part in this woman, but dead as she is, thou mayst

embrace her sufficiently, whereupon I took my servant
with me, who dug her up by night. Having opened the
coffin and locked her in my arms, I found some little
motion in her heart, which increased from my warmth, till

MARRIAGE OF CHRISTIAN ROSENCREUTZ. 141

I perceived she was indeed alive. I quietly bore her home,
and after I had warmed her chilled body with a costly bath
of herbs, I committed her to my mother until she brought
forth a fair son, whom I caused faithfully to be nursed.
After two days (she being then in a mighty amazement) I
discovered to her all the affair, requesting that for the
time to come she would live with me as a wife, against
which she excepted thus, in case it should be grievous to
her husband, who had maintained her well and honourably,
but if it could otherwise be, she was the present obliged in
love to one as well as the other. After two months (being
then to make a journey elsewhere) I invited her husband
as a guest, and amongst other things demanded of him
whether if his deceased wife should come home again he
could be content to receive her, and he affirming it with
tears and lamentations, I brought him his wife and son,
recounting all the fore-passed business, and intreating him
to ratine with his consent my fore-purposed espousals.
After a long dispute he could not beat me from my right,
but was fain to leave me the wife. But still the contest
was about the son." Here the Virgin interrupted him and
said : — " It makes me wonder how you could double the
afflicted man's grief." Upon this there arose a dispute
amongst us, the most part affirming he had done but right.
" Nay," said he, "I freely returned him both his wife and
son. Now tell me, my lords, was my honesty or this
man's joy the greater 1 " These words so mightily cheared
the Virgin that she caused a health to go round, after
which other proposals went on somewhat perplexedly, so
that I could not retain them all; yet this comes to my
mind, that one told how a few years before he had seen a
physitian, who bought a parcel of wood against winter, 9.

142

HISTORY OF THE ROSICRUCIANS.

Virgo

lucifera

gratiositas.

^Enigma
de Nomine.

60, Sc. quot
virgines.

with which he warmed himself all winter long ; but as soon
as spring returned he sold the very same wood again, and
so had the use of it for nothing. " Here must needs be
skill," said the Virgin, " but the time is now past."
" Yea," replyed my companion, " whoever understands how
to resolve all the riddles may give notice of it by a proper
messenger; I conceive he will not be denied." At this
time they began to say grace, and we arose altogether
from the table rather satisfied and merry than glutted ; it
were to be wished that all invitations and f eastings were
thus kept. Having taken some few turns up and down
the hall, the Virgin asked us whether we desired to begin
the wedding. " Yes," said one, " noble and vertuous
lady;" whereupon she privately dispatched a Page, and,
meantime, proceeded in discourse with us. In brief, she
was become so familiar that I adventured and requested
her Name. The Virgin smiled at my curiosity, and
replyed : — " My name contains five and fifty, and yet hath
only eight letters ; the third is the third part of the fifth,
which added to the sixth will produce a number, whose
root shall exceed the third itself by just the first, and it is
the half of the fourth. Now the fifth and seventh are
equal, the last and first also equal, and make with the
second as much as the sixth hath, which contains four
more than the third tripled. Now tell me, my lord, how
am I called 1 "

The answer was intricate enough, yet I left not off, but
said: — "Noble and vertuous Lady, may I not obtain one
only letter 1 " " Yea," said she, " that may well be done.
1 ' What, then," I proceeded, "may the seventh contain1?"
" It contains," said she, " as many as there are lords here."
With this I easily found her Name, at which she was well

MARRIAGE OF CHRISTIAN ROSENCREUTZ. 143
pleased, saying; that much more should yet be revealed to Redduntm-

pondera

us. Meantime certain virgins had made themselves ready, choro

J ' Virginum.

and came in with great ceremony. Two youths carried 2 Juvenes.
lights before them, one of whom was of jocond countenance,
sprightly eyes, and gentile proportion, while the other lookt
something angerly, and whatever he would have must be, as
I afterwards perceived. Four Virgins followed them ; one 4
looked shamefully towards the earth -} the second also was
a modest, bashful Virgin ; the third, as she entered, seemed
amazed at somewhat, and, as I understood, she cannot well
abide where there is too much mirth. The fourth brought
with her certain small wreaths, to manifest her kindness
and liberality. After these four came two somewhat more 2
gloriously apparelled ; they saluted us courteously. One of
them had a gown of skeye-colour, spangled with golden
stars : the other's was green, beautified with red and white
stripes. On their heads they had thin flying white tiffaties,
which did most becomingly adorn them. At last came one i virgo

praestans.

alone, wearing a coronet, and rather looking up towards
heaven than towards earth. We all took her for the
Bride, but were much mistaken, although in honour, riches,
and state she much surpassed the bride, and afterwards
ruled the whole Wedding. On this occasion we all fol- The
lowed our Virgin, and fell on our knees; howbeit, she
shewed herself extreamly humble, offering each her hand,
and admonishing us not to be too much surprized at this,
\vhich was one of her smallest bounties, but to lift up our
eyes to our Creator and acknowledge his Omnipotency, and
so proceed in our enterprised course, employing this grace
to the praise of God and the good of man. In sum her
words were quite different from those of our Virgin, who
was somewhat more worldly. They pierced even through

144

HISTORY OF THE ROSICRUCIANS.

Ponderum
repositio in
locum suum.

The
Dutchess.

Reginae
habitatio.

Supellex.

The
Dutchess.

Virgo
lucifera
discedit
cubitum.

Puerorum

comitum

offlcium.

my bones and marrow. " Thou," said she further to me,
" hast received more than others ; see that thou also make
a larger return."

This to me was a very strange sermon, for as soon as we
saw the Virgins with the musick, we imagined we should
fall to dancing. Now the Weights stood still in the same
place, wherefore the Queen (I yet know not who she was)
commanded each Virgin to take up one, but to our Virgin
she gave her own, which was the largest, and commanded
us to follow behind. Our majesty was then somewhat
abated, for I observed that our Virgin was but too good for
us, and that we were not so highly reputed as we ourselves
were almost willing to phantsie. We were brought into
the first Chamber, where our Virgin hung up the Queen's
weight, during which an excellent spiritual hymn was
sung. There was nothing costly in this room save certain
curious little Prayer-Books which should never be missing.
In the midst was a pulpit, convenient for prayer, where in
the Queen kneeled down, and about her we also were fain
to kneel and pray after the Virgin, who read out of a book,
that this Wedding might tend to the honour of God, and
our own benefit. We then came into the second chamber,
where the first Virgin hung up her weight also, and so for-
ward till all the ceremonies were finished, upon which the
Queen again presented her hand to every one, and departed
with her Virgins. Our president staied awhile with us, but
because it had been already two hours night she would then
no longer detain us, and, though methought she was glad
of our company, she bid us good night, wishing us quiet
rest. Our Pages were well instructed, and shewed every
man his chamber, staying with us in another pallet, in case
we wanted any thing. My chamber was royally furnished

MARRIAGE OF CHRISTIAN ROSENCREUTZ. 145

with rare tapistries, and hung about with paintings ; but Autoris
above all things I was delighted in my Page, who was so
excellently spoken, and experienced in the arts, that he yet
spent me another hour, and it was half an hour after three
when I fell asleep. This was the first night that I slept in
quiet, and yet a scurvy dream would not suffer me to rest,
for I was troubled with a Door which I could not get open,
though at last I did so. With these phantasies I passed Somnium
the time, till at length, towards day, I awaked. difflciu.

The Fourth Day.

I still lay in my bed, and leisurely surveighed the noble Autor
images and figures about my chamber, during which, on a dormiens
sudden, I heard the musick of coronets, as if already they had
been in procession. My Page skipped out of the bed as if he
had been at his wits' end, and looked more like one dead
than living. " The rest are already presented to the King,"
said he. I knew not what else to do but weep outright,
and curse my own sloathfulness. I dressed myself, but my
Page was ready long before me, and ran out of the chamber
to see how affairs might yet stand. He soon returned with
the joyful news that the time was not past, only I had
over-slept my breakfast, they being unwilling to waken me Jentacuio
because of my age, but that now it was time for me to go
with him to the Fountain, where most were assembled.
With this consolation my spirit returned, wherefore I was
soon ready with my habit, and went after the Page to the
Fountain in the Garden, where I found that the Lyon, in-
stead of his sword, had a pretty large tablet by him. Leonis

Tabula

Having well viewed it, I found that it was taken out of the
ancient monuments, and placed here for some especial
honour. The inscription was worn with age, and, therefore,

K

146 HISTORY OF THE ROSICRUCIANS.

I am minded to set it down here, as it is, and give every
one leave to consider it.

HERMES PRINCEPS.

POST TOT ILLATA

GENERI HUMANO DAMNA,

DEI CONSILIO :

ARTISQUE ADMINICULO

MEDICINA SALUBRIS FACTUS

HEIC FLUO.

Bibat ex me qui potest : lavet, qui vult : turbet, qui audet :
BIBITE FRATRES, ET VIVITE.

Scripture This writing might well be read and understood, being
easier than any of the rest. After we had washed our-
selves out of the Fountain, and every man had taken a

Potus. draught out of an intirely golden cup, we once more fol-
lowed the Virgin into the hall, and there put on new

Vestitus. apparel, all of cloth of gold gloriously set out with flowers.
There was also given to everyone another Golden Fleece,
set about with pretious stones, and various workmanship
according to the utmost skill of each artificer. On it hung
a weighty medal of gold, whereupon were figured the sun
and moon in opposition, but on the other side stood this
poesie : — " The light of the moon shall be as the light of
the sun, and the light of the sun shall be seven times
brighter than at present." Our former jewels were laid in
a little casket, and committed to one of the waiters.
After this the Virgin led us out in our order, where the
musitians waited ready at the door, all apparelled in red
velvet with white guards. After which a door, that J

MARRIAGE OF CHRISTIAN ROSENCREUTZ. 147

never before saw open, was unlocked ; it opened on the
Eoyal winding-stairs. There the Virgin led us, together Accessus

"ad regis

with the musick, up three hundred sixty-five stairs ; we auiam.
saw nothing but what was of extream costly and artificial
workmanship ; the further we went, the more glorious still
was the furniture, until at the top we came under a painted
arch, where the sixty virgins attended us, all richly ap- Latorato-

rium aron-

parelled. As soon as they had bowed to us, and we as atum 60

' Virgines.

well as we could had returned our reverence, the musitians
were dispatched away down the winding-stairs, the Door
being shut after them. Then a little Bell was told, when
in came a beautiful Virgin, who brought every one a wreath
of lawrel, but our Virgins had branches given them. vh-g. Ludf.
Meanwhile, a curtain was drawn up, where I saw the King
and Queen as they sate in their majesty, and had not the
yesterday queen warned me I should have equalled this
unspeakable glory to Heaven ; for besides that the room Regis et
glittered of meer gold and pretious stones, the Queen's gloria,
robes were so made that I was not able to behold them.
In the meantime the Virgin stept in, and then each of the
other virgins, taking one of us by the hand, with most pro- Virgo

T7-- TT lucifera

found reverence presented us to the King. Whereupon praesentat

hospites

the Virgin began thus to speak : — " That to honour your
most gratious, royal Majesties, these Lords have adventured
hither with peril of body and life, your Majesties have
reason to rejoyce, especially since the greatest part are
qualified for inlarging your Majesties' dominions, as you
will find by a most gratious particular examination of each.
Herewith I was desirous thus to have them in humility
presented to your Majesties, with most humble suit to dis-
charge me of this my commission, and to take information
from each of them concerning my actions and omissions."

148

HISTORY OF THE ROSICRUCIANS.

Respites

nesciunt

respondere.

Atlas

respondet.

Descriptio
labatorii.

Subscellia.

1. Rex senex
Conjux
Juven.

2. Rex and
conjuxsene".

Scomna.
assessores.

Cnpide.

Hereupon she laid her branch on the ground. It would
have been fitting for one of us to have spoken somewhat on
this occasion, but, seeing we were all troubled with the
falling of the uvula, old Atlas stept forward and spoke on
the King's behalf : — " Their Eoyal Majesties most gratiously
rejoyce at your arrival, and will that their grace be assured
to all. With thy administration, gentle Virgin, they are
most gratiously satisfied, and a Royal Reward shall be
provided for thee ; yet it is their intention that thou shalt
this day also continue with them, inasmuch as they have
no reason to mistrust thee."

Here the Virgin humbly took up the branch, and we for
this first time were to step aside with her. This room was
square on the front, five times broader than it was long,
but towards the West it had a great arch like a porch, where
stood in circle three glorious thrones, the middlemost being
somewhat higher than the rest. In each throne sate two
persons — in the first sate a very antient King with a gray
beard, yet his consort was extraordinarily fair and young.
In the third throne sate a black King of middle age, and
by him a dainty old matron, not crowned, but covered
with a vail. But in the middle sate the two young
persons, who though they had likewise wreaths of lawrel
upon their heads, yet over them hung a large and costly
crown. Now albeit they were not at this time so fair as I
had before imagined to my self, yet so it was to be.
Behind them on a round form sat for the most part antient
men, yet none had any sword or other weapon about him.
Neither saw I any life-guard but certain Virgins which
were with us the day before, and who sate on the sides of
the arch. I cannot pass in silence how the little Cupid
flew to and again there, but for the most part he hovered

MARRIAGE OF CHRISTIAN ROSENCREUTZ. 149

about the great crown. Sometimes he seated himself in

between the two lovers, somewhat smiling upon them with

his bow. Sometimes he made as if he would shoot one of

us ; in brief, this knave was so full of his waggery, that

he would not spare even the little birds, which in multi- Aves.

tudes flew up and down the room, but tormented them all

he could. The virgins also had their pastimes with him, virgines.

and when they could catch him it was no easie matter for

him to get from them again. Thus this little knave made

all the sport and mirth. Before the Queen stood a small supeiiex in

. -11-1 -i au^a altai'e.

but inexpressibly curious altar, wherein lay a book covered i. Book.
with black velvet, only a little overlaid with gold. By this
stood a taper in an ivory candlestick, which, although very 2- Taper.
small, burnt continually, and stood in that manner, that
had not Cupid, in sport, now and then puffed upon it, we
could not have conceived it to be fire. By this stood a
sphere or celestial globe, which of itself turned about. 3. sphsere.
Next this was a small striking- watch, by that a little 4. watch.
christal pipe or syphon-fountain, out of which perpetually 5. Little
ran a clear blood-red liquor, and last of all there was a scull
or death's head, in which was a white serpent, of such a 6. Scuii.

serpent.

length, that though she crept circle-wise about the rest of
it, yet her taile still remained in one of the eye -holes until her
head agaia entered at the other ; so she never stirred from
her scull, unless Cupid twitched a little at her, when she
slipt in so suddenly that we could not choose but marvel at
it. There were hung up and down the room wonderful
images, which moved as if alive. Likewise, as we were imagines,
passing out, there began such marvellous vocal musick that Musicse.
I could not tell whether it were performed by the virgins
who yet stayed behind, or by the images themselves. We, Disceaitur

. . , . . , ex labora-

being for this time satisfied, went thence with our virgins, tovio

150

HISTORY OF THE ROSICRUCIANS.

Virgines
jocantur
de senio
autoris.

Convivium
cum virgini-
bus.

Sermones
conviviales.

Autor
maestus ob
senium.

Jocosum
solatium
accipit a
Virgine.

Socio.

Virg. lucif .

who, the musitians, being already present, led us down the
winding stairs, the door being diligently locked and bolted.
As soon as we were come again into the hall, one of the
virgins began : — " I wonder, Sister, that you durst adven-
ture yourself amongst so many persons." " My Sister,"
reply ed our president, " I am fearful of none so much as of
this man," pointing at me. This speech went to my heart,
for I understood that she mocked at my age, and indeed I
was the oldest of all ; yet she comforted me by promising,
that in case I behaved myself well towards her, she would
easily rid me of this burden.

Meantime a collation was again brought in, and every
one's Virgin seated by him, who well knew how to shorten
the time with handsom discourses, but what these and
their sports were I dare not blab out of school. Most of
the questions were about the arts, whereby I could lightly
gather that both young and old were conversant in the
sciences. Still it run in my thoughts how I might become
young again, whereupon I was somewhat the sadder. This
the Virgin perceived, and, therefore, began : — "I dare lay
anything, if I lye with him to-night, he shall be pleasanter
in the morning." Hereupon they began to laugh, and
albeit I blushed all over, I was fain to laugh too at my
own ill-luck. ]S"ow there was one there that had a mind to
return my disgrace upon the Virgin, whereupon he said :—
" I hope not only we but the virgins themselves will bear
witness, that our Lady President hath promised herself to
be his bed-fellow to-night." "I should be well content
with it," replyed the Virgin, " if I had not reason to be
afraid of these my sisters ; there would be no hold with
them should I choose the best and handsomest for myself/'
" My Sister," presently began another, " we find hereby

MARRIAGE OF CHRISTIAN ROSENCREUTZ. 151

that thy high office makes thee not proud, wherefore if by
thy permission we might by lot part the Lords here present,
thou shouldst, with our goodwill, have such a preroga-
tive." We let this pass for a jest, and began again to dis-
course together, but our Virgin could not leave tormenting
us, and continued: — "My lords, how if we should permit
fourtune to decide which of us must be together to-night 1 " una dor-

mientium.

"Well," said I, "if it may be no otherwise, we cannot
refuse such a proffer." Now because it was concluded to
make this trial after meat, we resolved to sit no longer at
table, so we arose and each walked up and down with his
Virgin. " Nay," said the president, " it shall not be so
yet, but let us see how fortune will couple us," upon which
we were separated. Now first arose a dispute how the
business should be carried out, but this was only a pre-
meditated device, for the Virgin instantly proposed that
we should mix ourselves in a ring, and that she beginning
to count from herself, the seventh was to be content with
the following seventh, were it a virgin or man. We were
not aware of any craft, and therefore permitted it so to be ;
but when we thought we had very well mingled ourselves,
the Virgins were so subtil that each knew her station
before-hand. The president began to reckon, the seventh
next her was a Virgin, the third seventh a Virgin likewise,
and this continued till, to our amazement, all the Virgins
came forth and none of us was hit. Thus we poor wretches
remained standing alone, and were forced to confess that
we had been handsomely couzened, albeit, whoever had
seen us in our order might sooner have expected the sky to
fall then that it should never have come to our turn.
Herewith our sport was abandoned. In the interim the
little wanton Cupid came also in unto us, but because he

A merry
dance.

Hospites
invitantur
a virgine
Lucif. ad
comediam.

Processus
Regis ad
spectandum
comediam.

I5± HISTORY OF THE ROSICRUCIANS.

presented himself on behalf of their Royal Majesties, and
deliverd us a health from them out of a golden cup, and
was to call our Virgin to the King, withal declaring he
could not at this time tarry, we could not sport ourselves
with him, so, with a due return of our most humble thanks
we let him flye forth again. Now because the mirth began
to fall into my consort's feet, and the Virgins were nothing
sorry to see it, they lead up a civil dance which I rather
beheld with pleasure then assisted, for my mercurialists
were so ready with their postures, as if they had been long
of the trade. After some few dances, our president came
in again, and told us how the artists and students had
offered themselves to their Royal Majesties before their
departure to act a merry comedy ; and if we thought good
to be present thereat, and to waite upon their Royal
Majesties to the House of the Sun, it would be acceptable
to them. Hereupon we returned our humble thanks for
the honour vouchsafed us, and most submissively tendered
our small service, which the Virgin related, and presently
brought word to attend their Royal Majesties in the gallery,
whither we were soon led, and staid not long there, for the
Royal Procession was just ready, yet without musick. The
unknown Queen who was yesterday with us went foremost
with a small and costly coronet, apparelled in white satin,
and carrying nothing but a small crucifix made of a pearl,
and this very day wrought between the young King and
his Bride. After her went the six fore-mentioned Virgins
in two ranks, carrying the King's jewels belonging to the
little altar. Next to these came the three Kings. The
Bridegroom was in the midst of them with a plain dress of
black sattin, after the Italian mode. He had on a small
round black hat, with a little black pointed feather, which

MARRIAGE OF CHRISTIAN ROSENCREUTZ. 153

he courteously put off to us, thereby to signify his favour
towards us. To him we bowed, as we had been before
instructed. After the Kings came the three Queens, two
whereof were richly habited ; she in the middle went like-
wise all in black, and Cupid held up her train. Intimation
was given us to follow, and after us the Virgins, old Atlas
bringing up the rear. Through many stately walks we
came to the House of the Sun, there next to the King and
Queen, upon a richly furnished scaffold, to behold the fore-
ordained comedy. "We, though separated, stood on the statio
right hand of the Kings, but the Virgins on the left, except SI
those to whom the Eoyal Ensignes were committed. To
them was allotted a peculiar standing at top of all, but the
rest of the attendants were content to stand below between
the columns. Now because there are many remarkable A Precipua
passages in this Comedy, I will in brief run it over. Cur.e~

First of all came forth a very antient King with some Actus i.
servants ; before his throne was brought a little chest, with
mention that it was found upon the water. Being opened,
there appeared in it a lovely babe, together with certain
jewels, and a small parchment sealed, and superscribed to
the King. This the King presently opened, and having
read it, he wept and declared to his servants how in-
juriously the King of the iKOOX'f J3 had deprived his aunt
of her country, and had extinguished all the royal seed even
to this infant, with the Daughter of which country he had
purposed to match his Son. Hereupon he swore to main-
tain perpetual enmity with the Moore and his allies, and to
revenge this on him. He commanded that the Child
should be tenderly nursed, and to make preparations against
the Moore. This provision, and the discipline of the
young lady (who after she was a little grown up was com-

154 HISTORY OF THE ROS1CRUCTANS.

mitted to an ancient tutor), continued all the first act, with
interiudium. many laudable sports beside. In the interlude a Lyon and
Griffon were set at one another, and the Lyon got the
victory ; this was also a pretty sight.

Actus 2. In the second act, the Moore, a black, treacherous fellow,

came forth, who having with vexation understood that his
murder was discovered, and that a little lady was craftily
stollen from him, began to consult how by stratagem he
might encounter so powerful an adversary, whereof he was
at length advised by certain fugitives who fled to him
through famine. So the young lady, contrary to all
expectation, fell again into his hands, whom had he not
been wonderfully deceived by his own servants, he had
like to have slain. Thus this act was concluded with a
mervelous triumph of the Moore.

Actus 3. jn the third act a great army on the King's part was

raised against the Moore, and put under the conduct of an
antient, valiant knight, who fell into the Moore's country,
till he forceably rescued the young Lady from a tower, and
apparelled her anew. After this they erected a glorious
scaffold and placed her upon it; presently came twelve
royal embassadors, amongst whom the Knight made a
speech, alledging that the King, his most gracious Lord,
had not only heretofore delivered her from death, and
caused her to be royally brought up, though she had not
behaved herself altogether as became her, but, moreover,
had, before others, elected her as a spouse for the young
Lord, his Son, most gratiously desiring that the espousals
might be really executed in case they would be sworn to his
Majesty upon the following articles. Hereupon out of a
patent he caused certain glorious conditions to be read ;
the young Lady took an oath inviolably to observe the

MARRIAGE OF CHRISTIAN ROSENCREUTZ. 155

same, returning thanks in most seemly sort for so high a
grace. Whereupon they began to sing to the praise of
God, of the King, and the young Lady, and for this time so
departed. In sport, meanwhile, the four beasts of 23tiut£f , interiudium.
as he saw them in the vision, were brought in, all which
had its certain signification.

In the fourth act the young Lady was restored to her Actus 4.
lost kingdom and crowned, being in this array conducted
about the place with extraordinary joy. After various
embassadors presented themselves not only to wish her
prosperity but also to behold her glory. Yet it was not
long that she preserved her integrity, but began to look
wantonly about her, and to wink at the embassadors
and lords. These her manners were soon known to the
Moore, who would by no means neglect such an oppor-
tunity ; and because her steward had not sufficient regard
to her, she was easily blinded with great promises, so that
she had no good confidence in her King, but privily sub-
mitted herself to the intire disposal of the Moore, who
having by her consent gotten her into his hands, he gave
her words so long till all her kingdom had subjected itself
to him; after which, in the third scene of this act, he
caused her to be led forth, stript naked, and then upon a
scurvy wooden scaffold bound to a post, well scourged, and
at last sentenced to death. This woful spectacle made the
eyes of many to run over. Naked as she was, she was cast
into prison, there to expect death by poyson, which, how-
ever, killed her not, but made her leprous all over. Thus
this act was for the most part lamentable. Between they
brought forth IJ^foUCJja&tt^&t'B image, which was adorned
with all manner of arms on the head, breast, legs, and feet,
of which more shall be spoken in the future explication.

156 HISTORY OF THE ROSICRUCIANS.

Actus s. In the fifth act the young King was acquainted with

all that had passed between the Moore and his future
spouse, who interceded with his father for her, intreating
that she might not be left in that condition, and embas-
sadors were dispatched to comfort her, but withal to give
her notice of her inconsiderateness. She, nevertheless,
would not receive them, but consented to be the Moore's
concubine, and the young King was acquainted with it.

interiudium. After this comes a band of fools, each of which brought a
cudgel, wherewith they made a great globe of the world,
and undid it again, the which was a fine sportive
phantsie.

Actus 6. In the sixth act, the young King resolved to bid battle

to the Moore, which was done, and albeit the Moore was
discomfited, yet all held the young King for dead, but he
came again to himself, released his spouse, and committed
her to his steward and chaplain, the first whereof tormented
her mightily, while the priest was so insolently wicked
that he would needs be above all, till the same was
reported to the young King, who dispatched one to break
the neck of the priest's mightiness, and adorn the bride in

interiudium. some measure for the nuptials. After this act a vast arti-
ficial elephant was brought in, carrying a great tower with
musitians, which was well pleasing to all.

Actus 7. In the last act the bride-groom appeared in such pomp as

is not well to be believed. The bride met him in the like
solemnity, whereupon all the people cried out — VIVAT
SPONSUM, VIVAT SPONSA, so that by this comedy they did

applausus

erga Regem withal congratulate our King and Queen in the most stately

et Reginam.

manner, which pleased them most extraordinary well. At
length they made some pasces about the stage, till at last
they altogether began thus to sing.

MARRIAGE OF CHRISTIAN ROSENCREUTZ. 157

i.

This time full of love Cantilena.

Does our joy much approve
Because of the King's Nuptial ;

And, therefore, let's sing,

Till from all parts it ring,
Blest be he that granted us all !

u.

The Bride most exquisitely faire,
Whom we attended long with care,

To him in troth is plighted ;
We fully have at length obtain'd
The same for which we did contend —

He's happy that's fore-sighted.

in.

Now the parents kind and good

By intreaties are subdued ;
Long enough in hold was she mew'd ;

So in honour increase

Till ^howsanbs arise
And spring from your own proper blood.

After this thanks were returned, and the comedy was Epiiogus.
finished with joy to the particular liking of the Eoyal
Persons, who, the evening being already hard by, departed
in their fore-mentioned order, we attending them up the Respites
winding stairs into the previous hall, where the tables were
already richly furnished. This was the first time that we
were invited to the King's table. The little altar was
placed in the midst of the hall, and the six royal ensignes
were laid upon it. The young King behaved himself very Rex

Adolesc.

gratiously towards us, yet he could not be heartily merry ;
he discoursed a little with us, yet often sighed, at which
the little Cupid only mocked, and played his waggish tricks.
The old King and Queen were very serious, but the wife Reges

adulti.

of one of the ancient Kings was gay enough, the cause

158 HISTORY OF THE ROSICRUCIANS,

Ordo dis- whereof I understood not. The Eoyal Persons took up the

cumbanum. g^ ^j^ at ^he second we only sate ; at the third some
of the principal Virgins placed themselves. The rest were
fain to wait. This was performed with such state and
solemn stillness that I am afraid to make many words of it.

omatus All the Eoyal Persons, before meat, attired themselves in
snow-white glittering garments. Over the table hung the
great golden crown, the pretious stones whereof, without

Corona other light, would have sufficiently illuminated the hall.
All the lights were kindled at the small taper upon the
altar. The young king frequently sent meat to the white
serpent, which caused me to muse. Almost all the prattle
s a^ this banquet was made by Cupid, who could not leave
sst' us, and me especially, un tormented, and was perpetually
producing some strange matter. However, there was no
considerable mirth, from whence I could imagine some
great imminent peril. There was no musick heard, and if
we were demanded anything, we were fain to give short

Sermones answers, and so let it rest. In short, all things had so

breves

strange a face that the sweat began to trickle down over
my body, and I believe that the stoutest-hearted man
would have lost courage. Supper being almost ended, the
young King commanded the book to be reached him from
Oratio Regis the altar. This he opened and caused it again to be pro-
pounded to us by an old man whether we resolved to abide
with him in prosperity and adversity, which we having
with trembling consented to, he further caused us sadly to
be demanded whether we would give him our hands on it,
which, when we could fain no reason, was fain so to be.
One after another rose and with his own hand writ himself
down in this book, after which the little christal fountain
was brought near, together with a very small christal glass,

MARRIAGE OF CHRISTIAN ROSENCREUTZ. 159

out of which all the Eoyal Persons drank ; afterwards it
was reached to us, and so forward to all, and this was
called the Draught of Silence. Hereupon all the Eoyal Haustus de

r silentio.

Persons presented us their hands, declaring that in case we
did not now stick to them we should never hereafter see
them, which verily made our eyes run over. But our
president engaged herself and promised largely on our Fidejutetu

virff Iticif .

behalf, which gave them satisfaction. Mean time a little
bell was tolled, at which all the Eoyal Persons waxed so
mighty bleak that we were ready utterly to despair. They
quickly put off" their white garments and assumed intirely MOI-S

J Regulorum.

black ones ; the whole hall was hung with black velvet, the
floor covered with the same, with which also the ceiling
was overspread. The tables were also removed, all seated
themselves upon the form, and we also had put on black
habits. Our president, who was before gone out, comes in
again, bearing six black taffeta scarffs, with which she .
bound the six Eoyal Persons' eyes, and there were immedi-
ately brought in by the servants six covered coffins, which
were set down, a low black seat being placed in their
midst. Finally, there stept in a cole-black, tall man, who
bare in his hand a sharp ax. Now after that the old King Decollate
had been brought to the seat, his head was instantly whipt
off and wrapped in a black cloth, the blood being received
in a great golden goblet, and placed with him in the coffin
that stood by, which, being covered, was set aside. Thus
it went with the rest, so that I thought it would have come
to me too, but as soon as the six Eoyal Persons were
beheaded, the black man retired, another following who
just before the door beheaded him also, and brought back
his head, which, with the ax, was laid in a little chest.
This indeed seemed to me a bloody Wedding, but, because

i6o

HISTORY OF THE ROSICRUCIANS.

Hospites
maerent.
Solatium.

Cura

nocturna

mortuorum.

Cubiculum.

Visio
nocturna.

Cadavera
avehuntur
trans Lacum,

I could not tell what the event would be, I was fain to
captivate my understanding until I were further resolved.
The Virgin, seeing that some of us were faint-hearted and
wept, bid us be content, saying : — " The life of these
standeth now in your hands, and in case you follow me,
this death shall make many alive."

Herewith she intimated we should go sleep and trouble
ourselves no further, for they should have their due right.
She bade us all good night, saying that she must watch the
dead corps. We then were conducted by our Pages into
our lodgings. My Page talked with me of sundry matters,
and gave me cause enough to admire his understanding,
but his intention was to lull me asleep, which at last I
observed, whereupon I made as though I was fast asleep,
but no sleep came to my eyes, and I could not put the
beheaded out of my mind. Now my lodging was directly
over against the great lake, so that I could look upon
it, the windows being nigh the bed. About midnight I
espied on the lake a great fire, wherefore I quickly opened
the window to see what would become of it. Then from
far I saw seven ships making forward all full of lights.
Above each of them hovered a flame that passed to and
fro, and sometimes descended, so that I could lightly judge
that it must needs be the spirits of the beheaded. The
ships gently approached to land, and each had no more
than one mariner. When they were gotten to shore, I
espied our Virgin with a torch going towards them, after
whom the six covered coffins, together with the little
chest, were carried, and each was privily laid in a ship.
Wherefore I awaked my Page, who hugely thanked me,
for having run much up and down all day, he might
quite have over-slept this, though he well knew it. As

MARRIAGE OF CHRISTIAN ROSENCREUTZ. 161

soon as the coffins were laid in the ships, all the lights
were extinguished, and the six flames passed back together
over the lake, so that there was but one light for a watch
in each ship. There were also some hundreds of watchmen
encamped on the shore, who sent the Virgin back again
into the Castle, she carefully bolting all up again ; so that
I could judge that there was nothing more to be done this
night. We again betook ourselves to rest. I only of all Autor solus

hsec vidit.

my company had a chamber towards the lake and saw
this. Then being extream weary I fell asleep in my mani-
fold speculations.

The Fifth Day.
The night was over, and the dear wished-for day broken, obambuiatio

antelucana.

when hastily I got me out of bed, more desirous to learn
what might insue than that I had sufficiently slept. After
I had put on my cloathes, and according to my custom was
gone down stairs, it was still too early, and I found nobody
else in the hall, wherefore I entreated my Page to lead me
a little about the castle, and shew me somewhat that was
rare, who now (as always) willing, presently lead me down
certain steps underground to a great iron door, on which
the following words were fixed in large copper letters :—

HISTORY OF THE ROSICRUCIANS.

Thalamus

veneris

sepultae.

Thesaurus
Regis.

Descriptio
sepulcliri.

Aliud tri-
clinium.

These I copied and set down in my table-book. After this
door was opened, the Page lead me by the hand through
a very dark passage till we came to a little door now only
put too, for, as the Page informed me, it was first opened
yesterday when the coffins were taken out, and had not
since been shut. As soon as we stepped in I espied the
most pretious thing that Nature ever created, for this
vault had no other light but from certain huge carbuncles.
This was the King's Treasury, but the most glorious and
principal thing was a sepulchre in the middle, so rich that
I wondered it was no better guarded, whereunto the Page
answered me, that I had good reason to be thankful to my
planet, by whose influence I had now seen certain pieces
which no humane eye (except those of the King's family)
had ever viewed. This sepulcher was triangular, and had in
the middle of it a kettle of polished copper, the rest was of
pure gold and pretious stones. In the kettle stood an
angel, who held in his arms an unknown tree, whose fruit
continually falling into the kettle, turned into water
therein, and ran out into three small golden kettles stand-
ing by. This little altar was supported by an eagle, an ox,
and a lion, which stood on an exceeding costly base. I
asked my Page what this might signifie. " Here," said he,
"lies buried Lady Venus, that beauty which hath undone
many a great man, both in fourtune, honour, blessing, and
prosperity " ; after which he showed me a copper door in
the pavement, saying, " Here, if you please, we may go
further down." We descended the steps, where it was
exceeding dark, but the Page immediately opened a little
chest in which stood a small ever-burning taper, wherefrom
he kindled one of the many torches that lay by. I was
mightily terrified and asked how he durst do this. He

MARRIAGE OF CHRISTIAN ROSENCREUTZ. 163

gave me for answer, " as long as the Royal Persons are still
at rest I have nothing to fear." Herewith I espied a rich
bed ready made, hung about with curious curtains, one of
which he drew, and I saw the Lady Venus stark naked Descriptio

corporis

(for he heaved up the coverlets too), lying there in such veneris

dormientis.

beauty, and a fashion so surprising, that I was almost
besides myself, neither do I yet know whether it was a
piece thus carved, or an humane corps that lay dead there,
for she was altogether immoveable, and yet I durst not
touch her. So she was again covered, yet she was still, as
it were, in my eye. But I soon espyed behind the bed a
tablet on which it was thus written.

I asked my Page concerning this writing, but he laughed,
with promise that I should know it too, and, he putting
out the torch, we again ascended. Then I better viewed
all the little doors, and found that on every corner there
burned a small taper of pyrites of which I had before taken
no notice, for the fire was so clear that it looked much
liker a stone than a taper. From this heat the tree was
forced continually tojmelt, yet it still produced new fruit.
"Now, behold," said the Page, "when the tree shall be

164

HISTORY OF THE ROSICRUCIANS.

quite melted down, then shall Lady Venus awake and be
the mother of a King." Whilst he was thus speaking, in
flew the little Cupid, who at first was somewhat abashed at
our presence, but seeing us both look more like the dead
Muictafacta then the living, he could not refrain from laughing, and

hujus obam- .111 i •

demanded what spirit had brought me thither, whom 1
with trembling answered, that I had lost my way in the
castle, and was by chance come hither, that the Page had
likewise been looking up and down for me, and at last
lited upon me here, and that I hoped he would not take it
amiss. " Nay, then, 'tis well enough yet," said Cupid, " my
old busie gransir, but you might lightly have served me a
scurvy trick, had you been aware of this door. I must
look better to it," and so he put a strong lock on the copper
door where we before descended. I thanked God that
he lited upon us no sooner ; my Page, too, was the more
jocond because I had so well helped him at this pinch.
" Yet can I not," said Cupid, "let it pass unrevenged that
you were so near stumbling upon my dear mother." With
that he put the point of his dart into one of the little tapers,
and heating it somewhat, pricked me with it on the hand,
which at that time I little regarded, but was glad that it
went so well with us. Meantime my companions were gotten
out of bed and were come into the hall, to whom I joyned
myself, making as if I were then first risen. After Cupid
had carefully made all fast again, he came likewise to us,
and would needs have me shew him my hand, where he still
found a little drop of blood, at which he heartily laughed,
and bad the rest have a care of me, as I would shortly end
my days. We all wondered how he could be so merry and
have no sence of yesterday's sad passages. Our President
had meantime made herself ready for a journey, coming in

autori.

Cupidinus

MARRIAGE OF CHRISTIAN ROSENCREUTZ. 165

i
all in black velvet, yet she and her Virgins still bare their

branches of lawrel. All things being in readiness, she bid iugubris.
us first drink somewhat, and then presently prepare for the
procession, wherefore we made no long tarrying, but
followed her out of the hall into the court, where stood six
coffins, and my companions thought no other but that the
six Royal Persons lay in them, but I well observed the
device, though I knew not what was to be done with these
other. By each coffin were eight muffled men. As soon as
the musick went, it was so doleful a tune that I was
astonished at it, they took up the coffins, and we followed
them into the Garden, in the midst of which was erected a
wooden edifice, have round about the roof a glorious crown,
and standing upon seven columns. Within it were formed
six sepulchers ; by each of them was a stone, but in the
middle it had a round hollow rising stone. In these graves
the coffins were quietly, and with many ceremonies, laid ;
the stones were shoved over them, and they shut fast, but
the little chest was to lie in the middle. Herewith were
my companions deceived, for they imagined that the dead
corps were there. On the top of all was a great flag, having
a Phcenix painted on it, perhaps the more to delude us.
After the funerals were done, the Virgin, having placed
herself upon the midmost stone, made a short oration, Respites

vocantur

exhorting us to be constant to our ingagements, not to ad labore

pro vita

repine at the pains we must undergo, but be helpful in
restoring the buried Royal Persons to life, and therefore,
without delay, to rise and make a journey with her to the
Tower of Olympus, to fetch thence the medicines necessary
for this purpose.

This we soon agreed to, and followed her through another
little door to the shore, where the seven ships stood empty,

1 66 HISTORY OF THE ROSICRUCIANS.

and on them all the Virgins stuck up their Laurel branches,
and, having distributed us in the six ships, they caused us
in God's name to begin our voyage, and looked upon us as
long as we were in sight, after which they, with all the watch-
men, returned into the Castle. Our ships had each of them a

remanent

in arce. peculiar device ; five of them, indeed, had the five regular

bodies, each a several one, but mine, in which the Virgin

too sate, carried a globe. Thus we sailed on in a singular

order, and each had only two mariners. Foremost went the

a ship a in which, as I conceive, the Moor lay. In this were

b ii c ii d ii twelve musitians who played excellently well, and its device

ff I! was a pyramid. Next followed three abreast, b, c, and d,

in which we were disposed ; I sate in c. Behind these

came the two fairest and stateliest ships, e and/, stuck about

with many branches of lawrel, and having no passengers in

them ; their flags were the sun and moon. But in the rear

4ovirgmes was only one ship, g, and in this were forty Virgins.
Having passed over this lake, we came through a narrow
arm into the right sea, where all the sirens, nymphs, and
sea-goddesses attended us, and immediately dispatched a

Excipiuntur sea-nymph unto us to deliver their present of honour to the

a nymphis.

Wedding. It was a costly, great, set, round, and orient
pearl, the like to which hath not at any time been seen,

either in ours or in the new

\c world- The Virgins having

^> friendly received it, the nymph
intreated that audience might be
given to their divertisements, which
the Virgin was content to give, and
commanded the two great ships to

stand into the middle, and to the rest to incompass them in
pentagon, after which the nymphs fell into a ring about them,
and with a most delicate sweet voice began thus to sing :

MARRIAGE OF CHRISTIAN ROSENCREUTZ. 167

There's nothing better here below
Than beauteous, noble Love,
Whereby we like to God do grow,
And none to grief do move ;
Wherefore let's chant it to the King,
That all the sea therewith may ring.
We question, answer you !

ii.

What was it that at first us made ?

'Twas Love.
And what hath grace afresh conveigh'd ?

'Twas Love.
And whence (pray tell us !) were we born ?

Of Love.
How came we then again forlorn ?

Sans Love.

in.

Who was it, say, that us conceived ?

'Twas Love.
Who suckled, nursed, and relieved ?

'Twas Love.
What do we to our parents owe ?

'Tis Love.
Why do they us such kindness show ?

Of Love.

IV.

Who gets herein the victory ?

'Tis Love.
Can Love by search obtained be ?

By Love.
How may a man good works perform ?

Through Love.
Who into one can two transform ?

'Tis Love.

168 HISTORY OF THE ROSICRUCIANS.

v.

Then let our song sound,

Till its eccho rebound,

To Love's honour and praise ;

May it ever increase

With our noble Princes, the King and the Queen,
The soul is departed, their body's within.

VI.

And as long as we live

God gratiously give,

That as great love and amity

They bear each other mightily,

So we, likewise, by love's own flame

May reconjoyn them once again.

VII.

Then this annoy Into great joy

(If many thousand younglings deign)

Shall change, and ever so remain.

Autori These having, with most admirable concent and melody,

perplacent

nymphae and finished this song, I no more wondred at Ulisses for

cantus.

stopping the ears of his companions ; I seemed to myself

the most unhappy man alive that Nature had not made me

too so trim a creature. But the Virgin soon dispatched

The nymphs them, and commanded to set sail : wherefore the nymphs,

rewarded.

having been presented with a long red scarff for a gratuity,

dispersed themselves in the sea. I was at this time sensible

that Cupid began to work with me too, which tended little

Autori to my credit ; but as my giddiness is likely to be nothing

desunt adhuc

Qu°- beneficial to the reader, I am resolved to let it rest. This

was the wound that in the first book I received on my head
in a dream. Let every one take warning by me of loitering
about Venus' bed, for Cupid can by no means brook it.

Tun-is After some hours, we came within ken of the Tower of

Olympi.

MARRIAGE OF CHRISTIAN ROSENCREUTZ. 169

Olympus; wherefore the Virgin commanded by the dis-
charge of some pieces to give signal of our approach, and
immediately we espyed a great white flag thrust out, and a
small gilded pinnace sent forth to meet us, wherein was a
very antient man, the Warder of the Tower, with certain Custos
guards in white, by whom we were friendly received, and
conducted to the Tower, which was situated upon an island
exactly square,1 and invironed with a wall so firm and structura
thick that I counted two hundred and sixty paces over. Dies.
On the other side was a fine meadow with certain little
gardens, in which grew strange, and to me unknown fruits.
There was an inner wall about the Tower which itself was
as if seven round towers had been built one by another,
yet the middlemost was somewhat higher, and within they
all entered one into another. Being come to the gates of
the Tower, we were led a little aside on the wall, that so
the coffins might be brought in without our notice, but of
this the rest knew nothing. We were conducted into the i. conclave.
Tower at the very bottom, which was an excellently
painted laboratory, where we were fain to beat and wash Labores

hospitum.

plants, precious stones, and all sorts of things, extract
their juice and essence, put up the same in glasses, and
deliver them to be laid up. Our Virgin was so busie with
us, and so full of directions, that she knew not how to give
us employment enough, so that in this Island we were
meer drudges till we had atchieved all that was necessary
for restoring the beheaded bodies. Meantime, as I after-
wards learned, three Virgins were in the first apartment virginum.
washing the corps with diligence. Having at length
almost done our preparation, some broath, with a little

1 See additional note, No. 4.

170

HISTORY OF THE ROSICRUCIANS.

Cibus.
Potus.

Lectus
tenuis.

Autor
speculatur
ccelum
prosomno.

draught of wine, was brought us, whereby I observed that
we were not here for pleasure. When we had finished our
day's work, everyone had a mattress laid on the ground
for him, wherewith we were to content ourselves. For my