tapers ſhe again courteouſſy bowed, and preſently after began thus:

In th' Invitation writ, you know.^[99]

That no man called was hereto

Who of God's rareſt gifts good ſtore

Had not received long before,

Adorned with all requiſit's,

As in ſuch caſes it befit's.

How though they cannot well conceit

That any man's ſo deſperate,

Ʋnder conditions ſo hard,

Here to intrude without regard;

Ʋnleſs he have been firſt of all,

Prepared for this Nuptial▪

And therefore in good hopes do dwell

That with all you it will be well:

Yet men are grown ſo bold, and rude,

Not weighing their ineptitude;

As ſtill to thruſt themſelves in place

Whereto none of them called was:

No Cocks-comb here himſelf may ſell,

No Raſcal in with others ſteal;

For they reſolve without all let

A Wedding pure to celebrate.

So then the Artiſts for to weigh,^[100]

Scales ſhall be fix't th' enſuing day;

Whereby each one may lightly find

What he hath left at home behind.

If here be any of that Rout

Who have good cauſe themſelves to doubt,

Let him pack quickly hence aſide;

For that in caſe be longer bide,

Of grace forelor'n, and quite undone

Betimes he muſt the Gantlet run:

If any now his Conſcience gall,

He ſhall to night be left in th' Hall

And be again releas't by morn,

Yet ſo he hither ne'er return.

If any man have confidence,

He with his waiter may go hence,

Who ſhall him to his Chamber light

Where he may reſt in peace to night;

And there with praiſe awaite the Scale

Or elſe his Sleep may chance to faile.

The others here may take it well,

For who aim's 'bove what's poſſible,

'Twere better much he hence had paſ't,

But of you all wee'l hope the beſt.

As ſoon as ſhe had done ſpeaking this, ſhe again made reverence, and ſprung chearfully into her Throne, after which the Trumpets began again to ſound, which yet was not of force to take from many their grievous Sighs So they again conducted her inviſibly away, but the moſt part of the ſmall Tapers remained in the Room, and ſtill one of them accompanied each of us. In ſuch perturbation 'tis not well poſſible to expreſs what penſive Thoughts and Geſtures were amongſt us. Yet the moſt part reſolved to await the Scale, and in caſe things ſorted not well, to depart (as they hoped) in peace. I had ſoon caſt up my reckoning, ^[101] and being my Conſcience convinced me of all ignorance, and unworthineſs, I purpoſed to ſtay with the reſt in the Hall, and choſe much rather to content my ſelf with the Meal I had already taken, than to run the Riſco of a future repulſe. Now after that every one by his ſmall Taper had ſeverally been conducted into a Chamber (each as I ſince underſtood into a peculiar one) There ſtaid nine of us, and amongſt the reſt he alſo, who diſcourſed with me before at the Table. But although our ſmall Tapers left us not, yet ſoon after within an hours time one of the fore-mentioned Pages came in, and bringing a great bundle of Cords with him, firſt demanded of us whether we had concluded to ſtay there, which when we had with Sighs affirmed, he bound each of us in a ſeveral place, and ſo went away with our ſmall^[102] Tapers, and left us poor Wretches in Darkneſs. Then firſt began ſome to perceive the imminent danger, and I my ſelf could not refrain Tears. For although we were not forbidden to ſpeak, yet anguiſh and affliction ſuffered none of us to utter one word. For the Cords were ſo wonderfully made, yet none could cut them, muchleſs get them off his Feet: yet this comforted me, that ſtill the future gain, of many an one, who had now betaken himſelf to reſt, would prove very little to his ſatisfaction. But we by one only Nights Pennance might expiate all our pr[•]ſumption: till at length in my ſorrowful thoughts I fell aſleep; during which I had a Dream; Now although^[103] there be no great matter in it, yet I eſteem it not impertient to recount it: Me thought I was upon an high Mountain, and ſaw before me a great & large Valley, in this Valley were gathered^[104] together an unſpeakable multitude of People, each of which had at his Head a Thread, by which he was hanged up towards Heaven, now one hung high, another low, ſome ſtood even quite upon the Earth. But in the Air there flew up and down an ancient Man, who had in his hand a pair of Shoers, wherewith here he cut one's, and there another's thread. Now he that was nigh the Earth was ſo much the readier, & fall without noiſe, but when it happened to one of the high ones, he fell, ſo that the Earth quaked. To ſome it came to paſs that their Thread was ſo ſtretched, that they came to the Earth before the Thread was cut. I took pleaſure in this tumbling, and it joyed me at the Heart, when he who had over-exalted himſelf in the Air, of his Wedding, got ſo ſhameful a fall, that it carried even ſome of his Neighbours along with him. In like manner it alſo rejoiced me, that he who had all this while kept himſelf near the Earth, could come down ſo fine and gently, that even his next men perceived it not. But being now in my higheſt fit of Jollity, I was unawares jogged by one of my fellow Captives, upon which I^[105] was awaked, and was very much diſcontented with him; Howbeit, I conſidered my Dream, and recounted it to my Brother, who lay by me on the other ſide; who was not diſſatisfied with it, but hoped ſome Comfort might thereby be pretended. In ſuch diſcourſe we ſpent the remaining part of the Night, and with longing exſpected the Day.

The Third Day.

NOw as ſoon as the lovely day was broken, and the bright Sun, having raiſed himſelf above the Hills, had again betaken himſelf, in the high Heaven, to his appointed office; My good Champions began to riſe out of their Beds, and leiſurely to make themſelves ready unto the Inquiſition. Whereupon, one after another, they came again into the Hall, and giving^[106] us a good morrow, demanded how we had Slept to Night; and having eſpied our Bonds, there were ſome that reproved us for being ſo cowardly, and that we had not (much rather) as they, hazarded upon all adventures. Howbeit, ſome of them whoſe Hearts ſtill ſmote them made no loud cry of the buſineſs. We excuſed our ſelves with our ignorance, hoping we ſhould now ſoon be ſet at Liberty, and learn wit by this diſgrace? that they on the contrary had not yet altogether eſcaped, & perhaps their greateſt danger was ſtill to be expected: At length each one being again aſſembled, the Trumpets began^[107] now again to ſound & the Kettle Drums to beat as formerly, and we then imagined no other but that the Bride-groom was ready to preſent himſelf; which nevertheleſs was a huge miſtake. For^[108] it was again the yeſterday's Virgin who had arrayed her ſelf all in red Velvet, and girded her ſelf with a white Scarfe. Upon her Head ſhe had a green Wreath of Laurel, which hugely became her. Her train was now no more of ſmall Tapers, but conſiſted of two hundred Men in Harnis, who were all (like her) cloathed in red and white. Now as ſoon as they were alighted from the Throne, ſhe comes ſtreight to us Priſoners, and after ſhe had Saluted us, ſhe ſaid in few words; That ſome of you have been ſenſible of your wretched condition is hugely pleaſing to my moſt mighty Lord, and he is alſo reſolved you ſhall fare the better for it;^[109] And having eſpied me in my Habit, ſhe laughed and ſpake, good lack! haſt thou alſo ſubmitted thy ſelf to the Yoke, I imagined thou wouldſt have made thy ſelf very ſmug; with which Words ſhe cauſed my Eyes to run over. After which ſhe commanded we ſhould be unbound, and cuppled together and placed in a ſtation where we might well behold the Scales. For, ſaid ſhe, it may yet fare better with them, than with the Preſumptious, who yet ſtands here at Liberty. Mean time the Scales which were intirely of Gold were hung^[110] up in the midſt of the Hall; There was alſo a little Table covered with red Velvet, and ſeven weights placed thereon.^[111] Firſt of all ſtood a pretty great one, next four little ones; laſtly, two great ones ſeverally; And theſe Weights in proportion to their bulk were ſo heavy, that no man can believe or comprehend^[112] it: But each of the Harniſed men had together with a naked Sword a ſtrong rope; Theſe ſhe diſtributed according to the number of Weights into ſeven bands, [•]and out of every band choſe one for their proper weight; and then again ſprung up into her high Throne. Now as ſoon as ſhe had made her reverence, with a very Shrill Tone ſhe began thus to ſpeak:

Who int' a Painters room does go

And nothing does of painting know,

Yet does in pra[•]ing thereof, pride it;

Shall be of all the World derided.

Who into th' Artiſts order goes,

And thereunto was never choſe;

Yet with pretence of skill does pride it;

Shall be of all the World derided.

Who at a Wedding does appear,

And yet was ner'e intended there;

Yet does in coming highly pride it;

Shall be of all the World deried.

Who now into this Scale aſcends,

The weights not proving his faſt Friends,

And that it bounces ſo does ride it;

Shall be of all the World derided.

As ſoon as the Virgin had done ſpeaking,^[113] one of the Pages commanded each one to place himſelf according to his order, and one after another to ſtep in: which one of the Emperors ^[114] made no ſcruple of, but firſt of all bowed himſelf a little towards the Virgin, and afterwards in all his ſtately Attire went up: where upon each Captain laid in his weight; which (to the wonder of all) he ſtood out. But the laſt was too heavy for him, ſo that forth he muſt; and that with ſuch anguiſh that (as it ſeemed to me) the Virgin her ſelf had pitty on him, who alſo beckned to her people to hold their peace, yet was the good Emperor bound and delivered over to the Sixth band. Next him again came forth another Emperor, who ſtept hautily into^[115] the Scale, and having a great thick Book ^[116] under his Gown, he imagined not to fail; But being ſcarce able to abide the third weight, and being unmercifully ſlung down, and his Book in that affrightment ſlipping from him, all the Soldiers began to laugh, and he was delivered up bound to the third band. Thus it went alſo with ſome others of^[117] the Emperors, who were all ſhamefully laughed at and captived. After theſe comes forth a little ſhort Man with a curld brown Beard an Emperor too,^[118] who after the uſual reverence got up alſo, and held out ſo ſteadfaſtly, that me thought, had there been more weights ready, he would have outſtood them; To whom the Virgin immediately aroſe, and bowed before him, cauſing him to put on a Gown of red Velvet, and at laſt reached him a branch of Lawrel, having good ſtore of them upon her Throne, upon the ſteps whereof ſhe willed him to ſit down. Now how, after him it fared with the reſt of the Emperors, Kings and Lords, would be too long to recount; but I cannot leave unmentioned that few of thoſe great▪ perſonages held out. Howbeit ſundry eminent vertues (beyond my hopes) were found in many. One could ſtand out this, the ſecond another, ſome two, ſome three, four or five, but few could attain to the juſt perfection; But every one who failed, was miſerably laughed at by the bands. After the Inquiſition had alſo paſſed over the Gentry, the learned, and unlearned, and the reſt, and in each condition perhaps one, it may be, two, but for the moſt part none, was found perfect, it came at length to thoſe honeſt Gentlemen the vagabond Cheaters, ^[119] and raſcally Lapidem Spitalauſicum makers, who were ſet upon the Scale with ſuch ſcorn, that I my ſelf for all my grief was ready to burſt my Belly with laughing, neither could the very Priſoners themſelves refrain. For the moſt part could not abide that ſevere trial, but with Whips and Scourges were jerked out of the Scale, and led to the other Priſoners, yet to a ſuiteable band. Thus of ſo great a throng ſo few remained, that I am aſhamed to diſcover their number. Howbeit there were Perſons of quality alſo amongſt them, who notwithſtanding^[120] were (like the reſt) honoured with Velvet Robes and wreaths of Lawrel.

The Inquiſition being compleatly finiſhed, and none but we poor coupled hounds ſtanding aſide; At length one of the Captains ſtepped forth, and ſaid, Gratious Madam, if it pleaſe your Ladyſhip let theſe poor men, who acknowledged their miſ-underſtanding, be ſet upon the Scale alſo without their incurring any danger of penalty, and only for recreation's ſake, if perchance any thing that is right may be found^[121] amongſt them. In the firſt place I was in great perplexity, for in my anguiſh this was my only comfort, that I was not to ſtand in ſuch ignominy, or to be laſhed out of the Scale. For I nothing doubted but that many of the Priſoners wiſhed that they had ſtay'd ten Nights with us in the Hall. Yet ſince the Virgin conſented, ſo it muſt be, and we being untied were one after another ſet up: Now although the moſt part miſcarried, yet they were neither laught at, nor ſcourged, but peaceably placed on one ſide. My^[122] Companion was the fifth, who held out bravely, whereupon all, but eſpecially the Captain who made the requeſt for us, applauded him, and the Virgin ſhewed him the uſual reſpect. After him again two more were diſpatched in an inſtant. But I was the eighth; Now as ſoon as (with trembling) I^[123] ſtepped up, my Companion who already ſat by in his Velvet, looked friendly upon me, and the Virgin her ſelf ſmiled a little. But for as much as I outſtayed all the Weights, the Virgin commanded them to draw me up by force, wherefore three men moreover hung on the otherſide of the Beam, and yet could nothing prevail. Whereupon one of the Pages immediately ſtood up, and cryed out exceeding loud, THAT's HE: Upon which^[124] the other replyed; Then let him▪ gain his Liberty, which the Virgin accorded; and being received with due Ceromonies, The choice was given me to releaſe one of the Captives, whoſoever I^[125] pleaſed; Whereupon▪ I made no long deliberation, but elected the firſt Emperor^[126] whom I had long pittied, who was immediately ſet free, and with all reſpect ſeated amongſt us. Now the laſt being ſet up, and the Weights proving too heavy for him, in the mean while the Virgin eſpied my Roſes, which I had taken out of my Hat into my^[127] Hands, and thereupon preſently by her Page graciouſly requeſted them of me, which I readily ſent her. And ſo this firſt Act was finiſhed about ten in the^[128] fore-noon. Whereupon the Trumpets began to ſound again, which nevertheleſs we could not as yet ſee. Mean time the Bands were to ſtep aſide with their Priſoners, and expect the Judgment. After which a Council of the ſeven Captains and us was ſet, and the buſineſs was propounded by the Virgin as Preſident▪ who deſired each one to give his opinion, how the Priſoners were to be dealt with. The firſt opinion^[129] was, That they ſhould all be put to Death, yet one more ſeverely than another: namely thoſe who had preſumptuouſly^[130] intruded themſelves contrary to the Expreſs conditions; others would have them kept cloſe priſoners. Both^[131] which pleaſed neither the Preſident, nor me. At length by one of the Emperors (the ſame whom I had freed) my Companion, and my ſelf the affair was brought to this point; That firſt of▪ the principal Lord's ſhould with a befitting^[132] reſpect be led out of the Caſtle; others might be carried out ſomewhat^[133] more ſcornfully. Theſe ſhould, be ſtripped, and cauſed to run out naked; The fourth with Rods, Whips, or Dogs, ſhould be hunted out. Thoſe who the day before willingly ſurrendred themſelves, might be ſuffered to depart without any blame, And laſt of all thoſe Preſumptuous ones, and they who behaved themſelves ſo unſeemly at Dinner the day before, ſhould be puniſhed in Body and Life according to each Mans demerle. This opinion pleaſed the Virgin well, and obtained the upper hand. There was moreover another Dinner vouchſafed them, which they were ſoon acquainted with. But the Execution was deferred till twelve at noon, Here with the Senate aroſe, and the Virgin alſo, together with her. Attendants returned to her uſual quarter. But the uppermoſt Table in the Room was allotted to us, they requeſting us to take it in good part till the Buſineſs were fully diſpatched. And then we ſhould he conducted to the Lord Bridegroom and the Bride, with which we were at preſent well content. Mean time the Priſoners were again brought into the Hall, and each Man ſeated according^[134] to his Quality; they were likewiſe enjoyned to behave themſelves ſomewhat more civilly than they had done the day before, which yet they needed nor to have been admoniſhed, for (without this, they had already put up their pipes. And this I can boldly ſay, not with flattery, but in the love of truth, that commonly thoſe perſons who were of the higheſt R[••]k, beſt underſtood how to behave themſelves in ſo unexpected a misfourtune. Their Treatment was but indifferent, yet with reſpect, neitheir^[135] could they yet ſee their Attendants but to us they were viſible, whereas I was exceeding joyful. Now altough Fourtune had exalted us, yet we took not upon us more than the reſt, adviſing them to be of good Cheer, the event would not be ſo ill. Now although they would gladly have underſtood the Sentence of us, yet we were ſo deeply obliged that none durſt open his Mouth about it. Nevertheleſs we comforted them as well as we could, drinking with them to try if the Wine might make them any thing cheerfuller.^[136] Our Table was covered with red Velvet, beſet with drinking-Cups of pure Silver and Gold; which the reſt could not behold without amazement and very great anguiſh. But e're we had ſeated our ſelves, in came the two Pages, preſenting every one in the Bridegroom's behalf, the Golden Fleece with a flying Lyon, requeſting us to wear them^[137] at the Table, and as became us, to obſerve the Reputation and Dignity of the Order, which his Majeſty had now vouchſafed us, and ſhould ſuddenly be ratified with ſutable Ceremonies. This we received with profoundeſt ſubmiſſion, promiſing obediently to perform whatſoever his Majeſty ſhould pleaſe. Beſides theſe, the noble Page had a Schedule, wherein we were ſet down in order. And for my part I ſhould not otherwiſe be deſirous to conceal my place, if perchance it might not be interpreted to Pride in me, which yet is expreſly againſt the fourth▪ Weight. Now becauſe our entertainment was exceeding ſtately, we demanded one of the Pages, whether we might not have leave to ſend ſome choice bit to our Friends and Acquaintance, who making no difficulty of it, every one ſent plentifully to his acquaintance by the waiters, howbeit they ſaw none of them; and foraſmuch as they knew not whence it came, I was my ſelf deſirous to carry ſomewhat to one of them,^[138] but as ſoon as I was riſen, one of the Waiters was preſently at my Elbow, ſaying, He deſired me to take friendly warning, for in caſe one of the Pages had ſeen it, it would have come to the King's Far, who would, certainly have taken it amiſs of me; but ſince none had obſerved it but himſelf, he purpoſed not to betray me, but that I ought for the time to come to have better regard to the dignity of the order: With which words the Servant did really ſo aſtoniſh me, that for a long time after I ſcarce moved upon my Seat▪ yet I returned him Thanks for his faithful warning, as well as in haſte and affrightment I was able. Soon after the Drums began to beat again, to which we were already accuſtomed: For we well knew it was the Virgin, wherefore we prepared our ſelves to receive her who was now coming in with her uſual [〈◊◊〉] ^[139] her high Seat, one of the Pages bea[•]ing before her a very tall Goblet of Gold. And the other, a Patent in Parchment: Being now after a marvellous artificial manner alighted from the Seat, ſhe takes the Goblet from the Page, and preſents the ſame in the King's behalf, ſaying, That it was brought us from his Majeſty, and that in honour of ^[140] him we ſhould c[••]ſe[•]it to go round. Upon the cover of this Goblet ſtood Fortune curiouſly caſt in Gold, who had in her Hand a red flying Enſign; for which cauſe I drunk ſomewhat the more ſadly, as having been but too well acquainted with Fortune's way-wardneſs. But the Virgin as well as we, was adorned with the Golden Fleece and Lyon,^[141] whence I obſerved, that perhaps ſhe was the preſident of the Order. Wherefore we demanded of her how the Order might be named? ſhe anſwered, That it was not yet ſeaſonable to diſcover it, till the affair with the Priſoners were diſpatched. And therefore their Eyes were ſtill held; and what had hitherto happened to us, was to them only for an Offence and Scandal, although it were to be accounted as nothing, in regard of the honour that attended us. Hereupon ſhe began to diſtinguiſh the Patent which the other Page held into two different parts, out^[142] of which about thus much was read before the firſt company.

That they ſhould confeſs that they had ^[143] too lightly given Credit to falſe fictitions Books, had aſſumed too much to themſelves, and ſo came into this Caſtle, albeit they were never invited into it, and perhaps the moſt part had preſented themſelves with deſign to make their Markets here▪ and afterwards to live in the greater Pride^[144] and Lordlineſs; And thus one had ſeduced another, and plunged him into this diſgrace and ignominy, wherefore they were deſervedly to be ſoundly puniſhed.

Which they with great humility readily acknowledged, and gave their Hands upon it. After which a ſevere check was given to the reſt, much to this purpoſe.

That they very well knew, and were in ^[145] their Conſciences convinced, that they had forged falſe fictitious Books, had befooled others, and cheated them, and thereby had diminiſhed Regal dignity amongſt all. They knew in like manner what ungodly acceitful Figures they had made uſe of, in ſo much as they ſpared not even the Divine Trinity, but accuſtomed themſelves to cheat People all the Country over. It was alſo now as clear as Day with what Practices they had indeavoured to enſnare the true Gueſts, and introduce the Ignorant: in like manner, that it was manifeſt to all the World, that they wallowed in open Whoredom, Adultery, Gluttony, and other Ʋncleanneſſes: All which was againſt the expreſs Orders of our Kingdom. In brief, they knew they had diſparaged Kingly Majeſty, even amongſt the common ſort, and therefore they ſhould confeſs themſelves to be manifeſt convicted Vagabond-Cheaters, Knaves and Raſcals, whereby they deſorved to be caſhiered from the company of civil People, and ſeverely to be puniſhed. The good Artiſts were loath to come^[146] to this Confeſſion, but inaſmuch as not only the Virgin her ſelf threatned, and ſware their death; but the other party alſo vohemently raged at them, and unanimouſly cryed out, that they had moſt wickedly ſeduced them out of the Light: They at length, to prevent a huge misfortune, confeſſed the ſame with dolour, and yet withal alledged that what had herein happened was not to be animadverted upon them in the worſt ſenſe. For in as much as the^[147] Lords were abſolutely reſolved to get into the Caſtle, and had promiſed great ſums of Money to that effect, each one had uſed all Craft to ſeize upon ſomething, and ſo things were brought to that paſs, as was now manifeſt before their Eyes. But that it ſucceeded not, They in their opinion had diſ-deſerved no more than the Lords themſelves; As who ſhould have had ſo much underſtandnig as to conſider that in caſe any one had been ſure of getting in, he would not, in ſo great Peril, for the ſake of a ſlight gain, have clambered over the Wall with them. Their Books alſo ſold ſo mightily, that whoever had no other mean to maintain himſelf, was fain to ingage in ſuch a Coufenage. They hoped moreover, that if a right Judgement were made, they ſhould be found no way to have miſcarried, as having behaved themſelves towards the Lords, as became Servants, upon their earneſt entreaty. But anſwer was made them, that his^[148] Royal Majeſty had determined to puniſh all, and every man, albeit one more ſeverely than another. For although what had been alledged by them was partly true, and therefore the Lords ſhould not wholly be indulged, yet they had good reaſon to prepare themſelves for Death, who had ſo preſumptuouſly obtruded themſelves, and perhaps ſeduced the more ignorant againſt their will; As likewiſe they who with falſe Books had violated Royal Majeſty, as the ſame might be evinced out of their very Writings and Books

Hereupon many began moſt pitteouſly^[149] to lament, cry, weep, intreat, and proſtrate themſelves, all which notwithſtanding could avail them nothing, and I much marvelled how the Virgin could be ſo reſolute; when yet their miſery cauſed our Eyes to run over, and moved our Compaſſion (although the moſt part of them had procured us much trouble, and vexation) For ſhe preſently diſpatched her Page, who brought with him all the Curiaſſiers which had this day been appointed at the Scales, who were commanded each of them to take his own to him, and in an orderly Proceſſion, ſo as ſtill each Curiaſſier ſhould go with one of the Priſoners, to^[150] conduct them into her great Garden. At which time each one ſo exactly recogniſed his own Man, that I marvelled at it. Leave alſo was likewiſe given to my yeſterday Companions to go out into the Garden unbound, and to be preſent at the Execution of the Sentence. Now as ſoon as every Man^[151] was come forth, the Virgin mounted up into her High Throne, requeſting us to ſit down upon the Steps, and to appear at the Judgment, which we refuſed not, but left all ſtanding upon the Table (except the Goblet, which the Virgin committed to the Pages keeping) and went forth in our Robes upon the Throne, which of it ſelf moved ſo gently as if we had paſſed in the Air, [•…]ll in this manner we came into the Garden, where we aroſe altogether. This Garden^[152] was not extraordinary curious; only it pleaſed me that the Trees were planted in ſo good order. Beſides there ran in it a moſt coſtly Fountain, adorned with wonderful Figures and Inſcriptions,^[153] and ſtrange Characters, (which▪ God willing I ſhall mention in a future Book) In this Garden was raiſed a wooden Scaffold, hung about with d[•]rionſly painted figured Coverlets, Now there were four Galleries made one over another, the firſt was more glorious than any of the reſt, and therefore covered with a white-Taffata Curtain, ſo that at that time we could not perceive who was behind it. The ſecond was empty and uncovered. Again the two laſt were covered with red and blew Taffata. Now as ſoon as we were come to the Scaffold, the Virgin bowed her ſelf down to the ground, at which we were mightily terrified: For we might eaſily gueſs that the King and Queen muſt not be far off; Now we alſo having duely performed our Reverence, The Virgin lead us up by the winding Stairs into the ſecond Gallery, where ſhe placed her ſelf uppermoſt, and us in our former order. But how the Emperor whom I had releaſed, behaved himſelf towards me, both at this time, as^[154] alſo before at the Table, I cannot, without ſlander of wicked Tongues, well relate. For he might well imagine in what Anguiſh and Sollicitude he now ſhould have been, in cafe he were at preſent to attend the Judgment with ſuch ignominy, and that only through me he had now attained ſuch Dignity^[155] and Worthineſs. Mean time the Virgin who firſt of all brought me the Invitation, and whom hither to I had never ſince ſeen, ſtepped in; Firſt ſhe gave one blaſt upon her Trumpet, and then with a very loud Voice declared the Sentence in this manner.

The Kings Majeſty my moſt gratious^[156] Lord could from his heart wiſh, that all and every one here Aſſembled, had upon his Majeſties Invitation preſented themſelves ſo qualified, as that they might (to his honour) with greateſt frequency have adorned this his appointed Nuptial and joyful Feaſt. But ſince it hath otherwiſe pleaſed Almighty God, his Majeſty bai[••] not where at to murmur, but muſt be forced, contrary to his own Inclination, to abide by the antient and laudable Conſtitutions of this Kingdom. But now, that his Majeſty's innate Clemeney may be celebrated over all the World, he hath thus far abſolutely dealt with his Council and Eſtates, that the uſual Sentence ſhall be conſiderably lenified. So that in the firſt place he is willing^[157] to vouchfaſe to the Lords and Potentates, not only their lives intirely, but alſo freely and frankly to diſmiſs them; friendly and courteouſly intreating your Lordſhips not at all to take it in evil part that you cannot be preſent at his Majeſties Feaſt of Honour; But to remember that there is notwithſtanding more impoſed upon your Lordſhips by God Almighty (who in the diſtribution of his Gifts hath an incomprehenſible Conſideration) than you can duely and eaſily ſuſtain. Neither is your Reputation hereby prejudiced, although you be rejected by this our Order, ſince we cannot at once all of us, do all things. But for as much as your Lordſhips have been ſeduced by baſe Raſcals, it ſhall not on their part, paſs unrevenged. And furthermore his Majeſty reſolveth ſhortly to communicate with your▪ Lordſhips a Catalogue of Hereticks or index Expurgatorins, that you may henceforward be able with better judgment to diſcern between he Good and the Evil. And becauſe his Majeſty e're long alſo purpoſeth to rummage his Library, and offer up the ſeductive Writings to Vulcan, he friendly, humbly, and courteouſly intreats every one of your Lordſhips to put the ſame in Execution with your own, whereby it is to be hoped that all evil and Miſchief may for the time to come be remedied. And you are withal to be admoniſhed, never henceforth ſo inconſiderately to covet an entrance hither, leaſt the former excuſe of Seducers be taken from you, and you fall into Diſgrace and Contempt with all Men. In fine, for as much as the Eſtates of the Land have ſtill ſomewhat to demand of your Lordſhips, his Majeſty hopes that no Man will think much to redeem himſelf with a Chain or what elſe he hath about him, and ſo in friendly manner to depart from us, and through our ſafe conduct to betake himſelf home again.

The others who ſtood not at the firſt,^[158] third, and fourth weight, his Majeſty will not ſo lightly diſmiſs. But that they alſo may now experience his Majeſty's gentleneſs, it is his Command, to ſtrip them ſtark naked, and ſo ſend them forth.

Thoſe who in the ſecond and fifth weight^[159] were found too light, ſhall beſides Stripping be noted with one, two or more Brandmarks, according as each one was lighter, or heavier.

They who were drawn up by the, ſixth or^[160] ſeventh, and not by the reſt, ſhall be ſomewhat more gratiouſly dealt withal, and ſo forward. For upto every combination there was a certain puniſhment ordained▪ which were here too long to recount.

They who yeſterday ſeparated themſelves freely of their own record, ſhall go out▪ at▪ Liberty without any blame.^[161]

Finally, the convicted vagabond-Cheaters who could move up tone of the weights, ſhall as occaſion ſerves, be puniſhed in Body and Life, with the Sword, Halter, Water and Rods. And ſuch Execution of Judgment ſhall be inviolably obſerved for an Example unto others.

Herewith our Virgin broke her Wand, and the other who read the Sentence, blowed her Trumpet, and ſtepped with moſt profound Reverence towards thoſe^[162] who ſtood behind the Curtain. But here I cannot omit to diſcover ſomewhat to the Reader concerning the number of our Priſoners; of whom thoſe who weighed one, were ſeven; thoſe who weighted two, were twenty one; they^[163] who three, thirty five; they who four, thirty five; thoſe who five, twenty one; thoſe who ſix, ſeven; but he that came to the ſeventh, and yet could not well raiſe it, He, was only one, and indeed the ſame whom I releaſed. Beſides, of them who wholly ſailed there were many: But of thoſe who drew all the weights from the ground, but few. And theſe as they ſtood ſeverally before us, ſo I diligently numbred, and noted them down in my Table-Book; And it^[164] is very admirable that amongſt all thoſe who weighed any thing, none was equal to another. For although amongſt thoſe who weighed three, there were thirty five, yet one of them weighed the firſt, ſecond, and third, another the third, fourth, and fifth, a thrid, the fifth, ſixth, and ſeventh and ſo on. It is likewiſe very wonderful that amongſt one hundred twenty ſix who weighed any thing, none was equal to another; And I would very willingly name them all, with each Mans weight, were it not as yet forbidden me. But I hope it may hereafter be publiſhed with the Interpretation.

Now this Judgment being read over, the Lords in the firſt place were well^[165] ſatisfied, becauſe in ſuch ſeverity they durſt not look for a mild ſentence. For which cauſe they gave more than they were deſired, and each one redeemed himſelf with Chains, Jewels, Gold, Monies and other things, as much as they had about them; and with reverence took leave. Now although the King's Servants were forbidden to jear any at his going away, yet ſome unlucky^[166] Birds could not hold laughing, and certainly it was ſufficiently ridiculous to ſeo them pack away with ſuch ſpeed, without once looking behind them. Some deſired that the promiſed Catalogue might with the firſt be diſpatched after them, and then they would take ſuch order with their Books as ſhould be pleaſing to his Majeſty; which was again aſſured. At the Door^[167] was given to each of them out of a Cup a Draught of FORGETFƲLNESS, that ſo he might have no further memory of misfortune.

After theſe the Voluntiers departed, who becauſe of their ingenuity were ſuffered to paſs but yet ſo as never to return again in the ſame faſhion; But if to them (as likewiſe to the others) any thing further were revealed, then they ſhould be well-come Gueſts.

Mean while others were ſtripping, in^[168] which alſo an inequality (according to each mans demerit) was obſerv'd. Some were ſent away naked, without other hurt. Others were driven out with ſmall Bells▪ Some were ſcourged forth. In brief the puniſhments were ſo various, that I am not able to recount them all. In the end it came to the laſt alſo with whom ſomewhat a longer time was ſpent, for whilſt ſome were hanging, ſome beheading, ſome forced to leap into the Water, and the reſt otherwiſe diſpatching, much time was conſurned. Verily at this execution my Eyes ran over, not indeed in regard of the puniſhment, which they otherwiſe for their impudency well deſurved, but in contemplation of humane blindneſs, in that we are continually buſiing our ſelves in that which ever ſince the firſt Fall hath been hitherto Sealed ^[169] upto us. Thus the Garden which ſo lately was quite full, was ſoon emptied; ſo that beſides the Souldiers there was not a man left. Now as ſoon as this was done, and ſilence had been kept for the ſpace of five minut's; There^[170] came forward a beautiful ſnow-white Ʋnicorn with a golden coller (having in it certain Letters) about his neck: In the ſame place he bowed himſelf down upon both his fore-feet, as if hereby he had ſhown honour to the Lyon, who^[171] ſtood ſo immoveably upon the fountain, that I took him to be of ſtone or braſs, who immediately took the naked Sword which he bare in his Paw,^[172] and brake it in the middle in two, the pieces whereof to my thinking ſunk into the Fountain: after which he ſo long roared, until a white-Dove brought a^[173] branch of Olive in her bill, which the Lyon devoured in an inſtant, and ſo was quieted. And ſo the Unicorn returned to his place with joy. Hereupon our Virgin lead us down again by the winding ſtaires from the Scaffold, and ſo we again made our reverence towards^[174] the Curtain. We were to waſh our hands and heads in the Fountain, and there a little while to wait in our order, till the King through a certain ſecret Gallery were again returned into his Hall, and then we alſo with choice Muſick, Pomp, State and pleaſant diſcourſe were conducted into our former lodging: And this was done about four in the afternoon. But that in the meanwhile the time might not ſeem too long to us, the Virgin beſtowed on each of us a noble Page, who were not only richly habited, but alſo exceeding learned, ſo that they could ſo aptly diſcourſe upon all ſubjects, that we had good reaſon to be aſhamed of our ſelves. Theſe were commanded to lead us up^[175] and down the Caſtle (yet but into certain places) and if poſſible, to ſhorten the time according to our deſire. Mean time the Virgin took leave with this conſolation, that at Supper ſhe would be with us again, and after that celebrate the Ceremonies of the hanging up of the Weights, requeſting that we would in patience waite till the next day, for on the morrow we muſt be preſented to the King. She being thus^[176] departed from us, each of us did what beſt pleaſed him. One part viewed the excellent paintings, which they copied out for themſelves, and conſidered alſo what the wonderful Characters might ſignifie. Others were fain to recruit themſelves again with meat and drink. I indeed cauſed my Page to conduct me (together with my Companion) up and down the Caſtle, of which walk it will never repent me^[177] as long as I have a day to live. For beſides many other glorious Antiquities, the Royal Sepulcher was alſo ſhewed me, by which I learned more than is extant in all Books. There in the ſame place ſtands alſo the glorious Phaenix (of which two years ſince I^[178] publiſhed a particular ſmall diſcourſe) And am reſolved (in caſe this my narration ſhall prove uſeful) to ſet forth ſeveral and peculiar Treatiſes, concerning the Lyon, Eagle, Griffon, Falcon and other like, together with their Draughts and Inſcriptions. It grieves me alſo for my other Conſorts, that they neglected ſuch pretious Treaſures. And yet I cannot but think it was the ſpecial will of God it ſhould be ſo. I indeed reaped the moſt benefit by my Page, for according as each ones genius lay, ſo he led his intruſted into the quarters and places which were pleaſing to him. Now the Kyes hereunto belonging^[179] were committed to my Page, and therefore this good Fortune hapned to me before the reſt; For although he invited others to come in, yet they imagining ſuch Tombs to be only in the Church-yard, thought they ſhould well enough get thither, when ever any thing was to be ſeen there. Neither ſhall theſe Monuments (as both of us copied and tranſcribed them) be withheld from my thankful Schollars. The other thing that was ſhewed us two was the Noble Library as it was altogether before the Reformation. Of which (albeit^[180] it rejoyces my Heart as often as I call it to mind) I have ſo much the leſs to ſay, becauſe the Catalogue thereof is very ſhortly to be publiſhed. At the entry of this Room ſtands a great Book, the like whereof I never ſaw, in which all the Figures, Rooms, Portals, alſo all the Writings, Riddles and the like, to be ſeen in the whole Caſtle, are delineated. Now although we have made ſome promiſe concerning this alſo, yet at preſent I muſt contain my ſelf, and firſt learn to know the World better. In every Book ſtands its Author painted; whereof (as I underſtood) many were to be burnt, that ſo even their memory may be blotted out from amongſt the Righteous. Now having taken a full view hereof, and being ſcorce getten forth, another▪ Page came running to us, and having whiſpered ſomewhat in our Pages ear, he delivered up the Kyes to him, who immediately carried them up the winding Stairs; But our Page was very much out of Countenance, and we ſetting hard upon him with Intreaties, He declared to us that the King's Majeſty would by no means permit that either of the two, namely the Library and Sepulchers, ſhould be ſeen by any Man and therefore he beſought us as we tendered his Life, to diſcover it to no Man, he having already utterly denyed it: Whereupon both of us ſtood hovering between Joy and Fear, yet it continued in ſilence, and no Man made further inquiry about it. Thus in both places we conſumed three hours, which does not at all repent me. Now although it had already ſtrucken Seven, yet nothing was hitherto given us to eat, howbeit our hunger was eaſie to be abated by conſtant Revivings, and I could be well content to faſt all my Life long^[181] with ſuch Entertainment. About this time the Curious Fountains, Mines, and all kind of Art-Shops, were alſo ſhown us, of which there was none but ſurpaſſed all our Arts, though they ſhould all be melted into one Maſs. All their Chambers were built in ſemi-circle, that^[182] ſo they might have before their Eyes the coſtly Clock-work which was erected upon a fair Turret in the Center, and regulate themſelves according to the courſe of the Planets, which were to be ſeen on it in a glorious manner. And hence I could eaſily conjecture wherein our Artiſts failed, howbeit its none of my duty to inform them. At length I came into a ſpacoius Room (ſhown indeed^[183] to the reſt a great while before) in the middle whereof ſtood a tereſtrial Globe, whoſe Diameter contained thirty Foot, albeit near half of it, except a little which was covered with the ſteps, was let into the Earth. Two Men might readily turn this Globe about with all its Furniture, ſo that more of it was never to be ſeen, but ſo much as was above the Horizon. Now although I could eaſily conceive that this was of ſome ſpecial uſe, yet could I not underſtand whereto thoſe Ringlets of Gold (which were upon it in ſeveral places) ſerved; At which my Page laughed, and adviſed me to view them more narrowly. In brief, I found there my native Country noted with Gold alſo: Whereupon my Companion ſought his, and found that ſo too. Now for as much as the ſame hapened in like mannot to the reſt who ſtood by, The Page told us of a certain that it was yeſterday declared to the Kings Majeſt'y by their old Atlas (ſo is the Aſtronomer named) that all the gilded points did exactly anſwer to their native Countries, according as had been ſhown of each of them. And therefore He alſo, as ſoon as he perceived that I undervalued my ſelf, and that nevertheleſs there ſtood a point upon my native Couutry, moved one of the Captains to intreat for us, that we ſhould be ſet upon the Scale (without our Peril) at all Adventures; Eſpecially ſeeing one of our Native Countries had a notable good Mark: And truly it was not without cauſe that He, the Page who had the greateſt power of all the reſt, was beſtowed on me. For this I then returned him thanks, and immediately looked more diligently upon my native Country, and found more over that beſides the Ringlet, there were alſo certain delicate ſtreaks upon it, which^[184] nevertheleſs I would not be thought to ſpeak to my own praiſe or glory. I ſaw much more too upon this Globe than I am willing to diſcover. Let each Man take into conſideration why every City produceth not a Philoſopher. After this he lead us quite into the Globe, which was thus made; On the Sea (there being a large ſquare beſides it) was a Tablet, whereon ſtood three Dedications, and the Author's name, which a Man might gently lift up and by a little joyned Board, go into the Center, which was capable of four Perſons, being nothing but a round Board whereon we could ſit and at eaſe by broaddaylight^[185] (it was now already dark) contemplate the Stars, to my thinking they were mere Carbuncles which glittered in an agreeable order, and moved ſo gallantly, that I had ſcarce any mind ever to go out again, as the Page afterwards told the Virgin, with which ſhe often twitted me: For it was already Supper time, and I had ſo much amuſed my ſelf in the Globe, that I was almoſt the laſt at Table; wherefore I made no longer delay, but having again put on my Gown (which I had before^[186] layd aſide) and ſtepping to the Table, the waiters treated me with ſo much reverence and honour, that for ſhame I durſt not look up, and ſo unawars permitted the Virgin, who attended me on one ſide, to ſtand, which ſhe ſoon perceiving twitched me by the Gown, and ſo led me to the table to ſpeak any further concerning the Muſick, or the reſt of that magnificent entertainment, I hold it needleſs both becauſe it is not poſſible ſufficiently to expreſs it, and I have above reported it according to my power. In brief, there was nothing there but Art and Amaenity. Now after we had each to other related our employment ſince noon (howbeit, not a word was ſpoken of the Library and Monuments) being already merry with the Wine, the Virgin began thus: My Lords, I^[187] have a great contention with one of my Siſters: In our Chamber we have an Eagle, Now we cheriſh him with ſuch^[188] diligence, that each of us is diſirous to be the beſt beloved, and upon that ſcore have many a Squabble. On a day we concluded to go both together to him, and toward whom he ſhould ſhew himſelf moſt friendly, hers ſhould he properly be; this we did, and I (as commonly) bare in my hand a branch of Lawrel, but my Siſter had none. Now as ſoon as he eſpyed us both, he immediately gave my Siſter another branch which he had in his Beak, and offered at mine, which I gave him. Now each of us hereupon imagined her ſelf to be beſt beloved of him; which way am I to reſolve my ſelf? This modeſt propoſal of the Virgin pleaſed us all mighty well, and each one would gladly have heard the Solution, but in as much as they all looked upon me, and deſired to have the beginning from me, my mind was ſo extreamly^[189] confounded that I knew not what elſe to do with it but propound another in its ſtead, and therefore ſaid Gracious Lady, your Ladyſhips queſtion were eaſily to be reſolved if one thing did not perplex me. I had two Companions,^[190] both which loved me exceedingly; now they being doubtful which of them was moſt dear to me, concluded to run to me unawars, and that he whom I ſhould then embrace ſhould be the right; this they did, yet one of them could not keep pace with the other, ſo he ſtaid behind and wept, the other I embraced with amazement. Now when they had afterwards diſcovered the buſineſs to me, I knew not how to reſolve my ſelf, and have hitherto let it reſt in this manner, until I may find ſome good advice herein. The Virgin wondered at it, and well obſerved where about I was, whereupon ſhe replied, well then let us both be quit; and then deſired the ſolution from the reſt. But I had already made them^[191] wiſe. Wherefore the next began thus. In the City where I live, a Virgin was lately condemned to death, but the Judge being ſomething pittiful towards^[192] her, cauſed it to be proclaimed that if any Man deſired to become the Virgins Champion, he ſhould have free leave to do it. Now ſhe had two Lovers, the one preſently made himſelf ready, and came into the liſts to expect his adverſary, afterwards the other alſo preſented himſelf, but coming ſomewhat too late, he reſolved nevertheleſs to fight, and willingly ſuffer himſelf to be vanquiſhed, that ſo the Virgin's life might be preſerved, which alſo ſucceeded according. Whereupon each challenged her: Now my Lords inſtruct me, to which of them of right belongeth ſhe? The Virgin could hold no longer, but ſaid, I thought to have gained much information, and am my ſelf gotten into the Net, but yet would gladly hear whether there be any more behind▪ yes, that there is, anſwered the third, a Stranger adventure hath not been yet recounted then that which happened to my ſelf. In my Youth I^[193] loved a worthy Maid: Now that this my love might attain its wiſhed end, I was fain to make uſe of an ancient Ma[••]on who eaſily brought me to her. Now it happened that the Maid's Brethren▪ came in upon us juſt as we three were together, who were in ſuch a rage that they would have taken my Life, but upon my vehement Supplication, they at length forced me to ſwear to take each of them for a Year, to my wedded Wife. Now tell me my Lords, ſhould I take the old, or the young one firſt? We all laughed ſufficiently at this riddle, and though ſome of them muttered one to another thereupon, yet none would undertake to unfold it. Hereupon the fourth began. In a certain City there dwelt an^[194] honourable Lady, who was beloved of all, but eſpecially by a young noble Man, who would needs be too importunate with her; at length ſhe gave him this determination, that in caſe he would, in a cold Winter, lead her into a fair green Garden of Roſes, then he ſhould obtain, but if not, he muſt reſolve never to ſee her more. The noble Man travelled into all Countries to find ſuch a Man as might perform this, till at length he lite upon a little old Man that promiſed to do it for him, in caſe he would aſſure him of half his Eſtate; which he having conſented to▪ the other was as good as his word. Whereupon he invited the foreſaid Lady home to his Garden, where contrary to her expectation ſhe found all things green, pleaſant and warm, and withal remembring her promiſe, ſhe only requeſted that ſhe might once more return to her Lord, to whom with Signs and Tears ſhe bewailed her lamentable condition: But for as much as he ſufficiently perceived her faithfulneſs, he diſpatched her back to her Lover, who had ſo dearly purchaſed her, that ſhe might give him Satisfaction. This Husband's integrity did ſo mightily affect the noble man, that he thought it a ſin to touch ſo honeſt a Wife; ſo he ſent her home again with honour to her Lord. Now the little Man perceiving ſuch Faith in both theſe, would not, how poor ſoever he were, be the leaſt, but reſtored the noble Man all his Goods again, and went his way. Now (my Lords) I know not which of theſe perſons may have ſhown the greateſt ingenuity? Here our Tongues were quite cut off. Neither would the Virgin make any other reply, but only that another ſhould go on. Wherefore the fifth, without delay, began.^[195] My Lords, I deſire not to make long work; who hath the greater joy, he that beholdeth what he loveth, or he that only thinketh on it? He that beholdeth it, ſaid the Virgin; nay anſwered I; hereupon aroſe a conteſt, wherefore the ſixth called out, My^[196] Lords I am to take a Wife; now I have before me a maid, a married Wife, and a Widdow; eaſe me of this doubt, and I will afterwards help to order the reſt. It goes well there, replyed the ſeventh, where a man hath^[197] his choice, but with me the caſe is otherwiſe; in my youth I loved a fair and vertuous Virgin from the bottom of my Heart, and ſhe me in like manner: howbeit becauſe of her Friends denyal we could not come together in wedlock: Whereupon ſhe was married to another, yet an honeſt and diſcreet Perſon, who maintained her honourably and with affection, until ſhe came into the paines of Child-birth, which went ſo hard with her that all thought ſhe had been dead, ſo with much ſtate, and great mourning ſhe was interred. Now I thought with my ſelf, during her Life thou couldſt have no part in this Woman, but yet now dead as ſhe is thou mayſt embrace and Kiſs her ſufficiently; whereupon I took my Servant with me, who dug her up by Night; Now having opened the Coſſin and locked her in my Arms, and feeling about her Heart, I found ſtill ſome little motion in it, which increaſed more and more from my warmth, till at laſt I perceived that ſhe was indeed ſtill alive; wherefore I quietly bare her home, and after I had warmed her chilled Body with a coſtly Bath of Herbs, I committed her to my Mother until ſhe brought forth a fair Son, whom (as the Mother) I cauſed faithfully to be nurſed. After two days (ſhe being then in a mighty amazement) I diſcovered to her all the forepaſſed affair, requeſting her that for the time to come ſhe would live with me as a Wife, againſt which ſhe thus excepted, in caſe it ſhould be grievous to her Husband who had well and honourably maintained her. But if it could otherwiſe be, ſhe was the preſent obliged in love to one as well as the other. Now after two Months (being then to make a Journey elſewhere) I invited her Husband as a Gueſt, and amongſt other things demanded of him, whether if his deceaſed Wife ſhould come home again, he could be content to receive her, and he affirming it with Tears and Lamentations, at length I brought him his Wife together with his Son, and an account of all the fore-paſſed buſineſs, intreating him to ratifie with his conſent my fore-purpoſed eſpouſals. After a long diſpute he could not beat me from my right, but was fain to leave me the Wife. But ſtill the conteſt was about the Son. Here the Virgin interrupted him, and ſaid, It makes me wonder how you could double the afflicted Mans grief. How, anſwered he, was I not then concerned? Upon this there aroſe a diſpute amongſt us, yet the moſt part affirmed that he had done but right. Nay, ſaid he, I freely returned him both his Wife and Son. Now tell me (my Lords) was my honeſty, or this Man's joy the greater? Theſe words had ſo mightily cheared the Virgin that (as if it had been for the ſake of theſe two) ſhe cauſed a health to go round. After which the reſt of the propoſals wont on ſomewhat perplexedly, ſo that I could not retain them all, yet this comes to my mind, that one ſaid, that a few years before he had^[198] ſeen a Phyſitian, who bought a parcel of Wood againſt Winter, with which he warmed himſelf all Winter long; but as ſoon as the Spring returned he ſold the very ſame Wood again, and ſo had the uſe of it for nothing; Here muſt needs be skill, ſaid the Virgin, but the time is now paſt. Yea, replyed my Companion, who ever underſtands not how to reſolve all the Riddles, may give each Man notice of it by a proper Meſſenger, I conceive he will not be denied. At this time they began to ſay Grace, and we aroſe altogether from the Table, rather ſatisfied and merry than glutted; and it were to be wiſhed that all Invitations and Feaſtings were thus to be kept. Having now taken ſome few turns up and down the Hall again, the Virgin asked us whether^[199] we deſired to begin the Wedding. Yes, ſaid one, noble and vertuous Lady; whereupon ſhe privately diſpatched a Page, and yet in the mean time proceeded in diſcourſe with us. In brief ſhe was already become ſo familiar with us, that I adventured and requeſted her Name. The Virgin ſmiled at my Curioſity, but yet was not moved, but replyed, My Name contains ^[200] five and fifty, and yet hath only eight Letters, the third is the third part of the fifth which added to the ſixth will produce at Number, whoſe root ſhall exceed the third it ſelf by juſt the firſt, and it is the half of the fourth. Now the fifth and the ſeventh are equal, the laſt and the firſt are alſo equal, and make with the ſecond as much as the ſixth hath, which contains juſt four more than the third tripl'd. Now tell me, my Lord, how am I called? The anſwer was intricate enough to me, yet I left not off ſo, but ſaid, noble and vertuous Lady, may I not obtain one only Letter? Yea (ſaid ſhe) that may well be done. What then (replyed I again) may the ſeventh contain? It contains ^[201] (ſaid ſhe) as many as there are Lords here. With this I was content, and eaſily found her Name, at which ſhe was well^[202] pleaſed, with aſſurance that much more ſhould yet be revealed to us. Mean time certain Virgins had made themſelves ready, and came in with great Ceremony. Firſt of all two Youths^[203] carried Lights before them, one of them was of a jocond Countenance, ſprightly Eyes and gentile Proportion. The other lookt ſomething angerly, whatever he would have, muſt be, as I afterwards perceived. After them firſt^[204] followed four Virgins; one looked ſhame-facedly towards the Earth, very humble in Behaviour; The ſecond alſo was a modeſt, baſhful Virgin; The third, as ſhe entered the Room ſeemed amazed at ſomewhat, and as I underſtood, ſhe cannot well abide where there is too much Mirth. The fourth brought with her certain ſmall wreaths, thereby to manifeſt her Kindneſs and Liberality. After theſe four came^[205] two which were ſomewhat more gloriouſly Apparelled; they ſaluted us courteouſly; One of them had a Gown of Skye coulour ſpangled with golden Stars; The others was green, beautified with red and white ſtripes. On their Heads they had thin flying Tiffaties, which did moſt becomingly adorn them. At laſt came one alone, who had on her head a Coronet, but rather looked^[206] up towards Heaven, than towards Earth. We all thought it had been the the Bride, but were much miſtaken, although otherwiſe in Honour, Riches and State ſhe much ſurpaſſed the Bride; ^[207] and ſhe afterwards ruled the whole Wedding. Now on this occaſion we all followed our Virgin, and fell down on our Knees, howbeit ſhe ſhewed herſelf extream humble, offering every one her hand, and admoniſhing us not to be too much ſurprized at this, for this was one of her ſmalleſt Bounties, but to lift up our Eyes to our Creator, and learn hereby to acknowledge his Omnipotency▪ and ſo proceed in our enterpriſed courſe, employing this Grace to the praiſe of God, and the good of Man. In ſum, her words were quite different from thoſe of our Virgin, who was ſomewhat more worldly. They pierced even through my Bones and Marrow. And thou, ſaid ſhe further to me, haſt received more than others, [〈◊〉] that thou alſo make a larger return. This to me was a very ſtrange Sermon; for as ſoon as we ſaw the Virgins with the Muſick, we immagined we muſt preſently fall to Dancing, but that time was not as yet come. Now the Weights, whereof mention hath been before^[208] made, ſtood ſtill in the ſame place, wherefore the Queen (I yet knew not who ſhe was) commanded each Virgin^[209] to take up one, but to our Virgin ſhe gave her own, which was the laſt and greateſt, and commanded us to follow behind; our Majeſty was then ſomewhat abated, for I well obſerved that our Virgin was but too good for us, & that we were not ſo highly reputed as we ourſelves were almoſt in part willing to phantſie. So we went behind in our order, and were brought into the firſt^[210] Chamber, where our Virgin in the firſt^[211] place hang up the Queen's weight, during which an excellent ſpiritual Hymn was Sung; there was nothing coſtly in this Room ſave only certain curious little Prayer Books which ſhould never be miſſing. In the midſt was erected a^[212] Pulpit, very convenient for Prayer, where in the Queen kneeled down, about^[213] her we were all fain to kneel and pray after the Virgin, who read out of a Book, That this Wedding might tend to the Honour of God, and our own benefit. Afterwards we came into the ſecond Chamber, where the firſt Virgin hung up her weight alſo, and ſo forward till all the Ceremonies were finiſhed. Hereupon the Queen again preſented her Hand to every one, and departed thence with her Virgin. Our Preſident^[214] ſtaied yet a while with us. But becauſe it had been already two hours night, ſhe would no longer detain us; me thought ſhe was glad of our Company, yet ſhe bid us good night, and wiſhed us quiet reſt, and ſo departed friendly, although unwillingly from us. Our Pages were well inſtructed in their^[215] buſineſs, and therefore ſhewed every Man his Chamber, and ſtayed alſo with us in another Pallet, that in caſe we wanted any thing we might make uſe of them. My Chamber (of the reſt I am not able to ſpeak) was royally furniſhed^[216] with rare Tapiſtries, and hung about with Paintings. But above all things I delighted in my Page, who was ſo excellently ſpoken, and experienced in the Arts, that he yet ſpent me another hour, and it was half an hour after three when firſt I fell aſleep. And this indeed was the firſt night that I ſlept in quiet, and yet a ſcurvy Dream would not ſuffer me to reſt; For I was all the night troubled with a Door which I could not^[217] get open, but at laſt I did it. With theſe phantaſies I paſſed the time, till at length towards day I awaked.

The fourth Day.

I Still lay in my Bed, and leiſurely^[218] ſurvieghed all the noble Images and Figures up and down about my Chamber, during which on a ſudden I heard the Muſick of Coronets, as if they had been already in Proceſſion. My Page skipped out of the Bed as if he had been at his wits end, and looked more like one dead than living; In what caſe I then was, is eaſily immaginable, for, ſaid he, The reſt are already preſented to the King; I knew not what elſe to do, but weep out-right, and Curſs my own ſloathfulneſs; yet I dreſſed my ſelf, but my Page was ready long before me, and ran out of the Chamber to ſee how affairs might yet ſtand. But he ſoon returned, and brought with him this joyful news, that the time indeed was not YET paſt,^[219] only I had over-ſlept my Break faſt, they being unwilling to waken me becauſe of my Age; But that now it was time for me to go with him to the Fountain where the moſt part were aſſembled▪ With this Conſolation my Spirit returned again, wherefore I was ſoon ready with my Habit, and went after the Page to the Fountain in the afore mentioned Garden, where I found that the Lyon inſtead of his Sword had a pretty large^[220] Tablet by him. Now having well viewed it, I found that it was taken out of the ancient Monuments, and placed here for ſome eſpecial Honour. The inſcription was ſomewhat worn out with age, and therefore I am minded to ſet it down here, as it is, and give every one leave to conſider it.

HERMES PRINCEPS. POST TOT ILLATA GENERI HUMANO DAMNA, DEI CONSILIO: ARTISQUE ADMINICULO, MEDICINA SALUBRIS FACTUS HEIC FLUO. Bibat ex me qui poteſt: lavet, qui vult: turbet qui audet: BIBITE FRATRES, ET VIVITE. [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉]

This Writing might well be read and^[221] underſtood, and may therefore fitly be here placed, becauſe eaſier than any of the reſt: Now after we had firſt waſhed our ſelves out of the Fountain, and every Man had taken a draught out^[222] of an intirely Golden Cup, we were once more again to follow the Virgin into the Hall, and there put on new Apparel, which was all of Cloth of^[223] Gold gloriouſly ſet out with Flowers. There was alſo given to every one another Golden Fleece, which was ſet about with pretious Stones, and various Workmanſhip according to the utmoſt skill of each Artificer. On it hung a weighty Medal of Gold, whereon were figured the Sun and Moon in oppoſition; but on the other ſide ſtood this Poeſie, The light of the Moon ſhall be as the light of the Sun, and the light of the Sun ſhall be ſeven times lighter than at preſent. But^[224] our former Jewels were layed in a little Casket, and committed to one of the Waiters. After this the Virgin lead us out in our order, where the Muſitians^[225] waited ready at the door, all apparalled in red Velvet with white Guards. After which a Door (which I never ſaw^[226] open before) to the Royal winding-Stairs was unlocked; There the Virgin led us together with the Muſick, up three hundred ſixty five Stairs, there we ſaw nothing but what was of extream coſtly and artificial Workmanſhip; and ſtill the further we went, the more glorious ſtill was the Furniture, until at length at the top we came under a painted Arch, where the ſixty Virgins^[227] attended us, all Richly Apparelled; Now as ſoon as they had bowed to us, and we as well as we could, had returned our reverence, our Muſitians were diſpatched away, who were fain to go down the winding-Stairs again, the Door being ſhut after them. After this a little Bell was tolled; then came in a beautiful Virgin who brought every one a wreath of Laurel; But our Virgins had Branches given them:^[228] Mean while a Curtain was drawn up; Where I ſaw the King and Queen as they ſate there in their Majeſty, and had not the yeſterday Queen ſo faithfully warned me, I ſhould have forgotten my ſelf, and have equalled this unſpeakable^[229] glory to Heaven. For beſides that the Room gliſtered of meer Gold and pretious Stones; the Queen's Robes were moreover ſo made that I was not able to behold them. And whereas I before eſteemed any thing for handſom, here all things ſo much ſurpaſſed the reſt, as, the Stars in Heaven are elevated. In the mean time the Virgin ſtept in, and ſo each of the Virgins taking one of us by the hand, with moſt profound Reverence preſented us to the King: ^[230] Whereupon the Virgin began thus to ſpeak. That to honour your Royal Majeſties, (moſt gratious King and Queen) theſe Lords here preſent have adventured hither with peri[•••••…]ody and Life; your Majeſties have reaſon to rejoyce, eſpecially ſince the greateſt part are qualified for the inlarging of your Majeſties Eſtates and Empire, as you will find the ſame by a moſt gratious and particular examination of each of them. Herewith I was deſirous thus to have them in Humility preſented to your Majeſties, with moſt humble ſuit to diſcharge me of this my Commiſſion, and moſt gratiouſly to take ſufficient information from each of them, concerning both my Actions and Omiſſions. Hereupon ſhe laid down her Branch upon the ground. Now it would have been very ſitting for one of us to have put in and ſpoken ſomewhat on this occaſion, but ſeeing we were all troubled with the falling of^[231] the Ʋvula, at length the old Atlas ſtept forward and ſpoke on the King's behalf; Their Royal Majeſties de moſt gratiouſly rejoyce at your arrival, and will that their Royal Grace be aſſured to all, and every Man: And with thy Adminiſtration, gentle Virgin, they are moſt gratiouſly ſatisfied, & accordingly a Royal Reward ſhall therefore be provided for thee; yet it is ſtill their intention, that thou ſhalt this day alſo continue with them, in as much [〈◊〉] they have no reaſon to miſtruſt thee. Hereupon the Virgin humbly took up the Branch again. And ſo we for this firſt time were to ſtep aſide with our Virgin. This room^[232] was ſquare on the front, five times broader than it was long; but towards the Weſt it had a great Arch like a Porch, wherein ſtood in circle three^[233] glorious Royal Thrones, yet the middlemoſt was ſomewhat higher than the reſt. Now in each Throne ſate two perſons, in the firſt ſate a very antient King with^[234] a gray Beard, yet his Conſort was extraordinary fair and young. In the third Throne ſate a black King of middle^[235] Age, and by him a dainty old Matron, not Crowned, but covered with a Vail. But in the middle ſate the two young Perſons, who tho' they had likewiſe^[236] Wreaths of Laurel upon their Heads, yet over them hung a large and coſtly Crown. Now albeit they were not at this time ſo fair as I had before imagined to my ſelf, yet ſo it was to be. Behind them on a round Forn[•] ſat for^[237] the moſt part antient Mon, yet none of them (at which I wondered) had any Sword, or other Weapon about him;^[238] Neither ſaw I any other Life-guard, but certain Virgins which were with us the day before, who ſate on the ſides of the Arch. Here can I not paſs in ſilence how the little Cupid flew to and again^[239] there, but for the moſt part he hovered and played the wanton about the great Crown; ſometimes he ſeated himſelf in between the two Lovers, ſomewhat ſmiling upon them with his Bow. Nay, ſometimes he made as if he would ſhoot one of us; In brief, this Knave was ſo full of his waggery, that he would not ſpair even the little Birds, which in multitudes▪ flew up and down^[240] the Room, but co[•]mented them all he could. The Virgins alſo had their paſtimes^[241] with him, but whenſoever they could catch him, it was not ſo eaſie a matter for him to get from them again. Thus this little Knave made all the ſport and mirth.1 Before the Queen ^[242] ſtood a ſmall, but unexpreſſibly curious Altar: wherin lay a Book covered with black Velvet, only a little over-layed with Gold; by this ſtood a ſmall Taper^[243] in an Ivory Candleſtick, now although it were very ſmall, yet it burnt continually, and ſtood in that manner, that had not Cupid in ſport, now and then puffed upon it, we could not have^[244] conceived it to be Fire. By this ſtood, a Sphere or Celeſtial Globe, which of^[245] its ſelf turned clearly about. Next this, a ſmall ſt[•••]ing Watch, by that a little Chriſtal Pipe or Syphon-Fountain ^[246] out of which perpetually ran a clear blood red Liquor; and laſt of all a Scull, or Death's Head; in this was a white ^[247] Serp[•••], which was of ſuch a length, that though ſhe crept circle wiſe about the reſt of it, yet her Taile ſtill remained in one of the Eye-holes, until her Head again entered at the other, ſo ſhe never ſ[•]i[•]ted from her Scull, unleſs it happened that Cupid twitched a little at her, for then ſhe ſtipt in ſo ſuddenly, that we all could not chooſe but marvel at it: Together with this Altar, there were up and down the Room wonderful^[248] Images; which moved themſelves, as if they had been alive, and had ſo ſtrange a contrivance, that it would be impoſſible for me to relate it all: like wiſe as we were paſſing out, there began ſuch a marvellous kind of vocal^[249] Muſick, that I could not certainly tell whether it were performed by the Virgins who yet ſtayed behind or by the Images themſelves. Now we being for^[250] this time ſatisfied, went thence with out Virgins, who, the Muſ[•]ians being already preſent, led us down the winding Stairs again, but the Door was diligently locked and bolted as ſoon as we were come again into the Hall : one of the Virgins began I wonder Siſter, that you durſt adventure your ſelf amongſt ſo many Perſons▪ My Siſter, replyed our Preſident, I am fearful of none ^[251] ſo much as of this Man, pointing at me▪ This ſpeech, went to the Heart of me▪ For I well underſtood that ſhe mocked at my Age, and indeed I was the oldeſt of them all▪ Yet ſhe comforted me again with, promiſe, That in caſe I behaved my ſelf vvell towards her▪ ſhe vvould eaſily, rid me of this, burden▪ Mean time a Collation was again^[252] brought in, and every one's Virgin ſeated by him, vvho vvell knevv how to ſhorten the time with handſom diſcourſes: But what their diſcourſes and ſports vvere I dare not blab out of^[253] School. But moſt of the queſtions were about the Arts, whereby I could lightly gather that both young and old were converſant in the Sciences. But ſtill it run in my thoughts hovv I might become young again, whereupon I vvas ſomevvhat the ſadder; This the Virgin^[254] perceived, and therefore began, I dare lay any thing, if I lye with him to night, he ſhall be pleaſanter, in the morning. Hereupon they began to laugh, and albeit I bluſhed all over, yet I vvas ſain to laugh too at my ovvn ill-luck.^[255] Novv there vvas one there that had a mind to return my diſgrace again upon the Virgin; vvhereupon he ſaid, I hope not only we, but the Virgins too themſelves will bear witneſs in behalf of our Brother, that our Lady Preſident hath promiſed ^[256] her ſelf to be his Bed-fellow to Night▪ I ſhould be well content with it, replyed the Virgin, if I had not reaſon to be afraid of theſe my Siſters, there would be no hold with them ſhould I clouſe the beſt and handſomeſt ^[257] for my ſelf, againſt their will. My Siſter preſently began another, We find hereby that thy high Office makes thee not proud; wherefore if by thy permiſſion we might by lot part the Lords here preſent, amongſt us, for Bed-fellows, thou ſhouldſt with our goodwill have ſuch a Prerogative. We let this paſs thus for a Jeaſt, and began again to diſcourſe together. But our Virgin could not leave tormenting us,^[258] and therefore began again, My Lords, how if we ſhould permit Fourtune to decide which of us muſt lie together to Night▪ Well, ſaid I, if it may be no othervviſe, vve cannot refuſe ſuch a proffer, Novv becauſe it vvas concluded to make this tryal after Mear vve reſolved to ſit no longer at Table, ſo we aroſe, and each one vvalked up and dovvn vvith his Virgin. Nay, ſaid the Virgin, It ſhall not be ſo yet, but let us ſee how Fortune will couple us; upon vvhich vve vvere ſeparated aſunder: But novv firſt aroſe a diſpute hovv the buſineſs ſhould be carried, but this was only a premediated device, for the Virgin inſtantly made the propoſal that we ſhould mix our ſelves together in a Ring, and that ſhe beginning to count from her ſelf, the ſeventh, was to be content with the following ſeventh, whether it were a Virgin, or man for our p[••]ts we were not aware of any craft, and therefore permitted it ſo to be; but▪ when we thought we had very well mingled our ſelves, the Virgins nevertheleſs were ſo ſubtil, that each one knew her ſtation before-hand: The Virgin began to reckon, the ſeventh next her was again a Virgin, the third ſeventh a Virgin likewiſe, and this hapned ſo long till (to our amazement) all the Virgins came forth, and none of us was hit; Thus we poor pittiful Wretches remained ſtanding alone, and were moreover forced to ſuffer our ſelves to be jeared too, and confeſs we were very handſomly couzened. In ſhort, who ever had ſeen us in our order, might ſooner have expected the Skye to fall, then that it ſhould never have come to our turn. Herewith our ſport was at an end, and we were fain to ſatisfie our ſelves with the Virgins Waggery. In the interm, the little wanton Cupid came alſo in unto us; But becauſe he preſented himſelf on behalf of their Royal Majeſties, and delivered^[259] us a Health (as from them) out of a golden Cup, and was to call our Virgins to the King, withal declaring he could at this time tarry no longer with them, we could not ſufficiently ſport our ſelves with him: So with a due return of our moſt humble thanks we let him flye forth again. Now becauſe (in the interm) the mirth began to fall into my Conſort's Feet, and the Virgins were nothing ſorry to ſee it,^[260] they quickly lead up a civil Dance, whom I rather beheld with pleaſure, then aſſiſted. For my Mercurialiſts were ſo ready with their Poſtures, as if they had been long of the Trade. After ſome few Dances our preſident^[261] came in again, and told us how the Artiſts and Students had offered themſelves to their Royal Majeſties, for their Honour and Pleaſure, before their departure to act a Merry Comedy; and if we thought good to be preſent at it, and to waite upon their Royal Majeſties to the Houſe of the Sun, it would be acceptable to them, and they would moſt gratiouſly acknowledge it: Hereupon in the firſt place we returned our moſt humble thanks for the Honour vouchſafed us, not only ſo, but moreover moſt ſubmiſſively tendered our ſmall ſervice, which the Virgin related again, and preſently brought word to attend their Royal Majeſties (in our order) in the Gallery, whither we were ſoon led, and ſtaid not long there; for the Royal Proceſſion was juſt ready,^[262] yet without any Muſick at all. The unknown Queen, who was Yeſterday with us, went foremoſt, with a ſmall and coſtly Coronet, apparrelled in white Sattin, ſhe carried nothing but a ſmall Crucifix which was made of a Pearl, and this very day wrought between the young King and his Bride. After her went the ſix fore-mentioned Virgins in two ranks, who carried the King's Jewels belonging to the little Altar: next to theſe came the three Kings. The Bridegroom was in the midſt of them in a plain dreſs, only in black Sattin, after the Italian Mode. He had on a ſmall round black Hat, with a little black pointed Feather, which he courteouſly put off to us, thereby to ſignifie his favour towards us. To him we bowed our ſelves, as alſo to the firſt, as we had been before inſtructed. After the Kings came the three Queens, two whereof were richly habited, only ſhe in the middle went likewiſe all in black, and Cupid held up her Train; after this intimation was given to us to follow, and after us the Virgins, till at laſt old Atlas brought up the rear. In ſuch Proceſſion, through many ſtately Walks, we at length came to the Houſe of the Sun, there next to the King and Queen, upon a richly furniſhed Scaffold,^[263] to behold the fore-ordained Comedy: We indeed, though Separated, ſtood on the right Hand of the Kings, but the Virgins on the left, except thoſe, to whom the Royal Enſignes were committed. To them was allotted a peculiar ſtanding at top of all. But the reſt of the attendants were fain to ſtand below between the columns, and therewith to be content. Now becauſe there are many^[264] remarkable Paſſages in this Comedy, I will not omit in brief to run it over.

Firſt of all came forth a very ancient Ring, with ſome Servants; before whoſe Throne was brought a little Cheſt, with mention that it was found upon the Water, Now it being opened, there appeared in it a lovely Babe, together with certain Jewels, and a ſmall Letter of Parchment ſealed, and ſuperſcribed to the King. Which the King therefore preſently opened, and having read it, wept; and then declared to his Servants how injuriouſly the King of the Moores had deprived his Aunt of her Country, and had exſtinguiſhed all the Royal Seed even to this Infant, with the Daughter of which Country he had now purpoſed to have matched his Son. Hereupon he Swore to maintain perpetual enmity with the Moore, and his Allies, and to reuenge this upon him; and therewith commanded that the Child ſhould be tenderly nurſed, and to make preparation againſt the Moore. Now this proviſion and the diſcipline of the young Lady (who after ſhe was a little grown up was committed to an antient Tutor) continued all the firſt Act; with many very fine and laudable ſports beſides.

In the interlude a Lyon and Griffon^[265] were ſet at one another, to fight, and the Lyon got the victory; which was alſo a pretty fight.

In the ſecond Act, the Moore, a very^[266] black treacherous Fellow, came forth alſo; who having with vexation underſtood that his Murder was diſcovered, and that too a little Lady was cra[••••]ly ſtollen from him; began thereupon to conſult how by ſtratagem he might be able to encounter ſo powerful an adverſary, whereof he was at length adviſed by certain Fugitives who by reaſon of Famine fled to him: So the young Lady contrary to all mens expectation, fell again into his Hands: Whom, had he not heen wonderfully deceived by his own Servants, he had like to have cauſed to be ſlain. Thus this Act too was concluded with a mervelous triumph of the Moore.

In the third Act a great Army on the^[267] King's party was raiſed againſt the Moore, and put under the conduct of an antient valiant Knight, who fell into the Moores Country, till at length he forceably reſcued the young Lady out of the Tower, and Apparrelled her a new. After this in a trice they erected a glorious Scaffold, and placed their young Lady upon it: preſently came twelve Royal Embaſſadors, amongſt whom the fore-mentioned Knight made a Speech, alledging that the King his moſt gracious Lord had not only heretofore delivered her from death, and even hitherto cauſed her to be royally brought up (though ſhe had not behaved her ſelf altogether as became her) But moreover his Royal Majeſty had, before others, elected her, to be a Spouſe for the young Lord his Son; and moſt gratiouſly deſired that the ſaid eſpouſals might be really executed in caſe they would be ſworn to his Majeſty upon the following Articles. Hereupon out of a Patent he cauſed certain glorious conditions to be read, which if it were not too long, were well worthy to be here recounted. In brief, the young Lady took an Oath inviolably to obſerve the ſame; returning thanks withal in moſt ſeemly ſort for this ſo high a Grace. Whereupon they began to ſing to the Praiſe of God, of the King, and the young Lady; and ſo for this time departed.

For ſport, in the mean while, the^[268] four Beaſts of Daniel, as he ſaw them in the Viſion, and hath at large deſcribed them, were brought in, all which had its certain ſignification.

In the fourth Act the young Lady was^[269] again reſtored to her loſt Kingdom, and Crowned, and for a ſpace, in this array, conducted about the place with extraordinary joy: after this many & various Embaſſadors preſented themſelves, not only to wiſh her proſperity, but alſo to behold her Glory. Yet it was not long that ſhe preſerved her integrity, but ſoon began again to look want only about her, and to wink at the Embaſſadors and Lords; wherein ſhe truly▪ acted her part to the Life.

Theſe her manners were ſoon known to the Moore, who would by no means neglect ſuch an opportunity, and becauſe her Steward had not ſufficient regard to her, ſhe was eaſily blinded with great promiſes, ſo that ſhe had no good confidence in her King, but privily ſubmitted her ſelf to the intire diſpoſal of the Moore. Hereupon the Moore made haſte, and having (by her conſent) gotten her into his Hands, he gave her good words ſo long till all her Kingdom had ſubjected it ſelf to him: After which in the third Scene of this Act, he cauſed her to be led forth, and firſt to be ſtript ſtark naked, and then upon a ſcurvy wooden Scaffold to be bound to a Poſt, and well ſcourged, and at laſt ſentenced to Death. This was ſo woful a Spectacle, that it made the Eyes of many to run over. Hereupon thus naked as ſhe was, ſhe was caſt into Priſon, thereto expect her Death, which was to be procured by Poyſon, which yet killed her not, but made her Leprous all over: Thus this Act was for the moſt part lamentable.^[270]

Between, they brought forth Nebuchadnezzar's Image, which was adorn'd with all manner of Arms, on the Head, Breaſt, Belly, Legs and Feet, and the like; of which too more ſhall be ſpoken in the future explication.

In the fifth Act the young King was^[271] acquainted with all that had paſſed between the Moore and his future Spouſe, who firſt interceeded with his Father for her, intreating that ſhe might not be left in that condition; which his Father having agreed to, Embaſſadors were diſpatched to comfort her in her Sickneſs and Captivity, but yet withal to give her notice of her inconſideratedneſs. But ſhe would not yet receive them, but conſented to be the Moore's Concubine, which was alſo done, and the young King was acquainted with it.

After this comes a band of Fools, each^[272] of which brought with him a Cudgel, where with in a trice they made a great Globe of the World, and as ſoon undid it again. It was a fine ſportive Phantſie.

In the ſixth Act the young King reſolved^[273] to bid battle to the Moore, which alſo was done. And albeit the Moore was diſcomfitted, yet all held the young King too for dead. At length he came to himſelf again▪ releaſed his Spouſe, and committed her to his Steward and Chaplain.

The firſt whereof tormented her mightily, at laſt the leaf turned over, and the Prieſt was ſo inſolently wicked, that he would needs be above all, until the ſame was reported to the young King, who haſtily diſpatched one who broke the Neck of the Prieſt's mightineſs, and adorned the Bride in ſome meaſure for the Nuptials.

After the Act a vaſt artificial Elephant ^[274] was brought forth. He carried a great Tower with Muſitians: which was alſo well-pleaſing to all.

In the laſt Act the Bride-groom appeared in ſuch pomp as is not well to be believed, and I was amazed how it^[275] was brought to paſs: The Bride met him in the like Solemnity. Whereupon all the People cried out VIVAT ^[276] SPONSƲS, VIVAT SPONSA. So that by this Comedy they did with all congratulate our King and Queen in the moſt ſtately manner: Which (as I well obſerved) pleaſed them moſt extraordinary well.

At length they made ſome paſces about the ſtage in ſuch Proceſſion, till at laſt they altogether began thus to Sing.

I

This time full of love^[277]

Loes our joy much improve

Becauſe of the King's Nuptial;

And therefore let's Sing

That from all parts 't may ring,

Bleſt be he that granted us all.

II

The Bride moſt exquiſitely faire:

Whom we attended with long care

To him in troth's now plighted:

We fully have at length obtain'd,

The ſame for which we did contend:

He's happy, that's fore-ſighted.

III

Now the Parents Kind and good

By intreaties are ſubdu'd:

Long enough in hold was ſhe [••]w'd;

In honour increaſe,

Till Thouſands ariſe▪

And ſpring from your own proper Blood.

After this thanks were returned, and^[278] the Comedy was finiſhed with joy, and the particular good liking of the Royal Perſons wherefore (the Evening alſo being already hard by) they departed together in their fore-mentioned order:^[279] But we were to attend the Royal Perſons up the winding Stairs into the forementioned Hall, where the Tables were already richly furniſhed, and this was the firſt time that we were invited to the Kings table. The little Altar was placed in the midſt of the Hall, and the ſix fore-named Royal Enſignes were laid on it. At this time the young King^[280] behaved himſelf very gratiouſly towards us, but yet he could not be heartily Merry; But howbeit he now and then diſcourſed a little with us, yet he often ſighed, at which the little Cupid only mocked, and playd his waggiſh tricks. The old King and Queen were very ſerious, only the Wi[•]e of one of the ancient^[281] Kings was gay enough, the cauſe whereof I yet underſtood not. During this, the Royal Perſons took up the^[282] firſt Table, at the ſecond we only Sate. At the third, ſome of the principal Virgins placed themſelves: The reſt of the Virgins, and Men, were all fain to wait. This was performed with ſuch ſtate and ſolemn ſtilneſs, that I am affraid to make many words of it. Here^[283] I cannot leave untouched how that all the Royal Perſons, before Meat, attired themſelves in Snow-white glittering Garments, and ſo ſate down to Table. Over the Table hung the forementioned great Golden Crown, the^[284] pretious Stones whereof, without any other Light, would have ſufficiently Illuminated the Hall. However all the Lights were kindled at the ſmall Taper upon the Altar; what the reaſon was I did not certainly know. But this I took very good notice of, that the young King frequently ſent Meat to the white Serpent upon the little Altar, which cauſed me to muſe. Almoſt all the Prattle at this Banquet was made by little^[285] Cupid, who could not leave us (and me indeed eſpecially) untormented. He was perpetually producing ſome Strange matter. However, there was no conſiderable Mirth, all went ſilently on; from whence I, by my ſelf, could imagin ſome great imminent Peril. For there was no Muſick at all heard; but if we were demanded any thing, we were fain to give ſhort round anſwers,^[286] and ſo let it reſt. In ſhort, all things had ſo ſtrange a face, that the ſweat began to trickle down all over my Body; and I am apt to believe that the ſtout-heartedſt Man alive would then have loſt his courage. Supper being now almoſt ended, the young King commanded the Book to be reached him from the little Altar. This he opened,^[287] and cauſed it once again by an old Man to be propounded to us, whether we reſolved to abide with him in Proſperity and Adverſity; which we having with trembling conſented to, he further cauſed us ſadly to be demanded, whether we would give him our Hands on it, which, when we could find no evaſion, was fain ſo to be. Hereupon one after another aroſe, and with his own Hand writ himſelf down in this Book. When this alſo was performed, the little Chriſtal Fountain, together with a very ſmall Chriſtal Glaſs was brought^[288] near, out of which all the Royal Perſons one after another Drank, afterwards it was reached [•]o us too, and ſo forward to all Perſons, and this was called, the Draught of Silence. Hereupon all the^[289] Royal Perſons preſented us their Hands, declaring that in caſe we did not now ſtick to them, we ſhould now and never more hereafter ſee them; which^[290] verily made our Eyes run over. But our preſident engaged her ſelf and promiſed very largely on our behalf, which gave them Satisfaction. Mean time a little Bell was tolled, at which all the Royal Perſons waxed ſo mighty bleak, that we were ready utterly to deſpair. They quickly put off their white Garments again, and put on intirely black ones; The whole Hall likewiſe was hung about with black Velvet, the Floor^[291] was covered with black Velvet, with which alſo the Cieling above (all this being before Prepared) was overſpread. After that the Tables were alſo removed away, and all had ſeated themſelves round about upon the Form, and we alſo had put on black habits; in comes our Preſident again, who was before gone out, and brought with her ſix black Taffata Scarffs, with which ſhe bound the ſix Royal Perſons Eyes. Now when they could no longer ſee, there were immediately brought in by the Servants ſix covered Coffins, and ſet down in the Hall, alſo a low black Seat placed in the midſt. Finally, there ſtept in a very cole-black tall Man, who bare in his hand a ſharp Ax. Now after^[292] that the old King had been firſt brought to the Seat, his Head was inſtantly whipt off, and wrapped up in a black Cloth, but the Blood was received into a great golden Goblet, and placed with him in the Coffin that ſtood by, which being covered, vvas ſet aſide. Thus it went with the reſt alſo, ſo that I thought it would at length have come to me too, but it did not; For as ſoon as the ſix Royal Perſons were Beheaded, the black Man vvent out again; after vvhom another follovved, vvho Beheaded him too juſt before the Door, and brought back his Head together vvith the Ax, vvhich vvere laid in a^[293] little Cheſt. This indeed to me ſeemed a bloody Wedding, but becauſe I could not tell vvhat vvould yet be the event, I vvas fain for that time to captivate my underſtanding until I vvere^[294] further reſolved. For the Virgin too, ſeeing that ſome of us vvere faint▪ hearted and vvept, bid us be content. For, ſaid ſhe to us, The Life of theſe ſtandeth ^[295] now in your hands, and in caſe you follow me, this Death ſhall make many alive. Herewith ſhe intimated we ſhould go ſleep, & trouble our ſelves no further on our part, for they ſhould be ſure to have their due right; And ſo ſhe bad us all good night, ſaying, That ſhe muſt watch the dead Corps ^[296] this night: We did ſo, and were each of us conducted by our Pages into our Lodgings. My Page talked with me of^[297] ſundry and various matters (which I ſtill very well remember) and gave me cauſe enough to admire at his underſtanding: But his intention was to lull me aſleep, which at laſt I well obſerved, whereupon I made as though I was faſt aſleep, but no ſleep came into my Eyes, and I could not put the Beheaded out of my mind. Now my Lodging was directly over againſt the great Lake, ſo that I could well^[298] look upon it, the Windows being nigh the Bed. About midnight, as ſoon as it had ſtruck twelve, on a ſudden I eſpied on the Lake a great Fire, wherefore^[299] out of fear I quickly opened the Window to ſee what would become of it; Then from far I ſaw ſeven Ships making forward, which were all ſtuck full of Lights. Above on the top of each of them hovered a Flame, that paſſed to and fro, and ſometimes deſcended quite down, ſo that I could lightly judge that it muſt needs be the Spirits of the Beheaded. Now theſe Ships gently approached to Land, and each of them had no more than one Mariner. As ſoon as they were now gotten to Shore, I preſently eſpied our Virgin with a Torch going towards the Ships, after whom the ſix covered Coffins, together with the little Cheſt, were carried; and each of them privily laid in a Ship. Wherefore I awaked my Page too, who^[300] hugely thanked me, for having run much up and down all the day, he might quite have over-ſlept this, tho' he well knew it. Now as ſoon as the Coffins were laid in the Ships, all the Lights were exſtinguiſhed, and the ſix Flames paſſed back together over the Lake, ſo that there was no more but one Light in each Ship for a Watch. There were alſo ſome hundreds of Watch-men who had encamped themſelves on the Shore, and ſent the Virgin back again into the Caſtle, who carefully bolted all up again; ſo that I could well judge that there was nothing more to be done this night, but that we muſt expect the day; ſo we again betook our ſelves to reſt. And I only of all my Company had a Chamber towards the Lake, and ſaw this, ſo that now I was alſo extream weary, and^[301] ſo fell aſleep in my manifold Speculations.

The fifth Day.

THe night was over, and the dear [〈…〉] wiſhed for day broken, when [〈…〉] I got me out of the Bed, more [〈…〉] learn what might yet inſue, [〈…〉] ſufficiently ſlept; Now [〈…〉] my Cloaths, and [〈…〉]one down [〈…〉]y, and I fo[〈…〉] the Hall, wherefore I intreated my Page to lead me a little about in the Caſtle, and ſhew me ſomewhat that was rare, who was now (as always) willing, and preſently lead me down certain ſteps under ground, to a great Iron Door, on which the following Words in great Copper Letters, were fixed.

[〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉]

This I thus copied, and ſet down in^[302] my Table-Book. Now after this Door was opened, the Page led me by the hand through a very dark Paſſage, till we came again to a very little Door, that was now only put too, For (as the Page informed me) it was firſt opened but yeſterday when the Coſſins were taken out, and had not been ſince [•]hat. Now as ſoon as we ſteeped in, I eſpied the moſt pretious thing that Nature ever created: For this Vault had no other light but from certain huge great Carbuncles; And this (as I was informed) was the King's Treaſury. But the moſt glorious and principal thing,^[303] that I here ſaw, was a Sepulcher (which ſtood in the middle) ſo rich that I wondred it was no better guarded; whereunto the Page anſwered me, That I had good reaſon to be thankful to my Planet, by whoſe influence it was, that I had now ſeen certain pieces which no humane Eye elſe (except the King's Family) had ever had a view of. This Sepulcher was triangular, ^[304] and had in the middle of it a Kettle of poliſhed Copper, the reſt was of pure Gold and pretious Stones; In the Kettle ſtood an Angel, who held in his Arms an unknown Tree, from which it continually dropped into the Kettle; and as oft as the Fruit fell into the Kettle, it turned into Water too, and ran out from thence into three ſmall Golden Kettles ſtanding by. This little Altar was ſupported by theſe three Animals, an Eagle, an Ox and a Lyon, which ſtood on an exceeding coſtly Baſe. I asked my Page what this might ſignifie: Here, ſaid he, lies Buried Lady Venus, that Beauty which hath undone many a great Man, both in Fourtune, Honour, Bleſſing and Proſperity. After which he ſhewed me a Copper Door on the Pavement.^[305] Here (ſaid he) if you pleaſe, we may go further down; I ſtill follow you (replyed I) ſo I went down the ſteps, where it was exceeding dark, but the Page immediately opened a little Cheſt, wherein ſtood a ſmall ever-burning Taper, at which he kindled one of the many Torches which lay by. I was mightily terrified, and ſeriouſly asked how he durſt do this? He gave me for anſwer, As long as the Royal Perſons are ſtill at reſt, I have nothing to fear. Herewith I eſpied a rich Bed ready made, hung about with curious Curtains, one of which he drew, where I ſaw the Lady Venus ſtark-naked (for he heaved up the Coverlets too) lying there in ſuch^[306] Beauty, and a faſhion ſo ſurprizing, that I was almoſt beſides my ſelf, neither do I yet know whether it was a piece thus Carved, or an humane Corps that lay dead there; For ſhe was altogether immoveable, and yet I durſt not touch her. So ſhe was again covered, and the Curtain drawn before her, yet ſhe was ſtill (as it were) in my Eye. But I ſoon eſpyed behind the Bed a Tablet, on which it was thus written.

[〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉]

I asked my Page concerning this Writing, but he laughed, with promiſe that I ſhould know it too. So he putting out the Torch, we again aſcended: Then I better viewed all the little Doors, and firſt found, that on every corner there burned a ſmall Taper of Pyrites, of which I had before taken no notice; for the Fire was ſo clear, that it looked much liker a Stone than a Taper. From this heat the Tree was forced continually to melt, yet it ſtill^[307] produced new Fruit. Now behold (ſaid the Page) what I heard revealed to the King by Atlas, When the Tree (ſaid he) ſhall be quite melted down▪ Then ſhall Lady Venus awake, and be the Mother of a King. Whilſt he was thus ſpeaking, in flew the little Cupid, who at firſt was ſomewhat abaſhed at our preſence, but ſeeing us both look more like the Dead^[308] then the Living, he could not at length refrain from Laughing, Demanded what Spirit had brought me thither, whom I with trembling anſwered, that I had loſt my way in the Caſtle, and was by chance come hither, and that the Page likewiſe had been looking up and down for me, and at laſt lited upon me here, I hoped he would not take it amiſs. Nay then 'tis well enough yet, ſaid Cupid▪ my old buſie Granſir, but you might lightly have ſerved me a ſcurvy trick, had you been aware of this Door. Now I muſt look better to it, and ſo he put a ſtrong Lock on the Copper Door, where we before deſcended. I thanked God that he lited upon us no ſooner, my Page too was the more jocond, becauſe I had ſo well helped him at this pinch. Yet can I not (ſaid Cupid) let it paſs unrevenged, that you were ſo near ſtumbling upon my dear Mother; with that he put the point of his Dart into one of the little Tapers, and heating it a little, pricked me with it on the hand, which at that time I little regarded, but was glad that it went ſo, well with us, and that we came off without further danger. Mean time my Companions were gotten out of Bed too, and were again returned into the Hall▪ To whom I alſo joyned my ſelf, making as if I were then firſt riſen. After Cupid had carefully made all faſt again▪ he came likewiſe to us, and would needs have me ſhew him my hand, where he ſtill found a little drop^[309] of blood, at which he heartily laughed▪ and bad the reſt have a care of me, I would ſhortly end my days. We all wondred how Cupid could be ſo merry,^[310] and have no ſence at all of the yeſterday's ſad paſſages. But he was no whit troubled. Now our Preſident had in^[311] the mean time made her ſelf ready for the Journey, coming in all in black Velvet yet ſhe ſtill bare her branch of Laurel, her Virgins too had their Branches. Novv all things being in readineſs, the Virgin bid us firſt drink ſomevvhat, and then preſontly prepare for the proceſſion▪ wherefore we made no long tarrying▪ but follovved her out of the Hall into the Court. In the Court ſtood ſix Coffins, and my Companions thought no other but that the ſix Royal Perſons lay in them, but I well obſerved the device. Yet I knew not what was to be done with theſe other. By each Coffin were eight muffled Men. Now as ſoon as the Muſick went (it was ſo mournful & doleſome a tune▪ that I was aſtoniſhed at it) they took up the Coffins, and we (as we were ordered) were fair to go after them into the formentioned Garden, in the midſt of which was erected a wooden Edifice, having round about the Roof a glorious Crown, and ſtanding upon ſeven Columns; within it▪ were formed fix Sepulchers, and by each of them a ſtone, but in the middle it had a round hollow riſing ſtone: In theſe Graves the Coffins were quietly and with many Cerimonies layed: The ſtones were ſhoved over them, and they ſhut faſt. But the little Cheſt was to lie in the reiddle. Herewith were my Companions deceived, for they imagined no other but that the Dead Corps were there. Upon the rop of all there was a great Flag, having a Phaenix painted on it, perhaps therewith the more to delude us. Here I had great occaſion to thank God that I had ſeen more than the reſt. Now after^[312] the Funerals were done, the Virgin, having placed her ſelf upon the middlemoſt Stone, made a ſhort Oration, That we ſhould be conſtant to our ingagements, and not repine at the pains we were hereafter to undergo, but be helpful in reſtoring the preſent buried Royal Perſons to Life again, and therefore without delay to riſe up with her, to make a Journey to the Tower of Olympus, to fetch from thence Medicines uſeful and neceſſary for this purpoſe. This we ſoon agreed to, and followed her through another little door quite to the Shore. There the ſeven fore-mentioned Ships ſtood all empty; on which all the Virgins ſtuck up their Laurel Branches, and after they had diſtributed us in the ſix Ships, they cauſed us in Gods name; thus to begin our Voyage, and looked upon us as long as they could have us in ſight, after which they with all the Watch-men returned into the^[313] Caſtle. Our Ships had each of them a peculiar device. Five of them indeed had the five regular Bodies, each a ſeveral one, but mine in which the Virgin too ſate, carried a Globe. Thus we ſailed on in a ſingular order, and each had only two Mariners. Foremoſt went the Ship [•], in which, as I conceive the Moor lay, in this were twelve Muſuians, ^[314] who played excellent well, its device was a Pyramid. Next followed three a breaſt, b, c, and d, in vvhich vve were diſpoſed, I ſate in c. In the midſt behind theſe came the two faireſt and ſtatelieſt Ships, e and f, ſtuck about with many Branches of Laurel, having no Paſſengers in them; their Flags were the Sun and Moon. But in the rear only one Ship g, in this vvere Forty Virgins. Novv being thus paſſed over this^[315] Lake, we firſt came through a narrovv Arm, into the right Sea, where all the Syrens, Nymphs, and Sea-Goddeſſes had^[316] attended us; wherefore they immediately diſpatched a Sea-Nymph to us to deliver their Preſent and Offering of Honour to the Wedding. It was a coſtly, great, ſet, round, and Orient Pearl; the like to vvhich hath not at any time been ſeen, either in ours, or yet in the nevv World. Novv the Virgin having friendly received it, the Nymph further intreated that audience might be given to their Divertisements, and to make a little ſtand, vvhich the Virgin vvas content to do, and commanded the tvvo great Ships to ſtand into the middle, and^[317] with the reſt to incompaſs them in Pentagon. After which the Nymphs fell into a ring about them, and with a moſt delicate ſvveet voice began thus to ſing.

I

There's nothing better here below

Than beauteous, noble, Love;

Whereby we like to God do grow,

And none to grief do move.

Wherefore let's chant it to the King,

That all the Sea thereof may ring. We queſtion; Anſwer you.

II

What was it that at firſt us made? 'Twas Love.

And what hath Grace a freſh conveigh'd? 'Tis Love.

Whence was't (pray tell us) we were born? Of Love

How came we then again forlorn? Sans Love.

III.

Who was it (ſay) that us conceived? 'Twas Love.

Who Suckled, Nurſed, and Reliev'd? 'Twas Love.

What is it we to our Parents owe? 'Tis Love.

Why do they us ſuch kindneſs ſhow? Of Love.

IV

Who get's herein the Victory? 'Tis Love.

Can Love by ſearch obtained be? By Love.

How may a Man good works perform? Through Love.

Who into one can two transform? 'Tis Love.

V.

Then let our Song ſound,

Till it's Eccho rebound.

To Loves honour and praiſe,

Which may ever encreaſe

With our noble Princes, the King, & the Queen,

The Soul is departed, their Body's within.

VI

And as long as we live,

God gratiouſly give;

That as great Love and Amity,

They bear each other mightily:

So we likewiſe, by Loves own Flame,

May reconjoyn them once again.

VII.

Then this annoy

Into great Joy

(If many thouſand younglings deign)

Shall change, and ever ſo remain.

They having with moſt admirable^[318] concent and melody finiſhed this Song, I no more Wondred at Ʋliſſes for ſtopping the Ears of his Companions; for I ſeemed to my ſelf the moſt unhappy man alive, that Nature had not made me too ſo trim a creature. But the Virgin ſoon diſpatched them, and commanded to ſet Sail from thence; wherefore the Nymphs too after they had been preſented^[319] with a long red Scarff for a gratuity; went off, and diſperſed themſelves in the Sea. I was at this time ſenſible, that Cupid began to work with me too, which yet tended but very little to my Credit, and for as much as my giddineſs is likely to be nothing beneficial^[320] to the Reader, I am reſolved to let it reſt as it is. But this was the very wound that in the firſt Book I received on the head in a Dream: and let every one take warning by me of loitering about Venus; Bed, for Cupid can by no means brook it. After ſome Hours, having in friendly diſcourſes made a good way, we came within Ken of the Tower of Olympus, wherefore the Virgin commanded by the diſcharge of ſome Pieces to give the ſignal of our approach, which was alſo done; And immediately we eſpyed a great white Flag thruſt out, and a ſmall gilded^[321] Pinnace ſent forth to meet us. Now as ſoon as this was come to us, we perceived in it a very ancient man, the Warden of the Tower, with certain^[322] Guards cloathed in white, of whom we were Friendly received, and ſo conducted to the Tower. This Tower was Situated upon an Iſland exactly ſquare, which was invironed with a Wall ^[323] ſo firm and thick, that I my ſelf counted two hundred and ſixty paſſes over.^[324] On the other ſide of the wall was a fine Meadow with certain little Gardens, in which grew ſtrange, and to me unknown, Fruits; and then again an inner Wall round about the Tower. The Tower of it ſelf was juſt as if ſeven round Towers had been built one by another, yet the middlemoſt was ſomewhat the higher▪ and within they all entred one into another, and had ſeven Storys one above another. Being thus come to the Gates of the Tower, we were led a little aſide on the Wall, that ſo, as I well obſerved, the Coffins might be brought into the Tower without our taking notice; of this the reſt knew nothing. This being done, we were conducted into the Tower at the^[325] very bottom, which albeit it were excellently painted, yet we had here littil recreation, for this was nothing but a Laboratory, where we were fain to beat and waſh Plants, and pretious Stones,^[326] and all Sorts of Things, and extract their Juice and Eſſence, and put up the ſame in Glaſſes, and deliver them to be laid up. And truly our Virgin was ſo buſie with us, and ſo full of her directions, that ſhe knew how to give each of us employment enough, ſo that in this Iſland we were fain to be meer drudges, till we had atcheived all that was neceſſary for the reſtoring of the Beheaded Bodies. Mean time (as I afterwards underſtood) three Virgins were^[327] in the firſt Apartment waſhing the Corps with all diligence. Now having at length almoſt done with this our preparation, nothing more was brought us,^[328] but ſome broath with a little draught of Wine, whereby I well obſerved, that we were not here for our pleaſure; for when we had finiſhed our days work too, every one had only a Mattreſs laid on^[329] the Ground for him, wherewith we were to content our ſelves. For my part I was not very much troubled with ſleep, and therefore walked out into the Garden, and at length came as for as the Wall; and becauſe the Heaven was at that time very clear, I could well^[330] drive away the time in contemplating the Stars; By chance I came to a great pair of Stone-Stairs, which led up to the top of the Wall. And becauſe the Moon ſhone very bright, I was ſo much the more confident, and went up, and looked too a little upon the Sea, which was now exceeding calm; and thus having good opportunity to conſider better of Aſtronomy, I found that this preſent Night there would happen ſuch a conjunction of the Planets, the like to which was not otherwiſe ſuddenly to be obſerved. Now having looked a good while into the Sea, and it being juſt about Midnight, as ſoon as it had ſtruck Twelve, I beheld from far the ſeven Flames paſſing over Sea hitherward, and betakeing themſelves to the top of the Spire of the Tower. This made me ſomewhat affraid; for as ſoon as the Flames had ſetled themſelves, the Winds aroſe, and began to make the Sea very Tempeſtuous. The Moon alſo was Covered with clouds, and my joy ended with ſuch fear, that I had ſcarce time enough to hit upon the Stairs again, and betake my ſelf again to the Tower. Now whether the Flames tarried any longer, or paſſed away again, I cannot ſay: For in this obſcurity I durſt no more venture abroad: So I laid me down upon my Mattreſs, and there being beſides in the Laboratory a pleaſant and gently purling Fountain, I fell a Sleep ſo much the ſooner. And thus this fifth day too was concluded with Wonders.

The Sixth Day.

NExt morning, after we had awaked one another, we ſate together^[331] a while to diſcourſe what might yet be the event of things. For ſome were of opinion that they ſhould all be inlivened again together. Others contradicted it, becauſe the deceaſe of the ancients was not only to reſtore life, but increaſe too to the young ones. Some imagined that they were not put to death, but that others were beheaded in their ſtead. We having now talked together a pretty while. in comes the Old Man to us, and firſt ſaluting us, looks about him to ſee if all things were ready, and the proceſſes enough done. We had herein ſo behaved our ſelves, that he had no^[332] fault to find with our diligence, whereupon he placed all the Glaſſes together,^[333] and put them into a caſe. Preſently come certain youths bringing with them ſome Ladders, Roapes, and large Wings,^[334] which they laid down before us, and departed. Then the old Man began thus. My Dear Sons, one of theſe three things muſt each of you this day conſtantly bear about with him. Now it is free for you either to make a choice of one of them, or to caſt lots about it. We replied, we would chooſe. Nay; ſaid he, let it rather go by lot. Hereupon he made three little Schedules, in one he writ Ladder, on the ſecond Rope, on the third Wings; Theſe he laid in an Hat, and each man muſt draw, and whatever he happened upon, that was to be his. Thoſe who got the Ropes, imagined themſelves to be in the beſt caſe, but I chanced on a Ladder, which hugely afflicted me, for it was twelve-foot long, and pretty weighty, and I muſt be forced to carry it, whereas the others could handſomly coyle their Ropes about them▪ and as for the Wings, the old Man joyned them ſo neatly on to the third ſort, as if they had grown upon them. Hereupon he turned the Cock, and then the Founrain ran no longer, and we were fain to remove it, from the middle out of the way. After all things were carried off, he taking with him the Casket with the Glaſſes, took leave, and locked the Door faſt after him, ſo that we imagined no other but that we had been^[335] impriſoned in this Tower. But it was hardly a quarter of an Hour before a round Hole at the very top was uncovered, where we ſaw our Virgin, who called to us, and bad us good Morrow, deſiring us to come up. They with the Wings were inſtantly above through the hole. Only they with the Ropes were in evil plight. For as ſoon as ever one of us was up, he was commanded to draw up the Ladder to him. At^[336] laſt each mans Rope was hanged on an Iron Hook, ſo every one was fain to climb up by his Rope as well as he could, which indeed was not compaſſed without Bliſters. Now as ſoon as we were all well up, the hole was again covered, and we were friendly received by the Virgin. This Room was the whole breadth of the Tower it ſelf, having Six very ſtately Veſtries a little raiſed above the Room, and to be entred by the aſcent of three Steps▪ In theſe^[337] Veſtries we were diſtributed, there to pray for the Life of the King and Queen, mean while the Virgin went in and out at the little Door a, till we had done. For as ſoon as our proceſs was abſolved, there was brought in, and placed in the middle through the little Door, by twelve perſons (which were formerly our Muſitians) a wonderful thing of a longiſh ſhape, which my Companions took only to be a Fountain. But I well obſerved that the Corps's lay in it, for the inner Cheſt was of an oval Figure, ſo large that ſix Perſons might well lie in it one by another. After which they again went forth, fetched their Inſtruments, and conducted in our Virgin, together with her ſhe-attendants, with a moſt delicate noiſe of Muſick. The Virgin carried a little Casket, but the^[338] reſt only Branches, and ſmall Lamps, and ſome too lighted Torches. The Torches were immediately given into our Hands, and we were to ſtand about the Fountain in this order.

Firſt ſtood the Virgin ^{[339] [340]} A with her attendants in a Ring round about with the Lamps & branches c, next ſtood we with our Torches b, then the Muſicians a in a long rank, laſt of all the reſt of the Virgins d in another long rank too. Now whence the Virgins came, or whether they dwelt in the Caſtle, or whether they were brought in by night, I know not, for all their Faces were covered with delicate white Linnen, ſo that I could not know any^[341] of them. Hereupon the Virgin opened the Casket, in which there was a^[342] round thing wrapped up in a piece of green double Taffata. This ſhe laid in the uppermoſt Kettle, and then covered it with the lid, which was full of holes, and had beſides a Rim, on which ſhe poured in ſome of the Water which we had the day before prepared, whence the Fountain began immediately to run, and through four ſmall Pipe; to drive into the little Kettle; beneath the undermoſt Kettle there were many ſharp points, on which the Virgins ſtuck their Lamps, that ſo the heat might come to the Kettle, and make the Water Seeth. Now the Water beginning to Simper, by many little holes at a, it fell in upon the Bodies, and was ſo hot, that it diſſolved them all, and turned them into Liquor. But what the above ſaid round wrapt up thing was, my Companions knew not, but I underſtood that it was the Moor's Head, from which the Water conceived ſo great heat. At b round about the great Kettle, there were again many holes, in which they ſtuck their Branches; now whether^[343] this was done of neceſſity, or only for Ceremony, I know not; However theſe Branches were continually beſprinkled by the Fountain, whence it afterwards dropt ſomewhat of a deepee Yellow into the Kettle. This laſted for near two Hours, that the Fountain ſtill conſtantly ran of it ſelf; but yet the longer, the fainter it was. Mean time the Muſitians went their vvay, and vve walked up and down in the Room; and truly the Room was ſomade, that we^[344] had opportunity enough to paſs away our time: There was, for Images, Paintings, Clock-works, Organs, Springing Fountains, and the like, nothing forgotten. Now it was near the time that the Fountain ceaſed, and would run no longer: upon which the Virgin commanded a round Golden Globe to be brought. But at the bottom of the Fountain there was a Tap, by which ſhe let out all the matter that was diſſovled by thoſe hot Drops (whereof certain quarts were then very Red) into the Globe. The reſt of the Water which remained above in the Kettle, was poured out. And ſo this Fountain (which was now become much lighter) was again carried forth. Now whether it was opened abroad; or whether any thing of the Bodies that was further uſeful, yet remained, I dare not certainly ſay: But this I know, that the Water that was emptied into the Globe was much heavier then ſix, or yet^[345] more of us were well able to bear, albeit for its bulk it ſhould have ſeemed not too heavy for one man. Now this Globe being with much ado gotten out of Doors, we again ſate alone. But I perceiving a trampling over head, had an Eye to my Ladder. Hear one might take notice of the ſtrange opinions my Companions had concerning this Fountain: For they not imagining but^[346] that the Bodies lay in the Garden of the Caſtle, knew not what to make of this kind of working, but I thanked God that I awaked in ſo opportune a time, and ſaw that which helped me the better in all the Virgins buſineſs. After one quarter of an hour the cover above was again lifted of, and we commanded^[347] to come up, which was done as before vvith Wings, Ladders, and Ropes. And it did not a little vex me, that vvhereas the Virgins could go up another vvay, vve vvere fain to take ſo much toil; yet I could vvell iudge there muſt be ſome ſpecial reaſon in it, and vve muſt leave ſomevvhat for the Old Man to do too. For even thoſe vvith the Wings had no advantage by them but vvhen they vvere to mount through the Hole. Novv being gotten up thither alſo, and the Hole ſhut again, I ſavv the Globe hanging by^[348] a ſtrong Chain in the middle of the Room. In this Room vvas nothing elſe but meer Windovvs, and ſtill betvveen two Windows there vvas a Door, vvhich vvas covered vvith nothing but a great poliſhed Looking-Glaſs; and theſe Windovvs and Looking-Glaſſes were ſo optically oppoſed one to another, that although the Sun (vvhich novv ſhined exceeding bright) beat only upon^[349] one Door, yet (after the Windovvs tovvards the Sun vvere opened, and the Doors before the Looking-Glaſſes dravvn aſide) in all quarters of the Room there vvas nothing but Suns, vvhich by artificial Refractions beat upon the vvhole golden Globe hanging in the midſt; and for as much as the ſame (beſides that brightneſs) vvas poliſhed, it gave ſuch a Luſtre, that none of us could open our Eyes, but vvere therefore forced to look out at Windovvs till^[350] the Globe vvas vvell heated, and brought to the deſired effect. Here I may vvell avovv that in theſe Mirrours I have ſeen the moſt vvonderful Spectacle that ever Nature brought to light▪ for there were Suns in all places, and the Globe in the middle ſhined yet brighter, ſo that, but for one twinkling of an Eye, we could no more indure it than the Sun it ſelf. At length the Virgin commanded to ſhut up the Looking-Glaſſes again, and to make faſt the Windovvs, and ſo let the Globe cool again a little; and this vvas done about ſeven of the Clock. Wherefore vve thought good, ſince vve might novv have leiſure a little to refreſh our ſelves vvith a Breakfaſt: This Treatment again vvas right Philoſophical, and vve^[351] had no need to be affraid of Intemperance, yet vve had no vvant. And the hope of the future joy (vvith vvhich the Virgin continually comforted us) made us ſo jocond that vve regarded not any pains, or inconvenience. And this I can truly ſay too concerning my Companions of high quality, that their minds never ran after their Kitchin or Table, but their pleaſure vvas only to attend upon this adventurous Phiſick, and hence to contemplate the Creator's Wiſdom and Omnipotency. After vve had taken our Refection, we again ſettled our ſelves to work, for the Globe was ſufficiently cooled; which with toil and labour we vvere to lift off the Chain and ſet upon the Floor. Now the diſpute was how to get the Globe in funder, for we were commanded to divide the ſame in the midſt. The concluſion was that a ſharp pointed Diamond would beſt do it. Now when we^[352] had thus opened the Globe, there was nothing of redneſs more to be ſeen, but a lovely great ſnovv-vvhite Egg: It moſt mightily rejoyced us, that this was ſo vvell brought to paſs. For the Virgin vvas in perpetuall care, leaſt the Shell might ſtill be too tender. We ſtood round about this Egg as jocond as if vve our ſelves had laid it. But the Virgin made it preſently be carried^[353] forth, and departed her ſelf too from us again, and (as all vvays) locked the Door to. But vvhat ſhe did abroad vvith the Egg, or vvhether it vvere ſome vvay privately handled, I knovv not, neither do I believe it. Yet vve vvere again to pauſe together for one quarter of an hour, till the third hole vvere opened, and vve by means of our inſtruments vvere come upon the fourth Stone or Floor. In this Room vve^[354] found a great Copper Kettle filled vvith yellow Sand, vvhich vvas vvarmed vvith a gentle Fire, aftervvards the Egg vvas raked up in it, that it might therein come to perfect maturity. This Kettle vvas exactly ſquare, upon one ſide ſtood theſe tvvo verſes, Writ in great Leters.

O. BLI. TO. BIT. MI. LI. KANT. I. VOLT. BIT. TO. GOLT.

On the ſecond ſide vvere theſe three Words.

SANITAS. NIX. HASTA.

The third had no more but this one Word.

F. I. A. T.

But on the hinder moſt part ſtood an intire Inſcription running thus.

QVOD. Ignis: Aer: Aqua: Terra: SANCTIS REGUM ET REGINARUM NOSTR: Cineribus. Eripere non potuerunt. Fidelis Chymicorum Turba IN HANC URNAM Contulit. [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉]

Now whether the Sand or Egg were hereby meant, I leave to the learned to diſpute, yet do I my part, and omit nothing undeclared. Our Egg being now ready was taken out; But it needed no cracking, for the Bird that was in it ſoon freed himſelf, and ſhewed himſelf very jocond, yet he looked very Bloody and unſhapen: We firſt ſet him^[355] upon the warm Sand, ſo the Virgin commanded, that before we gave him any thing to eat, we ſhould be ſure to make him faſt, otherwiſe he would give^[356] us all work enough. This being done too, food was brought him, which ſurely was nothing elſe than the Blood of the^[357] Beheaded, deluted again with prepared water, by which the Bird grew ſo faſt under our eyes, that we well ſaw why the Virgin gave us ſuch warning of him. He bit and ſcratcht ſo devilliſhly about him, that could he have had his will upon any of us, he would ſoon have diſpatched him. Now he was wholly black, and wild, wherefore other meat was brought him, perhaps the blood of another^[358] of the Royal Perſons, whereupon all his black Feathers moulted again, and inſtead of them there grew but Snow-white-Feathers. He was ſomewhat tamer too, and ſuffered himſelf to be more tractable, nevertheleſs we did not yet truſt him. At the third feeding his Feathers began to be ſo curiouſly^[359] coloured, that in all my Life I never ſaw the like colours for Beauty. He was alſo exceeding tame, and behaved himſelf ſo friendly with us, that (the Virgin^[360] conſenting) we releaſed him from his Captivity. 'Tis now reaſon (began our Virgin) ſince by your diligence, and our old man's conſent, the Bird has attained both his Life, and the higheſt Perfection, that he be alſo joyfully Conſecrated by us. Herewith ſhe commanded to bring in Dinner, and that we ſhould again refreſh our ſelves, ſince the moſt troubleſome part of our Work was now over, and it was ſit we ſhould begin to enjoy our paſſed Labours. We began to make our ſelves merry together. Hovvbeit we had ſtill all our Mourning Cloaths on, which ſeemed ſomewhat reproachful to our Mirth. Novv the Virgin was perpetually inquiſitive, perhaps to find to which of us her future purpoſe^[361] might prove ſerviceable. But her diſcourſe was for the moſt part about melting; and it pleaſed her well vvhen any one ſeemed expert in ſuch compendious Manuals, as do peculiarly commend an^[362] Artiſt. This Dinner laſted not above three quarters of an hour, which vve yet for the moſt part ſpent with our Bird, vvhom vve were fain conſtantly to feed with his meat: But he ſtill continued much at the ſame growth. After Dinner vve vvere not long ſuffered to digeſt our Meat, but after that the Virgin together with the Bird was departed from us. The fifth Room was^[363] ſet open to us, whither we got too after the former manner, and tendred our Service. In this Room a Bath was prepared^[364] for our Bird, which was ſo coloured with a fine white Powder, that it had the appearance of meer Milk. Now it was at firſt cool when the Bird was ſet into it: He was mighty well pleaſed with it, drinking of it, and pleaſantly ſporting in it. But after it began to heat by reaſon of the Lamps that were placed under it, vve had enough to do to keep him in the Bath, vve therefore clapt a cover on the Kettle, and ſuffered him to thruſt his head out through a hole, till he had in this ſort loſt all his Feathers in this Bath, and vvas as ſmooth as a nevv-born Child, yet the heat did him no further harm, at vvhich I much marvelled; for in this Bath the Feathers were quite conſumed, and the Bath vvas thereby tinged into blew; at length vve gave the Bird air, vvho of himſelf ſprung out of the Kettle, and was ſo glitteringly ſmooth, that it vvas a pleaſure to behold it. But becauſe he vvas ſtill ſomewhat wild, vve were fain to put a collar,^[365] with a Chain, about his Neck, and ſo led him up and down the Room. Mean time a ſtrong Fire vvas made under the Kettle, and the Bath ſodden away till^[366] it all came to a blew Stone, which vve took out, and having firſt pounded it, vve vvere afterwards fain to grind it on a Stone, and finally vvith this colour to paint the Bird's whole Skin over: Novv he lookt much more ſtrangely, for he vvas all blew, except the head, vvhich remained white. Herewith our work on this Story too vvas performed; And we (after the Virgin with her blew Bird was departed from us) were called up through the hole to the ſixth Story:^[367] which vvas done too, there we were mightily troubled, for in the midſt a little Altar, every way like that in the King's Hall above deſcribed, vvas placed. Upon which ſtood the ſix fore-mentioned particulars, and he him ſelf (the Bird) made the ſeventh. Firſt of all the little Fountain vvas ſet before him, out of vvhich he drunk a good draught, aftervvards he pecked upon the white Serpent until ſhe bled mightily. This Blood vve vvere to receive into a Golden Cup, and pour it dovvn the Birds Throat, vvho vvas mighty averſe from it, then vve dipt the Serpents head in the Fountain, upon vvhich ſhe again revived, and crept into her Deaths-head, ſo that I ſavv her no more for a long time after. Mean time the Sphere turned conſtantly on, until it made the deſired conjunction. Immediately the watch Struck one, upon which there was a going another conjunction. Then the Watch ſtruck two. Finally, whilſt we were obſerving the third conjunction, and the ſame vvas indicated by the Watch, the poor Bird of himſelf ſubmiſſively laid dovvn his Neck upon the Book, and vvillingly ſuffered his Head (by one of us thereto choſen^[368] by lot) to be ſmitten off. Hovvbeit he yielded not one drop of Blood, till he vvas opened on the Breaſt, and then the Blood ſpun out ſo freſh and clear as if it had been a Fountain of Rubies. His Death vvent to the heart of us, and yet vve might vvell judge, that a naked Bird vvould ſtand us in little ſtead. So we let it reſt, and removed the little Altar away and aſſiſted the Virgin to burn the^[369] Body (together with the little Tablet hanging by) to Aſhes, with Fire kindled at the little Taper; afterwards to cleanſe the ſame ſeveral times, and to lay them in a Box of Cypreſs Wood. Here I cannot conceal what a trick I^[370] and three more were ſerved▪ After we had thus diligently taken up the Aſhes, The Virgin began to ſpeak thus. My Lords, we are here in the ſixth Room, and have only one more before us, in which our trouble will be at an end, and then we ſhall return home again to our Caſtle, to awaken our moſt gratious Lords and Ladies. Now albeit I could heartily wiſh, that all of you, as you are here together, had behaved your ſelves in ſuch ſort, that I might have given you Commendations to our moſt renowned King and Queen, and you have obtained a ſuitable Reward; yet becauſe, contrary to my deſire, I have found amougſt you theſe four (herewith ſhe pointed at me and three more) lazy and ſluggiſh Labourators, and yet according to my good-will to all and every one, am not willing to deliver them up to condign puniſhment; However, that ſuch Negligence may not remain wholly unpuniſhed, I am purpoſed thus concerning them, that they ſhall only be excluded from the future ſeventh and moſt Glorious action of all the reſt, and ſo too they ſhall incur no further blame from their Royal Majeſties. In what a caſe we now were at this Speech, I leave others to conſider: For the Virgin ſo well knew how to keep her countenance, that the Water ſoon ran over our Baskets, and we eſteemed our ſelves the moſt unhappy of all men. After this the Virgin by one of her Maids (whereof there were many always at hand) cauſed the Muſitians to be fetcht▪ who where with Cornets to blow us out of Doors with ſuch ſcorn and deriſion, that they themſelves could hardly ſound for laughing. But it did particularly mightily afflict us that the Virgin ſo vehemently laughed at our weeping, anger & impatience, and that there might well perhaps be ſome amongſt our Companions who were glad of this our misfortune. But it proved otherwiſe. For as ſoon as we^[371] were come out at the Door, the Muſitians bid us be of good cheere and follow them up the winding Staires; They led us up to the ſeventh Floor under^[372] the Roof, where we found the old Man, whom we had not hitherto ſeen, ſtanding upon a little round Furnace. He received us friendly, and heartily congratulated us, that we were hereto choſen by the Virgin; but after he underſtood the affright we had conceived, his belly was ready to burſt with Laughing, that we had taken ſuch good Fortune ſo hainouſly. Hence ſaid he, My Dear Sons learn, That Man never knoweth how well God intendeth him. During this diſcourſe the Virgin alſo with her little Box came running in, who (after ſhe had ſufficiently laughed at us) emptied her Aſhes out into another Veſſel, and filled hers again with other matter,^[373] ſaving, ſhe muſt now go caſt a Miſt before the other Artiſts Eyes, that we in the mean time ſhould obey the old Lord in whatſoever he commanded us, and not remit our former diligence. Herewith ſhe departed from us into the ſeventh^[374] Room whither ſhe called our Companions. Now what ſhe firſt did with them there, I cannot tell, for they were not only moſt earneſtly forbidden to ſpeak of it, but we too by reaſon of our buſineſs, durſt not peep on them through the Cieling. But this was our^[375] work, we were to moiſten the Aſhes with our fore-prepared Water till they became altogether like a very thin Dough. After which we ſet the matter over the Fire, till it was well heated, then we caſt it thus hot as it was into two little forms or moulds, and ſo let it cool a little (here we had leiſure to look a while^[376] upon our Companions through certain creviſes made in the Floor) they were now very buſie at a Furnace, & each was himſelf fain to blow up the Fire with a pipe, and they ſtood thus blowing about it, as if they were ready to looſe their breath. Howbeit, they imagined they were herein wondrouſly preferred before us. And this blowing laſted ſo long till our old Man rouzed us to our work again; So that I cannot ſay what was done afterwards. We having opened our little forms, there appeared two beautiful bright and almoſt Tranſparent ^[377] little Images, the like to which Mans Eye never ſaw, a Male and a Female, each of them only four inches long; and that which moſt mightily ſurpriſed me, was, that they were not hard, but limber and fleſhy, as other human Bodies, yet had they no Life: So that I do moſt aſſuredly believe that the Lady Venus's Image was alſo made after ſome ſuch way. Theſe Angelically fair Babes we firſt laid upon two little Sattin Cuſhonets, and beheld them a good while, till we were almoſt beſotted upon ſo exquiſite an object.^[378] The old Lord warned us to forbear, and continually to inſtill the Bood of the Bird (which had been received into a little Golden Cup) drop after drop into the Mouths of the little Images, from whence they apparently to the Eye encreaſed; and whereas they were before very ſmall, they were now (according to proportion) much more beautiful; ſo that worthily all Limners ought to have been here, and have been aſhamed of their Art in reſpect of theſe productions of Nature. Now they began to grow ſo big, that we lifted from the little Cuſhonets, and were fain to lay them upon a long Table, which was covered with white Velvet. The old man alſo commanded us to cover them over up to the Breaſt with a piece of fine white double Taffata, which becauſe of their unſpeakable beauty, almoſt^[379] went againſt us; but that I may be brief, before we had in▪ this manner quite ſpent the Blood, they were already in their perfect full growth, they had Gold-yellow curled Hair, and the above-mentioned figure of Venus was nothing to them. But there was not yet any natural warmth, or ſenſibility in them, they were dead Figures, yet of a lively and natural colour: and ſince care was to be taken that they grew not too great, the old Man would not permit any thing more to be given them, but quite covered their Faces too with the Silk, and cauſed the Table to be ſtuck round about with Torches▪ Here I muſt warn the Reader that he imagine not theſe Lights to have been of neceſſity, for the old Man's intent hereby, was only that we ſhould not obſerve when the Soul entred into them, as indeed we ſhould not have taken notice of it, in caſe I had not twice before ſeen the Flames; However, I permitted the other three to remain in their belief, neither did the old Man know that I had ſeen any thing more. Hereupon he bid us ſit down on a Bench over againſt the Table: preſently the Virgin came in too with the Muſick and^[380] all furniture, and carried two curious white Garments, the like to which I had never ſeen in the Caſtle, neither can I deſcribe them, for I thought no other but that they were meer Chriſtal, but they were gentle, and not tranſparent, ſo that I cannot ſpeak of them: Theſe ſhe laid down upon a Table, and after ſhe had diſpoſed her Virgins upon a Bench round about, ſhe and the old Man began many Leger-demain tricks about the Table, which was done^[381] only to Blind us. This (as I told you) was managed under the roof, which was wonderfully formed, for on the inſide^[382] it was arched into ſeven Hemiſpheres, of which the middlemoſt was ſomewhat the higheſt, and had at top a little round hole, which was nevertheleſs ſhut, and was obſerved by none elſe. After many Ceremonies, ſtept in ſix Virgins, each of which bare a large Trumpet, which were rouled about with a green glittering and burning material like a wreath, one of which the old Man took, and after he had removed ſome of the lights at top, and uncovered their Faces, he placed one of the Trumpets upon the Mouth of one of the Bodies in ſuch manner, that the upper and wider part of it was directed juſt againſt the forementioned hole. Here my Companions always looked upon^[383] the Images; but I had other thoughts; for as ſoon as the foliage or wreath about the ſhank of the Trumpet was kindled, I ſaw the hole at top open, and a bright^[384] ſtream of Fire ſhooting down the Tube, and paſſing into the Body: whereupon the hole was again covered, and the Trumpet removed. With this device my Companions were deluded, ſo that they imagined that life came into the Image by means of the Fire of the foliage, for as ſoon as he received the Soul ^[385] he twinckled with his Eyes, howbeit he ſcarce ſtirred. The ſecond time he placed another Tube upon its Mouth, and kindled it again, and the Soul was let down through the Tube. This was repeated upon each of them three times, after which all the Lights were exſtinguiſhed and carried away. The Velvet Carpets of the Table were caſt together over them, and immediately a travilling Bed was unlocked and made ready, into which thus wrapped up they were born, and ſo after the Carpets were taken off them, they were neatly laid by each other, where with the Curtains drawn before them, they ſlept a good while. (Now was it alſo time for the Virgin to ſee how our other Artiſts^[386] behaved themſelves, they were well pleaſed, becauſe (as the Virgin afterwards informed me) they were to work in Gold, which is indeed a piece alſo of this art, but not the moſt Principal, moſt neceſſary, and beſt: They had indeed too a part▪ of theſe Aſhes, ſo that they imaaginied no other, but that the whole Bird was provided for the ſake of Gold, and that life muſt thereby be reſtored to the deceaſed) during which we ſate very ſtill, attending when our married couple would awake, thus about half an hour was ſpent. For then the wanton Cupid preſented himſelf again, and, after^[387] he had ſaluted us all, flew to them behind the Curtain, tormenting them ſo long till they awaked. This happened to them with very great amazement, for^[388] they imagined no other but that they had hitherto ſlept from the very hour in which they were beheaded. Cupid, after he had awaked them, and renewed their acquaintance one with another, ſtepped a ſide a little, and permitted them both ſomewhat better to recruis themſelves, mean time playing his tricks with us; and at length he would needs have the Muſick fetcht to be ſomewhat the merrier. Not long after the Virgin her ſelf comes: And after ſhe had moſt humbly ſaluted the young King and Queen (who found themſelves ſomewhat faint) and kiſſed their hands, ſhe^[389] brought them the two forementioned curious Garments, which they put on, and ſo ſtepped forth. Now there were already prepared two very curious Chaires, wherein they placed themſelves: and ſo were by us with moſt profound Reverence congratulated; for which the King in his own Perſon moſt gratiouſly returned his thanks, and again re-aſſured us of all Grace. It was already about five of Clock, wherefore they could make no longer ſtay, but as ſoon as ever the chiefeſt of their^[390] furniture could be laden, we were to attend the young Royal Perſons down the winding Stairs, through all Doors and watches unto the Ship, in which they inbarqued themſelves, together with certain Virgins, and Cupid, and ſailed ſo mighty ſwift that we ſoon loſt ſight of them, yet they were met (as I was informed) by certain ſtately Ships; Thus in four Hours time they had made many Leagues out at Sea. After^[391] five of Clock the Muſitians were charged to carry all things back again to the Ships, and to make themſelves ready for the Voyage. But becauſe this was ſomewhat long a doing, the old Lord ^[392] commanded forth a party of his concealed Soldiers, who had hitherto been^[393] planted in the Wall, ſo that we had taken no notice of any of them, whereby I obſerved that this Tower was well provided againſt oppoſition. Now theſe Soldiers made quick work with our ſtuff, ſo that no more remained further to be done, but to go to Gupper. Now the Table being compleatly furniſhed, the Virgin brings us again to^[394] our Companions vvhere vve vvere to carry our ſelves as if vve had truly been in a Lamentable condition, and forbear laughing. But they vvere alvvays ſmiling one upon another, hovvbeit ſome of them too ſimpathized vvith us. At this Supper the old Lord vvas vvith us too, vvho vvas a moſt ſharp Inſpector over us: For none could^[395] propound any thing ſo diſcreetly, but that he knevv hovv either to confute it, or amend it, or at leaſt to give ſome good document upon it. I learned moſt^[396] by this Lord, and it vvere very good that each one would apply himſelf to him, and take notice of his procedure▪ for then things would not ſo often, and ſo untowardly Miſcarry. After we had taken our nocturnal refection, the old Lord led us into his Cloſets of Rarities, which were here and there diſperſed^[397] amongſt the Bulworks, vvhere we ſaw ſuch wonderful productions of Nature, and other things too which mans vvit in imitation of Nature had invented, that we needed a Year more ſufficiently to ſurveigh them: Thus we ſpent a good part of the Night by Candle-light. At laſt, becauſe we were more inclined to Sleep than ſee many Rarities, we were lodged in Rooms in the Wall, where we had not only coſtly good Beds, but alſo beſides extraordinary handſom Chambers, which made us the more wonder why we were the day before forced to undergo ſo many hardſhips. In this Chamber I had good reſt; and being for the moſt part without care, and weary with continual Labour, the gentle ruſhing of the Sea helped me to a ſound and ſweet Sleep, for I continued in one Dream from eleven^[398] of Clock till eight in the morning.

The Sventh Day.

AFter eight of clock I awaked, and quickly made my ſelf ready, being deſirous to return again into the Tower, but the dark paſſages in the Wall were ſo many, and various, that I wandred a good while before I could find the way out. The ſame happened to the reſt too, till at laſt we all met again^[399] in the neather moſt Vault, and habits intirely yellow were given us, together with our golden Flecces. At that time the Virgin declared to us that we were Knights of the Golden Stone, of^[400] which we were before ignorant. After we had now thus made our ſelves ready, and taken our Breakfaſt, the old Man preſented each of us with a^[401] medal of Gold; on the one ſide ſtood theſe Words, AR. NAT. MI.^{[402] [403]} On the other theſe, TEM. NA. F. Exhorting us moreover we ſhould entreprize nothing beyond and againſt this token of remembrance. Herewith we went forth to the Sea, where our Ships lay ſo richly equipped, that it was not well poſſible but that ſuch brave things muſt firſt have been brought thither. The Ships were twelve in number, ſix of ours, and ſix of the old Lord's, who cauſed his Ships to be freighted with well appointed Soldiers. But he be took himſelf, to us, into our Ship,^[404] where we all were together; In the firſt the Muſitians Seated themſelves, of which the old Lord had alſo a great number, they ſailed before us to ſhorten the time. Our Flags were the twelve ^[405] Caeleſtial Signs, and we ſate in Libra; beſids other things, our Ship had alſo a noble and curious Clock, which ſhewed us all the Minutes. The Sea too was ſo calm, that it was a ſingular pleaſure to Sail. But that which ſurpaſſed all the reſt, was the old Man's diſcourſe, who ſo^[406] well knew how to paſs away our time with wonderful Hiſtories, that I could have been content to Sail with him all^[407] my Life long. Mean time the Ships paſſed on amain, for before we had ſailed two hours the Mariner told us that he already ſaw the whole Lake almoſt covered with Ships, by which we could conjecture they were come out to meet us, which alſo proved true: For as ſoon, as we were gotten out of the Sea into the Lake by the ſorementioned River, there preſently ſtood in to us five hundred Ships, one of which ſparkled with mere Gold and pretious Stones,^[408] in which ſate the King and Queen, together with other Lords, Ladies, and Virgins of high Birth. As ſoon as they were well in Ken of us the pieces were diſcharged on both ſides, and there was ſuch a din of Trumpets, Shalms, and Kettle Drums that all the^[409] Ships upon the Sea capered again. Finally, as ſoon as we came near they brought about our Ships together, and ſo made a ſtand, Immediately the old Atlas ſtepped forth on the King's behalf, making a ſhort, but handſom oration, wherein he wellcomed us,^[410] and demanded whether the Royal Preſents were in readineſs. The reſt of my Companions were in an huge amazement, whence this King ſhould ariſe, for they imagined no other but that they muſt again awaken him. We ſuffered them to continue in their wonderment, and carried our ſelves as if it ſeemed ſtrange to us too. After Atlas's oration our ſteps our old Man, making ſomewhat a larger reply, wherein he^[411] wiſhed the King and Queen all happineſs and increaſe, after which he delivered^[412] up a curious ſmall Casket, but what was in it, I know not; only it was commited to Cupid, who hovered between them both to keep. After the oration was finiſhed, they again let off a joyful Volle of Shot, and ſo we ſailed on a good time together, till at length we arrived at another Shore. This was near the firſt Gate at which I firſt entred: At this place again there attended a great Multitude of the King's Family together with ſome hundreds of Horſes. Now as ſoon as we were come to ſhore, and diſembarqued, the King and Queen preſented their Hands to all of us one with another with ſingular kindneſs; and ſo we were to get up on Horſeback. Here I deſire to have the Reader friendly intreated not to interpret the following Narration to any vain glory or pride of mine, but to credit me thus far, that if there had not been a ſpecial neceſſity in it, I could very well have utterly concealed this honour which was ſhewed me. We^[413] were all one after another diſtributed amongſt the Lords. But our old Lord, and I moſt unworthy, were to ride even with the King, each of us bearing a ſnow white Enſign, with a Red Croſs: I indeed was made uſe of becauſe of my Age, for we both had long grey Beards, and Hair. I had beſides faſtened my tokens round about my Hat, of which the young King ſoon took notice, and demanded if I were he, who could at the Gate redeem theſe tokens? I anſwered in moſt humble manner, Yea. But he^[414] laughed on me, ſaying, There henceforth needed no Ceremony; I was HIS Father. Then he asked me, Wherewith ^[415] I had redeemed them; I replied, with Water ^[416] and Salt: whereupon he wondred who had made me ſo wiſe; upon which I grew ſomewhat more confident, and recounted unto him how it had happened to me with my Bread, the Dove, and the Raven, and he was pleaſed with it, and ſaid expreſly, That it muſt needs be, that God had herein vouchſafed me a ſingular happineſs. Herewith we came to the firſt gate where the Porter with the blew Cloaths waited, who bare in his Hand a ſupplication. Now as ſoon as he ſpied me even with the King, he delivered me the ſupplication, moſt humbly beſeeching me to mention his ingenuity towards me before the King: Now in the firſt^[417] place I demanded of the King, what the condition of this Porter was? who friendly anſwered me, That he was a very famous and rare Aſtrologer, and always in high regard with the Lord his Father. But having on a time committed a fault againſt Venus, and beheld her in her Bed of reſt, This puniſhment was therefore impoſed upon him▪ that he ſhould ſo long wait at the firſt Ga[•]e, till ſome one ſhould releaſe him from thence. I replied, may he then be releaſed? Yes, ſaid the King, if any one can be found that hath as highly tranſgreſſed as himſelf, he muſt ſtand ^[418] in his ſtead, and the other ſhall be free. This word went to my Heart, for my Conſcience convinced me that I was the offender, yet I held my peace, & herewith delivered the ſupplication. As ſoon as he had read it, he was mightily terrified, ſo that the Queen, who (with our Virgins, and that other Queen beſides, of whom I made mention at the hanging of the Weights) rid juſt behind us obſerved it, & therefore asked him, what this Letter might ſigni[••…]. But he had no mind that he ſhould take notice of it, but putting up the Paper, began to diſcourſe of other matters, till thus in about three hours time we came quite to the Caſtle, where we alighted, and waited upon the King^[419] into his forementioned Hall. Immediately the Kng called for the old Atlas to come to him in a little Cloſet, and ſhewed him the writing, who made no long tarrying, but rid out again to the Porter to take better Cognizance of the matter. After which the young King with his Spouſe, and other Lords, Ladies and Virgins ſate down. Then^[420] began our Virgin highly to commend the diligence we had uſed, and the pains and labour we had undergone, requeſting we might be royally rewardded, and that ſhe henceforward might be permitted to enjoy the benefit of her commiſſion. Then the old Lord ſtood up too, and atteſted that all that the Virgin had ſpoken was true, and that it was but equity that we ſhould on both both parts be contented. Hereupon we were to ſtep out alittle; and it was concluded that each man ſhould make ſome poſſible wiſh, and accordingly obtain it; for it was not to be doubted, but that thoſe of underſtanding would alſo make the beſt wiſh: So we were to conſider of it till after Supper. Mean^[421] time the King and Queen for recreations ſake, began to fall to play together. It looked not unlike Cheſſe, only it had other Laws; for it was the Vertues and Vices one againſt another, where it might ingeniouſly be obſerved with what Plots the Vices lay in wait for the Vertues, and how to re-encounter them again. This was ſo properly^[422] and artificially performed, that it were to be wiſhed, that we had the like game too. During the game, in comes Atlas again, and makes his report in private, yet I bluſhed all over. For my Conſcience gave me no reſt; after which the King preſented me the ſupplication to read, the Contents^[423] whereof were much to this purpoſe: Firſt he wiſhed the King proſperity, and increaſe; that his ſeed might be ſpread abroad far and wide: Afterwards he remonſtrated that the time was now accompliſhed, wherein according to the Royal promiſe he ought to be releaſed. Becauſe Venus was already uncovered by one of his Gueſts, for his obſervations could not lie to him. And that if his Majeſty would pleaſe to make a ſtrict and diligent enquiry, he would find that ſhe had been uncovered, and in caſe this ſhould not prove ſo to be, he would be content to remain before the Gate all days of his life. Then he ſued in the moſt humble manner, that upon peril of Body and Life he might be permitted to be preſent at this Nights ſupper, he was in good hopes to ſpye out the very Offendor, and obtain his wiſhed freedom. This was expreſly and handſomly indicted, by which I could well perceive his ingenuity, but it was too ſharp for me, and I could well have endured never to have ſeen it. Now I was caſting in my mind whether he might perchance be helped through my wiſh, ſo I asked the King, whether he might not be releaſed ſome other way? No, replyed the King, becauſe there is a ſpecial conſideration in the buſineſs. However, for this Night, we may well gratifie him in his deſire▪ ſo he ſent one forth to fetch him in. Mean time the Tables were prepared in a ſpatious Room, in which we had never been before, which was ſo compleat, and in^[424] ſuch manner contrived, that it is not poſſible for me only to begin to deſcribe it. Into this we were conducted with ſingular Pomp, and Ceremony. Cupid^[425] was not at this time preſent. For (as I was informed) the diſgrace which had happened to his Mother, had ſomewhat angred him. In brief, my offence, and the Supplication which was delivered were an occaſion of much ſadneſs, for^[426] the King was in perplexity how to make inquiſition amongſt his Gueſts, and the more becauſe thus even they too, who were yet ignorant of the matter, would come to the knowledge of it. So he cauſed the Porter himſelf, who was already come, to make his ſtrict ſurveigh, and ſhewed himſelf as pleaſant as he was able. Howbeit at length they began again to be merry, and to beſpeak one another with all^[427] ſorts of recreative and profitable diſcourſes. Now how the treatment and other Ceremonies were then performed, it is not neceſſary to declare, ſince it is neither the Reader's concern, nor ſerviceable to my deſign. But all exceeded more in art, and human invention, than that we were overcharged with drinking. And this was the laſt, and nobleſt Meal at which I was preſent. After the Bancket the Tables were ſuddainly taken away, and certain curious Chairs placed round about in circle, in which we together with the King, and Queen, both their old Men, the Ladies and Virgins, were to ſit. After which a very handſom Page opened the above mentioned glorious little Book, when Atlas immediately placing himſelf in the midſt, began to beſpeak us to the enſuing purpoſe. That his Royal Majeſty had not yet committed to oblivion the ſervice we had done him, and how carefully we had attended our duty, and therefore by way of retribution had elected all and each of us Knights of the Golden Stone. That it was therefore further neceſſary not only once again to oblige our ſelves towards his Royal Majeſty, but to vow too upon the following Articles, and then his Royal Majeſty would likewiſe know how to behave himſelf towards his liege People. Upon which he cauſed the Page to read over the Articles▪ which were theſe.

• I. You my Lords the Knights, ſhall ſwear, that you ſhall at no time aſcribe your order either unto any Devil, or Spirit, but only to God your Creator, and his hand-maid Nature.
• II. That you will Abominate all Whoredom, Incontinency and Uncleaneſs, and not defile your order with ſuch Vices.
• III. That you through your Talents will be ready to aſſiſt all that are worthy, and have need of them.
• IV. That you deſire not to employ this honour to wordly Pride and high Authority.
• V. That you ſhall not be willing to live longer than God will have you.

At this laſt Article we could not chooſe but laugh ſufficiently, and it may well have been placed after the reſt, only for a conceit. Now being to vow to them all by the King's Scepter,^[428] we were afterwards with the uſual Ceremonies inſtalled Knights, and amongſt other Priviledges ſet over Ignorance, Poverty, and Sickneſs; to handle them at our pleaſure. And this was afterwards ratified in a little Chappel (whither we were conducted in all Proceſſion) and thanks returned to God for it. Where I alſo at that time to the honour of God hung up my Golden Fleece and Hat, and left them there for an eternal memorial. And becauſe every one was there to write his Name. I writ thus;

Summa Stientia nihil Scire. Fr. CHRISTI ANUS ROSENCREƲT▪ Eques aurei Lapidis. Anno. 1459.

Others writ otherwiſe, and truly each^[429] as ſeemed him good. After which we were again brought into the Hall, where being ſate down, we were admoniſhed quickly to be think our ſelves what every one would wiſh. But the King and his party retired into a little Cloſet, there to give audience to our wiſhes. Now each man was called in ſeverally, ſo that I cannot ſpeak of any man's proper wiſh, I thought nothing could be more praiſe-worthy than in honour of my order to demonſtrate ſome laudable vertue. And found too that none at preſent could be more famous, and coſt me more Prouble than Gratitude. Wherefore not regarding^[430] that I might well have wiſhed ſomewhat more dear and agreeable to my ſelf, I vanquiſhed my ſelf, and concluded, even with my own peril, to free the Porter my Benefactor. Wherefore being now called in, I was firſt of all demanded, whether, having read the Supplication, I had obſerved, or ſuſpected nothing concerning the offendor? upon which I began undauntedly to relate how all the buſineſs had paſſed. How through Ignorance I fell into that miſtake, and ſo offered my ſelf to undergo all that I had thereby demerited. The King, and the reſt of the Lords^[431] wondered mightily at ſo un-hoped for confeſſion, and ſo wiſhed me to ſtep aſide a little. Now as ſoon as I was called for in again, Atlas declared to me, that although it were grievous to the King's Majeſty, that I whom he loved above others, was fallen into ſuch a miſchance, yet becauſe it was not poſſible for him to Tranſgreſs his ancient uſages, he knew not how elſe to abſolve me, but that the other muſt be at Liberty, and I placed in his ſtead, yet he would hope that ſome other would ſoon be apprehended, that ſo I might be able to go home again. However, no releaſe was to be hoped^[432] for, till the Marriage Feaſt of his future Son. This Sentence had near coſt me my life, and I firſt hated my ſelf and my twatling Tongue, in that I could not hold my peace, yet at laſt I took courage, and becauſe I conſidered there was no remedy, I related how this Porter had beſtowed a token on me, and commended me to the other, by whoſe aſſiſtance I ſtood upon the Scale, and ſo was made partaker of all the honour and joy already received. And^[433] therefore now it was but equal that I ſhould ſhew my ſelf grateful to my Benefactor: and becauſe the ſame could no way elſe be done, I returned thanks for the ſentence, and was willing gladly to ſuſtain ſome inconvenience for his ſake, who had been helpful to me in coming to ſo high place. But if by my wiſh any thing might be effected, I wiſhed my ſelf at home again, and that ſo he by me, and I by my wiſh might be at Liberty. Anſwer was made me, that the wiſhing ſtretched not ſo far. However I might well wiſh him free. Yet it was very pleaſing to his Royal Majeſty, that I had behaved my ſelf ſo generouſly herein, but he was affraid I might ſtill be ignorant,^[434] into what a miſerable condition I had plunged my ſelf through this my curioſity. Hereupon the good man was pronounced free, and I with a ſad heart was fain to ſtep aſide. After me the^[435] reſt were called for too, who came jocundly out again, which was ſtill more to my ſmart; for I imagined no other, but that I muſt finiſh my life under the Gate. I had alſo many penſive thoughts running up and down in^[436] my Head, what I ſhould yet undertake, and wherewith to ſpend the time, at length I conſidered that I was now old, and according to the courſe of nature,^[437] had few years more to live: And that this anguiſh and melancholy Life would^[438] eaſily diſpatch me, and then my doorkeeping would be at an end: And that^[439] by a moſt happy Sleep I might quickly bring my ſelf into the Grave. I had ſundry of theſe thoughts. Sometimes it vexed me that I had ſeen ſuch galant things, and muſt be robbed of them. Sometimes it rejoyced me that yet before my end I had been accepted to all joy, and ſhould not be forced [〈◊〉] ſhamefully to depart. Thus this was the laſt and worſt ſhock that I ſuſtained: During theſe my Cogitations the reſt were ready. Wherefore after they had received a good night from the King and Lords, each one was conducted into his Lodging. But I moſt wretched Man had no body to ſhew me the way, and yet muſt moreover ſuffer my ſelf to be tormented, and that I might be certain of my future function, I was^[440] fain to put on the Ring, which the other had before worn. Finally, the King exhorted me, that ſince this was now the laſt time I was like to ſee him in this manner: I ſhould however behave my ſelf according to my place, and not againſt the order: Upon which he took me alſo in his Arms, and kiſſed me, all which I ſo underſtood, as if in the morning I muſt ſit at my Gate. Now after they had all a while ſpoken friendly to me, and at laſt preſented their Hands, committing me to the divine protection: I vvas by bo[••] the old Men, the Lord of the Tovver, and Atlas conducted into a glorious^[441] Lodging, in vvhich ſtood three Beds, and each of us lay in one of them, where we yet ſpent almoſt tvvo, &c.

Here are wanting about two Leaves in quarto, and he (the Author hereof) whereas he imagined he muſt in the [•]orning be Door-Keeper, returned [〈◊〉]

FINIS.

ERRATA.