Hypnerotomachia: The Strife of Loue in a Dreame
by Francesco Colonna · English · Gutenberg #18459 · 435,520 chars · public domain (US)
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Title: Hypnerotomachia: The Strife of Loue in a Dreame
Author: Francesco Colonna
Translator: Robert Dallington
Release date: May 27, 2006 [eBook #18459]
Language: English
Other information and formats: www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/18459
Credits: Produced by Louise Hope, Robert Cicconetti and the Online
Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
file was produced from images generously made available
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*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HYPNEROTOMACHIA: THE STRIFE OF LOUE IN A DREAME ***
Produced by Louise Hope, Robert Cicconetti and the Online
Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
file was produced from images generously made available
by The Internet Archive/Canadian Libraries)
[Transcriber's Note:
This ASCII-7 file is meant for readers who cannot use the UTF-8 (best)
or Latin-1 versions of the text.
As in the Latin-1 text, Greek has been transliterated and placed
between +marks+. Hebrew text is similarly #marked#.
E: and O: (always capitalized) represent Eta and Omega.
e: at the end of some names represents dieresis (separate syllable).
[ae] or [Ae] represents the "ae" or "AE" ligature.
a or o with tilde has been silently unpacked to am, an, on, om.
Typographical errors are listed at the end of the text. Side/footnote
labels in lower-case ([a] [b]...) are original; labels supplied by
the transcriber are capitalized ([A] [B]...).]
* * * * *
* * * *
* * * * *
Number 87
THE ENGLISH
EXPERIENCE
Its Record in Early Printed Books
Published in Facsimile
[Illustration]
(FRANCESCO COLONNA)
HYPNEROTOMACHIA
London 1592
Da Capo Press
Theatrum Orbis Terrarum Ltd.
Amsterdam 1969 New York
* * * * *
The publishers acknowledge their gratitude
to the Curators of the Bodleian Library, Oxford,
for their permission to reproduce
the Library's copy.
S.T.C. No.5577
Collation: A-Z (4o.), Aa-Cc (4o.)
Published in 1969 by
Theatrum Orbis Terrarum Ltd.,
O. Z. Voorburgwal 85, Amsterdam
&
Da Capo Press
: a division of Plenum Publishing Corporation :
227 West 17th Street, New York. 10011
Printed in The Netherlands
* * * * *
HYPNEROTOMA-
_CHIA_.
The
Strife of Loue in a
_Dreame_.
[Illustration]
At London,
Printed for Simon Waterson, and are
to be sold at his shop, in S. Paules Church-
_yard, at Cheape-gate_.
_1592._
TO THE THRISE HO-
NOVRABLE AND EVER LY-
VING VERTVES OF SYR _PHILLIP_
_SYDNEY_ KNIGHT; AND TO THE
RIGHT HONORABLE AND OTHERS WHAT-
SOEVER, WHO LIVING LOVED HIM,
_AND BEING DEAD GIVE HIM_
_HIS DVE_.
To the Right Honourable Robert
Deuorax, Earle of Essex and Ewe, Viscount
Hereford, and Bourghchier, Lorde Ferrers of Chartley,
Bourghchier and Louaine, Maister of the Queenes Maie-
_sties Horse, and Knight of the most noble order of the Garter:_
Is wished, the perfection of all happinesse, and tryumphant
felicitie in this life, and in the worlde
to come.
When I had determined (Right honorable) to dedicate this Booke, to the
euerlyuing vertues of that matchlesse Knight Syr _Phillip Sydney_; me
thought that I could not finde out a more Noble personage then your
selfe, and more fit, to patronize, shield, and defende my dutie to the
deade, then your Honour, whose greatnes is such, and vertues of that
power, as who so commendeth them, deserueth not to be accounted a
flatterer, but he that doth not the same, may be thought an euill
willer. Hovv your Honor vvill accept hereof, I make no doubt, because
that curtesie attendeth vpon true nobilitie; but my humble request is,
that your Honor may not thinke of me (by the tytle of the Booke, and
some part of the discourse) as if I vvere amorous, and did speake
according to my ovvne passions, for I beeing restrained of my liberty,
and helde in the graue of obliuion, where I still as yet remaine,
oppressed with Melancholie, and wearied vvith deeper studies, I vvas
glad to beguile the time with these conceits, anothomising in them,
the vanitie of this life, and vncertaintie of the delights therof, in
the Dreame of _Poliphilus_; Which if it shall please your Honor at
conuenient leysure to looke ouer, pardoning what you finde amisse,
and weighing my good will, I shall thinke my selfe most happy.
And thus I humbly take my leaue, vntill that I may present your Honour,
with a matter more fitting the same.
_Your Honors deuoted,_
R. D.
* * * * *
Anonymi elegia ad Lec-
_torem_.
Candide _Poliphilum_ narrantem somnia Lector
auscultes, summo somnia missa polo,
Non operam perdes, non h[ae]c audisse pigebit,
tam varijs mirum rebus abundat opus.
Si grauis & tetricus contemnis erotica, rerum
nosce precor seriem tam bene dispositam.
Abnuis? ac saltem stylus & noua lingua novusq;
sermo grauis, sophia, se rogat aspicias.
Id quoq; sirenuis, geometrica cerne vetusta
plurima milliacis disce referta notis.
Hic sunt Pyramides, therm[ae], ingentesq; Colossi,
ac Obeliscorum forma vetusta patet.
Hic diuersa basis fulget, vari[ae]que column[ae]
illarumq; arcus, Zophora, epistilia,
Et capita atq; trabes, et cum quadrante coron[ae]
symmetria, & quicquid tecta superba facit.
Hic regum cernes exculta palatia, cultus
Nympharum, fontes, egregiasque epulas.
Hinc bicolor chorea est latronum, expressaque tota
in Laberintheis vita hominum tenebris.
Hinc lege de triplici qu[ae] maiestate tonantis
dicat, & in portis egerit ipse tribus._
Polia _qua fuerit forma, quam culta, tryumphos
inde Iouis specta quatuor [ae]thereos.
H[ae]c pr[ae]ter varios affectus narrat amoris,
atque opera & quantum s[ae]uiat ille Deus._
Faultes escaped in the printing.
[Transcriber's Note:
The corrections listed here have been made in the text. In many cases
the printed form is different from that shown under "faults"; these
original forms are given in [brackets].]
+------+-------+-------+--------------------+---------------------+
| Fol. | page. | line. | faults. | correction. |
| | | | | |
| 1. | 2 | 38 | I begin of the | I began the |
| 4. | 2 | 8 | member. | members. |
| 6. | 1 | 12 | troake, | trunke, |
| 6. | 2 | 3 | assured, | azur'd. |
| 7. | 1 | 33 | fiing, [fying] | flying. |
| 10 | 1 | 23 | Laborinth, | Laborinths. |
| | | | [laborinth] | |
| 10 | 2 | 20 | Palia. | Polia. |
| 11 | 1 | 2 | foote, | fowre. |
| 11 | 1 | 29 | cariec, [carreic] | carrier. |
| | | | [carreic] | |
| 11 | 2 | 3 | backs, [backes] | backe. |
| 12 | 1 | 11 | pecee, [peeee] | peece. |
| 13 | 1 | 3 | adolestency, | adolescency. |
| | | | [adolestencie] | |
| 13 | 1 | 5 | soliature. | foliature. |
| 14 | 1 | 29 | stone, | sonne. |
| 19 | 2 | 12 | soliature, | foliature. |
| 19 | 2 | 25 | briganine, | brigandine. |
| | | | [bryganine] | |
| 19 | 2 | 39 | all. | off. |
+------+-------+-------+--------------------+---------------------+
+------+-------+-------+--------------------+---------------------+
| Fol. | page. | line. | faultes. | correction. |
| | | | | |
| 21 | 1 | 38 | subuaging, | suruaighing |
| | | | [sub-/vaging | |
| | | | at line break] | |
| 21 | 2 | 2 | sardins, [Sardins] | sardius. |
| 22 | 1 | 7 | vanubraces, | vaumbraces. |
| | | | [Vanubraces] | |
| 22 | 1 | 12 | coronie, [Coromie] | coronice. |
| 22 | 2 | 18 | Daphus, | Daphne. |
| 22 | 1 | 28 | chanifered, | chamfered. |
| 22 | 1 | 30 | contract, | contrast. |
| 22 | 2 | 29 | Aehanthis. | Achanthis. |
| | | | [Aehanthus] | |
| 23 | 1 | 12 | hapies, [Hapies] | Harpies. |
| 23 | 1 | 15 | fishen, | fishie. |
| 23 | 2 | 4 | did Anaglipts, | did y^e Anaglipts |
| 23 | 2 | 5 | Briapis, | Briaxes. |
| 24 | 2 | 22 | Andraene, | Andracine. |
| | | | [Andraeme] | |
| 24 | 2 | 32 | bel flowred | bell flowre. |
| | | | fox gloue, | |
| | | | [bell flowered | |
| | | | Foxgloue] | |
| 26 | 2 | 2 | menifis, | memphis. |
| | | | [Meniphis] | |
| 26 | 2 | 34 | which my, | which with my |
| 28 | 2 | 8 | vastus, [vastues] | vastnes. |
+------+-------+-------+--------------------+---------------------+
[Decoration]
Poliphili hypnerotomachia,
Wherein he sheweth, that all humaine and
worldlie things are but a dreame, and but as vanitie it
_selfe. In the setting foorth whereof many things_
are figured worthie of remembrance.
_The Author beginneth his _Hypnerotomachia_, to set downe the hower
and time when in his sleepe it seemed to him that hee was in a quiet
solitarie desart, and vninhabited plaine, and from thence afterward
how he entered vnaduisedly before he was aware, with great feare,
into a darke obscure and vnfrequented wood._
The discription of the morning.
What houre as _Phoebus_[a] issuing foorth, did bewtifie with brightnesse
the forhead of _Leucothea_[b], and 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_[c], hastning his
course, and giuing a tincture to the Spiders webbes, among the greene
leaues and tender prickles of the Vermilion Roses, in the pursuite
whereof he shewed himselfe most swift & glistering, now vpon the neuer
resting and still moouing waues, he crysped vp his irradient heyres.
[Sidenote a: Ph[ae]bus the Sunne.]
[Sidenote b: Leucothea the morning.]
[Sidenote c: Pyr & Eo, the horses of the Sunne.]
Vppon whose vprising, euen at that instant, the vnhorned Moone
dismounted hir selfe, losing from hir Chariot hir two horses, the one
white and the other browne, and drewe to the Horrison[d] different from
the Hemisphere[e] from whence she came.
[Sidenote d: Horison a circle deuiding the halfe speare of the
firmament from the other halfe which we doe not see.]
[Sidenote e: Hemispere is halfe the compasse of the visible heauen.]
And when as the mountaines and hilles were beautifull, and the northeast
winds had left of to make barraine with the sharpnesse of their blasts,
the tender sprigs to disquiet the moouing reedes, the fenny Bulrush, and
weake Cyprus, to torment the foulding Vines, to trouble the bending
Willowe, and to breake downe the brittle Firre bowghes, vnder the hornes
of the 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 _Hypperion_[f] feare not his burning heate,
being bedued and sprinkled with the Christalline teares of the sweete
morning, when as the _Halcyons_[g] vpon the leuell waues of the stil,
calme, and quiet flowing seas, do build their nests in sight of the
sandie shore, whereas the sorrowfull _Ero_, with scalding sighes did
behold the dolorous and vngrate departure of hir swimming _Leander_[h].
[Sidenote f: Hyperion the Sunne.]
[Sidenote g: Halcyons are certaine byrds which building near the
shore vpon the waues there will be no storme vntill the young be
hatched.]
[Sidenote h: Leander a young man of Abydos, who in swimming ouer
Hellespont (a narow sea) by Byzantium, which parteth Europ from
Asia) to Sestus, was in the sight of his louer Ero of Sestus
drowned, which she seeing, threw hir self down into the sea, and
died with him.]
I lying vpon my bed, an oportune and meet freend to a wearie body, no
creature accompaning me in my chamber, besides the attender vppon my
body, and vsuall night lights, who after that she had vsed diuers
speeches, to the end shee might comfort me, hauing vnderstood before of
me, the originall cause of my hollow and deepe sighes, she indeuored hir
best to moderate, if at least she might, that, my perturbed and
pittifull estate. But when she sawe that I was desirous of sleepe, she
tooke leaue to depart.
Then I being left alone to the high cogitations of loue, hauing passed
ouer a long and tedious night without sleepe, through my barren fortune,
and aduerse constellation, altogether vncomforted and sorrowfull, by
means of my vntimely and not prosperous loue, weeping, I recounted 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 vnarmed, the seditious strife, especially being intestine:
a fresh still setting 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
reuerende _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 conditions 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 imaginations. 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.
Me thought that I was in a large, plaine, and champion place, all greene
and diuersly spotted with many sorted flowerrs, wherby it seemed
passingly adorned. In which by reason of the milde and gentle ayre,
there was a still quyet whisht: Inso much that my attentiue eares did
heare no noyse, neither did any framed speech peirce into them, but with
the gratious beames of the sunne, the sliding time passed.
In which place with a fearefull admiration, looking about me, I sayd
thus to my selfe. Heere appeareth no humaine creature to my sight, nor
syluan beast, flying bird, countrey house, field tent, or shepheards
cote: neyther vpon the gras could I perceiue feeding eyther flock of
sheep, or heard of cattell, or rustike herdman with Oten pipe making
pastorall melodie, but onely taking the benefit of the place, and
quietnesse of the plaine, which assured mee to be without feare,
I directed my course still forward, regarding on eyther side the tender
leaues and thick grasse, which rested vnstirred, without the beholding
of any motion.
At length my ignorant sleepes, brought me into a thick wood, whereinto
being a pritty way entred, I could not tell how to get out of it.
Wherevpon, a soddaine feare inuaded my hart, and diffused it selfe into
euery ioynt, so that my couler began to waxe pale, and the rather by
reason that I was alone, and vnarmed, and could not finde any track or
path, eyther to direct me forward, or lead me back againe. But a darke
wood of thicke bushes, sharpe thornes, tall ashes haled of the Viper,
towgh Elmes beloued of the fruitfull vines, harde Ebony, strong Okes,
soft Beeche, and browne Hasils, who intertaining one anothers branches,
with a naturall goodwill opposed themselues, to resist the entrance of
the gratious sunne shine, with the greene couerture of their innumerable
leaues. And in this sort I found my selfe in a fresh shadowe, a coole
ayre, and a solytarie thicket.
VVherevpon 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 bloudthirstie Beare, the hissing serpent, and
inuading VVoolfe, 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, 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 onely in a wearye body, to conteine
a minde distraught through troublesome thoughts, breathing out hollow
and deepe sighes, desiring helpe of the pittifull _Cretensian Ariadne_,
who for the destroying of hir monstrous brother the _Mynotaur_[A] gaue
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.
[Sidenote A: Minotaurus a monster in Creete, born of Pasiphae which
being inclosed in the laborinth fed on mans flesh, whome Theseus
slew and got out of the laborinth by a clew of thred giuen by
Ariadne king Minoes daughter, after wife to Theseus, who did forsake
hir, and left hir in a disinhabited Ile, notwithstanding that she
had saued his life.]
[Decoration]
_Poliphilus being 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
harmonie, which made him forget to drinke, and followe after the
voice, which brought him to a woorse perplexitie._
Feare and desire of freedome thus 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 on euery side
I feared, when some cruell beast should come and deuoure me, or els
vnawares to tumble downe into some deepe pit or hollow place.
Wherefore more trembling then in mustulent _Autume_ be the yealow
coulored leaue, hauing left their moisture, being thorowlye searched
with the furious north winde, I lifted vp my hart to God, desiring as
_Achemenides_ being afraide of the horrible _Cyclops_ rather to be
slaine by the hands of _Aeneas_ his enemie, rather then to suffer so
odious a death.
And my deuoute prayer, sincerely vnited to a contrite heart, powring out
a fountaine of teares with a stedfast beliefe to be deliuered. I found
my selfe in a short space gotten at libertie, like a new day crept out
of a darke and tempestuous night. My eyes before vsed to such obumbrated
darkenes, could scarse abide to behould the light, thorow watery sadnes.
Neuerthelesse glad I was to see the light: as one set at libertie, that
had beene chayned vp in a deepe dungeon and 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 finde some Fountaine whereat I might refresh my selfe: a
pleasant spring or head of water, did offer it selfe vnto me, with a
great vayne 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 vndissonant torrents, from high and fertlesse mountaines in the
plaine, shewed a beautifull brightnes and soft passing course, to the
which short windedly comming, by meanes of my fearefull flight. I did
see a little obscure light, 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, vnaccompanyed of any creature.
And suddainly hearing the fall of trees, through the force of a
whyrlewinde, & 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, therewith determined to make me a necessary
drinking vessel: I had no sooner put the same into the water, offring to
my mouth the long desired moysture, thereby to refrygerate and coole the
extreame heate of my burning heart, which at that time would haue beene
more acceptable vnto me, then eyther _Hypanis_ and _Ganges_ be to the
_Indians_, _Tigris_ or _Euphrates_ to the _Armenians_, or _Xeylus_ to
the _Aethiopian_ nation, or to the _Egyptians_ his innundation, 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 water into the
palme of my hand, offering the same to my open mouth, ready to receiue
it: I heard a doricall songe, wherewith I was as greatly delighted,
as if I had heard the Thracian _Thamiras_, which thorough my eares
presented it selfe to my vnquiet heart, with so sweete and delectable a
deliuerie, with a voyce not terrestriall, with so great a harmonie and
incredible a fayning shrilnesse, and vnusuall proportion, as is possible
to bee imagined by no tounge sufficiently to be commended. The sweetnes
whereof so greatly delighted me, as thereby I was rauished of my
remembrance, and my vnderstanding so taken from me, as I let fall my
desired water thorough the loosned ioynts of my feeble hands.
And then euen as a birde, which through the sweetnes of the call
forgetteth to remember the Fowlers deceit, so I letting slip that which
nature stood in need of, hastened my selfe back with all speed, towarde
that attractiue melodie, which the more I 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
more wearie, faint, and drye, and so feeble, that my legges could but
with great paine, vphould my distempered body. And my grieued spirits
vnabled long to support the same, what with the feare that I had bin in,
what with extreame thirst, what with long and wilesome trauell, and what
with doubting the worst that might insue. Thus hote, faint, and drye:
I knew not what to do but euen to procure rest for my weary members.
I marueled first at this straunge accedent, and was amazed at this
inhumane 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 and carelesly to haue
lost the benefit thereof. In this sort I was houlden in an intrycate
minde of doubts, at length ouercome withall kinde of greefes, my whole
bodye trembling and languishinge vnder a broade and mightye Oke full of
Acornes, standing in the middest of a spatious and large green meade,
extending forth his thicke and leauie armes to make a coole shadowe,
vnder whose bodye breathing I rested my selfe vppon the deawye hearbes,
and lying vppon my left syde I drewe my breath in the freshe ayre more
shortly betwixt my drye and wrinckled lips, then the weary running
heart, 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
& exceeding doubts: O _hi me_ where might I there among so many dyuerse
and sundry sorts of hearbes, finde the _Mercurial Moli_[A] 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 the 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 my distempred mouth with theyr moisture,
wishing for such a wel as _Hypsipyle_[a] shewed the Grecians: Fearing
least that vnawares as I had russled in the wood I were bitten with the
serpent _Dipsa_[b] my thirst was so vnsupportable. Then renuing my oulde
cogitations: as _I_ lay vnder this mightie Oke: I was oppressed with
emynent sleepe ouer all my members: where againe I dreamed in this
sorte.
[Sidenote A: Moly an herb greatly commended of Homer, and thought to
be souereigne against inchauntments of moderne authors altogether
vnknowne.]
[Sidenote a: Hypsipile was daughter to Thaos king of Lemnos, who
alone when all women of that Iland had slaine their husbands &
kinsmen, saued hir father: she also shewed the Grecians the
fountaine Langia in the wood of Nemea in Achaia where Hercules slue
a lion.]
[Sidenote b: Dipsa a kind of snakes that Lucan mentioneth, whose
byting procureth extreame drynes or thirste.]
_Poliphilus sheweth, that he thought he did sleep againe, and in his
dreame thas 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_.
Gotten foorth of this fearefull and thick wood, and forgetting the
forementioned places by this sweete sleepe, occasioned by my wearie
members nowe layde along: mee thought that I was in a new more
delectable place, far excelling the former, which consisted not of
fertles mountaines 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 there with young Okes, Ashes, Palme
trees broadleaued, _Aesculies_,[a] Holme, Chestnut, Sugerchist, Poplars,
wilde Oliue, and Oppies disposed some hyer then other, according to the
mounting or fall of the place, in the plaine whereof was an other kinde
of thicket of medicinable simples like little young trees, as the
flowering _Genista_[b] enuironed with diuers green hearbs, Tetrifolie,
Sheere grasse, hunnisuckle, the musked Angelica, Crowfoot Elapium and
Rugwoort, with other profitable and vnknowne hearbes and flowers heare
and there diuerslie disposed. A little beyond in the same valley, I
founde a sandie or grauelly plaine, yet 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 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.
[Sidenote a: Aesculus is a tree bearing both greater fruite and
broder leaues then the Oke.]
[Sidenote b: Gemista beareth a cod and yellowe flower, vines are
bound therewith. Elaphium is like to Angelica, but not in smell, the
hart thereon rubbeth his head when it is veluet.]
At the sight whereof immediatly, my hayre stood right vp, and I would
haue cryed out, but could not: and presently the Woolfe ranne away:
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 appearing, 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 approximated
the same, by so much the more the excellencie of the woorke shewed it
selfe, increasing my desire to behould the same. For there appeared no
longer a substance of vnknowne forme, but a rare Obelisk vpon a vast
frame and stonie foundation, the heigth whereof without comparison did
exceed the toppes of the sidelying mountaynes, although I thought that
they had beene the renowmed _Olympus_[a], the famous _Caucasus_[b], and
not inferior to _Cyllenus_[c].
[Sidenote a: Olimpus a hil in Greece between Macedonie and Thesalie,
so high, that of the Poets it is sometime taken for heauen.]
[Sidenote b: Caucasus a mightie hill in Asia which parteth India
from Scythia.]
[Sidenote c: Cillenus a hill of Arcadia, where Iupiter begat
Mercurie vpon Maia.]
To this sollitarie place thus desiredlye comming, with vnspeakeable
delight, at pleasure I behelde the straunge manner of the arte, the
hugenesse of the frame, and the woonderfull excellencie of the
woorkmanship. Maruelling and considering the compasse and largenesse of
this broken and decayed obiect, made of the pure glistering marble of
_Paros_[d]. The squared stones ioyned togither without anye cement, and
the pointed quadrangulate corner stones streightlye fitted and smoothlye
pullished, the edges whereof were of an exquisite vermellion coulour, as
is possible to bee deuised: and so iust set, as betwixt the ioynts, euen
the enemie to the woorke (if euer there were anye) could not deuise to
hide the point of the smallest spanish needle vsed of the best
workewomen. And there in this so noble a piece of worke, I found a
proportioned substance to euery shape and likenesse that can be thought
vpon and called to remembrance, partly decayed, and some still whole
remaining, with pillers small vpon great, with their excellent heads of
an exact and most perfect closing, crowned battelments, embost caruings,
bearing forth like embroderie, arched beames, mightie mettaline images,
ouerthrowne and broken in sunder, the trunke of their exact and perfect
members, appearing hollow of brasse. Skyffes, small boates and vessels
of _Numidian_ stone and _Porphyr_, and diuers couloured marble. Great
lauers condites, and other infinite fragments of notable woorkmanship,
far different and inferiour from that they were, in their perfection,
but now brought back as it were to their first vnshapelines, being
fallen and cast downe, some heere, some there, vpon the earth from the
which they were taken. Among the broken and decayed places, wherof great
sundrie wall weeds and hearbes, especially the vnshaking Anagyre, the
Lentise of both kindes, beares foote, dogges head, Gladen greene,
spotted Iuie, Centarie, and diuers suchlike. 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, _Panglyphic_ and _Hemygliphic_[E] compendiously caracterized,
shewing the excellencie thereof, vndoubtedly accusing our age, that the
perfection of such an art is forgotten.
[Sidenote d: Paros is one of the 35. Isles called Cyclades and
Sporades, in the sea Aegeum which deuideth Europ from Asia.]
[Sidenote E: Panglyphic be wholy carued from the head to the foote
in all members. Hemigliphic apeare but halfe.]
Then comming to the myddle fronture of the great and excellent woorke,
I sawe one sole large and marueylous porche worthy of great estimation,
proportioned according to the huge quantitie of the rest of the whole
work, which was placed betwixt and continued in building from the one
and the other of the mountaines hare lipped, and aboue arched, whose
space betwixt as I doe coniecture was in measure sixe furlongs, and
twelue paces. The top of which mountaines were perpendicularly equall
eyther of them touching the azur'd 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, and
a long time in finishing. There then this woonderfull frame willingly as
it were ioyned hands and vnited it selfe with the one and the other
mightie mountaines, by meanes whereof, the foresaid valley there had an
end, that no man could go further forward or backe againe, but to enter
in by this broade, large, and wide open porche.
Vpon this massie frame and mightie woorkmanship, which I take to be in
heigth from the roofe or top to the foote, fiue parts of a furlong, was
placed a high and woonderfull Pyramides, after the fashion of a square
poynted Diamond, and such incredible workemanship that could neuer be
deuised and erected, without inestimable charge, great helpe, and long
time. So that I thought the excellencie thereof vnthought vpon, to bee a
myrrour, the sight whereof was able to dasell any humaine eyes, and
quaile the rest of the spirituall sences. VVhat shall I say more? for so
far as the reache of my capacitie will afoorde me leaue, in this sort I
briefely describe the same.
Euery side or quarter of this foure squared frame, wherevpon the foote
of the Pyramides did stand, did extend themselues in length six
furlongs[A], which in compasse about euery side [ae]quilatered of like
bredth, dooth multiplie to 24 furlongs. Then lifting vp the lynes on
high from the foure corners, so much as euerye corner is distant in
length from another, 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. VVhich immence and
woonderfull forme, with a maruelous and exquise Symmetrie and due
proportion mounting vp laboursomly foote 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 were the steps: which cube and square stone was the
Basis and foote set vnder the Obilisk, which I haue in hand to describe.
[Sidenote A: A furlong is 16. pole euery pole being 16 foote.]
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 Diagonike line. Of proportioned
thicknesse in heigth two paces. Which thus closing and mette together,
made the socket of the great Obelisk: which Socket was beautified with
leaues, fruites and flowers, of shining cast mettall, and of conuenient
bignesse. VVherevpon the weight of the Obelisk was borne. The breadth
whereof was two paces, and seauen in heigth, artificiously 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 Hyerogliphs_.
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 continuall diligent behoulder.
Of such a proportion as the common stature might be considered and
perfectly seene, notwithstanding the exceeding heigth thereof in the
ayre. Besides the greatnesse of the figure or image: it was a woonder to
thinke how such a weight should bee carryed and set in such a place and
so high. Couered with a habite blowne abroad with the winde, and shewing
parte of the naked substance of the legges and thighes: with two wings
growing out from the shoulder blades, and spred abroad as if shee were
readye to flye, turning hir fayre face and sweete regarding countenance
towardes hir wings. The tresses of hir haire flying abroade the vpper
part or crowne naked and bare. In hir right hand she held from hir sight
a copie or horne stuft full of many good things, stopped vp, and the
mouth downewarde, hir left hand fastned and harde holden to hir naked
brest. This Image and stature was with euery blast of wind turned, and
mooued about with such a noyse and tinkling in the hollownes of the
metaline deuise: as if the mynte of the Queene of England had being
going there. And when the foote of the phane or Image in turning about,
did rub and grinde vpon the copper base, fixed vpon the pointe of the
Obeliske, it gaue such a sound, as if the tower bell of Saint Iohns
Colledge in the famous Vniuersitie of Cambridge had beene rung: or that
in the pompeous Batches of the mightie _Hadrian_: or that in the fift
Pyramides standing 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 woorkeman. With what art
inuented? with what power, humaine force, and incredible meanes, enuying
(if I may speake it) the workmanship of the heauens, such and so mightie
weights should be 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.
_And heere on the other side followeth the figure._
[Illustration]
Let vs returne then to the huge Pyramides, standing vpon a strong and
sound plynth or foure square foote, fourteene paces in heigth, and in
length sixe furlongs, which was the foundation and bottom of the
weightie pyramides, which I perswaded my selfe was not brought from any
other place, but euen with plaine labour and workemanship hewen out of
the selfe same 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 betwixt spaced and seperated
on eyther sides tenne paces. Vpon the right hand as I went of the
aforesaid plynth or square sheame, there was most perfectly carued the
vyperous head of the fearefull _Medusa_, in a most furious and rigorous
forme to looke vpon, and as it were yelling out: with terrible eyes
cauernate, and hollow skowling vnder ther ouerhanging browes with a
wrympled and forrowed forehead and gaping wide open mouth, which being
hollowed with a dyrect waye from the Catill, and vppon stone by a
mediane lyne perpendicular to the center of the far shewing Pyramides,
made a large enterance and comming vnto it, at which opening mouth,
compassed with fowlded haires of vnrepartable curiousnes artificiall
cunning and costly woorkmanshyppe the assending the turning stayers
shewed them selues, and instead of tresses of haire platted with laces,
I saw fearefull vypers and winding serpents growing out from the scalpe
of the monstrous head confusedly twysting together and hissing, so
liuely portrayed and set foorth, that they made me afrayde to behould
them. In their eyes were placed most shining stones, in such sort, as if
I had not beene perswaded and knowne that they were stones indeed,
I durst not haue drawne neere them.
And the aforesayde entrie cut out of the firme stone, led to the scale
and compassing passage in the center, with winding steps tending to the
highest parte of the stately Pyramides, and opening vpon the outside 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 architect with an exquisite and perspicuous inuention, had made
to the stayres certaine loopes or small windowes, imbracing the
bountifull beames of the sunne correspondently 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 Mathematrician, to the
Orientall Meridionall and Occidentall partes of the ayre, that euery
houre of the day the sunne shined in, and gaue light to the whole scale,
the same loopes or windolets in diuerse places symmetrially and
definitely dispersed and set.
To the aforesaid entrance thorow the open mouth of _Medusa_, I came by a
long gallorie to a salying scale or downe going staire opening at the
foot and pauement of the building vpon my right hand against one of the
collaterall and side-lying mountaines, betwixt which there was out of
the stone and open space cut out of tenne paces vp, into the which I
ascended boldely without 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 turning 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 immesurable height thereof woulde
cause a giddines in the head, and bring a staggering to the feete: vpon
the plaine of the obeliske there was infixed a table of brasse fastened
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 dedicated to the Sunne, and the measure of the work wholy
set downe and described, the name of the Architector noted on the
obeliske in Greek letters.
+LICHA SOLIBIKOS LIOODOMOS O:RTHOSEN ME+
_Lichas Libiicus architectus me erexit_.
Lichas a Libian architector set me vp.
Let vs returne and come backe to the consideration of the But and
tessell or square, subiect and vphoulder of the Pyramides in the fronte
and foreside whereof I beheld ingrauen a _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 itselfe, as if
theyr eyes and feete had mooued together, and coasted from one part to
an other, with an expedite passage and swift course. In such sorte
seemed they vpon theyr strong and mightie horsses, some being cast
downe, other stumbling and falling: many wounded and hurt, yeelding vp
their desired liues: some troden downe and mischieued vnder the feete of
the fierce and vnrestrained horsses. Other casting off their armour
wrastling and togging one with another: 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
deuises vpon their crests: others naked and vnarmed, leaping and rushing
in among the thickest, thereby shewing theyr haughtie, inuincible, and
vndaunted courages, resolute for death. Some with fearefull countenances
crying out, other shewing 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, offering to
the sight and eyes of tbe 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 foile to beautifie and set forth with
pale Christaline and siluer crolley, of innumerable huge bodyes, their
last indeuours, their present actions, the fashion of their armor, the
diuersitie of their deaths, & vncertaine & doubtful victorie. The
discharge of my vndertaken discription whereof, prooueth maymed and
lame, by reason that my 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_. For the strangenes
of the Egiptian building might giue place to this. The famous laborinths
were far inferior, _Lemnos_ is not to be rehearsed the Theaters of old
time were in comparison but warriners lodges, ney ther did the famous
_Nausoley_ come any thing neere. Which certainly maketh me absolutely
perswaded, that he which wrote the seauen woonders of the world, neuer
heard of this: neyther in any age hath their been seene or imagined the
like, no not the sepulcher of _Ninus_.
Lastly I woondered what foundation and arches were able to vphold so
monstrous a weight, whether the pyllars were hexagons or tetragons, and
what varietie of columnes, and what number might serue, and after what
sorte proportionately disposed and set. For the better vnderstanding and
more perfect knowledge wherof, I conueyghed my selfe in at the open &
spacious porche and enterance, within the which was an obscure and vast
hollownes: which porche, together with the proud and stately buylding
(things worthy of memorie) shall in some sorte be descrybed as
followeth.
_Poliphilus, after the discription of the huge Pyramides and Obeliske,
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._
Rightlye and lawfullye may I haue leaue to write, that in the whole
world there was neuer such an other, so pompeous, glorious, and
magnificent a peece of worke, by mans eyes seene or crediblie reported.
The woonderfull excellencie and rare straungenesse whereof, as I beheld
what with delight, and what with admiration, my sences were so
captiuated and tyed therevnto, that no other solace or pleasure, did
eyther occurre or take place in my swift flying thought.
But that when I applyed my sences to consider, and addressed my eyes
with diligent obseruation, curiouslie to ouerlooke 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 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 curiousnes thereof, as euer was built or deuised) and the
rather for that our mother toung and vulgar speeche, may not afford apt
and peculiar words, for such a piece of artificall 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 fowre square, wrought
checkerwise of diuers fashions, and sundrie best fitting coulours: but
in many places, by meanes of the ruine of the auncient walke, and olde
pillers, broken in peeces and ouergrowne.
And in the vtmost partes of the aforesaide court, to the right hand, and
the left, towards the mountaines, there was two straight rowes of
pillars, with a space betwixt for the interiect _Areostile_,[A] as the
quantities of both columnes required, the first course or order of
setting the pyllars, beginning on both sides equall to the Lymbus or
extreame part of the fronte of the porche, the space betwixt pyllars
and pillars XV. paces. Of which collumnes or great pillars, some
and the greatest parte or number were whole. With their capitels or
heads, wrought with a waued shell worke, and cyllerie or draperie, their
corners bearing out and 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 concord; 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.
[Sidenote A: A columne consisteth of his Capitell that is the head.
Astragalus that is the subiect of the capitell next the columne.
Hypotrachelie the shaft of the columne. And Hypothesis, that is the
foote whereon the Columne standeth, exceeding the bignes of the
columne.]
Fast ioyning to which order or set rowes of pillars, there grew ould
plaine trees, wylde Oliues, Pine apple, and pricking brambles. I
coniectured that it was made for to ride horses in, to trot and gallop,
the ring, to manage, carrier, and coruet in, or els some open gallerie,
couered close ouer head, vnder propt with pillers, and of a large
widenesse to walke drie in, and to take a temperate ayre in, not too
subtile.
Aboue in this great Court paued as aforesayd, in the passage towardes
the Porche, some tenne paces, I 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 proportionable to the bredth
and length: with his head at libertie and vnbrideled: hauing his two
small eares, the one standing forward, and the other drawne back, with a
long waued maine, falling from his crest on the contrarye side: vpon
whose backe 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, 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.
[Illustration]
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, and by his surpassing imitation of
nature.
_Peryllus_ there might go put vp his pypes, and blush with his deuised
Bull, and _Hiram_ the Iewe must heere giue place, or what founders els
soeuer.
The _P[ae]gma_ 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.
[Illustration:
: D :
AMBIG
: D : D : EQVVS
INFOELI/CI/TATIS]
At the hinder end in like sort was a garland of deadly Woolfwoort,
with this inscription, _Equus inf[ae]licitatis_. 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:[A] 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 countenance incountered a
foregoing sad. Their number was seauen and seauen, so perfectly and
sweetely counterfeited with liuelie motions, their vestures whisking
vp and flying abroad, that the workman could not be accused of any
imperfection, but that one had not a liuely voyce to expresse their
mirth, and the other brinish teares to manifest their sorrow: the said
daunce was in fashion of two Semicircles, with a seperating partition
put betwixt.
[Sidenote A: None liue in this world in that pleasure, but they haue
also their sorowes in time.]
[Illustration]
Vnder which Hemiall figure, there was inscript this worde TEMPVS. On the
contrary side I beheld many of greene adolescency of like proportion to
the former, and in suchlike 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 faire Nimphes pleasantly deuising, and sportinglie
snatching away their gathered flowers,[A] and in such sort as abouesaid
vnder the figure were ingrauen certaine capitall letters, to shew this
one word AMISSIO, conteyning the ninth part to the Diameter or the
quadrature.
[Sidenote A: Gift vainely bestowed, in time wantonlie spent, is a
great losse, & breedeth repentance.]
[Illustration]
At the first sight hereof I was amased and astonished, but with better
regard & great delight curiously reouerlooking the huge founded Machine
the shape and forme of a horse made by humane industry and skill most
commendable, for that euery member without defect had his perfect
harmonie, and euery limme his desired proportion, I straight called to
remembrance the vnfortunate horse of _Scian_.
And thus helde still to beholde the same artificiall mysterie, an other
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 willingly going forward, I came to a vast and wonderfull large
Colose, the feete thereof bare, and their soles hollowe, and the legges
as if their flesh had beene wasted, consumed and fallen away. From
thence with horror I came to looke vpon the head, where _I_ did
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 of his beard you might mount
vp to his breast, and by the rent and torne peeces of the same to his
stil lamenting mouth, which groningly remained wide open and empty, by
the which, prouoked by the spurre of curious desire, I went downe by
diuers degrees into his throat, from thence to his stomacke, and so
foorth by secret wayes, and by little and little to all the seuerall
partes of his inward bowelles, Oh wonderfull conceit. And euery part of
mans body hauing vpon it written his proper appellation in three ideomes
Chaldee, Greeke and Latine, that 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 continuaunce sendeth out sighes, and
where Loue doth most greeuously offend: wherewithall _I_ 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 farre distant from the horse straight
forward) a huge Elephant of more blacke stone than the Obsidium,
powdered ouer with small spottes of golde and glimces of siluer, as
thicke as dust glistering in the sonne. 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 correspondent to the breadth of
the Obeliske placed vpon the saddle, and so iustly set, as no
perpendicular line would fall on either side the diameter. Vpon three
parts or sides of the foure square Obelisk, were ingrauen Egiptian
caracters. The beast so exactly and cunningly proportioned, as inuention
could deuise, and art performe. The aforesaid saddle and furniture set
foorth and beautified with studdes hanging iewels, stories, and 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 Iewels, the
subiect whereof was of the same substance of the saddle: vppon the
middest whereof was grauen in Latine _Cerebrum est in capite_. And in
like manner brought about the out sides of his neck to the foretop of
his large and big head, it was there fastned together with an
artificiall knot: from the which a curious ornament and verie notable,
of Gouldsmithes worke, hung downe, ouer spredding his spacious face: the
same ornament being twise so long as broade, bordered about, in the
table whereof I beheld certaine letters, _Ionic_ and _Arabic_, in this
sorte.
[Illustration:
+PONOS / KAI / EUPHUIA+
[Arabic: ....] ]
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 certaine _Hierogliphs_, or
Egiptian caracters. Being decently and orderlye pullished, with a
requisite rebatement, _Lataster gule thore orbicle, Astragals_ or
_Neptrules_, with a turned down _Syme_ at the foote of the base, and
turned vp aloft with writhin trachils and denticles, agreeable and fit
to the due proportion of so large a substance, in length 12. paces, in
breadth fiue, and in heigth three, the superficiall and outward part,
whereof was hewen in forme of a hemicycle.
In the hynder parte of which base and stone, wherevpon this mightie
beast did stande, I founde an assending place of seauen steps, to mount
vp to the plaine superficies of the base wherevpon the _O_lyphant 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.
[Illustration]
At the sight whereof I extreamely desired to see the 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 natural 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 holding forward his arme to giue direction
to the former part.
On his left side he held a shield in fashion like to the keele of a
ship, or the bone of a horse head, wherevppon was inscript in Hebrew,
Attic, and Latine letters, this sentence that is placed on the other
side with the figure.
[Illustration:
#Im lo ki habehema kista et besari
ani hayiti erom chapes vetimtza hanicheni#
+GUMNOS E:N. EI ME: AN THE:RI-
ON EMEKALUPSEN. ZE:TEI. HEU-
RE:SE:DE. EASON ME.+
NVDVSESSEM, BES-
TIA NIME TEXIS-
SET, QVAERE, ET
INVE NIES. MESI-
NITO.]
At which vncoth and straunge sight I stood not a little amased and
somewhat doubtfull what to imagine, turning my eyes to the contrarie
part, I sawe in like sorte an other, as before burning light, and
passing thorough betwixt the side of the beast, and the therein inclosed
part of the Obelisk, I came towards the forepart of the Olyphant, where
in like manner I found such an other 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.
[Illustration:
#Heye me shetihiye kach min ha'otzar ze ka'avat nafshecha
aval azhir otcha haser harosh ve'al tiga begufo#
+HOSTIS EI. ALBEEK TOU DE TOU
THE:SAUROU, OSNON ANA RESKOI.
PARAINO: DE HO:S LABE:IS TE:N
KEPHALE:N, ME: HAPTOU EO:MATOS.+
QVISQVIS ES,
QVANTVNCVN-
QUE LIBVERIT
HVIVS THESAVRI
SVME AD MONEO.
AVFER CAPVT,
CORPVS NE TAN-
GITO.]
This noueltie worthie to be manifested, and secret riddle often to be
read ouer, was not knowen to me, so as I rested doubtfull what the
interpretation of this sophisme should signify, not daring to trie the
conclusion. But stricken with feare in this dark 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 substance
ouer that other stones be, the workemanship within as curious as that
without. Lastly, returned cleane 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 hornes.
An altar standing vpon goates feete, with a burning fire aloft, on the
foreside whereof there was also an eie, and a vulture.
After that a bason and an ewre.
A spindle ful of twind, an old vessel fashioned with the mouth stopped
and tied fast.
A sole and an eye in the bale thereof and two branches 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.
[Illustration]
Which ancient maner of writing, as I take it, is thus to be vnderstoode.
_Ex labore Deo natur[ae] sacrifica liberaliter paulatim reduces
animum Deo subiectum. Firmam custodiam vit[ae] tu[ae], misericorditer
gubernando tenebit, incolumemque seruabit._
Letting passe this most excellent rare, strange, and secret deuise and
worke: _L_et vs returne againe to the prodigious horse, whose head was
leane and little, of a small proportion and yet fitting the body, which
seemed continually staring, fieerce and impatient, the flesh in his
muscles trembling and quaking, in such sort as that hee seemed rather
aliue than a fained imitation, with this Greeke worde in his face
+GENEA+. There were also other great peeces and fragments of diuers and
sundry lineaments 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 an other will make sixeteene
quadrats, then adde to the figure halfe as much more in like proportion,
diuiding the adiunct you shall finde foure and twenty squares. This
figure shall serue of credycels to make the inlepturgie and briefe
demonstration that followeth.
Draw then in the first fygure A. B. C. D. two diagons, make also in the
same two lines, and straight downe, and the other ouerthwart, which make
foure quadrats mutually intersect,
Then in the voide ouer the Isopleures make foure mediane prickes,
drawing lines from one to another, and they wil make the Rhombas.
When I had drawne this figure after this manner I straightway mused with
my selfe, what reason should mooue many of our woorkemen in these dayes
eyther to thinke well of themselues, or take the art of building in
hand, not knowing what it is? 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
behoulding of hir woorkes.
And what parte soeuer is not agreeable with his principle, is foule and
naught. For take away order and rule, and what thing can any man make,
eyther beautifull to the eye, or of commendable proportion and durable:
then it must needes follow, that the cause of such inconuenient errors
doth proceed from ignorance, and hath his beginning from illiterature.
And this 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 adiuncts is an easie
matter. Wherein is also to be considered, the dew ordering and placing
of euery thing, and not to set a crowne vpon the feete, but vpon the
head, and so oualing and denticulating, and other cuttings of sundrye
sorts in their 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
mannalistsand 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 thus much shall suffice.
_After that _Poliphylus_ had at large made a demonstration of the dew
proportion of the Gate, hee proceedeth to describe the ornaments
thereof, and their excellencie._
I hauing beene somewhat prolix and tedious in my former purpose, it may
be that it hath bred some offence, to such as dayly indeuour to occupie
theyr sences in the pleasaunt discourses of loue. But it wyll also
prooue no whit displeasant, if with a lyttle patience, they restraine to
glutte themselues with the walowish sweetnes of deceyueable delightes,
and trye the taste of a contrarye vyand.
And for as much as the affections of men are naturally variable and
different one from an other: vpon this occasion I may bee excused. For
although that bread sometime denyed and kept backe from the hungrie
body, may cause a hard conceit, yet when it is eftsoones offered vnto
him, the mallice is forgotten, and the gift very gratefully receyued.
Nowe hauing in some sorte spoken of the right vse of 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, with full strokes,
afterwarde wyll proportion the same into deuisions, by cromatycall and
delyghtfull minims crotchets, and quauers, curiously reporting vpon his
plaine song. Euen so after inuention, the principall and speciall rule,
for an Architector is a quadrature, the same deuided into smales the
harmonie and sweete consent of the building, setteth foorth it selfe,
and the conuenient adiunctes, agreeable to theyr 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 ingrauen, as the smallest part thereof could not bee
accused of anye fault, but the woorkman commended for the perfection of
his skill.
First vpon my right hande belowe, I beheld a stilypode or square stone,
like an aulter vnder the bases of the columnes, which hauing vpon the
vpper parte a conuenient and meet 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 wirh the
same foliature and leafe worke, hemming in the smooth face or table of
the Stilypode of shining white alliblaster, polished and plaine, the
outward part of the quadrangule, equilaterally compassing about the
same, wherevpon with a woonderfull curiousnes was ingrauen a man neere
his myddle-age, of a churlish and swarffie countenance, with an vnshaply
beard, thick, and turning into his chyn, by the towghnesse of the hard
skinne, and vneasie growing out of the hayre.
He sat vpon a stone with an aporne of a Goates skinne, the 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
brigandine 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
Blacksmithes that were there busie at theyr worke, left not off to looke
still vpon so beautifull an obiect. There was also fast by, of like
excellent woorkemanship, a knight of fierce countenance,[A] hauing vpon
hym an armour of brasse, with the head of _Medusa_ vpon the curate or
brest plate, and all the rest exquisitely wrought and beautified, with a
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 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.
[Sidenote A: Mars.]
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,[A]
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 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 coniecture 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.
[Sidenote A: Mercurie.]
There also I saw a squier or armour-bearer and a woman with a helmet
vpon her head carying a troph[ae] or signe of victorie vpon a speare
after this manner.[A] 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.
[Sidenote A: Amor mi troua di tutto disarmato.]
The two straight pillars of Porphyre of seuen diameters 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 rebaternents
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 chamfering 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 sometimes
in stead of a chapter a woman's head with crisped haire.
These notable and faire collumnes aforesaide did rise vp in length vpon
their vnderset bases of brasse with their _Thores_ and _Cymbies_[A]
wrought with a foliature of oke leaues and acornes winding about their
chapters standing vpon their subiect _Plynths_.
[Sidenote A: Thores and Cymbies be the outward parts of a chapter or
head of a pillar sticking out further than the pillar wrything and
turning in, wrought with leaues, the worke is called of caruers &
painters draperie and celerie.]
The Chapters of the same substance of their bases, with requisite meete
and conuenient proportion aunswerable to the harmonie of the whole
worke. Such as _Callimachus_ the chiefe caruer to _Calathus_ the sonne
of _Iupiter_ did neuer performe or come neere in the erected sepulcher
of the _Corinthian_ Virgin, beautified with draperie of double
_Achanthis_.
The Plynthes whereon the chapters did stand wrought with winding and
turning workes, and in the middest, decorated with a Lillie, the bowle
garnished with two rowes of viii. leaues of Achanthus, after the Romaine
and Corinthian maner, out of which leaues came little small stalkes,
closing together in the middest of the boule, shewing foorth 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 couler, hanging downe after an auncient manner, and foulded and
turned in among the tender stalkes.
The closing together and bracing of which hemicycle or arch, worthie of
admiration, of a rare and subtile deuise, and exquisite polyture, did
thus obiect and present it selfe to my sight.
There I beheld in a hard and most black stone, an eagle displayed, and
bearing out of the bignesse of a naturall eagle, which had louingly
seazed and taken in hir foote a sweete babe in the swadling cloutes,[A]
nicely, carefully, 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.
[Sidenote A: The Eagle of Iupiter that carryed Ganimed.]
Hir feete were fixed about the rising vp chist of the childe, whome she
had made bare from the nauell vpwarde and downeward so as the naked
hippes might be seene betwixt the fethered thighes of the Eagle. This
little infant and most beautifull babe (worthie and meete for him that
he was seazed for) by his 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[A] of the Eagles pinions displayed, as aforesaid. And
clasping his swelling prittie legges and feete, about hir suruaighing
spreding traine, which laye behinde the rising vppe of the arche.
[Sidenote A: The bones next the qack in the wing, whiche in a hawke
excelleth all proportions of other birds.]
This little childe was cut of the white vayne of Achates[A] or Onix, and
the Eagle of the other vaine of the same stone called sardius which is
of black couler of some called Cordeoll, ioyning both in one selfe same
stone. Whereat I stood musing and commending to my selfe the ingenious
and apt inuention of the Arthist, in the vse of such a stone, which of
his owne nature to contrarie proportions 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 middest
thereof, as if she had beene resolutely intended, and eagerly bent to
haue gorged hir selfe vpon it.
[Sidenote A: Achates is a pretious stone wherein are represented
the figures of the nine Muses, of Venus and such like beautiful
personages.]
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, wherein were carued 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
troph[ae].
The ground of which tryangle was of black stone, the better to shew
the perfection and truthe of the mettals in the troph[ae]s, and the
beautifull bodyes of the delycate virgins.
Aboue these mentioned partes, was the Zophor,[A] in the myddest whereof,
I beheld a table of goulde, wherein was this Epigram in Cappitall Greeke
Letters of Syluer. In thys sorte reporting.
+THEOIS APHRODITIKAI TO: O: EROTI DIONISOS YKAI
DE: ME:TRA EK TO:N IDIO:N MYTRI
SUMPATHESTATE:+
_Diis veneri filio amori, Bacchus, & Ceres de propriis,
S. substantiis matri pientissim[ae]._
[Sidenote A: Zophor is a border wherin diuers things are grauen.]
Eyther sides of which table was reteind and held vp with two babes or
wynged spyrits of perfect and liuelye shapes, as if they had beene
celestiall bodyes, vppon a ground of Iasul or blew 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 aunswerable 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 harmonie and commodulate 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 hir
Anagliph[A] most rare and excellent of Orichalke or yealow Latin,
houlding in eyther hand a Torche, one of them reuersed and turned
downeward, beieng extinct and put out, and the other burning towardes
the Sunne. The burning Torche in hyr righte hande, and the extincte in
hyr left.
[Sidenote A: Anagliph smothly chased out with the hammer and not
carued.]
In the quadriture vppon the right side, I behelde the iealous
_Climene_,[A] with her haire trans-formed 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.
[Sidenote A: Clymene the mother of Phaeton.]
Vppon the Table ouer the Columnes on the left side in a curious and rare
vnusuall caruing, there was the resemblance historyed of the
vncomfortable and still mourning _Cyparissus_ holding vp hys handes and
armes toward the Sunne, and making his mone to _Apollo_ for the wounded
_Cerua_.
In the third Table nexte the last mencioned, in a worke answerable to
the presedent and former, I behelde _Leucothoe_, 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 metamorphised most pyttifully into a greene Laurell.
Nowe successiuely in order ouer the afore-mencioned Tables and
quadratures in the _Zophor_, wherein these Histories were represented in
shapes, there was extended and laide ouer a Coronice denticuled & oualld
with interset stralets, betwixt the iates of the Oualls, and leafeworke
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
_Achanthis_.
And to return to the view of the whole frame, in the disposing thereof
as aforesaide,[A] the Coronices by a perpendycular lyne were
corrospondentand agreeing with the faling out of the whol worke, the
Stilliced or Perimeter, or vtterpart of the vppermost Coronice onely
except.
[Sidenote A: A petiment in corrupt English.]
It followeth to shew and speake of the _T_able or inward part of the
_T_rigonall: within the which, according as the extreames of the same
triangle would permit, there was presented to my view, a Crowne or
Garland of diuers leaues, fruites, and stalkes, 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 parts 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
depending downe vppon theyr temples, and crisping and inanulating 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 substance, and
from thenceso continuing theyr nether parts downewarde.
Within the saide Garland I beheld a rough Milche Gote,[A] which a little
child did suck, sitting vnder hir side 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 hir were these
letters _Amalthea_.[B]
[Sidenote A: Iupiter.]
[Sidenote B: Iupiters nursse.]
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
horne.
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,
_Melissa_.[A]
[Sidenote A: The daughter of Melissus and Iupiters nursse.]
Betwixt one and other of the three fore specified Nymphes, there were
two other hauing Cymbals in theyr handes, as it were playing and
dauncing, euery one apparrelled according to the perfection of theyr
beauties, with an artificiall performance of workmanship in the
vndertaken proportions, that they rather seemed the substances
themselues then a Lythoglyph an Imagerie, either by _Policletus_,
_Phidias_ or _Lysippus_, neyther did y^e _Anaglipts_[A] to _Artemisia_
the Queene of _Caria_, _Scaphes_, _Briaxes_, _Timotheus_, _Leocaris_ and
_Theon_, come any thing neare for the workemanship heereof seemed to
excell the cunning of any humaine Lapicidarie, caruer grauer, or cutter
whatsoeuer.
[Sidenote A: Anaglipts are cunning carues and grauers.]
Aboue this foresayde Triangle, and vnder the vpper coronice in a
smooth plaine were these two Attic wordes in capitall Letters, +DIOS
AIGIOCHION+.
This conspitious porche and gate, most woorthye to be behelde, thus
stoode of a maruelous composition, excellently disposed. If I had not
explaned the commodulation and harmonie 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.
[Illustration:
{Archway with words}
+DIOS AIGIOCHION+]
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 standing: as in the inward parte the naues and
columnes carrieng and bearing vp an immesurable and monstrous weight,
and Corinthies of a lesser sort, a diuine and vnknowen work abounding in
variety of perfections as proportion required and needfullnes did desire
to beare vp the burthen that was laide vppon them. Their ornature and
decking with woorkes, and deuises imitating the apparreling of princely
bodies indewed as it were with an artificiall reason. For as to a large
big and corpulent body strong legges, and broad feete, are necessarie to
beare and carry the same: so in a modulate and well composed building,
to sustaine great weights, Naues are appointed, and for beautie,
columnes, Corinthies, and slender Ionices, are set vpon them. And this
whole woorke euen after such sorte as was requisite for the harmonie
thereof, euen so it stood in an approoued excellencie.
With diuersitie of coulers, sweetlye set, and aptlye disposed, the
reflexion of one beautifing another, and all together making a gratious
obiect. Of _Porphyrit_, _Ophit_, _Numidian_, _Alabastrit_, _Pyropecil_,
_Lacedemonian_ greene, and white marble, diuerslie 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 Iuie, full of black berries, and greene soft leaues heare and
there growing vp, and hindering the inwarde obiect of the auncient
worke, with other Murall and wall weeds comming out of the chinkes and
clifts, as the bell flowre. Venus Nauill, & Erogennet, of some called
Loue, to whome he is gratefull, 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 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 remaynders 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 proportions. Some standing vpon the left foote, others vpon the
right in a streight sort, with their heads perpendicularly, euer the
center betwixt their heeles, and some looking sidewaies in height, foure
Cubites of sixe foote.
Others standing vppon both feete, some deale distant one from an other,
and each one in a maiestie sitting in their thrones, and the rest with a
rare and modest grace in their best pleasing and appointed seates.
There also I beheld innumerable _troph[ae]s_, spoyles of armor, and
infinite ornaments, with the heades of Oxen and Horses of conuenient
bignes, and about their hornes part of their garlands of leaues,
fruites, twigges, braunches and floures, and some about part of their
bodies, with little children riding vpon them and playing, in so perfect
a sort and wished order, as the most 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 _Lapicidarie_, 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 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
Architecturie, and the execrable Idol of this present world, so
vnworthily worshipped, and damnably adored. Thou deadly poison to him
that is infected with thee, what sumptuous workes are ouerthrowne, and
by thee interdicted.
Herewithall I beeing rauished and taken vp with vnspeakeable 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 satisfying 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
accurring, onely excepted. But with an extreeme and deepe set sigh, let
vs leaue her a litle, and returne again to our continued purpose.
[Decoration]
_Poliphilus entring a little waye 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 extreemlie afraide, and compelled to runne backe into the
building, and at last getting foorth with much adoe hee came into a
fertile place._
A great and commendable thing with out dout it shold be, trulie to
discribe, & from point to point, to set down the incredible work, and
vnimagined 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 perswaded my self that _Iupiter_ durst not vndertake the
like to the rest of the gods, & certainly beleeuing that no workman, or
human witt could 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
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 workmen seemed in the
perfections, of their dewe proportions as if they had been performed by
one himselfe.
He would also as lightlie haue regarded the skillfull cunning of
_Satirus_ the architect and other of fame, especially _Simandrus_, for
the woorke of _Memnon_, who cut the three statures of _Iupiter_ in one
stone, the feet being aboue seauen cubits long.
To this the representation of the magnanimous _Semiramis_ carued out of
the mountaine _Bagistanus_ must geue place.
And letting passe to speake of the insolent greatnes of the Piramides of
memphis, those writers at large would haue bente them selues 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 _Iupiter_ by _Claudius C[ae]ser_. Or that of _Lisippus_ at
_Tarentum_, or the wonder of _Carelindius_ at the Rhodes, and of
_Xenodorus_ in France, and in Roome. And the colosse of _Serapus_ nine
cubits longe of Smarage or _Emerauldes_, or the famous Labyrinth of
_Egypt_. Or the representacion of _Hercules_ at _Tyre_.
They woulde haue accommodated their sweete styles, to the commendation
heard of as aboue all other most excellent, although the Obelisk of
Iupiter, 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 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 representation of hir Godhead, or the _Aphrodise_
of hir selfe and hir little Archer, and therefore with a deuoute
reuerence, my right foote beeing set vppon the halowed lymit of the
doore, there came towards me flying a white _Horix_.[A]
[Sidenote A: A bird of slow flight & long liuing, in old monuments
by Augurs dedicated to Saturne.]
But I sodainlye with out any further regard or curious forcaste which
with my searching eies went in as the spatious and lightsome entrie
gaueme leaue, representing vnto me such sights as merit, and are
Condigne of euerlastinge remembrannce, in ether sydes stilled with smoth
poollishede Marble, in the middle parte where of there was impacte a
rounde table, inclaustrede and compassede about with a greene Stonne
verye pretious and accordinglie 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 noble tables,
there were placed all a long seates of stone. The pauement neat and
cleane from dust, being made of _Ostracus_.[A]
[Sidenote A: Ostracus be pounded shels mixed with lime, whereof a
plaster is made to floor withall.]
And so in like manner the coloured vpper seeling was pure and voyd of
Spiders and Cobwebs, by reason of the continuall 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 iudgement 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 fantasticall 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 and feastes, with
liuely indeuours and quicke motions, most singularlye well set foorth,
and filling all ouer the aforesayde 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 lyke goalde: and of diuers other
coulers, with a border two foote broade, compassing about the turning
couer of the roofe, both vnder and aboue, and deuiding them from the
woorke, vpon the plaine sides, of so perfect and fresh coulers, as if
they had beene new set, with a naturall leafe woorke of an emerawld
greene, vppon a punice or tawnie grounde, with Flowers of _Ciantes_ and
_Ph[ae]nicees_ 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 _Cadus_, _Foenice_, and
_Cilicia_, to finde 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_Foenicia_. 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 tightlye expressed.
On the contrarie side, I beheld in the same manner the wanton and
lasciuious _Pasiph[ae]_ burning in infamous lust, lying in a Machine or
frame of wood, and the Bull leaping vpon that hee knew not.
After that the monstrous mynotaure with hys vglye shape shut and
inclosed in the intricate Labyrinth. And after that the imprysoned
_Dedalus_, artificially making of winges for hymselfe, and his young
sonne Icarus, who vnhappylye not obseruing hys Fathers rule, fell downe
headlong into the deepe see, leauing 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 seene, 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 the beautifull
hystories finished, and beyond the same more inward the darknes was such
as I durst not enter, & comming back againe I heard among the ruines a
continuing noise like the cracking of bones or their ratling together,
whereat I stood still forgetting my fore conceiued delight being
interrupted therewith from the sweetnes of the obiects. At length I
might heare a rustling as if a dead Oxe had been dragged vpon the
ground, the noyse still 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 _L_yon crowching
to _Androdus_, but a fearefull and horrible Dragon[A] shaking her
trisulked and three parted tongue against mee, grating her teeth, and
making a skritching or critching noyse, her squamy and scaly hide
trailing vpon the flowerd pauement, clapping her winges vpon her
wrimpled backe, with a long taile folding and crinckling like and Eele
and neuer resting. _Ohi 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 imprese and
bold attempt, and to terrifie the Gyant _Typhon_, and to make the
proudest and stoutest heart whatsoeuer to quaile and stoope. I wished my
selfe the swiftnes of _Atalanta_, beeing but young and vnarmed, no way
able to encounter with such a poisonable force, and perceiuing his
blacke infectious breath smoaking out at his mouth. Beeing past all hope
to slip by him, I deuoutly cried for diuine helpe. And sodeinly turning
my backe, as fast as I could runne, I conueighed my fearefull bodie by
the helpe of my swift pacing feete, into the inward part of the darke
places, penetrating through diuers crooked torments, ambagious passages
and vnknowne waies.
[Sidenote A: The Dragon is that Abaddon and Apollion, the enemy to
mankinde.]
So that I thought to bee[A] 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. But was glad
to stretche out my armes forme before my face, groping about mee (lyke
one that played blynde Sym) least I should runne my face against some
pyllers, and feeling with my feete softlye before I did rest vpon them
for feare I should tumble downe into some vaulte vnder thys mighty
Pyramides.
[Sidenote A: The darke places is ignorance, and the wisedome of this
word which is nothing els but meere folly.]
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 and more afraide then euer was _Oedipus_,
_Cyrus_, _Crasus_, and_Perseus_. And more trembling then the theefe
_Thracilius_ in his beares skinne. In sorrowe more abounding then poore
_Pscyphes_. And in more laboursome daungers then _Lucius Apuleus_, when
hee heard the theeues consulting to knocke him on the head and kyll
him.[A]
[Sidenote A: Cosby for killing the L. Browgh.]
Oppressed and laden with all these aforenamed frightes and terrors, I
began to imagine that the Dragon was flying about my head, and with the
noyse of hir scritching teeth and tearing clawes to take hould vpon me
with hir deuouring iawes: my heart giuing mee to vnderstand, that the
carniuorus Woolfe which I drempt of, was a presage of this my last
doubted end. And thus running vppe and downe like a little poore
Pismeere or Aunte, when the Partrich is scratching vpon their hillocks
and picking of them vp. With my watchfull and attentiue eares, listning
if the horrible monster with hir slimie and filthie poyson and stinking
sauour were drawing towards mee. And fearing whatsoever 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
insufficient: hope still looking, and perswading mee of an vncertaine,
fearefull, and vnquyet lyfe.
Alas howe my soule and bodye were lothe to leaue one an another, the
sorrowe whereof made me vnwilling to intertaine so cruel an enemy as
death: whereupon I plucking vp a good heart, thought thus.
Shall the greatnes of my loue so sweetly set on fire, now 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 so worthie iewels. That was _Polia_ and my
precious life. Continually calling vpon her with deepe sighes and
singultiue sobbings, sounding in the thicke ayre, incloystered vnder the
huge arches and secret darke couering, saying thus to my selfe.
If I die heere thus miserably, sorrowfully, and vncomfortably, all
alone, who shal bee a woorthie successour of so precious a gemme? And
who shal be the possor 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 conceits and pleasant highe delyghtes builded in thy
apprehensiue thoughtes, through the sweetenes of loue, are deadly
shaken, and abruptlie precipitated and cast downe? Looke how thy loftie
_Amorous_ cogitations are shaken in peeces and auchilated. 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
deuouring and sodaine gobbling vp of so filthie a monster, and to bee
rotted and disgested in the stinking intrailes of so fowle a beast, and
to bee cast out in so vile a place. Oh 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 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 rest from them that bee aliue,
and the earth denied to them that are dead. What hoggish calamitie, and
deformed mishap, so greeuously and vntimely shall abandon from mee my
most desired and 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 fouresquare, some
sixe square, some eight square, aptly set vnder and approportioned to
sustaine the vast bignes of the waightie _Pyramides_.
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 beheld it, and with what
cheare did I hasten my steppes towards it. Perchance faster then
_Canistius_ or _Philonides_[A] 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 irkesome 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.
[Sidenote A: Two blockish lasie lubbers, one of Melite an other of
Athens, that thought it a great labour to eate their owne meate.]
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
wandering thoughts, and restoring my prostrate force, my suspected and
vnknowne voyage, made me to set out in running: so as the nearer I came
to the doore, the bigger mee thought it grewe. To the which at last by
Gods wyll, _Polia_ in my amorous brest bearing a predominante vigor,
I came, not ceasing to continue forward my fast course: my hands which
before I groping helde foorth, to keepe me from running against pyllers,
I nowe vsed like a payre of Ores to hasten mee awaye.
Thus traueling on safely, I came into a verie pleasaunt sighte and
counttie, in the which I was not yet without feare, and not daring to
rest me downe, the impression of the horrible monster was so fresh in my
minde, that mee thought I still heard him behinde me, and therefore I
could not so easily forget him. But was rayther perswaded to goe on
further: first because the countrie was so fertile, pleasaunt and
beautifull. Secondly, that I might get farre enough off from the place
wherein I was so lately affrighted. That then I sitting downe, might
rest my selfe, and set my minde together againe, and forget this
conceiued dread, at my entrance in of the gate, the apparation 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 _Augures_ it was a gratefull and propitious signe of
good luck.
[Sidenote A: Capillata ministra.]
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.[A] And therewithall pricked
forward and prouoked to continue on my walke, whether my wearie and
feeble legges would conduct and bring mee. And yet I was (as in good
sorte became mee) somewhat doubtfull to enter into such a place, (beeing
vnknowne vnto mee) where perchaunce it was not lawfull for me to come.
Albeit that I was heerin more audacious and bould a great deale, then in
the enteraunce of the gorgeous Porche. And thus my brest fast beating,
and my minde perplexed, I saide to my selfe.
There is no cause that should lead mee to turne back againe, all things
considered: is not this a safer place, and more fit to flie from
daunger? Is it not better to hassard a mans lyfe in the light and cleere
Sunne, then to dye and sterue in a blinde darkenesse? and so resolued
not to turne backe anye more: with a deepe set sighe, I called into
memorie, the pleasure and delight that my sences had well neere lost:
for the woorke which I had seene was full of maruelous woonders, and
thinking by what meane I was depriued of them, I called to remembrance
the brasen Lyons, in Salomons Temple, which were of such fierce
countenances, as that they would bring men to forgetfulnes.
And into such an estate I was afrayde that the dragon had brought me,
that so excellent and maruellous woorkes, and rare inuentions, in a
manner vnpossible for any humaine creature to performe, worthie to be
manifested, and by my selfe diligentlye perused, should now be 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 whatsoeuer I had
seene and beheld. And that the monstrous and cruell beast was a verrie
liuelye substance, and no fiction, the like of any mortall man sildome
seene, no not of _Regulus_. The verie remembrance whereof, made my hayre
stand right vp, and foorthwith mooued me to mend my pace.
Afterward returning to my selfe, I thought thus. Heere without all
doubte (for so I imagined by reason of the glorious bountie of the
beautiful soile) is no habitation but for ciuill people, or rather for
Angles and noble personages, and a place for Nimphes to frequent vnto,
or for the Goddes and Auncients, Monarches and princes, in so much as my
perswasiue desire did prouoke forwarde my restrained pace, causing a
perceuerance in my late begun iourney. And thus as one captiuated and
subiect to the sharpe spurre of vnsatiable desire, I purposed to houlde
on whether the fayrenesse of my fortune should conduct mee, as yet but
indifferent and rather languishing.
Nowe come to behoulde a fayre and plentifull countrie, fruitefull
fieldes, and fertill groundes, I did exceedinglye 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.
[Decoration]
_Poliphilus sheweth the commodiousnesse of the countrie where-into hee
was come, in his trauailing within the same, he came vnto a goodlie
Fountaine, and howe hee sawe fiue faire Damsels comming towardes him,
and their woondering at his comming hither, assuring him from hurte,
and inuiting him to bee a partaker of their solaces._
Thus gotten foorth of this fearefull hell, darke hollownesse, and
dreadfull place (although it were a sacred Aphrodise and reuerend
Temple:) and beeing come into a desired light, louelye ayre, and
pleasaunt countrie, full of contentment: I turned my selfe about to
looke backe at the place from whence I came out, and where my life, my
life that latelye I esteemed so 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 Hamberries, Hasels,
Fylbirds, prune, print, or priuet, and whitened with the flowers
thereof: by coulered Xeapie, beeing red towardes the north, and white
against the Southe, Plane trees, Ashe trees, and such like, spredding
and stretching out their braunches: fowlded and imbraced with the
running of Hunnisuckles or woodbines, and Hoppes, which made a pleasaunt
and coole shade. Vnder the which grewe Ladyes Seale or Rape Violet,
hurtfull for the sight, iagged Polypodie, and the Trientall and foure
inched Scolopendria, or Hartes toongue, Heleborous Niger, or Melampodi,
Trayfles, and such other 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 Mountaine, 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 Iuie 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 extensed 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 on forward to the sweet liberties which I next beheld and that
was a thicke wood of Chestnuts at the foote of the hill, which I
supposed to be a soile for _Pan_ or some Siluane God with their feeding
heards and flockes, with a pleasant shade, vnder the which a I passed
on, I came to an auncient bridge of marble with a very great and highe
arche, vppon the which along winning to eyther sides of the walls, there
were conuenient seats to rest vppon, which although they were welcome to
my 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 _Egiplie
hierogliphies_ on this sorte, An auncient Helmet crested with a
Doggeshead.
The bony scalpe of an oxe with two green braunches of trees bound fast
to the hornes. And an ould lampe. Which hierogliphis the braunches
excepted because I know not whether they were of Firre tree, Pineapple,
Larix or _I_uniper, or such like: I thus interpret.
_PATIENTIA EST ORNAMENTVM,_
_CVSTODIA ET PROTECTIO_
_VIT[AE]._
[Illustration]
On the other side there was ingrauen a cyrcle, then an Anchor with a
Dolphin winding about the strangule thereof, which I coniectured should
signifie this, +AEI SPEU DE BRADEOS+, _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 appearing in the same bare,
and about them hanging _Tricomanes_, _Adiantus_ and _Cimbalaria_, and
bearded also 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 compasse than a man would wish, but
building a delightfull shadowe, the trees full of small birdes and
foules.
Right forwarde, the Bridge did extende it selfe, and leade 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 Charistaline streames,
sliding downe a long the hilles with a murmuring noyse into the leauell
vally.
Adorned and beautified with the flowing 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 shepheardes 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
in good hope, that there yet I should finde some habitation and refuge.
To the which without delaie I hastined my selfe. And being come
thereunto, I found a building eight square, with a rare and wonderfull
fountaine: which was not altogither amisse. For as yet I had not
quenched and slaked my thirst.
This building was eight cornered, small towardes the top and leaded.
Vpon one side there was placed a faire stone of pure white Marble foure
cornered, half as long again as it was broad, which latitude as I
supposed was some sixe foote.
Of this goodly stone were exact two litle halfe pillers, 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 conteined,
in the fourth part of the stone smooth and plaine without any
workemanship in the table thereof sauing a litle garland, within the
which were two Doues drinking in a smal vessel.
Al the space vnspoken of inclusiue was cut in and euacuated, betwixt the
Pillers the Gulature and ouerthwart Trabet, did containe an elegant
Cigrued Nimph. And vnder the Syme was another quarter wrought with
Thors, Torques, Ballons and a Plinth.
Which faire Nymph laye sleeping vppon a folded cloth, lap, and wounde vp
vnder her head. An other part conuenientlie brought ouer her, to hide
that bare which was womanly & meete to be 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 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 an other 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, vnladed 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
_Prapitiles_ neuer perfourmed the lyke for _Venus_, to _Nichomides_ the
King of _Caria_ which Idoll he appointed to be adored of his subiects,
although the beauty therof were such that it moued that filthie people
to fleshly concupiscence.
But I was perswaded that the perfection of the image of _Venus_ was
nothing to this, for it looked as if a most bewtifull Ladye in 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 scorning the haires of the
inglomatede cloth, hir thighes of a conueniente bignes and hir fleshie
knees somwhat bending vpp, and retract towardes hir.
Showing hir streight toes as it were incereating hir fingers to handle
and streine them, the rest of hir bodie aunswerable to the perfections
of these seuerall proportions.
And behind hir the shadowing of the leaffye _Memerill_ or _Arbut_ full
of soft small Apples and fruite, and prettye byrdes as yf they had beene
chirping and singing of hir a sleep.
At hir feet stood a satire in prurient lust vppon his gotishe feet, his
mouth and his nose ioyning together like a gote with a beard growinge on
either sides of his chin, with two peakes and shorte in the middeste
like Goates hayre, and in like manner about his flankes and his eares,
grewe hayre, with a visage adulterated betwixt a mans and a Goates,
in so rare a sort as if the excellent woorkman in his caruinge had had
presented vnto him by nature the Idea and shape of a _Satire_.
The same _Satire_, had forciblie with his lefte hand bent an arme of the
_Arbut_ tree ouer the sleepie nimphe, as if he would make hir a
fauorable shadowe therewith, and with the other hand howldinge vpp a
curtaine by one of the sides that was fastened to the body of the tree.
Betwixt the comare _Meimerill_ or _Arbut_, and the _Satire_, were two
little _Satires_, the one howlding a bottell in his hands and the other
with two snakes fowlding about his armes.
The excellencie, dilicatnes and perfection of this figment and
woorkmanshippe cannot be suffientlie expressed.
This also helping to adorne the sweetnes thereof that is the whitnes of
the stone, as if it had been pure iuorie.
I wondered also at the woorking of the clothe coueringe as yf it had
been wouen: and at the bowes, braunches, and leaues, and at the little
birdes, as if they had been singing and hopping vpp and downe vpon their
pretie feet in euerie ioynt single and pounce made perfect, and so the
S_atire_ like wise. Vnder this rare and woonderfull carued woork betwixt
the gulatures and vnduls in the plaine smothe was grauen in _Atthic_
characters this poesye +PANTA TO KADI+.
[Illustration:
+PANTO:N TO KADI+]
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 pipplyng 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 it selfe, nourishyng and visiting the nexte adioyning fieldes
and grounde, abounding in all sortes of hearbes, floures, fruites, and
trees.
There grewe also great store of _Cynarie_ grateful to _Venus_, wylde
_Tansie_, _Colocassia_, with leaues like a shielde, and garden hearbes.
And from thence beholding the plaine fieldes, it 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, Mellilot,
Saxifrage, Cowslops, Ladies fingers, wilde Cheruile, or shepheardes
Needle, _Nauens_ Gentil, Sinquifolie Eyebright, Strawberies, with
floures and fruites, wilde Columbindes Agnus Castus, Millfoyle, Yarrow,
wherewith _Achilles_ did heale _Telephus_, and the rust of the same
speares head that hurt him. Withe 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 distaunce 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 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 seene 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 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 perceiue vpon one side of me many
silique trees of _Aegypt_, with their ripe long coddes hanging and
beating one against an other with the winde, had felled downe
themselues, which when I perceiued, I was soone quieted, and beganne to
make sport at my owne folly.
I had not continued long thus, but I heard 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 incredible sweetnesse of hir musicall and
consonant voyce, conueighed in the roriferous ayre, and spredding it
selfe abroade with the aunswerable sounde and delectable report of a
warbeling harpe (for the tryall of which noueltie, I couched downe vnder
the lowe bowghes of the next adioining bushes, and saw them come
towardes mee with gratious gestures) hir Maydenlie head 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 trembling 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 nethermost 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, leafe worke, 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.
And assoone as they were aware of mee, they left of their song and
stayed theyr nimphish gates, being amazed with the insighte, and of my
comming into this place, maruelling together, and whisperinglye
enquiring 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 in to so famous and renowmed a countrie. Thus they staide still,
sometimes looking downe vpon me, & 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, otherwise aduising me, whereof I now
thought to late to experience the effect thereof, and looking for no
other euent, I remained as doubtfull of the deuine vision, therewith as
much deceyued as _Semele_ with the fayned shape of the _Epidaurean
Beroe_. Alas I trembled and shooke like the fearefull hinde calues at
the sight of the tawnie Lyons roring out for hunger.
Contending and striuing with my selfe, whether it were 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 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 especially, 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 straining to frequent.
And thinking thus and thus with my selfe: one amongst the rest of a more
boulde and audatious spirite, very hardly spake vnto me, saying. Ho who
art thou? at hir speeche I was halfe afraide, and of my selfe ashamed,
both 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
discouragement nor be no whit afrayde, for here thou shalt not finde any
cruell customes, or cause of discontent, but free from displeasures, and
therefore be not afrayde to discouer thy selfe, and tell vs what thou
art.
By this motion hauing called backe againe my forgotten and lost sences,
comforted with their faire, pleasant, and fauourable aspects, and
recouering my selfe with their sweet speeches, with a very good will I
made this aunswer vnto them.
I am the most disgraced and vnhappiest louer that the whole world can
aforde. I loue, and she whom so greatly I esteeme, and so earnestly I
desire, I neyther know where eyther she or my selfe is.
And by the greatest and most daungerous hap that can be imagined I am
come hither. And now with prouoked teares downe falling from my waterie
eyes along my pale cheekes, and bowed downe to the earth prostrating my
selfe to your virginall feete I humblie craue and sue for your
fauourable graces: whereat theyr soft and tender heartes mooued with
pittie towardes mee, and halfe weeping with mee for companie, and as it
were dutifullye striuing with theyr armes to lift mee vp from the
grounde, with sweete and comfortable speeches, they courteouslye spake
vnto me.
Wee are certainly perswaded and 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
discontent. For our vniformed ages: the seate vnchaungeable, 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 sheweth her selfe the more
glad and pleasaunt, and our delectable and perticipated friendship, is
with an attentiue consideration perpetually vnyted and knitte together.
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 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, replenished with all kinde of
fruites and graynes, vniuersally growing, and full of goodly fountaines.
An other said: vnderstand, vnknowne, (and yet assured guest,) good
friend, that this territorie is more fruitfull then the fertill
mountaine _Taurus_ in the aquilonall asspect, whose frame dooth swell so
much, that their clusters of grapes bee two cubits long, and that one
Figtree will beare seauentie bushels.
The third: this famous and spatious countrey, exceedeth the fertilitie
of the Hyperborean Island in the West India, or the portugalles of
_Lucitania_, nowe vsurped and tyrannized by the insolent Spanyard.
Nor _Talga_ in the _Caspian_ mountaine. The fourth affirmed in hir
commendation of that countrie, that the plentifulnesse of Egypt was but
to be accounted scarsitie, in respect of that although that it were
thought to be the garden of the world.
And the last, of a choyse countenance and sweete pronuntiation aboue the
rest, added thus much, saying.
In this fayre countrie you shall not finde any large fennie groundes, or
offensiue and sicklye ayres, or craggie and fertlesse mosses, but faire
and pleasaunt hilles, inuironed and walled about with steip and
vnpassageable rockes, and by meanes thereof, secure and free from all
daungers and feare, we want not any thing which may breed delight, and
cause a sweete content. Besides all this wee are attendant vppon a
renowned and most excellent Queene of large bountie and exceeding
liberalitie: called _Euterilyda_ of great pittie and meruelous
clemencie, ruling with great wisdome, and with a 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.
_Poliphilus feeling himselfe vnder the assurance of the five Nymphes,
went with them to the bathes where they had great laughter in the
deuise of the fountaine, and also by his vnction. Afterward being
brought to the Queene Eutherillida, he did see many thinges worthie
of regard, but chiefly the worke of a fountaine._
I Being thus curteously intreated of these gracious and pitiful Nymphes,
and hauing my safetie by them sufficiently warranted with sweet
comforts, reuiuing my 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 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 tenantes and chamberfellowes of al
delight and true felicitie.
You shal vnderstand that I did see a maruerlous fountaine of a rare and
wonderful workemanship, as neuer before my eyes did beholde, and so much
my minde was occupied in the regard of the straungenes thereof, and to
quench my great thirst, that I did looke for no further benefit.
One pleasant Nymphe spake thus merrily vnto mee saying, giue mee thy
hand, thou art verie welcome. Thou seest at this present here, that we
are fiue companions,[A] and I am called _Aphea_, and she that carrieth
the 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 _Achol_, and shee that beareth the casting
bottle of precious 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 afterwardes with a verie good wil
wee wil make our repaire to the great Pallais of our soueraigne.
[Sidenote A: These nimphs were his fiue sences.]
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 vvords they ledde mee
on thither, beeing vvel content vvith euerie present action, but that my
_Polia_ vvas not there to the suppliment of my felicitie, and to haue
been the sixt person in the making vp of a perfect number.
Further, I found my selfe agrieued, that my apparel vvas not conformable
to this delicious confort, but grovving into some houshold familiaritie,
I disposed my self to be affable vvith them, and they with mee, til at
last wee came to the place.
There I behelde a marueilous buildyng of a bathe eight square, and at
euerye Exterior corner, there were doubled together twoo Pyles, in
fashion of a Pyke, from the leuell of the foundation, the subiect
Areobates Circumcinct and ribbed about. And after them followed the
vtmost of like bignes from the ground of the other, with their chapters
set vnder the streight beame, with a border aboue, vnder a 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
wrapped about, and in them holding little bundels of smal greene boughes
instrophiated togither. And aboue the said Coronice, did mount vp (by an
elegant arching) an eight square Spyer, imitating the subiect. Which
from corner to corner was cut through with a marueilous workemanship of
a thousand sundrie fashions, and closed againe with quarrels of
Christal, which a farre of I did take to bee _L_eade. 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 tarried 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 _L_anquet
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.
[Illustration]
In that part of the building that was on the other side of the Nimph was
the enteraunce into the bathe perfourmed as mee thought by the same
Lithoglyphe, that couered the sleepyng Nimphe, vppon the phrise whereof,
were certaine Greeke Caracters, signifying +ASAMINTHOS+.
Within there were foure seates whiche went rounde about, and one vnder
an other, and close knitte togither, wroght with Iasper 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 Iacintes as nature could
affoord, with conuenient bases and their chapters curiously made vnder
the beame, ouer the which was a _Zophor_, wherein were carued little
naked Boyes playing in the water, with water monsters, with wrastling
and childish strifes, with cunning flights and agilities fit for their
yeares, in liuely motions 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 _L_yons 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 hangyng two Cubites aboue the water,
the bowle of the vessel which was of Christal onely except, the rest as
the ribbes thereof and lippings, was of Asure blew, with 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 ginnes and sweet woods which made
an inestimable suffumigation, as of the sweetest past, afterwardes
closing the same, and putting downe the couer, both partes being holow,
and the lipping and ribbing perforated and pearced through the
transparent, Christal cleare and bright, they rendered a pleasant and
diuers coulered light, by the which through the smal holes the bathes
were lightened, and the heate stil incarcerated and interdicted.
The wal equally interposite betwixt Columne, and Columne was of most
blacke stone, of an extreame hardnes and 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 Iuorie, the lower partes of euerie of the
said borders, circulating iustly with the bases of the Collumnes.
Oh how exsquitely were the same Images cut, that oftentimes my eyes
would wander from the real and liuely shapes, to looke vpon those feyned
representations.
The paued ground vnder the water being of a diuers 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
barbles, 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 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 an other dolphin swimming, and
_Posidonius_ riding vpon him with a sharpe elle speare in his hand.
These histories were perfected within the compasse of one selfe same
stone, and set out in a most blacke ground. Then deseruedly I did
commend, both the archytect and the statuarie. On the 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 apparrell, richely inuoluped, in the casting of it off,
from their celestiall bodyes. Theyr fayre tresses bound vp in nettings
of gould, wouen after a most curious sort. And 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 voluptuous delight.
Wherevpon I at that present thought my selfe most happie, onely in the
behoulding of such delights, because I was not able to resist the
burning flames which did set vpon mee in the fornace of my heart. And
therefore sometime for a refuge and succour I durst not looke so
narrowly vppon theyr inticing beauties, heaped vp in their 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 that I
might any way occasion their pastime. But I was greatly ashamed, in that
I was an vnfit companion for such a company, but that they intreated mee
to enter in with them where I stood like a Crowe among white Doues,
which made me partly ashamed to behould, and ouerlooke such choyse
obiects.
Then _Offressia_ a very pleasant disposed piece, said vnto mee. Tel me
young man what is your name? And I reuerently aunswered them,
_Poliphilus_: 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 aunswered. That which were
agreeable with hir honour, and fit for your companies. Tel me
_Poliphilus_ doest thou loue hir wel indeed? Then I setting a deepe
sigh, aunswered: beyond all the delights and cheefest substance of the
greatest and most pretious treasure in the whole world, and this opinion
hath made an euerlasting impression in my still tormented heart. And
she: where haue you lost or abandoned so loued a iewel? I know not,
neyther where I am my selfe I know. Then she smyling aunswered. If any
should finde hir out for you, what rewarde would you giue. But content
thy selfe, be of good comfort, and frame thy selfe to delights, for thou
shalt finde thy _Polia_ againe. And with these and such like pleasaunt
and gratious questions, these fayre young Virgins, sporting and solacing
themselues, we washt and bathed together.
At the opposite interstice of the beautifull fountaine without, of the
faire sleeping Nymph before mentioned, within the Bathe there was
another of statues 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 their 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 seene, but with
a rare art, and marueilous inuention, both deuised and performed. In the
voyd and plaine euacuated quadret, there stood two Nimphes, little lesse
then if they had been liuely creatures, apparelled, so as you might see
somewhat aboue their knees, vppon one of theyr legges, as if the winde
had blowne it vp, as they were doing theyr office, and their armes bare,
from the elbow to the shoulder 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, aboue his nauil.
The Infant holding his little Instrument in both his hands, and
continued pissing into the hotte water, fresh coole water. In this
delicious place of pleasure, I was verie 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 _Achoe_, verie affably and with a pleasant
countenance said vnto mee, _Poliphile_ take that Christal vessel and
bring mee some of that fresh water. I without staie intending to do so,
and thinking nothing, but to do her seruice in any sort that she would
commaund me, went to the place. And I had no 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 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 any heauy weight, being put vpon the moueable stepping, that it
would rise vp like the Keye and Iacke 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 _Atthic_ letters this title
+GELOIASTOS+.
[Illustration]
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 ourselues redy, which was somwhat long after
the manner of other women, by reason of so many gewgawes and gimmerie
whatchets, they did open their vesselles of daintie confections, and
refreshed themselues, and I amongst them, and with precious drinke. When
they had eaten sufficiently, they returned againe to their looking
Glasses, with a scrupulous examination, about their bodies, and the
attire of their heades, and dressing of their yealow curling haires
depending, and hemicirculately instrophiated about their diuine faces.
And when they had made an ende, they sayde vnto mee.
_Poliphilus_, 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 to an other, with a louely regarde. At last
they set foorth, and as they went rounde togither, they beganne to sing
verses in a Phrygial tune, of a pleasaunt metamorphosing of one, who
with an oyntment thought to haue transfourmed himselfe into a Byrd, and
by mistakyng of the Boxe, was turned into a rude Asse.
Concludyng, that manye tooke Oyntmentes to one purpose, and founde the
effecte to contrarie their expectations.
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 lasciuiously
bent, and in such a prurient lust, that which way so euer I turned, I
could not forbeare, and they as they sung laughed the more, knowing what
had happened vnto mee. And it did so increase in mee more and more, that
I knew not wherewithal I might bridle and restraine my selfe from
catching of one of them, like an eager and hotte Falcon comming downe
out of the ayre, vpon a couie of Partriges. I was with such a violent
desire prickt forwarde, which I felt more and more to increase in a
sault burning. And the more I was to that venerious desire by the
violent offers of so oportune and sweete obiects. A foode for suche a
pernitious plague, and vnexperienced burning.
Then one of these flamigerous Nymphes named _Aphea_, said vnto mee, How
is it _Poliphilus_? Euen now I did see you verye merry, what hath
altered your disposition? I answered. Pardon mee that I binde and vexe
my selfe more then a willow Garland. Giue mee leaue to destroy my selfe
in a lasciuious fire. And thereat 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, whiche 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 prouoked to such
a loude laughter, wherin they did exceed so much, that neither they nor
my selfe with the wearines thereof could goe any further, but were
constrained to rest our selues for want of breath, vpon the odoriferous
floures & coole grasse, by meanes whereof, I became somewhat oportunely
to bee eased, my heate aswaging and relenting by little and little.
And as they thus contentedly rested themselues a while, vnder the coole
vmbrage of the leafie Trees, I beganne to bee bolde with them saying.
O you women, that are burners and destroyers, doo you vse mee thus? See
what an offered occasion I haue, which wil holde mee excused, to breake
foorth and doo violence vnto you. And thereupon somewhat boldly moouing
my selfe and fayning as if I would haue done that which by no meanes I
durst, but then with a newe pastyme and laughter they called one for an
others helpe, leauing heere and there their golden Pantoffles and
Vailes, to bee carried about with the winde, and their vesselles
neclected in the grasse, they ranne all awaye, and I after them, that I
might well perceiue that they had 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 vp their Pantophles and such things as they had scattered behind
them. And comming neare to a fresh coole Riuer, they began to cease off
from laughter, and to take pittie vppon mee, and _Geussia_ behinde all
the rest, bowed her selfe downe to the water, beautifully adorned with
the bendyng Bull Rushe, water Spyke, swimmyng Vitrix, and aboundaunce of
water Symples, shee dyd plucke vp the _Heraclea_ Nympha, of some called
water Lillye or _Nenuphar_, and the roote of Aron or wake Robyn, of,
some, _Pes vituli_ or _Serpentaria Minor_.
And _Amella_ or Bawme Gentill, all whiche grew very neare togither and
not farre distant, whiche shee fauourably offered vnto mee saying, of
these whiche I haue made choyse of take, and for my freedome taste.
For whiche cause I refused the _Nenuphar_, and reiected the Dracuncle
for his heate, and accepted of the _Amella_, whiche shee had cleane
washed, by meanes whereof, within a verye short space, I founde my
venerious Lubric and incensing spurre of desire to leaue of, and my
intemperate luste was cleane gone.
And when my vnlawfull desires[A] of the fleshe were brideled, the
pleasant Nymphes came againe to mee, and as wee walked on, wee came into
a frequented place, and wonderfully fruitfull.
[Sidenote A: Vnlawfull concupiscence blindeth a man, and driueth his
sences from him.]
And there in a fine order and appointed distance was a waye set on
either sides with Cyprus Trees, with their corner clefted Apples, and as
thicke with leaues as their nature will suffer them, the leauell grounde
beeyng couered all ouer, with greene Vinca Peruima, or Lawreoll and
Chamme, _Daphne_, and full of his asurine flowers. Which adorned way of
a meete and conuenient breadth, did lead directly on into a greene
Closure, from the beginning of whiche walke, iust betwixt the Cyprus
Trees, to the entrance and opening of the aforesaide enclosure, was some
foure furlonges. Vnto which enclosure when wee came, I founde it
equilaterall, with three fences like a streight wall, as high as the
Cyprus Trees vpon either sides of the waye, that wee had passed along
in: which was altogither of Cytrons, Orenges and Lymonds, bushing with
their leaues one within an other, and artifitially knitte and twisted
togither, and the thicknes mee thought of sixe foote: with a Gate in the
middest of the same Trees, so wel composed as is either possible to bee
thought or done. And aboue in conuenient places were made windowes, by
meanes whereof, the bowghes in those places were to be seene bare, but
for their greene leaues which yeelded a most sweet and pleasant verdure.
Betwixt the curious twistings of the braunches and their greene leaues,
the white flowers did aboundantly shewe themselues a singular Ornament,
breathing foorth a most delectable and sweete odour. And to please the
eye, the faire fruite was in no place wanting, where it should yeelde
content. And afterwardes I might perceiue, that in the interstitious
thicknes, the bowghes (not without a wonderful woorke) were so
artificially twisted and growne togither, that you might assend vp by
them, and not bee seene in them, nor yet the way where you went vp.
At length comming into this greene and delightful grounde to the eye,
and in a mans vnderstanding woorthie of estimation, I perceiued that it
was a great enclosure in the fore front of a marueilous Pallaice of a
noble simmetriated architecturie which of this frondiferous conclausure,
was the fourth part in longitude sixtie paces. And this was the
_Hyp[ae]thri_ 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, whiche was of most pure
Amethist, whose Diameter conteined three paces, the thicknes agreeing
therewithall, leauyng the twelfth part for the thicknesse 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 _D[ae]dalus_,
for the wonderful excellencie thereof. _Pausania_, if he had seene 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 final Pillar of Iasper 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 marueilous woorke, beeing lifted vp
with guttured hollowe vessels, one aboue an other, with a reserued
seperation, by artificiall and woonderful ioyntes. It stood streight vp,
fastened in the center of a Plynth, made of greene Ophite which was
rounde, and somewhat lifted vp aboue, about compassing Porphyr, some
fiue inches, whiche was curiously wrought with diuers 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 opposite 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 necessarie for the strengthening of the Pype
within the steale and smal Pillar.
Within the middest of the wombe and bellye, or nauel of the vessel, vpon
the Subiect steale, there was proportionately raised vp of the same
vessel of _Amathyst_, a substance like a Challice, 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, 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 in their right hand did holde a
copie full of all kinde of fruites, whiche did extend in length vp aboue
their heades, and at the opening, all three of them ioyned rounde into
one, with diuers leaues and fruites hangyng ouer the brimmes or lippes
of the wrythen Copies.
Betwixt the fruite and the leaues, there came vp sixe small Pypes, out
of the whiche the water did spring vp through a small hole.
And the cunning Artificer, because that hee would not 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
seene, but accounteth woorthie to bee couered.
Vppon the brimme of the hollow vessell, whose compasse was a foote
moreouer about, then the subiacent of it, with their heades lifted vp
vpon their 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 vndiculation. 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 illygament with the
arule 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 of the shining matter, and the pure water, there was such a
gratious couler, in that singular and most pretious vessell, as if the
Rainbowe and the clowdes had made theyr habitation 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 _L_yons 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.
[Illustration]
All which rare worke, by so sharpe and fine a wit composed, as this
insolent and precious vessell was, the foure perfect harpies, the
woonderfull and curious azule, wherevpon the three Images of pure gould
stood, with what Arte, ordinance, and rule, 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 embost, 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. 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 diuers coulered stones of a lesser cut, some
proportioned into greene leaues, and tawnie flowers. Cyanei, Ph[ae]nicei,
and Sallendine, so well agreeing in theyr coulers, so glistering 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 magnificient and statelye pallace, the
approoued situation thereof, the dew proportion, and the maruelous
composition in my first comming to it, did make me woonderfully
contented to view the woorthines 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 whatsoeuer.
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 were enclosed and incrusted? wherewithall hanged? with what couler
and kinde of painting ouerhead? What order of columination, and what
space betwixt. No other building maye goe beyonde this whatsoeuer, but
may giue place verye well, of what kinde of Marble, and what manner of
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, statues, tytles, and trophes, What an entry, what a stately
porche, what that of Titus Cesar with his stone of Phenicea with all the
tinkering and pullishing about it, there is none whose wit is so grosse
to commend it, in respect of this, but will rather scorne to speake of
it. As for the woorthie and excellent manner of glasing the gallerie
without the pallace, the conspitious porche, the manner of building, the
arched 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 finall acount of, as not
worthie of remembrance. And beeing now come to the doore within the
porche, the going in was closed vp wth a hanging, drawne ouer before it
of gould and silke, wrought together, and in the same two images. One of
them hauing all kinde of instruments 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.
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 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 discourses 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 _Eleutherillida_.
_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._
When 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.
In whose gard I did see a loftie Gallery as long the content of the
Pallaice, the roofe whereof, was all painted with a greene foliature,
with distinct flowers and folded leaues, and little flying Byrdes,
excellently imphrygiated of museacall paynting, as without in the first
Court, and the stone walls 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 healthfull counsell of the Queene, and
perseuere in the execution thereof, for that the ende without doubt
would be to my content.
And thus hauing leaue to goe in, beholde such thinges presented
themselues to my eyes, as were lyker to be celestiall then humane.
A most stately and sumpteous preparation, in a gorgeous and spacious
Court, beyond the Pallaice neere and opposite to the other, and foure
square.
The bewtifull and precious Pauement within a checkered compasse going
about the same, there was a space of sixtie foure Squadrates of three
foote, the dyameter of euerye one: Of the which one was of Iasper, of
the colour of Corall, and the other greene, powdered with drops of blood
not to bee woorne away: and set togither in manner of a Chesse-boord.
Compassed about with a border, the breadth of one pace of a rare
inuention of woorke, with small pieces of stones, of diuers colours, and
so compacte together, as if it had beene a straunge paynted woorke
euenly cut and set by rule, that you could not perceiue the ioyning, but
smoothe and shyning, and so well framed by the Lybell and Squadrate,
that no circulating or sph[ae]ricall 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 Iasper, 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 co[ae]quated and smoothe plaine of the same walles of stone,
by certaine Pilastrelles, Quadrangules, or _L_ossenges, of an equall
dimension and distinct correspondencie in the middest of euerie one,
there were perspicuously appact rounde Iewels, bearing out and swelling
beyond the plaine leuell of the wall, after the manner of the tores of
bases, and of thicknes according to the proportion of the Losenge
wherein it stood, compassed about with greene iagged leaues, one bending
ouer an other, the tops turned toward the Iewell.
And betwyxt the Foliature and the great Iewell, another border of
pretious stones curiouslie sorted and conspicuouslie set.
And in the rest of the wall circumvallate of these bearing out rownde
Iewels, the seuen Plannets with their nature and properties, with an
Encaustic woorke were sweetly painted, which I beheld with great
delight. The rest of the wall exclusiue from the rowndnes of the Iewels
within the Pilastrels, were filled vp and bewtified with infinite
varietie of workes in siluer, and powdered with diuers inestimable
stones, singularly well cut, and of diuers fashions.
The wall on the left side was in like sort, and opposite in tundels.
Against the seuen Plannettes were there seuen Tryumphes ouer the
subiectes of the same predominent Plannettes, and in such lyke Art
of Painting as the other side.
And on the right part I behelde their seuen harmonies and friendly
aspectes, and the passage of the blood, with the qualitatiue receiuing
and retiring & circulating entrance, with an incredible Historie of the
celestiall operation 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 a regulate correspondence, and harmonye of the rest,
in the Iewelles to the opposite and symentriall congresse of the
Plannettes, with their vertuous inclinations, were expressed in the
shapes of elegant Nimphes, with the titles and signes of their natures.
The seuenth Mediane quarter, was the forefront directlye placed against
the seuenth Iewell, representing the Planet _Soll_, whiche was set vp
more higher the
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