A briefe declaratio[n] of the shews, deuices, speeches, and inuentions, done & performed before the Queenes Maiestie, & the French ambassadours, at the most valiaunt and worthye triumph, attempted and executed on the Munday and Tuesday in VVhitson weeke last, anno 1581 Collected, gathered, penned & published, by Henry Goldvvel, Gen.

¶ A Declaration of the Triumph shewed before the Queenes Maiestie , and the French Ambassadours , on Whitson Munday & Tuesday .

TO beginne particularly to wright of these attempts , and briefly to runne ouer ●ache s●uerall action , the cause of the same is firste to be considered . After the arriuall of the French Ambassadours , and vpon thei● comming to the English court , The Nobles and Gentlemen of the same , desirous to sh●w them alcourtesie poss●ble fittest for such estates , and to sporte them with all courtly pleasure , agreede among them to prepare a Triumphe , whiche was very quickly concluded , and being deuised in moste su●ptuous order , was by them performed in as valiant a manner , to their endlesse fame and honour . The cheefe , or challengers in these attemptes , were these . The Earle of Arundel , the Lord Windsore Master Philip Sidney , and Master Fulke Grevill , Who calling themselues the four Foster Children of Desire , made their inuention of the foresaide Triumphe in this order and forme following .

The Gallary or place at the end of the Tiltyard adioining to her Maiesties house at Whiteball , The excellent ineuntion of the Triumph . whereas her person should be placed , was called and not without cause , the Castle or Fortresse of perfect beautie , for as much as her highnes should be there included , whereto the said Foster children layde Tytle and claime as their due by discent to belong vnto them . And vppon deniall or any● cpulse from that their d●s●red pa●rimonie , they vowed to vanquishe & conquer by force who so shoulde seeme to wit●stand it . For the accomplishing wherof they sent their challenge or first defiance to the Q●eens maiestie : which was vttred by a boy on Sunday , the sixt●enth of April last , as her Maiesty came from the Chappel , who being apparrelled in red and white , as a Martial messenger of Desires fostered Children , without making any pr●cise reuerence at all , vttered these speeches of defiaunce , from his masters to her Maiestie , the effect whereof ensueth .

O Lady , The first defie or challenge . that doth intitle the titles you possesse with the honour of your worthinesse , rather crowning the great crowne you holde , with the fame to haue so excellinge an owner , then you receiuinge to your selfe any encrease , keeping that outward ornament ? Vouchsafe with patient attention to heare the wordes which I by commandement am here to deliuer vnto you , wherein if your eares ( vsed to the thankes giuing of your people and the due prayses of the earth ) shall feele a stately disdayne to heare once the sounde of a de●ie ? yet dare I warrant my selfe so farre vpon the reply deceiuing show of rare beauty , as that malice can not fall from so fayre a minde vppon the sely messenger , whose mouth is a seruant to others direction . Know ye therefore al onely Princesse , that hereby ( for far of they are neuer ) there lyes encamped the foure long h●ples , now hopeful fostered children of Desire : who hauing bin a great while nourished vp with that infectiue milke , and to ●o much care of their fiery fosterer , ( though full oft that dry nurse dispaier indeuered to waine them from it ) being nowe as strong in that nurture , as they are weake in Fortune , incouraged with the valiaunt counsaile of neuer fainting DESIRE , and by the same assured , that by right of inheritaunce euen from euer , the FORTRESSE OF BEAVTIE doth belong to her Fostered Children , Lastly , finding it blazed by all tongues , ingraued in all hearts , and proued by all eies that this fortresse built by nature is seated in this Realme : These foure I say and say againe , thus nourished , thus animated thus entituled , and thus enformed , doe will you by me , euen in the name of Iustice , that you wil no longer exclude vertuous DESIRE from perfect BEAVTIE ? Whereto if you yelde , ( O yelde for so al reason requireth ) then haue I no more to say , but reioice that my sayings hath obteined so righfull , and yet so blissefull a request . But if ( alasse but let not that be needful ) BEAVTIR be accompanied with disdainfull pride , and pride waighted on by refusing crueltie . Then must I denounce vnto you ( Woe is me , answere before it be denounced ) that they determine by request to accomplish their claim , And because they will better testifie to the worlde , they haue bene brought vp vnder the wings of honorable DESIRE , this honourable forewarning they sende you . That vpon the xxiiii day of this month of April they will besiege that fatal FORTRESSE , vowing not to spare ( if this obstinacie continue ) the swoorde of faithfulnesse , and the fire of affection ? Nowe if so it fall out , the worthie knights of your Court ( moued with passion in them selues ) disdaine of my senders boldenesse , or partiall liking ( whiche I moste doubt ) to the maiestie of your eyes , will either bid them battell before they approch , or suffering them to approch , will after la●or to l●uye the siege , They protest to meet them in what sort they will chuse , wihning onely it may bee perfourmed before your owne eies , whome they know as euen in iudgement , as daintie in chusing , where if so they list . First at the Tilte in so many courses , as your self shall please to appoint . And then if any wil call them to the course of the field with Launce and sword , they hope to giue such true proofes of their valler , as at least shal make their desires more noble , vowing on the other side , that if before the night part the fray , they do not ouercome al them that come in against them , they wil yeeld themselues slaues vnto you for euer ? This therefore O Queene ( greater in that you are Queen of your selfe , then in passing the whole compasse of the earth ) haue I deliuered my charge , not as a challenge to your knightes ? againste whome , ( but in so iust a cause ) they acknowledge themselues vnable to match the meanest , But as a plaine proclaimation of Warre , vnlesse the FORTRESSE OF BEAVTIE , that hath woon so many to lose themselues , be speedily surrendered : And now it shal be seene what knights you haue , whom BEAVTIE may draw to resist a rightful title , And I for my pore part moued by that I see in you ( thogh I serue your enemies ) will daily pray that all men may see you , & then you shal not feare any arms of aduersaries : Or if enimies you must haue , that either they may haue the mindes of them that send me , or their fortunes in that they haue long desired .

At which day abouesaid for certain vrgent occasions , Vrgent ca●ses why the Challenge was deferd . the saide Challenge and Triumph by her Maiesties commandement , was deferted till the first day of May . At which day for like causes it was further deferred til the next Munday following , beeing the eighth day of May : And so till Whitson Munday , when they first began to perfourme it .

The said day being come , the foure Foster children had made preparation to besiege the Fortresse of Beawtie . And thereto had prouided a frame of wood which was couered with Canuas , & painted outwardly in such excellent order , as if it had bene very naturall earth or moulde , and caried the name of a Rowling trench , The order of the rowling trench with most excellent inuentions . which went on wheeles , which way soeuer the persons with in did driue it . Upon the top whereof was placed two Cannons of wood , so passing well coullered , as they seemed to be in deed two fayre field● peeces of ordinances , and by them was placed two men for Gunners clothed in Crymson Sarcenet , with their baskets of erth for defence of their bodies by them . And also there stood on the top of the trench , an Ensigne bearer , in the same sute with the gunners , displaying his ensigne , and within the saide trench was cunningly conueyed , diuers kinde of most excellent musicke against the castle of Beauty . These things thus al in a readinesse , the Challengers approched , & came from the Stable toward the Tyltyard , one after another in braue and excellent order . And the manner of their seueral entrings was as foloweth .

First , The Earle of Arundels entrie the firste day . the Earle of Arundell entred the Ty●teyarde , all in Gylt and engrauen Armour , with Caparisons and furniture richly and brauely embrodered , hauing attendaunt on him , Two gentlemen vshers , iiii . Paages riding on foure spare horses , and twentie of his Gentlemen . Al which aforesayde were apparayled in shorte Clokes and venetian hose of Crymson veluet , layd with gold lace , doublets of yellow Satten , hattes of Crymson veluet with gold bands and yellow fethers , and yellow silke stocks . Then had hee sixe tump●●●ers that sounded before him . And xxxi . ●eomen that waited after him apparailed in Cassock coats , and venetian hose of Crimson veluet , layde on wich red silke and golde lace , Duble●s of yellow taffatie , Hats of crimson Taffatie , with yellowe feathers , and yellowe worsted stockings .

After him proceded the Lord Windsore , The Lorde Windsors entrie the first day . in gilte and engrauen Armour , with caparisons and furniture , richely embroydered with golde , hauing attendant on him foure Pages riding on foure spare horses , and foure and twentie gentlemen , All apparailed in short cloaks of scarlet , lined through with orange tawnie taff●tie , & laide about with siluer lace , Dublets of orange taw●y Satten , venetiāhose of orange tawnie veluet , blacke veluet caps , with siluer bandes and white feathers , and silu●red rapiers & daggers , with scabberds o●blacke velue● . Foure trumpetters , and ●wo footemen in cassocke coats and ven●tian hose of orange tawnie veluet , and black veluet caps with siluer bands & white fethers , foure gromes of his stable leading of his foure horses , in cassocke coats and venetian hose of orange tawnie ●affatie , and orange tawnie feltes with siluer ●ands , and white fethers . Then had he three score yeomen in coates of Orenge tawnie clothe , with the Vnicorne of of siluer plate on their sleeues , and orange tawnie feltes with siluer bands and white feathers .

Then proceeded M. Philip Sidney , M. Sydneys entry . in very sumptuous maner , with armor part blewe , & the rest gilt & engrauen , with foure spare horses , hauing caparisons and furniture veri riche & costly , as some of cloth of gold embroidred with pearle , & some embroodred with gold and siluer feathers , very richly & cunningly wrought , he had foure pages that rode on his four spare horses , who had cassok coats & venetian hose al of cloth of siluer , layd with gold lace , & hats of the same with golde bands , and white fethers , and eache one a paire of white buskins . Then had he a thirtie gentlemen & ●eomen , & foure trumpetters , who were all in cassoke coats and venetian l●ose of yellow veluet , laid with siluer lace , yellowe veluet caps with siluer bands and white fethers , and euery one a paire of white buskins . And the had vppon their coates , a scrowle or bande of siluer , which came scarse wise ouer the shoulder , and so downe vnder the arme , with this po●●●e , or sentence written vpon it , both before and behinde , Sicnos non nobis .

Then came M. Fulke Gr●uill , in gylt armour , M. Fulke Greuils entry . with riche and fayre caparisons and furniture , hauing foure spare horses with foure Pages riding vpon them , and foure Trumpeters sounding before him , and a Twentie men gentlemen and yeomen attending vpon him , who with the Pages & Trumpe●ers were all apparelled in loose Ierkins of Tawnie taffatie , cut and lined with yellowe sarsenet , & laied with golde lace , and cut downe the arme and set with loopes and buttons of golde , Uenetian hose of the same lined as asoresaid , laied with golde lace downe the side with loopes and buttons of golde , with each a paire of yellow worsted stockings . And ha●ts of Tawnie Taffarie with golde bands and yellow Fethers . Hauing thus all entred the Tilte yard , they proceeded on with the rowling trenche before them , which staied against the Queene , and they passed by , as though they would behold the Fortresse of Beauty . And so went about the Tilt , At last the boy that vttered the firste deflaunce pronounced these speeches to her Maiestie .

If the message lately deliuered vnto you had bene beleeued and followed . The second defie or chalenge . ( O Queene ) in whom the whole story of vertue is written with the language of BEAVTIE . Nothing should this violence haue needed in your inuiolate presence , your eyes which til now haue bene onely wont to discerne the bowed knees of kneeling heartes , and inwardly tourned , found alwaies the heauenly peace of a sweete mind , Shoulde not nowe haue their faire beames reflec● with the shining of A●moure , shoulde not nowe be driuen to see the furie of Desire , nor the fyery force of fury : But since so it is ( alasse that so it is ) that in the defence of obstinate refusal ther neuer groweth victory but by compassion ? They are come , what neede I say more , you see them , ready in hart as you knowe , and able with handes as they hope , not only to assailing but to preuailing . Perehance you dispise the smalnesse of number , I say vnto you , the force of DESIRE goes not by fulnesse of company . Nay rather Vew with what vnresistable determination themselues approch , And howe not onely the heauens send their inuisible Instrument to ayde them . But also the very earth the dullest of al the Elements which with naturall heauinesse still striues to the sleepie Center , Meaning the musicke within the mount . yet for aduancing this enterprise is contented actiuely as you shal see to moue it self vpon it selfe , to rise vp in height , That it may the better command the high & high minded FORTRESSE ? Many wordes when deedes are in field are tedious both to the speaker and hearer , VVherwith the mount moued and rose vp in height . you see their forces but know not their fortunes , if you bee resolued , it boots not , and threats dread not , I haue discharged my charge , which was euen when all thinges were ready for the assaulte , then to offer partlie a thinge not so much vnused as gratious in besiegers , you shal nowe be sommoned to yeld , which if it be reiected , then looke for the affectionate Allarme to bee followed with desirous Assaulte : The time approcheth for their approches : But no time shall stay me from wishing , that how soeuer this succeede , the worlde may long time enioy her cheefest ornament , which deckes it with her felfe , and herselfe with the loue of goodnesse .

Which speach being ended , the Rowlling trench or Mounte of earth was mooued as nere the Queenes Maiestie as might be , which being setled , the musike played verie pleasauntly , and one of the Boyes being then accompanied with Cornets , summoned the Fortresse with this song .

Yeelde yeelde , O yeelde , you that this FORTE do holde , which seated is , in spotlesse honors fi●lde , Desires great force , no forces can withhold : then to DESIERS desire , O yeelde O yeelde . Yeelde yeelde O yeelde , trust not on beauties pride , fayrenesse though fayer , is but a feeble shielde , When strong Desire , which vertues loue doth guide , claymes but to gaine his due , O yeelde O yeelde . Yeelde yeelde O yeelde , who first this Fort did make , did it for iust Desires , true children builde , Such was his minde , if you another take : defence herein doth wrong , O yeelde O yeelde , Yeelde yeelde O yeelde , now is it time to yeelde , Before th aslault beginne , O yeelde O yeelde .

When that was ended , another Boye turning him selfe to the Foster children and their retinue , sung this Allarme .

Allarme allarme , here will no yeelding be , such marble eares , no cunning wordes can charme , Courage therefore , and let the stately see . that naught withstandes DESIRE , Allarme allarme . Allarme allarme , let not their beauties moue remorse in you to doe this FORTRESSE harme , For since warre is the ground of vertues loue , no force , though force be vsed Allarme allarme . Allarme allarme , companions nowe beginne , about this neuer conquered walles to swarme , More prayse to vs we neuer looke to winne , much may that was not yet , Allarme allarme . Allarme allarme when once the fight in warme , then shall you see them yelde , Allarme allarme .

Which ended , the two Canons were short off , The shooting of , of the two Canons , the one with sweet water , and the other with sweet poulder . the one with sweet poulder , and the other with sweete water , very o●oriferous and pleasaunt , and the noyse of the shooting was very excellent consent of mellodie within the Mounte : And after that , was store of prettie scaling ladders , and the footemen threwe Flowers and such fancies against the walles , with all such deuices as might se●me fit shot for Desire , All which did continue till time the Defendaunts came in .

Then came in the defendaunts in most sumptuous maner , The maner of the defendants comming in . with euery one his seruaunts , Pages , and trumpeters , ( hauing some more , some lesse ) in such order as I haue here vnder placed them , with euery one his sundrie inuention , which for that some of them be mistical and not knowen to manie , I omit therefore for bre●ties s●ke to speake of anie , yet such speeches as weare spoken or presented for them to her Maiestie , so manie as were , or at the least as I c●uld come by , I haue ●●re in their order placed them , whereby their inucntions for whome they were spoken , are therin plainlie declared . Therefore I refer you to the reeding of them hereafter , But thus the desendaunts , entred the title yarde , one after an other as followeth .

First M. Henry Grey , Sir Thomas Parat , The defendant names that run at Tilte . M. Anthonie Cooke , M. Th●mas Ratcliffe , Master Henrie Knowles , M. William Knowles , M. Robert Knowles . M. Frauncis Knowles , M. Raffe Bowes , M. Thomas Kelway , M. George Goring , M. William Tresham , M. Robert Alexander , M. Edwarde Dennie , M. Herculus Meautus , M. Edward Moore , M. Richard Skipwith , M. Richard Warde , M. Edward Digibie , M. Henry Nowell , M. Henry Brunkerd . And afterwards in the middest of the running , came in Sir Henry Lea , as unknowen , and when he had broken his sixe staues , went out in like maner againe .

So passing on one after another , when sir Thomas Parat and M. Cooke came to the end of the Tilt , ouer against the Queens Maiestie , one of their pages arraied like an Angel , vttred these speches vnto her .

Dispayre , The speeche of sir Thomas Parrat and master Cooke , to the Queene no not dispaire ( moste high and happie Princesse ) could so congeale the frozen knighte in the ayer but that DESIRE , ( ah sweete DESIRE ) enforced him to behold the Sun on the earth , wheron as he was gasing with twinckling eye ( for who can behold such be●mes stedfastly ) he begun to dissolue into droppes , m●lting with such delighte that hee seemed to preferre the lingering of a certaine death , before the lasting of an vncertaine life , suche is the nature of engrauen loyaltie , that it chuseth rather to haue the body dissolued then the minde disliked , Thus consuming with con●ent , ( a sweete sicnesse is conceite ) and pining with more then speakable passions , he suddenly beheld that Sunne to be besieged which he so deuoutly serued , wherewith boiling in no lesse disdain● , then surprised with immoderate pensiuenesse , he vttered these wordes : O Ioue , if thou mean to resolue nature into contraries , why doe I liue to see it , if into nothing , why doe I liue at all , if the foote scale the head , there is no rest if DESIRE ouershoote duetie , there is no reason , and where either of these are , there can be no rule . And so setting more sighes then may bee numbred by syphers , this present time , ( ah greefe ) this present time , that honest and fayre harted frozen Knighte died , ( what said I ) euen that which againe with grief I must say died , whose ghost making speedy passage into the ELISIAN fieldes ( for what more swifte then a soule ) in the middest of the infernall multitude , with s●re●ches , cryes and clamers , made both Heauen and hell to redouble this Eccho , By the Sun is meant her Maiestie , called before the Fortres of Beawtie . O times , O men , O cu●●uption of manners , the Sunne is besieged , the Sunne ( O mischiefe ) the Sunne is besieged which strange and vnacquainted tea●●es , caused not onely murmuring amongest the Ghosts beneathe , but amusing among the Gods aboue , who aswell to represse the tumultes whiche might haue risen among the shaddowes , as to reuenge the pride which began to growe on the earth , sente downe an Angell with this commaundemente , Sir Thomas Parrat and M. Cooke were both ●n like ar●our beset , with apples and fruite , he one sig●ifiyng Adam , 〈◊〉 the other ●ue , who ●ad haire ●ung all ●own his ●elmet . Goe discende , and cause ADAM and EVE to appeare on the earth in that sort as they were in Paradise , that the world may know them and wonder at them , ●or seeing out of their loines haue issued those preposterous lymmes , I know none more fit to correct them ! Certes none more willing : They will attempte any thing for thy sake and seruice of that earthly , and yet ( O straunge consceite ) moste heauenvly Sunne , for as they were before driuen from their DESIRE , because they desired to knowe the best , so now shall they be driuen to their DESIRE whiche they couet to honour most , This shall be their rewarde , they shall come neeere and yet shall not searche , and bee they farre of , it shall warme , A cloud may sometimes barre their sight , but nothing shall depriue them the sauegarde , yet commaunde them to be humble in affection , thoughe ●●●uente , leaste they seeme to disdayne that pride 〈◊〉 , whiche they desire themselues , The Angell speaketh to the Queene The 〈◊〉 ●he higheste , delighteth in the shaddowe whiche 〈◊〉 shortest , and nourisheth the tree whose roote grow●th deepest , not whose toppe springeth loftiest . This commission and counsell ended all thinges were in a moment accompli●●ed with suche seleritie ( for to the Gods time is tied ) that they were sped as soone as they were spoken , And now most renoumed and deuine Sunne , Adam & Eue being present , vouchsafe to heare somwhat in their behalfs pronounced , Sir Knights , if in besieging the sunne ye vnderstood what you had vndertaken , ye would not destroye a common blessing for a priuate benefite : Will you subdue the sunne , He speaketh to the challengers in the behalfe of the two knights , Adam & Eue. who shal rest in the shadow where the weary take breath , the disquiet rest , and all comforte , wil ye bereaue all men of those gl●stering and gladsome beames , what shall then prosper in the shining , but you will limbe it by the rayes . O rare exhalations , brothers you may bee to DESIRE , but sonnes ye are to ill hap , whiche thinkes you can not sincke deepe enoughe into the sea , vnlesse you take your sal from the sunne , Desist you knights , desist , sithe it is impossible to resist , content your se●●es with the sunnes indifferent succour , suffer the Ieniper shrub to growe by the loftie Oake , and claime no prerog●tiue where the sunne grauntes no priuiledge , for being of the same mettall that others are , the sunne wil work the like effects , as she doth 〈◊〉 others , The Giants wold haue ben gods , if they could haue scaled the heauens & you no lesse then star●es , could you conquer the same But as their throwing hil vpon hil did manifest their pride , but nothing further their pretence , So your laying challenge vpon claim , & conquest vpon challeng , may wel proue a wil but no worthinesse , A desire to reach , but no possibility to recouer , In which your soaring attemptes if you chance to fal , the only confort you haue , is to cry with PHAETOn MAGNIS EXCIDIMVS AVSIS : But if no perswasions may moue your minds : Know ye proud Knights , there are that haue hearts as big as mountaines , and as far aboue you in prowesse , as ye are aboue all in presumption , yet not so vaine ( whiche ye terme valiant ) to assault the sunne , and why , because it is impregnible , wee content to enioy the light , ye to ecclipse it , we to rest vnder the feete , ye to run ouer the head , we to yeeld to that which nothing can conquer , you to conquer that which maketh all men Captiues . But weare it possible , that head could deuise , courage attempt , or hand execute any thing that might shew the depth of our vnspotted Loialty , soone should be seene ( and for your selues to soone ) that your enterprises should bee of as small account then , as now they are of lightlihood , to deepe an impressi●n is engrauen in our thoughts , for the maiestie of that sunne which now pearcing our eyes hath fully subdued our hearts , that we are prest in her defence to offer the whole world defiance , In proofe whereof I am charged to throwe downe his Gauntler , which who so dareth take vp , shall feele both the heate of their iuste conceiued quarrell , and the reproch of their own deserued folly , not my riding in breaking a fewe staues to ende the strife , but at Tournie or what else so euer they can deuise or dare aduenture for to win the benefite of BEAVTIE , Thus moste renoumed and deuine BEAVTIE , whose beames shine like the Sun , haue ADAM and EVE aduentured to defend the Sunne , the same I call Beautie the lighte of the worlde , the maruel of men , the mirour of nature , on which their encounter , if those fauourable gleams may fall , they wil not onely thinke to haue done good herein , but to be restored ag●ine to Paradi●e , the one meaneth to repose his trust in a woman , who like Eve cannot be beguiled , t●e other to rest on a Saint , which by a Serpent will not be tempted , Thus being placed in the Garden of your Graces , O of all thinges moste gratious where vertues growe as thicke as leaues did in Paradise . They will take heedeto taste of the forbidden fruite , contented to beholde , not coueting to take holde , And for that it hath bin long argued , ●nd no arguing can end ? whether the first offence came by the crudelitie of ADAM , or the simplicitie of Eve , the one defending his faulte by sounde arguments , the other excusing hers by sharp answeres , they most humbly s●e for this , that either by Six courses betwene them the quarrell may bee ended , or by your highnes peremptory sentence determined , for they both being in the world are desirous that one might beare the blame of both , And what herein your excellencie shall set downe , there is none shall gainsay , For whensoeuer the question shall be moued , No other reason shall bee allowed then this .

Elizabetha dixit .

This speech being thus ended , Sir Thomas Parat , and M. Cooke proceded backward on the other side of the Tilte , And when M. Ratcliffe came likewise against the Q●●ene , one of his Pages pronounced these speeches in his Masters behalf to her Maiestie .

So manie were the misfortunes , ( most renoumed and beawtifull Princesse ) of the desolate knight my master , M. Ratcliffes speech to the Queene as neither the shortnes of the time wil suffer me to repeat , nor the greatnes af the misterie to remember ? But let this su●●ise that some there were and so manifold , that Geometrie where on the body of man hangeth coulde not beare being intollerable , not the minde which consisteth in Arithmeticke , number being infinite . Thus alwayes crossed by fortune , whose crossing is no blessing , he determined to seperate him selfe as farre from societie , as his actions were from successe , who wandering through many desertes , yet finding as he thought no place desolate , happened at the last to come to a Cliffe adioyning to the maine Sea , couered all with moste whereon he was walking , much delighted with the sol●●arie seate , but not well liking the cold scituation , he suddenly sunke into a hollow vaulte , surprised at the first with feare , but seeing it at the last a place of succour , he accounted his former miseries mee●ly appeased by this present fortune . In this Denne he vsed for his bed mosse , for his candle mosse , for his ceeling mosse , and vnlesse nowe and then a fewe coales , mosse for his meate . A dry food God wot and a fresh , but so moistened with wette t●ares , and so salt , that hard it was to coniecture , whether it were better to feede or to fast . Here he gaue himselfe to continuall meditation , seperating his mind from his body , his thought from his hart , yea deuorcing him self from himself , in so much that with his strange diet & new conceites , he became so enchaunted , that neither the remembrance of others , nor a thought touching himselfe coulde enter into his minde : An alteration seldome heard of , that the place where●s he w●s shrowded in , shoulde make him to forget who he is ? Liuing thus a long time for that no limme should seeme short , rising according to ●●s maner to walke in the mosse in the grisping of the day hee espied vpon the shore certaine men either cast away by shipwrake , or cast ouer-borde by Pyrattes , vnto whome he went and perc●●●ing by their pl●ints one which lay dead amongst them to be their master , enquired whence they were , but they not willing to repeate their misfortunes , opened the bosome of the gentleman , and pulled out as crowle containing a claime , a challenge , nay a conquest of BEAWTIE . At the sight wherof , suddenly ( quoth he ) Beawtie , and therewithall apalled paused , entring by litle and litle out of his present M●LANCHOLI●S into his former misfortunes , who as one awaked out of a long dreame , beganne thus to debate . O Beawtie where thy Fortresse is sounded I know , but what these brethren should mean I mar●ile , for as I am assured that to winne thee none coulde be so fortunate , so did I 〈◊〉 that to claime thee none coulde be so fonde , when as thou O deuine BEAWTIE art of euery one to be desired , but neuer to be conquered of DESIRE . But as the Eagle beholding the sunne , cou●teth to builde her ●est in the same , and so dimmeth her sight . So they vewing the brighnesse of BEAWTIE are incensed to conquer it by DESIRE . And what then ? because she is inuincible shall I be indifferent . No , I will forsake this caytifly Cottage , and will take Armes to defende that BEAWTIES CASTLE . Nothing shall remoue me from mine attempt , which being perfourmed , nothing can mooue me , yea but shee hath seruantes alreadie a number , I but vnlesse I be there , not the whole number , but many were famous but none more faithfull , yet alasse , if thou go , thou shalt euer be infortunate , better alwaies infortunat , then one disloyal , which words being ended , he demanded whether they woulde in like case aduenture with one of no lesse courage then their master , but certainly of greater affection : Whose seruice he hauing vpon small entreatie obteined , for that belyke they were desirous to see the euent for the which they had suffe●ed such aduentures , hee departed to his caue , hewing a shield out of the hard cliffe enriched onely with soft mosse : A double signe of his desire , thinking that nothing could manifest BEAWTIE so well as PITHAGORAS wallunt , a tender ●yne and a hard shell . And nowe most excellent and deuine BEAWTIE , deuine it must needes be that worketh so heauenly , Here the boy deliuered M. Ratclifs shild to the Queene sith he is called from his solitarie Caue to your sumptuous Court , from bondage to liberty , from a liuing death to a neuer dying life , and all for the sake and seruice of BEAWTIE : Vouchsafe his shielde which is the ensigne of your same to be the instrument of his fortune . And for prostrating himselfe to your feete , he is here readie prest to aduenture any aduentures for your gracious fa●●●r .

Which speeche beeing ended , Here entreth the iiij . sons of S. Francis Knowles . he retyred back as the rest . And af●er him came the foure Sonnes of Sir Frauncis Knowles , on after another , according to their age , and all in like armour , who comming to the end of the Tilt , stayed till these speeches were vttred by one of their Pages , who being apparailed like vnto Mercurie , pronounced these speeches in the Knights behalues to her Maiestie .

Report hath bruted all abroad , The speech of the foure sonnes of sir Frauncis Knowles , pronounced by their page being apparelled like vnto Mercurie . that desperate DESIRE with a wonderfull armie of affections hath laid his siege against the inu●ncible FORTRESSE OF PEEERELESSE BEAWTIE , and that the chiefest champions of this most famous enterprise , are foure of ●●incies fellowes , Fosterbrothers to DESIRE , and drie nurst by dispaire , valiant Knights , and honourable personages , whose hautie hearts deserue renowne at least , for venturing to win the golden fleece without MEDEAS helpe . The Gyaunts long agoe did scale the cloudes men say , in hope to winne the fort of IVPITER . The wanton youth , whose vaxed wings did ftie with soaring vp aloft , had scapt vnscorcht if he had kept a meaner gale below . So falles it ou● in this attempt , DESIRE vaunts to conquer BEAWTIES FORTE by force , wherin the goddesse keepes continually watch and warde , so that DESIRE may dispaire to win one ynche of her against her will . Her stately seate is set so high , as that no leuell can be laid against her walles , and sooner may men vndertake to hit a starre with a stone , then to beate her braue bulwarkes by batterie . No vndermining may pre●aile , for that her forte is founded vpon so firme a Rocke , as will not stirre for either fraude or force : And is there any hope to winne by famine such a forte as yeeldes continuall foode to all her foes , and though they feede not fat therewith , yet must they either feede thereon or fast , for BEAWTIE is the only baite whereon DESIRE bites , and loue the chiefe restoritie that lady BEAWTIE likes , so that she can no more be left without meat , then men can liue with out mindes : Of all affections that are , DESIRE is the most worthie to woe , but least deserues to winne BEAWTIE , for in winning his sainct he looseth him selfe , no soner hath desire what he desireth , but that he dieth presently : So that when BEAWTIE yeeldeth once to desire , then can she neuer vaunt to bee desired againe : Wherefore of force this principle must stand it is conuenient for DESIRE euer to wish , nec●ssarie & that he alwaies want , O rare & most renowmed BEAWTIE , O goddes to be honored of all , not to be equalled of any , become not nowe a prisoner , your FORTRESSE is inuincible , no doubt DESIRE will content him selfe with a fauourable parley , & waight for grace by loyaltie not chalenge it by lawnce , although he make nere so braue , the wordle doth knowe , that Ladi● BEAWTIE needes no rescue to rayse this siege , for that she sits aboue al reach , her heauenly looks aboue when she so listes can dazell all mens eyes . But though she liste not vse those meanes , yet it is meete that all her seruantes come and shewe them selues deuout to do her wil● perchaunce her pleasure is to see the fortes tried of these iiii . FOSTER friendes . O happie , tenne times happy they whose happe shal be with fauour of her D●●●●● , to take in hand this braue attempt : In hope wherof these iiii legitimate sonnes of Despaire , brethren to hard mishappe , suckled with sighes , and swathed vp in sorow , weaned in wo , & drie nurst by DESIRE , long time fostered with fauourable countenance , & fedde with sweet fancies , but now of late ( alas ) wholy giuen ouer to griefe & is disgraced by disdain , are come with readie hearts and hands , to proue against these other 4. that DESIRE doth not deserue one winke of good fauour from Ladie BEAVTIES smiling eyes , for threatning to winne her , forte by force ? They dout not the victorie if only they may find some litle shew from their Saint in fauour of their enterprise . If Mercurie haue saide amisse , blame those bright beames which haue be●eft him of his wit , if well , v●uchsafe one becke to bid him packe away .

These speeches beeing ended , both they & the rest marched about the Tyl , ●and so going backe to the nether ende thereof prepared themselues to run , The running of the Tilte . euery one in his tourne , each defendant six courses againste the former challangers , Who perfourmed their partes so valiantly on both sides , that their prowesse hath demerited perpetuall memory , & worthely woone honoure both to them selues and their natiue countrie . As Fame hath the same reported .

When this dayes sporte was thus accomplished , the boy that vttered the defiances , in these fewe speeches tooke his goodnight of the Queene .

In the tryall of this debatefull question ( O your selfe ) then with what can be saide more , the boy that vttered the defiance , in this speeche tooke his goodnighte of the Queene . you see that seeing begins to faile . Might the ordinary truce maker though no truce be treated , ( if at least your presence make it not lightsome to wrappe all in her blacke and mourning weedes ) perchaunce mourning that since night first , was the noblest DESIRE , haue bene subiect to vndeserued tormentes : And therefore these knightes by th aucthoritie of darknesse verie vndesirously are compelled to departe from whence they came . ( neuer part yet ere they goe ) Thus much they command me in their names to confesse . That such excellencie they find in your knights and in comparison of them , such vnablenes in their selues . That if Desire did not banish dispaire as a traytor out of his kingdome , it woulde haue already vndermined their best grounded determination : but no inward nor outwarde wounde , no weakenesse , no wearinesse , can daunt Desire , nor take away the natural effects that followe it . T●erfore hauing left them no other courage then Desire , no other strength then Desire , no other beginning or ending cause but Desire . They will continue this harde and hardie enterprise to morrowe , in the meane time they can finde no place in their heartes that doeth not wish you as sweet rest , as Psiche was conueyed vnto by the gentle Zephirus , and if it be p●ssible by the same gueste visited . They wishe that when your liddes looke vp , their Iuelles they may preserue them , to see to morrow a better day than this , & yet not so singuler successe , s as you may long , freely , & ioifully enioy ; your selfe , to the delight of lookers , and wonder of maikers : this said , the Knightes in order as they came departed .

The seconde dayes sport .

The nexte dayes showe was done in this order . Here entereth a most excelling , & braue chariot , with rare curious , and costly work with the four challengers in it , which chariot was very curiously shadowed with fine Lawne . The four foster children of Desire , entered in a braue Charriot , ( very finely and curiously decked ) as men f●rewearied & half ouercome , The charriot was made in suche sort as vpon the top the 4 knights sate , with a beautiful Lady , representing Desire about them . Wherunto their eyes were turned , in token what they desired , In the Lu●ke of 〈◊〉 Charriot was conueied roome ●or a full consort of Musicke , who plaied still very doleful musicke as t●e Charriot moued , the charriot was drawne by four horses according to the foure knightes , which horses were apparelled in White and carnation silke , beeing the colloures of Desire , and as it passed by the vpper end of the Tylt , a Harrault of Armes was sent before to vtter these speeches in the knights behalfe to her Maiestie .

No confidence in themselues , The firste speech the second day . O most vnmached Princesse , before whome enuy dieth , wanting all merenes of comparison to susteine it , And admiration is expressed , finding the scope of it void of conceaueable limits , Not any slight regarding the force of your valliant knights , hath encoura●ed the Foster children of Desire to make this day an inheritour of yesterdayes action : ●ut the wing of Memorie alasse the sworne enimie to the wofullmans qui●tnesse , being constantly helde by the hande of perfection , And neuer ceassing to blow the cole of some kindled Desire , hath broughte their inward fyer to blaze forth this flame vnquench●ble by any mean●s 〈◊〉 by death the whole fewel be consumed , and ther●fore not able to maister it , they are violently bo●●e whether desire drawes . Although they must con●es ( alas●● ) that yesterdayes braue onse● should come to such a confession : That they are not greatly companied with hope , the common supplie● to Desi●es army . So as nowe from summoning this Cast●l to yeld , they are fallen lowly to beseech you to vouchsafe your eyes out of that Impregnable Fortresse to beholde what will fal out betwixt them and your famous knights : wherein though they bee so eu●●pressed with the others vallure that a●ready they could vnnethe haue bene able to come 〈◊〉 ▪ if the charriot of Desire had not carried them , yet will they make this whole assemblie witnesses so fai●e of their wil , That sooner their souls shall leaue their bodies then Desire shall leaue soules : In that on●lye standes their strength that gaue them th●● fi●st courage , and must be their last comfort . For what resistance is there where not onely they are met with fo●ren enemies , such as stately disdain , which looks from so high a Tower to pore Desire . That though ( in it selfe ) it bee greate yet in her eies ( so seated ) it seemes small or such on the other side as vnfortunat dispair , which makes the count●ie so barren where they lay their siege , that it woulde take away all the foode of fancie : But euen ciuill warre yesterdaye grew betwixt them and others , who beares the same badge of Desire : that they do so , as thus bestead they are brought to this fayer passe , to desire no more , but that this death or ouerthrowe , may be seen● by those eyes who are onely vnhappy , in that they can neither finde fellowes nor see them selues .

Which speech being done , the defendants came in , in such order as they came in the day before , therefore I shal not need to make a newe repetition of the same , sith al hath bene touched already . Then wente they to the Tourney , where they did very Nobly , Tourneyes , and Barriers couragiously tried . as the shiuering of the swordes might very well testefie , And after that to the barriers , where they lashed it out lustely , and fought couragiously , as if the Greekes and Troians had dealt their deadly dole , no partie was spared , nor estate expected , but eache knight indued to win the golden fleece , that expected eyther fame or the fauoure of his maistresse , whiche sporte continued all the same daye , And towardes the euening the sport being ended , ther was a boy sent vp to the queen being clothed in Ash colored garments in t●ken of humble submission , wh● hauing an Oliue brauch in his hande , and falling down prostrate on his face , and then kneeled vp , concluded this noble exercise with these wordes to her Maiestie ,

Most renoumed Princesse of Princesse , The last speeche to the Queene in wh●● can nothing obtein victorie , but vertue , The Foster children of Desire , ( but heires onely to misfortune ) ●end me to deliuer in such wordes as sorrowe can a●●orde their most humble hearted submission , they acknowledge this Fortresse to be reserued for the eye of the whole worlde , farre listed vp , from the compasse of their d●●tinie , They acknowledge the blindenes of their error , in that they did not know 〈◊〉 ( how strong so e●er it be ) within it self to be no stronger without it selfe then it pleased the desired , they acknowledge they haue degenerated from their Fosterer in making violence accompany Desire , They acknowledge that Desire receiued his beginning and nourishment of this 〈◊〉 , and therefore to committe vngratefulnesse in b●●●ing Armes ( though desirous Armesl ) against it● They acknowledge Noble Desire should haue desired nothing so much , as the flo●ishing of that For●●esse , which was to be esteemed according to it selfes 〈◊〉 They acknowledge the least determination of vertue ( which stands for guard of this Fortresse ) to be to strong for the strongest Desire , And therefore they do acknowledge them selues ouercome , as to be 〈◊〉 to this 〈◊〉 for euer , which Tylt they will beare in their foreheades , as their other 〈◊〉 i● engrauen in their hea●●s : For witnesse therof they present this Oliue branch to your presence , in token of your Triumphant peace , And of their peaceable seruitude .

Whereby they present themselues as bondmen by those bondes , whiche the losse of life , can onely loose : Only from out of that which was theirs they craue thus much , to giue some token to those knights which may be iudged to hauedon best in each kind of weapon , or who by his deuise hath come in best sort in this desirous strife , this being don , they being now slaues ( in whom much duetie requires ) for fear of offence , dare say no further , but wish from the bottom of their captiued hearts , That while this realm is thus fortified and beautified : Desire may be your 〈…〉 aduersarie .

Which speech being ended her maiestie gaue them al praise and great thankes , which they esteemed so well & thought themsel●es rewarded according to their own wishing , And so they departed each 〈◊〉 in order , according to their first comming i● .