TO THE THRISE HO .. NOVRABLE AND EVER L Y­VING VER TVES OF SYR 7> HI LLIP srn~er KNIGHT; AND T 0 THE RIGHT HONORABLE AND OTHERS WHAT- I

SOEVER, WHO LIVING LOVED HIM, I AND BF.JNG DEAD GJPE HiM

HIS DPE. I

I I

I l

HYPNEROTOMA~ CHIA.

THE Strife of Loue in a

VreamLJ.

At London, Printed for Si m on W aterfon,and are

to be fold at his fuop, inS. Paules Church­_Jard, at Cheape-gate.

, .I 9 z,

TO THE THRISE HQ .. NOVRABLE AND EVER LY­VING VE"RTVES OF SYR PHILLIP sr D'l'(.fr KNIGHT; AND T 0 THE RIGHT HONORABLE AND OTHERS WHAT-

SOEVER, WHO LIVING LOVED HIM, AND BEING DEAD GI?E. HIM

HJS D?E.

. i

. To th~ Right Honourable Robert Deuorax, Earle of Elfex and Ewe, VilCount Hereford, and Bourghchier, lorde Ferrers ofCharrley, Bourghchicr and Louaine, Mai{h:r of the Qyeenes Maie-

, jfies Horfe, 11nd Kniy,ht tf the moft 11oble order tfrht Garter: Is wilbcd, the pcriC8:ion of aU happlne!fc, and try....,p~nt

!Qicitic in this life, and in the worlde to come.

Hen I had determined (Right honorable) to dedi:­

.· cate this Boo.ke, to the euer­

. 1y.uing v ertues of that match- . leiTe Knight Syr Phillip Syd-ney; me thought that I could

-not fii1deouta more·Nohle: perfonage then your felte, and m or~ fit, to patr~-: nize, fhield, and defende my dutie to the deade, then your Honour, whofe greatnes is fuch, at1d vertues of that power, as who fo commendeth them, deferuethnot to be accounted a flatterer, buc he thatdoth riot the fame, may be thought an

A z. euill

_. , The £piflle_,. euill WIDer. Hovv your Honor vvill accept here­of, I make no doubt, becaufe that curtefie atten­~eth vpon true nobilitie i but my humble requeft ts, that your Ho nor may not thinke of me (by the ty~e of the Boo ke,and fome part of the difcourfe) as tf I vvere amorous, and did fpeake accordin<T to my ovvne pafsions, for I beeing re!hained of my hbert~, and helde in the graue of obliuion, where I. fhll as yet remaine, oppreffed with Me­lancholie, and wearied vvith deeper ftudies , I vvas glad ~o be~uile the time with thefe conceits, anothomtfing m them,the vanitie of this lite and vncertaintie of the delights therof, in the Dr;ame of Poliphil~; Which ifit ihall pleafe your Honor at conuement leyfu~·eto looke o~er? pardoning w?at you fin~e amtffe , and wetghmg my good W1ll, I fhall thinke my felfe moll: happy. . And thus I humbly take my leaue, vntill that

I s:nay prefentyour Honour, with a matter more fitting the fame. _

r our Honors deuoted,

-1{._1). ' t I

~ A nonymi elegia ad Lee-­tore~.

C .Am3ide Poliphilum narrantem fomnia LeUor auJcultcs, Jummo Jomnia mijfa polo,

· Non operam perdes, non b.:ec audi.fie pigebit, tam 'Wtrijs mirum rebru abundat OfiU.

Si grauio (!! tetricru contemnu erotica, rerum nofce precor feriem tam bene difpo[itam.

.Ab; m is~ ac faltem fiylru !!'.:J' noua lingua rJo'\lufq; .fcrmo grauu, forhia,fe rogat <:ft'iciM.

Id quoq ;fi renuis, geometric a cerne w~uHa plurima milliacu diffe re_ftrta mw. .

Hie funt Pyramides, therm.:e,mget;teJq; Colc_foJ, ac Obelifcorum forma wtuHa pat et.

Hie diucrJa ba.fis fulgct, 11ari.:e,1ue column~ illarumq; arc~M,Zophora, epiftilia,

Et capita atq; trabes, et cum quadrante coron~ JYmmetria, !!'.:J' quicquid te~a fuperba faclt.

Hicre~ttm cernes excultapalatza, cultru Nympharum, fomcs, egregiafque epulM.

Hinc

Ad LeE!orenL, Hi ne bicolor chorea efllatronum, fXprejJaque tota

i'n Laberintbeit 'l7ita bominum tenebru. Hin c lege de triplici qu.e maieflate tonantw

die at, (J' in porti.r egerit ipfe tribus. Poiia qua_fuerit forma, quam cult a, tryumpbos

inde louir fpeFl:a quatuor .etbereos. H.ec pr.eter'l7arios ajfeFl:zu narrat amorit,

at que opera~ quantum.fceuiat ille DeJH.

,,, . l ·:

~ Faultes efcaped in the printing.

, ;:-: "aults. correction. iiF ol. page line. " b 1 11 ~ I be·'in of the I egan tle. q t. 2 38 me~ber. members. ~~ 4. 2 g troakt. trunk~, ! 6. J 12 aai.ued, azued,

6. 2. 3 flying, 7. 1 l3 fiing, b . th"

23 Laborinth, La orm '·

Fol. plgc:. Zl l

ll 2 H I

22 I 22 2

zz 1 20 Palia. Polia, 2Z I z foore, fowre, 22 2

29 cariC"c. carrier. Z3 1 3 backs, hacke. 23 1 ll pccce, peecc. 3 adolcftcncy, adolcli:ency. s foliature. foliature,

ZJ 2

z; 2

Zoj. z 2.9 tl:cme, fonnc, l+ 2

foliature, 12 foliature, brif.l· andme. 25 briganine, z8

2 ~l.._!'_L~l9~!!.!ai:::,I. ____ o_. -~-- - -

26 z 26 2

38 fubuaging, lfilruaighing. 2 fardills, lfardius. 7 •·anubraccs, vaum.brac.es. I z coronie, coromcc. 18 Daphus, Da·phne. z.S chanifcred, chamfered. 30 contr.afr, contraft, 29 Aehonrhis. Achanthis. 1 2 bapi<s, Harpies. 1 S fill1en, filJJie. !' 4 did Anaglipto, did Y Anag •pts

Briapis, Briaxes. /.z ~ndraenc. AndrJcine. 32 belllowred fox bdJ.Ilmyre. 2 menifis, (gloue, me?'pb•~tb. 34 which my, I which Wl my 8 vafrus. vafrnes. -

.;l

P oliphili hypuerotomachia, Wherein he shcwcth, that all hunuine and

worldlie things are but a drcamc,and bur as vanitieit folfe. In the fettir.g fomh nhcrcofm.11J] tbmgs

arc !igured worthie of remembrance.

Tlr A1Jthor heginncth hu Hypnerotomachia, to fct drmrm the hrmrCf' andnme J>•heninhu jleepe it feemed to bim thflt heewa~ in aqttiet folirarie d~fm ,and vninhabitedplttine,andftomthence afterward how hecnter!'d vnaduifed!J he fore h! w.u aware, »'ith gre~tt ft..tre, into a d4rk-'obftHre ~tndvnfcqumtcdwood.

!he ,Hcription of the morning,

--~ Hathoureas Pho:bur( a) iffuing foorth, did (a)Ph:rbus ' be1~tifie withbnghtnefiethe forhead of {,eu- the Sunnc.

C9thea (b), and appearing out of tbe Occean b),Lcucothea ;?. ' "-·11 1 · 1 · 1 I the mornmg. ~ V\aues,notru y11CI''Illo- Hsturnmgw 1ee es, (c)Pyr&Eo,

thathadbccnc hupgvp;burfpcc:dJlywith hiS the hotfes of .u fw1tt horfes Pyrous &Eom ,hal~mnghis com·fe, ~he Sunue, ----- and giumg a tincture to the Spiders web bcs,

am ono- the grcene leaues and tender prickles of the Vermilion Roles~ intlv~pmfuitewhet:eof he t11ewedhimfelfemofl:!\..,iti:& (d) Horifont. o lii1erino-, now vpon the ncuer rdhngand lhllmaouing wanes, circle deui-hccryfp~d vp his in adient heyres. ~mgtbcfbahlfc

·. {' - l - n l l d •pea reo t e Vpponwhv c vpnhng ,cuen _art 1:\t !l1;lant, t 1e Vlllorne · firmament .l\-1oone d!li1~otmtcd hir idtc, lohnS {rom hi1· Chariot hir two from the o­horfcs, the on c white and the other brow ne, and drewe to the thc_r halie Horrifon (d) diff.:rent fi:om the Hc1mfpherc (~) from whence wht;h we dac

llOtlCC.

fl1ecame. · (e)Hcmifpcre And when as the mountaincs and hillcs were beautifull, and ts halfc rhe

the northeafi winds had left of to mJke barraine with the lb3rp-' compol~e of ncifc of their bla!h 1 the tcn<kr fprigs to difquiet the mooui.Pg ~~e v;ltule

B · · reedes, cauen.

The flrifo of I. oNe

reede.s, the. fenny Bu!ruf11, and weake Cyprus; to torment the fouldmg Vmes, to trouble the bendingWrllowe, and to breake downe the bnttle Firre bo"·ghcs, vnd.:r the homes ofthe Jal(mi- · ousBuH,as they do in winter.

At that very houre,as the diners coulercd flowers and <>reene (f) Hyperion meades '.at tho:; romn?ing of the funne of Hypp1mon (f) Fe~rc not t) ~ulnc. IllS bunung h_eate,bcmg bt:ducd and fprinkled wi:h the Chrilb!­a~cco~<":[;,~~s hue tearcs of the f:"iect'e moniing,"•hcn ~3 the JI:t!cJom('!; )vpon by;ds which the ~e~ell v~aues of the lbl,calme,.md <JUictflowmg f.:as,do l.,uilcl bUJl~mg ne3r then ncfh m fi.:;hr of thl" C:md1e il10re, 11hereas the [i:HTo11 full'f'ro, the \""re vp· w1th fcaldmgfighes dHI bcholdthe dolorous ant! \'!Wntc dcp 1r 01"' 10 wlalubes turc ofhir fi~immin <> Leanchr(h) "' ' . -t 1ere w1 c J . '? · • nofrormevn· . }ymgvponmybcd;anoportuneand mectfrcendtoawe1_

till the young ne body)uo crcatureacc:nupaningmc in my chambcr,bcfi des t]·,e th)~:~~:J~; at tender vppon my body,audvfuallni"'bt lights, who after th.lt a oung man !he .had vfed dmers fpecche:, to the end ihee might comfort me J Abyd".s, I1aumgvnderllood~.eforeofme,the originall caui'c of my ho!l01~ w~1o mfw•m- an~ deepe fighes,f11emdeuoredlur bel1 to moderatc,ifat JeaJ1 f11e H'Jf. r,uer ( mlght,that,myperturbcdand pittifull cflate, Butwhcnibe fa1,·e

c c plion)rba that I was defirous oflleepe_ihc took. e leaueto dep•t·t narow ea y · T b. . • ·• • Byz.antium; . hen I cmg left alone to the high cogitations ofloue,hauin<> which par- paffedouer a long and tedious night witheut fleepe, throu;,.h my terh E11;op_ barren fortune, and aduerfe conflellation altooerher vrco~nfOl' from Aha) to t d d r fi 11 b · . ' C> - -S 11 ·. . . e an wrrow u , vmeansofmvvntunel)'andnotnrofiperous e us,w3sm] . I · '. . r t~e.·fightof . oue,weep.mg, recoun_ted from pomtto pomt2what a thing vne-hts•louer Ero quallloue IS: and how fitly one may loue that dooth not lo ue::md <,f Seftus whatdefencethere may beemadea"'ainfhhe vnaccuflomed )'et olrowned da -1 - a· 1 fl . 0 ' which a,~ ) } a au ~so ou~: for a ~ak~d fonle altogether vnanned, rl1e r~eing, threw fe~ltlous finfe,efpenally bcmgmtellme: a fi·eih fiill fetting vpon hir felf down With vnfhlble and new thouohrs. imo,t~Cfc~, In this fort brought to [g miferable an el1ate, and for a long h~~.d·~d With while plunged in a deepc po~le of bitter forrowes, at length my

wandnngfences bemg weane to feede ihll vpon vnlauorie and ta.y~ed pl~afure, but dircCl:ly and without deceit, vppon the rare dmme eb1ect : whofe reuere11de Idea is deeply imprinted with­in me~ and liue,tl(ingrauen i•} the fccret of my heart, from which proceedeth tillS fo great anu vnce!1ant a tlrife,continuallyrenu· mg my cruel! torments Without mtermiffion , I fi>ettin oft he con­ditions ofthoie mif~r~b!e loucn, who for their I~Jfird1'es plea.,

iun:l

i11;t DrMmlf. 2

fures defire tl1eir m,·ne deaths,and in their befi delights do think themfelues m oH vnluppie, fcedmg their framed paffions not o­thcnvife then withfithfull imaginanons.And then as a wc.1ry bo­dyeafter afore labour,fo I,fomewhat in outward !hew qualified, in the payne ofmy forrowfull thoughts, aud hauingincloyfl:erell and Jhut vp. the courlc of my clilhlling cearcs: whofe drops had watered my palecheekcs, thorow amorous gridc,dcGrcdfome

· needtull reil. -At length mymoyll eyes being doled within theirbloud­

fhottcn and reddrih liddes, prefently betwi.xt a bitter life and.t fwcet dcath,I was in-them inuaded and ouercome,with a .heauic l1eepe,whowith my mindc and watchtulllpirits, were noperta~ kers offo high an operation. · ·

Me thought that I was in a large, pbine,and champion place~ 111! greenc aad diuerflyfpotted with many fortcdflowerrs,wher~ by it feemed paffingly adorned. In which byreafon ofthemildc and gentle ayre, there was a flill quyct whillJt: lnfo much that myattentiueearesdidhearc no noyf'c 2 ncithcrdid any framed fpeech peirceinto them, but with the gratious bcau.les of the fimne,thel1idingtimepafied.

In which place with a tearefull admiration,looking about me, I f.1yd thus to my felfc,Hccre appeareth no humaii1ecreature to my figbt,nor ~vlua beal1_,flying bird,cofmcy houfe, field tcnt,or ihepbcards cote: neyther vpon the gra~ could r perceiue feeding fyther flock ofl11e ep,or heard ofcattcll,orruftikeherdman with Oten pipe nuking pallor all melodic, but oncly taking the bene~ fit oftheplace,and 'luietnefle of the plaine, which ;11fured mee to be without fcare,l directed my courfc flill forward,regarding on eythcrlidethe tender !eaues and thick gratfe, which re fled vn~ !lirred,without the beholding ofany motion.

At length my ignorantfleepes,broughtme into a thick wood, whercimo being a pmty w:~y entred, I couldnottellhow to "'et out of it, Wherevpon,afoddaine fcarcinuadedmy harr,and dif­fufedit fclfe into euery ioynt, !o that mycouler began to waxe pale,and the rather by rcafon that I was alone,and vnarmcd,and could not fin de any t;ack or p:1th, cythcr ro direct me forward,or lead me back againe. But a darlte wood ofthickebul11es, iharpc thornes,tallafl1es ha led oft he Viper , towr,h £lmes bcloued of the fruit full vines~ hardc Ebony, ftrong Okes, foft I3ceche, and · · · · B z - ······ · ... · · · ~wne

Thejlrifo of LDHI

browne HaG Is", whointertaining one anothers brand-1CS 'with a · naturallgoodwilloppofed thcmfclues, to refifl: the entrance of the gratiousfunnelhine, with the grccnc couerturc of their in­numerable leaues, And in this fort 1 foun~i my felfc in a frcJhili.1-dowe;il coo le ayrl!',anda folytaric thicket, . . . . . VVhcnivponmyreafon perlwadedmeto bcleeuc,tlntthis vafi wood, was onely a reccp taclc for lau~ gc· and hurtfi.tll b ea!h, as the tufkcd Bore,thefuri ous and bloudthirfl:ic Be arc, the hi[­.fin.gfei-pent,andinnadmgVVoolfe,ag;uufl:which 1 was vnpro· Uicfed :VO make refi.fl:ance,, ID Ut raythcr aS a p!<lJC fcnt amongl.t 1:hem ~ miferablie to h:aue 1ny fleill and boucs rent and gn;;mle inpe~ees.- • ., .. ' :-:•_ · ':. · .. ·'· .: ... ·

And thus forecafl:ing the woorfl tluttni6ht follow, I was re­folut;d'ilot-to abide there ,bmto fceketo gc tout, that I might ·the better efchew fuchfufpected occurrems, and rakmgmy felfe

•.'Minot3ut·us t'omyfeete0Iw~ndreduow tlus way,1ww that way, iomctimno amonfter in the.r:l'ghthand;fGinetime to.the left: noweforwarde)then b.1ck.c: Cfrcpetf~ ,hborn again<.", ~totknowingho~<~ to .. goe among the thicke bowghes and o a tp Je . . . l b . c . d' I , d which bein ·-tcarmgtlGrnes, canagvpon my 1ace: ren mgmyc otncs,an inclofed in g houldingme fometimes hanging in them, whereby my .haft in

.thelaborinth ~ettingfoorth was tnUch hynde1;ed. in thi-s VIUCCUttomc,9Ja­rtdonmans ·tlour:and without any helpe but onclyth<-' keeping of the fnnne ..,..ch·lh:,who!lme HiHv.ptiJ.n oue.fidc ,to diretimee !l:re1ght forw-ard.e: I grcwe ex-• e.eus cw . . ' " · 1 d. b • · andgoroutof.treamely h0a·re and•aynre,notknowmg w 1atto oe, utone1y m rhelaborimh a wearyc body)to conteine aininde dilhaught through trouble­by" clew·cf ·fomc thoughts, !m•J~thing out hollow and dcc:pc lighes , de.firing ~hr~dg•;:en helpe ofrhe pittifull Crermji4n Ariedn~> who for the defhoying J;,g~>i~n~~s ofhir monfirot1s broth a the Myn>t~ur.· gaue vnto the deceitful! daughter, af- ·1'hef:HJ a dew oft hred,to conduct hnn foorth o fthe mtncate la­rer wife to borinth,that I alfo by {omc (uch m canes might be deliucred otlt Thcfcus,who .ofthu ob(curewood. dtd f,,,f•ke . . hir ,and left· hir in 3 dilin- ·

l I i

' I r

I ~ habi,cd !le,

Jlo,wirhlhn. ding that 1l1e had fauod his life;.

Pohphill'l! I

_ _L

Th~ .f!rift·o/ LotH fo infeebled with wcarineffe, that on euety fide I feared, when fome cruel! beaH tl10uld come anddeuoure me, or els vnawares to nun ble downe into fome deepc pit or hollow place.

Wherefore more trembling then inmuflulent A:~tume be the yea low coulored leaue,lnuin_;lcft their moifl:ure,bcing thorow• iyc [carched with the furious northwinde, I lifted vp my lurt to God,deliringas Achem:nidesbeingafraide of the horrible CJc!opt rather to be 11aine by the Iunds ot Ame.u his enc:mle,r.lther then to fuffer {o odious a death.

And my dcnoute prayer, fincerely vnited to a contrite heart, powrmg out afuuntainc ?fteares with a ll:edft[l:beh.,e _to be dc-1iucred.l found my fclte m a fbort fpace gotten at hbemc • hke a new day crept out of a darke and tempelluous night. I\ly eye;; beforev[ed to fuch obumbrateddarkenes, could icarfe abtde to behould the light, thorow watery fadnes • NeuerthcldTc glad I was to fee the light :as one fet atlibertie,that had b~eilc chayned vp in adeepedungeon and obfcure darkendl'c. V cryethirlbe I was,my clothes torne,my £1ce and hands fcratchcd and ncttcled, and wtthall fo extreamely fet on"heate, as the freih ayre feemed to d()c me more hurtthengood, netther dtdit anywayee;tfemy body ,defirous to keepe his new recouered {cope and lib.:rtie.

And after that I had a little ro}vfcd vp my myndc, and fcmi­moned together my fences in fome better fort: I fou_shta m canes to quench my inordinate thyr(t, procured and increafed throu3h innumerable fighes,andextreame labour ofbody. Thus calling my eyes with a dthgentregarde about the plaine, to fin de fomc

· Fountainewheread mighnefrel11my felfe: a pleafant !pring or head of water, did offer it felfe vnto me, wtth a grelt vaync boy­tin"' vp,about the which didgrowe diuers fwcet heu·besand wa­tc~flowers,and from the f.1me did Ho we a deare andchryfralline currentfrreame,which dcuided into diucrs branches,ran thorow the def.1rt wood,witha turning and winding body,reccyuin;; itl• to it other littlechanncls,vnladingthemfelues,

In whofecourfc:s the il:ones lifi:vp by nature ,and trunkcs of trees denyedany longer by their roots to bcvpholden,did caufe 11 Hopping hinderanceto their current and whuzing £1ll, which Hill augmented by other vndi!fonant torrents, from high and fmlcffe mountaines in the plaine, !fbewed a beautifnll brig;htnes andioft paffing courfe,to th~ y.:l~chfil~r~ wi~dedly comming,by

p-teanes

I

in A DreAmt>. 4 . refull fh ht .1 did fee a little obrcutc light,tho­rneanes of my fe~he hi a h ~rees, fflmC\\~nt de111dm" thcmfelu~s rm' the tops of d 11 therefl of their bodycs an~branthcs,:lS ouer thcwatcr?an 1\Vllt s firom 111}' lifted vp eyes. A horrible

j; era till"" t 1c 1cauen In, ere ep " om an cd of any creature. nlacc to be m_, vna1cc . P tly £all of trees throuo-h the force of a 1 d\" dd nlv teanno- te • , 0 d bl d

.-\n u at "' ·r. "''-cl ebrokenbowohes,wttharc ou c ,,hyrlcwindc,.:x,nof~ c of c 1 d }'CtbroU~1t totheeccho of the

dl r, [, tmna arre o,,an o n.. ;m 10~r e o . v od lore\ 'I m to a new at1onuu!uent. \\aterthorov.;tl_le ~luck l o > "'!i d ;ll1d afflylted 'and yet \\tth­

Andattl11Sll1ll:ll1tt 11l_Stern 1~111 knees bowcddovme,and out at~)' rccciued hurt,~e:l~~~"J.1nd' therc\'.:itll determmed to mdolwg the hollownde . ek_ ) .-rel·ll1~dno fooner put the fame ffary nn mo-vew •· ~ n. 1uakcmcanccc 0 h tb~lono-ddircd moynure,

ffi··no-to mymont w o b into the "at er, o u o d ole the extreame hcate of my urn4 thc!eby to rdrygerate an eo u\dhauc beene more acceptable in" heJ!t ',,h,~hat thattlm~wod G~ e•bc to the Jndians,Ttgris

0 1 · ther H!J·panu an ~ng ' · vnto mc,t 1en cy . v l to the Aetluopian natwn, . I I c Arrmnurns or"' ey us b d orEupmmstotl . . d> . . b"bino- the)'t urntan \ E tians his mmu>t auon, 111 ' "

or tot lC gyp henuer PotothcLtgunans. rofl:cd mould, or re~ tll fi out that I had no won er taken v<:ater

Euenthena\[o_Jt e od ff~ . o-thcfametomyopcnmouth, 1 1 fIll}' han ' o crmo tl 1 into t lC pa me o d d . 11 ron<>c V>'he~:e\~1 l was as

t ·I hear a onc.1 " o • 1 · h rcadvtorecemei . . dh d I Thracian Tharniras,wllC ' d 1' 1 d asJflha ear t te . hfi

1 gre,,tly c tg 1te ' £ teditfelfetomyvnquietheart,wl~ o

) thorough my cares plre edn 1" • , • .;,tll a voyce not terrellnall,

~ , 1 £\ab ea e 1uene, .1 _fl' J [.,..-eetean"ue e d. d bleafa•nino-fbnneue,anu

• with fo greata ha~moni~ an {[i~~; t~ be~ in{a<>in~d by no tounge ' vnufuall propottlOn,as 1S p~ d The r, .... eetne~ whereoffo greatly

fufflcientlyto be commel e • uifbed ofmyremembrance,and !\ clelio-htedme,astherebaky wfas ra as I let fall my ddired water

0 d n. d no-fot en romme, 1nyvn ernan 1 !? . ofm feeblchands. thorough the loolnedlboyndts l. yhtl'rouo-h the fweetncs of the

d h uenasa tr e,wnc ' o Il . o-""p . An t ene the Fowlers deceit' fo ettlnoul ! call forgetteth to remed-ber d f hafl:cned l11Y felfe back wtth i t11atwhichnaturefl:oo 11111~ o' lodi·e whichthemorelcoa-. d that attra.,,JUe me , . fi L a11 fpeed,tQwar e_ f, d llill from me, fomenme heere, omc•

Hed, the furthd{t\l :~fuifted places,'fo the fame alfo c~launged timesthere,an l dhc:auenlyconfc:nt. 'fhusvam1yr~n­""1tha del~?\ab!e voyc~au · . - __ mn'

~ '•

The foifo of LDH~ \

ni~gvpand downe, Il~newootafcerwhat, Igrewmorewearie, fat:'t,and drye,and ro feeble, that my)egges could but with great pame,vphould mydtfl:emperedbody. And my grieued fpiriu v~a~led long to.fupport the fame, what with the feare that I had bmm,what With c?'treamc thir!l:, what with long and wilefome traueU,and whatw1th doubtingthewor!l:that nugbt infue. Thus hote ,£unt, and drye: I knew not what to do but euen to procure: reH for myw eary member. lmarueled fir!l: at this firauno-e acce~ de~r, and was a~azed at this inhumane harmonye, bur~mo!l: of all m th_at I was w a Hraunge contry,and vninhabired,beingone~ lye fertt_lland beawtyfull to behould, befydes that I greatly for- ' rowed for the lolfeofthe fay er ryuerwhich I hld {o greatly Jabo­red to fin de out,andnow fo lightly and careldly to haue loll: the bemfit thereof. In tlus fortl was houlden in an intrycate minde ofdoubts,at length ouerco~e ~ithall km de ofgreefcs,mywholc bodye trembhn~ and langUJt1ungevndera broade am! migh~ye Okcfull of Acornes,fiandmg m the mtdde!l: of afpatious and large green meade,extendmg forth his thicke and leauie armes ton~'keacoole fhadowe,vnderwhofe bodyebreathino- Irelted tpy felfc vppon the deawye hearbes, andlyingvppo~1 my left fyde I drewe mr breath m the frefhe ayre more 1hortly betwixt my drye andwnnckled hps, th~n the weary running hcart,pin­ched 111 the h~unc~eand !truck m the_ bre!l:, notable any longer ~o :earevp h1s w~1ghty head,or f~ftatne his body vponhis bow­m., !ne~s;but dymg pro!l:rates h~mfelfe. And lying; thus in fuch. ~n a"'ome,l thought vpon~he !l:rifes of weake fortune, and the lllchauntmcnts ofth~ mahctous Cyrces,as 1fl had by hir charmes andquadranguled plamts,been bereaued of my fences. In thefe

Moly ~nherb {udJ la great & excccdmg doubts: 0 hi mewheremightl there grearly com- am)ng fomanydyuerfe and fun dry forts ofhearbes finde the mended of Mercurial Mob with his blackercote,foi- my helpeand remedie; ~1~~~h~ ::~e Againeme thoughtthat it was not fo withme. \V hat then? euen a· foucrcigne a- h:rd appoyntment to delay my de!ired death. And thus rem;IV­gainfr in- mngm thc:fc: pcrmtwus thoughts, my ftrc:ng,th debylitated; I chauntmenrs ~ooked for no otherhelpe, buc to drawe and receiue fre!h ayre ofmoderne 1 t I ·b "'- h" h d · h r h I n ot1at. re~<, w tc pante wit a •mall remaihderofvvtall. aut ors a to- ffi k' . l J gethervn- warmne c-,ta ·mgmto my lands halfe aliue,as my Ia!l:refu:ge,the l;nown:. moyfi and bedewed 1eaues,preferued m the coo le fhadowof the

grce~~O~c:puttingthe fam~tomy pal~and dry-e hppcs,with a · grcedye

D in" Drum;e, 9 (a) Hyplipile

greedy defire in licking ofth"em to fatiffie my· difiempredmoui:h ;:,~~~::.g~.cer with theyr moillure,wiill\ngfor fuch a welasH_JPfipJie( a )!hewed ofLcmnos~!; the Grecians: Fearing lea!l:tharvnawaresas I had ruffied in the who alone wood I were bitten v;ith the ferpent Dipfo(b) my thirfiwas fo vn- when all wo-fi bl Th . ld . . ll d men of that upporta e. en renumg my ou e cogttanom : as ay vn er lland had

th1s mighti e 0 ke: I was oppreiled with emyaent ficc:pc ouer all £Jaine their my members :where agaiue I dreamed in this forte. .'hu.bands &

. kinfmen, fa-

pg/iphi!tu{heweth, that he thought he did (leep againe,andinhu dreamt ~h~';;~~J;1r, that hew M in aVal!tt, inuironed withmomztaines and hi/les, th~ fhcW•d rhe tndwhereofw.u {h11t vp ;n am;rroeDom fort, with Amightie PJra .. 9recians the miaesworthieofadmiratioll: vpon the topwhereofwill" highPI>e• f•>Uar.atnc luk,,e, whioh withgt·e~tplearure heebeheld.and dslio'~/ltl• di'i:ri-: Lang,•a '1?Nrhc 1. h 'J' • . .:. .., ~· woou o • e-t1Ct • · · . mea inAchaia

whereHercu-

Otun foorthofthis fearefulland thick les flue a lion, v<.ood. , and forl!ettinl1; the forementiO· S~)dDfil~fa ka

b ~ . . ~ a "tn 0 Hl3 C$ ned places y th1,s {weete eepe, occa- that Lucan lioned by my weJne members no we menti3neth, layde along: mee thought that I was in whofe byting anew more delell:able place,far excel- procurcrh l. h t 1. h fin. d ttxtrcamedry mg t e ormer, w ne con 1nc not o ncs or rhirfrc f~rtles mountaines and craggie wind- '

l!:::~~~~~~~d ingrockes,contayning wide caues, but ~a)Ad",ulu• ·being a delicate valley,in the which did ~~na"r~ce ~ea-

rile a fmallmounting of no greath~i~;ht,fprinkled heare and there gre':..re0rrfruice with young Okes,Athes,Palme trees broad leaued,Aefou/ier,(a) and broder Ho~ml',CheHnut,Sugcrchi!l:,Poplars,wildc: Oliue, and Oppies leaues then . clifpofed fo~e hyer then other ,according to the ~ountil~g or fall (~) g~~ilh of the place, m the plamc: whereof was an other kmde of thtcket beareth a cod ohnedicinablc fimpleshkc little young trees, as the flowering andyeHowe

· Geni/fa( b)enuironed with diuers green hearbs, T etrifolie,Sheere flower, vines grall'e, hm1ni{uckle, the musked An!!:.elica, Crowtoot Elapimi1, ahre boun1d ~ . h b ~ d t erewu 1. and Ru$v;oort,wtthotherpro. ta lean vnknownehearb~s and Elaphiunt is Bowers he an: and there dJUer{be dtfpofed. A lmle beyond m the like eo Ange· fame valley, I founde a fan die or grauellyplaine, yet be fpotted lica, bur not

''v..-ithorrcneruffes,in which place grew a fatre Palme tree with his 1m fmehll, the 1. · I:>l .. k 1· C 1 f ! d b d" · h r d Jartt ereon eaues r e ne · U1ter o a p owe, an a oun mg_.,..."lt .weet an ntbbeth his

"'pt<:afanttruite,fome ~et high,fome l~vve J fomt in a m.:ane • {ome ~cad when it . C in ts vducr,

·I'

' Thtjlrifo'i!.fLI~~e

,iatlie vety~1ailelell and chofen:fi<Yne of vi..:torie. Neither in ·thisplacewas,thercany habi~ation or ~reature whatfocuer. Thu5 wall{ingfolitarilyhetwixt the trees, growing difl:antly onefrom another, lperfwaded my felfe.,that to this no earthly fituation

. was comparable :in ~hich thon,ght I foddainely efpi~dvpon my - 1u_ft hand·~:m'hungneand carmuorous W oolfe, gaping vpon 111.:

w1thopen mouthe. ~-

. ... , At ~he fig~t whereofJmmediatly,my hayrc fiood right vp,ai1d , ·, , 1 w~>nld hal!ecryed out,but could not: and prefently the Woolte · ranneawaye:wherevpoareturning to my felte, and q!ting my

er,es tow,ards the wooddte mountaines' which feemed to ioyne tb~mfclu~:stogether,beem" Jookcd vnto a farre off I fawe the

· fcrn)e~fa toweiobiri h'lcredlble heygth, with a lpyr; vnperfeCl:. lie appearing, all being of very :imlcJent forme and workl:man·

(a)OJlmpus a fh1p, . . . _ _ · hi! in Greece And drawing neare vnto this buildin"', I beheld the gratious bedtwe~n Mda- moutltditles before a farre of feeming f~all,by commin<> neerer c:e omean d b 1· 1 dl. I 1 · h 0 Thd31ie,fo. an neer,er7 .Y Jtt ea~ Jtt e,to Jtt vp t emfelues moreand high,t!m of more, atthe firfi feenung to mee that they hac£ ioyned together rhe P~m it is With the build!ngwh1ch was an inclofure O£ end of the valley be. {omfuuhe ra- twJXt mountame andmountaine: whiCh thing I thouo-ht worthy 'U~~.' r ~a- the noting,and without further delay I addreffedm/felfc more (d)Caucafus necrertherevnto. Andhyhowmuchthe more I approximated ;amightie hill the fame, byfo much the more the excelten.cie of the woorke m Alu which ihewed it felfe, increafing my defire to behould the fame For ~~_rfirerh 15n- there appeared no longer afubflance of vnknowne forme • but a "u., rom cy- Ob I" k n • drr ' rhia. rare e ~ vpon a vau frame an noniefoundatioJl,the heio-th (c)Ci"lenus a whereo.fwithoutcomparifon did exceed thetoppes oftheli~e· hdlof Area- lymg mountaynes , although I thought that' they h2dbeene the d•a,whbm; ~<1- renowme_ d O(Jmptu (" ),thefamous CaHca[iu(b), and not inferior p•rer egat C !.' ( Mtrcurie vp- to '1 ~em~ c)·. . , · . . . en Maia. Tathzs folhtane pbce thus de!iredlye commm<>, w1th 'fn· (d) Paras is fpeakeabledehght, at pleafure 1 behelde the: fl:rau~ge manner ~0eofth•f· ot the art_e, the hugeneUe of the-frame·, _:~nd the 'woonderfull · Cye;l;de; and excellenc1e ofthe,wo6.1"kmanihjr • Maruellino- and confid~ring Sporades, in the compaife. and.,argenelfeoft)lls qr()ken and decayed obJects thefeaAege-. made of the pure gli!l:ermg .mar)Dleiof P4rUJ (d). The fquared "~ w~~h de- fl:ones ioyned togid1er withoutanyecement, arid the pointed · £lc~th!i:,r"p q,uadrangula~.e. comet fione~ Lt~~ightlye ~t~~d. and fiuoothlye

· · - ... pulli:

I ,

intt Drt~~mt, 6 puUilhed,the edges Y'hereofwere of an exq,uifite v:erl)jljlJio~.~o-q~ lour, as is polliblc to bee deu1fed: andfo mfl:fer,as betwnl:t~h~ ioynts,euen the cnemie: to thevmorke( if euer there were a£!yc). could not deuife to hide the point of the fmallefi fpanifhneedle vfed ot the beitworkcwomen.And therein this fo noble a piece otworke, I found a proportioned fubflance to euery Ibape atJd. Jikeneile that can be thouo-ht vp~n and called to remetnl;irancet' partly decayed,and fome Uill whole r~q1ainmg, wi~h pjlje~s fn;j<llJ' vpoi1 great,with their excel! em heads of an exact and.l)lo.fi'pe~:-: felt dofino-,crowned battelments,emli>oll: caruings,bearing forr~J! like embrgderie,arched beames, mi ghtie mettaline images,oucr-, throwne and broken in funder,thc troakeof their exact and per'"' fe..:tqJembers,appearinghollow ofbrafl'e. Sky.ff~~,fmall b?~tes and veffelsofNum,dian ftoneand Porphyr, and diuers <:otHo.ur.~d marble .• Greatlauers condites, and ot.her mfinite.fra_gm:ents of notablewoorkmanfhip,£1r different and inferiourfrom that they were,in theirperfeLl:ion,but now brought back as it were to their 6rfi vnihapelines,beingfallen and cafl: doV~~ne ,fo;ne he ere, fome there, vpon the earth from the which they were.t;.tk~n., Among the broken and decayed places,wherof great fundrieYVall weed$ and.hearbes ,efpecially.thc vnihaking Ariagyre, the.Leiltif~ of bothkindes, bearesfoo.te; do~es.head, Glad en gr.:::ei~e.fpo.tted luie, Centarie,and diuers filch like, And in the myldded p !Jces ofbroken walles grew Hoi.vl1ike, and the hanging Cymhalari.\ bryers,and prickmg bramblcs,amon.g thewhlchcrept Swltts and Lyzarts which I fawe crawling among the .ouergrowne Hones, l'l'hichatthefidl: fightinthisfilent ·andfohtarieplace, p.1adeqJ.c; to be warily afraid of them. On euery tide there lay fallendowqc; fmoothe rour.d pieces offerpent fpotted Marble, purple and red . diuerfe coulaured.Fragments offirange hill:aries, P11ngl]phi~ an4 Panglyph•c .

h d. fi n · d lL · h ll bewholycar. · Hemyg!ip ic compen wu y.cara<.~enze ,•uewingt e el(C~ en~ ucd from rhc cie thereof, vndoubtedlyaccufing ottr age, that the perfe..:tzon 11f head to the fuch an art is forgotten. . .. · :. .· foote in all

Then commmg t() the myddle fronture of ,th.e gr.eat. and membersi , excellent waorke, I £1we one foie large andmarueylous pore he Hem•ghbl""«

h f a, · · d d" h h apeare lit wore y o great etumauon1proporuone accor mg tot e uge half~. · quantitie oftherefiofthewholework,whichwas pla~ed betwixt and continuedin buildingfwm the·Q.ne andthe.other of the uiountaines· hare llppec,AAd abolle arc~d,whofeJp.ai;Jt betwixt ::··- ·:·-· ·- ·- · ··· ·· · -~ ----- .... C a - ---- · -· --- as

.,

t

ij

I l

I !

Tbe flr.ifo of Loue ~sJtlo~cohi~CI:ut~~as in lliea[.urdi:Xe-furlopgs, and rwelue pa;; c-cs. The top ofwhl<!hrnountameswere perpendicularly cqu;1ll c!yther ofth'erii touchiAg the affuted- skey , At the fi, ht whereof! i~agined'wit,hmy felfe ai1d deuifed to thinke with ~·hat yron in­RrumentS.;Wlth what labour of mens hands,and number ofwork­men, fuch a pi~ce ofwoorke could bee by gn·at fl:rength framed, Wlth mu~~·pame layde together i and a long t~me in' finifhin"'• ~11et;e"l'hti:ti this wo.o»derfull frame willingly aB it w.:re ioync0d han'c;ls and vmted:tt fdfe with the one and the other mi<>htie lflouF.taines,by meanes whereof, the f0refaid valley there h;'d an end,tl~at no ~atn:ouldgofurtherforwardor backe againe,but to enter m byt~lS broade,large,and wide open porch e. : Vpont~us1llalffieframeand mightie woor~manfhip, whichl

take to be Ill hetgth fmm the roofe or top to the root e,fiue P."rts ofa furl?ng;was placed ahtghand woonderfull Pyramtdes ,after thefat1uon·of afquarepoynted Diamond, and fuch incredible' workemanfhip that cou/dneuer be deuifc:dand ereCted without indHmablec~arge,greathelpe,and longtime. So that I thought the C!Kccllencle thereofvnthought vpon, to bee a myrrour, the lightwh~reof w?s. able to dafell any humaine eyes ,::md quaile• ~hereHdfthefpmtuallfentes:VVhat ihalll fay more ?.fotfo far: as-the ~ea(lhe tlfmy capa~:it.Wwillafoordeme:leaue, in this;fort I briefely del'cribethe fame. ·

A furlcngis · Euery fide or quartcr:ofth~s.fouie fquaredframe, wherevpon 16.pole euery the foote:ofthe Pyranudcs dHl .!land ,.dJd extend.themfelues in pole beingfJ6 length fix furlongs ,which in (ompaife about euery lidn:quiia .. footc, ttredotlik~bredth;dooth niultiplieto 1fturlongs'. Thenlifhn.,.

1'JHJiie•t,yneson~igh.from thef6ur~ GOrners·,fO"much as eu:ery~ . COinC·~ lS dlft~tml~ngth frotn<lllOtber,meeting inthetop,fo 3$

the Perpen~tcular hne mayfa!lJuftvponthe c enter of the Dya­" ;on, {tre~chmgfrom ?~th corners of the plym:s or fi.Juare foote, ' 1~h1'1d ronqemendy 1~yned ·~~J?Iet!hcr. doe make a perfect pyra. m1dall figure. VVhtch umnence and wmmderfull forme ;:with:a

; ~~:n-ttelo~s·lalic:litltt]Uife Syniilllit~)e ana ~u~. proportion inoun· nag.vp lab~t4ffontlytoote hyfoote, tonteyned 1410. degrees er fl:eppes,takt:~:~g IIWay 1 0·,-degrecs.to:tnalte vp-the.hcad and .. graci• lam_eJW.oi>;t~J?yl'amides•in whofeplatewas f;et; a: huge Cube· or fuuJ.ie>f¥.tie!tt:iA~i;ft>tme:Jrikc;a'~~elo~ndalldfi1'!fle:ofa,~ tlrwSJtb~~~tth.klr~·thwc::w~J!IbtiiO'P.,!i4::.G~ny.llcliCG:htgln. .• .. " ' An.cl

I i \

;n " Dreamt: 1 I 1

And of the fame !lone of P aro1 as were the fieps: which cube a~d fquare {lone was the Bafis and foote fet vnder tht Obilisk, which I ha lie in hand to defcribe.

Tlm mightie big fl:one iharpe topt, fliding downe the e:meam parr from eo mer to corner ,flat fided by the Dum et er , was fower paces, at euery equal! dill ant c~rner, whereof was the: foote of a harpie ohuoultenmettall,theJr fie.1les and clawesarmed, Fnm­lye and llrongliefet in with led ,in cucry cotnerof the Cube, or lome fquare head of the Pyratmdes, meeting together ouer the Di~gonike line.Ofproportioned thickndfe in hcigth two paces. 'V hi eh t huH loGng andmette together, made the foe ket of the .,.reat 0 belis·k: which Socket wa-s. beautified with leaues,.fruitcs ~nd flowers,of ihini-ng c.afi mettaH, ~nd of con~.e~ient bigne!Ie. VVherevpon the weight oft he Obehsk,.,.as borne, The breadth \\hereof was two paces;and feau.an irrlwigti,,,. art~f!doufiy:fhat;p­ing oft he !lone of Thebai.r qll~q PJTIU. V pon the fitl~oth plams whcreot,pureandbrightlhiningas a lookinggla£fe, we1·e moll~ excellent~y cut.Aegipti.tn H;r:rogtiph!. .

Vponthepointeofwhich Ob~lisk, with great arte and<hh~ <rence, was faHned a copp~r bafe ,.m the whtch alfo there was a. ~urning deuife infixed: whervpon did fiand the fl1ape of a beau~ tifullnimphfi·amedoftheaforef.1ydmatter, ab!~ to amaze the cGmtinuall diligent behoulder, Offuch a proportion as the corn• m on ltature might be confidered and perfell:ly fcene, notwith­flandina·thc exceedingheigth thereof in. tht:ayEa • Heiides the greatncite pt the figure or image :it WaS a \'VOOJH{er tO thin ke how {uch a weioht fhould bee carryed and fet in fucha place and fo hi o-h, Cou~red \.,.ith ahabite blewne abroad with thewinde, an cl fh~wino parte of the nakedfubfiance ~fthe lcg"e~ and thighes: with tv.~owin<rs arowing out fb~m the ihouldcr blades, and fpred abroad as ifl~e~werereadyetoflye, turning hir fayre £Ke at)d fweete regardina countenancetowardes hir wings. The treffes of hir hairetyin" agroade thevpper'part or crowne naked and bare. ln hir rio-ht h~nd fhe heldfromhir fight a copie or borne fl:ufrtull of man/good thin:"s, !lopped vp, and the z:touth downewarde, hirleft hand fafine:land harde holden to htr naked brefl. Tlus Ima<re andftature was with euery blallofwind turned,andmoo~ ued ~bout with fuch a noyfe and tinkling in the hollownes of the mctaline deuife: as if themynte of the ~eeneof England had

· · ·- · ·· · C 3 bm

'

?1t Jrifo of toui' beinggoing"ther~: And when the foote oftheph~neorlmage iti turningabout, d*druband grinde vpon the copper bafe,fixed vpon the pointe oh he Obc:li;ke, it gaue fuch a found, as if the . tower bell ofSaintlo hns Coli edge in the £1mous V niuerfttie of Cambridge had beene rung :or that in the pompeous Batches of the mightte H.tdria>~ :or that in the fift Pyramides fianding vp­on foure. This Obeliske in my iudgementwas fuch, as neyther that in the Vati,;an~iri Alex4ndria qr Babilon, may bee equally compared vnto it ,but rather efl:eemed far inferiour.I t conteined in it fucha he ape of woonders,as I could not without great afl:o­lliihmentlQokevponit. As alfo confider the hugenelfeofthe worke,the exceffiuefumptuoufnelfe,the firaunge inuention, the rare performance, and exqudite dtligem:e of the woorkeman. With what artinuented !with what power, hum line furce, and incrediblemeanes,enuying(ifl may fpeake it )the workmanfhip · oftheheauens, fuch,and fo mightie weights ihould be tranfpor­ted and carryed into the fkyes ? with what Cranes , winding beames,Trocles;roundpullies, Capres be:~ring out deqjces,and Poliplafies ,and drawing frames , and roped tryces, therem be .. ing VllS_kiJfu!l,I flip it ouen;vith Jilenc:e. · · -

I t

l I f j;

l

Tlie flrift of Lo11~ · . Lei:vs returne then to the hug'e Pyramides, fianclin~vpon a ~ro~g and fo~nd plynth or f?ure (quare foote, fourtee~e paces m heJgth, and 111 length fixe furlongs, which was the foundation and bottom of thewei.ghtiepyran1ides, which I pe~fwaded my felfewas not broughtfromanyotherplace, buteuen with plainc labour and workemanihip hewen out of the felfe f1me moun· tames, and reduced to this figure and proportion in his owna properplace. ·

Which great quadrant.and fquare woorke ,ioyned not fafl: to the collaterate and fidelymgrockes,butwas betwixt fpaced and feperated on eyth:r fides tenne paces. V pon the ri<>ht hand as I went of the aforefaid plynth or fquare iheame, ther~ was' moll: perfettl~ carued t~e vyperous head of the fearefull Medufo, in a mo~ funous a~d ngorous forme to looke vpon, and as it were yellmg out :with ternble eyes cauernate, and hollow skowlin<> vnder rher ouerh~nginl$ browes with a wrympled and forrowed forehead and gapmg Wide. O}'en ;nouth, which being hollowed with a dyrect way~ from the Catill, and vppon flone by a medi~ ane lyne perpen·diculano the:cc~te~ of the fdr !hewing' Pyrami­des ,made a large enteranceaad commg ,vnto it ,at w hi eh opening mouth .• C~ll\paffed wit~fowldedhaires of vnrepartable curiouf. .nesartzfi~Iall cunnmg and coHly woorkmantl1yppe the .JI:ndin<> th~ turmng fl:a~ers !hewed them !elues,and ia fl:caJ oftrdles of hane platt~d Wlth laces, I fawfearefull vypersand windingfer~ pents growt.ng.out from the fcalpe of the mon!lrous head confu. fedlytwyfl:mg together and billing, fo Jiuelyportrayed and fet foorth,thatthey mademeafrayde to behould them. In their eyes were placed mofl:tbi.ningflones,in fuchfort,as tflhad not beene perfwadedand knownethat they were: flones indeed, I durfl:.noc haue drawne ne ere them. ·

Andt~e aforefayde entrie cut out of the firme fione, led to the fcaleandcompaffingpafTagein the cent er, with winding fieps t~ndmgto the htgheH parte of the !lately Pyramides, and ope­n;~~vpon the out fide of the ea till or culile: vpon the which the fhmmgobehskewas founded. And among the refl: ofiuch nota~ blepart.es thott I beheld, me thought that this deuife was woorth t~e ~otmg, ~ecaufe the artifitious and moll: cunning architeCt Wlth,an exq~dite and perfpicuous inuention , had made to the fiayres certalne !copes or fwall windowes,imbr~cing the bounti·

full

9 fuUbearnesofthefunne.correfpondehtly·otirln-ee.puts, the lo­wer, the middle,and fupreame: The lower takinghght from the higher , and the higher from the eau baife or lo.wcr with their op­pofit·e rtflexiom mewing a maruellouscfaire li~; ·thc)l werefo fitly difpofed by the calcutate rule ot :the artiiftiolls ~thema .. t.ridan, to the Orientall Meridio1hll 'ind Occidentallpartes o£ the ayre,that euery houre of the day the funnel'hined.i!l,andgaue light to the whole fcale, the famCloopes or windoletsin diuerfe places fymmetrially and definitely difperfed and fet. . . . .

To the aforef<il'd·entrance thorowthe open mouth of.Mediifo, I came by a !ono- gallorie to a falyinglcillior downe;gbmg~funrie opening at thJ: ~t andpaue1nent of.thc huilding-v.pon.my ~1ght hand againfl: one of the collateral! amifide~lyi.ng.mount!aintS; betwixt which there was out of the fton'Cand open fpace.cut out oftenne paces vp.$ into the which I a~ce~d~rd boldcly~l~outce. fiflaace; and beingcomerothebegummgof.tbc:!Jlainmithta­forefaidmouch by innwnt<r\lble ftcpp~.lih:ltgretsjllot fitthout great wear!nes <~ild difi~e ofhe~.by ~fu:n W:rding.a!'~•' ~ cametofo mcredible a height, 'that tny c:l!CS'wonldnat!f~mc to looke downe to the ground,infomuch, thatinermugqt·tbai: euerything belowvpon the plaine had lofl:his ihape,amffeemed vnperfea . In the. opening andcomming$1lt0fth.i$ circulate . and turning ilffenc'.e many pilllars .of fat~~JllO'lten> mGttall were apdtdifpofedJand furely fixed: t.h_e:imei-lfpace.b~Mi~.t e.; uery. onerandotheronefootu, and inheighr,h:d\fe:a pafe., Jr~led a~d· i~,Yiiedt~~her aboue with a batteU~ i:Ot'onei:atalong~hC! faH(p11!ar ~ ana of the fame metall compafsmg abolJ~•the openmg ofthi:- fiaire, J.c!{hhat any cc>mming £0or:th vnawareslhould f.;ll dowrie:,IR!atllbri~ ~ ?oti the:It,nrneflltable heig1Jtthcm:of woul'dc c}tl!ft{l~ Eld~iieHii thij h;ead,{ltid·briug a: fiag_~ering ~o. the . feete! vpoit.l:~jine!Oftht~biilis:\ie liheri: was b1nxed.a· t.ab;le'ofbrafle f!iQerl~bail<!foM:cre&itiabollttheheioht~'>fiam;tri,witHan:alld­cnt:ii~.fd.lption in La~ine, 9'reeke, aal Ar~i~e, by the which I J? hn.riely vnd,!!rll_oode that·the fame was dedtc<\ted to the'Sunne, and the rtieafuteofthework'~'li~ty fct down~:·and.defltribed, the n:fui~fthe·.PJ.:r.cliite&l''nbtl!dtontheobeliske in G11eek,teners,

YiltA :;,oAIBIKO;l: AI€10,<l.~MO::E llPe~x\;k<'!ifi:·:· · ·· ·· ':•P,.Jrtrjii,'lJI/Jtihti'arihirl!tlmme'tr~x;f/': • : "-···

• . ' ..• '·I.~chii!iat.illian arc:hitectorfet me vp~ . ' . · ····· D Lee

;;;, PrMinf,S': ·r 0

the ground thereof as black as iet, a oerfea foite to beautilie ami fetfoorthwith pale ChrifT:aline and filuercrillley',-et.,ll,Rwnerao. ble huge bodyes;their lafi mdcruours ,,their, pretei1~t .JI~ions, i:he. fafhion of their armor,the diuedit~e ohbeir d.~aths,& vncettaine & doubtful vi&>rie.The difcharge ofmy.vnde.takenfufcriptiotl whereof,proouethmaymed and lame, by reafon'rhat tll)'vnder• ftandingis wearie, mymemorie confufed \Vi't'hvarictic > .anJ my fightdimmedwithcontiiluallgaling, that iny r~nfeiwill nota­ford me rightly , and as their dewe, fu:ly to manifefi part, much leffe'to deicribe at large the whole .manner. of their. curious.l.j'-

tho:)tft~;thisl bec:un~to caft.wirhmy~~}fe, what fhotild~oo'l~ :~nd caufe (uch a pmle & burnmg defire,m any man, to fetch frGill fur, and gather together fo mightie il:ones with fo g~eat. ttaueU:" With what carriage, wh@ were the conu~yers and porten ,}"ith: what'l~anrter·ofwl)eelcs,and rowlingdeuife&, i\!ld vpholdingf,up-' porter.·~,fo great large and innumerable afort.of{\ou_ es fu .. G_u}4pe brought thither ,and of what matteri:heyr fement.that' ioyned and'held themtogethcr,was made thcheyath ofth!=. Ob~li~kand, il:atelineffc of the Pyramides;exc.eeding t~e imagine!l conceit of Dimor;rate,r.propofed to Alexander the grcat,abouta worketobc:: performed vp9nthe hill.Atho1.For the firangjellc$ pf the Egip,tj" · an~uil~ingttught~iu~placetothihll'hefam~latlo(!qthw:er~ taunfenor ,'Lei?'J»Df.ls not t(}!il e J:eh.e.irfitd.th.e l'Jlea~;er!! <;~( ~ldtune, wel'e-in'compai!ifE>flbut wan-iner~rloeges.neymer~i9 the fam(>us; NeufolBJcomeanythi_ngn·eete:.Whi(hcerminly)ltakethmeab.:. folutely per-fwaded~:tlut he which wr.cte the· :fe-J!Jen woonders of the wotld;neuer hard oft hi~: neyther ill atJy.:<ig"h<tth th~il: bee~ fceneoti!l'agined<thelike,no·n~ttl1ef~.ul<illfi(~/\Ti'{l(l•. . . . :1

Laflly'lwbo!ldciDed>whatfoundation fij-u\titrP!l~~ ~~r~·!lPJc t9 vphold fo monil:rous:iiweij;Ht~hdt~r'tllv:pJ~U<l~S.ffl't~ehll,~~gt!n&, or tetragons ~ ~nd whati varieui.e Qf<.ao:lUnlt~.el ~.ati.4. iWhitmm~er might ferue, ·and after whatfo~te.proportionate}y: dlp9k!l;an~. fet, For the< beet er ynderil:andmg:and mdrc. p.~rfell: !uto~l.edge. wherof, I conueyghed myfelfc·in: ati:h.e:op~n,~ fpil~io~~ p~rd~~ and;eriteitaiJ.(#,within:thewbichw~<m:t>OfJ.fQ(~1\IIdVall:hg~\()~~' nes :'whkh:porlihe,rogetherwitplthepf®daild; f4.1!ely. P.py19.~ s~~i~~;~t~yofm~e~~ri~,~.~~~-~:.fo,mefo~t9._.k,~~~f~1J;yl)A~~~ ,_ --- · · -v: · - · · · · ~~~~

~ ...

P~t;phu~,afttr ;htaifrrl~~~~f~bu ht~gePra~nide! .. ,do~(tuk_c: ,dtf-· ·l~ ·· ,t-<»Rifoh_afi'IIArllelfltit.l'lloarkFJinth~ Ch~tpt«.!tdmtff ofa.hw!fo'rf.

,; cot~F --. .::-, ·'-, .,,ofanOiifliltnt,:fl'lt rif~"'<ffb;Of a.~ortr"re.; · lfnaj/r.ct~~t'1~iJYdu~r.:'f < ·· .. ·,. :T.', r:··: , · .·· ,

·•• .J ·iifit.:l~; r:;!; :.· ... i!~.:~c ....

. lghclye and laVifullj·e ln:lY: 1 haw:leaue to . v.rite, that in the whole world there was neuer fuchanother:,fo poo)pequs.ilo~i-'

. ous,andm.J!!jnificen;r,'l ~~~e'!)fwo.rkr, b.y· _mans eyes !eene or crebiblie reported.'

·.~-The, woot'Uh:r.fud.J! ~xc;;~\:le!Iic1~:' li~'Sl .rare Lhaunge11efi"nvhi:r~of, ~I behekl w h<1t

· wim delight\, 211d wh~ with admiration, my ~<:es w~~~fo (i!ptiuated.nn<Ltyedtllerevnto, th;ltno other ftil~'Cc, orpleafure, iih&¥her · ocrnne o~.t.ake plilce in my; (v.:ik­~yitiglliought>,· ::c.: .. ~~. : ,; .. ;!£: .·: : ... ·: .. · ,. , ... :. :

: §U:~dtlt:VIittml'-li}lp\~ my;fmccs to comGder,_~ll.ci:~d,drel[~d ~ myeyes:Wi~ dibgt-nt ob.ilttaarion, :curio!lflie;to {)~tJrlooik~ eu~ rie pertkub~piittG;trlri:t 1\:-qc~ ~ pof ed obie4, and·mofrrar~ afic!l'goodlytmagtu~:,at:id'Y~Itclik.-cbodyes!-\lijtht~ut~r;~'ke or ~~e., with a ;loi~·-cir~~:bieath, and fo~.;.,h. ;it '?pening :~ny, InoutJ'f>t!fet'a de>~,e.dln fcrmu,hu ~l!fRor®S +!lUi(Q\111• (iihgb\lat~bi\ttt~b)l~ta~n~the1:hicimdfQofth.e.~!:~-il\d~s fo-: ly'tarll!--~!1dll,6lft·J1lat~·,g.a~ht>tecbo~-:and didp.utiUAe -ID-Jllincl.oof my A~clik'-elfild:~r~:amii.d~ocrePRltiJJ. .i. ': r :' . . .. -. ': OJii'tlil:' t,'ljilf: 'fo.>A1~ali w-:m~~-c :lliwrmiffiol); fhQul(!, ('aufe ~hat.

hlt'·!'otil'1~b!l'l~:t-e-};gR'i:o~il; l!dr.~and fu.1<pcl'ias hm ilill imprinte-d in my 1pjnde;·and~l~a uay:l}"c<llllpabios~an wlaqf;d>fdl: ~ny. hfeMef()lUeEl.IJUt~ Taatid>dt.isJVrladr~llhi:,pret~~~oi!i9f a ~i~.fiitlt!~-~filN,:II:qcrcVfutlrllbatHl1i(f!i-doiena.e.nm.:. _ ; _ ,, . , -

.· · Wti#il3fH'!'is'-'lliyl~mt:I:Wli~tioonr.phlqe,)'lhcrfs~-e.re,tiiu~rs an..~'f\t~~eX(_t!l~etJt{0i'(?S!Ofqranci~nt•deuiC.. c:sand ~oor.kl!tma· ihlJ1~:Ml:'I'JfaU,_t~heMa tbottfu}bef*Jn:hc;.pafi <~Uf~ce to de-. l«W«fGhh~!ltnrdil!i\tiG!lrtaufueilthi:l:cof,Ais-eu-,tjrNI'il~ l:>m.i~t qr de~W,!ilnu1 die.tM!Mtt'rf<Ar l'llHrtrbw! mDtiu:r ;tau•,g•!lli0 ~g!ll" .ffk~'l'CjtiJ:if:wdtlMfudr(i-apJ:ult!.pcculiarvronh;imt,{~~~~ieet:! .• ctril'!\taailllwodteirlu' ~::-::o1ni !L:rL (:, ;,;(,,:,. >. ,,,.l':c , .. ,,.:..,.

~~f&rethis gorgeous ~d glorious porche,youfhall vuderfi.md. _, '-~ -::-,. '. · that

if} "' JJ1:etum • . · , . I I

tlliltin tl)c open ayrethcrew~safowrcf,Jnare court of th.irtre px~ ':~s by lm Dtametcr,paucdwuhpuJ·c fine m;uble,poynred fuote f9tJ;lrc,y;wught clwckerwi(e of omer§ fal1Jions, and fundrie beil, ~~tti~ ~p~ll)urs: bl\.tJ .. 'Il.m~~Y. p.lrtf.l!S,,,_py me apes o. £ .. -.th~ ruinc.of tltf-iUU.lr'~~~~t.wa/.4e,~n4 qldF t>:i.I.J.~n • .b~·okeJl 111 peccc;s and ouer-

g.~~~f~t~e;~PlPfip~i~'e.s ~fth~--~fo~cf.~iJe coqrt, toth~dght A columne

~-4;i!ld.t!IeJ.di,to\\·ards themounqine,;lhcre was two firaighr '""~ltcth of rowe~ ofpi~furs, wrtha fpace betwixt t'Qrthe interica_ -drraftdc~'!-5 ~:~~~r;h:ll the quantmes of both columnes required, the firfl courfe or or- head der of.G:ttingthepyllars, beginuingonhoth fides equall to the ,1\Hra.galus I;.ymbus or exrreamepartohhe fronteof thcporche, thc!pace th•ti• the betwixt pyllars and pillarsxv • paces • Of which collumnes or f~b,_ecrof the

·)I r. d 1 ~~ b capmll next great pt ars,,ome an t 1e greate 'parte or num er were whole. rhc column e. With their cap1tels or heads, wrought with a wauedl11el! workc, Hypotrachc· and cyllerie or drapene,their corners bearing out and inanulated lie rhc 01aft or turned in like a curled lockeof hayre ~ or the vpper head of a lf the co­bafe Viall aboue the pinnes,wliich !lraine the firinges of the in- ~~';j.~· ,0 •

firumcnt to a muficall i:oncord:with their fubiefr Aftragals,wri- rhetls,.~hat is thingandhangingheere and there, making the capital! thrifefo the foote big as the bottom thereofofthe columne,wherevpou was placed whcreon rhc the Epilhleor. fir eight beame, the ~treatefipart deca)•ed, and ma- ~oludmnhe

l . "d d d d . ~ d . l . r ' .c.1 b nan et 'ex-~l)'CO umnes ~~ owe nn epnue ot tletr ""apn~s, uryed cceding rhe m rumeboth.AfiragaJs.and {hafts of the columnes and their ba- bignes of {es,orf~fte·,~. ·_. ;'.":· ; , , ,· . . · .. · : / the ~olumne.

''Fafi JOymngt-(!) -w.h1ch order or fet rowe-s ofptllars, t~regf4v ould plaiue-trees ,..,..Jtlt-()liues,Pine apple, and pri,king bl·am­bles.l coniellured that itwas made for to ride horfes in, to trot andgallop,therin~,to manage, carrcic,and coruet in, or els fo)ll; open gallerie,couere.d ~}<:>fe_()l,lCr head, vpder propt with pillers, <md ofa1argewidcildlewwke drie in, and fcitake ::atetnp!!rat e a)'tc iil,iiot t6o'firod!e:" '· · · ·· ·. ·~ ---····· · · ·

Aboue in this great Court paued as aforefaycl , in the pa!fagc tow:u·des theP:(lfche,foroe t,enne,p;u:,e,s J I beh.el.d .a pr~il!lus 'l(lli~.edv~gfl!~nghorfMfiJilGJ!l~~br..:~ili:P qf ~elll:~.c!ed.wg·~;g-, nelf~.~~~~& f~W,s o~t; lji~~O,fuEs ;ll<mGimpr,pol.l,;t (~»~~J~, p).;l~~~,or_f~~'i~'II!W~~prp,.AA,aQ~fe~e.~n~~,gtl.hWr hcl§th p.tq~tip~le~~-tJw,b~<l~)l,j111141~-n~h :l!l'ith~~" he.<l:{i.it~' librertie a® ~m'Pr~led : ha~ng his tw.o. fmall-eares , the,p.llC

· . - - · ·· · · · · D 3 · fiand·

71Je foifi D/LoNI fta~iding to~ward,an~ the other d~awne back' with a long waued matme, ~allmgfrom IllS cre!l:on the contraryefide : vpon whofe backes dtuers youngyouthes affityed to ride , but not one was a­b.le to fit ftedtai.U! reafonof his fwift.nefl'e.and high bounding, fiom whom fome:vvere fa~ I en downe,lymgwtde open to the ayre, fome grouelmg,other fall m., ,headlon<>,betwixt the hodTeand the earth, therefbnvaine houlaino- by the hayre of his tnaine fame fi . h' I;) ' orcemgto getvp vpon 1m, and others inde11oring to recoucr themfelucs from vnder his tecce.

Vponthe~rpperpart o(the frame and bafe, ther~was in fixed andfa!l:~ed wtthlead,afooting or thick crufl,ofrhc fame mmall that the horfewas,aud vpon thewhichhcHl:oode, and thofe that" wereouerthrowne did lye, fomewhatfhort.er andnarrow~r then' thebafe or fubtetl fr,u;ne';the.y.tholemaffe or compolition call of ~pe_~c~ ~~~.~ ?_f ~h~ ~!_~~ ll?:~~~[l~~!~~llie. f~~~ed! ~afilye .

. . YO.~

i I

you could notlperceiue that any were contented with his rowgh· ~tes,as appeared by their framed countenances, fhevving a difcon• tentvvhich they co.;uldnot vtter beingfenceldfe images,not dif­fering otherY'I~yes thorough the excellent conFiing of the craf­tifman ftom litJing 11reature~, and by his furpaffing imitation ot J}aturc. . . _

PeryUmtheremight go put vp his pypes,andhlufhwithhis de~ uifedBull,andHiramd1elewe mull hecre giueplace,orwhat fo.undcrs els foeucr, , . TheP<egm11 bafeor fu~ietlfc;>r this metalinemachineto ftand vpon,vvas of on~folyde.l?~eee of inarble (of fit and conuenient breadth,hei$hdl,~Jldleng~h, forthatpurpofe according lye pro­portioned)tulloffireamin~ vaines,fondry coulered, and diuerf­lyeJpotted,maruelouspleatantto. the eye:~ in infinite commix• tures;confufc:dly difpof-ed.

V pon th~ btefl: or fOnnoU:part, and end of the marble bafe-, that was oppofite againfi the pprch~there was a garland of greene marble ,like the lcaues of bitter Alifimder, commi:xt vdth dead leaues ofMaydenweede, of a hayrc coulour, within tllewhich therewas afinootheround, pure, white fl:one~wherein was ingra-uen thefe capitall Romaine letters. - ·

,I

----------~....:.....'----~~---.... -.------·

The fl~fo-•f Lot~t · Atthc hinder end in like fort wasa garlandofdeadlyWoolf..

Y.'Oort, with this infcription, Equw it•f~t.licttlltu • ·And vpon the right fide there was ingrauen certainr fi·gures, lhapes, anCI reprc· fentntents ofmenandw·omt~ dauncil)g together, byformedor · faced,the for.moflfmilingl thehynmGJlweepi:ng t and· daundno-

r . in a ring, witi1theyr armes fpred abrade, and hanfall:ed man, wid; : 0tlt~s ·:~rid man and woman with woman. Onearme of the man v~der that in that plea- ofthewolllan,and the other aboue,and thus doling together • and fure,but they ~oulding by the hands, they flouttg abo\lt one after another, that hau~ alf • alwayes lhll in one place;·~ f!riyling c<:Juntenance incoumer~d a ~he~• forowes foregoing fad. Theirnumberwas·feauenandf~::~uen, foperfefrly !R tJDICo. arid fwect~fy COUil.tc!tfeitedwith fjucJie motiOnS> their VllfillfCS

whisking vp and Ryingabroad,that the wol"kman could not be ac• cufed of any imperretbon,but that one had not a Jiuely voyce to expreife theirmirth,and ~he other briailh teares to manifefl: their .fortow: thefaid daunce was i~ fafhionoftwo Semicircles , ""'ith. a :fe:p~ratingpartition put beiwixto . · ·

. . ... ~ -

bHI,Drt~tl'fl!l.:.· . . · t j · V1ider which 1-kmiall figure> ··ibere w:is 'infcript this worde

'TEMP VS. ~thecon~arr, fidel beheldmanr~f~reetl~:t­doleficmcieof bke proportton to the former~ an~ m fuchhke compaffe or fi'aee, the grour..~as ofboth beautified and fet foott~ Githainefy. _ with anexquffitefpliature or woo~'oHeauosandflowers, this b_ellowcd,•n co:J;anie was· pludcin!!: rmd.fatheriti~ ot the flo~ers:of fundrye r1~mlie wanr?n..

· f1:" · lho! . · • •c pent ,.1!' 3 hear ,es,and te~der bm~uno-{ alkes ~ braun<he~la~d ~1th them great lofil:, 3c diuers fuire NIDlphes pleafuntly deuilinr;,andfponmgUe H~atc h. brecdcrh, re· itlg 3\'l::if·theil' garl~ed Howers,and in fuchfort as ab9uefa1d vn- pcntan~e. d~ the bcrurewe~ ingra!-!Cm_cettain~capitatl letters, to.{bew d~is bll"~~~;de ~A. ~Us s 1 0,-;t>ncayillliSthollinth partro the D~~ metel•ofthe'!Ui\d(i\tt}re. .:r.·~.: ~.c:.'' .,L;.:, ·:· ... ': ;: >Jt'I~:~)..rg;: . .-·ir·:.~i ... · .·:·:;:t~~-. ···.~ -, ~· .. ·.- · : .. ,·,· ·

I r ·. I l

The firift of.15.1111''' Attlte fidHig~t he~:qofl was amn1enand a!knillled,butwitll

better regard~ great delighr curi~ul1y reouerlookwg the huge found~d Mil<:hme the !hapeand torme,of a horfemade by hu­ma.'le mduilry.and S:klil rot>ll:~orru:nendable, for that c:uery m em., . b~r without i:lefe{l:~a4 Ws .. p:~rfecr harmonie" and e~ery limme hiS defired:pro.pQrtw.n;l J:lir;ught called to~:emeinbrance the VH-.

fortuna~eho(feof~{ilfn..J ,; < ,!; . · ·: · .[:, • ·. .,.f

. . :And thus heJde f);ill;t(il:~eholdethe fame artificiall rnyfleri~; an otherfpelt:4ckan~ Q:btell: no lelfewot·thy:to be looked vp~

:on thaa:the former,!)fferedit iel:fe to my fight, which was a mioJ1.,. · ty' Elephant:, !lher:eAAto,y.:ith;a:Wtfu;oui i:lltciJU JfeeileJY'hf1rd metoapprechand comeneere. . .~·":u:·;i.· 1:w: ·,,;_,! :n· L.:·c

In whichmeane while onan other fide I heard arnournefull noife and humane groaning, as proceedmg from a ficke body e­uen vnto death: whereat l fioode fiiH at the firfi,my haires flan .. <ling right vp, but prefently wfthouifiirtftertfay~laJi:lreifid ril¥ fieppes towards the place .from whence I heard this wofullnoy1, and dolefulllament, forcmgmy felfe vp vppem aheapeofruin* ted;~P~C!:D..ilnd downe-fallen marble~ .• T!zy,s willipgly :gejn~ .for:wa~d.I.cameto a va.fi and wonderfulHarg~: ~olofl:,. t~e~etf! thereofbare ,_and th~1r __ foleshollowc·. aiirl:theleg~es-asiftheir fl~!h had bee ne wafi,~d,confum~danq f;1llenaway • h~m thence Wlthh<>.rror lcaJBeto ll)o~evp_2_qtheh,ead,.wherc I.di<iconiccio . tj)~e and imagi~e: t~~ ~he ay~i!pd~fi~'gercifii~ah'ac?m: ~g foort~ ?f~flis FideOfenpl:OUth, :w~ FhiihoU9w,pip,e~ ~fris throat, by ;l d1qme muemrG>n ihd caufotJus ni,Oc;le'ratedhoiCe·aiul timed groanr~ : idaywitlrthefhce\r}h~:1rdall~fmoltenmetiat, li~e a man of middle age, and his head lifted vpas with a pillo"'es wuha refemblance of one that were ficke, breathino- out at his momh, fig he~ and gr~anes gaping, hjsl'engthwasth~eefcorepa­ces. ny the hmres ofhls beard you might mount vp to his breaff, aiJd by the rent al)dtornepeeces ofthefametohis ftillamen:dno­rrib~th, whichgroningly rerpained \\•ideopenand empty, by th~ wh1ch)prouoked by the fpurre of curious defire, I we ne downe by dmers degrees into his throat, fromthence to his fiomacke, andfofo~~thby.fecret~vayes~·illldby little and little to all th~ feu er all partes of his i1iwafd bowelles; OI1wcirid'erfull c-onceit. And eu~ryp.art ofm~ns body hauing vpon it v<.Titten his proper

_ appe!!~~on ~~ !~!e~ !d~~~~~ f~a~eea (j~~e~e ~n~ .f:.'!.t!n_e, that yo~

I J

I I , !

~

I 1

ni 11 VrtllfJI~ _ I 4 yoiimight know the intrailes,finews,bonei, ve1ryej, nmfclesand the indofed flelh,anqwhat difeafe is bred there: the caufethere~ ..ot ·thecure and remedy,, Vnto v,lhichinglome~:ate~andwind­.inghcapeo£bowelles, there w~s a .conue~ient· com~in"'vnt~ and entrance in : with fmall hilope•hdles' andwtckcts in fundry ·places· diuerfly.difpofed, yeeldmg rhorol!gh them a fufficient lighttobeholdethe feuera\1 partes o£ the artificial! anothomie, norwantino- any member that is foUKdina:naturall body.

When I ~amcto the heart;/ did .fe~: andrcadc how Louc at his ·firft entraric~; \>egette~h for6w; and in.oontinuauncefem~etHeut fighes,and where LclUe doth mofi gre~uo~y offend.: .wh.ere;. withall/ was mooned eo rem~W my pafs.JOfil fenrlimg.out from the ,botom~ofmy heart deepefet and groanirtg·fighs ~nuocatingand callinO' out vpon P olia , in fuch fort as that the who le Colofe and Mac~neofbra£kdidrefound, tlri,king me into aho.rrible feare: •an exquifire,Al'te h>ey~d all cap;rc•~y ,fot a man toframc his lib .not•bemo-anAnotomymdet'dC'.". :.- .,,.,! '"":.: '··'·-- L.:c.·j.L; L

' .. :Oh t!h~ excellency of paffed wities ; :md p~'tt goitJ:n age; when Vettue d1d ftriu:eWith Formme; lt'aulllgonely behu1dlum for anheritage to this ourworld,blinde,ignorant; and grudging defireofworldlypelfe. ·:'. · ·· · .. ··V pon the other fide I perceiuedeflike l>igncs tn d1e former

Colofe, thevpper part ofa womans 'head fome <deale '!are; ~nd dreteft: buried with the decayed rumes, aslrhought;otfuch l~ke worlunanfhipastheother, and'be-ingforbidcren by incompohte and d1fo~deied heapes of- decayed and £11len do.wnc Hones , to view the fame I returned to another former obiccr, whtch was (and not farre dillant from the horfe firaight forward) a huge Elephm1tofmorcblacke flonethan the Obficlium, powder~d o­uerwith [mall fpottes ofgolde and glunces of!i!ucr, as tlucl;e a> duft ghftering in the !tone. Tl1e exrre:tme hardn.:s whereof the better did ihew his cleere fhining brig;hrncs, fo as cu~ry prop:r o bieCl:therein did reprefent it felfe, exceptc in that parte where the mett dl did be area contrary colour. Vpon !us lar;e b,Kke was fet a !:1ddle orfumirurc ofbraUe, with two g~nh~:s ~omg vnder his large belly,betwixt the which twG being tlrei,'bht buck­led vpwith buckles ofthefame Hone, there wasmter-fet a qu.1-drangle correfpondent~o the breadth of the Obchskc p tac d vpo11 t~~ (a~dle, andfo 1~ftly f~t,as nE p:rpeu~lcUl~ J.me wot~afl

Tbe ./lrifr of Lou1c f.ill on either ftde the diameter. V pon three parts or nd~6 of rbe feur~fquarc Obelisk , were.iligrauen Egiptian caratl:cis. The beafl fo ~my.and c;~nninglyproportiosed, as inueutioo co~tld demfe, an~..iart.perfutme "' Th~af;,m{aii:l filddle and furnttur!C fq:c f:o~rtc,: and hcitu t>ifi.ed withJtu d deS bi1nJ;ing wv• f! S" ;floct,i~:~.and Qle­ur~es,and houldil1lb'P as :in wer~: a ~~ightie ~bells~~-M gr#Jl,e 1:ouloured flone- o(Lacedet~<oma, vpmt the el.ien:i~J.1vr:',,ty;o P,;i-:" ns broad , and fcauen tn hc1gl-.t,- to the:f-brpe .polllte tll~repf, waxingfmallcr and [mallet) vpon l'ihi~h pqil]t:e tlJeroe was fj::;:te 01 Trigan or,,round~J3a1.1 'e-t '}·,!hnyllg. .An~_glyfic:rin.~· ful;t..

"fiance·.;·:,'.·:. ·:':iJ'••·'·: ·<1 -11: · ·-·~·::~.i:.• .:<-. :·, .·::;1 Th1s hng~heafl !J-o~diheight·vppualtfuu~c,of ar.,exq-.t:iJl~t

woorkmanfhip vpl)u:the plaine leu~ll,and vppc~ par·£ ot~hebafi:.­hewen and ciu;minglyfafllion~d, bee in,; of P,orph;r.ilaue. With two larg.C:aud long. tceth,of puc:r white Hont,, and cleJr.e rippaCl, aru:I .fufinedi:Anabo tbefor,e~g):nhtm~yt!hllt fid~w.as buckkd:;~· 1·ichc and gorgeous poiterell, b.~~J.lt~~.4->.fiid"l.flil!c.rs Qrn'amrots and vat:;etie Ofl-ew~lsr,_1:h~J~~~Q\Nhtrapf-_w~s:of.tbdanj(Jub­fiance Of the fad~e ~ vpp:O.n ·t'he;mi d'de!l,whereof ·w:as-gtaucrlin La tine Ctuhru_1J';.e;·1.in t:'apht • ~.nd,inliKe manner:br-oHg;ht abotlt ~he out fides ofhisnec~ ~o thefo~erop ofhis largi: ilnd'b1g heud, Jt>wa-s-therefi!llnedtogethc;r w1tn <10 art:tfinaU knoP from• the which a curiousornameht :~nd_ vc:ri.c-noqble,,_ _ofGoilldlh.u'the:r'. \'l'orke, hung dowue ,.ouer · fprcdding his !pac(Q~S f¥e: the, fa~\ie orn(lment being t~i[cfolonga.sbreade ,bor,q~red .1bom,i!n<!iht: table \~l:cr~of 1 beheld ccrt;iinc le.ttcrs /on)c_apd 4rlibie, unhis ·- . -.. - . . . . . . . ~rrc •.

l.

':l.

I' His deuour.i11g..trpnke. : c::::> , A " t:J 1·efted not VJi'on the li::-

1 · "- uel of the bafe, bt~t fame

p O N Q ~ ~ · ,; dealc hangmg downe, . .L-( I turned vppe agame to-KAI vmdeslnsftce.Hisng-

E~f(]) --r I A I'V' ' gedlargecarshkeaFox-J. hounde flappmgly pen-

. dcut, w!1ofe vafi ftature :;_ ,.@. V ~ \y f, ~ waslmlele!Tc, thenavc-

rye naturall Olyphant. "'\ t " . And m the about eo~-~· ·,. ~- patTe, and long fides of

· - ~· the bJfc, w.re Ingraucn-~- ccrtaine Htcraglphi , or

Egipuati caraCl:ers. Be., l'

ing dcceatly and. order• j· lye pw.llifhed, v•;ith a re- ,~

c:::> quifiterebarement,L4- ~~

,~~~~~~~~~~~~~tafler g_u!e tbore urbi&-!e~. ~ A./lrag..llr · or NeptrHler, i ,,·irh a turned down~me · :. anhe footc Qf thehafc, "

i · ~ . , J and turned vP,=.aloft v·:ith ~ · n ' . ' . . . :· writhintrachiiS:~lildden• ·;· !tides.,. a<>recablc and fit to the due-prop-ortion: of fo Jartte a fub­~c;e, i;iength n. pacc5, in brc;~dth,fiu~ )and in heigth thrc.e, , the fuperficialland outward part, whereof vvas hewen in forme of ahem1rycle. . · · '

In thehynder parte of which hafe and Uone; whcrevpon·rJ~ miglitie bcafi did flan de,~ foun~e an ailcnding.place ot {eautn ftcps, to mount•vp tc thep1aine fuperliciesofthebafc.wherevp­on the Olyphant-did lhnd. And it1 the referued -quadrangle per­pendicularly flreight vnder the aforefaid brafrn ('lddle,there wa6. fiUt 011tandmade a ]utle doore and hol I own! J:ntrancc , a woon­delfull woorke info hard ai®Hance,.with certaine ficppcs of brafle,in,manner of fiayrc:s ,by the\;,hich a conuemcnt gomg vp. Wtf! t~ ~_()dy of~!lE <?~eph~n! w3s offered me.

.. I

:; ;,.· ;

• ;;.J<"· r_ .• J.:

. ; ; : . '. ! ~

. ' . ~ '

.. ''

. · ,.,., 'Dret111M; itS At the fight whereof'I extreamely deliredto fee the wholede­

uifr & fo going in,I affended vp to the heigth of the bafe wherc!E. vppon the cauernate,hollow, valt,largeand predigious monfler did Hand, except that fume part of the Obelisk, which was con .. teynedwithinthevoydobody,ofthe beafi,and fo paffingto the bafe. Lcaumgtowards·both fides oftheOlyp~nt fo much fpace as rni_ght feruefor any man to paffe j'c:yther to~arde the head or hyndcr haunches.

And within from the bending downe· of the·chine or backe of the ~e~~·~h~re ~~tlge b.y~hayneS~:lfc~p.e~an e_uer~aflinglarppc an~ tnFalc~r~~.eJ,i~t1!h,orough the; wh~cJt ~Jhts. hmder parte I f.1we an al,lf!qellti~Ul<(lJCrofthe'.(ame~n:t, Wlth the petfell: :fl1apeofa man naked,ofal~natu~al':parts.lfil.uin;; vpon his head a crowpe ofblack fi()ne as Jet : h1~ #cth eyes ~d nay les ftluered and ftaric!,ing vpon a fepuh:her couered.like ai,l arke , of fcale woor'k~;and other exquifitelynea~ents, poynting with a goul­de.rHcepfet ~ andhouldlng fOrward· his~llie to git~~ direlbon to thelfurnicr patlli · · ' ·· ' · : '· ' · · . · ·· . ~; Qlllrls 1eft.W~he irei~a fhieidfuf.lfhlon like to thelteele of a

{hip,olthe-boneof a,hpP'e,he<\d, whcrevpponwa.s1nfcript in He·

. -~~;;6d~~~:~~~fi~~~~tters,thls ~~t~n-~~.t~~!s placed~~~~

. ., ! .,

At

,, . ' ·' ~ -· .:.,

'J!M jlrifuf LNM , • I

.,.2,. _, nw,; •2 • .., liii ~.an·.11 ~ .,Jn cn-w·n~~ ''-

LTMNOl:IIN,BIIIH I.H ElHP!• ON EMt! XA.AY 1-E.trrri. rH rEt.U·

PHZK4&.1t..I:OH 11£.

NVDVSESSEM,BEs­TlA NJME TEXIS­SET. Q,YAERE , ET INVE NlES. l\1ES1-NITO.

At which vncorh and 11raunge light I flood not a little amafed and !omewh,Jt doubrfull what_ro 1111.1g1ne,turnm<> my eyes to the contrane part ,l f.1we 111 like Lorre an other, as 'berorc burmn<> hght,and paf!l·>g dwrou '"betwixt the fide of the be:d1, and rh~ thcrc~:JmcioL:d part ofcf>c Obeltsk,l came t0w•rds rhcforcp.1rt olrhe Olyphant, wher~ m hk _·m >nncr I found fuch an other fa­fllloncd I cpu! c her"' the former, w1th" Hature or ima·>e fl andiw> thcrc\'PO!lJ\ the othe1 ,fauing that it W<IS 'I ~eene, ~ho lyhing ,.p !m n c,ht armewith lur for111of! h:1gcr, poynted towards th.lt r:lrt f->c!·J>ldc Jilt illoUJderi,J!ld With the Other ihee heldC 3 JitrJC t ·•' >1 e f,l! "' lur hand,m which w;~s .-.·nttenin thrcc!ano-ua<>es this

:> <>

This

,.o.J nUtliM ijjiiri IDJi II'IIIIW 'I fttft \e~.U t.l.'n .. , Wll'p'\ "tan -,ntw ,,nta "ua

o:nn EL .v.BI!EIC TOT 4l! 1'0r 810:ATI'OT,ODION ANAPEnOJ. I'APAINO 41! O;r MBHil: THN utM!IN.I>UIIol'~OT lillW.TO~

QV I S Q._ V I S E S, QY ANTVNCVN­Q}'E LIBVERIT HVIVS THESAVRI SV.ME AD MONEO. A VFER CAPVT, CORPVS NE TAN· GITO.

,., .

Thisnoucltieworthietobemanifdled, :mdfecretriddleoften to be re.1d ouer, was not knowen to me, fo as I rell:ed doubtfull what the interpretation of this fophifme lhould lignify,not daring to tric therondulion.Buc fuicken with fearc: in th•s darkvnlight­fome p!are, notwnhll.mdmg the: dtmme burning lampe, 1 was more d~flro1J> to beholde :mdperufechat triumph.lntporch:md gate as more l.twfull to remametherc than other-wh~c.Wherc:up­on w:thour more a doe, I determmed to lrauc: this place vntill ano­ther llme,that I might more quietly at lefure looke vpon the fame, an cl to pr<"Jl.lrc:my felfe to bcholde the woonderfull workc of the garc: :u1d thus dcfccnd[ng downc: I ilfucd foorch oft he vnbowel­led m on! !c:r ,a• 1 inuenoon pall imagination,and an excefsiue labour and boldcattempt to cua~11.1tc: f~~~:h a hard fublbmc~: ou~r that o-

. · · .. · - F · · - - · tbcr

_ T1M 4rifuf. t. ther flonn be, the workemanihip within as curious as tiL1t with. out· Lallly, rerum<=<! dc.medownc, 1 bchc!u in the PorphH e Jalle along the hdesnotabQ:.Jqfcu_lpt and grauen thefc JJi~·,:oghpluc:s.

Ftrfl, the homed"tiilp~ ot an oxe,withtwo tqolC'li of la~ ~if f.illned to the horQe~. ·· , .. . . . . 1

An altar llandiitg vpon goates fectc:, with a burnin~ fir~ aloft on the !Orc:lidc: whereofthm:was alloan c:Jc, and a vult~e. 1

After that a bafonandan ewre. n. A fpinule tu I of rwuicl,.m old vc:ffd f.1l1uonc:d with the mouth noppc:d and !led full;.

A foie and an eye m the bale t hereofiutd ~ bra~KhC$ tJ,jU4T; fedoneof01nJ£,anotberof Pahnetrce. . .

An Anchorauda Goofe. . . An old~: la~n~,anda handholdi1~g ofit. An ore ofatlClCUt furllltw•rh afruncfull Ohue brand1 f<~flncd

to the handle, . . . · r . · .•.

Two gr;qtliozyro;ts o~ he{)j(c:s. ADo!ph.inand.mArkedo(efhut. ' • Tl~c: hicrogliplues wc:re paEing \\ell cur on this'minner.

_-, .·,. ,--

11

,;,. DIY.-,. 1 S which lllCiCI)t mm er of \\'titing,as I take ir, i' thus to be vndcr·

fioode.

· Ex !Ab.w# Du 114/IIJ'tl J4crifit:• hlur4/itn" fiiNLitiM ,.,., I"*­Du[..biiCt,.,, Fir-t:uftoJuu.vit•III.C, .-l{triltiTihtwl,-._ tl4 wu~it, ;,~"'-•'!"' [mu bit.

Letting p:Ufe this moll excellent rare, llrm<>c, and fecret deuife andworke: Let vs returneagaine to the prod:gtous hor[e,. whofe headwa> leaneand little, of a fmall proportion and yet fimng the body, wh"h fttmed connnually !taring, ficerceand impanent,thc: Refh m hi~ mufcles trembling and quakmg, m fuch fort as that hee feemed rather aliuethana f.tined imitation,with rhu Greeke worde m hlsf.lce fEN EA. Th~e were alfo oth<:rgrear peecesandffag­ments of diuers and fundry Jineamenuamong the broken and de· caycdruines, which I looked not on, fhllrunmngand!hding, time <>'tuin<>me onelv lcaue to confider and perufe thefe foure rare WO[).

~m, ~he porch or gare, the horfe, the Colofe,and the Fleph:mt Ohreu-=rendarthlll:s ofnmes pa[!,whardefplte hath got ten the

vpper ha.ndofyour cunning th.lt'the fame is buried with you,and none kft forvsro inhcritem this age, . .

At len<>th bein<> come to this ancient porch, a worke woorrlue the looki~~vpon ~aruelloully cornpofedby exquiliterules '.and bv art notably beautified, with diuers and fun dry fom of cuttmgs, ~h1Ch dtd inflame a dclire in me to vnderll:andand findc out the li­neammtl and pralhfe ot the architell:. 1 began ne after this maner, makmo- a fquarefrom the two rollumnes on either fide in a perfell: fort,,gthe which I tooke the due proportion ofthewholeporch.

A retrao-on fi!!:Ure A. B. C. D. c:huided by thra- lines firaight, :md three o~erth~-art equally dtflanr one from an other will m1ke iixctecnequ.ldtats, then adde to the figure halfe as much more in hke proportion, ~miding the adiunll: you _!hall fin de foureand twenty k)uares . Th1s figure !hall ferue ot credycels to make the llllepturgieand brietedemonllration that followeth,

Draw then in thcfir!Hygure A.B. C. D. t\vodtagons, make alfo in the fame two lines,and flraight downe, and theotherouer. thwart, whtch make tourc: quadrars mutually inter{elf,

Then in the voidc·ouer the: lfopleurcs make foure mediane F 2 prickes,

Th6 /lrif~ of L~ ther flones be, the workemantl1ip within as curious as that with­out. Laftlr, returned clcanedowne, I bche:cl in the Porphirc !aft<: along the fides notably iHfcnlpt and (:',rauen thcf~ UcrogiJphics.

Fu·fl, the horncd:fcalpc of;m oxc,"ith two too!cs of !;~;l;;mdry £1l1ncd to the hornes. ·

An alt;u· Oanding vpon goatcs t<!etc, with a bur:;!:i_; fire a!ofi:; on the forcfidc whereof there was alio an <:i~, ,md ~l vulc,tr.:,

After that a b:1Conandan c1nc. . A fpimlle tu! oftwind,an old vclTcl f.1>l~onccl >\·itL the n.wuth

Hoppedandtitdftft. :,· . , . · , · .·. A iolc and ;UJ rye in rhe bale thereoLmd two branch~s tr•w~:r-

ied one ofOiitk, an qthcrof P•1lmc t>CC<" . , ;;. An Anchoi:mda Coo le. ·,, . · Anoldc lampc,anda hand holl\ing ofit, . . An or~ of;mcientformewith afrmtctull Ohuc brandrf.1tlncd

tothehand!c.· · · ·· Two graplingyr~ns or lwokes. \' A Dolphin and an Arkedoleflmr. . f: The~ hierogliphi~s were pafsi.ng \\tll cur on this manner. -

. ~

I

I; a Di'tt~'me:· 18 Which a;tcicnt mlner of ,-vriti,,g,M I r;tkelt, is thu~:to t;e vncl~­

fioode.

' Ex !t~bure Du natt.me flltrpcll h/Jmilittr pt~ult4tim r:duNi .,,;;,";, Deo fubietfHm. Firmt~m cH/Iodi.:t??J '11it4 t lit, 111ifot#ordittrg ribtrthtn­Ja tenebit, incalumernqtte fom.tbit. ·

Lettin"' paiTe this moll excdlent rare, flrancre, and fecret deuifc and work~: Let vs retume againe to the prodigious horfe, whofc head wa; Jeane and little, of a fmall prdpqrti01iarid yet fi,tting the body, which feemed continually {taring, fieerceandimpatient,the flet11 m his mufcles tremb lino- and quaking; iti. fuch fort as that hee {cemcd rather aliue than a £1~1cd imitation,with this'Greeke wordc in l1is face fEN EA. There were alfo other great pecces andfrag• mcnts of diucrs and fimdry Jineamentsamon~ the broke~ and de· cayed ruines, which I looked not on, fhllrunnmq and lhding, nmc giuingme onelr leaue to conlider<:~nd perufethe!~ fo.ur~~:trewon .. ders, the porch or gate, the hcirfe, the Colofe,and the Flephant ·

Ohreuerendarthifls of times pafl:,what defpite h,athgotten the vpper hand of your cunning tbt the hme is buried with you,and none }.?fr for vs to inherit em this age,

At lca<>thbcin"' come to this ancient porcl1, a workewcorthie. the looh~>;vpon fuaruelloufly compofed by C':quifirc ra:es, :md bv art notably beautified, with diuers and fundry forts of cqttings, -..~hi eh did i~ilame a defire in me to vnderfhmd and fitldc out the h­ri;;aments a:1d prafti!e of the arc hi tell:. I bcganne afrerr: man er, n1aking a fquare from the two col!umnes ?neither fidei,Ia perfcEt lorr,m the which I rookethe due proportiOn ofthewholepot'ch.

A tctr.l<>on fi;;'o.~re A B. C. D. diuidcd by three lin~s fhaight, and three o~crthwart equally dilhn't one from :m O:thcr will111ake fixcte~"c<:ju:Jclrats, then adde to the figure halfe 01s mtn;h inore in ltkc proportion, diuiding the adiunft you ll1<1ll fin de fourcand twcm\· i(Juarcs . TLis fi;urc D1all fcruc of credycels to make tht iniepturgie;u~d briekdcm<mfiratioi! that followet.h •. · Draw then iltthefii'!Hygurc A, B. C. D .. two d1agons>make

alfoin tl1e fame two lines) and flraigbt downc, and the other curr~ thwaft;wl~idJ~na~elimd: tt?~dratsilmtually intcrf~ll:, . ,

Then m· the' vo1de ouer the I fop 1 cures make toure mcdiatJb F 2 prickcs,

Tbe /lrifo of Lollt

jlricke$, drawing liries from on~ t 0 another ,and they wit make the Rhombas.

~~JCI~ I had drawne this figu~ after thi> manner I firaightway 1J,JU:ed wnh ~y felfe, who.t-reafon fhould moouemany of our woorkemezun. thefe dayes eyther to thinke well of thcmfelues ?rtaketheartofbuildingin hand, not knowing what it is ? 1'vlak~ zng fuch grolfe f.1ulrs in churches and great mens houfes, defa­mmg arte ,and fo ignorant Jlhar they feeme as though they could not confider what nature hzr felfe doo<h teach vs in behouldino­ofhirwoork!=s. · ~

And what partefoeuer is not agreeable with l1is principle, is fouleandnaught.Fortakeawayorderandrule, and what thing can.any m<~n:makc,eyther beautifull to the eye ,or ofcommenda­ble proportion and durable: then it muLl needes follow that the c;au(c offuchinc?m~enient err )rs cloth proceed fi·om igt:orance, and hath lm begmnmg from zllzterature. And this notwithfian­din&1that~lthough the perfe{l:ion of this arte dooth notvarie, & fallixom h~s .rclhtude,yct the difcrcet and (Unningarchitecr to gr~c;e~heobiC:.lt?~oth.ebehoul~ers :. may lawfullye eyrher with adz~ltwnor ~emmuti?q,beaunfielus worke, kcepmg whale the follz.q part,wlth lm vmuerf.1ll wmpolition.

I call that folid which is the. bodye of the frame w!1ich is the princip.11l intmt,i.nuention, £?re fcttiagdowne, and fymmetrie, or dewproportJon oft he buildin~without any addttions ri"ht-J "dd"" "'· 'o p:.ex~mmc ,:m pcrreltly compofcd ,which wi!Imanifeflthe sk11l of the ''•orkcman, and the f.1me afterwardcs to adornc and bcatuifie,which :tdiuncrs is an caGe matter.v\'hcrein i3 alfo to be conlidcrcd,the dew order~ng and placingofcuery thing,and not tu fc~ a cr.o'l':nc vpon the fcete,bm vpon rhc heaJ, and looualing O.Ul~ ,::nn~ U~atmg~and Ot]JCI Cllttintss .of~lndrre fr~rts in their fc­l!er"Jl ,llJd ocft fittmg places, the cluefe Inuc:utwn and dJfj)olinn­whereof,reflcth m the rare and cunmng arthitccr,but the !Jbot~ ~nd woorkwg thcrofto tl!e vulgar ,md common fort of m uma­hl1s and feruants to the architec1,who ifhewili do well, Le muLl m no "'·ife be fubiect to auarice. . .

Aud be tides his sktlbc mull be honefl,nopr:Jtkditll of words butcouneous,gcntle,benmg;n:u~t~b]e,f;ltJCJiv_ncry & pl<:af~tnt: full of new dcmles,a cunous fearcher lljt.o all <tr~es and well adui­•fcdi'n his procecding,lcaih\irh ral1lni:s lic"conjie a~fanito;. abfur-

. . . . .. . . ditie

In " Dm1m;: rg ditic in his \-.·orke,and heereofthus muciJfhallfuftice.

.After thlft Poliphylus had at large m11de if dem~nftration oftbedelV proportron of the Gate, bee pror:eedeth to dcfcri6c the ornaments tbereof,ar.dtherrexceUenr:re.

~F;;;C]j!llo~~~~ Hauing brenefomewhat prolix and tedi­IUII~\,'lou ous in my former purpofc, it may be that

it hath bred fome offence,to fuch as day ly indeuour to occupie thcyr fences in the

1!/,PIZ~t:~ pleafaunt dtfcourCes of Ioue. But it wyli alfo prooue no V'ihit difpleafant, if with a lyttle p~tience /they rcfirainc to glucte

~iJI;~l,.~~~~ themfelues with the w;liowillt fwectnes of deceyueable delightes , and trye the taf!c of a contrarye vyand.

And for as much as the affell:ions of men are naturally variah le and dtffercntonefrom an other: ·vpon this; occafion I may bee e-xcufcd. For although that breadfometime t!enyedand kept' backefrom the hungrie body,may caufe a hard conceir,yctwhen it is eftfoones offered vnto him, the mal lice is forgotten, and the gift very gratefullyreceyt?ed. . ·

No we hauing in fome forte fpo ken of the right vfeof archi­tefluric, and the dire.ll: waye and me~ncs by order ;mdrulc, to :tlndeout,thefet downe deuife,and folydc bodyc or ground~ of thcwoorke,with £1nlitie that becing foundout,the architeftor may vfe fundrycdeuifions indiuerfc p~rfetboJ:s,not vnlikevnto a cunning Mufition, who h;;uing dct:ifed his rl.1inc grotmde m right meafure' with full firokcs) afrerwardc wyll proportion the fame into deuifions ,bycromatycall and delyghtfult minims crotchets,and 9uaucrs, ct:rioll!Iy.rcportmg veon his plaine fong. Euen.fo afterinuention, the princip~ll and fpeciall rule, for an ArchitcB:or is a quadraturc, the f.1me deuidc d: into fmalcs the I1annonie and fwccte confent of the buJ!ding, fetteth foorth it felfe, and the com.ienient adiu!H:l:cs , agree;ble to theyr prin­cipal].

]n all which this ponhe was m off excellent, both fort he rare inucntionandwoondcrfull compoGtion thereof,:md the fl:r.mg~ additions to bcautifie the [;;me~ in fuch forte fo exquytir.·,

· · - ·· · - ' ·· · -· ···- - · · fo

The Jlrifo of LoNe _/ fo fitly placed, and fo curiou!Iie curandingrauen, as theftmtle!l: partthereofcould ~1ot bee accufed ofanyebulr,but the woork­man ~ommended for the perfetbon of his skill.

Frrfl:vponmyrightbandebelowe, I beheld a fl:ilypodeor fq~areflo~e, hke an aulter vnder the b:~fe:; of the columnes, w!11c hhamng vpon th_e vpper parte a conuenient and mc::t coro • mce,and accordmgl~ tmbowed, the bottome and lowefi part in lt~e manner was £11luoned, fo as the quadrate and aforef.1yd fli-1) pode,wasno bro~erthenlong, but a nght quadrangule.Which ~ulter(as lmaytea_rme it) fidel_onga~out, wrought with leaues, hollowed vnder with a gulatene, and wrapt ouer wirh the fame folr;1ture_and lcafe worke, hemming in the finooth face or table oft ne Sulypode of ihining white alhblaller,polil11ed ,11Jd plaine, the outward par~ of the quadrangule, equzlatcr.11iy compaffiag ~bout the G1me, wherevpon with a woonderfull curiouG1es was 1ngraucn a man ~I cere his myddlc-age,, of a churlii11 and f warfiie countcnance,mth an vnlhaply q~ard;thick,and turnino- into his chyn,~y the towghndle qfd1eliard skinnc,and vneali~ <>rowin"" out ot the hayrc. , . . . · · ;:, ;:, . He fat, vpona fione~ith anaporne of a Goates skinne,the hin­

der partscompaffing;Im wa!1e, and tye'd behynd~ wttb J. knotte an~ ~h~ neck part,with th~.hayrie fide next him,lmng downc be~ tw1xt ~~~ leg~~s. Before hunm r_he interrl:ice oft b d'e grof:: and tumorus <:altes, there was ;m anutll ~a~I1ed vpona ki1orti:: peece o!a tree, wh~re.vpon,he V'/~5 fa~omno-of a,brygauiri.eorlJilb~r­~~~n _ofburnmg m~ttall, houldmg vp 'his Han1mer, and as ii: w.:re unkmg.vponlusworke. · ' ' · : ·· Andthe~ebeforehimvvas a mofl: noble woman, lut1ingtwo

~ethe.red wmgs f~t vpon b1r d ehcate and. tender fhoulders,hould..: 1ng htr fonne an mfante naked, wluch fate ..,;ith his little I1yppes. vpon tl_1e brge and gpod,lyprop.ortioneq thighes oft he £tire god~ d_efie h_JS mother,and playmg\~Jth hir,as ihcbeld him vp,and put­tmg Ins feetevpon a il:one,asithad beene a little hill, with a for­me e I? a hollow hole, wherin WaS an CXtrearne whotC bUtlli~ i> fi .. ''

TlmLadye had hirfayre treffes citriouflie dreffed 'vpo~h~; broad and hr~he forhead,andin like fortecompaffing about wdh abundance,h1r headu~ forare and delicate a fort, that I rnarueyc:. }ed why the B)ackfmr~hes thatwerethere bufie at they.r vvorke eft no.t all to looke (lill vpon fo.beautifull an obiea. .. . •

·· · · There

i» 11 Dr~tlm6. :zo

There ':'•as alfo £1!1 by, of like: excellent woor keman!l1ip , a Mm. :kni:;l,Jt of fierce countei~mce, hauing vpon hym an armour of br::tle, \<.Ith tl1c head ol Mr:dt<J." vpon the curate or brcfl:plate, :m cl :tll the relt cxqUJfitclywrought and bcJutified , v~ith a ban­dilJcr oucrthwart his broad ;~nd Hrong brcfi, houldin; \~ith hys br.l\'1 ny ~rmc ahalfc Pike,andrayfing vp thcporntc thcreot,and b•;aring vpon his head a hi!l,h creHed helmet, the other Jrme f1Ja­do;\·ed and not fee ne by reafon of the former fig,ure: There was :ilfo J yotwg mJn in filke clothing,, behyndc the Smith, whomc I could not pcrceiuc bu·t from tl,.c !;>reft vp~~Jrdc, ouer the dccly-ninr; head of the forenan1ed Sm1t11 • .Thp r.che:af,d hyfl:orie, for the 'b ctrcr and [wecter .'pJ:eaGng to the ey.c, the woi·kenJ.!ll had gr.Ked 111 tl1is fint. The plaync groundc th<~t was l.ollowcand imoorhc m euery cutting our ofali.mmc or body, ypon the table ofthelly!Jpoclc, was likevntored coroll and ihyuing, \'hich made fuch a rcflc[tion vpon rhc naked bodycs, and thcyr men!~ bers bet,, ixt thcm,~m~ compafsing them .about J that they rce­mcd \ykca Cm1JtionRoic couler.

V pon the left Gde of the do ore in the like ;mlter or fiylipode Mcr-.mic. vpon the table thereo£ there w;ls ingrauen a yoong man offeem-ly wun~cnance, \'<herein appeared great celerity: he fate vpon a !quare le.1te adorned Y\"tthan ancient m.umer of caruino-, luuino-vpon bis legge <I pai!eofhalfbuskens,open from the clfc ofd;~ l~gg;e to thcancle, from whell(e grew out on eitherancle a wing, and to ..,;home the aforcf.1i de god des with a hcanen\ye l11ape,her brefi~ touching together and growne out round and firme \\ ith~ out ihaking, with her large flankcs confonmble to the ref1 ofhir proportion before mentioned with a fweet countenance offered yoongand tender f<mneread.\· to be tausht: the yon:; man bow-ing hunfelf~ curtcouf1y do"·ne to the c!Hld,·,who Hoo de before lum vppon his pretty little fcctc, receiuing fromlm tutor three arrowes, \\Lich i<1 fuch fort\'\ ere ddincrcclas one mi)1t care! ye conieaure and ~athcr<lfi er what manner they were ta be v fed: the goddcfic bis mother !JOldinp; the empty quiucr and bowevn-b wr, and at the fccte ofthis iulhu<'l or lay his vypered c.'duce.

Therea\fo I Ct~v ct fquicr or armour-bc.'xer :md a wom:m with A . h l ' J 1 d · - . . . mor mt tro-

a. c met vpon .Jet ~e.l' carpng a trophx or l!gne or v1Etone vp- u3 di ""'" on a fpe;·.rc a iter this m:mncr. An ancicllt coJte-1tmor hung vp, ,\ifazn»to. and vpon the top thereof or crcafl:,a fphcarc VlJon two wings,and

· · ·· · bet\\iXt

Th: flri.fo '' L1111 betwixt both wingsthis note oifaying, NlbiZfirm~~m ~ No thin<> permanent: !he was apparelled in a thln garment carried abr0a~ with the, wind,and her orea(h bare.

The-two ilraightpillars ofPorphyre ofleuen diametersvpon either of the afore named IHiipodes andfquareaultars did fir etch vpward of a pumil~ ortawnic colour, t~e QUt fides fhining cleere and fmootblypolbfhed,chamf.::red,aaachanelled with foure and twentyrcbatcments or channels in euery collumne betwixt the nextruls or cardels. -

Ofthefe thethird;par·t'was round, and thereafon of their cur­thig in fuch fort(th'.ii'is two pans chamfered, & the third round) as I t'houghtwasthis.:·theframe or temple was dedicated to both fexes,that is, to a o-odand a <>oddelfe, or to the mother and the fon, or to the husband and ~ewife, or the father and the daugh~ ter,and fuch like. AJ?d therefore the expert and cunaiag worke­men iil dder time far .rhe feminin~ fex, did vfe more cham~eriog and C~laflllelling and-double Viirieti~:tbcn for the mafcu]ine, be· caufe of their fli}1pe1y ?~ml vm'c11fiant n<~turc,

'I he caufe of lo much rebating was ro !hew th1t this was the temple of a goddclTe,forcbamfering dooth fet foorth the plytes offcminincapparcll, vpon the which they p!ac~d :1 chapter with prcpcndemfo1ding, like vnto p·!yted andcurledh:!ir:, and femi~ nine drdii::J;J.;, andfometimes mfieadofJ chapter a wom:ms head with crifpedhaire. :

Thores and Thefe ncta~1le and faire rollumnes aforefaide did rife vp i11 Cymbics be length vpan their vnderfet bafes of brafre \\-ith their Thores and the outw1rd c1m.biuwroughtwith a fohatureotoke leaues and acornes win-r,ms of a din<>aboutthcirchapters Uandingv.pon their fubiell: PfJ'I'Itht, h·~~~t~~ ~rpil- fhe Chapters ofth~ fame fublta~ce .oftheu bates, with requi­hrfricl<ir,g :litemeeteand·conuement propornon aw1fwer<1ble to thehar~ out fun her monie of the wholeworke. Such as C.tl!:mnr:hm the chiefe caruer ihan the hiJ. to Cd"/>~.th«~ the fonne of l11pitcr did neu..:r performe er come ;-:,"d ~%~n~g ncer~ in·the-er~H~d fepulcherofthe_ CfJrintbilfll Virgin, bcautifi. it1,wrought t>d Wlthdraperte of double Ar:hartthu. withleaue~, The Plynthes whet·eon the chapters did fbud wrougl1t with ;~u:.i'~rc~r- wi1~dingand turningworkes, and in the midde~, _decor.1led with uers &pain- aLdhe,the bowlcgarml11_ed wJth two_ ro~es of vm.leaues of!\-"' tcrs drapcric ch:mthus,aft:rthc Rom~me and Cormtluaumaner,out of whtch and cc!crie. !eaues ~llle l~~!e ~ll~ii·~Hillls~s .• _'.l~[lng toge~l~~~ ~ll th~ midde!}

;,. DreAmt. 2 r bfthe b oule,!hewing foortb a fayre and fweet compofed Lyllie in tl}~ hollowi~g of the Aqac or Plynth, from the which rh~ ten· ller {l;dkes- d~d turne round togetker, vnder th~ compalfe of the fqu::~re Abac, much after the woorke that Agripplfcaufed to bee made,m the pore he ofhis woonderfull Pantheon. . . . . . .

Let vs come now to the l ymet and loweil: parte of the doGre, for entrance,which was of a great large and har~e il:~e, powde• red with fun dry (orted fpottes,white, black, and ofa,day co~ltri and diucrs othenn,ixtures: vppon thiS Hood the fire1ght cheeke, and fides of the doore,with an interfiitiotis afpell:., inwardly,car­ued with as great cunning as the rcn. Without any figneofeyther hookes orhmges,~elow01: aboue. . .

Thean:heot which doore compaffing like a:halfe cyrcle, W3!i

wrought cu.timrllyeand. imb9wed, and asz it were: bou~de abo.Ql: with lacesli}ceheOlcds ofbr;4e, fomeround, aml.fome~*e ~gl~ tine berries of a red,l<lilb couler,hanging downeF(ter :iln >~UfiC~'ilt manner ,and foulded and turned in among the tender ftalkes, _ .

The doli no- too-ether and bracing of which hemicycle or arch, worthie of ad~ir~ion , oh rare i\lld fubtile 4ellife,and exquili~c pQlytur.e,did thus obiell:and prefent itfelfe to _my.figlll~· · . :: .

There I beheld in a har,d;md moll: black llo~~,aneaglc;-di(pl!ly~ ed,;and.b:eadng out of the bigneffe of a naturalleagle,. whicb had louingly fe~zedand taken in hir foote afweete_b.abe m the fwad~ The :Eagle of lin<> cloutes,nicely,carefully, aud gently houldmg the fame, leail: Iupiter that tba~ birllrqng.,,fharpe, and hooking pounq:s, ;ihould l!y anye c~rrycd \Ja~ m-ca.nr;S p;.erce111.1~911&h the t~nder;~kyntJe of the: young infant. mmc:d. . ;Hi111~etew~e fix~ a. ab,outthe:nfing vp ch1U of thecl~_Jlde, whome ihe had made bare from the nauell vpwarde and-downe-ward.fo as the·nakedh;ppes might be fecnebetwixtthe fethered thiobesofthe Eao-le, 1 h1slittle iu£&ntandmofi beautifull babe (w~rthieand me~tefor him.tharhewasfeazedfor) by his coun~ tenance i11ewed as;ifhe~had beene afraideefhis tortune,

And thus lyinginthe fcmteofthe Eagle, he fir etched both his The bones armesabrolde,andjwithhis little fat hands tookci .11 hould vpon nexnhe_ qack

the remio-~all ~or.es o~the EJgles pinions difplaycd,as afor,ef:Iid, :~h~h~v{~~· And clafPrn<>l\1~ fwellmg:pntt!e lcgges :md fcet_e, about h1r iub~ luwkc excel­vacrin<> flpredino- traine, which !aye odnndc the nfine; vppe oh he l~th 31lpro-o 0 V ..., . arc he, pomons of o.

., _;J",bis little childe was cut of the white; vayne of Achates or ther bu-dcs. ··"' ,.. G Omx

Th~t /frt{e df Lnt~

'O'nili:,and tHe Eagle of. ~hii-ci+h~r vaii~ of the ftme fione.<~lihl Sa1·di11s which is of black .Conl'erofforrie ea:! led Cot<loo1l<ibyi11nri

Achms is a 110ti\'iti-6nefe}fe uiine:fldne: 'WiiJ!rdrt Tfl:ood m61i~()" ;\~rl Cb~ !:h':~O~l,~fi~nc niendingtbimy'felfhhe ingeniotis and apt iniJention bof the Ar~ repr~~cn~oJ tbill:,in theyfe offudnt Gone ,·whi:dn:ifhi; owne nature to con.; the figures tr;rrieprop'orvons aff<?ordcd;cohtraric coulcrs;:md in fuch fort ~s of the nine f1.t'li.e'Jfa)'f1ng vp ofhir fi1Jallpldn'iin~~c.'ab'oiJe:lJifilhrc.>ifllr beatk MufcsofVc-naH·e · e'-'Efth' ·- t.· · · -"'1· ··Jd n·1. '<' • mts ar;d fuch .. ·.li_'t>p"'-l'l',~n ,i;r1ro;w1l'?.ftppedarfdng mt,Je'nm b·<:-~< t1h'eor;asif like beaurifulwe ad·ueenen~to ure }' mt~~l e · , ah::h:agel'l)" , ~ntt'-o haue got'­perfonages. gedh:irfelfevportin,· '" · . · '' ·. ' ·. · ;,. c, .

·~ T_he heHJidde or·arche rilingrowrid from the vpp0r·parr'oft>he firetghtcheeke oft he entrance;accordilig to the-thicknes there­of w~s -difpafi:d into lo[enges or fqu?te~' V.·hetmn'tvere :carued Rofes j theyr:Jeaues apd brand1es• Jja!Jgmg·ifi :a cuti<nls and de• lig'ht'fuli btd!fr tolbehoullte, ouer rhe~n#y ofl!heGatc:- · · · • "zJnthetWb T ~iaiigl'Cs occnlione-d by the bowofthe art he there were two f.iyre'l"J'fml'hes ot excellent proportions and ihapes; theyr dot pes whld).COUered theyr Virgins bodyes, <>iuin<> place f&rtheyt JeggeS\ibrelts, and'armes to bebare ,·theyr hayr~ Joofe an~ f!y}ng aetoa.d~ :n~~ te~ar~es_the ~fac'e; ~nd k'nirr'mg ~ogerheli ofth~at€h!elibbue,_rhey held a'Vttl:orwuwoi5hz-.- · , : ' · :TJ-iegl!ound;pfWhiclitr)'atiglc i.,.as of black thmt", the betterto

fhew theperfechonand triJtheof the tl:Jettals in thetrophres,and the beaut-JfuU bodyes of the delycatevirgins.

z~pho.r is a . A boue·thefe menrioncd'partes, was the Zophor, in the my d. border whcr- ·tlell: wlit~J.>tof.l beheld< a~abkafgoulde ,,wherein was this Epi• in_ diuers .g~am inc,Cap~h•nll-Grec!<e b:tters.:of SyJuer. ~ tl1ys 'fo.l'ter_c~ thmgs are }JOrtmg. _" · . . gra\\CJl, , . .. .. . ,

! !

.. , ~-,'; • (. ~ t

( ~EOU A<~!'Ol>l.TIKAI.TO .!l EI'Oll AlO~U:Ol: 't~A[ AH lr.Hl'P4.EK TON UJ:ON :ldl'1'l'l,, ; .

::::r.;.!IM~E.t tAl:H. ; : ; : i: .

'J' , • ·. I· . D~uvenerifi!i~amori,Baer6m,&Cere,tfepropri)t,S.foll-

• jlanttis mqtri ptm(ij]im_£, . . . . .. .. ·

.·'' "<JIJ •

~- : l f.; Eyt~~

in.z Drc.tml!. 11

. Eythedidesof which tablcw<ls reteind <tndbeldvpwitLtwo babes or wyi1ged fpyrits ef perfetl:and liuelyeilupes, as if they l1ad beene cele!ball bodycs,vppon a ground oflaful or blew Sa­phjrs to grace the metta:s and imagene .

. V pon the f"ce oft he' Zophor exten,ding and ll:retching along ouer thccolumnes ofporphit· Hone were ingrauen cert:;.in fpoiles orqtrates,g~rgets ofmayJe,'Vanubr~ces, gJuntlets.' iJJields,!Tar­g~rs,headcpeeces,-maces, bat tell Axcs,fpurrcs, qUJuers, arrowes, dartes,broll.cnlaunces,curtilaxes,an~ ot~e~ auncicnt inflrumenrs ofwarre, As \vd'Iayeri'eand marinc,a,s for the field fingularlywcll cut, and manifell:ing ro tlie'bchoiildctbqth yitl:ories, force, \Uld tri~unphe~,~frer a mo,~;t<~ll.~.ffulion qf~l<;n(d. . . . · . . .

.. Vp<;it'lthisin:cit&r !l:i¥ld ~be,Cot()\~ic;, wroitghrv<.·,th fui:h li· . ncam~JJtS as de~cntlj~oncurred, aildwer~ aunfwerabJe to the cX:­C!tllencie oft,hcrc(t,ofthcworkc :for oth~r\'lifc,as in a mans body one qualii:iebt:ing contrarie to another, ficki1eff~ dooth follow, the lmmors opprcffiug o,ru:an other in ab~:~ndauce:· fo lii b!Jilding ifthe:adiunfl:s ~e vn:ipt'Iy 'difpofed, ~lit! vndecently difl:ributcd rher,e,~·Htfallour afow!C de.formitie. · ·· ·. . . . · .r

For~ fi'·ameand building 'gro\oii:s weake ai1d vnfcemely wherin camiot bcfoundaf;vcctehannonic and cammodulatc order and conccnt,. ·

.. W,Ii.ich thin<> rria_ay .i~wcbile idcvrsdoe confound,bciilgigno-· r~r(t in Loc.:q di!li-ioution for a c~:~nning c~;)trS inaflcr will in his wq\Ae (h~V<.'~ a.n aUulion or refembLu'1ce to ·a humaincihape and propo1'rioi1 bea'ut)fuJly adorned iiiapJiarrelL

.. Aboueoucr ,thecorouice, by arfinuers grad.ttion there were fowre Q:!11draturcs or fquilre Tables, two right oucr the chani- l' 1 . fer ed eo lumnes;and dunuell edp y liars, aud twd within them,. In P.::tf,if ~ h~­anotherde~,~iGon, betwixt thefa.td two contrac:t amL inwardeta- fd out w!tll ble;,therdlooda Nimphin im Anagliph moflr:tre and exccllcl1t th! hammer ofOrich;i\k.~.or)·calow L:itin,houldtilg izJ cythcr hand a Torche, 3:1dnorcar­one oE dit".n reuerfi>d a11d Ulrned downeward, beieng extinct ucd. at'l'J'}ftif out, ahd the other burning towardcs the Sunne, The burning forchc li1 hyrrighte hande) and the cxtinfre in hyr' left. .. '. - . · · . ·

In

The /lrifo of Lone

I~ the quactriture vppon the right Gde, I b~hclde th~ ieJlous Climene, with her hearc tranf-formcd into an hearbe calledVe,uu

Clymene the maid, or .l.adyliearbe,&Phrebm m a cruell mdignarion & 1\l'.Hh­

~h~~~~n~f full di~pleafure,i1le followin,g_of him weeping,trom whom he fled haHenmg on forward hys fw1ft horfes~. as one th~lt flyeth fron1 hys mortall and deadly enemie. · · ; · '" · ·

A l''.~it'~;lUt incorrupt EngliJh.

Vppon the Tabfeouer the.Columries on theleftliddn·a ti1ri.: ous and rare vnufuall caruing;'therc was thetefemt:ifallce hiH6ry­ed ohhevncomfortable arid Hillmournmg CypdriJ!Hs, !JoJ dmg vp hys handes and armes toward, the· Sunne,and m:~kinghis mone to Apotio for the wou1ide'd Ctrua. .· ·: -' : . . · . · ' .. . ·

In the thir~ Table next~ ~heW! nlfcilc!Oneif:, in a workean­fwcrabletotheprefederi,t ;jqq former,J'behe1ae Leni:othor!, :wic­kedly flayne ofhyr own Fiither,.~)laungii'igand tralisforming her fay re yongand tender flelliirito fmooth barke ~ih:Jkin" leaues and bendingwaq.des .•. ·· .. ·. ,· . , , . ' . · , . · ~ ' ·

.In t}ie fo~r.th Tahr~; was reprefented the diftontented& dif-· · pleaiantDaphui,atthe burnii1g d"elires of the curle~headed D~!i­us, re~drin~ vp by lit;~: !lnd ~irt!C her virgi,n$ body'Vndefiled,to.; ~ards the note heaue~IS ~ be.emg metamorpJufed mofl: pymfully mto a greene Laurell. ·· ·

No we fuccefsi~lelf in orderol!er .the afore-mencioncd Tables and quai:lratures ii;l tbe~ofhor, ~herein thefe Hifl:orieswerer~­l'!cfentedl!l fbapes ; there "';as extended andlaide ouer a Coi:b_. ' mce denticuled & oualld wit.h interfet 11ralets;betwixt the iates ·; of the Oualls,and h:afewori{(';aitd.'the Imbr]ces with the reil: that appertaynethto the fcttingfOr:tb oft he G1me(pafi my skill to re-. port )wlthout any: fJ1llt ordcte,a : and lrifily, the [yme was ador- · nc.d he ere and d1e~e\\lth the leaue£.of Aeh4nthus. •

Andt~I'ctui'iit6,~rl.J v.te;, 1frh~'"'holetrarue, mthe Mpofin.:; , the~eof as aforcfadd, dw· Co.~om~es by a perpeildyculat Jyue · were corrofp9,mlcnt and agrenng w1th thd.lhng <>Ut of the i>>hol workc~the Stil!iced'ill: Pcrit'nerer,or vtterpart of the vppermofl:.: Cor-on~ceo~lel~· _e-"c:epr., . . . . · ·

I tf~lJoweth to iliew and fpeake of the Table or znw.trd part of the Tngonall :within the which, according m the extreame; of the fametriai~]e WO\l.Jdpcrmit, there was prefcnted to my VICW1 a Crowneo~ varland of diuers l<:aues1 fruitc>, and {talkes, foul-

.. - - ded

I '

in" DrMme, 23 ded vppe and wr;tpte t-ogethi!r-ofa • greene fl:one Jmitte in foure parteS", thebyndtngs ot rhefeolre·farne fia1kes-, holden by two Mermay~es, the vpper part•es of them of a· humayne ihape, ;md that 'tinder-the nauelllikea'f.yihe, their one handevp,and theothe-r bdowe ~·the· Garlande-, their fcalye ta}tles exten­ding• to -rh~ mtherin0fl: c-orners- o·f•the Triangle , v.ppon the top ohlur (£;oroniccchauing'at ffity·r' e~ttecime partes,rf]'(tyr fiflly ' mnzes or finnes. Thcy,rfaceshke vyrg~nt-s, theyr trelfts ofJuire; partly curling:vppe vppon their fb!-nc:Mdes, fometurnedabout their heads and rowl~'vP',-fome<-depcndingdol'\ne vpp0ntheyr temples, and crifping~nd inanulating by tlwir eares. From be­twixttheir fhoulders g.n:w'e-theiE Vl"inges.Jike Hapies-,•firetcbinn­dowrie' and e:x:tendi'~·to tile 'Wtfltlln~ and; turning:s of the)~ tayles, vpon their' mon$-ous'flail'k-es grew. ~out rheir fynne~ to !\,·,mme ,.Yithall •, jthcir· l>·eginning; rHeir• fifhe.n and fcaJ)·e ful:) ... Hance,and from thence-fa continuing theyr nether parts dew•ne-warde. .

WJthin the faide Garland I beheld a rough MI!che Gote, Iupitcr, whichalittlechild did fuck,litting vnderhir fide vponhis flefhie young legges one flreight foorth, and the other retraCl: and bow-ed vnder him . VVith his little armes houldmg himfelfe by the hearie and rough locks, his couutenance and eyes vpon the byg and full vdderthusfuckmg. And a certaine Nimphe ,'as it were fpeaking woords,and giuing voyces of comentment,to the Goat and bowing downehirfelfewith the left hand,held vp one oft he feete,and with the right hand putting the pappe to the finac kin<> killings of the fucking infant, and vnder h1r were thefe letter~ Iupir"'' Am4lrhen. nu11fe •.

Another Nimphe flood againfl: the head of the Goate, with onearme carefully compa£ing the neck ,and with the other fl1ee held hir by the horne.

ln themiddeftfioodthe third Nimphe with greene bowgh Thedau~h­leaues in one hand, and in the other an oulde faihioned drinkmg ~er of~ eJ,f~ bowle,more long then broad,like a boJteby a1Jttle handle. V n- t~:s•;.urt:~"­der hir feete was written,Me/rj{a.

Betwixt one and other of the three fore fpecined Nymphes, there were two other hauing. Cymbals in theyr h;mdes,as it were playing· and daunciog, euerr one appJrrelled :accord!ng to the

G 3 perfeai-

Anaglipts be cunning carucs and Grauers,

Tht Jlrifo tJf Liu . \ perfcB:iQn ~f~hcyrhc~~e$·~;wit;b -a.q; ~r~~i,.ll~ perfi>r~~p~e· of. workll_l:attihip m the v~)loi~tt~kt:~p;.op.C»{tlpP$, th'!t t¥y-r!lth~~.Ce~ medtbefubihncts~lrc;mfelue$th~!tl;.y~hqglzyhan):magerre,er• ther by .P.iJu,lttm,Phidilll or LJ/f.NI.#J l.l~t;ho,r (\t4 4'!ttgllptJ to :A.r­tt.wifoJ-theJl.!!.eet~e of C4Y:iii,S,tijlx_t6r?lri4p4'J>, 't;mo~~IP, L.~~,_,ri.t and T_htll'.' ,.cC!m!: AAythi~~ Jl~e.•W.f,~l;llS: ~of~~it?1h,:freof, fee~d ~excel\ th~c:~~ oi~ ~~~:¥piei~.iric ,(;ar~er, gra!lel',9rcut:tel!wha~foGJJer.· '": ,; ! . · > ·.-~··. ·t· _,- • '! · .

Abo'ue this for~fay®, l'.llaJigleJa).ld vad,er the vpper coronice inafmoothplainc:-:werethefc·t:W~A~pc:, yvordes in. cap~~;a~LLet-tep1,1!:.ro:za.ruo~~:roo._·_-,!·_.-;;.·_ ·_. .·; .

This.c:Otl{p.i,qQU$ pqr~'h~im4 ,&a,tq;.·_IJ:lQ(!."lQP.tthyc; ~P.. .be1 b.e­h~ld~ •. thus ifoode.of:;;L;~4C!l~s!C~I11'9~~~~'K~~II~~l!=ly. dif-. pq.fedo~lfl hadnotexplane<f..tJMJc:pllJ~¥t4ffi.otri~l}. t:\1'4:li!raFmo.nie . bce{eofparticularly,lmig_~fil.J~u«< beene bla\,lled foJ:. my.;prolixi­ti~~and tediQumdfe,a~ ~.li ~;w.t·P.~ offit·"'lqr~ i~ ~h.~ ¥cripti .. on.And thus for thistinic bcereoilo m~Jch. . .

-_~(- · · n~:,~·t.n ~ ;-1!:.:d~d 1 ~-.i!~."·r:.~.J ·.::~::1 -.. ' -F ·,:-:!

~ ~:',~~; 'Ln: ::~~;.:.~~~:~~? ;r,~;; .~,I~ L';~}_:; ;_: :;~:~; ~- ;!}~~:::._.:_'.~i,:.)l~.:::::..···· ... ~ .. ·--~~,;_:l;;··:_: :~_:··,:· .. -~~ .. -:~ ••. '_'·.~.-.· ~ -~ ·r·''::·i·.:·!.L~: :~-:::f."-· Lr.·-rt:1: -:-~~--i. :_.-- .·

·:.:~·:· .... -1iti ~~::,riii-./llr;:\:! ~J+'~.H.u!l•Jt··.d:,::iH;~J.L !i.L _,. _r~: -~ ,., ' ;:> L:). ~-- :- ~) ;:-~ :- ~, f n~1 nr. -:-:· .. ~ J } r: ~ t • ~- q;: . ~:.L;. :1; · ; :, · ; . _~ :> :' ~ • •• '.l:

. '

:'\j. :1

: ~ . . .. . . ' ·. : ; -~: . ... : .. ' i ~ ' . ·~ • . • ' . . . - . .

. ::1 .•. ~,:..l.')T .. :-;:-·r,;~.i ::) .,.__;_l.)i.~cr;~~- -: !:·_ .. _ •.

•· .1':-:.!)~-;J ,f· ;:.:sc_~t-() ~il-.iH·~·~:abo O'.rJJ •.• L-.~r~:·: ...

J ~· :· ~ :,. i.r~..i-·:·t · · '-1({1; ;~;r J ;:t JH~ : ~~r .. i:1 HJ;h) L<~• ) ~:~· · ::!~f ''\

( '·' I

".lblflriJ'•of'Letu;

h i:nullneedts fuiibw~~-rll;lt :tlhhe~·fdle:Mbrefaidcto1iri: "O~ euety fide w~s beautifia}t~o behold, and ofllately workeman~ flup by that winch fl:ill rema~ned fianding 5 as in the inward·partc; the naue_s a~d..tolu~nes carneng ~nd ?eartl1g vp an ill'irnefurable and monfirous we1ght, a'nd Cormthtes of a lell'edort, a· diuine an~ vnknow~n work abound in~ i.11 ~ari~t'y~fperfeGl:ions as pro~ ,poruon requ1red andnec:~£Ullnes dtd:d.e,{ite tobeatevP,the bur:. ·~hen that was laid~ vppon tbe111~ 'fheit.~trtilt~r~anl<ldeckingwith ~oorkes,and deu1fe~ imitatin-$"t~_e apparr~.iri<> ~princely :oodi~ mdewelt as It were w'lthap arnliaall rea. fon •. ~~r as to a large big a11d corpulent body firong regges~and broad feete,are nete!farie to

; · ~~are~~nd c:u:rr y~~:fame: fo iaa.modu.lateandwdl compofedbuil· •. ii111g,t<> fqfl:at!le'gr{at wetguts,Naues· lite appointed, and.: for b~au­

ti~;eoh~e~?q~tittthies,<l~d!len4erJonic~s;~arefetvpon them, And tn1s wT1ole woor"ke euen after fuch forte as was reqtiiftte for -t111e !1:\rll'ionie't'h:r~of, euen:fo it_ fiood in al'1 approot.ied excel~ enc1e.

With d_iucditie ?r~?ul~r~;fW.~tlyf-_~i', ·~daptlye d1f~ofed~ th_er~He~~npf~J'U!~~~!ltifi,Hg~flQ.~~~~d fl~!'J!Jgether makin~ a;gra;w u~ o 't:iteCt. ({,).~P,~~Ip.r4t-;O'jlhi~: J1f u~'d~41f,Jf,la~aftri t, Pyrop~ '!' Cl!~l.itcedimo,lt~ilgt'etll;,and WhltC ltlfrb.le~:<f:i!ietfiHl watered, an~ qf At~dr.remewnh•whtte fpo rtes,andmany others otl1rati""e forts and diuex:s .ci)lllmiXtures. . · ; · 0 ;

I foundof!e~e;for~e of a bafe,-in f<~iliionli!(e a i::u~ion vpon rpe P1ynthe 'fJ'*r!_t fiood two trochil~ or~orr~es, !Nith ~inter~ \?r~~~ofEftorffclfs or ihaftes,andJA£tfag11lf,wifh1fu~reamf ·. Diuetsn;bid:s #er~ hidden and co.uertid ~u~i.-with'windinoi feltedand fpre4jng1Iuif,full ofblack b~rries;and greene foft ]eau~ heareandthercgrqwing vp, and hindaring tl,l~ inwar~obiei.}·of theauncien~~o~k~,wit~.otber .MIJI.'i!:llan~ ~\1 we-edrcauFniq~ '* ~fthe c~n,kFs ~9P ~1frs,as the bett£fower~ql Foxgloue.yen~ Natull,& Er-og~~~t,~ffome called Loue.;to; who me he is g~at~ full,bulbmg doft-U!'!ga!ne toward the grotmd,inotherryfu gre~ Mowle-~e,_P,P.trPodle,Adientus or L~dy hayr~,the iagg~d aud curled Ctthracf!sj:be knotted Lunane nunor, Pnckmactdam:.cP o­lytricon,or gould;r;.·r~ckes and. fuch iike;whidivfe to grow hi de:.,

cayc:d bwllfings,: ~~l:~~~e ~ales;fo ~ha~ ma~~?o!-J~hzey~~ ,, • ••15\1>:•8;.J'6i._.:~l 'a, ''1: .:~··..!; ', "if~

· ,.,, Dreame. 2f ces were inuefh:dand hyddc:nfi:om me,withfuchlike weedesat1d greenc Olyues the garnilhers ofruincs. · ·

There \'ias i11 d1ucrs place> indbmable huge downe £1ll cs of nuny columncs or rather coufuf~d piles ofbrok<.'n fioncs,and vn­l11apely Cui pins mountiug.vp from the earth.

Amo1?g wluch downcf.tllcn ~ccces I might fee the renuyu­ders of dmers i11apes of men of iundrie fortes, mmy n~kcd, o­ther fome hauingthcir members couered with folded and plitcd induments, fafi flicking to their naked proportions. Some il:an­dmgvpon the left foote, others vpon the ri<>htin a l1rei<>llt fort with their heads perpendicularly, euel'the ~enter betw~x:t thei~ heeles, and fome looking fidcwaies in height, foure Cubites of fixefoote. .

Others fl:anding vppon both feete, fome dea~e diflant one from an other_, and eachoneinamaieil:iefittingin their thrones. and t~e reil With a rare and modeft grace in their beft pleafmg and appomted feates.

··~fh~~e alfo I beheld innumerable troph~ts, fpoylesofarmor • . 2nd mfimte ornaments , with th~ heades of Oxen and Horfes of conuenient bignes, and about their hornes part ottheir <>arlands ofleaues, truitcs, twigges, braunches aud floures, and [G~e about p;~.rt of their bodies' with little children l'idino- vpon them and playing, 111 fo perfe£1: a fort and wil11ed order,~~ the moll skil· full workemaifler full of varietie, labour, fiudie, and induflrie. could deuifc andperformc. With what care and paine his aboun­ding skill did plamly manife{l:, and with what pleafure the effell: of his purpofe did no whit obfcurc.

And with fuch an Enmhmi~ or apt proportioning of m em• hers, heed1d fhcwethefubtiltieoftheart of La.picidan~, as if the fub!hnces had not beeneof the hard ell marble bowfoeucr, but offofi: chaulke or Potters claic, and with what conclanfhrre the lroneswerecouched, and bywhatArtillcric ,ruleandmea­fure they were cumpgfed and fct, it was woonderfull to ima­gine.

This was the true Art enucleating 'and difcouering the i<>no­rance that wee worke in, our detefiableprefumption, and pub­hke condemned errors.

This 1s that deare and perfctl: light, which fwcetlyand \\·ith H · our

·; ·· 7'h~ /lrtfe of L1ut

'our vhcon(lr~ined wiHcs draweth our dimme lighted eics to con. template and bchold.the fame. Fm none ( vnh:> 1t bd1e wlnch of fer purpoft rcfutedito behold Jt) but Jus eyes would rl;1fell\~'irh continual! dcfiretofeejt. .

This is thatv;h!ch acmfeth horrible couetoufnes, the dcuou­rer.<Jnd confu·rner of all vc.-rtue> a I hi byting ;md euerlaltmggrce­die wonne in hrs. heart that .is c:tptiuated and f!,lbid::t to the-lame; the accurfcdletand hindcrance to well dilj:JOfed wmes,the mer. tal enemy to <>ood Archite!l:u1•ic, andthccx<!crable Idol of this prefent worl<f. !o-vnworthly w0r1 h1pped, and d.1mnal>ly adored. Th<m deadly poifon to him that is infefted with thee, what fum p­tuous workc;s arc oLkrthrownc, and by thee 1nterdiGt:ed.

H~r~wiFha.ll] bccingrauilbed and taken vp with vnfpeake­:abfe'de!ighf at1dpleafure ih the regarding of tlus rare and aunci­;t-ntvcner~bfc'.inoriumeritot{uch1a grace and admiration, th:u;I knew not toWhichpartto turne me fidt,here and there\'lillingly lookmgabqut, and tl;icreat amazed, confiderately perufing ouer whaJ; theingtauenf1ifl:ories prefe.Ated vnro me, '\SI rcmoucd my -felfdi-om ~lacetoplate,vnthan\ml!nownc.delight, and vnrepor­·tabl,epleafure to beho!de theJ:ime; g<1p111gat themw1thopen mouth, forgcttingmy felfe lik~ a young <:h1lde, neuer fatisf)·ing my grcedic eyes and vnfac.tabh:ddirc to lookc .. md ouerlookethc: ·exqu•fiteperte&on·ofthe auncientworke,I was fpoiledand rob­·bed of all thoughrs whatfoeuer·, .theremembranceofmy defired Poli.~, often accurring,onely excepted. But with an cxtrecme and .aecpc tet: figh, letvslcaue her a Iitlr, and rctume ag.unto our con-tmued pnrpofc,. - · . .

P. Q/iphi/114

... ; ...

I

Pa!iphii'us cntring •I (itt!e "''!Ye in at the d~fcrilml?orch,'fllljthgrut de~ light b: t brre alfo beh~!d haw tt w<>~s g .11rni{bed and adorned, • .z••J. after .u hew.u commmr;; om he mu with 4 monftruou.r dr~tg.on ~:IHrMt he w.u tn·treel?;!te 4fraide,and compelled to rrmne b.rck! ;nto the bHt/dini, ana at /aft getting foorth Witb m«.ch .ulae h<'e 'Rmt into a fir tile place.

r.:;;:::;:~:.:::;;:if.'~-;~;;;. ::::· :;-71, Great and commendablt thing with . =-!!ll'outdout Jt.ilJOld be,trulic to diknbc, - & b'om pomt to pomt, to fer down the

II!A.,-,_.,=~ .• :-t. lincre.diblev;.·ork,and vn .. ima·g·. i!tedc .. om• . pofiuon,offo vaftaframe, and huge

--~~ birrnes,oHo greatahuildinge'wirh tile :U~!ex~cllei'ldc ofthc entranc'c;in ~ cc_>~fpi:­

"- :cubusand fightfyplace, conuemcntly . lfituated:whcreofmydel1g:1t to beho.Jd.

~=::;=:;-~~"'-'>~=~'::'.,thc:m, d1d exced thegreatuesofmy ad­·miratien breeding in mefucha con<:eit fo as I perfwad.:dmy fdf that Iupitel· durft not vnd.ertakethe like to the reft oftltc gods, & ·certainly.beleeuing that no workman, or humanv>itt cou.ld'com­pafefo huge a fr;~me. exprdf~fono.tap le con.~eits, or ima6iiie.and inutnt fo rare deuifcs and fo gorgiout1Je to garm1hc them , m fo finguler ail order and firniuetry,ro difpofc them,andwltheutfup­Jllement or correll:wn perfifrlye to fuulbc them. A rare and m• ·folentpridc in a building. Vppon which occ.af.ion I was in fome · <!oubt and that not a little'that 1ft he natural! hifioriographer had ·reclic or heard of this, hee w.~ulqe haue fcorned that of Egipr, and die cunnin~> and induftne of the woorl;ing thereof ' for that heereiu th~ furidrie and diuers woorkes elfell:ed by ma"' ny fcuerall wookmen feemed in the perf'eft10ns, riftheir dewe proportions as if they, had bee.Q performed by one h1mfclfe •. · '• . He wou\dalfo as h ghthe ha~e rt"garded rhe·~k1llfull cunmng ·ofSarirurthi: architeCt andotherol:famc, efpecrallyc:S:mandrus, ·fdr th,eY.·odtke of Mem?idn, who cue-the three fl:Jtures oflupi· ter in oneftone, theteet heingaboue (eau en cubits long. · ·

To ibis. the rcprdentation Qf th~ magnanimous s~miramis A:;trued out .oftl1emountaine B11gijfam11 muU geue plact".

. . H ~ , Ami

Tbe jJrife of Lo/14 Andleetingpafte to fpeake of the infolentgreames ofthe Pi­

ramides ofMeniphis, thofe "riters at large would hauc ben re them fdues to thJs dcfcripnon, And lcauing vnrcportcd, the Ll­mous Theaters,Amphithcaters,Bathes,and b.ui!dmg Ctcrcd an,\ prophane, carnages, of waters, and co!olfes, ;md that of A p­polline tranflated by Liocu!sts. Or the temple dcthcated to fupi• ter by Cl.rudimCifer.Or that of Lijtppuiat Tarenrum,orthe wou. derofC.zrelmdiusat the Rhodes,andofXmodoms in Fraucc and in Rooine. And the cololfe of Sempui nine cubits !on<>eot St~Jara;e or Eme_rt~u!dn, or the famous I.abyrinthofEgJph Onhe repr~· fentaaon of Herculer at 'I) re. .

They would.e hauc accommodated their f weete fl:vles, to the commendation heard of as aboue all other mofl: ex~ellent, al'­though t.he Obelifl:of lupiter, compafi of fower frufl:es, forde Cubitslugh, fower Cubits bq)ade ,;and t\\'o Cubits thick, in h\s deluberwlthin thetempledoothmanifefl: it felfeto be a wonder~ full miracle, ' '

V nfaciable thus ca(l:fngmine eyes; and tUrning vp my counte· nance now this war &~1~\V thnt way' towa,rds this huge & mighty frame, I thus thought.\'Vtth. my fclfe,Jfthe fragments and remayn ... der offo facredan anuquuie, and if thcgrcctanddufl:offucha decayed monument,,, .can breed a Uupitafiion in the admiration thereof, and caufe fo great ddyghtto behould the fame, what would it haue done in ch1efefi pride. · · -) After thi~ my difcoUt;fei!lg,reafon per! waded meeto fuppof<i, t1:at vath lll)III?;hti;Jee the AultarqfVt~nus for hir mifiicall Sacrifi­ces and facredlia!ne.s , 1 ~r i:hi: re.prcfentation of hir Godhead, or the Aph~:odift ot hir felfe an4 bir little Arcltcr, and therefore

A bird ofllow v.·1th a· deuo11te reuercnce, my right ,foote becing fet vppon the hight &long halowed lpmt oft he doore,there_came towards me flyin"'a white !zumg,llvJ!d Hori.r. . . , . ::. · monuments n 1· r d- · I · h · ·-' · ' · . · . . : by Aut;uz s - : ~ut . •'?an~ ye Wit outany further regard orcunqus forcalli: dcdoc~tc<J to, w!uclt.my fc,<lFChlll_jCICSVie!l~ J11 as the fp~~IOUS and Jigh~fOU1C w· Saturnc. • U}~~·,u<: I!Je I~aw:, repr.efe~tJ,ttg VJ}tO me Inch fight~ as mer\~, a9d

are Cond~l91e of euerlafimgeremcmbranuce, in ether fydes ftir­. If~ '-"~1tj1 hno.th poollin1edc L\1;u-b1c, iu the middle parte where ;.;f t.1erc \\as Jn;patl:e a _rol)n.dc t<tble,. JJJdanflrcde~1dcompaf1ede

, .;J~owt luth a grccnc StallllC V er ye prctious and accordin"'hc--afo-5' ... ~ '· · ;:, fciatcd

I f

;, 4 Drtllmt. '7 fcociated wi-th curious work'emanl11ip. And the oppo1iteof ve­rie blacke fione '.(coming a~1d contemning the hardncs of iron, anddeare and flnmngasammor. By meanes whereofasl palfed by (vmwares) 1 grew a fray d at my owne fhadow neuertheles 1 was by :m by comforted with vnexfpetted delight, for the place tl1at occafionedmy difqUJet nowc offered vnto me the ()'rounde of all fcicnces, hifl:oried in a vlfib!e manifefl and cxper~epain-~tng. ·. . ~ . . . . ,

. And on either !ides vnd.erthe· fame beautifull and mofi no­ble t<tbks, therewe~eplacedallalopgfeatesoffl:one. 1 hepiluC:­m cnt neat and deane from duff, being made of Ojlracm.

And fo in like m;:umcr the coloured vpper feeling was pure Ofiraws he :lnd voyd of ~ptdfrs an~ C,<;> bv.;eb~, by ~c_af9n .of the continual! poundcdfr,ci" frefh ayre both entnng m and going out - nuxed wJth _

. The feel in~ .C>f the ~apes_ <!S afore£1y.d ~-, m.ounccd vp to ~~;l~n~;~~ot the b e1_1dyng oftbe Ar~hcJrl;ll) :~he ·GhaptNS I' luth frobd vp- mode ro floor on thetr fin{l: and vpr1ght Antes euen to the vttermofi ende withal!.

9fthe entrie, which was by niy perfpetttue iu?gemeut twelue p,aces. _ - · •' · · ' From which. ptrf!Plyte ligature and faHned. ioynres, the

oroofe of the entne ,alt the 1'engt1rt11eretrl, did march with a hemr• ciri:ubate.flexlire, 'atifwerable(othe Antes 'and1h'ei<>'ht ·fides of the afore defcrib~d porchefuliof yarieties afld exqdilite repre~ fentmcnts, rarelymgratJcnandofllttlewatermonfters, :~s it1 the \Vater it felfc imheir right and well difp'ofect plemmyrules; halfe ~en an~_women;~ wit_h their £ifl:tiqailes : fo.n,teimbracing OlJC an otherwtth a mut~al~ ~on~ent ,_Jom:e p)i! yi~g vppt?h :Flutes ; pnd othersvpono'thttfanta!hcallu'iflruments; · ... ' ·'-' (•

Someftttingin fh'aurige fafhioned Charriots, and drawn'e' in them by fwitr Dolphinl"s, crowned and .1 darned with t<.-arer"Lil~ lies futable to tdmfi:irniinre bf.the'<>,,rnifhed:footes;: fome:\~ith diims :difl!es apd vetlels r*'p lenj.fzkd~\(ith ina'lly fort esdfifruite~;~ Others with p lcot~ukopids,; fotm cdu!lled togltfmr•"nh•han:c~rs, and others wrafl:ling as they did, riding vppon Hippoflt~tmlw, and other fundrie and vncoth beaHcs, with a Cl!lloncall de­fence . : · Some wan.tonly difpofed, others to varietie of fportcs ana

fcafl:cs, wnh huel; mdcuours and CJmcke motions, m oft fin"U· . ~

H 3 larly

The flrifo 9f Lv11e tar! ye well fetfo:>rth ,·and filling all ouer theaforef1yoearchcd fuflite.

.Al1on,g vndenhe bending ryfe of rheentrie, l beheld a lingu~ lar woorkcnJantlnp of fundri~ reprefentmeats ;u1d COlJnterfe,ts, in an ex:ccllcnt Thelfcllature, b·ri6ht !l1ininglyke go 1Id·,·, aa•1 of d1uers oth~r cou!ers.\vith a·border two fo()tc: broaJc,co:D1Uflng about the turnin<> couer oF the roofe, bothvnd.:r and aboue-, and deuidin"' themfr~lllthe woorke,yr.oa the plaine fides ,of {qpcr•

·{eh: ai1dtrdh~o.\1lers,as ifthe'y·h#-beerie new fct ,with aNtnrall leaf.!woorkc of ane~erawld'grecne; vppon a pun ice ortawnie orounde with'l"'lowers -of C~amts and Ph11nillret adulterated ~1th curi~us krlottes ';u1dwindiit"'~, attd in the conreyaed fpace ofihe af6ri:fayde fi'des ; I faw(thi:s-allll~ient Hy!brye payn..-tcd. , _ ... , . · ·, ' · · ·

: ~,:;' ~~r)p4 ~ .you;g l:a~)r~,'f~i~~b,g ~~t~ Cre~( vppona pre• , fligu>us B~i. ;And t~e e~~Qf~~n} 4.swrto.hi$ Sm1aes Cad­

U& ,Famice,aud C1ltci;e1 ~o at~qe oat tu:~ytd~R.mrcd.!lfl~r ,wh1ch thing they co:ild'not ao,but-after that they had y,Jh<lWltly kyJlcd th~ ,oJ>,a.li~ . .f¥rc_F;~,l'jlg,l?,n t!1ilf-,Jt5p,t~ ;thF f.-wr~ POLPF~-r·~c:,:_ and 'iHnf~lt~!fy-;~g ,.1pp~l(p,, :th~y._Aet~~Jl1ltie:4; Wl~·l, thcrr, rQ~IA~ers •. .and.:'}grf!jd;t.<?i~e a Gttt.le. ~ w!wre .JhF pelliJVYU'f$)-Iey!f~r lllpu.lp ~ppoy.ilre, ~-?her~v.ppo~tJta~t:ounrr,qy ·~IJCtt,to.t;his daye carr.yeththe-tiamq>tth,e bclla,,v,ing of a.J;:qt'le ~u rope .• C4Ji .. nsm b.~ltG 4t4fP$. ;n¥f .o..~\wr ,\lr,orp~r f~f'li•i4J•:Jh.e;hlf4-<:fk; .ciJJ.t: .-·.-;) .;,: ;";r'· ::.: _-·;~rr·· .11 !1-·?:..d;·:::·-,rfr:'}r:•::·-.-?·rtL·.·.;:~: . ThJ~·~Hrke.~ipufaic;,~)f,p,.li_tlf~pg,:~~ rc\gh_~\fe;RWF~~t\ -ordcr,as the be~nnntg_a~~d ;cpd ot;~qc;~i~Jo~i:;~e,qu~r5d,~'>iVI: fl~"' ~~~~~J~:f ~~t~a~,~o~Jl~r; ·~tl:~y~- ~fi<?~~~d ~~~~~~f~~~t,lye

0Jahe·contrJU'ie fide; l b.ehdd Jn.thdaihe mllnner'thc.wan:.. ton,arid la(ciuious P-..,fiph4but:n.ingtin\qlfini~s Iufi-,iying ia acMa.o .chine or-frame of~odl,dj~J.d,tl~ll.leap,ing tpon:th;lthe-~ klJI:IY not.·''-- ~·,.\~ ·:· .(~':·r -' ·,-' , h.': ·~:· -~L

I; l! ! ·

·After .\.

I ! i t I I

I )

Afrerthat th: monllrous.mynotaure with hy~ vglye l11ap~: ll:utandmdol.Cdinthcmmcate Labnii1tb. Arid after tha!the imp•yfonc~Dtd41>f.s)arttficja;Jy making of wm?;es fur hymfeltt>, and hisyoungfonnc lcarus,;who vnh.lppyly.e not obfeminghys Fat hers 1 ule .ft:ll.dQwuchc;tdJong into the decpe fee,lcaumg vn~ to rhefamefc .• s bi:;11ame,:after his drowning. 1\nd his diftreete f,tbcr,bcmgf4fi: nc.,ordingto'l'\isiW~i.c; h;;uyng vp his wings in the: templilofAfpQ/~-q .. ' . ! - . -; · ' ·; ' . .

. V pponthe wbich I fi-oo.de witbopeumciuth attentiuely ga­zing \\it~1my ~y,cs,~n4 ~·au\J1:e_~ mJgi.I~h\~·ah the be a mic uf the ]Jyflori~, lo n::<i d1fr;of~~, La perfe.;tly ordered, fo arufioallye P'L)'ntedaudcuriol!Oi•.c.xP,~el1e'b"'1l:ok~Pd f9unde, without any figneofdec.1ye, the !hcnotho-r the glurjnous fubllance, wh1ch ioyncd;md hdd the Tflr&ia'riii:C:'o~ ciJec~ci-s, together was fuch andf'J p~rfdl:. Foi rhefei1,1_ the ¥.·9rke1rianlJad·tak<;n great paine and Ji-.ew,cd a r.lr.c ~·unni'ng. · ' · · ·

And thusfoote by fo~te I went-forward bowldly,cxamining andbeht)uldtngwhat-dire8iun1ai!d aneof paintiug hee;had ob­feruc:d·with :1 pcnfiled d'!fl:l'l'butionto nuke wholeproporti.:msin a i!noothcand ll1t p1ayne•, 'Soine lynes dnwing neere to-my ob~ iell:;and fomc feemirigas they hadbeene a farre of hardely to bee de:erued,and yct both ofa like neerendl'e'. And the. fame againe whichwashardHe to bee fecne, to alter it fell·emore.and more.-, to the iudgernent of the tye ~ i\ith exquifitc parergie ·and iha~ dowing· · ··. ' · · . · . - ·- ' Wair;rs,Fotinraines-, Mouni:aihes, Hillcs;wo6des, and be a fl-s;in

rherr x1atunll coulours', and dillante one fromnn otht:r, ....-Jth oppolite light. An din apparrell theplyghtsandtouldesfo cun ... ninglyc perfeltcd and ihaddowed that as- well in-that. as in all the refi- ,: the_ arte did {eemc to enuye nature ir fclte;.and that not a little: whereat I greatly woondeJc-d.

Aft-rr this rpann~r I came. to tl~e· ful'ther e11de, where th~ beautifull hy11ories finil11ed, and beyond the f;une morcinw;trd the daJknes wasfuch ;:Js l dorllnot ente1·,& comming back againe ll~ar,d '!ll]_ongt-hqruhleFJ contiq'-!ing 110ife hke the cr.lCking of bones o&,tll~r ;-~ling ,tQS,~;~;er 3 -wlrm:Jt ~ fioodHill torg,ettir.g -, .. ~ -... . my

The /lrifo 6/ L#Ne

my fore con_cciued delight being interrupted therewith from the fweetnes of:the obieB:s. At length lmigbt heare a ru£tlin~ as if a dead Oxe had been dragged vpon the ground, the noyfe lttll ap­proaching and commingneerer and neerer thepoarch that I was to paffe out at, where I heard a great hiffing of a huge Serpent: the fodaine feare I was in, rnade mecpall:crying out for helpe, ueither diG! I fee how to efcape. but IJy running into the darkc and ob(cure vaftues whiche before I was afraide to enter in-~. . .. . Oh vnhappiewretch opprelTed withaduers and fad fortune;.

I fawin the entrieofthedoorecommingtowardes mee, no hurt­full Lyon crowching to .Androdm, but a fearefull and horrible

rhcDragon Dragon !l~aking her trifulked.~nd_ three p~te~ tongue againfl: i' elm A bad- mee, grating her teeth; and makmg a skntchmg or <:rttchmg •hn onJ A po- noyfe, her fquamy and fc·aiy hide trailingvpon the flowerd paue­hon,thc cne- ment, cljppiugherwinges vponherwrimpled backe, with a long ~;~~~~uall- tailefolding and crinckling like and Eele and neuet relling. 0 hi

me •. the figL1t was fuffi:ient to haue affrighted.Mars himfelfe in the a!furegncs of warlike .j\,rmour, or to ha11e made tremble the (hong and mightie Hercules, for,aU his molorchied and ~lubbe,cl btit, "And ro caH 'Thefous b_acke fr.<> m ,his bcgw1ne impr.efe an cl botd attefilpr1~ <~.nd to terrific rhe Gyant Typhon, and to make the proudefl: and- Hoqtefl: heart wharfoeuer to quaile and fioopc. I \"'iihed my felfc the f wiftnes of Aral4nt.<t, b eeing but young and 'VnarmedJ 110. wa.y able toencol;l.Q.t~rw!th fuch a poifonable force, and percciuing his blacke infetlious breath fmoaking out at h1s mouth. Beeing(Jac{hll hopeto-Hip by him ,Jdcuoutly .cried (or diuinehelpe, Andfodeinly run1ing my backe, as fafi;i!.s I could run ne, I conucighed myfearefull bgdie by :the helpe of my fimft pacing f~,:ete , into the inwardpart of the darke pl;:tces, penetra­ting through.diuers crooked torm~~1tS, ambag10us pa!1ag!!,S and vnknownc waics. . . . .. ,

So that I thou<>ht to bee in the inextricable frame of the :l::~cd,ai\k~fT- prudent Ded.al:a, ?C:: ofPorfen(t, fo· full of waycs and windingtur- · ~1orance, ~nd nings, one emrmg rnto another, to deceme the mtcnt oft he go­the w (dome er out) or in the romthie denne of the horrible Cyclops, or the ofthiswotd hollow Caueof thetheeuii11 Carus; In fuch'fort, that although w\lu c h 11' 1110" my· eyes were fornewhat w\:l <fequ.,·inted with tJ1e;o!l1'kql1eS' yet 1 t \lnge' >ut . .. . ... could 111.1c~rc folly.

,.114 Drrt~mt. 29 could fee iufi nothing • But was glad to Hretche out my armes rorme before my f.Ice,groping about mee( lyke one that played blynde Sym) leafi I fhould runne my f.1ce ;tgainfi fomc pyllers, and feeling with my feete fofrlye before! did reil vpou tf1em for fearel ihould tumble downe into fome vaultevnder thys mi.,.hty Pyramides. 0

And looking backe, whether this fcarefoll Dragon did fiill followe mee or no, the light was cl cane gone . And I remayning in a darke place,full offundrie turnings and cmllin;; pa!Ta.fi;es, in a greater terror and more deadly heaumeiTe of minde then Mer­lurie.Making hirnfelfc llti. and ApoD~, Threicit:t, Di4n4, into the lyttlebyrdCholoiJIIeNt'.And Pt:tNintotwoihapes, I and more a. fraide then euer was Oedip~t~,CjrHI,Crtt[UI,andPerfem,Andmore C b f trembling then thetheefe Thracili~t~ in his beares skinne. In for- kifi~n~ thre L · rowemore abow1ding then poore PfcJphes. An din more labour- Browgh, • fome daungers then Lucim Ap!dtm, whenhee heard the theeues confultin g to knocke him on the head and kyll him. , Opprelfed and laden with all thefe atorenamed frightes and

terrors. I began to imagine that the Dragon was flying about my head, and with the noyfeofhirfcritching teeth and tearing clawes to takehould vponmewithhir deuounngtawes:my heart giuing mee to vndcdland, that the carniuorus Woolfe which I arempt of, was a prefage oft.his my lafi doubted end. And thus running vppeand downe like a little poore Pifmeere or Aunte, when the Partrichis fcratching vpon their hillocks and pickmg ot them vp. Withmywatchfulland attentiue eares,lill:ning if the horrible monllerwith hir !limie and filthie poyfon and llinking lauour were drawing towards mee.And fearing whatfoeuer came firH into my thought.

Findingtnyfdfevnarmed, voydeofall helpe,in this mortall daunt? er, and mife{a b I e p erp lex:i tie , although that death is natu­rally bytter and hated ,yet notwith!landing at that time, I did gratiouilie elleeme of it, which m cc thougf1t I could futfer wil­linglye, but that will was in{ulfJcient: hope fiilllooking, and perfwading mee of an vncertaine , fcarefull , and vnquyet lyk· .

Alas howemy foule and bodye werclothe to leaue one an another,theforrowe whereof made me vn\\iiling to iutertame fo . · I · - a~ll

Th~ flr:fc of Lo!U _ cruelanen~my as death: whereupon I plucking vp a good heart, thought thus. .

Shallthegreatnesofmylouefo fweetlyfeton lire, now dc­caie,hullrated of anie efFetl:, forifat thl s prefent I had been but prefented with a fight thereof, I could haue beenc yet the better fatisficd,

But yet fert11wJth returning to the inward imprdli.m of my fweetefi obielt, fl:il dwelling in the fecret ofmy heart, 1 fell into blobertngteares, for the Joil'eoftwofo worrhie iewels. That was Pot.a ;md my precious life. Continually calling vpon her with deepe fighes and fingultiue iobbings,. founding in theduckc ayre, incloyllered vnder the huge arches and fecret darke coue­ring, fayingthus to my felfe.

If I die heere thus miferably, forrowfully, and vncomforta­bly, all alone, who ihal bee a woorthie fuccellour offo precious a gemme? And who thal be the po!for offuch a treafure otfo ine­Himable valul'e ?And what faire heauen ll1al Jbew:fo cleare a light~ Oh moll: vmhched Polipbl!m, whether dofi thou govnforrunate? whet·her dofi thouha~-eh thy !leppes?hopefi thou euer to behold agarneanydefired good·? Behould all thygrationsconceitsand pleafant highe delyghtes builded in thy apprehenfiueth1mghres, through the fweetenes ofloue, are deadly l11aken, andabruptlie precipitated and cafi downe? Looke how thy loftie .dmorom eo. gitat ions are l11aken in peecesand auchilated. Ah me what iniuri­ous lot & maleuolent conllellations,hane fo pernicioufl y driuen, and deceitfully allured thee into this mi[.:rableobfcure darknes? and now haue clefpttefully ledde thee in aheapeofmortal feares_, and drowning inadeepe feaofvnfpeakeableforrowes. To the vnmercifull deuouring and fodaine gobbling vp offo filth1e a monfler, and to bee rotted anddifge!ted m the !linkingintrailes offorowlc abeafi, and tobre cafi out infovil& a place, Oh la~ mentableand vnaccuHomed death. 0 mifer«ble cndofmyde­lired life. Where are my eyes? what be they barreine? Istheir hu. m or gone? Are there no moraeares left to t,11l trickeling downe my blubberedcheekes? Well then I perceiuethatdeathisatmy backe,who did euer fee fucha change offortune? Behold vnhap-:­pte and wayward death, and the !aft houre, and accurfed minute

·thereofathlnde, in this darkefomeihade, wheremybodie and · - - · ·· --· · fleih

l ·l

t

I

,.,.,, D,..-.zm~. 30 .flel11 is appointed to bee a foode for fo fow1e a beall-, Whatfurie! what cru:ltie1 what mi 'e ·ie mJrc mon,1rous c.m a mortal! crea­ture.• fufti:r. r h;tl f weete and p leaf<mt iighrihould bee reft f)·om them that bee ahue, and the c:u th del1!ed to th cm that are dead. What hoggtth ca!,nniti<:, and ddonned mifhap, fo g;rceuoaily and vntimcly l11all abandon trom m.:e my moll deliredand fbri­fhingPolia, En·e1\·ell the merrorofall venue, and trucperfef<ion of beautie, farewell.

And dJUs bc1·ond a:J meafuretofl and tumbled m fuch and fogreatafHi.:ttOLis. my verie foulewas vexedwtthmme, llriuing to beietat hbertiefrom my vnfortun.\tc and feeble bod1e, paf .. ling vp and downe I knew not where. My legges weake 1 feeble, and towltei'ingvndermee, myfpirites languithing 1 andmyfen .. ces in a man er gone from me e. Sauing that! call ea deuoutly vp­pon the omnipotent God to haue pttie vppon mee, and that fome good Angell might bee appointed to condult mee out. And with that beholde I difcouered a little hght, To the wbich. how gladly I hafted 1 let euerie one iudge what bee would doo In fucha perplexitie. ·

I faw an euerlafling Lampc, burning befOre an Aultar that wasnuefoote high, and tenne foote broad, with the unages of go !de fianding thereupoq, which I could not vene perfeltly be­hold, notwithitanding the burning Lampe, the groifenes of the ayre was fuchand fo great an enemy to the light. .

· And alwayes w!th attentiue eares I diligently barkened, as D9tyet ndde offeare, and fomewhat I faw,the dim me images :md the large foundations, and feareful vaultes,and fubterraneal but .. trelfes or vpholders and firengrhes,heare and theremmfimte pla­ces d1£lributed, and many huge and mightie pillers, f::l!ne foure. fquare,fomelixe fquare, fome eight fquare,aptly fer vnder and approportioned to fufiaine the vaft bignes of the ~,-.,lglltlc P;ra­mides. . There I hming fmall delight to make anie long fbie, I in-

tended to take an vnknowne way further in, wl11<.h my vnder­taken comfe, I efpied a light wbiche.fo long I h.:d wiil1ed for, Colwningin ~t ~litle wi'*e~ as finall as I could fee.

1 2 Oh

Tbe J1rife of LIHI

Oh with what ioy, and with what a glad heart, I beheld it, and with what cheare did l haflen my fieppes towards it, Perchance

Twob!ockilh fall-er then Ca .. ijlim or Phl!onideJ my vnbrideled gladnelle and hlie lubhe~s, extreame delire to come neere therevnto was fuch, that I rcuo. oneofMehre 1 d d · h d. r f dfo d d :an~therof te andhale backeagamct e mortco my r cbord1ter1t<:d and A them, char irkefome life, fucccffiuely comfornng my_ pertt_~r e mm ea? thoughrita' quailed hart. Somewhat refreihing and reaGurmg my felfe: fil­grcat labo~r lin~> vp a<>aine my euacu.aed and empne heart, and replemtlung toeatctheir h~r I:! . hh. Id . . ownemeate. t e.amew1t IS ou cogttattons.

Nowelfettledmy h:lfemoretowardes ~y louely PoiiA ,and bound my aifeltionsrnore furely to h1r. Bemg perfwaded and firmely opinionated,thatthis fight was a traiice in loue.for ihe~· ing that I ihould dye and lofe my lone. Oh how extreamely dtd Jt vexem·ee • Neyther did it refufe or make refiftance to anyc lharpe and newe alfaulte of loue , which in my firoken and fore wounded heart wouldc lye fefiering and feeding of htm• felfe.

And by this time, all lets and bynderances pall ouer, a fpati­ous and large going out was offered vnto me. Then by meanes ofthe cleere light r was fomwhatcomforted, and realfunung ~nd getheringtegether agaifte my wandenng thoughts,and reftormg my proffi:ate force, my fufpeaed and vnknowne voyage, made me to fet o\lt in running : fo as the nearer I came to the doore, the bigger mecthoughtitgrewe. ~ o the which~tlaft b>: Gods wyll,P olia in my amorous breft bearmg a predommante Vlj;Or, I came, notcealing to con~inueforwardmyf.lllcourfe:my ha~ds which before I groping helde foorth, to keepe me fromrunmng againft py llers , I nowe vfed like a payre of Ores to haflen mec away e.

Thustraueling onfafe1y,Icameintoa verie pleafauntfighte and counttie,in the which I was not yet wtthoutfi:are, and not darin"' ro rell me downe, theimpreffion of the horrible monfter was fg frefh in my minde, that meethought 1 fiill he.ardhim be­bin de me,and therefOre I could not fo ealily forget him. But was tayther perfwaded to goe on further: flrfi becaufe the coun~ie was fo fertile, pleafatmrand beautJfuU.r Se<_ondly, th:!tlnught get farre enough off ttom the place ":heretn I was fo lately af­frighted. Thatthen_l fitting downe ,mtghtreft my felfc ,and fer.

my

.I

f

I I ,

my mh1de together againe,and forget this conceiued dread,atmy entrance in of the gate, the apparation of the white Sorix grau­oufly cotnrningagaine into my reteyning memorie, an exhorta­corie prouacatron, and good occafton to ammate and (QUJforre me,becaufe that to Auguru it was a gratefull and propitious fignc ofgood luck. ·

At !all I was refolutely perfwaded to commit my felfe to the benignitie of my good fortune, which fome tune might beevnro me an officious and bountiful! handmaide, of profperous euents. And therewithall prifked fo~vard and prouo Iced to continue on Cl illata mi· mywalke, whethermv weaneand feeble legges would condua niLfra. and bring mee. And yet I was (as in ~ood iorte became mee) fomewhat dgubtfull to enter into fuch a place , ( beeing vn-knowne vnto me)where perchaunce it was not lawfull for me to come.Albeit that I was heermmore audacious and bould a great dcale,then in the enteraunce of the gorgeous Porche, And thus my breft fafi beating, andmyminde pei}llcxed, I faide to my &~ ·. .

There is no raufe that iliould lead mee.'io turne back againe, all things conlidered:is not this afaferplace ,and more fit toflic from daunger ~Is it not better to halfard a mans lyfc; in .the ti~1t and de ere Sunne,then to dye and llerue in a bJinde dar kenelle i · and fg refolued not to turne hac ke ,an ye more: wit)l a deepe fet fighe, !called into memorie, the pleafure and dell~ht that my. fences had well neereloll: for the woorke which l had f<.>ene was full of maruelous woonders, and thinking by what meane I· was. depriued of them, I called to remembrance the br~feu Ly­ons,m Salomons T em plc, which were offuch fierce coumenm• ces,as thattheywouldbringmen toforgetfi1lnc:s.

And into fuch an ellate 1 was afrayde that the Dragon had brought me, that fo excellent and marucllous woorkes, and rare inuctltions, in a manner vnpoffiblefor any humaine creature to perfortne,worthieto be manifefied, and by myfelre Jiltgcntlve pcrufcd.lhouldnowbe fledoutofmy ftickingrememli>rance, fo as I ih~uld not bee able to make a truereJ>ortc ol: them: but thereinlcontrariedmyfelfe: neither didlfinde that 1 \~as in a Lithargiepafsion ~.But tha! ~ !~!ie. w1ell remembred illld hda1' e

, .3 ~~

l I ! I

Th flrifr 1/ LIU without any def..ulte in order and proportion wbatfoeuer I had feene and beheid.And thatthe monfirous and cruell bcall: was a vcrri: hue! ye_ fubfiance ,and no fithon, the like ofanymortall manhldomclccne, no not ofReg•lm. Theverieremembrance whereof. made my hayre llandright vp, andfoorthwithmooued me eo mend my pace. _ . .

Afterward retuming to my felfe , I thought rhus • Heere without all doubte ( fol' fo l·imagmc:d by reafon of the glorious bountie of the beautifull foile) is no habitation but fur ciuill pe_o pie ,or rather for Angles and nobleperfonages,and a place; for N1mphes to frequent vnto , or for the Goddes and Auncients, Monarch~s and princes,info mu1=has my perfwafiue defire,did prouokeforwa~de my refuained pact:', caufmga perceuerance in my la~e begwuourney. And thus as one ~aptiuated andfubielt to the fharp~ fpurre of vnfatiable de!ire, I purpofed to houlde on whether the fayr.eneii'e Qf my fortunefhould conduct mec:, as yet.but indifferent and rather languilhiag. . ·

. Nowe come to behoulde a fayic amf plentifull countrie, nwtefit}lfic;ldes, and fertill grolUldes , I did c:xceedinglye com­ruendthedcfirethatmoouc4mee6rftto ·entetinto them. But efpe<ially to giue thankcs to him that had brou&ht mee out from thefearcfull place. which now llittlcrc,&ardcd being far ~ough ~fffroaur. - _ .

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;, 11 DriiiiiH.

PoltpiJi!u, fbeij•~th tbe ttJT!?mMifJIIfo~!fo fJ{thl CtJttntrie ~J>blre-illttJb~, _WIU comr,inhi4tr4111!iling 117ilhm thrfame,hecame vntollgtJoJ!itf Fo11ntain~ , t~ndhiJWI .hre foB'e firte fatre Damfels comming tl­w.rerdes him, and their woondering at hi4 r:omming, h1th~r ,lfffte­ringhimftqm l?t~rre, lfndinuitinghimtQb«t!l p4rtaktr rftheir fol!!m. '

··"-~· , - .- Hus_ .got.ten foorth of this fearefull hell; darke . . .· . hollownefTc-, and dre1dfull place (although it ~ '" · we~afacredAphrodifeand rcuerc:nd Tern­

. plc:: } and beeing come i11to a defired light, · louelyeayre ,and pleafatmt countne, full of contentment : I turned my felfe about to

· · . ·-: .. Jooke:backeat tbcplacdi•o•n whence I came out, aridwl1el'emylite7 my life'that late!~ l cfl:eemcd fo light­lie, was fir~e<arly~ perplexed and daungered,. where I beheld a mountaine vnnaturaH ;with a moderate atfennon·and fieepe ri­fin<> • ouer~growne add ihaddowed with greene and tender lea~es of maftie Okes ·,.Beeches, Wainefcot Okes , Holmes~. Cerrits-.Aefttdtrr, Corke tr<:es, Yew ttees , Holly or Huluc:r ,or Acilon. .

And towardcstheplaine, it was couered with Hamberric:s~ Hafels,Fylbirds, 1uune, prrnt,or priuet • and whitened with the flowers thereof : bycoulere.d'Xeapie, beeing red towardes the north,and whiteagainRtlie Sou_the, Plane _trees, Aihe trees, and·· fuch like, fprc:dding and Hretchmg out t~etr braund1es: fow_lded · andiinbraced'withtherunnmg ofHunmfuckles or woodbmes, and Hoppes ~whichmadeapleafaunt and (oole fbade • V nder thew}jichgrewe La dyes Seale or Rape.Violet, _burttull,for tl,le fight; iagge'd Polyrodie, and the Tnentall and four~ mched . Scofopentlria , or Hartes roongue·, Heleb~rous N1ger , or Mc:latnpodi, Trayflc:s; and fuch other V f!!br1plulous hearbes ai1d woodde Flowers , fome adomcd w1th them, and fome wtthout. ·· ·

So that the mouth of the darke place , out of the which Ihadefcapcd, wasm a manner within the bighe Mouutaine,

all

Tht Jrifo ,, LIW

all ouergrone with trees. And as I could conietl:ure it was iufhgainlhhe afore fpoken

of frame, and in my judgement it had, been fomc rare peice of woork, more aultcient then the other,and by time walled and confumcd,now bearing Iuie andotherwall trees, and fowas be­come an ouer growne wood, that I could fcarce perceiiiC any comming out,or mouth for ealie palfage but CIICD for a ncceffitie, for it it was rownd about compaffed and enuironed with bll­ihie and fpreeding trees, fo as I was ne11er determined to enter in thereagaine.

L1 theilreight pafl'age of the valie betwixt the extenfed and .highe mounting!rockes 1 the ayre was dim by reafon of the retai­ned vapores, and yet 1 was as well pleafed therewith as Apo!la at ·his deuine birth.

But letting paffethis hole,&omthewhich I gat out by !l:oo· ping,Iet vs come on forward to the fweetlibert1es which 1 next beheld and that was a thicke wood of Cheflnutsat the foote of the hill, whic!l I fuppofedto be afoilefor p,, or fome Siluane Gad with th~irfecding beards and Hockes,with a pleafant lhade, vnder thewhicha,I paffed on,I cametoanauncient bridgeot marble with a very great and highe arc he~ vppon the which along winning to eytherlides of the walls,there wereconucnient feats torefl vppon, which although they were welcome tomywea• rye bodie, yet I had more delir.e to go on furwarde, vppon which ·fides of the bndge , tufl ouer the top of the arche, there was .placedaporphinttabi'Wl···· 'th agorgcous borderofcuriouswork­manihlp ,onetableontbeonefldeandanotherontheotherfide, lbutthatonethe lefdidewas ofOphit~.

. Vppop.thetableon myrighthandasiwent lbcheldEgip!ie biwaglipbi,l on th~s forte, An auncient Helmet a-c(l:ed with a .· I>oggeshead. .

The bonyfcalpeof anoxewith two green brauncnes of trees· bound fail tG the homes. And an ould lamp e. Which hleroglipbis thebraunches excepte4 becaufe I know not whether they were ofFirre tree, Pineapple, Larixor /uniper,_or fuch like : I thus in~ terpret. ..

Patientia

Mll DmiWilo

IATIENTI.A EST ORNAMENTP"M, CYSTODIA ET PR01ECTIO

VJT AE.

On .the other fide th~re was ingrauen a cyrcle, then an An.; chor with a Dolphin winding about_ the ftrangule thereof, which I coniechtredlhould fignifiethis,.w: ::wu AI! llPAAF.O'l.Semper fofli· Mlltllrdr. 1

V nder which auncient,fure,arid faire bridge, did runne amoft . cleare fwift water,dcuidingit felfe into two feuerall currents, the oneonew~y and the other an other,whichrannemoll:colde, ma• king a !oft continuall fiill noyfe,in thei¥ freefed,broken and nib­bled Channels, by their eaten in ;mdfurrowed bancke, full of fiones, couered ouer and ih~dowed with trees , their fpredding rootes appearing in the fame bare, and about them hanging Tri­com.t.n:t, .Adi.mtm and CimhAiari4, and beardedalfo with di· uers [mall hayres as vfe to growe about the banckcs ofl\y• uers.

The wood that I haue fpoken of, was to looki: vppon veryc pleafant,neytheroucrthick or more lar<>ein compaffi:thanaman wouldwill1,but building a deJightfullfuadowc, the uecsfullCilf !mall bil'desandfowcs. - - - -· -

K ----------------·-··---............ ~-~~~-............ __________________ _

Right

Thtft.rifo of Lout Rightforwarcle, the Bridge did extendc it fclfe, and leadc to­

w~rdes abrgeplaine, rdoundingall ouer with the fwe-etechi~· pings, melodious recordings, andloudc Ji,-:ging ofthem.Whcrc­in were le~pingandrunning little Sqirrels, and the dro\~fie Dor­moufe, and other harmclcs beafles.

And after this manner as aforefayd, this wood die Countrie fhewedit felfe,euuironedabout withhighmount~incs as much a~ a manmightlookevnto' and the plaine couered.all ouerwith a fine varietie of fundrie fweete hear.bes, and the dear.e channels of Chari£l:aline fireames,£Iiding downe a long the hi lies withamur.:, muringnoyfe into the Jeauell vally.

Adorned and beautified with theflowring bitterOliue, Law~ rell, white Poplar, andLifimiichia, b!acke Pop le, Alders, and. \'.'ildeAfhe,

. V pon the hils grew high Firre trees \'narmed, and the wee­pmg Larix, whereon Turpentinei:.made,andfuch like.

When I had well confidered ot this io fruitfull and fo com·, m odious a place for cattel and bcafht0 b~ feddeinand'kept,(for. lt looked~s though it would defirc a fhepheardes company ar.d a pa!lorall !ong)I mu fed what ihouldbe the occalion,thado com­modious a place fhould lye vninbabi~ed. And cafiingmy eyes further on forward m to the plame before mee, and leauina this fore di!Cribedplace ,I, might perceiue a·01:1ild.ingof Marble~ fhe.­wmg ther-oafe thereot ouer the tender toppes of the compaillno­trees. At thcfight,,hereof; lgrewwonderfi.11ly <>lad and in ""ood· hope, that there yet I H:ould fin de fome habita~lOn and reiizac. To thewhidmithoutd'elaie I haflined myfelfe,Andbein<>co~1e thereunto, I foumb building eight fquare, with a rare and won· dcrfull fountainc: which was not alrogither <imiac. For as yet r had not quenclv:d;and Hakedmy thidt.

This building was ciglJt wrncred, fmall towardcs the top and leaded. Vpon one fide thrre was placed a f.tire flom· ofpurcwhire Marblefourccornored, halfas long again as i-twa5 broad, which latitude as I fuppofcdwas fome fixe foot e. ·

Ofthis goodly flonc were exact two lirle halfe pillers, cham· fered with the~rbafes, ho!dingvp a flreight Sime,with agnle and ad1ected denttculaturc & cordicules,orworke ofharts,with their lihapcers vndcr a Tr01bet, Zorhor and Coromce, ouerthe which -- - . . - '-

.~· was

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i~;a Drramt. 3+ was a tri<>onall contcinecl, in the fourth part of tf1e ft:one fmooth and plai~e without any workemanfhip in the table the~eo~f.JU.ing a litle garhnd , withu the wluch were two Doues dnnkmg m a fmalvdfd.

A l the fpacc vnfpokcn of inclufiue was cut in and cuacuatcd, betwixt the Pi1lers tl1e Gnlature and ouerthwart Trabet, dt<l containc an ele.,.ant Cigrued Nimph. And vndu the Symcwas another quarte~ wrought \\'ith Thors, Torques l B;lllons and a Plinth.

which faire Nymph !aye lleeping vppon a folded cloth, la~, andwounde vp vnder her head, An other part conucmenthe brou<>ht ouer her, to hide that barcwhichwas womanly & meete tobe0keptfecret, Lying V}'on hc:r right fide with thatfubietl:ed arme retract, ;rnd her open palme vnder her fa1re checke, wherc-vpon il1c: relled her bead. . . ·

The otheranneatliberue,lymgallalong ouer her leftloyne, flretching to the middle of her goodly t_high. By herfmal teates (like a yong maids) in her round brefl:s d1d f pr~wt ~utfmal Urea­minas of pun:: and clcarcfrcl11 water from the nght brefi as Jt had bee~ a threed, but from the left breH mofl: vehemently. The fall of both of them, receiucd in a vdfel of Porph;rit fione, with t\<:O

Receptories ioynino- to"ither in the fame ve!Tel , feperated and difhnct from the N1~nph fixe foote, ~auding vppon a concnient frame of Hint fione. Betwixt either ot the~eceptones, there was another vdfelplaced, in the which the waters did !lriuc m9ither and meetes, running 'Out at the cut and appointed places, In the middle l)'mbus ot their Receptmies, "·luch waters ~omtxt out of that vdfel, vnhdcd themfelucs into a httle channellhdtng a• way, andwhatwith one and what with the other, .a.l rhe hc1r!;~s and 1lm\TCS adioyning, and about were bounnfullye bcml1•

ted. · That of the left bre!l did fpinvp fo high, that it did not we at

or hinder any that would fucke or drinl<e of the water thJt fir ea. medand fprung outoftheright breH. . . . .

And this excellent lma<>c was fo dtfimte1ye expreiF:d, that 1 feare mee Prapitit~r ~eucr pc:rfou~ll~~d tl•e ly kc for

. K 2 VmiU

'l'h6 /lri(6 of Lo111

Yt11111,t0 Nicb(Jtn':les t~e King of C4ria whirl~ I doll he appdinted to b~adorcdoflus fubtcct~,although the beaucy therotwerl: fuch that lt moued that fi!thie people to flelhly concupiCcence.

But I was perfwaded that the perfeetionofthe IlllJ<>eoff'e,uJ ~as~othingto this,for iclooked _as if a moll be1HifulJ Lad ye in I~ htr ~eep had b_eene chaunged m to a fl:one,h1r hart Hill pan tin~ and hrr fweete hpps readie to open, as tf il1e would not be fQ v~d. .

Frornhir hea·d hir loofe treiTe_s la}·e wauing vppon the fup­prefled couermg, fo\'llded and p!Ited and as tt were fcornin<> the haires of the mglomatede cloth, hir thighes. of a conucnfenre bignes an_d hir fleibie km:es fomwhat bending vpp, and retrJ<t toware.s htr.

Showing hiJ.: fi~cight toes as it were incereating hir fingers to handle and flreme them, the refi ofhir bodie aunfwerable to the perfecHons of thefe feueraU proportions. · . · And behind hir the ihadowing of the leaffye Menmill or ...4r.bt~t.full of foft fmall Apples and fruite, and prettye byrdes as yfther_ had beene chirping and ~nging of hir a fieep.

At ~Jr feet flood a_ faure ~ pr~nent lufivppon hisgotifl1e feet, hiS mo~th and h_ts nofe toynmg to$ether hke a gore with a beard gro~mge o~ e1ther fides of his chin, with two peakes illld lliorte m the m1ddefie like Goates I1ayre , and in like man­ner about his flankes and his cares, grewe bayre , with a vifa<>e adulterated betwixt a mans and a Goate~, in [ o rare a fort as if the e:ccellent woorkman in his caruinge had had prefented vnto him by nature the Idea and lhapeof a S4tire.

The fameSatm:, hadfon:iblie with his Tefte hand bent an oarme o~the .Ar!Jut tree oucrthe11eepie nimphe,as if he would make h1r a fauorable ihadowe therewith, and with the other hand howldinge vpp a curtaine by one of the fides that was fafl:ened to the body of the tree.

Betwixt the· comare MeimeriO or .ArbHt , and the SAtire were two little Satim, the one howlding a bott ell in his hand~ and the other with two fn01kes fowldmg ab~Jut his armes. _

The excellencie,dihcatnes and J?erfeaion of this fi,ment illid woorkmanl11ippe cannot be fuffientlie expreffed. ~>

This

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m 11 DrtllTIH. 3 S Thisal(o helping to ~dome the fweetnes ~h el·_eof that is the

,...·hitnes of the fione,as tf It had been pure mane. , , I wondered alfo at the woorking ot the clothe coueringe

il~ yfit had been wouem and at the bowes, braunches,and leaue!, '*1dat the little birdes.a§ if they had been finging and hopping ~pp and dowJ~evpon thc~r pletie feet i1~ euerie ioynt fing!e :md Founcemadeperfea,andfo theS4tmhke w1fe.Vnder thtsrarc and wopnderfull:carue-d woork betwixt the gulatures andvn~ 4ukin thcq~taine-ftnorhe was grauen in Atthi~ characters this fl"efyc· PANTA ro·ur.y,

I

I ,.

I

• ;n.cDrt.tmt; 36 _ The thirfi wl1ich I had gotten the daie before was fo increa-

fed, that I was prouokednow to fiacken the fame, or rather inti~ ced with thefaire beautie ohheinfirument, the coolenes where­ofwa~ fuch, asbetwi.."t my lippesl.Jlethought it llin·cd and trem;, bled. · · ·. · ·

. And rounde abQut this :pie~fantpla'e, and,b,y thepippiyng chani1ds, grew Vaticinffl,m ~ 4ill]<.cimuallt.t, and the flowring Lyfi­machia or wil!Qw hearbe, ,the forrowfull Reedes, I\lymcs; water Parfley, Baume; Hydro!apathot, or. water Sorrel!, and other ap­prouedhearhes, <md fine floures, a little Ch<Jtmel ccmming by a iluce from.the Br!dg.e, eq_tering il! a1;1d VI1la4jngitfelfe, was the (aufe of a goodly:faitcrP9olt;0 broa<h!ncllartf~,in av~rie$ood or­der, trimme·c&.ill>G~t andJ)eau~\f!e~.~'i~t,P._a;f~nce of fweete Roles and Gclfaniiru:. ;And.ft.<>m theq~c;"rU:flumg quer it, ditperfedit felfe, nouri!h~g illl.d yifiting tbf;l·JlCXt~.adwyning fie! des and. grmuule, ab~lJp.ditig in,~Ufortc;~. ofb,earbes, Houres, fiuires, and trees. · · .. , · , . · .

There grQW.e-.-alfg :&rll=lt {lpr~c.ot~J?J.Wi~,·g.r:~tefult, t• Ve,n~a, wy lde Tanfo; (;i/qc~J/i(l , :"':~~b.le!W!'1S Ili~e a.Aliel~~. and gardc;n. hearbes. :-:, .... , ,· ·~:r .. ~:·,::;w· ·- · , ... •

And frGm t.bence beho>ldingthe p}~ine fie) des, it was woon• derfull to.fee thegreennes ther~of, powderedwi.th fuch varietie offw~drie forte.<tcolours, and diuc;rs fainioBed floures,as yea low CroV'!foote, or•golden Knop,-Oxcye, Satrion Doo-o-es fione ,the Ie!fer Centorie ,, Mellilot, SaJ9fi·age,. Cow flops, Ladies fingers, wil_de Cher~ile,orJnephertrde~Needle,N.iflm.t G.entil '. Sins_ui-. fohe Eyebnghr, Strawbenes, wrth flourcs and fru1tes, wildc Co• lumbindes A gnus Ca!l:us, Millfoyle, Y ~qow, wherrn-ith Acl?il-: les did !wale Telrph~a, and rherull ofthc.fame fpeares head tlu1: hurt him. Withe the white Mufcarioli., bee floures and Pane­nmtes il'l-fo beautitull aud pleaf.1nrrnanner,. that thev did great­ly comfortmee (hauing loJl:my felfe) but eucn.with the loo!1ing vppon them. And heere and there in a meafurable and wcl di(";; pofed di!launceand [pace betweene. In a conuenienr order aml fwectedifpofed fort by a iu[t line, grew the grceneand !\..-cete fmelling Orenges, Lyrnons, Citrons, Pomcgranettes, their wa­ter boughes bendyng downc within one pace of the ground, <i0uer.e9v;ith le;n.\es. of a glallie grecne colour,. of a gre-at height

-- · · · · - · · · · · · · and

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!11ftrifo If LMH aJtd turning downe againe their toppes, laden with the aboun. dancc:ottheir fioureand fruitc:s, breathing forth a moll fweet and deleli:ablc: odoriferous fmell. Wherwithall my appaled heart did notverie lightly reuiuc himfelfc ('it lllig.ht bee m a'pcfhlc:nt ayre md comacrious ~nd deadly fau()ur~) . . . . •. · fl)t w~ich caufe· I ftociil amazed and in great doubt what to thinkeor doo, and the-rather becaufc in that place I had feenc fuch a marueilous fountai11e, the varietie ofhearbes, the colours of fioures, the placing orderly of the trees, thetaire and comma. dious dilpofitionofthefeat, the fweet cbirpings and qtuet finginq ofBirds, and thetemperate~d·htalth~tayre.Andwhich I coulcS verie well haue been con~eri~~d withal~, and the worfl: of them

.might we! hauccontenriedme;iflhad foundailyinhabitant there-. And fomewhat I was gficlied that.! could no longer abide in fuch a place where fo many delioohtful fightes did prefent them(elues vnto mee. Neither was I alWfecho my better fafctie and content which wavto turneme. .ce .

. ' .· Sraniiii1g i:hus·~'ftkharur~nce of.iit[11dc, d.tlin_gtoremem­brauncc the tdWriger·that' 'I hiid~iaruye-efclaped;anel· ~e prefenr place that I wa~ n,ewlye1 entered . i!lto •- and th~nking vpp~n hieragliphes iliat ) did feeintheleftudeof the br1dgc , I ~as m doubt, to hafienmy felfe'towards any vmtduifedaduers acctdent,­And that fucb a monument and warningwoorthie ot golden let• .ters, iliouldnot be fet invaine tothetn thatpaffc,el:by, which was Semptrfoflina t4rM. Be~old ofafodaine behindc me~I heard aruf­lingnc.>yfe, like the 1-iindeor bc:atingofa Dragons wmges. Alas I knew hot what it ihould bee, And fodeinly tfpafurated and tur­tling my felfe about, I might perceiue vpon one fide of me many Glique trees of .Atg]pt J with their ripe long coddes hangmg and beating one againllan other w~th thewinde, had [clleddownc themfelues, which when I percetued, I was foone qwetecl,and be· ganne to make fport at my owne folly. . ·

I had not continued long thus, but 1 hard a fingn~g company of<>allant damofelles conunin$towardes mee (by thetr voyces of yo~ngand tender:reares) and faire (as I thought) folacing and fportincr tbemfelues among:the flowering hearl:les and frefh coo le Jhadow)ree from the fufp~a: of anr mans fight,and making in their Gate a great applaufe among the pleaf~t tlowers.- The in~re­. · · · · ·· . dlblc

in a tJrume; 37 i.li'ole fweeuteiTe ofhir muficall an(\ C9n(onant voyce, conu<::igh~ c:d in the rO.rife!loU's ayre,arrd fpt':CdQi:ng-it;il;l~e.abroade. with the aunl:\ve~able-.founde and de!ecbblerepol't or· a warbclmg harpe (for the try~li of which noueltie, I wuched downe V'nder the I owe bowcrhes.ofthe next adioini ng buf11es, and f.1w them come towardes 1~eewith <>ratiousgeftures) hit Maydenlie headatty­rcdandbo~nd vpi1~h!lcts of glylleringgould, and inll:rophiated redimited o-arnifhed uQer and befet w1th floured mtnle, and vpon hir .fno''T;'forehcade, brattched out lur trembling curled lockes, and about hirfayreH fhowlders, flew hedongm:fles after~ nym­phifll fafhion artyfitiallye h~nd~Icd. . . / . ,

They were apparrclled m carpanmallhabltes offirie fyllt~of fondrye coulers, and weauinges ot three fort$, one lhorter, and d!l.linQfromtheother,. Thenethennofl: ofp1,1rple, the~1exr.qf <>reenefifke· & "ouldeor ti!few ,and the vpp ennfl: ofcurled wh1~e il:ndall O'y;dej about their fmale wafl:eswithgirdlesofgoulde vnderthg lower partes of their round brealts . Tht'ir i1eeues of the fame curled Sendall, often doubled, winch bettered and gra· c.ed thefubieel:-couler. And tycdabout their wrHh with ribands ofGlke,tagged with Gou,ldfmitheswoorke. Andfomeof then) with P antophles vpon .theJr JlJOo~s, the vpper part of the Pan~ tophleotgould and.p.urple filke,Jeafeworke, 1]1eW1ilg thorough betwixt the voyde fpaccs ot the kauc~, the fi~1e prqport10n of theirprittiei!laquiatedandcontayne~ feetc,1 hctr fl.oocs com­ming fl:raightly vnder thm·: ancklcs,wlt~ tw.o la pp es meetmg vp­~mth.t:irinHeps,andcloled f.llleytber \\'lth Buttons· or c,lafpes of gowldafter a fine ma!Jllf!J:. Aboua the hemmes o/;;theyr.netl~er garments ,.rhere:compaffed :ab (>Ut 1nfleed of gardcs:and unbto­dered woorke of hearts, wlw:.h now and then blowne vp With the ;,.ent1eavre,made adifc<HJerie ofth.eiifine lcgges, . ::: And~tfooneas tlwywcre aware ot' mee,they left oft~eirfong and flayed they.r nil)lpifh gatt:s, be\ngamaEed .'-;tth the HJGghre. andofmy comming.\nto 1;his place, n1aruelhng together, and whifperinglye mquu.ingpfme,on!! of:mother, for 1 feemcd V:~Jto them ;j l".fU"C: <Jnd vnu(uall tlung, b ecaufe I was. an ahant.and: fh an­ger, a:Lld by chaunc_e CO _::LW into fo. tumous a~Jd reoowmed a COIJll• tr.ie. Thus t11ey ll;mdc ltiil,fometJmcs lookmgdowne v•pon me~&!

1 . L ~- ,: ... agamc:

The jlrifof Loue again muttering cneto an other ,I fiood.fiilllil•e an image. Oh WO was me ,for lfeltall my ioy nts quake like the leaues of an Afpe, in a bitter winde, And 1 was :lfl'raidcofrhc prd\~',ing pciefte tln.t I had read,otherwife admfing; me , whereof! now thought to late to experience the elfcft thcreof,and looking tor no or her cucnt,I remained as dou&dull ofthe deuinc vifion,rherew1th as much dc­ceyued as &mde'with the fayned fhape ot the Eptd-ui~Mn Bnw. Aias I trembled and fhooke like the tearefull bindc caluc.) <•t the f.ight oft he tawnie Lyons raring out f(w hunger, .

Co11tendingand firiuingwith my fdfe,, whetbc:r it were bcc­ter for me fubmifTiw:ly to kneele downe,or cl s to tumc me about and .flyefrom them )for they feemed·to.mcc by their behauiour, to~ourteons young women, and bcfides their humanitie ot ad c­aine beningnitie)orto remaine fiiU vnmoneable;Atlength I de· termined to malte tryall>and put my fclfe for.wardeto whatfoeucr y;ould follow ,being v~ry well a!Iured, that by nt> means I fhouJd. finde ;my inhumanitie or cruell dealing by any of them, and efpe­tially, becaufe th~t innocencie carrycth alwayes his proteftion '\Nith him. And rhus fomewhat comforting my fearefull mind~:, ;md yet refirained with iha:.ru:f.tflnelfe, knowing that I was vn­woarthily-comcinto t.his fl1adowie place, andtolidouscompany of.deuine·and•dtlicare nimphts, my guill:ie and n:oubled mind~ ullingmee. thati~wasrafhly and ouer-bouldly doone,and that they were iumghtbe,prohJbited places., and.1 torbiddencoun­tric for a fhaining to frequent. And rh inking thus and thu5 with lll)'felte: one amonglt the reflof a more bouldeand audatiou:. fpiritc,very hotrdly fp.1ke vntome,lilyiHg.Howho art thou~athir fpecche I was halfeafraide, and of my felte af11amed, both igno­rant whntto my, or howeto aunfwcr: my voyce and fpiritbeing interd1aed, I Hoode fione fii!Hike a deJd image . 3ut the f1yre D.nntclsand beautifull Nimphes wdl aduil",:d, that in me was a re all and hum;;ine perfonageand fllilpe, but dlfh:mpercd and a­fray de, thry drew ;dl oft hem morenecl:'<ir.Yiilo me, f<ying. .

Thou young matt, whatfocuer thou• art; and from whencef o• euer thou art tome: Let not ot1rprefent afpllas anywhird1fmay the~,or ocrafioathy~difcourJgemcntnor be no vdm a!byde,'f01: here thou llialtnotfindc any cruel! cuHomes, o,rcaufi: o:fidifcon .. ti~n~, but fr.eefi-om d ifi'lcaiures,.and th;:rcforc be not afravde to

--- - .. - - ·· - - -- 'd1fco-

I

· ;,aD1'tie."'J~: 3S di{couer thy felfc,and tdl vs what thou art.

By this motion hauing called backe againe my forgotten and lofi fcnccs,comforted wzth their £urc, plcafant, and fauourablc afpeas,andrecouering my felfe with the1r fweet fpeeches, with a very good will I made this aunfwer vnto them.

I am the mofl: d1fgraccdand vnhappiefl: louer that the whole world can aforde. I loue,and tl1e whom lo greatly I efleeme, and fo earnefily I de fire, I neyther know wlu:re eytherihe or my felfc is.

And by the greatefl and mofi daungerous hapthat can be ima­gined I am come hither . And now with prouoked teares downc tailing from my watcrieeyes along my pale cheek~s, ~nd bowed downctethe earth profl:ratingmy felfe 'l'o your vzrgmallfeete I humb liecraue and fue for your f.1uo-urable graces:whercat theyr foft and tender heartes mooued with p!ttie toll:'ardes mee, and halfeweeping with meet or companie, and as it were dutifull.ye flr.iuingwiththeyrarmestoliftmeevp from the grounde, w1th fweetea.ud C@Jnfortablefpeeches, they courrcouilye fpakcvnto me.

Wee are cenainlyperfwaded and knowfuli well(poorewretch) that few or none can efcape bythatwaywhichthouartcome,and therefore bee not vnthankful] to that diuine power. whtdl hath thus preferued thee,And l!10W be not doubtful! or afrayde of any aduers accident or ,!?,reefe to a!t1ile thee. Thereforequyet,com. fort,an<l fettlethy heart ro reil. fornowe thou art come as thol& may eH euidently perceiue ,and p lainely fee, into a place ofple~~ fure attd delio-ht,abandoning Urife and difconq:nt. For our Vlll·

formed ages:~ he feate vnchaungeable,the time not ficaling a~ ay, the good oportuni tie, the gratious and fotiabl e famzlmme, 111t~­cincr!y dooth allure vs therevnto, and graunteth vnto vs a coaU· nu;~lleyliue. And this allo thou mlllt vnderfiand, that if one of vs he menic and dclightfome, the other iheweth her felfe the moreo-ladand ph:afaunt, and. our ddd.table and perticip;~ted friendfl1ip ,is with anattentiue e-o nil deration perpetually vny• ted and iknitte together. One of vs increafing an others con~ tent , to the highefi degree of delight, and mofie conuenyent folace. '

Thoufeefi alfo that the ayre is healthfuU, the lymittes and ~ I ~\\'~~

<· Tb6 /frJfo of LoN6

bounds of this place vcric large: of he~rbes full of..Varietie • Of plants diuerflie abounding, and· withfruites plentifully laden, inurronedand defend·cd with ht1ge mount•\incs •mdrolk~s, weU fl:ored withhtlj1lelefle bealts:,an-d fittdor all pa!hmcs and plea­fures, repleni01ed with all.kinde of:trutt~s.and !.,.::,,mes, vJ;;,;cr-· faliy' growing,and fuJ.j of g<YodJy foUHtaines.. ' ' o:An orherf.ud:vi1derflamh, v1iknowhe, (and yet afTured gueft,)

good frielld, thttthi~ territoricis.more truitfull then tl11.: fercill moun.taine T.mrus in the aquilou.;ll aftjJdl:, whofe f;·amc dooth fwclHo much,;tbat their clp(~ers of grapes bee tVI"o cubits long, ar.cl rha.tanc Figuee.'\'.il! ldea.ce.feauentie bu1l1eh. ·

f, T~i:liird; ehlsf.lm(j):us;a.nd fpatious ca>uiJtrey, exceedcth the ftr.tilili:'of:llh.eHyperblfnianJflanditHheWell india,or thepor.:. tugaH:cs .ofLYcilnnitJ, nowevfmpeda11d tyrannized by the info-' lentSpaD}"ara.;: .. '. •if : , . · ·

. No.r tr.a~.dn the C.:ri}i.:mmountaine. The fourthaffirmeJ i1i hir:commet1dationofthat~0untrie, that theplentifulnelfe off..:.; gypt was but to be atO!nll11\edfl=atfitie,mr.efpeet of that ahhough that it were thought to be the garden oft he world. • ··;

And the I all:, of a choyi~ 'countenance and fwcete prommtill-onabouetherell:,addedtbus much,faying• . . ·

In this fayre countrie you {]Jallnot finde any large fennic. groundes,or offenfiwe wdficklye ayres, or craggie and fertldle moffes, but f<1ireand.pleJ.C1Unt hil.ies)·•mrironed:mdwalled iLbout with Heipand vnpa!Uigeable rockes ;and by meanes thereof • fe-; cure and free fro mall daungers and feare, we want not any thing which may breed ~efight,and caufe a iweete content. Bdi des all· tl1is wee· arc: attendant vppon a renowned and moll excellent ~eene oflarge bountieou1d ex ceeding·liberalitie: called Euteri-' ?Jda of great pltt>ie and rncruelous clemencie ,. ruling with great wifdome,andwithakuigly gouc:rnel'nent, with great pompe, in an accumo!ated]J:eapeofall feliciri.e ,and l11ee wyll bee greatly de· lighted,when V..eillall prefent thee vnto hirfacred pre!ence' and rnaiefiicallfi~;h.t. And thercfore.call away, i.h<1ke of, and forget all affiitting forrowe;and frame thy felfe and thy afliightcd fpyrits: to.inter.tainc.of.our!comfo.rts.10laceand pleaftlre~ ·

' 1' P.aliph;lus

39

P o/,phi!w ftdti~rt; himftifo vnderthe 4ffo1·.~nce ofthe f~:e 1\~p;,-pl:~c .• -, wmt lrith·thcmtothe bat!Jes ll"bcrnhq hud grcnt f,lfi,~hw· i;;t/;e de"i(e af tbe founrai»t', and,1/fobyb.i 'v»ilio11. .Afterward bci''Z braugbt /() ~he %enr:Euthn·i/!idrt, /x. did foe mmlJ tbir~gcs wort/;Je of reg.:trd, 'fut chkfl; tlii'rNn~af.t f?unMiwe.

.: Being thus C·Urteonily i il treated of thefe graCJousaml p1tiful Nyrnphcs,:md hauino­myf<tfcrie by them !uiliciently warranted with fwcet·wmforts, ·reuming my decai.J

IIJ..!IlliJ!ll.~1'ft'· eel fpirires. To. whatfoeuer might fcemei ·grateful and pleafing.vnto them, fo mud~

·~~~4.}/.~~~·~•s was cbnn.enient f.Or.mee, Itbmedrny «.. felte to offer my feruicc. And bc,aufe

tint they had boxes of fweeteperfumes, and cafling bottels of golde and preciom fione • looking Glalfcs i;1 theirdelicate ;mdi t:Lire handes, au~purewhitc Vailes of filke phtedand f0lded vp, and otherneceflanes to bee vfcd m bathing , which I offering to· }Je!perhem to beare, they refullng fay thus vntomec: th~lt tl1e1r' comming into this place w:!s to bathe,and therewith l11ewed me~ that it was theirplealure that I tlwuldgoewith them, tor (!aide they) thefountaine is here hard by, hauc yonnot lecncit'. And I L'euercntlymade them this anfwere ..

./V loll faire Nimphes, if! had a thouf:mde ton<>ues and knew how tovfethennl, yet could I llDt render fuffici~uttbaukes fot' your gracious defertes, and make requital of your great fauours, becaufcyouhauereHoredvntorl'!eemy life •. And therefore if I fl1oulclnot confentanclyeeld vnto you my fermce and company, I might wel bee· accounted ofa· chur.liib d1fpofition. For which caufe,amongfl:youi hadr.1ther beafcrannt1thenin an otherpla~e a Lord and commander, for that (fo farre as I can conieuure) you are the tenantes and chamberfellowes of al delight .and true feli~ riti~ .

You fhal vndcdland that:l.clid fee: a marueilaus fountainc of <1 r.1re and wondc:rftd wdikemanlhip. , .as aeu!er bcfo11e .my, eyes ciid beholde; and ~tnl!(h:my.lnintkw~ o.crupied .lll~lntqcgard

L 3 of

Tilt f/rifo •fL~t~t of the Uraungenes tl1creof, and to quench my great thidl, that 1 did looke for no further benefit. · · One pleafattt Nymphe fpa!£ethusmerrilyvnto meefaying, giue mee thy hand , thou art vcrie welcome. Thou feel} at this prefent here, that we are fiuecompanions,and I amc.11led .A.phe111,

Tb& nimphs and ihe ~hat carri~t~l the boxes and wh.ite cloathcs Offre.{!i 1. T~is "cro his liuc other wtth the fhinmg Glalfe {our delightes) hernamelS Or•fsz•. {enc ~s. Shee that carrieth the foWlding.. Harp e is called .A.chol, and ihee

t-hafbeare.th the~fi:ing bottle ofp.rerious Lyquor,is called G~ll­fort:~. And we are alnow goingtogitherto ~hefetemP.eratebath.:s, to refrcihand delight ourfelues. Therefore you a Ho (feemg that itilyour good bap to bee amongfi: vs) fhal bee willing to doo the like, and afterwardes with a verie good wil wee!lllj.l tnake ou.r re-paireto the great Pallai.s~f our fo~eraignc• · . .

.Who is mollmerc~ful, bountiful, and hbera1, and l!l'll!mg to helpe and further you, in your intended loues, burniug dcfires, and high conceites. P lucke vp a good he.ut,man, come let vs g.Je on.

With pleafurable a£l:ioos, maydeoly iefi:ures, fwaliuious he­hauiours, ~rlifhfp0rtes,waoton regardes , and !lllith fwec:t vvor.ds the}' leddemeeon thither.,-beeing·v·vel cententvvith eu~ric pre. fentafuan, but thacmr Polilllvvasnot theretQt·he fupplunentof myfelicitie, and-to haue been the lixt perfcm 111 the making vp of aperfeanumber.

Further, I found my felfe agrieued, that my apparel vvas no.t conformable to this delicious confort, but grovving inte fome houlhold familiaritie,I d1fpofed my felfto be affi1ble vvith them,. and tbC)'withmee, til at lailweecame to the place.

Tbcirel beheld: a marueilous buildyng:of a bathe eight fquare ~ •and at eucfye Exterior corner , ·there were. do.u-bled together iwoo ·Pyles , . in fafhion of a l 1ykc, front the lc:uell of the foundation, the{ubica Areobates Circumc.intl: and ribbed about. And after the111 followed the vtmoll of like bi"nes, froQ.l the ground of the other, with their chapters fet vndcr the fir eight l>eame, with a border aboue, vndet· a Co· tonice-ooino round about. Which border was beautified wld1 ex­cellent ~a~d wor.kc-,.oflitle naked childrerlpalfing !lllel fet f9rth. j ,!lllde«Jllaltyd~~t~~efr~m~~th~,withtlli:ir,handc.sintris:at~;

in.rDr~ttm'~ 40 ly.tyedand wrappedabGut, and in them holding little bundelsof fmal greene boughes,infirophiatcd togither. And aboue the {aid Coronicc:, did mountvp (by an elegant arching) an eio-ht fquare Spyc:r, imitating the fi1bktt. Wluch from comerro i:"omer was cut through with a maruei!ous workemanfnip of a thoufand fun­,b ie fafl1ions, and clo[cdagaincwith quarrels•ofChriftal, which· a. farre ofl did take to bee Leade. V p~ll.the top of whicl1 arched Spyec was placed. a Trygon, and fro~;the ·vppercenterthcreof, did afccud vp a firong fi:eale, whcrinto w.:wiuyned an other fi:eale \"h~che \~as turt~ed about, _and to tl~e fa!ne 1vas faficneda wyng, wb1ch \\"lth em·ne blall of wmde tarned about, the pipino- flea le which had vpon the -top the1·eof a ball, whereupon Hood~naked Boy, fh·eight vpon his right foote, and the left holden out. His head was hollowtohismouthlike a Tunnel, -.dth the Orifice eu3-cuaced to his mouth, to the !lllbich wa,fowdcred aT rompct,with his 1 eft hand holding the Lanquer to hi i month, & his right band extc:ndingtowardes-the middle ioynt, iull oucr the pinyon ofit the....-ingor fan e. Alwhichwasofthin.nebra(le, •xcellentlywel call and guirt. Which wing,. ball, andboye, with his cheekes and countenance as if heewere foundin~, wit~ the binder pan of his head euacunated towardes the b luHrmg \'Ylnde, as that blcw,fo he wunded , a11d as the win de eau fed a firange noyfe amonathc: rods of ~iliqNJ:s of Egypt, euen fo did it heare in the Trumpet~ V ppon ~luchca!lfe lmenly. thou~ht to my ~elfe, that a man bein<> alone.. m_au vnkn~wneplace and our of quJe~,-~ay~a~li~~~e#ighted Wlthfuchli&efirangcnoyfes. , ·

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In

Tb1 jlrtfo of Lou~ # .

· In that:part of. the '· buildmg that was on

thc.other fide ofthe Nimp h was the ente­r.aunce into the bathe perfourmed as mee thought by the fame ·Lithoglyphe,llhat_co­uered the ilcepyng Nimphe, vppon the phrifewhereof, were

, ., . .certaine Greeke Ca.:. raQ:ers , fi gnifyin_s ,q:M!IN9.0~'.

·.i

. I

Within there were foure feates whiche went rounde about, and one vnder an o-

'ther, andclofe knitte · to~ither ,wroght with Iatper and Ca!cedony Hone, in. all kin de of colours. Two ofthe !6paffitJgabout feates were >couei·ed· ouer with waretiaild to the vpper margine ofthc third • l11 the cor-ners, & in eucrry cor­ner floode a Chorin­thianCollumnc ofdi­uers colours, waued withfo pure & beau­

tiful Iacintes as nature couldaftoord, with conueuiem bafes and their chapters curiouily made vnder the .beame, ouer the wlu~h was a Zophor, wherein were caru_ed1ittl«: naked Boycs ~laymg_m the water, with water monGers,wtth wraGimg and chtldtln firtfcs, with cunnin<>fii<>hts andagiliticsfit fo! th"iryeares, inliuefy rno-

. ;;, ;;, . . tlOllS

I ~~>A Dr1.illlt; - .., r tions andfpoms: AI which was beautiful ouercoinpatfed~hout with a Coronice. Ouer the which, accordmgto the order of the little Collumics, fwm the perpendicular poynt in the topp~.of the Cupul or Suffite and coucr ot the Bathe, there went ;iT ore moderator, increaling bigger and bigger of OkeJea~es; ort~ to!~ ding and lytng ouer an otl~er of ~rccnc Dtafper, hangmg v_ppon their braunfhin<> flalkes gilt, wh1ch afcendmg vp met togtthcr, :and ~oyned rout~ de in the aforefaide Cupul : where was placed a Lyons head.' w~th l~is_haire fiandlll,?VP round about his face, and holding aRmgmhJStawes, vntothewhtche were faftenedcer­taine chaines Orichalke or Copper, that held a large goodly vef ... fel, with a great braincorlyp, and furro~ed ofthe aforefaide fhy­ningfubfiance, and hangyng two Cubttes abouethewater, the bow le oftheve!Tel which was of Chnfial onely except, the reil as the ribbes thereof and lippmgs, was ot Afuri: blew, with bub-bles of gold and fhining fprinkled here and there. . . .

Notfarre of. there was a cleft in the earth; thewhtch conttnU• ally did caflfoo;thburning matter, and taki~g of ~his, and filling the bottome of the veffel, they did put certame g1nnes and f we et woods which made an indl:imablefuff<lmigation, as of the fwee• tel.tpaft, afterwardes clofing the fame, and putting downe the co­uer, both partes being holow, and the hppmg and nbbmg perfo­rated and pearced through the tranfparent, ChnGa~ cle~re and bright, they rendered a pleafant and dtuerscoulered ltght, by the which through th;: fmal holes the bathes were hghtcned,and the heate ftil incarcerated and interditted.

Thew~! equallyinterpofitebetwixt Columne,and ~?ll'l~ne was of moG blacke !lone, of an extreame hardnes and Hun m R> m­cloyfierc:d aboui: and bordered with a conuenient border of uiaf­per red de as Coral, adorned wtth a Lyneament and worke ot dou­ble Gur<>ules or V.erticules. In the nuddlepart ofwluch table, betwixt~he Collmnnes, there C1teanelegant Nymph naked, as ifi11e had been flaying and attending of th~ flone G~lbtitis, of colour like Iuori~ the lower partes.of cuene of the fa1d borders, <ircuhiugiuflly with the bafes of the Collumnes. . . Oh howexfquitelywere the fame Imagesc_ut, that often•

times my eyes would wander from the real and huely ihapcs, to looke vpatl thofefeyned reprefentat~s. The;

.1.

: The paued ground vndenhe water being of a diuers cmb fe~ mature of hard Uone,cbeckered where you tmght fee marueilous grapbics:througb the dmertit:ie of the colours, For the cleare wa­ter andnotfulphurous, but f'l\eetc and tertiJ-eratelye ~1otte ,not likeaHo~te--houfe o·r-s~ew ,• but. naturally cleanfing It felfe be­yond all credet, there was no .n~eane_s to hinder the obiecrfrom the fight of the eye,Fo1: diuers fil'J:es uJthe tides of~ he feates,_ and in the bottom by a mu{ ea call cutt~g expre~ed,whtc h d1d fo mu· tate nature as if they had bee ne fwimlllUJ& a hue. Asbarbles,lam­preys, and many others, the<:urioufnes ot whofe wo01kel more r-ci~>arded,then their.ir.imesand natures. · -' · · ~Tbeblack fiorieofi:he;walles' was ingrauen v.:irhaleafe worke,

as if it had beene an illaq)leated c~mpofition of ~eaues and. flow­ers,and thelittle fi1elles ofcythemces, fobeauufull to the eye,as waspoffibleto be'deuife.d. · .

Vpon thedqo~e;theioter~ice ~be~eo~was offione-callc:d Gallacrites,l behc:Jda :Dolphm fw1mrmog 111 the calme wanes, andcarryingvponhishacka;youngman, playing vpon an harpe: And.:on.the.contrarie.fide'Vpon the colde Fowltame, there w01s an other:do!phinfvtimming, and."Jo[ldomlll riding vpQn him with a.iliarpeellefpeareinhis hand. , . . .

Thcfe hillories were perfected w1thm the compa!Teotonefelfe finnc !lone ,and fet our in a mo fib lilcke ground. I h_en defemed!y I did commend,both the.archytell: and the flatuane. On the o­ther fide,tbc plea! ant digoitie of the fly re and beautiful fporting nimphes dtd high lye content mee ,lo as· I could not compare to. thinKe ,,;,.hetheE theexceffe ofmy p·affed forrow~or prefent folace fhould be greateCl:. And there was fofweete a.finell as Arabia. neueryeel1lcdthelike.. .. . . , .

Vppon thefeates oHrane,~n flee~ of an Apo~ytene, th~y d1d. impoueri.ih theyr·app~.rrell,rtcheJymuolu~ed, m t~e caflm,i!; of it.olf,fi·om their celelliall bodyes. Theyrtayre trdles bound vp in ncttings ofgeuld, wcuen after a p:;ofi curiom fort. And v.·ith­out any refpell: at all, they gaue.mee leaue w.looke vpon theyr fi1yre and delicate: p.cr(onages, theyrlumcflie and ho~10ur refer •. 11ed ,_ Flcihvndoubtedly like the pure Rofes and wlme Snowe. Ah woe is lliejlfO.und Ill}' he.aruo nfeaml Qpc:nic fdfe ,andal~

- · · · · ..... · · . , · , together.

/~. ~

. mill. Dre~; · 4• to;e thcr to be adi£\cd.t9 avolupruous<,leliglJ~; Whcr~onl at rh~t prefeot thought lilY felfe~pf} papp~e; onely itt chebchou!d· ing offuch delights ,_b~caufe I ~a~Qpt,able to reli.dl:the .b'urpmq flameswhichdtd fetvponmeem theforpace of my heart. And therefore fometime for a refuge and fuq:o11r l durfi no~ looke [Q _

narrowly vppon thcyr inticing beauties , heaped vp in their hea­benlybodyes. And they perceiuing the fame did fmile at my bailiful behauiour, makinggreat fport at me: And th~reat ~was glad,and contented d1at I tnigh~ an'[ way o_ ccafioil their p~flun e. Butlwasgreatlyailiamc~ ,inthat was an vnfitcompa~IOn~or. fuch a coml'any, but that they intreat_ed.mee to enter m \1\'~tb them wherelflood like a Crowe among white Doues, wluch made me partly alhamedto behould, and ouerlooke,fuch choyfc obie8:s.

Then Olfre/{111 a very pleafant difpofed piece ~·!aid vnto me e. T elmeyoung man w?at~s your name~ And_I reu~rently olUnfwe· sed them, Poliphilm: 1t will pleafe mewellfatth,fi~,If.th_e elfea of your conditions beaunfwer~bleto yonr name. And Wlthout de· ceit faid the refi. And how IS your dearefi loue called a whereat Im:kino-fomepaufe,aun[wered,Po/i.,~ thenilie replycd. A ha 1 thouo-~ that your name iliould fignifie that you\1\'rre.~ great louer, tutnow I pe.rcciuetbat youarealouerof Pt~!ia: and prc-. fentlyilieeaddedmore,faying:if l11ee wereheere pr!:fent,wl~at would you doo ~I aunfwered. That which were agn:~able w1th hirhonour,and fit for yourcompanies. Tel me Poli.philm doefi thou loue hirwelindeed a Then I fettinga deepe figh,aunfwered: beyond all the deli<>htsand<heefeftfubfiance of t~1e g~e~tefi and mofipretioustreafure in the whoJe worl.d, and thiS opuuou bath inade an euerlafiing impreffion in my fiill tormcnt~d heart •. At~d lhe:. where haur youlofi.orab<Jndon~d fo loued aievvel?·_lknow _not,m:ythervdJae I an~ myf~lfe I know. Then ihefmyhngaun-. fwered.lfany lhouldfinde Jurout for you, whatrew01rdewould. you aiue. Butcontenttbyfc:lfe, beofgoodcornfort, and frame thy ~lfeto dehghts,, for thou flmlt liqde t_hy Pelm a~rie. And ~ith the.fe and fuch like pleafaunt and granous que(hons, thcfe f.IP,eyoung V trgins,.fporting andfolacing thc:nl(e~uc!, we wailit and bathed to_gethfro · .. M2 ~

Th4flrifnf LiNt An he oppofitc ii1terfiiccofthe. beautifull fountaine with-·

out,ofthef~irc.fl~eping ~ymph beforemeptioned ,, within the Bathe ther-e ~as; a~~htt· otlfcatnes of fine mcttal, and of a curi~ ous ~orkema~flu~, ·glHteringofa &olden c·o~our, that one might fee hunfelfe therein. Whtchwerc:fd~enedm a.M<ublc, cut into· afquadrdturc:,and e~acdatedfor the Images to fbnd iu thei.r pro. portions, with two halfe Cull.umnq that is Hcmiciles, one of er­therfide,with a Trabet, afmalZophor, and a Coronicc; all cut in one follidMarblc, andthis }>eeceofworkewas nothing inferi­or to any oi the reil, wluch btl.iore 1 had fc;ene,l,mt witiL1 rare art, and maruct!ous inuention, both deuifed andp,erformed. ln th~ voyd and plaine euacuatedquadret :» i:here fiood two Nimphes little lefl'ethenifthey had beenliuely creatures, apparelled, fo a: you migh: fee fo~cwhat abouc th~ir knees' vppononeof theyr lcgges; as Ifthc_wmde hadblpwne 1tvp, as theywere doin<> theyr office, and thcll' armes-barc, ·from the elbow to tire f11oulJer ex­cept •. Ami vpon thatarme;'VI·hcrewith they fu{1ainedche Boyc, thehahJtethat was Jifred vp wasreielt, Thefeereofthelnfant flood one in one of thehandes of the Nymphc:s, and the other, in_rheot?crshand. ,All theirthreecountenancesfmiling: and wtth ~hetr other haudes> they held vp the Boyes Jl1irt a abot!e his nauH.

· The Infant holding his little Inftrument in both his hands and continued piffinginto thehottewarer, fi:eil1 coo le water. I~ this delicious place ofpleafurc;l was verie iocund and full of con­tent, but the Cunewas IDtKh apalled ,in that I thought my felfe a comemptrble bodu:, amongftlch beauties, and dewc coniealed int0Snowe,,andasit were: a Negro or tawnye M9ore amongfl: them. ' ·. : · : · · ~

One oftbem called :Acfm, veric affably and with a p!eafant countenance{a!d vntg mee, Poltfhi/1! take that Chrrftalve£fel and bring mee fomeoftho:tfidhwater. I without fbie intending to do fo, and thinking mthiag, butto do herferuice in a1:y fort th.lt flrewould.cQmJnauQdme, went to rhepiace, '.And I had no foo• ner fet m~ footc,vpon the:llep~t>, t~ receiuethewater, as it fell~

·!:.ut tlu:piff.in.gBoye !1ftvp:hrs pnckC<, and call fodeinlyC'fo c~ldc w~tcr vpp-::n n,y f1,~e, that 1 had lyke at that in!lant to h<lue fal.en b.Kkward, 'W hcreat they fo l;~ugherl, and rt made

fuch

in11Drt~~Tni. 4~ fuch a founde in the roun~nes and clofenes of the bathe, that I alfo beganne (when I was come to my felfe)to laugh that 1 was almofi de::d. Afterward, I founde out the conrauitie, and per­cdued that anyheauy weight, being put "pon themoueable fl:ep· pin,g,_ rh at i r would rife ~P like the _Ke)'e and la eke of a Vir(?;inaU, and hft vp_the Boyes pncke, and finding out the dcurfeanct cun-

.QU~ workcmanfhip thereof, I was greatly contented. V p- · . ou the Z ophor was written in At tbic letters this

title flli\OIA:l:TO!,

M 3

;;, a 1>rtam,: 44-After our sreat laughter and b-athing, and all hauing wafhro

"ith a thouf.1ndfweete,amorous, and pleafant\'iotdes,mayden~ lyfportcs,and paHimes ,wee went out of the water, and Ieaptvp vppon the accufiomed feates, tripping on their toes, where they did annoynt themfclues with f wee le Odours, Diafdafmatic,and mtha Myrifiicliquor, orwaterofNutmc:gges. -Andtheyoffe-­red a boxe vnto mce alfo, and lannoymed my felfe thereYI-ith~ all,and 1 founde great pleafure therein ,:for bef:des the excellent find and fwette fauour, it was verie good to comfort my bodie, lcgges, and armes~. that had been fo we.aried in my daungerol!S fhght. . . .

Afterward when we had mac!e ourfelues redy,which was Corn­what long after the manner of other women, by reafon of fo ma­nygcwgawes andgtmmerie whatchets, theydidopenthcir vef­fcllcs ot daintiec-onfeltions, and refrcihcd themfelues, aud I a. mongll them, and with precious drink e. When they had eaten fufficiently, they returned againe to theirlooking Gbfies, with a fcrupulous examination, about t!<ieir l?o~es , and the attire of­their headcs, and drefsing of their yealow curling haires depen­dmg, and hemicirculately inflrophiated about their diuine b~ ces. And when they had made ill! ende , they fay de vnto rnee.

pqfipbi!m, wee are now goingvnto our gratious and moll ex­cellent Souereigne the ~eeneEmheril!idor, where you fhal fin de and conceiue greater delight, but the water i~ Hill in your face, whereat they beganne to renew their laughter, without all mea­fure at mee, glauncing and turning their eyes one to an other, with a louely regard e • .At !all they fetfoorth~and as they went •ounde togithcr, they beganne to fing verfes in a Phrygial tune, ofa pleaf.1unt metamorphofing of one, who w1th an oyntment thought to haue transfourmed himfclfe into a Byrd, and by miHakyngof the Boxe, was turned into arude A!fc.

Concludyng , that m:tnye tooke Oyntmentes to one pur-­pofe , and founde the e!fcCtc to contrarie their. expetbti­ons. -

whereat I begam1e to be in a doubt, th:tt they had iungthat by mee, bccaufe dl<lt they fiill fmiled as they turned towardes m,e, But f.e>ing th<Jt 1 perceiucd uo <llteration in m v fe\fe, - -- · · but

. Th'-flrifo 1' LoNt

but well wascontentedto let them laugh on. Vpon a Codaine 1 founde my felfe fo lafe~uwufl y bent, and in fuch a prurient lu ft that which way fo euer I turned, I could not forb ea re, and they as they fun;;Ia~ghed the more, knowing what had happened vnto me e. All(t.it dtd fo increafe in mee more and more, that I knew no_t wherewithal I migl~t bridle and reUraine my felfe from cat­chmg of one of them ,.hke an eager and hotte Falcon commin"' downe out of the ~yre,.vpon a couieofPartriges.I was withfuch avwlentdefirepmktforwarde, which I feltmoreandmoreto increafe in a fault burning. And the more I was to thatvenerious defire by the viol~;ntoffers of fo oportune and fweete obie.:ts. A foode for fuche a pernicious plague, and vnexperienced bur­rtmg.

Then one of th~fe flamigerous Nymphes named Aph.M,faid vnto mee, How 1s lt Po!tphilm ~ Eu~.a now I did fee you verye merry, whathathalteredyour difpolition? lanfwered. Pardon mee that I bmdeand vexemy fdfc more then a willow Garland. GlUe mee leaue to defiroy my felfe m a lafciuious fire. And there­at the_v burfioutall in a laughter andfaid, Ahha, and if your de­fired Poli~, 1fihee were here, what would you do, how! Alas my delire, euen by the deitie which you ferue, I befeech you put not Flaxe and Rofin to the fire, whicheburneth meeout of all mea­fure. Put no Pit.ch to the fire in my heart, make me not to for­get my felfe I befeech you,

At this m.y lameruable and forrowing anfwere,theywerepro­uoked to fuch a loudelaughter, wherin they did exceed fo much, that neither they nor my felfe with the weannes thereof could goe any further, but were confl:rained to reftour felues for want ofbreath,v.pon the odoriferous floures &coole gralfe,by meane10 whereof, I becamefomewhat oportunely to bee ea fed, my heatc a[ waging and relenting by.little and little.

And as they thus contentedly refted themfelues a while,vnder the coo le vmbrage of the leafie Trees ,I be<>anne to beebolde with themf.1ying, 0 you women, that are b~rnersanddeflroy­ers, doo you vfemee thus ? See what an offered occalion I haw:, which wil holde mee excufed, to breake foorthand doo violence vnroyou, And thereupollfomewhat boldlymooui\lgmy felfe .and faynmgas tfl would haue done _that which by no m canes 1

durfl.

. I~>JttDream~. +5'. durft, but tl;en wtth a newe paflyme and laughter they called one for an otners hclpe, Ieaumg hecrc and there their <>olden })antof~es an.d Vailcs , to bee carried about with the ~-.,incl.::-, an cl thetr vefielles neclecb:d in the grafie_, they ran ne all awJye, and I after them, that I nught ·,vcll perce!Ue that thev h~d nei­ther cram pes nor firinghotw!des or leaden hedes, and thu; con­tinuing our paflimesa pretie fpa~e, bemgfomewhatpk<lfed that I had made them to run ne. l returned ba_cke to gatner vp their Pantophles and fit eh thmgs as they had fcattered behind them And commingncJre to a frc;n coole Rmer, theyb~<>an.to ceaf~. o~from laughter, and to take pir;ie. vppon n1ee, and' Geuflia be. lunde all the reft, bowed her telre do·Nne to the water bclluti• i fully adorn~d 1\·ith the bendyng Bul~ Rufhe, water Spyl~e, fwim• myng Vttnx, and aboundluncc ot water Symples, ihee dyd plucke vp the Heraclett Nympha, oHome called water Lillye or Newplur, and the roote of Aron or wake Robyn, of, fame Pnvit11fi orSerpmr>tria Minor. '

And Amdla or Bawmc Gemill , all whiche o-rew very ncare togithc.r aud not f;trre difiant, whiche ihee fau~urably offered vnto mee faying, of thefe whiche I haue made choyfe of take and for my freedome tafte, •

For whiche caufe I refufed the Nm11ph11r ,·and reieEI:ed the Dracuncle for his heate, and accepted of the dmd/.e, whiche fhee had cl cane wanJed. by me.:mes whereof J widun a verye fl10rt fp~ce, I fouudemv venerwus Lubric and inccnling fpurre of defirc to }eaue of, anll IJJY Intemperate lufle was deane gone,

And when my vn!awfull detires ofthe flel11e were bride- Vnlawfull led , the plcafant Nymphes caille againe to mee and as wee concupi(­walkt:d on, wee came into a frcqucmed place, ;nd wonder .. cdenlcc b!m-fi lj fi · '"·1 ctlaman. u .. Y rmt;ul • . . :. . . and driucth

And t.nere 111 a fine order and ::tppomted di[hnce was a waye his fences fet on either fidc,1 \"tth Cyprus Trees, with their cor11er clefted fromhm1. Apple~ ; and as thicke with leaues as their nature will fuf-fe,r them ., ·the leauell grounde be~vno- couered all ouer with .greehe V.inca Peruima ~ or La"~eoll and Chamme: .;,:;, . ·. N Daphne, ;:,:I_,·,.

Tb~lfrife ofl.oru

Dapbn~,ana fu1l ofhis afitrine flowers. Whi[h ·~clorncd w~: of a mceteandconuenJent breadth, did lc;1d dtrrCll) on m to a ;,l ecne Clofure from the be<rumino- of w hie he walke, iufl: betwixt the Cyprus Trees, to the0entra~ce and opening of the afordaide en· dofure, was fome fourc furlongc~. Vnto whiCh cndcfur~ w!~cn wee came, lfounde itcquilaterall, with three fences ltke a firc1ght wall; as h1ghas the Cyprus Trees Ypon mher fides ofrhe waye, tlratweehadpa£fedalongin: which \~as altogither o!Cytrons, Orenges andLymonds, builiin"' wnh then !caucs one wlthm_;m other and artifinally knitte and tw1fied tognher, and the thick­tiCS rn~e.thought oflixefoo~e:wi_th ~Gate m thcmiddc!1 of the fame Trees, fowdcompnfedas 1s citherpoffiblcro be~ thought oP.done. And aboucin conucnicnt places were_ made wmclowes, by meanes whereof,the bowghesin thofeplaces were to be feene bare but for. their o-recne leaues which yee !ded a m oft fweet and pleafant verdure. Betwixt the cur~ous twifiingsofthe braun­ches and their o-reene Jeaues, thewhJteflowers d1d abound.mtly . fbewethemfd~es a fingular·Ornament, breathingfoorth am<_>H deletl:able andfweete odour. And to pleafc the eye, the hxrc: fruite was in no phcewanring., where i~ fl1ou!d yee!d~ cont~nt. And afi:erv•;ardes I mi<>htperceiue,that 111 the mterfhuous thick­nes, the bowehes (no~ without a wonderful woorke)wcr~ fo ar-1 ificially tl'o•ifted and growne togithcr, that you might al1cnd vp by them, and.not bee ieene 111 them, nor yet the way where you. wcnrvp.

AdenD"th commin<> into this gr~encand de!ightfttl grounde to the eye~ and in ama~s vnderfh~Jdingwoorrhie ot ef!imatior~, 1 percciued that it was a great enclo{ure 111 the fo~ fl:ont, ob marueilous Pa!laice of a noble !immetnatedarclmec 'une wmch ofthislrom\iferous conc!aufurc,was the fourth part in.tongitude. li xtiep•~ccs. And this was the H)p-uhri to w;,,kc in, f?r opcuJ ayre. _ - ' · '· · · _ · .

l~~1e middeil of this gn•at bafe Court, I didbd:old agoodiy Fountaine of cle;,re \'.'~ter, fp!llnyng fi·om the vc:1e toppe as Jt \~ere to tlJe found;aion, ~ l11chc Hcr9de vpou a!moothe.•paue-. ment through little J:tccJ$h~ ·Py,p-:s,rf.1:Umg m to .a hoil0-Wcd vef1 fd, wliiche was of moll pur~ Ameth1lt, wlH>fe Diameter con~ tcinc·d three pa(cs, the thi,knes ;~grccmgtherev.-uball, h·o.uyng

·· · - ilic

t1ur. DrMin!~ 4~ the twelfth part for the thickne!Tc of the brimme; rounde a boat the fame were carued water monHcrs, after the be!1 fort that e. uer any auncient inuentor or w~orkeman for .the hardnes of the fione could deu1fe to woorke, It mz!!ht b~e tne woorke of D .t­ela/m, for the wonderful excellc:ncie thereof. P.1ufwia, if he had feenethis, would haue taken fma!l plcafurc to boa!t of the Han­dino- cup which he made to H•ppari~. ·

0Whtchlamcwas founded vpon a He.1lcor lin.1l Pilbrofhf~ perofdiuers colou~s, be,mtifillly adu!tera_ti~Jg OHC with a~1 orhe;;. beino- cut in the middefi and clofc>d \'pw·Hh the cl earc Cafndo. nie, gfthe colour of the troubled Sea water, and brou_sht l!Jto a marueilous woorke, bceing lifted vp with g,utturedhollowe ':~~­fels, oneabouc an other, with a ref~rucd feperation 1 by artJfi(J­alland woonderfultoyntes, 1r Hood llreight vp, fallcned in the center ol: a Plynrh, made of greene Oph1te whiCh was rounde, and fomewbat lifted vp abouc, ;,bour compafsing Porphyr~ fome fiue inlhes, whithe was curiouJ1 y wrought with dmers 1 ynea­ments.

Roundeabout the fl:eale whiche helde ''P thevelfell, fourc Harpies o~Goldedid fbnd, wit!l their dawesandtallented feete vpon rhetmoothe T.1ble ottheqpfurc> · ." . . ..

Their !under partes • tov-:ardes-rl1e tt:ale, one u~lt ()ppo­tite ao-ainll:another withthe1r wu\ges di!p1ated and Ipredde a­broad, they reflcl vnder- the veflell with their f~·minine colll~­tenances, and hauing l.Jan·evpon their heades, from the f-1me, It fpredde downe to their l11.owlders, their heades vndcr, and I_JOt touching the vell'ell : with thtir tayles like Ee!es, Jncl turnmg rounde: .. ti.nd vp.-Jn their nauels,an Antique !care worke. ~he~e were verie neceff.1rie flr the fl:rengthening of tllc Pype w1tlun the fleale and final Pillar.

'"-'ithm th~ midclcfl: of the wombe and bel! ye, or nauel of the vdlcl, vpontbe Snbtdl fie:~ le, tberewas pn'por~ian~t,te~:;Pift:d vp of thefam-·velfcl of Am.1tl~,j}, a fub!l:arJC,·ltkc :t Cn •,fi':c, m­wal"d, or tbe;nwarc!emouide tor a Bell, f:1lugh as the vdTd was deepc the middle th~reof, Ieuelt with the brimme of thn•d:. fell.

VPpon tl1e which W"-S made an artificicus fc~_:-e fer ynd~r the three graces 1ukcd of I111C 9old, of aNconmwnLtature, en' 1011~.:

2 ~ >•;;.

Tb, /lrifo of Lon'

ning to an other. . . . . . · From the.teates of their breafles the afcendmg water d1d fptn out ly ke filu,c:r twifi. And .euerie one ofthemin their right !land did holdcacopie:fullbf.all kin de of frmtes, whrcbe lhd extend in. length vp aboue their heades, an~lat the openmg, all three of them ioyned rounde mto one, _wJth dmers leaues andfiUires l1angyng ouer the brimlll(.S or hppes of tbe wxyrhen Co-·

pi~s· ·. ··• · Betwixt the fruiteand the leaues • there came vp fixe finaU Pyp~s,.out oft he whi~;hc tne w~rer did fpring vp through afinall bole-.

And the cunnina Artificer, becaufethat heewould not trou­ble one Cubit with ~he tu eh of another. With afigne of ibame. fafines the Ima<>es v;ith their left handes d1d hide that part which modefliewoul!n~~ haue feene, but ac~o:llnteth woortbieto bee

\.o!J,ered. , ; . , . . : · · · . . . · .". . · . · · . . Vppon the brim~~ of the hollow vcftcll, whof~c~mpa{l_'e was·afootcmoreouer about, then theJubJacent of It,,with their he<rd~s li.{ted :vp vpo!lJheir Vipers.feete , with a comiement and

._ dc.ce!,lt i;nt:!!':l'c!'llatioJN.-lhe~eY.J.ere placed !ix'e lit tie fc al y Draglilos. of pure ihining Golde,:wi~h~hia dc:uife, iliauhewater corn~ .Jningfrom the. t!!~t~~:~f thtt:La.~hes, d1d £:11! ~hre£l:lyvppqn the eu:ti:.uated and open c1·owne of the head of the:Dragons, afore .fpoken of, with theirwingesfpredde a?roa'di and as ifth.:y_had been by ring, they did c;~fl yp and;vqmJt the iame wa~~r _wl~Iche fell \Jeyonde the rmmdnes ofthe Op.h1£l:, m to areceptone of Porphyr, ~nd rounde, whichewe~e both more.higherthen the

· fhrncffe of the pauement before lpoken at: where there was a little Channell <>oinf" rounde about. betwp:t the Ophtt and the Porphyrite ,~ b~eadthone foote and a blfe, and in de}Hh twofootc. ·

Whiche Porphyrite was three foote fi-om the playne o• uermo£1 pane to the Pane111ent, with Jn excellent vndicu­lation • The rdte of the partes of the Dr;:gonnes , fol' the moderate dccpendleofthe vdlcll dtd grow on,.vntill all met to,g_ether,traniTorming the extreamepartes of their ta1les into an ami que toliaturemaking a bcautiful1Illygamel1 t with the arule or

, {ootc. fet vndcr the thr~e,image~ ~'ithgl!t any ~cforwi1al5 hindc· · · ranee:

lint Dre<1me. 47 ranee to the hollowne.ffe of the precious v~fi'ell. And what with the c-recne alfayling of the compafsiog Orange trees , and the bri~t reflections otthe filming matter ,and the pure water, there ,..as rue ha grarious couler ,in that fin gular and man pretions ':er­fell, as iftheH.ainbowe and the dowdes had made theyr hab1ta~ on there.

Then m the corpulent bearing out of the belly of the vc:lfell, betwixt one,and theoth~r Dragons,in an equall diftance, and of a'mofi excellent melting or calhng,thc:re £1ootl out Lyons heads ofanc:Xquitite cxa£l:ion,arid ~riumg, ca!hng foorth by a_httle pype, the water that difii!led trom thefi~fifiu_lets, placed m t~e copic aboue.Which water,,{hd fo forobhe fprmg vpward,thatm the rurnin"' downe it fell among the Dragons m the large velfcll,

where by reafon ofthe high fall,and bJbion of the ve!Tel, it made a pleafanttmckhngnoyfe.

i»4Drtim': 4S All which rare worke, by fo il1arpe and fine a wit compbfed,

as ti1is infolent aud precious velfell was, the foureperfelt hrpies,-, the woonderfull and curious azule, wherevpon the three Images of pure gould llood,with what Arte, ordinance, and rule,digefl:~ ed and mJ de perfea :as I am ignorant in them altog,ither , fo much the lel1e able am I to defcnbe the whole ;u it c!Jd dc:fern.e, being a '"'oorke paU any .humaine reache and capadtieto frame the like. ·

Andlmay bouldly iay, that in our age there was 41eucr fccnc in fioneandmettlefuch a peece ofwoorke embofl:, chafed ,and engrauen. For it was a woonderto fee, that fl:ones of fuch cx­treame hardneffc:, as that w.hieh wasthe He ale to ,hould vppe the V el1ell, fhould b:ecut and wrought ro that pur.pofe, as ibt had been cas foftas wax • AWOOI(kuaither to bee woondevcd ar, thet;vndertaken. ·

The fqnare bafe court, (in the 'rniddefl: \'\·hereof fl:ood this notable woorkcof the fumpnrous Fountaine, was paued with :fine Marbleofdiuers coulet:s and.fa!hions. Amongfiwhich were· appall very heautifully, rounttesQfDiafper, equal·ly difiant; and dilagreeing from the caulerQft.he pauemelitland the corners do­fed vp with leaues and Lyllies. Betwixt thefqn.are marble pa~ uing fiones, there was a fpace left like a lifl:, which was filled vp with diuers COlllered fl:oneScof a lelfer cut , fomc proportioned into greene leaues•;:and r,awnle flowers , Cyanei • Phll!njt-ei ,-and SaHendine, fo well agreeing irt theyr <:oulets, f~> glifl:cring and feuerly fer of a diligentXetlurgie. ~s full 0fcoulers as-a'Chr!­fiaU glaffe, repercufl and beilti:l'l: ag:iinfi with the beames of the funne.Becaufc the circumducbind comp;;ffing coulers, meeting together m the felfe fame fmootlle and cle~ne nones, did.yeelda r-efle:.ni?n,no.parr being f.mltie; eyther of the fqu::re chec kcrs or fcutulsand Trigo-ns. Bur with a fmooth~and·fircigkordrinanc~ weU'ibyned together, '· ... · , . , • . . . · · · Wher:eatlrernaiued woonde'rfuHyamJfed b)' my felfe,di!i­"'e>ntly conliderino- vpon the noblcnes,vf the Vl·oorke, fuchas I gad pot been~ vlfd toTe=e ~ ilt1~ ·vctlj·i'willipglye I would 1;ane beene:totita'lt ,:to hat!ij funde<··Inore. flliyl&in··tbe cbiFemplatin~ _thereof, for fo the dignitie of the worke required,but l<;nJld r~~ l!Rtaufe it was necdlaric for me to follow after nJY leaders.

~ Tl.ien

Thl /ir;fl "D/Ltmt . · Then the afpea of this fumptueus :magnifidcnt and!late1ye

pallace, theapprooued fituation thereof, the dew proportion, and the maruclous compofition 111 my-fidl: comming tort, did make me woonderfullvcontented to:vi:ew the woorthines there-· of,and in continuan~e I was prouokedoto behouldmorc, for which caufe I periwaded my felfe, as! might very well , that the expert builder, excelled all o.ther whado.euer. _'What kindeof rafters? what manner ofroofe ?after what fort the Parlors cham­bm,clofcts and lodgings,were difpofed 1 with what kind of fee­ling they were enchfed and incruil:ed ? wherewithal! hanged~ withwhatcouler and kinde ofpaintingouerhead? vVhatorder of col1J1;11ihation; arid what fpace.b-ctwixt • No· other building rnaye goe beyonde ti:Us whlltfa~uerJ,Jjut may gi:ue place verye well, of what ku11:!'e ofrMarble,; and_what:manner of engr<t-lting, ·

There I beheld th'e'laboufes of Hercules grauen in fl:one with halte the reprefentationll<tnding out or bearing foorth, in a woonderfull fo0rt;the A-irmes,!hltt\S:&,tytles, and trophes, What ;In entry ,wba~a,ftately, pptd'l'e,wMtrtbat ()f Titus Cefat with his f.lonoofPheriice.<lwithillltlw. tinkering and pullifhing about'it, t:hereisnonewhofewit is fogroU:e to commend it,in refpect of t;his,butwJllratherfcql'lle to fpeakeofit. As for.the woorthie and excellent manner ofglaling the.g<tllerie withoutthe p<!.ll<l<e, the.con{pitioqs p,0pchej the: rn;uibetrpf b!lildipg, the ().l'ched fe.e~ lingaboue head,bea~,Jtified, an<iradol'i)ed.withfoliantre aJ..ld pthe~ lineaments Qf pwe gouldand ;~fuer c.o\ller and excellent painting tliatwhatfoeuer I had feene before I madefmall acount Of, as;not worthie of remembrance. A ad beeingnow come to the doore tvithlll~he porche, the going in was clofed vp wth a hanging, dra~ne ouerbefore it of goul,d an!i fil}l:e, wrought togethC:~;;~L1<\ and.mthe f<tme cw~ images • One ~t t:he,rn hauingall kindeQfin• fuuments abo llt h1r, fitte and read1e to gos: to worke; and th.e o,. th<:rwith arnaiden!y (OUntel1al1CC;;fookingvp v;ith hyr eyes ill• toheauen. · · .. . . -

•. Th.ebeautye of whic;:htw.owere fuch, a~dfofrell1~ a~. I. loo-: .k<:d about mec .. ,,vvhGthe.r -#jfl!rs hi!~ fain.tep. them }'li~h.Jlis Penfl.ll. __ ;- .. ,, ·.:·~:[:L>· ·~·!· . _,i c:: vd ;._.,·y;:>'··

_,._, f-;_; ••. ~ -- .. ;~;~_:.-r ~ -~ _i·!·.n~)~; · -·i1i·_)!:~AR~

"·tL/

iu Drea~. 4-S And the~e my f port~ull, faire , and pI eafant companions~ euei'i~ one puttmg the1r l'Jght handes to mine, wtllino- to hauc me in fayde,Pe/Jphi/H.rthisis thevfuall waye, bythe~hich youmuft come mto the prefence of our Gracious and ~mofl:e excellent ~eene. .. . ·· Butyou cannot haue leaue to enter in here throu<>h this Curtain ~eforeyoubee re~ciuedofa vigilantandinnoce~tDamofel rha~ lS the keeper ofth1s do ore, and the is called Cino!ia. Who hearin<> vs comming, didtorthwith preient her fc:lfe, and fauourably held vp the cloth, and wee entered in.

There was aroome hung about and diuided bv an other Cur­taine of excellent Arras full of Imagerie,as fignes,t'bapes,piants, and beafies, fingularly well done.

In this place at our comming, an other curious woman came towardes vs, cJlled h;da!llmm.t, and ibe puttin<T by the Curtaine wee entered in. And rh ere was an other fucheltke roome·, fro~ the fecond for qu:mtiti·:, with difco~rfcs andrcafonn1arueilou£Iy wouen, Wltnmfill!te b;ott.es,-buckhnges, tyin"'s, and old falluo .. ned harpmg Irons, or Hookes, as ifthey had geen fafl:ened and knit togither. In w hi eh phce without any Haying, the third wo­man came and receiued vs verygratioufly, her name was MuemtJ­ftna, and fhee ~allingvs, gaue vs f.ree leaue to gl? in. Where lafl:. 1 y my compamons dtd prefent mee before the facred maiefiic of the ~eenc Elemherillid4. ·

Poliphi!H.r fheweth tU well~ he~ mAy, h,weJtcteding grwtt the MaJe­ff~e of th~ f2!!::_ene WM , the mllnner.of her I&Jidenctf and for­

. urce, H11 fouoHral?ie..mtertainmmt. Howe jhee maruetled.tc him.

- T/;w /lr~ rJ{J.ow ln w~ofe.gard;I didfee:~lo.ftlc Gallery ~s long ~l1e <:Mtelit of the l>alla~ce~ tll(~!J~te whereof, was a! I painted Vlilth a greene folra­!Ure, Wl.th d~~~~~~Ule,wc.r.s. and ~olded leaues ,·and· little fly. mg ~yr~es .•. e'!=cc;J!~tly_,l'-UpJll'ygtated of :mufttac~11l payntln"', as Without In tb~ fir(l: Court 1 and the fione w~lles feeled·v-lifh Chlpworkes-ofdiuers colours .. · · · · · · · · -·

. At the Jail dQore, the M·arrone· Mttemofo;.i·jlerfwaded me­ven~ effe£t:.ually, not to doubt of any thiug, but that I fl:zould fiedfalHy follow the a:oyaH perfwafion, ami healthfull counfell' Gfthe Q!!eene .' and perfeuere in the extecution' thereof for tpatthe end.ewJthoutdaubtwould'betomywntenr. , •

And thus hauiry~ leaueto goe in, bebolde fuch rhinges pre-; fentedthemfeluestomy eyes, as were lykertobe cdefhall then· Jnuuane.

. ~ mofi n~el,r and {umpteous preparation, in a gorgeous and; fpacJeu_s_Coun, beyonf!the Pallaiceneereand oppofiteto the· otl;~er,lpf,ld fo:urefquare. . .

.. Tl~ · .~.e~t.ifidl a~a preciGus · Pauemcnt. wid1in 'a checkered· c~mpfr: .go~g; ab-Giol!. ~~e fallJe,• there was afpace of fixtie fuure · S.<J~. rates~ft.h~efuQte-,,tbe dy11mererofeueryeone :Of the' wh1_~b9newas oflafper, of.the«~lourof Corall, and the other grc~n~~powdered with dJ;~;>p~ of blood not-to bee woorneaway· ~~ [et __ togi$er iil man~r- o.f a C~e-bo01d; Compaffed a: bout with ab~r.dC"r, the ~readth of one pace. of a rareinuention· ofwoorke, WJth fmallpiecesoffiones, ofdiuers colours and. fo compafi.e together,, as if it had beenc a flraunge paynted· w~orke eu~nly. cut and ~t by rule , that you ·could not per. Ce!Ue the mymng, but fm'OOth_e. and fll)~iifig; and fo w~IJ frao. · ~ed by .the.Lybd,land,Sqwdrate.;: d1a~\M Circrlla!]ng or fpha:-1 ~all bfh:ument .. would e. ·moouc to- e~~r fides Without for--cmg. . ..

. About tl;is, lafilye'":asan otlJermarueylous kynde·ofPa­tl!ng of. three p~cs bro'!d, ~ knott~ ,?.~la,fpc,~;,l~.raXill, Cakedo ... D!e> A&.ar, ar.t! othC'rfones·offf:olle's O'~p~itle.: : . · . : ·

Anti-about by t-he fides of thewalfes·,'l'bmpaf~ingthe-fayde C-ourt paucd as you hatte I1e~ t' there ~~rt p Iaced Settles, of the~o~d of Palme Trtt>B,o!colour_ ~etwocr~ yealow and tawny, pafs 100 we!! t~r~~d ~n~ fot~J-oned-.couaed 'oucr witbgreene Vel-

Utt;.,

hut Dri!,»~. fO

uet' and bowlnered with fome foft fluffeor feathers eafieto fit vpon, the V eluet brought downetothe &ame ofthe Settles or

· Benches, and f.lfiened to. the fame with tatch Nayles of Golde, ""·ith boaed bcades vppon a plaioe Slluer Nexrru-le or Cordi~ eel!. "

The alament ofthe.daufierin~ walles,were couered ouer ¥<ith Plates of beaten Golde, wnh a grauingagreeableto the ptetioufnesof the metal!. .

Andin the cozquaredand finoothe plaine of the f.1me walles offione, l:iy certaine Pilall:re\les, ~adraugules, or Lollenges, of an equall di'!len{io!J. and diflinfi correipondeiici~ in the J:nid· defi ofeueric one, there were perfp1cuoui1yappaa rolind.e le wl. els, bearing out andfwelliog beyond the plaineleuelioFth~ wall. after the mmn~r of the to~es ofbafes, an~ ~f thickaes actvrdin~ to the proportwn of .the Lofenge wperem Jt ll:ood, 'compaffed about with gr~:ene iagged leaues, one bendin.~ ouc:caneth'!r, the tops turned toward the lewell. . ' . : ·

And bctwyxt the Foliature and the great Iewell, another border ofpretious llone$ C'lltiou{lie forted and ci:infpieuouffi~ fer. or ' ·

An din the re !I: of the wall circumvallate of thefe bearing out rowndc Iewels, the feuen ·Planners with their nature and pro­perttes, with an Encaufl:ic \\'oorkewere fweetlypainted, which I beheld with great delight. The reil: of the waU exclufiue from the rowndnes of the Jewels withm the Pilaftrels, were filled vp andbewcified with iafi."lite varietie-ofwor-ke-sin filuer,and pow­dered with diuers inei tima ble ftones,~ fin gular ly well cu.t, .md of diuers fall-ions. · ·

The wall on the lefdidewas inlike{orr,.and 0ppo!ite in run ... pels. Again~ the feuen Plannetteswerc therefeuen Tryumi'he<> ouer rhefubiell:es of the fame prcdominent Plannettes, audin fuchlrke AnofP:!intingas the other fide, · · ·

And .Ja,rhe right part 1 bd1elderheirfenen lrmvmks and friendly afpetl:es, and thepall:lge of the blood; with the qu~itta.. · Que r·ceiuingand repring_ & cin:ulatirt:i entrance , with·an het e-r diblt Hillorie of the cele!tiall opermon aw:dent.

The tourtb alament made the l>allakc of fuche like .. liftri ... . . · · · 0 2 . butio~·

Th6 !lri{6 of Lol/4

butio~ as the ~ther, the doore except, whicl1c did orcupie an empue voyde mterfhce. The other fixe with a regulate cor­refpondence, andharrnonye of the rell:, in the Iewelles to the oppofite an!! ~ymentriall congreffe of the P Jaunettes, ""ith their ve.rtuous mchnatio~s, wete expretfed i~ the I11apes of elegant N1mphes,with the titles andfignes oftheu natures.·

Thefe.uenth Medi'!fle quarter, was the forefront direc21ye pla~ed agamH the feuenth lewell, repre[c:ntingthe Planet So//, wh1che was fet vpmoreh1gherthen the rdt, l:lyre<~fon of the .~.eenes Throne. . . Eu~rie part of matter, number, rorme, and lynt'ament,in di­JlributJou c:qq;llly correfpondent to his LybeH, the n<>ht with ~he left,·an~ here and there, with an exquifite loue ,and c gn gre!fe agrcem~ ,

Of whichc mofie excellent Court, euerie fide was ei~ht and twent.ie paces. In this fort fiood this fynarie open Court .iJ1 com­palfedaooutwithfine golde ,a worke rather to bee won'deredat tpenfpo~en Qt{:: . '

J~e Pi~;~(l_.relles.:~ere difcrepant fowre paces one from an o. ther, With a tufiparution offeuen (a number <>ratefull to nature) of f:i?cand'~rie.m: Azu~e, I.azull fione, paffitfg well coloured ac­<;<;>r~mgto hu km de, Wlth a bewtifull hdlowing off mall glym­ces of go Id. In the fore part of wluch, betwixt the feuen pilall:rels theFewere ~ppointed little fiender Pillers wrou~htaoout with leaues, cop1e.s, he~ des w~th haire Jike Jeaucs, bores their hip pes andleggcs proportioned ID:to brawnches, Birdes andcopies,and veO:elles full of flowers, With otherwoonderfull inuentibns and deutfes, from the top to the bottome ~f the Anaglyph, as if they l1ad $rown out .oft he foundauon,makmg and diuiding in funder the I paces, thell" chapters were wrought of a fafhion anfwerablc: to there[},

. Ouer the whi.che did extendc a fireight beame with graucn. 1meam~mes fitung the fame. And ouer that a Zophor, contei­mng thiS ~oorke ihll throughout • that is~ the bonyc fcalpes of Oxen, l.';tth :my roll bc.:\"'ghes full of bcrnes, tyed abowt thevr hornes by a to well ofJmnen. '

Vpon e~rher fides. of them,were Dolphines, with theirgilles · 1yke leaues • and /~eu Fmnes and their extreeme partes of a fo-

l;'l "• liatute, ~-f,~ ~

('I

i'na,Dreamt. s2 liature, and vpon tht'yr l1eades and backes certainenaked boyes, aettin<> IJOide of theyr lifted vp braunching tayles, withleaues ~nd flgwers, and bending them down e.

The head of the Dolphine hauyng a Syme, whereof the one part turned towardes tl~e Boye, and the .other !Dent againfl: the veifell with an open gapmg, and endrng m the head ota Storke, "'ith her beake againfi the open mouth of a Monfier, lying with his face vpwarde, and cert~ine Whorelles or Beades ryfing vp betwixt his mouth and her beak e.

Whiche heades in fiead of haire, were couered with leaucs one ouer an other, filling tl1e Orifice of the vdfcll, and from one lyp to an other, and vnder the bow le thereof towarde the footes there compaffed a fine towell of litmen, the endes han­<>ina downe from the knottes, in fuchean excellent forte as was ~o:uenient both for the place and matter. And in the middle ouer the heades , was the fare of a childe ·vppon a payre of winges.

And with fuche lyke lineamenteswasthe Zophoradorned and couered, with a Coronice full ofexcellentworkemanlhip. V ppon the plain~ toppe w~e~eof, by a perpendicular lyne o­uer the Pillars, m the ordemmg of the fquadrangalles, there were placed and framed certaine olde fall1ioned vctfelles, by iiO

appointed difl:ribution, three foote high of Cal~edoni~ , fo~e of Amethill:, fome of A gat, fome oflafper, w1tla the1r bellies furrowed and Channelled , and cut of a rare and maruellous cun-Ding,and w1th excellent eares. .

Inaperfea: order ouer euerie Iewell aboue the Coronsce, were aptlye ioyned traunfontes, fquared feu en foote high'· and the middle fpace betweene them of gli!l:ering Go! de , wtth a fuperadiefl extention, doling ouc:rthe fir eight extended tran­fomc:s. And by a turnyng downe the tranfomes , did ioync: de-cently one with the other, with~ Topiarie woorke .. Inten- .. ding that out of the velfelles flandmg vpon the Coromce as a• Topmr.t, rh<' forefaide, in the corncs the tranfome and the vyne fhould ryfe :Careofma •.

· h b f 1 h rr 11 · h r Kln~ lm~gcs vp toglt er, .ut out o t 1eot erveHe es,eJt er a vynconome or Arbours in Woodbme of Golde, by courfes meeting ouc:r the tranfwerfl: Trees. traunfomes, with a thicke ll:retching out of thcyr fpreadyng

0 3 bmin-

braurichci. ~one ioyning· wl~h an other , . and twifiing togithcr .\\·ith a. fine and pleaf.1nt congre!fe, couenng ouer all the whole court with a riche and inelbmable fuffi:e, with diuers f.rlltioned 1eauesof gr.eene i:mcralde, gratetull to the_fight, more pertell: ·.then that wherein .Amen~mwas imprelfed,and theflowers difper­.fedand difuibutedofSaphires and byrrals. And with an e:-cceJ ... lent difeolition and artificial!. betwixt the greene Ieaues and ·the groffe vaynes,fo nrecious hunge dCJwne the cluiters of grapes mac!eof fionc:s:,agreebale and fitting to the naturall coulc:rs of -Grapes.

All which mofl rare deuifes, of pryfe incomparable, incredi .. ·ble,and paft imaginadon,did lhineall ouer mofl pretioullie: not fomuch to bemarueyled at for the cofl:linetfe of the matter, but forth~ large greatnei.Teofthe work e.

Fornotwithoutgreat caute, from place toplace, with a diJi. ·gentandiealousexaminatiool did carefully confider the large extention of the inmofl intmate braunches, and tneir proporti• onate Urength and 'thickneffe,_ fo cunning lie doone, oy fuch an atte;bouldeatteinpt,and<:ontinuedintent,theywerefoaptlyled out, whether by {owdering,-<~r by· the Hammer, or by caHing, or by all three, mee thou<>ht it an vnpofsibJe.wor ke to Jllake a touering .of. fut<h a brea~th_, and fo ~wyfied and twyned to.; gethcr. · · .. · · In the middle profpel\:, oppoilite againft our going in vpon a degreed regallthrone, fetfullofglyflerm,gfiones m a maruelous or(ler, f<:t~rc more ~cellent$:hen the feaunthe temple of HeYCII• /,..rat 7jre, o~ the Hone ~~~{e6,.i. The:<l!eene with an i~pemll Maieflie fittmg vpponlt, goddeffehke, and of a wQonderfuU magnammitiein countenance: ~org~oufly apparrelled. ~n clothe ofgoulde~withafumptuous and cunous attyre, vpon lur h~~d of a purple couh:r ,-with an c:dgmgof Orient Pearle , ihadowmg o­lier hir largeforhead, aunciently and prin£elike~ euer. p~effii'Jg hir ~lemmimdatetr:fmmels ofhayre, as blacke· as iet defcendin_g downe hir fi1owie temp I es , and the refl oft he abou,ndance of h1r l{)ng hay re ;taHned rounde in the hinder parte o~ her head, and deuided i~to two partes or rrelfes, lapt ~bout tlm w~ye and that ~ilye,belundhir (i~~~~ eares,ou.e.r. ~r ihe1ght proporuonedhead~ . an~a I

,., , Drur~~r. f s and nnifhed in the cro\'\ne. with a flower of great Orient , and J;ownd Pearles~ fuchas be found in the Indian promontorie Peri~ mttla.

Tl1erefl ofhir longfpredin<> hayrewas not feme ,but cou~ red ouer witl1 a tbiunc vayle, edged w1th gould, hanging! downc· from tllcf.1idHower and knot ofpearle,to hir deli<ate l'houlders, andflingeri.ngabr9adewiththe;tyre. .

In the middle_ of the ed~ing ofhir dtcfsing, ryon tlte higheft parte ouer the mtddeH oflnr forhead hoong a rare tewell. And a .. bouthirround and fnowie neck, went an inellimableCarkenet withapendenrouqrJhediuifion ofhir rownde brefls,ofa table· Dyamond, in fulhion of.an Egge ~ fpar.~tling, and of il monfirous largcnes,fet in.gould with wyer. woorke.

At hir e.1res mofie r!chely-e were hanged in th.e typpes tvo.'O earinges , t\'VO great fhynyng Carbunckles of an ineUimable pxice. .

ffjr lhoacs were.ofgreene lilke,and hirpantoffes ofgouldim­brodered in .a leafe woorke. V ppc;m a fao.te floole abounhe w~h, and vnder l1ir feete-, W;-ts lay.aea 1tuibion of whi.te V eluct, with_apurfeliQg' offilke and Orient Pearles of A_r.Wi.f,wi!hin· the perlick :$olp·h, with foure Buttons wrought w1tb preuous · Stones ,_an(l taueld widr gc;mlde. twifi, and crimofenfilke, de­pending. . V ppo!J ey~her.ficksa)ongvpon the aforefaidbenches coue­

ud o\ler wi~h g!-"~cne veluet,fate hir Lad yes of honour,attendant: ipagoqdly,alJd-commendableorder. accord~g to their:eflac~. a.pparrellc.d iu;elo'thcofgoulde in:an incredible brauer-le,.asJn tbevoiorldmaybcefeene. Andin,tbe middefl of them this re­no\'\ntd<~nd famous ~eel'le. in great pompe and vnfjleakeable fiatdynes•~anclthi: hemmes of lili- vc:Hures fo edged and fet with· pea, le and.llone, asifn:u:urehad rayned and powred them down· vponhir. . · .

A't: bir high and imperiall afpell: , with great reuerence bowmg' their knees to the grt!Und vnto hir,hir women didrife·vppe&om tbcir fcates,occoafioned by the noueltie ofthe fpedacle, & great~· 1f marueilingthat l fi1ould come into fU<:h a place. .

But lfowtdemyfelfe more.amazed,my hearte:quaylmg. ;md dilating both of the troubles that I pafi'ed, and the pref~nt

£,flare

"i "/11'i/l Df LIIMI

efiate that I was brought into, which did cnuironand fill me with an excre,1me amafement, reuerend'feare, andhonefi lhamefafi­uelie, ~ndfhey asking the fiue Nimphei that brought me in, whyf­

penngliewhat I was, and the fl:rangenefle of my hap, direiling, bending Mlq intentiucly fixing all their eyes vpon me, Where fin­ding my felfe fo ba.fe a worme in {uch an excellent confpefr, I. was wo6nderfully afl:o,gil11ed, and lyke one that had no fpy~ nte,

But the fuccel.fe and manner of my comming being demaun­ded ofthem, the Nymphes:plainly ,open and manifeU the fame at large,whereat the gratious Qyeene be-eing mooued to corn. paffion,caufed me to Hand vp, and vnderfl:anoing what my name was, began to f.1y. •

Polzphi.!m, be of good comfort,and pluck vp agoocl"beart, an cl tell me how thoucommefl: hither, and by what meanes, and how thou diddefl: efcape that niortall and hornble Dra[)'on ~and how thou did~efl: finde away outqfthat odious and blindedarkenes, I hauehe.ene tould.ofit: But I maruell me nGt a little, becaufefew or non~ dareaduenture that waye ,'·But feeing that grace bath Cafe: lye brought thee hither vmo vs, I will not den ye thee ( anv caufe notwithfl:anding ) a gratious and fauourable intertayne­ment.

To whofe li&erall inuiting, J;oyall woGrdes and intertayne. ment, better then I could haue imagined toddire, withdiu.ote aD~ honourable thankes I giuen: 300lUtdantly from pointe tO

po111.te, I could how I efcapedand fled from the Dragop.a fe'are­fullmonfier. And confequently with what trauelland pay ne I came to the detired place:. And how the fiue Nimphes d1d fin de mewanderingandafrayde. Which when I had at large declared and ended my fpeeche, I began with great defir"e to frame my­felfe to bee a per taker of their folacious and magnicifient plea­Cures.

After t~t lhe fa id vnto me with a fmilin~ and· pleafant coun­tenance, It IS a woorth1e matter to confider,that an euill and d1f• contente.d beginning,often timefalleth out to a happte and good ~uccc{fe Ill th~ end: and bef~r.e that anye thing bee. committed

vnto

lu !JrMII#: H After chat f11e f.aid ~vith a fmiling and pleafant countenance~

It is a worthy matter to confider, that an euill and difconten­tedbeginning, often times falleth out to~happieandgood f uccdle in the end. And before that any thmg be committed

-ynto you to perfourme, as touching your amorous and firmc conceit,it is our pleafure, for the allwagement and mitigation of thy commendable griefes, that in this company thou efpe­cially ibouldeft aiTociate thy felfe with _Philotefot, fceing that the faire heauens-haue !hewed thee oft~y entel·tainment, and brouo-ht thee m to our triumph.1n!:manfion place. And there­fore ~ny Pobphilut, without any more ceremonies take thy place there andfitdowne, for thou ihaltfee (with a veri~ good

·, will) part of our fumptuousand ftatelymannerof(eru!ce,the . plentiful! diuerfitie and nurnber of my more then princely

oaintics,the honourable-attendance of my houfhold, & excel-: lent order thereof, the inef,Hmahle pretioufnes of my great ahoundance,and the large dfell:s of my bounty.

At which imperious commaund, her eloquent and faug­rablefpeechended, humbly, andwitha littlcmoreaudacitie than before, vppon one of the benches of my right hande 1 did

. fitdowne (lappingmytorne D'owne together Eeforemewitb certaine brymble leaues fiill flicking ia it) betwiXt• the fiue Nymphc:s that brought mee in, andamongft them next vnto Offrefi• and Acho~, placed'behinde the ~eene, and fix other ofthe chambervppontheother hande, and in the middefi on high vppon a throne did d~e ~~ene fitte in an imperiall Maieftie.

The'Couerouer the Throne was ohninamelled couloring contayning in it a beautifhll image without any beard, the head bulhingwith yellow haire, part ofhis brefi couered With a thinne cl oath ouer the. difplay.ed v.·i$,es of an Eagle~her he a cl turnmgvp, and beho1dmgoflum. The head of whJCh uuage was redymited wirh an azure Diademe, adorned with feaucn beames, aml at the foot of the Eagle two braunchcs of grccnc Lawrell, one one way, the other contrary-towards either fide. And m euerie garland I behelde the fi,;ment proper to Lis pla­net, and behind at my backe was the iewell,containing the hi-_ fl:orie of the winged Mcr,ury, andhowe the benignitie of his

P. good

Tbt flrifo of La11~ good difpo!itionis ·depraued,when he is in the ma!ighant ts-be eft he vencmous Scorpion. And looking vpon my felfe, I was atlJamed to fee my vile ha bite amcmg fuchefumpteous indu. mc:nts, that me thought my felfe no otherwaies but cuenlykc thatvile andmortifcrousbeafl:among the mofl:noble figncs of the Zodiac. The bewtifull and honorable damofds fate in order vpon the Benches , eo m pall: about all along by the fides of the walles Vj>pon the righdide, an,d tile befl: of the Court, with a rare and ftrange kin de of womanly dreffing vppon their heads, as is jn the world, with the treifes of their haire la pc and bowed vp in Caules of gold.

Some with theirhaires ofAmbercolour, curled and dref· fed vp with flowers of thefumevppona wyer, with the en des turning downe and wauing vppon their fuowy foreheades aud finooth temples, bewtifiedwithRubiesandDiamonds pmkt; in the haire. , . . . ·

Other~ ofthe colour ofthe'Oblidium ofbt~lia, blacke and fhining,adorned withfloures of Orient Pearle, & Carkenets o~the fame. They fl:ood_all waiting with fucha venerate atren· uon, that when the fer~J~ce was brought to the table, thev all atoneiRftanr time alikc,made their reuerent curtefies inb"ow· mg of their knees; a.tidinlikemannerwhen they i:lid rife from. oft heir feates, euer.ic one apparrelled in cloth of Golde, but . they did not lit and eate at die fanre table.

Sreight befure the triumphant Qgeene was the opening of the third Curtaine, couering a great and goodly doore,- not of Marble, but of rare and hara Diafrer of the Ea!l-~ ofan ar· tifi<;iall and ancient worke,. wonderfully:bewtitull to behold. V pon either fides of this do ore; their yoongdam~fels Muli­tians,feuen vpon .1 fide in a NimpiU1 apparrel; l'IOtablefor the falhi.on q.nd verie rich :which at euery changeofferuice,did al. ter their Muficke andlnfl:ruments, and during the_banquet· ti.ng, others with an Angelike and Syreneall confent, did tune the f.1me to their handf!s. Then in afodaine was placed frames ofHebony,with threef~ete,andother temporary tables,with­ou,t any noyfe or brufilmg. Euerie one readie to his appoyn• t.ed Office, with a careful!, diligent, and affecting iudeuour, . wholJ to _that fe_r~~c~ whic~ was enioyned him.

And

·~ -·· .....

iu Dreamt'. )4.

And firfl before the ~.eene, there was placed a frame of · three feeteof"thi> fuurme,vpon a roundeoffine Dyafper,with

curions Lineament~. To the whic n were three fl:yp1ts,the low· er partes whereof, dit\ finifh in the forme of thet~aringclaw of a Lyon, with an exfqmfite fohature, compafsmgabout the fl:cales of t1Je fl:ypets, hauingin the middeit ofeuerie one, fa· Hencd the.head of a childe oetwixt two wings, from the whic-h betwi~t one and other of the fl:ypets, there hung in manerot a Garland a bundle ofleaues and fruites boundc togither, and bi.,.o-dl to\vardes the midll-, and vppon the top of theftypets or 1fea!es,was put a proiection to be are vp therounde table be-forethe~eene. ·.

This frame was vmnoueab le, but the round table was to be quickly taken of and on, according to the fubfl:ancc of the v ef-. i'elsat euery changingof~he tab_! c. · . . ·

And ftrei<>ht way as 1t were m the twmcklmg of an eye and turne of a hand, there was put vppon thisthreefooted frame a rmmde table of Golde, three fuote by the Diameter, and of aninddferent thiclme!fe, and ofthisformea.t1dbigneswere all the reil-. . Vpon thistablewas laide a Carpet perfumed, of cloth of Hormifine of a greene colour, eucnfy d!llendediarge and long dovme to the pauement : fringed vpo1~ the fides with twiHed threede ofthdelfe fame, and m1xed wuh Sllucr and Go !de, depending dowme vnder a border of imbroyderie of Pcarle and pretious fl:one, with a h~md-brea~th of the pauement on euerie lide'hanging down e. And ef this (ort were all the Car­petsborderedandhinged. . . .

Afterwards followed a f.tire yoong Damofell and qmclte-, withagreatBafonof Gold filled with the flowers ofViolets, tawny plew &;white,andfweetfinelling, as in the prime fpring time, :md firewing of them vpon thetables,exceptthat before the~eene.

Her £1cred maiefiie, hauing put off her robe fo!or<>eous as L;liit, wife to P.rnl111 A~milim ncuediuv in her hushan~es try. umphes, and (hec rem1yncd i.I.1 a gowne~fpurple Veluet,

P a hauing

.T'b# ftrifti{LIIM hauingwoucnin it birdes, little beafl:es, leaues and flowers in kn.Jttes, theworke fomewhatr•yfcd vp with pear le and fionc:, v.·ith a thynne vaylecouering it all ouerof !ilke fyprufl'e, !hew~ ing_through It the coueredworkes and cloath:by reafon of the cl care fubtiltie and thinndfe thereof, and imperial! and grati~ ous apparell, ·

After came in two beautifull Damofels bringing in an arti~ ficious fountaine continually running with water, and rea!Tu­mingt\le fame agayne, which wils of fine golde, and iu a vefl'e\l of a curious workmanil1ippe, which was broughtbefore the Q.!!eene, and aftertheprofenting of it vpon the table ofgoldc they bowed their knees downe to the pauement, and like re­uerc:nce at the fame inftaunt made all the refi of the attendant Ladyes, bothattheprc:fentingot euery thing, and at theta­king away. Three other faire Damofels tollowedneareafter them, onecJrryingan Ewerofgolde, thefetond a bafon, and the other a tow ell of white filke.

The <l..!!een whi- ,.., ------~------. le£!: fhe.e did wa!h . her handes , one that cariedthegol­den bafon, recey­ued therin the wa­ter, that it might llot fall agayne in­to the reaffuming fowuaine :and the other with the Ew. tie, powred in as much fwectewater as was borne away, becaufe that the fountaine iboulde notbeemptie,and hyndered in hys courfe. The third did wipe and drie her hands. . · The broad and large Receptorie of this fountaine VI· as car­ryed vpo_i! f~~~~!!t~l~~~~~~cs,~~~~~ t~ey ~~ vpponeuebr11· e

ta c

iJ: 1t Drtlllllt.

table to waih the handes of all that were fett~: The brim ofthevellell wherein thc1·ifing vp fountaine did

fiande, was adorned with bupbles ofpearle U:anding vp, and vnderthe fame was fctte another of an other forte, and both ioyned together with two clafp,es of an cxquilite dipo:it.ure, fineworke, and prc:uou!ly garrurhed, For among other Jew­c:iles ofineftunable price> vppon the verie toppe in a flower, there was fette a D1a1nond in fafllion ofa peare, gliftering and fparklmg of a huge and. vnfeene bignes.

And as neotre as my fi11ell could tell mec,I didiud<>e the wa­ter to bee ofRofes,ll)i-..ct v-;ith theiuiee ofLymon pil~es, and a little Amber artificially compofcd,which yeelded a fweet and pleafant fmell.

In the mid deft of this admirable and fiupendi­ous Court, therew•sfet

;; maruellous perfu­ming vel.Tel, not fo much fortheexcellentandper­fea:efubftaunce thereof, which was pure and fine golde : but tor the con­fpicuous, rare, and ;mn• cicnt falhion of the bafe, fianding vpon three Har­pyes feete , the which ill a foliature made a trian. guled illygarnent to the bafe, full of deuifcs,as the mettall rcquired,ouer e­

e Angle or corner ,. whereofHoode three na­

ked ihapes of flying fpi• rites orderly fette,oftwo cubites high, with their ll1oulders turnedoneto~

wards another, and fomewhatnearctogether. They fi:oo~ veon the bafewith the right fo~t!owards the · p 3 cotncr,

Tht !lrife of Lout

corner, and the Iefte fl:retchingtowardes the fixed foot oft he other boye. Th.c:Jr cubits bending vp, and holding the han­c:lleoftheperfumingpanne, verie t1ender in the Hcale, and vpwardinfaihionof a bowle, fomewlut furroweo and broad Lpped.

There were fix in a round circuit, one towardcs an other: And betwixtthcyr ihouldcrs in the Cent er point of the man­guledbafe, tbererofevpafl:ealc like ::n. olde fatlJionedCan­dleHic ke , holding on the: toppe thcreot fuche a bowle or vet-· fell as aforefaide, and fo broade as did fill vp thevoyde place in the middefl betwixt the other fix.

Whichbowks were filled with burningcoles couered ouer with embers, and in euery vcllell vppon the alnes did boy le alittlepotofgold, which contrary liquors infufedwithfweet odours.

And as I fufpefled, euery potte hadfeucrall water, as it were, one with Rofe-water, another with water of Orange flowers, another of myrtle, tender greenc La wrellleaues, el­derflowers, ancfdiuers fuch lykefoci;.blc. fyn~ples, And thefe boy ling together, they did yeeldc a moH pleaiant and fragr~nt fmell. · ·

In the prefence of the magnificent Q!!eene there did al­wayes wayteandattend three honourable Nymphes, their ap­parell beeino- of<Toldeandfilke, marueloul1ywouenand ador­t1ed, andfefte ~ith "ear le and fione. The lyninges oftheyr o-ownes goin<> about their fnowic ihoulders, and commwg ~owne vppo~ 'cbeyr little round brefl:es to the low~r parte of theirwafies ofluche colour as the napkms, leaumg to be fee ne the pieaf.1unt valley; betwixt their £1ire breffes, an extreame delight and ddi1'ed nounfl1ment vnto a narrowc looke and crreedtc eve, with a thoufand fmall chaynes, pre­tic icw-elles""and flowers of golde in a fa:minine fort, a fweet bayte to carne a man headlong into forgetfulne5 of hym­felfe beeio<> inchaunted with choyfc and amorous re~ards, f;:rre'p~IIing"'rhe dcfire o~ any other dclycate.vyands. Their fhooes of golde cuttc with halfc: Moo ne;, and clofed vp at the ioynmg of the h0rnc:s or. corner~ With buttons and flowers ofgold-fmithes woorke m a cunous forte, and the

- tummels

iiutDrMmt. 56 trJmmels of their faire and plentifullllaire aboue their for be:~dsand temples inilropbiated withlar,geandroundoryent pcarle. . . ,

. They fl:oodc thus on eyther hmde and before the~eene wnh a fingular and reucrent regarde, attending and rcadi!ie perfour~mg that charge whereunto they were appoynted. And the le ferued but an one Table : which beeing chaunged. they w1thdr~we themfelues by, and fl:oodc: fl:Jll vppon theyr feetc arme m arme, other three hauing fupplyed their pla­ces : And the three that wayted, {bee: in the mid deft was· cOU"uer. - ·

. The other vppon the right fide held e. vnder a plate if anic tlung fhouldtall by: and the thirde vppon the lcfte hand helcl ? m oH whyte and cl ea ne towcll offilke to drieher Iippes, and .m eucry a{hon a reuerence, . ·

The towel! was not vfed but once, and then cafl: by vpon the pauement, a.1d carryed away by one that fl:oode neare0

And fo manymorfdsasiheedid e<Jte, io manyfweeteperfu. med deane towelles of filke plyted and finely wrought were vfed.

And the like was doone to euerie gncfl:, for not one at that banquet did touch a!lle tlungc fauing onelye the cuppe. ·

After that the CQ1eene had waihed, and had her firft fer~ uice, then all rh~ relhf1d w<Jfh at the Llme fountain~, ea fling out water of It felfe, and reJ11umino- the E1me in a wonder full

b ~

Juanner. y two fmall pypes on eythcr· fides, and running vp flr;ugh t 111 the mt.ddeft from the bottome of the vcffell, the· dcuyfe whereof when I did v ndedland, I was much contented· thcrewithall_

After the waf11ingof' the ~eene firfl:, and fuccclftuely of all the rcfl:, there was deliuered to euery one oft he wayters a rounde ball of golde wycr-woorke tull of fma\1 holes, and '~it bin l1uft ~ith Amber pafl: of a moll: perfell compofition, fetwHh preuous fl:ones. to the en de theirhands,eyes, andfen4 £cs fhould not be idle.

Then there at eucrie chaunge of courfe, two Edea~ri­e(s that had the ordayning of the ~ecncs meate, did bring

int9

-.,.

Which did draw in the rupbord·

"f'ht Jri(o{LMI

intq_,t\le middefl of the royall Court vppon fourc turuin:; whceles afii}tely repofitorit-or cupbord , in fafl1ionlikc vntoa fhippe, and thcrefililtc to a triumphant Ch<ttiot, ofmofi fine solde, with manyf;ifhes andv.'l\ter inonfiers, and inhnit other e~quifite ihapcs marudouily wrought~ and fctte full M ric he fl:oncs, the fparklings and gli!lermgs whereof didihine rounde ab9ut the fides oft he Court, and reincounter vpon the roun­dellesofth!: other before fpoken iewelles, on euery fidefitly · placet\, asjfPhcebus had_be~nefet_te by~ Nymph wgrace hir C)'ic.sandcount~nancewnh his ilittungbnghtncs.. ·

To all which continual! glil.lering of ineffableworkeman­lhip,pq, there could uo: more bee deuifed. of equall compari,. fon, although it were the T em plc at B01bylon with the three toldeP:llatue.s.:: · . . :: · . . .

Withm the which was put all fuch necdfaries perfumed, as w.cr:e~ce:'teand·conuenient for the d1aunging o.f th<t tables, as clotfuu,BQwers, cup pes, towelles, and vdielll:s, to powre ou~ of, to,drinkc in, and plates to'eate vpon.

And thefe ·two Nymphes plaufiranes ·, did take them ~owne, 0111d de!iuer them (as needefcquired) to the way­tcrs •.

And the firfi Table beeing chaunged·, euerie thing was brought backe agayne to the plauflraries, at whofe going a• way the Trurnpettcs founded in fuchafort~, asPtfous7her• rm11s neuer came neare vnto, nor M~tlmu T rumpetor to thao· Kmg o£ Herruria.

And then:thcy did wind't·heir Corncttcs, thus dooing eue­rietime that thcrepofitoriewas dr01wne our, vntil that it came in againe,at what time:they ceafed.. .

And wheu the Table was cb&unged, they altered theirmu­.ficall inl.lruments 1 which bec:ing ceafed, the fingers began fo heauenly, thatkwould hauecaufedthe Syrens to fleepe, ha­uingmixedwlth:their voyC'cs fiill win de inl.lruments oh•wod, fuchas theTrDt~<."in· D4Y.J.Anns ncucr inuented.

.And. by tlif$ appoyntedorder, there was continually heard foull,des, and pleafaunt harmonies, fweete con­

delightfull Mul).ckeprefented, odonferous per­• and fiately viandes plentifully fed de o£ And.e~

· llerie

luDrtlimt. . , .. ·. ''

eueric thing w hatfoeu er, witho~t a_ny de~etl: of gr:ic~ iir ddiglit anfwerable, accordmg to the d1gnme oft he place; · ·

To this firl.l princely table, all the velTels and inltr11ments too-itherwith the tableit felfe, were of pure fine Gold, Wher­up~n there was apprefented a Cordiall con(etbon, and as I ceuld conieaure, it was made of the fcraping cif Vnicornes borne, Date fiones and Pearle,often hette, and quehclied and powndedfmall,Manna; Pineapple kernels, Rofe water,Musk and Lyquid, Golde, in a precious compofition by weight, and made Lofenges with fine Sugar and Amylum.

This was eaten without any drinkmgvponit, and it was a Confell:ion to prohibite all Feuers, and to driue a~ay Melan~ cholywearines. . ' ' '

This being done in a moment, allthings were tak~li vjl and remoued, the Violets call vpoh the ground,and the i:able bare. And affoone as this was done, the table was !aide agaiile cone­red with cloth of Tabfike, andal{o the wayterg, and as at the firfi, i:here was cafl: vpon them the fweete flowers of Cedars, Orenges, and Lymons, and vpon that, they did apprefent in ve!Telsof Beryl, and of that preciou·s l.lone wasthe Q,E.eenes table ( exce~t. the skinki~ pottes which were all of pure fine Gold) fiue Fntters of palte of a Saffron colour, and crufied ouerwith extreeme hotte Rofe water, and fine pownded Su~ gar,and rhenagaineClHouerwithmusked water,and with hac Sugar like frolt vpon Ife. Thefe Seruices of a mol.lpleafant t:afie, and offundryfathions were laid in thus. The firl.l,in oyle of.the flowersofOrenges. Thefecond, In oylc of Gilliflow~ ers. The third, in oyle of the fflorires of Geffamin. Thetourth, inpureOvleofBeniamin. Andthelafi,intheoyleofMuskeandAmber. Andwhen-we hadweltafled and eJten of the f.1me delell:ablc !neat ,there was deliuered to vs a goodly citp of the aforcriame(Beryl,with his coue·r., and cwuered euer that al[o vvith a thinne. Veyle of ft!ke :md Gold. ctirioufly folded into thefournid of'<i C:inapie, the ends call ouer the fhoulders oft he bearers, and hanging down 1:heir backe. · ·

And in thi~ fort they did prefent all drioltin.:; ve!Tels and othets,withl:ileateS and fawces couered. Within the· drinkyng

. . Q.... . tl~t

The /lrift o{LDIII alp they had in!.Ufcd a predous Wine, fo as meet hougl1t that the Gods of the ElJJi~tn fieJJes, had transformed their pow~r into the fw«:tncs of the I yquox .- furpafsing the wine of Th4f (111.

Without delaie (after ou~ drinking this tablebein<> takett away, and the fweete flowers cafl: vpon the pauement: there was forthwith fprc:da cloth ofmurry filke and camarion:with Rofes white, rc:dde, Damaske, Musk e. and yea low ca!l: vppon the fame. And prefemly new wayters brought in ( apparrel­led m the fame colo~rs) fixe pieces of bread cut for euery one, toffedand duifed wnh refined.marrow, fpnnckled ouer with Rofewater, Saffron, and the:iuice ofOrcnges, temper in<> the tafieandgildedouer, and'With them fixe pieces of pure irian• chetwc:refetdownc:. Andnextvnto tl1em a confeltion of the Juice of LyinonSt'empered wnh fine Sugar, the: feed;s of Piues, Rofe water, Muske, Saffron, and chcayce Synamon, and thus were aH the fawces ma~e with conuenientg.t:adation and ~eliuery. The vdl'els were ofT opas and the round ra ble. : This third magnificent ta~le being taken vp as before (aid, there was prcfently an other mnouated, with a cloth of filke fmooth, a~4 o€ aycalow colour • (the wayters .fptable) and flrewed w1thLdly Conually, and Daffadil, immediately thu courfe was prefentl!d, feuen morfels oft he fleih of a Partridge in a iliarpe broth • andfo manypie~es of pure.wbte Manchc:t. !he {auceAcccres, minceda.od diffolued in.Suganhrice fod~ Ckn, Amylum, Saunders, Muske andRofewatt:r. The vef­fe!~ a.~dthe. ro~nde table of Chryfoliu. Laflly ,they offered a pr~cious drmkmg cup, andfo obferuedin tl:e rell:, · The fourth table beeingtaken away, the fiftwas reuefied' "'~th a dot h of Glke 1 of a uimofen colour, and in hkefort t het Nimphifh apparrct The flowers o.f purple, yealow ,whire,and tav. ny.The Scruis,eigbt morfds ofthe flefh of a PJJe;jfant r0 .;,

fie:~ lyi11g ju the <>rauie, and withall fo many pieces of fine. white ll1<~nc;her. fhe.loluce was this,waterofOreJ_Jge flowers t;he iuice ofPomcgrancts:,.Sugar, Cloues, and Cynamon. 1

'I he vcffdles of Smaragde, and the table ·of the Souerci<>nc-~eene. . . . .. , · "'

- · · !hi~P~~ing ta~~~~way v~~~~ foll:'~~~y • th_"rc w<ts fpred an

ftJ 11 Drt.t~w~ r3 :an other cloth ofu\ke of a purple colour, and fo tbeapparrcl of thC'wayters. .

The flowers were of three fortes, of leliamine, tawny,yea• low, and white. The Seruice was nine morfds of the flefh of a relloratiue Peacocke,moyfienedinhis grauie. Thefaucewas moO:greene and tart, with Pifl:acke, Nuttes po~nded,.Sugar, Cypricum, Amylum, and Muske, Time, white Manoram1

and Pepper. The vdfclles of Saphyrc l and the Princely Table.

At the feuenth chaunge, they brought in a fumpteeus ta.; ble of white Iuort,bordered,trayled, and finely wrought with many fmall pieces vpou the precious wood of Aloes, and ioy• ned & glued togith<:t", and from one lide to the other ,·wrot_Jght with knottes and fohature, flowers, veffellcs, monHers, lmlc: Birdes and the ftrikesand caruings filled vp with a black pafie and mi1xtureof Amber and Muske. This mee thou!;ht was a rnofl: excellent thin<> andfumpteous breathing out, amoft de· lioohtitlfweetfmel. fhe cloth white and fubtilywroughtwitb d~awne worke with Satten lilke, the ground powdereiland fil­led and theworkewhite and pbine, with the reprdentation of ihapes, byrdes, beafl:es, and flowers, and ia like (ort theappa• relofthewayters. Theflowers L<tdyfl:eale, Rape, V~o~et, and all fortes of fweetc Gilliflowers. And thus there vaned euerie where fuch diuerlitieof fmdles, feuerally broughtin. and fo delighfull_ to the fences, as 1 cannot fuflicientlycx•. prdl'e. . . . .

Then there was giuen to euene one a confe£hon1n three inorfels of the ihell, Iil11, DaCI:ilus, with Pifiacke, Nut kernels powndedandputinto Rofewater andSuooar, ofthellandes, and Muskcandleafe Goldc, beaten and a3ulterated therwiths that eueric piece taken vp • fcemed as if it had beene all Gold. A

The ve!Tcls were of Iacynth, and the table circulare. n aptand conuenient flQne to fo excellent difpolition and roy .. allboardandfl:raungebanquets, fuche as beforew~reneuc~ beardof. • . · After ~~(t~kingawayof~~~ yvo~erfull C::~~f~fti:~

·"-'~ .

ne /fri{e ri( L Dllt

and the flowers cafl: downe vpon the pauement in a princely magnificence, there was pref~ntly brought in,a great vcffdl of Coldfullofkindlcdcoa\cs ,into thew!Jich the table cloathes, napkin~andtowelles oHilke werethrowne, whicheprefently burned light, and after that beeing taken out and cCJo!t:d,they werewhole,vnhurt andcleane,<js at the fidl And this yet was the wondertull firaum;dl: of all the rdl. And then the tables and frames were taker~ downe und carried aw01y.

Which moll excellent order and fightcs, the more that I carefully indeuoured to confider of them, the more ignorant and amazed I founde my felfe.

But in all thinges affuredly I did take great pleafure with my intended admiration, in feeingotfuch, fo great, pientifull, and tryumphant fumpteoufnes, offo incredible cofily a ban~ ket, that it is better to ho!de my peace then not to fpeake fuf. ficiently in the report thereof. For that the bankers of Sictli4 be in refpc:ll: but 6c:ggerly, and f o were the fiately Ornaments of .AttAINJ. The Corinthian veffels, the dainties of Ciprut, and SllliArie [uppers. ·

Yetnotwithfl:anding fo fupreame and exceffiue alacritie, and cordiall delell:ation, and thatonely and extreeme pleafure (occafioned by fuch and fo vnexpell:ed deliahtes) by one of thofe three whi.ch in the Iafl: chaungeattended, was quay led, ou.erthrowne, mterrupted , lamed, mtercep ted and made vame. Fodbee d1d reprefent m her behauiour, the fweet ie­~urc: and refemblance ofPolza, Il:irring vp bytheminme fl:ea: lmgregardes.

This was no. fmall hinderance vntomee, in the takyng of thofe pleafant damt1es and·prmcelyrefeCI:ion. Yet notwith­R~ndingmy eyes would now and then withml!chadoo, bee wrthdrawne to beholdethe bcwtieof the Iewels and precious flones, fparkcling and glifl:eringin euerieplace, in fuch diner­lines offiraung_e and vnfeene glorioufi1es andconfpicuous de­cora!Jlents,as 1ft hey had011lou<>hta duetie to her wh1chmade mc:e Wlth an immoderate de fir~ to behold thecor;cfpondency of her Qecellem bew~ic:, ·

;,4Drtlfmt. J9 Lafily,in fucheorder and forte, as aforefaide, the tables

beeingtakenaway, I hung dewne my hcade, becaufe that! might not followe after the lafl: iunckatcs which I had loft by minding of her thatminifired.

Then firH before the facred Maiefl:ie and royall perfon of the ~eenc, andafterwardstovs, fiue £1yre Nymphes appa• relied in blewe lilke and golde curioully wouen togeather in workes, did all together apprefC:nt themfelues.

The middlemoll of them did be are a brmmch of coorrall, lyke a tree, fuchas is not founde amongH the Ilandes Orcha­des, of one cubite high, which lloode as vppon a little motm­tayne, which was the roucr of an old faOJioned velfell ot pure gold, in forme of a Challyce, as high agayne as the couer and the tree of coorrall, full of curious wor kmanihippe and leafe wor ke, neuer made in our age ,nor the like fee ne.

Betwixt the graqlament oft he foote and the cnppe,itwas· knittetogetherwith a handle of il'lefbmable workemanibip, and in ly ke manner the foote and the bow le were of an excel­lent anaglyphie offoliature, monllers and byformed Scyl­lules, fo exquifitely exprdfed, as could be irnboffed, chafed, or ingrauen by proportionate circulation,

And the mordycant couer oft he fame was thicke fet with incomparable icwelles : and in lyke forte all the bafe and handle wheteas conueniencie requyred, and glyfiering a­bout.

V ppon the braunches oft he coorrall, there were artifici­ally fette certayne open flowers with fiue leaues, fame ofSa­phyre, fomeoflacynth and Bcrill, and in the middefi of them alittleroundfeedeofgolde, faUening theleauesto the Halke, ofcorrall.

Which yoongwoman reuerently bowing to the earth with herrio-htknee, referuing the other fiill vp, whereuppon fhee helde0 this couer of coorrali, which a Ho bdidcs the fl01\-cr$,

had vppon thepointes and top pes of other twigges or fprouts curioully infixed'monfirous gre.1t pearle. An or her ot • hem had acuppefull ofpretious lyquor, ~ettcr then that which the prowde CleopAtra gaue vnto the Romane Capt~me: The reG~

· did execute their offices as afuref.1id, and plud>mg off one a f-. -- --··- ·- .. <t3 m

Tb14ri{t1{L1111

ter :mother, with a little inflrument with two teeth efgo1de r!-: 'J .)ff··rin'; •he f.1m:: fruits vnto vs,to me vnknowne, for that I ha-:l T:ue• kea~ the lyke,we did tall them.

But tile vn ~:<pe::Ced p leafttre ofthem,:md fwectnes of their tafl:,was no o therw tfi: to me than hke a graticus fubfiance wan .. ting his defired forme. ·

And there vvere reilored agayne the balles of got de before mentioned.

V ppon this appeared an other maruellous woorke, that was a perpetuall rwUling fountai:1e artificially deuyfed of the aforefaid matter, bur of an other notable .fail1ionand worke­man!hippe, founded vppon an immoucablc axcltree, vppon thew hi eh two whedes turned about.

Aboue the which ll:ood an vnequalquadraturcthrcc foot long, two foot broad,and fix foote high.

In euery angular part d1d fit a Harpie with both her winges extended and flrecched vp to the breadth of a higner veUell,

. ftanding vp vppotl the miildefi of the meafured quadrangule, coronized at th~ extteme and vpper parts, and beautified with ~:handling and foliature,circumuefting the lower part.

And vppon eueric fide the fame diuided into three, the midd!ep;~rte betwixt the fall of the- waters intercepted, did contayne in kalfe hod yes carue~, a tryumph ~f Satyres and Nymphes, with Trophees, and exquyfite a£hons, excepte thefore-partandhinder parte moderately finuated and bent in. The which in lleadc offquadred lyneamcnt, did contaync aroundn~ffewaucd betwe·ene, in the which was maruelloufly ingrauena Httlefa~:rificewithan olde Aultaron eyther fides, withmaniefi~>uresanda£l:ions, the rell that was voyde, the tayles of the forc[~yde Harpyes iQyning togeather; and turning he ere and there into lcaues, did excellently coucr the. ~~ .

Out of the medyan cel'lter of the equature and quadran~ gule afore fpecifiedand d~fcribed out ot an anty_ke folya~ure, did ryfe vp an olde fatluoned velfell, ami vene beauufull, thecyrcuite whereof did not exceede the content of the qua· 8rangulate playne, and this with all the rell of the woorke, ~d~~e~!eprop~~t~o'!a~~~-('l~~~i~~· !ry~ll, ~~1~ c~~minati-

~lla

iiiADrtlf"''· le on , both in the highefi breadth and d!ickneffe, with mofie conuenientvelfeling lineamentes, diligently delymared and fy le~, and then finlihed with anablolutc <111d depolyte defur~ rnauon. ·

The which out of the fupprdfed orifice thereof did ar~ crnd vp an other hollowe veffell, the compaffe whereof did exceedethe afurefaide fubicll: vefi'ell furrowed and channel· led rowld about, of a great breadth and large brymmes fo wel faillioncd, as is poffible for any goldfmith to beau~ out with his hammer.

In theccnterpoyntwhereofdid rife and mount an other vc!Tcll ofincredible workemanfhip.

l~1 the bottome of which thirde there were fmallridges fwelhng outwardes, the toppes of them compaiTed about with a row ofdiuerfeinefiimable fiones,bearmg out and diffe­ring in col0urs, as.befimightcontentthe eye of at:uriousLa· fidarie and skilfull vnderll:anding.

Vppon the fame on eythet ficks was made a heade of a monfl:or, from the which cm b.oth handes did proceede the ~arniilung thereof in. an exquyfite and mofi rare workc ofleaues ~ inuefiing the fame about with the congreffe of the oppofyte heade, and finely gucing that pane of the vdfell.

. Andin.the bearing out of tbelippe oftheveffell ouer the perpendiJcular poynt of the hea&e there was faD:ened a rynge,

' from the which vppon eyther fid.:s there hungdowneagar­land of braunches' leaues,. flowers' and fruJtes growlllg big­ger towardcs the middefl:, with a perpolyte bynding to eyther ringes.

Ouer the middle bending of the garland:t and vn der tl11.~ proieaureofthe lyppeofthc velfell, therc:v.a; f:x,:d :,:Jd pla­'ed the head of an olde 111an, wirh.h1s beard ,md bwe n'_·;lit he; ad transformed iHtonettle leau~s, and cut of whofc I~JOutil guJ11ed out the water of the fountay,lc 1_,v art cc ne wu.,lly .uuo thehollownesofthebroadveflcH v <::ci,;c,

Vpponthemouth ot this laO:defGJb~d ,cr;,: ... ddn:ol~nt Yppe a pretyo,~~ l!yll J!l~~~el~~-'.Jfl;)' ~:,;::;d_t , ;;;;d [;,;J,F_t~

. " - ,l. . (J.

Tht /lrifi D/Lo111 ofinnumerableroundepretioutrocke !tones doling o·newith another vnequally, as if nature had 1oync!d them growing, ma. ki1;1garoundecompofed hill, beautifully gliftering of dyuerfe forces and colours in a proportionate bignes.

And aloft vppon the toppe of this little hill,there grewe a fine pomgranare tree, the body, bou"hes and fruite made all ofgolde,the lcaucs ofgreene Smaragde. The fruit oftheyr na­tural! bignelle he ere and there aptly placed , their fides cut o· pen, and in place of kernelles they were full ofmoft p ertetl:e H.ubyes,as bigge as the kernels.

After that, the ingenious Artificer wanting no inuention~ hee feperared the graynes io fteade of the fylme with filuer toy le.

And moreouer, in other apples ,·opened~ but not rype~ hee redoubled the thickneffe of the foyle, ma-king the ker­nelles of an oryentall colt> m, fo alfo hee made the Howers of perfetl: corrall,in the cupp esfull ofbees of gold e.·

Belides this, out of the toppeofthehollowe ll:eale, lykea pype ;there came our a tuming !tea le, rhe loweft part where-· Of relted in a heade, framed.ti:om the middl.e trunke orpypc iull: oue'r the axeltree.

Which fieale or ftypet beeing ftrongly fafiened, it barevp a veaelloffopas ofanauncient forme, thebowlcwhereofin tbebottomewas broad, an·d fwelling out with rigges'in the o­pening, rare! y b ewtified with a c11ronice , and put vnder with ariother.

In which doling and binding together in foure equal! di­uilions, there were fourc wingedhead.es of a little childe, witb fourepipesin their mouthes. .

The rell: mounted ~P fo much as the lower bigneffe oft he velfdl was,beeingdofed vpat theoriftcewtth aninuerfefolia­·ture. V pp on the which there was placed an otherveffell as it were a circular coli er of a moffcririous leafe worke<,wrrh·a fmal coronice,and an artificial! orifice.

From the bottome of which there beganne a flourifhed tayle of a Dolphinfall:ened androwldered to the gracylament

·.ofthevelfell, defcenjing downe w4rh his'·headefinpetl wi~b leaues 1 to the circulating brymme of the velfell where the

· · - · · · · - .. - - - ... · · boyes 1

lint Drttlt'M, Gi boyes heades were fixed. And with a moderate f w~llin"' out about the head, and fhcight~ing:iu:~ - tayic: they fitted for the cares 111 a beaurtful manner. And all tbat inclinin"' part with an exqudite poliihing dtd make an expreJfe ihewe of' moft curwus lmeamenrs. .

The fpper velfell was fo perfetl:ly wrought • that when the w hec:le was mooued, the fl:eJ le with the velfell vppon the toppe thereof, turned about and powred ot~twat~r through the trte, and when the wlli:elc L~oode tttll then thlt lefte turn in g. ., ., . '

The wheeles werel1altet"ou;:red with two winges, the typpes turmng one oni!:Way, and the other an

other way, adorned with a cha!in"' ofMermaydesorScil- "'

laes.

R. This

This excellentpeece of wi ':" :,,: tim; running before eue­rie one, and weetins our hlll~ks .uhl t(:ete of.1n incredible fweetneffe,fuchas In~uer b.td J-.:lt be rore,wc dryedoar h-ands, and it was carryed away •

And be!iingthus fpriackled with this rare and m~iefHcail water, the wayters with great reuerence prcfented vnto the ~,eene fid1agreat cuppe ofgolde, and her highnelfeatf~bly falutingvs, drunkeN dl:ar, aml afterwardes euerieonc ofn after other,withreuerent,mutual, and iolcmne honours done, d1d drinke a m oil: pleaf<mnt fdrewell and ihutting vp of all the pretious dainties that we had taHcd and fed vpon. . Lafl:l)',the redo leilt flowers beeing diligently taken away, ·and all thinges tLlt lnd beene vfed borne fi:om thence, the pauememrcnuyned pure and thming as a mofl: deare fl:eele gia!I'e, and as 1t were emi.llating the prctious ic:wcllc:s rowndc about.

And euerie one bceing fc:tte in his appoyntc:d place, the high and mightie Princefle did commaund a company to co1ne

iJI,and Jbndc vppo~ the diafper checkers, neucr the, like belore feene or imagined of <~me

mortal! creature.

Rs

P1f;pl}jlm foUdt#eth t b /he-w bepdu thu grellt bv.t;k,tt af a mofl.:xt~d· ulltn' d.runce or g.1nn , a~<d how th~ ~fette did com-mit him to ~o of her Nymphu, the which dzd feade and conduff him td the fight of many wonderful! thingr , 11l«l a. they Nt{­

kfd,fhewerlvnttJhim the fecrtciu offochthingJat heeftood. in douh of Fimei'.J, how they Clime to the tbnegatn, in the middlamoft wh"eof, hte remained Among41 the amoroUI N;mphet~

:""1·~~-:..\li'..~r::;;.;.~ Auingfpokenfomethingoftheexcee. . ding & incomp.arable glorie, triumph,

vnknovme m:afure, plentiful delights, folemne bank et, and the mofl honou­rable and fttmptus-us drinking of tliis mofl happie at:d rich ~eene,ifl hauo notdiflinElly and perfdtly cxpreifed her chrefefl di;nitic,let not the curious company maxuel therear, for what fo.

euerrype, iliarpe, andreadie wit, with afranke, eloquent and plentiful toongadorned, is not able to pcrforinc the lcafl: part ofi11S durtie.

And much le!Tc I', who continually fuffer ineuerie fecrec· place of my burninghearr,an vm dTant Hrife notwithftanding theabfenceofPoli.~ my miftres, t!1c owner of all my sk1l,and .imprifonrr of my perfections.

Bdides that,in truth the m1ny maruelsin exccllcncy,and \farietie vnhardof,fo vncoth, rare and fh:umgevn!il!es i!!dU­m:tble,andnot humane, haue fo oppreffed,laden & born down. my fences, with the greedie and excefsme contemplation and beholding of their vari.1ble diucrlities, a1 thdt frort~,poinc to point lam no whit aljleto deicrib;: them,andmuchidl'c: wor­thietopub!ifn them,

All and the mofl that I can do, is to thinkeoftherich ap­parrel, exquilite prouifion, curious dr:fsings, perfcll Jmbiti­?us ;:nd wounding bewties \"'itboutimperfetl:ions,their deepe IUdt,emmts, Acmili~n eloqurn·:c,& bountiemorethcnprince­ly, d1e not~ble difpofition mdotder of Architecture, thedu-

. · · · · rallle

hl~tDr~tlii'N. 8'J

r.1ble Symmetric and prGportion oft he building, perfell: and ablolute, the noblenes of the Art of Mafonrie and Lapycida­rie, thediJcllions and placing of Columne~, theperfelhonof fl:atues and rcprefentatious, the adornment of the walles,the diuerlitie oft he Hones, the fl:atelyentrance & princely porch, large Gallery , artific10us pauements, no man will thinke with what cofl: and charge bewt,ified anJ hanged with precious Ar­ras and V erdure.1 he fpacious andloftie lllner Court, "'Oodly bedchambers,innerwithdrawmg chambers, parlours ,bathes, hbrarieand pinacloth, where coat Armors efcuchions,painted tables,and counterfeates of fl:rangerswere kept, & with a ma· idhcal comelines and order placed and folc:nmely difhibuted.

In v.hich conceiuing capacitie, maruelld'us performance, incredible charge and high commendation of the mofl: excel· lent Artificer, woor~hily allowed 1n euerie partition and ele­<>ant conuention of exquifiteLineaments.I alfo beheld amar­~c:ilous twifled conlignattonor couering.of g.old-fi11iths work, o uer a foure fquare plaine Court, growing vp alike , without comparifonlike aheaucn,with a diipofite difiance of many for­ted proportions, with fundry lybellated Dimenfions,lbadow­in<~'oUerthe Court,withanArchedEminence,which was vn­dcfr, adorned with coronifed Lyneaments and grauings, there~ unto conuenient,as Fafheols, Gululles,and Oualling, and the leaues of Achanthm, licking vp as it were in the corneys of the quadranguled Court. With Rofes and the growing order of their leaues, the top leatc Jcafl, their iaggings about the Jeaues, •md (pace bet.,.;eenc h:.1fe and leaf e. All thinges coue1·ed wit_h pure hne gold and Azure colour, with diucrs other proporti­ons and counterfets of fubftance,equalwith their workcman· ihip. The wofing of Sllflint:CJ King of Cokbis,may.~JOt corn. pare with tlm.

Then the delightful fruitfulnes ofthe fet hedges, Orchards, watered Gardens, fprmging Fou~tames, current flrea~es in Marble Channelles, conrem~d, framed, and held m, wuh an incredible Art,. greene Hearbcs, i11il frefhe and flowering, a fweete ayre, warme ;md fpring winJes ~ with a coafufed charme oHingingand c·hirping birdes, a pure, faireand bright aire,aad fiil continuing temperate and healthfull, cou.utry free

. . R J f,OJU·

from danger and de«ne, No craggy nor rockie places,nipt and blaHedwithl11arpe wmdes, nor burnt w1th an vntemperate l10tte Sunne, butvnder afweet and pleafant temperature, in a moderatemeane rell>ycing, betwixt two extreemes, the fields truitful and without tillage and manurit;g,yeelding all commo­drties, warmehilles,greenewoods and tweet coo le ibadowes.

Alfo the inefhmable furniture, the attendant houfholde and <>re at number, their excellent feruice, the diuerfitie of youcl1es, and all in the primeoftheiryeares. The deligbfull prefence of the Nymphes;,,both attend.1ng abroad in the pre­tence andchambers,her·baferfort, therrnonourable and gra­cious behau10urs, their dn1erfitie of apparrel, attire and dref­fintrsfetwith Pearle and fl:one,inanallowed, pleafant & loue. Iy fort, ag any can imagine or e:"prdfe. With thefe infinite ri­-ches,filpreamc: delightes, and1mmeafurabletreafure, neither DarrHI, Cr~fHI, or any other humane fiate, whatfoeuc:r might any way compare,

And t!Jus t9 conclude, being ouercome with the g!orie of them, I know not what more to fay, but ~hat I flood atnaz ed, and as it were fenceles , and yet in great delight and without wearines, beholdingthofe prefent obiell:s, and cafl:ingwith ·my felfe what fate and defl:Uiate lhould con duel: and lea de m~e into fuch a place.

But afterw<trdes finding my felfe in fuch an accumulation ofglorie,pleaf.1.ntfeate, happie Country, great conter~tment and tryumphant company, fuch as Cladim the Player 111 Tra­gedies neuer had feene •. I was but moderately conuened, not­withfl:anding the_ prom1fe of the Q!Jeene, to fauour I?Y amo­

·-rous defire, accouating all, but as eye pleaftues that latherto I had feen~ and-had been prefented vnto me,fl:il deliring u grc<~-ter happines. . .

For w luch caufe, and for the greater fettmgout of the ex-ceffe and abowldingexcdlency,beyond all the reHofher roy-

: all ma<>nificence, ea cry one fitting in their place after the mira­culou~wondcrful,andfumpteousbanket,without any dclait:,

,;fa lJrtitme. 64 Bytheentraunceofthecurtainethere came in thirty two

Nymphes, whereoffixteenewereappat:~elled in cloth ofgold (eyglJt_vniformally without difference of degrees) afterward~ orie ofthofe lixteene was apparrelled in: princely robes lyke a King; and the other lyke a ~eem; '" wi~~ two tower-keepers or Rookes, as wee rearme them , two counfcll-keep.ers or Se. crc:taries, w eetcarme them BiJhoppes,and two Knights .In like fQrt were eight other in cloth ofliluer, vnder the like gouernc­ment and magiflracie as aforefaid.

Euerie one ofthefe according to their duties, tooke ti1eyr places vppon the checkers. of the p:mement, _that is, fixteene in golde of: oRe fide in two rowc~, aud fJxteene infiluerof the contrariefide.. : -

The Muficke begannevppon afodayne with a rare inuen­tion to found a charge with a pleaf<Lunt concord, particip<Lting togeatberafweeteand thundering melodic:, hauingin it ade-uinefurie. - : . · .. Atthemeafured fouiideandtimc of the Muficke vppon thei~ checkers, as it pl~afed the King to commauml, th,epawns

_ turnmg themfelues with a decent reuolution , honouring the King and the <l.!:!ee~, leapt vppon an otlu:r checker before them. ,

The King of the white men, his muficke founding, corn.; maunded her forward that fl:oodebefore the Qileene, and the fame with Jyke ,reuerent behauieur marched forward her con:. tinent,and floode flill. And according to the menlluation of the muficall tim.: in this order, [o thc:y chaunged t heir.p!Jces, or continued vpp{)n the checkers dauncing, vmill tn~t they '\'\·ere eyther t.akenorcommaundcdforward by the X:iilg ..

Ifthemtl/icJ<e kcpte fiill one time, thofc e)·ght vnyfr:rn:i~ ·pawncs did !pen de the time in marching ·forV.,ardes int<~ a~ d;­ther chetk!"r, neuer cornmi.u.g backevntiU that wort!niy wirh• out touch or appalement oftourag;c;they'had k·'JH vppo1J the lint of that fquJre where was the refidcncc ef t·ho: Q!;ieene, proceedingfiraighton, vnleffefhe tooke a prii.;·Jcl· by ;1 Di.l-

·the commanded! game to beplayd by parfona<>es, 110t on~he woorthiethe beh·o· lding, but of e.ter.:n. ail rem. em1r;mce, wh1ch l !':~sagam~~tCI~ell'e,in E.~sf~!~!l~ (o!!oweth. By

·-. --- -----·-'-'------.

.gonick)ine. · , , . _, :. ' , , . The Biihop wt'nt in a Di:gonike.lini; ~Hill hold1i1g' d1at co-:­loured~htcker whereinhdtood firlt. · '· · ' ' ' · '"'-·-------:-·. -------'----- .: . ..'~......,_, __ --- -·--· ··- -1- ... The

I i

'1!x,lr~'~L,u#

The Knight ouer tWo checkers before him taketh the next ofeyther hmdes, and of a contrary colour to that hee £l:oodc in immediately before. . · . . ,

The Ca!He-keepers or Rookes mtght pafle ouer marue che'ckers £l:reight on as thcypleafcd at commaundement, fo that they mightgoe one, two, t~re~, fou~e, or fiue checkers, keeping a meafure, and not £l:aymg ut their m:uch. . .

The Ki~1.,. mightgoevponaniechecker 1f nonewe.re m 1t, ot backeward, and cau{c any other to remoouetor him, and make him room e. · • · The <l.!!eencmightgoc anyway ,butitiJbe!l:when lhee1s

ncareherhnsb'andon eucryfide. · · · . And w h eniocuer the officers of cyther of the Kmgs fhall

findc one without gu:trde ofhelpe;t!li~ytakc her prifoner, and both kiffino- one andther ,lhe that ts olietcome and taken,goeth

0 ' ' .. . :fuorth and fianderh by• . . .,; ".

Thus they continue~p~aying ~fld daqnclng. according to· the time of the muficke , wtth~r~otr!e p leafure ; f-olac.e, an ap~ Jilaiife, vrttill the King ofthetiluer Nymphes was V·tfrour and conqtii:tOiir. . . . . . . . . . .

This folemne fport', what Withreft£l:ance ffymg backe, .and fecond,ng.efone an other, ~ith ~u~h a ~1eafured C!rculatloll; ~euefefri~, paufe, and modl!il~ontu1enc~e,. endllrl!d thefpace of an How~r w11ereat Itooketuchpleafure and·dtlyghr, that I iniagyrte (:md not amyffc!) th<tt 1 was r:~pt:· v'pon the fo­daine. from the liking of the !portcs of Olympu~ to a t'l.cwe fl:licitie. . ·

Thisfir{lgame beeingended', and conquefl:obtayned, all rctourned irito rheyr accullomed plates ,,am{ m hke m~nner ~sat thehr£l: fo the fecond ti rie e•cric one' in theyr app'oyn­'ted checkers' the.' Mulicke ch;tllh.,.ing tlleyr meafure, fo the moouings a~d gaiutesof the p la~rswetea:ltered. . . '

Andobferuin<>tlwtime ofthemufi,kemaconuementol"­der and appromi~d <>dl:me and arte, that it was no ncedc: to , ' 0 . commaundorfa)'an)"thing, . . . . . . :

But, the. cunning an~ experte N>Jrn£hes, wJthl'he>: ple~t:!­ftill trdfes 'dfuredoUI:t t!ieyrdehc~te 11'roulders· hung ~·nung, and in theyr motio~fo:ward~s would lliea~e ou~ at J7~~:~

tfl tt Vrt.tme. t1 i fomewhadhC\ving theirbackes, about their l:teades~eating· Garlandes and Crownes of Violets. And wh.en any one was taken, they lifted vp their annes and clapt hande.~. Thus play~ ing and courfing vp and downe, the firfl: continued J1ill con• querour.

In the lafigame and daunling, they beeing all returned to their d1fiributed places, the Mulicke againe found~d a mea­fure phrygiall in as perh:Q: and prouoking furie as eue'r .Mar­ci.u of Phrygiamuented,

The King in robes of Col de, caufed the yoon; Damo­fell that fl:ood before the ~l!ene, to marc he forwarde to the third-Checker, diretl: in the fidl:remooue, whereupon.im-­mediately there was fee ne a battaile and T orney,with fofwift andfodaine forces, bendino- themfelues to the groundeas it Werelyingclofevpon their &arde, and prefently vponitca­perin Rv p with a turne twife ab oue ground, one iufl: oppofite againtt an other, and vpon their do wile comewithall a turnc vpon thetoethrifeabout.

All this A£bon they did atone time, withfucha grace and agilitie, as nothing could be better, with th~ir !owe inclinati~ tions,high Capers and Turnings, without affeCtation of fuay .. ning, as idhould feeme with facilitie and careles eafe at plea~ fureand fweeteie£l:ures, as in fuch a thing may bee imagined. and not elfe where to bee feene. Neuer any onetroublmg an other, but who fo was taken prifoner, did prefently kitfe tbeir Canquerour, and voyded the plac~. And the l~ffer numb~r that there was, the more pleaf ure1t was to perce1ucthe polh­cies ot either fides to ouercome other.

And fuch an order and motion was vfed of eucrie one, in a commendable fort without fault;, as. the meafure and time of rhe,Mufikeappointed, fl:irryng euen them that look~d on to tJaue amotion in their finowes and mindes to do'o the lyke, there was {uch a concord and agreement betwixt nature and the Mufike efpecially, feeing the perform~nce ofthe fame in the aCtions of others.

V pon this occalion I was moued to call to. remembra~ce theforceof TlmbthmJ, the mofl: cunning mulimn, who w1th his voice arid mcafure v'ppon his Infirument would prouoke

S the

the gr~at Macedonian A/c:r,znder,; violently to take Armes, and prefenrly altering his voyceand tune, to target the famr, and lit downe contentedly. 1n tbs third game, thy apparrcl-led in gold did triumph in thcviCi:oritie. .

Thus honourabl~' with exceedingpleafure and ~>reat fo­Iace, this fumpteous feafl beeing ended, euerie on~ framed themfelues to fir down e. And 1 ryfing vp, made reuerence be­fore the Royall featc of her facrcd maidl:ie, and knci:lyn"' dovvne vpon my knee, ihe thus faid vnto me. b

Polpijff;u,forgctnow,andwype out of ti1yremembrance all forepa!Id griefes, occurfiue troubles, penliueconceites, and ouergone d:mngers , becaufe that I am affurcd of thy fortl1w1th full contentment of defire. ·

And kcing t.hat thy determination is to perfeuere refo­lutely in the amorous .flames and loue of Poli4, I thinke it conuenient, that f?r the recouerie thereof, thou repaire to the three Portes, vvluch are the rdident places of the hi<>h and mightie <l.!!eene 1e!o/i4, in which placcvpponenerieofthofe ., Porte_s a1~~ Gates, thouibalt fee her tytleand name infcrypt. ReadJt dJhgently, but for thy better d1refrion and £1fcgarde, thou ihalt haueto accompany thee, two of my handmaydes, which knowverie well the way thither, and therefore go on vndoubtedly with a happie fuccelfe. ·

And thereupon with a princely bountie, fl1e drew of from bedinger a Ring of gold,hauing fet m it an Anchit, and deli­uered it vnto me to remember her bountie by.

At th~s aduife ~nd pr~cious Difr, I became amphaliatike, not knowmg what to fa1e or !oo, .in requital! or <>iuin.,. of thankes. W hichher ~ighn~s p_ercciUing, motherl/'and ~ith anaturall promptnes m a maJelbcal grauitie, turned l1er coun­tenance to two noble and goodly Nymphes, attendin<>neere Vnto her Royall andimperiall Throne, :G1yin<> thus to ~ne of them vpon her right fide. 0

Logiflit:4. you fhall bee one that ihall accompanye our guefl: Pot.ph,fw, and vv1th afacred and honourable grace, fhce turned to the left hande faying, 7helemue, you fhall alfo <>o with I1im ~. And both ot y9u fl1ewe and inflrutl: him 0at ~'Vhat !G~tc he~ ~~u!( ~~mayne, a.nd then_Pvliphi!w ~they

fha11

lu DrMI"IN, 6~

tl1a1l bri;1g you\~ an other rn},;:1ti~ an..t IUlieflicall Q.:.t·!ell•:, who lt w,;c tlu!, b:e bountuall vnto thee HI en(crt.,l!im~at thou art happie, ifcontrarie, thcn'aifco:Itented. ·

Notwithltandynq, none cloth knowe her intent b)• her countenance, b~caule that fon;~.cthne fhcc !hewcth her feW: full of fauour, louc, aud pleafmt dtfpofitious. An othertimc thee is m.tlignant, !1-o'Nard~, dtfdainef:lll, with vnfl:<tbleincur­fyue p;~fsions. And lhcc it is that dctermineth fuch cueuts a> thou feekefi after. And for h.:r obfcure condition, fncc is rightly called Thelaji:t.

Herresidence is not in(u,hea fiately Pallaicc, as thou feefl: mee to dwell in.

Therefore I would haue tl1ee to vnderhande, that tl-c chiefe woorkeman in the creation of nature, did make no thyngcomparable t0 mee, neyther can the earth l11ew thee greater treafure then to come to my prefence and talt.e of my bountie, obtaine my fauour and participate of my qua­litie.

And therefore efl:eeme of it according to the value, for that thou hnddl: in me, is a heauenly T allent aboue all earth­ly lewels, for I haue not had my residence in man fince his fall.

They may imagine of mee, bur they knovve mee nor; neyther doo I be are any rule w,th them to the good of my, fclfe.

Nowe the ~eene T.Zofi.r, fl1ee dwellcth in a p!Jce of cloudie darkcnes, !:er l10ulc is kept cbfe and fhm, tor that l11ee will not ihew h~r f:lfevnto mm, nor anotho:11ife, dif. couer, and !aye open h~r fc!fe vnro any as JiJcc is, and for this caufe the eue.1t o~·hcr vanablc d.~tcrmin.Ition is kept fe­cret.

But in a mJruellousf<Jrtccmsider.•relv, :nee tnn;formeth her felfe ag::<ia>hh~ ;~;lie~, i .. 'tu dm:.sLti!Ivns,n.o: mw<fn1mg herfelfe,althoug,hc!~sird. _,,.,.c ·

And wheil rhc nnci\,.~t Gat_e~ fi~<.li !l\'- •lp.:iid vnto the-:-, ineueri~ouefh.tUU.:~·.;..·a.·-i~~en'AJ; .. 1t:\!i \l~.,.r.flildl:e, i~r,t tho:.~ ilia~t not perce;~Je the ·i<o;ll~ • ,loW~- ~lnt m l'v;:.;; p.rt th.Y

· 5' 1. r.;!.~·r~

7'•1e IJY'I{e- of L al/4

vnderfiandyng and wife dome enigmatically and with a rigl1t and ftncere iudgement looke vnto it , and quickly confider of it, for becaufe that ihee ambyguoufly chaungeth her felle in habite and countenance, and through this doubtfull any­

, maduerfioR, a mari ,temaineth deceiued of his expe£l:ation without remedie. ·

And therefore Poliphdm, that which thefemy configned, trufl:ie and appoynted handmaydes by fuggefl:ion i11all per­fwade thee vnto; andatwhat Gate thou oughtefl to enter in and remayne '· euen which ofthofe two it thall befl:pleafe thee to giue eare vnto, doo': for they haue fome vnderfl:an­dingofher.

And hauyngthUs fpoken, iliee made afigne or becke with ber head to the two Nymphes Logiftica and Thelemia , who prefently without delaie, 'Were obedient to her commaund. And I beeing readieto'fpeake, neyther knew what to fay, or yet durfi to fo high amaiefl:ie;) and for fo great bounties giueaword. . · The·two appoynted companyons of my iourney, ve­

J<ie'fauourab!ye, and with a familiar readines and virginhke iefiures, tooke holde of mee, one by the right h:mde, and the other by the) eft? and reueremly obteyning licence, firfl of the. ~.eene; and takrng theyr leaue of the refl:, went out the fame way·rhat:I came m.

And I beeyng desirous and not fatisficd, turned mee about towardes the confvicuous Poarch, to beholde dili­gently the artificious Pallaice, wonderfull and perfinite of the Artofbuildiog.

The fubtiltieofwhich, no humane exco<>itationis able . . 0

to Imitate. And therefore I thought that nature had made that for a

~I_~aru.ell of all her woorkes for commodJtie, vfe; grace, bew~ tte, ayre, andcontinuall durablenes.

For which oufe, 1 was excefsiuelv desirous to fl:aie and looke vppon it, but my leaders and guides would not fuffer mee, and yet by the thefc of my eye in the Zopher, ouer ~he gate I !lo!ed this itlf(;~tion~ ~ lHZ'!TIEQI OABOI!

And i

1'n11DrMme. 61 And asmucheaswithmyquickefences I could carrie, I

too ke in my going foorth, "with as greate pleafure and de~ light as is poffible to exprelfe. 0 happie were hee that myght bee but a drudge or kitchin i1aue in fucbe a Para• dice.

Nowe beeing come into the bafe Court, compaffed and f et t e about with Orenge trees, Thelemia in great curtefie fai de thus vnto mee, befides and aboue all the maruellous and woonderfullthinges which thouhafl: yet feene and behclde, there bee tower. yet remayning behynde whiche thou ihalt fee.

And vppon the lefte fide of the incomparable pallace, tl1ey brought mee into a fayre Orchyard of excogitable ex­pence, tyme, and fubtletie of woorke-manil11ppe, the conrynent and cyrcuite whereof was as muche as the plot. of the Pallace, wherein was the refydence and abiding of the~eene.

R~mnd about fafi by the walles of the Orchyard,there were !et conueilyent garden pots in the which in fl:ead of Ars copariais growing plantes, euerie one was of pure glaffe, exceeding che ':"ay of a mans Imagination or beleefe, intorpiaried boxe the cumngof rootes and italkes of golde, whereout the other procee- ~e~;~; ~;h~r de d. . : places to pro.

BetwiXt one and other of the wh1ch was placed a Cy- portions or pruffe rree, not aboue two paces hieth, and the boxe one fnapes. pace full of manyfolde inaruellous fymples, with a mofl:e excellent imitati6n of .nature, and pleafaunt diuerfitie in the falhions of flowers in difiin£1: colours verie delyght~ full.' .

The pfayno 1abiall compaffing about the quadrant Or­t:hyard comming out from the walles as a feate for thefe a.

~forefayde garden pottes and trees to fiande vppon, was fubcoronized with golde by excellent Iyneamcmcswrought and adorned. The vpper face whereG>f, and whereuppon thofe pottes and trees did fl:ande, was couered with a play­fter of glafie gilte, and a curious h1fiorographie to be feene i.n the fame, and compafTed about and holden in with wyc-· rmg and netting of golde.

The

,

'11H,Irifn/L1111 !flew all that compa!Tedabout the Orchyard with a con­

ueme.ntd!ltance, wasbellyedottt with columnesofthe!amc matter, and inueHed with Howrino- bindin"S nattU'aJlv propor­tioned, and he ere and there were qwadr;mgulate coi~mnes of &olde chamfered, archmg from one to an other, with a requi­hte beame Zophor and coromce, wtth a meetear.d conuenient proietl:ule ouerthc chJpter ofgla£fe vppon the round.

The fubflance of which fubie.:l: proie"ll:ure of the bryttlc m~tter, was of countcrfaytc diafper diuerffy coloured and flunmg.Whtch bryttle fubi!ance had fome voidfpace betwixt that and the other.

Themo~thofthearches were fiopped with rombyes of cleare gla~em forme of a try.mgle, and the pypes beautified all ouer wtth an Encaufiick painting, verie ~.ttious to the fight ofthebrholder. ·

The ground was here and there couered with great round ballesofglaffelykegunne ll:ones, aml other finepropottions much plealing, With a mutuall confent vnmooueable ly kc pearlesl11ining without my adulteration by folyature. From the flowers did breath a fweet fragrancie by fomc: de are walb­ingwith oyle for that purpofe.

There moficunmngly didLogy1i"" lykc: an Orator make a difco~rfe in commendation phyfically o.f that excellent confection of the noblenes of rhefubll:aunce, fecrecie of the • art, and fuaungenes of the inuention • The like is not to bee wund. .

. And after fhee fayde, P ot.philtU. lette vs goc: aud afcende vp tlus mount nextethe Garden, and Tbelcmi4 remayning at the fiayrefoote. weeafcended vp to the playne toppe. where 1hec:l11ewed vntomee 1 with a hc:auc:nly eloquence1 aGarde~ of a large.compalfe, maddn the forme of an intricate Labo .. l'ynth all yes and wayes, not to bee troden, but fay led about, fOrinfieadeofallyes eo treade vpptJn, there were ryucrs of water,

Thew hi eh myll:icall place y.tas of a veric luCHe mou 1 d and fruitful!, replenifhed with all forts :of fruits, beautified with faire fpri11gs, and greenc hearbes and flowc:rsa full of all folace ~~delight. Whereupon l11e fpake thus, -. ---- · - - - 1 doe

but Drettml. ~1

I doe imagine (PolipM:u) that you doe not vn,leifbnde the condition;Jte Hate of this maruellous feate, :md therefore giue attendance to my wordes.

W hofocuer ~ntcreth in cannot come bad'e, but as you fee yonder moumawes_heere and there difinbuted, feu en nrcu .. Its and the about gomgsdrll:.mt onefrom another.

And the extreeme moleflation and forrowe of the ente• rcrsin, is this: In the myddle J<Jountayne wit;1inthecc:?er thereof, and open mouth of the fame, there lurkcth inuiirbly a deadly deuounng olde Dragon, hee is vttcr dellrulhon to fome, andothersare not hurte to death by him. Hee ·;an­not bee fee ne nor fl1unned > neyther cloth hecleaue any vnaf. faulted, but eyther in the entrie, or in their 1ourney, hee de­Hroyethor woundeth . And if hee killcth tbemnot betwixt one mountayne and another 1 tbevpa{f:: t11e :!euen circuites to the next moutlt. ' ·

And they that enter in bythefidl tower or mount (where. vpponis thistytle infcripc Ac>EA KOIMIKHlli J:TOM<IIOATI.) They fayleinalittleihippewith·a profperous winde, andfecureiy at pleafure : the fru1tes and flowers fall downe vppon thcyr hatches, and with greatfolace and pleafure they cut through bythefeauenreuolutions with a merrywinde, vntill the fe­cond mount bee difcouered and come vu to • And marke and beholde(P4/iphi/m)howedeare and bright the ayre is in the entrance, ouerthatit is in the ccntcr,abou:thewhich is thick.e darkneffc.

, ~n the firll: mount or tower there is alwayes relident a pttttfull matron and bountiful!, before who me fbndeth an auncient appoyntcd vdfell called Vrna, in a readineffe, hauing vppon it feaucn Gn:eke letters as thus eF.1:F,oN, full of appoyntedhonie, and to cueneone thatentcreth in, verie

-_ curteoully and with a good wlll ihcegiueth one of them v. ith­out rcfpe~e of fl:ate and condition, but according to theyr enterance.

Thefebecingreceyned, theycame foorth, and begin to fuyle in the Laborrnth, the w:ner beemgenuyroncd vponci· ther fides, J'Yjt~ roies, tree>,~d f~\~its!

And

7. IJI trt'lft! DJ LDNt!

And hauing fay led the firfl feu en reuolutions of Aries, and being come to the' fecond mount, there theymeetwith innu. merabletroopes ofyong women ofdiuerfeconditions, which demaundofeuerie one the light of theyr honye, which beein ... fuewedvntothem, they firaightwayes knowe the properti~ of the bony, and the goodneU'e thereof, and embracing him as thevr guefl, they inuyte him with them to p:alle through the next feu en reuolutions' and with diuerfe exercifes accor­ding to her inclyned promptnes, they accompany them to the third mount.

In this place bee that willgoe on forwards with his compa· nion, fheewill neuer abandon or le01ue him: for there bee farre mGreplea(aunt voluptuous women, And many refufe thefirft and make choyfe oft hem.

]ntheputtingofffromthefecondmount, to come to the third, they fin de the current of the water fomewhat agaynfl: them, and fiand inneedeofoares, but beeing fallen off from the thirde mount, making theyr courfe rowardes the fourth, ~hey findethe tide and fl:reame more againfl: them,· and in thef c feauenoblique co\irfcs their pleafurc is variable and vncon• ltant. '

Beeing come to the fourth mount, they finde otheryoong Women comb a tting and fighting, and thofe examining theyr pottes ofhonie, theyinticetheiu to theyrexercife, but thofe ' thatrefufetoleaue theyrfirfl: companions, theyletpaffe to· gether, audin this cyrcuite the water is yet more contrary and troubldome, where there is nee de of great fiudie and labour to palfe on.

And beeing come to the fift mount, they fin de it fpecula­ble, lykeamirrour wherein they fee theyr repr_s:fentations, and in that they take great delyght, and with a feruent delire theypa£fe on their labourfome courfe. In that mount they fee this fentence and golden {aying manyfefl:ed, MediHmtenuere /!eati: not lyneall,nor local!, but temporall, where by a fin cere and perfetl: examination hee difcemeth that meane wherewtth behathioyriedhisfelicitie,wifdomeand riches: which if not well, in the rcft of his tourfe he fayntcth the more. · ·

· · · · ··- -- - -- · And

.in a tlrettmt, . ·: 6 9

. And Iofing off from thence,rhe Waters by reafon of the bro­ken circles, beginne to be vcrie flyding towards the C enter, fo that with .fmall or no rowing they are brought to the fixt Mount. And there they fin de elegant Women, with a lhew of heauenly rnoddhe and diuine worlhip, wirh whofe amiable a­fpell:s and countenaunces,the. Trauailers arc taken in their louc, condemning their former with defpite and hatefull abhonence. And with thefe they fall acquainted, and paf!C the feauen reuo· lu<:ions. ~ ':Th~febeejng come ouer "':ith "n obfcure and fuggy clofe: !if~e.twJth many lofiCs and a gncuous voyage, they begj.nne to tellJC:mb~r what they bauc: pafi aad lofi 1 for the .more that the cornpilfl.e .ofthe teuoluciou, drawerh necre to the d1fcouerie of the; Figure of rh!=. Center, the fooner they are palfed oiler ; fiyll ili.orter and 1horter , and the more fwyfter the-courfe of the ftr~ame is m to the.deuouring fwallow ofrhe Centc:r. ·. · · ·

And then 'llltth extreamc: affiitlion. and bitter .anguilh re• membring the abufe of their pkafures, and companions that they haJJe.forflU<en, and fwecteplaces, which fomuch the more augmenteth their forrowes,for that they can not tcturnc or aoe backe with thcyr Shyppe, fuchct companie flill follow them ~p:.· pon.the fieamc with their fore-calHes. And mofi of all dyfmay­e~h thl:m the heauie fenten'c~ouer themedi:ln Center, Theon!J· lzysDys Algetos. . . r:. . .: ; . J\nd tli~te,confidcringthedifpleafantrytle, they curfe the

tlmeofthelr entrance into,the Llbirinth, which bath in it fo· manie fundry delights, and the end of them fuhiell: to fuch my-terable and ineuitable nc:cefsity. · , ·: .Ant{ then lhe fmyling, faid; 'Poliphi!lir, ouer the·.dcuouring thr.pat of:thy~ Cente~, ther~ fitteth a feuere:~udge, balancin17 e. ';l!<ry one~ aGtlOJlSi and hclpmg wl10m hec Will helpe. And be­caufe that it will be tedious to tell thee all, let thus much heereof fuifife: Let vs goe·downe to our ci>panion Thefemia, who de­mandmg ~he ~;aufe ,why they flaid fo long aboue, Logiftica made au,nfwer, It d~dtnot content our Eoliphifus, onelyto behold,but' alfo to vng~l'lland by me the fecrecie of ihcfe things, which ho could nor goc to knowe, wherein I hauc farif-fied him.. And ~hen.lhe~adended,Tkr/cmiafaid. · .·;· ' ·

T . Let

The,flrifcOJ LoHt

. L_etvs. goe a little whil~ to an other garden no ldfe plea. f.1nt u?ynmg ~P the gl>llfe garden , vppon the right fide of the .Pall. as : · aad when wee were come in thither , I wa~ a. JnJ7cd with .cxceLiiue wondering, to fee the curioufi1eUe of the wo.rkc: ; as vneafie to 1·epo1·t as vncred1ble to beleeue~ :rqui~o)enr \~\ith that of glaiTe, wyth lyke d1fpofirion of ben~)les (;lr bankes ; theyr lyppes fet out with coronifin g and golden ground w"rke, ;md fuch trees , but that the boxes and Cyprus trees, were all filke, fauing the bodies and grea. ter. "branlihes, or the firength .-c:if the armc:s : the n:fi, as the leau~s, flowers,. and :auter.mofi rynde, was of fine filke; W:lnt~ no ll.ore of. Peades to beaurifie the fame : and the p.;rfeafiJte tollo.u~, fmdling as the glafi'e flowers before.menti­oncal,;u~d alike, but that they about compaffing walles,of mer­uailous and incredible fumpteoufneiTe , were all couered O•

uer with a .~:tufting. .of. Pear le , clofe ioyned and fer toge­ther : and:.towardes ·thcHoppe, rhere fprouted our grccne yuie , th~: lelUCS thickning aiul bulhing out from the Pearlcs, vvirh the {hinges and veines of golde, running vppe in di­uers pJaces bttwixr the Pearles, ·in a mofi rare and curious fort, ~s jf iE had beene very growing yule , with berries of preciou$ fione.r fette in the fialkes in little bunches: and in the bulhes were .Ringc•doucs of.fiJke, as if they had beene feeding of the berries , all along the fides of the fquarc plot. red garde-n walles : ouer the which, in mafter.hke and re· quilite order, firetched our the beame and Zophor of golde •

. The . plaine fmod~ of the fettles , where-vpon the boxe rrees fioode, couered oucr with Hillories of loue and vene­rie , · iA a warke of filke and threddes of go !de and filucr, in fuche a perfe~ proportioned. ymaginarie and counterfuiting as none may goe bCyonde. The ground of the leuell garden; was ofl,iiues,gralfe,and flowers.offilkc, like a fuire fweete med­dowe: in the midfl: wl1ercof,rhere was a large and goodly round Arbour, made. with gQlde wyer , and ouerfpread with rofc:s of the lyke warke~ more beautifull ro the cye,then if they had beeit· growing rofc.~,.vnder whicb.couering,and wirhin which Arbour­about rlio fides~were feares of red Diafpre,& a11 the round pauc:· met of a yellow Diafpre,accordingto the largcnes of the place,

· · with· 1

inlldr"ittmt. ·.· ·· 70

with dyuers colloured fpottings, confufedly agreeing roger her in pleafant adulterated vniting, and fo deere and ffiining,tbat to eucry obiell: was it fclti: gaine reprefented. V nder the which Arbour, the fayre and pleafant The/cmia , folacioul1y fitting downe,tooke her Lute which lhe carryed with her, and·wuh a heaucnly melodic and vn-hearde fw~eren~ITe,lhe began to fing in thccommendationanddelightesofher ~enc. And fee­ing what a grace vnro her, the company of her fcllowe Logiftica was, I maruailc:d why eA polio came not to hark en the Harmonic made by rh em: it was fo.melodious, that for the prefenr tyme a man woulde haue rhoughtrhattherc had becne no greater fz. licirie. And after that lhceendedher diuinePoems; Ldgijlit.c tooke me by the hande and led me foorth of the Arbour,faying vntome. · .

Poliphilus, thou lhalt vnder!lande that the dcuife of thefe obielts, are more pleafant to bee vnd~rflcc;>de ihe'n behelde, and therefore letre vs enter in heere, to l:ice fatisfied h1 bor h: · ;

And from thence, lhee and het companion broughr··mec; from thys garden to an other, where I beheldi: .ari arching ;A:. reofllle,from the ground bent to the toppe, fyue paces in height and three ouer, and rhus continued rounde about the compaffc of the garden, in an ot·derly and reqnilite prorortioning, all in~ ucfiedand couered ouer with greeneyuie, fo that no part ofthci wall was to be feene. And there were a hundred Arches to the compaffingofthls garden.

By euery of the Arches, was an Aulrer of red Porphirite,cu­rioufly proportioned with exquifite lyneaments ; and vppon e­uery one of rh em was placed, an image of golde, l1kc a Nymph, of rare and beaurifull femblances,diuerl1y apparellcd, and vary. ing in rheyr attyre and headc dreffing, euery one bending their eyes towa1·ds the Center of the garden. . In which middle Ccntricke place, there was founded a Bafc, of a deere Chrifial-like Calcedoniefione, in a Cubic forme: that is,euery way a Jikefquarc. And vppon rh at was fer a round fione, but flatte..vppon both fides , two foorc high , and hr the Diametcr,one pace and a halfe ouer, of moll: pure red Dialpre. Vppon the which, fioode a moll: blackc llone, m f01me three fquare, and in quantitie for breadch, fitting rhe rounde, and in

T a height

The.flrift of LIJIIe

~r;ight one pace and a halfe. The corners of "':llich triangle did iumpe with the fides, and lymbus of the fub1acent plynth or OOf!nd fione, . , .> < · ' . In rh~ f~qoth polilhedftonts ofwhich triangle, there was ilPPa~ ~ heautifiUUmage, .ofa bc:auenly afpett, gr;me and mo­de!}, with the!rf~ete not rou£hing the fione, but flandmg out from rhtd~me iuflouer the fupprelfed and vnder-put rounde fione. Theyr fiarures as tall as the trygonall would beare, vnto rhe which ·they did flick fall by their backe parts. Theyr armes were firet-eheq a'b~oade, both the right and left to the corners of (he triangle, where they held a Coppy, filled and fafined to rhe cor.ne.t;s ofth!:Trigonall, the length of euery one of wh1ch Cop-pies.9ffine gold, )!l!as fcauen foote. . .

And the Images, tile Coppyes, and thdr ban des ":herewith they wcre'tyedinthe midftandheld by, ':'~'ere all lhy~mg, and their pands inuiluped with.the fundty firmgcs, Byngmg about the plaine fmothc onhe black fione. , ;;Their habitnvere. Nymphilb,of moll rare and moll excel.

le!lt. working, The Sepu~chre ofT armet the <lyeene of the St!)thiam in Afi.e, was nothmg comparable. . . .· In the lowefi Cubicall Figure, vpon the fmoth. plame of e­ue.IJ' fquare,, w~re in~rauen Greeke Letters,thrc:c,· one, two and th,ee on thys fo~~. ";T~ A ,A!l. Tox,

'\

i' ..

_j_

In the circular there were rhree Chara£l:ers Hi­eragliphicall, perpendicu­larly vnder the feet of eue­rie Image. For the firll, was impreffi:d the forme of the Sonne. Next vnder another , the figure of an olde falhioned Ower.

Thirdly , a dylhe with a burning flame in it;

Vpon the heade of the trygonall bl acke !lone, to­warde euerie corner, I did behold an Egiprian Mon­fter ofGold, fower footed couchant. One of the ha­uing a face lyke man al­to"'ether. The other like loaf£ a man,& halfe a l;eafl-~ And the third like a beall:. VVith a linnen vaile ouer euery of their hcades,with two Labels hanging ouer theyr eares, & the rtfi de­fcending dbwne and coue­rin"' their necks & backes, wiili the bodies of Lyons. Tlieyr lookes dircltly for· ward.

7'

The Jlrifo of Loue Vppontl1ebacks ofthefcthree, dyd fianderyfingvpamal!

liue Spyr~ofGold,three ft]UOlrdbrpning vp to the roppdiue rymesas h1gh asbroadc below. And vpon euery fj·ont orfore­fide,was grauen a ClYde, and ouer one circle a Grecke Letter, 0. ouer anothe~, a Letter n. and ouer the dJirrl, a Greekc N.

. There Logi/fica beJ!;anne to fpeake vntome,faying, by thefc Frgures arc d1fcribed, [o farre as mans realon can l11ewe the ce­ldhall harmony. And vnderltand Polipht!us that thcfe Fio-ures with a perpetual! alfynitie and coniunaion,' are auncientt>Mo~ nu~ncnts, and Egiptian Hitragliphs, fignifying this, Diuintt in­ftmuttfiJe trmtt4tJ vnrus ejfcmttt. Which is now by his holy word, m a moll loumg fo~t·m.1mfefled to th.e whole world, according to lm wrll: and yet 1t lhall nor be a m1ffe to r~e antiquities, and confider what )l~eater benefite 1s had by the precious Gofpel.

The lower r1gurc was confecrated to the Deitie becaufe it is euerie way alike,. an£! all one: and vpon euery {id;, and tur­ned eucry way, of'hkejlablenes; vpon cuery bafe, conilant and permanent. ~ .

. The round Circular fianding vppon that, is without begin­mng or ende. Vppon rhe circumferent fides whereof, rbefe three lyneaments are contained, direCtly vnder euerie Ima<>e ac· cording to the property attributed, 0 '

. The Su~ne with his comfortable li~t, giueth life to eucric thmg, and h1s nature is attributed to G 0 D.

The fecond is the·Ower, which is prouident dirctlion, and gouern.ment of all with an infinite wifcdome,

The third is a Fyerie V clkll, whereby is vnderfioode a par. tycipation ofLoue.

And although that they be three difiinll: things, yet they arc contallled &. vmted 10 onefcmpeternallie, with areat loue com­municating their blefsing;, as you may fee by rh:' coppies at e. aery corner of rhe trygonallltone. ·

And continuing her delectable fpeech, lhee fayd, vnder the forme of the Sunne. note this Greeke worde, .Adzegetos. By the Owe looke vpon this, Adiachoriftos. And by the Ve{fc:I of fier was engt<auen, ~diereynes. . ,

And to this en de are, d~e three Monfl:ers placed vnder the golden Obehfquc , be eau le that there be three great opinions

like: l

in t~<:Drtttmr. 7 3 1ike thofe Monflers: & as that with the humJne countcnauncc is bell:, fo the other be beaflly and monll:rous.

In the Spy re there be tl;ree plaine fides, lyncated with rl1r.ce circles, lignifying one for euery time. The pall, the prcfi:nt,and to come; and no other figure can holde thcfe three cu·clcs, but in thatinuariable. And no morto~lltmn can at one inflant per­feltlie difcerneand fee together two {ides of the fame figure,fa­uing one integrally, which is the Prcfent: and therefore vp­pon great knowledge were thefe three Charallcrs engrauen, o . .n.N.

For which caufe 7'oltphilw, not that I ex:cufe my felfc for heeing oucr prolix and tedious, bur. briefdy to teach thee , and fecce thee right vp. ln the knowledge hecrcof, thou lhillt vn­dertland, rhdt the firil baliall Figure ts onely know ne to hym­felfe, and to one Sonne of man, which hath a humane bocae glo­rifyed and without finne: and the brighmes thereof wee fee but as in a glalfc:, aad not clcerely as it is, for that it is incomprcheu­fible for a fynice fubll:ance.

But he that is indued with wifedome, let him confider of the glorious brightnes thp-eof. But to the thirde Figure, which is of a darke and black~llour, wherein be the three golden Ima­ges: The Blark! ftonc is the L"we : the Copptes [oode: the rhree Women the preferuation of Man-kind,

Nowe they which willlooke higher, they fee a Figure in a tryne afpell:, and the higher that they goe towardes the toppe, where the vnion of the three is, be they neuer fo wife, their vn­derflanding is vu perfect : and although that they fee it, yet they knowe nor what they fee, but that there is fuch a thing, in com­parifon whereof, they are fooles, theyr power weake, and thcm­felues nothing.

And there L~~iflica hauing ended her allowed talke,procee­ding from an abfolute knowledge,deepe iudgemeut,and lharp­ncffe of wit in Diuine matters,and vnknownc to weake capaci­ties, I began heereat to take greater delight, then in any other meruailous worke what foeuer, that I had gnciou!ly beholden with my greedy eyes. Conlidering with my felfe of the myll•: call Obdifque, the ineff.1ble equality flatarie, for du1 ablcnefle and perpetuitie vmnoucablc,and enduring vncorruptible.

Wher~

The ftriftrf Lout Where there breathed a fweet ayre from heauen, with vnua­

riable win des, in this Garden round about full of flowers~ of a large and circular permarJent plot: compaJTed abou~ wuh all forts of fruites, pleafant in tallc and full of health; With a per­petuall greeneJTe,difpofcd and fer by a regular order,both be~u­tifull, pleaf.1nt, and conuenient; With the perfea labour and ~n· deuour ofNature to bring it to that paffe, and beauufied Wlth precious.gold. :

And Logifticd holding her peace, they tooke mee both by the hands and we went out at the mouth of one of the Arches from the precyn£ls of the luied inclofure. And. beeing ·gone from thence, very cont~lltedly palling on betwixt them both, faith Thelemia.let vs now haficn onto our three Gates whether wearefent. .

Whcre-vpon, we pafsing through aplentifulfeate and plea­f.<~nt Countrey, with a reafonable conuenient pace, I ~eheld-the hi:auem very de ere t;.< bright, & beguiled the tyme With merry, fweet, and delightful! difcourfes. And! defirous to vnder~and eu<ry particular of the inell:imable riches,vnfpeakeable debg~ts and incomparable treafure of the facred Qyeene, (to the w~1ch Ojjristhe builder of the two Temples o~ Goldc, one to I upzter • and the other to the kingdome, mu£1: gJUe place , ) I mooued this quefiion. . ·

Tell me I befeech you fayre NymJ>hes, (if my c~nofity bee not to your difcontentment) .amongll all the prec1ous fiones that 1 could perfe£lly behold_of great e!limation and pryce~ one I deemed inefiimable, and Without companfon m9fi precwus; The lafper which had tbe effigies of Nm c~t, it was not much bio-<l'er. N~itber wastheCorufc.ant to pa{fc m the Uatue of .Ar­ftn~~the <!Arabian Qg_eenc <quall with it. Next h~r, of fuch value was the lewell, wherein was the teprefcntauon of 'l{_g. nins the Scnator,asthis fparkl_ing and lhyni~g Dyamond, o_f a rare and vnfccoe beau tie and btgnes,wbiCh d1d hang vpon a nch Carkenet about the fnowie neckc of the facred Q!!_ecne, v;hat cutting was in the fame, which I_ could not perceiue by meanes· of the brightne{fe and my bee1ng fome-what farrc of. And therefore 1 bec:ing therein ignoraunt , defyre to know.e, the fame.

Logiftic.c

m 11 'I>mwm:. . ., 3

Logiftica confidering of my hone~ dc:maund, aunfwercd me incontinem!y. Know th1s Po!tphthu, m che le well wasmgra~en ~n imperiall throne, and in rhe rh:one the mighty name of /e­lmurb io.Hebrew Letteu, and bet ore that chrone,arc call downe and trocleo vnder footc, the Gyants which proudly haue lift vp thcrnfclucs againfi his wordc, and rdiHed hys will: vppon the )c:fr fide ofrhe throne is aflame of fire, vppon rhe right h;mde a home of faluation, or Copic full d all good bleifednes, and this is all that is conrained in the Icwell.

Then I prefumed fuuherto knowe, whadhould rhcfe two things vpon eye her fides CJftbe throne fignifie, chat were hol~ . den our in two handes. 'Tbekmia CJUickly aunfwered me, God. of his infinite goodnciTe, propofech to mankind his mercie and his iudgcment, chufc: which rhc:y will.

For rhys beeiugfatif-fied,l J~ydmoreouer.Seeing that moll: gracious Nymphs,iny [pceches be not d1fpleafant vntoyou,and rba~ I am not yet fatil-fied in al.lrhat lltaue fect1e, I pray you let me vnderll<JJ!(j this, . _, : .. . . . . . ·

. ~eforc!th~: horrible feare that I was driuen into by the Dra· gon,l,beht;lq,,mighty huge Elephant oftlone,with an entrance into his bellie, where were two .Sepulchres, with a Wlyting, the meaning whcrofis too myfiJCall for me, th:u was, that I fuoulde not t~uch the [;odie, but:take away the head. ·

:. ~ogiftjcaforrhwith macleroe aui.lfwqr. fof,phi!us, I doe vn­:qerfi!lJidt; vc;r:Y weli your c,l.b]:lbt; ;ll;lU therefore you !hall vnder· Slande , thatfhis monfirou~:£hape·and machine was not made without grea.r and II\'O,ldetfull'lmm2ne>wdhlomeJrnUch labour, and incredible d1ligence, with il perplex1bility of vnderfian· ding to knowe the myfl:ic;~ll conceite. Thou remcmbrdl that vpouthefacctl,Jel"c )JUng,anom><l1l,{lt, with ceitaine /deonix_ #DljiC_al)d Arabic, wlJiciHI! our MO!h~t-tonguc, js as ~much to ~y, as labour, an,d indullrie. Sgnifying; thereby , that in thys w,o,rl~,whof0eue~ w)ll haueany bldsing that ll1a!l do him good, ~~ ~1!11 lcaue the body, which is ~afe and idlmes, and betake bimfdfc to trauaile and indul1ry, which is the head. · . . · $1ec bad no loaner ended her words bo.th ple~fant & pier­

(ing; but l vnder,Hoode it very .,.;._ell and ~aue her great _thankes. And yet defirous to be rcfl~lued Ul_wh~doeuer 1 O.ood m doubt,

• ' V and

'rheflrjft rJj LMie and (edng that 1 might fpeala:boldly, I made t>his third quem­on. Moft wife Nymph, in my comming out of the fubtcrrancall vaft darkfome place, as I paffed on, I came to" good he bridge, and vppon the f.we, in a Porphyriteflone·,,ppori rhe one tide, and anOphite vpon the Ot·her, I beheld engrauen ~ttainc Hie· raglrphs, both whichJ did interprete,bur 1 lloode doul>tfu11 of certaine branches, that were tyed to the hornes of rhe fc:ilpc of the Oxe, and the rarlxr becaufc they were in the Porphyrite !lone, and not in the Ophit vpon the other fide.

She aunfwercd me llr.~ight way. The braunches, one is of Th theThiflleor thorneofludea, and rhcotherofrheTurben­of ~~;~:n tine. The"'atute·ofwhich Woodes bee, that the one will not vpon cbri- eafily rakdire, ar.1d tbe otherwiH neither bend, rottc, confume, fics head. nor be eaten with wormes. And fo rh at patience is commen•

ded, which with ang« is not kindled, nor by aduedity will bee fubdued. .

'fhe nature0f -the .Porphyritfmne is of this fecrecie, that m the tornJce it will neither burne it fdfe, but alfo'Cauferh other ftoncs·ntcre adroyning that they.fuall nor burnc;. And of rh at nature is patience, that it will neither be altered itfclfe, norfuf­ter any other wherein it beareth rule to fall into a furie . And the·Ophin::fione is~ffuch nature alfo. · . _

No we 'Po!iphibu, l doe:g~ntly·cornmende you, m that yOil are ddirous to vnderfhmd futhfetrets :for t-o behold, confider, and me:ifure the.fame, is wcOI'ilmendable vertue, nncl rhe way 1:o l<nowh:dge : whe.rctippon l'hud oct<afion giucn to render iniln'­merable thanks, for hcrgreat·nnd fauourable curtefies. ·

And rhus with allowed and delightfull difcourfing fpce· 1:hes, we came to afayre Riuer,·vpon-the·banck whereof;be'fidts nther fayre ~reene and florilhing Trees , and water hearbes ,. 1 bcln:lda~fine Groue·of Plar1e Trees, in the which was an excel~

· lent fayre \bridge ouc!r the Riuet ma·de offl·one, with three At• c:bes, with pyles bcaringfoorth againfi the two fronts, to pre~ fcrue tiheworke of.the:bridge, the fides thereofbeelng of excel-: l,nt workmmlhip. ' . · · . . . '

And4n ~he·mid'clh: bending oft he fame, vpcm ·eythcrftdes, then: was.afquare ftone'ofPorphyrite fer, h2ning in lnrCata' gliphic1engrauingofHieragl}phies; · ·

Vppon 1

int~drt.-. H Vpon the right hand as I went ouer, I beheld a woman, ea-

. fiing abroade her nrmes, fitting onely VJ>pon one buttocke, put­tingfoorth one of her legges as ifllieewoulde rife; In her right hand, vpon that fide which lhee did litre, iliee belde a payre of winges, and in the other liand, vppon that fide whereon the was aryfing, a Torrice.

Right again!l: her, there was a Cirde, the center wherof two little Spyrits did hold, with their backs turned towards the cir­cumference of the Circle.

And then Logiftica faidc vnto me, 'l'o!iphi!IIJ, lam fure rh at thou doofl nor vnderftand thefc Hieragliphs, but they make much for thy purpofe : and thtrfon they are plac~d for a Mo­nument and thing robe conlidered, of fuch asjpafi'e by.

The Circle VYedz11m ten11ere beati. The other, temper thy haft by fiayin~ and thyflowndfc by

ryfing, confider heereof as thou feeft caufe. · This bridge was built with a mQdcratelbemJipg , ~hewing

the cunning difquifition, rryaii, exa!nim.rion;ll!'te, 11nd difcreti­on of rhe excellent workman apd inuwrer, c~mended in the continuauncc and durableneife thereof, whldh manic of our Bayard-like moderne Idiots, without knowledge, meafure and arte bu:zzing on, neither ebferue proportion nor lyneamenu, bur all out of order.

This bridge was all of pure Marble.· When wee had paffed ou~trthe bridge; wee walked in the

coole iliadow, delighted with the variable notes ~nd chirpings of fmall byrds, to a rocky and flony place, where high & crag­gie Mounraines IIfred vp themfelues, afrerwarde conrinuin~ to abrupt and wilefome hilly places, full of broken and nybled fiones, mounting vppe into the ayre, as high as a man might looke to, and without any greenc graffc or hearbe, and there "'ere hewen out the three gates, in the verie rocke it felfe, euen as plaine as might be. A worke verie auncient and paft record, in a very difpleafant feace. ·

Oucr

The.frrift'uj·{JVJI~ r f .'t '. ! ~.) ~ ." : ·'.

Ouer l

in a drtafn(. 7 J

Oucr euery one of the 'which, I bchcldin Le'trers Jortic,Ro· .maine, Hebrew and Arabic, the tytle that the f:JCred ~eene E!mthcrillida fore-told me that I fhould find. The Gate vppon my right hand, had vpon it rh is word, Thtodoxia. That vppon my left hand, Cofmodoxia. And the thirde I Erototrop.hoJ. Vnro the which as foone as we were come, rhe Damofcls bcganne to infl:ruc't me in the tyrles,and knucking in the refoundmg le:mes .ofrhe Gates, vppon the right hande couered ouer with grcene moffe, they were prefently opened. . And thcr dyd an oldc woman prefent herfclfe mto vs, of an honourable countcmmnce, our of an oldc dawbed hud linoakre houfc,hauing a poore.bafe lit de door~,oucr the which w<1s pain­

. ted:Ftlnrania. ·:Sbce came with a mod ell and hond1 IJJamcfall­neffe, and her dw.e!ling place was in a lohtaric fire and l11adre Rockc, decayed and crumbly, her clothes were tattered, her face leane, pale & poore. Her eyes looking towards the ground, her namewasTbmde.' Shce 'had attendrng vpon her fixe Hand~ niaydes, bafely ~md flenilcrly apparrclled. Ohc was narnedPar~ thenia, the fccond Edojia, an or her Hj·poco!mia, the fourth Pino­!idia, die nexiT apmofo, .rhe lafl: Trochina. \ Vhich reucrent Ma­tron, with her right armc naked poynted ro the heaucn;.

She dwelt in a place very hard to come vnto,and ful of trou­bles to patlc on the way, beeing hyndered with·thorm~ ~nd bry­ers, very rough and difpleaf.1nt, a mifiic clowde cafi oucr it, and vety hard' to dymbe vp inro . . , Log'ijfic~pcrceiuingby.my looke that I h~d no great lyking in this place, fome-whar grecued therewith, faid,' tlm Rocke is ·knowne neucr bur' at the end. And then T hckmi.l fayde, 'l'oli­phi!rts, I fee you make finall regarde of fuch a painefull woman. Whereat I affeqting ro her.with.mycountcnaunce, wee dcpJr-te<l. and the gate being fhur we came to rhe next. . · Where knocking, irwasprcfentlyopened, and wee entering iD, there met vs a brow ne woman, with fierce eyes rowlmg, and .of a quicke countcnauncc, lyfting vp a naked glittering fworde, vpon the middle wherof was a Crowne of golde, and a branche ofPalme tree: intranerfc'd. . He~ annes brawnie· hke Henu!cJ, in labour and ~as magna­llimious :u1d nobly minded. Her belly finall. A liulc mourh,

· · V 3 firong

The flrifo of L~ur llrong and fiooping lhoulders, by her countenaunce feeming to bee of an vndaunted minde,_ not fearing tovnderralce any c:n­terprife how hard foeucr.

. Her name was cucleli.r, verie honourahlie artcnded vppon With fixe young Women. The firfi wa• called VHuimnifi.c~ the fecond, cpitidc, another, £ygafi!ea, thefourth,eA'nctlc.-, chc fift, was named St.ztia, the lafi was caUcd 0/ifte.z,.

. The fitu.at~on and place me thought was painc:full, and £c., IiPtc" percc:tUmg my indynation , prefentlie rooke into her hand T helemias Lute, and begannc to firikc a doritall tune ,and (~ng to the fame v~rie fweetly,Jaying. OPoliphillfs be aorwcai.. ne to rake paynes 10 thys place, for when labour ami traudliil oucr-come, there will be a tymeofrcfi. And her fongc was: of fuch force, that I was eucnconfenc:ing to rcmaine there , not• Wlth!tanding that, the habitation feemed labourfome. Where. vppon, Thelemia inticingly faid vnto me:, I think that it fiandcth with verie great reafon my Pol•phiilu, that before vou fer do\\'llC: your reil heerc: in this place • you ought in any cafe tofi:e the third Gate.

Whereunto I confcnted with a very good will,and therefore ~ing out from hence, we. came ro the other Gate, where Tbt­kmi<l knocking at a ring of Bralfe, it was forth-with fetre open, and when wee were come in, there came rowardcs vs a notable goodly wom~n, and her name was. Pbilrroni<l,

Her regards were wanton, lafciuicus,.i!Pd vnconllant , her gr~ce wonderful'! pleafant, fo as at the vcric firfi fight thee vio­lently drew me imo her loue.

This place was the Manfion-houfe ofVolupruoufnes.Thc groundc decked with fmall hearbes, and adorned wirh all forts ~f fundrie flowers, abounding with folarc and quiet cafe. Hfu­mg and fending footth in diners places fmall fireamcs of water. pypphng and flyding downe vpon the Amber grauell in theyr croaking Channels heere and there, by fome fuddaine fall ma• king a fl:illcontinued noyfe, to great pleafure moyfining the o­pen lie! des, and making rhe lhadowed places vnder the leafl)-e Trees, coole and frdh.

Shcc had with her alfo fixe young women of like fiarures pafsing fay re, of pleaf.1nt countcDaunces , amoroufly adorned.

and

m ~i'Drr.cmt. -;6

and drelfed as may bee defired of an ambitious beautic and ge­fiure.

The firfi was called Ra/foneli.r. The fccond, Corrafin.c. The tl1irde, Jdonrfo. The fourth, Triphelta. The fift •. Epimrin. And the I all was names e.A dill.

Thefc; and their companie,were very deligbtfull to my ga· fing and fc:archmg eyes. VVhere-vppon Logi.ftica prefentlie with a f.1d and gr-ieuc:d countenaunce, fecing mee difpOfing my felfe abrupt lie to the feruile loue of them, lhee fa id vnto mee, 0 Pot.philus, the alluTing;and inticingbcauticsof rhefe, arc vaine, deceiucable, and counterfeited, vnfauorie and difpleafant, and therefore if thou wouldefi with aduifement looke vppon their backes, thou woulddl then hate, contemn e. and abhorre the,•r lorhfomc filthindfe and lhame, abounding in flinke and nO'y. fome fauoure abouc any dunghill, which no fiomacke can a­bide.

And therefore what is flyppcrie and tunfitoric Rye and efchewe, defpife that pleafure \'1-hir-h hringeth lhame and re­pentance, vaine hopes, a lhorr and fma111oy, with perpetuall complaynts , doubtfull fighcs, and a forrowfull life neuer en­ding.

Oh adulterated and vnkindly pleafurc, fr:~nght with mrfe­riel conrayningfuch birterneffe, like honnie, and yet gall -drop-.ping from grcene leaues. .

0 lyfe wo1.fe then death, and yet deadly, delighted in li\'C:ete poyiOn,with what care,forrow, penfiue thoughts, morr:ill and defpcrate artempts,art thou fought for ro·bee obtained by blind Lauer~, who withl)Uf r~garde or aduife call themfelues head­lorig into a gulfe offorrowes.

: They l)cprefc:m before thine eyes, and yet thou feeA: them not: Oh wh:ir and howe great forrowes , bitter and l11arpe paine and vexation doofi thou beare, wi(ked, excuable and ac­curfed appetite-.

0 detefiable madnciTe, oh beguiled fenfes , by your faultc .with the fdfe fame beafilie p!eafure,myferable monall men are ouerthro:.-;ne.

Oh filthy lull, abfurd furie, difordinate and vaine ddire, building ntfis with errours , and torments for vvounded

hart.~,

: "r/JeftrifoofLout harts,.the vtte1· dell:royer, and· idle letting gee by of.all good blefsings. _ : .Qh blinde Monller,J1ow dooll: thou blinde, and with what

decc:.ipt doolhhou coufr the eyes, and deceiuc: the vnoedlart~ ding fences of vnhappie and mifcrable Loue~s with vailes and myll:es. · · .

0 monGrous and fiauia1, which compa!Ted with fo manic euils, haflendl to fo finall pleafure poyfoned and fayned. · ·

L~~iftiqa fpeaking with v~hemencie thefc: .and fuch lylcc words, her fore-head fr.Qwning, wrympling with forrowes, and veincs, ryfing vp in a great rage, fl1ce cafl: her .Lute· vppon the ground and brakejr .. ·. ·. · ·.

VVhcre-vppon Thekmia, with a fmyling counrenaunce; nodded towards mee, as if iliee lhoulde fay, let Log!fhca fpeake h_cr pleafi1re, but doe as you fee good your felfe, ,

And Logiftica feeingmy wicked intent and refolute deter­minati.on,_beeingkiridled with difdaine, turned her backe, and with a great lign haflcped away. . . · .

And I remained jhllwith my, companion Thel~mi4., vvho with a flattering and fmyling grace faid vnto me, Poliphilus> this is the place where thou·fllalt not continue long, but rhou.lhalt tinde th~ de~rcfl thing which thou louell: i~ the world, & which tqoulutfl: in thy hart, without intermif~ipn determined tofeeke alid defire. · . ,

And doubtfully then difcottrSingwith my felfe, I was r.efol~ ucd that nothing coulde breede quiet, or bring content ro•my poore grieued hart, but my bc:fl: defirtd7'o/ia. The promife and warrantife of T_he!emU. for my obtayning the fame, bred in mee fame comfort. ·

. ·And fl1ee p,erceiuing that the Mifl:ris of thys place, and the feate it felfe, tlnd her W cm~n dyd bathe plcafe mee vvell, and entertained mee courteoufly, fuec kifsing mce, tooke her leaue and gaue me a fare-well. · • ·

:•. ·, 1

': ... :_ ).

intl.drtdmt, 77

The metallyne gates beeing lhut, I remayned incloyflered a• mong thefe fayre and beautifull Nymphes, who began very plea· fantly and wantonly to deuife with mee: and beeing hemmed in with their lafciuious company ,I found my fc:lfe prouoked by their perfwafiue alluring intifcments, to vnlawfull concupifcence,fee· ling in my fclfe a burning defire , kyndled with their wanton af.. pells,an increafing prouocation of a lulling fier. I doubt me that if P brine had bcene of that fauour, and force in' gefture cffpeecb, colde Xenocrates would haue ronfentcd to her alluring, and not haue becne accufed by her,to,be an image of Hone. Their countc:· nances were fo ~fciuious,their breafl:es naked and intycing, theyr eyes flattering I in their rofeall rorheads ' glyRering and row ling. their lhapes moft excellent,their apparelt rich,their motions gir­lilb, thcyr .rcg.ar.ds byting, theyrornaments, fweete and precious, no part counterfeited , hut all perfttlcd by nature in an excellent fort, nothing dd"ormc:d, hut all partes aunfwerable one to an o-ther. , .. T)leir hcades yellowe,rheir trdfes f.Jyre,and the hayrc foft a[Jd fine , in fuch a fort drelfcd vp and rouled into trammels, with la­ces offilke and golde , paffing any ioye that a m01n may hcholde, turned about their heads in an excellent manner, inuiluxed, and bound vppe together, their forheades compaffi:d about and lhad­dowed with wauering curies, mouably przpe11ding in a w~der­full manner, marueilous dclightfull,perfumcd & fweet,ycclding an vnknown fragrancie. , Their feec:ches fo pcrfwaforic and plea­fin~, as might robhe the f.!uour of an indefpofed hart ,and violent• ly drawe vnto them any mind,though Satyr-like or churlilh how­focuer,to dcpraue Religion,to binde cucry loofe conceit, to make any rufty Pcafant amorous, and to mollifie any froward difpofit~~ on. V ppon which occafio11,my minde,altogether fct on fier with a new defir.e, and .in the exrreamc: heate of concupifcence, prouo­ked to fall headiQng into a lafciuious appetite,& drowned ln lufl:­fullloue vnbridled : in the extreame inualion and infellious con· tage thereof, the Damofelles forfooke mce and left me all alone in afr.Wtfidl playne.

X

-------------c•,.y,_._.. ___ .... ___ _

1n this'"'" P•lipbilu1 b~ing left Rllnt,llmofl"f.yre N.J•,.phe( wbm htt '*'"" forfllken oft he /afciHiollt romp~~ny ) came vnto him, whoji b.tiiHIU and Rff'V,t/J Pt~liphi!Hs dooth .rmollroeejly dtfcrtbe.

r.:::::=-==.:=====~, Y tender heart thus exce!Iiucly wo11n· ded with amorous prouocation,l think I was mad, I Rood fo amazed,or blinde at rhe leaA , bccaufc that I couldc not percciue in what fort or how this defi­.red a~d dcli~htfUII company gauc mee the flip: and at lafi not knowing what

I~~~~!~~~~ did, but caRing mine eyes right for-t.: Wird, I bcheldc befure mee, a fine Ar.

. bour of fweete Gc:ffiminc, fomewhat high, lifting vppc and hendino- ouer, all to bee painted and decked yvith the plcafa11t ;md odori~rous flowers of three fortes corn• mixt, and entring in vndertbc fame. Wondc:rfqlly perplexed for the: lolfeofmy company; I knewe l!iothowe or in what fort, · and caUing to remembrauncc the <lilicn , rare and wondcrfull thinges paft, •nd abouc al the great ho~ and rrufi which I had conceiued vpon the<l!Jecncs pnm:1ife,that-llhould finde my louc Poli11.

·· Alas:raid I~ '!Yi.cn a dee~.e figh,my Po{ia,tbat the gree~c Arbo~U" rtfouf!dcd agame therew~~ ~: my amourout bieathmgs Wc:re fuch; framed within and fcnr otit fronuny burning bait. Ana .I Wil's'llOfoonetenteredintothisagnny, and oucrwhelined m this paffion, but as I patTed on to the other code of the Arbor ,l might ~rtl!iubj f.trre off, a great number ofyouthes.folacing and fpor· tingtb~felti~s v~y loude. with diners melodious foundcs,with ~leafatitfports anclfundry pallimes, in great ioy~, and pa!Iing de~ Jtght ii(cinbled:G(,gcther; in a large plaync. V ppon this gratefiill and dtfircd no'Uelti~.I fet mtcfuwn marueiling ar it,bcforc I W®ld fl:epanyfurtheron. · ; ' · ·

A~d bcnolde, a moft .noble and faire Nymph, with a homing torch m her hand,departmgfrom the company,tendcd hercourfc towardcs mec, fo as I might well pcrceiuc i:hat thee was a reall mayde indeede and no fpirite, whervpon I mooucd not one whit,

,;, 4 a,.,_,, . .,, vnto mee with fuch a Maiellic:,and yet friendly, fo as I doubt me, the amorous Idalea neuer lhewed her fclfe to Mars~or ro her the: &yre Pafior tA donis. Northe delicate qnniMeJ to l11piler ,or the: thefayre 'Pjjrches,to her fpoufe 01pid. .

For which caufe, if lhee had beene the fourth among the three contending Goddelfcs, if 'foue had bccnc Judge , as in the il1ady Wooddesof Menfsnkmewas the PhrigianShccpheard,without all doubt fl1e had heene iudgcd offarre more excellent beau tie, and without equiuolence,more worrhy of the golden applc,then all or any one of the reil. At the firfl: light I was pcrfwadcd that lhcc had bee: ne Poli4,but the place vnaccufl:omcd & her apparel! made mee rhinke the conrraric , and therefOre mv doubtfull iudgement remained in fufpencc, hauing oncly a reue;ent fufpition rher()f.

This honourable Nymph, had her virgineal~ diuine and fmall body CO\J.<:rcd With a thinnc fubtil!fiuff'e of greene fi}ke, powde­red with golde,vppon a fmo.cke of pure white coorled Lawnc;,co­uerin:; her mofi delicate. and tender body, and fnowyc skinne, a$ fine illld.g~o.d a.s euer 'P amphi!A the daughter to P law in the l~l"l~ Of Coo, did muent to weaue. Which white fmotke fcemed as ific had couered damaske Rofes. · · ·

Tbe coate which ihc wore oucr that, was not like ourfa!pio­ned perricoares with French wafl:es, forthar her fwccte proporci• c::n~d b~dy ncetfc:d nq fuch pi11ching in,& vnholfome wcare,h)11• ~crmg prctreatron and an .en!!.mie to health: butrarhcrli~ a waflcoare ~ with little plightes and garl1cr.s vnder her rounde and pretty be;tring our breaUs, vpon her flender and fmall wafie,ouer her large proportioned flanckes and little round belly,fafi girded about with a girdle of golde: and ouer rhe famc,a gownc or gar. ~cnt fide to· the ground,and welted bclowe.

This garment bceing very fide, was raken vp round about the pitch of ~Jer hippcs,andbcforevpan her belly,&;rycd iibout with the fl:udded marriage girdle of Cuhma,thc: pluckmg vp of y g~r­mcnt, bearing ouer the gi.rdlc about her like a french \'ardingalc~ & tl;e nc:thermofi part falbng down about her tect in plightcs and fol¥des,, yn{}ablc and blowne ;~boor with rhe fwecte ayre & co,olc ~~~~~~ufing~omerime, by the ~hiJ\nelfe rhmof,her illap.c to be fc;ene~n n, whl(;l:ifllCc{eemed wuh a prompt readindfe to rcfift

~h~~~d:~~e:r~eb:~:::nd c;a~:;i::::!:: ~~=~~~~oh:

-----------------::,.,w;,;•;•·•s---•1 .. ___ ...,._____ X ::r. . anncs

bur gladly expe8ed her comming,who with a maidenly haft,mo­ddhtcdfe, (lar-like countenance,and fmiling gracc,drcwe neerc

vnto

The JWift of f.,,Ht

;~rmes firctthing d•W"ne,herb.andcs long and t1ender, her fingers fmall and fayn:,and lier nayles 'thinne and ruddy, and Jbining, as if lhe had beene Minerzza her'felfc. Her armes to be fcene through rhe cleerc thinneffe of the Lawne,the winges about rhe fize of her garment whereile~aritles ial]ic out,were of golde,in an excellent fort and falhion wclted,attd fer with Pcarle and fione : and in hkc fort, all the hemming ~bout of her vefiure, with golde ooes, and Pcarle,and fpangles ofgolde in diuers places,dillantly d1fpofed in a curious and pleafant fort to behold e.

V ppon either fide, vnder the armes to her wafle, her vpper garriient wasvnfowedartd·opcn, but faflened with three buttons of great Orient Pearle(fuch as Ckopatra neucr had to diCfolu'e in a Potion)in !copes ofblewe filke,fo that you might fee her fmocke betweene the i:lifiance of one Pearlefrom an other, couering her dailiriefolt fnowye thinne skinne:except her fmall necke and the vppcr halfe of her fpatious and delirious breafi,w,orc defired and contenting mine eyes , then the water brookes and coo le R vuers tQtbe·emboftean.d chafed Hart, more pleaftog then the. fifhcr l>oati: of Endlmirm to C)nthia, · and· more plc:afant then (ithn-a to Orpheu1. ·. ·

The lleeues of her fmocke of a conucnienr largeneffe , and a­bout her wrifies plighted and tyed with Bracelets ofGolde,double and vnited with Orient Pearle. And befides all'her ornaments and 1;r~cious gd1:urcs,lhe indeuoured'nowe and then with llolenand atfeaedregard's, in a fwcet & pleaf<illt'furt,to call down het eyes Vpbn her little round'fwelling brealles, impatient at rhe fuppref­fing ofher foft and fine apparell:fo as 1 iudged vppon good con­fidi:rarion,and thought that· in the dignitie and honourable frame of her perfonage, the Creator had framed and vnited together,all the vloienh: of Loue. Tile (ourc:Nourfts of the royall Kingdome of Ba~ilon, ea.H~d T~ to"gue ofiheqodi, had not that powre to Wilinefauour and louc afche King, which this moll fwect Nymph had. · ··, · ' · · · ,

· About herfayre Necke, moi'e wllit'e then the Scithian fnowc:, ~eewore a Carkenct ~f <?~ent~c:arle:. Crr,rm r~e yi:ifl:, of~Cttf#, ~eucr had·the ltke, and I dooBt metha't that of E'~eph,k, vffiu:h lhc toi>ke to-eAinphiaraus. WaS nbth~ng cotnparable1';rito it. A~i_u thebendmg downe oiier rliecdeu•fion ofbc:r breafie-s,lictwiX:t t't"io~tcat Pcades,there w~s laeeda coriufcant rOun.de-Rubie;'and

vppon

;, ll ':Drt-t. 7 9

vppon the collaterate fides of the fayde Pearles, two glifieringSa~ phires,and two :pearles,next them two Emeraldes, & two Pearles, and after them l:wo fay re Iacinrhes: all thefe Pearles and Stones were laced in a worke in lofenges, in a rare and beautifull man­ner.

Her fayre headc , fending downe and vnfolding a loofe fprea­ding abroadc of plentJfull hayre, hke the fmallefl thrcds of golde, wauin~ with the win de, and vpon her crowne,a garland of tawny vyolet~ fweetly fmelling,and couering the fame almoll to her for­heade: from the middle vpper point whereof, in forme of two Hemycycles to the halfe of her cares, it mounted vppc in curled trammelles , falling downe againe vppon her fayre Temples, moueably wauing and Jbaddowing the fame, and hyding the vp~ per halfe of her fmall care!, more; byre then euer was reported of ~imoritf. .

The reil of her yellowe ha ire, defcended downe ouer her fayre necke,wcll difpofed lhoalders,and firaight backe;to the calucs of her flendcr legges,modera~ly wauing and blownc abroad,in grea­ter beautie than the proude eyed feathers of lunoes Birde. Such havre as Bermice did neucr vow in the vcncreous Temple for her T bolom.tHs, nor Conus the Mathematrician did euer beholde the likepla<:ed in the l'riangule. . . . · .

In her forehead, vnder two ~tile bladl:e Hemytides and di~ fiinlleyc brees,fuch as Abacfine in }Brhiopia had not to boall of, or compare with, rior {uno her·fi:lfe, did looke out and prefent rhemfelues two plcaf<mt radious and glillering eyes, which would enfOrce 'fupiter to rayne golde, of a decre fight, quicke and pear­cing, with a browne circle betwixt the Apple and the milchie white: neerc: to the which, •were her purple and Cherrycheekes, -beautified with two round fmyling dimples, o-racingthc: plcafure of her countenaunce, of the collour of the frelh Rofes gathered at the ryfing of the Sun ne, and layde in a vdfell of the Cbrifiall of Cyp.rus,and fl1ewing through the fame, as·me thought.

Vnder her nofe to her lyppes, paffed a· little valley to herfmall mouth,ofa. mofl: fweete forme, her lyppes nor blabbered or fwcl­Jing,but indifferent, & of a rubye collour,couering two vniforme · fets oft!:eth) hke yuory,and fmall,not one longer and lharper than ·an other, but in order euenly difpofed and fet: from betwixt rlie which, Loue had compofed aneuerlafiing fweet breathing, fo as 1

X 3 pre" _____________ ,, ____ ,.,~,,· ___ ...... __ _

'The ftrift of Lour prefumed to thinke, that the fnow white teeth betwixt her graci. ous lyppes,wereno other but Oryent Pe;trles, & her fweet breath hotMuske, and by her delightfull voyce chat lhc was 'Thefpis with her nine daughters.

By all which fight I was greatly mooued and my fences raui­lhed with a kindled appetite,cauling among them greatflrife and bitter contention,fuch as I ncuer felt before,by any other prefencc or excellent fighres whatfoeuer. My fearching eyes commended one part abouc another, to bee more beautifuii: but my appetite rapt into an other part ofher heauenly body ,efleeming tha.t aboue the other. And ~hus my infatiable and wanton eyes, were the euill beginning of all rhys perturbing e~nd contenttous commotion, whome 1 founde the feminarics and moouers of all [o great fl:rifc and trouble, in my wounded and fctl:cring hcatt. Through theyr CDntumacy, I was now brouglu from my felfe, and neu,erthtldli:,l could not be fatisficd by them-: My gre~dy appetyte,extolled her delicate breafi abou~ ·any comparifrn1 , my eyes delightfully con­fc:nting thervnto,(ayd, at !call by that we may di[coucr what y refl: is; And they, glauncing from that to the rcgardc: of her r,race and gefiure, fct all their delight therein : and my appetite firengrhe~ ned and not eafilie remooued from th~nce, I perfwaded my'felfe, that the plentie and fayrcndfe ofher head and hayre,and the drcf~ fmg thereo~ ilnd:the beautie ..• of her forheade, coulde neuer bee compared with ofany one or other .like the fcrapings of golde ru" waiei turning into: little roundels •. · 'Vith two eyes lyke moming fiarrcs in a clccre heauen, more beautifully adorning her beade, than any char euer the warlike Neco bchclde among the. Acit~~nimu, wounding my heart like one of the arrowcs of the angrie Cupid. And thus to wnclude, I dare b~ bolde to fay,that nomortall manharh feene,fo gracious,fo 0Jy­nm~.fo deere and pleafaitt lightcs as thefe were,piaced in the for­head of this heauenly creature; fo that hy them my hart was taken prifoner, & wa.; filled with fuch continuall cotrouerfies of defire, ,as if a !cafe of the Laurel! of the T ombe of the kmg of Bibria had bin placed betwixt, &that fl:rife iliould neueJ; ceafe whilfl: it was there: fo as I thought thatthi~ fi-rifc: wouldncuc:r ceafe, vnrill rhe pleafurc were taken away, by rcafon wherof, I could not percc:iue howe I ~ouldc: obtainc: the fulnes of my ddire, or howe lt couldc I

lo

mong a number of prepared meate_s being dc:Cirous of all,fcedc:s of nonc,his burning appetite remayrung famfied with noue,but filii hungry.

The rnoff fayre Nymph beeing come to Poliphil~ts, beAring 4 'Torch in her lcfr hand,Wirh the other tool:! him and muited h:rn ro \V•Jfk!

· With her, and there PohphiluJ by her louew.u more inflamed.

-~Hus feing before me,a reall and vifible .n:<=L....;;;;...;~'=;;:.;'' . obie8: of a moll excellent reprefema­

. I tion, louely prefence and heauenly af-1 pc:ll:,of a plentifull flare and vniuerfall

gathering cf vnfec:ne beau tic, and in­humaine comelmdTe. I made light and flcnder account, in rc:fpell: heerc:of, of all the inefiimable delights, riches, and . great pompe whiCh before 1 had be­

l!;::::::::_ :::;==:~::::;;:;;;;;;;;;;;;:,~_ held~ and fecne, thinkmg their wor. thinelfe nothing _to f.peake of;·in comparifon'of thiS:. Oh happie. hee that .may eruoy fuch and fo great a trealUre of loue; and not ondy a happie polfelfor I account him , but mofi Jlappie that thall poifdfe; and obraine her obedience , to hys Cldire ;md rule. But if Zenes had behelde this fubfiance, bee would ·haue com· mendcdthef.ut~e aboue all the Af!igmtine maides, eueryprcipro~ tionwoul,Unu.e made vnto him an oportline lhewe of the abfolu-· ccll.pcrG:ai.on in the whole world. .

Which fayre and heauenly Nymph no we comming necre vn­ro me. with a cheerefull counte-nance, incontinenrly her mo!hare beauti~,before fomewhat a farre oflooked vppon with mine eyes, but nowe ~by them'morc: nee re and narrowly bchelde, I was raui­ihed and ;m1aied. · . And her amorous afpelt and loudy prefence , was rio fooner brtlught by the melfage of mine eyes ro my inward partes, but my :recording and watchfull remembrance, flirring and waking vppe my heart, pr.efentingand offering her vnto the fame: it is become h~dhoppe; the.quiue_r for her piercing arrowes and wounding regar.dcs, and the dwelhng place and conferuable man lion houfe, oH1e.r f.Ncctc p;ll:urc. Knowing that this was !bee which had ta:-' dio\1.11y cunfumcdmy tender yeeres, in her hottC: and prime louc; ;agree With Clther one or other. Like one extreamcly hungry ll;. I

. moo~ ---

not

The flrifo of LDut

not to !le refilled. For I fdr the fame leaping and bea~ing againll my breall, without ceafing, like as one that fhiketh vpon a hoarfc Taber. And llill me thoug!lt by her louely and delightfull coun­tena?ce, by her fayre trefles, and the curling and wauing haire, playmg vp and downe vppon her forheadc, that it lbould be· PD­lia, whome fo greatly I had· loued and defued,and for whom I had fullained fo many & fundry griefes,without intermiffion,fending out fcaldmg fighes, the outward reporters of my inwarde flames. But her rich and Nymphilb habite, vnaccullomed, and·theplacc vnknownc and firange , made mce fiill doubtfull .and fufpici-ous. '

Shce(as bcforefaidc;)qrried in her fnowe white left arme,clofc to her body,a kindled and burning Torch, fomewhat higher then her he a de a good deale, and the lower en de growing fmaller and finaller,Glee helde iq her hande: and flretchingfoorth that which was at libertic,more y.vhite then eucr had 'Ptlopea, wherein appea­red the thinne fOJopr~nes of the skynne, and the blewndfe of the -veynes lyke Azure ftrcames, vppon thefaire and whiteR paper~ 'Shee toookem~ J;y,t~lefr handcwith a fweete and louing coun­tc:n;~nce and fmili.ng grace,and with an eloquent fpccch,fuee plea­fantly faide in this manner.

'.Pollphibn,lthinke my felfe to come in fafrie,but it feemeth that you fJand doubtfull .. Heereat I was more amazed, and my fcnccs jn a manner gone to imagine howc the fuould knowe my name; and al my inward parts V~nqllithed,and hemmed in with burning amorous flames, my fpeech' was taken from mec withfearcana reuerent balbfulnctfe.

·. In this fort rcmayning, I knewe not vppon the fuddaine what good aunfwere I might make, or otherwife doe her reuercnce,but to offer .her my vmvorrhy: :md vnfir hande; Which when it was fireined iri hen, me thought rhat it was in hot fnowe and curded milke,and me.rhought indeede,that I touched and handled fame­thing which was more then humaine; which when I had fo done, I remained moued inminde, troubled and doubtfull, vnaccull:o­med to fuch ~ companion, not knowing what to fay, or whether to followe her, m my limp le apparell and homely bringing vp, not a­~eea~le with he~s : and as.11 foole, vnworthy and vnfitfor berfel­lowlhlp,perf wadmg my felfe, that it was not lavvfull for a mortall and. Fartbly creature to enioy filch pleafures. For which caufc, my

· collour

in 4 dreame. 81

collour red and blulbing,with reuerent admiration, being grieued at my bafeneffi ,I fetled my felfe ro folio we her.

At length,and yet not with a perfeft recalled minde,l bcganne to reduce and fommon together, my fearc:full and d1ll:empered fpirites: perfwadmg my felfe,d~at I muH needes ~aue good fuc­ce.lfe,being nee re fo faire and dmme an ob1eft,and m fuch a place; And fo followed her on with a panting heart, more lbaking than the birde Sifori!, or a Lam be carryed in the mouth of a Wolfe.

And rhus couched moll feruently with pleafant heaces, grow· ing & cncreafing more & more,they began to boy le & kindle my col de feare, and 1.1ifpofitiucly to adopt my alt~red he ate to finccre Joue. \<Vhich bcing.chus brought to thys paae, by a prouoked m· ~ard ddire, yet inwardly a> I reafoned with my fdfe, it was won­derfully variable and doubtfull. Oh mofi happye Louer of all Louers, that in requitall of hys, might bee fure ro participate of hc:rs. .

·On the other fide, I perfwaded my felfe, that if I ihoulde offer \Into her my amorous heart and loue,hauing no better thing to be­flow vpon her,or prefent vnto her,it might be t~at lbe would ~ot refufe ir: hke e.Arta.wrxo,the King of the Perc~ans; who haumg water prefentcd to hys handes, accepted ofit bowing dow~e himfdfe. Hcerewirhall, me thought yer chat a fearr.full and chill .trembling inuaded mee, infufing it fc:lfe ouer all my body and bre;tfi, renewing the force of the extreame fire, euen hke dry reede: which being once kindled, is en&med and nourilbed with the freG1 ayre, vntill at length it is increafed fo mighrily,that it confumeth all to allies.

And in like forte, I fully founde in my fi:lfe, an incrcafe and flalbing abroade of my inwarde flames, in their prepared fub­ic:£\, fo dfe£\ually, chat her amorous regardes gaue me mortall and deadly woundes : euen as lightning and thunder, among the fironge and mightie oakes,fuddainely with a great force,fcor­ching .& tearing them. And. therefore~ durfi not look~ vpon ~er bright eyes,becaufe that doomgfo, ( bemg ouercome With the~~~­credible beauty of her gracious afpeft) 1_f peraduenture her r~di· pus bcamesdid reincountermutually wah,myne , for a httle while euery thinge feemed two vnro mee , vntill I had clo· fed the lyddes cogcther , and refiored them to theyr former light.

y Where-..__ _________ "''·'"o".', __ ...... ______ _

The ftrift of Lone

Whcrcvpon, and by rea~on of thefe .rhinges captiuated, fpoy­led,and ouercome,l determmed at that mfiant to plucke vp fome frelh flowers, and m all humble fort to offer them vnto her,;md it came to palfe, that whilfi my fecrct thoughts confented thervnro, conl}·~ning a free meane and large entrance, for the d1fcouery of my defire.But my burning heart humbly hauing opened the fame, euen as a rype Apple being eyrher byrten or lhaken, fa it fell and fay led me, And receiuing into his wounded and familiar efiuati­on,infome imerpoficion o~ time, immediatly his accufiomed heat and feruor increafed,piercing the inward parts with her vir<>ineall afpe.'l:s, exceedingly beautified with a comely grace and v,;'exco­g•cable elegancie; Becaufe,thac into this fweece introdufiicin into my minde, of thefe firll amorous flames, (lyke the T roian horfe~ full of weapons and deceite)the encerance was made for an cuerla­fimg, vnknown,and vncelfant pl<~gue,deeply fc:llc:ring in my tc=n­dc:r and poo;·e heart, perpetually remayning: whid1 eafily ouer­(Otne with one fwc:ete looke, inconfiderately without dc:lay,hafie­neth hisownehurt,andwholly layeth itfclti:open to amorous in­curlions, and burneth it felfe with fweet (Once its, go in<> into the flames of his owne accord. ::.

To all which burning ddires,hc=r prefcnt company did greatly inforce mee, which I efleemed to yeelde mee more comfo;:-t, then t~e North fiarre in a tcmpclluous night to the troubled Mar­rmer: more acceptable then that of Melicta to Adonis,or ro P hro­dites, the obfequious Nymph Periftera:and more del•ghrfull then CZJm~tnder to the daughter of'.Dydo,wirh the Purple flow re fur the woundeof Pius v.Encas: And finding my heart flrooken and in­wardly pricking,fecrctly filled and compreffiuely fiuft · recordina­:md gathering together into it, varyable-thoughts and ~mrking :>£ Loue, my immedtcable wounde grewe greater and sreater, Bur gathering vp the remaynder of my fences,asone that durll, I alfu­red my felfe to m:mJdl and Jay open before her' my intended de­fires an·..! amorous conceitcs, And rhus loolinn-my fcll'e in a blinde folly .I coJJ!d not choolc bur giue place to my ti1uadin<> dcfires,fer-Uqltly boyhng and inforcin~ me to fay rhus. ::. · .

Oh delyrare and heaucnly Damofell, wharfoeuer thou art, thy forcyble loue hath fer me on fire,andconfumcth my grieued heart; I findc my felfe all ouer, burning in an mcelhmflame,anda J.harpc dare call: into the middell of my breafl, where it fiickctlt

fall,

inatlreame; zl fall-, hatilng made a mort all wounde vncurable . .And hauing fpo­ken thus,to rhe tnde 1 might dircouer vnto her my hidden de fire, and moderate by that meanes the extreamitie of my bitter palfi­ons: vvhich I felt,thc more they were concealed,thc more to aug­ment and increafc,I patiently hclde my peace: and by this meanes all thofe feruent and greeuous;agirations, doubtfullrhou!!,htes, wanton and vyolent defires, were fomcwhat fupprell; wuh my ill fauoured Gowne, that bad fbll fome of the Bramble leaues and prickcs in rhc Wood hanging vpon it, and euen as a Peacocke in rhe pride of his feathers, beholding the fowlene!Tc of h•s fecte, pullerb downe hys traine: fa I conlidcring the inequal~itie of, my felfe,with fuch a heaucnly obieet,appalcd the prouocauons ot my contumacious and high delires, looking into the vanities of my rhoughtes.

And then I earncllly endeuoured by all rhe meanes that I mighr,ro fubdue,encloylter, and keepe in, 1;11y vn~ridled gadding appetite, wandring minde, and immodell defite, intendmg li6>We th;~~ it lhould neucr be vUe red againe. : -. At.lenglih I beganne to thinke in the fecret depth of my wounded heart , that vndoubtedly this my prefcnt ( ontinued griefe, was equal! with that of widced T am a/us ,to whofc: hortc and rhiz:fiing lyppes,rhc coole and cleerc: water did offer it felfe,:m~ to his hungry.appeoite, rhefwecte:fruites hongeouerhys gapmg mourh apprefenting,hut he neuertafled any.ofeJther. . ,Ah woe is mce c:uen in hkc: fort,a m,)ll fay re Nymph of an ex­cellent G1ape, of a florilhingage, of Ar.gel-like behauiour vn­lpeakable,and of rare honour and exceedingcurtelie as mine eies coulde beholdc:, whofe company exceeded any exquelite hu­mainc content; and I, iufl by her, full of all whatfoeuer pro­uocation, forcincr follacioutly loue and delire,heaping vppe in her felfe the whole p~rfeaions of delight,and yet my yauning and vo­luptuous defire, neucr the more thereby fatisfied,

Well, on this forte my burning concupifcence nothing allayed, as much as I might,l comfor!c? m~ Jangui!J:ing hart, vnmeafura­bly tormented, in putting ofJt 111 mmde,oflolacJous and amorous hope: and with thar,there was neuer a coale fo neere put out, but it was prefcntly renued and fer on fire , w1th the company of rhe next. And my vnbridled eyes, the more they were vnarmed to re­fifi her power, the more they were inflamed with the infolent de-

Y 2. fire

----------..... ~o'C•.'·'·"'-"'•_.....__ ..... ____ _

The ftrife of Loue

fire .and liking of her wonderful! :1nd hcaucnly bcautie· StiJI fccming more faire, more excellenP, more loue!y,more' robe delired, exrre;~mly apt and pr~pared for loue: euedently Jbcw­mg foorth m her felfc, a wondetfull im:reafe of fweete ple:~-fure. . ; .

Afterwards I thought wirh my felfe, it may be rhar n1e is fome creature which 1 may not delirc , and 1r may bee rhe place is nor litre for fuch rhoughtes , and rhen it may bee I haue made a wifeworke, andfpunne af.Jyre rhred, ifl thou Id bee punithed- for my impudencie,like lxirm. In like fort ~he Thracian had neuer ro)lnde the deepe feare of ~ptH11C : if he!~ad not medled wirh Tethis: and Gall411tide, the mayde of Lucma, thoulde nor haue brought foorrh in her mouth, if hte had not deceiued. It may that rhys Nymph is fpowfc:d ro fome high and mighrie' Prince, and I to offer her this d1thonour, what am I worthy of~ · · :. ~d thus rtfoning with my felfe, I thoughtthat thofc: thinges wh1ch h~d budlenderalTuTance, ~oulde lightly flyppe away, and thar 1t woutd:nor be hard to dece1ue, where was no warchfull ~garde: and ro b~;~lde fpirires', Fortune- was r:rotaltogc:ther fay. lmg: and belides, that it was:h:~rde to knowe a mam thought. Wher<-vpon,cuen as Califtone,beinga.thamed at her fwd.liug be f. ley;_th-rpnke afide from the prcfc:nce of Dzana; fo I ,withdrewe my felfe,blu/hingat my attempt,andhridling my incouenic:nt ddires. Yet whh a lincious eye, I neuer left to examine , with great de. light, theextreame beaut~e of the excellent Nymph,difpoling my ti:lfe to hcrfweete loueJw1than vnfallyble, obtl:mate,and fume r,. fol11tion. " .

. •;

'Polia, as yet V1:kgowne to her Loucr P oliphilu!, fhu gratioufly ajforeth him: who for her c·xn·eame bea&t:i,, hee mdeuorerh hu mmde rtJ loue. And both oftbem going to tht 1ri11mphes, they fee innume~

. rab!e)'ouths aadDarnoftlsJporti11g Umhgrw ddigbr. .

· ~HE Archer Cupid, in my wounding j,j.:::Ei:~~!!::' ~·· _ ·· . heart hauing his refidc:nce,like a Lord

·~ and king,holdmgmetyed in the bands ,' I of Loue, I found my li:lfe pricked arid ' grieuoufly tormente.d,in his tyrannous

, and yet plcafanr regiment . And a-. ~· - ijboundingindoubrfulldelight,vnmca·

, ' . ~ _- ' furably lighing_ ; l\vatered my plaints; . 0~ '~ and then the furmounring Nymph,

t!:::::::===:::::===..=..o=....:::;. . \Vith a :plealirig.grate·,· •incontinently g;~ue me comfort, and with he~~ ruddy and(ayre fpokcn lyppes;fra­ming V.ioleot.aJ_ld a~tralbue w~'i!des,fhc gauc me: affur.ani:e : ab~n• doni!}g and. ~emoiimg from my-heart , QU:fearefulrtho~ghts, w1th ber Ol}:IJipbi~all afpefls, .4lnd cooling ·w1th hereloquen~ fpee­~;;he~.,. my. burning heart; and w1th an ·am·~rous •iirid. fpendly -reg;~t!fe.iind cafl,cf hereyes,and fmilirig.grace,·'ffle faid~thusvn~ :t9,Plt~.- .. ~·::J: : .. ~·i·~·~ ;·J!:; .. !l ... · ... ,~~r: .· . ~ .. .I(

1;.;: t1Mit>~H.w,hvoulde>t~outhouldeU vnderllana~nd k~?¥'!~Y,~. tb¥Jtll~.aQQrl'.Crtl1DUS louobath no r~fl;'efr of~~Ward th1~s,an~ therefore let not rhe bafcncs o~ rhy apfardl,dimtl-i~ ~r-leHeh thy .Jn~Qde,:if, ped-taps :noble and gentle,. -<and wortltylofthfl"eo~laces, ~pdfi,t(~ 1tp .behqlde rhefe maruellous tryumphes•; _·Therefore !er !19' thyminde be cltifmayed with feare,butdilligentlt.~eliold wh_ar ·I<ing~~es they poffelTe,• tha~ are cro\llmed by-V~us, ;I ,meane, .fllch~~h"Hron~ly\agdnithedandyet·p~euere{hll;ferumg~and -attending Vp,on her amorous Aultatl! and fatr.ed f1ames;vn6U they .obt~ine her.lawfullfauour;And.rhrn making an ende'ofher thou ;and fw<et fpeech,both of vs malcingforward,our pace neithert~o fail: PR~ ~do, flowe; but in: a meafure;j~ thoughtth"us,; and "rh_us dif-. cpur.linj!;Y\'i.rJJJll)'felfe: . ·· ,., ·'· · · :.~;., ·. · .. ·-~ . Oq1moQ ~ali~nt Per[eur,.:thou wouldeil! moilefeirfly h,~u~

. fought. ~irlupe im.i~:ll I>ragoll)for t~ fauour ofth!S; thep for th~ louc: of thy fayrc e4m:b:omad.t. An'dafcor.

~ y 3 Oh

The fl.rife of Loue

. Oh lafon, if the marriage of this had becne offered vnto the wrch a .more gre~ter and more daungerous aduenture, then rh~ ohtaynmg of the gold~n fleece, thou woulddt h.1ue Jet goe char, and.vndertaken thrs,w1th a greater courage,efleeming it aboue a! the rewelles and precrous treafures of the whole worlde; l,morc then thofe of the mch and mrghtie <l.!:!eene £fmtberif!tda. Conri­nuallyfeemmg more fayre,more beaurifull,aod more louely.Hip­podam~a, and all the greedy fcraping and doubtful! Vfurers neuer tookeruch delight in getting ofgold.Aquycc Harbourwa; neuer • 0 we corn~ to a Ps:Hrdfed Marryner,in a flormy, darke, and tem­peHeou.; W\nter mghr.: nor the wilhed and oporrunefall of rayne at the pray~;r of. Cr4i<s, .as the louing 'confcnr of this dainti~ Nymph: mote welcome to mee, then bloody broyles to warlike V'l1ars, or thefidl frurres q[ Creta. to Dionifius: or the: warbling Harpe to v:fpo/lo : ~q yet more gratcfull,then fertill <>rounde full .cares, anclple.n~rfull y~ldiog, rot:lklabouring Husb:'ndman.' · l · ~d fhuS:m.";\oJl ~teoredfort.pilffing on and prdiingdowo Jhlefit~lck,~,yer;p.p,.!lnd;<;90kgridfc z-fomerime my lcarchrn.,. and.

u le "}'es ''"""P-h · .. rr .. Lh · · l!J ,,.. . ~:,,,.,.,...'!'! a~tac ... ,nw.ltn er·pretty&fmalfh:etc: paf.. fh~ wdll fitt,c;d w!rh ihoqes ofRellearJJer,growing broade; from t. em . ept,~arrowe atthe toe,and clofe abour the hcele. and fom­t1m.e.~ h~r fine. it~<l J!Jollf'l!ble legges,(~er vcflure of lil'ke bce'int; blowne about wrrh t~e w1~de: vpp'?n her virgineall partes) 'difcol­yer~41rhemf~/I,If. J uught h:nwfCJme them, I do irilagint that thc:y ard look~Jt~ tht: 6ne.1JRowi-<f,o£ Reloponefus, or Jike:tbe: ·· '1. re,lf!mrl~,c9o\I!PJJfl~ed witb Mu.sk-e;.. · • . · '. ~.

B}~ all,~AAlt!_Pofl de:le~able thinges, tyed and bournle i~ th~ hardde !llld~nextncable: kuou·of vehement Joue more"neafie to vn oe then; ~.hat ·~f!i'r:cuk.r 1! or that which' eAfex-»zder the sreat ,drd ~!lf In fund~,w.ith b}'S; fwordc:. and ~m0r<1ufly masked ~ ~owledJ'I~tt~. ~llrl~·~ubducd haertAJCldc:'4owrie wiche grie:. ued cogit<)t!Qn~ •m.d, burumg ddircs1deading>mee whednir diey wo?ld~ .1 fo~dc;IIJ rr ~re prK:king;torments then fa.ythfun 'l{egu~ f· m Aphnr;a. So that my forrowing. fpirites exafperated with an . !l)orou* dii(lf.4, :md extreaqJe vexatiOn , . ronrinually burnill"' in my pantm g brea(t ' .. couldc: by~~~ meanes b-ee afiwagi!d, hut ~ith fupp~.v.p q.£ <"0 11(111ual! [p. bbmgs, . .and breathina bu. 't of rlii=iHiy-. .Jn<> lone · And•hus d · · ·J · -. ·0: ·r d " · · , f'r· {·· ·· ~· · IOWJlC~mamr G oul:irs,andfteingmc V) o ent y takcnJn her loue;.~lafde rhus to my felfe; .

'· :. 0

ina'Dreame. 1-r

0 7'o!iphi!uJ, howe can!l thou lcaue at an)' tyme thy infepera• bit: loue, kindled towardcs thy fwcete Pu!ta, for any ether < And therewrthall, from this Nymph, thus clofe and f.11l: bounde, more ll:rono-ly che in the clawes of a Creuife or Lobflar,cndeuouring to vntie"myldfe, Ifound it no eafie peece ofworke, fo chat I cculde not choofc but o-reeuoufly binde my troubled hart,ro the loue and affell:ino- of thi~·, by alllrkehhoodes,hauillg the true fl1ape,fwccre ref~mb!~nce, and gracious behauiour of my moll beloued 71olia. But aboue all rhrnges,this came more neere vntomee and grieucd J,Dc worll,howe 1 ihould bee aifured that l11et; was·Po!Jt!. Where­vppon, from my watry eyes, the fait teares irhmedJatly tr}cklmg downc it feerucd vnromeabard &contemptuous matter, roba­nilJt fr~m my forlorn~ and poore hearr, his olde foueraigne Lady and Milhetfe, and to cntertaine a nevve, flrange, and vuknowne Tyrannyz:er. . .' · . . . . . ·

Aftcrwards,l comforted my fclfe agam;wrfh ~hmkrng. that per­aducnture. this was lhee, accordrng to rhef.1~rrdOracle and t'rue fpeech,of the mighty ~eene £/euthcrillida.: ~ri.CI di~ref~e,~hat I lhould not lhrinke or floope vnder my ba~-thc:n; for ·If I were nor greatly deceiued, this was lhee indcede, And hauin'gmade thys amorous and drfcourfiue thought and'fwafiue pr:rfuppofe, ab:rn• don in.,. all. other defires whatloeuer. I onely determined with my heart ~nd minde,ro come backe againeto rhjs,n6151e and excellent Nymph· in whofe <Treat louc I bceing rhus rate en; with extreame cpmpullion 'I was golde with an vnaCCtl~bmed admyration~dilli~ gently to looke vpon her rare Jhape, :uiCflouelyfeatures, my eyes maktn"' theml'dues rhe f wallowmg whrrlpoolcs of her mcompa­r.Ible b~autie: and they were no fooner opened;IJOtly to t<tke in the fweete pleafureofher fi> benigne.and conlpicuous prefe~ce, but they were flrenj;thened for euer, to hold With them folaciOufly a­greeing, the aflembly of all my other captiued fences, ~hat from her and no other,! did feeke the rmttcganon and quenchmg of my amorous flames. And in this fort we came, wh1lfl I was thus cru­elly wound .:cl by cxafpc:rating Loue, fomewhat vppon the l'ight tide of the fpacious fielde. . .

.lnwh.i~h place, were feq;rccne trees, thickewith leaues, ilnd full of.flqwer~, beari!1gfruite,rounde abm1t rh...: place and feat~ of fuch variable and diuers forts,neuer f.1dmg but fhll grecne,giumg .,.rear conteut to the delightfull beholder. ~ T~

Th 11 ~ Th~ftrifcofLoue . ' . e ga ant ·<~na plea1am Nymphe there flayed; and I alfo flood llill: Where looking about,by the benignicie of the fruitfull playne,with halfe my fight, becaule ~ coulde not altogether vdth-drawe the. fame from rhe amorous obiett ; 1 bchelde very ncere vnto vs, a certain.e tbewe of an inuyroning company, tryumphing and daupcing about vs, <>f ~nofl br.auc and fine youthes, without beardes and vnlhorne beares,but that of their heads bu!hing,cur­ling,and wrything,withour any arr or dfa:minate cryfping: cfow-ned and dre!Ted, with garlands and wreathes of diuers flowers,and r_ed-Rofes, withlca,uye Myrtle, with purple Amaranth.or- flower g~mle, and _Mc!bou ,and w.ith the~ a great company of yong~ !'nay des, ~o.~e fayr!! !Uld ®!tcatc thm hec to bee founde in Sparta; Both kindes appa~~U.;d v'ery richly,in{ilkesofchangable-col!ours, hxding th~ perl;~;&collollr; fume in Purple &Muny,and fome in white curled Sendall, fuch as Rgipt neucr affoorded, aqd of dy· uers o~hF G~!l~nlni: · f9nte Tawney, fome Ctymofen ;others in Gr~eq~:,a lq~J?.e ip:Y~ql((,(Omein Blewe, Peach collotir, Peacockc ~Q\I,.p\1~ ~;p~rfea!)l,ng.tayned ~as euer Cork a coulde ycclde .: and pow~t;r~t! <w4Woi'~Srtw.ithgolde ,.and edged and hemmed about with orient Pear le i!ndJlories fet in pure golde ; fome in gownes, and otb.ers in.hunting futesl

, And th,\! mofi qfthe beautifull Nymphes,had their fayre haire fmootply~q)la~t.\lppe,rogcrher, and thrife rowled about, wirh an c:xcellent fiui!hi:llg knot ; Others had their vnllable & waui11g tre£fcs, fprc~~g'd4),wlferouer their fayre neckes. Some, with a.o boundan~e of haire,. Cllll vp ouer their forhcades, and the endes fll~ll~M into~urles,& lbaddowing oue1· the fayrcncs of the fame : (o as Nature and~pt .Acre , .. !hewed her felfe therein a beautiful! ~iUrclfe ; With fillets and laces of golde, edged with orient J?earle,andothers in Ca!lles,of gQide, wearing about theyr flendet ~Fckes,rich and precious Carkenets and,necklaces,ofPearles and fio11e, and depending i'ewellcs. And vppon theyr fmall cares, did hange dyuers precious fiones, and ouer the variable dreffings of theyr hcades,bcfore in two Hemyciclcs, were fee lhoddowes of o· ryent Pearle and Uone,in flowers of hayre. . . .

All which excellent ornaments,· together with theyrmofi ~le· gant perfonages, were eafily able to alter)any chur liili; vile or ob-fiinate heart. ·

Their

, ..

----------'·"~,_,,, .. ,, __ .... ____ _ ·' z' .C(j 'P oliphilut

'The fo'ife of UHI

P~liphilHJ ·;n',i;;;;;~tl#p~;;;J~~~hrJ!defoute trj;,phint ~h<~ri~ ou,a/1 fitWithprotitiluflon'H iln~itwelle!, by ergrtta.t numb,r of JOHthes,,in the h~naurgflupiter.

~~:;~~~~~liE 6tft oftihe fouremaraeilous-try­H 'HrnJ!Ihant'Chariots, hae foure rounde

'wl~les;of •Pe.rl~et. ~re en~ Emeralds-of' · ~tythia ;· rh~·ref<l: of the Chariot: did a~ ~afe tnee tcl bebolde,beeing made all of 'tilhl~ Dyamorids: not' of Arabia or Cy­ptils;of the newe Myne, as our Lapida-

~~~~~~'"'~· ~ I;1es call rhem1hiit·oflndla;r~frllitig rhe ~ ' A ;Jiatde fhoake5 of )'rtJn'arid lleele, aby-

• , ;u·:·d~gt'11ehotie;fire &if.lhu:ing t*icrwirh;. hiefilfied onelfwitb the~ltme'h!o6deOfGoates;gt.atd'uU in the Magi'c>.~Uartc; wmch fi~siwcre woedeHttfly <tttofa Caragly· phic I:Xplit:arur~,and;ft.t;Y"eff:Cilrr~ufly in'fiAe·~olde. • : ·

· 'VW~ ~tigbt1~ r11F t>he!Uhariot~Hawe·t~clfed,fhe-te• pn:fenra'tidri'at i~o~h, Wii:1Jmanyaci:o~anying-her·ia a Meddo\Ve, crowni1_1~of vi~fiOU$ &Ties<Mrh garlandsoHtaw~ ers,aiidd!'le~by<llngbY'hci<vel'j"taml!ly. : ' .; ' · . The fame Nymph, 'Y!'f301'1 the other flile was atfo ·repr~fentetf, who;haumg tHotmtec.l':'P.YpPca t'he'badic;-ctftheBull, whit:h was geM'I'e' and whirt i1iC 1~Mil•y<:Cl:fJ~u-eJI:the fi!li. . · : · · • . •" · · · V ppon thefdr<:::cMft- J!.beliCJtde tJ;pili.''Wrrh.a, "reat liumberot" ~ndea people ahdNat~ris',·marueiling'ro.f~~im thoo~mto ~htilyre; ¥uuHnt~e hinder- pnrt,~ar:rfun~ing befo~~ lit]Hter, ttiOUm\ngbe~fe the boy had iliorte-thr«?ugh hts impmerrab)e Bre!l;plare ~·mil iliewing•the·~unde; aod·with the.oclrerhandv, holding out his arme,he helde this worde '1\(:,ma.

The failiion of this Chariot was quadrangular, of two perfcll fquares, longe wayes, of fixe fuote in length and three foore in height, with a bearing out coronice aboue and vnder the plynth: and aboutthefamea plaine, in breadth two foote and a halfe, and in le~gth fiue foot and a halfe, bearing towards .the Coronice,all o­uer lcally, wirh precious f!:ones, with an altered con<>reffe and or­derof collours, variably difpofed. And vppon the fuure corners, were falln~d fourc coppies,inucrfcd, and the mouth lying vpward

vpon

in a drtamt. 8 &

vpon the pr~ieB: corner of the Coronicc,full of ftuites and flow~ c:rs ~ut of pre~;ious. tlones,as it were: growing out of a foliatqr.e of golde, The homes were chafed neere their mourh,with rhe leaues ofPopp~, and wry then in the belly: the g~acylamcnt & ~ut ward bendmg, toymngfaf!: to the endc ohhc plame, and breakmg of m an olde fa!hioned iagged leaf.w~ke, lying a longvndc:r the b,acke of the Coppiffe,and,of the: fame metrall. V pon euery ('orner ofrhe Plymh, fromrhe Coronice'downeward,, there was a foote lyke a Harpies, with an excellent conuerflOll and rurmng vppon cyther fides of the leaue3 of Acanthus.

The wheelcs,aboue the nauc:s and axdtrees, were clofed with· in the Chariot,and the fides thereof vndcr the Harpies feete, .bent fomc:whar vpward and gm wing lcfii:r,rurned ~ouncle downward, whercvnto fhe furniture or trace to drawe it ly ;werc:fafincd: and where the: axdtree was, there -vpon thcf!de of the b0ttom·of the Charriot,ouer the naue of the whcele,there came oowne a prepcn­tion ioyl'lil'!g to the Pl)•nlh, twife fo long as·deepe,: of two foJia­·tures, ont.i!~cmding om way and d>Je nrhcr nn other. Wl!!y ; a11d vpon tbc middle thereof and lowef!: part1was a Ro~ oUiudeaucs, <ituhc kedewhereof, me eo de ofthe axeltree:did .lye. . -· V ppon the afordaide Playflc:, l behelde the )'mage of afayi/C white and raine Bull, trymmed and dreffed with flowers, in man­ner like an Oxe for a Sacrifice •. And vppon his large and broade .backe,didflt a piirn-.elyvirgine, wit-h }ong.and flenier armes;halfe naked ;-with,!Jer h.incl.es lhe hc!lde by. his homes. Htr apparell was -exquefite ~ gt.eene fiJJre,andj;olde, mallueiloully '1\'0.UIID)and of.a Nymphiili falhion,couering her body and· girded almur bee .waf!:, edged about wrth Pearle and Hone, and a crowne ofglittering golde vponherf<~yre heade. · · . ·

This Triumph, was ,drawn.!: by.ftte lafduious Centaures, which .came of thd!allen :fank iof :thciintfy ·ariki: J)te~fumpteous ~iBn :~ith afw-nitUte·o~lclvJ.non rbC!~and a;lohgtlreirlfimng ifides',like.hatfes,;e:x:celleritly ~ra1!llll:d,-andilla~cattd;in nmmrrnf a flagon chaync, whereby·thty:drcwe tha T 1yilmph;fuch as .E­rillhonius neuer inuenred,for fwiftndfe.

V pon euery one of.th,em did ride a goodly Nymph, with theyr fhoulders· one rewards an other : three, with their bcaurifu 11 faces towards thie iight fidtcoftlliT:~~es1 , -~tlirtt: :m :the' left, wirh Jnllruments of Mu1ique,ma)€Uig,together .a:h$uciJI.)' har-z 2. monie

The jfrife"o/J--~ut , moi"iie andtN~ffirt '· Thtltha};rCis yeliO'we, andf,illlng\ooer their fayre,neckes, wirh P!!tltarpi~ll garlands of all manner• of flowcr9,

vpon their headfs; '1i'he twonc:xube T ryumph,werc apparc:lled inblc:we filke,like the·collhur ofa:Peacockesnecke. 1

The middlemofhn b~igll( Cr-Ym0fen: and the rwo foJ,moflin an· Iimerald gr~~. "not wanting. any ornamentesro fwe .them roorth, Gnqil~ fofw~i;dy W!t~ httle:rouride mourhes; ;md playing l!lpp<:mrhcar m{humatts, Wlthll'l·fo <~eleiball a manner, as woulde ~eepe a ma11 fromeuer dyin~ .. , u r-<· ,.

T~c Centaures were crowned with yuie,tl1ar is· called 'Dmdro­cyjfos. The two next rhe tryumph did beare m rheir handes, two

:.velfelles ~fan plde faJJ1ion ,. ofrhe T opas ofArabia, of a bright golden<ollour;j"'~atefuU to Lnci»a, and:ro tile which , the waues .will bcf calme,'~·fkQder '<ltt-he borrom,bigge fwelling; in the belly, and leffeninglin;ll vp towardes the Orifice) In hei ghc two fuore, withouteares ·: out :of the which. did afcenda,rhicke linoake or fume, of an in$imabl~ fragrancie. The middlemofl, did founde

; T rumpc~s ofgclde', wichbanners offilkc and goidCY,futlned to the Trumpets;ifi'threepkl~es.·~ · ·, :·:: .. ::: '· ·· ,

The other· t\~o forlliofilwith olde falhioned Comets,agr.eeing .inconfort:With the InCH:uments ofrhe Nymph··. ;·

·.V nder the ~llkh uiumphant Charior,~vere the Axelcrees corr­uently placed, whcrevppon the wheeles mrned, and of a balufiic

·lyneament,. waxing ftn!llit'owarde·thc en de and roundi: ~. Vvhich. , Axelrrees,~rc of fine pure 'go! de and ma!liue •. nt:uer: cankc­!ting.~r frtmng{\>vhlchlis•th~ deadlypoyfonand tkltrCJye.rtofv.cr­tueratnilpcaG:~:aole quy:ert. , . ' < " · · · . · : · /

:'Fhis'!9'umph was folcmnly4elebrated,wirh mode.rate leaping · ~d dauncing about,and _great applaufe: their Jl<Jbjtes:wcre girded· :wulnkarfeS~,the~:ndesflyi~gabroacle.. . " •. , · . · · Apdin hkefortt.tb6fowhiolrdi:dfit1Vpohtlie Gmtaures) crim­

: mending ilJ!their fon~rhe_ocoar!dr.J oo,chmifiery ufthc Tryump&, ' in voy<:~ts confOn~ ~d.cautiotwll :vcl:fcd 1 more ple11fant: thail ] am able to expteifc:Jjudeuhis fuflice~. ,' . · . · . . · . · ·

· . ~ 1 ''- < -· .T!beftcofldTryumpb., . · . ·/;:l~-·~.j t'.: 1 -;1::..:,;.:1-' :·.-:·;~~·~·flf.: :,, . -· ') .'; _,.,_ ..

, iiJiTh:m:xe Tryumpiiiw~s nottll:lTeivvonhy to:b,e beholden then -~-~ •l:lie£ouf;.:,~lletles,;.the:lpohst; and,nuues1; lwC:ic 1 all .>, · ''"c" \ · of

in a 'Drtamt. Jr of Fulkilh Agate, and in dyuers places white veines': fuch as King Pyrrhns could not lhewe, with the reprefentation of the nine Muli:s , -and v.fpollo playing in rhc nuddcfi of rh cm vppon hJS Lute.

_ .The Axelrrees and falhion of r:1e fame hke the or her : but the Tables were of orient blewe Sap hire, hauing in them , as fmilli as mores .in the Sunnc , certame glinces ol golde, grate· ft~ll to the Magicke .Arte ; and of C~tpid beloued in the left bandet . -

V pon the Table on rhe right Gde, I behelde engrauen,a good­.Jy Macron lying in a princely bed, bceing dcliuered of two egges jua fiatdy Pall ace ::her l\1idwyues and or her Matrons and yonge women,- heeing greatly.- aflonilhed at rhe fight. Our of one of the whi•h, f,j>r.onge·.a.-flame of fire: and out ·of rhe other c:gge two bright fhrres, '

Vppon the-other fide were engrauen , the cu'riou5 Pa­rents , ignorant of :rhys flrange byrrh , in the Temple of A­pollo, btfore hys image • , asking by Oracle the caufe and ertde heereof,, hauing ,this: darke. aimlwere. Vni graum• · ViW are. · ~l~eritm gr.atlttn f.Mari. And for thys ::mbiguous auufWere they were rcferued bytheir·Parents. '

Vppon the fort-en~e of the Charyot , _ there was rep:·e­fenrcd moflliuely the figure of C~tprd, a left m the sliJeS, with the Jharpc hcades of his golden arrowes ; wounding and ma• ling blee.de the l:iodyes ot;~yuers foure footed beafies·, cree'­ping .S~rpents _,. and flying Foules. And vppon rhc earth, Hoode dyucrs pcrfons, vvondering at the for(e of fuch a little fiaue , and the dfett of fuche. a- vveake and flender Ar­rowe .

. In .thehynder ende , 11lpiter appoyming in hys fleade, a p~ml~t,lt and fubtill Sl1eepchearde as a Iudge , awa~ened by hy!fi, as h~e lay flee ping nee re a mo~ fayre ·Fountame, whe­ther of 'the three moll: fay re Godddles , bee .c:Hecmed befi worthie. And bee brcing feduced by deuifing Citpid, gaue the Apple to the pleafant wo1kingVemu. .

This rryumphant Charyot, was drawen. byfixe white Ele­J>Panfs,~ouplcd cwo and nt-<ttogeth~r,fuch as will hardlybefound in Agefinua, .nor amen!;; rhe·Gandars of Jndta. · PompCI neuc-r

· ,._ Z 3. · had

The flrifoofLour

h;Jd t~e like in his Ta:yumphes in Alfricke: neither were the like feene m ~he Tryumphes of the conque!l: of India; their rronckcs ~rmed wnh deadly rterh ofyuory, paffing on tbeyr way and draw­mg together, makmg a pleafant braying or noyfe. Their furni~ tu re~ traces of pure. blewe lilkc, twjifed wnh rh reds of golde and filuer ·the faflmngs 10. the funucure1 alhnade vp wirhfquare·or frue loue knots,lyke fquareeareslllfcor.neof rhe Mouflfaim: Gar• gan~s. Their Poyrerelles of goltk,.fet wirh Pcarle-ahafione;dilfc.: rent m collours ; the beautJe of rhe one llriuing ro excc:lhbe beautJe of the othtr. And thus was alhheir furnJtuve er ~trmings to the traces,of filke as aforefayde. , ·

. V ppon _them alfo, didride (~before J lixl: yourtge and tlm®r . N} mphes, m hkc fort , [;ut rheyt Infirumenn <Mferellt from t-he former, but agreeing· in cenfor•t ::and what foeue~ tbdirtldid1the fame did rh'efe.

~he: lirll rwowere ;Jppardled· inCry~ofen: the• middle moll: two m fine hayre collour: ·and the forfltlofi in vyolct, The c~pa~ rlfonspf rl}e E!Jphaflts:.wereof doth.ofgolde,ce:dgodwith great Pc:arles and precioudloncs: And . .abouc :rheir·neukes wercrorna• m~nts of greilt rouudiewdles,an.± vpontheirfaces ·are at balles of Pc:arles,talled with filke 'and golde,vnfiableand ru;~""' ·· · Ouer_this ll:ately Chariot tryumphanr; I behe!de a·fn~fi white

Swanpe,.m the amo~ous. imbracing o_f a noble Nymph, the daugh­ter ofThe[tlfS,of an mcrethblebeaum: ana vpon her lappe fitt10g the tame Swanne,ou~~er whi~erh'ighes: She face vpponrWo tu­fumes of clorh of golae. ·finely ami fofrely wouen, with alhhe or-nament$ nt"ceffary for·drem; . · ..

H c:rfeJfe apparelle~ in a Nimphiih forr,in cloth ofliluer,heere and chere powdered wu~ golde,ouer one: and vnder three, without defell: or want of any t~mg1 ·requifite to the adorning of fo hono­rab\e-a rcpreli:n~atJon, wh1eh to the beholder,mayoccafiona plea­fut<~ble delight, In C:Ue!!J'furt: perform~ With as "'teat·a.....,Jauft·as thdirfi. . · . c t't".

Thr thirdT ryH"'f1h· .,

• Theh foll~ed·tlae thrrtl; T ~~mph,;Withfoure whel~s of ;E;. thyoptan Chryfolbr;lparklurg ollrgolc(e: that which harh been-e .hc:lde m the fame, m pfde time hath bcene thou ghr good to dryue

away

away.malignant fpirirs. The whc:eles vpwardly couered,as afore• faide,aud the naucs and fpi>kcs of the fame falhion,of greene H c~ litropia of Cyprus : whofe venue is, to keepe fecret in the day light,to diUine gifies,full of drops of blood. .

This Hillorie was engrauen vppon the right fide of the Table thereof, as followeth. vi m4n of great Maieftre, requcfting to knorpe 'WkfltjhQn/d h11pRen to his fayre daughter: lm Father vnderft;zndmg; rh4t by her me4ne1. he jhonld be dljpoffijfod of his (i-o'Wne and d;gmtie; rmd to the m de jhc Jbonlde not be carried a'Wa)' or ftollm of any,he b!J.tlt a rnightieftronge Tower, and there, 'With a 'Watchfullgarde caufed her to bee kspt: and jhee rmMyning there in This fort 'With grMr co?Jtcnt, had fallmg into her virginea/1/ap,drops of Goldt'. . . Vppon du: or her fide;was chai.Cdout a \'alkmt you.th,who wirh

great reper,em:e pi~receiuea pr.~telli.on of a•Chrillai!Jhieldc,and with hi$ fw!ll!l'dpfterward cutting off rhdJeadeof a tenyble.wO>­ItlaJ),and afccrwardes proudly bearing her headc in figne of vitlo• rie ; Out oEtbe hotte bloqd.of whome, did n~e vp a flying horfe : who flriking vppon a Mountainc withom; of hyshoues, made a firange fpringe of water to gul11 out.

V pon the fore ende I behelde the tpighrie Citpid, drawing hys golden Arrowe, and IJ1oocing the f~me vp into the heauens,, cau­.fiug:tbemroir.aine,hloodc: wl1ereat a number fioode wonde~f'ully amazed,<lfallfonesofpeople. Vpon the other.ende, I did fee Ve­.tuts in a won~erfwl dlfpka.fqr.e, :bauing taken hc:don by a .Knight inaNc:t,.JIJldg-ettinghim by the.wingc:s, Jhe.was about roplucke .t:f hisJRt~ller.& :lla.lll~ -plucked,ofone handful!, dJadlewe <~ht>ut, the little elph crying out pitteoully.; and an other -U:nt.from fHpi­ter~ cooke h11:n away and :f'ituedhi1'n from his morber, and.prefen­red him to 'lnpiter: againfi whofe diuine mourh, were in Attic Letter theli: wilrdes written,:ITMOJPA TKT:I;rBKAil'Kl'O:I and hee co­uered him in the lap of his relefiia)J gownli. . ,. · ..

~ 11his tr)'umphaot.Ch:trriot, was: pompoufly dtawne With (lxe .fier.oeV11it:Olll!les ;,tbeir·~eades lik:e:Mq.m; re~ln:enc-ing the Eh a fie Dian<~. The poytc:~:ellesand fumitu~<e about-their firong;ehreafls, was,o£goldc:,frt wirhprcciousfioric, and.fringecl with liluer and ·ha)!~:e.aollouredfilke, tyed into knots, in manuerof.a ne-t worke, am! tallcled llt:euerr prependent.point, their caparifons like, rh'C

lotht:rJwfOre.fpak>cn.of. · ; · :: . : : ·. :, " ' - · '·' V pon thefe did lic,lix fayre virgines; in:fucb p<impe•and man-

''' ncr

, The ftriftuj' LoKI ner as before;· apparelled in Cloth of 1golde;w_pllen with blewe filke into diiu:rs leaues & flowers; rhef~ had a. confort ofliuncyer.$ win de Inllrumems., . full of fpirirc.. A:nd vppon the toppe ofrhe Cb.arior,was placed a tloolc of green Jafper, ftt in filuer: needful! in byrch, 0111d medicinable for Fha!litie ;·at rhe£oore it was fixe fguare,and growmg {inaller towarde the feate, and from rhe mid~ die to the foote,cl1amphered and furrowed,andvpward wr"ught with nexrrulles: the fcate whereof was fomewhat hallowed, for the more cafity fitting vppon it. The Lylleamenrs rherc:of moll excellent. ·

A loft vppori the fame did fit a mofllinguler fay re Nymph; richly apparellc:d in cloth of goldc:.and blewe filke, drelTed lyke a virgine,and.adorPJed with -Jr;mumerable.foircs·ofPcarles al\d !lone; the the wed an atfc aious.delighr,to behcilde droppes.of golde faU from heauen into her lap pc. She fare infolemne pompe ;Hkc. tire .other,and with great applaufe, with her fayre 'and plentifull hairt fpreading downe ouer her backe , crowned with a Dyademe ·of golde,fet with fun dry precious fiones.

Th;fourrh'Tryumpb. (- ~

· The fourth T ryun1ph was borne vppon foure whedes,with I­ron llrakes, forcibly beaten out without fire; All the refl: of the Charyot, in falhion like the former, was of burning Carbuncle, fuewing light in the darkellplaces, of an expolire cutting: paR: .any (cafon, to thinke howe or where it was pollibJe.to be made, or by what workeman. . · .. . · · · . 1

The right fide whereof,helde this Hifl:ory. rvfn honourable wo­rnan With chslde, vnto whor;;e[upiter ]hewed himfllfe (at he was U•otlt Wirh lurw) in. thunder end lightning: infomuch; as Jhee fill lilt to "Jhei, outo{thewhichwasra/e!n-vpayounge.infant., . · . . :. . · Vpon rhe .other fide,l.b~heldel.upiter, hauing the f.1idc Infant

,in his bands, & del~ueriog him to a yonge man, with winged buf­ltyns, and a llalfe,with two ferpenrs winding about it: who deli­. uered the lnf.mt to cc:rtaine Nymphc.s.ina Caue,to be foflerecL' . In the fore·cnde ,: I :might fee howe Cupid hauing Jl1ot vP jnro heaqen wi~h hys mi{cheeuous Arrowe,. had caufcd bipitBr to beholdea mortall Nymph: and a greatnWJII;lcrofwo.uooed pc:opl~.w~c:ring'atit. , ·: · · , >•.; J · r•;.; : I • In

\ In the hinder end was Jupiter' fitting in a tribunall feare as iudge, and Cup•dt appeering limping before him, and ma· king grieuouscomplaints againf'c his!ouing mother, bicaufe that by hir means he had wounded himfdfe extreemly with the loue of a fairc damfell, and that his leg was burnt with a drop of a lampe, prefenting alfo the yoong Nymph and the lampe in hir hand. And Iup,terwith a fmiling countenance (peaking to c,ptd,

P erfer fcinrt!/am qui ca?!um accendu & om11es. This Mo11offtcon "'as grauen in Latine letters in a fguare ta­ble before the faces of their ft;preame maieflies, the refl: as is defcribed.

This myfiicall triumph was drawen by lixe fported beafis of yea!ow fhiningcolour, and fw·ift as the tygcrs of Hyrcania called Leopards, coupled togithcr with wirhes of twined vines, full of tender greene leaues, and flalkes full of greene clufiers.This chariot was drawen very leifurcly,

Vpon the middle of which plaine there was placed a bafe of golde by the lowefi diameter, one foote and three hand­fuls high, the latafier or low ell vcrdgc round and hollowed, in the middle vnder the vpper fimc or brimmein forme of a pullie with nextrul>s, ntlcs and C?rdicels: the vpp~r plai~e of this baCe was euacuated, wheretn refied the trames ot the fl>wer eagles !landing vpon the plaine, finooth fnperficies of the bafe, which were of precious £rite of Perlia, of the colour of a fakers plume. And thefe flood with their ilioulders one oppofite againfl:another, and their pounces of gold fallened and flicking in the raid bafe1 euery one fur. ueying with their wings, and the flowering ttps of rhctr far­cellets touchil)g one another. Ouer thele as .vpon a ndt, was plactd this maruellous velfdl of &:thtoptan Hyacmts cleere and bright, Ce!foinimicm, Comiti ,r;ratiofu;. This vc:ffell was crufled with emeralds and vaines of diuers other preci­ous flones,a worke incredible. The height thereof two foote and a halfe, the fa01ion in man er round, the breadth by dia­meter one tooce and ahalfe, and the circumference confified ofrhree diameters. From the heads of the eagle~ the bot­tome or foote of the velfell did afccnd vp one rriens, and a bordergoing about the thkkn~s of a hand, from w hi eh bur-

Aa der

-----------,;c .. F(rCc~.~~---.... ----

TheftrifeofL~ue

derto the beginning of the belly of the velft:l,and to the bot­tome oft he foote with this hand breadth, was afoote and a halfe. Vpon this fiood the forme of the velfdl aforefaid one handful! and a halfe broader, which halfe handful! was difiri­buted to the border, about the brimmeof fouldina leaues and flowers fianding out from the hyacinth. The diameter two quarters & a halfe. Vnder this border there did Hick out round about certaine proportions like w«lnut ihels or the l<ee!e of a 01ip, fomwhar thicke and broade at thevpperend, and lel1ing themfelues to nothing belo"·e. From thence to the orifice it did rife vp two guarrers and a halfe, furrO\\'ed with turning champhers,and an excellent lime: and in Heed ofeares t~ ta~e vp the velfell by, it had two lips !landing out and turmng m round hke the head of a bale viall.

Vnder and a bone the borders,the velfel was wrought \l'ith turned gululs, vnduls, and it11bol1ings, and with fuch linea­ments were the borders wrought, both vnder and· aboue, Vppon the border in the ne eke of the coucr were two halfc ~ings,f~ppn::fied in the b.order by tranfuerfi~n, one of them lllfi agamH another, wh1ch \l'ere holden in the biting teeth ~ftwo Lyfarts,or byting Dragons ofgreene emerauld, bea­rmg out from the couer. They fioode with their ferpentlike fee.te vpon d~e lower part of the couer vnder the necke, be­twtxtthe wh1ch and the lo1vervelfell, was one guantitie, and from his vppcr gracilament defcending, he ioy!lcd with the tumed in fime oft he circumferent lymbus or verdge, where they d!d clof~ly byte togithcr. This couer to the necke was made J n 5kalze "'or kc of H}"u:inth, except the vaynes of fma­r~gd, fort he little dragons, their bellies and feetes fafie­mng to the skalie coucr. Thefe little dragons one aoainit an other,rheir brefis and throtes hollowing out from ~he bor­d~r and the coaer,and their tayles turning vpwards againe, d1d feruc for the eares oft he couer, iufl ouer them oft he lo­wervelfdl.

Thelotverturning about, where the couer did clofe with the vejT~ll.being of two parts, ioyned togitber with an ex­cellent fohature, halfc a foorc broad, as if they had bin in­ieparat.Jle.

The bodie of this velfell was all nm ou~r with a Vine, the !lringes

in adreamt. 90

(hinges and vaines whereof, and fmall curling twills, were of To pas, farre better then is founde in the Ilande Ophia­dis, the leaues of fine fin aragd, and the braunches of A me· thill:, to the fight mo!t beautiful! , and to the vnderfian· ding woonderfull contemplable. The fubie8: velfell appea­ring thorough the fame of Hiacinth fo round and poli{hed, as any wheele can fend foorth : except, vnder the leaues there was a fubfiaunce left, which helde the foliature to the velfell of Hiacinth,pal1ing ouer and feparated from the fub­ie8:. The hollowed and bending leaues with all the other la­picidariall lineaments, were performed with fuch an emula· tion of nature as was woonderfull.

Let vs no we returne to the circumferent brim of the pre­tious velfdl. In the fmooth partes whereof, vppon eyther fides of the tayles of the Lylarts, I behelde two hyfioria!s woorthy of regard, ingrauen in this forr. Vpon the fore­fide of the velfell,the reprc:lentation of btfiter, holding in his right hande a glill:ering f"•ord,ofthe vayne of the .IEthiopiatt Chryfolits : and in the other hande a thunder bolt of fhi­ning Rubie.Hiscountenance fanour of the vaine of Gallatits, and crowned with fiars like lightening, he fioode vpon an aultarofSaphyre. Before his fearefullmaicfiie,were a beuie of Nymphs, feauen in number, apparrelled in w hire, proffering with theirfwcetcvoices to Gng,and after transforming tbem­felues into greene trees like emeralds full of azme flowers. and bowing themfdues downe with deuotion to his power: Not that they wer~ all transformed into leaues, but the firll into a tret:, hir feete to rootes, their armes and heads into braunches, fome more then other, but in a l11ewe that they mull followe allalike,as appeared by their heads.

Vpon the other Anaglyph,I did behold a merrie ~,nd plea­fant maieflicall perfonage, like a yoong fat boye, crowned with two foldingferpents, one white, and the other blacke, tied in ro a knot. Hee rell:ed delightfullie vnder a plentifull vine tree full of ripe grapes, and vpon the top of the frame there were little naked boies,climing vp and litting aloft ga­thering the ripe clufiers: others offering them in a basket to the God, who pleafanrly receiued them : otherfome lay fall a ileepc vpon the ground, being drunke with the fwect iuice

Aa l of

· The ftrifo of LoNe

of the grape. Others applying themfelues to the worke of mufrulcnt autumne: others finging and piping: all which ex­preffion was perfeB:ed by the. wo~kman in precious frones, of fuch colo?r as the nau~ralt I_Iuehnelfe of euery vaine, leaf~, flower, berne, ~ody? p_roport~on, l11ape, and reprefentation· requ1red. And 1n th1s 1magene, although it was very fi11all yet there was no defect to he found in the le all: part belong~ 1ng thereunto,bm perfcdly eo be difcerned.

Out of this former dercribed velfell did f}1ring vp a greene flouril1)ing l'ine, the twifl:ing branches thereof full fet with clull:ers ofgrapes,rhe tawny berries ofindian Amethyft and the leaues of greene Silenitis of Perfia : Not fubieB:'t~ the change ~fthe moone,delighted of Cupid. This tree l11adowed the chanot : Ateu~ry corne~of this triumphant chariot vp­o~ the pla1ne where the vefiellfiood, was placed a candle­fbcke, of excellent workmanl11ip, vpon three feetofred cor­rall,ll'cllliked of the ruder forr, r_cliHing lightening and rem. pelts, fauourable and preferuanue ro the bearer : The like were not fotlnd vnder the bead of Gorgon ofPerya, nodn the' O.cea~ Erltl1reum. The llcale of one of the candlefiicks was ot. white corrall, bcloued of Di.1na, of a conuenient length, With round knobs and ioinrs, in height two foote. Another was of ~oil fine fro ne Diomji.u, hauing fpots growing from a black.Ifh to a pure red, the fame J>Ounded fi11elleth fweetly. The third "'as of perfect Medeaof the colour of darke gold, a~1~ haumg the fmell o~NeB:ar.Tl~e fourth ofpretious NeGri­tu from a blacke growmg to a white and green e. Out of the hollowed fieale~ whereof, th~re afcendcd vp a pyramidall fl~me of euerlafbng fire, contmually burning. The brightnes of the works. exprelfed thr?ugh the reflexion of the lights, and the fparklmg of thepretious llones were fucb, as my eles daze led to behold them.

About which heauenly triumph,with a maruellous and fo­lemn~ pornpe! infin_itc troups of Nymphs, their faire and plennruu rreiles falling loofe ouer their fhoulders, fome na· ked With aprons of g~ates skins and kids, others ~·ith rym­brels and flntes, rnakmg a moll pleafaunt noife as in the dau~ce ~alled Th~afi1s, in the trie~erieof'B<tccb,u, ~ith green kaffiefpngs and vme branches, mfirophyated about their

heads

in t1 drtt~m'e. 9I heads and wafis,leaping and daunting before the triumphs: immediately after the triumphs followed an olde man vpon an alfe,and after him was led a goate adorned for a facrifice: And one that followed after carrieng vpon hir head a fan ne, making an vnmeafurable laughter , and vling furious and outragious gefiurcs. This was the order of rhefe MmJallons, Satirs,and feruants to Bacchus, bawds, Tyades, Naiades and fuch as followed after.

. ·,. - '

The Nympbdothfhew to PtJiiphi/HJ thUJ.111/JitHde of Joong .~ .L()rm!J, ~~nd t b~ir.L6Jtts ;:whllt th4) were,

and ilhrhilt fort bel~11ed.

rrr-;·;·.;::- o o 0. " 0 0 0 0 0 of8l'T i.s veri e. har~ for a n.1an to ac~ '· :i;~0'>~-.,~~~;;-- t: llcomQ.lOdate hiS· fpeech to apte vi' ~~tl?"' . - - . ~ t7rmes; whc:~cb,Y"he n~ay expr~f-11: '·· .; ·~ o Jhedeclare tile great poftipe,m• )I." .. · t, "'~ !?e_finent :· tri .. umph, y-nc~!taunt li- ' ' jwte and dehghtfulltettmgs a-

~ 1: ,t(t;; 1:; [ bout_e thefe ra:e and vnfeene 1, ~~ . ,A~~ chanots,and bemg once vnder-! J', ,-_"' 15.: ' _ ...; '~ \ tal~en, it is as vneaiie to leaue jyl~l;;;.~ ,0 " 0 0 0

1 ~-=--.~~o~: be fides the notable coml?a-d-!: ___ . -- -::--_3,JJ; me of yoong youths,:md the m-creafing troops of innumerable faire and pleafant Nymphs, more 01arpe witted,wife,modefi, and difcreet, then is ordi­narily fee ne in fo tender ycercs, with their beardles Louers, fcarce hauing downy cheekes,pleafantly deuiGngwith them matters of Loue_ Manie of them hauing their torches bur· ning,others paHophorall, fome with ancient fpoiles vppon the en des of llreight !hues, and others with diuers forts of Trophes vpon launces, 'uriou11ie hanging,caried before the myfrical triumphs, with iliouring refounds a bone in the aire. Some with winde-inftruments of diners fal11ions and man er of windings,fagbuts and Autes:Orhers with heauenly voices finging with i1icfta.ble delights, and exceeding folace, pall: mans reafon to imaginc:within them palfed abotlt the g!ori· ous triumphs,tuming vpon the florulent ground>and green

fwoord,

The /lrife of LoHe

of the grape. Others applying themfelues to the worke of mufiulcnt autumne: others iinging and piping: all which ex­preffion was perfected by the workman in pretious fiones of fuch colo~r as the naturallljuelinelfe of euery vaine~ leafe; flo"'~r, berne, body? p_ropom_on, lhapc, and reprefentation reqlllred. And 111 this 1magene, altl:ough it was very final!, ~et there was no de feEt to be found m the le all part belong­tug thereunto, but pcrfcaly to be difcerned.

Outofthisformcrdefcribed velfcll did f}1ringvp a grecne flourifi_ling vine, the nrifiing branches thereof full fet with clufl:ers ofg~~pes,rhe taw~y. berries ofindian AmethyH,and theleaues or greenc Silemtts ofPerfia: Not fubietl:'tothe change C?f the moonc,de!ighred of Cupid. This tree fi1adowed the chanot : At eucry corner of this triumphant chariot vp­o~ the plaine where the vdfell fiood, was placed a candle­!hcke, of excellent workman01ip, vpon three feet of red cor­rall,welllikcd oft he rnder forr, r_cfifiing lightening and rem­pelts, fauourable and preferuattue to the bearer : The like . were notfotmd vnder the head of Gorgon ofPer(la, nor-in tbe Ocean E7threum. The He ale of one of the candlefiicks was ot: white corrall, bcloued of Di.ma, of a connenient length, wHh round knobs and ioinrs, in height t"'o foote. Another was of moll fine !lone Diomji.u, hauing fpots growing from a black_1f11 roa pure red, the fame pounded fmetleth fweet!y. The th1~d was of perfect Medeaof the colour of darke gold, a~1~ haumg the fmell ofNeCl:ar.The fourth ofpretious Ne6ri­tu from a blacke growing to a white and grcene. Out of the hollowed fl:eale~ whereof, th~re afcendcd vp a pyramidal! flame of euerlafimg fire, contmually burning.The brightnes of the works exprelfed thr~)Ugh rhe reflexion of the lights, and the fparklmg of rhepret1ous fiones were fuch, as my eies daze led to behold them.

About which heauenly triumph,with a marueJlons and fo­Jemn~ pornpe_. infin_ire troups of Nymphs, their faire and plenn!nll trefles falhngloofe ouer their f11onlders, fome na­ked wtth aprons of gC?ates skins and kids, others 1vith tyrn­brels and Hutes, rnakmg a moll pleafaunt noife as in the danncc ~a lied Thiaf<1s, in the trieterie of'Bdcchm, ~ith green leaffiefpr1gs and vine branches, infiropbyatcd about their

heads

i1111 dream~. 9 r heads and walls,leaping and dauncing before the triumphs : immediately after the triumphs followed an olde man vpon an alfe,and after him was led a goate adorned for a facrifice: And one that followed after carrieng vpon hir head a fan ne, making an vnmeafurable laughter, and vling furious and outragious geHures. This was the order of thefe Mmgaflons, S .. tirt,and feruants to Bacchus, bawds, Tyfltics, Naiades and fuch as followed after,

i .•

The Nymphdoth fhew to Poliphi/UJ the mfllritllde of Jr»l'lg . .~ .L!Jf4n!t, ~tnd tbeir.Louts ;~et rheJ wel'l!,

and in irh11t fori beloued.

jr_;_-~_".!!_s._y•_'!.£.£~<>.-.~-of""il.T i.s verie har~ for a man toac-j!. ~!i\\'>.,c~-"""~ '\.. _ zd

1.comp,1odate h1s· fpeech to apre

!,'! \\<:~ "'' p. ~jjtermes,whe~eby-hen1ayexpref-

· 1~~- :· ,.::, ~ ·. h"< ~ .. ~ o ilie declare t~.e great po!\lpe, in•

11,, f'-~, -~,. ~~~ ~ ~~e_finent' tn_umph, ync~ffaunt ! , ~.,)! ' · ,· ., tme and dehghtfull tettmgs a-

ji·11it,': ;· a :boute thefe rare and vnfeene

I, :€ 'I~ 1 chariots,and being oncevnder-,1~ __ "'-,,;:~~~taken, it is as vneafie to Jeaue l,;l_Q..1..;: ' ---"='h .off: beiides the notablecompa-r.:.if'coo· ... ...,ooooo<?o~·. . L.. · · . . · :meofyoongyouths,andthem-crealing troops of innumerable faireand pleafant Nymphs, more fharpe witted,wife,modell, and difcreet, then is ordi­nari!Y fee ne in fo tender yecres, with their beardles Louers, fcarce hauing do1vny cheekes,pleafamly deuifing with them matters of Loue. Manie of them haumg their torches bur­ning,others paHophorall, fome with ancient fpoiles vppon the endes of flreight !lanes, and others with diuers forts of Trophes vpon launces, curioui1ie hanging,caried before the myfl:ical triumphs, with !lJouting refounds aboue in the aire, Some with winde-infiruments of diuers fa01ions and man er of windings,f:igbuts and flutes.Others with heauenly voices finging with incflablc delight~, and exceeding folace, pall: mans reafon to imaginc:within them palfed about the glori­ous triumphs,turning vpon the florulent ground)and green

fwoord,

Tht ftrife 6f Loue

fwoord ,a place dedicated to the happie, 1\'itbout anie flub or tree, but the fielde was as a plaine coequate medowe of f weete hearbes and pleafaunt flowers, of all forts of colours and fundry varieng fafhions, yeelding fo fragrant a fmell a; is poffible to fpeake of, not burnt 1vith the extreeme heat of the funne, but moderate, the ground moyfiened with fweete ryuers, the airepure and cleaue, the daies all alike, the earth continually greene, the fpring neuer decaieng but renuing, t~e coo le ~ra!fe with va~iable flowers .like a painting, remai­mng alwa.Ies vnh_urr, with .t~e1r dea:-v1e frc.llmc!f~, referuing and holdmg-the1t colours Without mterd1Cl: of tln'le;. There gre\ve the.fower fortes ofViolets, Cowilops., Melilots, Rofe Pariley or P a!feflower, Blew bottles,Gyth, Ladies feale Vatrachium, Aquilegia, Lillie conually, Amaranth, Flowe: g~tle,Ideofmus,all forts off weete pinks, and (mall flowring h~arbs"ofodorifd011s fragrancie and fmell, Rofes of Perfia~ l!auing ~befme~Qf mus.keandAmber,and innumerable forts ofother~ witho.!Jt.fetting;-but rlaturally growing in a woon­slerfull dillr\binion, peeping out from their greene leaues, and batbs:Yery,delightfull to behold.

In.this place I might fee goodly braue women as the Ar­chadian (:'alii1o the daughter of Lyc.ton, with the vnknowen Ditana. The: Lesbian Antiopa daughter to NjElem,and mother to rvifmp.hion and Zetem.that built Thebes, with hir fa tyre. IJ!4 the daughter ofMachamu with hir lhepheard . .Amicl#.c the daughter of Aec~e~ and yootig 'D4nae. Afterie the daugh­ter to C£m, aqd rviflchmena with hir fained husband. After­ward I beheld the pleafantu£gina folacing hir felfe .vitl;l the cleere flood and diuine fire. The daughter ofFu/lm and that of Mmemphzu, 1vit h hir counterfeit father, and that other of Diode~ with hir lap full of flowers and a writhing ferpent, and t~e fa1re yoong gyrle no more farrowing for the growing of hu hornes . ..Affiocbia and A11tigone the daughter of Laomedon folaciouily delighting hir fclfe in hir ll:orkilb plumes, and Lt~rijile the firfi inuentrix of wheeles. Garamantide thedaun­c.ing Nym!>h holding by hir little finger, and wa!hing hir de­licate preue feete from f~eate in the riuer Bagrada. After that 1 beheld a quatle flymg, and a faulcon purfuino hir : Erigone hauins hir faire lbining brdl; Hickt full of fweete

grapes,

in a dreamt. 91 grapes, and the daughter ofking Chol/tuwith hir bull, Eriphile and hir changed husband: The daughter of rviflpes and the virgin Melamho with hir dolJ:hin, 'Phyllira t~e daugh.ter of old Oceamu with the father ot Ch1ron, Next htr Ccres With htr head in!lrophyat~d with ripe ea res of cornc_ imb~acingthe fcalie Hydra: And thef:~ire Nymph Lara fortmg with <!Argz­pbon: and the fivecteF~Jturml of the riuer Numicm.

And whileft I flood wirh excdfiue delight beholdingenely as an ignorant this rare companic and myfiicall triumphes, circumfept with the(e and luch !Jke. forts, and fo alfo the de­licious fields, but that me thought tt was a louely fight t~ be­hold and fo I l11ould haue continued : then the gratiOUS Nyn;ph alfociating and leading me,feeing my fimplicitie and carelefnes with a ready countenance and f1veete and plea.­(ant word~, without asking,lhe faid thus vnto me : My Poli­pbilm, doelt thou fee thefe ? ( l11ewing me ~h.ofe of th~ olde world) thefe were beloued c;>f ft1pitcr,_ an~ tms, an~ th1s was fucb a one, and thefe \vere 1u loue wtth hnn, by this meanes !hewing vnto me their· hi_gh and mighty linage, and not lmo~·ina their names, !be 111 great curtefie told me .. After­ward {h~i11ewed me a great number of little virgins, vnder the gouernm,ent of th.ree fober .and difcreete matrones the leaders to fo great dehght: Addmg therettnto very pleafant· ly rcitanoing hir angelhke countenance) My Poliphi/m, thou ih~ltvnd~rftand that no earthly creature can enter in he ere without a burrting torch as thou feeH me, either with ex­treeme loue and great paines, or for the fauour and co~pa­ny of thofe three matrone.S. And from hir hart femng a deepe figh, fi1c [aid : This ror~h ha ut: I brought htther for thy fake minding to put it ont m yonder temple.

Tht:f; fpeeches pearced my harr, rhey were fo delightfu~l and de fired, and fo much the more, bicaufe {he called me h1r Poliphilm. Whereupon I allured my felfe, that l11c w~s <J>_olut, and from top to the roe I found an ex tree me alt~rauon.l~to a fuprcame delight, my hart flying onely to h1r. W ~1ch thoughts were bewraied by my countenance, and whlfpe­ring final! fighes. . . . ·

Which 111e cunningly perceimng, bra !le off thls.ncwaccJ-dentwith thefe •rords: Oh how many be there wlu.,h11·ould

moll

ll V

Thisvcrfe . con6ficdof S1r0phe,Ari. flophe,and Ep:xlH1,

'H.omtr.

Tht flrifo of Lo'He moll gladly behold.thefe criumphes,and chereforePoliphibu, addrelfe thy thoughts to othc:~ matters, and behold what noble and woorthy Nymphs fhew themfelues defer:aedly conforted with their amorous louers, curteous and affable : who with fweete and pleafant notes in meafured verfe, praife and commend one another without wearines,incelfancly ce­lebrating their turnes with excelliue delig~t,. and exto!ling the triumphs, the aire alfo full of the chnpmgs of d1uers pret1e birds,yeclding a ditfufed char me. . . .

About the firfl: triufllph among the re•otfing compame, the nine Mufes did fing, with their leader the diuine Luter eApollo. . . . .

After the triumph followed the fat re Parthenope1an Lm11, with a lawrell crow ne, accompanied with Mela»thill, whofe haoites and voices reprefented the pride of Greece, where­upon die great Macedon r.e!led his head: She bare ~ fplen­dent lampe, communicating the light th~reof ~ith h1r com· panion,then the refi more excellent both m vo~ce ;tnd ~on g.

There the faire Nymph <hewed me ~heaunc1ent lph'"""ffi!• and a(ter the old father Hinmimu h1s daughters and their drinke, and one betwixt the two The ban broth_e~~: Thefe with pleafant noifes, fw.eete muucke a11d fine agll1Ues, pafic: on:abou~ the firfl:·triumph. . . . . . '

·About the fecond triumph was· the noble Ne"!eJis wtth the Lnbit~n Cariniii,Defi,und:Ne£ra, with diuers others. amor.ous Nymphs, making pleafaunt foundes vppon firinged infiru­ments.ofyealow wood. ·

About the thirde triumph,the glorious Nymphs <hewed me ~nrilia and C,»thea NaMta, with others, in great folace, making fweete. harmonics,and finging pleafant verfes:there alfo I behelde the,.irgin VioltlntifiA. with hir Doue, and the o­ther farrowing for hir Sparrow.

About the fourth triumph, before it went the Lidi1111 Cloe, Lide,Neobole,fwecte Phi/m, and rhe faire Lyce TJ·burts &: Pyr.r, with their harps finging and making a moft pleafant noy~e. After this fourth.triumph .among the Ma:nades and [acrLfi.­cers to Baccheu, there folowed an amorous damofcll finging iittbc commendation of the head ofhir louer Plaon, fue defi­redhornes. And after them alllbe fi1ewed me two women,

one

1 I

;,,Jret~mt> 9~ one of them apparclled in w bite, and the other in grcene, which came hindermoft finging togither.

And thus they marched about in a mo!l plcarant and de~ lightfull man er vpon the frefh greene and .llourHhing plaine: SomeinHrophiated with laurel,fome with_ myrtle,and ?thers with other forts of flowers and garlands, tncelfantly Without any wearines or intermillion in a perfection of the felicitic of this world, mutually enioying one anothers afpea: and companie.

The N.Jmpb h.r11mg dt /drge dec/tlml vnto PoliphilH4 the m'fflic.Jlt tri-pbr 411d e:ctreeme loue, afterw4rds fhe def17"ed him to go Dfl

f~~rther,tvhere .rlfo with great delight he beheld innNmerable other Njmphr, with their deftred louers, in a t~oufond fortr of ple~t[Mres fol4cing themfolues t'Pon the greenegr~f[e,ftefh jh.rd~ei, 11mi bJ thuoole riRersand cleere fountamer • .And how Poliph~!M, there htld ~tb,.,Jnes almofl forgomn himftlfe in the ptt.J!iont of dirfire, liNt hope dtd ajfwage hi4 ~rir, qRieting bimfo!fn» the beholding if the [wteu fo11onrofth6[Aire Nj,ph.

~~~~~E2~~~ Ot onely happie but abo~:~e all other mofi happie wen: he, .to whom..il: lbo.uld: be granted ~n~ tinually Jauour to be~ holde pompe, high

11 rJ·m~np.~~:s,or;autiful places, fweea: togithe.r .with ..the

godc.lelfes; fa.ir.e : IOC:TeUIOIC :delight

. b~ . . . . ~h

f~ 11onorable a Nyroplioffqrare..and excelle . And tl,.is I thought not to be. th~Jeafl, and fmalle!l po•nt of my f~!icitie. ~P~ hauingloe~ked,vp!Jnthefe fights, l rem11ineda g{eat fpac~r-ecording ofthe(ame.; being therewith beyo.l\dQ JPC<~(uz:e.ab!lnda:n.tly,con~entcd; .. . . , · ,, , " . ': ,, 1: · 1

-_-!\f~ql{wa~ltMbe fai~.and fw.cQC:;damf~:ll my guide fa.i:d rhus vntom.e: Ni!biltH,lc.tvs nowgoon.a littl.e£urther. And.then.

·: · ; B b immedi~

' I Th; flrifo of LoNI

imm.ediately we tendedourwalke toward t11e frelb fountains and ilndy riuers,compaffing a_boutthe Aour!11ing ~elds with chryftalhne currents and grimous fireames. ·

In which cleare water,grew the purple flowering fo.nne of the Nymph Liriop~. looking vp from his tender {hinges and leaues. And a! the faire riuers wereful of other flowers fweet­lle growing among their greene and frefh leaues. This de­lightful! place was of a fpatious and large circuit, compalfcd about and inuironed with wood die mountaines, of a mode­rare height of greene la"'rell, fruirefull memerels, hearie & l1igh pine trees, and within the cleere channels, with graue­led banks,and in forne places the bottom was faire [oft yea­low fande, where the water ran fwifce, and the three leaued driope grew.

There were a great companie of delicate faire Nymphs of tender age,with a redolent flower ofba(bfulnes, and be­yond all credire beautifull, with their beardles louer~ conti­nual!ieaccompanied. Among which Nymphs, fome verie pleatantly with ~·an ton countenaunces in the cleerefireams {hewed themfelues fponefull and gamefome, hauing ta­ken vppe finelie their thin garments of iilke of diucrs co_· lours,and holding them in the bouts of their white armes, the forme of their rounde thighs were feene vnder the plytes, and their faire legges were reuealed to the naked knees, the current fire:l.mes comming vp fo high: it was a. fight which woulde haue prepared one to that which were vnfit, and ifhimfelfe.had been vnable thereunto, And there where the water was m oft ftill, turning downe their faire fa­ces of exceeding beautie, and bending their bodies of rare propcmion, as in a large goodly gla!fc they might b~:hould their heauenly thapes. br.ealcing off the fame With the mo­tion of their ptetie feete, making a noyfe with the con­traft oft he circul~ting water. Some folaciou!lie ftriuing to go by the tame fw1m~ing fwans; and fportingly cafiing "'a­ter one at 31\0ther, wuh thehollowne s of their palmswthers' fiandiog without th~ water vpon thefoft coole gtaffe, ma­kmg vp of nofegaies and garlands offundrie t"·ecte flowers~ & g1uing the fame to their louers as tokcms of their fauora~ ble rtmtmbr<~unte1 not ,,il;nieng thcirfweet kilfes,& louing

imbracings,

in " Dmtmt. 9+ imbracings, with the amorous regardes of their Gar-likc eyes •

. And fome were fet vpon the grecne banks nor ouergrown With reed and fegs,but findy beautified with {weete hc:arbs and flowers,among the which the tender Nymphs comming wet out of the w_ater more d~ere then 4xiU1 in Mygdonia, vn­dc:r the vmbra~tous trees, dtd fir fpomng and deuifing oniS '*:tth another m delightfull imbracings, with their reueren­cmg louers,not cruelly fcorning & reieding them • but with a foctable loue and benigne atfablenelfe, difpofing them· felues to the like thew of true altettion. their r~·eete gefiures and pleafant behautours far more gratious to the eie, then flowing teares be to the froQ•arde and vnmercifull Cupid, the fweete fountaines and moift dewes to the green fieldts and defired forme to vnfa01ioned matter. : '

Some did fing amorous fonnets,and verfes ofloue brea­thing our in the fame from their inflatued breafis, f;alding fighs ful offweeteaccenrs,able to enamorate harts offione: And to make fmooth the ruggednelfe of the vnpalfageablc mountaine CaNca[H4, to fiaie whatfoeuer furie the harpe of Orph~m wouldeprouoke, and the fowle andeuill fauoured face of Medufo, to make any horrible monftc:r tame and tract~ble, and to fiop the continuall prouocation of the de~ uo~nn~St-JIIa. So111e refted their heads in the chafie laps of tbc:Jrfane loues, recounting the pleafaunr deuifes of lupit~r and they inilropbyating their curled locks with fweete fmel! ling flowers. · Others of them fained thar they were forfaken, and fee,

med to £lie and go awaie from them, w horn deately they did affect, and then was there running one after another witb loud laughters,and effeminate criengs out, their faire trelfes fpredding downe ouer their fnowie iboulders hke threeds of gold. bound in laces of greene filke : Some loofe after a N_ymphilh mancr, others bounde vp in at tyres of golde fet With pearle.Afterwards comming neere togithcr,they would fi~wpc downe,and twiching vp the fweeteflOII'er~ wirb their fa1re ~nd render fingers, fling the fame in the faces of their purfumg louers with great pleafure and folace, maintaining thdr f.ained dtfgracings.

Bb ~ Others ----------·':.'i'.'i.:'! _______ __:__

i Tlfe ftrifo bf LoNe Others with great curtelie were putting of Rofe leaues

one after another into their laced brcfis, adding after ~hem fweete kilfes·,fome giuing their louers{if ouer-bold )vpon the cheekeswiththeir harmles palmes pretie ticks,makit1g theni red like: the w,heeles:ofPhle:bm in a !"aire and cleere morning: wirh other new and vnthought:contentions, fuch as loue could deuife. They all being pleafant, merrie, and difpofed to delight : Theirgdl:ures and motions girli{h, and of a vir­ginealllimplidtie, putting.on fincer~ loue without the~f­fence ofhonorable·verrtui:• l'tee andexemptfrotl) theoccur­fton ofgriefeor emulauion of:aduersfomme: Sitting vnder the il1ade of rhe·weeping fificr of t•hewhited Pharfon, and of the immortal! ?Japhnt and hairie pineapple \vith fmall and £barpe leaues, fireigM!Cyprus, greene Orenge trees, and tall Cedars, and others m oft excellent, aboLJnding with greene kaucs7 fwet'teflower$, and pleafant fmits Hill fiouriiliing in fud) (ott as i:S ibeaimable, euenLy, difpofed vpon the gratious banks, & ord'erly. growing in a mod4rar difiance vpon thee graffieground; liniej;led wi;h green Vinca peruinceor laurel. Wha~ hart is fo cold and chilling, .that would not be fiirred vp to heate,manifefily beholding the delightfull duties of re­ciprocalllbue; fuch as 1. was perfwaded would haue kindled 2Jumahit felfei? ·. ' , ,, '

· W:herellpon· I :was bold ro il1eiv that folly which tormen­ted my inward fphits,. enuying to fee what others polfelfed; that was a tontinuall delight in pleafure and folace without any u·earines in full cloying, and thus diuers times my hart: being ftt,O!V me by my eies, and extreemely burning, my ininde fiiU fixed vpon delightful! pleafures and their fmac• king ldlfes, and regarding· with a curious eie the abounding guerdons of the fethered god, me thought at chat infianr, that I did behold the ex tree me perfection of pleafure.And by thismeanes I fl:ood wauering and out of meafure amazed, and as onewhi.:h had droonke an amorous potion, calling into remembrance the ointments oft he mifahceuous Circes, the forcible hearbs of Medea, the hurtfull longs of 'B7rrma, and the deadly verfes·of Pamphile,I fiooddoubtfull that my eies had fee ne fomthing more than humane, and •that a bafe, di!l;onorable,. and frail~; bodic iliould not be wh~re immor•

tall

9f tall creatures did abide.

After that I was brought from thefe long and doubtfull thoughts and phantafiicall imaginations, and remembring all thofe maruellous diuine il1apes and bodies which I had perfonally feene with mine eies,l then knew that they were not deceitfuU iliadowes, nor magicall illufions, but that I had not righrl y conceiued of them.

And now with earn ell confideration among thefe behol­ding the mofr excellent Nymph fall by me, my eies filled with amorous darts ceafed not to wound my paffionate hart, by means w herof iiicontinently all my wandering thoughts were fiirred vp,compact,and fixed vpon bir their defiredob­iect, recalling my mortified foule afret11to be tormented in his firfi flames, which moll cruelly Ifuffcred, in that I durfi not be bold to aske if ilie were my delired P~lia, for ilie had put me in fome doubt thereof before, and now fearing to offend hir with my being ouer bolde, and ote troublefome with my rude and vntilled toong, diuers times when·my voice was breaking out betwixt 'my lips, vpon that occafion I fupprelfcd the fame. But what !be il10uld be, it was beyond my compalfe to imagine,and I flood as fufpicious thereof,as the deceiued Socta with the fained Atfa,tillliet. Thus with dili­gent regards and cordi.ill fearches examining bir heauenly features inuaded with a burning defire beyond mc:afure, I faid to myfelf:Oh that I might be,if it were pollible,a freema in fuch a place, for no forrow lhoulde grecue me, nor immi­nent danger ilioold make me afraid: although that frowarde fortune ilioulde oppofe hir felfe againfi me,_I woulde fpende my life without any regard therof, not refuhng to vndertake ~h c laborfome and great enterprife of the two gates iliewed to the fonneofeAmphitriu.

Tofpend the prime of my youth and pleafure of my yeers in the mort all daungers of the merciles feas, and in the fear. full places of Trmacria, wich the excelliue trauels and terrors ofVlyjfos, in the darkecaueofthe horrible Poljphem, the fon of N'~P'""~"•to be transformed in the companie of C.Rfypfo,a!· though llolt my life ,or indured the mofi hard & long feru~­tude of vtndrodm,for all wearines is forgotten where loue IS

vehement. To vndertake with the amorous M1na/iunand /few

__________ ._,,.,,,,_,,,-:rr _______ _

Tht ftrifufLolll /InN to run ne with At•l.mt•, or to com but in fuch fort as the firong and mightie Hm:11les for his loue Dei11nirA, did wtth the huge ,dchelllm.fo as I might atchieue fo gracious a fauor, and attaine to fo high delight, as the remaining in thefe fo· ladous places,and aboue all to enioy the precious lone and inefiimable good wil ofhir,more faire without comparifon, then CaffiDpeia, of better fauour then Ct~fliamira. Ab me, my life and death is in hir power ! And if fo be that I fee me vn· woorthie of hir fellowlhippe and amorous commers , yet would God it might be granted me as a fpeciall rewarde and priuiledge to looke vpon hir: and then I faide to my felfe, oh Poltplulll4,if thefe heauie and burthenous weights of amarous conceits do opprelfe thee; the fweetenes of the fruite doth allure thee thereunto: and if the peremptorte dangers firike thee into a tetror ,the hope of the fupportation and helpe of fofairea Nymph willanima~ethee to be refolute. Thus my thought being diuers, I faid, Oh God, if tbis be that defired Poli• which I fee atthis prc:fent,and whofe precious impreffi­on without intermillion, I haue fiil born in my burning and wou'nded hart,fro the firllyeers of my loue vntil this prefenr, I am con.tented with all forrows,& befides hir ,I de fire no o· therrequefi but only this, thadhe may be draw ne to my fer­uent loue,. .that it may be with vs alike, or that I may be at li· berty ,for I am no longer able to dilfemble my griefe,or hide the c:xtremtty ofmy fmart,I die liuing,& liuingam asdead:l delight in that which is my griefe :I go mourning: I confumc my fc:lf in the flame,& yet the flame doth nonlh me, & burn. inglike gold in the firong cement; yet I find my {elflike cold ycc. Ahwoisme,thatlouelhould be more greeuousvnto me then the weight of IH~~rime to Tjphon. It difperfeth me more, then the rauenous vulrurs the glomerated bowels of TttyiU: It holdeth me in m01:e.then the labirinth crooking:It tolfeth me more, then the northeall winds the calme fea~:ftteareth me woorfe then aAffeo»sdogges their flicngmafier: It trou­ble rh my fpirits more then horrible death doth them who de tire to liue:It ism ore direfull to my vexed hart, then the crocodils bowels ro lchneHmcn. And fo much the more is my greefe, that with all the wit I haue, I knowe not to thinke in what part of the worlde 1 ihoulde be1but {height before the

fweete

· in a dreamt. g6 fweete fire of this halfe goddeffe, which without any corpo· rall [ubHance confumeth me : hir aboundant and faire yea­low ha ire, a fnare and net for my hart to be masked in: hir large and phlegmatique forehead,like white lillies, bynd me in as with a wit he: hir pearcing regards take away my life as f .veete prouocarions to affliCt me : hir rofeall cheekes do ex· afperate my delirc,hir ruddie lips continue the fame, and hir delicious brealls like the winter fno1v vpon the hyperboreall mountaines,are the Ourp fpurs and byting whip to my amo· rous paffions : hir louely gefiures and pleafant countenance do draw my de fire roan imaginatiuedelight, heapingvpmy forrow.And ro all thefeinfulting martyrdoms and greeuous vexations of that impious and deceitful! Cupid Ilaie open, mtghtilie firiuing to beare 'hem, and no waie able to refill them, but eo fuffcrmy felfe to be ouercome: neithercoulde I fhun rhe fame, but remained 11ill as one vnawares lofi in the Babylonian fen. ·

Oh TitiH4, thou canfi not perfwade me.that thy paine is equall with rr.ine, although that the vultures teare open thy breafi, and taking out thy fmoking warm hart,dopluck it in peeces With their crooked beaks, and pinch the fame in their tharpe tallents, eating vp alfo the rdl of thy flelb, vntill they haue in gorged thefclues,& within a while after thou renewed againe,they begin afrelhtopray vpon thee. Thou half a time to be reuiuedagaine,and made found as ellerthou wen: but two eies wirhout all pi tie or intermiffion haue "'ounded me, deuour and confume me,leauing me no time of refi,or fpace to be comforted. . And hauirig had thefe difcourfes with my felfe, I begiln fe~ tretly to mourne and weepe, anddelire a way that: I might die, fetching deepe fighes as if my hart had rerne in funder with euery one of them. And diuers times I had purpofed with a lamentable votce to defire hir helpe, fort hat I was at the point of death: but as one drowned and oueh hdmed,I deemed that "'ay robe vaine,and to no purpofe,and therfore furiou£ly,and as one of a ragingfpirit 1 thought thus: Why doe fl thou doubt,Poltphdu.? Death for loue is laudable, and therefore my grceuou~ and malignantforturre,my forrowful Kcidcnt and hard bap in the loue of fo beautiful! a Nymph,

will

,:. ,. Tht.flrifo-,fLDI!~ will be writ and reported when I fhall lie interred. the fame will be fung in doleful tunes vpon fweete inllrumen ts of mu· ficke,manifellingthe force ofburrfullloue.

Andtbusi:ontinuingtliefollieof mythoughts, Ifaid: It may oe that this N ympb, by allikelihoods, is fomc rcuerend g~ddctfe, and therefore my fpeeches will be but as the crac­kbng reedes of Archadia in the moifl: and fennie fides of the riucr Labdone,iliaken with the iliarpe eaft wind, with the boi· ficrous north,cloudy fouth & rainic foutb weft wind.Bcfidcs this, the gods ~ill befeue.re reuengers of fuchan infolencie; for:th.ecompansonsof Y'lyfts had been preferuedfrom drow. ning and iliipwrackt:, i~ they had not ftolne eApoUos carrell kevt by Ph111etufo and hsr fifier Lamp11i11. .Orirm bad not beene fl~tne by a fcoq)ion, if he bad not attempted the cold & chal1: D141.14,and t~erefore ifi iliould vfe any indecende again !l the hono~of~b1s Nympb.in anyfort,fuch !ik~ reuenge or woorfe woul11e be vfed vpon me. At !all gettmg.fe.orth of rhefe 'hArt~~blc thoughts, ·1 did greatly comfort my felfe in be­hehb.ng.~d conterilplating the excellent proportion and fw~~te.f~uo~r of this ingenuous and moll rare Nymph, con­ti'J_nmg 1n hu al wbatfoeuer that may prouoke amorous con· ~e~~~Attd. fw,e.ete_l~ue, .giuing from hir faire eies fo. gratious ;md faqor.1ble regards;_ as thereby. I fomewhat.tempered:my lr9PbJffome an~. vnbndelc~ thoughts. And my refounding pg{\es rcfiel'_c.d With a.flattermg hope (oh the amorous foode pJ~puers and fauce offalt tea res) by thefe and no other rains l ~~~m~nage my vehc;!Dent ~hou~hts~and made them fiop in a co~ce1~ed ho~e, fixmg ms~e e1es wsth exceffiue delight vp~ of) h~~f:as_re bodre·an!l:well <!afpofed members, by all: which, PlY. d1f~~tented ~eJiresJII'ere gc~tly mitigated and .redee~ medJro,n ~h~~:f.IJW: and amorous .fire; which fo neere had bredthee~trelllitieofmypil'luons. __ . - · , ,

! .: ,'J

~ ; t ; ''\.

·.·. •'

' • f ~

. :.• .. r .. '~)r: f" ,,:,, ·'· ' .

' : ~ : I \ .. •

,j,l;

.I

! ; ~ '.). r '• •• ~ ~ ~! ' ~·' .<1:~.:~.1 . 1.-J:;

• '. J I _. ~ ;; \ '• ~ ' '. : .! ', ' ) ~ . . . •; t. ..!.

.. ,.,,~ ,,

R'"""'l'oo::-======= Y no meanest was abte tor~ 6ft the violent force of C11piflt artillerie,and therefore tht tie· gant Nymph hauing arnoro ... lly gutten an irreuocabledomini-on ouer me a milerabl.t louer, 1 was inforced to follow {Mlaf. ter hir moderate lkps, ~·bich led me into a fpatiou ~and large

11:!!::==-o.:..&::~.:..l:..g.~~ plaine,thecontermina[C: bound L.rrix,is a rrec - of the flowered greene & r weet hauing leauca &nellin~ vallie,, where a~fo ended the adorned mountaines ~~~~1 f.::'::u~ and fr~stfull bats,_ {buttmg vp the entrance into this golden ~ing,irwill countrae, full of mcredible ~elight with their ioining togi- neither r«, the~: couered _ouer with green trees of a cofpicuous thicknes woormeare, &: dtllanee,as 1f they had been fet by hand,as Yew trees, wild nor burne 10

P~nes,vnfr~itful~ but dropping Refin.' tallJ?ineapp!e,~raight ~o:J.:.si.s 1 rrce Farre,burnmg Patch trees, the fpungte Lar1x, the a1tr1e Teda our of rhe belc;>uedofthe mountains, celebrated and preferued for the w~ich itfucth fetltuall o_reades_. There bo~h of vs walked in the greene al~quor more and Rowermg plame; thee bemgmy guide throu~h the high ·~::~• than CJYpres trees, the broad leaued beech, coole iliadae okes full ~•·•aJu, be of ma!l:e, and orb er hornebeames, pricking iuniper, weake countric hafell,_fpaltatb, grecnelawrell, and humbryferousefcuhes, N1mph•. knome plane trees & lyndcns mooning by the fweer breath L7ml•m or • of the pleafant Zephirus, whi!lling through thtir tender ~de"~·~' tn branches_, with a bcnigne and fauorable impulfion. rh:•;·;,,.'r~·~

A11 wb~eh greene trees were not thickly twilled toaitl1er fruir 3• nog •• but ofaconuenientdi!l:aunceonc from another and"' all of• hran,haumg them fo aptly dillributed as to the eie the fight thereof bred wnhin fee de• greardeligbt. ,oke anyf~ Th · 1 , . lcrdrs.

IS p ~ce was frequented Wtth count ne Nymphs and Dr1- Dryadn, be "1"'• thesr fmall and fiend er ~aftes being girded with a br.ay- Nymph,.of dmg of tender corules offprsgs, leaues,and flowers ,and vp- rhc woo as.

Cc on

- ......... ------------·o.<•,c.',-;;;,. __________ _

I l

on their heads their riling vp haires, were compaffed about as. with garlands~ Among!! rbem were the horned faDnes~ an41af~:iu.ioQs.fatyres,fote~nt(i ng their-fa~ n:>ll fe:ills,.bei11g atlembled togtdier out of dmetsplace,s,wuhul trusf«til~& plcafilnt cuntrie: bearing in their hands fo tender green and fl:rage b~Wghs,a s are not to be foil.d in th~ "'ood of the god-

r: .. ,;. a gad- des F~ronia,wbetl the inhabita;nts carrie hir im:~geto the fire, dclfe ofrbc . fcmnthence we entered into a largel (quare jvclofureco"! woods. llll!l{fedabout with broadewalkes, fl:raig.lltfromont corner Dabtdam, a ~- ..... ferule place to. ano.tbcli":.W itlu qui-ck-fe~ vpon eit11@.fi!i~s. in he;it~t, one! in Arab13 • pace,.of pr.ickjng iul'l.\per thi11ke fctto~i.fl'):l.lr;'aJid mi~ with Sramits,bc a box, QOI;np;affing,about the fquarc grec:iJ(mC.aq:I$ t;~e ro\tcs people in A- ofwhic,h <jl1ick-(et there were fyl]imetri<l>lty pl~n~e<hhe vi,. ~abi~1 ' ;h••. torious pahne-tn~elS;II!hofe bra11ches-were laden·w-ith fruire.; the~ ;;,·',~~·;s. appearing out of their husks, [ome b.lacke, fome crym0 fen, saurorna•~ns. · and,manyyealo,w, t;he like .are not to be found in the land of be peo~l~of· JEg~pr,l!lor-itl.Dilhul,;am a;mong -the Mabiao Sca:ni.cs; or iti s~~nh'p; . Hj):t:).c;on~a beyonl<\-tile Sa!lr-<>.tllatan~ . .All ~·hich we_re in re~~ ~'~ ~~~try; mecl:Je.d wuh greene CytrO.tlS,. Or':.nges > H ;ppo.uwhdes, PI­reaching f· 0 fia£k.tree~,Pome~ranats)Mel•g<:>tos ,Defldrom.Irts, Mefptls, Germany & and:~orbts,w!th dlllers other frmtfull trees. · . the riuer V if- _ Ii1 this place vppon the grcene f woord of the flpwering tub_,~oHy- roea_P,an.d.vn.de,r:tbe frelhand c;:oole lhadowes, l might be~ d:i~'~ 'deui- hold agreat, a!fC:f!> bli~; tnet togitlwr ~f llrange peo~e, &. f uc11 de_d ;0,0 rwo as I had· neuer beforefCl.lfle, fulJ of to yes and• paibmes, buc parrs Euro~ bafely. apparrelled,fom~: in fauns skins~ painted wirh. wbi~e pq ~nd fpots, fome in lynxskins,othersin leopards: and manic had ALfiar~ca.b fi fat1ened rogither diuers broad leaues, inftrophiating them ,ynx 15 3 ea · h fi d · fl h · h ll · ' · ak d fpo~red bu<in w1r un ne owers, t erewtt a couermg tnetr n e nes#

.lhape J;ke a finging, leaping, aDd dauncingwith great applaufe. . wolph, being Thefe were the Nymphs Ham:J,dryades, pleafantly corn~ qwcke of paffing vppon either fides the flowered Vertummu, hauing ~hr • .1: . r1 vppon his headc a garlande of rofes, and his gowne lap full w:r;; ;;~;;, of fa ire flowers, louing the ilation of the woollie ramme, ofrhe wood He fare in an ancient fafhioned carre, drawne by fower her­and Syrnmicl" ned fauns or fatyrs, with his louing and fain: w1fe Pomon11, ~r~umt£ ~he crowned with delicate fruits, hir haire hanging downe ouer o~ 0 r~ns. hir ihoulders,of a flaxen colour, and thus !he fate participa­

ting of hir husbands pleaf!lrc and quiet, and athir feete laie a

·.;, 'ri-~. 1· : 98 a veffelleaHed Clepfydra. In hirright hafid_ !he~eld a copie Ct.p.(ja'r4 is full offlowers,frutts, and greene leaues, and m h1r left hande fomedme ra­a branchofflowers,&uits and leaues. - ·ken fora diall

Before the carre and the fower drawing f.atyrs,t'heremar- meaf~rin; ched two faire Nymphs,the one of them bare a trophlt' with ~~~~it ~ a pra:pendant table, whereupon was written this title, water, ~~r

here for a pot lntegerrimam corporu valetHdinem & ftahi!e ro!JHr to water a

caftafque menfarum debttM, & heat am ammt frcH- garden and ,a; yoong fed:.

rttatem cultortbm me o11 ~ro. lings in a

nourcery for And the other bare a trophz of cerr.aine greene fprigges an grchyard.

bound togitber, and among them diuers rural! inftrumenrs fafiened. Thefe paffed on thus afrer the ancient maner, with great ceremonies,and much folemnitie, compaffing about a great [quare flonelike and aulter, ttanding in the middefl of this faire mead. fullicienrly m.oyfl:.ened with current fireames from beautiful! fountaines.

This fquare floneoraulter was of pure white marble, c·u­riouilie cut by a cunning lapicidarie, vpon euery front wher­of was a woonderfull goodly expreffion,of an degant image:, fo exad,as the.Jike elfe-where h hardly to be found.

The firfl:was a fairegoddelfe,hir treces Hieng abroad, >"ir~ ded wirh rofes and other f.lowers, vpon a thin vpper garm~nt couering bir beaurifull and pleafa·nt:proportion. She heide hir right hand ouer an ancient ~elfcll, in man er of a chafing­dlih, called Chyrropodus,felldlllgfoortb a flame of fire, into the which thee did cafi rofes and flowers, and in the other hand !he held a branch of fweete myrtle, full of berries. By hir fide Hoode a little winged boy fmilrng,"•ith his bowe and

· arrowes, Ouer hir head were two pigeons. And vnder rhe foote of this fig~o~re was written ·

Fkritlo veri S.

hVpQn,rixl.other fide lbeheld in an excellent caruing, the reprefenration of adamofell of a maidenJy·countenaunce, wlrafc: lbi:ely,Jinaieftie gaue great commendation to the curi­onscdeuife gfthe work~man. She was crowned with agar-

C c z land

......... --------~'''··~··c.-,,_ __ .._ ___ _

lf 1

'I I l l I

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Tbf'f}r;fo·ofLIINl land oF whtac eares, hir haire Aingering abroade, and hir ha· byt~ Nymp_hiil1.In hir right hand lhe held a eo pie full of rype gram~,and m the o~her band three eares of corne,vpon their fifaw1e fialks. At h1r feetelay a wheat lheaue bound vp, and a'ltttle boy with gleanings of.corne in either hands. lhe fub­fcripcion was this.

FIA11.t Mefli S.

Vpon the third fide was the likenes in adeuine afpeet na­ked of a yoong boy ,crOilfncd with vine leaues, and of a wan. ton countenance, holding in his left hand cc:rtaine clufters of ripe grapes, and in the other, a copic: full of grapes which did hang ouer the mouth thereof. At his feete laic a bayric goate and this writing v nder.

M11ffnlento vflltHttJr~o S.

The lall [quare d1d beare- vpon it a kingly imagepaffing well cut, his countenance difpleafant and aullere, in hi~ lett hand he held a fcepter vp into the heauens, the aire doudie1

troublefomeand llormk, and with the other hand reachmg into the clouds full of ha1le Behinde him alfo the aire was rainie and tempefiuous. He was couered with beaUs skins, and vpon hisfecte he ware fandals. where vnder was written,

HitttJi v.Eoli.e S.

From thence the mofi faire and pleafant Nymph brought me towards the fea fide and fandie lhore, where we c:amt to an olde decaied temple, before the which vpon thefrelh and coole hearbs, vnder fweete {hadie trees we fate downe and refted ourfelues, my eies very narrowly beholding, with an vnfatiable de fire, in one foie pcrfe8:ion and virgineall bodie the accumulation and aflembly of all beauties; an obie8: in! terdi8:ing my eies to behold any gradous; that except. Oli' of fo great content. · . Where rc:frelhing in a fecretioy wirh new budding aon­

c:eits my burning har-t,. a.nd leal.ling Qff vulgar and common fQllies,

-·~-.. -·---~---------

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h~t~JrillttJI'. 99 foities, I began to confider of the intetligi~le effea ofhone!t 'thtffoli• i•• loue and withal! of the cleerenes of the sk1cs, the fweete and reg•on of

' . I r. • th ,.,.n Greece ha• rnl.!dea·1re rhedehghtfullfite.thep ea.antcountrle, egr_ • h • · , . h .1 . d d umg vpon t e gralf~ decked with diuerfi~y o~ flowers, th~ fme I ~a O!ne . one 6dc Ma-with l:hic:ke woods, the qmet tune, frefi1 wmdes, and frult~ull.ccdunta,and place, beautifu_lly enriched w~th diffiuent llrean~es~ {hdm_g onrheorhc_r _ downe the moJil; vallies betwixt the crooked h1ls m their ~h~011b3 • 1'a

r · h · d c mg C· grauelledchannels, andintothenext •eas Wit aconrmue cweencThcr-courfe foftly vnlading themfelues. · -mopylz,QnJ

Aground moll: healrhfull, the gralfe coo le and fweet : a~dahc nucr Pi­from the trees·refounded the fweetc: confems of fmallch1r- ncus, cucnco Ping birds The flouds and fields ofThelfJlie muG giue place ~he leha fide,

. • . atht e gar• to thiS. de of Grccia.

And there fitting thus togither am?ng the fwe.ete flowers Hewlta,is and redolent rofes, I fafientd mine e1es vpon thts heauenly rhc name of thape of fo faire and rare a proporti<>O, whereunto my fences: d•uersfa1r~ were fo applied,drawen aud additl:ed,that 'my hartwa.s ouer- "n""•006e 111

. . . d r. l 1 e con ncs whelmed w1~h. exm:en~e dehghts, fo as 1 remame 1ence es,. of Europe, and yet call mto a curtous de fire to vnderfiand and kr:u~w.e ano•hcr in Ita what tlJould be the reafon and caufe that the purple: humtdJ- l1c & in Pon­tie in the touch of hir bodie, in the fmoothnes of bir hand ms br rhe ri­thould be as w hire as pure m•lke : and by what mea.l)eS that ~·'i":'•3~0 nature had befiowed in hir faire bodte the{l'agrai}t fwcetnes ·~od:~u~n .r. of Arabia.And by what iqduGrie in hir fiarric forehea~ p_am- [<) ill c:11a, pynulated with tl1reds of gold aptly d1fpofed,lhe bad mfix~d. Crete & Ly­thefairell part of the heauens; orthe fple.ndycant Heraclea. d1a, wherc'>f

fi d · c 11 · · • d h · ~ 1 the Lode-. A rerwar )ettmg ~a mme e1es to war s 1r p_rety eete, fionc soketh· beheld them inclofed in red leather cut vpon. whae,.fa!ll:ntd his name. vpon the infiep with buttons of gold in loopes efblew .lilke. Htffieridu, And from thence I returned vpward my wanton regard ~o, wm the 3· hir llraighr necke coo1palfed about with a carkentt of orient daj'gh:£j of Pearle thiuingbu~ not able to match with the wh1tenesof.A A' "'•1. t; "d•

• • r. . d h' 111. . re tu a an thefweet skin. From thence detcendmg own tO· 1r mmg Hrfpcrerufa, breafi and delirious, bofome, from whence gre1v two round who had an. apples, [uchas.Her&H(rJ neuer fiole out of me garden of Hef orc~~rdof pnridu.: Neither did eu"Cr Pqmo•uJ behold t-he like to thefe two ~olo~ ap~c5., Itanding:vnmooueable in hir rof.:all brc:all, mor.e white than. gdn'wf.~Hc~: hilsof fn01ve in the going downe of rhe funne. Betwixt the. culesflcw & whi~o:h there:pa.1ft:d downe a deli,ious vallie~ wherein w.as the tookc oway

deli~:ate tbe~pplep..

The fh'i fr tif LoNe A fepulcher delicate fepukher .of my wounded hart er.lceediltg the. fa. bu•lr by Artc·. moilsMaufol~a. . . rmliunthe · ··r· h . b . . . . · honorof hir · ·t en emg con rent Wtth a·wounded hart full well vnder-husbande fianding that mine eies had drawen: it dying into all thele MaufoJus elegant parts. Yet neuertheles I could nor fo bridle and fup· king of Ca· prelfemy amorous inflam~d fighes,orfo clofely couer them · nia. bu tthat they would needs exprelfe my inward delire. •

By me~ns wherco.f !he was changed from contag1ous lone, .and Lln~tng With h1r fi?len regards ( enuyi~g rhe fame) fi1e

'•tul:'!\ed tt VJX>n me, fo as I perceiued an incenfing fire pruri­:enclydiifultngro:fe'lfethro~Jgh my inward parts and hollow

• vemes: and dunng the contemplate beholding of hir moll: rare and excellent beau tie, a mellifl.uous delight and fweete fo.laceco~J!lrain~d me thereunto, Thus difordinately beaten wuh the Importune fpur of vnfatiable delire, I found my felfe to be fer vpon with the mother of loue, inuironed round about with· hir flatril~erous fonn~, an<linuaded with fo faire .a !hape, that I was Wlth thefe l!Dd others fo exceUe.nt circum­fiances br®ght into• fuch; an: ·agonie of t:ninde and ficknes ofbodie,and infuch fort infeebled, that.the le all haire ofhir . head was a band forcible yriough to hold me fall, and euery rowledtramell a chaineand !hackle to: fetter me· being fed widit~.e'fweet~esOf hir'beoaot!e, ahd hooked wi;h;rhe plea­

! fant ba1ts of hu:amorous delight's, thati was not a:!Dle with · whatfoe~er ctmriidg deulfe to Feflft the irltlading heates and; ' pFbuolnng deft res fttll comming V pOll me,that:I d~termincrd ratllerto die than longer to endure the fame, or in this folio tarie·place to offer hir any di{honor. ··

· ·· Then againe I was 'determined with humble requefl:s.and fubmilliue intreaties·:to fay thus~ · · ·. ·.

Alas m6fi·delighted 'Pi;li.,,at this prek:nt ro die by thee is a thing that Tdefire; and my death if it were effeCl~d by-tbefe thy fmall, fiender and faire hands, the endethertofillould be J!IOre tolerable, fweete and glorious vntome,bicaufemy hart Js<:ompalfed about with fu(h t(tl'mentingflames ,-fliU mor~ .

. a~~ r~1or:e cruel!Y incre~fing, and burning the fame'wi.rhoat> pttt~or mtermsffion{ fo as 'by meanes thereof!. am bereft. of ~ft~ .

An'd heerewithall intending to put in exuution another determi-

in adreame. IOO

determinate purpofe, behold my hart was tormented with more lharpe flames, that me thought I was all of a light fire • Ah wo is me what wert thou aduifed to do Poliphilus ? Re· member the violence dane to 7Jeitlnira and the chafie Ro­man lady .Confider what followed them for a reward,and di­uers others.

Call to minde that mighty princes haue beene reietl:ed of their inferiors, how much more then a bafe and abiecl per­fan, but tract of timegiueth place to them which expect the bountie thereof. Time caufeth the fierce lions to be tame,and w hatfoeuer furious beafi: the fin all ant by long trauell laieth vp hir winter foode in the hard tree, and {hall not a diuine fhape lying hid in a humane bodie take the impreffion offer­uent loue, and then holding the fai!Je, !hake offal! annoyous and vexing paiftom, hoping to eniey amorous fruits, de fired effe(h,and triumphingagonifmes.' ·

The Nymph 'Polia perceiuing well the change of my CO· lour and blood comming in more firanger fort than T ripolion or Teucrion, thrife a day changing the colour of his flowers, and my indeuoring to fende out fcalding fighes deeply fet from the bottome of my hart, fi1e did temper and mitigate the fame with hir fweete and friendly regards, pacifieng the rage of my opprelling pallions, fo as notwithfiandiug my burning minde in thefe continual! flames and ll1arpe prouo­cations of loue, I was aduifed patiently to hope euen with the bird of Arabia in hir fweet ndl offmall fprigs,kindled by the heate of the funne to be renewed.

FINIS.

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Author: alleged to be….Colonna, Francesco, d. 1527. Most think not. Title: Hypnerotomachia. = The strife of loue in a dreame Date: 1592 Bibliographic name / number: STC (2nd ed.) / 5577 No. of pages: [4], 100 leaves : Copy from: Henry E. Huntington Library and Art Gallery Reel position: STC / 204:06

Hypnerotomachia. = The strife of loue in a dreame

First (incomplete) English editon of the text A Text Creation Partnership digital edition TCP Phase I Added to EEBO prior to August 2010

HYPNEROTOMA|CHIA.

THE Strife of Loue in a Dreame.

At London, Printed for Simon Waterson, and are to be sold at his shop, in S. Paules Church|yard, at Cheape-gate. 1592.

TO THE THRISE HO|NOVRABLE AND EVER LY|VING VERTVES OF SYR PHILLIP

SYDNEY KNIGHT; AND TO THE RIGHT HONORABLE AND OTHERS WHAT|SOEVER, WHO LIVING LOVED HIM, AND BEING DEAD GIVE HIM HIS DVE.

To the Right Honourable Robert Deuorax, Earle of Essex and Ewe, Viscount Hereford, and

Bourghchier, Lorde Ferrers of Chartley, Bourghchier and Louaine, Maister of the Queenes

Maie|sties Horse, and Knight of the most noble order of the Garter: Is wished, the

perfection of all happinesse, and tryumphant felicitie in this life, and in the worlde to come.

WHen I had determined (Right honorable) to dedi|cate this Booke, to the euer|lyuing vertues of that match|lesse Knight Syr Phillip Syd|ney; me thought that I could not finde out a more Noble personage then your selfe, and more fit, to patro|nize, shield, and defende my dutie to the deade, then your Honour, whose greatnes is such, and vertues of that power, as who so commendeth them, deserueth not to be accounted a flatterer, but he that doth not the same, may be thought an euill willer. Hovv your Honor vvill accept here|of, I make no doubt, because that curtesie atten|deth vpon true nobilitie; but my humble request is, that your Honor may not thinke of me

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(by the tytle of the Booke, and some part of the discourse) as if I vvere amorous, and did speake according to my ovvne passions, for I beeing restrained of my liberty, and helde in the graue of obliuion, where I still as yet remaine, oppressed with Me|lancholie, and wearied vvith deeper studies, I vvas glad to beguile the time with these conceits, anothomising in them, the vanitie of this life, and vncertaintie of the delights therof, in the Dreame of Poliphilus; Which if it shall please your Honor at conuenient leysure to looke ouer, pardoning what you finde amisse, and weighing my good will, I shall thinke my selfe most happy.

And thus I humbly take my leaue, vntill that I may present your Honour, with a matter more fitting the same.

Your Honors deuoted, R. D.

[leaf motif] A nonymi elegia ad Lec|torem.

CAndide Poliphilum narrantem somnia Lector auscultes, summo somnia missa polo, Non operam perdes, non haec audisse pigebit, tam varijs mirum rebus abundat opus. Si grauis & tetricus contemnis erotica, rerum nosce precor seriem tam bene dispositam. Abnuis? ac saltem stylus & noua lingua novus{que} sermo grauis, sophia, se rogat aspicias. Id quo{que} si renuis, geometrica cerne vetusta plurima milliacis disce referta notis. Hic sunt Pyramides, thermae, ingentes{que} Col[...]ssi, ac Obeliscorum forma vetusta patet. Hic diuersa basis fulget, variaeque columnae illarum{que} arcus, Zophora, epistilia, Et capita at{que} trabes, et cum quadrante coronae symmetria, & quicquid tecta superba facit. Hic regum cernes exculta palatia, cultus Nympharum, fontes, egregiasque epulas. [...] [...] Hinc bicolor chorea est latronum, expressaque tota in Laberintheis vita hominum tenebris. Hinc lege de triplici quae maiestate tonantis dicat, & in portis egerit ipse tribus. Polia qua fuerit forma, quam culta, tryumphos inde Iouis specta quatuor aethereos. Haec praeter varios affectus narrat amoris, atque opera & quantum saeuiat ille Deus.

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[leaf motif] Faultes escaped in the printing.

Fol. page line. faults. correction. Fol. page. line. faultes. correction. 1. 2 38 I begin of the I began the. 21 1 38 subuaging, suruaighing. 4. 2 8 member. members. 21 2 2 sardins, sardius. 6. 1 12 troake. trunke, 22 1 7 vanubraces, vaumbraces. 6. 2 3 assured, azur'd, 22 1 12 coronie, coronice. 7. 1 33 f[...]ing. flying, 22 2 18 Daphus, Daphne. 10 1 23 Laborinth, Laborinths. 22 1 28 chanifered, chamfered. 10 2 20 Palia. Polia, 22 1 30 contract, contrast, 11 1 2 foote, fowre, 22 2 29 Achanthis. Achanthis. 11 1 29 cariec. carrier. 23 1 12 hapies, Harpies. 11 2 3 backs, backe. 23 1 15 fishen, fishie. 12 1 11 peeee, peece, 23 2 4 did Anaglipts, did ye Anaglipts 13 1 3 adolestency, adolescency. 23 2 5 Briapis, Briaxes. 13 1 5 soliature. foliature, 24 2 22 Andraene. Andracine. 14 1 29 stone, sonne, 24 2 32 bel flowred fox bell-flowre. 19 2 12 soliature, foliature, 26 2 2 menifis, (gloue, memphis. 19 2 25 briganine, brigandine. 26 2 34 which my, which with my 19 2 39 all. off. 28 2 8 vastus. vastnes· 1

Poliphili hypnerotomachia, Wherein he sheweth, that all humaine and worldlie

things are but a dreame, and but as vanitie it selfe. In the setting foorth whereof many

things are figured worthie of remembrance.

The Author beginneth his Hypnerotomachia, to set downe the hower and time when in

his sleepe it seemed to him that hee was in a quiet solitarie desart, and vninhabited plaine,

and from thence afterward how he entered vnaduisedly before he was aware, with great

feare, into a darke obscure and vnfrequented wood.

The discription of the morning.

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WHat houre as Phoebus [Note: Phaebus the Sunne. ] issuing foorth, did bewtifie with brightnesse the forhead of Leu|cothea [Note: Leucothea the morning. ] , and appearing out of the Occean waues, not fully shewing his turning wheeles, that had beene hung vp, [Note: Pyr & Eo, the horses of the Sunne. ] but speedily with his swift horses Pyrous & Eous, hastning his course, and giuing a tincture to the Spiders webbes, among the greene leaues and tender prickles of the Vermilion Roses, in the pursuite whereof he shewed himselfe most swift & glistering, now vpon the neuer resting and still moouing waues, he crysped vp his irradient heyres.

Vppon whose vprising, euen at that instant, the vnhorned Moone dismounted hir selfe, losing from hir Chariot hir two horses, the one white and the other browne, and drewe to the Horrison [Note: Horison a circle deui|ding the halfe speare of the firmament from the o|ther halfe which we doe not see. ] different from the Hemisphere [Note: Hemispere is halfe the compasse of the visible heauen. ] from whence she came.

And when as the mountaines and hilles were beautifull, and the northeast winds had left of to make barraine with the sharp|nesse of their blasts, the tender sprigs to disquiet the moouing reedes, the fenny Bulrush, and weake Cyprus, to torment the foulding Vines, to trouble the bending Willowe, and to breake downe the brittle Firre bowghes, vnder the hornes of the lasciui|ous Bull, as they do in winter.

At that very houre, as the diuers coulered flowers and greene meades, at the comming of the sunne of Hypperion [Note: Hyperion the Sunne. ] feare not his burning heate, being bedued and sprinkled with the Christal|line teares of the sweete morning, when as the Halcyons [Note: Halcyons are certaine byrds which building near the snore vp|on the waues there will be no storme vn|till the young be hatched. ] vpon the leuell waues of the stil, calme, and quiet flowing seas, do build their nests in sight of the sandie shore, whereas the sorrowfull Ero, with scalding sighes did behold the dolorous and vngrate depar|ture of hir swimming Leander [Note: Leander a young man of Abydos, who in swim|ming ouer Hellespont (a narow sea) by Byzantium, which par|teth Europ from Asia) to Sestus, was in the sight of h[...]s louer Ero of Sestus d[...]owned, which she seeing, threw hir self down into the sea, and died with h[...]m. ] .

I lying vpon my bed, an oportune and meet freend to a wea|rie body, no creature accompaning me in my chamber, besides the attender vppon my body, and vsuall night lights, who after that she had vsed diuers speeches, to the end shee might comfort me, hauing vnderstood before of me, the originall cause of my hollow and deepe sighes, she indeuored hir best to moderate, if at least she might, that, my perturbed and pittifull estate. But when she sawe that I was desirous of sleepe, she tooke leaue to depart.

Then I being left alone to the high cogitations of loue, hauing passed ouer a long and tedious night without sleepe, through my barren fortune and aduerse constellation, altogether vncomfor|ted and sorrowfull, by means of my vntimely and not prosperous loue, weeping, I recounted from point to point, what a thing vne|quall loue is: and how fitly one may loue that dooth not loue: and what defence there may bee made against the vnaccustomed, yet dayly assaults of loue: for a naked soule altogether vnarmed, the seditious strife, especially being intestine: a fresh still letting vpon with vnstable and new thoughts.

5

In this sort brought to so miserable an estate, and for a long while plunged in a deepe poole of bitter sorrowes, at length my wandring sences being wearie to feede still vpon vnsauorie and fayned pleasure, but directly and without deceit, vppon the rare diuine obiect: whose reuerende Idea is deeply imprinted with|in me, and liueth ingrauen in the secret of my heart, from which proceedeth this so great and vnces[...]ant a strife, continually renu|ing my cruell torments without intermission. I begin of the con|ditions of those miserable louers, who for their mistresses plea|sures desire their owne deaths, and in their best delights do think themselues most vnhappie, feeding their framed passions not o|therwise then with sithfull imaginations. And then as a weary bo|dye after a sore labour, so I, somewhat in outward shew qualified, in the payne of my sorrowfull thoughts, and hauing incloystered and shut vp the course of my distilling teares: whose drops had watered my pale cheekes, thorow amorous griefe, desired some needfull rest.

At length my moyst eyes being closed within their bloud|shotten and reddish liddes, presently betwixt a bitter life and a sweet death, I was in them inuaded and ouercome, with a heauie sleepe, who with my minde and watchfull spirits, were no perta|kers of so high an operation.

Me thought that I was in a large, plaine, and champion place, all greene and diuersly spotted with many sorted flowerrs, wher|by it seemed passingly adorned. In which by reason of the milde and gentle ayre, there was a still quyet whisht: In so much that my attentiue eares did heare no noyse, neither did any framed speech peirce into them, but with the gratious beames of the sunne, the sliding time passed.

In which place with a fearefull admiration, looking about me, I sayd thus to my selfe. Heere appeareth no humaine creature to my sight, nor sylua~ beast, flying bird, cou~trey house, field tent, or shepheards cote: neyther vpon the gras could I perceiue feeding eyther flock of sheep, or heard of cattell, or rustike herdman with Oten pipe making pastorall melodie, but onely taking the bene|fit of the place, and quietnesse of the plaine, which assured mee to be without feare, I directed my course still forward, regarding on eyther side the tender leaues and thick grasse, which rested vn|stirred, without the beholding of any motion.

At length my ignorant sleepes, brought me into a thick wood, whereinto being a pritty way entred, I could not tell how to get out of it. Wherevpon, a soddaine feare inuaded my hart, and dif|fused it selfe into euery ioynt, so that my couler began to waxe pale, and the rather by reason that I was alone, and vnarmed, and could not finde any track or path, eyther to direct me forward, or lead me back againe. But a darke wood of thicke bushes, sharpe thornes, tall ashes haled of the Viper, towgh Elmes beloued of the fruitfull vines, harde Ebony, strong Okes, soft Beeche, and browne Hasils, who intertaining one anothers branches, with a naturall good will opposed themselues, to resist the entrance of the gratious sunne shine, with the greene couerture of their in|numerable leaues. And in this sort I found my selfe in a fresh sha|dowe, a coole ayre, and a solytarie thicket.

VVherevpon my reason perswaded me to beleeue, that this vastwood, was onely a receptacle for sauage and hurtfull beasts, as the tusked Bore, the furious and bloud thirstie Beare, the his|sing serpent, and inuading VVoolfe, against which I was vnpro|uided to make resistance, but rayther as a praye sent amongst them, miserablie to haue my flesh and bones rent and gnawne in peeces.

6

And thus forecasting the woorst that might follow, I was re|solued not to abide there, but to seeke to get out, that I might the better eschew such suspected occurrents, and taking my selfe to my feete, [Note: Minotaurus a monster in Creete, born of Pasiphae which being inclosed in the laborinth fed on mans flesh, whome Theseus slew and got out of the laborinth by a clew of thred giuen by Ariadne king Minoes daughter, af|ter wife to Theseus, who did forsake hir, and left hir in a disin|habited Ile, notwithstan|ding that she had saued his life. ] I wandred now this way, now that way, sometime to the right hand, sometime to the left: nowe forwarde, then backe againe, not knowing how to goe among the thicke bowghes and tearing thornes, bearing vpon my face: rending my clothes, and houlding me sometimes hanging in them, whereby my hast in getting foorth was much hyndered. In this vnaccustomed la|bour: and without any helpe but onely the keeping of the sunne still vpon one side, to direct mee streight forwarde: I grewe ex|treamely hoate and faynte, not knowing what to doe, but onely in a wearye body, to conteine a minde distraught through trouble|some thoughts, breathing out hollow and deepe sighes, desiring helpe of the pittifull Cretensian Ariadne, who for the destroying of hir monstrous brother the Mynotaur: gaue vnto the deceitfull Theseus a clew of thred, to conduct him foorth of the intricate la|borinth, that I also by some such meanes might be deliuered out of this obscure wood.

3

[Figure: ] Poliphilus being thus distempered in this daungerous and obscure wood, at

length getteth foorth, and being come to a faire Riuer, indeuo|ring to rest himselfe and

coole his heate, he heard a most delightful harmonie, which made him forget to drinke, and

followe after the voice, which brought him to a woorse perplexitie.

FEare and desire of freedome thus occupy|ing my sences, my vnderstanding was blin|ded, neyther did I knowe whether it were better for mee eyther to wishe for hated death, or in so dreadfull a place to hope for desired life. Thus euery way discontent, I did indeuour, with all force and diligence to get foorth, wherin the more I did striue the more I found my selfe intangled, and so infeebled with wearinesse, that on euery side I feared, when some cruell beast should come and deuoure me, or els vnawares to tumble downe into some deepe pit or hollow place.

Wherefore more trembling then in mustulent Autume be the yealow coulored leaue, hauing left their moisture, being thorow|lye searched with the furious north winde, I lifted vp my hart to God, desiring as Achemenides being afraide of the horrible Cyclops rather to be slaine by the hands of Aeneas his enemie, rather then to suffer so odious a death.

And my deuoute prayer, sincerely vnited to a contrite heart, powring out a fountaine of teares with a stedfast beliefe to be de|liuered. I found my selfe in a short space gotten at libertie, like a new day crept out of a darke and tempestuous night. My eyes before vsed to such obumbrated darkenes, could scarse abide to behould the light, thorow watery sadnes. Neuerthelesse glad I was to see the light: as one set at libertie, that had beene chayned vp in a deepe dungeon and

7

obscure darkenesse. Verye thirstie I was, my clothes torne, my face and hands scratched and netteled, and withall so extreamely set on heate, as the fresh ayre seemed to doe me more hurt then good, neither did it any waye ease my body, desirous to keepe his new recouered scope and libertie.

And after that I had a little rowsed vp my mynde, and som|moned together my sences in some better sort: I sought a meanes to quench my inordinate thyrst, procured and increased through innumerable sighes, and extreame labour of body. Thus casting my eyes with a diligent regarde about the plaine, to finde some Fountaine whereat I might refresh my selfe: a pleasant spring or head of water, did offer it selfe vnto me, with a great vayne boy|ling vp, about the which did growe diuers sweet hearbes and wa|ter flowers, and from the same did flowe a cleare and chrystalline current streame, which deuided into diuers branches, ran thorow the desart wood, with a turning and winding body, receyuing in|to it other little channels, vnlading themselues.

In whose courses the stones lift vp by nature, and trunkes of trees denyed any longer by their roots to be vpholden, did cause a stopping hinderance to their current and whuzing fall, which still augmented by other vndissonant torrents, from high and fertlesse mountaines in the plaine, shewed a beautifull brightnes and soft passing course, to the which short windedly comming, by meanes of my fearefull flight. I did see a little obscure light, tho|row the tops of the high trees, somewhat deuiding themselues ouer the water, and with the rest of their bodyes and branches, as it were seperating the heauens from my lifted vp eyes. A horrible place to be in, vnaccompanyed of any creature.

And suddainly hearing the fall of trees, through the force of a whyrle winde, & noise of the broken bowghes, with a redoubled and hoarse sound a farre of, and yet brought to the eccho of the water thorow the thick wood, I grew into a new astonishment.

And at this instant thus terrified and afflycted, and yet with|out any receiued hurt, being vpon my knees bowed downe, and inclosing the hollownesse of my hand, therewith determined to make me a necessary drinking vessel: I had no sooner put the same into the water, offring to my mouth the long desired moysture, thereby to refrygerate and coole the extreame heate of my burn|ing heart, which at that time would haue beene more acceptable vnto me, then eyther Hypanis and Ganges be to the Indians, Tigris or Euphrates to the Armenians, or Xeylus to the Aethiopian nation, or to the Egyptians his innundation, in bybing theyr burnt and rosted mould, or yet the riuer Po to the Ligurians.

Euen then also it fell so out, that I had no sooner taken water into the palme of my hand, offering the same to my open mouth, ready to receiue it: I heard a doricall songe, wherewith I was as greatly delighted, as if I had heard the Thracian Thamiras, which thorough my eares presented it selfe to my vnquiet heart, with so sweete and delectable a deliuerie, with a voyce not terrestriall, with so great a harmonie and incredible a fayning shrilnesse, and vnusuall proportion, as is possible to bee imagined by no tounge sufficiently to be commended. The sweetnes whereof so greatly delighted me, as thereby I was rauished of my remembrance, and my vnderstanding so taken from me, as I let fall my desired water thorough the loosned ioynts of my feeble hands.

8

And then euen as a birde, which through the sweetnes of the call forgetteth to remember the Fowlers deceit, so I letting slip that which nature stood in need of, hastened my selfe back with all speed, towarde that attractiue melodie, which the more I coa|sted, the further it seemed still from me, sometime heere, some|times there, and still as I shifted places, so the same also chaunged with a delectable voyce and heauenly consent. Thus vainly run|ning vp and downe, I knew not after what, I grew more wearie, faint, and drye, and so feeble, that my legges could but with great paine, vphould my distempered body. And my grieued spirits vnabled long to support the same, what with the feare that I had bin in, what with extreame thirst, what with long and wilesome trauell, and what with doubting the worst that might insue. Thus hote, faint, and drye: I knew not what to do but euen to procure rest for my weary member. I marueled first at this straunge acce|dent, and was amazed at this inhumane harmonye, but most of all in that I was in a straunge contry, and vninhabited, being one|lye fertill and beawtyfull to behould, besydes that I greatly sor|rowed for the losse of the fayer ryuer which I had so greatly labo|red to finde out, and now so lightly and carelesly to haue lost the benifit thereof. In this sort I was houlden in an intrycate minde of doubts, at length ouercome with all kinde of greefes, my whole bodye trembling and languishinge vnder a broade and mightye Oke full of Acornes, standing in the middest of aspatious and large green meade, extending forth his thicke and leauie armes to make a coole shadowe, vnder whose bodye breathing I rested my selfe vppon the deawye hearbes, and lying vppon my left syde I drewe my breath in the freshe ayre more shortly betwixt my drye and wrinckled lips, then the weary running heart, pin|ched in the haunche and struck in the brest, not able any longer to beare vp his weighty head, or sustaine his body vpon his bow|ing knees, but dying prostrates himselfe. And lying thus in such an agonie, I thought vpon the strifes of weake fortune, and the inchauntments of the malicious Cyrces, as if I had by hir charmes and quadranguled plaints, been bereaued of my sences. In these such so great & exceeding doubts: O hi me where might I there among so many dyuerse and sundry sorts of hearbes, [Note: Moly an herb greatly com|mended of Homer, and thought to be souereigne a|gainst in|chauntments of moderne authors alto|gether vn|knowne. ] finde the Mercurial Moli with his blacke roote, for my helpe and remedie. Againe me thought that it was not so with me. What then? euen a hard appoyntment to delay my desi[...]ed death. And thus remay|ning in these pernitious thoughts, my strength debylitated: I looked for no other helpe, but to drawe and receiue fresh ayre into that brest, which panted with a small remainder of vytall warmnesse, taking into my hands halfe aliue, as my last refuge, the moyst and bedewed leaues, preserued in the coole shadow of the greene Oke: putting the same to my pale and drye lippes, with a 9 greedy desire in licking of them to satisfie my distempred mouth with theyr moisture, wishing for such a wel as Hypsipyle [Note: Hypsipile was daughter to Thaos king of Lemnos, who alone when all wo|men of that Iland had slaine their husbands & kinsmen, sa|ued hir fa|ther: she also shewed the Grecians the fountaine Langia in the wood of Ne|mea in Achaia where Hercu|les slue a lion. ] shewed the Grecians: Fearing least that vnawares as I had ruffled in the wood I were bitten with the serpent Dipsa [Note: Dipsa a kind of snakes that Lucan mentioneth, whose byting procureth extreame dry+nes or thirste. ] my thirst was so vn|supportable. Then renuing my oulde cogitations: as I lay vnder this mightie Oke: I was oppressed with emynent sleepe ouer all my members: where againe I dreamed in this sorte.

9

Poliphilus sheweth, that he thought he did sleep againe, and in his dreame that he was in a

Vallie, inuironed with mountaines and hilles, the end whereof was shut vp in a maruellous

sort, with a mightie pyra|mides worthie of admiration: vpon the top whereof was a high

obe|liske, which with great pleasure hee beheld, and diligently discri|beth.

GOtten foorth of this fearefull and thick wood, and forgetting the forementio|ned places by this sweete sleepe, occa|sioned by my wearie members nowe layde along: mee thought that I was in a new more delectable place, far excel|ling the former, which consisted not of fertles mountaines and craggie wind|ing rockes, contayning wide caues, but being a delicate valley, in the which did rise a small mounting of no great height, sprinkled heare and there with young Okes, A[...]hes, Palme trees broad leaued, Aesculies, [Note: Aesculus is a tree bea|ring both greater fruite and broder leaues then the Oke. ] Holme, Chestnut, Sugerchist, Poplars, wilde Oliue, and Oppies disposed some hyer then other, according to the mounting or fall of the place, in the plaine whereof was an other kinde of thicket of medicinable simples like little young trees, as the flowering Genista [Note: Gemista beareth a cod and yellowe flower, vines are bound therewith. Elaphium is like to Ange|lica, but not in smell, the hart thereon rubbeth his head when it is veluet. ] enuironed with diuers green hearbs, Tetrifolie, Sheere grasse, hunnisuckle, the musked Angelica, Crowfoot Elapium, and Rugwoort, with other profitable and vnknowne hearbes and flowers heare and there diuerslie disposed. A little beyond in the same valley, I founde a sandie or grauelly plaine, yet be spotted with greene tuffes, in which place grew a faire Palme tree with his leaues like the Culter of a plowe, and abounding with sweet and pleasant fruite, some set high, some lowe, some in a meane, some in the very top, an elect and chosen signe of victorie. Neither in this place was there any habitation or creature whatsoeuer. Thus walking solitarily betwixt the trees, growing distantly one from another, I perswaded my selfe, that to this no earthly situation was comparable: in which thought I soddainely espied vpon my left hand, an hungrie and carniuorous Woolfe, gaping vpon me with open mouthe.

At the sight whereof immediatly, my hayre stood right vp, and I would haue cryed out, but could not: and presently the Woolfe ranne awaye: wherevpon returning to my selfe, and casting my eyes towards the wooddie mountaines, which seemed to ioyne themselues together, beeing looked vnto a farre off, I sawe the forme of a tower of an incredible heygth, with a spyre vnperfect|lie appearing, all being of very auncient forme and workeman|ship.

And drawing neare vnto this building, I beheld the gratious mountaines before a farre of seeming small, by comming neerer and neerer, by little and little, to lift vp themselues more and more, at the first seeming to mee that they had ioyned together with the building which was an inclosure or end of the valley be|twixt mountaine and mountaine: which thing I thought worthy the noting, and without further delay I addressed my selfe more neerer therevnto. And by how much the more I approximated the same, by so much the more the excellencie of the woorke shewed it selfe, increasing my desire to behould the same. For there appeared no longer a substance of vnknowne forme, but a rare Obelisk vpon a vast frame and stonie foundation, the heigth whereof without comparison did exceed the toppes of the side-lying mountaynes, although I thought that they had beene the renowmed Olympus [Note: Olimpus a hil in Greece between Ma|cedonie and Thesalie, so high, that of the Poets it is sometime ta|ken for hea|uen. ] , the famous Caucasus [Note: Caucasus a mightie hill in Asia which parteth In|dia from Scy|thia. ] , and not inferior to Cyllenus [Note: Ci lenus a hill of Arca|dia, where Iu|piter begat Mercurie vp|on Maia. ] .

10

To this sollitarie place thus desiredlye comming, with vn|speakeable delight, at pleasure I behelde the straunge manner of the arte, the hugenesse of the frame, and the woonderfull excellencie of the woorkmanship. Maruelling and considering the compasse and largenesse of this broken and decayed obiect, made of the pure glistering marble of Paros [Note: Paros is one of the 35. Isles called Cyclades and Sporades, in the sea Aege|um which de|uideth Europ from Asia. ] . The squared stones ioyned togither without anye cement, and the pointed quadrangulate corner stones streightlye fitted and smoothlye 6 pullished, the edges whereof were of an exquisite vermillion cou|lour, as is possible to bee deuised: and so iust set, as betwixt the ioynts, euen the enemie to the woorke (if euer there were anye) could not deuise to hide the point of the smallest spanish needle vsed of the best workewomen. And there in this so noble a piece of worke, I found a proportioned substance to euery shape and likenesse that can be thought vpon and called to remembrance, partly decayed, and some still whole remaining, with pillers small vpon great, with their excellent heads of an exact and most per|fect closing, crowned battelments, embost caruings, bearing forth like embroderie, arched beames, mightie mettaline images, ouer|throwne and broken in sunder, the troake of their exact and per|fect members, appearing hollow of brasse. Skyffes, small boates and vessels of Numidian stone and Porphyr, and diuers couloured marble. Great lauers condites, and other infinite fragments of notable woorkmanship, far different and inferiour from that they were, in their perfection, but now brought back as it were to their first vnshapelines, being fallen and cast downe, some heere, some there, vpon the earth from the which they were taken. Among the broken and decayed places, wherof great sundrie wall weeds and hearbes, especially the vnshaking Anagyre, the Lentise of both kindes, beares foote, dogges head, Gladen greene, spotted Iuie, Centarie, and diuers such like. And in the myldered places of broken walles grew Howslike, and the hanging Cymbalaria bryers, and pricking brambles, among the which crept Swifts and Lyzarts which I sawe crawling among the ouergrowne stones, which at the first sight in this silent and solitarie place, made me to be warily afraid of them. On euery side there say fallen downe smoothe round pieces of serpent spotted Marble, purple and red diuerse couloured. Fragments of strange histories, [Note: Panglyphic be wholy car|ued from the head to the foote in all members. Hemigliphie apeare but halfe. ] Panglyphic and Hemygliphic compendiously caracterized, shewing the excellen|cie thereof, vndoubtedly accusing our age, that the perfection of such an art is forgotten.

Then comming to the myddle fronture of the great and excellent woorke, I sawe one sole large and marueylous porche worthy of great estimation, proportioned according to the huge quantitie of the rest of the whole work, which was placed betwixt and continued in building from the one and the other of the mountaines hare lipped, and aboue arched, whose space betwixt as I doe coniecture was in measure sixe furlongs, and twelue pa|ces. The top of which mountaines were perpendicularly equall eyther of them touching the assured skey. At the sight whereof I imagined with my selfe and deuised to thinke with what yron in|struments, with what labour of mens hands, and number of work|men, such a piece of woorke could bee by great strength framed, with much paine layde together, and a long time in finishing. There then this woonderfull frame willingly as it were ioyned hands and vnited it selfe with the one and the other mightie mountaines, by meanes whereof, the foresaid valley there had an end, that no man could go further forward or backe againe, but to enter in by this broade, large, and wide open porche.

Vpon this massie frame and mightie woorkmanship, which I take to be in heigth from the roofe or top to the foote, fiue parts of a furlong, was placed a high and woonderfull Pyramides, after

11

the fashion of a square poynted Diamond, and such incredible workemanship that could neuer be deuised and erected, without inestimable charge, great helpe, and long time. So that I thought the excellencie thereof vnthought vpon, to bee a myrrour, the fight whereof was able to dafell any humaine eyes, and quaile the rest of the spirituall sences. VVhat shall I say more? for so far as the reache of my capacitie will afoorde me leaue, in this sort I briefely describe the same.

Euery side or quarter of this foure squared frame, wherevpon the foote of the Pyramides did stand, [Note: A furlong is 16. pole euery pole being 16 foote. ] did extend themselues in length six furlongs, which in compasse about euery side aequila|tered of like bredth, dooth multiplie to 24 furlongs. Then lifting vp the lynes on high from the foure corners, so much as euerye corner is distant in length from an other, meeting in the top, so as the Perpendicular line may fall iust vpon the center of the Dya|gon, stretching from both corners of the plynts or square foote, iust and conueniently ioyned together doe make a perfect pyra|midall figure. VVhich immence and woonderfull forme, with a maruelous and exquise Symmetrie and due proportion moun|ting vp labour somly foote by foote, conteyned 1410. degrees or steppes, taking away 10. degrees to make vp the head and graci|lament of the Pyramides in whole place was set a huge Cube or foure square stone of forme like a dye, sound and firme of a mon|strous thicknesse and incredible weight to bee carryed so high. 11 And of the same stone of Paras as were the steps: which cube and square stone was the Basis and foote set vnder the Obilisk, which I haue in hand to describe.

This mightie big stone sharpe topt, sliding downe the extream part from corner to corner, flat sided by the Diameter, was fower paces, at euery equall distant corner, whereof was the foote of a harpie of moulten mettall, their steales and clawes armed. Firm|lye and stronglie set in with led, in euery corner of the Cube, or foure square head of the Pyramides, meeting together ouer the Diagonike line. Of proportioned thicknesse in heigth two paces. Which thus closing and mette together, made the socket of the great Obelisk: which Socket was beautified with leaues, fruites and flowers, of shining cast mettall, and of conuenient bignesse. VVherevpon the weight of the Obelisk was borne. The breadth whereof was two paces, and seauen in heigth, artificiously sharp|ing of the stone of Thebais called Pyrus. Vpon the smooth plains whereof, pure and bright shining as a looking glasse, were moste excellently cut Aegiptian Hycrogliphs.

Vpon the pointe of which Obelisk, with great arte and dili|gence, was fastned a copper base, in the which also there was a turning deuise infixed: whervpon did stand the shape of a beau|tifull nimph framed of the aforesayd matter, able to amaze the continuall diligent behoulder. Of such a proportion as the com|mon stature might be considered and perfectly seene, notwith|standing the exceeding heigth thereof in the ayre. Besides the greatnesse of the figure or image: it was a woonder to thinke how such a weight should bee carryed and set in such a place and so high. Couered with a habite blowne abroad with the winde, and shewing parte of the naked substance of the legges and thighes: with two wings growing out from the shoulder blades, and spred abroad as if shee were readye to flye, turning hir fayre face and sweete regarding countenance towardes hir wings. The tresses of hir haire fying abroade the vpper part or crowne naked and bare. In hir right hand she held from hir sight a copie or horne stuft full of many good things, stopped vp, and the mouth downewarde, hir left hand fastned and harde holden to hir naked brest. This Image and stature was with euery blast of wind turned, and moo|ued about with such a noyse and tinkling in the hollownes of the metaline deuise: as if the mynte of the Queene of England had being going there. And when the foote of the phane or Image in turning about, did

12

rub and grinde vpon the copper base, fixed vpon the pointe of the Obeliske, it gaue such a sound, as if the tower bell of Saint Iohns Colledge in the famous Vniuersitie of Cambridge had beene rung: or that in the pompeous Batches of the mightie Hadrian: or that in the fift Pyramides standing vp|on foure. This Obeliske in my iudgement was such, as neyther that in the Vaticane in Alexandria or Babilon, may bee equally compared vnto it, but rather esteemed far inferiour. It conteined in it such a heape of woonders, as I could not without great asto|nishment looke vpon it. As also consider the hugenesse of the worke, the excessiue sumptuousnesse, the straunge inuention, the rare performance, and exquisite diligence of the woorkeman. With what art inuented? with what power humaine force, and incredible meanes, enuying (if I may speake it) the workmanship of the heauens, such and so mightie weights should be transpor|ted and carryed into the skyes? with what Cranes, winding beames, Trocles, round pullies, Capres bearing out deuices, and Poliplasies, and drawing frames, and roped tryces, therein be|ing vnskilfull, I slip it ouer with silence.

And heere on the other side followeth the figure.

8 [Figure: ]

Let vs returne then to the huge Pyramides, standing vpon a strong and sound plynth or foure square foote, fourteene paces in heigth, and in length sixe furlongs, which was the foundation and bottom of the weightie pyramides, which I perswaded my selfe was not brought from any other place, but euen with plaine labour and workemanship hewen out of the selfe same moun|taines, and reduced to this figure and proportion in his owne proper place.

Which great quadrant and square woorke, ioyned not fast to the collaterate and sidelying rockes, but was betwixt spaced and seperated on eyther sides tenne paces. Vpon the right hand as I went of the aforesaid plynth or square sheame, there was most perfectly carued the vyperous head of the fearefull Medusa, in a most furious and rigorous forme to looke vpon, and as it were yelling out: with terrible eyes cauernate, and hollow skowling vnder ther ouerhanging browes with a wrympled and forrowed forehead and gaping wide open mouth, which being hollowed with a dyrect waye from the Catill, and vppon stone by a medi|ane lyne perpendicular to the center of the far shewing Pyrami|des, made a large enterance and co~ming vnto it, at which opening mouth, compassed with fowlded haires of vnrepartable curious|nes artificiall cunning and costly woorkmanshyppe the assending the turning stayers shewed them selues, and in stead of tresses of haire platted with laces, I saw fearefull vypers and winding ser|pents growing out from the scalpe of the monstrous head confu|sedly twysting together and hissing, so liuely portrayed and set foorth, that they made me afrayde to behould them. In their eyes were placed most shining stones, in such sort, as if I had not beene perswaded and knowne that they were stones indeed, I durst not haue drawne neere them.

And the aforesayde entrie cut out of the firme stone, led to the scale and compassing passage in the center, with winding steps tending to the highest parte of the stately Pyramides, and ope|ning vpon the out side of the catill or cube: vpon the which the shining obeliske was founded. And among the rest of such nota|ble partes that I beheld, me thought that this deuise was woorth the noting, because the artifitious and most cunning architect with an exquisite and perspicuous inuention, had made to the stayres certaine loopes or small windowes, imbracing the bounti|full 9

13

beames of the sunne correspondently on three parts, the lo|wer, the middle, and supreame: The lower taking light from the higher, and the higher from the catabasse or lower with their op|posite reflexions shewing a maruellous faire light, they were so fitly disposed by the calculate rule of the artificious Mathema|trician, to the Orientall Meridionall and Occidentall partes of the ayre, that euery houre of the day the sunne shined in, and gaue light to the whole scale, the same loopes or windolets in diuerse places symmetrially and definitely dispersed and set.

To the aforesaid entrance thorow the open mouth of Medusa, I came by a long gallorie to a salying scale or downe going staire opening at the foot and pauement of the building vpon my right hand against one of the collaterall and side-lying mountaines, betwixt which there was out of the stone and open space cut out of tenne paces vp, into the which I ascended boldely without re|sistance, and being come to the beginning of the staire in the a|foresaid mouth by innumerable steppes and degrees, not without great wearines and disinesse of head, by often turning about, I came to so incredible a height, that my eies would not suffer me to looke downe to the ground, insomuch, that me thought that euery thing below vpon the plaine had lost his shape, and seemed vnperfect. In the opening and comming out of this circulate and turning assence many pillars of fused and molten mettall were aptly disposed and surely fixed: the inter-space betwixt e|uery one and other one foote, and in height halfe a pase, railed and ioyned togither aboue with a battelled coronet al along the said pillar, and of the same metall compassing about the opening of the staire, lest that any comming foorth vnawares should fall downe headlong, For the immesurable height thereof woulde cause a giddines in the head, and bring a staggering to the feete: vpon the plaine of the obeliske there was infixed a table of bras[...]e fastened and soldered in about the height of a man, with an anci|ent inscription in Latine, Greeke, and Arabike, by the which I plainely vnderstoode that the same was dedicated to the Sunne, and the measure of the work wholy set downe and described, the name of the Architector noted on the obeliske in Greek letters.

[...] Lichas Libiicus architectus me orox[...]t. Lich[...]s a Libian architector set me vp.

Let vs returne and come backe to the consideration of the But and tessell or square, subiect and vphoulder of the Pyramides in the fronte and foreside whereof I beheld ingrauen a Gigantoma|chie and combate betwixt Giauntes, the onely enemie to vitall breath, surpassinglie well cut, with the quick motions and liuelie agilities of their large and tall bodyes, vnpossible to be rightlye described, the artificiall handling thereof, as it were enuying the woorke of nature it selfe, as if theyr eyes and feete had mooued together, and coasted from one part to an other, with an expedite passage and swift course. In such sorte seemed they vpon theyr strong and mightie horsses, some being cast downe, other stum|bling and falling: many wounded and hurt, yeelding vp their de|sired liues: some troden downe and mischieued vnder the feete of the fierce and vnrestrained horsses. Other casting off their ar|mour wrastling and t[...]gging one with an other: some headlong with their heeles vpwarde, falling and not come to the ground from off their horsses. Other some lying vpon the earth, hould|ing vp their sheilds and Targets, offended with the one hand, and defended with the other. Many with their shimitaries and curti|laxes, some with long swordes two handed after the auncient Persian manner, others with diuers deadly and

14

strange fashioned mortall weapons: some wearing habergions and helmets, with diuers deuises vpon their crests: others naked and vnarmed, lea|ping and rushing in among the thickest, thereby shewing theyr haughtie, inuincible, and vndaunted courages, resolute for death. Some with fearefull countenances crying out, other shewing ob|stinate and furious visages, although they were assured to dye, strongly abiding the proofe of their paine, and the cutting in sun|der of their fatall thread, others slaine before them, with diuers vneothe and straunge warlike and deadly instruments. Shewing their strong members, their swelling muskels standing out, offe|ring to the sight and eyes of the behoulder, the dutie of theyr bones, and the hollownesse in the places, where theyr strong si|newes be strayned. Their conflict and combate seemed so feare|full, bloudie, deadly, cruell, and horrible: as if Mars himselfe had beene fighting with Porphirion and Alcion, who made a noyse lyke the braying of Asses.

This catagliphic imagerie, did exceed a naturall and common stature and proportion of men, carued in priuie white marble, 10 the ground thereof as black as iet, a perfect foile to beautifie and set foorth with pale Christaline and siluer crolley, of innumera|ble huge bodyes, their last indeuours, their present actions, the fashion of their armor, the diuersitie of their deaths, & vncertaine & doubtful victorie. The discharge of my vndertaken discription whereof, prooueth maymed and lame, by reason that my vnder|standing is wearie, my memorie confused with varietie, and my sight dimmed with continuall gasing, that my senses will not a|ford me rightly, and as their dewe, fitly to manifest part, much lesse to describe at large the whole manner of their curious Ly|thoglyphi.

After this I became to cast with my selfe, what should mooue and cause such a pride & burning desire in any man, to fetch from far, and gather together so mightie stones with so great trauell: With what carriage, who were the conueyers and porters, with what manner of wheeles, and rowling deuises, and vpholding sup|porters, so great large and innumerable a sort of stones should be brought thither, and of what matter theyr cement that ioyned and held them together, was made the heygth of the Obelisk and statelinesse of the Pyramides, exceeding the imagined conceit of Dimocrates proposed to Alexander the great, about a worke to be performed vpon the hill Athos. For the strangenes of the Egipti|an building might giue place to this. The famous laborinth were far inferior, Lemnos is not to be rehearsed, the Theaters of old time were in comparison but warriners lodges, neyther did the famous Nausoley come any thing neere. Which certainly maketh me ab|solutely perswaded, that he which wrote the seauen woonders of the world, neuer hard of this: neyther in any age hath their been seene or imagined the like, no not the sepulcher of Ninus.

Lastly I woondered what foundation and arches were able to vphold so monstrous a weight, whether the pyllars were hexagons or tetragons, and what varietie of columnes, and what number might serue, and after what sorte proportionately disposed and set. For the better vnderstanding and more perfect knowledge wherof, I conueyghed my selfe in at the open & spacious porche and enterance, within the which was an obscure and vast hollow|nes: which porche, together with the proud and stately buylding (things worthy of memorie) shall in some sorte be descrybed as followeth.

15

Poliphil[...]s, after the discription of the huge Pyramides and Obeliske, dis|courseth of

maruelous woorkes in this Chapter, namely of a horsse of Colos. of an O[...]phan[...], but

especially of a most rare and straunge Porche.

RIghtlye and lawfullye may I haue leaue to write, that in the whole world there was neuer such an other, so pompeous, glori|ous, and magnificent a peece of worke, by mans eyes seene or crebiblie reported. The woonderfull excellencie and rare straungenesse whereof, as I beheld what with delight, and what with admiration, my sences were so captiuated and tyed therevnto, that no other solace or pleasure, did eyther occurre or take place in my swift flying thought.

But that when I applyed my sences to consider, and addressed my eyes with diligent obseruation, curiouslie to ouerlooke eue|rie perticular part of this sweete composed obiect, and most rare and goodly imagerie and virgin like bodyes, without cracke or flawe, with a long drawne breath, and somewhat opening my mouth, I fet a deepe sighe. In so much as my amorous and soun|ding breathing, by reason of the thicknesse of the ayre in this so|lytarie and lone place, gaue an eccho, and did put me in minde of my Angelike and extreame desired Polia.

O hi me that so small or anye intermission should cause that hir louely and celestiall Idea and shape was not still imprinted in my minde, and continued a dayly companion, in whose brest my life is resolued to abide, and rest as vnder the protection of a most sure and approoued shield and safe defence.

And by this way I was brought to a place where were diuers and sundrie excellent sorts of auncient deuises and woorkeman|ships: first of all, I beheld a most fayre porche, past all sence to de|scribe (for the incredible curiousnes thereof, as euer was built or deuised) and the rather for that our mother toung and vulgar speeche, may not affoord apt and peculiar words, for such a piece of artificiall worke.

Before this gorgeous and glorious porche, you shall vnderstand 11 that in the open ayre there was a fowre square court of thirtie pa|ces by his Diameter, paued with pure fine marble, poynted foote square, wrought checker wise of diuers fashions, and sundrie best sitting coulours: but in many places, by meanes of the ruine of the auncient walke, and olde pillers, broken in peeces and ouer|growne

And in the vtmost partes of the aforesaide court, [Note:

A columne consisteth of his Capitell that is the head.

Astr[...]galus that is the subiect of the capitell next the columne. Hypotrache|lie the shaft of the co|lumne.

And Hypo|thesis, that is the foote whereon the Columne standeth, ex|ceeding the bignes of the columne.

] to the right hand, and the left, towards the mountaines, there was two straight rowes of pillars, with a space betwixt for the interiect Ar[...]stil[...], as the quantities of both columnes required,

16

the first course or or|der of setting the pyllars, beginning on both sides equall to the Lymbus or extreame part of the fronte of the porche, the space betwixt pyllars and pillars xv. paces. Of which collumnes or great pillars, some and the greatest parte or number were whole. With their capitels or heads, wrought with a waued shell worke, and cyllerie or draperie, their corners bearing out and manulated or turned in like a curled locke of hayre, or the vpper head of a base Viall aboue the pinnes, which straine the stringes of the in|strument to a musicall concord: with their subiect Astragals, wri|thing and hanging heere and there, making the capitall thrise so big as the bottom thereof of the columne, wherevpon was placed the Epistile or streight beame, the greatest part decayed, and ma|ny columnes widowed and depriued of their Capi[...]els, buryed in ruine both Astragals and shafts of the columnes and their ba|ses or feete.

Fast ioyning to which order or set rowes of pillars, there grew ould plaine trees, wylde Oliues, Pine apple, and pricking bram|bles. I coniectured that it was made for to ride horses in, to trot and gallop, the ring, to manage, carreic, and coruet in, or els some open gallerie, couered close ouer head, vnder propt with pillers, and of a large widenesse to walke drie in, and to take a temperate ayre in, not too subtile.

Aboue in this great Court paued as aforesayd, in the passage towardes the Porche, some tenne paces, I behold a prodigious winged vaughting horse, of moulten brasse, of an exceeding big|nesse, his wings fanning out. His hooues standing vpon a smooth plaine base or frame, fiue foote brode, and nine feete in length, in heigth proportionable to the bredth and length: with his head at libertie and vnbrideled: hauing his two small eares, the one standing forward, and the other drawne back, with a long waued maime, falling from his crest on the contrarye side: vpon whose backes diuers young youthes assayed to ride, but not one was a|ble to sit stedfast, by reason of his swiftnesse and high bounding, from whom some were fallen downe, lying wide open to the ayre, some groueling, other falling headlong, betwixt the horsse and the earth, the rest in vaine houlding by the hayre of his maine, some forceing to get vp vpon him, and others indeuoring to recouer themselues from vnder his feete.

[Figure: ]

Vpon the vpper part of the frame and base, there was infixed and fastned with lead, a footing or thick crust, of the same mettall that the horse was, and vpon the which he stoode, and those that were ouerthrowne did lye, somewhat shorter and narrower then the base or subiect frame, the whole masse or composition cast of a peece and of the same mettall, maruelouslie founded. Lastlye 12 you could not perceiue that any were contented with his rowgh|nes, as appeared by their framed countenances, shewing a discon|tent which they could not vtter being sencelesse images, not dif|fering otherwayes thorough the excellent conning of the craf|tisman from liuing creatures, and by his surpassing imitation of nature.

Peryl[...]us there might go put vp his pypes, and blush with his de|uised Bull, and Hiram the Iewe must heere giue place, or what founders els soeuer.

The Paegma base or subiect for this metaline machine to stand vpon, was of one solyde pee[...]e of marble (of fit and conuenient breadth, heighth, and length, for that purpose accordinglye

17

pro|portioned) full of streaming vaines, sondry coulered, and diuers|lye spotted, maruelous pleasant to the eye, in infinite commix|tures, confusedly disposed:

Vpon the brest or formost part, and end of the marble base, that was opposite against the porch, there was a garland of greene marble, like the leaues of bitter Alisander, commixt with dead leaues of May denweede, of a hayrc coulour, within the which there was a smoothe round, pure, white stone, wherein was ingra|uen these capitall Romaine letters.

[Figure: ]

At the hinder end in like sort was a garland of deadly Woolf-woort, with this inscription, Equus

infaelicitatis. And vpon the right side there was ingrauen certaine figures, shapes, and repre|sentments of men and women dauncing together, byformed or faced, the formost smiling, the hynmost weeping: and dauncing in a ring, with theyr armes spred abrode, and hanfasted man, with man and woman with woman. [Note: None liue in in this world in that plea|sure, but they haue a[...]s[...] their sorowes in time. ] One arme of the man vnder that of the woman, and the other aboue, and thus closing together, and houlding by the hands, they floung about one after another, that alwayes still in one place, a smyling countenance incountered a foregoing sad. Their number was seauen and seauen, so perfectly and sweetely counterfeited with liuelie motions, their vestures whisking vp and flying abroad, that the workman could not be ac|cused of any imperfection, but that one had not a liuely voyce to expresse their mirth, and the other brinish teares to manifest their sorrow: the said daunce was in fashion of two Semicircles, with a seperating partition put betwixt.

[Figure: ]

13 Vnder which Hemiall figure, there was inscript this worde TEMPVS. On the contrary side I beheld many of greene a|dolestencie of like proportion to the former, and in such like compasse or space, [Note: Gift vainely bestowed, in time wanton|lie spent, is a great losse, & breedeth re|pentance. ] the grounds of both beautified and set foorth with an exquisite foliature or woorke of leaues and flowers, this companie was plucking and gathering of the flowers of sundrye hearbes, and tender bushing stalkes and braunches: and with them diuers faire Nimphes pleasantly deuising, and sportinglie snatch|ing away their gathered flowers, and in such sort as abouesaid vn|der the figure were ingrauen certaine capitall letters, to shew this one worde AMISSIO, conteyning the ninth part to the Dia|meter of the quadrature.

[Figure: ]

At the first sight hereof I was amased and astonished, but with better regard & great delight curiously reouerlooking the huge founded Machine the shape and forme of a horse made by hu|mane industry and skill most commendable, for that euery mem|ber without defect had his perfect harmonie, and euery limme his desired proportion, I straight called to remembrance the vn|fortunate horse of Scian.

18

And thus helde still to beholde the same artificiall mysterie, an other spectacle and obiect no lesse worthy to be looked vp|on than the former, offered it selfe to my sight, which was a migh|ty Elephant, whereunto with a desirous intent I speedely hyed me to approch and come neere.

In which meane while on an other side I heard a mournefull noise and humane groaning, as proceeding from a sicke body e|uen vnto death: whereat I stoode still at the first, my haires stan|ding right vp, but presently without further stay, I addressed my steppes towards the place from whence I heard this wofull noyse and dolefull lament, forcing my selfe vp vppon a heape of ruina|ted, broken and downe-fallen marbles. Thus willingly going forward, I came to a vast and wonderfull large Colose, the feete thereof bare, and their soles hollowe, and the legges as if their flesh had beene wasted, consumed and fallen away. From thence with horror I came to looke vpon the head, where I did coniec|ture and imagine, that the ayre and winde getting in and com|ming foorth of his wide open mouth, and the hollow pipes of his throat, by a diuine inuention did cause this moderated noise and timed groanes: it lay with the face vpward all of molten mettal, like a man of middle age, and his head lifted vp as with a pillowe, with a resemblance of one that were sicke, breathing out at his mouth, sighes and groanes gaping, his length was three score pa|ces. By the haires of his beard you might mount vp to his breast, and by the rent and torne peeces of the same to his stil lamenting mouth, which groningly remained wide open and empty, by the which, prouoked by the spurre of curious desire, I went downe by diuers degrees into his throat, from thence to his stomacke, and so foorth by secret wayes, and by little and little to all the seuerall partes of his inward bowelles, Oh wonderfull conceit. And euery part of mans body hauing vpon it written his proper appellation in three ideomes Chaldee, Greeke and Latine, that 14 you might know the intrailes, [...]inews, bones, veines, muscles and the inclosed flesh, and what disease is bred there [...] the cause there|of, the cure and remedy, Vnto which inglomerated and wind|ing heape of bowelles, there was a conuenient comming vnto and entrance in: with small loope-holes and wickets in sundry places diuersly disposed, yeelding thorough them a sufficient light to beholde the seuerall partes of the artificiall anothomie, not wanting any member that is found in a naturall body.

When I came to the heart, I did see and reade how Loue at his first entrance begetteth sorow, and in continuaunce sendeth out sighes, and where Loue doth most greeuously offend: where|withall I was mooued to renew my passion, sending out from the botome of my heart deepe fet and groaning sighs inuocating and calling out vpon Polia, in such sort as that the whole Colose and Machine of brasse did resound, striking me into a horrible feare: an exquisite Arte beyond all capacity, for a man to frame his like not being an Anotomy indeede.

Oh the excellency of passed wittes, and perfect golden age, when Vertue did striue with Fortune, leauing onely behind him for an heritage to this our world, blinde, ignorant, and grudging desire of worldly pelfe.

Vpon the other side I perceiued of like bignes to the former Colose, the vpper part of a womans head some deale bare, and the rest buried with the decayed ruines, as I thought, of such like workmanship as the other, and being forbidden by incompolite and disordered heapes of decayed and fallen downe stones, to view the same I returned to another former obiect, which was (and not farre distant from the horse straight forward) a huge Elephant of more blacke stone than the Obsidium, powdered o|uer with small spottes of golde and glimces of siluer, as thicke as dust

19

glistering in the stone. The extreame hardnes whereof the better did shew his cleere shining brightnes, so as euery proper obiect therein did represent it selfe, excepte in that parte where the mettall did beare a contrary colour. Vpon his large backe was set a saddle or furniture of brasse, with two gyrthes going vnder his large belly, betwixt the which two being streight buck|led vp with buckles of the same stone, there was inter-set a qua|drangle correspondent to the breadth of the Obeliske placed vpon the saddle, and so iustly set, as no perpendicular line would fall on either side the diameter. Vpon three parts or sides of the foure square Obelisk, were ingrauen Egiptian caracters. The beast so exactly and cunningly proportioned, as inuention could deuise, and art performe. The aforesaid saddle and furniture set foorth and beautified with studdes hanging iewels, stories, and de|uises, and houlding vp as it were a mightie Obeliske of greene couloured stone of Lacedemonia, vpon the euen square, two pa|ces broad, and seauen in height, to the sharpe pointe thereof, waxing smaller and smaller, vpon which pointe there was fixte a Trigon or rounde Ball o[...] a shinyng and glystering sub|stance.

This huge beast stood streight vpon all foure, of an exquisite woorkmanship vpon the plaine leuell, and vpper part of the base, hewen and cunningly fashioned, beeing of Porphyr stone. With two large and long teeth, of puer white stone, and cleare appact, and fastned. And to the fore gyrth on eyther side was buckled a riche and gorgeous poiterell, beautified with diners ornaments and varietie of Iewels, the subiect whereof was of the same sub|stance of the saddle: vppon the middest whereof was grauen in Latine Cerebrum est in capite. And in like manner brought [...]bout the out sides of his neck to the foretop of his large and big head, it was there fastned together with an artificiall knot: from the which a curious ornament and verie notable, of Gouldsmithes worke, hung downe, ouer spredding his spacious face: the same ornament being twise so long as broade, bordered about, in the table whereof I beheld certaine letters Ionic and Arabi[...], in this sorte.

15 [Figure: ] His deuouring trunke rested not vpon the le|uel of the base, but some deale hanging downe, turned vppe againe to|wardes his face. His rig|ged large ears like a Fox-hounde flappingly pen|dent, whose vast stature was little lesse, then a ve|rye naturall Olyphant. And in the about com|passe, and long sides of the base, were ingrauen certaine Hicrogliphs, or Egiptian caracters. Be|ing decently and order|lye pullished, with a re|quisite rebatement, La|taster gule

thore orbicle, Astragals or Neptrules, with a turned down Syme at the foote of the base, and turned vp aloft with writhin trachils and den|ticles, agreeable and fit to the due proportion of so large a sub|stance, in length 12. paces, in breadth fiue, and in heigth three, the superficiall and outward part, whereof was hewen in forme of a hemicycle.

In the hynder parte of which base and stone, wherevpon this mightie beast did stande, I founde an assending place of seauen steps, to mount vp to the plaine superficies of the base where vp|on the Olyphant did stand. And in the reserued quadrangle per|pendicularly streight vnder the aforesaid brasen saddle, there was cut out and made a little doore and hollowed entrance, a woon|derfull woorke in so hard a substance, with certaine steppes of b[...]asse, in manner of stayr[...], by the which a conuenient going vp into the body of the Olephant was offered me.

[Figure: ]

20

16 At the sight whereof I extreamely desired to see the whole de|uise & so going in, I assended vp to the heigth of the base where|vppon the cauernate, hollow, vast, large and predigious monster did stand, except that same part of the Obelisk, which was con|teyned within the voyde body of the beast, and so passing to the base. Leauing towards both sides of the Olyphant so much space as might serue for any man to passe, eyther towarde the head or hynder haunches.

And within from the bending downe of the chine or backe of the beast, there hunge by chaynes of copper an euerlasting lampe and incalcerate light, thorough the which in this hinder parte I sawe an auncient sepulcher of the same stone, with the perfect shape of a man naked, of all naturall parts. Hauing vpon his head a crowne of black stone as iet: his teeth eyes and nayles siluered and standing vpon a sepulcher couered like an arke, of scale woorke, and other exquisite lyneaments, poynting with a goul|den scepter, and houlding forward his arme to giue direction to the former part.

On his left side he held a shield in fashion like to the keele of a ship, or the bone of a horse head, wherevppon was inscript in He|brew, Attic, and Latine letters, this sentence that is placed on the other side with the figure.

[Figure:

[...]

[...]

NVDVSESSEM, BES|TIA NIME TEXIS|SET, QVAERE, ET INVE NIES. MESI|NITO.

]

At which vncoth and straunge sight I stood not a little amased and somewhat doubtfull what to imagine, turning my eyes to the contrarie part, I sawe in like sorte an other, as before burning light, and passing thorough betwixt the side of the beast, and the therein inclosed part of the Obelisk, I came towards the forepart of the Olyphant, where in like manner I found such an other fa|shioned sepulcher as the former, with a stature or image standing therevpon as the other, sauing that it was a Queene, who lyfting vp hir right arme with hir formost finger, poynted towards that part behinde hir shoulders, and with the other shee helde a little table f[...]st in hir hand, in which was written in three languages this epygram.

17 [Figure:

[...]

21

[...]

QVISQVIS ES, QVANTVNCVN|QVE LIBVERIT HVIVS THESA VRI SVME AD

MONEO. A VFER CAPVT, CORPVS NE TAN|GITO.

]

This noueltie worthie to be manifested, and secret riddle often to be read ouer, was not knowen to me, so as I rested doubtfull what the interpretation of this sophisme should signify, not daring to trie the conclusion. But stricken with feare in this dark vnlight|some place, notwithstanding the dimme burning lampe, I was more desirous to beholde and peruse that triumphant porch and gate as more lawfull to remaine there than other-where. Whereup|on without more adoe, I determined to leaue this place vntill ano|ther time, that I might more quietly at lesure looke vpon the same, and to prepare my selfe to beholde the woonderfull worke of the gate: and thus descending downe I issued foorth of the vnbowel|led monster, an inuention past imagination, and an excessiue labour and bolde attempt to euacuate such a hard substance ouer that o|ther stones be, the workemanship within as curious as that with|out. Lastly, returned cleane downe, I beheld in the Porph[...]e laste along the sides notably insculpt and grauen these hierogliphies.

First, the horned scalpe of an oxe, with two tooles of husbandry fastned to the hornes.

An altar standing vpon goates feete, with a burning fire aloft, on the foreside whereof there was also an eie, and a vulture.

After that a bason and an ewre.

A spindle ful of twind, an old vessel fashioned with the mouth stopped and tied fast.

A sole and an eye in the bale thereof and two branches trauer|sed one of Oliue, an other of Palme tree.

An Anchor and a Goose.

An olde lampe, and a hand holding of it.

An ore of ancient forme with a fruitefull Oliue branch fastned to the handle.

Two grapling yrons or hookes.

A Dolphin and an Arke close shut.

These hierogliphies were passing well cut on this manner.

[Figure: ]

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18 Which ancient maner of writing, as I take it, is thus to be vnder|stoode.

Ex labore De[...] naturae sacrifica liberaliter paulatim reduces animum Deo subiectum. Firmam

custodiam vitae tuae, miseri[...] ordit[...]r guberna[...]|do tenebit, incolumemque seruabit.

Letting passe this most excellent rare, strange, and secret deuise and worke: Let vs returne againe to the prodigious horse, whose head was leane and little, of a small proportion and yet fitting the body, which seemed continually staring, fieerce and impatient, the flesh in his muscles trembling and quaking, in such sort as that hee seemed rather aliue than a fained imitation, with this Greeke worde in his face [...]. There were also other great peeces and frag|ments of diuers and sundry lineaments among the broken and de|cayed ruines, which I looked not on, still running and sliding, time giuing me onely leaue to consider and peruse these foure rare won|ders, the porch or gate, the horse, the Colose, and the Flephant.

Oh reuerend arthists of times past, what despite hath gotten the vpper hand of your cunning that the same is buried with you, and none left for vs to inherite in this age,

At length being come to this ancient porch, a worke woorthie the looking vpon maruellously composed by exquisite rules, and by art notably beautified, with diuers and sundry sorts of cuttings, which did inflame a desire in me to vnderstand and finde out the li|neaments and practise of the architect. I beganne after this maner, making a square from the two collumnes on either side in a perfect sort, in the which I tooke the due proportion of the whole porch.

A tetragon figure A. B. C. D. diuided by three lines straight, and three ouerthwart equally distant one from an other will make sixeteene quadrats, then adde to the figure halfe as much more in like proportion, diuiding the adiunct you shall finde foure and twenty squares. This figure shall serue of credycels to make the inlepturgie and briefe demonstration that followeth,

Draw then in the first fygure A. B. C. D. two diagons, make also in the same two lines, and straight downe, and the other ouer|thwart, which make foure quadrats mutually intersect,

Then in the voide ouer the Isopleures make foure mediane prickes, drawing lines from one to another, and they wil make the Rhombas.

When I had drawne this figure after this manner I straightway mused with my selfe, what reason should mooue many of our woorkemen in these dayes eyther to thinke well of themselues, or take the art of building in hand, not knowing what it is? Mak|ing such grosse faults in churches and great mens houses, defa|ming arte, and so ignorant, that they seeme as though they could not consider what nature hir selfe dooth teach vs in behoulding of hir woorkes.

And what parte soeuer is not agreeable with his principle, is foule and naught. For take away order and rule, and what thing can any man make, eyther beautifull to the eye, or of commenda|ble proportion and durable: then it must needes follow, that the cause of such inconuenient errors doth proceed from ignorance, and hath his beginning from illiterature. And this notwithstan|ding, that although the perfection of this arte dooth not varie, & fall from his rectitude, yet the discreet and cunning architect to grace the obiect, to the behoulders: may

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lawfullye eyther with adiection or deminution, beautifie his worke, keeping whole the sollid part, with his vniuersall composition.

I call that solid which is the bodye of the frame, which is the principall intent, inuention, fore setting downe, and symmetrie, or dew proportion of the building without any additions, right|lye examined, and perfectly composed, which will manifest the skill of the workeman, and the same afterwardes to adorne and beautifie, which adiuncts is an easie matter. Wherein is also to be considered, the dew ordering and placing of euery thing, and not to set a crowne vpon the feete, but vpon the head, and so oualing and denticulating and other cuttings of sundrye sorts in their se|uerall and best fitting places, the chiefe inuention and disposing whereof, resteth in the rare and cunning architect, but the labour and woorking therof to the vulgar and common sort of m[...]nna|lists and seruants to the architect, who if he will do well, he must in no wise be subiect to auarice.

And besides his skil he must be honest, no pratlerfull of words, but courteous, gentle, bening, tractable, patient, mery & pleasant, full of new deuises, a curious searcher into all artes, and well adui|sed in his proceeding, least with rashnes he comit a fault or absur|ditie 19 in his worke, and heereof thus much shall suffice.

After that Poliphylus had at large made a demonstration of the dew proportion of the Gate,

hee proceedeth to describe the ornaments thereof, and their excellencie.

I Hauing beene somewhat prolix and tedi|ous in my former purpose, it may be that it hath bred some offence, to such as dayly indeuour to occupie theyr sences in the pleasaunt discourses of loue. But it wyll also prooue no whit displeasant, if with a lyttle patience, they restraine to glutte themselues with the walowish sweetnes of deceyueable delightes, and trye the taste of a contrarye vyand.

And for as much as the affections of men are naturally variable and different one from an other: vpon this occasion I may bee excused. For although that bread sometime denyed and kept backe from the hungrie body, may cause a hard conceit, yet when it is eftsoones offered vnto him, the mallice is forgotten, and the gift very gratefully receyued.

Nowe hauing in some sorte spoken of the right vse of archi|tecturie, and the direct waye and meanes by order and rule, to finde out, the set downe deuise, and solyde bodye or grounde of the woorke, with facilitie that beeing found out, the architector may vse sundrye deuisions in diuerse perfections, not vnlike vnto a cunning Musition, who hauing deuised his plaine grounde in right measure, with full strokes, afterwarde wyll proportion the same into deuisions, by cromatycall and delyghtfull minims crotchets, and quauers, curiously reporting vpon his plaine song. Euen so after inuention, the principall and speciall rule, for an Architector is a quadrature, the same deuided into smales the harmonie and sweete consent of the building, setteth foorth it selfe, and the conuenient adiunctes, agreeable to theyr prin|cipall.

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In all which this porche was most excellent, both for the rare inuention and woonderfull composition thereof, and the strange additions to beautifie the same, in such sorte so exquysite, so fitly placed, and so curiouslie cut and ingrauen, as the smallest part thereof could not bee accused of anye fault, but the woork|man commended for the perfection of his skill.

First vpon my right hande belowe, I beheld a stilypode or square stone, like an aulter vnder the bases of the columnes, which hauing vpon the vpper parte a conuenient and meet coro|nice, and accordingly imbowed, the bottome and lowest part in like manner was fashioned, so as the quadrate and aforesayd sti|lypode, was no broder then long, but a right quadrangule. Which aulter (as I may tearme it) sidelong about, wrought with leaues, hollowed vnder with a gulaterie, and wrapt ouer with the same foliature and leafe worke, hemming in the smooth face or table of the Stilypode of shining white alliblaster, polished and plaine, the outward part of the quadrangule, equilaterally compassing about the same, wherevpon with a woonderfull curiousnes was ingrauen a man neere his myddle-age, of a churlish and swarffie countenance, with an vnshaply beard, thick, and turning into his chyn, by the towghnesse of the hard skinne, and vneasie growing out of the hayre.

He sat vpon a stone with an aporne of a Goates skinne, the hin|der parts compassing his waste, and tyed behynde with a knotte, and the neck part, with the hayrie side next him, hung downe be|twixt his legges. Before him in the interstice of these grose and tumorus calfes, there was an anuill fastned vpon a knottie peece of a tree, wherevpon he was fashoning of a bryganine or haber|gion of burning mettall, houlding vp his Hammer, and as it were striking vpon his worke.

And there before him was a most noble woman, hauing two fethered wings set vpon hir delicate and tender shoulders, hould|ing hir sonne an infante naked, which sate with his little hyppes vpon the large and goodly proportioned thighes of the faire god|desse his mother, and playing with hir, as she held him vp, and put|ting his feete vpon a stone, as it had beene a little hill, with a for|nace in a hollow hole, wherin was an extreame whote burning fire.

This Ladye had hir fayre tresses curiouslie dressed vpon hyr broad and highe forhead, and in like sorte compassing about with abundance, hir head in so rare and delicate a sort, that I maruey|led why the Black smithes that were there busie at theyr worke, left not all to looke still vpon so beautifull an obiect.

20 There was also fast by, of like excellent woorkemanship, [Note: Mars. ] a knight of fierce countenance, hauing vpon hym an armour of brasse, with the head of Medusa vpon the curate or brest plate, and all the rest exquisitely wrought and beautified, with a ban|dilier ouerthwart his broad and strong brest, houlding with hys brawny arme a halfe Pike, and raysing vp the poynte thereof, and bearing vpon his head a high crested helmet, the other arme sha|dowed and not seene by reason of the former figure: There was also a young man in silke clothing, behynde the Smith, whome I could not perceiue but from the brest vpwarde, ouer the decly|ning head of the forenamed Smith. Thys rehearsed hystorie, for the better and sweeter pleasing to the eye, the workeman had graced in this sort. The playne grounde that was hollowe and smoothe in euery cutting out of a limme or body, vpon the table of the stylipode, was like vnto red coroll and shyning, which made such a reflection vpon the naked bodyes, and theyr mem|bers betwixt them, and compassing them about, that they see|med lyke a Carnation Rose couler.

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Vpon the left side of the doore in the like aulter or stylipode vpon the table thereof, [Note: Mercurie. ] there was ingrauen a yoong man of seem|ly countenance, wherein appeared great celerity: he sate vpon a square seate adorned with an ancient manner of caruing, hauing vpon his legge a paire of half buskens, open from the calfe of the legge to the ancle, from whence grew out on either ancle a wing· and to whome the aforesaide goddes with a heauenlye shape her brests touching together and growne out round and firme with|out shaking, with her large flankes conformable to the rest of hir proportion before mentioned with a sweet countenance offered yoong and tender sonne ready to be taught: the yong man bow|ing himselfe curteously downe to the childe, who stoode before him vppon his pretty little feete, receiuing from his tutor three arrowes, which in such sort were deliuered as one might easelye coniecture and gather after what manner they were to be vsed: the goddesse his mother holding the empty quiuer and bowe vn|bent, and at the feete of this instructor lay his vypered caduce.

There also I saw a squier or armour-bearer and a woman with a helmet vpon her head carying a trophae or signe of victorie vp|on a speare after this manner. An ancient coate-armor hung vp, [Note: Amor mi tro|ua di tutt[...] disa[...]mato. ] and vpon the top thereof or creast, a spheare vpon two wings, and betwixt both wings this note or saying, Nihil firmum, Nothing permanent: she was apparelled in a thin garment carried abroad with the wind, and her breasts bare.

The two straight pillars of Porphyre of seuen diameters vpon either of the aforenamed stilipodes and square aultars did stretch vpward of a purnish or tawnie colour, the out sides shining cleere and smoothly pollished, chamfered, and chanelled with foure and twenty rebatements or channels in euery collumne betwixt the nextruls or cordels.

Of these the third part was round, and the reason of their cut|ting in such sort (that is two parts chamfered, & the third round) as I thought was this: the frame or temple was dedicated to both sexes, that is, to a god and a goddesse, or to the mother and the son, or to the husband and the wife, or the father and the daugh|ter, and such like. And therefore the expert and cunning worke|men in elder time for the feminine sex, did vse more chamfering and channelling and double varietie then for the masculine, be|cause of their slippery and vnconstant nature.

The cause of so much rebating was to shew that this was the temple of a goddesse, for chamfering dooth set foorth the plytes of feminine apparell, vpon the which they placed a chapter with prependent folding, like vnto plyted and curled haire, and femi|nine dressing, and sometimes in stead of a chapter a womans head with crisped haire.

[Note: Thores and Cymbies be the outward parts of a chapter or head of a pil|lar sticking out further than the pil|lar wrything and turning in, wrought with leaues, the worke is called of car|uers & pain|ters draperie and celerie. ] These notable and faire collumnes aforesaide did rise vp in length vpon their vnderset bases of brasse with their Thores and Cymbies wrought with a foliature of oke leaues and acornes win|ding about their chapters standing vpon their subiect Plynths.

The Chapters of the same substance of their bases, with requi|site meete and conuenient proportion aunswerable to the har|monie of the whole worke Such as Callimachus the chiefe

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caruer to Calathus the sonne of Iupiter did neuer performe or come neere in the erected sepulcher of the Corinthian Virgin, beautifi|ed with draperie of double Achau[...]his.

The Plynthes whereon the chapters did stand wrought with winding and turning workes, and in the middest, decoraled with a L[...]llie, the bowle garnished with two rowes of viii. leaues of A|chanthus, after the Romaine and Corinthian maner, out of which leaues came little small stalkes, closing together in the middest 21 of the boule, shewing foorth a fayre and sweet composed Lyllie in the hollowing of the Abac or Plynth, from the which the ten|der stalkes did turne round together, vnder the compasse of the square Abac, much after the woorke that Agrippa caused to bee made, in the porche of his woonderfull Pantheon.

Let vs come now to the lymet and lowest parte of the doore, for entrance, which was of a great large and harde stone, powde|red with sundry sorted spottes, white, black, and of a clay couler· and diuers other mixtures: vppon this stood the streight cheekes and sides of the doore, with an interstitious aspect, inwardly car|ued with as great cunning as the rest. Without any signe of eyther hookes or hinges, below or aboue.

The arche of which doore compassing like a halfe cyrcle, was wrought curiouslye and imbowed, and as it were bounde about with laces like beads of brasse, some round, and some like Eglan|tine berries of a reddish couler, hanging downe after an auncient manner, and foulded and turned in among the tender stalkes.

The closing together and bracing of which hemicycle or arch, worthie of admiration, of a rare and subtile deuise, and exquisite polyture, did thus obiect and present it selfe to my sight.

There I beheld in a hard and most black stone, an eagle display|ed, and bearing out of the bignesse of a naturall eagle, which had louingly seazed and taken in hir foote a sweete babe in the swad|ling cloutes, nicely, carefully, and gently houlding the same, [Note: The Eagle of Iupiter that carryed Ga|nimed. ] least that hir strong, sharpe, and hooking pounces, should by anye meanes pierce thorough the tender skynne of the young infant.

Hir feete were fixed about the rising vp chist of the childe, whome she had made bare from the nauell vpwarde and downe|ward· so as the naked hippes might be seene betwixt the fethered thighes of the Eagle. This little infant and most beautifull babe (worthie and meete for him that he was seazed for) by his coun|tenance shewed as if he had beene afraide of his fortune.

And thus lying in the foote of the Eagle, [Note: The bones next the qack in the wing, whiche in a hawke excel|leth all pro|portions of o|ther birdes. ] he stretched both his armes abroade, and with his little fat hands tooke f[...]st hould vpon the remigiall bones of the Eagles pinions displayed, as aforesaid. And clasping his swelling prittie legges and feete, about hir sub|vaging spreding traine, which laye behinde the rising vppe of the arche.

This little childe was cut of the white vayne of Achates or Onix, and the Eagle of the other vaine of the same stone called Sardins which is of black couler of some called Cordeoll, ioyning both in one selfe same stone. [Note: Achates is a pretious stone wherein a[...]e represented the figures of the nine Muses, of Ve|nus and such like beautiful personages. ] Whereat I stood musing and

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com|mending to my selfe the ingenious and apt inuention of the Ar|thist, in the vse of such a stone, which of his owne nature to con|trarie proportions affoorded contrarie coulers, and in such sort as by the raysing vp of hir small plummage aboue hir feare, hir beack halfe open, and hir toung appearing in the middest thereof, as if she had beene resolutely intended, and eagerly bent to haue gor|ged hir selfe vpon it.

The hemicicle or arche rising rownd from the vpper part of the streight cheeke of the entrance, according to the thicknes there|of was disposed into losenges or squares, wherein were carued Roses, theyr leaues and branches hanging in a curious and de|lightfull order to behoulde, ouer the entry of the Gate.

In the two Triangles occasioned by the bow of the arche there were two fayre Nymphes of excellent proportions and shapes, theyr clothes which couered theyr Virgins bodyes, giuing place for theyr legges, brests· and armes to be bare, theyr hayre loose and flying abroad, and towardes the brace, and knitting together of the arche aboue, they held a victorious trophae.

The ground of which tryangle was of black stone, the better to shew the perfection and truthe of the mettals in the trophaes, and the be[...]utifull bodyes of the delycate virgins.

Aboue these mentioned partes, was the Zophor, in the myd|dest whereof, [Note: Zophor is a border wher|in diuers things are grauen. ] I beheld a table of goulde, wherein was this Epi|gram in Cappitall Creeke Letters of Syluer. In thys sorte re|porting.

[...] Diis vene risilio amori, Ba[...]chus, & Ceres de propriis, S. sub|stantiis matri pi[...]ntissimae.

22 Eyther sides of which table was reteind and held vp with two babes or wynged spyrits of perfect and liuelye shapes, as if they had beene celestiall bodyes, vppon a ground of Iasul or blew Sa|phyrs to grace the mettals and imagerie.

Vpon the face of the Zophor extending and stretching along ouer the columnes of porphir stone were ingrauen certain spoiles or curates, gorgets of mayle, Vanubraces, gauntlets, shields, Tar|gets, head-peeces, maces, battell Axes, spurres, quiuers, arrowes, dartes, broken launces, curtilaxes, and other auncient instruments of warre. As well ayerie and marine, as for the field singularly well cut, and manifesting to the behoulder both victories, force, and triumphes, after a mortall effusion of bloud.

Vpon this in order stood the Coromie, wrought with such ly|neaments as decently concurred, and were aunswerable to the ex|cellencie of the rest of the worke: for otherwise, as in a mans body one qualitie being contrarie to another, sicknesse dooth follow, the humors oppressing one an other in abundance: so in building if the adiuncts be vnaptly disposed, and vndecently distributed there will fall out a fowle deformitie.

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For a frame and building growes weake and vnseemely wherin cannot be found a sweete harmonie and commodulate order and concent.

Which thing many moderne ideots doe confound, being igno|rant in Locall distribution. For a cunning crafts master will in his worke shewe an allusion or resemblance to a humaine shape and proportion beautifully adorned in apparrell.

Aboue ouer the coronice, by an inuers gradation there were fowre Quadratures or square Tables, two right ouer the chani|fered columnes, and channelled pyllars, and two within them. [Note: Anagliph is smothly cha|sed out with the hammer and not car|ued. ] In an other deuision, betwixt the said two contract and inwarde ta|bles, there stood a Nimph in hir Anagliph most rare and excellent of Orichalke or yealow Latin, houlding in eyther hand a Torche, one of them reuersed and turned downeward, beieng extinct and put out, and the other burning towardes the Sunne. The burning Torche in hyr righte hande, and the extincte in hyr left.

In the quadriture vppon the right side, I behelde the iealous Climene, with her heare trans-formed into an hearbe called Venus maid, [Note: Clymene the mother of Phaeton. ] or Lady hearbe, & Phoebus in a cruell indignation & wrath|full displeasure, she following of him weeping, from whom he fled hastening on forward hys swift horses, as one that flyeth from hys mortall and deadly enemie.

Vppon the Table ouer the Columnes on the left side in a curi|ous and rare vnusuall caruing, there was the resemblance history|ed of the vncomfortable and still mourning Cyparissus, holding vp hys handes and armes toward the Sunne, and making his mone to Apollo for the wounded C[...]rua.

In the third Table nexte the last mencioned, in a worke an|swerable to the presedent and former, I behelde Lenco[...]hoe, wic|kedly slayne of hyr own Father, chaunging and transforming her fayre yong and tender flesh into smooth barke, shaking leaues and bending wandes.

In the fourth Table, was represented the discontented & dis|pleasant Daphus, at the burning desires of the curled headed Deli|us, rendring vp by little and little her virgins body vndefiled, to|wards the hote heauens, beeing metamorphised most pyttifully into a greene Laurell.

Nowe successiuely in order ouer the afore-mencioned Tables and quadratures in the Zophor, wherein these Histories were re|presented in shapes, there was extended and laide ouer a Coro|nice denticuled & oualld with interset stralets, betwixt the iates of the Oualls, and leafe worke and the Imbrices with the rest that appertayneth to the setting forth of the same (past my skill to re|port) without any fault or defect: and lastly, the syme was ador|ned heere and there with the leaues of Aehanthus.

And to return to the view of the whole frame, in the disposing thereof as afores[...]del, [Note: A periment in corrupt L[...]glu[...]. ] the Coronices by a perpendycular lyne were corrospondent and agreeing with the faling out of the whol worke, the Stilliced or Perimeter, or vtter part of the vppermost Coronice onely except.

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It followeth to shew and speake of the Table or inward part of the Trigonall: within the which, according as the extreames of the same triangle would permit, there was presented to my view, a Crowne or Garland of diuers leaues, fruites, and stalkes, foul|ded 23 vppe and wrapte together of a greene stone knitte in foure partes, the byndings of the selfe same stalkes, holden by two Mermaydes, the vpper partes of them of a humayne shape, and that vnder the nauell like a Fyshe, their one hande vp, and the other belowe on the Garlande, their scalye tayles exten|ding to the nethermost corners of the Triangle, vppon the top of the Coronice hauing at theyr extreeme partes theyr fishy winges or finnes. Theyr faces like vyrgines, theyr tresses of haire, partly curling vppe vppon their forheades, some turned about their heads and rowled vp, some depending downe vppon theyr temples, and crisping and inanulating by their eares. From be|twixt their shoulders grewe their winges like Hapies, stretching downe and extending to the foulding and turnings of theyr tayles, vpon their monstrous flankes grew out their fynnes to swimme withall, their beginning, their fishen and scalye sub|stance, and from thence so continuing theyr nether parts downe|warde.

Within the saide Garland I beheld a rough Milche Gote, [Note: Iupiter. ] which a little child did suck, sitting vnder hir side vpon his fleshie young legges one streight foorth, and the other retract and bow|ed vnder him. VVith his little armes houlding himselfe by the hearie and rough locks, his countenance and eyes vpon the byg and full vdder thus sucking. And a certaine Nimphe, as it were speaking woords, and giuing voyces of contentment, to the Goat and bowing downe hir selfe with the left hand, held vp one of the feete, and with the right hand putting the pappe to the smacking kissings of the sucking infant, [Note: Iupiters nu[...]sse. ] and vnder hir were these letters Amalthea.

An other Nimphe stood against the head of the Goate, with one arme carefully compassing the neck, and with the other shee held hir by the horne.

In the middest stood the third Nimphe with greene bowgh leaues in one hand, [Note: The daugh|ter of Melis|sus and Iupi|ters nu[...]sse. ] and in the other an oulde fashioned drinking bowle, more long then broad, like a boate by a little handle. Vn|der hir feete was written, Melissa.

Betwixt one and other of the three fore specified Nymphes, there were two other hauing Cymbals in theyr handes, as it were playing and dauncing, euery one apparrelled according to the perfection of theyr beauties, with an artificiall performance of workmanship in the vndertaken proportions, that they rather see|med the substances themselues then a Lythoglyph an Imagerie, ei|ther by Policletus, [Note: Anaglipts be cunning carues and Grauers. ] Phidias or Lysippus, neyther did Anaglipts to Ar|temisia the Queene of Caria, Scaphes, Briapis, Timotheus, Leocaris and Theon, come any thing neare for the workemanship heereof seemed to excell the cunning of any humaine Lapicid[...]rie, caruer, grauer, or cutter whatsoeuer.

Aboue this foresayde Triangle, and vnder the vpper coronice in a smooth plaine were these two Attic wordes in capitall Let|ters, [...].

This conspitious porche and gate, most woorthye to be be|helde, thus stoode of a maruelous composition, excellently dis|posed. If I had not explaned the commodulation and harmonie

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heereof particularly, I might haue beene blamed for my prolixi|tie and tediousnesse, and for wanting of fit words in the discripti|on. And thus for this time heereof so much.

24 [Figure: ]

It must needes follow, that all the rest of the aforesaide court on euery side was beautifull to behold, and of stately workeman|ship by that which still remained standing: as in the inward parte the naues and columnes carrieng and bearing vp an immesurable and monstrous weight, and Corinthies of a lesser sort, a diuine and vnknowen work abounding in variety of perfections as pro|portion required and needfullnes did desire to beare vp the bur|then that was laide vppon them. Their ornature and decking with woorkes, and deuises imitating the apparreling of princely bodies indewed as it were with an artificiall reason. For as to a large big and corpulent body strong legges, and broad feete, are necessarie to beare and carry the same: so in a modulate and well composed buil|ding, to sustaine great weights, Naues are appointed, and for beau|tie, columnes, Corinthies, and slender Ionices, are set vpon them. And this whole woorke euen after such sorte as was requisite for the harmonie thereof, euen so it stood in an approoued excel|lencie.

With diuersitie of coulers, sweetlye set, and aptlye disposed, the reflexion of one beautifing an other, and all together making a gratious obiect. Of Porphyrit, Ophit, Numidian, Alabastrit,

Pyrope|cil, Lacedemonian greene, and white marble, diuerslie watered, and of Andraeme with white spottes, and many others of strange sorts and diuers commixtures.

I found one rare forme of a base, in fashion like a cushion vpon the plynthe whereof stood two trochils or torrules, with an inter|position of Hypotracles or shaftes, and Astragals, with a supreame Thore.

Diuers places were hidden and couered ouer with winding, felted and spreding Iuie, full of black berries, and greene soft leaues heare and there growing vp, and hindering the inwarde obiect of the auncient worke, with other Murall and wall weeds comming out of the chinkes and clifts, as the bell flowered Foxgloue. Venus Nauill, & Erogennet, of some called Loue, to whome he is grate|full, bushing downe againe toward the ground, in other ryft[...] grew Mowse-eare, Polypodie, Adientus or Lady hayre, the iagged and curled Cithracus the knotted Lunarie minor, Prickmaddam, Po|lytricon, or goulden lockes and such like, which vse to grow in de|cayed buildings, and ould stone wales, so that many woorthie pee|ces 25 were inuested and hydden from me, with such like weedes and greene Olyues the garnishers of ruines.

There was in diuers places inestimable huge downe falles of many columnes or rather confused piles of broken stones, and vn|shapely Culpins mounting vp from the earth.

Among which downe fallen peeces I might see the remayn|ders of diuers shapes of men of sundrie sortes, many naked, o|ther some hauing their members couered with folded and plited induments, fast sticking to their naked proportions. Some stan|ding vpon the left foote, others vpon the right in a streight sort, with their heads perpendicularly, euer the center betwixt their heeles, and some looking sidewaies in height, foure Cubites of sixe foote.

31

Others standing vppon both feete, some deale distant one from an other, and each one in a maiestie sitting in their thrones, and the rest with a rare and modest grace in their best pleasing and appointed seates.

There also I beheld innumerable trophaes, spoyles of armor, and infinite ornaments, with the heades of Oxen and Horses of conuenient bignes, and about their hornes part of their garlands of leaues, fruites, twigges, braunches and floures, and some about part of their bodies, with little children riding vpon them and playing, in so perfect a sort and wished order, as the most skil|full workemaister full of varietie, labour, studie, and industrie, could deuise and performe. With what care and paine his aboun|ding skill did plainly manifest, and with what pleasure the effect of his purpose did no whit obscure.

And with such an Eurithmie or apt proportioning of mem|bers, hee did shewe the subtiltie of the art of Lapicid[...]rie, as if the substances had not beene of the hardest marble howsoeuer, but of soft chaulke or Potters claie, and with what conclansture the stones were couched, and by what Artillerie, rule and mea|sure t[...]ey were composed and set, it was woonderfull to ima|gine.

This was the true Art enucleating and discouering the igno|rance that wee worke in, our detestable presumption, and pub|like condemned errors.

This is that cleare and perfect light, which sweetly and with [...] 25 [...] our vnconstrained willes draweth our dimme sighted eies to con|template and behold the same. For none (vnles it be he which of set purpose refuseth to behold it) but his eyes would dasell with continuall desire to see it.

This is that which accuseth horrible couetousnes, the deuou|rer and consumer of all vertue, a stil byting and euerlasting gree|die worme in his heart that is captiuated and subiect to the same, the accursed let and hinderance to well disposed wittes, the mor|tal enemy to good Architecturie, and the execrable Idol of this present world, so vnworthily worshipped, and damnably adored. Thou deadly poison to him that is infected with thee, what sump|tuous workes are ouerthrowne, and by thee interdicted.

Herewithall I beeing rauished and taken vp with vnspeake|able delight and pleasure in the regarding of this rare and aunci|ent vener[...]ble monument of such a grace and admiration, that I knew not to which part to turne me first, here and there willingly looking about, and thereat amazed, considerately perusing ouer what the ingrauen histories presented vnto me, as I remoued my selfe from place to place, with an vnknowne delight, and vnrepor|table pleasure to beholde the same, gaping at them with open mouth, forgetting my selfe like a young childe, neuer satisfying my greedie eyes and vnsaciable desire to looke and ouerlooke the exquisite perfection of the auncient worke, I was spoiled and rob|bed of all thoughts whatsoeuer, the remembrance of my desired Polia, often accurring, onely excepted. But with an extreeme and deepe set sigh, let vs leaue her a litle, and returne again to our con|tinued purpose.

26

32

Poliphilus entring a little waye in at the described porch, with great de|light he there also

beheld how it was garnished and adorned, and after as he was comming out he met with a

monstruous dragon whereat he was extreemlie afraide, and compelled to runne backe into

the building, and at last getting foorth with much adoe hee came into a fertile place.

A Great and commendable thing with out dout it shold be, trulie to discribe, & from point to point, to set down the incredible work, and vnimagined com|position, of so vast a frame, and [...]ge bignes, of so great a buildinge with the excellencie of the entrance, in a conspi|cuous and sightly place, conueniently situated, where of my delight to behold them, did exced the greatnes of my ad|miration breeding in me such a conceit so as I perswaded my self that Iupiter durst not vndertake the like to the rest of the gods, & certainly beleeuing that no workman, or human witt could com|pase so huge a frame, expresse so notable conceits, or imagine and inuent so rare deuises and so gorgiouslie to garnishe them, in so singuler an order and simmetry, to dispose them, and without sup|plement or correction perfictlye to finishe them. A rare and in|solent pride in a building. Vppon which occasion I was in some doubt and that not a little that if the naturall historiographer had seene or heard of this, hee woulde haue scorned that of Egipt, and the cunning and industrie of the woorking thereof, for that heerein the sundrie and diuers woorkes effected by ma|ny seuerall wookmen seemed in the perfections, of their dewe proportions as if they had been performed by one himselfe.

He would also as lightlie haue regarded the skillfull cunning of Sat[...]rus the architect and other of fame, especiallye Simandrus, for the woorke of Memnon, who cut the three statures of Iupi|ter in one stone, the feet being aboue seauen cubits long.

To this the representation of the magnanimous Semiramis carued out of the mountaine Bagistanus must geue place.

And letting passe to speake of the insolent greatnes of the Pi|ramides of Meniphis, those writers a[...] large would haue bente them selues to this description. And leauing vnreported, the fa|mous Theaters, Amphitheaters, Bathes, and building sacred and prophane, carriages, of waters, and colosses, and that of Ap|polline translated by Lioculus. Or the temple dedicated to Iupi|ter by Claudius Caser. Or that of Lisippus at Tarentum, or the won|der of Carelindius at the Rhodes, and of Xenodorus in France, and in Roome. And the colosse of Serapus nine cubits longe of Smarage or Emerauldes, or the famous Labyrinth of Egypt. Or the repre|sentacion of Hercules at Tyre.

They woulde haue accommodated their sweete styles, to the commendation heard of as aboue all other most excellent, al|though the Obelist of Iupiter, compact of fower [...]rustes, fortie Cubits high, fower Cubits broade, and two Cubits thick, in his deluber within the temple dooth manifest it selfe to be a wonder|full miracle.

Vnsaciable thus casting mine eyes, and turning vp my counte|nance now this way & now that way, towards this huge & mighty frame, I thus thought with my selfe. If the fragments and remayn|der of so sacred an antiquitie, and if the greet and dust of such a decayed monument, can breed a stupifaction in the admiration thereof, and cause so great delyght to behould the same, what would it haue done in chiefest pride.

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After this my discourseing, reason perswaded mee to suppose, that with in might bee the Aultar of Venus for hir misticall Sacrifi|ces and sacred flames, or the representation of hir Godhead, or the Aphrodise of hir selfe and hir little Archer, and therefore with a deuoute reuerence, my right foote beeing set vppon the halowed lymit of the doore, [Note: A [...] of slow flight & long [...]uing· in old monuments by Angu[...]s dedicated to [...]turne. ] there came towards me flying a white Horix.

But I sodainlye with out any further regard or curious forcaste which my searching eies went in as the spatious and lightsome en|trie g[...]ue me leaue, representing vnto me such sights as merit; and are Condigne of euerlastinge remembraunce, in ether sydes stil|led with smoth poollishede Marble, in the middle parte where of there was impacte a rounde table, inclanstrede and compassede about with a greene Stonne verye pretious and accordinglie aso|scociated 27 with curious workemanship. And the opposite of ve|rie blacke stone, scorning and contemning the hardnes of iron, and cleare and shining as a mirror. By meanes whereof as I passed by (vnawares) I grew afrayd at my owne shadow, neuertheles I was by an by comforted with vnexspected delight, for the place that occasioned my disquiet nowe offered vnto me the grounde of all sciences, historied in a visible manifest and experte pain|ting.

And on either sides vnder the same beautifull and most no|ble tables, there were placed all a long seates of stone. The paue|ment neat and cleane from dust, being made of Ostracus.

And so in like manner the coloure[...] [...] seeling was pure and voyd of Spiders and Cobwebs, [Note: Ostracus be pounded shels mixed with lime, whereof a plaister is made to floor withall. ] [...] on of the continuall fresh ayre both entring in and going [...]

The seeling of the walles as aforesayde· mounted vp to the bendyng of the Arche from the Chapters which stood vp|on their strict and vpright Antes euen to the vttermost ende of the entrie, which was by my perspectiue iudgement twelue paces.

From which perpolyte ligature and fastned ioyntes, the roofe of the entrie all the length thereof, did march with a hemi|circubate flexure, answerable to the Antes and streight sides of the afore described porche full of varieties and exquisite repre|sentments, rarely ingrauen and of little water monsters, as in the water it selfe in their right and well disposed plemmy rules, halfe men and women, with their fishie tailes: some imbracing one an other with a mutuall consent, some playing vppon Flutes, and others vpon other fantasticall instruments.

Some sitting in straunge fashioned Charriots, and drawne in them by swift Dolphines, crowned and adorned with water Lil|lies sutable to the furniture of the garnished seates: some with diuers dishes and vessels replenished with many sortes of fruites. Others with plentiful copies, some coupled togither with bands, and others wrastling as they did, riding vppon Hipposatamies, and other sundrie and vn[...]oth beastes, with a Ch[...]oneall de|fence.

Some wantonly disposed, others to varietie of sportes and feastes, with liuely indeuours and quicke motions, most singu|larlye well set foorth, and filling all ouer the aforesayde arched suffite.

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Along vnder the bending ryse of the entrie, I beheld a singu|lar woorkemanship of sundrie representments and counterfeits, in an excellent Thessellature, bright shining lyke goulde, and of diuers other coulers, with a border two foote broade, compassing about the turning couer of the roofe, both vnder and aboue, and deuiding them from the woorke, vpon the plaine sides, of so per|fect and [...] coulers, as if they had beene [...]ew set, with a naturall leafe woorke of an emera[...]ld greene· vppon a punice or tawnie grounde, with Flowers of C[...]ane[...] and Phaenicees adulterated with curious knotte[...] [...] windings, and in the conteyned space of the aforesayde [...] sawe this auncient Hystorye payn|ted.

Europa a young Ladye, swimming into Creete vppon a pre|stigious Bull. And the edict of King Ag[...]nor to his Sonnes Cad|us, [...], and [...] to [...] defloured [...], which thing they could not do, but after that they had valiauntly kylled the skalie fierce Dragon that kepte the fayre Fountayne· and consulted with Appollo, they determined with theyr followers, and agreed to builde a Cittie, where the be[...]lowing Heyffer should appoynte, wherevppon that countrey, euen to this daye carryed the name of the bellowing of a Cowe Eu[...]rope. Cad|mus builte Athens. The other brother [...]micia. The third Cili|cia.

Thys woorke and m[...]saicall painting, was rightlye placed in order, as the beginning and end of the historie required with ficti|ons in theyr naturall coulers, theyr actions and degrees rightlye expressed

On the contrarie side, I beheld in the same manner the wan|ton and lasciuious Pasiphae burning in infamous lust, lying in a Ma|chine or frame of wood, and the Bull leaping vpon that hee knew not.

28 After that the monstrous mynotaure with hys vglye shape shut and inclosed in the intricate Labyrinth. And after that the imprysoned Dedalus, artificially making of winges for hymselfe, and his young sonne Icarus, who vnhappylye not obseruing hys Fathers rule fell downe headlong into the deepe see, leauing vn|to the same se[...]s his name, after his drowning. And his discreete father, being safe according to his vowe, hanging vp his wings in the temple of Appollo.

Vppon the which I stoode with open mouth attentiuely ga|zing with my eyes, and rauished in minde with the beautie of the hystorie, so well disposed, so perfectly ordered· so artificiallye paynted and curiouslie expressed, whole and sounde, without any signe of decaye, the strength of the glutinous substance, which ioyned and held the Thessalature or [...]neckers, together was such and so perfect. For therein the workeman had taken great paine and shewed a rare cunning.

And thus foote by foote I went forward bowldly, examining and behoulding what direction and arte of painting hee had ob|serued with a pensiled distribution to make whole proportions in a smoothe and flat playne. Some lynes drawing neere to my ob|iect, and some seeming as they had beene a farre of hardely to bee de[...]erned, and yet both of a like neerenesse. And the same againe which was hardlie to bee seene, to offer it selfe more and more, to the iudgement of the eye, with exquisite parergie and sha|dowing.

Waters, Fountaines, Mou[...]ines, Hilles, woodes, and beasts, in theyr naturall coulours, and distante one from an other, with opposite light. And in apparrell the ply[...]hts and fouldes so

35

cun|ninglye perfected and shaddowed that as well in that as in all the rest, the arte did seeme to enuye nature it selfe, and that not a little whereat I greatly woondered.

After this manner I came to the further ende, where the beautifull hystories finished, and beyond the same more inward the darknes was such as I durst not enter, & comming back againe I heard among the ruines a continuing noise like the cracking of bones or their ratling together, whereat I stood still forgetting my fore conceiued delight being interrupted therewith from the sweetnes of the obiects. At length I might heare a rustling as if a dead Oxe had been dragged vpon the ground, the noyse still ap|proaching and comming neerer and neerer the poarch that I was to passe out at, where I heard a great hissing of a huge Serpent: the sodaine feare I was in, made mee past crying out for helpe, neither did I see how to escape, but by running into the darke and obscure vastues whiche before I was afraide to enter in|to.

Oh vnhappie wretch oppressed with aduers and sad fortune, I saw in the entrie of the doore comming towardes mee, no hurt|full Lyon crowching to Androdus, but a fearefull and horrible Dragon shaking her trisulked and three parted tongue against mee, [Note: The Dragon is that A[...]ad|d[...]and Apo|lion, the ene|my to man|kinde. ] grating her teeth, and making a skritching or critching noyse, her squamy and scaly hide trailing vpon the flowerd paue|ment, clapping her winges vpon her wrimpled backe, with a long taile folding and crinckling like and Eele and neuer resting. O hi me, the sight was sufficient to haue affrighted Mars himselfe in the assurednes of warlike Armour, or to haue made tremble the strong and mightie Hercules, for all his molorchied and clubbed b[...]t. And to call Theseus backe from his begunne imprese and bold attempt, and to terrifie the Gyant Typhon, and to make the proudest and stoutest heart whatsoeuer to quaile and stoope. I wished my selfe the swiftnes of Atalanta, beeing but young and vnarmed, no way able to encounter with such a poisonable force, and perceiuing his blacke infectious breath smoaking out at his mouth. Beeing past all hope to slip by him, I deuoutly cried for diuine helpe. And sodeinly turning my backe, as fast as I could runne, I conueighed my fearefull bodie by the helpe of my swift pacing feete, into the inward part of the darke places, penetra|ting through diuers crooked torments; ambagious passages and vnknowne waies.

So that I thought to bee in the inextricable frame of the prudent Dedalus, [Note: The darke places is ig|noran[...]e, and the w[...]se [...] o[...] this word which is no|thing el[...] [...]. ] or of Pors[...]a, so full of wayes and winding tur|nings, one entring into another, to deceiue the intent of the go|er out, or in the romthie denne of the horrible Cyclops, or the hollow Caue of the theeuish Carus. In such sort, that although my eyes were somewhat wel acquainted with the darkenes, yet I 29 could see iust nothing. But was glad to stretche out my armes forme before my face, groping about mee (lyke one that played blynde Sym) least I should runne my face against some pyllers, and feeling with my feete softlye before I did rest vpon them for feare I should tumble downe into some vaulte vnder thys mighty Pyramides.

And looking backe, whether this fearefull Dragon did still followe mee or no, the light was cleane gone. And I remayning in a darke place, full of sundrie turnings and crossing passages, in a greater terror and more deadly heauinesse of minde then Mer|curie. Making himselfe Ibis and Apollo, Threicia, Diana, into the lyttle byrd Cholomene. And Pan into two shapes. I and more a|fraide then euer was Oedipus, Cyrus, Craesus, and Perseus. And more trembling then the theefe Thracilius in his beares skinne. [Note: Cosby for killing the L. Browgh. ] In sor|rowe

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more abounding then poore Pscyphes. And in more labour|some daungers then Lucius Apuleus, when hee heard the theeues consulting to knocke him on the head and kyll him.

Oppressed and laden with all these aforenamed frightes and terrors. I began to imagine that the Dragon was flying about my head, and with the noyse of hir scritching teeth and tearing clawes to take hould vpon me with hir deuouring iawes: my heart giuing mee to vnderstand, that the carniuorus Woolfe which I drempt of, was a presage of this my last doubted end. And thus running vppe and downe like a little poore Pismeere or Aunte, when the Partrich is scratching vpon their hillocks and picking of them vp. With my watchfull and attentiue eares, listning if the horrible monster with hir slimie and filthie poyson and stinking sauour were drawing towards mee. And fearing whatsoeuer came first into my thought.

Finding my selfe vnarmed, voyde of all helpe, in this mortall daunger, and miserable perplexitie, although that death is natu|rally bytter and hated, yet notwithstanding at that time, I did gratiouslie esteeme of it, which mee thought I could suffer wil|linglye, but that will was insufficient: hope still looking, and perswading mee of an vncertaine, fearefull, and vnquyet lyfe.

Alas howe my soule and bodye were lothe to leaue one an another, the sorrowe whereof made me vnwilling to intertaine so cruel an enemy as death: whereupon I plucking vp a good heart, thought thus.

Shall the greatnes of my loue so sweetly set on fire, now de|caie, frustrated of anie effect, for if at this present I had been but presented with a sight thereof, I could haue beene yet the better satisfied.

But yet forthwith returning to the inward impression of my sweetest obiect, stil dwelling in the secret of my heart, I fell into blobering teares, for the losse of two so worthie iewels. That was Polia and my precious life. Continually calling vpon her with deepe sighes and singultiue sobbings, sounding in the thicke ayre, incloystered vnder the huge arches and secret darke coue|ring, saying thus to my selfe.

If I die heere thus miserably, sorrowfully, and vncomforta|bly, all alone who shal bee a woorthie successour of so precious a gemme? &' who shal be the possesor of such a treasure of so ine|stimable valure? And what faire heauen shal shew so cleare a light? Oh most wretched Poliphilus, whether dost thou go vnfortunate? whether dost thou hasten thy steppes? hopest thou euer to behold againe any desi[...]ed good? Behould all thy grations conceits and pleasant highe delyghtes builded in thy apprehensiue thoughtes, through the sweetenes of loue, are deadly shaken, and abruptlie precipitated and cast downe? Looke how thy loftie Amorous co|gitations are shaken in peeces and anihilated. Ah me what iniuri|ous lot & maleuolent constellations, haue so perniciously driuen, and deceitfully allured thee into this miserable obscure darknes? and now haue despitefully ledde thee in a heape of mortal feares, and drowning in a deepe sea of vnspeakeable sorrowes. To the vnmercifull deuouring and sodaine gobbling vp of so filthie a monster, and to bee rotted and disgested in the stinking intrailes of so fowle a beast, and to bee cast out in so vile a place. Oh la|mentable and vnaccustomed death. O miserable end of my de|sired life. Where are my eyes? what be they barreine? Is their hu|mor gone? Are there no more teares left to fall trickeling downe my blubbered cheekes? Well then I perceiue that death is at

37

my backe, who did euer see such a change of fortune? Behold vnhap|pie and wayward death, and the last houre, and accursed minute thereof at h[...]nde, in this darke some shade, where my bodie and 30 flesh is appointed to bee a foode for so fowle a beast. What furie? what crueltie? what miserie more monstrous can a mortall crea|ture suffer. That sweete and pleasant light should bee rest from them that bee aliue, and the earth denied to them that are dead. What hoggish calamitie, and deformed mishap, so greeuously and vntimely shall abandon from mee my most desired and flori|shing Polia, Farewell the merror of all vertue, and true perfection of beautie, farewell.

And thus beyond all measure tost and tumbled in such and so great afflictions my verie soule was vexed within me, striuing to be set at libertie from my vnfortunate and feeble bodie, pas|sing vp and downe I knew not where. My legges weake, feeble, and fowltering vnder mee, my spirites languishing, and my sen|ces in a maner gone from mee. Sauing that I called deuoutly vp|pon the omnipotent God to haue pittie vppon mee, and that some good Angell might bee appointed to conduct mee out. And with that beholde I discouered a little light. To the which, how gladly I hasted, let euerie one iudge what hee would doo in such a perplexitie.

I saw an euerlasting Lampe, burning before an Aultar that was fiue foote high, and tenne foote broad, with the images of golde standing thereupon, which I could not verie perfectly be|hold, notwithstanding the burning Lampe, the grossenes of the ayre was such and so great an enemy to the light.

And alwayes with attentiue eares I diligently harkened, as not yet ridde of feare, and somewhat I saw, the dimme images and the large foundations, and feareful vaultes, and subterraneal but|tresses or vpholders and strengthes, heare and there in infinite pla|ces distributed, and many huge and mightie pillers, some foure-square, some sixe square, some eight square, aptly set vnder and approportioned to sustaine the vast bignes of the waightie Pyra|mides.

There I hauing small delight to make anie long staie, I in|tended to take an vnknowne way further in, which my vnder|taken course, I espied a light whiche so long I had wished for, comming in at a litle wicket as small as I could see.

Oh with what ioy, and with what a glad heart, I beheld it, and with what cheare did I hasten my steppes towards it. Perchance faster then Canistius or Philonides my vnbrideled gladnesse and extreame desire to come neere therevnto was such, [Note: Two blockish lafie lubbers, one of Melite an other of Athens, that thought it a great labour to eate their owne meate. ] that I reuo|ked and haled backe againe the diuorse of my discontented and irkesome life, successiuely comforting my perturbed minde and quailed hart. Somewhat refreshing and reassuring my selfe: fil|ling vp againe my euacuated and emptie heart, and replenishing the same with his ould cogitations.

Nowe I settled my selfe more towardes my louely Polia, and bound my affections more surely to hir. Being perswaded and firmely opinionated, that this sight was a trau~ce in loue, for shew|ing that I should dye and lose my loue. Oh how extreamely did it vexe mee. Neyther did it refuse or make resistance to anye sharpe and newe assaulte of loue, which in my stroken and sore wounded heart woulde lye festering and feeding of him|selfe.

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And by this time, all lets and hynderances past ouer, a spati|ous and large going out was offered vnto me. Then by meanes of the cleere light I was somwhat comforted, and reassuming and gathering together againe my wandering thoughts, and restoring my prostrate force, my suspected and vnknowne voyage, made me to set out in running: so as the nearer I came to the doore, the bigger mee thought it grewe. To the which at last by Gods wyll, Polia in my amorous brest bearing a predominante vigor, I came, not ceasing to continue forward my fast course: my hands which before I groping helde foorth, to keepe me from running against pyllers, I nowe vsed like a payre of Ores to hasten mee awaye.

Thus traueling on safely, I came into a verie pleasaunt sighte and counttie, in the which I was not yet without feare, and not daring to rest me downe, the impression of the horrible monster was so fresh in my minde, that mee thought I still heard him be|hinde me, and therefore I could not so easily forget him. But was rayther perswaded to goe on further: first because the countrie was so fertile, pleasaunt and beautifull: Secondly, that I might get farre enough off from the place wherein I was so lately af|frighted. That then I sitting downe, might rest my selfe, and set 31 my minde together againe, and forget this conceiued dread, at my entrance in of the gate, the apparation of the white Sorix grati|ously comming againe into my reteyning memorie, an exhorta|torie prouacation, and good occasion to animate and comforte me, because that to Augures it was a gratefull and propitious signe of good luck.

At last I was resolutely perswaded to commit my selfe to the benignitie of my good fortune, which some time might bee vnto me an officious and bountifull handmaide, of prosperous euents. And therewithall pricked forward and prouoked to continue on my walke, [Note: Capillata mi|nistra. ] whether my wearie and feeble legges would conduct and bring mee. And yet I was (as in good sorte became mee) somewhat doubtfull to enter into such a place, (beeing vn|knowne vnto me) where perchaunce it was not lawfull for me to come. Albeit that I was heerin more audacious and bould a great deale, then in the enteraunce of the gorgeous Porche. And thus my brest fast beating, and my minde perplexed, I saide to my selfe.

There is no cause that should lead mee to turne back againe, all things considered: is not this a safer place, and more fit to slie from daunger? Is it not better to hassard a mans lyfe in the light and cleere Sunne, then to dye and sterue in a blinde darkenesse? and so resolued not to turne backe anye more: with a deepe fet sighe, I called into memorie, the pleasure and delight that my sences had well neere lost: for the woorke which I had seene was full of maruelous woonders, and thinking by what meane I was depriued of them, I called to remembrance the brasen Ly|ons, in Salomons Temple, which were of such fierce countenan|ces, as that they would bring men to forgetfulnes.

And into such an estate I was afrayde that the Dragon had brought me, that so excellent and maruellous woorkes, and rare inuentions, in a manner vnpossible for any humaine creature to performe, worthie to be manifested, and by my selfe diligentlye perused, should now be s[...]ed out of my sucking remembrance, so as I should not bee able to make a true reporte of them: but therein I contraried my selfe: neither did I finde that I was [...] a Lithargie passion: But that I verrie well remembred and helde without any defaulte in order and proportion whatsoeuer I had seene and beheld. And that the monstrous and cruell beast was a verrie liuelye substance, and no

39

fiction, the like of any mortall man sildome seene, no not of Regulus. The verie remembrance whereof, made my hayre stand right vp, and foorthwith mooued me to mend my pace.

Afterward returning to my selfe, I thought thus. Heere without all doubte (for so I imagined by reason of the glorious bountie of the beautifull soile) is no habitation but for ciuill people, or rather for Angles and noble personages, and a place for Nimphes to frequent vnto, or for the Goddes and Auncients, Monarches and princes, in so much as my perswasiue desire did prouoke forwarde my restrained pace, causing a perceuerance in my late begun iourney. And thus as one captiuated and subiect to the sharpe spurre of vnsatiable desire, I purposed to houlde on whether the fayrenesse of my fortune should conduct mee, as yet but indifferent and rather languishing.

Nowe come to behoulde a fayre and plentifull countrie, fruitefull fieldes, and fertill groundes, I did exceedinglye com|mend the desire that mooued mee first to enter into them. But especially to giue thankes to him that had brought mee out from the fearefull place, which now I little regarded being far enough off from it.

32

Poliphilus sheweth the commodiousnesse of the countrie where-into hee was come, in his

trauailing within the same, he came vnto a goodlie Fountaine, and howe hee sawe fiue faire

Damsels comming to|wardes him, and their woondering at his comming thither, assu|ring

him from hurte, and inuiting him to bee a partaker of their solaces.

THus gotten foorth of this fearefull hell; darke hollownesse, and dreadfull place (although it were a sacred Aphrodise and reuerend Tem|ple:) and beeing come into a desired light, louelye ayre, and pleasaunt countrie, full of contentment: I turned my selfe about to looke backe at the place from whence I came out, and where my life, my life that latelye I esteemed so light|lie, was so greatlye perplexed and daungered, where I beheld a mountaine vnnaturall, with a moderate assention and steepe ri|sing, ouer-growne and shaddowed with greene and tender leaues of mastie Okes, Beeches, Wainescot Okes, Holmes, Cerries Aesculies, Corke trees, Yew trees, Holly or Huluer, or Acilon.

And towardes the plaine, it was couered with Hamberries, Hasels, Fylbirds, prune, print, or priuet, and whitened with the flowers thereof: by coulered Xeapie, beeing red towardes the north, and white against the Southe, Plane trees, Ashe trees, and such like, spredding and stretching out their braunches: fowlded and imbraced with the running of Hunnisuckles or woodbines, and Hoppes, which made a pleasaunt and coole shade. Vnder the which grewe Ladyes Seale or Rape Violet, hurtfull for the sight, iagged Polypodie, and the Trientall and foure inched Scolopendria, or Hartes toongue, Heleborous Niger, or Melampodi, Trayfles, and such other Vi[...]briphilous hearbes and Woodde Flowers, some adorned with them, and some without.

So that the mouth of the darke place, out of the which I had escaped, was in a manner within the highe Mountaine, all ouergrone with trees.

40

And as I could coniecture it was iust against the afore spoken of frame, and in my iudgement it had been some rare peice of woork, more auncient then the other, and by time wasted and consumed, now bearing Iuie and other wall trees, and so was be|come an ouer growne wood, that I could scarce perceiue any comming out, or mouth for easie passage but euen for a necessitie, for it it was rownd about compassed and enuironed with bu|shie and spreeding trees, so as I was neuer determined to enter in there againe.

In the streight passage of the valie betwixt the extensed and highe mounting rockes, the ayre was dim by reason of the retai|ned vapores, and yet I was as well pleased therewith as Apollo at his deuine birth.

But letting passe this hole, from the which I gat out by stoo|ping, let vs come on forward to the sweet liberties which I next beheld and that was a thicke wood of Chestnuts at the foote of the hill, which I supposed to be a soile for Pan or some Siluane God with their feeding heards and flockes, with a pleasant shade, vnder the which a[...] I passed on, I came to an auncient bridge of marble with a very great and highe arche, vppon the which along winning to eyther sides of the walls, there were conuenient seats to rest vppon, which although they were welcome to my wea|rye bodie, yet I had more desire to go on forwarde, vppon which sides of the bridge, iust ouer the top of the arche, there was placed a porphirit table with a gorgeous border of curious work|manship, one table on the one side and an other on the other side, but that one the left side was of Ophite.

Vppon the table on my right hand as I went I beheld Egiplie hierogliphies on this sorte, An auncient Helmet crested with a Dogges head.

The bony scalpe of an oxe with two green braunches of trees bound fast to the hornes. And an ould lampe. Which hierogliphis the braunches excepted because I know not whether they were of Firre tree, Pineapple, Larix or Iuniper, or such like: I thus in|terpret.

33 [Figure:

PATIENTIA EST ORNAMENTVM, CVSTODIA ET PROTECTIO VITAE.

]

On the other side there was ingrauen a cyrcle, then an An|chor with a Dolphin winding about the strangule thereof, which I coniectured should signifie this, [...]. Semper festi|na tarde.

Vnder which auncient, sure, and faire bridge, did runne a most cleare swift water, deuiding it selfe into two seuerall currents, the one one way and the other an other, which ranne most colde, ma|king a soft continuall still noyse, in their freesed, broken and nib|bled Channels, by their eaten in and furrowed bancke, full of stones, couered ouer and shadowed with trees, their spredding rootes appearing in the same bare, and about them hanging Tri|comanes, Adiantus and Cimbalaria, and bearded also with di|uers small hayres as vse to growe about the banckes of Ry|uers.

41

The wood that I haue spoken of, was to looke vppon verye pleasant, neyther ouer thick or more large in compasse than a man would wish, but building a delightfull shadowe, the trees full of small birdes and foules.

Right forwarde, the Bridge did extende it selfe, and leade to|wardes a large plaine, resounding all ouer with the sweete chir|pings, melodious recordings, and loude singing of them. Where|in were leaping and running little Sqirrels, and the drowsie Dor|mouse, and other harmeles beastes.

And after this manner as aforesayd, this wooddie Countrie shewed it selfe, enuironed about with high mountaines as much as a man might looke vnto, and the plaine couered all ouer with a fine varietie of sundrie sweete hearbes, and the cleare channels of Charistaline streames, sliding downe along the hilles with a mur|muring noyse into the leauell vally.

Adorned and beautified with the flowring bitter Oliue, Law|rell, white Poplar, and Lisimachia, blacke Pople, Alders, and wilde Ashe.

Vpon the hils grew high Firre trees vnarmed, and the wee|ping Larix, whereon Turpentine is made, and such like.

When I had well considered of this so fruitfull and so com|modious a place for cattel and beasts to be fedde in and kept, (for it looked as though it would desire a shepheardes company and a pastorall song) I mused what should be the occasion, that so com|modious a place should lye vninhabited. And casting my eyes further on forward into the plaine before mee, and leauing this fore discribed place, I might perceiue a building of Marble, she|wing the roofe thereof ouer the tender toppes of the compassing trees. At the sight whereof, I grew wonderfully glad and in good hope, that there yet I should finde some habitation and refuge. To the which without delaie I hastined my selfe. And being come thereunto, I found a building eight square, with a rare and won|derfull fountaine: which was not altogither amisse. For as yet I had not quenched and slaked my thirst.

This building was eight cornered, small towardes the top and leaded. Vpon one side there was placed a faire stone of pure white Marble foure cornered, half as long again as it was broad, which latitude as I supposed was some sixe foote.

Of this goodly stone were exact two litle halfe pillers, cham|fered with their bases, holding vp a streight Sime, with a gule and adiected denticulature & cordicules, or worke of harts, with their chapters vnder a Trabet, Zophor and Coronice, ouer the which 34 was a trigonall conteined, in the fourth part of the stone smooth and plaine without any workemanship in the table thereof sauing a litle garland, within the which were two Doues drinking in a smal vessel.

Al the space vnspoken of inclusiue was cut in and euacuated, betwixt the Pillers the Gulature and ouerthwart Trabet, did containe an elegant Cigrued Nimph. And vnder the Syme was another quarter wrought with Thors, Torques, Ballons and a Plinth.

Which faire Nymph laye sleeping vppon a folded cloth, lap, and wounde vp vnder her head. An other part conuenientlie brought ouer her, to hide that bare which was womanly & meete to be

42

kept secret. Lying vpon her right side with that subiected arme retract, and her open palme vnder her faire cheeke, where|vpon she rested her head.

The other arme at libertie, lying all along ouer her left [...]oyne, stretching to the middle of her goodly thigh. By her smal teates (like a yong maids) in her round brests did sprowt out smal strea|mings of pure and cleare fresh water from the right brest as it had been a threed, but from the left brest most vehemently. The fall of both of them, receiued in a vessel of Porphyrit stone, with two Receptories ioyning togither in the same vessel, seperated and distinct from the Nimph sixe foote, standing vppon a couenient frame of flint stone. Betwixt either of the receptories, there was an other vessel placed, in the which the waters did striue togither and meetes, running out at the cut and appointed places, in the middle lymbus of their Receptories, which waters comixt out of that vessel, vnladed themselues into a little channel sliding a|way, and what with one and what with the other, al the hearbes and flowres adioyning, and about were bountifullye benifi|ted.

That of the left brest did spin vp so high, that it did not weat or hinder any that would sucke or drinke of the water that strea|med and sprung out of the right brest.

And this excellent Image was so difinitelye expressed, that I feare mee Prapitiles neuer perfourmed the lyke for Venus, to Nichomides the King of Caria which Idoll he appointed to be adored of his subiects, although the beauty therof were such that it moued that filthie people to fleshly concupiscence.

But I was perswaded that the perfection of the image of Venus was nothing to this, for it looked as if a most bewtifull Ladye in in hir sleep had beene chaunged into a stone, hir hart still panting and hir sweete lipps readie to open, as if she would not be so vsed.

From hir head hir loose tresses laye wauing vppon the sup|pressed couering, fowlded and plited and as it were scorning the haires of the inglomatede cloth, hir thighes of a conueniente bignes and hir fleshie knees somwhat bending vpp, and retract towares hir.

Showing hir streight toes as it were incereating hir fingers to handle and streine them, the rest of hir bodie aunswerable to the perfections of these seuerall proportions.

And behind hir the shadowing of the leaffye Memerill or Arbut full of soft small Apples and fruite, and prettye byrdes as yf they had beene chirping and singing of hir a sleep.

At hir feet stood a satire in prurient lust vppon his gotishe feet, his mouth and his nose ioyning together like a gote with a beard growinge on either sides of his chin, with two peakes and shorte in the middeste like Goates hayre, and in like man|ner about his flankes and his eares, grewe hayre, with a visage adulterated betwixt a mans and a Goates, in so rare a sort as if the excellent woorkman in his caruinge had had presented vnto him by nature the Idea and shape of a Satire.

The same Satire, had forciblie with his lefte hand bent an arme of the Arbut tree ouer the sleepie nimphe, as if he would make hir a fauorable shadowe therewith, and with the other hand howldinge vpp a curtaine by one of the sides that was fastened to the body of the tree.

43

Betwixt the comare M[...]merill or Arbut, and the Satire, were two little Satires, the one howlding a bottell in his hands and the other with two snakes fowlding about his armes.

The excellencie, dilicatnes and perfection of this figment and woorkmanshippe cannot be suffientlie expressed.

35 This also helping to adorne the sweetnes thereof that is the whitnes of the stone, as if it had been pure iuorie.

I wondered also at the woorking of the clothe coueringe as yf it had been wouen: and at the bowes, braunches, and leaues, and at the little birdes, as if they had been singing and hopping vpp and downe vpon their pretie feet in euerie ioynt single and pounce made perfect, and so the Satire like wise. Vnder this rare and woonderfull carued woork betwixt the gulatures and vn|duls in the plaine smothe was grauen in Atthic characters this noesye [...].

[Figure:

[...]

]

36 The thirst which I had gotten the daie before was so increa|sed, that I was prouoked now to slacken the same, or rather inti|ced with the faire beautie of the instrument, the coolenes where|of was such, as betwixt my lippes me thought it stirred and trem|bled.

And rounde about this pleasant place, and by the pipplyng channels, grew Vaticinium, Lilly

conuallie, and the flowring Lysi|machia or willow hearbe, the sorrowfull Reedes, Myntes, water Parsley, Baume, Hydrolapathos, or water Sorrell, and other ap|proued hearbes, and fine floures, a little Channel comming by a sluce from the Bridge, entering in and vnlading it selfe, was the cause of a goodly faire Poole, broad and large, in a verie good or|der, trimmed about and beautified with a fence of sweete Roses and Gessamine. And from thence running ouer it, dispersed it selfe, nourishyng and visiting the nexte adioyning fieldes and grounde, abounding in all sortes of hearbes, floures, fruites, and trees.

There grewe also great store of Cynarie gratefull to Venus, wylde Tansie, Colocassia, with leaues like a shielde, and garden hearbes.

And from thence beholding the plaine fieldes, it was woon|derfull to see the greennes thereof, powdered with such varietie of sundrie sorted colours, and diuers fashioned floures, as yealow Crowfoote, or golden Knop, Oxeye, Satrion Dogges stone, the lesser Centorie, Mellilot, Saxifrage, Cowslops, Ladies fingers, wilde Cheruile, or shepheardes Needle, Nauens Gentil, Sinqui|folie Eyebright, Strawberies, with floures and fruites, wilde Co|lumbindes Agnus Castus, Millfoyle, Yarrow, wherewith Achil|les did heale Telephus, and the rust of the same speares head that hurt him. Withe the white Muscarioli, bee floures and Pane|nentes in so beautifull and pleasant manner, that they did great|ly comfort mee (hauing lost my selfe) but euen with the looking vppon them. And heere and there in a measurable and wel dis|posed distaunce and space

44

betweene. In a conuenient order and sweete disposed sort by a iust line, grew the greene and sweete smelling Orenges, Lymons, Citrons, Pomegranettes, their wa|ter boughes bendyng downe within one pace of the ground, couered with leaues of a glassie greene colour, of a great height and turning downe againe their toppes, laden with the aboun|dance of their floure and fruites, breathing forth a most sweet and delectable odoriferous smell. Wherwithall my appaled heart did not verie lightly reuiue himselfe (it might bee in a pestilent ayre and contagious and deadly sauour.)

For which cause I stood amazed and in great doubt what to thinke or doo, and the rather because in that place I had seene such a marueilous fountaine, the varietie of hearbes, the colours of floures, the placing orderly of the trees, the faire and commo|dious disposition of the seat, the sweet chirpings and quiet singing of Birds, and the temperate and healthful ayre. And which I could verie well haue been contented withall, and the worst of them might wel haue contented me, if I had found any inhabitant there. And somewhat I was grieued that I could no longer abide in such a place where so many delightful sightes did present themselues vnto mee. Neither was I aduised to my better safetie and content which way to turne me.

Standing thus in such a suspence of minde, calling to remem|braunce the daunger that I had lastlye escaped, and the present place that I was newlye entered into, and thinking vppon hieragliphes that I did see in the left side of the bridge, I was in doubt, to hasten my selfe towards any vnaduised aduers accident, And that such a monument and warning woorthie of golden let|ters, should not be set in vaine to them that passed by, which was Semper festina tarde. Behold of a sodaine behinde me, I heard a rus|ling noyse, like the winde or beating of a Dragons winges. Alas I knew not what it should bee. And sodeinly [...]spasurated and tur|ning my selfe about, I might perceiue vpon one side of me many silique trees of Aegypt, with their ripe long coddes hanging and beating one against an other with the winde, had felled downe themselues, which when I perceiued, I was soone quieted, and be|ganne to make sport at my owne folly.

I had not continued long thus, but I hard a singing company of gallant damoselles comming towardes mee (by their voyces of young and tender yeares) and faire (as I thought) solacing and sporting themselues among the flowering hearbes and fresh coole shadow, free from the suspect of any mans sight, and making in their Gate a great applause among the pleasant flowers. The incre|dible 37 sweetnesse of hir musicall and consonant voyce, conueigh|ed in the roriferous ayre, and spredding it selfe abroade with the aunswerable sounde and delectable report of a warbeling harpe (for the tryall of which noueltie, I couched downe vnder the lowe bowghes of the next adioining bushes, and saw them come towardes mee with gratious gestures) hir Maydenlie head atty|red and bound vp in fillets of glystering gould, and instrophiated redimited, garni[...]hed ouer and beset with floured mirtle, and vpon hir snowye foreheade, branched out hir trembling curled lockes, and about hir fayrest showlders, flew her long tresses after a nym|phish fashion artyfitiallye handeled.

They were apparrelled in carpanticall habites of fine sylke of sondrye coulers, and weauinges of three sorts, one shorter, and distinct from the other. The nethermost of purple, the next of greene silke, & goulde or tissew, and the vppermst of curled white sendall, gyrded about their smale wastes with girdles of goulde vnder the lower partes of their round breasts. Their sleeues of the same curled Sendall, often doubled, which bettered and gra|ced the subiect couler. And tyed

45

about their wrists with ribands of silke, tagged with Gouldsmithes woorke. And some of them with Pantophles vpon their shooes, the vpper part of the Pan|tophle of gould and purple silke, leafe worke, shewing thorough betwixt the voyde spaces of the leaues, the fine proportion of their prittie illaquiated and contayned feete. Their shooes com|ming straightly vnder their anckles, with two lappes meeting vp|on their insteps, and closed fast eyther with Buttons or claspes of gowld after a fine manner. Aboue the hemmes of theyr nether garments, there compassed about insteed of gardes and imbro|dered woorke of hearts, which now and then blowne vp with the gentle ayre, made a discouerie of their fine legges.

And assoone as they were aware of mee, they left of their song and stayed theyr nimpish gates, being amazed with the insighte, and of my comming into this place, maruelling together, and whisperinglye inquiring of me, one of another, for I seemed vnto them a rare and vnusuall thing, because I was an aliant and stran|ger, and by chaunce come into so famous and renowmed a coun|trie. Thus they staide still, sometimes looking downe vpon me, & again muttering one to another, I stood still like an image. Oh wo was me, for I felt all my ioynts quake like the leaues of an Aspe, in a bitter winde. And I was affraide of the presaging poesie that I had read, otherwise aduising me, whereof I now thought to late to experience the effect thereof, and looking for no other euent, I remained as doubtfull of the deuine vision, therewith as much de|ceyued as Semele with the fayned shape of the Epidaurean Beroe. Alas I trembled and [...]hooke like the fearefull hinde calues at the sight of the tawnie Lyons roring out for hunger.

Contending and striuing with my selfe, whether it were bet|ter for me submissiuely to kneele downe, or els to turne me about and flye from them) for they seemed to mee by their behauiour, to courteous young women, and besides their humanitie of a de|uine beningnitie) or to remaine still vnmoueable. At length I de|termined to make tryall, and put my selfe forwarde to whatsoeuer would follow, being very well assured, that by no means I should finde any inhumanitie or cruell dealing by any of them, and espe|tially, because that innocencie carryeth alwayes his protection with him. And thus somewhat comforting my fearefull minde, and yet restrained with shamefastnesse, knowing that I was vn|woorthily come into this shadowie place, and solicious company of deuine and delicate nimphes, my guiltie and troubled minde, telling mee that it was rashly and ouer-bouldly doone, and that they were it might be prohibited places, and a forbidden coun|trie for a straining to frequent. And thinking thus and thus with my selfe: one amongst the rest of a more boulde and audatious spirite, very hardly spake vnto me, saying. Ho who art thou? at hir speeche I was halfe afraide, and of my selfe ashamed, both igno|rant what to say, or howe to aunswer: my voyce and spirit being interdicted, I stoode stone still like a dead image. But the fayre Damsels and beautifull Nimphes well aduised, that in me was a reall and humaine personage and shape, but distempered and a|frayde, they drew all of them more neerer vnto me, saying.

Thou young man, whatsoeuer thou art, and from whenceso|euer thou art come: Let not our present aspects any whit dismay thee, or occasion thy discouragement, nor be no whit afrayde, for here thou shalt not finde any cruell customes, or cause of discon|tent, but free from displeasures, and therefore be not afrayde to 38 discouer thy selfe, and tell vs what thou art.

46

By this motion hauing called backe againe my forgotten and lost sences, comforted with their faire, pleasant, and fauourable aspects, and recouering my selfe with their sweet speeches, with a very good will I made this aunswer vnto them.

I am the most disgraced and vnhappiest louer that the whole world can aforde. I loue, and she whom so greatly I esteeme, and so earnestly I desire, I neyther know where eyther she or my selfe i[...].

And by the greatest and most daungerous hap that can be ima|gined I am come hither. And now with prouoked teares downe falling from my waterie eyes along my pale cheekes, and bowed downe to the earth prostrating my selfe to your virginall feete I humblie craue and sue for your fauourable graces: whereat theyr soft and tender heartes mooued with pittie towardes mee, and halfe weeping with mee for companie, and as it were dutifullye striuing with theyr armes to lift mee vp from the grounde, with sweete and comfortable speeches, they courteouslye spake vnto me.

Wee are certainly perswaded and knowfull well (poore wretch) that few or none can escape by that way which thou art come, and therefore bee not vnthankfull to that diuine power, which hath thus preserued thee. And now be not doubtfull or afrayde of any aduers accident or greefe to assaile thee. Therefore quyet, com|fort, and settle thy heart to rest. For nowe thou art come as thou mayest euidently perceiue, and plainely see, into a place of plea|sure and delight, abandoning strife and discontent. For our vni|formed ages: the seate vnchaungeable, the time not stealing away, the good oportunitie, the gratious and sotiable familiaritie, inti|cingly dooth allure vs therevnto, and graunteth vnto vs a conti|nuall leysure. And this also thou must vnderstand, that if one of vs be merrie and delightsome, the other sheweth her selfe the more glad and pleasaunt, and our delectable and perticipated friendship, is with an attentiue consideration perpetually vny|ted and knitte together. One of vs increasing an others con|tent, to the highest degree of delight, and moste conuenyent solace.

Thou seest also that the ayre is healthfull, the lymittes and bounds of this place verie large: of hearbes full of varietie. Of plants diuerslie abounding, and with fruites plentifully laden, inuironed and defended with huge mountaines and rockes, well stored with harmelesse beasts, and fitte for all pastimes and plea|sures, replenished with all kinde of fruites and graynes, vniuer|sally growing, and full of goodly fountaines.

An other said: vnderstand, vnknowne, (and yet assured guest,) good friend, that this territorie is more fruitfull then the fertill mountaine Taurus in the aquilonall asspect, whose frame dooth swell so much, that their clusters of grapes bee two cubits long, and that one Figtree will beare seauentie bushels.

The third: this famous and spatious countrey, exceedeth the fertilite of the Hyperborean Island in the West India, or the por|tugalles of Lucitania, nowe vsurped and tyrannized by the inso|lent Spanyard.

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Nor Talga in the Caspian mountaine. The fourth affirmed in hir commendation of that countrie, that the plentifulnesse of E|gypt was but to be accounted scarsitie, in respect of that although that it were thought to be the garden of the world.

And the last, of a choyse countenance and sweete pronuntia|on aboue the rest, added thus much, saying.

In this fayre countrie you shall not finde any large fennie groundes, or offensiue and sicklye ayres, or craggie and fertlesse mosses but faire and pleasaunt hilles, inuironed and walled about with steip and vnpassageable rockes, and by meanes thereof, se|cure and free from all daungers and feare, we want not any thing which may breed delight, and cause a sweete content. Besides all this wee are attendant vppon a renowned and most excellent Queene of large bountie and exceeding liberalitie: called Euteri|lyda of great pittie and meruelous clemencie, ruling with great wisdome, and with a kingly gouernement, with great pompe, [...]n an accumolated heape of all felicitie, and shee wyll bee greatly de|lighted, when we shall present thee vnto hir sacred presence, and maiesticall sight. And therefore cast away, shake of, and forget all afflicting sorrowe, and frame thy selfe and thy affrighted spyrits to intertaine of our comforts solace and pleasure.

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Poliphilus setling himselfe vnder the assurance of the fiue Nymphes, went with them to the

bathes where they had great laughter in the deuise of the fountaine, and also by his vnction.

Afterward being brought to the Queene Eutherillida, [...]e did see many thinges worthie of

regard, but chiefly the worke of a fountaine.

I Being thus curteously intreated of these gracious and pitiful Nymphes, and hauing my safetie by them sufficiently warranted with sweet comforts, reuiuing my decai|ed spirites. To whatsoeuer might seeme grateful and pleasing vnto them, so much as was conuenient for mee, I framed my selfe to offer my seruice. And because that they had boxes of sweete perfumes, and casting bottels of golde and precious stone, looking Glasses in their delicate and faire handes, and pure white Vailes of silke plited and folded vp, and other necessaries to bee vsed in bathing, which I offering to helpe them to beare, they refusing say thus vnto mee: that their comming into this place was to bathe, and therewith shewed me[...] that it was their pleasure that I should goe with them, for (saide they) the fountaine is here hard by, haue you not seene it. And I reuerently made them this answere.

Most faire Nimphes, if I had a thousande tongues and kn[...]w how to vse them al, yet could I not render sufficient thankes for your gracious desertes, and make requital of your great fauours, because you haue restored vnto mee my life. And therefore if I should not consent and yeeld vnto you my seruice and company, I might wel bee accounted of a c[...]urlish disposition. For which cause, amongst you I had rather be a seruant, then in an other place a Lord and commander, for that (so farre as I can coniecture) you are the tenantes and chamber fellowes of al delight and true feli|citie.

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You shal vnderstand that I did see a marueilous fountaine of a rare and wonderful workemanship, as neuer before my eyes did beholde, and so much my minde was occupied in the regard of the straungenes thereof, and to quench my great thirst, that I did looke for no further benefit.

One pleasant Nymphe spake thus merrily vnto mee saying, giue mee thy hand, thou art verie welcome. Thou seest at this present here, that we are fiue companions, and I am called Aphea, and she that carrieth the boxes and white cloathes Offressi[...]. [Note: These nimphs were his fiue sences. ] This other with the shining Glasse (our delightes) her name is Orassia. Shee that carrieth the sounding Harpe is called Achol, and shee that beareth the casting bottle of pretious Lyquor, is called Gen|shra. And we are al now going togither to these temperate bathes, to refresh and delight our selues. Therefore you also (seeing that it is your good hap to bee amongst vs) shal bee willing to doo the l[...]ke, and afterwardes with a verie good wil wee wil make our re|paire to the great Pallais of our soueraigne.

Who is most merciful, bountiful, and liberal, and willing to helpe and further you, in your intended loues, burning desires, and high conceites. Plucke vp a good heart, man, come let vs goe on.

With pleasurable actions, maydenly iestures, swasiuious be|hauiours, girlish sportes, wanton regardes, and with sweet vvords they ledde mee on thither, beeing vvel content vvith euerie pre|sent action, but that my Polia vvas not there to the suppliment of my felicitie, and to haue been the sixt person in the making vp of a perfect number.

Further, I found my selfe agrieued, that my apparel vvas not conformable to this delicious consort, but grovving into some houshold familiaritie, I disposed my self to be affable vvith them, and they with mee, til at last wee came to the place.

There I behelde a marueilous buildyng of a bathe eight square, and at euerye Exterior corner, there were dou|bled together twoo Pyles, in fashion of a Pyke, from the leuell of the foundation, the subiect Areobates Circumcinct and ribbed about. And after them followed the vtmost of like bignes, from the ground of the other, with their chapters set vnder the streight beame, with a border aboue, vnder a Co|[...]onice going round about. Which border was beautified with ex|cellent carued worke, of litle naked children passing wel set forth, and equally distant one from an other, with their handes intricate|ly 40 tyed and wrapped about, and in them holding little bundels of smal greene boughes, instrophiated togither. And aboue the said Coronice, did mount vp (by an elegant arching) an eight square Spyer, imitating the subiect. Which from corner to corner was cut through with a marueilous workemanship of a thousand sun|drie fashions, and closed againe with quarrels of Christal, which a farre of I did take to bee Leade. Vpon the top of which arched Spyer was placed a Trygon, and from the vpper center thereof, did ascend vp a strong steale, wherinto was ioyned an other steale whiche was turned about, and to the same was fastened a wyng, which with euerie blast of winde carried about, the piping steale which had vpon the top thereof a ball, whereupon stood a naked Boy, streight vpon his right foote, and the left holden out. His head was hollow to his mouth like a Tunnel, with the Orifice eua|cuated to his mouth, to the which was sowdered a Trompet, with his left hand holding the Lanquet to his mouth, & his right hand extending towardes the middle ioynt· [...]ust ouer the piny

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on of it the wing or fane. Al which was of thinne brasse, excellently wel cast and guilt. Which wing, ball, and boye, with his cheekes and countenance as if hee were sounding, with the hinder part of his head euacunated towardes the blustring winde, as that blew, so he sounded, and as the winde caused a strange noyse among the rods of Siliques of Egypt, euen so did it heare in the Trumpet. Vppon which cause I merily thought to my self[...], that a man being alone in an vnknowne place and out of quiet, may easilie bee afrighted with such like strange noyses.

[Figure: ] In that part of the building that was on the other side of the Nimph was the ente|raunce into the bathe perfourmed as mee thought by the same Lithoglyphe, that co|uered the sleepyng Nimphe, vppon the phrise whereof, were certaine Greeke Ca|racters, signifying [...].

Within there were foure seates whiche went rounde about, and one vnder an o|ther, and close knitte togither, wroght with Iasper and Calcedony stone, in all kinde of colours. Two of the co~passing about seates were couered ouer with water, and to the vpper margine of the third. In the cor|ners, & in euerry cor|ner stoode a Chorin|thian Collumne of di|uers colours, waued with so pure & beau|tiful Iacintes as nature could affoord, with conuenient bases and their chapters curio[...]sly made vnder the beame, ouer the which was a Zoph[...]r, wherein were carued little naked Boyes playing in th[...] water, with water monsters, with wrastling and childish strifes, with cunning slights and agi[...]ities sit for their yeares, in liuely mo|tions 41 and sportes. Al which was beautiful ouer compassed about with a Coronice. Ouer the which, according to the order of the little Collumies, from the perpendicular poynt in the toppe of the Cupul or Suffite and couer of the Bathe, there went a Tore moderator, increasing bigger and bigger of Oke leaues, one fol|ding and lying ouer an other of greene Diasper, hanging vppon their braunshing stalkes gilt, which ascending vp met togither, and ioyned rounde in the aforesaide Cupul: where was placed a Lyons head, with his haire standing vp round about his face, and holding a Ring in his iawes, vnto the whiche were fastened cer|taine chaines Orichalke or Copper, that held a large goodly ves|sel, with a great braine or lyp, and furrowed of the aforesaide shy|ning substance, and hangyng two Cubites aboue the water, the bowle of the vessel which was of Christal onely except, the rest as the ribbes thereof and lippings, was of Asure blew, with bub|bles of gold and shining sprinkled here and there.

Not farre of, there was a cleft in the earth, the which continu|ally did cast foorth burning matter, and taking of this, and filling the bottome of the vessel, they did put certaine ginnes and sweet woods which made an inestimable suffumigation, as of the swee|test past, afterwardes closing the same, and putting downe the co|uer, both partes being holow, and the lipping and ribbing perfo|rated and pearced through the transparent, Christal cleare and bright, they rendered a pleasant and diuers coulered light, by the which through the smal holes the bathes were lightened, and the heate stil incarcerated and interdicted.

The wal equally interposite betwixt Columne, and Columne was of most blacke stone, of an extreame hardnes and [...]hining, in|cloystered about and bordered with a conuenient border of Dias|per redde as Coral, adorned with a Lyneament and worke of dou|ble Gurgules or Verticules. In the middle part of which table, betwixt the Collumnes, there sate an elegant Nymph naked, as if she had been staying and attending of the stone Gallatitis, of colour like Iuorie, the lower partes of euerie of the said borders, circulating iustly with the b[...]ses of the Collumnes.

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Oh how exsquitely were the same Images cut, that often|times my eyes would wander from the real and liuely shapes, to looke vpon those feyned representations.

The paued ground vnder the water being of a diuers emble|mature of hard stone, checkered where you might see marueilous graphics through the diuersitie of the colours. For the cleare wa|ter and not sulphurous, but sweete and temperatelye hotte, not like a Hotte-house or Stew, but naturally cleansing it selfe be|yond all credet, there was no meanes to hinder the obiect from the sight of the eye. For diuers fishes in the sides [...] [...]eates, and in the bottom by a museacall cutting expressed, which did so imi|tate nature as if they had beene swimming aliue. As barbles, lam|preys, and many others, the curiousnes of whose woo[...]ke I more regarded, then their names and natures.

The black stone of the walles was ingrauen with a leafe worke, as if it had beene an illaqueated composition of leaues and flow|ers, and the little shelles of cytheriaces, so beautifull to the eye, as was possible to be deuised.

Vpon the doore, the interstice whereof was of stone called Gallactites, I beheld a Dolphin swimming in the calme waues, and c[...]rrying vpon his back a young man, playing vpon an harpe: And on the contrarie side vpon the colde Fountaine, there was an other dolphin swimming, and Posidonius riding vpon him with a sharpe elle speare in his hand.

These histories were perfected within the compasse of one selfe same stone, and set out in a most blacke ground. Then deseruedly I did commend, both the archytect and the statuarie. On the o|ther side, the pleasant dignitie of the fayre and beautiful sporting nimphes did highlye content mee, so as I could not compare to thinke whether the excesse of my passed sorrow, or present solace should be greatest. And there was so sweete a smell as Arabia neuer yeelded the like.

Vppon the seates of stone, in steed of an Apodyterie, they did impouerish theyr apparrell, richely inuoluped, in the casting of it off, from their celestiall bodyes. Theyr fayre tresses bound vp in nettings of gould, wouen after a most curious sort. And with|out any respect at all, they gaue mee leaue to looke vpon theyr fayre and delicate personages, theyr honestie and honour reser|[...]ed. Flesh vndoubtedly like the pure Roses and white Snowe. Ah woe is me, I found my heart to rise and open it selfe, and al|together 46 to be adicted to a voluptuous delight. Wherevpon I at that present thought my selfe most happie, onely in the behould|ing of such delights, because I was not able to resist the burning flames which did set vpon mee in the fornace of my heart. And therefore sometime for a refuge and succour I durst not looke so narrowly vppon theyr inticing beauties, heaped vp in their hea|uenly bodyes. And they perceiuing the same did smile at my bashful behauiour, making great sport at me: And thereat I was glad, and contented that I might any way occasion their pastime. But I was greatly ashamed, in that I was an vnfit companion for such a company, but that they intreated mee to enter in with them where I stood like a Crowe among white Doues, which made me partly ashamed to behould, and ouerlooke such choyse obiects.

Then Offressia a very pleasant disposed piece, said vnto mee. Tel me young man what is your name? And I reuerently aunswe|sed them, Poliphilus: it will please me well saith she, if the effect of your conditions be aunswerable to your name. And without de|ceit, said the rest. And

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how is your dearest loue called? Whereat I making some pause, aunswered, Polia: then she replyed. A ha I thought that your name should signifie that you were a great louer, but now I perceiue that you are a louer of Polia: and pre|sently shee added more, saying: if shee were heere present, what would you doo? I aunswered. That which were agreeable with hir honour, and sit for your companies. Tel me Poliphilus doest thou loue hir wel indeed? Then I fetting a deepe sigh, aunswered: beyond all the delights and cheefest substance of the greatest and most pretious treasure in the whole world, and this opinion hath made an euerlasting impression in my still tormented heart. And she: where haue you lost or abandoned so loued a iewel? I know not, neyther where I am my selfe I know. Then she smyling aun|swered. If any should finde hir out for you, what rewarde would you giue. But content thy selfe, be of good comfort, and frame thy selfe to delights, for thou shalt finde thy Polia againe. And with these and such like pleasaunt and gratious questions, these fayre young Virgins, sporting and solacing themselues, we washt and bathed together.

At the opposite interstice of the beautifull fountaine with|out, of the faire sleeping Nymph before mentioned, within the Bathe there was an other of scatnes of fine mettal, and of a curi|ous workemanship, glistering of a golden colour, that one might see himselfe therein. Which were fastened in a Marble, cut into a squadrature, and euacuated for the Images to stand in their pro|portions, with two halfe Collumnes that is Hemiciles, one of ei|ther side, with a Trabet, a smal Zophor, and a Coronice, all cut in one sollid Marble, and this peece of worke was nothing inferi|or to any of the rest, which before I had seene, but with a rare art, and marueilous inuention, both deuised and performed. In the voyd and plaine euacuated quadret, there stood two Nimphes, little lesse then if they had been liuely creatures, apparelled, so as you might see somewhat aboue their knees, vppon one of theyr legges, as if the winde had blowne it vp, as they were doing theyr office, and their armes bare, from the elbow to the shoulder ex|cept. And vpon that arme, wherewith they sustained the Boye, the habite that was lifted vp was reiect. The feete of the Infant stood one in one of the handes of the Nymphes, and the other, in the others hand. All their three countenances smiling: and with their other handes, they held vp the Boyes shirt, aboue his nauil.

The Infant holding his little Instrument in both his hands, and continued pissing into the hotte water, fresh coole water. In this delicious place of pleasure, I was verie [...]o[...]und and full of con|tent, but the same was much apalled, in that I thought my selfe a contemptible bodie, among such beauties, and dewe coniealed into Snowe, and as it were a Negro or tawnye Moore amongst them.

One of them called Achoe, verie affably and with a pleasant countenance said vnto mee, Poliphile take that Christal vessel and bring mee some of that fresh water. I without staie intending to do so, and thinking nothing, but to do her seruice in any sort that she would commaund me, went to the place. And I had no soo|ner set my foote vpon the steppe, to receiue the water, as it fell, but the pissing Boye lift vp his pricke, and cast sodeinlye so colde water vppon my face, that I had lyke at that instant to haue fallen backward. Whereat they so laughed, and it made 43 such a sounde in the roundnes and closenes of the bathe, that I also beganne (when I was come to my selfe) to laugh that I was almost dead. Afterward, I founde out the concauitie, and per|ceiued that any heauy weight, being put vpon the moueable step|ping, that it would rise vp like the Keye and Iacke of a Virginall, and lift vp the Boyes pricke, and finding out

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the deuise and curi|ous workemanship thereof, I was greatly contented. Vp|on the Zophor was written in Atthic letters this title [...]

[Figure: ]

44 After our great laughter and bathing, and all hauing washed with a thousand sweete, amorous, and pleasant wordes, mayden|ly sportes, and pastimes, wee went out of the water, and leapt vp vppon the accustomed seates, tripping on their toes, where they did annoynt themselues with sweete Odours, Diasdasmatic, and with a Myristic liquor, or water of Nutmegges. And they offe|red a boxe vnto mee also, and I annoynted my selfe therewith|all, and I founde great pleasure therein, for besides the excellent smel and sweete sauour, it was verie good to comfort my bodie, legges, and armes, that had been so wearied in my daungerous flight.

Afterward when we had made our selues redy, which was som|what long after the manner of other women, by reason of so ma|ny gewgawes and gimmerie whatchets, they did open their ves|selles of daintie confections, and refreshed themselues, and I a|mongst them, and with precious drinke. When they had eaten sufficiently, they returned againe to their looking Glasses, with a scrupulous examination, about their bodies, and the attire of their heades, and dressing of their yealow curling haires depen|ding, and hemicirculately instrophiated about their diuine fa|ces. And when they had made an ende[...], they fayde vnto mee.

Poliphilus, wee are now going vnto our gratious and most ex|cellent Souereigne the Queene Eutheri[...]da, where you shal finde and conceiue greater delight, but the water is still in your face, whereat they beganne to renew their laughter, without all mea|sure at mee, glauncing and turning their eyes one to an other, with a louely regarde. At last they set foorth, and as they went rounde togither, they beganne to sing verses in a Phrygia[...]t[...]n[...], of a pleasaunt metamorphosing of one, who with an oyntment thought to haue transfourmed himselfe into a Byrd, and by mistakyng of the Boxe, was turned into a[...]ude Asse.

Concludyng, that manye tooke Oyntmentes to one pur|pose, and founde the effecte to contrarie their expectati|ons.

Whereat I beganne to be in a doubt, that they had sung that by mee, because that they still smiled as they turned to wardes mee. But seeing that I perceiued no alte[...]tion in my selfe, but wel I was contented to let them laugh on. Vpon a sodaine I founde my selfe so lasciuiously bent, and in such a prurient lust, that which way so euer I turned, I could not forbeare, and they as they sung laughed the more, knowing what had happened vnto mee. And it did so increase in mee more and more, that I knew not wherewithal I might bridle and restraine my selfe from cat|ching of one of them, like an eager and hotte Falcon comming downe out of the ayre, vpon a couie of Partriges. I was with such a violent desire prickt forwarde, which I felt more and more to increase in a sault burning. And the more I was to that venerious desire by the violent offers of so oportune and sweete obiects. A foode for suche a pernitious plague, and vnexperienced bur|ning.

Then one of these flamigerous Nymphes named Aphea, said vnto mee, How is it Poliphilus? Euen now I did see you verye merry, what hath altered your disposition? I answered. Pardon mee that I binde and vexe my selfe more then a willow Garland. Giue mee leaue to destroy my selfe

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in a lasciuious fire. And there|at they burst out all in a laughter and said, Ah ha, and if your de|sired Polia, if shee were here, what would you do, how? Alas my desire, euen by the deitie which you serue, I beseech you put not Flaxe and Rosin to the fire, whiche burneth mee out of all mea|sure. Put no Pitch to the fire in my heart, make me not to for|get my selfe I beseech you.

At this my lamentable and sorrowing answere, they were pro|uoked to such a loude laughter, wherin they did exceed so much, that neither they nor my selfe with the wearines thereof could goe any further, but were constrained to rest our selues for want of breath, vpon the odoriferous floures & coole grasse, by meanes whereof, I became somewhat oportunely to bee eased, my heate aswaging and relenting by little and little.

And as they thus contentedly rested themselues a while, vnder the coole vmbrage of the leafie Trees, I beganne to bee bolde with them saying. O you women, that are burners and destroy|ers, doo you vse mee thus? See what an offered occasion I haue, which wil holde mee excused, to breake foorth and doo violence vnto you. And thereupon somewhat boldly moouing my selfe and fayning as if I would haue done that which by no meanes I 45 durst, but then with a newe pastyme and laughter they called one for an others helpe, leauing heere and there their golden Pantof[...]les and Vailes, to bee carried about with the winde, and their vesselles neclected in the grasse, they ranne all awaye, and I after them, that I might well perceiue that they had nei|ther crampes nor stringhawldes or leaden heeles, and thus con|tinuing our pastimes a pretie space, being somewhat pleased that I had made them to runne. I returned backe to gather vp their Pantophles and such things as they had scattered behind them. And comming neare to a fresh coole Riuer, they began to cease off from laughter, and to take pittie vppon mee, and Geussia be|hinde all the rest, bowed her selfe downe to the water, beauti|fully adorned with the bendyng Bull Rushe, water Spyke, swim|myng Vitrix, and aboundaunce of water Symples, shee dyd plucke vp the Heraclea Nympha, of some called water Lillye or Nenuphar, and the roote of Aron or wake Robyn, of, some, Pes vituli or Serpentaria Minor.

And Amella or Bawme Gentill, all whiche grew very neare togither and not farre distant, whiche shee fauourably offered vnto mee saying, of these whiche I haue made choyse of take, and for my freedome taste.

For whiche cause I refused the Nenuphar, and reiected the Dracuncle for his heate, and accepted of the Amella, whiche shee had cleane washed, by meanes whereof, within a verye short space, I founde my venerious Lubric and incensing spurre of desire to leaue of, and my intemperate luste was cleane gone.

And when my vnlawfull desires of the fleshe were bride|led, the pleasant Nymphes came againe to mee, [Note: Vnlawfull concupis|cence blin|deth a man, and driueth his sences from him. ] and as wee walked on, wee came into a frequented place, and wonder|fully fruitfull.

And there in a fine order and appointed distance was a waye set on either sides with Cyprus Trees, with their corner clefted Apples, and as thicke with leaues as their nature will suf|fer them, the leauell grounde beeyng couered all ouer, with greene Vinca Peruima, or Lawreoll and Chamme, Daphne, and full of his asurine flowers. Which adorned way of a meete and conuenient breadth, did lead directly on into a greene Closure, from the beginning of whiche

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walke, iust betwixt the Cyprus Trees, to the entrance and opening of the aforesaide en|closure, was some foure furlonges. Vnto which enclosure when wee came, I founde it equilaterall, with three fences like a streight wall, as high as the Cyprus Trees vpon either sides of the waye, that wee had passed along in: which was altogither of Cytrons, Orenges and Lymonds, bushing with their leaues one within an other, and artifitially knitte and twisted togither, and the thick|nes mee thought of sixe foote: with a Gate in the middest of the same Trees, so wel composed as is either possible to bee thought or done. And aboue in conuenient places were made windowes, by meanes whereof, the bowghes in those places were to be seene bare, but for their greene leaues which yeelded a most sweet and pleasant verdure. Betwixt the curious twistings of the braun|ches and their greene leaues, the white flowers did aboundantly shewe themselues a singular Ornament, breathing foorth a most delectable and sweete odour. And to please the eye, the faire fruite was in no place wanting, where it should yeelde content. And afterwardes I might perceiue, that in the interstitious thick|nes, the bowghes (not without a wonderful woorke) were so ar|tificially twisted and growne togither, that you might assend vp by them, and not bee seene in them, nor yet the way where you went vp.

At length comming into this greene and delightful grounde to the eye, and in a mans vnderstanding woorthie of estimation, I perceiued that it was a great enclosure in the fore front of a marueilous Pallaice of a noble simmetriated architecturie which of this frondiferous conclausure, was the fourth part in longitude sixtie paces. And this was the Hypaethri to wa[...]ke in, for open ayre.

In the middest of this great base Court, I did behold a goodly Fountaine of cleare water, spinnyng from the verie toppe as it were to the foundation, whiche stoode vpon a smoothe paue|ment through little streight Pypes, falling into a hollowed ves|sel, whiche was of most pure Amethist, whose Diameter con|teined three paces, the thicknes agreeing therewithall, leauyng 46 the twelfth part for the thicknesse of the brimme, rounde about the same were carued water monsters, after the best sort that e|uer any auncient inuentor or woorkeman for the hardnes of the stone could deuise to woorke, it might bee the woorke of Dae|dalus, for the wonderful excellencie thereof. Pausania, if he had seene this, would haue taken small pleasure to boast of the stan|ding cup which he made to Hipparis.

Which same was founded vpon a steale or smal Pillar of Ias|per of diuers colours, beautifully adulterating one with an other, being cut in the middest and closed vp with the cleare Calcido|nie, of the colour of the troubled Sea water, and brought into a marueilous woorke, beeing lifted vp with guttured hollows ves|sels, one aboue an other, with a reserued seperation, by artifici|all and woonderful ioyntes. It stood streight vp, fastened in the center of a Plynth, made of greene Ophite which was rounde, and somewhat lifted vp aboue, about compassing Porphyr, some fiue inches, whiche was curiously wrought with diuers lynea|ments.

Rounde about the steale whiche helde vp the vessell, foure Harpies of Golde did stand, with their clawes and tallented feete vpon the smoothe Table of the Ophite.

Their hinder partes towardes the steale, one iust oppo|site against an other, with their winges displaied and spredde a|broad, they rested vnder the vessell with their feminine coun|tenances, and hauing haire vpon their heades, from the same, it spredde downe to their showlders, their

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heades vnder, and not touching the vessell: with thtir tayles like Eeles, and turning rounde. And vpon their nauels, an Antique leafe worke. These were verie necessarie for the strengthening of the Pype within the steale and smal Pillar.

Within the middest of the wombe and bellye, or nauel of the vessel, vpon the Subiect steale, there was proportionately raised vp of the same vessel of Amathyst, a substance like a Challice, in|ward, or the inwarde moulde for a Bell, so high as the vessel was deepe the middle thereof, leuell with the brimme of the ves|sell.

Vppon the which was made an artificious foote set vnder the three graces naked of fine Gold, of a common stature, one ioy|ning to an other.

From the teates of their breastes the ascending water did spin out lyke siluer twist. And euerie one of them in their right hand did holde a copie full of all kinde of fruites, whiche did extend in length vp aboue their heades, and at the opening, all three of them ioyned rounde into one, with diuers leaues and fruites hangyng ouer the brimmes or lippes of the wrythen Co|pies.

Betwixt the fruite and the leaues, there came vp sixe small Pypes, out of the whiche the water did spring vp through a small hole.

And the cunning Artificer, because that hee would not trou|ble one Cubit with the tuch of another. With a signe of shame|fastnes, the Images with their left handes did hide that part which modestie would not haue seene, but accounteth woorthie to bee couered.

Vppon the brimme of the hollow vessell, whose compasse was a foote moreouer about, then the subiacent of it, with their heades lifted vp vpon their V[...]pers feete, with a conuenient and decent intercalation, there were placed sixe little scaly Dragons, of pure shining Golde, with such a deuise, that the water com|ming from the teates of the Ladies, did fall directly vppon the euacuated and open crowne of the head of the Dragons, afore spoken of, with their winges spredde abroad, and as if they had been byting, they did cast vp and vomit the same water whiche fell beyonde the roundnes of the Ophict, into a receptorie of Porphyr, and rounde, whiche were both more higher then the flatnesse of the pauement before spoken of: where there was a little Channell going rounde about betwyxt the Ophit and the Porphyrite, in breadth one foote and a halfe, and in depth two foote.

Whiche Porphyrite was three foote from the playne o|uermost parte to the Pauement, with an excellent vndicu|lation. The reste of the partes of the Dragonnes, for the moderate deepenesse of the vessell did grow on, vntill all met together, transforming the extreame partes of their tailes into an antique foliature making a beautifull il[...]ygament with the arule or foote set vnder the three images without any deforming hinde|rance 47 to the hollownesse of the precious vessell. And what with the greene assayling of the compassing Orange trees, and the bright reflections of the shining matter, and the pure water, there was such a gratious couler, in that singular and most pretious ves|sell, as if the Rainbowe and the clowdes had made theyr habita|on there.

Then in the corpulent bearing out of the belly of the vessell, betwixt one, and the other Dragons, in an equall distance, and of a most excellent melting or casting, there stood out Lyons heads of

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an exquisite exaction, and driuing, casting foorth by a little pype, the water that distilled from the six fistulets, placed in the copie aboue. Which water, did so forciblie spring vpward, that in the turning downe it fell among the Dragons in the large vessell, where by reason of the high fall, and fashion of the vessel, it made a pleasant tinckling noyse.

[Figure: ]

48 All which rare worke, by so sharpe and fine a wit composed, as this insolent and precious vessell was, the foure perfect harpies, the woonderfull and curious azule, wherevpon the three Images of pure gould stood, with what Arte, ordinance, and rule, digest|ed and made perfect: as I am ignorant in them altogither, so much the lesse able am I to describe the whole as it did deserue, being a woorke past any humaine reache and capacitie to frame the like.

And I may bouldly say, that in our age there was neuer seene in stone and mettle such a peece of woorke embost, chased, and engrauen. For it was a woonder to see, that stones of such ex|treame hardnesse, as that which was the steale to hould vppe the Vessell, should be cut and wrought to that purpose, as if it had beene as soft as wax. A woorke t[...]ither to bee woondered at, then vndertaken.

The square base court, (in the middest whereof stood this notable woorke of the sumptuous Fountaine, was paued with fine Marble of diuers coulers and fashions. Amongst which were appact very beautifully, roundes of Diasper, equally distant, and disagreeing from the couler of the pauement, and the corners clo|sed vp with leaues and Lyllies. Betwixt the square marble pa|uing stones, there was a space left like a list, which was filled vp with diuers coulered stones of a lesser cut, some proportioned into greene leaues, and tawnie flowers. Cyanei, Phaenicei, and Sallendine, so well agreeing in theyr coulers, so glistering and seuerly set of a diligent Xesturgie. As full of coulers as a Chri|stall glasse, repercust and beaten against with the beames of the sunne. Because the circumduct and comp[...]ssing coulers, meeting together in the selfe same smoothe and cleane stones, did yeeld a reflection, no part being faultie, eyther of the square checkers or scutuls and Trigons. But with a smoothe and streight ordinance well ioyned together.

Whereat I remained woonderfully amased by my selfe, dili|gently considering vpon the noblenes of the woorke, such as I had not beene vsed to see, and verye willinglye I would haue beene content, to haue made more staye in the contemplating thereof, for so the dignitie of the worke required, but I could not because it was necessarie for me to follow after my leaders.

Then the aspect of this sumptuous magnificient and statelye pallace, the approoued situation thereof, the dew proportion, and the maruelous composition in my first comming to it, did make me woonderfully contented to view the woorthines there|of, and in continuance I was prouoked to behould more, for which cause I perswaded my selfe, as I might very well, that the expert builder, excelled all other whatsoeuer. What kinde of rafters? what manner of roofe? after what sort the Parlors cham|bers, closets and lodgings, were disposed? with what kind of see|ling they were enclosed and incrusted? wherewithall hanged? with what couler and kinde of painting ouerhead? What order of columination, and what space betwixt. No other building maye goe beyonde this whatsoeuer, but may giue place verye well, of what kinde of Marble, and what manner of engra|uing.

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There I beheld the laboures of Hercules grauen in stone with halfe the representation standing out or bearing foorth, in a woonderfull sort, the skinnes, statnes, tytles, and trophes, What an entry, what a stately porche, what that of Titus Cesar with his stone of Phenicea with all the tinkering and pullishing about it, there is none whose wit is so grosse to commend it, in respect of this, but will rather scorne to speake of it. As for the woorthie and excellent manner of glasing the gallerie without the pallace, the conspitious porche, the manner of building, the arched see|ling aboue head, beautified and adorned with foliature and other lineaments of pure gould and asuer couler and excellent painting that whatsoeuer I had seene before I made small acount of, as not worthie of remembrance. And beeing now come to the doore within the porche, the going in was closed vp wth a hanging, drawne ouer before it of gould and silke, wrought together, and and in the same two images. One of them hauing all kinde of in|struments about hir, fitte and readie to goe to worke, and the o|ther with a maidenly countenance, looking vp with hyr eyes in|to heauen.

The beautye of which two were such, and so fresh, as I loo|ked about mee, whether Apelles had painted them with his Pensill.

49 And there my sportfull, faire, and pleasant companions, euerie one putting their right handes to mine, willing to haue me in, sayde, Pol[...]ilus this is the vsuall waye, by the which you must come into the presence of our Gracious and moste excellent Queene.

But you cannot haue leaue to enter in here through this Curtain, before you bee receiued of a vigilant and innocent Damosel that is the keeper of this doore, and she is called Cinofia. Who hearing vs comming, did forthwith present her selfe, and fauourably held vp the cloth, and wee entered in.

There was a roome hung about and diuided by an other Cur|taine of excellent Arras full of Imagerie, as signes, shapes, plants, and beastes, singularly well done.

In this place at our comming, an other curious woman came towardes vs, called Indalomena, and she putting by the Curtaine, wee entered in. And there was an other suche like roome, from the second for quantitie, with discourses and reason marueilously wouen, with infinite knottes, bucklinges, tyings, and old fashio|ned harping Irons, or Hookes, as if they had been fastened and knit togither. In which place without any staying, the third wo|man came and receiued vs very gratiously, her name was Muemo|sina, and shee calling vs, gaue vs free leaue to go in. Where last|ly my companions did present mee before the sacred maiestie of the Queene Eleutherillida.

Poliphilus sheweth as well as hee may, how exceeding great the Maie|stie of the Queene

was, the manner of her Residence and ser|uice. His fauourable entertainment. Howe shee

marueiled at him.

WHen I came towardes the first doore-keeper· I was somewhat abashed, but [...] her in [...]ood sorte as [...]. And shee [...] come neere. And in like manner the second.

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In whose gard I did see a loftie Gallery as long the content of the Pallaice, the roote whereof, was all painted with a greene folia|ture, with distinct flowers and folded leaues, and little fly|ing Byrdes, excellently imphrygiated of museacall paynting, as without in the first Court, and the stone walles seeled with Chipworkes of diuers colours.

At the last doore, the Matrone Muemosnia perswaded me verie effectually, not to doubt of any thing, but that I should stedfastly follow the royall perswasion, and healthfull counsell of the Queene, and perseuere in the execution thereof, for that the ende without doubt would be to my content.

And thus hauing leaue to goe in, beholde such thinges pre|sented themselues to my eyes, as were lyker to be celestiall then humane.

A most stately and sumpteous preparation, in a gorgeous and spacious Court, beyond the Pallaice neere and opposite to the other, and foure square.

The bewtifull and precious Pauement within a checkered compasse going about the same, there was a space of sixtie foure Squadrates of three foote, the dyameter of euerye one: Of the which one was of Iasper, of the colour of Corall, and the other greene, powdered with drops of blood not to bee woorne away: and set togither in manner of a Chesse-boord. Compassed a|bout with a border, the breadth of one pace of a rare inuention of woorke, with small pieces of stones, of diuers colours, and so compacte together, as if it had beene a straunge paynted woorke euenly cut and set by rule, that you could not per|ceiue the ioyning, but smoothe and shyning, and so well fra|med by the Lybell and Squadrate, that no circulating or sphae|ricall Instrument woulde mooue to either sides without for|cing.

About this, lastlye was an other marueylous kynde of Pa|uing of three paces broad, in knottes of Iasper, Praxin, Calcedo|nie, Agat, and other sortes of stones of price.

And about by the sides of the walles, compassing the sayde Court paued as you haue heard, there were placed Settles, of the wood of Palme Trees, of colour betwixt a yealow and tawny, passing well turned and fashioned, couered ouer with greene Vel|uet, 50 and bowlstered with some soft stuffe or feathers easie to sit vpon, the Veluet brought downe to the frame of the Settles or Benches, and fastened to the same with tatch Nayles of Golde, with bossed heades vppon a plaine Siluer Nextrule or Cordi|cell.

The alament of the claustering walles, were couered ouer with Plates of beaten Golde, with a grauing agreeable to the pretiousnes of the metall.

And in the coaequated and smoothe plaine of the same walles of stone, by certaine Pilastrelles, Quadrangules, or Los[...]enges, of an equall dimension and distinct correspondencie in the mid|dest of euerie one, there were perspicuously appact rounde Iew|els, bearing out and swelling beyond the plaine leuell of the wall, after the manner of the tores of bases, and of thicknes according to the proportion of the Losenge wherein it stood, compassed about with greene iagged leaues, one bending ouer an other, the tops turned toward the Iewell.

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And betwyxt the Foliature and the great Iewell, an other border of pretious stones curiouslie sorted and conspicuouslie set.

And in the rest of the wall circumvallate of these bearing out rownde Iewels, the seuen Plannets with their nature and pro|perties, with an Encaustic woorke were sweetly painted, which I beheld with great delight. The rest of the wall exclusiue from the rowndnes of the Iewels within the Pilastrels, were filled vp and bewtified with infinite varietie of workes in siluer, and pow|dered with diuers inestimable stones, singularly well cut, and of diuers fashions.

The wall on the left side was in like sort, and opposite in run|dels. Against the seuen Plannettes were there seuen Tryumphes ouer the subiectes of the same predominent Plannettes, and in such lyke Art of Painting as the other side.

And on the right part I behelde their seuen harmonies and friendly aspectes, and the passage of the blood, with the qualita|tiue receiuing and retiring & circulating entrance, with an incre|dible Historie of the celestiall operation accedent.

The fourth alament made the Pallaice of suche like distri|bution as the other, the doore except, whiche did occupie an emptie voyde interstice. The other sixe with a regulate cor|respondence, and harmonye of the rest, in the Iewelles to the opposite and symentriall congresse of the Plannettes, with their vertuous inclinations, were expressed in the shapes of elegant Nimphes, with the titles and signes of their natures.

The seuenth Mediane quarter, was the forefront directlye placed against the seuenth Iewell, representing the Planet Soll, whiche was set vp more higher then the rest, by reason of the Queenes Throne.

Euerie part of matter, number, forme, and lyneament, in di|stribution equally correspondent to his Lybell, the right with the left, and here and there, with an exquisite loue, and congresse agreeing.

Of whiche moste excellent Court, euerie side was eight and twentie paces. In this sort stood this square open Court, all com|passed about with fine golde, a worke rather to bee wondered at, then spoken off.

The Pilastrelles were discrepant fowre paces one from an o|ther, with a iust partition of seuen (a number gratefull to nature) of fine and orient Azure, Lazull stone, passing well coloured ac|cording to his kinde, with a bewtifull bestowing of small glym|ces of gold. In the fore part of which, betwixt the seuen pilastrels, there were appointed little slender Pillers wrought about with leaues, copies, heades with haire like leaues, boyes their hippes and legges proportioned into brawnches, Birdes and copies, and vesselles full of flowers, with other woonderfull inuentions and deuises, from the top to the bottome of the Anaglyph, as if they had grown out of the foundation, making and diuiding in sunder the spaces, their chapters were wrought of a fashion answerable to the rest.

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Ouer the whiche did extende a streight beame with grauen lineamentes fitting the same. And ouer that a Zophor, contei|ning this woorke still throughout, that is, the bonye scalpes of Oxen, with myroll bowghes full of berries, tyed abowt theyr hornes by a towell of linnen.

Vpon either sides of them were Dolphines, with their gilles lyke leaues, and their Finnes and their extreeme partes of a fo|liature, 51 and vpon theyr heades and backes certaine naked boyes, getting holde of theyr lifted vp braunching tayles, with leaues and flowers, and bending them downe.

The head of the Dolphine hauyng a Syme, whereof the one part turned towardes the Boye, and the other bent against the vessell with an open gaping, and endyng in the head of a Storke, with her beake against the open mouth of a Monster, lying with his face vpwarde, and certaine Whorelles or Beades rysing vp betwixt his mouth and her beake.

Whiche heades in stead of haire, were couered with leaues one ouer an other, filling the Orifice of the vessell, and from one lyp to an other, and vnder the bowle thereof towarde the foote, there compassed a fine towell of linnen, the endes han|ging downe from the knottes, in suche an excellent sorte as was conuenient both for the place and matter. And in the middle ouer the heades, was the face of a childe vppon a payre of winges.

And with suche lyke linean [...] was the Zophor adorned and couered, with a Coronice full of excellent workemanship. Vppon the plaine toppe whereof, by a perpendicular lyne o|uer the Pillars, in the ordeining of the squadrangalles, there were placed and framed certaine olde fashioned vesselles, by an appointed distribution, three foote high of Calcedonie, some of Amethist, some of Agat, some of Iasper, with their bellies furrowed and Channelled, and cut of a rare and maruellous cun|ning, and with excellent eares.

In a perfect order ouer euerie Iewell aboue the Coronice, were aptlye ioyned traunsomes, squared seuen foote high, and the middle space betweene them of glistering Golde, with a superadiect extention, closing ouer the streight extended tran|somes. And by a turnyng downe the transomes, did ioyne de|cently one with the other, with a Topiarie woorke. Inten|ding that out of the vesselles standing vpon the Coronice as a|foresaide, [Note: Topiaria, the feate of ma|king Images or Arbours in Trees. ] in the cornes the transome and the vyne should ryse vp togither, but out of the other vesselles, either a vyne or some Woodbine of Golde, by courses meeting ouer the transwerst traunsomes, with a thicke stretching out of theyr spreadyng braunches, one ioyning with an other, and twisting togither with a fine and pleasant congresse, couering ouer all the whole court with a riche and inestimable suffi[...]e, with diuers fashioned leaues of greene emeralde, gratefull to the sight, more perfect then that wherein Amenon was impressed, and the flowers disper|sed and distributed of Saphires and byrrals. And with an excel|lent disposition and artificiall, betwixt the greene leaues and the grosse vaynes, so precious hunge downe the clusters of grapes made of stones, agreebale and fitting to the naturall coulers of Grapes.

All which most rare deuises, of pryse incomparable, incredi|ble, and past imagination, did shine all ouer most pretiouslie: not so much to be marueyled at for the costlinesse of the matter, but for the large greatnesse of the worke.

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For not without great cause, from place to place, with a dili|gent and iealous examination I did carefully consider the large extention of the inmost [...] braunches, and their proporti|onate strength and thick[...] so cunninglie doone, by such an arte, boulde attempt, and continued intent, they were so aptly led out, whether by sowdering, or by the Hammer, or by casting, or by all three, mee thought it an vnpossible worke to make a couering of such a breadth, and so twysted and twyned to|gether.

In the middle prospect, oppossite against our going in vpon a degreed regall throne, set fu[...]l of glystering stones in a maruelous order, farre more excellent then the seat in the temple of Hercu|les at Tyre, of the stone Eusebes. The Queene with an imperiall Maiestie sitting vppon it, goddesse like, and of a woonderfull magnanimitie in countenance: gorgiously apparrelled in clothe of goulde, with a sumptuous and c[...]ous attyre, vpon hir he[...]d of a p[...]rple couler, with an edging of Orient Pearle, shadowing o|uer hir large forhead, aunciently and princelike, euer pressing hir plemmirrulate tr[...]m[...]nels of hayre, as blacke as iet descending downe hir snowie temples, and the rest of the aboundance of hir long hayre, fastned rounde in the hinder parte of her head, and deuided into two partes or tresses, lapt about this waye and that waye, behind hir small eares, ouer hir streight proportioned head, 52 and finished in the crowne, with a flower of great Orient, and rownd Pearles, such as be found in the Indian promontorie Peri|mula.

The rest of hir long spreding hayre was not seene, but coue|red ouer with a thinne vayle, edged with gould, hanging downe from the said flower and knot of pearle, to hir delicate shoulders, and flingering abroade with the ayre.

In the middle of the edging of hir dressing, vpon the highest parte ouer the middest of hir forhead hoong a rare iewell. And a|bout hir round and snowie neck, went an inestimable Carkenet with a pendent ouer the diuision of hir rownde brests, of a table Dyamond, in fashion of an Egge, sparkling, and of a monstrous largenes, set in gould with wyer woorke.

At hir eares moste richelye were hanged in the typpes two earinges, two great shynyng Carbunckles of an inestimable price.

Hir shooes were of greene silke, and hir pantofles of gould im|brodered in a leafe woorke. Vppon a foote stoole aboue the which, and vnder hir feete, was layde a cushion of white Veluet, with a purfeling of silke and Orient Pearles of Arabia, within the persick golph, with foure Buttons wrought with pretious Stones, and tasseld with goulde twist, and crimosen silke, de|pending.

Vppon eyther sides along vpon the aforesaid benches coue|red ouer with greene veluet, sate hir Ladyes of honour, attendant in a goodly and commendable order, according to their estates, apparrelled in clothe of goulde in an incredible brauerie, as in the world may bee seene. And in the middest of them this re|nowned and famous Queene in great pompe and vnspeakeable statelynes[...], and the hemmes of hir vestures so edged and set with pearle and stone, as if nature had rayned and powred them down vpon hir.

At hir high and imperiall aspect, with great reuerence bowing their knees to the ground vnto hir, hir women did rise vppe from their seates, occasioned by the noueltie of the spectacle, & great|ly marueiling that I should come into such a place.

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But I founde my selfe more amazed, my hearte quayling, and dilating both of the troubles that I passed, and the present estate that I was brought into, which did enuiron and fill me with an extreame amasement, reuerend feare, and honest shamefast|nesse.

And they asking the fiue Nimphes that brought me in, whys|peringlie what I was, and the strangenesse of my hap, directing, bending and intentiuely fixing all their eyes vpon me. Where fin|ding my selfe so base a worme in such an excellent conspect, I was woonderfully astonished, and lyke one that had no spy|rite.

But the successe and manner of my comming being demaun|ded of them, the Nymphes did plainly, open & manifest the same at large, whereat the gratious Queene beeing mooued to com|passion, caused me to stand vp, and vnderstanding what my name was, began to say.

Poliphilus, be of good comfort, and pluck vp a good heart, and tell me how thou commest hither, and by what meanes, and how thou diddest escape that mortall and horrible Dragon? and how thou diddest find away out of that odious and obscure darkenes, I haue beene tould of it: But I maruell me not a little· because few or none dare aduenture that waye. But seeing that grace hath safelye brought thee hither vnto vs, I will not denye thee (any cause notwithstanding) a gratious and fauourable intertayne|ment.

To whose liberall inuiting, royall woordes and intertayne|ment, better then I could haue imagined to desire, with diuote and honourable thankes, giuen aboundantly from pointe to point, I told how I escaped and fled from the Dragon, that feare|full monster. And consequently with what trauell and payne I came to the desired place. And how the fiue Nimphes did finde me wandering and afrayde. Which when I had at large declared and ended my speeche, I began with great desire to frame my selfe to bee a pertaker of their solacious and magnicifient plea|sures.

After that she said vnto me with a smiling and pleasant coun|tenance. It is a woo[...]hie matter to consider, that an euill and dis|contented beginning often time falleth out to a happie and good successe in the end: and before that anye thing bee committed [...]

53 After that she said with a smiling and pleasant countenance, It is a worthy matter to consider, that an euill and disconten|ted beginning, often times falleth out to a happie and good successe in the end. And before that any thing be committed vnto you to perfourme, as touching your amorous and firme conceit, it is our pleasure, for the asswagement and mitigation of thy commendable griefes, that in this company thou espe|cially shouldest associate thy selfe with Philo[...]esia, seeing that the faire heauens haue shewed thee of thy entertainment, and brought thee into our triumphant mansion place. And there|fore my Poliphilus, without any more ceremonies take thy place there and sit downe, for thou shalt see (with a verie good will) part of our sumptuous and stately manner of seruice, the plentifull diuersitie and number of my more then princely dainties, the honourable attendance of my houshold, & excel|lent order thereof, the inestimable pretiousnes of my great aboundance, and the large effects of my bounty.

At which imperious commaund, her eloquent and fauo|rable speech ended, humbly, and with a little more audacitie than before, vppon one of the benches of my right hande I did sit downe (lapping my torne gowne together before me with certaine brymble leaues still sticking in it)

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betwixt the fiue Nymphes that brought mee in, and amongst them next vnto Offresia and Achoe, placed behinde the Queene, and six other of the chamber vppon the other hande; and in the middest on high vppon a throne did the Queene sitte in an imperiall Maiestie.

The Couer ouer the Throne was of an inamelled couloring contayning in it a beautifull image without any beard, the head bushing with yellow haire, part of his brest couered with a thinne cloath ouer the displayed winges of an Eagle, her head turning vp, and beholding of him. The head of which image was redymited with an azure Diade[...]e, adorned with seauen beames, and at the foot of the Eagle two braunches of greene Lawrell, one one way, the other contrary towards either side. And in euerie garland I behelde the figment proper to his pla|net, and behind at my backe was the iewell, containing the hi|storie of the winged Mercury, and howe the benignifie of his good disposition is depraued, when he is in the malignant ta[...]le of the venemous Scorpion. And looking vpon my selfe, I was ashamed to see my vile habite among suche sumpteous indu|ments, that me thought my selfe no otherwaies but euen lyke that vile and mortiferous beast among the most noble signes of the Zodiac. The bewtifull and honorable damosels sate in order vpon the Benches, compast about all along by the sides of the walles vppon the right side, and the best of the Court, with a rare and strange kinde of womanly dressing vppon their heads, as is in the world, with the tresses of their haire lapt and bowed vp in Caules of gold.

Some with their haires of Amber colour, curled and dres|sed vp with flowers of the same vppon a wyer, with the endes turning downe and wauing vppon their snowy foreheades and smooth temples, bewtified with Rubies and Diamonds prickt in the haire.

Others of the colour of the Obsidium of India, blacke and shining, adorned with floures of Orient Pearle, & Carkenets of the same. They stood all waiting with such a venerate atten|tion, that when the seruice was brought to the table, they all at one instant time alike, made their reuerent curtesies in bow|ing of their knees, and in like manner when they did rise from of their seates, euerie one apparrelled in cloth of Golde, but they did not sit and eate at the same table.

Sreight before the triumphant Queene was the opening of the third Curtaine, couering a great and goodly doore, not of Marble, but of rare and hard Diasper of the East, of an ar|tificiall and ancient worke, wonderfully bewtifull to behold. Vpon either sides of this doore, their yoong dam[...]sels Musi|tians, seuen vpon a side in a Nimpish apparrel, notable for the fashion and verie rich: which at euery change of seruice, did al|ter their Musicke and Instruments, and during the banquet|ting, others with an Angelike and Syreneall consent, did tune the same to their handes. Then in a sodaine was placed frames of Hebony, with three feete, and other temporary tables, with|out any noyse or brustling. Euerie one readie to his appoyn|ted Office, with a carefull, diligent, and affecting iudeuour, wholy to that seruice which was enioyned him.

54 And first before the Queene, there was placed a frame of three feete of this fourme, vpon a rounde of fine Dyasper, with curious Lineaments. To the which were three stypits, the low|er partes whereof, did finish in the forme of the tearing claw of a Lyon, with an exsquisite foliature, compassing about the steales of the stypets, hauing in the middest of euerie one, fa|stened the head of a childe betwixt two wings, from the which betwixt one and other of the stypets, there hung in maner of a Garland a bundle of leaues and fruites bounde togither, and biggest towardes

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the midst, and vppon the top of the stypets or steales, was put a proiection to beare vp the rounde table be|fore the Queene.

This frame was vnmoueable, but the round table was to be quickly taken of and on, according to the substance of the ves|sels at euery changing of the table.

And streight way as it were in the twinckling of an eye and turne of a hand, there was put vppon this three footed frame a rounde table of Golde, three foote by the Diameter, and of an indifferent thicknesse, and of this forme and bignes were all the rest.

Vpon this table was laide a Carpet perfumed, of cloth of Hormisine of a greene colour, euenly distended large and long downe to the pauement: fringed vpon the sides with twisted threede of the selfe same, and mixed with Siluer and Golde, depending downe vnder a border of imbroyderie of Pearle and pretious stone, with a hand-breadth of the pauement on euerie side hanging downe. And of this sort were all the Car|pets bordered and fringed.

Afterwards followed a faire yoong Damosell and quicke, with a great Bason of Gold filled with the flowers of Violets, tawny, blew & white, and sweet smelling, as in the prime spring time, and strewing of them vpon the tables, except that before the Queene.

Her sacred maiestie, hauing put off her robe so gorgeous as Lolia, wife to Paulus Aemilius neuer saw in her husbandes try|umphes, and shee remayned in a gowne of purple Veluet, hauing wouen in it birdes, little beastes, leaues and flowers in knottes, the worke somewhat raysed vp with pearle and stone, with a thynne vayle couering it all ouer of silke syprusse, shew|ing through it the couered workes and cloath by reason of the cleare subtiltie and thinnesse thereof, and imperiall and grati|ous apparell.

After came in two beautifull Damosels bringing in an arti|ficious fountaine continually running with water, and reassu|ming the same agayne, which was of fine golde, and in a vessell of a curious workmanshippe, which was brought before the Queene, and after the pr[...]senting of it vpon the table of golde they bowed their knees downe to the pauement, and like re|uerence at the same instaunt made all the rest of the attendant Ladyes, both at the presenting of euery thing, and at the ta|king away. Three other faire Damosels followed neare after them, one carrying an Ewer of golde, the second a bason, and the other a towell of white silke.

The Queen whi|lest [Figure: ] shee did wash her handes, one that caried the gol|den bason, recey|ued therin the wa|ter, that it might not fall agayne in|to the reassuming fountaine: and the other with the Ew|rie, powred in as much sweete water as was borne away, because that the fountaine shoulde not be emptie, and hyndered in hys course. The third did wipe and drie her hands.

The broad and large Receptorie of this fountaine was car|ryed vpon foure little wheeles, which they drew vppon euerie 55 table to wash the handes of all that were sette.

The brim of the vessell wherein the rising vp fountaine did stande, was adorned with bubbles of pearle standing vp, and vnder the same was sette an other of an other sorte, and both ioyned

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together with two claspes of an exquisite dipoliture, fine worke, and pretiously garnished. For among other iew|elles of inestimable price, vppon the verie toppe in a flower, there was sette a Diamond in fashion of a peare, glistering and sparkling of a huge and vnseene bignes.

And as neare as my smell could tell mee, I did iudge the wa|ter to bee of Roses, mixt with the iuice of Lymon pilles, and a little Amber artificially composed, which yeelded a sweet and pleasant smell.

[Figure: ] In the middest of this admirable and stupendi|ous Court, there was set out a maruellous perfu|ming vessel, not so much for the excellent and per|fecte substaunce thereof, which was pure and fine golde: but for the con|spicuous, rare, and aun|cient fashion of the base, standing vpon three Har|pyes feete, the which in a foliature made a trian|guled illygament to the base, full of deuises, as the mettall required, ouer e|uerie Angle or corner whereof stoode three na|ked shapes of flying spi|rites orderly sette, of two cubites high, with their shoulders turned one to|wards an other, and somewhat neare together.

They stood vpon the base with the right foot towards the corner, and the lefte stretching towardes the fixed foot of the other boye. Their cubits bending vp, and holding the han|dle of the perfuming panne, verie slender in the steale, and vpward in fashion of a bowle, somewhat furrowed and broad lipped.

There were six in a round circuit, one towardes an other: And betwixt theyr shoulders in the Center point of the trian|guled base, there rose vp a steale like an olde fashioned Can|dlesticke, holding on the toppe thereof suche a bowle or ves|sell as aforesaide, and so broade as did fill vp the voyde place in the middest betwixt the other six.

Which bowles were filled with burning coles couered ouer with embers, and in euery vessell vppon the ashes did boyle a little pot of gold, which contrary liquors infused with sweet odours.

And as I suspected, euery potte had seuerall water, as it were, one with Rose-water, another with water of Orange flowers, another of myrtle, tender greene Lawrell leaues, el|dér flowers, and diuers such lyke sociable symples. And these boyling together, they did yeelde a most pleasant and fragrant smell.

In the presence of the magnificent Queene there did al|wayes wayte and attend three honourable Nymphes, their ap|parell beeing of golde and silke, maruelously wouen and ador|ned, and sette with pearle and stone. The lyninges of theyr gownes going about their snowie shoulders, and comming downe vppon theyr little round brestes to the lower parte of their wastes, of suche colour as the napkins, leauing to be seene the pleasaunt valleys betwixt their faire brestes, an extreame delight and desired nourishment vnto a narrowe looke and greedie eye, with a thousand small chaynes, pre|tie iewelles and flowers of golde in a faeminine sort, a sweet bayte to carrie a man headlong into forgetfulnes of hym|selfe, beeing inchaunted with choyse and amorous regards, farre passing the desire of any other delycate vyands. Their shooes of golde cutte with halfe Moones, and closed vp at the ioyning of the hornes or corners with buttons and flowers of gold-smithes woorke in a curious sorte, and the 56 trammels of their faire and plentifull haire aboue their for|heads and temples instrophiated with large and round oryent pearle.

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They stoode thus on eyther hande and before the Queene with a singular and reuerent regarde, attending and readilie perfourming that charge whereunto they were appoynted. And these serued but an one Table: which beeing chaunged, they withdrewe themselues by, and stoode still vppon theyr feete arme in arme, other three hauing supplyed their pla|ces: And the three that wayted, shee in the middest was caruer.

The other vppon the right side helde vnder a plate if anie thing should fall by: and the thirde vppon the lefte hand held a most whyte and cleane towell of silke to drie her lippes, and in euery action a reuerence.

The towell was not vsed but once, and then cast by vpon the pauement, and carryed away by one that stoode neare. And so many morsels as shee did eate, so many sweete perfu|med cleane towelles of silke plyted and finely wrought were vsed.

And the like was doone to euerie guest, for not one at that banquet did touch anie thinge sauing onelye the cuppe.

After that the Queene had washed, and had her first ser|uice, then all the rest did wash at the same fountaine, casting out water of it selfe, and reassuming the same in a wonderfull manner by two small pypes on eyther sides, and running vp straight in the middest from the bottome of the vessell, the deuyse whereof when I did vnderstand, I was much contented therewithall.

After the washing of the Queene first, and successiuely of all the rest, there was deliuered to euery one of the wayters a rounde ball of golde wyer-woorke full of small holes, and within stuft with Amber past of a most perfect composition, set with pretious stones, to the ende their hands, eyes, and sen|ces should not be idle.

Then there at euerie chaunge of course, two Edeabri|[...]s that had the ordayning of the Queenes meate, did bring into the middest of the royall Court vppon foure turning wheeles a stately repositorie or cupbord, in fashion like vnto a shippe, and the rest like to a triumphant Chariot, of most fine golde, with many fishes and water monsters, and infinit other exquisite shapes maruelously wrought, and sette full of riche stones, the sparklings and glisterings whereof did shine rounde about the sides of the Court, and reincounter vpon the roun|delles of the other before spoken iewelles, on euery side fitly placed, as if Phoebus had beene sette by a Nymph to grace hir eyes and countenance with his shining brightnes.

To all which continuall glistering of ineffable workeman|shippe, there could no more bee deuised of equall compari|son, although it were the Temple at Babylon with the three golden statues.

Within the which was put all such necessaries perfumed, as were meete and conuenient for the chaunging of the tables, as clothes, flowers, cuppes, towelles, and vesselles, to powre out of, to drinke in, and plates to eate vpon.

And these two Nymphes plaustraries, did take them downe, [Note: Which did draw in the cupbord. ] and deliuer them (as neede required) to the way|ters.

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And the first Table beeing chaunged, euerie thing was brought backe agayne to the plaustraries, at whose going a|way the Trumpettes sounded in such a sorte, as Piseus Ther|renus neuer came neare vnto, nor Maletus Trumpetor to the King of Hetruria.

And then they did wind their Cornettes, thus dooing eue|rie time that the repositorie was drawne out, vntil that it came in againe, at what time they ceased.

And when the Table was chaunged, they altered their mu|sicall instruments, which beeing ceased, the singers began [...]o heauenly, that it would haue caused the Syrens to sleepe, ha|uing mixed with their voyces still winde instruments of wood, such as the Tr[...]ezein Dardanus neuer inuented.

And by this appoynted order, there was continually heard melodious soundes, and pleasaunt harmonies, sweete con|sortes, with delightfull Musicke presented, odoriferous per|fumes smelt, and stately viandes plentifully fedde of. And e|euerie 57 thing whatsoeuer, without any defect of grace or delight answerable, according to the dignitie of the place.

To this first princely table, all the vessels and instruments togither with the table it selfe, were of pure fine Gold. Wher|upon there was appresented a Cordiall confection, and as I could coniecture, it was made of the scraping of Vnicornes horne, Date stones and Pearle, often hette, and quenched and pownded small, Manna, Pineapple kernels, Rose water, Musk and Lyquid, Golde, in a precious composition by weight, and made Losenges with fine Sugar and Amylum.

This was eaten without any drinking vpon it, and it was a Confection to prohibite all Feuers, and to driue away Melan|choly wearines.

This being done in a moment, all things were taken vp and remoued, the Violets cast vpon the ground, and the table bare. And assoone as this was done, the table was laide againe coue|red with cloth of Talasike, and also the wayters, and as at the first, there was cast vpon them the sweete flowers of Cedars, Orenges, and Lymons, and vpon that, they did appresent in vessels of Beryl, and of that precious stone was the Queenes table (except the skinking pottes which were all of pure fine Gold) fiue Fritters of paste of a Saffron colour, and crusted ouer with extreeme hotte Rose water, and fine pownded Su|gar, and then againe cast ouer with musked water, and with fine Sugar like frost vpon Ise. These Seruices of a most pleasant taste, and of sundry fashions were laid in thus. The first, in oyle of the flowers of Orenges. The second, in oyle of Gilliflow|ers. The third, in oyle of the flloures of Gessamin. The fourth, in pure Oyle of Beniamin.

And the last, in the oyle of Muske and Amber. And when we had wel tasted and eaten of the same delectable meat, there was deliuered to vs a goodly cup of the aforenamed Beryl, with his couer, and couered ouer that also with a thinne Veyle of silke and Gold, curiously folded into the fourme of a Canapie, the ends cast ouer the shoulders of the bearers, and hanging down their backe.

And in this sort they did present all drinking vessels and others, with meates and sawces couered. Within the drinkyng cup they had infused a precious Wine, so as mee thought that the Gods of

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the Elysian fieldes, had transformed their power into the sweetnes of the lyquor: surpassing the wine of Thas|sus.

Without delaie (after our drinking this table being taken away, and the sweete flowers cast vpon the pauement, there was forthwith spred a cloth of murry silke and carnation: with Roses white, redde, Damaske, Muske, and yealow cast vppon the same. And presently new wayters brought in (appariel|led in the same colours) sixe pieces of bread cut for euery one, tossed and dressed with refined marrow, sprinckled ouer with Rose water, Saffron, and the iuice of Orenges, tempering the taste and gilded ouer, and with them sixe pieces of pure man|chet were set downe. And next vnto them a confection, of the iuice of Lymons tempered with fine Sugar, the seedes of Pines, Rose water, Muske, Saffron, and choyce Synamon, and thus were all the sawces made with conuenient gradation and deliuery. The vessels were of Topas and the round table.

This third magnificent table being taken vp as before said, there was presently an other innouated, with a cloth of silke smooth, and of a yealow colour, (the wayters sutable) and strewed with Lilly Conually, and Daffadil, immediately this course was presented, seuen morsels of the flesh of a Partridge in a sharpe broth, and so many pieces of pure white Manchet. The sauce Acceres, minced and dissolued in Sugar thrice sod|den, Amylum, Saunders, Muske and Rose water. The ves|sels and the rounde table of Chrysolite. Lastly, they offered a precious drinking cup, and so obserued in the rest.

The fourth table beeing taken away, the fift was reuested with a cloth of silke, of a crimosen colour, and in like sort the Nimphish apparrel. The flowers of purple, yealow, white, and tawny. The Seruis, eight morsels of the flesh of a Pheasant ro|sted lying in the grauie, and withall so many pieces of fine white manchet. The sauce was this, water of Orenge flowers, the iuice of Pomegranets, Sugar, Cloues, and Cynamon. The vesselles of Smaragde, and the table of the Souereigne Queene.

This beeing taken away verie solemnely, there was spred 58 an other cloth of silke of a purple colour, and so the apparrel of the wayters.

The flowers were of three sortes, of Iessamine, tawny, yea|low, and white. The Seruice was nine morsels of the flesh of a restoratiue Peacocke, moystened in his grauie. The sauce was most greene and tart, with Pistacke, Nuttes pownded, Sugar, Cypricum, Amylum, and Muske, Time, white Marioram, and Pepper. The vesselles of Saphyre, and the Princely Table.

At the seuenth chaunge, they brought in a sumpteous ta|ble of white Iuory, bordered, trayled, and finely wrought with many small pieces vpon the precious wood of Aloes, and ioy|ned & glued togither, and from one side to the other, wrought with knottes and foliature, flowers, vesselles, monsters, little Birdes, and the strikes and caruings filled vp with a black paste and mixture of Amber and Muske. This mee thought was a most excellent thing and sumpteous breathing out, a most de|lightful sweet smel. The cloth white and subtily wrought with drawne worke with Satten silke, the ground powdered and fil|led, and the worke white and plaine, with the representation of shapes, byrdes, beastes, and flowers, and in like sort the appa|rel of the wayters. The flowers Lady steale, Rape, Violet, and all sortes of sweete Gilliflowers. And thus there varied euerie

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where such diuersitie of smelles, seuerally brought in, and so delighfull to the sences, as I cannot sufficiently ex|presse.

Then there was giuen to euerie one a confection in three morsels of the shell, fish, Dact[...]lus, with Pistacke, Nut kernels pownded and put into Rose water and Sugar, of the Ilandes, and Muske and leafe Golde, beaten and adulterated therwith, that euerie piece taken vp, seemed as if it had beene all Gold.

The vessels were of Iacynth, and the table circulare. An apt and conuenient stone to so excellent disposition and roy|all board and straunge banquets, suche as before were neuer heard of.

After the taking away of these wonderfull Confections, and the flowers cast downe vpon the pauement in a princely magnificence, there was presently brought in, a great vessell of Cold full of kindled coales, into the which the table cloathes, napkins and towelles of silke were throwne, whiche presently burned light, and after that beeing taken out and cool[...]d, they were whole, vnhurt and cleane, as at the first. And this yet was the wonderfull straungest of all the rest. And then the tables and frames were taken downe and carried away.

Which most excellent order and sightes, the more that I carefully indeuoured to consider of them, the more ignorant and amazed I founde my selfe.

But in all thinges assuredly I did take great pleasure with my intended admiration, in seeing of such, so great, plentifull, and tryumphant sumpteousnes, of so incredible costly a ban|ket, that it is better to holde my peace then not to speake suf|ficiently in the report thereof. For that the bankets of Sicilia be in respect but beggerly, and so were the stately Ornaments of Attalus. The Corinthian vessels, the dainties of Ciprus, and Sa[...]ari[...] suppers.

Yet notwithstanding so supreame and excessiue alacritie, and cordiall delectation, and that onely and extreeme pleasure (occasioned by such and so vnexpected delightes) by one of those three which in the last chaunge attended, was quayled, ouerthrowne, interrupted, lamed, intercepted and made vaine. For shee did represent in her behauiour, the sweet ie|sture and resemblance of Polia, stirring vp by them in me stea|ling regardes.

This was no small hinderance vnto mee, in the takyng of those pleasant dainties and princely refection. Yet notwith|standing my eyes would now and then with much adoo, bee withdrawne to beholde the bewtie of the Iewels and precious stones, sparkeling and glistering in euerie place, in such diuer|sities of straunge and vnseene gloriousnes and conspicuous de|coraments, as if they had all ought a duetie to her, which made mee with an immoderate desire, to behold the correspondency of her excellent bewtie.

59 Lastly, in suche order and sorte, as aforesaide, the tables beeing taken away, I hung downe my heade, because that I might not followe after the last iunckates which I had lost by minding of her that ministred.

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Then first before the sacred Maiestie and royall person of the Queene, and afterwards to vs, fiue fayre Nymphes appa|relled in blewe silke and golde curiously wouen togeather in workes, did all together appresent themselues.

The middlemost of them did beare a braunch of coorrall, lyke a tree, such as is not founde amongst the Ilandes Orcha|des, of one cubite high, which stoode as vppon a little moun|tayne, which was the couer of an old fashioned vessell of pure gold, in forme of a Challyce, as high agayne as the couer and the tree of coorrall, full of curious workmanshippe and leafe worke, neuer made in our age, nor the like seene.

Betwixt the gracy lament of the foote and the cuppe, it was knitte together with a handle of inestimable workemanship, and in lyke manner the foo[...]e and the bowle were of an excel|lent anaglyphie of foliature, monsters and byformed Scyl|lules, so exquisitely expressed, as could be imbossed, chased, or ingrauen by proportionate circulation.

And the mordy cant couer of the same was thicke set with incomparable iewelles: and in lyke sorte all the base and handle whereas conueniencie requyred, and glystering a|bout.

Vppon the braunches of the coorrall, there were artifici|ally sette certayne open flowers with fiue leaues, some of Sa|phyre, some of Iacynth and Berill, and in the ruiddest of them a little round seede of golde, fastening the leaues to the stalke of corrall.

Which yoong woman reuerently bowing to the earth with her right knee, reseruing the other still vp, whereuppon shee helde this couer of coorrall, which also besides the flowers, had vppon the pointes and toppes of other twigges or sprouts curiously in fixed monstrous great pearle. An other of them had a cuppe full of pre[...]ious lyquor, better then that which the prowde Cleopatra gaue vnto the Romane Captaine: The reste did execute their offices [...]o aforesaid, and plucking off one af|ter another, with a little instrument with two teeth of golde they offering the same fruits vnto vs, to me vnknowne, for that I had neuer seene the lyke, we did tast them.

But the vnexpected pleasure of them, and sweetnes of their tast, was no otherwise to me than like a gratious substance wan|ting his desired forme.

And there were restored agayne the balles of golde before mentioned.

Vppon this appeared an other maruellous woorke, that was a perpetuall running fountaine artificially deuysed of the aforesaid matter, but of an other notable fashion and worke|manshippe, founded vppon an immoueable axeltree, vppon the which two wheeles turned about.

Aboue the which stood an vnequal quadrature three foot long, two foot broad, and six foote high.

In euery angular part did sit a Harpie with both her winges extended and stretched vp to the breadth of a higher ves[...]ell, standing vp vppon the middest of the measured quadrangule, coronized at the extreme and vpper parts, and beautified with chanelling and foliature, circumuesting the lower part.

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And vppon euerie side the same diuided into three, the middle parte betwixt the fall of the waters intercepted, did contayne in halfe bodyes carued, a tryumph of Satyres and Nymphes, with Trophees, and exquysite actions, excepte the fore-part and hinder parte moderately sinuated and bent in. The which in steade of squadred lyneament, did contayne a roundnesse waued betweene, in the which was maruellously ingrauen a little sacrifice with an olde Aultar on eyther sides, with manie figures and actions, the rest that was voyde, the tayles of the foresayde Harpyes ioyning togeather, and turning heere and there into leaues, did excellently couer the same.

Out of the medyan center of the equature and quadran|gule afore specified and described out of an antyke folyature, did ryse vp an olde fashioned vessell, and verie beautifull, the cyrcuite whereof did not exceede the content of the qua|drangulate playne, and this with all the rest of the woorke, and euerie proportionate disquisition, tryall, and examinati|on, 60 both in the highest breadth and thicknesse, with moste conuenient vesseling lineamentes, diligently delymated and fyled, and then finished with an absolute and depolyte defor|mation.

The which out of the suppressed orifice thereof did as|cend vp an other hollowe vessell, the compasse whereof did exceede the aforesaide subiect vessell furrowed and channel|led round about, of a great breadth and large brymmes so wel fashioned, as is possible for any goldsmith to beate out with his hammer.

In the center poynt whereof did rise and mount an other vessell of incredible workemanship.

In the bottome of which thirde there were small ridges swelling outwardes, the toppes of them compassed about with a row of diuerse inestimable stones, bearing out and diffe|ring in colours, as best might content the eye of a curious La|pidarie and skilfull vnderstanding.

Vppon the same on eyther sides was made a heade of a monster, from the which on both handes did proceede the garnishing thereof in an exquysite and most rare worke of leaues, inuesting the same about with the congresse of the opposyte heade, and finely gracing that parte of the vessell.

And in the bearing out of the lippe of the vessell ouer the perpendicular poynt of the heade there was fastened a rynge, from the which vppon eyther sides there hung downe a gar|land of braunches, leaues, flowers, and fruites growing big|ger towardes the middest, with a perpolyte bynding to eyther ringes.

Ouer the middle bending of the garland, and vnder the proiecture of the lyppe of the vessell, there was fixed and pla|ced the head of an olde man, with his beard and haire of his head transformed into nettle leaues, and out of whose mouth gushed out the water of the fountayne by art continually into the hollownes of the broad vessell vnder this.

Vppon the mouth of this last described vessell did mount vppe a pretyous hyll maruellously congest, and framed of innumerable rounde pretious rocke stones closing one with another vnequally, as if nature had ioyned them growing, ma|king a rounde composed hill, beautifully glistering of dyuerse sortes and colours in a proportionate bignes.

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And aloft vppon the toppe of this little hill, there grewe a fine pomgranate tree, the body, boughes and fruite made all of golde, the leaues of greene Smaragde. The fruit of theyr na|turall bignesse heere and there aptly placed, their sides cut o|pen, and in place of kernelles they were full of most perfecte Rubyes, as bigge as the kernels.

After that, the ingenious Artificer wanting no inuention, hee seperated the graynes in steade of the fyline with siluer foyle.

And moreouer, in other apples, opened, but not rype, hee redoubled the thicknesse of the foyle, making the ker|nelles of an oryentall colour, so also hee made the flowers of perfect corrall, in the cuppes full of bees of golde.

Besides this, out of the toppe of the hollowe steale, lyke a pype, there came out a turning steale, the lowest part where|of rested in a heade, framed from the middle trunke or pype iust ouer the axeltree.

Which steale or stypet beeing strongly fastened, it bare vp a vessell of Topas of an auncient forme, the bowle whereof in the bottome was broad, and swelling out with rigges in the o|pening, rarely bewtified with a coronice, and put vnder with another.

In which closing and binding together in foure equall di|uisions, there were foure winged heades of a little childe, with foure pipes in their mouthes.

The rest mounted vp so much as the lower bignesse of the vessell was, beeing closed vp at the orifice with an inuerse folia|ture. Vppon the which there was placed an other vessell as it were a circular couer of a most curious leafe worke, with a smal coronice, and an artificiall orifice.

From the bottome of which there beganne a flourished tayle of a Dolphin fastened and sowldered to the gracy lament of the vessell, descending downe with his heade finned with leaues, to the circulating brymme of the vessell where the 61 boyes heades were fixed. And with a moderate swelling out about the head, and streightning in towardes the tayle, they fitted for the eares in a beautiful manner. And all that inclining part with an exquisite polishing did make an expresse shewe of most curious lineaments.

The vpper vessell was so perfectly wrought, that when the wheele was mooued, the steale with the vessell vppon the toppe thereof, turned about and powred out water through the tree, and when the wheele stoode still, then that lefte turning.

The wheeles were halfe couered with two winges, the typpes turning one one way, and the other an other way, adorned with a chasing of Mermaydes or Scil|laes.

[Figure: ]

62 This excellent peece of woorke thus running before eue|rie one, and weeting our handes and feete of an incredible sweetnesse, such as I neuer had felt before, we dryed our hands, and it was carryed away.

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And beeing thus sprinckled with this rare and maiesticall water, the wayters with great reuerence presented vnto the Queene first a great cuppe of golde, and her highnesse affably saluting vs, drunke Nectar, and afterwardes euerie one of vs after other, with reuerent, mutual, and solemne honours done, did drinke a most pleasaunt farewell and shutting vp of all the pretious dainties that we had tasted and fed vpon.

Lastly, the redolent flowers beeing diligently taken away, and all thinges that had beene vsed borne from thence, the pauement remayned pure and shining as a most cleare steele glasse, and as it were emulating the pretious iewelles rownde about.

And euerie one beeing sette in his appoynted place, the high and mightie Princesse did commaund a company to come in, and stande vppon the diasper checkers, neuer the like before seene or imagined of anie mortall creature.

Poliphilus followeth to shew besides this great banket of a most excel|cellent daunce or

gaine, and how the Queene did commit him to two of her Nymphes, the which did leade

and condust him to the sight of many wonderfull things, and as they tal|ked, shewed vnto

him the secrecies of such things as hee stood in doubt of. Finally, how they came to the

three gates, in the middlemost whereof, hee remained amongest the amorous Nymphes.

HAuing spoken something of the excee|ding & incomparable glorie, triumph, vnknowne treasure, plentiful delights, solemne banket, and the most honou|rable and sumptuous drinking of this most happie and rich Queene, if I haue not distinctly and perfectly expressed her chiefest dignitie, let not the curious company maruel thereat, for what so|euer rype, sharpe, and readie wit, with a franke, eloquent and plentiful toong adorned, is not able to performe the least part of his duetie.

And much lesse I, who continually suffer in euerie secret place of my burning heart, an vncessant strife notwithstanding the absence of Polia my mistres, the owner of all my skil, and imprisoner of my perfections.

Besides that, in truth the many maruels in excellency, and varietie vnhard of, so vncoth, rare and straunge vnlikes inesti|mable, and not humane, haue so oppressed, laden & born down my sences, with the greedie and excessiue contemplation and beholding of their variable diuersities, as that from point to point I am no whit able to describe them, and much lesse wor|thie to publish them.

All and the most that I can do, is to thinke of the rich ap|parrel, exquisite prouision, curious dressings, perfect ambiti|ous and wounding bewties without imperfections, their deepe iudgements, Aemilian eloquence, & bountie more then prince|ly, the notable disposition and order of Architecture, the du|rable 63 Symmetrie and proportion of the building, perfect and absolute, the noblenes of the Art of Masonrie and Lapycida|rie, the directions and placing of Columnes, the perfection of statues and representations, the adornment of the walles, the

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diuersitie of the stones, the stately entrance & princely porch, large Gallery, artificious pauements, no man will thinke with what cost and charge bewtified and hanged with precious Ar|ras and Verdure. The spacious and loftie inner Court, goodly bed chambers, inner withdrawing chambers, parlours, bathes, librarie and pinacloth, where coat Armors escuchions, painted tables, and counterfeates of strangers were kept, & with a ma|iestical comelines and order placed and solemnely distributed.

In which conceiuing capacitie, maruellous performance, incredible charge and high commendation of the most excel|lent Artificer, woorthily allowed in euerie partition and ele|gant conuention of exquisite Lineaments. I also beheld [...]mar|ueilous twisted conlignation or couering of gold-smiths work, ouer a foure square plaine Court, growing vp alike, without comparison like a heauen, with a disposite distance of many sor|ted proportions, with sundry lybellated Dimensions, shadow|ing ouer the Court, with an Arched Eminence, which was vn|der, adorned with coronised Lyneaments and grauings, there|unto conuenient, as Fasheols, Gululles, and Oualling, and the leaues of Achanthus, licking vp as it were in the corners of the quadranguled Court. With Roses and the growing order of their leaues, the top leafe least, their iaggings about the leaues, and space betweene leafe and leafe. All thinges couered with pure fine gold and Azure colour, with diuers other proporti|ons and counterfets of substance, equal with their workeman|ship. The roofing of Salances King of Colchis, may not com|pare with this.

Then the delightful fruitfulnes of the set hedges, Orchards, watered Gardens, springing Fountaines, current streames in Marble Channelles, conteined, framed, and held in, with an incredible Art, greene Hearbes, still freshe and flowering, a sweete ayre, warme and spring windes, with a confused charme of singing and chirping birdes, a pure, faire and bright aire, and stil continuing temperate and healthfull, country free from danger and cloane, No craggy nor rockie places, nipt and blasted with sharpe windes, nor burnt with an vntemperate hotte Sunne, but vnder a sweet and pleasant temperature, in a moderate meane reioycing, betwixt two extreemes, the fields fruitful and without tillage and manuring, yeelding all commo|dities, warme hilles, greene woods and sweet coole shadowes.

Also the inestimable furniture, the attendant housholde and great number, their excellent seruice, the diuersitie of youthes, and all in the prime of their yeares. The delighfull presence of the Nymphes, both attending abroad in the pre|sence and chambers, her baser sort, their [...]onourable and gra|cious behauiours, their diuersitie of apparrel, attire and dres|sings set with Pearle and stone, in an allowed, pleasant & loue|ly sort, as any can imagine or expresse. With these infinite ri|ches, supreame delightes, and immeasurable treasure, neither Dariu[...], Craesus, or any other humane state, whatsoeuer might any way compare.

And thus to conclude, being ouercome with the glorie of them, I know not what more to say, but that I stood amazed, and as it were senceles· and yet in great delight and without wearines, beholding those present obi[...]cts, and casting with my selfe what fate and destinate should conduct and leade mee into such a place.

But afterwardes finding my selfe in such an accumulation of glorie, pleasant seate, happie Country, great contentment and tryumphant company, such as Clodius the Player in Tra|gedies neuer had seene. I was but moderately conuerted, not|withstanding the promise of the Queene, to

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f[...]uour my amo|rous desire, accouating all, but as eye pleasures that [...]itherto I had seene and had been presented vnto me, stil desiring a grea|ter happines.

For which cause, and for the greater setting out of the ex|cesse and abounding excellency, beyond all the rest of her roy|all magnificence, euery one sitting in their place after the mira|culous, wonderful, and sumpteous banket, without any delaie, she commanded a game to be playd by parsonages, not onelie woorthie the beholding, but of eternall remembrance, which was a game at Chesse, in this sort as followeth.

64 By the entraunce of the curtaine there came in thirty two Nymphes, whereof sixteene were apparrelled in cloth of gold (eyght vniformally without difference of degrees) afterwards one of those sixteene was apparrelled in princely rob[...] lyke a King, and the other lyke a Queene, with two tower-keepers or Rookes, as wee tearme them, two counsell-keepers or Se|cretaries, wee tearme them Bishoppes, and two Knights. In like sort were eight other in cloth of siluer, vnder the like gouerne|ment and magistracie as aforesaid.

Euerie one of these according to their duties· tooke theyr places vppon the checkers of the pauement, that is, sixteene in golde of one side in two rowes, and sixteene in siluer of the contrarie side.

The Musicke beganne vppon a sodayne with a rare inuen|tion to sound a charge with a pleasaunt concord, participating togeather a sweete and thundering melodie, hauing in it a de|uine furie.

At the measured sounde and time of the Musicke vppon their checkers, as it pleased the King to commaund, the pawns turning themselues with a decent reuolution, honouring the King and the Queene, leapt vppon an other checker before them.

The King of the white men, his musicke sounding, com|maunded her forward that stoode before the Queene, and the same with lyke reuerent behauiour marched forward her con|tinent, and stoode still. And according to the mensuration of the musicall time in this order, so they chaunged their places, or continued vppon the checkers dauncing, vntill that they were eyther taken or commaunded forward by the King.

If the musicke kept[...] still one time, those eyght vnyforme pawnes did spende the time in marching forwardes into an o|ther checker, neuer comming backe vntill that worthily with|out touch or appalement of courage, they had leapt vppon the line of that square where was the residence of the Queene, proceeding straight on, vnlesse she tooke a prisoner by a Dia|gonick line.

The Bishop went in a Diagonike lin[...], still holding that [...] loured checker wherein he stood [...].

The Knight ouer two checkers before him taketh the next of eyther handes, and of a contrary colour to that hee stoode in immediately before.

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The Castle-keepers or Rookes might passe ouer manie checkers streight on as they pleased at commaundement, so that they might goe one, two, three, foure, or fiue checkers· keeping a measure, and not staying in their march.

The King might goe vpon anie checker if none were in it, or backeward, and cause any other to remooue for him, and make him roome.

The Queene might goe any way, but it is best when shee is neare her husband on euery side.

And when soeuer the officers of eyther of the Kings shall finde one without guarde of helpe, they take her prisoner, and both kissing one another, she that is ouercome and taken, goeth foorth and standeth by.

Thus they continued playing and dauncing according to the time of the musi[...]ke, with greate pleasure, solace, and ap|plause, vntill the King of the siluer Nymphes was victour and conquerour.

This solemne sport, what with resistance flying backe, and seconding of one an other, with such a measured circulation, reuerence, pause, and modest continencie, endured the space of an hower, whereat I tooke such pleasure and delyght· that I imagyne (and not amysse) that I was rapt vpon the so|daine from the liking of the sportes of Olympus to a newe felicitie.

This first game beeing ended, and conquest obtayned, all retourned into theyr accustomed places, and in like manner as at the first, so the second time euerie one in theyr appoyn|ted checkers, the Musicke chaunging theyr measure, so the moouings and gestures of the players were altered.

And obseruing the time of the musicke in a conuenient or|der, and approoued gesture and arte, that it was no neede to commaund or say any thing.

But the cunning and experte Nymphes, with theyr plenti|full tresses effused ouer theyr delicate shoulders hung wauing, and in theyr motion forwardes would streame out at length, 65 somewhat shewing their backes, about their heades wearing Garlandes and Crownes of Violets. And when any one was taken, they lifted vp their armes and clapt handes. Thus play|ing and coursing vp and downe, the first continued still con|querour.

In the last game and daunsing, they beeing all returned to their distributed places, the Musicke againe sounded a mea|sure phrygiall in as perfect and prouoking furie as euer Mar|cias of Phrygia inuented.

The King in robes of Colde, caused the yoong Damo|sell that stood before the Queene, to marche forwarde to the third Checker, direct in the first remooue, whereupon im|mediately there was seene a battaile and Torney, with so swift and sodaine forces, bending themselues to the grounde as it were lying close vpon their Garde, and presently vpon it ca|pering vp with a turne twise aboue ground, one rust opposite against an other, and vpon their downe come withall a turne vpon the toe thrise about.

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All this Action they did at one time, with such a grace and agilitie, as nothing could be better, with their lowe inclinati|tions, high Capers and Turnings, without affectation of stray|ning, as it should seeme with facilitie and careles ease at plea|sure and sweete iestures, as in such a thing may bee imagined, and not else where to bee seene. Neuer any one troubling an other, but who so was taken prisoner, did presently kisse their Conquerour, and voyded the place. And the lesser number that there was, the more pleasure it was to perceiue the polli|cies of either sides to ouercome other.

And such an order and motion was vsed of euerie one, in a commendable sort without fault, as the measure and time of the Musike appointed, stirryng euen them that looked on to haue a motion in their sinowes and mindes to doo the lyke, there was such a concord and agreement betwixt nature and the Musike especially, seeing the performance of the same in the actions of others.

Vpon this occasion I was moued to call to remembrance the force of Timotheus, the most cunning musitian, who with his voice and measure vppon his Instrument would prouoke the great Macedonian Alexander, violently to take Armes, and presently altering his voyce and tune, to forget the same, and sit downe contentedly. In this third game, thy apparrel|led in gold did triumph in the victoritie.

Thus honourably with exceeding pleasure and great so|lace, this sumpt[...]ous feast beeing ended, euerie one framed themselues to sit downe. And I rysing vp, made reuerence be|fore the Royall seate of her sacred maiestie, and kneelyng downe vpon my knee, she thus said vnto me.

Poliphilus, forget now, and wype out of thy remembrance all forepassed griefes, occursiue troubles, pensiue conceites, and ouergone daungers, because that I am assured of thy forthwith full contentment of desire.

And seeing that thy determination is to perseuere reso|lutely in the amorous flames and loue of Polia, I thinke it conuenient, that for the recouerie thereof, thou repaire to the three Portes, which are the resident places of the high and mightie Queene Telosia, in which place vppon euerie of those Portes and Gates, thou shalt see her tytle and name inscrypt. Read it diligently, but for thy better direction and safegarde, thou shalt haue to accompany thee, two of my handmaydes, which know verie well the way thither, and therefore go on vndoubtedly with a happie successe.

And thereupon with a princely bountie, she drew of from her finger a Ring of gold, hauing set in it an Anchit, and deli|uered it vnto me to remember her bountie by.

At this aduise and precious gift, I became amphasiatike, not knowing what to saie or doo, in requitall or giuing of thankes. Which her Highnes perceiuing, motherly and with a naturall promptnes in a maiestical grauitie, turned her coun|tenance to two noble and goodly Nymphes, attending neere vnto her Royall and imperiall Throne, saying thus to one of them vpon her right side.

Logistica, you shall bee one that shall accompanye our guest Poliphilus, and with a sacred and honourable grace, shee turned to the left hande saying, Thelemia, you shall also go with him.

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And both of you shewe and instruct him at what Gate hee must remayne, and then Poliphilus, they 65 shall bring you to an other mightie and maiesticall Queene, who if shee shall bee bountifull vnto thee in entertainment thou art happie, if contrarie, then discontented.

Notwithstandyng, none doth knowe her intent by her countenance, because that sometime shee sheweth her selfe full of fauour, loue, and pleasant dispositions. An other time shee is malignant, frowarde, disdainefull, with vnstable incur|syue passions. And shee it is that determineth such euents as thou seekest after. And for her obscure condition, shee is rightly called Thelosia.

Her residence is not in suche a stately Pallaice, as thou seest mee to dwell in.

Therefore I would haue thee to vnderhande, that the chiefe woorkeman in the creation of nature, did make no thyng comparable to mee, neyther can the earth shew thee greater treasure then to come to my presence and taste of my bountie, obtaine my fauour and participate of my qua|litie.

And therefore esteeme of it according to the value, for that thou findest in me, is a heauenly Tallent aboue all earth|ly Iewels, for I haue not had my residence in man since his fall.

They may imagine of mee, but they knowe mee not, neyther doo I beare any rule with them to the good of my selfe.

Nowe the Queene Telosia, shee dwelleth in a place of cloudie darkenes, her house is kept close and shut, for that shee will not shew her selfe vnto man, nor anothomise, dis|couer, and laye open her selfe vnto any as shee is, and for this cause the euent of her variable determination is kept se|cret.

But in a maruellous sort considerately, shee transformeth her selfe against the haire, into diuers fashions, not manifesting her selfe, although desired.

And when the auncient Gates shall be opened vnto thee, in euerie one shall bee written what shall befall thee, but thou shalt not perceiue the same, vnlesse that in some part thy vnderstandyng and wisedome enigmatically and with a right and sincere iudgement looke vnto it, and quickly consider of it, for because that shee ambyguously chaungeth her selfe in habite and countenance, and through this doubtfull any|maduersion, a man remaineth deceiued of his expectation without remedie.

And therefore Poliphilus, that which these my consigned, trustie and appoynted handmaydes by suggestion shall per|swade thee vnto, and at what Gate thou oughtest to enter in and remayne, euen which of those two it shall best please thee to giue eare vnto, doo: for they haue some vnderstan|ding of her.

And hauyng thus spoken, shee made a signe or becke with her head to the two Nymphes Logistica and Thelemia, who presently without delaie, were obedient to her commaund. And I beeing readie to speake, neyther knew what to say, or yet durst to so high a maiestie, and for so great bounties giue a word.

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The two appoynted companyons of my iourney, ve|rie fauourablye, and with a familiar readines and virginlike iestures, tooke holde of mee, one by the right hande, and the other by the left, and reuerently obteyning licence, first of the Queene, and takyng theyr leaue of the rest, went out the same way that I came in.

And I beeyng desirous and not satisfied, turned mee about towardes the conspicuous Poarch, to beholde dili|gently the artificious Pallaice, wonderfull and perfinite of the Art of building.

The subtiltie of which, no humane excogitation is able to imitate.

And therefore I thought that nature had made that for a maruell of all her woorkes for commoditie, vse, grace, bew|tie, ayre, and continuall durablenes.

For which cause, I was excessiuely desirous to staie and looke vppon it, but my leaders and guides would not suffer mee, and yet by the theft of my eye in the Zopher, ouer the gate I noted this inscription, [...].

67 And as muche as with my quicke sences I could carrie, I tooke in my going foorth, with as greate pleasure and de|light as is possible to expresse. O happie were hee that myght bee but a drudge or kitchin slaue in suche a Para|dice.

Nowe beeing come into the base Court, compassed and sette about with Orenge trees, Thelemia in great curtesie saide thus vnto mee, besides and aboue all the maruellous and woonderfull thinges which thou hast yet seene and behelde, there bee sower yet remayning behynde whiche thou shalt see.

And vppon the lefte side of the incomparable pallace, they brought mee into a fayre Orchyard of excogitable ex|pence, tyme, and subtletie of woorke-manshippe, the contynent and cyrcuite whereof was as muche as the plot of the Pallace, wherein was the resydence and abiding of the Queene.

Round about fast by the walles of the Orchyard there were set conuenyent garden pots in the which in stead of growing plantes, euerie one was of pure glasse, [Note: Ar[...] toparia is the way of cutting of trees in gar|dens or other places to pro|portions or shapes. ] exceeding a mans imagination or beleefe, intorpiaried boxe the rootes and stalkes of golde, whereout the other procee|ded.

Betwixt one and other of the which was placed a Cy|prusse tree, not aboue two paces high, and the boxe one pace full of manyfolde maruellous symples, with a moste excellent imitation of nature, and pleasaunt diuersitie in the fashions of flowers in distinct colours verie delyght|full.

The playne labiall compassing about the quadrant Or|chyard comming out from the walles as a seate for these a|foresayde garden pottes and trees to stande vppon, was subcoronized with golde by excellent lyneamentes wrought and adorned. The vpper face whereof, and whereuppon those pottes and trees did stande, was couered with a play|ster of glasse gilte, and a curious

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historographie to be seene in the same, and compassed about and holden in with wye|ring and netting of golde.

The wall that compassed about the Orchyard with a con|uenient distance, was bellyed out with columnes of the same matter, and inuested with flowring bindings naturally propor|tioned, and heere and there were quadrangulate columnes of golde chamfered, arching from one to an other, with a requi|site beame Zophor and coronice, with a meete and conuenient proiecture ouer the chapter of glasse vppon the round.

The substance of which subiect proiecture of the bryttle matter, was of counterfayte diasper diuersly coloured and shining. Which bryttle substance had some void space betwixt that and the other.

The mouth of the arches were stopped with rombyes of cleare glasse in forme of a tryangle, and the pypes beautified all ouer with an Encaustick painting, verie gratious to the sight of the beholder.

The ground was here and there couered with great round balles of glasse lyke gunne stones, and other fine proportions much pleasing· with a mutuall consent vnmooueable lyke pearles shining without any adulteration by folyature. From the flowers did breath a sweet fragrancie by some cleare wash|ing with oyle for that purpose.

There most cunningly did Logistica lyke an Orator make a discourse in commendation physically of that excellent confection of the noblenes of the substaunce, secrecie of the art, and straungenes of the inuention. The like is not to bee found.

And after shee sayde, Poliphilus lette vs goe and ascende vp this mount nexte the Garden, and Thelemia remayning at the stayre foote, wee ascended vp to the playne toppe. Where shee shewed vnto mee, with a heauenly eloquence, a Garden of a large compasse, made in the forme of an intricate Labo|rynth allyes and wayes, not to bee troden, but sayled about, for in steade of allyes to treade vppon, there were ryuers of water.

The which mysticall place was of a verie lustie mould and fruitfull, replenished with all sorts of fruits, beautified with faire springs, and greene hearbes and flowers, full of all solace and delight. Whereupon she spake thus.

69 I doe imagine (Poliphilus) that you doe not vnderstande the conditionate state of this maruellous seate, and therefore giue attendance to my wordes.

Whosoeuer entereth in cannot come backe, but as you see yonder mountaines heere and there distributed, seuen circu|its and the about goings distant one from another.

And the extreeme molestation and sorrowe of the ente|rers in, is this: In the myddle mountayne within the center thereof, and open mouth of the same, there lurketh inuisibly a deadly deuouring olde Dragon, hee is vtter destruction to some, and others are not hurte to death by him. Hee can|not bee seene nor shunned, neyther doth hee leaue any vnas|saulted, but eyther in the entrie,

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or in their iourney, hee de|stroyeth or woundeth. And if hee killeth them not betwixt one mountayne and another, they passe the seuen circuites to the next mount.

And they that enter in by the first tower or mount (where|vppon is this tytle inscript [...].) They sayle in a little shippe with a prosperous winde, and securely at pleasure: the fruites and flowers fall downe vppon theyr hatches, and with great solace and pleasure they cut through by the seauen reuolutions with a merry winde, vntill the se|cond mount bee discouered and come vnto. And marke and beholde (Poliphilus) howe cleare and bright the ayre is in the entrance, ouer that it is in the center, about the which is thicke darknesse.

In the first mount or tower there is alwayes resident a pittifull matron and bountifull, before whome standeth an auncient appoynted vessell called Vrna, in a readinesse, hauing vppon it seauen Greeke letters as thus [...], full of appoynted honie, and to euerie one that entereth in, verie curteously and with a good will shee giueth one of them with|out respecte of state and condition, but according to theyr enterance.

These beeing receyued, they came foorth, and begin to sayle in the Laborynth, the water beeing enuyroned vpon ei|ther sides, with roses, trees, and fruits.

[...] 69 [...]

And hauing sayled the first seuen reuolutions of Aries, and being come to the second mount, there they meet with innu|merable troopes of yong women of diuerse conditions, which demaund of euerie one the sight of theyr honye, which beeing shewed vnto them, they straightwayes knowe the propertie of the hony, and the goodnesse thereof, and embracing him as theyr guest, they inuyte him with them to passe through the next seuen reuolutions, and with diuerse exercises accor|ding to her inclyned promptnes, they accompany them to the third mount.

In this place hee that will goe on forwards with his compa|nion, shee will neuer abandon or leaue him: for there bee farre more pleasaunt voluptuous women. And many refuse the first and make choyse of them.

In the putting off from the second mount, to come to the third, they finde the current of the water somewhat agaynst them, and stand in neede of oares, but beeing fallen off from the thirde mount, making theyr course towardes the fourth, they finde the tide and streame more against them, and in these seauen oblique courses their pleasure is variable and vncon|stant.

Beeing come to the fourth mount, they finde other yoong women combatting and fighting, and those examining theyr pottes of honie, they intice them to theyr exercise, but those that refuse to leaue theyr first companions, they let passe to|gether, and in this cyrcuite the water is yet more contrary and troublesome, where there is neede of great studie and labour to passe on.

And beeing come to the fift mount, they finde it specula|ble, lyke a mirrour wherein they see theyr representations, and in that they take great delyght, and with a feruent desire they passe on their labour some course. In that mount they see this sentence and golden saying manyfested, Medium tennere beati: not lyneall, nor locall, but temporall, where by a sincere and perfect

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examination hee discerneth that meane wherewith he hath ioyned his felicitie, wisdome and riches: which if not well, in the rest of his course he faynteth the more.

69 And losing off from thence, the Waters by reason of the bro|ken circles, beginne to be verie slyding towards the Center; so that with small or no rowing they are brought to the sixt Mount. And there they finde elegant Women, with a shew of heauenly modestie and diuine worship, with whose amiable a|spects and countenaunces, the Trauailers are taken in their loue, condemning their former with despite and hatefull abhorrence· And with these they fall acquainted, and passe the seauen reuo|lucions.

These beeing come ouer with an obscure and foggy close ayre, with many losses and a grieuous voyage, they beginne to remember what they haue past and lost: for the more that the compasse of the reuolucion, draweth neere to the discouerie of the Figure of the Center, the sooner they are passed ouer, styll shorter and shorter, and the more swyfter the course of the streame is into the deuouring swallow of the Center.

And then with extreame affliction and bitter anguish re|membring the abuse of their pleasures, and companions that they haue forsaken· and sweete places, which so much the more augmenteth their sorrowes· for that they cannot returne o[...] goe backe with theyr Shyppe, such a companie still follow them vp|pon the stearne with their fore-castles. And most of all dysmay|eth them the heauie sentence ouer the median Center, Theon[...]y|kos Dys Algetos.

And there, considering the displeasant tytle, they curse the time of their entrance into the Labirinth, which hath in it so manie sundry delights, and the end of them subiect to such my|serable and ineuitable necessity.

And then she smyling, said: Poliphilus, ouer the deuouring throat of thys Center, there sitteth a seuere Iudge, balancing e|uery ones actions, and helping whom hee will helpe. And be|cause that it will be tedious to tell thee all, let thus much heereof suffise. Let vs goe downe to our co~panion Thelemia, who de|manding the cause why they staid so long aboue, Logistica made aunswer, it doth not content our Poliphilus, onely to behold, but also to vnderstand by me the secrecie of those things, which he could not goe to knowe, wherein I haue satis-fied him· And when she had ended, Thelemia said.

Let vs goe a little while to an other garden no lesse plea|sant ioyning to the glasse garden, vppon the right side of the Pallas: and when wee were come in thither, I was a|mazed with excessiue wondering, to see the curiousnesse of the worke, as vneasie to report as vncredible to beleeue: aequiuolant with that of glasse, wyth lyke disposition of benches or bankes; theyr lyppes set ou[...] with coronising and golden ground worke, and such trees, but that the boxes and Cyprus trees, were all silke, sauing the bodies and grea|ter branches, or the strength of the armes: the rest, as the leaues, flower[...], and outermost [...]ynde, was of fine silke, wanting no store of Pearles to beautifie the same: and the perfect fine collour, smelling as the glasse flowers before menti|oned, and alike, but that they about compassing walles, of mer|ua[...]lous and incredible sumpteousnesse, were all couered o|uer with a crusting of Pearle, close ioyned and set toge|ther: and towardes the [...]oppe, there sprouted out greene y[...]ie, the leaues thickning and bushing out from the Pearles, vvith the stranges and veines of golde, r[...]nning vppe in di|uers places betwixt

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the Pearles, in a most rare and [...]urious sor[...], as if it had beene very growing yuie, with berries of precious stones sette in the stalkes in little bunches: and in the bushes were Ringe-doues of silke, as if they had beene feeding of the berries, all along the sides of the square plot|ted garden walles: ouer the which, in master-like and re|quisit[...] order, stretched out the beame Zophor and of golde.

The plaine smoth of the settles, where-vpon the boxe trees stoode, couered ouer with Histories of loue and vene|rie, in a worke of silke and threddes of golde and siluer, in suche a perfect proportioned ymaginarie and counterfaiting as none may goe beyonde. The ground of the leuell garden, was of leaues, grasse, and flowers of silke, like a faire sweete med|dowe: in the midst whereof, there was a large and goodly round Arbour, made with golde wyer, and ouerspread with roses of the lyke worke, more beautifull to the eye, then if they had been growing roses, vnder which couering, and within which Arbour about the sides, were seates of red Diaspre, & all the round paue|me~t of a yellow Diaspre, according to the largen[...]s of the place, 70 with dyuers colloured spottings, confusedly agreeing together in pleasant adulterated vniting, and so cleere and shining, that to euery obiect was it selfe gaine represented. Vnder the which Arbour, the fayre and pleasant Thelemia, solaciously sitting downe, tooke her Lute which she carryed with her, and with a heauenly melodie and vn-hearde sweetenesse, she began to sing in the commendation and delightes of her Queene. And see|ing what a grace vnto her, the company of her fellowe Logistica was, I maruailed why Apollo came not to harken the Harmonie made by them: it was so melodious, that for the present tyme a man woulde haue thought that there had beene no greater fae|licitie. And after that shee ended her diuine Poems, Logistica tooke me by the hande and led me foorth of the Arbour, saying vnto me.

Poliphilus, thou shalt vnderstande that the deuise of these obiects, are more pleasant to bee vnderstoode then behelde, and therefore lette vs enter in heere, to bee satisfied in both.

And from thence, shee and her companion brought mee from thys garden to an other, where I behelde an arching A|reostile, from the ground bent to the toppe, fyue paces in height and three ouer, and thus continued rounde about the compasse of the garden, in an orderly and requisite proportioning, all in|uested and couered ouer with greene yuie, so that no part of the wall was to be seene. And there were a hundred Arches to the compassing of this garden.

By euery of the Arches, was an Aulter of red Porphirite, cu|riously proportioned with exquisite lyneaments; and vppon e|uery one of them was placed, an image of golde, like a Nymph, of rare and beautifull semblances, diuersly apparelled, and vary|ing in theyr attyre and heade dressing, euery one bending their eyes towards the Center of the garden.

In which middle Centricke place, there was founded a Base, of a cleere Christal-like Calcedonie stone, in a Cubic forme: that is, euery way a like square. And vppon that was set a round stone, but flatte vppon both sides, two foote high, and by the Diameter, one pace and a halfe ouer, of most pure red Diaspre. Vppon the which, stoode a most blacke stone, in forme three square, and in quantitie for breadth, fitting the rounde, and in height one pace and a halfe. The corners of which triangle did iumpe with the sides, and lymbus of the subiacent plynth or round stone.

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In the smooth polished fronts of which triangle, there was appact a beautifull Image, of a heauenly aspect, graue and mo|dest, with their feete not touching the stone, but standing out from the same iust ouer the suppressed and vnder-put rounde stone. Theyr statures as tall as the trygonall would beare, vnto the which they did stick fast by their backe parts. Theyr armes were stretched abroade, both the right and left to the corners of the triangle, where they held a Coppy, filled and fastned to the corners of the Trigonall, the length of euery one of which Cop|pies of fine gold, was seauen foote.

And the Images, the Coppyes, and their bandes wherewith they were tyed in the midst and held by, were all shyning, and their hands inui[...]uped· with the sundry stringes, flynging about the plaine smothe of the black stone.

Their habits were Nymphish, of most rare and most excel|lent working. The Sepulchre of Tarnia the Queene of the Scythians in Asia, was nothing comparable.

In the lowest Cubicall Figure, vpon the smoth plaine of e|uery square, were ingrauen Greeke Letters, three, one, two and three on thys sort. [...].

71 In the circular there [Figure: ] were three Characters Hi|eragliphicall, perpendicu|larly vnder the feet of eue|rie Image. For the first, was impressed the forme of the Sonne. Next vnder another, the figure of an olde fashioned Ower.

Thirdly, a dyshe with a burning flame in it.

Vpon the heade of the trygonall blacke stone, to|warde euerie corner, I did behold an Egiptian Mon|ster of Gold, fower footed couchant. One of the~ ha|uing a face lyke man al|together. The other like half a man, & halfe a beast. And the third like a beast. VVith a linnen vaile ouer euery of their heades, with two Labels hanging ouer theyr eares, & the rest de|scending downe and coue|ring their necks & backes, with the bodies of Lyons. Theyr lookes directly for|ward.

Vppon the backs of these three, dyd stande rysing vp a mas|siue Pyre of Gold, three square, sharpning vp to the toppe, fiue tymes as high as broade below. And vpon euery front or fore|side, was grauen a circle, and ouer one circle a Greeke Letter, O. ouer another, a Letter [...]. and ouer the third, a Greeke N.

There Logistica beganne to speake vnto me, saying, by these Figures are discribed, so farre as mans reason can shewe, the ce|lestiall harmony. And vnderstand Poliphilus, that these Figures, with a perpetuall affynitie and coniunction, are auncient Mo|numents, and Egiptian Hieragliphs, signifying this, Diuinae in|finitaeque trinitati vnius essentiae. Which is now by his holy word, in a most louing sort manifested to the whole world, according to his will: and yet it shall not be a misse to see antiquities, and consider what greater benefite is had by the precious Gospel.

The lower Figure was consecrated to the Deitie, because it is euerie way alike, and all one: and vpon euery side, and tur|ned euery way, of like stablenes; vpon euery base, constant and permanent.

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The round Circular standing vppon that, is without begin|ning or ende. Vppon the circumferent sides whereof, these three lyneaments are contained, directly vnder euerie Image, ac|cording to the property attributed.

The Sunne with his comfortable light, giueth life to euerie thing, and his nature is attributed to GOD.

The second is the Ower, which is prouident direction, and gouernment of all with an infinite wisedome.

The third is a Fyerie Vessell, whereby is vnderstoode a par|tycipation of Loue.

And although that they be three distinct things, yet they are contained & vnited in one sempeternallie, with great loue com|municating their blessings, as you may see by the coppies at e|uery corner of the trygonall stone.

And continuing her delectable speech, shee sayd, vnder the forme of the Sunne, note this Greeke worde, Adiegetos. By the Owe looke vpon this, Adiachoristos. And by the Vessel of fier, was engrauen, Adiereynes.

And to this ende are the three Monsters placed vnder the golden Obelisque, because that there be three great opinions 73 like those Monsters: & as that with the humane countenaunce is best, so the other be beastly and monstrous.

In the Spyre there be three plaine sides, lyneated with three circles, signifying one for euery time. The past, the present, and to come; and no other figure can holde these three circles, but in that inuariable. And no mortall man can at one instant per|fectlie discerne and see together two sides of the same figure, sa|uing one integrally, which is the Present: and therefore vp|pon great knowledge were these three Characters engrauen, O. [...] N.

For which cause Poliphilus, not that I excuse my selfe for beeing ouer prolix and tedious, but briefely to teach thee· and sette thee right vp. In the knowledge heereof, thou shalt vn|derstand, that the first busiall Figure is onely knowne to hym|selfe, and to one Sonne of man, which hath a humane bodie glo|rifyed and without sinne: and the brightnes thereof wee see but as in a glasse, and not cleerely as it is, for that it is incomprehen|sible for a fynite substance.

But he that is indued with wisedome, le[...] him consider of the glorious brightnes thereof. But to the thirde Figure, which is of a darke and blacke collour, wherein be the three golden Ima|ges: The Blacke stone is the Lawe: the Coppies foode: the three Women the preseruation of Man-

kind.

Nowe they which will looke higher, they see a Figure in a tryne aspect, and the higher that they goe towardes the toppe, where the vnion of the three is, be they neuer so wise, their vn|derstanding is vnperfect: and although that they see it, yet they knowe not what they see, but that there is such a thing, in com|parison whereof, they are fooles, theyr power weake, and them|selues nothing.

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And there Logistica hauing ended her allowed talke, procee|ding from an absolute knowledge, deepe iudgement, and sharp|nesse of wit in Diuine matters, and vnknowne to weake capaci|ties, I began heereat to take greater delight, then in any other meruailous worke what soeuer, that I had graciously beholden with my greedy eyes. Considering with my selfe of the mysti|call Obelisque; the ineffable equality statarie· for durablen[...]sse and perpetuitie vnmoueable, and enduring vncorruptible.

Where there breathed a sweet ayre from heauen, with vnua|riable windes, in this Garden round about full of flowers· of a large and circular permanent plot: compassed about with all sorts of fruites, pleasant in taste and full of health; with a per|petuall greenesse, disposed and set by a regular order, both beau|tifull· pleasant, and conuenient; with the perfect labour and in|deuour of Nature to bring it to that passe, and beautified with precious gold.

And Logistica holding her peace, they tooke mee both by the hands, and we went out at the mouth of one of the Arches from the precyncts of the Iuied inclosure. And beeing gone from thence· very contentedly passing on betwixt them both, saith Thelemia, let vs now hasten on to our three Gates whether we are sent.

Where-vpon, we passing through a plentiful seate and plea|sant Countrey, with a reasonable conuenient pace, I beheld the heauens very cleere & bright, & beguiled the tyme with mer[...]y, sweet, and delightfull discourses. And I desirous to vnderstand euery particular of the inestimable riches, vnspeakeable delights and incomparable treasure of the sacred Queene, (to the which Osyris the builder of the two Temples of Golde, one to Iupiter, and the other to the kingdome, must giue place,) I mooued this question.

Tell me I beseech you fayre Nymphes, (if my curiosity bee not to your discontentment) amongst all the precious stones that I could perfectly behold of great estimation and pryce, one I deemed inestimable, and without comparison most precious; The Iasper which had the effigies of Nero cut, it was not much bigger. Neither was the Coruscant to passe in the statue of Ar|sinoe the Arabian Queene equall with it. Next her, of such value was the Iewell, wherein was the representation of No|nius the Senator, as this sparkling and shyning Dyamond, of a rare and vnseene beautie and bignes, which did hang vpon a rich Carkenet about the snowie necke of the sacred Queene, what cutting was in the same, which I could not perceiue by meanes of the brightnesse and my beeing some-what farre of. And therefore I beeing therein ignoraunt, desyre to knowe the same.

73 Logistica considering of my honest demaund, aunswered me incontinently. Know this Poliphilus, in the Iewell was ingrauen an imperiall throne, and in the throne the mighty name of Ie|houah in Hebrew Letters, and before that throne, are cast downe and troden vnder foote, the Gyants which proudly haue lift vp themselues against his worde, and resisted hys will: vppon the left side of the throne is a flame of fire, vppon the right hande a horne of saluation, or Copie full of all good blessednes, and this is all that is contained in the Iewell.

Then I presumed further to knowe, what should these two things vpon eyther sides of the throne signifie· that were hol|den out in two handes: Thele[...]ia quickly aunswered me, God of his infinite goodnesse, proposeth to mankind his mercie and his iudgement, chuse which they will.

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For thys beeing satis-fied, I sayd moreouer. Seeing that most gracious Nymphs, my speeches be not displeasant vnto you, and that I am not yet satis-fied in all that I haue seene, I pray you let me vnderstand this.

Before the horrible feare that I was driuen into by the Dra|gon, I beheld a mighty huge Elephant of stone, with an entrance into his bellie, where were two Sepulchres, with a wryting, the meaning wherof is too mysticall for me, that was, that I shoulde not touch the bodie, but take away the head.

Logistica forthwith made me aunswer. Poliphilus, I doe vn|derstande very well your doubt, and therefore you shall vnder|stande, that this monstrous shape and machine was not made without great and wonderfull humane wisedome, much labour, and incredible diligence, with a perplexibility of vnderstan|ding to knowe the mysticall conceite. Thou remembrest that vpon the face there hung an ornament, with certaine Ide[...]nix ionic and Arabic, which in our Mother-tongue, is as much to say, as labour, and industrie. Sgnifying thereby, that in thys world, whosoeuer will haue any blessing that shall do him good, he must leaue the body, which is ease and idlenes, and betake himselfe to trauaile and industry, which is the head.

Shee had no sooner ended her words both pleasant & pier|cing, but I vnderstoode it very well and gaue her great thankes? And yet desirous to be resolued in whatsoeuer I stood in doubt, and seeing that I might speake boldly, I made this third questi|on. Most wise Nymph, in my comming out of the subterraneall vast dark some place, as I passed on, I came to a goodlie bridge, and vppon the same, in a Porphyrite stone vppon the one side, and an Ophite vpon the other, I beheld engrauen certaine Hie|ragliphs, both which I did interprete· but I stoode doubtfull of certaine branches, that were tyed to the hornes of the scalpe of the Oxe, and the rather because they were in the Porphyrite stone, and not in the Ophit vpon the other side.

She aunswered me straight way. The braunches, one is of the Thistle or thorne of Iudea, and the other of the Turben|tine. [Note: The crown of thorne vpon Chri|stes head. ] The nature of which Woodes bee, that the one will not easily take fire, and the other will neither bend, rotte, consume, nor be eaten with wormes. And so that patience is commen|ded, which with anger is not kindled, nor by aduersity will bee subdued.

The nature of the Porphy[...]it stone is of this secrecie, tha[...] in the fornace it will neither burne it selfe, but also causeth other stones neere adioyning that they shall not burne. And of that nature is patience, that it will neither be altered it selfe, nor suf|fer any other wherein it beareth rule to fall into a furie. And the Ophite stone is of such nature also.

Nowe Poliphilus, I doe greatly commende you, in that you are desirous to vnderstand such secrets: for to behold, consider, and measure the same, is a commendable vertue, and the way to knowledge: whereuppon I had occasion giuen to render innu|merable thanks, for her great and fauourable curtesies.

And thus with allowed and delightfull discoursing spee|ches, we came to a fayre Riuer, vpon the banck whereof, besides other fayre greene and florishing Trees, and water hearbes, I beheld a fine Groue of Plane Trees, in the which was an excel|lent fayre bridge ouer the Riuer made of

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stone, with three Ar|ches, with pyles bearing foorth against the two fronts, to pre|serue the worke of the bridge, the sides thereof beeing of excel|lent workmanship.

And in the middle bending of the same, vpon eyther sides, there was a square stone of Porphyrite set, hauing in it a Cata|gliphic, engrauing of Hieragliphies.

74 Vpon the right hand as I went ouer, I beheld a woman, ca|sting abroade her armes, sitting onely vppon one buttocke, put|ting foorth one of her legges as if shee woulde rise; In her right hand, vpon that side which shee did sitte, shee helde a payre of winges, and in the other hand, vppon that side whereon she was arysing, a Tortice.

Right against her, there was a Circle, the center wherof two little Spyrits did hold, with their backs turned towards the cir|cumference of the Circle.

And then Logistica saide vnto me, Poliphilus, I am sure that thou doost not vnderstand these Hieragliphs, but they make much for thy purpose: and therfore they are placed for a Mo|nument and thing to be considered, of such as passe by.

The Circle Medium tenuere beats.

The other, temper thy hast by staying, and thy slownesse by rysing, consider heereof as thou seest cause.

This bridge was built with a moderate bending, shewing the cunning disquisition, tryall, examination, ar[...]e, and discreti|on of the excellent workman and inuenter, commended in the continuaunce and durablenesse thereof, which manie of our Bayard-like moderne Idiots, without knowledge, measure and arte buzzing on, neither obserue proportion nor lyneaments, but all out of order.

This bridge was all of pure Marble.

When wee had passed ouer the bridge, wee walked in the coole shadow, delighted with the variable notes and chirpings of small byrds, to a rocky and stony place, where high & crag|gie Mountaines lifted vp themselues, afterwarde continuing to abrupt and wilesome hilly places, full of broken and nybled stones, mounting vppe into the ayre, as high as a man might looke to, and without any greene grasse or hearbe, and there were hewen out the three gates, in the verie rocke it selfe, euen as plaine as might be. A worke verie auncient and past record, in a very displeasant seate.

[Figure: ]

75 Ouer euery one of the which, I beheld in Letters Ionic, Ro|maine, Hebrew· and Arabic, the tytle that the sacred Queene Eleutherillidae fore-told me that I should find. The Gate vppon my right hand, had vpon it this word, Theodoxia. That vppon my left hand, Cosmodoxia. And the thirde, Erototrophos. Vnto the which as soone as we were come, the Damosels beganne to

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instruct me in the tytles, and knocking in the resounding leaues of the Gates, vppon the right hande couered ouer with greene mosse, they were presently opened.

And ther dyd an olde woman present herselfe vnto vs, of an honourable countenaunce, out of an olde dawbed and smoakie house, hauing a poore base little doore, ouer the which was pain|ted Pilurania. Shee came with a modest and honest shamefast|nesse, and her dwelling place was in a solitarie site and shadie Rocke, decayed and crumbly, her clothes were tattered, her face leane, pale & poore. Her eyes looking towards the ground, her name was Th[...]nde. Shee had attending vpon her sixe Hand|maydes, basely and slend[...]rly apparrelled. One was named Par|thenia, the second Edosia, an other Hypocolinia, the fourth Pino|tidia, the next Tapinosa, the last Prochin[...]. Which reuerent Ma|tron, with her right arme naked poynted to the heauens.

She dwelt in a place very hard to come vnto, and ful of trou|bles to passe on the way, beeing hyndered with thorne and bry|ers, very rough and displeasant, a mistie clowde cast ouer it, and very hard to clymbe vp into.

Logistica perceiuing by my looke that I had no great lyking in this place, some-what greeued therewith, said, this Rocke is knowne neuer but a[...] the end. And then Thelemia sayde, Poli|philus, I see you make small regarde of such a painefull woman. Whereat I assenting to her with my countenaunce, wee depar|ted, and the gate being shut we came to the next.

Where knocking, it was presently opened, and wee entering in, there met vs a browne woman, with fierce eyes rowling, and of a quicke countenaunce, lyfting vp a naked glittering sworde, vpon the middle wherof was a Crowne of golde, and a branche of Palme tree intrauersed.

Her armes brawnie like Hercules, in labour and acts magna|nimious and nobly minded. Her belly small. A little mouth· strong and stooping shoulders, by her countenaunce seeming to bee of an vndaunted minde, not fearing to vndertake any en|terprise how hard soeuer.

Her name was Euclelia, verie honourablie attended vppon with sixe young Women. The first was called Merimnasia, the second, Epitide, another, Ergasilea, the fourth, An[...]ctea, the fift was named Statia, the last was called Olistea.

The situation and place me thought was painefull, and Lo|gistica perceiuing my inclynation, presentlie tooke into her hand Thelemias Lute, and beganne to strike a doricall tune, and sung to the same verie sweetly, saying. O Poliphilu[...]· be not wea|rie to take paynes in thys place, for when labour and trauell is ouer-come, there will be a tyme of rest. And her songe was of such force, that I was euen consenting to remaine there, not|withstanding that, the habitation seemed laboursome. Where|vppon, Thelemia inticingly said vnto me, I think that it standeth with verie great reason my Poliphilus, that before you set downe your rest heere in this place, you ought in any case to see the third Gate.

Whereunto I consented with a very good will, and therefore going out from hence, we came to the other Gate, where The|lemia knocking at a ring of Brasse, it was forth-with sette open, and when wee were come in, there came towardes vs a notable goodly woman, and her name was Phil[...]ronia.

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Her regards were wanton, lasciuious, and vnconstant, her grace wonderfull pleasant, so as at the verie first sight shee vio|lently drew me into her loue.

This place was the Mansion-house of Voluptuousnes. The grounde decked with small hearbes, and adorned with all sorts of sundrie flowers, abounding with solace and quiet ease. Issu|ing and sending foorth in diuers places small streames of water, pyppling and slyding downe vpon the Amber grauell in theyr crooking Channels heere and there, by some suddaine fall ma|king a still continued noyse, to great pleasure moystning the o|pen fieldes, and making the shadowed places vnder the leaffye Trees, coole and fresh.

Shee had with her also sixe young women of like statures, passing fayre, of pleasant countenaunces, amorously adorned, 76 and dressed as may bee desired of an ambitious beautie and ge|sture.

The first was called Rast[...]nelia. The second, Cortasina. The thirde, Idonesa. The fourth, Tripheliae. The fift, Epiania. And the last was named Adi[...].

These and their companie, were very delightfull to my ga|sing and searching eyes. VVhere-vppon Logistica presentlie with a sad and grieued countenaunce, seeing mee disposing my selfe abruptlie to the seruile loue of them, shee said vnto mee, O Poliphilus, the alluring and inticing beauties of these, are vaine, deceiueable, and counterfeited, vnsauorie and displeasant, and therefore if thou wouldest with aduisement looke vppon their backes, thou wouldest then ha[...]e, contemne, and abhorre theyr lothsome filthinesse and shame, abounding in stinke and noy|some sauoure aboue any dunghill, which no stomacke can a|bide.

And therefore what is slypperie and transitorie flye and eschewe, despise that pleasure which bringeth shame and re|pentance, vaine hopes, a short and small ioy, with perpetuall complaynts, doub[...]full sighes, and a sorrowfull life neuer en|ding.

Oh adulterated and vnkindly pleasure, fraught with mise|rie, contayning such bitternesse, like honnie, and yet gall drop|ping from greene leaues.

O lyfe worse then death, and yet deadly, delighted in sweete poyson, with what care, sorrow, pensiue thoughts, mortall and desperate attempts, art thou sought for to bee obtained by blind Louers, who without regarde or aduise cast themselues head|long into a gulfe of sorrowes.

They be present before thine eyes, and yet thou seest them not. Oh what and howe great sorrowes, bitter and sharpe paine and vexation doost thou beare, wicked, execrable and ac|cursed appetite.

O detestable madnesse, oh beguiled senses, by your faulte with the selfe same beastlie pleasure, myserable mortall men are ouerthrowne.

Oh filthy lust, absurd furie, disordinate and vaine desire, building nests with errours, and torments for vvounded harts, the vtter destroyer, and idle letting goe by of all good blessings.

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Oh blinde Monster, how doost thou blinde, and with what deceipt doost thou couer the eyes, and deceiue the vnderstan|ding sences of vnhappie and miserable Louers with vailes and mystes.

O monstrous and slauish, which compassed with so manie euils, hastenest to so small pleasure poysoned and fayned.

Logistica speaking with vehemencie these and such lyke words, her fore-head fr[...]ning, w[...]npling with sorrowes, and veines, rysing vp in a great [...], sh[...]e cast [...]er Lute vppon the gro[...]nd and brake it·

VVhere-vppon [...], with a smyling countenaunce, nodded towards mee, as if shee shoulde say, let Logistica speake her pleasure, but doe as you see good your selfe.

And Logistica seeing my wicked intent and resolute deter|mination, beeing kindled with disdaine, turned her backe, and with a great sigh hastened away.

And I remained still with my companion Tibelemia, vvho with a flattering and smyling grace said vnto me, Poliphilus, this is the place where thou shalt not continue long, but thou shalt finde the deerest thing which thou louest in the world, & which thou hast in thy hart, without in[...]ermission determined to seeke and desire.

And doubtfully then discoursing with my selfe, I was resol|ued that nothing coulde breede quiet, or bring content to my poore grieued hart, but my best desired Polia. The promise and warrantise of Thelemia for my obtayning the same, bred in mee some comfort.

And shee perceiuing that the Mistris of thys place, and the seate it selfe, and her Women dyd bothe please mee vvell, and entertained mee courteously, shee kissing mee, tooke her leaue and gaue me a fare-well.

77 The metallyne gates beeing shut, I remayned incloystered a|mong these fayre and beautifull Nymphes, who began very plea|santly and wantonly to deuise with mee: and beeing hemmed in with their lasciuious company, I found my selfe prouoked by their perswasiue alluring intisements, to vnlawfull concupiscence, fee|ling in my selfe a burning desire, kyndled with their wanton as|pects, an increasing prouocation of a lusting fie[...] I doubt me that if Phrine had beene of that fauour, and force in gesture of speech, colde Xenocrates would haue consented to her [...], and not haue beene accused by her, to be an image of stone. Their counte|nances were so lasciuious, their breastes naked and intycing, theyr eyes flattering, in their roseall forheads, glystering and rowling, their shapes most excellent, their apparell rich, their motions gir|lish, theyr regards byting, theyr ornaments, sweete and precious, no part counterfeited, but all perfected by nature in an excellent sort, nothing deformed, but all partes aunswerable one to an o|ther.

Their heades yellowe, their tresses fayre, and the hayre soft and fine, in such a sort dressed vp and rouled into trammels, with la|ces of silke and golde, passing any ioye that a man may beholde, turned about their heads in an excellent manner, inuiluxed, and bound vppe together, their forheades compassed about and shad|dowed with wauering curles, mouably praepending in

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a wonder|full manner, marueilous delightfull, perfumed & sweet, yeelding an vnknown fragrancie. Their speeches so perswasorie and plea|sing, as might robbe the fauour of an indesposed hart, and violent|ly drawe vnto them any mind, though Satyr-like or churlish how|soeuer, to depraue Religion, to binde euery loose conceit, to make any rusty Peasant amorous, and to mollifie any froward dispositi|on. Vppon which occasion, my minde, altogether set on fier with a new desire, and in the extreame heate of concupiscence, prouo|ked to fall headlong into a lasciuious appetite, & drowned in lust|full loue vnbridled: in the extreame inuasion and infectious con|tage thereof, the Damoselles forsooke mee and left me all alone in a fruitfull playne.

In this place Poliphilus being left alone, a most fayre Nymphe (when hee was forsaken of

the lasciuious company) came vnto him, whose beautie and apparell Poliphilus dooth

amourously describe.

MY tender heart thus excessiuely woun|ded with amorous prouocation, I think I was mad, I stood so amazed, or blinde at the least, because that I coulde no[...] perceiue in what sort or how this desi|red and delightfull company gaue mee the slip: and at last not knowing what I did, but casting mine eyes right for|ward, I behelde before mee, a fine Ar|bour of sweete Gessamine, somewhat high, lifting vppe and bending ouer, all to bee painted and decked with the pleasant and odoriferous flowers of three sortes com|mixt, and entring in vnder the same. Wonderfully perplexed for the losse of my company, I knewe not howe or in what sort, and calling to remembraunce the diuers, rare and wonderfull thinges past, and aboue al the great hope and trust which I had conceiued vpon the Queenes promise, that I should finde my loue Polia.

Alas saide I, with a deepe sigh, my Polia, that the greene Arbor resounded againe therewithall, my amourous breathings were such, framed within and sent out from my burning hart. And I was no sooner entered into this agony, and ouerwhelmed in this passion, but as I passed on to the other ende of the Arbor, I might perceiue a farre off, a great number of youthes, solacing and spor|ting themselues very loude with diuers melodious soundes, with pleasant sports and sundry pastimes, in great ioye, and passing de|light assembled together, in a large playne. Vppon this gratefull and desired noueltie, I set me down marueiling at it, before I would step any further on.

And beholde, a most noble and faire Nymph, with a burning torch in her hand, departing from the company tended her course towardes mee, so as I might well perceiue that shee was a reall mayde indeede and no spirite, whervpon I mooued not one whit, but gladly expected her comming, who with a maidenly hast, mo|dest accesse, star-like countenance, and smiling grace, drewe neere 78 vnto mee with such a Maiestie, and yet friendly, so as I doubt me, the amorous Idalea neuer shewed her selfe to Mars, nor to her the fayre Pastor Adonis. Nor the delicate Ganimed to Iupiter, or the the fayrer Psyches, to her spouse Cupid.

For which cause, if shee had beene the fourth among the three contending Goddesses, if Joue had beene Iudge, as in the shady Wooddes of Mensunlone was the Phrigian Sheepheard, without all doubt she had beene iudged of farre more excellent beautie, and without equiuolence, more

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worthy of the golden apple, then all or any one of the rest. At the first sight I was perswaded that shee had beene Polia, but the place vnaccustomed & her apparell made mee thinke the contrarie, and therefore my doubtfull iudgement remained in suspence, hauing onely a reuerent suspition therof.

This honourable Nymph, had her virgineall diuine and small body couered with a thinne subtill stuffe of greene silke, powde|red with golde, vppon a smocke of pure white coorled Lawne, co|uering her most delicate and tender body, and snowye skinne, as fine and good as euer Pamphila the daughter to Platis in the Iland of Coo, did inuent to weaue. Which white smocke seemed as if it had couered damaske Roses.

The coate which she wore ouer that, was not like our fashio|ned petticoates with French wastes, for that her sweete proporci|oned body needed no such pinching in, & vnholsome weare, hyn|dering procreation and an enemie to health: but rather like a wastcoate, with little plightes and gathers vnder her rounde and pretty bearing out breasts, vpon her slender and small waste, ouer her large proportioned flanckes and little round belly, fast girded about with a girdle of golde: and ouer the same, a gowne or gar|ment side to the ground, and welted belowe.

This garment beeing very side, was taken vp round about the pitch of her hippes, and before vpon her belly, & tyed about with the studded marriage girdle of Citherea, the plucking vp of y^[...] gar|ment, bearing ouer the girdle about her like a french vardingale, & the nethermost part falling down about her feet in plightes and fouldes, vnstable and blowne about with the sweete ayre & coole winde, causing sometime, by the thinnesse thereof, her shape to be seene in it, which shee seemed with a prompt readinesse to resist and hynder. Her beautie and grace was such, as I stoode in doubt whether shee were begotten by any humaine generation: her armes stretching downe, her handes long and slender, her fingers small and fayre, and her nayles thinne and ruddy, and shining, as if she had beene Minerua her selfe. Her armes to be seene through the cleere thinnesse of the Lawne, the winges about the size of her garment where her armes came out, were of golde, in an excellent sort and fashion welted, and set with Pearle and stone: and in like sort, all the hemming about of her vesture, with golde ooes, and Pearle, and spangles of golde in diuers places, distantly disposed in a curious and pleasant sort to beholde.

Vppon either side, vnder the armes to her waste, her vpper garment was vnsowed and open, but fastened with three buttons of great Orient Pearle (such as Cleopatra neuer had to dissolue in a Potion) in loopes of blowe silke, so that you might see her smocke betweene the distance of one Pearle from an other, couering her daintie soft snowye thinne skinne: except her small necke and the vpper halfe of her spatious and delitious breast, more desired and contenting mine eyes, then the water brookes and coole Ryuers to the emboste and chased Hart, more pleasing then the fisher boate of Endi[...]ion [...]o Cynthia, and more pleasant then Cithera to Orpheus.

The sleeues of her smocke of a conuenient largenesse, and a|bout her wristes plighted and tyed with Bracelets of Golde, double and vnited with Orient Pearle. And besides all her ornaments and gracious gestures, she indeuoured nowe and then with stolen and affected regards, in a sweet & pleasant sort, to cast down her eyes vpon her little round swelling breastes, impatient at the suppres|sing of her soft and fine apparell: so as I iudged vppon good con|sideration, and thought that in the dignitie and honourable frame of her personage, the Creator had framed and vnited

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together, all the violence of Loue. The foure Nourses of the royall Kingdome of Babilon, called The tongue of the Gods, had not that powre to winne fauour and loue of the King, which this most sweet Nymph had.

About her fayre Necke, more white then the Scithian snowe, shee wore a Carkenet of Oryent Pearle: Cerna the wife of Caesar neuer had the like, and I doubt me that that of Eriphile, which she tooke to Amphiaraus, was nothing comparable vnto it. And in the bending downe ouer the deuision of her breastes, betwixt two great Pearles, there was laced a corruscant rounde Rubie, and 79 vppon the collaterate sides of the sayde Pearles, two glistering Sa|phires, and two Pearles, next them two Emeraldes, & two Pearles, and after them two fayre lacinthes: all these Pearles and Stones were laced in a worke in losenges, in a rare and beautifull man|ner.

Her fayre heade, sending downe and vnfolding a loose sprea|ding abroade of plentifull hayre, like the smallest threds of golde, wauing with the winde, and vpon her crowne, a garland of tawny vyolets sweetly smelling, and couering the same almost to her for|heade: from the middle vpper point whereof, in forme of two Hemycycles to the halfe of her eares, it mounted vppe in curled trammelles, falling downe againe vppon her fayre Temples, moueably wauing and shaddowing the same, and hyding the vp|per halfe of her small eares, more fayre then euer was reported of Mimoria.

The rest of her yellowe haire, descended downe ouer her fayre necke, well disposed shoulders, and straight backe, to the ca[...]es of her slender legges, moderatly wauing and blowne abroad, in grea|ter beautie than the proude eyed feathers of Iun[...]es Birde. Such hayre as Berenice did neuer vow in the venereous Temple for her Tholomaeus, nor Conus the Mathematrician did euer beholde the like placed in the Triangule.

In her forehead, vnder two subtile blacke· Hemyci[...]les and di|stinct eye brees, such as Abacsi[...] in Aethiopia had not to boast of, or compare with, nor Juno her selfe, did looke ou[...] and present themselues two pleasant radious and glistering eyes, which would enforce Jupiter to rayne golde, of a cleere sight, quicke and pear|cing, with a browne circle betwixt the Apple and the mi[...]chie white: neere to the which, were her purple and Cherry cheekes, beautified with two round smyling dimples, gracing the pleasure of her countenaunce, of the collour of the fresh Roses gathered at the rysing of the Sunne, and layde in a vessell of the Christall of Cyprus, and shewing through the same, as me thought.

Vnder her nose to her lyppes, passed a little valley to her small mouth of a most sweete forme, her lyppes not blabbered or swel|ling but indifferent, & of a rubye collour, couering two vniforme sets of teeth, like yuory, and small, not one longer and sharper than an other, but in order euenly disposed and set: from betwixt the which, Loue had composed an euerlasting sweet breathing, so as I presumed to thinke, that the snow white teeth betwixt her graci|ous lyppes, were no other but Oryent Pearles, & her sweet breath hot Muske, and by her delightfull voyce that she was Thespis with her nine daughters.

By all which sight I was greatly mooued and my sences raui|shed with a kindled appetite, causing among them great strife and bitter contention, such as I neuer felt before, by any other presence or excellent sightes whatsoeuer. My searching eyes commended one part aboue

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another, to bee more beautifull: but my appetite rapt into an other part of her heauenly body, esteeming that aboue the other. And thus my insatiable and wanton eyes, were the euill beginning of all thys perturbing and contentious commotion, whome I founde the seminaries and moouers of all so great strife and trouble, in my wounded and festering heart. Through theyr contumacy, I was now brought from my selfe, and neuerthelesse, I could not be satisfied by them. My greedy appetyte, extolled her delicate breast aboue any comparison, my eyes delightfully con|senting thervnto, sayd, at least by that we may discouer what y^[...] rest is; And they, glauncing from that to the regarde of her grace and gesture, set all their delight therein: and my appetite strengthe|ned and not easilie remooued from thence, I perswaded my selfe, that the plentie and fayrenesse of her head and hayre, and the dres|sing thereof, and the beautie of her forheade, coulde neuer bee compared with of any one or other, like the scrapings of golde al|waies turning into little roundels.

With two eyes lyke morning starres in a cleere heauen, more beautifully adorning her heade, than any that euer the warlike Neco behelde among the Acitanians, wounding my heart like one of the arrowes of the angrie Cupid. And thus to conclude, I dare be bolde to say, that no mortall man hath seene, so gracious, so shy|ning, so cleere and pleasant lightes as these were, placed in the for|head of this heauenly creature; so that by them my hart was taken prisoner, & was filled with such continuall co~trouersies of desire, as if a leafe of the Laurell of the Tombe of the king of Bibria had bin placed betwixt, & that strife should neuer cease whilst it was there: so as I thought that this strife would neuer cease, vntill the pleasure were taken away, by reason wherof, I could not perceiue howe I shoulde obtaine the fulnes of my desire, or howe it coulde agree with either one or other. Like one extreamely hungry a|mong 80 a number of prepared meates being desirous of all, feedes of none, his burning appetite remayning satisfied with none, but still hungry.

The most fayre Nymph beeing come to Poliphilus, bearing a Torch in her left hand, with

the other tooke him and inuited him to walke with her, and there Poliphilus by her loue

was more inflamed.

THus seing before me, a reall and visible obiect of a most excellent representa|tion, louely presence and heauenly as|pect, of a plentifull store and vniuersall gathering of vnseene beautie, and in|humaine comelinesse. I made light and slender account, in respect heereof, of all the inestimable delights, riches, and great pompe which before I had be|helde and seene, thinking their wor|thinesse nothing to speake of, in comparison of this. Oh happie hee that may enioy such and so great a treasure of loue; and not onely a happie possessor I account him, but most happie that shall possesse and obtaine her obedience, to hys desire and rule. But if Zenes had behelde this substance, hee would haue com|mended the same aboue all the Ag[...]gientine maides, euery propro|tion would haue made vnto him an oportune shewe of the absolu|test perfection in the whole world.

Which fayre and heauenly Nymph nowe comming neere vn|to me, with a cheerefull countenance, incontinently her most rare beautie, before somewhat a farre of looked vppon with mine eyes, but nowe, by them more neere and narrowly behelde, I was raui|shed and amased.

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And her amorous aspect and louely presence, was no sooner brought by the message of mine eyes to my inward partes, but my recording and watchfull remembrance, stirring and waking vppe my heart, presenting and offering her vnto the same: it is become her shoppe; the quiuer for her piercing arrowes and wounding regardes, and the dwelling place and conseruable mansion house, of her sweete picture. Knowing that this was shee which had [...]ae|diously consumed my tender yeeres, in her hotte and prime loue, not to be resisted. For I felt the same leaping and beating against my breast, without ceasing, like as one that striketh vpon a hoarse Taber. And still me thought by her louely and delightfull coun|tenance, by her fayre tresses, and the curling and wauing haire, playing vp and downe vppon her forheade, that it should be Po|lia, whome so greatly I had loued and desired, and for whom I had sustained so many & sundry griefes, without intermission, sending out scalding sighes, the outward reporters of my inwarde flames. But her rich and Nymphish habite, vnaccustomed, and the place vnknowne and strange, made mee still doubtfull and suspici|ous.

Shee (as beforesaide) carried in her snowe white left arme, close to her body, a kindled and burning Torch, somewhat higher then her heade a good deale, and the lower ende growing smaller and smaller, shee helde in her hande: and stretching foorth that which was at libertie, more white then euer had Pelopea, wherein appea|red the thinne smoothnes of the skynne, and the blewnesse of the veynes lyke Azure streames· vppon the faire and whitest paper. Shee toooke me by the left hande with a sweete and louing coun|tenance and smiling grace, and with an eloquent speech, shee plea|santly saide in this manner.

Poliphilus, I thinke my selfe to come in saftie, but it seemeth that you stand doubtfull. Heereat I was more amazed, and my sences in a manner gone to imagine howe she should knowe my name; and al my inward parts vanquished, and hemmed in with burning amorous flames, my speech was taken from mee with feare and reuerent bashfulnesse.

In this sort remayning, I knewe not vppon the suddaine what good aunswere I might make, or otherwise doe her reuerence, but to offer her my vnworthy and vnfit hande; Which when it was streined in hers, me thought that it was in hot snowe and curded milke, and me thought indeede, that I touched and handled some|thing which was more then humaine; which when I had so done, I remained moued in minde, troubled and doubtfull, vnaccusto|med to such a companion, not knowing what to say, or whether to followe her, in my simple apparell and homely bringing vp, not a|greeable with hers: and as a foole, vnworthy and vnfit for her fel|lowship, perswading my selfe, that it was not lawfull for a mortall and earthly creature to enioy such pleasures. For which cause, my 81 collour red and blushing, with reuerent admiration, being grieued at my basenesse, I setled my selfe to followe her.

At length, and yet not with a perfect recalled minde, I beganne to reduce and sommon together, my fearefull and distempered spirites: perswading my selfe, that I must needes haue good suc|cesse, being neere so faire and diuine an obiect, and in such a place; And so followed her on with a panting heart, more shaking than the birde Sisura, or a Lambe carryed in the mouth of a Wolfe.

And thus touched most feruently with pleasant heates, grow|ing & encreasing more & more, they began to boyle & kindle my colde feare, and dispositiuely to adopt my altered heate to sincere

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loue. Which being thus brought to thys passe, by a prouoked in|ward desire, yet inwardly as I reasoned with my selfe, it was won|derfully variable and doubtfull. Oh most happye Louer of all Louers, that in requitall of hys, might bee sure to participate of hers.

On the other side, I perswaded my selfe, that if I shoulde offer vnto her my amorous heart and loue, hauing no better thing to be|stow vpon her, or present vnto her, it might be that she would not refuse it: like Artaxerxes, the King of the Percians; who hauing water presented to hys handes, accepted of it bowing downe himselfe. Heerewithall, me thought yet that a fearefull and chill trembling inuaded mee, infusing it selfe ouer all my body and breast, renewing the force of the extreame fire, euen like dry reede: which being once kindled, is enflamed and nourished with the fresh ayre, vntill at length it is increased so mightily, that it consumeth all to ashes.

And in like sorte, I fully founde in my selfe, an increase and flashing abroade of my inwarde flames, in their prepared sub|iect, so effectually, that her amorous regardes gaue me mortall and deadly woundes: euen as lightning and thunder, among the stronge and mightie oakes, suddainely with a great force, scor|ching & tearing them. And therefore I durst not looke vpon her bright eyes, because that dooing so, (being ouercome with the in|credible beauty of her gracious aspect) if peraduenture her radi|ous beames did reincounter mutually with myne, for a little while euery thinge seemed two vnto mee, vntill I had clo|sed the lyddes together, and restored them to theyr former light.

Wherevpon, and by reason of these thinges captiuated, spoy|led, and ouercome, I determined at that instant to plucke vp some fresh flowers, and in all humble sort to offer them vnto her, and it came to passe, that whilst my secret thoughts consented thervnto, consygning a free meane and large entrance, for the discouery of my desire. But my burning heart humbly hauing opened the same, euen as a rype Apple being eyther bytten or shaken, so it fell and fayled me. And receiuing into his wounded and familiar estuati|on, in some interposition of time, immediatly his accustomed heat and feruor increased· piercing the inward parts with her virgineall aspects, exceedingly beautified with a comely grace and vnexco|gitable elegancie; Because, that into this sweete introduction into my minde, of these first amorous flames, (lyke the Troian horse, full of weapons and deceite) the enterance was made for an euerla|sting, vnknown, and vncessant plague, deeply festering in my ten|der and poore heart, perpetually remayning: which easily ouer|come with one sweete looke, inconsiderately without delay, haste|neth his owne hurt, and wholly layeth it selfe open to amorous in|cursions, and burneth it selfe with sweet conceits, going into the flames of his owne accord.

To all which burning desires, her present company did greatly inforce mee, which I esteemed to yeelde mee more comfort, then the North starre in a tempestuous night to the troubled Mar|riner: more acceptable then that of Melicta to Adonis, or to Phro|dites, the obsequious Nymph Peristera: and more delightfull then Dittander to the daughter of Dydo, with the Purple flowre for the wounde of Pius Aeneas: And finding my heart strooken and in|wardly pricking, secretly filled and compressiuely stuft; recording and gathering together into it, varyable thoughts and working of Loue, my immedicable wounde grewe greater and greater. But gathering vp the remaynder of my sences, as one that durst, I assu|red my selfe to manifest and lay open before her, my intended de|sires and amorous conceites. And thus loosing my selfe in a blinde folly, I

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could not choose but giue place to my inuading desires, fer|uently boyling and inforcing me to say thus.

Oh delycate and heauenly Damosell, whatsoeuer thou art, thy forcyble loue hath set me on fire, and consumeth my grieued heart; I finde my selfe all ouer, burning in an vncessant flame, and a sharpe da[...]t cast into the middest of my breast, where it sticketh 28 fast, hauing made a mortall wounde vncurable. And hauing spo|ken thus, to the ende I might discouer vnto her my hidden desire, and moderate by that meanes the extreamitie of my bitter passi|ons: vvhich I felt, the more they were concealed, the more to aug|ment and increase, I patiently helde my peace: and by this meanes all those feruent and greeuous agitations, doubtfull thoughtes, wanton and vyolent desires, were somewhat supprest; with my ill fauoured Gowne, that had still some of the Bramble leaues and prickes in the Wood hanging vpon it, and euen as a Peacocke in the pride of his feathers, beholding the fowlenesse of his feete, pulleth downe hys traine: so I considering the inequallitie of my selfe, with such a heauenly obiect, appaled the prouocations of my contumacious and high desires, looking into the vanities of my thoughtes.

And then I earnestly endeuoured by all the meanes that I might, to subdue, encloyster, and keepe in, my vnbridled gadding appetite, wandring minde, and immodest desire, intending nowe that it should neuer be vttered againe.

At length I beganne to thinke in the secret depth of my wounded heart, that vndoubtedly this my present continued griefe, was equall with that of wicked Tantalus, to whose hotte and thirsting lyppes, the coole and cleere water did offer it selfe, and to his hungry appetite, the sweete fruites honge ouer hys gaping mouth appresenting, but he neuer tasted any of either.

Ah woe is mee euen in like sort, a most fayre Nymph of an ex|cellent shape, of a florishing age, of Angel-like behauiour vn|speakable, and of rare honour and exceeding curtesie as mine eies coulde beholde, whose company exceeded any exquesite hu|maine content; and I, iust by her, full of all whatsoeuer pro|uocation, forcing sollaciously loue and desire, heaping vppe in her selfe the whole perfections of delight, and yet my yauning and vo|luptuous desire, neuer the more thereby satisfied.

Well, on this sorte my burning concupiscence nothing allayed, as much as I might, I comforted my languishing hart, vnmeasura|bly tormented, in putting of it in minde, of solacious and amorous hope: and with that, there was neuer a coale so neere put out, but it was presently renued and set on fire, with the company of the next. And my vnbridled eyes, the more they were vnarmed to re|sist her power, the more they were inflamed with the insolent de|sire and liking of her wonderfull and heauenly beautie; Still seeming more faire, more excellent, more louely, more to be desired, extreamly apt and praepared for loue: euedently shew|ing foorth in her selfe, a wonderfull increase of sweete plea|sure.

Afterwards I thought with my selfe, it may be that she is some creature which I may not desire, and it may bee the place is not fitte for such thoughtes, and then it may bee I haue made a wise worke, and spunne a fayre thred, if I should bee punished for my impudencie, like Ixion. In like sort, the Thracian had neuer founde the deepe seate of Neptune, if he had not medled with Tethis: and Gallantide, the mayde of Lucina, shoulde not haue brought foorth in her mouth, if hee had

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not deceiued. It may that thys Nymph is spowsed to some high and mightie Prince, and I to offer her this dishonour, what am I worthy of?

And thus resoning with my selfe, I thought that those thinges which had but slender assurance, woulde lightly slyppe away, and that it would not be hard to deceiue, where was no watchfull regarde: and to bolde spirites, Fortune was not altogether fay|ling: and besides, that it was harde to knowe a mans thought. Where-vpon, euen as Calistone, being ashamed at her swelling bel|ley, shronke aside from the presence of Diana; so I withdrewe my selfe, blushing at my attempt, and bridling my incouenient desires. Yet with a lincious eye, I neuer left to examine, with great de|light, the extreame beautie of the excellent Nymph, disposing my selfe to her sweete loue, with an vnfallyble, obstinate, and firme re|solution.

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Polia, as yet vnknowne to her Louer Poliphilus, shee gratiously assureth him: who for her

extreame beautie, hee indeuoreth his minde to loue. And both of them going to the

triumphes, they see innume|rable youths a[...]d Damosels, sporting with great delight.

THE Archer Cupid, in my wounding heart hauing his residence, like a Lord and king, holding me tyed in the bands of Loue, I found my selfe pricked and grieuously tormented, in his tyrannous and yet pleasant regiment. And a|bounding in doubtfull delight, vnmea|surably sighing, I watered my plaints; and then the surmounting Nymph, with a pleasing grace, incontinently gaue me comfort, and with her ruddy and fayre spoken lyppes, fra|ming violent and attractiue wordes, she gaue me assurance: aban|doning and remouing from my heart, all fearefull thoughts, with her Olymphicall aspects, and cooling with her eloquent spee|ches, my burning heart; and with an amorous and friendly regarde, and cast of her eyes, and smiling grace, she saide thus vn|to mee.

Poliphilus, I woulde thou shouldest vnderstand and know thys, that true and vertuous loue hath no respect of outward things, and therefore let not the basenes of thy apparell, diminish or lessen thy minde, if perhaps noble and gentle, and worthy of these places, and fitte to beholde these maruellous tryumphes; Therefore let not thy minde be dismayed with feare, but dilligently behold what Kingdomes they possesse, that are crowned by Venus. I meane, such as bee strongly agonished and yet perseuere still, seruing and attending vpon her amorous Aultars and sacred flames, vntill they obtaine her lawfull fauour. And then making an ende of her short and sweet speech, both of vs making forward, our pace neither too fast nor too slowe, but in a measure; I thought thus, and thus dis|coursing with my selfe.

Oh most valiant Perseus, thou wouldest more feirsly haue fought with the cruell Dragon, for the fauour of this, then for the loue of thy fayre Andromada. And after.

Oh Iason, if the marriage of this had beene offered vnto thee, with a more greater and more daungerous aduenture, then the obtayning of the golden fleece, thou wouldest haue let goe that, and vndertaken this, with a greater courage, esteeming it aboue al the iewelles and precious

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treasures of the whole worlde; I, more then those of the ritch and mightie Queene Eleutherillida. Conti|nually seeming more fayre, more beautifull, and more louely. Hip|podamia, and all the greedy scraping and doubtfull Vsurers, neuer tooke such delight in getting of gold. A quyet Harbour was neuer so welcome to a destressed Marryner, in a stormy, darke, and tem|pesteous winter night: nor the wished and oportune fall of rayne, at the prayer of Craesus, as the louing consent of this daintie Nymph: more welcome to mee, then bloody broyles to warlike Mars, or the first fruites of Creta to Dionisius: or the warbling Harpe to Apollo: and yet more gratefull, then fertill grounde, full eares, and plentifull yeelding, to the labouring Husbandman.

And thus in most contented sort, passing on and pressing down the thicke, greene, and coole grasse: sometime my searching and busie eyes, woulde haue a cast with her pretty & small feete, pas|sing well fitted with shooes of Red leather, growing broader from the instept, narrowe at the toe, and close about the heele; and som|times her fine and moueable legges, (her vesture of silke beeing blowne about with the winde, vppon her virgineall partes) disco|uered themselues. If I might haue seene them, I do imagine that they did looke like the finest flower of Peloponesus, or like the pu|rest milke, coagulated with Muske.

By all which most delectable thinges, tyed and bounde in the harde and inextricable knots of vehement loue, more vneasie to vndoe then that of Hercules, or that which Alexander the great did cut in sunder with hys sworde: and amorously masked in rowled nettes, and my subdued haert, helde downe withe grie|ued cogitations and burning desires, leading mee whether they would, I founde in it more pricking torments then faythfull Regu|lus in Aphrica. So that my sorrowing spirites exasperated with an amorous desire and extreame vexation, continually burning in my panting breast, coulde by no meanes bee asswaged, but with supping vp of continuall sobbings, and breathing out of their fly|ing losse. And thus drowned in a mist of doubts, and seeing me vyolently taken in her loue, I saide thus to my selfe.

84 O Poliphilus, howe canst thou leaue at any tyme thy insepera|ble loue, kindled towardes thy sweete Polia, for any other? And therewithall, from this Nymph, thus close and fast bounde, more strongly the~ in the clawes of a Creuise or Lobstar, endeuouring to vntie my selfe, I found it no easie peece of worke, so that I coulde not choose but greeuously binde my troubled hart, to the loue and affecting of this; by all likelihoodes, hauing the true shape, sweete resemblance, and gratious behauiour of my most beloued Polia. But aboue all thinges, this came more neere vnto mee and grieued me worst, howe I should bee assured that shee was Polia. Where|vppon, from my watry eyes, the salt teares immediatly tryckling downe, it seemed vnto me a hard & contemptuous matter, to ba|nish from my forlorne and poore heart, his olde soueraigne Lady and Mistresse, and to entertaine a newe, strange, and vnknowne Tyrannyzer.

Afterwards, I comforted my selfe again, with thinking that per|aduenture this was shee, according to the sacred Oracle and true speech, of the mighty Queene Eleutherillida: and therefore, that I should not shrinke or stoope vnder my burthen; for if I were not greatly deceiued, this was shee indeede. And hauing made thys amorous and discoursiue thought and swasiue praesuppose, aban|doning all other desires whatsoeuer, I onely determined with my heart and minde, to come backe againe to this noble and excellent Nymph; in whose great loue I beeing thus taken, with extreame compulsion, I was bolde with an vnaccustomed admyration, dilli|gently to looke vpon her rare shape, and louely features, my eyes making themselues the

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swallowing whirlpooles of her incompa|rable beautie: and they were no sooner opened, hotly to take in the sweete pleasure of her so benigne and conspicuous presence, but they were strengthened for euer, to hold with them solaciously a|greeing, the assembly of all my other captiued sences, that from her and no other, I did seeke the mittegation and quenching of my amorous flames. And in this sort we came, whilst I was thus cru|elly wounded by exasperating Loue, somewhat vppon the right side of the spacious fielde.

In which place, were set greene trees, thicke with leaues, and full of flowers, bearing fruite, rounde about the place and seate of such variable and diuers sorts, neuer fading but still greene, giuing great content to the delightfull beholder.

The gallant· and pleasant Nymphe there stayed; and I also stood still: Where looking about, by the benignitie of the fruitfull playne, with halfe my sight, because I coulde not altogether with|drawe the same from the amorous obiect; I behelde very neere vnto vs, a certaine shewe of an inuyroning company, tryumphing and dauncing about vs, of most braue and fine youthes, without beardes and vnshorne heares, but that of their heads bushing, cur|ling, and wrything, without any art or effaeminate crysping: crow|ned and dressed, with garlands and wreathes of diuers flowers, and red Roses, with leauye Myrtle, with purple Amara[...]th or flower gentle, and Melliot: and with them a great company of yonge maydes, more fayre and delicate then bee to bee founde in Sparta; Both kindes apparelled very richly, in silkes of changable collours, hyding the perfect collour: some in Purple & Murry, and some in white curled Senda[...]l, such as Aegipt neuer affoorded, and of dy|uers other collours: some Tawney, some C[...]ymosen, others in Greene, some in Vyolet, some in Blewe, Peach collour, Peacocke collour, perfectly engrayned, as euer Corica coulde yeelde: and powdered and wouen with golde, and edged and hemmed about with orient Pearle and stones set in pure golde; some in gownes, and others in hunting sutes.

And the most of the beautifull Nymphes, had their fayre haire smoothly bounde vppe together, and thrise rowled about, with an excellent finishing knot; Others had their vnstable & wauing tresses, spreading downe ouer their fayre neckes. Some, with a|boundance of haire, cast vp ouer their forheades, and the endes turning into curles, & shaddowing ouer the fayrenes of the same: so as Nature and not Arte, shewed her selfe therein a beautifull mistresse; With fillets and laces of golde, edged with orient Pearle, and others in Caules of golde, wearing about theyr slender neckes, rich and precious Carkenets and, necklaces, of Pearles and stone, and depending iewelles. And vppon theyr small [...]ares, did hang[...] dyuers precious stones, and ouer the variable dressings of theyr heades, before in two Hemycicles, were set shoddowes of o|ryent Pearle and stone, in flowers of hayre.

All which excellent ornaments, together with theyr most ele|gant personages, were easily able to alter, any churlish, vile or ob|stinate heart.

85 Theyr fayre breastes, in a voluptuous and wanton sort, were bare to the middest of them: And vppon their prettie feete, some wore sandalles, after the auncient manner, beeing soles, and the foote bare fastened to the same, with a small chaine of golde, com|ming vp betwixt the great toe and the middle, and the little toe and the next, about the heele ouer the instep, and fastening vp|pon the vpper part, betwixt the toes and the instep, in a flower. Others hauing straight shooes,

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clasp[...] vppon the instep with flow|ers of golde. Their stockings of silke; some of Purple, some of Carnation, some of parted collours: such as Caius Galicola neuer first brought vp. Others wearing Buskins, vppon the white swel|ling calfes of their legges, and laced with silke; some bu[...]ned wyth golde and precious stone.

Their fore-heades most fayre, and beautified with the moue|able wauinges of theyr crysping hayre, couered ouer with a thinne vayle, lyke a Spiders vvebbe. Theyr eyes byting and alluring, more bright, than the twinkling starres in a cleere ayre, vnder theyr cir|culate brees: vvith a small nose, betwixt their rounde and cherry cheekes: their teeth orderly disposed, small and euen set, of the collour of refyned siluer: vppon the test, betwixt their sweet and soft lyppes: of the collour of Corrall.

Many of them carrying instruments of Musique, such as neuer were seene in Ausonia, nor in the handes of Orpheus: yeelding in the flowring Meadowe & smoth playne, most delightfull sounds, with sweete voyces and noyces of ioye and tryumphing: and to increase the glory, amorously stryuing and contending one with an other, vvith solacious and pleasant acts, accompanied with faire speeches and friendly aspects. And in this place, with a most delectable applause, I behelde foure Tryumphes, so precious and sumptuously set foorth, as neuer any mortall eye hath seene.

Poliphilus in this prescribed place, did beholde foure tryumphing Chari|ots, all set with

precious stones and uwelles, by a great number of youthes, in the honour of Iupiter.

THE first of the foure marueilous try|umphant Chariots, had foure rounde wheeles, of Perfect greene Emeralds of Scythia; the rest of the Chariot did a|mase mee to beholde, beeing made all of table Dyamonds: not of Arabia or Cy|prus, of the newe Myne, as our Lapida|ries call them: but of India, resisting the harde stroakes of yron and steele, aby|ding the hote fire & striuing therwith, mollified onely with the warme bloode of Goates, gratefull in the Magicall arte; which stones, were wonderfully cut of a Catagly|phic explicature, and set very curiously in fine golde.

Vppon the right side of the Chariot, I sawe expressed, the re|presentation of a noble Nymph, with many accompanying her in a Meddowe, crowning of victorious Bulles with garlands of flow|ers, and one abyding by her very tamely.

The same Nymph, vppon the other side was also represented, who hauing mounted vp vppon the backe of the Bull, which was gentle and white, he carryed her ouer the sea.

Vppon the fore-ende I behelde Cupid, with a great number of wounded people and Nations, marueiling to see him shoote into the ayre. And in the hinder part, Mars standing before Iupiter, mourning because the boy had shotte through his impenetrable Brest-plate, and shewing the wounde; and with the other hande, holding out his arme, he helde this worde Nemo.

The fashion of this Chariot was quadrangulat, of two perfect squares, longe wayes, of sixe foote in length and three foote in height, with a bearing out coronice aboue and vnder the plynth: and

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about the same a plaine, in breadth two foote and a halfe, and in length fiue foot and a halfe, bearing towards the Coronice, all o|uer scally, with precious stones, with an altered congresse and or|der of collours, variably disposed. And vppon the foure corners, were fastned foure coppies, inuersed, and the mouth lying vpward 86 vpon the proiect corner of the Coronice, full of fruites and flow|ers cut of precious stones, as it were growing out of a foliature of golde. The hornes were chased neere their mouth, with the leaues of Poppy, and wrythen in the belly: the gracylament & outward bending· ioyning fast to the ende of the plaine, and breaking of in an olde fashioned iagged leaf-worke, lying a long vnder the backe of the Coppisse, and of the same mettall. Vpon euery corner of the Plynth, from the Coronice downeward, there was a foote lyke a Harpies, with an excellent conuersion and turning vppon eyther sides of the leaues of Acanthus.

The wheeles, aboue the naues and axeltrees, were closed with|in the Chariot, and the sides thereof vnder the Harpies feete, bent somewhat vpward and growing lesser, turned rounde downward, wherevnto the furniture or trace to drawe it by, were fastned: and where the axeltree was, there vpon the side of the bottom of the Charriot, ouer the naue of the wheele, there came downe a prepen|tion ioyning to the Plynth, twise so long as deepe, of two folia|tures, one extending one way and the other an other way: and vpon the middle thereof and lowest part, was a Rose of fiue leaues, in the seede whereof, the ende of the axeltree did lye.

Vppon the aforesaide Playne, I behelde the ymage of a fayre white and tame Bull, trymmed and dressed with flowers, in man|ner like an Oxe for a Sacrifice. And vppon his large and broade backe, did sit a princely virgine, with long and slender armes, halfe naked; with her handes she helde by his hornes. Her apparell was exquesite of greene silke and golde, marueilously wouen, and of a Nymphish fashion, couering her body and girded about her wast, edged about with Pearle and stone, and a crowne of glittering golde vpon her fayre heade.

This Triumph, was drawne by sixe lasciuious Centaures, which came of the fallen seede of the sausy and presumpteous Ixion: with a furniture of gold vpon them, and a long their strong sides, like horses, excellently framed and illaqueated, in manner of a flagon chayne, whereby they drewe the Tryumph; such as E|ricthonius neuer inuented, for swiftnesse.

Vpon euery one of them did ride a goodly Nymph, with theyr shoulders one towards an other: three, with their beautifull faces towards the right side of the Tryumphes, and three to the left, with Instruments of Musique, making together a heauenly har|monie and consort. Their hayres yellowe, and falling ouer their fayre neckes, with Pancarpiall garlands of all manner of flowers, vpon their heades. The two next the Tryumph, were apparelled in blewe silke, like the collour of a Peacockes necke.

The middlemost in bright Crymosen: and the two formost in an Emerald greene, not wanting any ornamentes to sette them foorth, singing so sweetly with little rounde mouthes, and playing vppon their instruments, within so celestiall a manner, as woulde keepe a man from euer dying.

The Centaures were crowned with yuie, that is called Dendro|cyssos. The two next the tryumph did beare in their handes, two vesselles of an olde fashion, of the Topas of Arabia, of a bright golden collour, gratefull to Lucina, and to the which, the waues will be calme: slender at the bottom, bigge swelling in the belly, and lessening small vp towardes the Orifice; In height two

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foote, without eares: out of the which, did ascend a thicke smoake or fume, of an inestimable fragrancie. The middlemost, did sounde Trumpets of golde, with banners of silke and golde, fastned to the Trumpets in three places.

The other two formost, with olde fashioned Cornets, agreeing in consort with the Instruments of the Nymph.

Vnder the which triumphant Chariot, were the Axeltrees con|uently placed, wherevppon the wheeles turned, and of a balustic lyneament, waxing small towarde the ende and rounde: Which Axeltrees, were of fine pure golde and massiue, neuer canke|ring or fretting; which is the deadly poyson and destroyer of ver|tue and peaceable quyet.

This tryumph was solemnly celebrated, with moderate leaping and dauncing about, and great applause: their habites were girded with skarfes, the endes flying abroade.

And in like sort, those which did sit vpon the Centaures, com|mending in their song, the occasion and mistery of the Tryumph, in voyces consonant and cantionell verse; more pleasant than I am able to expresse, but let this suffice.

The second Tryumph.

The next Tryumph, was not lesse worthy to be beholden then the first. The foure wheeles, the spokes, and naues, were all 87 of Fulkish Agate, and in dyuers places white veines: such as King Pyrrhus could not shewe, with the representation of the nine Muses, and Apollo playing in the middest of them vppon his Lute.

The Axeltrees and fashion of the same like the other: but the Tables were of orient blewe Saphire, hauing in them, as small as motes in the Sunne, certaine glinces of golde, grate|full to the Magicke Arte, and of Cupid beloued in the left hande.

Vpon the Table on the right side, I behelde engrauen, a good|ly Matron lying in a princely bed, beeing deliuered of two egges in a stately Pallace: her Midwyues and other Matrons and yonge women, beeing greatly astonished at the sight. Out of one of the which, spronge a flame of fire: and out of the other egge two bright starres.

Vppon the other side were engrauen, the curious Pa|rents, ignorant of thys strange byrth, in the Temple of A|pollo, before hys image, asking by Oracle the cause and ende heereof, hauing this darke aunswere. Vni gratum Mare. Alterum gratum Mari. And for thys ambiguous aunswere they were reserued by their Parents.

Vppon the fore-ende of the Charyot, there was repre|sented most liuely the figure of Cupid, aloft in the skyes, with the sharpe heades of his golden arrowes, wounding and ma|king bleede the bodyes of dyuers foure footed beastes, cree|ping Serpents, and flying Foules. And vppon the

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earth, stoode dyuers persons, vvondering at the force of such a little slaue, and the effect of suche a vveake and slender Ar|rowe.

In the hynder ende, Iupiter appoynting in hys steade, a prudent and subtill Sheepehearde as a Iudge, awakened by hym, as hee lay sleeping neere a most fayre Fountaine, whe|ther of the three most fayre Goddesses, hee esteemed best worthie. And hee beeing seduced by deuising Cupid, gaue the Apple to the pleasant working Venus.

This tryumphant Charyot, was drawen by sixe white Ele|phants, coupled two and two together, such as will hardly be found in Agesinua, nor among the Gandars of India. Pompei neuer had the like in his Tryumphes in Affricke: neither were the like seene in the Tryumphes of the conquest of India; their tronckes armed with deadly teeth of yuory, passing on theyr way and draw|ing together, making a pleasant braying or noyse. Their furni|ture & traces of pure blewe silke, twisted with threds of golde and siluer: the fastnings in the furniture, all made vp with square or true loue knots, lyke square eares of corne of the Mountaine Gar|ganus. Their Poyterelles of golde, set with Pearle and stone diffe|rent in collours; the beautie of the one striuing to excell the beautie of the other. And thus was all their furniture or armings to the traces, of silke as aforesayde.

Vppon them also, did ride (as before) sixe younge and tender Nymphes, in like sort, [...]ut theyr Instruments different from the former, but agreeing in consort: and what soeuer the first did, the same did these.

The first two were apparelled in Crymosen: the middle most two in fine hayre collour: and the foremost in vyolet. The Capa|risons of the Eliphants were of cloth of golde, edged with great Pearles and precious stones: And about their neckes were orna|ments of great round iewelles, and vpon their faces, great balles of Pearles, tas[...]ed with silke and golde, vnstable and turning.

Ouer this stately Chariot tryumphant, I behelde a most white Swanne, in the amorous imbracing of a noble Nymph, the daugh|ter of Thes[...]us, of an incredible beautie: and vpon her lappe, sitting the same Swanne, ouer her white thighes. She sate vppon two cu|shines of cloth of golde, finely and softely wouen, with all the or|naments necessary for them.

Her selfe apparelled in a Nimphish sort, in cloth of siluer, heere and there powdered with golde, ouer one and vnder three· without defect or want of any thing, requisite to the adorning of so hono|rable a representation, which to the beholder, may occasion a plea|surable delight. In euery sort performed with as great applause as the first.

The third Tryumph.

Then followed the thyrd Tryumph, with foure wheles of Ae|thyopian Chrysolite, sparkling out golde: that which hath beene helde in the same, in olde time hath beene thought good to dryue 88 away malignant spirits. The wheeles vpwardly couered, as afore|saide, and the naues and spokes

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of the same fashion, of greene He|litropia of Cyprus: whose vertue is, to keepe secret in the day light, to diuine giftes, full of drops of blood.

This Historie was engrauen vppon the right side of the Table thereof, as followeth. A man of

great Maiestie, requesting to know[...] what should happen to his fayre daughter: her Father

vnderstanding, that by her meanes he should be dispossessed of his Crowne and dignitie; and to

the ende she shoulde not be carried away or stollen of any, he buil[...] a mightie stronge Tower,

and there, with a watchfull garde caused her to bee kept: and shee remayning there in this sort

with great content, had falling into her virgineall lap, drops of Golde.

Vppon the other side was chased out a valiant youth, who with great reuerence did receiue a protection of a Christall shielde, and with his sworde afterward cutting off the heade of a terryble wo|man, and afterwardes proudly bearing her heade in signe of victo|rie; Out of the hotte blood of whome, did rise vp a flying horse: who striking vppon a Mountaine with one of hys houes, made a strange springe of water to gush out.

Vpon the fore ende I behelde the mightie Cupid, drawing hys golden Arrowe, and shooting the same vp into the heauens, cau|sing them to raine bloode: whereat a number stoode wonderfully amazed, of all sortes of people. Vpon the other ende, I did see Ve|nus in a wonderfull displeasure, hauing taken her son by a Knight in a Net, and getting him by the winges, she was about to plucke of his fethers: hauing plucked of one handfull, that flewe about, the little elph crying out pitteously; and an other sent from Jupi|ter, tooke him away and saued him from his mother, and presen|ted him to Jupiter: against whose diuine mouth, were in Attic Letter these wordes written, [...] and hee co|uered him in the lap of his celestiall gowne.

This tryumphant Charriot, was pompously drawne with sixe fierce Vnicornes: their heades like Harts, reuerencing the chaste Diana. The poyterelles and furniture about their stronge breasts, was of golde, set with precious stone, and fringed with siluer and hayre colloured silke, tyed into knots, in manner of a net worke, and tasseled at euery prependent point, their caparisons like the other before spoken of.

Vpon these did sit, six fayre virgines, in such pompe and man|ner as before, apparelled in cloth of golde, wouen with blewe silke into diuers leaues & flowers; these had a consort of liuncyers winde Instruments, full of spirite. And vppon the toppe of the Chariot, was placed a stoole of green Iasper, set in siluer: needfull in byrth, and medicinable for chastitie; at the foote it was sixe square, and growing smaller towarde the seate, and from the mid|dle to the foote, champhered and furrowed, and vpward wrought with nextrulles: the seate whereof was somewhat hallowed, for the more easily sitting vppon it. The Lyneaments thereof most excellent.

A loft vppon the same did sit a most singuler fayre Nymph, richly apparelled in cloth of golde and blewe silke, dressed lyke a virgine, and adorned with innumerable sortes of Pearles and stone; she shewed an affectious delight, to beholde droppes of golde fall from heauen into her lappe. She sate in solemne pompe like the other, and with great applause, with her fayre and plentifull haire spreading downe ouer her backe, crowned with a Dyademe of golde, set with sundry precious stones.

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The fourth Tryumph.

The fourth Tryumph was borne vppon foure wheeles, with I|ron strakes, forcibly beaten out without fire; All the rest of the Charyot, in fashion like the former, was of burning Carbuncle, shewing light in the darkest places, of an expolite cutting: past any reason, to thinke howe or where it was possible to be made, or by what workeman.

The right side whereof, helde this History. An honourable wo|man with childe, vnto whome

Jupiter shewed himselfe (as he was wont with Iuno) in thunder and lightning: insomuch, as shee

fell all to ashes, out of the which was taken vp a younge infant.

Vpon the other side, I behelde Iupiter, hauing the saide Infant in his hands, & delyuering him to a yonge man, with winged bus|kyns, and a staffe, with two serpents winding about it: who deli|uered the Infant to certaine Nymphes in a Caue, to be fostered.

In the fore-ende, I might see howe Cupid hauing shot vp into heauen with hys mischeeuous Arrowe, had caused Iupiter to beholde a mortall Nymph: and a great number of wounded people woondering at it.

89 In the hinder end was Iupiter sitting in a tribunall seate as iudge, and Cupide appeering limping before him, and ma|king grieuous complaints against his louing mother, bicause that by hir means he had wounded himselfe extreemly with the loue of a faire damsell, and that his leg was burnt with a drop of a lampe, presenting also the yoong Nymph and the lampe in hir hand. And Iupiter with a smiling countenance speaking to Cupid, Perfer scintillam qui coelum accendis & omnes. This Monostic[...]n was grauen in Latine letters in a square ta|ble before the faces of their supreame maiesties, the rest as is described.

This mysticall triumph was drawen by sixe spotted beasts of yealow shining colour, and swift as the tygers of Hyrcani[...] called Leopards, coupled togither with withes of twined vines, full of tender greene leaues, and stalkes full of greene clusters. This chariot was drawen very leisurely.

Vpon the middle of which plaine there was placed a base of golde by the lowest diameter, one foote and three hand|fuls high, the lataster or lowest verdge round and hollowed, in the middle vnder the vpper sime or brimme in forme of a pullie with nextrubs, rules and cordicels: the vpper plaine of this base was euacuated, wherein rested the traines of the fower eagles standing vpon the plaine, smooth superficies of the base, which were of pretious Ae[...]ite of Persia, of the colour of a sakers plume. And these stood with their shoulders one opposite against another, and their pounces of gold fastened and sticking in the said base, euery one sur|ueying with their wings, and the flowering tips of their sar|cellets touching one another. Ouer these as vpon a nest, was placed this maruellous vessell of Aethiopian Hyacints cleere and bright, C[...]lso ini[...]ic[...],

Comiti gratiosus. This vessell was crusted with emeralds and vaines of diuers other preti|ous stones, a worke incredible. The height thereof two foote and a halfe, the fashion in maner round,

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the breadth by dia|meter one foote and a halfe, and the circumference consisted of three diameters. From the heads of the eagles the bot|tome or foote of the vessell did ascend vp one triens, and a border going about the thicknes of a hand, from which bor|der to the beginning of the belly of the vessel, and to the bot|tome of the foote with this hand breadth, was a foote and a halfe. Vpon this stood the forme of the vessell aforesaid one handfull and a halfe broader, which halfe handfull was distri|buted to the border, about the brimme of foulding leaues and flowers standing out from the hyacinth. The diameter two quarters & a halfe. Vnder this border there did stick out round about certaine proportions like walnut shels, or the keele of a ship, somwhat thicke and broade at the vpper end, and lessing themselues to nothing belowe. From thence to the orifice it did rise vp two quarters and a halfe, furrowed with turning champhers, and an excellent sime: and in steed of eares to take vp the vessell by, it had two lips standing out and turning in round like the head of a base viall.

Vnder and aboue the borders, the vessel was wrought with turned gululs, vnduls, and imbossings, and with such linea|ments were the borders wrought, both vnder and aboue. Vppon the border in the necke of the couer, were two halfe rings, suppressed in the border by transuersion, one of them iust against another, which were holden in the biting teeth of two Lysarts, or byting Dragons of greene emerauld, bea|ring out from the couer. They stoode with their serpent like feete vpon the lower part of the couer vnder the necke, be|twixt the which and the lower vessell, was one quantitie, and from his vpper gracilament descending, he ioyned with the turned in sime of the circumferent lymbus or verdge, where they did closely byte togither. This couer to the necke was made in skalie worke of Hyacinth, except the vaynes of sma|ragd, for the little dragons, their bellies and feetes faste|ning to the skalie couer. These little dragons one against an other, their brests and throtes hollowing out from the bor|der and the couer, and their tayles turning vpwards againe, did serue for the eares of the couer, iust ouer them of the lo|wer vessell.

The lower turning about, where the couer did close with the vessell being of two parts, ioyned togither with an ex|cellent foliature, halfe a foote broad, as if they had bin in|separable.

The bodie of this vessell was all run ouer with a Vine, the 90 stringes and vaines whereof, and small curling twists, were of Topas, farre better then is founde in the Ilande Ophia|dis, the leaues of fine smaragd, and the braunches of Ame|thist, to the sight most beautifull, and to the vnderstan|ding woonderfull contemplable. The subiect vessell appea|ring thorough the same of Hiacinth so round and polished, as any wheele can send foorth: except, vnder the leaues there was a substaunce left, which helde the foliature to the vessell of Hiacinth, passing ouer and separated from the sub|iect. The hollowed and bending leaues with all the other la|picidariall lineaments, were performed with such an emula|tion of nature as was woonderfull.

Let vs nowe returne to the circumferent brim of the pre|tious vessell. In the smooth partes whereof, vppon eyther sides of the tayles of the Lysarts, I behelde two hystorials woorthy of regard, ingrauen in this sort. Vpon the fore|side of the vessell, the representation of Iupiter, holding in his right hande a glistering sword, of the vayne of the Aethiopian Chrysolits: and in the other hande a thunder bolt of shi|ning Rubie. His countenance sauour of the vaine of Gallatits, and crowned with stars like lightening, he stoode vpon an aultar of Saphyre. Before his fearefull maiestie, were a beuie of Nymphs, seauen in number, apparrelled in white, proffering with their sweete voices to sing, and after transforming them|selues into greene trees like

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emeralds full of azure flowers, and bowing themselues downe with deuotion to his power: Not that they were all transformed into leaues, but the first into a tree, hir feete to rootes, their armes and heads into braunches, some more then other, but in a shewe that they must followe all alike, as appeared by their heads.

Vpon the other Anaglyph, I did behold a merrie and plea|sant maiesticall personage, like a yoong fat boye, crowned with two folding serpents, one white, and the other blacke, tied into a knot. Hee rested delightfullie vnder a plentifull vine tree full of ripe grapes, and vpon the top of the frame there were little naked boies, climing vp and sitting aloft ga|thering the ripe clusters: others offering them in a basket to the God, who pleasantly receiued them: other some lay fast a sleepe vpon the ground, being drunke with the sweet iuice of the grape. Others applying themselues to the worke of mustulent autumne: others singing and piping: all which ex|pression was perfected by the workman in pretious stones, of such colour as the naturall liuelinesse of euery vaine, leafe, flower, berrie, body, proportion, shape, and representation required. And in this imagerie, although it was very small, yet there was no defect to be found in the least part belong|ing thereunto, but perfectly to be discerned.

Out of this former described vessell did spring vp a greene flourishing vine, the twisting branches thereof full set with clusters of grapes, the tawny berries of Indian Amethyst, and the leaues of greene Silenitis of Persia: No[...] subiect to the change of the moone, delighted of Cupid. This tree shadowed the chariot: At euery corner of this triumphant chariot vp|on the plaine where the vessell stood, was placed a candle|sticke, of excellent workmanship, vpon three feet of red cor|rall, well liked of the ruder sort, resisting lightening and tem|pests, fauourable and preseruatiue to the bearer: The like were not found vnder the head of Gorgon of Persia, nor in the Ocean Erythreum. The steale of o[...]e of the candlesticks wa[...] of white corrall, beloued of Diana, of a conuenient length, with round knobs and ioints, in height two foote. Another was of most fine stone Dionisias, hauing spots growing from a blackish to a pure red, the same pounded smelleth sweetly. The third was of perfect Medea of the colour of darke gold, and hauing the smell of Nectar. The fourth of pretious Nebri|tis from a blacke growing to a white and greene. Out of the hollowed steales whereof, there ascended vp a pyramidall flame of euerlasting fire, continually burning. The brightnes of the works expressed through the reflexion of the lights, and the sparkling of the pretious stones were such, as my eies dazeled to behold them.

About which heauenly triumph, with a maruellous and so|lemne pompe, infinite troups of Nymphs, their faire and plentifull tresses falling loose ouer their shoulders, some na|ked with aprons of goates skins and kids, others with tym|brels and flutes, making a most pleasaunt noise, as in the daunce called Thiasus, in the triete[...]ie of Bacchus, with green leaffie sprigs and vine branches, instrophyated about their 91 heads and wasts, leaping and dauncing before the triumphs: immediately after the triumphs followed an olde man vpon an asse, and after him was led a goate adorned for a sacrifice: And one that followed after carrieng vpon hir head a fanne, making an vnmeasurable laughter, and vsing furious and outragious gestures. This was the order of these Mimallo[...]s, Satirs, and seruants to Bacchus, bawds, Tyades, Naiades and such as followed after.

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The Nymph doth shew to Poliph[...]lus the multitude of yoong Louers; and their Loues,

what they were, and [...]n what sort beloued.

IT is verie hard for a man to ac|commodate his speech to apte termes, whereby he may expres|lie declare the great pompe, in|defi[...]ent triumph, vncessaunt ioie and delightfull iettings a|boute these rare and vnseene chariots, and being once vnder|taken, it is as vneasie to leaue off: besides the notable compa|nie of yoong youths, and the in|creasing troups of innumerable faire and pleasant Nymphs, more sharpe witted, wise, modest, and discreet, then is ordi|narily seene in so tender yeeres, with their beardles Louers, scarce hauing downy cheekes, pleasantly deuising with them matters of Loue. Manie of them hauing their torches bur|ning, others pastophorall, some with ancient spoiles vppon the endes of streight staues, and others with diuers sorts of Trophes vpon launces, curiouslie hanging· caried before the mystical triumphs, with shouting resounds aboue in the aire. Some with winde-instruments of diuers fashions and maner of windings sagbuts and flutes. Others with heauenly voices singing with ineffable delights, and exceeding solace, past mans reason to imagine: within them passed about the glori|ous triumphs, turning vpon the florulent ground, and green swoord, a place dedicated to the happie, without anie stub or tree, but the fielde was as a plaine coequate medowe of sweete hearbes and pleasaunt flowers, of all sorts of colours, and sundry varieng fashions, yeelding so fragrant a smell as is possible to speake of, not burnt with the extreeme heat of the sunne, but moderate, the ground moystened with sweete ryuers, the aire pure and cleane, the daies all alike, the earth continually greene, the spring neuer decaieng but renuing, the coole grasse with variable flowers like a painting, remai|ning alwaies vnhurt, with their deawie freshnesse, reseruing and holding their colours without interdict of time. There grewe the fower sortes of Violets, Cowslops, Melilots, Rose Parsley or Passeflower, Blew bottles, Gyth, Ladies seale, Vatrachium, Aquilegia, Lillie conually, Amaranth, Flower gentle, Ideosmus, all sorts of sweete pinks, and small flowring hearbs of odoriferous fragrancie and smell, Roses of Persia, hauing the smel of muske and Amber, and innumerable sorts of others without setting, but naturally growing in a woon|derfull distribution, peeping out from their greene leaues, and barbs very delightfull to behold.

In this place I might see goodly braue women as the Ar|chadian Calisto the daughter of Lycaon, with the vnknowen Diana. The Lesbian Antiopa daughter to Nycteus, and mother to Amphion and Zeteus that built Thebes, with hir satyre. Issa the daughter of Machareus with hir shepheard. Antichia the daughter of Aecus and yoong Danaë. Asterie the daugh|ter to Caeus, and Alchmena with hir fained husband. After|ward I beheld the pleasant Aegina solacing hir selfe with the cleere flood and diuine fire. The daughter of Fullus and that of Menemphus, with hir counterfeit father, and that other of Diodes with hir lap full of flowers and a writhing serpent, and the faire yoong gyrle no more sorrowing for the growing of hir hornes. Astiochia and Antigone the daughter of Laomedon solaciously delighting hir selfe in hir storkish plumes, and Lurisile the first inuentrix of wheeles. Garamantide the daun|cing Nymph holding by hir little finger, and washing hir de|licate pretie feete from sweate in the riuer Bagrada. After that I beheld a quaile flying, and a faulcon pursuing hir: Erigone hauing hir faire shining brest stickt full of sweete 91 grapes, and the daughter of king Chollus with hir bull, Eriphile and hir changed husband: The daughter of Alpes and the virgin Melantho with hir dolphin, Phyllira the daughter of old Oceanus

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with the father of Chiron. Next hir Ceres with hir head instrophyated with ripe eares of corne imbracing the scalie Hydra: And the faire Nymph Lara sorting with Argi|phon: and the sweete Futurna of the riuer Numicus.

And whilest I stood with excessiue delight beholding onely as an ignorant this rare companie and mysticall triumphes, circumsept with these and such like sorts, and so also the de|licious fields, but that me thought it was a louely sight to be|hold, and so I should haue continued: then the gratious Nymph associating and leading me, seeing my simplicitie and carelesnes, with a ready countenance and sweete and plea|sant words, without asking, she said thus vnto me: My Poli|philus, doest thou see these? (shewing me those of the olde world) these were beloued of Iupiter, and this, and this was such a one, and these were in loue with him, by this meanes shewing vnto me their high and mighty linage, and not knowing their names, she in great curtesie told me. After|ward she shewed me a great number of little virgins, vnder the gouernment of three sober and discreete matrones the leaders to so great delight: Adding thereunto very pleasant|ly (changing hir angellike countenance) My Poliphilus, thou shalt vnderstand, that no earthly creature can enter in heere without a burning torch as thou seest me, either with ex|treeme loue and great paines, or for the fauour and compa|ny of those three matrones. And from hir hart fetting a deepe sigh, she said: This torch haue I brought hither for thy sake, minding to put it out in yonder temple.

These speeches pearced my hart, they were so delightfull and desired, and so much the more, bicause she called me hir Poliphilus. Whereupon I assured my selfe, that she was Polia, and from top to the toe I found an extreeme alteration into a supreame delight, my hart flying onely to hir. Which thoughts were bewraied by my countenance, and whispe|ring small sighes.

Which she cunningly perceiuing, brake off this new acci|dent with these words: Oh how many be there which would most gladly behold these triumphes, and therefore Poliphilus, addresse thy thoughts to other matters, and behold what noble and woorthy Nymphs shew themselues deseruedly consorted with their amorous louers, curteous and affable: who with sweete and pleasant notes in measured verse, praise and commend one another without wearines, incessantly ce|lebrating their turnes with excessiue delight, and extolling the triumphs, the aire also full of the chirpings of diuers pretie birds, yeelding a diffused charme.

[Note: This verse consisted of Strophe, Ari|stophe, and Epodus. ] About the first triumph among the reioising companie, the nine Muses did sing, with their leader the diuine Luter Apollo.

After the triumph followed the faire Parthenopeian Leria, with a lawrell crowne, accompanied with Melanthia, whose habites and voices represented the pride of Greece, [Note: Homer. ] where|upon the great Macedon rested his head: She bare a splen|dent lampe, communicating the light thereof with hir com|panion, then the rest more excellent both in voice and song.

There the faire Nymph shewed me the auncient Iphianassa, and after the old father Himerinus his daughters and their drinke, and one betwixt the two Theban brothers: These with pleasant noises, sweete musicke and fine agilities, paste on about the first triumph.

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About the second triumph was the noble Nemesis with the Lesbian C[...]rina, Delia and Neaera, with diuers others amorous Nymphs, making pleasaunt soundes vppon stringed instru|ments of yealow wood.

About the thirde triumph, the glorious Nymphs shewed me Quintilia and Cynthea Nauta, with others, in great solace, making sweete harmonies, and singing pleasant verses: there also I behelde the virgin Violantilla with hir Doue, and the o|ther sorrowing for hir Sparrow.

About the fourth triumph, before it went the Lidian Cloe, Lide, Neobole, sweete Phillis, and the faire Lyce Tyburts & Pyra, with their harps singing and making a most pleasant noyse. After this fourth triumph among the Maenades and sacrifi|cers to Bacchus, there folowed an amorous damosell singing in the commendation of the head of hir louer Plaon, she desi|red homes. And after them all she shewed me two women, 93 one of them apparelled in white, and the other in greene, which came hindermost singing togither.

And thus they marched about in a most pleasant and de|lightfull maner vpon the fresh greene and flourishing plaine: Some instrophiated with laurel, some with myrtle, and others with other sorts of flowers and garlands, incessantly without any wearines or intermission in a perfection of the felicitie of this world, mutually enioying one anothers aspect and companie.

The Nymph hauing at large declared vnto Poliphilus the mysticall triumphs and extreeme

loue, afterwards she desired him to go on further, where also with great delight he beheld

innumerable other Nymphs, with their desired louers· a thousand sorts of pleasures

solacing themselues vpon the gr[...]ne grasse, fresh shadowes, and by the coole riuers and

cleere fountaines. And how Poliphilus there had with madnes almost forgotten himselfe in

the passions of desire, but hope did asswag[...] his furie, quieting himselfe in the beholding

of the sweete sauour of the faire Nymph.

NOt onely happie but aboue all other most happie were he, to whom it should be granted con|tinually by speciall fauour to be|holde the glorious pompe, high triumphs, beautiful places, sweet scituations, togither with the goddesses, halfe goddesses, faire Nymphes of incredible delight and pleasure, but especially to be seconded and accompanied with so honorable a Nymph of so rare and excellent beautie. And this I thought not to be the least and smallest point of my felicitie. Now hauing looked vpon these fights, I remained a great space recording of the same, being therewith beyonde measure abundantly contented.

Afterwards, the faire and sweet damsell my guide said thus vnto me; Poliphilus, let vs now go on a little further. And then immediately we tended our walke toward the fresh fountains and shady riuers, compassing about the flourshing fields with chrystalline currents and gratious streames.

In which cleare water, grew the purple flowering sonne of the Nymph Liri[...]pe, looking vp from his tender stringes and leaues. And al the faire riuers were ful of other flowers sweet|lie growing among their greene and fresh leaues. This de|lightfull place was of a spatious and large circuit,

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compassed about and inuironed with wooddie mountaines, of a mode|rate height of greene lawrell, fruitefull memerels, hearie & high pine trees, and within the cleere channels, with graue|led banks, and in some places the bottom was faire soft yea|low sande, where the water ran swifte, and the three leaued driope gre[...].

There were a great companie of delicate faire Nymphs of tender age, with a redolent flower of bashfulnes, and be|yond all credite beautifull, with their beardles louers conti|nuallie accompanied. Among which Nymphs, some verie plea[...]antly with wanton countenaunces in the cleere streams shewed themselues sportefull and gamesome, hauing ta|ken vppe finelie their thin garments of silke of diuers co|lours, and holding them in the bouts of their white armes, the forme of their rounde thighs were seene vnder the plytes, and their faire legges were reuealed to the naked knees, the current streames comming vp so high: it was a fight which woulde haue prepared one to that which were vnfit, and if himselfe had been vnable thereunto. And there where the water was most still, turning downe their faire fa|ces of exceeding beautie, and bending their bodies of rare proportion, as in a large goodly glasse they might behould their heauenly shapes, breaking off the same with the mo|tion of their pretie feete, making a noyse with the con|trast of the circulating water. Some solaciouslie striuing to go by the tame swimming swans, and sportingly casting wa|ter one at another, with the hollownes of their palms: others standing without the water vpon the soft coole grasse ma|king vp of nosegaies and garlands of sundrie sweete flowers, & giuing the same to their louers as tokens of their fauora|ble remembraunce, not denieng their sweet kisses, & louing 94 imbracings, with the amorous regardes of their star-like eyes.

And some were set vpon the greene banks not ouergrown with reed and segs, but finely beautified with sweete hearbs and flowers, among the which the tender Nymphs comming wet out of the water more cleere then Axius in Mygdonia, vn|der the vmbragious trees, did sit sporting and deuising one with another in delightfull imbracings, with their reueren|cing louers, not cruelly scorning & reiecting them, but with a sociable loue and benigne affablenesse, disposing them|selues to the like shew of true affection, their sweete gestures and pleasant behauiours far more gratious to the eie, then flowing teares be to the frowarde and vnmercifull Cupid, the sweete fountaines and moist dewes to the green fieldes, and desired forme to vnfashioned matter.

Some did sing amorous sonnets, and verses of loue, brea|thing out in the same from their inflamed breasts, scalding sighs ful of sweete accents, able to enamorate harts of stone: And to make smooth the ruggednesse of the vnpassageable mountaine Caucasus, to staie whatsoeuer furie the harpe of Orpheus woulde prouoke, and the fowle and euill fauoured face of Medusa, to make any horrible monster tame and tractable, and to stop the continuall prouocation of the de|uouring Scylla. Some rested their heads in the chaste laps of their faire loues, recounting the pleasaunt deuises of Iupiter, and they instrophyating their curled locks with sweete smel|ling flowers.

Others of them fained that they were forsaken, and see|med to flie and go awaie from them, whom dearely they did affect, and then was there running one after another with loud laughters, and effeminate criengs out, their faire tresses spredding downe ouer their snowie shoulders like threeds of gold, bound in laces of greene silke: Some loose after a Nymphish maner, others

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bounde vp in attyres of golde set with pearle. Afterwards comming neere togither, they would stowpe downe, and twiching vp the sweete flowers with their faire and tender fingers, fling the same in the faces of their pursuing louers with great pleasure and solace, maintaining their fained disgracings.

Others with great curtesie were putting of Rose leaues one after another into their laced brests, adding after them sweete kisses, some giuing their louers (if ouer-bold) vpon the cheekes with their harmles palmes pretie ticks, making them red like the wheeles of Ph[...]ebus in a faire and cleere morning: with other new and vnthought contentions, such as loue could deuise. They all being pleasant, merrie, and disposed to delight: Their gestures and motions girlish, and of a vir|gineall simplicitie, putting on sincere loue without the of|fence of honorable vertue: Free and exempt from the occur|sion of griefe or emulation of aduers fortune: Sitting vnder the shade of the weeping sister of the whited Phaeton, and of the immortall Daphne and hairie pineapple with small and sharpe leaues, streight Cyprus, greene Orenge trees, and tall Cedars, and others most excellent, abounding with greene leaues, sweete flowers, and pleasant fruits still flourishing in such sort as is inestimable, euenly disposed vpon the gratious banks, & orderly growing in a moderat distance vpon thee grassie ground, inuested with green Vinca peruince or laurel. What hart is so cold and chilling, that would not be stirred vp to heate, manifestly beholding the delightfull duties of re|ciprocall loue, such as I was perswaded would haue kindled Diana hir selfe?

Whereupon I was bold to shew that folly which tormen|ted my inward spirits, enuying to see what others possessed, that was a continuall delight in pleasure and solace without any wearines in full cloying, and thus diuers times my hart being set on fire by my eies, and extreemely burning, my minde still fixed vpon delightfull pleasures and their smac|king kisses, and regarding with a curious eie the abounding guerdons of the fethered god, me thought at that instant, that I did behold the extreeme perfection of pleasure. And by this meanes I stood wauering and out of measure amazed, and as one which had droonke an amorous potion, calling into remembrance the ointments of the mischeeuous Circes, the forcible hearbs of Medea, the hurtfull songs of Byrrena, and the deadly verses of Pamphile, I stood doubtfull that my eies had seene somthing more than humane, and that a base, dishonorable, and fraile bodie should not be where immor|tall 95 creatures did abide.

After that I was brought from these long and doubtfull thoughts and phantasticall imaginations, and remembring all those maruellous diuine shapes and bodies which I had personally seene with mine eies, I then knew that they were not deceitfull shadowes, nor magicall illusions, but that I had not rightly conceiued of them.

And now with earnest consideration among these behol|ding the most excellent. Nymph fast by me, my eies filled with amorous darts ceased not to wound my passionate hart, by means wherof incontinently all my wandering thoughts were stirred vp, compact, and fixed vpon hir their desired ob|iect, recalling my mortified soule afresh to be tormented in his first flames, which most cruelly I suffered, in that I durst not be bold to aske if she were my desired Polia, for she had put me in some doubt thereof before, and now fearing to offend hir with my being ouer bolde, and ore troublesome with my rude and vntilled toong, diuers times when my voice was breaking out betwixt my lips, vpon that occasion I suppressed the same. But what she should be,

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it was beyond my compasse to imagine, and I stood as suspicious thereof, as the deceiued Socia with the fained Atlantiades. Thus with dili|gent regards and cordiall searches examining hir heauenly features inuaded with a burning desire beyond measure, I said to my self: Oh that I might be, if it were possible, a freema~ in such a place, for no sorrow shoulde greeue me, nor immi|nent danger should make me afraid: although that frowarde fortune shoulde oppose hir selfe against me, I woulde spende my life without any regard therof, not refusing to vndertake the laborsome and great enterprise of the two gates shewed to the sonne of Amphitrio.

To spend the prime of my youth and pleasure of my yeers in the mortall daungers of the merciles seas, and in the fear|full places of Trinacria, with the excessiue trauels and terrors of Vlysses, in the darke caue of the horrible Polyphem, the son of Neptune, to be transformed in the companie of Calyps[...], al|though I lost my life, or indured the most hard & long serui|tude of Androdus, for all wearines is forgotten where loue is vehement. To vndertake with the amorous Mi[...]alion and Ileus to runne with Atalanta, or to com but in such sort as the strong and mightie Hercules for his loue Deianira, did with the huge Achelous, so as I might atchieue so gratious a fauor, and attaine to so high delight, as the remaining in these so|lacious places, and aboue all to enioy the precious loue and inestimable good wil of hir, more faire without comparison, then Cassiopeia, of better fauour then Castiamira. Ah me, my life and death is in hir power! And if so be that I seeme vn|woorthie of hir fellowshippe and amorous commers, yet would God it might be granted me as a speciall rewarde and priuiledge to looke vpon hir: and then I saide to my selfe, oh Poliphilus, if these heauie and burthenous weights of amarous conceits do oppresse thee; the sweetenes of the fruite doth allure thee thereunto: and if the peremptorie dangers strike thee into a terror, the hope of the supportation and helpe of so faire a Nymph will animate thee to be resolute. Thus my thought being diuers, I said, Oh God, if this be that desired Polia which I see at this present, and whose precious impressi|on without intermission, I haue stil born in my burning and wounded hart, fro the first yeers of my loue vntil this present, I am contented with all sorrows, & besides hir, I desire no o|ther request but only this, that she may be drawne to my fer|uent loue, that it may be with vs alike, or that I may be at li|berty, for I am no longer able to dissemble my griefe, or hide the extremity of my smart, I die liuing, & liuing am as dead: I delight in that which is my griefe: I go mourning: I consume my self in the flame, & yet the flame doth norish me, & burn|ing like gold in the strong cement, yet I find my self like cold yee. Ah wo is me, that loue should be more greeuous vnto me then the weight of Iuarime to Typh[...]n. It disperseth me more, then the rauenous vulturs the glomerated bowels of Tityus: It holdeth me in more, then the labirinth crooking: It tosseth me more, then the northeast winds the calme seas: It teareth me woorse then Acteous dogges their flieng master: It trou|bleth my spirits more then horrible death doth them who desire to liue: It is more direfull to my vexed hart, then the crocodils bowels to Ichneumon. And so much the more is my greefe, that with all the wit I haue, I knowe not to thinke in what part of the worlde I shoulde be, but streight before the 96 sweete fire of this halfe goddesse, which without any corpo|rall substance consumeth me: hir aboundant and faire yea|low haire, a snare and net for my hart to be masked in: hir large and phlegmatique forehead, like white lillies, bynd me in as with a withe: hir pearcing regards take away my life as sweete prouocations to afflict me: hir roseall cheekes do ex|asperate my desire, hir ruddie lips continue the same, and hir delicious breasts like the winter snow vpon the hyperboreall mountaines, are the sharp spurs and byting whip to my amo|rous passions: hir louely gestures and pleasant countenance do draw my desire to an imaginatiue delight, heaping vp my sorrow. And to all these insulting martyrdoms and greeuous vexations of that impious and

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deceitfull Cupid I laie open, mightilie striuing to beare them, and no waie able to resist them, but to suffer my selfe to be ouercome: neither coulde I shun the same, but remained still as one vnawares lost in the Babylonian fen.

Oh Titius, thou canst not perswade me that thy paine is equall with mine, although that the vultures teare open thy breast, and taking out thy smoking warm hart, do pluck it in peeces with their crooked beaks, and pinch the same in their sharpe tallents, eating vp also the rest of thy flesh, vntill they haue ingorged the~selues, & within a while after thou renewed againe, they begin afresh to pray vpon thee. Thou hast a time to be reuiued againe, and made sound as euer thou wert: but two eies without all pitie or intermission haue wounded me, deuour and consume me, leauing me no time of rest, or space to be comforted.

And hauing had these discourses with my selfe, I began se|cretly to mourne and weepe, and desire a way that I might die, fetching deepe sighes as if my hart had torne in sunder with euery one of them. And diuers times I had purposed with a lamentable voice to desire hir helpe, for that I was at the point of death: but as one drowned and ouerwhelmed, I deemed that way to be vaine, and to no purpose, and therfore furiously, and as one of a raging spirit I thought thus: Why doest thou doubt, Poliphilus? Death for loue is laudable, and therefore my greeuous and malignant fortune, my sorrowful accident and hard hap in the loue of so beautifull a Nymph, will be writ and reported when I shall lie interred. The same will be sung in doleful tunes vpon sweete instruments of mu|sicke, manifesting the force of hurtfull loue.

And thus continuing the follie of my thoughts, I said: It may be that this Nymph, by al likelihoods, is some reuerend goddesse, and therefore my speeches will be but as the crac|kling reedes of Archadia in the moist and fennie sides of the riuer Labdone, shaken with the sharpe east wind, with the boi|sterous north, cloudy south & rainie south west wind. Besides this, the gods will be seuere reuengers of such an insolencie, for the companions of Vlysses had been preserued from drow|ning and shipwracke, if they had not stolne Apollos cattell kept by Phaetusa and hir sister Lamp[...]tia. Orion had not beene slaine by a scorpion, if he had not attempted the cold & chast Diana, and therefore if I should vse any indecencie against the honor of this Nymph in any sort, such like reuenge or woorse woulde be vsed vpon me. At last getting foorth of these changeable thoughts, I did greatly comfort my selfe in be|holding and contemplating the excellent proportion and sweete sauour of this ingenuous and most rare Nymph, con|taining in hir al whatsoeuer that may prouoke amorous con|ceits and sweete loue, giuing from hir faire eies so gratious and fauorable regards, as thereby I somewhat tempered my troublesome and vnbrideled thoughts. And my resounding sighes reflexed with a flattering hope (oh the amorous foode of louers and sauce of salt teares) by these and no other rains I did manage my vehement thoughts, and made them stop in a conceiued hope, fixing mine eies with excessiue delight vp|on hir faire bodie and well disposed members, by all which, my discontented desires were gently mitigated and redee|med from that furie and amorous fire, which so neere had bred the extremitie of my passions.

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The Nymph leadeth the inamored Poliphilus to other pleasant places, where he beheld

innumerable Nymphs solaci[...]hem, and also the triumph of Vertum[...]s and P[...]m[...]na.

BY no meanes I was able to re|sist the violent force of Cup[...]ds artillerie, and therefore the ele|gant Nymph hauing amorously gotten an irreuocable domini|on ouer me a miserable louer, I was inforced to follow still af|ter hir moderate steps, which led me into a spatious and la[...]ge plaine, [Note:

Larix, is a tree hauing leaues like a pine, & good for buil|ding, it will neither rot, woornieare, nor burne to coales.

Taeda, is a tree out of the which issueth a liquor more thinne than pitch.

Oreades, be countrie Nymphs. Lyndens or teile trees, in Latin Tiliae, they beare a fruit as big as a bean, hauing within seedes like anyse seedes.

Dryades, be Nymphs of the woods.

] the conterminate bound of the flowered greene & sweet smelling vallie, where also ended the adorned mountaines and fruitfull hils, shutting vp the entrance into this golden countrie, full of incredible delight with their ioining togi|ther: couered ouer with green trees of a co~spicuous thicknes & distance, as if they had been set by hand, as Yew trees, wild Pynes, vnfruitfull but dropping Resin, tall pineapple, straight Firre, burning Pitch trees, the spungie Larix, the aierie Teda beloued of the mountains, celebrated and preserued for the festiuall Oreades. There both of vs walked in the greene and flowering plaine, shee being my guide through the high cypres trees, the broad leaued beech, coole shadie okes full of maste, and other hornebeames, pricking iuniper, weake hasell, spalt ash, greene lawrell, and humbryferous esculies, knottie plane trees & lyndens moouing by the sweet breath of the pleasant Zephirus, whistling through their tender branches, with a benigne and fauorable impulsion.

All which greene trees were not thickly twisted togither, but of a conuenient distaunce one from another, and all of them so aptly distributed as to the eie the sight thereof bred great delight.

This place was frequented with countrie Nymphs and Dry|ades, their small and slender wastes being girded with a bray|ding of tender corules of sprigs, leaues, and flowers, and vp|on their heads their rising vp haires, were compassed about as with garlands. Amongst them were the horned fannes, and lasciuious sat[...]res, solemnising their faunall feasts, being assembled togi[...]r out of diuers places, within this fertile & pleasant cuntrie: bearing in their hands so tender green and stra~ge boughs, as are not to be fou~d in the wood of the god|des Feronia, [Note:

Feronia a god|desse of the woods.

Dabulam, a fertile place in Arabia. Scaeni[...]s, be a people in A|rabia, that dwell altogi|ther in tents. Sauromatans, be people of Sa[...]matia, which is a large cuntry, reaching f[...]o~ Germany & the [...]iuer Vis|tula to Hy|caenia, and is deui|ded into two parts Euro|pea and Asiatica.

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Lynx is a beast sported, but in shape like a wolph, being quicke of sight.

Hamadryades were nymphs of the wood and Symenides Vertumnus the God of fruits.

] when the inhabitants carrie hir image to the fire.

From thence we entered into a large square inclosure co~|passed about with broade walkes, straight from one corner to another, with a quick-set vpon either sides, in height one pace, of pricking iuniper thicke set togither, and mixt with box, compassing about the square greene mead. In the rowes of which quick-set there were symmetrially planted the vic|torious palme trees, whose branches were laden with fruite, appearing out of their husks, some blacke, some crymosen, and many yealow, the like are not to be found in the land of Aegypt, not in Dabulam among the Arabian Scaenits, or in Hieraconta beyond the Sauromatans. All which were inter|medled with greene Cytrons, Orenges, Hippomelides, Pi|stack trees, Pomegranats, Meligoto~s, Dendromirts, Mespils, and Sorbis, with diuers other fruitfull trees.

In this place vppon the greene swoord of the flowering mead, and vnder the fresh and coole shadowes, I might be|hold a great assemblie met togither of strange people, & such as I had neuer before seene, f[...]ll of ioyes and pastimes, but basely apparrelled, some in fauns skins, painted with white spots, some in lynx skins, others in leopards: and manie had fastened togither diuers broad leaues, instrophiating them with sundrie flowers, therewithall couering their nakednes, singing, leaping, and dauncing with great applause.

These were the Nymphs Hamadryades, pleasantly com|passing vppon either sides the flowered Vertumnus, hauing vppon his heade a garlande of roses, and his gowne lap full of faire flowers, louing the station of the woollie ramme. He sate in an ancient fashioned carre, drawne by fower hor|ned fauns or satyrs, with his louing and faire wife Pomona, crowned with delicate fruits, hir haire hanging downe ouer hir shoulders, of a flaxen, colour, and thus she sate participa|ting of hir husbands pleasure and quiet, and at hir feete laie 98 a vessell called Clepsydra. [Note: Clepsydra is sometime ta|ken for a diall measuring time by the running of water, but here for a pot to water a garden and yoong sect|lings in a nourcery for an orchyard. ] In hir right hand she held a copie full of flowers, fruits, and greene leaues, and in hir left hande a branch of flowers, fruits and leaues.

Before the carre and the fower drawing satyrs, there mar|ched two faire Nymphs, the one of them bare a troph[...]e with a praependant table, whereupon was written this title, Integerrimam corporis valetudinem & stabile robur castasque mensarum delitias, & beatam animi secu|ritatem cultoribus me offero.

And the other bare a trophae of certaine greene sprigges bound togither, and among them diuers rurall instruments fastened. These passed on thus after the ancient maner, with great ceremonies, and much solemnitie, compassing about a great square stone like and aulter, standing in the middest of this faire mead, sufficiently moystened with current streames from beautifull fountaines.

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This square stone or aulter was of pure white marble, cu|riouslie cut by a cunning lapicidarie, vpon euery front wher|of was a woonderfull goodly expression, of an elegant image, so exact, as the like else-where is hardly to be found.

The first was a faire goddesse, hir treces flieng abroad, gir|ded with roses and other flowers, vpon a thin vpper garment couering hir beautifull and pleasant proportion. She helde hir right hand ouer an ancient vessell, in maner of a chafing|dish, called Chytropodus, sending foorth a flame of fire, into the which shee did cast roses and flowers, and in the other hand she held a branch of sweete myrtle, full of berries. By hir side stoode a little winged [...]oy smiling, with his bowe and arro[...]. Ouer hir head were two pigeons. And vnder the foote of this figure was written

Florid[...] veri S.

Vpon the other side I beheld in an excellent caruing, the representation of a damosell of a maidenly countenaunce, whose stately maiestie gaue great commendation to the curi|ous deuise of the workeman. She was crowned with a gar|land of wheat eares, hir haire flingering abroade, and hir ha|byte Nymphish. In hir right hand she held a copie full of rype graine, and in the other hand three eares of corne, vpon their strawie stalks. At hir feete lay a wheat sheaue bound vp, and a little boy with gleanings of corne in either hands. The sub|scription was this.

Flauae Messi S.

Vpon the third side was the likenes in a deuine aspect na|ked of a yoong boy, crowned with vine leaues, and of a wan|ton countenance, holding in his left hand certaine clusters of ripe grapes, and in the other, a copie full of grapes which did hang ouer the mouth thereof. At his feete laie a hayrie goate and this writing vnder.

Mustulento Autumno S.

The last square did beare vpon it a kingly image passing well cut, his countenance displeasant and austere, in his left hand he held a scepter vp into the heauens, the aire cloudie, troublesome and stormie, and with the other hand reaching into the clouds full of haile. Behinde him also the aire was rainie and tempestuous. He was couered with beasts skins, and vpon his feete he [...]are sandals, where vnder was written,

Hiemi Aeoliae S.

From thence the most faire and pleasant Nymph brought me towards the sea side and sandie shore, where we came to an olde decaied temple, before the which vpon the fre[...] and coole hearbs, vnder sweete shadie trees we sate downe and rested our selues, my eies very narrowly beholding, with an vnsatiable desire, in one sole perfection and virgineall bodie, the

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accumulation and assembly of all beauties; an obiect in|terdicting my eies to behold any gracious, that except, or of so great content.

Where refreshing in a secret ioy with new budding con|ceits my burning hart, and leauing off vulgar and common 99 follies, [Note: Thessa[...]ie is a region of Greece, ha|uing vpon the one side Ma|cedonia, and on the other Boeotia, rea|ching be|tweene Ther|mopylae, and the riuer Pi|neus, euen to the sea side, it is the gar|de~ of Grecia. Heraclea, is the name of diuers faire cities, one in the confines of Europe, another in Ita+lie & in Pon|tus by the ri|uer Licus, also in Narbon by Rodanus, al|so in Caria, Crete & Ly|dia, whereof the Lode|stone taketh his name. Hesperides, were the 3. daughters of Atlas, Aegle, Arctusa and Hesperetusa, who had an orchard of golde~ apples, kept by a dra|gon who~ Her|cules slew & tooke away the apples· ] I began to consider of the intelligible effect of honest loue, and withall of the cleerenes of the skies, the sweete and milde aire, the delightfull site, the pleasant countrie, the green grasse decked with diuersity of flowers, the faire hils adorned with thicke woods, the quiet time, fresh windes, and fruitfull place, beautifully enriched with diffluent streames, sliding downe the moist vallies betwixt the crooked hils in their grauelled channels, and into the next seas with a continued course softly vnlading themselues.

A ground most healthfull, the grasse coole and sweet: and from the trees resounded the sweete consents of small chir|ping birds. The flouds and fields of Thessalie must giue place to this.

And there sitting thus togither among the sweete flowers and redolent roses, I fastened mine eies vpon this heauenly shape of so faire and rare a proportion, whereunto my sences were so applied, drawen and addicted, that my hart was ouer|whelmed with extreeme delights, so as I remained senceles, and yet cast into a curious desire to vnderstand and knowe what should be the reason and cause that the purple humidi|tie in the touch of hir bodie, in the smoothnes of hir hand should be as white as pure milke: and by what meanes that nature had bestowed in hir faire bodie the fragrant sweetnes of Arabia. And by what industrie in hir starrie forehead pam|pynulated with threds of gold aptly disposed, she had infixed the fairest part of the heauens, or the splendycant Heraclea.

Afterward letting fall mine eies towards hir prety feete, I beheld them inclosed in red leather cut vpon white, fastened vpon the instep with buttons of gold in loopes of blew silke. And from thence I returned vpward my wanton regard to hir straight necke compassed about with a carkenet of orient pearle, striuing but not able to match with the whitenes of the sweet skin. From thence descending down to hir shining breast and delitious bosome, from whence grew two round apples, such as Hercules neuer stole out of the garden of Hes|perides. Neither did euer Pomona behold the like to these two standing vnmooueable in hir roseall breast, more white than hils of snowe in the going downe of the sunne. Betwixt the which there passed downe a delicious vallie, wherein was the delicate sepulcher of my wounded hart exceeding the fa|mous Mausolea. [Note: A sepulcher built by Arte|misia in the honor of hir husbande Mausolus king of Ca|nia. ]

I then being content with a wounded hart full well vnder|standing that mine eies had drawen it dying into all these elegant parts. Yet neuertheles I could not so bridle and sup|presse my amorous inflamed sighes, or so closely couer them, but that they would needs expresse my inward desire.

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By means whereof she was changed from contagious loue, and striking with hir stolen regards (enuying the same) she turned it vpon me, so as I perceiued an incensing fire pruri|ently diffusing it selfe through my inward parts and hollow veines: and during the contemplate beholding of hir most rare and excellent beautie, a mellifluous delight and sweete solace constrained me thereunto. Thus disordinately beaten with the importune spur of vnsatiable desire, I found my selfe to be set vpon with the mother of loue, inuironed round about wi[...]h hir flamigerous sonne, and inuaded with so faire a shape, that I was with these and others so excellent circum|stances brought into such an agonie of minde and sicknes of bodie, and in such sort infeebled, that the least haire of hir head was a band forcible ynough to hold me fast, and euery rowled tramell a chaine and shackle to fetter me, being fed with the sweetnes of hir beautie, and hooked with the plea|sant baits of hir amorous delights, that I was not able with whatsoeuer cunning deuise to resist the inuading heates and prouoking desires still comming vpon me, that I determined rather to die than longer to endure the same, or in this soli|tarie place to offer hir any dishonor.

Then againe I was determined with humble requests and submissiue intreaties to say thus:

Alas most delighted Polia, at this present to die by thee is a thing that I desire, and my death if it were effected by these thy small, slender and faire hands, the ende thereof should be more tolerable, sweete and glorious vnto me, bicause my hart is compassed about with such tormenting flames, still more and more cruelly increasing, and burning the same without pitie or intermission, so as by meanes thereof I am bereft of all rest.

And heerewithall intending to put in execution another 100 determinate purpose, behold my hart was tormented with more sharpe flames, that me thought I was all of a light fire· Ah wo is me what wert thou aduised to do Poliphilus? Re|member the violence done to Deianira and the chaste Ro|man lady. Consider what followed them for a reward, and di|uers others.

Call to minde that mighty princes haue beene reiected of their inferiors, how much more then a base and abiect per|son, but tract of time giueth place to them which expect the bountie thereof. Time causeth the fierce lions to be tame, and whatsoeuer furious beast: the small ant by long trauell laieth vp hir winter foode in the hard tree, and shall not a diuine shape lying hid in a humane bodie take the impression of fer|uent loue, and then holding the same, shake off all annoyous and vexing passions, hoping to enioy amorous fruits, desired effects, and triumphing agonismes.

The Nymph Polia perceiuing well the change of my co|lour and blood comming in more stranger sort than Tripolion or Teucrion, thrise a day changing the colour of his flowers, and my indeuoring to sende out scalding sighes deeply set from the bottome of my hart, she did temper and mitigate the same with hir sweete and friendly regards, pacifieng the rage of my oppressing passions, so as notwithstanding my burning minde in these continuall flames and sharpe prouo|cations of loue, I was aduised patiently to hope euen with the bird of Arabia in hir sweet nest of small sprigs, kindled by the heate of the sunne to be renewed.

FINIS.

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