Liber Mysteriorum parallelus Novalisque (Mortlake), part 3 of 6

Old man...... Then go your way Like an Harlot.

Maid...... If wicked words do prove an Harlot, then thou hast judged thy self.

E. K. Now she goeth on forward, and the Old man is gone out of fight.

There appeareth now a young man, sitting on the side of a Ditch, and to him she said.

Maid...... What aileth you to weep?

Young man...... I weep for thy discourtesie.

Maid...... Thou canst […] move my conscience: No, (I say) thou canst not move me to pirty.

E. K. She licketh his tears, and saith.

Maid...... Every thing else hath some saltnesse, but here is none.

Young man...... Oh, I pray thee, do something for me.

Maid...... Oh, to qualifie these tears, is no other then to dry rotten Hemp with a mighty fire.

Young man...... I will see thee hang'd before I will weep any more.

Maid...... Every thing commonly teacheth of it self.

E. K. The young man went away stamping, and angry, and now she is come where a multitude of young Children are, there is much meat on a Table, and the Children being not high enough to reach it pull'd the maid by the Cloaths, and pointed to the meat; she goeth round about the Table there is but one dish-uncovered, and that feemeth to be like dew, she putteth her fingers into the Dish, and letteth the Children lick, and they fall down dead.

Maid...... Blame Justice and not me, for if the Children had ever tasted of this meat before they might have continued.

E K Now she meeteth a thin visag'd man very feeble, who staggered on his staffe, and he said.

Feeble...... Help me for Gods sake.

Maid...... I will do my best.

E. K. As she came toward the man, the man fell down; She heaveth him up, and again he falleth down, and she lifteth at him still.

Maid...... Good will forms, but the matter is not sufficient: This is long of thy self.

Feeble...... Oh, I say, help me.

Maid...... It is too late to help thee, I came this way many times before, and thou never soughtest help at my hands. It is written, he that desireth not help, till he be helplesse, he shall be voide of the benefit of an helper.

E. K. The feeble man goeth away, and she departeth from him: Now she cometh towards a man going up an hill, who had torn all his Cloaths off with brambles and bryars. There stand a great many of Mawmets, little ugly fellows at the top of the hill, who threw stones against him, and so force this climing man (or goer up the hill) to tumble down again to the foot of the hill. The skin doth seem to be off his hands and his feet, and they very raw, with his excessive travail with hands and feet up that hill; Now there appear men eating meat below at the foot of the hill, who offered him meat to eat; But he laboureth up the hill again, one of these men said, come let me bind up thy feet.

The Clymer...... Vnto him that hath no wearinesse, there belongeth no sorrow.

E. K. She standeth and vieweth him.

The Clymer...... I pray you help me.

Maid...... It is impossible for thee to get up here.

Clymer...... Of my self it is: I will never be of the minde. It is impossible.

Maid...... Come on, I will do the best I can.

E. K. She leadeth him over stones, and rocks.

Maid...... Thou wilt be knocked in pieces, ere thou come to the top.

Clymer...... Do you your good will, I feel no harm.

E. K. Now she leadeth him in a place, where Springs, Quick-mires, and Bogs are.

Maid...... Surely thou art best to go down, for thou wilt be drowned.

Clymer...... I pray you help, I will go as long as I may.

E. K. He goeth forward, and sinketh almost to the throat.

Maid...... It is deeper on the further side, thou wert best to go down again.

Clymer...... I feel the ground hard under my feet: I will not yet despair.

E. K. Now he cometh out of those deep places, and he seemeth to come to a place like the bottom of a hedge, where stand stiffe thorns, piked upward, very sharp.

Now come two, or three handsome fellows, and said, Alas, let him tarry here and drink, we will lead him up another way to morrow.

Maid...... Farewell.

Clymer...... I pray leave me not so, let me go with you.

Maid...... I must needs be gone, I cannot tarry for thee.

Clymer...... I am yet neither hungry nor thirsty, and feel no wearinesse: Why therefore should I stay.

E. K. He goeth, as though the thorns prickt him, and grindeth his teeth for pain.

Now they are come to a fair place, and then she said to one.

Maid...... Fetch meat and drink and cloaths, and cure his wounds: For unto thee belongeth the felicity of this place: For neither from the highest to the lowest is there any whom I pitty, but such as this is.

Clymer...... I know not how I shall use these things.

Maid...... The true Heirs have alwayes discretion.

To thee it belongeth, and for thee it is prepared.

Vse it therefore without offence as thine own.

E. K. Now both he and she go into a Castle, and the doors are shut after them, and she cometh out again.

Maid...... This is written for your understanding: Let therefore your eyes be opened, and be not blinde. Neither forget what here hath been opened.

Δ. We perceive that Felicitas via ardua est, multis obsita difficultatibus & periculis; sed constantia & patientia perveniturad Falicitatis arcem, which we beseech the Almighty God to grant unto us.

Maid...... Well, I will be going till you have supped: And then I will tell you more of my minde. It will be yet six, or seven weeks journey before I can get home.

Δ. Sit benedictus Deus noster nunc & semper, Amen.

Δ Note 42. or 49. dayes, remaining till the first day of August next inclusive. GALVAH.

After Supper we staid awhile, being come to the place, and though nothing was seen, or heard, yet I spake, assuring my self of the presence of the foresaid maid, though as yet to us insensible.

Δ. We would gladly know thy name.

Maid...... My name is Galua'h, in your language I am called Finis.

E. K. She suddenly appeared as she spake this.

Δ. That [Finis] is Latin. Gal...... I.

Δ. You are none of those that are called filiae lucis, or filiae filiarum. Gal.... No.

Δ. You will not be offended, if I propound a doubt somewhat impertinent to our matter in hand, yet of importance for us to hear your judgement in the same. Tritemius, sayeth that never any good Angel was read of to have appeared forma muliebri. I pray you to give us an answer to this so great […] Clark, his words, which are to be read in his little book, Octo Questionum Maximiliani cesaris...... There Quastione Sexta. Sancti autem Angeli, quoniam affectione nunquam variantur semper apparent in forma virili. Nusquam enim legimus scriptum quod bonus spiritus in forma sit visus muliebri, aut bestiae cujuscunque, sed semper in specie virili.

Gal...... You think then I have some understanding.

Δ. Yea, God knoweth, I do.

Gal...... First it is evident that the Spirits of God are incomprehensible to those that are their inferiours: For the higher order is incomparable unto God, And by degrees, those that are their inferiours are also incomparable unto them. It followeth therefore, that in respect of that degree in Angels things are incomprehensible.

Angels (I say) of themselves, neither are man nor woman; Therefore they do take formes not according to any proportion in imagination, but according to the discreet and appliable will both of him, and of the thing wherein they are Administrators: For we all are Spirits ministring the will of God; and unto whom? unto every thing within the compasse of Nature: onely to his glory and the use of man. It followeth, Therefore, considering that we minister not of our selves that we should minister in that unsearchable form within the which our executions are limited: But if Tritemius can say, That woman also hath not the Spirit of God, being formed and fashioned of the self same matter, notwithstanding in a contrary proportion by a degree; If Tritemius can separate the dignity of the Soul of woman from the excellency of man but according to the form of the matter, then might his Argument be good: But because that in man and woman there is proportion, preparation, of sanctification in eternity; Therefore may those that are the eternal Ministers of God in proportion to Sanctification take unto them the bodies of them both. I mean in respect of the Form; For as in both you read Homo, so in both you find one and the self same dignity in internal matter all one. But Tritemius spake in respect of the filthinesse (which indeed is no filthinesse) wherewith all women are stained; and by reasons from the natural Philosophers: as a man tasting more of nature indeed then of him which is the Workman or a supernatural Master. He (I say) concluded his natural invention. In respect of my self, I answer Tritemius thus: I am Finis, I am a beam of that Wisdom which is the end of mans excellency.

Those also that are called Filiae and Filiae filiarum are all comprehended in me, and do attend upon True Wisdom; which if Tritemius mark, he shall perceive that true Wisdom is alwayes painted with a womans garment; For than the purenesse of a Virgin, Nothing is more commendable.

God in his judgement knoweth how Tritemius is rewarded

If you think these arguments be not sufficient, the one in respect of the first ground, and the other in respect of the measure of my name, I will yet alledge greater.

Δ. These Arguments do satisfie me: But to have wherewith to stop the mouths of others who might use Cavillation upon such matters, it were somewhat needful to have heard your judgement: Whereas indeed our own affairs in hand are rather to be followed at this present, and of greater Arguments or Instructions in this matter I trust hereafter to have understanding: But as now I chiefly regard our Action in hand.

Gal...... Begin the Book next Tuesday.

My self will be thy Director; And as my name is, so I will lead unto the end. All other things use, according to thy judgement and proportion of his Spirit that guideth you.

Gal...... I my self will be the finger to direct thee.

Δ.

Gal...... The finger of God stretcheth over many mountains.

His Spirit comforteth the weaknesse of many places. No sense is unfurnished where his light remaineth For understand what I am, and it is a sufficient answer.

Δ. At the beginning to write the Book, shall I require your instructions?

Gal...... Do so.

The Mountains of the World shall lie flat; But the Spirit of God shall never be confounded.

E K. She sitteth on a rock, and hath done ever since supper.

Gal...... Ah Sirra I was a weary.

Δ. As concerning the Polonish Lord Albertus Lascy whom we are certified to be of God elected to govern him a people, whom we are willed to love and honour, What have you to say of him? &c.

Gal...... Ask me these things to morrow.

E. K. She smileth and casteth a light from her.

Gal...... I smile because I speak of to morrow; yea I seem to smile.

Δ. As concerning Isabel Lister, I pray in what case is she? in respect of the wicked spirit A. L. which long hath molested her?

Gal...... Believe, For that is the chiefest:

What is spoken by us we give but our consent to.

For he that speaketh in us is to be asked no such question.

For when he saith, it is measured.

As it was said before; The Hills and Mountains of the World may be made plain, but the Spirit of God never confoundeth.

Δ. He that is the end of all things, and the end of ends (unto whom all honour praise and thanksgiving is due) blesse us, endue us with his graces, and abundantly power forth his mercy upon us.

Gal...... Understand my name particularly, and not generally.

I speak it to avoid errour.

Persevere to the end.

Δ. Qui perseveraverit fidelis (Deo nostro) usque ad finem hic salvus erit: which faithfulnesse with all constancy and patience the Blessed and Almighty Trinity grant and confirm unto us for the glory and honour of his Name, Amen.

E. K. She is gone with a brightnesse.

Saturday afternoon, hor a 6. After that the noble Albertus Laskie had been

Δ. I used some discourse with me, and was new gone to London, by prayer to God, and afterward protestation to Galuah in respect of her willing me to ask certain matters again this day which.... yesterday were not answered: But very long it was, above half an hour, before any thing appeared, more then the Golden Curtain all over the Shew....

At length appeared divers confused forms of divers Creatures, and then, by and by, vanished away.

Δ. I prayed to God to banish all confusion from us and our actions, and to send us lucem & veritatem, per unum & propter unum, & constantiam rerum....

Then appeared he by whom (before) we were called Il, and seemed to scorn at E. K.

E. K. Here appearech Il, and he seemeth to mock me.

Il...... That is a gird to you Sir for your fishing.

Δ. E. K. had spent all that afternoon (almost) in angling, when I was very desirous to have had his company and helping hand in this Action.

Δ. Shortly after this, appeared Galuah and to be in a field closed round about with a hedge.

Gel...... Here is no way out.

I..... […] I will do somewhat for you; It is a strange thing that wisdom cannot find a way […].

E K. This Il pulleth down the hedge:

Gal...... Go thy way, thou hast done but thy duty.

Il...... Farewell Dee, Farewell Kelly.

E. K, He is gone.

Gal...... Those that taste of everlasting Bankets, fare well, and desire the same to others.

E. K. Now she is come to a great Castle-gate, all of stone, with a drawbridge before it. There is like a Greyhound graven or cut in the Stone over the Gate.

Gal...... It is very late, I will look if I can have my entertainment here. 1583.

E. K. She is gone in.

Δ. After a while she came out again.

Gal...... Bee it spoken.

[…], lefa ed, and damned be this place.

Gal...... And why? Because they have puffed up their flesh, follow their own imaginations, wallowing in their […], as Swine that tumble in mire.

Behold it is too late with this people, I can get no lodging. O ye my feet, be a witnesse against them, let the windes move the dust to report their unkindnesse.

E K. Now she goeth a long a great Way, like a common high-way; and the light of the Air about her seemed somewhat dark like Evening or Twilight.

Gal...... Yea though you have too much light, I have too little.

I did but over-hear you, when you saw me not.

Δ. [Note. I had spoken of too much light coming from the west window of my Study toward the Table, where the Shew-stone stood, when we began now to attend her coming, and thereupon she spoke this.]

E. K. Her own garments cast a light.

E. K. Novv she cometh amongst a company of men having gowns furred with white, and some of them having Velvet Caps, and some Hats.

One of them said to her, What art thou?

Gal...... I know not what I am my self

Will you buy any pretious Stones of me?

E. K. She taketh out of her bosome a great many of precious stones uncut, or unpolished.

E. K. These men look on them.

Gal...... Truely, they are pure and good.

E. K. They say also; Surely they seem to be good, delivering them from one to another.

E. K. There appear two fat men; who said, let us first get money before we buy such trifles: besides that, they have not their perfect form.

Gal...... I pray you, buy one of them of me.

Will you buy none neither?

E. K. She speaketh that to them, who first praised the stones.

..... Tush, I pray thee go about thy busines, dost thou not perceive how they are found fault withall?

Gal...... Tush, Tush, they be not cut for your fashion.

Be it said.

..... Their senses are glutted with transitory vanities.

Gal...... Let them (therefore) perish vainly, because they are transitory.

E. K. Now she cometh where she must clamber up a wall, having steps in it of ragged stones; There is a fair building beyond it. There go many up those steps: and when they are almost at the top, there meeteth them some, who take them by the hand, and help them up and over into the place. Then one of them that stood at the top of the wall (who had a furred Gown) and helping of men up, said to her; Come away woman, wilt thou come up?

This Parable, or Prophesic is divers times spoken afterwards in the troubles of England.

E. K. She saith nothing to him, but standeth still, and looketh away from him.

E. K. Again, that man said to her, come away wilt thou come up?

Gal...... Vnhappy are those whom thou helpest: And whose breath hath infected many, your hands are too bloudy, for me to come anigh you.

E. K. Now come handsome women to the wall, and some said, good sister, I pray you come away.

Gal...... Your voluptuous father knoweth me not, for his daughter, I deny yo..... […]

E. K. Now come two, or three brave fellows with Rapiers by their sides, and having hatts without bands, and their hosen pinned up, and with no gatters; these help up people that come, and one of them said: Tarry a little, woman, and I will help thee shortly.

Gal...... Fy upon you: your cloaths are infected with abominations of your Chamber, I will tarry time.

E. K. Now cometh a big stout man to the top of the wall, and a boy with a Crown on his head. He seemeth to be about 18. years old.

..... So it is, and please your Majesty: Therefore let this way be razed.

E. K. He spake to the young King upon former talk between them which I heard not.

..... Be it done.

E. K. The wall quaketh and falleth down: And some of the jolly fellowes, which were on the wall before, fell down, and other fellowes came and digged a great hole, or breach in the wall.

Gal...... Thanks be to God: Now, here is entrance enough.

E. K. She goeth in.

The young man, or striplin (with the Crown on his head) and the other big man embraceth her: His Crown is a Triple Crown; or three Crowns one upon another. He hath a little thing in his hand, which he holdeth close, and over-gripeth, so that it cannot be discerned.

..... Though thou hast travelled as a woman, thou shalt now be known to be a man.

E. K. He spake to Galvah. They embrace each other. They fetch cloaths for her, and put upon her a black Gown, a mans Gown, as the Gown of a Counseller.

She kneeleth down like a man in form, her head and all.

E. K. Then the young King spake to her, saying,

..... What this Rod may do, work.

E. K. He giveth the transformed man a Rod; one half being bloud, and the other half white, the partition of these two being long-wise.

Quae justa sunt faciet & meas mensurabit virtutes.

A voyce out of the stone. The transformed man. A voyce out of the stone. NOTE.

For untill it was appointed, I sought it not.

Let us cleanse the Court, and examine the multitude;

For errour is alwayes covered in many.

Cursed are those that are judged by a multitude.

E. K. All they that fell off the vvall, and they that vvould have helped her up, they come in bound hand and foot.

..... Root them out, O King, pitty no such persons, for those be these that never had mercy on themselves.

E. K. Novv cometh a woman out, having a Crown on her head: she hath a long visage.

..... Nay, let her drink as she hath deserved.

E. K. The transformed man layeth down the Rod before him, and beginneth to vveep; and said, Let it not be said, but I pitty the anointed.

..... Let her die, for she hath deserved death.

E. K. Other men about her lay hand on her, and pluck the Crown off her head.

The transformed man taketh up his Rod, and layeth upon the top, or Crown of that womans head.

E. K. The young King sayeth unto her, What wilt thou?

..... If it please you, pardon for my life and dignity.

E. K. The bigge man, and the young King talk together aside, the vvoman holdeth her hands abroad, and knocks her breast? And a great company of them about her are hewed in pieces, by tormenters armed.