Hymenaei

HYMENAEI .

IT is a noble and iust advantage , that the things subjected to Vnderstanding have of those which are objected to Sense , that the one sorte are but momentarie , and meerely taking ; the other impressing , and lasting : Else the Glory of all these Solemnities had perish'd like a Blaze , and gone out , in the Beholders eyes . So short-liv'd are the Bodies of all Thinges , in comparison of their Soules . And , though Bodies oft-times have the ill lucke to be sensually preferr'd , they find afterwards , the good fortune ( when Soules live ) to be vtterly forgotten . This it is hath made the most royall Princes , and greatest Persons , ( who are commonly the Personaters of these Actions ) not onely studious of Riches , and Magnificence in the outward Celebration , or Shew ; ( which rightly becomes them ) but curious after the most high , and hearty Inventions , to furnish the inward parts : ( and those grounded vpon Antiquitie , and solide Learnings ) which , though their Voyce be taught to sound to present Occasions , their Sense , or dooth , or should alwayes lay holde on more remov'd Mysteries . And , howsoever some may squeamishly cry out , that all Endevor of Learning , and Sharpnesse in these transitory Devises especially , where it steppes beyond their little , or ( let me not wrong 'hem ) no Braine at all is superfluous ; I am contented , these fastidious Stomachs should leave my full Tables , and enioy at home , their cleane empty Trenchers , fittest for such airy Tasts : where perhaps a few Italian Herbs , pick'd vp , & made into a Sallade , may find sweeter acceptance , than al , the most norishing , and sound Meates of the world .

For these Mens palates , let not mee answere , O Muses . It is not my fault , if I fill them out Nectar , and they runne to Metheglin . Vaticana bibant , si delectentur .

All the curtesie I can doe them , is to cry , againe ; Praetereant , si quid non facit ad stomachum .

As I wil , from the thought of them , to my better Subject .

ON the Night of the Masques ( which were two , One of Men , the Other of Women ) the Scene being drawne , there was first discovered an Altar ; vpon which was inscribed , in Letters of Gold .

a a Mystically implying , that both It , the Place , and all the succeeding Ceremonies were sacred to Marriage , or VNION ; over which IVNO was praesident : to whom there was the like Altar erected , at Rome , as she was called IVGA IVNO , in the Street , which thence , was named lugarius . See Fest. and , at which Altar , the Rite was to ioyne the maried Paire with bands of silke , in signe of future Concord . I. oni . imae . imae . VNIONI SACR.

To this Altar entred five Pages , attir'd in white , bearing a a Those were the Quinque Cerei , which Plutarch in his Quaest. Roman . mentions to be vsed in Nuptialls . five Tapers of Virgine Waxe ; Behinde them , One representing a Bridegroome : His b b The dressing of the Bridegroome ( with the Antients ) was chiefly noted in that , quód tonderetur . lu. Sat. 6. lámque à Tonsore magistro Pecteris . And Lucan . li. 2. Where he makes Cato negligent of the Ceremonies in Marriage , sayth , Ille nec horrificam sancto dimovit abore Caesariem . haire short , and bound with party-coloured ribbands , and gold twist : His Garments purple , and white .

On the other hand , entred HYMEN ( the God of Marriage ) in a saffron-coloured Robe , his vnder-Vestures white , his Sockes yellow , a yellow Veile of silke on his left arme , his Head crowned with Roses , and c c See how he is called out , by Catullus in Nupt. Iul. & Manl. Cinge tempora floribus Suave olentis amaraci &c. Marioram , in his right hand a Torch of d d For so I preserve the Reading , there , in Catull . Pineam quate taedam , rather than to change it Spineam ; and mooved by the authoritie of Virg. in Ciri , where he sayes , Pronuba nec castos incendet Pinus amores : and Ovid. Fast. lib 2 . Expectet puros pinea taeda dies . Though I deny not , there was also Spineataeda , which Plinie calles Nuptiarum facibus auspicatissimam . Nat. Hist. lib. 16. cap 18. and whereof Sextus Pompeius Fest. hath left so particular testimonie . For which , see the following Note . Pine tree .

After him e e This ( by the Antients ) was called Camillus , quasi Minister ( for so that signified in the Hetruriā tong ) and was one of the three , which by Sex . Pompei . were said to be Patrimi & Matrimi , Pueri praetestati tres , qui nubentem deducunt : Vnus , qui facem praefert ex spinâ albâ , Duo qui tenent nubentem . To which conferre that of Varr. lib. 6. de lingua Lat. Dicitur in nuptijs Camillus , qui Cumerum fert : as also that of Fest. lib. 3. Cumeram vocabant Antiqui vas quoddam , quod opertum in Nuptijs ferebant , in quo erant nubentis vtensilia , quod & Camillum dicebant : eò quod sacrorum Ministrum {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} appellabant . a Youth , attired in white , bearing another Light , of white Thorne ; vnder his arme , a litle wicker-Flasket , shut : Behind him two Others , in white , the one bearing a Distaffe , the other a Spindle . Betwixt these a Personated Bride , supported , her haire flowing , and loose , sprinckled with grey ; on her head a Gyrland of Roses , like a Turret ; her Garments white : and , on her back , a Weathers Fleece hanging downe : Her Zone , or Girdle about her waste of white wooll , fastned with the Herculean Knot .

In the middst went the a a Auspices wer those that hand fasted the maried Couple ; that wished them good lucke ; that took care for the Dowry : and heard them professe that they came together , for the Cause of Children . Iuven. Sat 10. Veniet cum signatoribus Auspex . And Lucan . lib. 2. Iungunturtaciti , contentique Auspice Bruto . They were also stilld Pronubi , Proxenetae , Paranymphi . Auspices ; after them , two that sung , in severall colored silks . Of which , One bore the Water , the Other the Fire : Last of all the b b The Custome of Musike at Nuptials , is cleare in all Antiquitie . Ter. Adel. Act. 5. Verum hoc mihi mora est , Tibicina , & Hymenaeum qui cantent . And Claud. in Epithal. Ducant pervigiles carmina Tibiae &c. Musitians , diversly attired , all crowned with Roses ; and , with this Song beganne .

SONG . BId all profane away ; None here may stay To view our Mysteries , But , who themselues have beene , Or will , in Time , be seene The selfe-same Sacrifice . For VNION , Mistris of these Rites , Will be observ'd with Eyes , As simple as her Nights . Chorus . Flie then , all profane , away , Flie farre off , as hath the Day ; Night her Cortine doth display , And this is HYMENS Holiday .

The Song being ended , HYMEN presented him selfe formost ; and , after some signe of Admiration , beganne to speake .

HYMEN . WHat more than vsuall Light ( Throughout the Place extended ) Makes IVNO'S Fane so bright ! Is there some greater Deitie descended ? Orraigne , on earth , those Powers So rich , as with their beames Grace VNION more than our's ; And bound her Influence , in their happier streames ? T is so : This same is he , The King , and Priest of Peace ! And that his Empresse , she , That sits so crowned with her owne increase ! O you , whose better Blisses , Have proov'd the strict embrace Of VNION , with chaste kisses , And seene it flowe so in your happy Race ; That know , how well it bindes The fighting Seedes of Things , Winnes Natures , Sexes , Mindes , And ev'ry discord in true Musique brings : Sit now propitious Aydes , To Rites , so duely priz'd ; And view two Noble Maydes , Of different Sexe , to VNION sacrifiz'd . In honour of that blest Estate , Which all Good Mindes should celebrate .

Here out of a Microcosme , or Globe ( figuring Man ) with a kind of contentious Musique , issued forth the first Masque , of eight Men , whose Names in order , as they were then Marshalled , by Couples , I have Heraldry enough to set downe . 1 L. WILLOVGHBY . 2 LO . WALDEN . 3 Sir IAMES HAY. 4 Ear . of MONGOMERY . Sir THOMAS HOWARD . Sir THOMAS SOMERSET . Ear . of ARVNDELL . Sir IOHN ASHLY .

These represented the foure a a That they were personated in men , hath ( already ) come vnder some Gramatical exception . But there is more than Gramar to release it . For , besides that Humores and Affectus are both Masculine in Genere , not one of the Specialls , but in some Language is knowne by a Masculine word : Againe , when their Influences are common to both Sexes , and more generally impetuous in the Male , I see not , why they should not , so , be more properly presented . And , for the Allegory , though here it be very cleare , and such as might well escape a Candle , yet because there are some , must complain of Darknes , that have but thick Eies , I am contented to hold them this Light First , as in Naturall Bodies , so likewise in Mindes , there is no disease , or distemperature , but is caused either by som abounding Humor , or perverse Affection ; After the same maner , in Politike Bodies ( where Order , Ceremony , State , Reverence , Devotion , are Parts of the Mind ) by the diffrence , or praedominant Wil of what we ( Metaphorically ) call Humors , and Affections , all things are troubled and confusd . These , therefore , were Tropically brought in , before Marriage , as disturbers of that Mysticall Body , and the Rites , which were Soule vnto it ; that afterwards , in Marriage , being dutifully tempted by hir Power , they might more fully celebrate the happines of such as live in that sweet Vnion , to the harmonious Laws of Nature , and Reason . Humors , & foure Affections , all gloriously attired , distinguisht only , by their severall Ensignes , and Colours ; And , dauncing out on the Stage , in their returne , at the end of their Daunce , drew all their swordes , offered to encompasse the Altar , and disturbe the Ceremonies . at which HYMEN troubled , spake ,

HYMEN . SAve , save the Virgins ; Keepe your hallow'd Lights Vntouch'd : And with their flame defend our Rites . The foure vntempred Humors are broke out : And , with their wild Affections , goe about To ravish all Religion . If there be A Power , like REASON , left in that huge Bodie , Or little World of Man , from whence these came , Looke forth , and with thy bright and a a Alluding to that opinion of Pythagoras ; who held all Reason , all Knowledge , all Discourse of the Soule to be mere Number . See Plut. de Plac. Phil. numerous flame Instruct their Darkenesse , make them know , and see , In wronging these , they have rebell'd gainst thee .

Hereat , REASON seated in the top of the Globe ( as in the braine , or highest parte of Man ) figur'd in a venerable Personage , her haire white , and trayling to her waste , crowned with Lights , her Garments blew , and semined with Starres , girded vnto her with a white Bend , fill'd with Arithmeticall Figures , in one hand bearing a Lampe , in the other a bright Sword , descended , and spake .

REASON . FOrbeare your rude attempt ; what Ignorance Could yeelde you so profane , as to advance One thought in Act , against these Mysteries ? Are VNION'S a a {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , with the Greekes value the same , that Ceremoniae with the Latines ; and imply all sorts of Rites : howsoeuer ( abusively ) they have beene made particular to Bacchus . See Serv. to that of Vir. Aeneid . 4. qualis commotis excita sacris Thyas . Orgies of so slender price ? She that makes Soules , with Bodies , mixe in Love , Contracts the World in one , and therein IOVE ; Is b b Mac. in som. Scipion. lib. 1. Spring , and End of all Things yet , most strange ! Her selfe nor suffers Spring , nor End , nor Change . No wonder , they were you , that were so bold ; For none but Humors and Affections would Have dar'd so rash a venture . You will say It was your Zeale , that gave your powers the sway ; And vrge the masqued , and disguisd pretence Of saving Bloud , and succ'ring Innocence ? So want of Knowledge , still , begetteth iarres , When humorous Earthlings will controle the Starres . Informe your selves , with safer Reverence , To these mysterious Rites , whose mysticke sense REASON ( which all things but it selfe ) confounds ) Shall cleare vnto you , from th' authentique grounds .

At this , the Humors & Affections sheathed their swordes , and retir'd amazed to the sides of the Stage , while HYMEN began to ranke the Persons , and order the Ceremonies : And REASON proceeded to speake .

REASON . THe Paire , which doe each other side , Though ( yet ) some space doth them divide , This happy Night must both make one Blest Sacrifice , to VNION . Nor is this Altar but a Signe Of one more soft , and more divine The a a Properly that , which was made ready for the new-married Bride , and was calld Genialis , à Generandis liberis . Ser. in 6 Aeneid . Geniall Bed , where HYMEN keepes The solemne Orgies , voyd of sleepes : And wildest CVPID , waking , hovers With adoration 'twixt the Lovers . The Tead of white , and blooming Thorne , In token of increase is borne : As b b See Ovid. Fast. lib. 6. Sic fatus , spinam , quâ tristes pellere pesset A foribus noxas , haec erat alba , dedit . also , with the omenous Light , To fright all Malice from the Night . Like are the c c Plutarch . in Quaest. Rom. And Var. lib. 4 de ling. Lat. Fire , and Water set ; That , ev'n as Moysture , mixt with Heate , Helpes every Naturall Birth , to life ; So , for their Race , ioyne Man , and Wife . The d d Pun . Nat. Hist. li. 21. ca. 8 blushing Veyle shewes shamefastnesse Th' ingenuous Virgin should professe At meeting with the Man : Her Haire That e e Pomp. Fest. Briss Hotto . de Rit . Nup . flowes so liberall , and so faire , Is shed with grey , to intimate She entreth to a Matrons state . For which those f f Var lib. 6. de ling. Lat. and Fest. in Frag. Vtensills are borne . And , that shee should not Labour scorne , Her selfe a g g Fest. ibid. Snowie Fleece doth weare , And these her h h Plutarch . in Quaest. Rom. & in Romul. Rocke and Spindle beare , To shew , that Nothing , which is good , Gives checke vnto the highest blood . The i i Plin. Nat. Hist. li. 8. ca. 48 Zone of wooll about her waste , Which , in contrary Circles cast , Doth meete in one k k That was Nodus Herculeanus , which the Husband , at night , vntied in signe of good fortune , that hee might be happie in propagation of Issue , as Hercules was , who left seventie Children . See Fest. in voc. Cingul. strong knot , that bindes , Tells you , so should all Married Mindes . And lastly , these five Waxen Lights Imply Perfection in the Rites ; For a a Plutarch . in Quaest. Rom. Five the speciall Number is , Whence halow'd VNION claymes her blisse . As being all the Summe , that growes From the vnited strengths , of those Which b b See Mart. Capel . lib. 6. de Nupt. Phil. & Mer. in numero Pentade . Male , and Female Numbers wee Do stile , and are First Two , and Three . Which , ioyned thus , you cannot sever In aequall partes , but One will ever Remaine as common ; so we see The binding-force of Vnitie : For which alone , the peace-full Gods In Number , alwayes , love the oddes ; And even partes as much despise , Since out of them all Discords rise .

Here , the vpper part of the Scene , which was all of Cloudes , and made artificially to swell , and ride like the Racke , beganne to open ; and , the Ayre clearing , in the toppe thereof was discovered c c With the Greekes ; IVNO was interpreted to be the Ayre it selfe . And so Macr. de som. Scipio . li. 1. c. 17. calls her . Mar. Cap. surnames her Aeria , of reigning there . IVNO , sitting in a Throne , supported by two beautifull d d They were sacred to IVNO , in respect of their colors , and temper so like the Aire . Ovid. de Arte Amand. Laudatas ostendit aves Iunonia pennas And Met. li. 2. Habili Saturnia curru Ingreditur liquidum pavonibus aethera pictis . Peacockes , her attire rich , and like a e e Shee was call'd Regina IVNO with the Latines , because she was Soror & Coniux IOVIS , Deorum & hominum Regis . Queene , a f f Reade Apul. describing her , in his 10 , of the Asse . white Diademe on her head , from whence descended a Veyle , and that bound with a a a After the manner of the antique Bend ; the varied colors implying the severall mutations of the Ayre , as Showres , Dewes , Serenitie , Force of winds , clouds Tempest , Snow , Hayle , Lightning , Thunder , all which had their noises signified in hir Timbrell : the faculty of causing these being ascribed to her , by Virg. Aeneid . lib. 4. where he makes her say , His ego nigrantem commista grandine nimbum Desuper infundam , & tonitru Coelum omne ciebo . Fascia of severall color'd silkes , set with all sorts of Iewelles , and raisd in the top with b b Lillies were sacred to IVNO , as being made white with her milke , that fell vpon the earth , when IOVE tooke HERCVLES away , whome by stealth he had layd to her Breast : the Rose was also call'd Iunonia . Lillies , and Roses ; In her right hand she held a Scepter , in the other a Timbrell , at her golden feete the c c So was she figur'd at Argos , as a Stepmother insulting on the spoyles of her two Privigni , BACCHVS , and HERCVLES . Hide of a Lion was placed : Round about her sate the Spirites of the ayre , in severall colours , making Musique , Above her the Region of Fire , with a continuall Motion , was seene to whirle circularly , and IVPITER standing in the Toppe ( figuring the Heaven ) brandishing his Thunder : Beneath her the Raine-bowe , IRIS , and , on the two sides eight Ladies , attired richly , and alike in the most celestiall colours , who represented her Powers , as she is the d d See Virg. Aeneid . lib. 4. IVNONI ante omnes cui vinela iugalia curae : and in another place , Dant signum prima & Tellus , & Pronuba IVNO : And Ovid. in Phill . Epist. IVNONEM-que terris quae praesidet alma Maritis . Governesse of Marriage , and made the second Masque . All which , vpon the discoverie , REASON made narration of .

REASON . ANd see , where IVNO , whose great Name Is VNIO , in the Anagram , Displayes her glistering State , and Chaire , As she enlightned all the Ayre ! Harke how the charming Tunes doe beate In sacred Concords bout her seate ! And loe ! to grace what these intend , Eight of her Noblest Powers descend , Which are a a They were all eight call'd by particular Surnames of IVNO , ascribed to her for some peculiar propertie in Marriage , as somwhere after is more fitly declared . enstil'd her Faculties , That governe nuptiall Mysteries ; And weare those Masques before their faces , Lest , dazling Mortalls with their graces As they approach them , all Mankind Should be , like CVPID , stroken blinde . These ORDER waytes for , on the ground , To keepe , that you should not confound Their measur'd steppes , which onely move About th' harmonious sphaere of LOVE .

The names of the eight Ladies , as they were after orderd ( to the most conspicuous shew ) in their Daunces , by the rule of their statures ; were the Co. of MONGOMERY . Mi. CI. SACKVILE . La. DOR. HASTINGS . Co. of BEDFORD . La. KNOLLES . La. BERKLEY . La. BLANCH SOMERSET . Co. of RVTLAND .

Their Descent was made in two great Cloudes , that put forth themselves severally , and ( with one measure of time ) were seene to stoupe , & fall gently downe vpon the Earth . The maner of their Habites , came after some Statues of IVNO , no lesse airie , than glorious . The dressings of their Heades , rare ; so likewise of their Feete : and all full of splendor , soveraignety , and riches . Whilst they were descending , this Song was sung at the Altar .

SONG . THese , these are they , Whom Humor and Affection must obey ; Who come to decke the geniall Bower , And bring , with them , the gratefull Hower That crownes such Meetings , and excites The married Paire to fresh Delights : As Courtings , Kissings , Coyings , Oths , & Vowes , Soft Whisperings , Embracements , all the Ioyes , And melting Toyes , That chaster LOVE allowes . CHO. Hast , hast , for HESPERVS his head down bowes .

The Song ended , they daunced forth in Paires , and each Paire with a varied and noble grace ; to a rare and full Musique of twelve Lutes : led on by ORDER , the Servant of REASON , who was , there , rather a Person of Ceremony , than Vse . His vnder-Garment was blew , his vpper white , and painted full of Arithmeticall , and Geometricall Figures ; his Hayre , and Beard long , a Starre on his forehead , and in his hand a Geometricall Staffe : To whom , after the Daunce , REASON spake .

REASON . COnvey them , ORDER , to their places , And ranke them so , in severall traces , As they may set their mixed Powers Vnto the Musique of the Howers ; And THESE , by ioyning with them , know In better temper how to flow : Whilst I ( from their abstracted Names ) Report the vertues of the Dames . First a a This Surname IVNO receiv'd of the Sabines ; from them , the Romanes gave it her : of the Speare , which ( in the Sabine tongue ) was called Curis , and was that , which they nam'd Hasta Caelibaris , which had stuck in the Body of a slaine Sword-player , and wherewith the Brides Head was drest . whereof Fest. in Voce Celibar . gives these reasons , Vt quemadmodumilla coniuncta fuerit cum corpore Gladiatoris , sic ipsa cum Viro sit ; vel quia Matronae IVNONIS Curitis in tutelâ sit , quae ita appellabatur à ferenda hasta : vel quod fortes viros genitur as ominetur ; vel quod nuptiali iure imperio viri subijcitur Nubens , quià Hasta summa armorum , & imperij est , &c. To most of which Plutarch in his Quaest. Rom. consents , but addes a better in Romul. That when they divided the Brides haire with the poynt of the Speare , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , it noted their first Nuptialles ( with the Sabines ) were contracted by force , and as with Enemies . Howsoever , that it was a Custome with them , this of Ovid. Fast. lib. 2. confirmes . Comat Virgineas hasta recurva comas . CVRIS comes to decke the Brides faire Tresse . Care of the oyntments b b For the Surname of VNXIA , we have Mart. Capel . his Testimony , De Nupt. Phil. & Mercu . libr. 2. quod vnctionibus praeest : As also Servius , libro quarto Aeneid . where they both report it a Fashion with the Romanes , that before the new-married Brides entred the houses of their Husbandes , they adorned the Postes of the Gates with woollen Tawdries , or Fillets , and annoynted them with Oyles , or the fatte of Wolves , and Bores ; being superstitiously possest , that such Oyntments had the vertue of expelling Evilles from the Family : and thence were they called Vxores , quasi Vnxores . VNXIA doth professe . c c Shee was named IVGA , propter Iugum , ( as Servius sayes ) for the yoke which was imposd , in Matrimony , on those that were married , or ( with Sex . Pomp Fest. ) quòd Iuges sunt eiusdem iugi Pares , vnde & Coniuges . or in respect of the Altar ( to which I have declar'd before ) sacred to IVNO , in Vico Iugario . IVGA , her office to make One of Twaine : d d As shee was GAMELIA , in sacrificing to her , they tooke away the Gall , and threw it behinde the Altar ; intimating , that ( after Marriage ) there shoulde be knowne , no Bitternesse , nor Hatred betweene the ioyned Couple , which might divide , or seperate them : See Plutarch . Connub. Prae. This Rite I have somewhere following touch'd at . GAMELIA sees that they should so remaine . Faire e e The Title of ITERDVCA shee had amongst them , quòd ad sponsi aedes , sponsas comitabatur ; or was a Protectresse of their journey , Mart. Capel . De Nupt. Philolog . & Mercur. libro secundo . ITERDVCA leades the Bride her way ; And The like of DOMIDVCA , quòd ad optatas domus duceret . Mart. ibid. DOMIDVCA home her steppes doth stay : a a CINXIA , the same Author gives vnto her , as the Defendresse of Maydes , when they had put off their Girdle , in the Bridall Chamber ; To which , Festus . Cinxiae Iunonis nomen sanctum habebatur in Nuptijs , quod initio Coniugij solutio erat Cinguli , quo nova Nupta erat cincta . And Arnobius , a man most learned in their Ceremonies , lib. 3. advers. Gent. saith , Vnctionibus superest Vnxia . Cinguloruus Cinxia replicationi . CINXIA the Maid , quit of her Zone defends ; b b TELIA signifies Perfecta , or , as some translate it , Perfectrix ; with Iul. Pol. libr. 3. Onomast . {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} valewes IVNO Praeses Nuptiarum who saith , the Attribute descends of {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , which ( with the Antients ) signified Marriage , and thence , were they called {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , that entred into that estate . Servius interprets it the same with GAMELIA , Aeneid . 4. ad verb. Et Iunone secundâ : But it implies much more , as including the faculty to mature , and perfect ; See the Greeke Scholiaste on Pind. Nem. in Hym. ad Thyaeum Vliae filium Argi. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} : that is , Nuptialls are therefore calld {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} because they effect Perfection of Life , and doe note that Maturity which should be in Matrimony . For before Nuptialles , shee is called IVNO {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} that is , Virgo ; after Nuptialls , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , which is adulta , or Perfecta . TELIA ( for HYMEN ) perfects all , and ends .

By this time , the Ladies were payred with the Men , and the whole Sixteene rank'd foorth , in order , to daunce : & were with this Song provok'd .

SONG . NOw , now beginne to set Your spirits in active heate ; And , since your Hands are met , Instruct your nimble Feete , In motions swift , and meete , The happy ground to beate : Chorus . Whilst all this Roofe doth ring , And ech discording String , With every varied Voyce , In VNION doth reioyce .

Here , they daunced forth a most neate and curious Measure , full of Subtelty and Device ; which was so excellently performed , as it seemed to take away that Spirite from the Invention , which the Invention gave to it : and left it doubtfull , whether the Formes flow'd more perfectly from the Authors braine , or their feete . The Straines were all notably different , some of them formed into Letters , very signifying to the Name of the Bridgroome , and ended in manner of a Chaine , linking hands : To which , this was spoken .

REASON . SVch was a a Mentioned by HOMER , Ilia. 〈◊〉 . which many have interpreted diversely : all Allegorically ; Pla. in Thaeteto , vnderstands it to be the Sunne , which while he circles the worlde in his course , all thinges are safe , and preserved : Others vary it . Macrob , ( to whose interpretation , I am specially affected in my Allusion ) considers it thus : in Som. Scip. libr. 1. cap. 14. Ergo cùm ex summo Deo mens , ex mente anima sit ; anima vero & condat , & vita compleat omnia quae sequuntur , cunctaque hic vnus fulgor illuminet , & in vniversis appareat , vt in multis speculis , per ordinem positis , vultus vnus ; Cumque omnia continuis successionibus se sequantur , degenerantia per ordinem ad imum meandi : invenietur pressius intuenti à summo Deo vsque ad vltimam rerum faecem vna mutuis se vinculis religans , & nusquam interrupta connexio . Et haec est Hemeri Catena aurea , quam pendere de coelo in terras Deum iussisse commemorat . To which strengh and evennesse of connexion , I have not absurdly likened this vniting of Humors , and Affections , by the sacred Powers of Mariage . the Golden Chaine let down from Heaven ; And not those Linkes more even , Then these : so sweetly temper'd , so combin'd By VNION , and refin'd . Here no Contention , Envie , Griefe , Deceipt , Feare , Iealousie have weight ; But all is Peace , and Love , and Faith , and Blisse : What Harmony like this ? The Gall , behinde the Altar quite is throwne ; This Sacrifice hath none . Now no Affections rage , nor Humors swell ; But all composed dwell . O IVNO , HYMEN , HYMEN , IVNO ! who Can merit with you two ? Without your presence , VENVS can doe nought , Save what with shame is bought : No Father can himselfe a Parent show , Nor any House with prosp'rous Issue grow . O then ! What Deities will dare With HYMEN , or with IVNO to compare ?

The speach being ended , they dissolv'd : and all tooke forth other Persons , ( Men , and Women , ) to daunce other Measures , Galliards , and Corranto's ; the whilst this Song importun'd them to a fit Remembrance of the Time .

SONG . Thinke , yet , how Night doth wast , How much of Time is past , What more then winged hast Your selves would take , If you were but to tast The ioy , the Night doth cast ( O might it ever last ) On this bright Virgin , and her happy Make .

Their Daunces yet lasting , they were the second time importun'd , by Speach .

REASON . See , see ! the bright a a Stella Veneris , or VENVS , which when it goes before the Sunne , is call'd Phosphorus , or Lucifer ; when it followes , Hesperus , or Noctifer ( as Cat. translates it . ) See Cic. 2. de Natu. Deor. Mar. Cap. de Nup. Phi. & Mer. libr. 8. The nature of this starre Pythagoras first found out ; and the present office Claud. expresseth in Fescen . Attollens thalamis Idalium iubar dilectus Veneri nascitur Hesperus . Idalian Starre , That lighteth Lovers to their Warre , Complaines , that you her influence loose ; While thus the Night-sports you abuse . HYMEN . THe longing Bridegroome , b b It was a Custome for the Man to stand there , expecting the approach of his Bride . See Hotto . de Rit . Nupt. in the Porch , Shewes you againe , the bated Torch ; And thrice hath IVNO c c Alluding to that of Virg. Aeneid . 4. Prima & Tellus , & Pronuba IVNO Dant signum : fulsere ignes , & conscius aether Connubij , &c. mixt her Ayre With Fire , to sommon your repaire . REASON . SEe , now she cleane withdrawes her Light ; And ( as you should ) gives place to Night : That spreades her broad , and blackest wing Vpon the world , and comes to bring A d d Stat. in Epit. Fulcra , torosque deae , tenerum premit agmen Amorum . And Claud. in Epith. Pennati passim pueri , quo quemque vocavit vmbra , iacent . Both which , prove the Antients faind many Cupids . Reade also Prop. Ele. 29. libr. 2. thousand severall-colour'd Loves , Some like Sparrowes , some like Doves , That hop about the Nuptiall-Roome , And flutt'ring there ( against you come ) Warme the chaste Bowre , which e e VENVS is so induced by Stat. Claud. and others , to celebrate Nuptialls . CYPRIA strowes , With many a Lilly , many a Rose . HYMEN . HAste therefore , haste , and call , Away : The gentle Night is prest to pay The vsurie of long Delights , She owes to these protracted Rites .

At this ( the whole Scene being drawne againe , and all cover'd with Cloudes , as a Night , ) they left off their entermixed Daunces , and return'd to their first Places ; where , as they were but begining to move , this Song , the third time , vrg'd them .

SONG . O Know to end , as to beginne : A Minutes losse , in Love , is sinne . These Humors will the Night out weare In their owne Pastimes here ; You doe our Rites much wrong , In seeking to Prolong These outward Pleasures : The Night hath other Treasures Then these ( though long concea'ld ) Ere day , to be reveal'd . Then , know to end , as to beginne ; A Minutes losse , in Love , is sinne .

Here they daunc'd their last Daunces , full of excellent delight and change , and , in their latter straine , fell into a faire Orbe , or Circle ; REASON standing in the midst , and speaking .

REASON . HEre stay , and let your Sports be crown'd : The perfect'st Figure is the Round . Nor fell you in it by adventer , When REASON was your Guide , and Center . This , this that beauteous a a VENVS Girdle , mentioned by Homer . Il. 〈◊〉 . which was fain'd to be variously wrought with the Needle , and in it woven Love , Desire , Sweetnesse , Soft Parlee , Gracefulnesse , Perswasions , & all the Powers of VENVS . Ceston is of Lovers many-coulor'd Blisse . Come HYMEN , make an inner Ring , And let the Sacrificers sing ; Cheare vp the faint , and trembling Bride , That quakes to touch hir Bridegroom's side : Tell her , what IVNO is to IOVE , The same shall she be to her Love ; His Wife : which we doe rather measure b b See the words of Aelius verus . in Spartian . A Name of Dignity , then Pleasure . Vp Youths , hold vp your Lights in ayre , And shake abroad c c So Cat. in Nup. Iul. & Manlij hath it . Viden' , vt faces splendid as quatiunt comas ? and by and by after , aureas quatium comas . their flaming haire . Now move vnited , and , in Gate , As you ( in paires ) doe front the State , With gratefull Honors , thanke his Grace That hath so glorified the Place : And as , in Circle , you depart Link'd hand in hand ; So , heart in heart , May all those Bodies still remaine Whom he , ( with so much sacred paine ) No lesse hath bound within his Realmes Then they are with the OCEANS streames . Long may his VNION find increase As hee , to ours , hath deign'd his peace .

With this , to a soft straine of Musique , they pac'd once about , in their Ring , every Payre making their Honors , as they came before the State : and then dissolving , went downe in Couples , led on by HYMEN , the Bride , and Auspices following , as to the Nuptiall Bowre . After them , the Musitians with this Song , of which , then , onely one Staffe was sung ; but because I made it both in Forme , and Matter to aemulate that kinde of Poeme , which was call'd a a It had the name à Thalamo , dictum est autem , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} cubiculum Nuptiale primo suo significatu , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , quod est simul genialem vitam agere . Scal. in Poet . Epithalamium , and ( by the Auntients ) vs'd to be song , when the Bride was led into her Chamber , I have here set it down whole : and doe hartily forgive their ignorance whom it chanceth not to please . Hoping , that Nemo doctus me iubeat Thalassionem verbis dicere non Thalassionis .

EPITHALAMION . GLad Time is at his point arriv'd , For which Loves hopes were so long-liv'd . Lead HYMEN , lead away ; And let no Obiect stay , Nor Banquets , ( but sweete kisses ) The Turtles from their Blisses . b b This Poeme had for the most part Versum intercalarem . or Carmen Amoebaeum ; yet that not alwaies one , but oftentimes varied , and sometimes neglected in the same Song , as in ours you shall finde observed . T is CVPID calls to arme ; And this his last Alarme . Shrinke not , soft VIRGIN , you will love , Anone , what you so feare to prove . This is no killing Warre , To which you pressed are ; But faire and gentle strife Which Lovers call their Life . T is CVPID cries to Arme ; And this his last Alarme . Helpe Youths , and Virgins , helpe to sing The Prize , which HYMEN here doth bring , And did so lately a a The Bride was alwaies fain'd , to be ravish'd ex Gremio Matris ; or ( if she were wanting ) exproximâ Nccessitudine . because that had succeeded well to Romulus , who , by force gat Wives for him , and his , from the Sabines . See Fest. and that of Catul. Qui rapis teneram ad virum virgine . rap From forth the Mothers lap , To place her by that side Where she must long abide . On HYMEN , HYMEN call , This Night is HYMEN's all . See , HESPERVS is yet in view ! What Starre can so deserve of you ? Whose light doth still adorne Your Bride , that ere the Morne , Shall farre more perfect bee , And rise as bright as Hee ; When b b When he is Phosphorus , yet the same Star , as I have noted before . ( like to him ) her Name Is chang'd , but not her Flame . Hast , tender Lady , and adventer ; The covetous House would have you enter , That it might wealthy bee , And you , her c c At the entrance of the Bride , the Custome was to give her the Keyes , to signifie that she was absolute Mistresse of the Place , and the whole Disposition of the Familie at her Care , Fest. Mistresse see : Hast your owne good to meete ; Aud a a This was also an other Rite ; that she might not touch the Threshold as she entred , but was lifted over it . Servius saith , because it was sacred to VESTA . Plut. in . Quaest. Rom. remembers divers causes . But that , which I take to come nearest the truth , was only the avoyding of Sorcerous Drugs , vs'd by Witches to be buri'd vnder that Place , to the destroying of Mariage - Amitie , or the Power of Generation . See Alexand. in Genialibu. and Christ . Landus vpon Gatul . lift your golden feete Above the Threshold , high , With prosperous Augury . Now , Youths , let goe your pretty armes ; The Place within chant's other charmes . Whole showers of Roses flow ; And Violets seeme to grow , Strew'd in the Chamber there , As VENVS Meade it were . On HYMEN , HYMEN call , This Night is HYMEN's all . Good Matrons , that so well are knowne To aged Husbands of your owne , Place you our Bride to night ; And b b For this looke Fist. in Voc. Rapi . snatch away the Light : That c c quo vtroque mors propanqua alterius vltrius captari putatur Fest. ibid. she not hide it dead Beneath her Spouse's Bed ; Nor d d quo vtroque mors propinquae alterius vltrius captari putatur Fest. ibid. he reserve the same To helpe the funerall Flame . So , now you may admit him in ; The Act he covets , is no Sinne , But chast , and holy Love , Which HYMEN doth approve : Without whose hallowing Fires All Aymes are base Desires . On HYMEN , HYMEN call , This Night is HYMEN's all . Now , free from Vulgar Spight , or Noyse , May you enioy your mutuall ioyes ; Now , You no Feare controules , But Lippes may mingle Soules ; And soft Embraces binde , To each , the others Minde : Which may no Power vntie , Till One , or both must die . And , looke , before you yeeld to slumber , That your Delights be drawne past number ; " Ioyes , got with strife , increase . Affect no sleepy peace ; But keepe the Brides faire eyes Awake , with her owne Cries , Which are but Mayden-feares : And Kisses drie such teares . Then , Coyne them , twixt your Lippes so sweete , And let not Cockles closer meete ; Nor may your Murmuring Loves Be drown'd by a a A frequent Surname of VENVS , not of the Place , as CYPRIA ; but quòd parere faciat , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Theop. Phurnut . and the Grammarians vpon Homer , See them . CYPRIS Doves : Let Ivie not so bind As when your Armes are twin'd : That you may Both , e're Day , Rise perfect every way . And , IVNO , whose great Powers protect The Marriage-Bed , with good effect The Labour of this Night Blesse thou , for future Light ; And , Thou , thy happy charge , Glad b b Deus Naturae , sive gignendi . And is the same in the Male , as IVNO in the Female . Hence Genialis Lectus , qui nuptijs sternitur , in honorem Genij . Fesi . Genius meus , quia me genuit . GENIVS , enlarge : That they may Both , e're Day , Rise perfect every way . And a a She hath this faculty given her , by all the Antients See Hom. Iliad . θ . Lucret. in prim . Vir. in 2. Georg &c. VENVS , Thou , with timely seede ( Which may their after-Comforts breede ) Informe the gentle Wombe ; Nor , let it prove a Tombe : But , e're ten Moones be wasted , The Birth , by CYNTHIA hasted . So may they Both , e're Day , Rise perfect everie Way . And , when the Babe to light is showne , Let it be , like each Parent , knowne ; Much of the Fathers Face , More of the Mothers Grace : And eyther Grand-Sires Spirit , And Fame let it inherit . That Men may blesse th' Embraces , That ioyned two such Races . Cease Youths , and Virgins , you have done ; Shut fast the Dore : And , as They soone To their Perfection hast , So may their ardors last . So eithers strength out-live All losse that Age can give : And , though full Yeares be tolde , Their Formes growe slowly olde .

HItherto extended the first Nights Solemnitie , whose Grace in the Exequution left not where to adde vnto it , with wishing : I meane , ( nor doe I court them ) in those , that sustain'd the Nobler parts . Such was the exquisit Performance , as ( beside the Pompe , Splendour , or what wee may call Apparrelling of such Presentments ) that alone ( had all else beene absent ) was of power to surprize with Delight , and steale away the Spectators from themselves . Nor was there wanting whatsoever might give to the Furniture , or Complement : eyther in riches , or strangenesse of the Habites , delicacie of Daunces , Magnificence of the Scene , or divine Rapture of Musique . Onely the Envie was , that it lasted not still , or ( now it is past ) cannot by Imagination , much lesse Description , be recover'd to a part of that Spirit , it had in the gliding by .

Yet , that I may not vtterly defraud the Reader of his Hope , I am drawne to give it those briefe touches , which may leave behind some shadow of what it was : And first of the Attires .

That , of the Lords , had parte of it ( for the fashion ) taken from the Antique Greeke Statue ; mixed with some Moderne Additions : which made it both gracefull , and strange . On their Heades they wore Persick Crowns , that were with Scroles of Gold-plate turn'd outward ; and wreath'd about with a Carnation and Silver Net-lawne : The one End of which hung carelesly on the left shoulder , the other was trick'd vp before in severall degrees of fouldes , betweene the Plates , and set with rich Iewelles , and great Pearle . Their Bodies were of Carnation cloth of silver , richly wrought , and cut to expresse the Naked , in maner of the Greeke Thorax ; girt vnder the Breasts , with a broade Belt of Cloth of Golde , imbrodered , and fastned before with Iewells : Their Labells were of White Cloth of silver , lac'd , and wrought curiously betweene , sutable to the vpper halfe of their Sleeves ; whose nether partes , with their Bases , were of Watchet Cloth of Silver , chev'rond all over with Lace . Their Mantills were of severall colour'd silkes , distinguishing their Qualities , as they were coupled in payres ; The first , Skie colour ; The second , Pearle colour ; The third , Flame colour ; The fourth , Tawnie ; And these cut in leaves , which were subtilly tack'd vp , and imbrodered with Oo's , and between every ranke of Leaves , a broad silver Lace . They were fastned on the right shoulder , and fell Compasse downe the backe in gratious folds , and were againe tied with a round Knot , to the fastning of their Swords . Vpon their legges they wore Silver Greaves , answering in worke to their Labells ; and these were their Accoutrements .

The Ladies Attire was wholy new , for the Invention , and full of Glory ; as having in it the most true impression of a Celestiall Figure : The vpper part of White Cloth of Silver , wrought with IVNOES Birdes and Fruicts ; A loose vnder garment , full-gather'd , of Carnation , strip't with Silver , and parted with a Golden Zone ; Beneath that , an other flowing Garment , of Watchet Cloth of Silver , lac'd with Gold : Through all which , though they were round , and swelling , there yet appear'd some touch of their delicate Lineaments , preserving the sweetenesse of Proportion , and expressing it selfe beyond expression . The Attire of their Heads , did answer , if not exceede ; their Hayre being carelesly ( but yet with more art , then if more affected ) bound vnder the circle of a rare , and rich Coronet , adorn'd with all variety , and choyce of Iewells ; from the top of which , flow'd a trasparent Veile downe to the ground ; whose verge , returning vp , was fastned to eyther side in most sprightly Manner . Their shooes were Azure , and Gold , set with Rubies , and Diamonds ; so were all their Garments : and euery part abounding in Ornament .

No lesse to be admir'd , for the Grace , and Greatnesse , was the whole Machine of the Spectacle , from whence they came : the first part of which was a {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , or Globe , filld with Countreys , and those guilded ; where the Sea was exprest , heightned with siluer waues . This stoode , or rather hung , ( for no Axell was seene to support it ) and turning softly , discoverd the first Masque , ( as we have before , but too runningly declar'd ) which was of the Men , sitting in faire Composition , within a Mine of severall Mettalls : To which , the Lights were so plac'd , as noe one was seene ; but seemed , as if onely REASON , with the splendor of her Crowne , illumin'd the whole Grot .

On the sides of this ( which began the other part ) were placed two great Statues , fayn'd of Gold , one of Atlas , the other of Hercules , in varied postures , bearing vp the Cloudes , which were of Releue , embossed , and tralucent , as Naturalls : To these , a Cortine of painted Cloudes ioyned , which reach'd to the vpmost Roofe of the Hall ; and sodainely opening , reveal'd the three Regions of Ayre : In the highest of which , sate IVNO , in a glorious Throne of Gold , circled with Comets , and fiery Meteors , engendred in that hot and dry Region ; her Feete reaching to the lowest , where was made a Rainebow , and within it , Musitians seated , figuring Ayry Spirits , their habits various , and resembling the seuerall colours , caused in that part of the Ayre by reflexion . The midst was all of darke and condensed Cloudes , as being the proper Place where Rayne , Hayle , and other watry Meteors are made ; out of which two concave Clouds , from the rest , thrust forth themselves ( in nature of those Nimbi , wherein , by Homer , Virgill , &c. the Gods are fain'd to descend ) and these carried the eight Ladies , over the heads of the two a a Atlas , and Hercules , the Figures mentioned before . Termes ; who ( as the Ingine mov'd ) seem'd also to bow themselves ( by vertue of their shadowes ) and discharge their shoulders of their glorious burden : when , having set them on the Earth , both they , and the Cloudes gather'd themselves vp againe , with some rapture of the Beholders .

But that , which ( as above in place , so in the beuty ) was most taking in the Spectacle , was the Spheare of Fire ; in the top of all , encompassing the Ayre , and imitated with such art , and industry , as the Spectators might discerne the Motion ( all the time the Shewes lasted ) without any Moover : and , that so swift , as no Eye could distinguish any Colour of the Light , but might forme to it selfe five hundred severall hewes , out of the tralucent Body of the Ayre , obiected betwixt it , and them .

And this was crown'd with a statue of IVPITER , the Thunderer .

The Designe , and Act of all which , together with the Device of their Habits , belongs properly to the Merit , and Reputation of Maister YNYGO IONES ; whom I take modest occasion , in this fit place , to remember , lest his owne worth might accuse mee of an ignorant neglect from my silence .

And here , that no mans Deservings complain of iniustice ( though I should have done it timelier , I acknowledge ) I doe for honours sake , and the pledge of our Friendship , name Ma. ALPHONSO FERABOSCO , a Man , planted by himselfe , in that divine Spheare ; & mastring all the spirits of Musique : To whose iudiciall Care , and as absolute Performance , were committed all those Difficulties both of Song , and otherwise . Wherein , what his Merit made to the Soule of our Invention , would aske to be exprest in Tunes , no lesse ravishing then his . Vertuous friend , take well this abrupt testimonie , and thinke whose it is : It cannot be Flatterie , in me , who never did it to Great ones ; and lesse then Love , and Truth it is not , where it is done out of Knowledge .

The Daunces were both made , and taught by Maister THOMAS GILES ; and cannot bee more approv'd , then they did themselves : Nor doe I want the will , but the skill to commend such Subtilties ; of which the Spheare , wherein they were acted , is best able to iudge .

What was my part , the Faults here , as well as the Vertues must speake . Mutare dominum nec potest Liber notus .

ON the next Night , whose Solemnitie was of Barriers , ( all mention of the former , being vtterly remo'vd , and taken away ) there appeared , at the lower end of the Hall , a Mist made of delicate perfumes ; out of which ( a Battaile being sounded vnder the Stage ) did seeme to breake foorth two Ladies , the one representing TRVTH , the other OPINION : but both so alike attired , as they could by no Note , be distinguish'd . The colour of their Garments were blew , their Socks White ; They were crowned with wreathes of Palme , and in their hands , each of them sustain'd a Palm-bough . These , after the Mist was vanished , began to examine each other curiously with their eyes , and approching the State , the one expostulated the other in this manner .

TRVTH . WHo art thou , thus that imitat'st my Grace , In Steppes , in Habite , and resembled Face ? OPINION . Grave a a Truth is fain'd to be the Daughter SATVRNE ; who indeede , with the Auntients was no other than TIME , and so his name alludes , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} . Plut. in Quaest To which conferre the Greeke Adage , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} . Time , and Industry my Parents are ; My Name is TRVTH , who through these sounds of War ( Which figure the wise Mindes discursive fight ) In Mists by Nature wrapt , salute the Light . TRVTH . I am that TRVTH , thou some illusive Spright ; Whome to my likenesse , the blacke Sorceresse Night Hath of these drie , and empty fumes created . OPINION . Best Herald of thine owne Birth , well related : Put me and mine to proofe of wordes , and facts , In any Question this faire Houre exacts . TRVTH . I challenge thee , and fit this Time of Love , With this Position , which TRVTH comes to prove ; That the most honor'd state of Man and Wife , Doth farre exceede th' insociate Virgin-Life . OPINION . I take the adverse part ; and she that best Defends her side , be TRVTH by all confest . TRVTH . It is confirm'd . With what an equall brow To TRVTH , a a Hippocrat. in a certaine Epistle to Philopoem . describeth her , Mulierem , quae non mala videatur , sed audacior aspectu & concitatior . To which , Caesare Ripa in his Iconolog . alludeth , in these wordes , Faccia , ne bella , ne dispiaceuole , &c. OPINION' 's confident ! and how , Like TRVTH , her Habite shewes to sensuall Eies ! But whosoe're thou be , in this disguise , Cleare TRVTH , anone , shall strippe thee to the heart ; And shew how mere Phantasticall thou arte . Know then , the first Production of Things , Required Two ; from meere One nothing springs : Without that knot , the Theame thou gloriest in , ( Th' vnprofitable Virgin ) had not bin . The Golden Tree of Marriage began In Paradise , and bore the fruict of Man ; On whose sweete branches Angells sate , and sung , And from whose firme roote all Societie sprung . LOVE ( whose strong Vertue wrapt Heav'ns soule in Earth , And made a Woman glory in his Birth In Marriage , opens his inflamed Breast ; And , lest in him Nature should stifled rest , His geniall fire about the world he dartes ; Which Lippes with Lippes combines , and Hearts with Hearts . Marriage LOVES Obiect is ; at whose bright eies He lights his Torches , and call's them his Skies . For her , he wings his shoulders ; and doth flie To her white bosome , as his Sanctuary : In which no lustfull Finger can profane him , Nor anie Earth , with blacke Eclipses wane him . She makes him smile in sorrowes , and doth stand Twixt him , and all wants , with her silver hand . In her soft Lockes , his tender Feete are tied ; And in his Fetters he takes worthy pride . And as Geometricians have approv'd That Lines , and Superficies are not mov'd By their owne forces , but doe follow still . Their Bodies motions ; so the selfe-lov'd Will Of Man , or Woman should not rule in them , But each with other weare the Anademe . Mirrors , thogh deckt with Diamants , are noght worth , If the like Formes of Things they set not forth ; So Men , or Women are worth Nothing , neyther , If eithers Eyes and Hearts present not either . OPINION . Vntouch'd Virginity , Laugh out ; to see Freedome in Fetters plac'd , and vrg'd 'gainst thee . What Griefes lie groaning on the Nuptiall Bed ? What dull Satietie ? In what sheetes of Lead Tumble , and tosse the restlesse Married Paire , Each , oft , offended with the Others aire ? From whence springs all-devouring Avarice , But from the Cares , which out of Wedlocke rise ? And , where there is in Lifes best-tempred Fires And End , set in it selfe to all desires , A setled Quiet , Freedome never checkt , How farre are Maried Lives from this effect ? a a A narrow Sea , betweene Aulis , a Port of Boeotia , and the Isle Euboea . See Pom. Mela. lib. 2. EVRIPVS , that beares Shippes , in all their pride , Gainst roughest Windes , with violence of his Tide , And ebbes , and flowes , seven times in every day , Toyles not more turbulent , or fierce then they . And then , what Rules Husbands praescribe their Wives ! In their Eyes Circles , they must bound their Lives . The Moone , when farthest from the Sunne she shines , Is most refulgent ; nearest , most declines : But your poore Wives farre off must never rome , But wast their Beauties , neare their Lords , at home : And when their Lords range out , at home must hide ( Like to beg'd Monopolies ) all their Pride . When their Lords list to feede a serious Fit They must be serious ; when to shew their Wit In Iests , and Laughter , they must laugh , and iest ; When they wake , wake ; and when they rest , must rest . And to their Wives Men give such narrow scopes , As if they meant to make them walke on Ropes : No Tumblers bide more perill of their Necks In all their Tricks ; Then Wives in Husbands Checks . Where Virgins , in their sweete , and peacefull State Have all things perfect ; spinne their owne free Fate ; Depend on no prowd Second ; are their owne Center , and Circle ; Now , and alwaies One . To whose Example , we doe still heare nam'd One God , one Nature , and but one World fram'd , One Sunne , one Moone , one Element of Fire , So , of the Rest ; One King , that doth inspire Soule , to all Bodies , in this royall Spheare : TRVTH . And where is Mariage more declar'd , then there ? Is there a Band more strict , then that doth tie The Soule , and Body in such vnity ? Subiects to Soveraignes ? doth one Mind display In th' ones Obedience , and the others Sway ? Beleeve it , Mariage suffers no compare , When both Estates are valew'd , as they are . The Virgin were a strange , and stubborne Thing , Would longer stay a Virgin , then to bring Her selfe fit vse , and profit in a Make . OPINION . How she doth erre ! and the whole Heav'n mistake ! Looke how a Flower , that close in Closes growes , Hid from rude Cattell , bruised with no Ploughes , Which th' Ayre doth stroke , Sun strengthen , Showers It many Youths , & many Maids desire ; ( shoot higher , The same , when cropt by cruell hand is wither'd , No Youths at all , No Maydens have desir'd : So a Virgin , while vntouch'd she doth remaine , Is deare to hers ; but when with Bodyes stayne Her chaster Flower is lost , she leaves to appeare Or sweete to Yong Men , or to Maydens deare . That Conquest then may crowne me in this Warre , Virgins , O Virgins fly from HYMEN farre . TRVTH . Virgins , O Virgins , to sweete HYMEN yeeld , For as a lone Vine , in a naked Field , Never extols her branches , never beares Ripe Grapes , but with a headlong heavinesse weares Her tender bodie , and her highest sproote Is quickly levell'd with hir fading roote ; By whom no Husband-men , no Youths wil dwell ; But if , by fortune , she be married well To th Elme , her Husband , many Husband-men , And many Youths inhabite by her , then : So whilst a Virgin doth , vntouch't , abide All vnmanur'd , she growes old , with hir pride ; But when to equall Wedlocke , in fit Time , Her Fortune , and Endeuor lets her clime Deare to her Loue , and Parents , she is held . Virgins , O Virgins , to sweete HYMEN yeeld . OPINION . These are but words ; hast thou a Knight will trie ( By stroke of Armes ) the simple Veritie ? TRVTH . To that high proofe I would haue dared thee . I le strait fetch Champions for the Brides and Mee . OPINION . The like will I do for Virginitie .

HEre , they both descended the Hall , where at the lower end , a March being sounded with Drums and Phifes , there entred ( led foorth by the Earle of Notingham , who was Lord high Constable for that night , and the Earle of Worc'ster , Earle Marshall ) sixteene Knights , Armed , with Pikes , and Swords ; their Plumes , and Colours , Carnation and White , all richly accoutred , and making their Honors to the State , as they march'd by in Paires , were all rank'd on one side of the Hall . They plac'd , Sixteene others alike accoutred for Riches , and Armes , onely that their Colours were varied to Watchet , and White ; were by the same Earles led vp , and passing in like manner , by the State , plac'd on the opposite side . Whose Names ( as they were given to me , both in Order , and Orthographie ) were these . TRVTH . Duke of LENNOX . Lo. EFFINGHAM . Lo. WALDEN , Lo. MOVNTEAGLE . Sir THO. SOMERSET . Sir CHAR HOWARD . Sir IOHN GRAY . Sir THO MOVNSON . Sir IOHN LEIGH . Sir ROB. MAVNSELL . Sir EDVV . HOWARD . Sir HEN GOODYERE . Sir ROGER DALISON . Sir FRAN. HOWARD . Sir LEW . MAVNSELL . Mr. GVNTERET . OPINION . Earle of SVSSEX . Lo. WILLOVGHBY . Lo — GERRARD . Sir . ROB. CAREY . Sir OL. CRVMWEL . Sir WIL. HERBERT . Sir ROB. DREWRY . Sir WI. WOODHOVSE . Sir CAREY REYNOLDS . Sir RIC. HOVGHTON . Sir WIL. CONSTABLE . Sir THO. GERRARD , Sir ROB. KYLLEGREW . Sir THO BADGER . Sir THO. DVTTON . Mr. DIG BIE.

By this time , the Barre being brought vppe , TRVTH proceeded .

TRVTH . Now ioyne ; and if his varied Triall faile , To make my Truth in Wedlocks praise prevaile , I will retire , and in more power appeare ; To cease this strife , and make our Question cleare . Whereat OPINION insulting , followed her with this speach . OPINION . I , Doe : it were not safe thou shouldst abide : This speakes thy Name , with shame to quit thy side .

Heere the Champions on both sides addresst themselves for fight , first Single ; after Three to Three : and performed it with that alacritie , and vigor , as if MARS himselfe had beene to triumph before VENVS , & invented a new Musique . When , on a sodaine , ( the last Six having scarcely ended ) a striking Light seem'd to fil all the Hall , and out of it an Angell or Messenger of Glorie appearing .

ANGEL . PRinces , attend a tale of height , and wonder . TRVTH is descended in a second Thunder , And now will greete you , with ludiciall state , To grace the Nuptiall part in this debate ; And end with reconciled hands these warres . Vpon her head she weares a Crowne of Starres , Through which her orient Hayre waves to her wast , By which beleeving Mortalls hold her fast , And in those golden Chordes are carried even Till with her breath she blowes them vp to Heaven . She weares a Roabe enchas'd with Eagles Eyes , To signifie her sight in Mysteries ; Vpon each shoulder sits a milke white Dove , And at her feete doe witty Serpents move : Her spacious Armes doe reach from East to West , And you may see her Heart shine through her breast . Her right hand holds a Sunne with burning Rayes , Her left a curious bunch of golden Kayes , With which Heav'n Gates she locketh , and displayes . A Cristall Mirror hangeth at her brest , By which mens Consciences are search'd , and drest : On her Coach wheeles Hypocrisie lies rackt ; And squint-eyd Slander , with Vaine-Glory backt Her bright Eyes burne to dust : in which shines Fate . An Angel vshers hir triumphant Gate , Whilst with her fingers Fannes of Starres she twists , And with them beates backe Error , clad in mists . Eternall Vnity behind her shines That Fire , and Water , Earth , and Ayre combines . Her voyce is like a Trumpet lowd , and shrill , Which bids all sounds in Earth , and Heav'n be still . And see ! descended from her Chariot now , In this related Pompe she visits you . TRVTH . Honor to all , that Honor Nuptialls . To whose faire Lot , in iustice , now it falls , That this my Counterfeit be here disclos'd , Who , for Virginity hath her selfe oppos'd . Nor , though my Brightnesse doe vndoe her Charmes , Let these her Knights thinke , that their equall Armes Are wrong'd therein ; " For Valure wins applause " That dares , but to maintaine the weaker Cause . And Princes , see , t is meere OPINION , That in TRVTH'S forced Robe , for TRVTH hath gone ! Her gaudy Colours , peec'd , with many Folds , Shew what vncertainties she ever holds : Vanish Adult'rate TRVTH , and never dare With prowd Maydes prayse , to prease where Nuptialls are . And Champions , since you see the Truth I held , To Sacred HYMEN , reconciled , yeeld : Nor , ( so to yeeld , ) thinke it the least Despight " It is a Conquest to submit to Right . This Royall Iudge of our Contention Will prop , I know , what I have vnder gone ; To whose right Sacred Highnesse I resigne Low , at his feete , this Starry Crowne of mine , To shew his Rule , and Iudgement is diuine ; These Doves to him I consecrate withall , To note his Innocence , without spot , or gall ; These Serpents , for his Wisedome ; and these Rayes , To shew his piercing Splendor ; These bright Keyes , Designing Power to ope the ported Skies , And speake their Glories to his Subjects Eyes . Lastly , this Heart , with which all Hearts be true : And TRVTH in him make Treason ever rue .

With This , they were led forth , hand in hand , reconciled , as in Triumph : and thus the Solemnities ended .

Vivite concordes , & nostrum discite munus .