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THE STRIFE OF LOVE IN A DREAM.
'ive hundred copies of this Edition are printed.
THE
STRIFE OF LOVE IN A DREAM
BEING
THE ELIZABETHAN VERSION
OF
THE FIRST BOOK OF THE
HYPNEROTOMACHIA
OF
FRANCESCO COLONNA
LA
A NEW EDITION
BY
ANDREW LANG, M.A.
LONDON
PUBLISHED BY DAVID NUTT IN THE STRAND
MDCCCXC
CHISWICK PRESS : C. WHITTINGHAM AND CO., TOOKS COURT,
CHANCERY LANE, LONDON.
INTRODUCTION.
IGHT or nine years ago I chanced to go
into the shop of Mr. Toovey, in Picca-
dilly, and began turning over the cheaper
and less considered of his books. Among
them I found " Hypnerotomachia. The
strife of Loue in a Dreame. At London,
Printed for Simon Waterson, and are to be sold at his
shop, in S. Paules Churchyard, at Cheape-gate, 1592."
This is the usual title, my specimen, as will be seen, varied
slightly. The Bodleian copy also contains this (the 2nd)
title. The book was a small thin quarto, not in good
condition. It contained no name of author or translator,
and the initials, R. D., of the dedication (the most in-
teresting part of the work), tell us nothing. Mr. Douce
conjectures that they may stand for Robert Dallyngton,
the translator of " The Mirrour of Mirth, etc., from the
French of Bonaventure des Periers," London, 1583, 4to.
The woodcuts were excessively debased reminiscences of
those famous examples in the Aldine edition of 1 499. The
little book seemed an oddity, and I purchased it from Mr.
Toovey for the sum of twenty shillings. I was then but
an ignorant collector of the Cheap and the Odd in books,
v
and Mr. Toovey's own attention had been given to more
beautiful things than this shabby quarto. I took it home,
read it, wrote a little article on it in the 6/. James s Gazette,
and found out that the volume was imperfect. Having ex-
hausted my interest in it, I carried it back to Mr. Toovey,
pointed out the absence of the last five pages, and re-
turned it, in exchange for " Les Memoires de la Reyne
Marguerite, a Paris, chez Claude Barbin, dans la Grand'
Salle du Pallais, au Signe de la Croix. M.D.C.LXI," in
yellow morocco. I never made a worse bargain. The
Hypnerotomachia, imperfect as my copy was, is among
the very rarest of books, and therefore among the most
desirable. This particular copy, by the way, was "printed
for lohn Busbie, and to be sold at his Schoppe, at the
west doore of Paules." Meanwhile M. Claude Popelin
had long been lying in wait for the English version of
Francesco Colonna's book. He was engaged on his ex-
cellent version of the original, to which this preface
owes a boundless debt for information. 1 The English
version was not to be found in the British Museum,
nor in the Bibliotheque Nationale, nor in the libraries
of Berlin, Amsterdam, the Hague, Leyden, Utrecht,
Vienna, or Munich, nor have I heard of it even in
America. In short this despised and rejected tract is
among the extreme rarities of the world. And I had
swopped it for La Reyne Marguerite in a new edition !
One man's loss is another's gain, and M. Popelin, hunting
the sale rooms in London, bought my castaway copy " a
un de ces prix qu'on n'avoue pas a sa menagere." M.
Popelin deserved to get it for his learned edition, and I
deserved to lose it for my carelessness. I am only sorry
1 Liseux, Paris, 1883.
vi
I did not know he wanted it, when it would have been
much at his service, for love, and the mdnagere would not
have been justly vexed by extravagance Vile damnum,
after all, the loss of the book, if we look only at the
literary merits of the Hypnerotomachia in Elizabethan
English. The translation is ignorant and unintelligible :
a meaning cannot be made out of much of it, and the
sense, when the translator does " deviate into sense,"
is not always that of his original. We have re-
printed it with absolute fidelity. The idea of altering
the punctuation was mooted, but where the translator's
meaning was obscure, the original text cast no light on it
whatever ; so any alteration would have been conjectural.
Thus the volume reappears with all its sins on its head,
except the horrors of its barbarous illustrations. For
these miseries, a few examples copied from the original
have been substituted. Obvious misprints alone have been
corrected, and the text is reproduced from the example in
the Bodleian Library at Oxford.
About the original Hypnerotomachia, and its author,
and illustrator, and meaning, all that is ever likely to be
known has been set forth by M. Popelin. As is usual in
antiquarian subjects, where almost everything is uncertain,
there is a great deal of learning about Francesco Colonna,
the author, his mistress Polia, his purpose, and his book.
The Hypnerotomachia Poliphili, " Loves strife in a dream
with the Loves of Pollia," as we may paraphrase the title,
was published, in folio, by Aldus Manutius in 1499. It
contains an hundred and seventy-two woodcuts, which
have been attributed, wildly, to Raphael, to either Bellini,
to Andrea Mantegna, to the two Montagnas, to Carpaccio,
to the author himself, to the anonymous Master of the
Dolphins, to the Bolognese engraver Peregrini, and pro-
vii
bably to other people. 1 M. Eugene Plot introduced the
belief in the Master of the Dolphins, who illustrated many
other books for the Aldi. M. Popelin is inclined to agree
with M. Piot, especially as the animals in an SEsop
illustrated by the Master of the Dolphins closely re-
semble those in the Hypnerotomachia. Mr. W. B. Scott
(Athen&um, March 27, April 10, 1880) votes for
Stephanus Caesenus Peregrinus. This opinion rests on
certain initials, subscribed to the frontispieces of certain
other works of the period. But nothing can certainly be
known, and internal evidence is notoriously untrustworthy.
As Mr. Carlyle says about the poet of the Nibelungenlied,
to be certain about the letters that make up his name
would be of very little benefit to us. It is probable that
many an artist of his date, inspired by the old art and the
new learning, could do all that he did.
Francesco Colonna, too, the author of the Hypneroto-
machia, is little more than the shadow of a name. Benoit
de Court, writing in 1533 on the Arresta Amorum of
Martial de Paris, calls Colonna multiscius, "full of know-
ledge." That he knew a great deal about ancient architec-
ture, rather late Greek and Roman essayists, and obscure
mythology, is clear enough from his book, whereof the
object is to make a parade of learning. Rabelais cites
him in Gargantua (i. ix.).
In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries authors on
architecture speak highly of Colonna, and offer guesses
about his biography. He was said to have belonged to
a family of Lucca, and to have been born in Venice about
1433. If his book was finished, as the colophon says, in
1467, when he would have been thirty-four, it may contain
1 Popelin, i. cxcviii.
viii
all the lore and the learning of his youth, a sacrifice of
them to the goddess of Pedantry,
Une chapelle de parfums
Et de cierges tnelancholiques.
The biography, however, is made up, like many classical
biographies, out of hints in the author's work. Polia, the
beloved of Francesco, would be, on this showing, Ippolita,
niece of Teodoro Lelio, bishop of Treviso, in whose house-
hold Colonna had a place. The authority cited is a MS.
note on a copy of the book in the library of the Domini-
cans delle Zatere. The note points out that the first
letters of each chapter in the book, when placed together
in order, produce
Poliam f rater Franciscus Colonna peramavit. Ad hue
vivit Venetiis in S. lohanna et Paulo.
The biography, or romance, goes on to say that Polia
and Francesco were betrothed ; that, in terror of the plague,
the lady vowed to take the veil if she escaped with life ;
that she kept her word, and that Colonna also went into
religion, and became a monk in 1464. But all this is
pure fiction. Colonna was a monk as early as 1455.
From a Venetian MS. in the convent of St. John and St.
Paul, we gather that Colonna died, at a great old age, in
1527. M. Popelin's personal researches in Italy have
added nothing to the few scattered notices of a long and
quiet life. As to Polia, we must guess for ourselves
whether she was once a living girl, whether she was a
mere ideal, or whether she is an allegory of antique
beauty and learning. The prettiest and most human pas-
sage in the book contains, at least, a picture of life, and tells
how Polia was sitting at her window, sunning her long
yellow locks, when Poliphile passed by, and was caught
in that golden net, as Lucius was by the hair of Fotis.
ix b
Every day he wandered by the palace windows, every
night he would sing beneath them, and all to no avail.
Then Polia, in fear of a pestilence, "vowed herself to
Diana." In vain he implored her to be his, with abun-
dance of reference to the Fates, Atys, Agave, Pentheus,
Scylla, and Charybdis, and that African lake which is cold
by day under the sun, and boiling hot at night. Perhaps
no woman was ever in this manner wooed ; Poliphile, we
may be certain, never urged his suit in this absurd way ;
more probably there was no suit to urge, no Polia, no
love affair, nothing but the inexperienced day-dream of a
young monk who is sorry for his lost youth, and feigns in
fancy the kisses that never were real. Polia beholds, in
a dream, the punishments that love inflicts on his rebels
and renegades (as in Boccaccio), and betakes herself to
consult Venus in her temple. Here she is told a good
deal about the two shafts of Love, the leaden and the
golden, and learns the sad fate of a lady who scorned de-
sire till she was twenty-eight, and at that advanced age
was smitten by passion, and given to a hideous old man
in marriage. The second state of this lady was therefore
worse than the first, and the nauseous descriptions prove
that " realism " is no new thing in literature. The lady
determined to slay herself, but, classical to the last, she
crowned herself with fatal smylax, and the leaves of
ostry, appropriate vegetables, before dealing the fatal
stroke. Venus then points out to Polia that if she wastes
her time in youth, she will vainly dye her hair, and rouge
in her longing later years.
It is an inordinately long sermon, rich in pedantry, and
with a Greek epigram or two for text. Polia repents, and
thinks of all the classic stories about hard-hearted and
despairing lovers. She seeks Poliphile, finds him fainting,
she upbraids Lucina (who has presided over her own
birth), and finally, rouses Poliphile, sits on his knee, and
kisses him in a hearty fashion, sympathetically rendered
by the artist. He was tired, no doubt, of nymphs, cupids,
pyramids, fountains, altars, tombs, and was happy to design
persons who loved " in a more human sort of way." But
presently the priestesses of Diana, in the exercise of their
duty, turned poor Polia and her lover out of the temple.
After the reconciled lovers have told their stories with
immense learning and at enormous length, Poliphile is
wakened, as Rufinus was kept awake, by the song of the
nightingale, singing,
r;pi/e> j/pgi/e pe i
And he rises, and behold it is all a dream, and none of it
probably was ever anything but a dream. Perhaps Polia
was IToXm ; hoar antiquity. Perhaps she was but a pale
imitation of the Lauras and Beatrices of Italian poetry.
We may believe that the author had seen fair ladies bath-
ing their locks in the sunlight to steal its golden dye, but
it is hard to believe that he ever ventured to woo any one
of them, with his examples out of Pliny, Ptolemy, Hyginus,
and Ovid. He was fond of antiquity no doubt, but in an
almost barbaric fashion. He carried to absurd lengths
the uncritical fanaticism of the Renaissance. He did,
indeed, love what was beautiful in art, and in architecture
and sculpture especially.. But he loved it all with a
pedantic lack of discrimination. His learning is late, and
sometimes mediaeval. Pliny supplies him with the mar-
vellous natural history of plants and animals, with their
wonderful virtues, which was so dear to Lilly and the
Euphuists. Nature herself he has never observed at all,
and he reads into her all the fables that folklore or folly
xi
devised, and false learning and false taste perpetrated.
As Pliny, ^lian, and mediaeval works as credulous as
theirs supply Colonna with a work of ideal grotesques ; as
he lives, so to speak, on an earth peopled by monsters
out of missals, so Vitruvius inspires that delight in archi-
tecture which is, perhaps, the real motive of his long
romance. Using the common mediaeval formula of a
dream, in that dream he sees palaces, pyramids, fountains,
statues, and is far less in love with Polia than with the
Roman art of buildings ; with altars, pillars, marbles of
Paros, or of Syene. An amphitheatre intoxicates him ;
he waxes enthusiastic over baths and tombs, and long
classical pageants, masques of gods, with all their appro-
priate symbolism. He is "an art-intoxicated man," be-
mused and almost maddened by a vision of aesthetic
triumphs. When he speaks of the intoxication of the
senses, as he does more than need be, the nymphs who
allure him are ghosts risen from old marbles, or figures
from the frescoes of his sympathetic contemporaries.
Such frescoes of triumphant pagan processions were fre-
quently painted by an artist of Treviso, Donatello, on the
walls of the Bishop's palace. We may easily fancy
Colonna watching these as they grew beneath the painter's
hand, revelling in them, releasing the nymphs and god-
desses from them in a book which is itself the revel of the
sensuous Renaissance. His landscape is usually a garden
landscape, artificial enough, artificial as the odd pedantic
medley of his language, a mixture of styles, tongues, and
idioms, which has been compared to the jargon of Rabe-
lais's Limousin. From the dedicatory epistle it seems
that Colonna wrote his book in another language first,
perhaps in Latin, and then translated it into what could
hardly be called the vernacular. He uses many words
xii
from the Greek, as philopono, laborious, chrysocari, with
golden head (of Polia), gatnpsonycha, with crooked talons,
and so forth. Greek was so new, then, and so delightful
was their learning to the learned, as later to Ronsard and
the French Pleiad, that they thought it could never be
out of place. Such Greek as Colonna's is rather like the
Baboo English, which often makes us laugh. Perhaps
most of our Greek is little better, and Colonna's queer
words are not odder than Panmixia, a new invention of
scientific men. His extreme indulgence in allusions to
obscure myths is another trait of his manner which be-
comes excessively fatiguing. His whole work, in fact, is
a specimen of the Renaissance in its fever of paganism.
He is a Christian monk, vowed to poverty and chastity,
and nothing is dear to him but heathenism and luxury in
all its forms. Beautiful naked bodies, beautiful faces,
beautiful buildings, fountains, temples, triumphs of dead
gods, a Venus of onyx and sardonyx, nursing a Cupid
above the sepulchre of Adonis, these things and such as
these are his sole delight. The book is, indeed, a dream,
and the dream of a monk, insatiate of material loveliness,
and the pride of life ; revelling in a fancied feast of know-
ledge, art, language, and love. M. Popelin has shown
how much Colonna owes to the Fiametta of Boccaccio,
how, especially, Boccaccio and our author paint the beauty
of women in similar terms, but these pictures were, in
fact, the commonplace of the new age, touched by the
classics, just as red lips, curled locks, and eyes of vair, are
the commonplace in mediaeval romances, such as Aucassin
et Nicolete. Indeed the Hypnerotomachia holds as much *
of the Middle Acres as of the Renaissance. There is the
*^
old machinery, the dream on May Day, the wandering in
woods, the terrible monsters, the meetings with nymphs,
xiii
and with the beloved, the strain of allegory. All this was
familiar to Chaucer, and before Chaucer. The mytho-
logical allusions, too, had long been favourites, the real
novelty is in the pell-mell of multifarious knowledge,
the lack of humanity and knightly love, the odd mixed
style, the superabundant details about works of art. It is
as if the spirit of the Renaissance, pedantry and all, had
entered violently into a monkish reader of the " Romance
of the Rose," driving out a few affectations, and bringing
with it many others and worse.
It would not turn to the credit of human taste, had a
work in which the wrong kind of learning is the inspira-
tion, proved popular at any time. And at no time was
the Hypnerotomachia popular. Like a French author of the
last century, who was copiously illustrated, Dorat, Colonna
has not been merged in the sea of time, but se sauve sur les
planches. The number and beauty of the designs in his
pages has caused many to turn them over, who dream of
nothing less than reading him. The first edition, by Aldus,
I at Venice, in 1499, is a splendid folio. It was put forth at
the expense of Leonardo Crasso, who says he was loath
that so admirable a book should lie longer in darkness.
Of this Crasso, except that he was master of arts, and a
doctor in Canon Law, very little is known. He came of
a Milanese house, and dwelt in Verona. The date of
the book is given in a note at the end of the errata,
which in most examples have been torn out, perhaps
because the owners preferred the much earlier date (1466)
of the Colophon. This edition did not sell well. In the
years 1507-1511, Leonardo Crasso, who paid the ex-
penses of publication, asked for a ten years' extension of
his privilege. The work had cost him hundreds of
ducats, and the disturbed times had made it a drug in
xiv
the market. The unlucky Crasso found out (what is true
though a hundred Mr. Besants deny it) that there is
considerable risk in the business of publishing. Only
rich people with splendid libraries could afford to buy
such a costly and cumbrous volume, the taste of the day
preferred the little Aldine octavoes. Probably Crasso
was left with many examples of the Hypnerotomachia on
his shelves. A second edition was published at the press
of the Aldines in 1545, with woodcuts inferior, in a few
instances, to the original illustrations. In the following
year, 1546, Loys Cyaneus put forth, for Jacques Kerver,
the first French translation, a folio of 326 pages. The
translation is by Jean Martin, or was edited by him.
The woodcuts have been characteristically reproduced by
a French artist. They are more graceful and elegant
than the older work. Many will agree with M. Popelin
in preferring the French to the Italian designs. The
artist is unknown, Jean Cousin, Geoffrey Tory, and Jean
Gonjon have been named. In France there have been '
six editions of the book between 1540 and 1811. None
of these versions was faithful to the original, though none
perhaps deserts it so readily as our English paraphrase.
Mr. Richard Copley Christie, author of the Life of
Etienne Dolet, possesses a French MS. rendering of
1703, the author whereof, Elie Richard, has taken
singular liberties with the text. As M. Popelin quotes
the old proverb, Traduttore, travitore. Imperfect and
reckless as is our English version, it is not likely that
any one will find it worth while to translate into English
the Hypnerotomachia once more. The style might have
pleased Leigh Hunt, or the unripe youth of Keats.
They would have enjoyed the florid quaintnesses, as
when the sun " crysped up his irradient heyres," or where
xv
we read of " the christalline teares of the sweete morn-
ing." " By reason of the milde and gentle ayre ther was
a still quyet whisht," is another pretty phrase ; indeed,
Keats, when at work on Endymion, might have ransacked
this old book for Elizabethan dainties. The dictionary
maker and word-hunter will find rare sport in such terms
as " mustulent," " fertlesse," " quadranguled plaints,"
" gracilament," " terrible eyes cavernate," " a wrympled
forehead" (wrymple is good), "silver crolley," " cleare
appact," " incalcerate light," and " gulaterie," the
"vypered caduce," " remigiall bones." There are pretty
odd names of flowers, as " Venus Navill," " Ero-
gennet," " mouse-ear," " Lady hayre," " Prickmad-
dam," " goulden locks," and so forth, and wild spel-
lings, as Pscyphes for Psyche, reminding one of Spsiche,
in Lagrange's register of Moliere's theatre. There is
now and then in the struggling and tormented style a
little oasis, refreshed with " the sweet chirpings and quiet
singing of Birds, and the temperate and healthful ayre,"
or where " under this auncient, sure, and fair bridge did
run a most cleare swift water, deviding itself into two
currents, which ran most colde, making a soft continual
still noyse in their freesed, broken, and nibbled channels."
One is reminded of Horace and his
rum, quae Liris quieta
Mordet aqua taciturn us ai/inis,
or Lucretius with his
ripas radentia flumina rodunt.
There are pleasing groups too in the old translations :
the three damsels with an ewer of gold, a bason, and a
towell of white silk, recall the nymphs in Circe's hall, or a
singularly charming scene in the Mabinogion, or a beauti-
xvi
ful fresco of Botticelli's once in the Villa Lemmi. The
white dress of the girls " leaving to be seen the pleasant
valley between their fair breasts," proves the monkish
author to have had a taste for other than architec-
tural beauties ; evidence of this is more copious in the
original text, though, in the translation too, the monk
finds the maids " flamigerous." But on the whole, he
prefers that modest nymph " whose sweet propor-
tioned body needed no pinching in with French
wastes," which he calls " unwholesome weare," but
which have survived all preachings of moralists and re-
monstrances of artists. Indeed Poliphile, for an eccle-
siastic, has a very pretty taste in female attire, which he
describes not less lovingly than his arches and tombs,
fountains and altars. He has, as he says, "greedy eyes,"
" greedy eyes and unsatiable desire to look and overlook
the exquisite perfection of ancient work." This is all his
care, the delight of the eye, and all his book is a laborious
revel of aesthetic enjoyment. He has a kind of gluttony
^beauty, his work is the overladen banquet of an artistic
irmecide. Thus it is, in its way, a true example and
ustration of the Italian Renaissance, a compendium of
its pleasures and pedantries, a fantastic effort to satisfy
its desire of things impossible. Impossibilium cupitor is
the author, and one may blame or praise the change of
mood which makes him almost impossible to read.
However, Colonna had a theory of life, a vision of his
own of what life should be, to be desirable. It is as im-
possible, and almost as uninviting, as any other ideal,
social or political. For life, as it is, may not be perfect,
but it is more endurable than life as visionaries would
remake it, and, at least, we can taste and moderately
enjoy all ideals " in this world, the isle of dreams."
xvii c
HYPNEROTOMACHIA
THE STRIFE OF LOUE IN
A DREAME
AT LONDON
PRINTED FOR WILLIAM HOLME, AND ARE TO BE SOLD
AT HIS SHOPPE, NEERE THE GREAT NORTH DOORE
OF PAULES.
MDXCII.
TO THE THRISE
HONOVRABLE AND EVER LYVING VERTVES OF
SYR PHILLIP SYDNEY KNIGHT ;
AND TO THE
RIGHT HONORABLE AND OTHERS WHATSOEVER,
WHO LIVING LOVED HIM, AND
BEING DEAD GIVE HIM
HIS DVE.
To the Right Honourable ROBERT
DEUORAX, Earle of Effex and Ewe,
Vifcount Hereford, and Bourghchier,
Lorde Ferrers of Chartley, Bourghchier
and Louaine, Maifter of the Queen es
Maiefties Horfe, and Knight of the moft
noble order of the Garter, is wifhed, the
perfection of all happinefie, and tryum-
phant felicitie in his life, and in the worlde
to come.
Hen I had determined (Right hono-
rable) to dedicate this Booke, to the
euerlyuing vertues of that matchlefle
Knight Syr Phillip Sydney; me thought
that I could not finde out a more
Noble perfonage then your felfe, and more fit, to patro-
nize, fhield, and defende my dutie to the deade, then
your Honour, whofe greatnes is fuch, and vertues of
that power, as who ib commendeth them, deferueth
not to be accounted a flatterer, but he that doth not
the fame, may be thought an euill wilier. How
your Honor will accept hereof, I make no doubt,
becaufe that curtefie attendeth vpon true nobilitie ;
but my humble requeft is, that your Honor may not
thinke of me (by the tytle of the Booke, and fome
part of the difcourfe) as if I were amorous, and did
ipeake according to my ovvne paffions, for I beeing
reftrained of my liberty, and helde in the graue of
obliuion, where I {till as yet remaine ; oppreffed with
Melancholic, and wearied with deeper ftudies, I was
glad to beguile the time with thefe conceits, anotho-
mifing in them, the vanitie of this life, and vncer-
taintie of the delights therof, in the Dreame of
Poliphilus ; which if it mall pleafe your Honor at
conuenient leyfure to looke ouer, pardoning what you
finde amifTe, and weighing my good will, I mall
thinke my felfe moft happy.
And thus I humbly take my leaue, vntill that I
may prefent your Honour, with a matter more fitting
the fame.
Your Honors deuoted,
R. D.
ANONYMI ELEGIA AD LECTOREM.
Poliphilum narrentemjomnia Lector
aufcultus, fummo fomnia meffa polo,
Non operam perdes; non hasc audifle pigebit,
Tarn variis mirum rebus abundant opus.
Si grauis 5? tetricus contemnis erotica, rerum
nofce precor feriem tarn bene difpofitam,
Abnuis ? ac faltem ftylus & noua lingua novufq;
fermo grauis, fophia, fi rogat afpicias.
Id quoq; fi renuis ; geometrica cerne vetufta
plurima millicis difce referta notis.
Hie funt Pyramides, thermae, ingentifq; colofli,
ac Obelifcorum forma vetusta patet.
Hie diuerfa ban's fulget, variasque columnae
illarumq; arcus ; Zophora, epistilia,
Et capita atq; trabes, et cum quadrante coronas
fymmetriae, & quicquid tecta fuperba facit.
Hie regnim cernes exculta palatia, cultus
Nympharum, fontes, egregrafque epulus.
Hinc bicolor chorea eft latronum, expreflaque tota
in Laberintheis vita hominem tenebris.
Hinc lege de triplici quae maieftate tonantis
Dicat ; ? in portis egerit ipfe tribus.
Polia qua fuerit forma quam culta ; tryumphos
inde louis fpecta quatuor astherios.
Haec praster uarios effectus narrut amoris,
atque opera & quantum fasuiat ille Deus.
d
DITI
ET
P RQXER.- S I
.V. .F.
TREBIAE .O .
X.STREBIIFIL?AEA
/moris monument.&pietatis aul.
fibuftius uir cum.Q_.fiimmo cum^
','defiderio deliciofe uix.men.i.d.iii-
Haec.m.ux.qiiamamantifiT.mihi in-
foeliciff lachr j^mas 5C aztemos Itiftus
teliq. extremo perturbata zelome
cum fufpi'caret alia cm foemi.ia-
cuiff. in furorem dulciff.coimer
fo amore femet ferr.peftus per med.
tranfuefto necauit.hei ux.curhoc i
mi care con.nec faftu tat.fed et fufpe
ftumamanti demeredebueras.uale
lib.ategoincertaifoeli. &
trqpidauitafoJuta
quiefco .
POLIPHILI HYPNEROTOMACHIA,
Wherein he sheweth, that all humaine and worldlie things are but a
dreame, and but as vanitie it selfe, In (he setting foorth whereof
many things are figured worthie of remembrance. The Author
begitineth 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 uninhabited 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.
HAT HOURE AS PHCEBUS 1 'Phoebus the
issuing foorth, did bewtifie with bright-
nesse the forhead of Leucothea? and 2 Leucothea
the morning.
appearing out of the Occean waues, not
fully shewing his turning wheeles, that
had beene hung vp, but speedily with
his swift horses Pyrous & Eous? hastning his course, 3 Pyr & E0j
and giuing a tincture to the Spiders webbes, among the [^ sunne. f
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 vn-
horned Moone dismounted hir selfe, losing from hir
Chariot hir two horses, the one white and the other
I B
1 Horison, a browne, and drewe to the Horrison 1 different from the
circle deuiding T , . . r , ,
thehaife Hemisphere from whence she came.
nrmament Andwlienasthe mountaines and hilles were beautiful!,
which we an d the northeast winds had left of to make barraine
with the sharpnesse of their blasts the tender sprigs, to
- Hemispere
is haife the disquiet the moouing- reedes, the fenny Bulrush, and weake f.
compasse of
the visible Cyprus ; to torment the fouldinef Vines ; to trouble the
heauen.
bending Willowe, and to breake downe the brittle Firre
bowghes, vnder the homes of the lasciuious 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
3 Hyperion Hypperion 3 feare not his burning heate, being bedued
and sprinkled with the Christalline teares of the sweete
4 Halcyons morning, when as the Halcyons* vpon the leuell waues
3.rc cci'tcLinc
byrds which of the stil, calme, and quiet flowing seas, do build their
the shore vpon nests in sight of the sandie shore, whereas the sorrowfull
e Ero with scalding sighes did behold the dolorous and
no storme i r i T j *.
vntui the vngrate departure of hir swimming Leander.
hatched. 6 I tying vpon my bed, an oportune and meet freend to
5 Leander, a a wearie body, no creature accompaning me in my
young man of
Abydos, who chamber, besides the attender vppon my body, and vsuall
in swimming
ouer Heiies- night lights, who after that she had vsed diuers speeches,
pont (a narow
sea by Byzan- to the end shee might comfort me, hauing vnderstood
tium, which ....
parteth Europ before of me, the origmall cause of my hollow and deepe
Sestus, was in sighes, she indeuorcd hir best to moderate, if at least she
hisiouer Ero might, that, my perturbed and pittifull estate. But when
drowned! sne saw e that I was desirous of sleepe, she tooke leaue to
which she j
seeing, threw depart.
intcTthe ia" Then I being left alone to the high cogitations of loue,
h?m. d d Wlth hauing passed ouer a long and tedious night without
sleepe, through my barren fortune, and aduerse constella-
tion, altogether vncomforted and sorrowfull, by means of
my vntimely and not prosperous loue, weeping, I re-
counted from point to point, what a thing vnequall 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 vn-
armed, the seditious strife, especially being intestine : a
fresh still sitting vpon with vnstable and new thoughts.
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 re-
uerende Idea is deeply imprinted within me, and liueth
ingrauen in the secret of my heart, from which proceedeth
this so great and vncessant a strife, continually renuing my
cruell torments without intermission. I began the condi-
tions of those miserable louers, who for their mistresses
pleasures desire their owne deaths, and in their best
delights do think themselues most vnhappie, feeding their
framed passions not otherwise then with fithfull imagina-
tions, and then as a weary bodye 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
bloudshotten 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 pertakers of so high an
operation.
Methought that I was in a large, plaine, and champion
3
place, all greene and diuersly spotted with many sorted
flowers, wherby it seemed passingly adorned. In which
by reason of the milde and gentle ayre, there was a still
quyet whisht : Insomuch 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, coutrey house, field tent, or shephearcls 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 benefit
of the place, and quietnesse of the plaine, which assured
mee to be without feare, I directed my course still for-
ward, regarding on eyther side the tender leues and thick
grasse which rested vnstirred, without the beholding of
any motion.
At length my ignorant steepes brought me into a thick
wood, wherinto being a pritty way entred, I could not
tell how to get out of it. Wherevpon a soddaine feare in-
uaded my hart, and diffused itselfe 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 thick 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 intertuining one anothers branches f.
with a natural goodwill opposed themselues, to resist the
entrance of the gratious sunne shine, with the greene couer-
ture of their innumerable leaues. And in this sort I found
4
myselfe in a fresh shadowe, a coole ayre, and a solytarie
thicket.
Wherevpon my reason perswaded me to beleeue, that
this vast wood, was onely a receptacle for sauage and
hurtfull beasts, as the tusked Bore, the furious and bloud-
thirstie Beare, the hissing serpent, and inuading Woolfe,
against which I was vnprouided to make resistance but
rayther as a praye sent amongst them, miserablie to haue
my flesh and bones rent and gnawne in peeces.
And thus forecasting the woorst that might follow I
was resolued 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, 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,
5
1 Minotaums,
a monster in
Create, born
whichbeing
the kborinth
fsh,'\vhonie
dau 8 hter n after
wife to j h j" i
sens, who did
forsake hir,
and left hir in
a disinhabited
He, notwith-
standing that
she had saued
his life.
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 labour :
and without any helpe but onely the keeping of the sunne
still vpon one side, to direct mee streight forwarde : I grewe
extreamely hoate and faynte, not knowing what to doe,
but one ly m a wearye body to conteine a minde distraught
through troublesome thoughts, breathing out hollow and
^ ee P e sighes, desiring helpe of the pittifull Cretensian
Ariadne, who for the destroying- of hir monstrous brother
J
t ne Mvnotaur 1 : raue vnto the deceitfull Theseus a clew of
thred to conduct him foorth of the intricate laborinth,
that I also by some such meanes might be deliuered
out of this obscure wood.
THE SECOND CHAPTER.
Poliphilus thus distempered in this daungerous and obscure wood, at
length getteth foorth, and being come to a faire Riuer, indeuoring to
rest himselfe and coole his heate, he heard a most delightful har-
monie, which made him forget to drinke, and followe after the voice,
whiche brought him to a woorse perplexitie.
,EARE AND DESIRE OF FREE-
dome thus occupying my sences, my
vnderstanding was blinded, 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 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 leaues, hauing left their moisture,
being thorowlye searched with the furious northwinde
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.
7
And my deuoute prayer, sincerely vnited to a contrite
heart, powring out a fountaine of teares with a stedfast
beliefe to be deliuered I found myselfe 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 obum-
brated 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 adeepe dungeon and 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
sommoned 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 find some Fountaine whereat
I might refresh myselfe : a pleasant spring or head of
water did offer itselfe vnto me with a great vayne boyling
vp, about the which did growe diuers sweet hearbes and
water 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 into 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 vn-
dissonant torrents, from high and fertlesse mountaines in
8
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,
thorow 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, vnac- T
companyed 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
without any receiued hurt, being vpon my knees bowed
downe, and inclosing the hollownesse of my hand, there-
with 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 moysttire thereby to refrygerate
and coole the extreame heate of my burning heart, which
at that time would haue beene more acceptable vnto me,
then eyther Hypanis and Ganges be to the Indians, Tygris
or Euphrates to the Armenians, or Xeylus to the Acthio-
pian nation, or to the Egyptians his innundation, inbybing
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
into the palme of my hand, offering the same to my open
mouth ready to receiue it : [then] I heard a doricall songe,
wherewith I was as greatly delighted, as if I had heard
the Thracian T/iamiras, which thorough my eares pre-
sented it selfe to my vnquiet heart with so sweete and
delectable a deliuerie, with a voyce not terrestriall, with
9 c
so great a harmonic and incredible a fayning shrilnesse,
and vnusuall proportion, as is possible to bee imagined by
[by no man's minde, nor of] 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.
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
melodic, which the more I coasted, the further it seemed
still from me, sometime heere, sometimes there, and still
as I shifted places, so the same also chaunged with a
delectable voyce and heauenly consent. Thus vainly
running vp and downe, I knew not after what, I grew f.
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[s]. I marueled first
at this straunge accedent, and was amazed at this in-
humane harmonye, but most of all in that I was in a
straunge contry, and vninhabited, being onelye fertill and
beawtyfull to behould, besydes that I greatly sorrowed
for the losse of the fayer ryuer which I had so greatly
labored to finde out, and now so lightly carlesly 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 languish-
10
inge vnder a broade and mightye Oke full of Acornes,
standing in the middest of a spatious and large green
meade, extending forth in 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, pinched in the haunche and
struck in the brest, not able any longer to beare vp his
weighty head, or sustaine his body vpon his bowing
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 & ex-
ceeding doubts : O hi me when might I there among so
(.- h '
1 1
1 Moly an
herb greatly
commended of
Homer, and
thought to be
souereigne
against in-
chauntments
of moderne
authors alto-
gether vn-
knowne.
2 Hypsipile
was daughter
to Thaos king
of Lemnos,
who alone
when all
women of that
Hand had
slaine their
husbands &
kinsmen,saued
hir father :
she also
shewed the
Grecians the
fountaine
Langia in the
wood of Ne-
mea in Achaia
where Her-
cules slue a
lion.
1 Dipsa a
kind of snakes
that Lucan
mentioneth,
whose byting
procureth
extreame dry-
nes or thirste.
many dyuerse and sundry sorts of hearbes finde the
Mercurial Molt * 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
desired death. And thus remayning 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 coole shadow of
the greene Oke : putting the same to my pale and drye
lippes, with a greedy desire in licking of them to satisfie f. 5.
my distempred mouth with theyr moisture, wishing for
such a wel as Hypsipyle* shewed the Grecians : Fearing
least that vnawares as I had ruffled in the wood I were
bitten with the serpent Dipsa 3 my thirst was so vnsupport-
able. Then renuing my oulde cogitations : as I lay
under this mightie Oke : I was oppressed with \
emynent sleepe ouerall my members : when
againe I dreamed in this sorte.
12
THE THIRD CHAPTER.
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
pyramides worthie of admiration : vpon the top whereof was a high
obeliske, which with great pleasure hee beheld, and diligently discribeth.
OTTEN FOORTH OF THIS
fearefull and thick wood, and forgetting
the forementioned places by this sweete
sleepe, occasioned by my wearie mem-
bers, nowe layde along : mee thought
that I was in a new more delectable
place, far excelling the former, which consisted not of
fertles mountaine and craggie winding rockes, contayning
wide caues, but being a delicate valley, in the which did rise
a small mounting of no great height, sprinkled heare and ' Aescuius is
there with young Okes, Ashes, Palme trees broad leaued,
Aesculies, 1 Holme, Chestnut, Sugerchist, Poplars, wilde broderieaues
Oliue, and Oppies disposed some hyer then other, ac- 2 ^
cordincr to the mounting or fall of the place, in the plaine bearethacod
r and yellowe
whereof was an other kinde of thicket of medicinable flower, vines
are bound
simples like little young trees, as the flowering Genista " therewith.
f . f Elaphiumis
enuironed with diuers green hearbs, Tetrifolie, Sheere like to Ange-
. lica, but not
grasse, hunnisuckle, the musked Angelica, Crowfoot, in smell, the
T^l T-> r hart tnereon
hlapmm and Rugwoort, with other profitable and vn- mbbethhis
knowne hearbes and flowers heare and there diuerslie is
13
disposed. A little beyond in the same valley, I founde
a sandie or grauelly plaine, yet bespotted 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 f. s b
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 vnperfectlie appear-
ing, all being of very auncient forme and workemanship.
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 betwixt 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 approxi-
mated the same, by so much the more the excellencie of
the woorke shewed it selfe, increasing my desire to be-
hould the same. For there appeared no longer a sub-
stance 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 sidelying moun-
taynes, although I thought that they had beene the re-
nowned Olympus? the famous Caucasus? and not inferior
^ J7 o hil in Greece
tO LyllenUS. between Mace-
To this sollitarie place thus desiredlye comming, with saiiefsohighi"
vnspeakeable delight, at pleasure I behelde the straunge
manner of the arte, the hugenesse of the frame, and the
woonderfull excellencie of the woorkmanship. Maruell- heauen>
2 Caucasus
ing and considering the compasse and largenesse of this a mightie hill
& & & in Asia which
broken and decayed obiect, made of the pure glistering parteth India
marble of Paros* The squared stones ioyned togither 3 cnienus a
without anye cement, and the pointed quadrangulate
corner stones streightlye fitted and smoothlye pullished,
the edges whereof were of an exquisite vermillion coulour, 4 Pares is
1111-1 i i one of the 35.
as is possible to bee deuised : and so mst set, as betwixt isles called
, . . , i / /- i Cyclades and
the loynts, euen the enemie to the woorke (if euer there Sporades, in
were anye) could not deuise to hide the point of the Aegeum which
smallest Spanish needle vsed of the best workewomen.
er
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 perfect closing, crowned battelments, embost caru-
ings, bearing forth like embroderie, arched beames,
mightie mettaline images, ouerthrowne and broken in
sunder, the tronke of their exact and perfect members,
appearing hollow of brasse. Skyffes, small boates and
vessels of Numidian stone and Porphyr, and diners
couloured marble. Great lauers, condites, and other
infinite fragments of notable woorkmanship, far different
15
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 luie, 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 lay fallen downe smoothe
round pieces of serpent spotted Marble, purple and red
diuerse couloured. Fragments of strange histories, Pan-
camedfrom glyphic and HemygHphic compendiously caracterized,
the foote in ail shewing the excellcncie thereof, vndoubtedly accusing \\
iiphic 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 an sole large and maruey-
lous 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 f. 6 b .
was in measure sixe furlongs, and twelue paces. The top of
which mountaines were perpendicularly equall eyther of
them touching the azured skey. At the sight whereof I
imagined with my selfe and deuised to thinke with what
yron instruments, with what labour of mens hands, and
number of workmen, such a piece of woorke could bee by
great strength framed, with much paine layde together,
16
and a long time in finishing. There then this woonder
full 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 woonder-
full Pyramides, after 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 ex-
cellencie thereof vnthought vpon, to bee a myrrour, the
sight whereof was able to dasell any humaine eyes, and
quaile the rest of the spirituall sences. What 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,
whervpon the foote of the Pyramides did stand, did
extend themselues in length six furlongs, 1 which in com- l A furlong is
passe about euery side aequilatered of like bredth, dooth poi
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 Dyagon, stretching from both corners of the plynts
or square foote, iust and conueniently ioyned together
doe make a perfect pyramidall figure. Which immence
and woonderfull forme, with a maruelous and exquise Sym-
metric and due proportion mounting vp laboursomly foote
17 D
by foote, conteyned 1410 degrees or steppes, taking
away 10 degrees to make vp the head and gracilament of
the Pyramides in whose place was set a huge Cube or
foure square stone of forme like a dye, sound and firme
of a monstrous thicknesse and incredible weight to bee
carryed so high. And of the same stone of Paros as f. 7.
were the steps : which cube and square stone was the
Basis and foote set under 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. Firmlye and stronglie set in
with led, in euery corner of the Cube, or foure square
head of the Pyramides, meeting together ouer the Dia-
gonike 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. Wherevpon the weight of
the Obelisk was borne. The breadth whereof was two
paces, and seauen in heigth, artificiously sharping 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 Hyeroglipks.
Vpon the pointe of which Obelisk, with great arte and
diligence, was fastned a copper base, in the which also
there was a turning deuise infixed : whervpon did stand
the shape of a beautifull nimph framed of the aforesayd
matter, able to amaze the continual! diligent behoulder.
Of such a proportion as the common stature might
be considered and perfectly seene, notwithstanding the
18
exceeding heigth thereof in the ayre. Besides the great-
nesse 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 sub-
stance 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 flying abroade the vpper part or crowne naked
and bare. In hir right hand she held from hir sight a
copie or home 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 mooued about
with such a noyse and tinkling in the hollownes of the
metaline deuise : as if the mynte of the Queene of Eng- "
land had bin going there. And when the foote of the
phane or Image in turning about, did rub and grinde
vpon the copper base, fixed vpon the pointe of the Obe-
liske, it gaue such a sound, as if the tower bell of Saint
lohns 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 stand-
ing vpon 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 astonishment 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 woorke-
man. With what art inuented ? with what power, humaine
19
force, and incredible meanes, enuying (if I may speake it)
the workmanship of the heauens, such and so mightie
weights should be transported 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 being vnskilfull, I slip
it ouer with silence.
Let vs returne then to the huge Pyramides, standing f. 8 b .
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 mountaines,
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 be-
twixt 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 for-
rowed forehead and gaping wide open mouth, which being
hollowed with a dyrect waye from the Catill, and vppon
stone by a mediane lyne perpendicular to the center of the
far shewing Pyramides, made a large enterance and coming
vnto it, at which opening mouth, compassed with fowlded
haires of unrepartable curiousnes, artificial! cunning and
costly woorkmanshyppe the assending the turning stayers
shewed them selues, and in stead of tresses of haire
20
platted with laces I saw fearefull vypers and winding ser-
pents growing out from the scalpe of the monstrous head
confusedly twysting together and hissing, so liuely por-
trayed and set foorth, that they made me afrayde to be-
houlcl them, In their eyes were placed most shining stones,
in such sort, as if I had not beene perswaded and known e
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 opening vpon the out side of the
catill or cube : vpon the which the shining obeliske was
founded. And among the rest of such notable partes
that I beheld, me thought that this deuise was woorth
the noting, because the artifitious and most cunning archi-
tect with an exquisite and perspicuous inuention, had
made to the stayrej^ certaine loopes or small windowes,
imbracing the bountifull beames of the sunne corre-
spondently on three parts, the lower, the middle, and
supreame : The lower taking light from the higher, and
the higher from the catabasse or lower with their opposite
reflexions shewing a maruellous faire light, they were so
fitly disposed by the calculate rule of the artificious Ma-
thematrician, to the Orientall Meridionall and Occiden-
tall 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 colla-
21
terall 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 resistance,
and being come to the beginning of the staire in the
aforesaid 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 turn-
ing assence many pillars of fused and molten mettall were
aptly disposed and surely fixed : the inter-space betwixt
euery 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 im-
mesurable 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 brasse fas-
tened and soldered in about the height of a man, with an
ancient inscription in Latine, Greeke, and Arabike, by
the which I plainely vnderstoode that the same was dedi-
cated 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.
AIXAS O AIBIKOI AI0OAOMO2 fiPQOIEN ME.
Liclias Libucus arckitectus me erexit.
Lichas a Libian architector set me vp.
Let vs returne and come backe to the consideration of f. 9 b
the But and tessell or square, subiect and vphoulder of the
22
Pyramides in the fronte and foreside whereof I beheld in-
grauen a Gigantomachie 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. Insuchsorte seemed
they vpon theyr strong and mightie horsses, some being
cast downe, other stumbling and falling : many wounded
and hurt, yeelding vp their desired Hues ; some troden
downe and mischieued vnder the feete of the fierce and vn-
restrained horsses. Other casting off their armour wrast-
ling and togging 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,
houlding vp their sheilds and Targets, offended with the
one hand, and defended with the other. Many with their
shimitaries and curtilaxes, some with long swordes two
handed after the auncient Persian manner, others with
diuers deadly and strange fashioned mortall weapons :
some wearing habergions and helmets, with diuers de-
uises vpon their crests : other naked and vnarmed, leap-
ing and rushing in among the thickest, thereby shewing
theyr haughtie, inuincible, and vndaunted courages, reso-
lute for death. Some with fearefull countenances crying
out, other shewing obstinate and furious visages, although
they were assured to dye, strongly abiding the proofe of
their paine, and the cutting in sunder of their fatall thread,
others slaine before them, with diuers vncothe and
straunge warlike and deadly instruments. Shewing their
strong members, their swelling muskels standing out, offer-
23
ing to the sight and eyes of the behoulder, the dutie of
theyr bones, and the hollownesse in the places, where
theyr strong sinewes be strayned. Their conflict and
combate seemed so fearefull, 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, the ground thereof as black as iet, a perfect f. 10.
foile to beautifie and set foorth with pale Christaline and
siluer crolley of innumerable huge bodyes, their last in-
deuours, 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
vnderstanding is wearie, my memorie confused with
varietie, and my sight dimmed with continuall gasing,
that my senses will not aford me rightly, and as their
dewe, fitly to manifest part, much lesse to describe at large
the whole manner of their curious Lythoglyphi.
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 supporters, 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.
24
For the strangenes of the Egiptian building might giue
place to this. The famous laborinth were far inferior,
Leninos is not to be rehearsed, the Theaters of old
time were in comparison but warriners lodges, neyther
did the famous Mausoley come any thing neere. Which
certainly maketh me absolutely perswaded, that he which
wrote the seauen woonders of the world, neuer hard of
this : neyther in any age hath there been scene or im-
agined 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 pro-
portionately disposed and set. For the better vnder-
standing and more perfect knowledge wherof, I con-
ueyghed my selfe in at the open & spacious porche and
enterance, within the which was an obscure and vast hol-
lownes ; which porche, together with the proud and
stately btiylding (things worthy of memorie)
shall in some sorte be descrybed
as followeth.
2 5
E
THE FOURTH CHAPTER.
Poliphilus, after the discription of the huge Pyramides and Obeliske, f. io b .
discourseth of maruelous woorkes in this chapter, namely of a horsse
of Colos. of an Oliphant, but especially of a most rare and straunge
Porche.
IGHTLYE AND LAWFULLYE
may I haue leaue to write, that in the
whole world there was neuer such an
other, so pompeous, glorious, and mag-
nificent a peece of worke, by mans eyes
seene or crediblie reported. The woon-
derfull excellencie and rare straungenesse whereof, as I
beheld what with delight, and what with admiration, my
sences were so cuptiuated 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 euerie 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 set a deepe
sighe. In so much as my amorous and sounding
breathing, by reason of the thicknesse of the ayre in
this solytarie and lone place, gaue an eccho and did
26
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 woorkemanships : first of all, I beheld a most fayre
porche, past all sence to describe (for the incredible
curiousness 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 that in the open ayre there was a fowre square
court of thirtie paces by his Diameter, paued with pure
fine marble, poynted foote square, wrought checkerwise
of diuers fashions, and sundrie best fitting coulours : but in
many places, by meanes of the mine of the auncient walke, A coiumne
i 1 i .11 i i i consisteth of
and olde pillers, broken in peeces and ouergrowne. his Capiteii
And in the vtmost partes of the aforesaide court, to the he ad! s Astra-
right hand, and the left, towards the mountaines, there was fhYsubiect of
two straight rowes of pillars, with a space betwixt for the
interiect Areostile, as the quantities of both columnes re-
quired, the first course or order of setting the pyllars,
beginning on both sides equall to the Lymbus or extreame ^nd H ypo-^
part of the fronte of the porche, the space betwixt pyllars JJjereonthe
and pillars xv. paces. Of which collumnes or great pillars, JJJJJS
some and the greatest parte or number were whole. With Ceding the
bignes of the
their capitels or heads, wrought with a waued shell worke,
27
and cyllerie or draperie, their corners bearing out and
inanulated 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 instrument to a musicall con-
cord ; with their subiect Astragals, writhing 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
many columnes widowed and depriued of their Capitels,
buryed in ruine both Astragals and shafts of the columnes
and their bases or feete.
Fast ioyning to which order or set rowes of pillars,
there grew ould plaine trees, wylde Oliues, Pine apple,
l and pricking brambles. I coniectured that it was made for
to ride horses in, to trot and gallop, the ring, to manage,
carreie, 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, somme tenne paces, I
beheld a prodigious winged vaughting horse, of moulten
brasse, of an exceeding bignesse, his wings fanning out.
His hooues standing vpon a smooth plaine base or frame,
fiue foote brode, and nine feete in length, in heigth pro-
portionable 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 r. n'>.
long waued maine, falling from his crest on the contrarye
n side ; vpon whose backes diuers young youthes assayed to
ride, but not one was able 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,
28
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.
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 you ;
could not perceiue that any were contented with his
rowghnes, as appeared by their framed countenances,
shewing a discontent which they could not vtter being
sencelesse images, not differing otherwayes thorough the
excellent conning of the craftisman from liuing creatures,
sind by his surpassing imitation of nature.
PerylLus there might go put vp his pypes, and blush
with his deuised Bull, and Hiram the I ewe must heere
giue place, or what founders els soeuer.
The Pagma base or subiect for this metaline machine
to stand vpon, was of one solyde peece of marble (of fit and
conuenient breadth, heighth, and length, for that purpose
accordinglye proportioned) full of streaming vaines, sondry
coulered, and diuerslye spotted, maruelous pleasant to the
eye, in infinite commixtures, 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 Maydenweede, of a hayre coulour, within
the which there was a smoothe round, pure, white stone,
wherein was ingrauen these capitall Romaine letters.
29
None Hue
in this world
in that plea-
sure, but they
haue also
their sorowes
in time.
Gift vainely
bestowed, in
time wantonlie
spent, is a
great losse, and
breedeth re-
pentance.
.D.
AMBIG
.D.D.
EQVVS
INFOELI
CI
TATIS
At the hinder end in like sort was a garland of deadly f. i2 b .
Woolfwoort, with this inscription, Eqints infcelicitatis. And
vpon the right side there was ingrauen certaine figures,
shapes, and representments 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. 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 counten-
ance 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 accused of any im-
perfection, 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.
Vnder which Hemiall figure, there was inscript this f. 13.
worde TEMPVS. On the contrary side I beheld many of
greene adolestencie of like proportion to the former, and
in such like compasse or space, 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
30
faire Nimphes pleasantly deuising, and sportinglie snatch-
ing away their gathered flowers, and in such sort as
abouesaid vnder the figure were ingrauen certaine
capitall letters, to shew this one worde AMISSIO,
conteyning the ninth part to the Diameter of the quad-
rature.
At the first sight hereof I was amased and astonished,
but with better regard & great delight curiously reouer-
looking the huge founded Machine the shape and forme
of a horse made by humane industry and skill most com-
mendable, for that euery member without defect had his
perfect harmonic, and euery limme his desired proportion, I
straight called to remembrance the vnfortunate horse of
Seian.
And thus helde still to beholde the same artificiall
mysterie another spectacle and obiect no lesse worthy to
be looked vpon than the former, offered it selfe to my
sight, which was a mighty 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 euen vnto death : whereat I stoode still
at the first, my haires standing 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
ruinated, broken and downe-fallen marbles. Thus wil-
lingly going forward, I came to a vast and wonderfull
large Colose, the feete thereof bare, and their soles hol-
lowe, and the legges as if their flesh had beene wasted,
consumed and fallen way. From thence with horror I
came to looke vpon the head, where / did coniecture and
imagine that the ayre and winde getting in and comming
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 paces. By the haires
V 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
3 2
body hauing vpon it written his proper appellation in
three ideomes Chaldee, Greeke and Latine, that you might
know the intrailes, sinews, bones, veines, muscles and the
inclosed flesh, and what disease is bred there : the cause
thereof, the cure and remedy, Vnto which inglomerated
and winding 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, / did see and reade how
Loue at his first entrance begetteth sorow, and in con-
tinuaunce sendeth out sighes, and where Loue doth most
greeuously offend : wherewithall / was mooued to renew
my passion, sending out from the botome of my heart
deepe set 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 incomposite and disordered heapes
of decayed and fallen downe stones, to view the same I
returned to another former obiect, which was (and not
33 F
farre distant from the horse straight forward) a huge
Elephant of more black stone than the Obsidium, pow-
dered ouer with small spottes of golde and glimces of
siluer, as thicke as dust 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 buckled vp with buckles of the same stone, there
was inter-set a quadrangle corespondent 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, f. i4 b .
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 deuises, and houlding vp as it were a mightie Obeliske
of greene couloured stone of Lacedemonia, vpon the
euen square, two paces 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 of a shinyng and glystering substance.
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 diuers ornaments and
varietie of Jewels, the subiect whereof was of the same
34
substance of the saddle : vppon the middest whereof was
grauen in Latine Cerebrwm est in capite. And in like
manner brought about the outsides 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
Arabic, in this sorte.
PON o s
JCAI
ET T I A
\j tbly
His deuouring trunke rested not vpon the leuel of the
base, but some deale hanging downe, turned vppe againe
towardes his face. His rigged large ears like a Fox-
hounde flappingly pendent, whose vast stature was little
lesse, then a verye naturall Olyphant. And in the about
compasse, and long sides of the base, were ingrauen cer-
taine Hierogliphs, or Egiptian caracters. Being decently and
orderlye pullished, with a requisite rebatement. Lataster
gule tJwre or bide, Astragals or Neptrules, with a turned
down Syme at the foote of the base, and turned vp aloft
with writhin trachils and denticles, agreeable and fit to the
due proportion of so large a substance, in length i 2. paces,
in breadth fiue, and in heigth three, the superficiall and
outward part whereof was hewen in forme of a hemi-
cycle.
35
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, wherevpon the Olyphant did stand. And in
the reserued quadrangle perpendicularly streight vnder
the aforesaid brasen saddle, there was cut out and made
a little doore and hollowed entrance, a woonderfull
woorke in so hard a substance, with certaine steppes of
brasse, in manner of stayres, by the which a conuenient
going vp into the body of the Olephant was offered
me.
At the sight whereof I extreamely desired to see the f. 16.
whole deuise & so going in, I assended vp to the heigth
of the base wherevppon the cauernate, hollow, vast, large
and predigious monster did stand, except that same part
of the Obelisk, which was conteyned 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 goulden 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
36
was inscript in Hebrew, Attic, and Latine letters, this
sentence that is placed on the other side with the figure.
n nnos nanan "o
n yom
FYMNOS HN ,EI MH 'AN 0HPI
ONEMEKAAYfEN.ZHTEJ.JEY'
PHIHA.AEONM.
NVD VS ESSEM, BESTI ANIME
TEXISSET.QV AEKE.ET IN VE
NIES-MESINITO.
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 be-
twixt 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
fashioned 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 fast in hir hand,
in which was written in three languages this epygram.
37
ima ma ivun p np .TTOW
iwnn "ion imN TVJTN Sate
omEI.AABE EK TOYAE
TOYOHAYPOY,OON AN A
PEIKOlTIAPAINQAEnSAA-
BHi THN KE4>AAHN . MH A
nTOYIQMATOS.
QVISQVIS ES.QVANTVN
CVNQVE LIBVER.IT HV'
IVS THESAVRI SVME AT-
MONEO.AVFER CAPVT.
COKPVS NE TANGITO.
f. 17.
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 vnlightsome 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.
Whereupon without more adoe, I determined to leaue
this place vntill another 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 vnbowelled
monster, an inuention past imagination, and an excessiue
labour and bolde attempt to euacuate such a hard sub-
stance ouer that other stones be, the workemanship f. i7 b
within as curious as that without. Lastly, returned cleane
38
downe, I beheld in the Porphire 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 homes.
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 bal[l]e thereof, and two
branches trauersed 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.
Which ancient maner of writing, as I take it, is thus to
be vnderstoode.
EX LABORE DEO NATURAE SACRIFICA LIBERALITER PAULATIM
REDUCES ANIMUM DEO SUBIECTUM. FlRMAM CUSTODIAM
VIT^E TU,E, MISERICORDITER GUBERNANDO TENEBIT, INCO-
LUMEMQUE 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
39
seemed rather aliue than a fained imitation, with this
Greeke worde in his face TENEA. There were also other
great peeces and fragments of diuers and simdrylineaments
among the broken and decayed ruines, which I looked
not on, still running and sliding, time giuing me onely
leaue to consider and peruse these foure rare wonders,
the porch or gate, the horse, the Colose and the
Elephant.
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 lineaments 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
another 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, one straight downe, and
the other ouerthwart, which make foure quadrats mutually
intersect.
Then in the voide ouer the Isopleures make foure
40
8 b . 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 ? Making such grosse
faults in churches and great mens houses, defaming arte,
and so ignorant, that they seeme as though they could
not consider what nature hir selfe dooth teach vs in be-
houlding of hir woorkes.
And what parte soeuer is not agreeable with his prin-
ciple, is foule and naught. For take away order and
rule, and what thing can any man make, eyther beautifull
to the eye, or of commendable proportion and durable :
then it must needes follow, that the cause of such incon-
uenient errors doth proceed from ignorance, and hath his
beginning from illiterature. And this notwithstanding,
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
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, rightlye examined, and perfectly composed,
which will manifest the skill of the workeman, and the
same afterwardes to adorne and beautifie, which adjuncts 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
41 G
and denticulating, and other cuttings of sundrye sorts in
their seuerall 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 manualifts 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 pratler full
of words, but courteous, gentle, bening, tractable, patient,
mery & pleasant, full of new deuises, a curious searcher
into all artes, and well aduised in his proceeding,
least with rashnes he comit a fault or
absurditie in his worke, and heereof f. 19.
thus much shall suffice.
THE FIFTH CHAPTER.
After that Poliphylus had at large made a demonstration of the dew pro-
portion of the Gate, hee proceedeth to describe the ornaments thereof,
and their excellencie.
HAUING BEENE SOMEWHAT
prolix and tedious in my former pur-
pose, it may be that it hath bred some
offence, to such as dayly indeuour to
occupietheyr sences in the pleasaunt dis-
courses of loue. But it wyll also prooue
no whit displeasant, if with a lyttle patience theyrestraineto
glutte themselues with the walowish sweetnes of deceyue-
able 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
architecturie, 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,
43
with full strokes, after warde vvyll 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 harmonic and sweete con-
sent of the building, setteth foorth it selfe, and the con-
uenient adiunctes, agreeable to theyr principall.
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 f- i9 b
ingrauen, as the smallest part thereof could not bee accused
of anye fault, but the woorkman commended for the per-
fection 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 con-
uenient and meet coronice, and accordingly imbowed, the
bottome and lowest part in like manner was fashioned,
so as the quadrate and aforesayd stilypode, 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 leafeworke, 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.
44
He sat vpon a stone with an aporne of a Goates
skinne, the hinder parts compassing his waste, and tyed
behynde with a knotte, and the neck part, with the
hayrie side next him, hung downe betwixt 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
habergion 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, houlding hir sonne an infante naked, which
sate with his little hyppes vpon the large and goodly
proportioned thighes of the faire goddesse his mother,
and playing with hir, as she held him vp, and putting his
feete vpon a stone, as it had beene a little hill, with a
fornace 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 marueyled why the Black
smithes that were there busie at theyr worke, left not all
to looke still vpon so beautifull an obiect.
f. 20. There was also fast by, of like excellent woorkemanship,
a knight of fierce countenance, 1 hauing vpon hym an armour l Mars.
of brasse, with the head of Medusa vpon the curate or
brest plate, and all the rest exquisitely wrought and
beautified, with a bandilier 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 shadowed and
not seene by reason of the former figure : There was also
45
Mercuric.
Amor mi tro-
ua di tutto
disarmato.
a young man in silke clothing, behynde the Smith, whome
I could not perceiue but from the brest vpwarde, ouer the
declyning 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 members betwixt
them, and compassing them about, that they seemed lyke
a Carnation Rose couler.
Vpon the left side of the doore in the like aulter or
stylipode vpon the table thereof, there was ingrauen a
yoong man of seemly 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 without shaking, with her large flankes conformable
to the rest of hir proportion before mentioned with a sweet
countenance offered [her] yoong and tender sonne ready
to be taught : the yong man bowing 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 coniec-
ture and gather after what manner they were to be vsed :
the goddesse his mother holding the empty quiuer and
bowe vnbent, 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 trophse or
46
signe of victorie vpon a speare after this manner. An
ancient coate-armor hung vp, 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 dia-
meters vpon either of the aforenamed stilipodes and
square aultars did stretch vpward of a pumish or tawnie
colour, the out sides shining cleere and smoothly pollished,
chamfered, and chanelled with foure and twenty rebate-
ments or channels in euery collumne betwixt the nextruls
or cordels.
Of these the third part was round, and the reason of
their cutting 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 daughter, and such
like. And therefore the expert and cunning workemen in
elder time for the feminine sex, did vse more chamfer-
ing and channelling and double varietie then for the
masculine, because 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 feminine dressing, and some-
times instead of a chapter a womans head with crisped
haire.
These notable and faire collumnes aforesaide did rise
vp in length vpon their vnderset bases of brasse with
47
Thores and their Thores and Cymbies wrought with a foliature of oke
Cymbies be
the outward leaues and acornes winding about their chapters standing
parts of a
chapter or vpon their subiect Plvntks.
head of a r ^
pillar sticking The Chapters of the same substance of their bases, with
out further . .
than the pillar requisite mecte and conuement proportion aunswerable to
turning in, the harmonic of the wholeworke Such as Callimachus
wrought with , i < x- / 7 i r . i 1
leaues, the the chiefe earner to Lalatlius the sonne of lupiter did
worke is called r . , . . . r
of earners & ncuer performe or come neere in the erected sepulcher of
perle^nd' '' the Corinthian Virgin, beautified with draperie of double
eelerie. Achauthis.
The Plynthes whereon the chapters did stand wrought
with winding and turning workes, and in the middest de-
corated with a Lillie, the bowle garnished with two rowes
of viii leaues of Achanthus, after the Romaine and Corin-
thian maner, out of which leaues came little small stalkes,
closing together in the middest of the boule, shewing foorth f. 21
a fayre and sweet composed Lyllie in the hollowing of the
Abac or Plynth, from the which the tender 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, powdered 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 carued 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 Eglantine berries of a reddish
48
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.
Then I beheld in a hard and most black stone, an
eagle displayed, and bearing out of the bignesse of a The Eagle of
naturall eagle, which had louingly seazed and taken in hir
foote a sweete babe in the swadling cloutes, nicely, care-
fully, and gently houlding the same, 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 vp-
warde and downeward so as the naked hippes might be
scene 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 countenance shewed
as if he had beene afraide of his fortune.
And thus lying in the foote of the Eagle, he stretched
both his armes abroade, and with his little fat hands tooke
fast hould vpon the remigiall bones of the Eagles pinions The bones
1-1 i r i A i i i 11- next the back,
displayed, as aforesaid. And clasping his swelling pnttie in the wing,
, r , , . , . , . . whiche in a
legges and feete, about hir subvagmg spredmg traine, hawkeexcei-
which laye behinde the rising vppe of the arche. p e rtions P of
This little childe was cut of the white vayne of Achates
Achates is a
or Onix, and the Eagle of the other vaine of the same pretious stone
wherein are
stone called Sardins which is of black couler of some represented
the figures of
called Cordeoll ioyning- both in one selfe same stone, the nine
Muses ; of Ve-
Whereat I stood musing and commending" to myselfe the nus and such
f . like beautiful
ingenious and apt inuention of the Arthist, in the vse of personages.
such a stone, which of his owne nature to contrarie pro-
49 H
Zophor is a
border wher-
in diuers
things are
grauen.
portions affoorded contrarie coulers, and in such sort as
by the raysing vp of hir small plummage aboue hir seare,
hir beack halfe open, and hir toung appearing in the
micldest thereof, as if she had beene resolutely intended,
and eagerly bent to haue gorged 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 thereof, was disposed into losenges or squares,
wherin were earned Roses, theyr leaues and branches
hanging in a curious and delightfull 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 trophse.
The ground of which tryangle was of black stone, the
better to shew the perfection and truthe of the mettals in the
trophses, and the beautifull bodyes of the delycate virgins.
Aboue these mentioned partes, was the Zophor, in the
myddest whereof, I beheld a table of goulde, wherein was
this Epigram in Cappitall Greeke Letters of Syluer. In
thys sorte reporting.
6EOI2 AO>POAITHi KAI TQi YIQi EPQTI AIONY2O2 KAI
AHMHTPA EK TQN IAIQN MHTPI
2YMnA9E2TATHi.
Diis veneri et filio amori, Bacchus, & Ceres de propriis,
(S. substantiis) Matri pientissimce.
Eyther sides of which table was reteind and held vp f. 22.
with two babes or wynged spyrits of perfect and liuelye
50
shapes, as if they had beene celestial! bodyes, vppon a
ground of lasul or blew Saphyrs 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, Vaumbraces,
gauntlets, shields, Targets, 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 Coronice, wrought with
such lyneaments as decently concurred, and were aunswer-
able to the excellencie of the rest of the worke : for other-
wise, 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.
For a frame and building growes weake and vnseemely
wherin cannot be found a sweete harmonic and commo-
dulate order and concent.
Which thing many moderne ideots doe confound, being
ignorant 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 chamfered columnes, and channelled pyllars, and
two within them. In an other deuision, betwixt the said
two contrast and inwarde tables, there stood a Nimph in
Anagliph is
smothly
chased out
with the
hammer and
not earned.
Clymene
the mother
of Phaeton.
hir Anagliph most rare and excellent of Orichalke or
yealow Latin, houlding in eyther hand a Torche, one of
them reuersecl and turned downeward, beeing extinct and
put out, and the other burning towardes the Sunne. The
burning Torche in hyr righte hancle, and the extincte in hyr
left.
In the quadriture vppon the right side, I behelde the f. 22 b .
iealous Climene, with her heare transformed into an
hearbe called Venus maid, or Lady hearbe, & Phoebus in
a cruell indignation & wrathfull 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 curious and rare vnusuall caruing, there was the re-
semblance historyed of the vncomfortable and still mourn-
ing Cyparissus, holding vp hys handes and armes toward
the Sunne, and making his mone to Apollo for the
wounded Cerua.
In the third Table nexte the last mencioned, in a
worke answerable to the presedent and former, I behelde
Lcucothoe, wickedly 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
& displeasant Daphne, at the burning desires of the curled
headed Delius, rendring vp by little and little her virgins
body vndefiled, towards the hote heauens, beeing meta-
morphised most pyttifully into a greene Laurell.
Nowe successiuely in order ouer the afore-mencioned
Tables and quadratures in the Zophor, wherein these
Histories were represented in shapes, there was extended
and laide ouer a Coronice denticuled & oualled with inter-
52
set 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
report) without any fault or defect : and lastly the
syme was adorned heere and there with the leaues of
Ackantkis.
And to return to the view of the whole frame, in the
disposing thereof as aforesaide, the Coronices by a per-
pendycular lyne were correspondent and agreeing with
the faling out of the whol worke, the Stilliced or Peri- A penment
r i ^ i i n corrupt
meter, or vtter part 01 the vppermost Loronice onely English.
except.
It folio weth 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 pre-
sented to my view, a Crowne or Garland of diuers leaues,
f. 23. fruites, and stalkes, foulded 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 extending 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 depend-
ing downe vppon theyr temples, and crisping and in-
anulating by their eares. From betwixt their shoulders
grewe their winges like Harpies, 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 fishie and scalye
53
substance, and from thence so continuing- theyr nether
parts downewarde.
Within the saide Garland I beheld a rough Milche
Gote, which a little child did suck, sitting vnder hir side
lupiter. vpon his fleshie young legges one streight foorth, and the
other retract and bowed vnder him. With 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, and vnder
lupiter's hir were these letters Amalthea.
Another Nimphe stood against the head of the Goate,
with one arme carefully compassing the neck, and with
the other shee held hir by the home.
In the middest stood the third Nimphe with greene
bowgh leaues in one hand, and in the other an oulde
fashioned drinking bowle, more long then broad, like a
boate by a little handle. Vnder hir feete was written
The daughter Melissa.
and lupiter's 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, f. 23'
with an artificiall performance of workmanship in the
vndertaken proportions, that they rather seemed the sub-
Anagiipts stances themselues then a Lythoglyph an Imagerie,
caruerTand either by Policletus, Phidias, or Lysippiis, neyther did y
Anaglipts to Artemisia the Oueene of Caria, Scaphes,
Briaxes, Timotheus, Leocaris and T/ieon, come any thing
neare for the workemanship heereof seemed to excell the
54
cunning of any humaine Lapicidarie, 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 Letters, AIO2 AIFIOXION.
This conspitious porche and gate, most woorthye to be
behelde, thus stoode of a maruelous composition, excel-
lently disposed. If I had not explaned the commodula-
tion, and harmonic heereof particularly, I might haue
beene blamed for my prolixitie and tediousnesse, and for
wanting of fit words in the discription. And thus for
this time heereof so much.
f. 24 b . It must needes follow, that all the rest of the aforesaide
court on euery side was beautifull to behold, and of
stately workemanship by that which still remained stand-
ing : 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
proportion required and needfullnes did desire to beare
vp the burthen that was laide vppon them. Their orna-
ture 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 building, to sustaine great weights, Naues are
appointed, and for beautie, columnes, Corinthies, and
slender lonices, 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
excellencie.
With diuersite of coulers, sweetlye set, and aptlye dis-
55
posed, the reflexion of one beautifing an other, and all
together making a gratious obiect. Of Porphyrit, Ophit,
Numidian, Alabastrit, Pyropccil, Lacedemonian greene,
and white marble, cliuerslie watered, and of Andracine
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 interposition of Hypotracles or shaftes,
and Astragals, with a supreame Thore.
Diuers places were hidden and couered ouer with
winding felted and spreding luie, 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-flowre, Venus Nauill, &
Erogennet, of some called Loue, to whom he is grate-
full, bushing downe againe toward the ground, in other
ryfts grew Mowse-eare, Polypodie, Adientus or Lady
hayre, the iagged and curled Cithracus the knotted
Lunarie minor, Prickmaddam, Polytricon, or goulden
lockes and such like, which vse to grow in decayed
buildings, and ould stone wales, so that many woorthie
peeces were inuested and hydden from me, with such like f. 25.
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 vnshapely Culpins mounting vp from the
earth.
Among which downefallen peeces I might see the re-
maynders of diuers shapes of men of sundrie sortes, many
naked, other some hauing their members couered with
folded and plited induments, fast sticking to their naked
56
proportions. Some standing vpon the left foote, others
vpon the right in a streight sort, with their heads perpen-
dicularly, euer the center betwixt their heeles, and some
looking sidewaies in height, foure Cubites of sixe foote.
Others standing vpon 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 homes
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 skilfull workemaister
full of varietie, labour, studie, and Industrie could deuise
and performe. With what care and paine his abounding
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
members, hee did shewe the subtiltie of the art of Lapici-
darie, 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 measure they were composed
and set, it was woonderfull to imagine.
This was the true Art enucleating and discouering the
ignorance that wee worke in, our detestable presumption,
and publike condemned errors.
This is that cleare and perfect light, which sweetly and
with our vnconstrained willes draweth our dimme sighted
eies to contemplate and behold the same. For none
(vnles it be he which of set purpose refuseth to behold
57 i
it) but his eyes would dasell with continuall desire to
see it.
This is that which accuseth horrible couetousnes, the
deuourer and consumer of all vertue, a stil byting and
euerlasting greedie worme in his heart that is captiuated
and subiect to the same, the accursed let and hinderance
to well disposed wittes.the mortal enemy to good Architec-
turie, and the execrable Idol of this present world, so vn-
worthily worshipped, and damnably adored. Thou deadly
poison to him that is infected with thee, what sumptuous
workes are ouerthrowne, and by thee interdicted.
Herewithall I beeing rauished and taken vp with vn-
speakeable delight and pleasure in the regarding of this
rare and auncient venerable 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 vnreportable
pleasure to beholde the same, gaping at them with open
mouth, forgetting my selfe like a young childe, neuer satis-
fying my greedie eyes and vnsaciable desire to looke and
ouerlooke the exquisite perfection of the auncient worke,
I was spoiled and robbed of all thoughts whatsoeuer, the
remembrance of my desired Polia, often accuring, onely
excepted. But with an extreeme and deepe fet
sigh, let vs leaue her a litle, and returne
again to our continued
purpose.
THE SIXTH CHAPTER.
f. 26. Poliphilus entring a little \vaye in at the described porch, with great delight
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 ex-
treemlie afraide, and compelled to runne backe into the building, and at
last getting foorth with much adoe hee came into a fertile place.
GREAT AND COMMENDABLE
thing without dout it shold be, trulie to
discribe, & from point to point, to set
down the incredible work, and vnima-
gined composition, of so vast a frame,
and huge bignes, of so great a buildinge
with the excellencie of the entrance, in a conspicuous
and sightly place, conueniently situated, where of my
delight to behold them, did exced the greatnes of my
admiration breeding in me such a conceit so as I per-
swaded my self that lupiter durst not vndertake the like
to the rest of the gods, & certainly beleeuing that no
workman, or human witt could compase 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 supplement or correction perfictlye to finishe
them. A rare and insolent 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
59
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 many
seuerall woorkmen seemed in the perfections, of their dewe
proportion sas if they had been performed by one himselfe.
He would also as lightlie haue regarded the skillfull
cunninp- of Satirus the architect and other of fame, espe-
o
ciallye Simandrus, for the woorke of Memnon, who cut
the three statures of lupiter in one stone, the feet being
aboue seauen cubits long.
To this the representation of the magnanimous Semi-
ramis carued out of the mountaine Bagistanus must geue
place.
And letting passe to speake of the insolent great- f- 26".
nes of the Piramides of Memphis, those writers at large
would haue bente themselues to this description. And
leauing vnreported, the famous Theaters, Amphitheaters,
Bathes, and building sacred and prophane, carriages, of
waters, and colosses, and that of Appolline translated by
Lioculus. Or the temple dedicated to lupiter by Claudius
Cceser. Or that of Lisippus at Tarentum, or the wonder
of Carelindius at the Rhodes, and of Xenorodus 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 representation of Hercules at Tyre.
They woulde haue accommodated their sweete styles,
to the commendation heard of as aboue all other most
excellent, although the Obelist of lupiter, compact of
fower frustes, fortie Cubits high, fower Cubits broade,
and two Cubits thick, in his deluber within the temple
dooth manifest it selfe to be a wonderfull miracle.
Vnsaciable thus casting mine eyes, and turning vp my
countenance now this way & now that way, towards
60
this huge & mighty frame, I thus thought with my selfe.
If the fragments and remaynder 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.
After this my discourseing, reason perswaded mee to
suppose, that with in might bee the Aultar of Venus for
hir misticall Sacrifices and sacred flames, or the represen-
tation 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, there came towards me flying a white Horix^
But I sodainlye with out any further regard or curious ! on g lluin s>
' J o m old monu-
forcaste which with my searching eies went in as the entsb y
J Augurs dedi-
spatious and lightsome entrie gaue me leaue, representing cated to Sa -
vnto me such sights as merit, and are Condigne of euer-
lastinge remembrannce, in ether sydes stilled 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 accord-
inglie asosciated with curious workemanship. And the
opposite of verie 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 painting.
And on either sides vnder the same beautifull and most shef s nSxed
noble tables, there were placed all a long seates of stone.
The pauement neat and cleane from dust, being made of
Ostracus? witha11 -
61
And so in like manner the coloured vpper seeling was
pure and voyd of Spiders and Cobwebs, by reason of the
continual! fresh ayre both entring in and going out.
The seeling of the walles as aforesayde, mounted vp to
the bendyng of the Arche from the Chapters which stood
vpon their strict and vpright Antes euen to the vttermost
ende of the entrie, which was by my perspectiue Judge-
ment twelue paces.
From which perpolyte ligature and fastned ioyntes, the
roofe of the entrie all the length thereof, did march with a
hemicircubate flexure, answerable to the Antes and streight
sides of the afore described porche full of varieties and
exquisite representments, rarely ingrauen and of little
water monsters, as in the water it selfe in their right and
well disposed plemmyrules, 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 fantastical! instruments.
Some sitting in straunge fashioned Charriots, and drawne
in them by swift Dolphines, crowned and adorned with
water Lillies 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
vncoth beastes, with a Chiloneall defence.
Some wantonly disposed, others to varietie of sportes
andfeastes, with liuely indeuours and quicke motions, most
singularlye well set foorth, and filling all ouer the afore- f. 27 b .
sayde arched suffite.
Along vnder the bending ryse of the entrie, I beheld a
singular woorkemanship of sundrie representments and
counterfeits, in an excellent Thessellature, bright shining
62
lyke goulde, and of diuers other coolers, 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 perfect and
fresh coulers, as if they had beene new set, with a naturall
leafewoorke of an emerawld greene, vppon a punice or
tawnie grounde, with Flowers of Cianees and Phcenicees
adulterated with curious knottes and windings, and in the
conteyned space of the aforesayde sides, I sawe this
auncient Hystorye paynted.
Europa, a young Ladye, swimming into Creete vppon a
prestigious Bull. And the edict of King Agenor to his
Sonnes Cadmus, Fcenice, and Cilicia, to fincle out theyr
defloured sister, 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 bellowing Heyffer should
appoynte, wherevppon that countrey, euen to this daye
carryeth the name of the bellowing of a Cowe Europe.
Cadmus builte Athens. The other brother Fcenicia. The
third Cilicia.
Thys woorke and musaicall painting, was rightlye placed
in order, as the beginning and end of the historie required
with fictions in theyr naturall coulers, theyr actions and
degrees rightlye expressed.
On the contrarie side, I beheld in the same manner
the wanton and lasciuious Pasipluz burning in infamous
lust, lying in a Machine or frame of wood, and the Bull
leaping vpon that hee knew not.
f. 28. After that the monstrous mynotaure with hys vglye
shape shut and inclosed in the intricate Labyrinth.
And after that the imprysoned Dedalus, artificially
63
making of winges for hymselfe, and his young sonne
Icarus, who vnhappylye not obseruing hys Fathers
rule, fell downe headlong into the deepe see, leaning
vnto the same seas 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
gazing 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 checkers, 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 obserued with a pensiled distribution to
make whole proportions in a smoothe and flat playne.
Some lynes drawing neere to my obiect, and some seeming
as they had beene a farre of hardely to bee deserned, and
yet both of a like neerenesse. And the same againe
which was hardlie to bee scene, to offer it selfe more and
more, to the iudgement of the eye, with exquisite parergie
and shadowing.
Waters, Fountaines, Mountaines, Hilles, woodes, and
beasts, in theyr naturall coulours, and distante one from
an other, with opposite light. And in apparrell the plyghts
and fouldes so cunninglye 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
64
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 con-
tinuing noise like the cracking of bones or their ratling
f. 28 b . together, whereat I stood still forgetting my fore con-
ceiued delight being interrupted therewith from the sweet-
nes of the obiects. At length I might heare a rustling
as if a dead Oxe had been dragged vpon the ground, the
noyse still approaching 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
vastnes whiche before I was afraide to enter into.
Oh vnhappie wretch oppressed with aduers and sad
fortune, I saw in the entrie of the doore comming towardes
mee, no hurtfull Lyon crowching to Androclus, but a feare-
full and horrible Dragon shaking her trifulked and three The Dragon
. . ... isthatAbad-
parted tongue against mee, grating her teeth, and making don and A P O-
a skritching or critching noyse, hersquamyand scaly hide tomankinde.
trailing vpon the flowerd pauement, clapping her winges
vpon her wrimpled backe, with a long taile folding and
crinckling like an 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 but. And to call Theseus backe
from his begunne inprese and bold attempt, and to terrific
the Gyant Typ/wn, 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
65 K
The darke
places is igno-
rance, and the
wisedome of
this world
which is no
thing els but
meere folly.
Cosby for
killing the L.
Browgh.
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, penetrating through diuers
crooked torments, ambagious passages and vnknowne
waies.
So that I thought to bee in the inextricable frame of
the prudent Dedalus, or of Porsena, so full of wayes and
winding turnings, one entring into another, to deceiue the
intent of the goer 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 could see iust nothing, f. 29.
But was glad to stretche out my armes from 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 Mercurie. Making himselfe
Ibis and Apollo, Threicia, Diana, into the lyttle byrd
Cholomene. And Pan into two shapes. I am more
afraide then euer was Oedipus, Cyrus, Croesus, and Per-
seus. And more trembling then the theefe Tliracilius in
his beares skinne. In sorrowe more abounding then
poore Pscypkes. And in more laboursome daungers then
Lucius Apuleus, when hee heard the theeues consulting
to knocke him on the head and kyll him.
66
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 pre-
sage 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 her 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 naturally bytter and hated, yet notwithstanding
at that time, I did gratiouslie esteeme of it, which mee
thought I could suffer willinglye, but that will was insuffi-
cient : 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
f. 29 b . intertaine so cruel an enemy as death : whereupon I pluck-
ing vp a good heart, thought thus.
Shall the greatnes of my loue so sweetly set on fire,
now decaie, 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
1 1 so worthie iewels. That was Polia and my precious life.
Continually calling vpon her with deepe sighes and
67
singultiue sobbings, sounding in the thicke ayre, incloy-
stered vnder the huge arches and secret darke couering,
saying thus to my selfe.
If I die heere thus miserably, sorrowfully, and vncom-
fortably, all alone, who shal bee a woorthie successour of
so precious a gemme ? And who shal be the possessor of
such a treasure of so inestimable 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 desired good ? Behould all thy gratious con-
ceits and pleasant highe delyghtes builded in thy appre-
hensiue thoughtes, through the sweetenes of loue, are
deadly shaken, and abruptlie precipitated and cast downe ?
Looke how thy loftie Amorous cogitations are shaken in
peeces and anihilated. Ah me what iniurious 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 deuour-
ing and sodaine gobbling vp of so filthie a monster,
and to bee rotted and digested in the stinking in-
trailes of so fowle a beast, and to bee cast out in so
vile a place. Oh lamentable and vnaccustomed death.
O miserable end of my desired life. Where are my
eyes? what be they barreine ? Is their humor gone?
Are there no more teares left to fall trickeling downe my
blubbered cheekes ? Well then I perceiue that death is
at my backe, who did euer see such a change of fortune ?
Behold vnhappie and wayward death, and the last houre,
and accursed minute thereof at hande, in this darkesome
shade, where my bodie and flesh is appointed to bee a r. 30.
68
foode for so fowle a beast. What furie ? what crueltie ?
what miserie more monstrous can a mortall creature
suffer. That sweete and pleasant light should bee reft
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 florishing 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, passing vp and downe I knew not where.
My legges weake, feeble and fowltering vnder mee, my
spirites languishing, and my sences in a maner gone from
mee. Sauing that I called deuoutly vppon 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 behold, 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 buttresses or vpholders and strengthes,
heare and there in infinite places distributed, and many
huge and mightie pillers, some foure square, some sixe
69
Two blockish
lasie lubbers,
one of Melite
an other of
Athens, that
thought it a
great labour
to eate their
owne meate.
square, some eight square, aptly set vnder and appropor-
tioned to sustaine the vast bignes of the waightie Pyra-
mides.
There I hauing small delight to make anie long staie, I
intended to take an vnknowne way further in, which my
vndertaken 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 f. 30"
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, that I reuoked and haled
backe againe the diuorse of my discontented and irke-
some life, successiuely comforting my perturbed minde
and quailed hart. Somewhat refreshing and reassuring
my selfe : filling 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 traunce in loue, for shewing 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 himselfe.
And by this time, all lets and hynderances past ouer, a
spatious 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 wander-
ing thoughts, and restoring my prostrate force, my sus-
pected and vnknowne voyage, made me to set out in
running : so as the nearer I came to the doore, the
70
bigger mee thought it grewe. To the which at last by
Gods wyll, Polia in my amorous brest bearing a predomi-
nante 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 countrie, 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 behinde me, and therefore
I could not so easily forget him. But was rayther per-
swaded 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
affrighted. That then I sitting downe, might rest my selfe,
f. 31. and set my minde together againe, and forget this con-
ceiued dread, at my entrance in of the gate, the appara-
tion of the white Sorix gratiously comming againe into
my reteyning memorie, an exhortatorie prouacation, and
good occasion to animate and comforte me, because that
to Augur es 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, whether my capiiiata
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 vnknowne vnto
me) where perchaunce it was not lawfull for me to come.
Albeit that I was heerin more audacious and bould a great
71
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 flie from daunger ? Is it not better to
hassard a man's 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 scene was
full of maruelous woonders, and thinking by what meane I
was depriued of them, I called to remembrance the brasen
Lyons, in Salomons Temple, which were of such fierce
countenances, as that they would bring men to forget-
fulnes.
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 mani-
fested, and by my selfe diligentlye perused, should now
be fled 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 in a
Lithargie passion : But that I verrie well remembred
and helde without any defaulte in order and proportion f. 3i b .
whatsoeuer I had scene and beheld. And that the
monstrous and cruell beast was a verrie liuelye substance,
and no fiction, the like of any mortall man sildome scene,
no not of Regulns. 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.
72
Heere without all doubte (for so I imagined by reason of
the glorious bountie of the beautifull soile) is no habita-
tion but for ciuill people, or rather for Angles and noble
personages, and a place for N implies 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
commend 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.
7*>
j>
THE SEVENTH CHAPTER.
Poliphilus sheweth the commodiousnesse of the countrie where-into hee f. 32.
was come, in his trauailing within the same, he came vnto a goodlie
Fountaine, and howe hee sawe flue faire Damsels comming towardes
him, and their woondering at his comming hither, assuring him from
hurte, and inuiting him to bee a partaker of their solaces.
HUS 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 coun-
trie, 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 lightlie, was
so greatlye perplexed and daungered, where I beheld a
mountaine vnnaturall, with a moderate assention and
steepe rising, 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 Ham-
berries, Hasels, Fylbirds, prune, print, or priuet, and
whitened with the flowers thereof : bycoulered Xeapie,
beeing red towardes the north, and white against the
Southe, Plane trees, Ashe trees, and such like, spredding
74
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 Hartestoongue, Heleborous Niger,
or Melampodi, Trayfles, and such other Vmbriphilous
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 Moun-
32 h . taine all ouergrone with trees.
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 luie and other
wall trees, and so was become an ouer growne wood,
that I could scarce perceiue any comming out, or mouth
for easie passage but euen for a necessitie, for it was
rownd about compassed and enuironed with bushie and
spreeding trees, so as I was neuer determined to enter in
there againe.
In the streight passage of the valie betwixt the ex-
tensed and highe mounting rockes, the ayre was dim by
reason of the retained 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
stooping, let vs come 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 as I passed
on, I came to an auncient bridge of marble with a very
75
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
wearye 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 workmanship, 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
Egiptie 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 homes. And an ould lampe.
Which hierogliphis the braunches excepted because I
know not whether they were of Firre tree, Pineapple,
Larix or luniper, or such like : I thus interpret.
PATIENTIA EST ORNAMENTVM, CVSTODIA ET PROTECTIO f. 33-
VITAE.
On the other side there was ingrauen a cyrcle, then an
Anchor with a Dolphin winding about the strangule
thereof, which I coniectured should signinethis, AEI SOEY-
AE BPAAEO2. Semper festina 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, making a soft continuall still
noyse, in their freesed, broken and nibbled Channels, by
their eaten in and furrowed bancke, full of stones, couered
ouer and shadowed with trees, their spredding rootes ap-
pearing in the same bare, and about them hanging Tri-
comanes, Adiantus and Cimbalaria, and bearded also
76
with diuers small hayres as vse to growe about the
banckes of Ryuers.
The wood that I haue spoken of, was to looke vppon
verye pleasant, neyther ouer thick or more large in com-
passe than a man would wish, but building a delightfull
shadowe, the trees full of small birdes and foules.
33 b - Right forwarde, the Bridge did extende it selfe, and
leade towardes a large plaine, resounding all ouer with the
sweete chirpings, melodious recordings, and loude singing
of them. Wherein were leaping and running little Sqirrels,
and the drowsie Dormouse, 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 Christaline
streames, sliding downe a long the hilles with a mur-
muring noyse into the leauell vally.
Adorned and beautified with the flowring bitter Oliue,
Lawrell, white Poplar, and Lisimachia, blacke Pople,
Alders, and wilde Ashe.
Vpon the hils grew high Firre trees vnarmed, and the
weeping Larix, whereon Turpentine is made, and such like.
When I had well considered of this so fruitfull and so
commodious a place for cattel and beasts to be fedde in
and kept, (for it looked as though it would desire a shep-
heardes company and a pastorall song) I mused what
should be the occasion, that so commodious 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, shewing the
roofe thereof ouer the tender toppes of the compassing
trees. At the sight whereof, I grew wonderfully glad and
77
in good hope, that there yet I should finde some habita-
tion 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 wonderfull fountaine : which was
not altogither amisse. For as yet I had not quenched
and slaked my thirst.
This building was eight cornered, smalt 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,
chamfered 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 was a trigonall con- f- 34-
teined, 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 small 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 con-
uenientlie brought ouer her, to hide that bare which was
womanly & meete to be kept secret. Lying vpon her
right side with that subiected arme retract, and her open
palme vnder her faire cheeke, wherevpon she rested her
head.
The other arme at libertie, lying all along ouer her
78
left loyne, stretching to the middle of her goodly thigh.
By her smal teates (like a yong maids) in her round
brests did sprowt out smal streamings 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
conuenient frame of flint stone. Betwixt either of the
receptories, there was another vessel placed, in the which
the waters did striue togither and meete, running out at
the cut and appointed places, in the middle lymbus of their
Receptories, which waters comixt out of that vessel, vn-
laded themselues into a little channel sliding away, and
what with one and what with the other, al the hearbes and
flowres adioyning, and about were bountifullye benifited.
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 streamed and sprung out of the right
brest.
And this excellent Image was so difinitelye expressed,
that I feare mee Praxiteles neuer perfourmed the lyke for
Venus, to Nichomides the King of Caria which I doll 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 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
suppressed couering, fowlded and plited and as it were
79
scorning the haires of the inglomatede cloth, hir thighes
of a conueniente bignes and hir fleshie knees somwhat
bending vpp, and retract towards hir.
Showing hir streight toes as it were intreating hir
fingers to handle and streine them, the rest of hir bodie
aunswerable to the perfections of these seuerall propor-
tions.
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 manner about his flankes and
his eares, grewe hayre, with a visage adulterated be-
twixt a mans and a Goates, in so rare a sort as if the ex-
cellent 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 there-
with, and with the other hand howldinge vpp a curtaine
by one of the sides that was fastened to the body of the
tree.
Betwixt the comare Meimer ill 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 fig-
ment and woorkmanshippe cannot be suffi[ci]entlie ex-
pressed.
80
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 couerinore
o o
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 vnduls in the plaine
smothe was grauen in Attkic characters this poesye
IIANTA TO KAAI.
f- 36i The thirst which I had gotten the daie before was so
increased, that I was prouoked now to slacken the same,
or rather inticed with the faire beautie of the instrument,
the coolenes whereof was such, as betwixt my lippes me
thought it stirred and trembled.
And rounde about this pleasant place, and by the pip-
plyng channels, grew Vaticinium, Lilly -conuallie, and the
flowring Lysimachia or willow hearbe, the sorrowfull
Reedes, Myntes, water Parsley, Baume, Hydrolapathos,
or water Sorrell, and other approued 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
order, trimmed about and beautified with a fence of sweete
Roses and Gessamine. And from thence running ouer
it, dispersed itselfe, 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
81 M
was woonderfull 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, Melli-
lot, Saxifrage, Cowslops, Ladies fingers, wilde Cheruile,
or shepheardes Needle, Nauens Gentil, Sinquifolie, Eye-
bright, Strawberies, with floures and fruites, wild Colum-
bindes, Agnus Castus, Millfoyle, Yarrow, wherewith
Achilles did heale Telephus, and the rust of the same
speares head that hurt him. With the white Muscarioli,
bee floures and Panenentes in so beautifull and pleasant
manner, that they did greatly comfort mee (hauing lost
my selfe) but euen with the looking vppon them. And
heere and there in a measurable and wel disposed dis-
taunce and space betweene. In a conuenient order and
sweete disposed sort by a iust line, grew the greene and
sweete smelling Orenges, Lymons, Citrons, Pomegranettes,
their water 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 f - 3 6b -
toppes, laden with the aboundance 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 scene such a marueilous fountaine, the varietie
of hearbes, the colours of floures, the placing orderly of
the trees, the faire and commodious 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
82
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
remembraunce 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 letters, 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
rusling noyse, like the winde or beating of a Dragons
winges. Alas I knew not what it should bee. And
sodeinly ispasurated and turning my selfe about, I might
perceitie 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 beganne 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 in-
credible sweetnesse of hir musicall and consonant voyce,
conueighed in the roriferous ayre, and spredding it
83
selfe abroade with the aunswerable sounde and delect-
able 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 attyred and
bound vp in fillets of glystering gould, and instrophiated
redimited, garnished ouer and beset with floured mirtle,
and vpon hir snowye foreheade, branched out hir tremb-
ling curled lockes, and about hir fayrest showlders, flew
her long tresses after a nymphish 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 nether-
most of purple, the next of greene silke, & goulde or
tissew, and the vppermost 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 graced the subiect couler. And tyed 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 Pantophle of gould and
purple silke, leafeworke, shewing thorough betwixt the
voyde spaces of the leaues, the fine proportion of their
prittie illaquiated and contayned feete. Their shooes
comming straightly vnder their anckles, with two lappes
meeting vpon 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 imbrodered woorke of hearts,
which now and then blowne vp with the gentle ayre,
made a discouerie of their fine legges.
84
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 stranger, and
by chaunce come into so famous and renowned a countrie,
Thus they staide still, sometimes looking downe vpon me,
37''- & again muttering one to an other, 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, other-
wise 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, there-
with as much deceyued as Semele with the fayned shape
of the Epidaurean Beroe. Alas I trembled and shooke like
85
the fearefull hinde calues at the sight of the tawnie
Lyons roring out for hunger.
Contending and striuing with my selfe, whether it were
better 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 be courteous young women, and
besides their humanitie of a deuine beningnitie) or to
remaine still vnmoueable. At length I determined 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 espetially, 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 vnwoorthily 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
countrie for a strainger 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 ignorant 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 afrayde, they drew all of them more
neerer vnto me, saying,
Thou young man, whatsoeuer thou art, and from
whencesoeuer thou art come : Let not our present
aspects any whit dismay thee, or occasion thy discourage-
86
ment nor be no whit afrayde, for here thou shalt not
finde any cruell customes, or cause of discontent, but free
f. 38. from displeasures, and therefore be not afrayde to dis-
couer thy selfe, and tell vs what thou art.
By this motion hauing called backe againe my for-
gotten and lost sences, comforted with theyr 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 is.
And by the greatest and most daungerous hap that
can be imagined I am come hither. And now with pro-
uoked teares downe falling from my waterie eyes along
my pale cheekes, and bowed downe to the earth pros-
trating 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 know full 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, comfort, and
settle thy heart to rest. For nowe thou art come as thou
mayest euidently perceiue, and plainely see, into a place
of pleasure and delight, abandoning strife and discon-
87
tent. For our vniformed ages : the seate vnchaunge-
able, the time not stealing away, the good oportunitie,
the gratious and sotiable familiaritie, inticingly dooth
allure vs therevnto, and graunteth vnto vs a continuall
leysure. And this also thou must vnderstand, that if
one of vs be merrie and delightsome, the other shew-
eth her selfe the more glad and pleasaunt, and our
delectable and perticipated friendship, is with an atten-
tiue consideration perpetually vnyted and knitte to-
gether. One of vs increasing an others content, 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 f. 38 b .
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 pleasures, reple-
nished with all kinde of fruites and graynes, vniuersally
growing, and full of goodly fountaines.
An other said : vnderstand, vnknowne, (and yet as-
sured guest,) good friend, that this territorie is more
fruitfull then the fertill mountaine Taurus in the aquilonall
aspect, whose frame dooth swell so much, that their
clusters of grapes bee two cubits long, and that one Fig
tree will bear seauentie bushels.
The third : this famous and spatious countrey, ex-
ceedeth the fertilite of the Hyperborean Island in the
West India, or the portugalles of Lucitania, nowe vsurped
and tyrannized by the insolent Spanyard.
Nor Taiga in the Caspian mountaine. The fourth
affirmed in hir commendation of that countrie, that the
plentifulnesse of Egypt was but to be accounted scarsitie,
88
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 pro-
nuntiacion aboue the rest, added thus much, saying,
In this fayre countrie you shall not finde any large
fennie groundes, or offensiue or sicklye ayres, or craggie
and fertlesse mosses, but faire and pleasaunt hilles, in-
uironed and walled about with steip and vnpassageable
rockes, and by meanes thereof, secure and free from all
daungers and feare, we want not any thing which may
breede delight, and cause a sweete content. Besides all
this wee are attendant vppon a renowned and most excel-
lent Queene of large bountie and exceeding liberalitie :
called Euterilyda of great pittie and meruelous clemencie,
ruling with great wisdome, and with kingly gouernement,
with great pompe, in an accumolated heape of all felicitie,
and shee wyll bee greatly delighted, 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.
89 N
THE EIGHTH CHAPTER.
Poliphilus setting himselfe vnder the assurance of the fiue Nymphes, f. 39.
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, he did see many thinges worthie
of regard, but chiefly the worke of a fountaine.
BEING THUS CURTEOUSLY
intreated of these gracious and pitiful
Nymphes, and hauing my safetie by
them sufficiently warranted with sweet
comforts, reuiuing my decaied 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 mee 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
knew how to vse them al, yet could I not render sufficient
90
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 churlish 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
tenantesand chamberfellowes of al delight and true felicitie.
You shal vnderstand that I did see a marueilous foun-
taine of a rare and wonderful workemanship, as neuer be-
fore my eyes did beholde, and so much my minde was occu-
f. 39 b - pied 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
These nimphs are fiue compan i onS) an d I am called Aphea,
were his fiue 1,1 -111 11-
sences an s e * at carnetn tne boxes and white
cloathes Offressia. This other with the
shining Glasse (our delightes) her name is Orassia. Shee
that carrieth the sounding Harpe is called Ac/iol, and shee
that beareth the casting bottle of pretious Lyquor, is
called Genshra. 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 like, and after-
wardes with a verie good wil wee wil make our repaire 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
behauiours, girlish sportes, wanton regardes, and with
sweet words they ledde mee on thither, beeing wel con-
tent with euerie present action, but that Polid was 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 was
not conformable to this delicious consort, but growing into
some houshold familiaritie, I disposed my self to be
affable with 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, they were doubled
together twoo Pyles, in fashion of a Pyke, from the leuell
of the foundation, the subject 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 Coronice going round about. Which border
was beautified with excellent carued worke, of litle naked
children passing wel set forth, and equally distant one
from an other, with their handes intricately tyed and f. 40.
wrapped about, and in them holding little bundels of
smal greene boughs, 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 worke-
manship of a thousand sundrie 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
92
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 euacuated 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, iust
ouer the pinyon 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
selfe, that a man being alone in an vnknowne place and
out of quiet, may easilie bee afrighted with such like
strange noyses.
f. 4o b . In that part of the building that was on the other side
of the Nimph was the enteraunce into the bathe per-
fourmed as mee thought by the same Lithoglyphe, that
couered the sleepyng Nimphe, vppon the phrise whereof,
were certaine Greeke Caracters, signifying AIAMIN0O2.
Within there were foure seates whiche went rounde
about, and one vnder an other, and close knitte togither,
wroght with lasper and Calcedony stone, in all kinde of
colours. Two of the compassing about seates were couered
ouer with water, and to the vpper margine of the third.
In the corners, & in euerry corner stoode a Chorinthian
Collumne of diuers colours, waued with so pure &
beautiful lacintes as nature could affoord, with con-
uenient bases and their chapters curiously made vnder
the beame, ouer the which was a Zophor, wherein were
93
carued little naked Boyes playing in the water, with water
monsters, with wrastling and childish strifes, with cunning
slights and agilities fit for their yeares, in liuely motions f. 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 folding 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 certaine chaines Orichalke or Copper, that held
a large goodly vessel, with a great braine or lyp, and
furrowed of the aforesaide shyning substance, and hang-
yng two Cubites aboue the water, the bowle of the vessel
whiche was of Christal onely except, the rest as the
ribbes thereof and lippings, was of Azure blew, with
bubbles of gold and shining sprinkled here and there.
Not farre of, there was a cleft in the earth, the which
continually did cast foorth burning matter, and taking of
this, and filling the bottome of the vessel, they did put
certaine gumes and sweet woods which made an in-
estimable suffumigation as of the sweetest past, after-
wardes closing the same, and putting downe the couer,
both partes being holow, and the lipping and ribbing per-
forated 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.
94
The wal equally interposite betwixt Columne and
Columne was of most blacke stone, of an extreame
hardnes and shining incloystered about and bordered with
a conuenient border of Diasper redde as Coral, adorned
with a Lyneament and worke of double 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 luorie, the lower partes of euerie of the
said borders, circulating Justly with the bases of the
Collumnes.
Oh how exquisitely were the same Images cut, that
often times my eyes would wander from the real and
liuely shapes, to looke vpon those feyned representations,
f. 4i b . The paued ground vnder the water being of a diuers
emblemature of hard stone, checkered where you might see
marueilous graphics through the diuersitie of the colours.
For the cleare water and not sulphurous, but sweete and
temperatelye hotte, not like a Hotte-house or Stew, but
naturally cleansing it selfe beyond all credet, there was no
meanes to hinder the obiect from the sight of the eye.
For diuers fishes in the sides of the seates, and in the
bottom by a museacall cutting expressed, which did so
imitate nature as if they had beene swimming aliue. As
barbies, lampreys, and many others, the curiousnes of
whose woorke 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 flowers, 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
95
calme waues, and carrying vpon his back a young man,
playing vpon an harpe. And on the contrarie side vpon
the colde Fountaine, there was another dolphin swimming,
and Posidonius riding vpon him with a sharpe eele 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 other 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 apparell, 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 without any
respect at all, they gaue mee leaue to looke vpon theyr
fayre and delicate personages, theyr honestie and honour
reserued. Flesh vndoubtedly like the pure Roses and
white Snowe. Ah woe is me, I found my heart to rise
and open it selfe and altogether to be adicted to a volup- f. 42.
tuous delight. Wherevpon I at that present thought my
selfe most happie, onely in the behoulding of such de-
lights, 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 heauenly bodyes. And they perceiuing the
same did smile at my bashful behauiour, making great
sport at me. And thereat I was glad, and contented
96
that I might in 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 aunswered them, Polipkilus : it will please
me well saith she, if the effect of your conditions be
aunswerable to your name. And without deceit, said the
rest. And 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 presently shee added more, saying :
if shee were heere present, what would you doo ? I aun-
swered, That which were agreeable with hir honour, and
fit 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 sub-
stance 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
aunswered. If any should finde hir out for you, what re-
warde 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,
f. 42 b At the opposite interstice of the beautifull fountaine
97
without, of the faire sleeping Nymph before mentioned,
within the Bathe there was an other of scatnes of fine
mettal, and of a curious 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 there proportions,
with two halfe Collumnes that is Hemiciles, one of either
side, with a Trabet, a smal Zophor, and a Coronice,
all cut in one sollid Marble, and this peece of worke
was nothing inferior to any of the rest, which before I had
scene, 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 except. 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, above 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 iocund and full of content, 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 Ac/we, verie affably and with a
pleasant countenance said vnto mee, Poliphile take that
Christal vessel and bring mee some of that fresh water.
98
I without stale intending to do so, and thinking- nothing
o o ' o
but to do her seruice in any sort that she would commaund
me, went to the place. And I had no sooner 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
f. 43- it made 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 perceiued that my heavy weight,
being put upon the moueable stepping, that it would rise
vp like the Keye and lacke of a Virginall, and lift vp the
Boyes pricke, and finding out the deuise and curious
workemanship thereof, I was greatly contented. Vpon
' the Zophor was written in Attkic letters this title
TEAOIASTOS
f. 44. After our great laughter and bathing, and all hauing
washed with a thousand sweete, amorous, and pleasant
wordes, maydenly 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 offered a boxe
vnto mee also, and I annoynted my selfe therewithall, 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 somwhat long after the manner of other women, by
reason of so many gewgawes and gimmerie whatchets,
99
they did open their vesselles of daintie confections, and
refreshed themselues, and I amongst them, and with pre-
cious drinke. When they had eaten sufficiently, they re-
turned 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 de-
pending, and hemicirculately enstrophiated about their
diuine faces. And when they had made an ende, they
sayd vnto mee.
Polipkilus, wee are now going vnto our gratious and
most excellent souereigne the Queene Eutherillida, 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 measure at mee, glauncing and
turning their eyes one on an other, with a louely regarde.
At last they set foorth, and as they went rounde to gither,
they beganne to sing verses in a Phrygial tune, of a
pleasaunt metamorphosing of one, who with an oyntment
thought to haue transformed himselfe into a Byrd, and
by mistakyng of the Boxe, was turned into a rude Asse.
Concludyng, that manye tooke Oyntmentes to one
purpose, and founde the effects to contrarie their expec-
tations. '
Whereat I beganne to be in a doubt, that they had
sung that by mee, because that they still smiled as they
turned towardes mee. But seeing that I perceiued no
alteration in my selfe, but wel I was contented to let them
laugh on. Vpon a sodaine I founde my selfe so lasciuously
heat, 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 me more and more, that I knew
not wherewithal I might bridle and restraine my selfe from
100
catching of one of them, like an eager and hot 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 burning.
Then one of these flamigerous Nymphes named Aphca
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 than a willow Garland. Giue mee leaue to destroy
my selfe in a lascivious fire. And then as they burst out
all in a laughter and said, Ah ha, and if your desired
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, which burneth
mee out of all measure. Put no Pitch to the fire in my
heart, make me not to forget my selfe I beseech you.
At this my lamentable and sorrowing answere, they
were provoked to such a loude laughter, wherein they did
exceed so much, that neither they nor my selfe with the
wearines thereof could goe any further, but were con-
strained to rest our selues for want of breath, vpon the
odoriferous floures and coole grasse, by means wherof, I
became somewhat oportunely to bee eased, my heate
aswaging and relenting by little and little.
And as they thus contentedly rested themselues awhile,
vnder the coole vmbrage of the leafie Trees, I beganne to
bee bolde with them saying. O you women, that are
burners and destroyers, doo you use mee thus ? See what
an offered occasion I haue, which wil holde mee excused,
to breake foorth and doo violence vnto you. And there -
101
vpon somewhat boldly moouing myselfe and fayning as
if I would haue done that which by no meanes I durst, but
then with a newe pastyme and laughter they called one
for anothers helpe, leauing heere and there their golden
Pantoffles and Vailes, to bee carried about with the winde,
and their vesselles neglected in the grasse, they ranne all
awaye and I after them, that I might well perceiue that
they had neither crampes nor stringhawldes or leaden
heeles, and thus continuing our pastimes a pretie space,
being somewhat pleased that I had made them to runne.
I returned backe to gather up their Pantophles and such
things as they had scattered behind them. And comming
neere to a fresh coole Riuer, they began to cease off from
laughter, and to take pittie vppon mee, and Geussia
behinde all the rest, bowed herselfe downe to the water,
beautifully adorned with the bending Bull Rushe, water
Spyke, swimmyng Vitrix, and aboundance of water
Symples, she dyd pluck vp the Heraclea Nympha, of
some called water Lillye or Nenuphar, and the roote of
Aron or wake Robyn, of some, Pesvituli or Serpentaria
Minor.
And Amelia or Bawme Gentill, all whiche grew very
neare togither and not farre distant, whiche shee fauour-
ably offered vnto mee saying, of these whiche I haue
made choyse of take and for my freedome taste.
For which cause I reufused the Nenuphar, and reiected
the Dracuncle for his heate, and accepted of the Amelia,
whiche she had cleane washed, by meanes whereof, within
a verye short space, I founde my venerious Lubric and
incessing spurre of desire to leaue of, and my intemperate
luste was cleane gone.
And when my vnlawfull desires of the fleshe were
brideled, the pleasant Nymphes came again to mee, and
IO2
as wee walked on, we came into a frequented place,
and wonderfully fruitfull.
Vnlawful . '
concupiscence And there m a fine order and appointed
blindeth a man, distance was a waye set on either sides
and drmeth his w ith Cyprus Trees, with their corner clefted
Apples ; and as thick with leaues as their
him.
nature will suffer them, the leauele grounde
beeyng couered all ouer, with greene Vinca Peruima, or
Laureols and Chammee, 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 walke, iust betwixt the Cypress
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 side of the waye, that wee had passed along in :
which was altogether of Cytrons, Orenges and Lymonds,
bushing with their leaues one within an other, and artifi-
tially knitte and twisted togither, and the thicknes mee
thought of sixe foote : with a gate in the middest of the
same Trees, so wel composed as is either possible to be
thought or done. And aboue in conuenient places were
made windowes, by means whereof, the boughes in those
places were to be scene bare, but for their greene leaues,
which yeelded a most sweet and pleasant verdure. Be-
twixt the curious twistings of the braunches and their
greene leaues the white flowers did aboundently 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 thicknes, the bowghes (not without a
103
wonderful woorke) were so artificially twisted and growne
togither, that you might assend vp by them, and not be
seen in them, not yet the way where you went vp.
At length comming into this greene and delightful
grounde to the eye, and in a mans understanding woorthie
of estimation, I perceiued that it was a great enclosure in
the fore front of a marueilous Pallaice of a noble simme-
triated architercturie which of this frondiferous conclau-
sure, was the fourth part in longitude sixtie paces. And
this was the Hypaethri to walke 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 pauement through little streight Pypes, falling
into a hollowed vessel, which was of most pure Amethist,
whose Diameter conteined three paces, the thicknes agree-
ing therewithall, leauyng the twelfth part for the thick- f- 46.
nesse of the brimme, rounde about the same were carued
water monsters, after the best sort that euer any auncient
inuentor or woorkeman for the hardnes of the stone could
deuise to woorke, it might bee the woorke of Daedalus for
the wonderful excellencie thereof. Pausania, if he had
scene this, would haue taken small pleasure to boast of the
standing cup which he made to Hipparis.
Which same was founded vpon a steale or smal Pillar
of lasper of diuers colours, beautifully adulterating one
with an other, being cut in the middest and closed vp with
the cleare Calcidonie of the colour of the troubled Sea
water, and brought into a marueilous woorke, beeing
lifted vp with guttured hollowe vessels, one aboue an
other, with a reserued seperation, by artificiall and woon-
derful ioyntes. It stood streight vp, fastened in the center
of a Plynth, made of greene Ophite which was rounde,
104
and somewhat lifted vp aboue, about compassing Porphyr,
some fiue inches, whiche was curiously wrought with diuers
lyneaments.
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 abroad, they rested vnder the vessell with their
feminine countenances, 'and hauing haire vpon their heades,
from the same, it spredde downe to their showlders, their
heades vnder, and not touching the vessell : with their
tayles like Eeles, and turning rounde. And vpon their
nauels, an Antique leafe worke. These were verie neces-
sarie 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 propor-
tionately raised vp of the same vessel of Amathyst, a
substance like a Challice, inward, or the inwarde moulde
for a Bell, so high as the vessel was deepe the middle
thereof, leuell with the brimme of the vessell.
Vppon the which was made an artificious foote set vnder
the three graces naked of fine Gold, of a common stature,
f. 46 b . one ioyning to an other.
From the teates of their breastes the ascending water
did spin out lyke siluer twist. And euerie one of them
io.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 Copies.
Betwixt the fruite and the leaues, there came vp sixe
105 P
small Pypes, out of the whiche the^water did spring vp
through a small hole.
And the cunning Artificer, because that he would not
trouble one Cubit with the tuch of another. With a signe
of shamefastnes, the Images with their left handes did
hide that part which modestie would not haue scene, but
accounteth worthie to bee couered.
Vppon the brimme of the hollow vessell, whose com-
passe was a foote moreouer about, then the subiacent of
it, with their heades lifted vp vpon their Vipers 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 comming 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
ouermost parte to the Pauement, with an excellent vn-
diculation. 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 illyga-
ment with the azule or foote set vnder the three images
without any deforming hinderance to the hollownesse of
the precious vessell. And what with the greene assayling
of the compassing Orange trees, and the bright reflections
1 06
of the shining matter, and the pure water, there was such
a gratious couler, in that singular and most pretious vessel!,
as if the Rainbowe and the clowdes had made theyr habita-
tion 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 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.
f. 48. All which rare worke, by so sharpe and fine a wit com-
posed, as this insolent and precious vessell was, the foure
perfect harpies, the woonderfull and curious azule, where-
vpon the three Images of pure gould stood, with what
Arte, ordinance, and rule, digested 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 em-
bost, chased, and engrauen. For it was a woonder to
see, that stones of such extreame 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 raither 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.
107
Amongst which were appact very beautifully, roundes of
Diasper, equally distant, and disagreeing from the couler
of the pauement, and the corners closed vp with leaues
and Lyllies. Betwixt the square marble pauing stones,
there was a space left like a list, which was filled vp with
diners 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 glister-
ing and seuerly set of a diligent Xesturgie. As full of
coulers as a Christall glasse, repercust and beaten against
with the beames of the sunne. Because the circumduct
and compassing 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,
diligently 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 magnificent and f.
statelye pallace, the approoued situation thereof, the dew
proportion, and the maruelous composition in my first com-
mingto it, did make me woonderfully contented to view the
woorthines thereof, 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
whatsoever. What kinde of rafters ? what manner of
roofe ? after what sort the Parlors chambers, closets, and
lodgings, were disposed ? with what kind of seeling they
1 08
were enclosed and incrusted ? wherewithall hanged ? with
what couler and kinde of painting ouerhead ? What order
of columination, and what space betwixt. No other build-
ing maye goe beyonde this whatsoeuer, but may giue place
verye well, of what kinde of Marble, and what manner of
engrauing.
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, flatnes, 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 ex-
cellent manner of glasing the gallerie without the pallace,
the conspitious porche, the manner of building, the arched
seeling 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 with a hanging, drawne ouer
before it of gould and silke, wrought together, 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 other with a maidenly countenance, looking vp with
hyr eyes into heauen.
The beautye of which two were such, and so fresh, as I
looked about mee, whether Apelles had painted them
with his Pensill.
f. 49- And there my sportfull, faire, and pleasant companions,
euerie one putting their right handes to mine, willing to
haue me in, sayde, Poliphilus this is the vsuall waye, by
109
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
Cinosia. 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 Curtaine 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 dis-
courses and reason marueilously wouen, with infinite
knottes, bucklinges, tyings, and old fashioned harping
Irons, or Hookes, as if they had been fastened and knit
togither. In which place without any staying, the third
woman came and receiued vs very gratiously, her name
was Mnemosina, and shee calling vs, gaue vs free leaue to
go in. Where lastly my companions did
present mee before the sacred
maiestie of the Queene
EleutlieriUida.
1 10
THE NINTH CHAPTER.
Poliphilus sheweth as well as hee may, how exceeding great the Maiestie
of the Queene was, the manner of her Residence and seruice. His
fauourable entertainment. Howe shee marueiled at him.
HEN I CAME TOWARDES THE
first doore - keeper, I was somewhat
abashed, but yet I did salute her in
good sorte as became mee to doo. And
shee verie curteously badde mee come
neere. And in like manner the second,
f. 49. 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 foliature, with distinct Bowers and folded
leaues, and little flying 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 Mnemosina perswaded
me verie effectually, not to doubt of any thing, but that I
should stedfastly follow the royall perswasion, and health-
full counsell of the Queene, and perseuere in the execu-
tion thereof, for that the ende without doubt would be to
my content.
And thus hauing leaue to goe in, beholde such thinges
presented themselues to my eyes, as were lyker to be
celestiall then humane.
A most stately and sumpteous preparation, in a gorgeous
1 1 1
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 lasper, 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 about with a
border, the breadth of one pace of 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 perceiue the ioyning, but smoothe and shyning, and
so well framed by the Lybell and Squadrate, that no cir-
culating or sphsericall Instrument woulde mooue to either
sides without forcing.
About this, lastlye was an other marueylous kynde of
Pauing of three paces broad, in knottes of lasper, Praxin,
Calcedonie, 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 Veluet, 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 Cordicell.
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
I 12
walles of stone, by certaine Pilastrelles, Quadrangules, or
Zossenges, of an equall dimension and distinct correspon-
dencie in the middest of euerie one, there were perspi-
cuously appact rounde Jewels, 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 pro-
portion of the Losenge wherein it stood, compassed about
with greene iagged leaues, one bending ouer an other, the
tops turned toward the lewell.
And betwyxt the Foliature and the great lewell, an
other border of pretious stones curiouslie sorted and con-
spicuouslie set.
And in the rest of the wall circumvallate of these bearing
out rownde lewels, the seuen Plannets with their nature
and properties, with an Encaustic woorke were sweetly
painted, which I beheld with great delight. The rest of
the wall exclusive from the rowndnes of the lewels within
the Pilastrels, were filled vp and bewtified with infinite
varietie of workes in siluer, and powdered with diuers in-
estimable stones, singularly well cut, and of diuers fashions.
The wall on the left side was in like sort, and opposite
in rundels. Against the seuen Plannettes were there
seuen Tryumphes ouer the subiectes of the same pre-
dominent 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 qualitatiue receiuing and retiring & circulating en-
trance, with an incredible Historic of the celestiall opera-
tion accedent.
The fourth alament made the Pallaice of suche like
distribution as the other, the doore except, whiche did
occupie an emptie voyde interstice. The other sixe with
113 Q
a regulate correspondence, and harmonye of the rest, in
the lewelles 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 lewell, representing the Planet
Soil, which was set vp more higher then the rest, by
reason of the Queenes Throne.
Euerie part of matter, number, forme, and lyneament,
in distribution 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 synarie open
Court, all compassed about with fine golde, a worke
rather to bee wondered at, then spoken off.
The Pilastrelles were discrepant fowre paces one from
another, with a iust partition of seuen (a number grate-
full to nature) of fine and orient Azure, Lazuli stone,
passing well coloured according to his kinde, with a bew-
tifull bestowing of small glymces of gold. In the fore
part of which, betwixt the seuen pilastrels, there were
appointed little slender Fillers 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 woonder-
full inuentions and deuises, from the top to the bottome
of the Anaglyph, as if they had grown out of the founda-
tion, making and diuiding in sunder the spaces, their
chapters were wrought of a fashion answerable to the
rest.
Ouer the whiche did extend a streight beame with
114
grauen lineamentes fitting the same. And ouer that a
Zophor, conteining this woorke still throughout, that is,
the bonye scalpes of Oxen, with myroll bowghes full of
berries, tyed abowt theyr homes by a towell of linnen.
Vpon either sides of them were Dolphines with their
gilles lyke leaues, and their Finnes and their extreeme
5I . partes of a foliature, 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 hanging 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 lineamentes was the Zophor
adorned and couered, with a Coronice full of excellent
workemanship. Vppon the plaine toppe whereof, by a
perpendicular lyne ouer 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 lasper, with their bellies furrowed and
"5
Channelled, and cut of a rare and maruellous cunning, and
with excellent eares.
In a perfect order ouer euerie Jewell aboue the Coro-
nice, 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 transomes. And by a turnyng downe
the transomes, did ioyne decently one with the other,
with a Topiarie woorke. Intending that out of the
vesselles standing- vpon the Coronice as
. Topiana, the
aforesaide, in the cornes the transome and f eate of ma ti n g
the vyne should ryse vp togither, but out Images or
of the other vesselles, either a vyne or Arbours i n
HL TG6S
some Woodbine of Golde, by courses
meeting ouer the transwerst traunsomes, with a thicke
stretching out of theyr spreadyng braunches, one ioyning f. si b .
with an other, and twisting togither with a fine and
pleasant congresse, couering ouer all the whole court
with a riche and inestimable suffite with diuers fashioned
leaues of greene emeralde, gratefull to the sight, more j
perfect then that wherein Amenon was impressed, and the
flowers dispersed and distributed of Saphires & byrrals.
And with an excellent disposition and artificiall, betwixt the
greene leaues and the grosse vaynes, so precious hunge
downe the clusters of grapes made of stones, agreeable
and fitting to the naturall coulers of Grapes.
All which most rare deuises, of pryse incomparable,
incredible, and past imagination, did shine all ouer most
pretiouslie : not so much to be marueyled at for the cost-
linesse of the matter, but for the large greatnesse of the
worke.
For not without great cause, from place to place, with a
diligent and iealous examination I did carefully consider
116
\
the large extention of the inmost intricate braunches, and
their proportionate strength and thicknesse, 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, me
thought it an vnpossible worke to make a couering of
such a breadth and so twysted and twyned together.
In the midde prospect, opposite against our going in
vpon a degreed regall throne, set full of glystering stones
in a maruelous order, farre more excellent then the seat
in the temple of Hercules 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 curious attyre, vpon hir head of a
purple couler, with an edging of Orient Pearle, shadow-
ing ouer hir large forhead, aunciently and princelike, euer
pressing hir plemmirrulate trammels 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, and
\ f. 52. finished in the crowne, with a flower of great Orient,
and rownd Pearles, such as be found in the Indian pro-
montorie Perimula.
The rest of hir long spreding hayre was not scene,
but couered 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
ay re.
In the middle of the edging of hir dressing, vpon
the highest parte ouer the middest of hir forhead hoong
117
a rare iewell. And about 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 large-
nes, set in gould with wyer woorke.
At hir eares moste richelye were hanged in the typpes
two earinges, two great shynyng Carbunckles of an ines-
timable price.
Hir shoees were of greene silke & hir pantofles of
gould embrodered 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, depending.
Vppon eyther sides along vpon the aforesaid benches
couered 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 scene.
And in the middest of them this renowned 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, & greatly marueiling that I should come
into such a place.
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 f - 52"
118
enuiron and fill me with an extreame amasement, reuerend
feare, and honest shamefastnesse.
And they asking the fiue Nimphes that brought me in,
whysperinglie what I was, and the strangenesse of my
hap, directing, bending and intentiuely fixing all their
eyes vpon me. Where finding my selfe so base a
worme in such an excellent conspect, I was woonderfully
astonished, and lyke one that had no spyrite.
But the successe and manner of my comming being
demaunded of them, the Nymphes plainly, open and
manifest the same at large, whereat the gratious Queene
beeing mooued to compassion, 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 finde a way out
of that odious and blinde 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 fauour-
able intertaynement.
To whose liberall inuiting, royall woordes and inter-
taynement, better then I could haue imagined to desire,
with diuote and honourable thankes, giuen aboundantly
from pointe to pointe, I tould how I escaped and fled
from the Dragon, a fearefull 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
119
to bee a pertaker of their folacious and magnicifient
pleasures.
After that she said unto me with a smiling and pleasant
countenance. It is a woorthie matter to consider, that an
euill and descontented beginning, often time falleth out
to a happie and good successe in the end : and before
that anye thing bee committed vnto you to perfourme, f.
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 especially
shouldest associate thy selfe with Philotesia, seeing that
the faire heauens haue shewed thee of thy entertainment,
1 20
53
and brought thee into our triumphant mansion place.
And therefore my Poliphilus, without any more cere-
monies 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, & excellent order thereof, the
inestimable pretiousnes of my great aboundance, and the
large effects of my bounty.
At which imperious command, her eloquent and fauour-
able speech ended, humbly, and with a little more audacitie
than before, vppon one of the benches of my right hancle
I did sit downe (lapping my torne gowne together before
me with certaine brymble leaues still sticking in it) betwixt
the fiue Nymphes that brought mee in, and amongst them
next vnto Offresia and Ackoe, 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 coulor-
ing 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 Diademe, 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 planet, and behind at my backe was the iewell, con-
taining the historic of the winged Mercury, and howe the
53 b. benignitie of his good disposition is depraued, when he
is in the malignant taile of the venemous Scorpion. And
121 R
looking vpon my selfe, I was ashamed to see my vile
habite among suche sumpteous induments, that me thought
my selfe no otherwaies but euen lyke that vile and mor-
tiferous 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
dressed 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 attention, that when the seruice was
brought to the table, they all at one instant time alike,
made their reuerent curtesies in bowing 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.
Streight 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 artificial! and ancient worke, wonderfully bewtifull
to behold. Vpon either sides of this doore, their yoong
damosels Musitians, seuen vpon a side in a Nimpish
apparrel, notable for the fashion and verie rich : which at
euery change of seruice, did alter their Musicke and In-
struments, and during the banquetting, others with an
122
Angelike and Syreneall consent, did tune the same to
their handes. Then in a sodaine was placed frames of
H ebony, with three feete, and other temporary tables,
without any noyse or brustling. Euerie one readie to his
appoynted Office, with a carefull, diligent, and affecting
indeuour, wholy to that sendee which was enioyned him.
f. 54. And first before the Oueene, 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 lower partes whereof, did finish in the
forme of the tearing claw of a Lyon, with an exquisite
foliature, compassing about the steales of the stypets,
hauing in the middest of euerie one, fastened 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 the midst, and vppon the top of the stypets or
steales, was put a proiection to beare vp the rounde table
before the Queene.
This frame was vnmoueable, but the round table was
to be quickly taken of and on, according to the substance
of the vessels 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 imbroy-
derie of Pearle and pretious stone, with a hand-breadth
123
of the pauement on euerie side hanging downe. And of
this sort were all the Carpets 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 smell-
ing, 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 gor-
geous as Lolia, wife to Paulus Aemilius neuer saw in her
husbandes tryumphes, and shee remayned in a gowne of
purple Veluet, hauing wouen in it birdes, little beastes, r.
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, shewing through it the couered
workes and cloath by reason of the cleare subtiltie and
thinnesse thereof, and imperiall and gratious apparell.
After came in two beautifull Damosels bringing in an
artificious fountaine continually running with water, and
reassuming 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 presenting of it vpon the
table of golde they bowed their knees downe to the paue-
ment, and like reuerence at the same instaunt made all the
rest of the attendant Ladyes, both at the presenting of
euery thing, and at the taking 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 Oueen whilest shee did wash hir handes, one that
f^mf
caried the golden bason, receyued therin the water, that
it might not fall agayne into the reassuming fountaine :
and the other with the Ewrie, powred in as much sweete
water as was borne away, because that the fountaine
124
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
carryed vpon foure little wheeles, which they drew vppon
f. 55. euerie 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 together with two claspes of an
exquisite dipoliture, fine worke, and pretiously garnished.
For among other iewelles 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 water to bee of Roses, mixt with the iuice of Lymon
pilles, and a little Amber artificially composed, which
yeelded a sweet and pleasant smell.
In the middest of this admirable and stupendious Court,
there was set out a maruellous perfuming vessel, not so
much for the excellent and perfecte substaunce thereof,
which was pure and fine golde : but for the conspicuous,
rare, and auncient fashion of the base, standing vpon three
Harpyes feete, the which in a foliature made a trianguled
illygament to the base, full of deuises, as the mettall re-
quired, ouer euerie Angle or corner whereof stoode three
naked shapes of flying spirites orderly sette, of two cubites
high, with their shoulders turned one towards an other,
and somewhat neare together.
They stood vpon the base with the right foot towards
f. 55 b . the corner and the lefte stretching towardes the fixed foot
of the other boye. Their cubits bending vp, and holding
the handle of the perfuming panne, verie slender in the
125
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
trianguled base, there rose vp a steale like an olde
fashioned Candlesticke, holding on the toppe thereof
suche a bowle or vessell 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 waters, as
it were, one with Rose-water, another with water of
Orange flowers, another of myrtle, tender greene Lawrell
leaues, elder 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
alwayes wayte and attend three honourable Nymphes,
their apparell beeing of golde and silke, maruelously wouen
and adorned, and sette with pearle and stone. The lyn-
inges 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 scene the pleasaunt valleys be-
twixt their faire brestes, an extreame delight and desired
nourishment vnto a narrowe looke and greedie eye, with
a thousand small chaynes, pretie iewelles and flowers of
golde in a fseminine sort, a sweet bayte to carrie a man
headlong into forgetfulnes of hymselfe, beeing inchaunted
with choyse and amorous regards, farre passing the desire
126
of any other delycate vyands. Their shooes of golde cutte
with halfe Moones, and closed vp at the ioyning of the
homes or corners with buttons and flowers of gold-
f-56. smithes woorke in a curious sorte, and the trammels of
their faire and plentifull haire aboue their forheads and
temples instrophiated with large and round oryent pearle.
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 on one Table : which
beeing chaunged, they withdrewe themselues by, and
stoode still vppon theyr feete arme in arme, other three
hauing supplyed their places : 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 perfumed 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
seruice, 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 vnderstancl,
I was much contented therewithall.
127
After the washing of the Queene first, and successiuely
of all the rest, there was deliuered to euery one of the
wayters a rotmde 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 sences should not be idle.
Then there at euerie chaunge of course, two Edeabriees
that had the ordayning of the Queenes meate, did bring
into the middest of the royall Court vppon foure turning f. s6 b .
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 roundelles of the other before
spoken iewelles, on euery side fitly placed, as if Phcebus
had beene sette by a Nymph to grace hir eyes and coun-
tenance with his shining brightnes.
To all which continuall glistering of ineffable workeman-
shippe, there could no more bee deuised of equall com-
parison, 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, and deliuer them
in the cupbord.
(as neede required) to the wayters.
And the first Table beeing chaunged, euerie thing was
brought backe agayne to the plaustraries, at whose going
away the Trumpettes sounded in such a sorte, as Piseus
128
Therrenus neuer came neare vnto, nor Maletus Trum-
petor to the King of Hetruria.
And then they did wind their Cornettes, thus dooing
euerie 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
musicall instruments, which beeing ceased, the singers
began so heauenly, that it would haue caused the Syrens
to sleepe, hauing mixed with their voyces still winde
instruments of wood, such as the Troezein Dardanus
neuer inuented.
And by this appoynted order, there was continually
heard melodious soundes, and pleasaunt harmonies,
sweete consortes, with delightfull Musicke presented,
odoriferous perfumes smelt, and stately viandes plentifully
]l' f. 57. fedde of. And euerie 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 instru-
ments togither with the table it selfe, were of pure fine
Gold. Wherupon there was appresented a Cordiall con-
fection, and as I could coniecture, it was made of the
scraping of Vnicornes home, 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 Melancholy 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
129 s
was laide againe couered 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
Sugar, 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 Gilliflowers. The third, in oyle
of the ffloures 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 that cup they had infused a precious Wine, so f. 57 b
as mee thought that the Gods of the Elysian fieldes, had
transformed their power into the sweetnes of the lyquor :
surpassing the wine of Thassus.
Without delaie (after our drinking this table being
taken away, and the sweete flowers cast vpon the paue-
ment, 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
130
wayters brought in (apparrelled 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-
chut 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 con-
uenient gradation and deliuery. The vessels were of
Topas and the round table.
This third magnificent table being taken vp as be-
fore 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 Manchut. The sauce Acceres,
minced and dissolued in Sugar thrice sodden, Amylum,
Saunders, Muske and Rose water. The vessels and the
rounde table of Chrysolite. Lastly, they offered a pre-
cious drinking cup, and so obserued in the rest.
The fourth table beeing taken away, the fift was re-
uested 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 rested 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 Souerigne
Queene.
This beeing taken away verie solemnely, there was
spred an other cloth of silke of a purple colour, and so f- 58.
the apparrel of the wayters.
The flowers were of three sortes, of Jessamine, tawny,
yealow, 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
table of white luory, bordered, trayled, and finely wrought
with many small pieces vpon the precious wood of Aloes,
and ioyned & 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 ex-
cellent thing and sumpteous breathing out, a most de-
lightful sweet smel. The cloth white and subtily
wrought with drawne worke and Satten silke, the ground
powdered and filled, and the worke white and plaine,
with the representation of shapes, byrdes, beastes, and
flowers, and in like sort the apparel of the wayters. The
flowers Lady steale, Rape, Violet, and all sortes of sweete
Gilliflowers. And thus there varied euerie where such
diuersitie of smelles, seuerally brought in, and so de-
lightfull to the sences, as I cannot sufficiently expresse.
Then there was giuen to euerie one a confection in
three morsels of the shell, fish, Dactilus, 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.
132
The vessels were of lacynth, and the table circulare.
An apt and conuenient stone to so excellent disposition
and royall board and straunge banquets, suche as before
were neuer heard of.
After the taking away of these wonderfull Confections,
f. 58''. and the flowers cast downe vpon the pauement in a
princely magnificence, there was presently brought in, a
great vessell of Gold 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 cooled, 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 banket, that it is better to holde my peace then
not to speake sufficiently in the report thereof. For that
the bankets of Sicilia be in respect but beggerly, and so
were the stately Ornaments of Attains. The Corinthian
vessels, the dainties of Ciprus, and Saliarie suppers.
Yet notwithstanding so supreame and excessiue alac-
ritie, 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,
were quayled, ouerthrowne, interrupted, lamed, intercepted
and made vaine. For shee did represent in her behauiour,
the sweet iesture and resemblance of Polia, stirring vp by
them in me stealing regardes.
133
This was no small hinderance vnto mee, in the takyng
of those pleasant dainties and princely refection. Yet
notwithstanding my eyes would now and then with much
adoo, bee withdrawne to beholde the bewtie of the lewels
and precious stones, sparkeling and glistering in euerie
place, in such diuersities of straunge and vnseene glorious-
nes and conspicuous decoraments, 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.
Lastly, in suche order and sorte, as aforesaide, the tables f. 59.
being 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.
Then first before the sacred Maiestie and royall person
of the Queene, and afterwards to vs, fiue fayre Nymphes
apparelled in blewe silke and golde curiously wouen
togeather in workes, did all together appresent them-
selues.
The middlemost of them did beare a braunch of coorrall,
lyke a tree, such as is not founde amongst the Ilandes
Orchades, of one cubite high, which stoode as vppon a
little mountayne, 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 work-
manshippe and leafe worke, neuer made in our age, nor
the like scene.
Betwixt the gracylament of the foote and the cuppe, it
was knitte together with a handle of inestimable worke-
manship, and in lyke manner the foote and the bowle
were of an excellent anaglyphie of foliature, monsters and
byformed Scyllules, so exquisitely expressed, as could be
imbossed, chased, or ingrauen by proportionate circulation.
134
And the mordycant couer of the same was thicke set
with incomparable iewelles ; and in lyke sorte all the base
and handle whereas conueniencie requyred, and glystering
about.
Vppon the braunches of the coorrall, there were arti-
ficially sette certayne open flowers with fine leaves, some
of Saphyre, some of lacynth and Berill, and in the
middest 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, where-
uppon shee helde this couer of coorrall, which also besides
the flowers, had vppon the pointes and toppes of other
twigges or sprouts curiously infixed monstrous great
pearle. And other of them had a cuppe full of pretious
lyquor, better then that which the prowde Cleopatra gaue
vnto the Romane Captaine : The reste did execute their
f. 59 b . offices as aforesaid, and plucking off one after another,
with a little instrument with two teeth of golde they offer-
ing the same fruits vnto vs, to me vnknowne, for that I
had neuer scene 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 wanting 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
workemanshippe, founded vppon an immoueable axel-
tree, vppon the which two wheeles turned about.
Aboue the which stood an vnequal quadrature three
foot long, two foot broad, and six foote high.
135
In euery angular part did sit a Harpie with both her
winges extended and stretched vp to the breadth of a
higher vessell, 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.
And vppon euerie side the same diuided into three,
the middle parte betwixt the fall of the waters inter-
cepted, 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 folya-
ture, did ryse vp an olde fashioned vessell, and verie
beautifull, the cyrcuite whereof did not exceede the con-
tent of the quadrangulate playne, and this with all the
rest of the woorke, and euerie proportionate disquisition,
tryall, and examination, both in the highest breadth and f. 60.
thicknesse, with moste conuenient vesseling lineamentes,
diligently delymated and fyled, and then finished with an
absolute and depolyte deformation.
The which out of the suppressed orifice thereof did
ascend vp an other hollowe vessell, the compasse whereof
did exceede the aforesaide subiect vessell furrowed and
channelled round about, of a great breadth and large
136
brymmes so wel fashioned, as is possible for any gold-
smith 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
o
differing in colours, as best might content the eye of a
curious Lapidarie 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 exquisite and most rare woorke
of leaues, inuesting the same about with the congresse of
the opposyte head, 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 garland of braunches, leaues, flowers, and fruites
growing bigger 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
placed the head of an olde man, with his beard and haire
of his head transformed into nettle leaues, 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, making a rounde composed hill,
137 T
beautifully glistering of dyuerse sortes and colours in a
proportionate bignes.
And aloft vpon 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 naturall bignesse heere and there aptly
placed, their sides cut open, 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 fylme with
siluer foyle.
And moreouer, in other apples, opened, but not rype,
hee redoubled the thicknesse of the foyle, making the
kernelles 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
whereof 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 opening, rarely bewtified with a coronice,
and put vnder with another.
In which closing and binding together in foure equall
diuisions, there were foure winged heades of a little
childe, with four 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 foliature Vppon the which there was placed
an other vessell as it were a circular couer of a most
138
curious leafe worke, with a smal coronice, and an artificial!
orifice.
From the bottome of which there beganne a flourished
tayle of a Dolphin fastened and sowldered to the gracyla-
ment of the vessell, descending downe with his heade
finned with leaues, to the circulating brymme of the
f. 61. vessell where the 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 beau-
tiful manner. And all that inclining part with an ex-
quisite 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 way and the other an other way,
adorned with a chasing of Mermaydes or Scillaes.
f. 62. This excellent peece of woorke thus running before
euerie 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.
And beeing thus sprinckled with this rare and maiesticall
water, the wayters with great reuerence presented vnto
the Oueene 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
139
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 scene or imagined
of anie mortall creature.
140
THE TENTH CHAPTER.
f. 62 b . Poliphilus followeth to shew besides this great banket of a most excellent
daunce or game, and how the Queene did commit him to two of her
Nymphes, the which did leade and conduct him to the sight of many
wondermll things, and as they talked, 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 he remained amongest the
amorous Nymphes.
AUING SPOKEN SOMETHING
of the exceeding & incomparable glorie,
triumph, vnknowne treasure, plentiful
delights, solemne banket, and the most
honourable 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
whatsoeuer rype, sharpe, aud readie wit, with a franke,
eloquent and plentiful toong adorned, is not able to per-
forme 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 vn-
likes inestimable, and not humane, haue so oppressed,
141
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 worthie to publish them.
All and the most that I can do, is to thinke of the rich
apparrel, exquisite prouision, curious dressings, perfect
ambitious and wounding bewties without imperfections,
their deepe iudgements, Aemilian eloquence, & bountie
more then princely, the notable disposition and order of
Architecture, the durable Symmetric and proportion of f. 63.
the building, perfect and absolute, the noblenes of the
Art of Masonrie and Lapycidarie, the directions and
placing of Columnes, the perfection of statues and re-
presentations, the adornment of the walles, the diuersitie
of the stones, the stately entrance & princely porch, large
Gallery, and artificious pauements, no man will thinke
with what cost and charge bewtified and hanged with
precious Arras and Verdure. The spacious and loftie
inner Court, goodly bedchambers, inner withdrawing
chambers, parlours, bathes, librarie and pinacloth, where
coat Armors, escuchions, painted tables, and counterfeates
of strangers were kept, & with a maiestical comelines
and order placed and solemnely distributed.
In which concerning capacitie, maruellous performance,
incredible charge and high commendation of the most ex-
cellent Artificer, woorthily allowed in euerie partition and
elegant conuention of exquisite Lineaments. I also be-
held a marueilous 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 sorted proportions, with sundry lybellated
Dimensions, shadowing ouer the Court, with an Arched
Eminence, which was vnder, adorned with coronised
142
Lyneaments and grauings, thereunto conuenient, as
Fasheols, Gululles, and Quailing, 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 laggings
about the leaues, and space betweene leafe and leafe.
All thinges couered with pure fine gold and Azure colour,
with diuers other proportions and counterfets of substance,
equal with their workemanship. The roofing of Salances,
King of Colchis, may not compare 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
f. 63 b . healthfull, country free from danger and cleane, 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 commodities, 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 de-
lightfull presence of the Nymphes, both attending abroad
in the presence and chambers, her baser sort, their honour-
able and gracious behauiours, their diuersitie of apparrel,
attire and dressings set with Pearle and stone, in an
allowed, pleasant & louely sort, as any can imagine or ex-
presse. With these infinite riches, supreame delightes,
H3
and immeasurable treasure, neither Darius, Crcesus, or any
other humane state, whatsoeuer might in 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 obiects,
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 accumula-
tion of glorie, pleasant seate, happie Country, great con-
tentment and tryumphant company, such as Clodius the
Player in Tragedies neuer had scene. I was but mode-
rately conuerted, notwithstanding the promise of the
Queene, to fauour my amorous desire, accouating all, but
as eye pleasures that hitherto I had scene and had been
presented vnto me, stil desiring a greater happines.
For which cause, and for the greater setting out of the
excesse and abounding excellency, beyond all the rest of
her royall magnificence, euery one sitting in their place
after the miraculous, 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.
By the entraunce of the curtaine there came in thirty f. 64.
two Nymphes, whereof sixteene were apparrelled in cloth
of Gold (eyght vniformally without difference of degrees)
afterwards one of those sixteene was aparrelled in princely
robes lyke a King, and the other lyke a Queene, with two
tower-keepers or Rookes, as wee tearme them, two counsell-
keepers or Secretaries, we tearme them Bishoppes, and two
Knights. In like sort were eight other in cloth of siluer,
vnder the like gouernement and magistracie as aforesaid.
144
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 in-
uention to sound a charge with a pleasaunt concord, parti-
cipating togeather a sweete and thundering melodic,
hauing in it a deuine furie.
At the measured sounde and time of the Musicke
vppon their checkers, as it pleased the King to com-
maund, the pawns turning themselues with a decent reuo-
lution, honouring the King and the Queene, leapt vppon
an other checker before them.
The King of the white men, his musicke sounding,
commaunded her forward that stoocle before the Queene,
and the same with lyke reuerent behauiour marched for-
ward her continent, 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 kepte still one time, those eyght vny-
forme pawnes did spende the time in marching forwardes
into another checker, neuer comming backe vntill that
worthily without 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 Diagonick line.
The Bishop went in a Diagonike line, still holding that
coloured checker wherein he stood first,
f. 6 4 b . 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.
H5 u
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 whensoeuer 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 ouer-
come and taken, goeth foorth and standeth by.
Thus they continued playing and dauncing according
to the time of the musicke, with great pleasure, solace, and
applause, 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 cir-
culation, 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 sodaine from the liking of the sportes of Olym-
pus 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 intheyr ap-
poynted 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
order, and approoued gesture and arte, that it was no
neede to commaund or say any thing.
146
But the cunning and experte Nymphes, with theyr
plentifull tresses effused ouer theyr delicate shoulders
hung wauing, and in theyr motion forwardes would
f. 59. streame out at length, 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 playing and coursing
vp and downe, the first continued still conquerour.
In the last game and daunsing, they beeing all returned
to their distributed places, the Musicke againe sounded a
measure phrygiall in as perfect and prouoking furie as
euer Marcias of Phrygia inuented.
The King in robes of Golde, caused the yoong
Damosell that stood before the Queene, to marche for-
warde to the third Checker, direct in the first remooue,
whereupon immediately there was scene a battaile and
Torney, with so swift and sodaine forces, bending them-
selues to the grounde as it were lying close vpon their
Garde, and presently vpon it capering vp with a turne
twise aboue ground, one iust opposite against an other,
and vpon their downe come withall a turne vpon the
toe thrise about.
All this Action they did at one time, with such a grace
and agilitie, as nothing could be better, with their lowe
inclinations, high Capers and Turnings, without affecta-
tion of strayning, as it should seeme with facilitie and
careles ease at pleasure and sweete iestures, as in such a
thing may bee imagined, and not else where to bee scene.
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 pollicies of either
sides to ouercome other.
147
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 f. 6s b .
take Armes, and presently altering his voyce and tune, to
forget the same, and sit downe contentedly. In this third
game, they apparrelled in gold did triumph in the
victoritie.
Thus honourably with exceeding pleasure and great
solace, this sumpteous feast beeing ended, euerie one
framed themselues to sit downe. And I rysing vp, made
reuerence before the Royall seate of her sacred maiestie,
and kneelyng downe vpon my knee, she thus said vnto
me.
Polipkilus, forget now, and wipe out of thy remem-
brance 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 Fortes, which are the resident places of the
high and mightie Queene Telosia, in which place vppon
euerie of those Fortes 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
148
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 deliuered 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 countenance 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. And both of you shewe and instruct
him at what Gate hee must remayne, and then Poliphilus,
they 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 discon-
tented.
Notwithstandyng, none doth knowe her intent by her
countenance, because that sometime shee sheweth her
selfe full of favour, loue, and pleasant dispositions. An
other time shee is malignant, frowarde, disdainefull, with
vnstable incursyue passions. And shee it is that deter-
mineth 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 me to dwell in.
Therefore I would haue thee to vnderstande, that the
chiefe woorkeman in the creation of nature, did make no
149
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 qualitie.
And therefore esteeme of it according to the value,
for that thou findest in me, is a heauenly Tallent aboue
all earthly Jewels, 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,
discouer, and laye open her selfe vnto any as shee is, and
for this cause the euent of her variable determination is
kept secret.
But in a maruellous sort considerately, shee trans-
formeth 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 f. 66 b
with a right and sincere iudgement looke vnto it, and
quickly consider of it, for because that shee ambyguously
chaungeth hir selfe in habite and countenance, and through
this doubtfull anymaduersion, a man remaineth deceiued
of his expectation without remedie.
And therefore Poliphilus, that which these my con-
signed, trustie and appoynted handmaydes by suggestion
shall perswade thee vnto, and at what Gate thou oughtest
to enter in and remayne, euen which of those two it shall
150
best please thee to giue eare vnto, doo : for they haue
some vnderstanding of her.
And hauyng thus spoken shee made a signe or becke
with her head to the two Nymphes Logistica and The-
lemia, who presently without delaie, were obedient to hir
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.
The two appoynted companyons of my iourney, verie
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,
bewtie, 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, O THI <J>TIF,ni
OABOI.
f. 67. And as muche as with my quicke sences I could carrie,
I tooke in my going foorth, with as greate pleasure and
delight as is possible to expresse. O happie were hee
that myght bee but a drudge or kitchin slaue in suche a
Paradice.
Nowe beeing come into the base Court, compassed and
sette about with Orenge trees, TJielemia in great curtesie
saide thus vnto me, besides and aboue all the maruellous
and woonderfull thinges which thou hast yet scene and
behelde, there bee fower 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
expence, 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
Arstopariais were set conuenyent garden pots in the which in stead of
the way of , . ,
cutting of trees growing plantes, eucrie one was 01 pure glasse, exceeding
in gardens or ... iir- i i 1
other places a mans imagination or beleeie, mtorpianed boxe the
shapes. ^ ' rootes and stalkes of golde, whereout the other pro-
ceeded.
Betwixt one and other of the which was placed a
Cyprusse 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 diuer-
sitie in the fashions of flowers in distinct colours verie
delyghtfull.
The playne labiall compassing about the quadrant
Orchyard comming out from the walles as a seate for these
aforesayde 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
playster of glasse gilte, and a curious historographie to
be seene in the same, and compassed about and holden
in with wyering and netting of golde.
152
f. 6; h . The wall that compassed about the Orchyard with a
conuenient distance, was bellyed out with columnes of the
same matter, and inuested with flowring bindings natu-
rally proportioned, and heere and there were quad-
rangulate columnes of golde chamfered, arching from
one to an other, with a requisite beame Zophor and coro-
nice, 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 adultera-
tion by folyature. From the flowers did breath a sweet
fragrancie by some cleare washing with oyle for that
purpose.
There most cunningly did Logistica lyke an Orator
make a discourse in commendation physically of that ex-
cellent 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 Thclemia
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
153 x
in the forme of an intricate Laborynth 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. Wereupon she spake thus.
I doe imagine (Poliphilus) that you doe not vnderstande f. 68.
the conditionate state of this maruellous seate, and there-
fore glue attendance to my wordes.
Whosoeuer entereth in cannot come backe, but as
you see yonder mountaines heere and there distri-
buted, seuen circuits and the about goings distant from
another.
And the extreeme molestation and sorrowe of the
enterers 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 cannot bee scene nor shunned, neyther doth
he leaue any vnassaulted, but eyther in the entrie, or in
their iourney, hee destroyeth 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
(wherevppon is this tytle inscript AOHA KOIMIKHflS
rOM$OAT2). They sayle in a little shippe with a pros-
perous 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 revo-
lutions with a merry winde, vntill the second mount bee
discouered and come vnto. And marke and beholde
(Poliphilus) howe cleare and bright the ayre is in the
154
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 bountiful!, before whome standeth an
auncient appoynted vessell called Vrna, in a readinesse,
hauing vppon it seauen Greeke letters as thus, EIFION,
full of appoynted honie, and to euerie one that entereth
in, verie curteously and with a good will shee giueth one
of them without respecte of state and condition, but
according to theyr enterance.
These beeing receyued, they come foorth, and begin to
sayle in the Laborynth, the water being enuyroned vpon
either sides, with roses, trees, and fruits.
68 b . And hauing sayled the first seuen revolutions of Aries>
and being come to the second mount, there they meet
with innumerable 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 according
to her inclyned promptnes, they accompany them to the
third mount.
In this place hee that will goe on forwards with his com-
panion, 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
155
against them, and in these seauen oblique courses their
pleasure is variable and vnconstant.
Beeing come to the fourth mount, they fmde other
yoong women combatting and fighting, and those examin-
ing theyr pottes of honie, they intice them to theyr exer-
cise, but those that refuse to leaue theyr first companions,
they let passe together, 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 specu-
lable, lyke a mirrour they see theyr representations, and
in that they take great delyght, and with a feruent desire
they passe on their laboursome course. In that mount
they see this sentence and golden saying manyfested,
Medium tenuere beati : not lyneall, nor locall, but tem-
porall, where by a sincere and perfect 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.
And losing off from thence, the Waters by reason of the f. 69.
broken 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 aspects and countenaunces the Tra-
uailers are taken in their loue, condemning their former
with despite and hatefull abhorrence. And with these
they fall acquainted, and passe the seauen reuolucions.
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
o
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
remembring 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 can not
returne or goe backe with theyr Shyppe, such a companie
still follow them vppon the stearne with their fore-castles.
And most of all dysmayeth them the heauie sentence ouer
the median Center, Theonlykos 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 sub-
iect to such myserable and ineuitable necessity.
And then she smyling, said : Poliphilus, ouer the de-
uouring throat of thys Center, there sitteth a seuere ludge,
balancing euery ones actions, and helping whom hee will
helpe. And because that it will be tedious to tell thee all,
let thus much heereof suffise. Let vs goe downe to our
companion Tkelemia, who demanding the cause why they
staid so long aboue, Logistica made aunswer, it doth not
content our Poliphilus, onely to behold, but also to vnder-
stand 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, Tkelemia said.
|f. 6 9 h . Let vs goe a little while to an other garden no lesse
pleasant ioyning to the glasse garden, vppon the right
side of the Pallas : and when wee were come in thither, I
was amazed with excessiue wondering, to see the curious-
nesse of the worke, as vneasie to report as vncredible to
beleeue : sequiuolent with that of glasse/wyth lyke dispo-
sition of benches or bankes ; theyr lyppes set out with
157
Coronising and golden ground worke, and such trees, but
that the boxes and Cyprus trees, were all silke, sauing the
bodies and greater branches, or the strength of the armes :
the rest, as the leaues, flowers, and outermost rynde, was
of fine silke, wanting no store of Pearles to beautifie the
o
same : and the perfect fine collour, smelling as the glasse
flowers before mentioned, and alike, but that they about
compassing walles, of meruailous and incredible sump-
teousnesse, were all couered ouer with a crusting of
Pearle, close ioyned and set together : and towardes the
toppe, there sprouted out greene yuie, the leaues thick-
ning and bushing out from the Pearles, with the stringes
and veines of golde, running vppe in diners places be-
twixt the Pearles, in a most rare and curious sort, 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
plotted garden walles : ouer the which, in master-like
and requisite order, stretched out the beame and Zophor
of golde.
The plaine smooth of the settles, where-vpon the boxe
trees stoode, couered ouer with Histories of loue and
venerie, in a worke of silke and threddes of golde and siluer,
in suche a perfect proportioned ymaginarie and counterfait-
ing as none may goe beyonde. The ground of the leuell
garden was of leaues, grasse, and flowers of silke, like a
faire sweete meddowe : 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 beau-
tifull 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
158
pauement of a yellow Diaspre, according to the largenes
of the place, 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
melodic and vn-hearde sweetenesse, she began to sing in
the commendation and delightes of her Queene. And
seeing what a grace vnto her the company of her fellowe
Logistica was, I maruailed why Apollo came not to harken
the Harmonic made by them : it was so melodious, that
for the present tyme a man woulde haue thought that
there had beene no greater faelicitie. And after that shee
ended her diuine Poems, Logistica tooke me by the hande
and led me foorth of the Arbour, saying unto 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 satis-
fied in both.
And from thence, shee and her companion brought mee
from thys garden to an other, where I behelde an arching
Areostile, 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 re-
quisite proportioning, all inuested and couered ouer with
greene yuie, so that no part of the wall was to be scene.
And there were a hundred Arches to the compassing of
this garden.
By euery of the Arches was an Aulter of red Porphirite,
curiously proportioned with exquisite lyneaments ; and
vppon euery one of them was placed, an image of golde,
like a Nymph, of rare and beautifull semblances, diuersly
159
apparelled, and varying in theyr attyre and heade dress-
ing, euery one bending their eyes towardes the Center of
the garden.
In which midde 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 f. 7o h .
halfe. The corners of which triangle did iumpe with
the sides, and lymbus of the subiacent plynth or round
stone.
In the smooth polished fronts of which triangle, there
was appact a beautifull Image, of a heauenly aspect, graue
and modest, 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 try-
gonall 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 Coppies of
fine gold, was seauen foote.
And the Images, the Coppy es and their bandes where-
with they were tyed in the midst and held by, were all
shyning, and their hands inuiluped with the sundry stringes,
flying about the plaine smothe of the black stone.
Their habits were Nymphish of most rare and most
excellent working. The Sepulchre of Tarnia the Oueene
of the Scythians in Asia was nothing comparable.
In the lowest Cubicall Figure, vpon the smoth plaine
1 60
of euery square, were ingrauen Greeke Letters, three, one,
two and three on thys sort, AYS A AQ TO 2.
if. 71- In the circular there were three Characters Hiera-
gliphicall, perpindicularly vnder the feet of euerie 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, towarde
euerie corner, I did behold an Egiptian Monster of Gold,
fower footed couchant. One of them hauing a face lyke
[a] man altogether. The other like half a man, & halfe
a beast. And the third like a beast. With a linnen
vaile ouer euery of their heades, with two Labels hanging
ouer theyr eares, & the rest descending downe and couer-
ing their necks & backes, with the bodies of Lyons.
Theyr lookes directly forward.
Vppon the backs of these three, dyd stande rysing vp
V. 7i b . a massiue Spy re 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
Q, and ouer the third, a Greeke N.
Then Logistica beganne to speake vnto me, saying, by
these Figures are discribed, so farre as man's reason can
shewe, the celestiall harmony. And vnderstand Poli-
philits> that these Figures, with a perpetuall affynitie
and coniunction, are auncient Monuments, and Egiptian
Hieragliphs, signifying this, Diuince infinitceque trinitati
vnius essentice. 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.
161 Y
The lower Figure was consecrated to the Deitie, be-
cause it is euerie way alike, and all one : and vpon euery
side, and turned euery way, of like stablenes ; vpon
euery base, constant and permanent.
The round Circular standing vppon that, is without
beginning or ende. Vppon the circumferent sides where-
of, these three lyneaments are contained, directly vnder
euerie Image, according 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 partycipation of Loue.
And although that they be three distinct things, yet
they are contained & vnited in one sempeternallie, with
great loue communicating their blessings, as you may see
by the coppies at euery corner of the trygonall stone.
And continuing her delectable speech, she sayd, vnder
the forme of the Sunne, note this Greeke worde, Adie-
getos. By the Ower looke upon 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 like those Monsters : & as that with the f. 72.
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 mor-
tall man can at one instant perfectlie discerne and see
together two sides of the same figure, sauing one in-
162
tegrally, which is the Present : and therefore vppon great
knowledge were these three Characters engrauen, O, Q, N.
For which cause P.oliphilus, not that I excuse my selfe
for beeing oner prolix and tedious, but briefely to teach
thee, and sette thee right vp. In the knowledge heereof,
thou shalt vnderstand, that the first basiall Figure is
onely knowne to hymselfe, and to one Sonne of man, which
hath a humane bodie glorifyed and without sinne : and
the brightnes thereof wee see but as in a glasse, and not
cleerely as it is, for that it is incomprehensible for a fynite
substance.
But he that is indued with wisedome, let 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 Images: The Blacke stone is the Lawe :
the Coppies foode : the three Women the presentation of
Man-kind.
No we 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 vnderstanding is vnperfect: and although that
they see it, yet they knowe not what they see, but that
there is such a thing, in comparison whereof, they are
fooles, theyr power weake, and themselues nothing.
And there Logistica hauing ended her allowed talke,
proceeding from an absolute knowledge, deepe iudgement,
and sharpnesse of wit in Diuine matters, and vnknowne
to weake capacities, I began heereat to take greater de-
light, then in any other meruailous worke what soeuer,
that I had graciously beholden with my greedy eyes.
Considering with my selfe of the mysticall Obelisque,
the ineffable equality statarie, for durablenesse and per-
petuitie vnmoueable, and enduring vncorruptible.
163
Where there breathed a sweet ayre from heauen, with f- 72 b .
vnuariable 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 perpetuall greenesse, disposed and set by a
regular order, both beautifull, pleasant, and conuenient ;
with the perfect labour and indeuour 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 luied 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
pleasant Countrey, with a reasonable conuenient pace, I
beheld the heauens very cleere & bright, & beguiled the
tyme with merry, sweet, and delightfull discourses. And
I desirous to vnderstand euery particular of the inesti-
mable riches, vnspeakeable delights and incomparable
treasure of the sacred Queene, (to the which Osyris the
builder of the two Temples of Golde, one to hipiter, 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 com-
parison most precious; The lasper which had the effigies
of Nero cut, it was not much bigger. Neither was the
Coruscant to passe in the statue of Arsinoe the Arabian
Queene equall with it. Next her, of such value was the
lewell, wherein was the representation of Nonius the
164
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 lewell
was ingrauen an imperiall throne, and in the throne the
mighty name of lehouah 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 home
of saluation, or Copie full of all good blessednes, and this
is all that is contained in the lewell.
Then I presumed further to knowe, what should these
two things vpon eyther sides of the throne signifie, that
were holden out in two handes. Thelemia quickly aun-
swered me, God of his infinite goodnesse, proposeth to man-
kind his mercie and his iudgement, chuse which they will.
For thys beeing satis-fied I sayd moreouer. Seeing
that most gracious Nymphs, my speeches be not dis-
pleasant vnto you, and that I am not yet satis-fied in
all that I haue scene, I pray you let me vnderstand this.
Before the horrible feare that I was driuen into by the
Dragon, 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
165
doe vnderstancle very well your doubt, and therefore you
shall vnderstande, that this monstrous shape and machine
was not made without great and wonderfull humane
wisedome, much labour, and incredible diligence, with a
perplexibility of vnderstanding to knowe the mysticall
conceite. Thou remembrest that vpon the face there
hung an ornament, with a certaine Ideonix 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 bessing 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
& piercing, but I vnderstoode it very well and gaue her
great thankes. And yet desirous to be resolued in what-
soeuer I stood in doubt, and seeing that I might speake f.
boldly, I made this third question. Most wise Nymph,
in my comming out of the subterraneall vast darksome
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
Hieragliphs, both which I did interprete, but I stoode
doubtfull of certaine branches, that were tyed to the
homes 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 ludea, and
the other of the Turbentine. The nature The crown of the
r i i TTT- 1 i i i -11 thorne vpon
of which Woodes bee, that the one will not christes head.
easily take fire, and the other will neither
bend, rotte, consume, nor be eaten with wormes. And
1 66
so that patience is commended, which with anger is not
kindled, nor by aduersity will bee subdued.
The nature of the Porphyrit stone is of this secrecie,
that 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 suffer any other wherein it beareth
rule to fall into a furie. And the Ophite stone is of such
nature also.
No we Poliphilus, I doe greatly commende you, in that
you are desirous to vnderstand such secrets : for to be-
hold, consider, and measure the same, is a commendable
vertue, and the way to knowledge : whereuppon I had
occasion giuen to render innumerable thanks, for her
great and fauourable curtesies.
And thus with allowed and delightfull discoursing
speeches, 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 excellent fayre bridge ouer the Riuer
made of stone, with three Arches, with pyles bearing
foorth against the two fronts, to preserue the worke of
the bridge, the sides thereof beeing of excellent work-
manship.
And in the middle bending of the same, vpon eyther
sides, there was a square stone of Porphyrite set, hauing
in it a Catagliphic, engrauing of Hieragliphies.
f. 74. Vpon the right hand as I went ouer, I beheld a woman,
casting abroade her armes, sitting onely vppon one
buttocke, putting foorth one of her legges as if shee would
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.
167
Right against her, there was a Circle, the center wherof
two little Spyrits did hold, with their backs turned to-
wards the circumference 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 Monument and thing to be considered,
of such as passe by.
The Circle Medium tenuere beati,
The other, temper thy hast by staying, and thy slow-
nesse by rysing, consider heereof as thou seest cause.
This bridge was built with a moderate bending, shew-
ing the cunning disquisition, tryall, examination, arte, and
discretion of the excellent workman and inuenter, com-
mended 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 & craggie 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.
Ouer euery one of the which I beheld in Letters Ionic, f. 75.
Romaine, Hebrew and Arabic, the tytle that the sacred
Queene Eleutherillida fore-told me that I should find.
1 68
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 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 painted Pilurania. Shee came with a modest
and honest shamefastnesse, 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
Thende. Shee had attending vppon her sixe Hand-
169 z
maydes basely and slenderly apparrelled. One was
named Partkenia, the second Edosia, an other Hypoco-
linia, the fourth Pinotidia, the next Tapinosa } the last
Prochina. Which reuerent Matron with her right arme
naked poynted to the heauens.
She dwelt in a place very hard to come vnto, and ful
of troubles to passe on the way, beeing hyndered with
thorne and bryers, 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 at the end. And then
Thelemia sayde, Poliphilus, I see you make small regarde
of such a painefull woman. Whereat I assenting to her
with my countenaunce, wee departed, and the gate being
shut we came to the next.
Where knocking, it was presently opened, and wee
170
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
magnanimious and nobly minded. Her belly small. A
75 b - little mouth, strong and stooping shoulders, by her counte-
naunce seeming to bee of an vndaunted minde, not fearing
to vndertake any enterprise 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, Anectea, the fift was named Statia, the last was
called Olistea.
The situation and place me thought was painefull, and
Logistica 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 Poli-
philus be not wearie 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, notwithstanding that the
habitation seemed laboursome. Wherevppon Tkelemia
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 Thelemia 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 Philtronia.
171
Her regards were wanton, lasciuious, and vnconstant,
her grace wonderfull pleasant, so as at the verie first sight
shee violently 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. Issuing and sending foorth in diners places
small streames of water, pyppling and slyding downe
vpon the Amber grauell in theyr crooking Channels
heere and there, by some suddaine fall making a still
continued noyse, to great pleasure moystning the open
fieldes, and making the shadowed place vnder the leaffye
Trees, coole and fresh.
Shee had with her also sixe young women of like
statures, passing fayre, of pleasant countenaunces, amo-
rously adorned and dressed as may bee desired of an f. 7 6.
ambitious beautie and gesture.
The first was called Rastonelia. The second, Cortasina.
The thirde, Idonesa. The fourth, Triphelia. The fift,
Epiania. And the last was named Adia.
These and their companie were very delightfull to my
gasing and searching eyes. VVhere-vppon Logistica pre-
sentlie with a sad and grieued countenaunce, seeing mee
disposing my selfe abruptlie to the seruile loue of them,
shee said vnto mee, O Poliphihts, the alluring and in-
ticing beauties of these are vaine, deceiueable, and counter-
feited, vnsauorie and displeasant, and therefore if thou
wouldest with aduisement looke vppon theyr backes, thou
wouldest then hate, contemne, and abhorre theyr loth-
some filthinesse and shame, abounding in stinke and noy-
some sauoure aboue any dunghill, which no stomacke can
abide.
And therefore what is slypperie and transitorie flye and
172
I
eschewe, despose that pleasure which bringeth shame and
repentance, vaine hopes, a short and small ioy, with per-
petuall complaynts, doubtfull sighes, and a sorrowfull life
neuer ending.
Oh adulterated and vnkindly pleasure, fraught with
miserie, contayning such bitternesse, like honnie, and yet
gall dropping from greene leaues.
O lyfe worse than 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 headlong 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 accursed 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 wounded
r. 76^. harts, the vtter destroyer, and idle letting goe by of
all good blessings.
Oh blinde Monster, how doost thou blinde, and with
what deceipt doost thou couer the eyes, and deceiue the
vnderstanding sences of vnhappie and miserable Louers
with vailes and mystes.
O monstrous and slauish which compassed with so manie
euils, hastenestto so small pleasure poysoned and fayned.
Logistica speaking with vehemencie these and such
lyke words, her fore-head frowning, wrympling with fur-
rowes, and veines, rysing vp in a great rage, shee cast her
Lute vppon the ground and brake it.
173
Where-vppon Thelcmia, 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
determination, beeing kindled with disdaine, turned her
backe, and with a great sigh hastened away.
And I remained still with my companion Thelemia, who
with a flattering and smyling grace sayd vnto me, 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 intermission deter-
mined to seeke and desire.
174
And doubtfully then discoursing with my selfe, I waa re-
solued that nothing coulde breede quiet, or bring content
to my poore grieued hart, but my best desired Polia. The
promise and warrantise of Tkelemia 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
well, and entertained mee courteously, shee kissing mee,
tooke her leaue and gaue me a fare-well.
f - 77- The mettalyne gates beeing shut, I remayned incloy-
stered among these fayre and beautifull Nymphes, who
began very pleasantly and wantonly to deuise with mee :
and beeing hemmed in with their lasciuious company,
I found my selfe prouoked by their perswasiue alluring in-
tisements, to vnlawfull concupiscence, feeling in my selfe
a burning desire, kyndled with their wanton aspects, an
increasing prouocation of a lusting fier. I doubt me that
if Pkrine had beene of that sauour, and force in gesture
and speech, colde Xenocrates would haue consented to her
alluring, and not haue beene accused by her, to be an
imaee of stone. Their countenances were so lasciuious,
o
their breastes naked and intycing, theyr eyes flattering, in
their roseall forheads, glystering and rowling, their shapes
most excellent, their apparell rich, their motions girlish,
theyr regards byting, theyr ornaments, sweete and pre-
cious, no part counterfeited, but all perfected by nature in
an excellent sort, nothing deformed, but all partes aunswer-
able one to an other.
Their heades yellowe, their tresses fayre, and the hayre
soft and fine, in such a sort dressed vp and rouled into tram-
mels, with laces of silke and golde, passing any ioye that a
man may beholde, turned about their heads in an excel-
lent manner, inuiluxed, and bound vppe together, their
175
forheades compassed about and shaddowed with vvauering
curies, mouably praepending in a wonderfull manner, mar-
ueilous delightful!, perfumed & sweet, yeelding an vnknown
fragrancie. Their speeches so perswasorie and pleasing, as
might robbe the fauour of an indesposed hart, and violently
drawe vnto them any mind, though Satyr-like or churlish
howsoeuer, to depraue Religion, to binde euery loose con-
ceit, to make any rusty Peasant amorous, and to mollifie
any froward disposition. Vppon which occasion, my
minde, altogether set on fier with a new desire, and in the
extreame heate of concupiscence, prouoked to fall head-
long into a lasciuious appetite, & drowned in lustfull loue
vnbridled : in the extreame inuasion and infectious
contage thereof, the Damoselles forsooke mee
and left me all alone in a fruit-
full playne.
176
THE ELEVENTH CHAPTER,
77 b - 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.
Y TENDER HEART THUS EX-
cessiuely wounded with amorous pro-
uocation, I think I was mad, I stood so
amazed, or blinde at the least, because
that I coulde not perceiue in what sort
or how this desired and delightful! com-
pany gaue mee the slip : and at last not knowing what I
did, but casting mine eyes right forward, I behelde before
mee, a fine Arbour 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 commixt, and entring in vnder the same. Wonder-
fully 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 said I, with a deepe sigh, my Polia, that the greene
Arbour 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
177 A A
the other ende of the Arbor, I might perceiue a farre off, a
great number of youthes, solacing and sporting them-
selties very loude with diuers melodious soundes, with
pleasant sports and sundry pastimes, in great ioye, and
passing delight 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 ex-
pected her comming, who with a maidenly hast, modest
accesse, star-like countenance, and smiling grace, drewe
neere vnto mee with such a Maiestie, and yet friendly, so f. 78.
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 hipiter, or the fayre Psyches to
her spouse Cupid.
For which cause, if shee had beene the fourth among
the three contending Goddesses, if loue had beene ludge,
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 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, powdered with golde, vppon a smocke of pure white
178
coorled Lawne, couering her most delicate and tender
body, and snowye skinne, as fine and good as euer
Pamphila the daughter to Platis in the Hand 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
fashioned petticoates with French wastes, for that her
sweete proporcioned body needed no such pinching in, &
vnholsome weare, hyndering 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 garment 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 garment, bearing ouer the girdle
about her like a french vardingale, & the nethermost part
falling down about her feet in plightes and fouldes, vn-
stable 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 be-
gotten 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
179
set with Pearle and stone : and in like sort all the hemmine
o
about of her vesture, with golde ooes, and Pearle, and
spangles of golde in diners 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 blewe silke,
so that you might see her smocke betweene the distance
of one Pearle from an other, couerin^ her daintie soft
o
snowye thinne skinne : except her small necke and the
vpper halfe of her spatious and delitious breast, more de-
sired and contenting mine eyes, then the water brookes
and coole Ryuers to the emboste and chased Hart, more
pleasing then the fisher boate of Endimion to Cynthia,
and more pleasant then Cithera to Orpheus.
The sleeues of her smocke of a conuenient largenesse,
o '
and about her wristes plighted and tyed with Bracelets
of Golde, double and vnited with Orient Pearle. And
besides all her ornaments and gracious gestures, she in-
deuoured 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 sup-
pressing of her soft and fine apparell : so as I iudged
vppon good consideration, and thought that in the dig-
nitie and honourable frame of her personage, the Creator
had framed and vnited 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 fauourand 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
1 80
wife of Ccssar 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
f. 79- was laced a corruscant rounde Ruble, and vppon the col-
laterate sides of the sayde Pearles, two glistering Saphires,
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 manner.
Her fayre heade, sending downe and vnfolding a loose
spreading 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 forheade : 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 vpper 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 calues of her slender legges, moderatly
wauinor and blowne abroad in greater beautie than the
o o
proude eyed feathers of lunoes Birde. Such hayre as
Berenice did neuer vow to in the venereous Temple for
her Tkolemceus, nor Conns the Mathematrician did euer
beholde the like placed in the Triangule.
In her forehead, vnder two subtile blacke Hemycicles
and distinct eye brees, such as Abacsine in Ethiopia had
not to boast of, or compare with, nor luno her selfe, did
looke out and present themselues two pleasant radious and
181
glistering eyes, which would enforce lupiter to rayne
golde, of a cleere sight, quicke and pearcing, with a
browne circle betwixt the Apple and the milchie white :
neere to the which were her purple and Cherry cheekes,
beautified with two round smiling 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.
o
Vnder her nose to her lyppes, passed a little valley to
her small mouth of a most sweete forme, her lyppes not
blabbered or swelling, but indifferent, & of a rubye collour,
couering two vniforme sets of teeth, like yuory, and small,
not one longer and sharper than any 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 f. 79*.
her gracious lyppes, wer no other but Oryent Pearles, &
her sweet breath hot Muske, and by her delightfull voyce
that she was Tkespis with her nine daughters.
By all which sight I was greatly mooued and my
sences rauished 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 another, to bee more beautifull : but my appetite
rapt into another part of her heauenly body, esteeming
that aboue the other. And thus my insatiable and
wanton eyes, were the euill beginning of all thys perturb-
ing 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 con-
tumacy, I was now brought from my selfe, and neuerthe-
182
lesse, I could not be satisfied by them. My greedy
appetyte extolled her delicate breast aboue any compari-
son, my eyes delightfully consenting 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 ges-
ture, set all their delight therein : and my appetite
strengthened and not easilie remooued from thence, I
perswaded my selfe, that the plentie and fayrenesse of her
head and hayre, and the dressing thereof, and the beautie
of her forheade, coulde neuer bee compared with any
one or other, like the scrapings of golde alwaies 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 Ncco behelde among the Acitanians, wound-
ing 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 scene, so gracious, so shyning, so cleere
and pleasant lightes as these were, placed in the forhead
of this heauenly creature ; so that by them my hart was
taken prisoner ; & was filled with such continuall contro-
uersies 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 while it was there : so 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 among a number of prepared meates being
desirous of all, feedes of none, his burning
appetite remayning satisfied with
none, but still hungry.
183
THE TWELFTH CHAPTER.
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.
HUS SEING BEFORE ME, A
reall and visible obiect of a most ex-
cellent representation, louely presence
and heauenly aspect, of a plentifull store,
and vniuersall gathering of vnseene
beautie, and inhumaine comelinesse. I
made light and slender account, in respect heereof, of all
the inestimable delights, riches, and great pompe which
before I had behelde and scene, thinking their worthi-
nesse 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 commended the
same aboue all the Agrigentine maides, euery proportion
would haue made vnto him an oportune shewe of the
absolutist perfection in the whole world.
Which fayre and heauenly Nymph nowe comming
neere vnto me, with a cheerefull countenance, incon-
tinently her most rare beautie, before somewhat a farre
of looked vppon with mine eyes, but nowe by them
184
i
more neere and narrowly behelde, I was rauished and
amased.
And her amorous aspect and louely presence, was no
sooner brought by the message of mine eyes to my in-
ward partes, but my recording and watchfull remembrance,
stirring and waking vppe my heart, presenting and offer-
ing 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 taediously 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 Polia, 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 suspicious.
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,
o
more white then euer had Pelopea, wherein appeared
the thinne smoothnes of the skynne, and the blewnesse
of the veynes lyke Azure streames, vppon the faire and
whitest paper. Shee tooke me by the left hande with a
185 B B
sweete and louring countenance and smiling grace, and with
an eloquent speech, shee pleasantly 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
shee should knowe my name ; and all 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 sud-
daine 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 something
which was more then humaine ; which when I had so
done, I remained moued in minde, troubled and doubtfull,
vnaccustomed to such a companion, not knowing what to
say, or whether to followe her, in my simple apparell and
homely bringing vp, not agreeable with hers, and as a
foole, vnworthy and vnfit for her fellowship, perswading
my selfe, that it was not lawfull for a mortall and earthly
creature to enioy such pleasures. For which cause my
collour red and blushing, with reuerent admiration, being f. 81.
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 successe, being neere so faire
and diuine an obiect, and in such a place ; And so fol-
lowed her on with, a panting heart, more shaking than
the birde Sisura, or a Lambe carry ed in the mouth of a
Wolfe.
1 86
And thus touched most feruently with pleasant heates,
growing & encreasing more & more, they began to
boyle & kindle my colde feare, and dispositiuely to
adopt my altered heate to sincere loue. Which being thus
brought to thys passe, by a prouoked inward desire, yet
inwardly as I reasoned with my selfe, it was wonderfully
variable and doubtfull. Oh most happye Louer of all
Louers, that in requitall of hys, might bee sure to par-
ticipate 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 bestow vpon her, or present vnto her,
it might be that she would not refuse it : like Artaxerxes,
187
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 pre-
pared subiect, so effectually, that her amorous regardes
gaue me mortall and deadly woundes : euen as lightning
and thunder, among the stronge and mightie oakes, sud-
dainely with a great force, scorching & 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 radious beames did reincounter mutually with myne,
for a little while euery thinge seemed two vnto mee,
vntill I had closed the lyddes together, and restored
them to theyr former light.
Wherevpon, and by reason of these thinges captiuated, f. 8i b .
spoyled 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 bitten or shaken, so it
fell and fayled me. And receiuing into his wounded
and familiar estuation, in some interposition of time, imme-
diatly his accustomed heat and feruor increased, piercing
the inward parts with her virgineall aspects, exceedingly
188
beautified with a comely grace and vnexcogitable 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 euer-
lasting, vnknown, and vncessant plague, deeply festering in
my tender and poore heart, perpetually remayning : which
easily ouercome with one sweete looke, inconsiderately
without delay, hasteneth his owne hurt, and wholly layeth
it selfe open to amorous incursions, 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 Marriner : more acceptable then that of
Melicta to Adonis, or to Phrodites, the obsequious Nymph
Peristera : and more delightfull then Dittander to the
daughter of Dydo, with the Purple flowre for the wounde
of Pius /Eneas : And finding my heart strooken and in-
wardly pricking, secretly filled and compressiuely stuft ; re-
cording 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 assured my selfe to manifest
and lay open before her, my intended desires and amorous
conceites. And thus loosing my selfe in a blinde folly, I
could not choose but giue place to my inuading desires,
feruently boyling and inforcing me to say thus.
Oh delycate and heauenly Damosell, whosoeuer 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 dart cast into the middest of
my breast, where it sticketh fast, hauing made a mortall
189
wounde vncurable. And hailing spoken thus, to the ende
I might discouer vnto her my hidden desire, and mode-
rate by that meanes the extreamitie of my bitter passions :
which I felt the more they were concealed, the more to
augment 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 of 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 prouo-
cations 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 vn-
bridled gadding appetite, wandring minde, and immodest
desire, intending nowe that it should neuer be vttered
again e.
At length I beganne to thinke in the secret depth of my
wounded heart, that vndoubtedly this my present con-
tinued 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 excellent shape, of a florishing age, of Angel-like be-
hauiour vnspeakable, and of rare honour and exceeding
curtesie as mine eies coulde beholde, whose company ex-
ceeded any exquesite humaine content ; and I, iust by her,
full of all whatsoeuer prouocation, forcing sollaciously loue
190
and desire, heaping vppe in her selfe the whole perfections
of delight, and yet my yauning and voluptuous 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, vnmeasurably 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 vn-
bridled eyes, the more they were vnarmed to resist her
power, the more they were inflamed with the insolent de-
if. 82 b . sire and liking of her wonderfull and heauenly beautie ; Still
seeming more faire, more excellent, more louely, more to
be desired, extreamly apt and prsepared for loue: euedently
shewing foorth in her selfe, a wonderfull increase of sweete
pleasure.
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 Thetis :
and Gallantide, the mayde of Lucina, shoulde not haue
brought foorth in her mouth, if hee had not deceiued. It
may [be] 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 fayling : and besides, that it
191
was harde to knowe a mans thought. Where- vpon, euen
as Calistone, being ashamed at her swelling belly, shronke
aside from the presence of Diana ; so I withdrewe my
selfe, blushing at my attempt, and bridling my incon-
uenient desires. Yet with a lincious eye, I neuer left to
examine, with great delight, the extreame beautie of
the excellent Nymph, disposing my selfe to
her sweete loue, with an vnfallyble,
obstinate, and firme resolution.
192
THE THIRTEENTH CHAPTER.
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 in-
numerable youths and Damosels, sporting with great delight.
HE ARCHER CUPID, IN MY
wounding heart hairing 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 abounding in doubtfull delight, vnmeasurably sigh-
ing, 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,
framing violent and attractiue wordes, she gaue me assu-
rance ; abandoning and remouing from my heart, all feare-
full thoughts, with her Olymphicall aspects, and cooling
with her eloquent speeches, my burning heart ; and with
an amorous and friendly regarde, and cast of her eyes,
and smiling grace, she saide thus vnto 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 be-
193 c c
holde 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 discours-
ing with my selfe.
Oh most valiant Perseus, thou wouldest more feirsly
haue fought with cruell Dragon, for the fauour of this,
then for the loue of thy fayre Andromada. And after.
Oh lason, if the marriage of this had beene offered vnto f. 8s b ,
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
treasures of the whole worlde ; I, more then those of the
ritch and mightie Queene Eleutherillida, Continually
seeming more fayre, more beautifull and more \o\\e\y, Hippo-
damia and all the greedy scraping and doubtfull Vsurers,
neuer tooke suche delight in getting of gold. A quyet
Harbour was neuer so welcome to a destressed Marry ner,
in a stormy, darke, and tempesteous winter night : nor the
wished and oportune fall of rayne, at the prayer of Croesus
as the louing consent of this daintie Nymph : more wel-
come 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 Hus-
bandman.
And thus in most contented sort, passing on and press-
194
ing down the thicke, greene, and coole grasse : sometime
my searching and busie eyes woulde haue a cast with her
pretty & small feete, passing well fitted with shooes of
Red leather, growing broader from the instepe, narrowe at
the toe, and close about the heele ; and somtimes her
fine and moueable legges, (her vesture of silke beeing
blowne about with the winde, vppon her virgineall partes)
discouered themselues. If I might haue scene them, I do
imagine that they did looke like the finest flower of Pelo-
ponesus or like the purest 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
heart, helde downe with grieued cogitations and burning
desires, leading mee whether they would, I founde in it
more pricking torments then faythfull Regulus 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 flying losse. And thus drowned in a mist of
doubts, and seeing me vyolently taken in her loue, I saide
thus to my selfe.
O Poliphilus, howe canst thou leaue at any tyme thy in-
seperable loue, kindled towardes thy sweete Polia, for any
other ? And therewithal!, from this Nymph, thus close
and fast bounde, more strongly then 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,
195
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. Wherevppon, from my
watry eyes, the salt teares immediatly tryckling downe,
it seemed vnto me a hard & contemptuous matter, to
banish from my forlorne and poore heart, his olde soue-
raigne Lady and Mistresse, and to entertaine a newe,
strange, and vnknowne Tyrannyzer.
Afterwards, I comforted my selfe again, with thinking
that peraduenture this was shee, according to the sacred
Oracle and true speech, of the mighty Queene Eleutheril-
lida: 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 discour-
siue thought and swasiue prsesuppose, abandoning 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 dilligently to looke vppon her rare shape, and
louely features, my eyes making themselues the swallow-
ing whirlpooles of her incomparable 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 agreeing, the assembly of all my other captiued
sences, that from her and no other, I did seeke the mitte-
gation and quenching of my amorous flames. And in this
sort we came, whilst I was thus cruelly wounded by ex-
asperating Loue, somewhat vppon the right side of the
spacious fielde.
In which place, were set greene trees, thicke with
196
leaues, and full of flowers, bearing fruite, rounde about the
place and seate of such variable and diners sorts, neuer
fading but still greene,giuing great content to the delight-
full 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 withdrawe 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, curling,
197
and wrything, without any art as effaeminate crysping :
crowned and dressed, with garlands and wreathes of diuers
flowers, and red Roses, with leauye Myrtle, with purple
Amaranth 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 Sendall, such as JEgipt neuer affoorded, and
of dyuers other collours : some Tawney, some Crymosen,
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 aboundance of haire,
cast vp ouer their forheades, and the endes turning into
curies, & 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 de-
pending iewelles. And vppon theyr small eares, did
hange dyuers precious stones, and ouer the variable dress-
ings of theyr heades, before in two Hemycicles, were set
shoddowes of oryent Pearle and stone, in flowers of
hayre.
198
All which excellent ornaments, together with they
most elegant personages, were easily able to alter any
churlish, vile or obstinate 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, comming vp betwixt the
great toe and the middle, and the little toe and the next,
about the heele ouer the instep, and fastening vppon the
vpper part, betwixt the toes and the instep, in a flower.
Others hauing straight shooes, claspt vppon the instep
with flowers of golde. Their stockings of silke ; some of
Purple, some of Carnation, some of parted collours : such
as Cams Galicola neuer first brought vp. Others wearing
Buskins, vppon the white swelling calfes of their legges,
and laced with silke, some butned wyth golde and precious
stone.
Their fore-heades most fayre, and beautified with the
moueable wauinges of theyr crysping hayre, couered ouer
with a thinne vayle, lyke a Spiders webbe, Theyr eyes
byting and alluring, more bright than the twinkling
starres in a cleere ayre, vnder theyr circulate trees : with
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 scene 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,
199
with 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 mortal! eye hath
scene.
200
THE FOURTEENTH CHAPTER.
8 5 b - Poliphilus in this prescribed place, did beholde foure tryumphing
Chariots, all set with precious stones and iewelles, by a great number
of youthes, in the honour of lupiter.
FIRST OF THE FOURE
marueilous tryumphant Chariots had
foure rounde wheeles, of Perfect greene
Emeralds of Scythia ; the rest of the
Chariot did amase mee to beholde,
beeing made all of table Dyamonds : not
of Arabia or Cyprus, of the newe Myne, as our Lapidaries
call them : but of India, resisting the harde stroakes of
yron and steele, abyding 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 Cataglyphic explicature, and set very curiously in fine
golde.
Vppon the right side of the Chariot, I sawe expressed,
the representation of a Noble Nymph, with many accom-
panying her in a Meddowe, crowning of victorious Bulles
with garlands of flowers, and one abyding by her very
tamely.
The same Nymph, vppon the other side was also repre-
sented, who hauing mounted vp vppon the backe of the
Bull, which was gentle and white, he carryed her ouer the
sea.
201 D D
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 Inpitcr, 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 a 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 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 ouerscally, with
precious stones, with an altered congresse and order of
collours, variably disposed. And vppon the foure corners
were fastned foure coppies, inuersed, and the mouth lying
vpward vpon the proiect corner of the Coronice, full of f.
202
fruites and flowers cut of precious stones, as it were grow-
ing out of a foliature of golde. The homes 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 lagged leaf-worke, lying a
long vnder the backe of the Coppisse, and of the same
mettall. Vpon euery corner of the Plynth, from the Coro-
nice 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 within 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 axel-
tree 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
foliatures, 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 manner like an Oxe for 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 homes. Her apparell was exque-
site 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.
203
This Triumph, was drawne by sixe lasciuious Centaures,
which came of the fallen seede of the sausy and presump-
teous Ixion : with a furniture of gold vpon them, and a
long their strong sides, like horses, excellently framed and
illaqueated in a manner of a flagon chayne, whereby
they drewe the Tryumph ; such as Ericthonius 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
Tryumyhes, and three to the left, with Instruments of
Musique, making together a heauenly harmonic and con- f. 86 h .
sort. 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.
204
The middlemost in bright Crymosen : and the two fbr-
most 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
Dendrocyssos. 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
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 Axel-
trees conueniently placed, wherevppon the wheeles turned,
and of a ballistic lyneament, waxing small towarde the
ende and rounde : Which Axeltrees were of fine pure
golde and massiue, neuer cankering or fretting, which
is the deadly poyson and destroyer of vertue and peace-
able 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 Cen-
taures, commending in their song, the occasion and mis-
tery of the Tryumph, in voyces consonant and cantionell
205
verse ; more pleasant than I am able to expresse, but let
this suffice.
The second Tryumpk.
The next Tryumph, was not lesse worthy to be be-
holden then the first. The foure wheeles, the spokes,
and naues, were all of Fulkish Agate, and in dyuers f. 87.
places white veines, such as King Pyrrlms 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, gratefull to the Magicke Arte, and of Cupid
beloued in the left hande.
Vpon the Table on the right side, I behelde engrauen, a
goodly 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 asto-
nished at the sight. Out of one of the which, sprung a
flame of fire, and out of the other egge two bright starres.
206
Vppon the other side were engrauen, the curious
Parents, ignorant of thys strange byrth, in the Temple
of Apollo, before hys image, asking by Oracle the cause
and ende heereof, hauing this darke aunswere. Vni
gratitm 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 making bleede the bodyes of dyuers foure footed
VNI-GRATVM
.MARE
ALTERVM-GRATW
JVLA&I
beastes, creeping Serpents, and flying Foules. And
vppon the earth, stoode dyuers persons wondering at the
force of such a little slaue, and the effect of suche a
weake and slender Arrowe.
In the hynder ende, lupiter appoynting in hys steade,
a prudent and subtill Sheepehearde as a I udge, awakened
by hym, as hee lay sleeping neere a most fayre Foun-
taine, whether of the three most fayre Goddesses, hee
esteemed best worthie. And hee beeing seduced by de-
uising Cupid, gaue the Apple to the pleasant working
Venus.
207
i
This tryumphant Charyot, was drawen by sixe white
Elephants, coupled two and two together, such as will
hardly be found in Agesinua, nor among the Gandars of
India. Pompci neuer had the like in his Tryumphes in f.8j\
Affricke : neither were the like scene in the Tryumphes of
the conquest of India ; their tronckes armed with deadly
teeth of yuory, passing on theyr way and drawing to-
gether, 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 Garganus. Their Poyterelles of golde,
set with Pearle and stone different 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, but theyr Instruments dif-
ferent from the former, but agreeing in confort : and
what soeuer the first did, the same did these.
208
The first two were apparelled in Crymosen : the middle
most two in fine hayre collour : and the foremost in
vyolet The Caparisons of the Eliphants were of cloth
of golde, edged with great Pearles and precious stones :
And about their neckes were ornaments of great round
iewelles, and vpon their faces, great balles of Pearles,
tasled 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 daughter of Theseus, of an incredible
beautie : and vpon her lappe, sitting the same Swanne,
ouer her white thighes. She sate vppon two cushines of
cloth of golde, finely and softely wouen, with all the orna-
ments necessary for them.
Her selfe apparelled in a Nimphish sort, in cloth of
siluer, heere and there powdered with golde, ouer one and
209 E E
vnder three, without defect or want of any thing, requisite
to the adorning of so honorable a representation, which
to the beholder, may occasion a pleasurable delight. In
euery sort performed with as great applause as the first.
The third Tryumph.
Then followed the thyrd Tryumph, with foure wheles
of ^thyopian Chrysolite, sparkling out golde : that which
hath beene helde in the same, in olde time hath beene
thought good to dryue away malignant spirits. The f.
wheeles vpwardly couered, as aforesaide, and the naues
and spokes of the same fashion, of greene Helitropia of
Cyprus : whose vertue is, to keepe secret in the day
light, to diuine giftes, full of drops of blood.
This Historic was engrauen vppon the right side of the
210
Table thereof, as followeth. A man of great Maiestie, re-
questing to knowe what should happen to his fay re daughter :
her Father understanding, that by her meanes he should be
dispossessed of his Crowne and dignitie ; and to the ende
she shoiilde not be carried away or stollen of any, he built
a mightie stronge Tower, and there, with a watclifidl garde
caused her to bee kept : and shee remaining there in this sort
with great content, had falling into hervirginealllap, 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 woman, and afterwardes proudly
bearing her heade in signe of victorie ; 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, causing them to raine bloode : whereat
a number stoode wonderfully amazed, of all sortes of
people. Vpon the other ende, I did see Venus 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 hipiter, tooke him
awaye and saued him from his mother, and presented
him to lupiter : against whose diuine mouth, were in
Attic Letter these wordes written, 2TMOirATKT2TE-
KAiniKPOS and hee couered him in the lap of his celestiall
gowne.
This tryumphant Charriot, was pompously drawne
211
with sixe fierce Vnicornes : their heades like Harts,
reuerencing the chaste Diana. The poyterelles and fur-
niture 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 manner as before, apparelled in cloth of golde, f. 88 b .
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 lasper, 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 middle to the foote, champhered and furrowed,
and vpward wrought with nextrulles : the seate whereof
212
was somewhat hollowed, 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 innumer-
able sortes of Pearles, and stone ; she shewed an affections
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.
The fourth Tryumph .
The fourth Tryumph was borne vppon foure wheeles,
with Iron strakes, forcibly beaten out without fire; All
the rest of the Charyot, in fashion like the former, was of
213
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 worke-
man.
The right side whereof, helde this History : An
honourable woman with childe, vnto whome lupiter shewed
himself e (as he was wont with luno) in thunder and light-
ning : insomuch, as shee fell all to ashes, out of the which
was taken vp a younge infant.
Vpon the other side, I behelde lupiter, hauing the
saide Infant in his hands, & delyuering him to a yonge
man, with winged buskyns, and a staffe with two serpents
winding about it: who deliuered 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
lupiter to beholde a mortall Nymph : and a great num-
ber of wounded people woondering at it.
In the hinder end was lupiter sitting in a tribunall seate f. 89.
as iudge, and Cupide appeering limping before him, and
making grieuous complaints against his louing mother,
bicause that by hir means he had wounded himselfe ex-
treemly 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 lupiter
with a smiling countenance speaking to Cupid,
Perfer scintillam qui ccelum accendis & omnes. This
Monosticon was grauen in Latine letters in a square
table 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 Hyrcania called Leopards, coupled togither with
214
t
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
handfuls 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
/Etite 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 serueying with their wings,
and the flowering tips of their sarcellets touching one
another. Ouer these, as vpon a nest, was placed this
maruellous vessell of /Ethiopian Hyacints cleere and
bright, Celso inimicus, Comiti gratiosus. This vessell was
crusted with emeralds and vaines of diuers other pretious
stones, a worke incredible. The height thereof two foote
and a halfe, the fashion in maner round, the breadth by
diameter one foote and a halfe, and the circumference
consisted of three diameters. From the heads of the
eagles the bottome or foote of the vessell did ascend vp
one triens, and a border going about the thicknes of a
f. 89 b . hand, from which border to the beginning of the belly of
the vessel, and to the bottome 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 distributed to the
border, about the brimme of foulding leaues and flowers
standing out from the hyacinth. The diameter two
215
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
lineaments 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, bearing out from the couer. They
stoode with their serpentlike feete vpon the lower part
of the couer vnder the necke, betwixt the which and the
lower vessell was one quantitie, and from his vpper graci-
lament 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
fastening to the skalie couer. These little dragons one
against an other, their brests and throtes hollowing out
from the border and the couer, and their tayles turning
vpwards againe, did serue for the eares of the couer,
iust ouer them of the lower vessell.
The lower turning about, where the couer did close
with the vessell being of two parts, ioyned togither with an
216
excellent foliature, halfe a foote broad, as if they had bin
inseparable.
The bodie of this vessell was all run ouer with a Vine,
. 90- the stringes and vaines whereof, and small curling twists,
were of Topas, farre better then is founde in the Ilande
Ophiadis, the leaues of fine smaragd, and the braunches
of Amethist, to the sight most beautifull, and to the vnder-
standing a woonderfull contemplable. The subiect vessell
appearing 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 sepa-
rated from the subiect. The hollowed and bending leaues
with all the other lapicidariall lineaments, were performed
with such an emulation of nature as was woonderfull.
Let vs nowe returne to the circumferent brim of the
pretious 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 foreside of the vessell, the representation of lupiter,
holding in his right hande a glistering sword, of the
vayne of the ^Ethiopian Chrysolits : and in the other
hande a thunder bolt of shining 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 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
217 F F
shewe that they must followe all alike, as appeared by
their heads.
Vpon the other Anaglyph, I did behold a merrie 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 plenti-
full vine tree full of ripe grapes, and vpon the top of the
frame there were little naked boies, climing vp and sitting
aloft gathering 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 them- f. 9 o b .
selues to the worke of mustulent autumne : others sing-
ing and piping ; all which expression was perfected by the
workman in pretious stones, of such colour as the naturall
liuelinesse of euery vaine, leafe, flower, berrie, body, pro-
portion, shape, and representation required. And in this
imagerie, although it was very small, yet there was no de-
fect to be found in the least part belonging thereunto, but
perfectly to be discerned.
Out of this former described vessell did spring vp a
218
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 :
Not subiect to the change of the moone, delighted of Cupid.
This tree shadowed the chariot : At euery corner of this
triumphant chariot vpon the plaine where the vessell stood,
was placed a candlesticke, of excellent workmanship, vpon
three feet of red corrall, well liked of the ruder sort, resist-
ing lightening and tempests, 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 one of the candlesticks was of white corrall, be-
loued 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
219
I
third was of perfect Mcdca of the colour of darke gold,
and hauing the smell of Nectar. The fourth of pretious
Nebritis 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 burn-
ing. The brightness 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
solemne pompe, infinite troups of Nymphs, their faire
and plentifull tresses falling loose ouer their shoulders,
some naked with aprons of goates skins and kids, others
with tymbrels and flutes, making a most pleasaunt noise,
as in the daunce called Thiasus, in the trieterie of Bacchus,
220
with green leaffie sprigs and vine branches, instrophyated
about their 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 Mimallons, Satirs,
and seruants to Bacchus, bawds,
Tyades, Naiades and such
as followed after.
221
THE FIFTEENTH CHAPTER.
The Nymph doth shew to Poliphilus the multitude of yoong Louers,
and their Loues, what they were, and in what sort beloued.
T IS VERIE HARD FOR A MAN
to accommodate his speech to apte
termes, whereby he may expresslie de-
clare the great pompe, indefinite triumph,
vncessaunt ioie and delightfull iettings
aboute these rare and vnseene chariots,
and being once vndertaken, it is as vneasie to leaue off :
besides the notable companie of yoong youths, and the in-
creasing troups of innumerable faire and pleasant Nymphs,
more sharpe witted, wise, modest, and discreet, then is
ordinarily scene 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 burning, 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 shout-
ing 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 man's
reason to imagine : within them passed about the glorious
222
triumphs, turning vpon the florulent ground, and green
91". 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 dales all alike, the earth continually greene,
the spring neuer decaieng but renuing, the coole grasse
with variable flowers like a painting, remaining alwaies
vnhurt, with their deawie freshnesse, reseruing and hold-
ing their colours without interdict of time. There grewe
the fower sortes of Violets, Cowslops, Melilots, Rose
Parsley, or Passeflower, Blew bottles, Gyth, Ladies scale,
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 innu-
merable sorts of others without setting, but naturally
growing in a woonderfull distribution, peeping out from
their greene leaues, and barbs very delightfull to behold.
In this place I might see goodly braue women as the
Archadian Calisto the daughter of Lycaon, with the vn-
knowen 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 Accus and
yoong Danae. Asterie the daughter to Ctzus, and Alck-
mena with hir fained husband. Afterward I beheld the
pleasant sEgina 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
223
Diodes with hir lap full of flowers and a writhing serpent,
and the faire yoong gyrle no more sorrowing for the
growing of hir homes. Astiochia and Antigone the
daughter of Laomcdon solaciously delighting hir selfe in
hir storkish plumes, and Lurisile the first inuentrix of
wheeles. Garamcntide the dauncing Nymph holding by
hir little finger, and washing hir delicate 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 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 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 Argiphon: and the sweete FiUurna of the riuer
Numiciis.
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 delicious fields, but that me thought it
was a louely sight to behold, and so I should hatie con-
tinued : then the gratious Nymph associating and leading
me, seeing my simplicitie and carelesnes, with a ready
countenance and sweete and pleasant words, without
asking, she said thus vnto me : My Poliphilus> doest thou
see these ? (shewing me those of the olde world) these
were beloued of lupiter, 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.
Afterward she shewed me a great number of little
224
!
f.92-
virgins, vnder the gouernment of three sober and dis-
creete matrones the leaders to so great delight : Adding
thereunto very pleasantly (changing hir angellike coun-
tenaunce) My Poliphilus, thou shalt vnderstand, that no
earthly creature can enter in heere without a burning
torch as thou seest me, either with extreeme loue and
great paines, or for the fauour and company 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 delight-
full and desired, and so much the more, bicause she called
me hir Polipkilus. Whereupon I assured my selfe, that
she was Polia, and from top to the toe I found an ex-
treeme alteration into a supreame delight, my hart flying
onely to hir. Which thoughts were bewraied by my
countenance, and whispering small sighes.
Which she cunningly perceiuing, brake off this new
accident with these words : Oh how many be there
which would most gladly behold these triumphes, and
therefore Poliphilus, addresse thy thoughts to other mat-
ters, 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 celebrating their turnes
with excessiue delight, and extolling the triumphs, the
aire also full of the chirpings of diuers pretie birds, yeeld-
ing a diffused charme.
About the first triumph among the reioising companie, Th i s
the nine Muses did sing, with their leader the diuine
Luter Apollo.
After the triumph followed the faire Parthenopeian
225 G G
verse
Homer. Lcria, with a lawrell crowne, accompanied with Mclanthia,
whose habites and voices represented the pride of Greece,
whereupon the great Macedon rested his head : She
bare a splendent lampe, communicating the light thereof
with hir companion ; then the rest more excellent both in
voice and song.
There the faire Nymph shewed me the auncient Iphi-
anassa, and after the old father Plimerinus 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.
About the second triumph was the noble Nemesis with
the Lesbian Corina, Delia and Near a, with diuers others
amorous Nymphs, making pleasaunt soundes vppon
stringed instruments 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 Violan-
tilla with hir Doue, and the other sorrowing for hir
Sparrow.
About the fourth triumph, before it went the Lidian
Cloe, Lide, Neobole, sweete Phillis, and the faire Lyce
Ty hurts, & Pyra, with their harps singing and making a
most pleasant noyse. After this fourth triumph among
the Maenades and sacrificers to Bacchus, there folowed
an amorous damosell singing in the commendation of the
head of hir Louer Plaon, she desired homes. And after
them all she shewed me two women, one of them appa- f. 93.
relied in white, and the other in greene, which came
hindermost singing togither.
And thus they marched about in a most pleasant and
delightfull maner vpon the fresh greene and flourishing
226
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 another's
aspect and companie.
227
THE SIXTEENTH CHAPTER.
The Nymph hairing 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, in a thousand sorts of pleasures
solacing themselues vpon the greene 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 asswage his furie, quieting himselfe in the beholding of
the sweete fauour of the faire Nymph.
OT ONELY HAPPIE BUT ABOUE
all other most happie were he, to whom
it should be granted continually by
speciall fauour to beholde the glorious
pompe, high triumphs, beautiful places
sweet scituations, togither with the god-
desses, halfe goddesses, faire Nymphes of incredible de-
light 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 sights, 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 a little further.
And then immediately we tended our walke toward the f. 9 3 *>.
228
fresh fountains and shady riuers, compassing about the
flourishing fields with chrystalline currents and gratious
streames.
In which cleare water, grew the purple flowering sonne
of the Nymph Liriope, looking vp from his tender stringes
and leaues. And al the faire riuers were ful of other
flowers sweetlie growing among their greene and fresh
leaues. This delightfull place was of a spatious and
large circuit, compassed about and inuironed with wood-
die mountaines, of a moderate height of greene lawrell,
fruitefull memerels ; hearie, & high pine trees, and within
the cleere channels, with graueled banks, and in some
229
I
places the bottom was faire soft yealow sande, where the
water ran swifte, and the three leaued driope grew.
There were a great companie of delicate faire Nymphs
of tender age, with a redolent flower of bashfulnes, and
beyond all credite beautifull, with their beardles louers
continuallie accompanied. Among which Nymphs, some
verie pleasantly with wanton countenaunces in the cleere
streams shewed themselues sportefull and gamesome,
hauing taken vppe finelie their thin garments of silke of
diuers colours, 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 sight 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 faces 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 motion of their pretie feete, making
a noyse with the contrast of the circulating water. Some
solaciouslie striuing to go by the tame swimming swans,
and sportingly casting water one at another, with the
hollownes of their palms : others standing without the
water vpon the soft coole grasse, making vp of nosegaies
and garlands of sundrie sweete flowers, & giuing the same
to their louers as tokens of their fauorable remembraunce,
not denieng their sweete kisses, & louing imbracings, with f. 94-
the amorous regardes of their star-like eyes.
And some were set vpon the greene banks not ouer-
grown with reed and sedge, 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
230
Mygdonia, vnder the vmbragious trees, did sit sporting
and deuising one with another in delightful! imbracings,
with their reuerencing louers, not cruelly scorning &
reiecting them, but with a sociable loue and benigne
affablenesse, disposing themselues to the like shew of
true affection, their sweete gestures and pleasant beha-
uiours far more gratious to the eie, then flowing teares be
to the frowarde and vnmercifull Cupid, the sweete foun-
taines and moist dewes to the green fieldes, and desired
forme to vnfashioned matter.
Some did sing amorous sonnets, and verses of loue,
breathing 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 what-
soeuer furie the harpe of Orpheus woulde prouoke, and the
fowle and euill fauoured face of Medzisa, to make any
horrible monster tame and tractable, and to stop the con-
tinuall prouocation of the deuouring Scylla. Some rested
their heads in the chaste laps of their faire loues, re-
counting the pleasaunt deuises of lupiter, and they in-
strophyating their curled locks with sweete smelling
flowers.
Others of them fained that they were forsaken, and
seemed 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 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,
231
fling the same in the faces of their pursuing louers with
great pleasure and solace, maintaining their fained dis-
gracings.
Others with great curtesie were putting of Rose leaues f. 94"
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 Phoebus in a faire
and cleere morning : with other new and vnthought con-
tentions, such as loue could deuise. They all being
pleasant, merrie, and disposed to delight : Their gestures
and motions girlish, and of a virgineall simplicitie, putting
on sincere loue without the offence of honorable virtue :
Free and exempt from the occursion of griefe or emula-
tion of aduers fortune : Sitting under the shade of the
weeping sister of the whited Phaeton, and of the im-
mortall 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 reciprocall loue, such as I was
perswaded would haue kindled Diana hir selfe ?
Whereupon I was bold to shew that folly which tor-
mented 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 ex-
treemely burning, my minde still fixed vpon delightfull
232
pleasures and their smacking kisses, and regarding with
a curious eie the abounding guerdons of the fethered god,
me thought at that instant, that I did beholde 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 re-
membrance 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 scene somthing more than humane, and that
a base, dishonorable, and fraile bodie should not be where
195- immortall creatures did abide.
i
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 scene 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 be-
holding the most excellent Nymph fast by me, my eies
filled with amorous darts ceased not to wound my pas-
sionate hart, by means wherof incontinently all my
wandering thoughts were stirred vp, compact, and fixed
vpon hir their desired obiect, 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, it was beyond my com-
passe to imagine, and I stood as suspicious thereof, as the
233 H H
deceiued Soda with the fained Altantiades. Thus with
diligent regards and cordiall searches examining hir
heauenly features inuaded with a burning desire beyond
measure, I said to my self : O that I might be, if it were
possible, a freeman in such a place, for no sorrow shoulde
greeue me, nor imminent 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 fearfull places of Trinacria, with the excessive trauels
and terrors of Vlysses, in the darke caue of the horrible
Polyphem, the son of Neptune, to be transformed in the
companie of Calypso, although I lost my life, or indured
the most hard & long seruitude of Androdus, for all
wearines is forgotten where loue is vehement. To vnder-
take with the amorous Minalion and Ileus to runne with f.
Atalanta, or to com but in such sort as the strong and
mightie Hercules for his loue Deianira, did with the huge
Ac/ielous, so as I might atchieue so gratious a fauor, and
attaine to so high delight, as the remaining in these sola-
cious 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 vnwoorthie 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 ;
234
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 impres-
sion without intermission. I haue stil born in my burning
and wounded hart fro[m] the first yeers of my loue vntil
this present, I am contented with all sorrows, & besides hir,
I desire no other request but only this, that she may
be drawne to my feruent loue, that it may be with vs alike,
or that I may be at liberty, for I am no longer able to
desemble 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, & burning like gold in
the strong cement, yet I find my self like cold yce. Ah
wo is me, that loue should be more greeuous vnto me then
the weight of luarime to Typhon. It disperseth me more,
then the rauenous vulturs the glomerated bowels of
Tityzis : It holdeth me in more, then the labirinth crook-
ing : It tosseth me more, then the northeast winds the
calme seas : It teareth me woorse then Acteons dogges
their flieng master : It troubleth my spirits more then
horrible death doth them who desire to Hue : It is more
direfull to my vext hart, then the crocidils 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 sweete fire
of this halfe goddesse, which without any corporall sub-
stance consumeth me : hir aboundant and faire yealow
haire, a snare and net for my hart to be masked in : hir
large and phlegmatique forehead, like white lillies, bynd
235
me in as with a withe : hir pearcing regards take away
my life as sweete prouocations to afflict me : hir roseall
cheekes do exasperate 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 amorous 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 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 Titiiis, 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 themselues, & within a
while after thou renewed againe, they begin afresh to prey
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 or con-
sume me, leauing me no time of rest, or space to be com-
forted.
And hauing had these discourses with my selfe, I began
secretly 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
236
no purpose, and therfore furiously, and as one of a raging
spirit I thought thus : Why doest thou doubt, Poliphilus f
Death for loue is laudable, and therefore my greeuous
and malignant fortune, my sorrowful accident and hard
|i6". 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 musicke,
manifesting the force of hurtfull loue.
And thus continuing the follie of my thoughts, I said :
It may be that this Nymph, by al likehoods, is some
reuerend goddesse, and therefore my speeches will be but
as the crackling reedes of Archadia in the moist and
fennie sides of the riuer Labdone, shaken with the sharpe
east wind, with the boisterous north, cloudy south & rainie
south west wind. Besides this, the gods will be seuere re-
uengers of such an insolencie, for the companions of Vlysses
had been preserued from drowning and shipwracke, if they
had not stolne Apollos cattell kept by Phaetusa and hir
sister Lampetia. 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 beholding and contemplating the excellent propor-
tion and sweete sauour of this ingenuous and most rare
Nymph, containing in hir al whatsoeuer that may pro-
uoke amorous conceits 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
237
my vehement thoughts, and made them stop in a concerned
hope, fixing mine eies with excessiue delight vpon hir faire
bodie and well disposed members, by all which, my dis-
contented desires were gently mitigated and re-
deemed from that furie and amorous fire,
which so neere had bred the
extremitie of my passions.
238
THE SEVENTEENTH CHAPTER.
: 97- The Nymph leadeth the inamored Poliphilus to other pleasant places,
where he beheld innumerable Nymphs solacing them, and also the
triumph of Vertumnus and Pomona.
Y NO MEANES I WAS ABLE TO
resist the violent force of Cupids artil-
lerie, and therefore the elegant Nymph
hauing amorously gotten an irreuocable
dominion ouer me a miserable louer, I
was inforced to follow still after hir
moderate steps, which led me into a spatious and large
plaine, 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 togither : couered ouer with green trees of a
conspicuous 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 aierieTeda 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
239
Larix, is a tree
hauing leaues
like the pine,
& good for
building, it
will neither
rot, woorm-
eate nor burne
to coales.
Tccda, is a tree
out of the
which issueth
a liquor more
thinne than
pitch.
Oreades, be
countrie
Nymphs.
Lyndens, or
teile trees, in
Latin Tilia,
they beare a
fruit as big
as a bean,
hauing within
seedes like
anyse seedes.
Dryades, be
Nymphs of
the woods.
Feronia a
goddesse of
the woods.
Dabulam, a
fertile place
in Arabia.
Scanits, be a
people in
Arabia, that
dwell alto-
gither in tents.
Sauromatans,
be people of
Sarmatia,
which is a
large cuntry,
reaching from
Germany &
the riuer
Vistula to
Hycaenia, and
is deuided
into two parts
Europea and
Asiatica.
Lynx is a
beast spotted,
but in shape
like a wolph,
being quicke
of sight.
Hamadryades
were nymphs
of the wood
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
Dryadcs, their small and slender wastes being girded with
a brayding of tender corules of sprigs, leaues, and flowers,
and vpon their heads their rising vp haires, were com-
passed about as with garlands. Amongst them were the
horned faunes, and lasciuious satyres, solemnising their
faunall feasts, being assembled togither out of diuers
places, within this fertile & pleasant cuntrie : bearing
in their hands so tender green and strange boughs, as are
not to be found in the wood of the goddes Feronia, when
the inhabitants carrie hir image to the fire.
From thence we entered into a large square inclosure
compassed 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 yet togither,
and mixt with box, compassing about the square greene
mead. In the rowes of which quick-set there were
symmetrially planted the victorious 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 yEgypt, nor
in Dabulam among the Arabian Scaenits, or in Hieraconta
beyond the Sauromatans. All which were intermedled
with greene Cytrons, Orenges, Hippomelides, Pistack
trees, Pomegranats, Meligotons, Dendromirts, Mespils,
and Sorbis, with diuers other fruitfull trees.
In this place vppon the greene swoord of the flowering
240
f. 97".
mead, and vnder the fresh and coole shadowes, I might and
behold a great assemblie met togither of strange people, the GoTof
& such as I had neuer before seene, full of ioyes and pas-
times, but basely apparrelled, some in fauns skins, painted
with white spots, some in lynx skins, others in leopards :
and manie had fastened togither diners broad leaues,
instrophiating them with sundrie flowers, therewithall
couering their nakednes, singing, leaping, and dauncing
with great applause.
These were the Nymphs Hamadryades, pleasantly
compassing 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
241 i i
Clepsydra is
sometime
taken for a
diall measur-
ing time by
the ninning
of water, but
here for a pot
to water a
garden and
yoong sect-
lings in a
nourceiy for
an orchyard.
ramme. He sate in an ancient fashioned carre, drawne
by fewer horned 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 participating of hir husbands pleasure and
quiet, and at hir feete laie a vessell called Clepsydra. Inf. 98.
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
marched two faire Nymphs, the one of them bare a
trophae with a prsependant table, whereupon was written
this title,
Integerrimam corporis valetudenem & stabile robur
castasque mensarum delitias, & beatam animi securitatem
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 an aulter, standing in the
middest of this faire mead, sufficiently moystened with
current streames from beautifull fountaines.
This square stone or aulter was of pure white marble,
curiouslie cut by a cunning lapicidarie, vpon euery front
wherof was a woonderfull goodly expression, of an elegant
image, so exact, as the like else-where is hardly to be
found.
This first was a faire goddesse, hir treces flieng abroad,
girded 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
242
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 boy smiling, with his bowe and arrowes. Ouer
hir head were two pigeons. And vnder the foote of this
figure was written
Florida veri S.
Vpon the other side I beheld in an excellent caruing,
the representation of a damosell of a maidenly counte-
naunce, whose stately maiestie gaue great commendation
to the curious deuise of the workeman. She was crowned
with a garland of wheat eares, hir haire flingering abroade,
and hir habyte 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 subscription was
this.
Flaiice Messi S.
Vpon the third side was the likenes in a deuine aspect
naked of a yoong boy, crowned with vine leaues, and of
a wanton 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
243
Thessalie is a
region of
Greece,
bailing vpon
the one side
Macedonia,
and on the
other Bceotia,
reaching
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 ware
sandals, where vnder was written,
Hicmi
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 fresh 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 accumulation and
assembly of all beauties ; an obiect interdicting 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
follies, I began to consider of the intelligible effect of f. 99.
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
chirping birds. The flouds and fields of Thessalie must
giue place to this.
And there sitting thus togither among the sweete
244
flowers and redolent roses, 1 fastened mine eies vpon this betweene
heauenly shape of so faire and rare a proportion, where-
,. . , 111- i Pineus, euen
unto my sences were so applied, drawen and addicted, to theseaside,
that my hart was ouerwhelmed with extreeme delights, so of
as I remained senceles, and yet cast into a curious desire
to vnderstand and knowe what should be the reason and cities* one
cause that the purple humiditie in the touch of hir bodie,
in the smoothnes of hir hand should be as white as pure i^e e &
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 pampynulated with cr te n & Cana '
threds of gold aptly disposed, she had infixed the fairest
part of the heauens, or the splendycant Heraclea. taketh his
*
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 car-
kenet of orient pearle, striuing but not able to match with
the whitenes of the sweet skin. From thence descending
name.
down to hir shining breast and delitious bosome, from daughters of
i i 1 i T T 7 Atlas, ^igle,
whence grew two round apples, such as Hercules neuer Aretusaand
stole out of the garden of Hesperides. Neither did euer
Pomona behold the like to these two standing vnmooue-
able in hir roseall breast, more white than hils of snowe in
the going downe of the sunne. Betwixt the which there slew
passed downe a delicious vallie, wherein was the delicate
sepulcher of my wounded hart exceeding the famous
A sepulcher
MausoLea. built by
I then being content with a wounded hart full well the honor of
vnderstanding that mine eies had drawen it dying into all
these elegant parts. Yet neuertheles I could not so bridle
and suppresse my amorous inflamed sighes, or so closely
245
couer them, but that they would needs expresse my inward
desire.
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 incens-
ing fire pruriently diffusing it selfe through my inward
parts and hollow veines : and during the contemplate be-
holding of hir most rare and excellent beautie, a melli-
fluous delight and sweete solace constrained me there-
unto. Thus discordinately beaten with the importune
spur of vnsatiable desire, I found my selfe to be set vpon
with the mother of loue, inuironed round about with hir
flamigerous sonne, and inuaded with so faire a shape, that
I was with these and others so excellent circumstances
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
pleasant 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 solitarie place to offer hir any dis-
honor.
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
246
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
ioo. 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 Poli-
philus ? Remember the violence done to Deianira and
the chaste Roman lady. Consider what followed them
for a reward, and diuers others.
Call to minde that mighty princes haue beene reiected of
their inferiors, how much more then a base and abiect
person, but tract of times giueth place to them which ex-
cept 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
247
take the impression of feruent loue, and then holding the
same, shake off all annoyous and vexing passions, hoping
to enioy amorous fruits, desired effects, and triumphing
agomsmes.
The Nymph Polia perceiuing well the change of my
colour 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 prouocations 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.
248
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