The third day, part 2 of 2

Now this Judgment being read over, the Lords in the first place were well 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 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 was given to each of them out of a Cup a Draught of FORGETFVLNESS, 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 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 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 came forward a beautiful snow-white Vnicorn 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 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, 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 (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 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 have a great contention with one of my Sisters: In our Chamber we have an Eagle, Now we cherish him with such 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 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, 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 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 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 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 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. 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 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 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 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 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 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 (said she) as many as there are Lords here. With this I was content, and easily found her Name, at which she was well 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 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 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 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 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; 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 made, stood still in the same place, wherefore the Queen (I yet knew not who she was) commanded each Virgin 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 Chamber, where our Virgin in the first 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 Pulpit, very convenient for Prayer, where in the Queen kneeled down, about 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 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 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 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 get open, but at last I did it. With these phantasies I passed the time, till at length towards day I awaked.