A brief declaration of the shows, devices, speeches, and inventions, done & performed before the Queen's Majesty, & the French Ambassadors, at the most valiant and worthy Triumph, attempted and executed on the Monday and Tuesday in Whitsun week last, Anno 1581.  
Collected, gathered, penned & published, by Henry Goldwel, Gen.  
Imprinted at London, by Robert Waldegrave, dwelling without Temple-bar, near unto Sommer-set-House.   

To the very worshipful and his approved patron, Master Rowland B●asebridge of great Wickombe, in the county of Buck. Gen. his humble and faithful anowed: Henry Goldwell wisheth that welfare which highteth eternal happiness.  
SIr, I stand at a stay like the Lady of TH●SSALI●, and in a mammering maze like ALEXANDER'S man, the o● making piteous plaints in beholding the picture of her person, fearing she● should not be fancied, and always lamented when she wrote any letter, doubting it should be disliked: The other wept in winter for extremity of cold, and sorrowed, in summer to remember the return of HY●MS. So rest I assailed with such perplexities, and frozen with like ●eare, not only doubting to discover these honourable Actions, for fear of the misreporting: but also fearing mine 〈◊〉 unworthiness and want of skilful eloquence to set f●●th so worthy a matter (as was the last Triumph performed before her Majesty:) Yet I considered with myself, better an ill reporter than a dumb speaker, better badly 〈◊〉 open then quite forgotten, & better Porridge than no 〈◊〉 When APOLLO is a sheep then ●AN is chief●●●nstrill: when PALLAS is absent, than SERES is 〈◊〉 when TVL●IE is out of town, then CRASSUS may crack of his cunning. Therefore s●●h no man writeth at all of these worthies, nor no person publisheth the exploits of these nobles, rather than oblition should diminish their merits, I have attempted the writing. And so near as I could I have made a collection both of their names, speeches, and chiefest inventions, which as they be, I present to your presence in name of a news or novelty, knowing none more worthy than yourself, to whom to present this Pamphlet, both for your knowledge in approved Martial Chivalry, nor none who I honour or owe more dutiful loyalty. As report hath rung forth your deserved worthiness, and flying FAM● hath resounded your service, both in green youth● and these your grave years, employed aswell in wars as in peace, in quailing the enemy, as in ruling your country, in adventuring abroad, in advertising at home, than a conductor, now a 〈◊〉 valiant as MARS, now made a civil MAGISTRATE, then boldly in battle till the last blow, now 〈◊〉 home in training up soldiers, and to be short, than 〈◊〉ted a Captain, like ACHILLES for courap 〈…〉 as SCIPIO for singular counsel. 〈…〉 would delight you to hear of the toward 〈…〉 English Nobles, and of the courage of our courtly crew, sith you were absent at the performing of these pleasures, I have at this present for your recreation thus certified these courtly and knightly discourses, to you who in times past have been, as gallant a courtier as a valiant soldier: But if you ere this have been told of this Triumph, it may be you heard not the names of the parties▪ a●d though you have heard of the number of rumours, ye● peradventure you know not th'effect of their speeches, and though you have h●d of their several copies: yet happily you miss of their sund●e inventions, and though you be privy to most o● these matters, yet hope I you will like near the worse of my labours, nor make less account of this my well meaning: therefore as one more adventurus than wary, more presumptuous than witty, more ●oole hard●● then praise worthy, I submit myself to the knees of your courtesy, to like of me and my present, hoping to find that favour at your hands which an Emperor once showed to his simplest Subject, who more esteemed his poor dish of wa●er, them the gifts of gold of his richest merchants, the one proceeding of love to his power, the other in hope of a greater gain? whose Image if you imitate I pronounce myself happy, and though gain that I look for, is your gracious good will? whereby I shallbe emboldened to attempt some work more worthy, to gratify your goodness and to make mo●● manifest my dutiful loyalty, wishing you now and everal things worldly to your virtuous will, & after the time of this transitory life, your soul may sing Alle●ia with the number of th'elect, and reap that reward which remianeth endless.  
Yours most willing to be commanded, & most desirous to discharge his duty. H. G.   

¶ A Declaration of the Triumph showed before the Queen's Majesty, and the French Ambassadors, on Whitsun Monday & Tuesday.  

TO begin particularly to wright of these attempts, and briefly to run over ●ache s●uerall action, the cause of the same is first to be considered. After the arrival of the French Ambassadors, and upon thei● coming 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 sport them with all courtly pleasure, agreed among them to prepare a Triumph, which was very quickly concluded, and being devised in most sumptuous order, was by them performed in as valiant a manner, to their endless fame and honour. The chief, or challengers in these attempts, were these. The Earl of Arundel, the Lord Windsor Master Philip Sidney, and Master Fulke Grevill, Who calling themselves the four Foster Children of Desire, made their invention of the foresaid Triumph in this order and form following.  
The Gallary or place at the end of the Tiltyard adjoining to her majesties house at Whiteball, 
The excellent ineuntion of the Triumph.  whereas her person should be placed, was called and not without cause, the Castle or Fortress of perfect beauty, for as much as her highness should be there included, whereto the said Foster children laid Title and claim as their due by descent to belong unto them. And upon denial or anya cpulse from that their desired patrimony, they vowed to vanquish & conquer by force who so should seem to withstand it. For the accomplishing whereof they sent their challenge or first defiance to the Queen's majesty: which was uttered by a boy on Sunday, the sixt●enth of April last, as her Majesty came from the Chapel, who being appareled in red and white, as a Martial messenger of Desires fostered Children, without making any precise reverence at all, uttered these speeches of defiance, from his masters to her Majesty, the effect whereof ensueth.  
O Lady, 
The first defy or challenge.  that doth entitle the titles you possess with the honour of your worthiness, rather crowning the great crown you hold, with the fame to have so excelling an owner, than you receiving to yourself any increase, keeping that outward ornament? Vouchsafe with patiented attention to hear the words which I by commandment am here to deliver unto you, wherein if your ears (used to the thanks giving of your people and the due praises of the earth) shall feel a stately disdain to hear once the sound of a de●ie? yet dare I warrant myself so far upon the reply deceiving show of rare beauty, as that malice can not fall from so fair a mind upon the silly messenger, whose mouth is a servant to others direction. Know ye therefore all only Princess, that hereby (for far of they are never) there lies encamped the four long hapless, now hopeful fostered children of Desire: who having been a great while nourished up with that infective milk, and to ●o much care of their fiery fosterer, (though full oft that dry nurse despair endeavoured to wain them from it) being now as strong in that nurture, as they are weak in Fortune, encouraged with the valiant counsel of never fainting DESIRE, and by the same assured, that by right of inheritance even from ever, the FORTRESS OF BEAUTY doth belong to her Fostered Children, Lastly, finding it blazed by all tongues, engraved in all hearts, and proved by all eyes that this fortress built by nature is seated in this Realm: These four I say and say again, thus nourished, thus animated thus entitled, and thus informed, do will you by me, even in the name of justice, that you will no longer exclude virtuous DESIRE from perfect BEAVTIE? Whereto if you yield, (O yield for so all reason requireth) then have I no more to say, but rejoice that my sayings hath obtained so rightful, and yet so blissful a request. But if (alas but let not that be needful) BEAUTIR be accompanied with disdainful pride, and pride weighted on by refusing cruelty. Then must I denounce unto you (Woe is me, answer before it be denounced) that they determine by request to accomplish their claim, And because they will better testify to the world, they have been brought up under the wings of honourable DESIRE, this honourable forewarning they send you. That upon the xxiiii day of this month of April they will besiege that fatal FORTRESS, vowing not to spare (if this obstinacy continue) the sword of faithfulness, and the fire of affection? Now if so it fall out, the worthy knights of your Court (moved with passion in themselves) disdain of my senders boldness, or partial liking (which I most doubt) to the majesty of your eyes, will either bid them battle before they approach, or suffering them to approach, will after la●or to l●uye the siege, They protest to meet them in what sort they will choose, wihning only it may be performed before your own eyes, whom they know as even in judgement, as dainty in choosing, where if so they list. First at the Tilt in so many courses, as yourself shall please to appoint. And then if any will call them to the course of the field with Lance and sword, they hope to give such true proofs of their valler, as at least shall make their desires more noble, vowing on the other side, that if before the night part the fray, they do not overcome all them that come in against them, they will yield themselves slaves unto you for ever? This therefore O Queen (greater in that you are Queen of yourself, then in passing the whole compass of the earth) have I delivered my charge, not as a challenge to your knights? against whom, (but in so just a cause) they acknowledge themselves unable to match the meanest, But as a plain proclamation of War, unless the FORTRESS OF BEAUTY, that hath won so many to lose themselves, be speedily surrendered: And now it shallbe seen what knights you have, whom BEAUTY may draw to resist a rightful title, And I for my poor part moved by that I see in you (though I serve your enemies) will daily pray that all men may see you, & then you shall not fear any arms of adversaries: Or if enemies you must have, that either they may have the minds of them that send me, or their fortunes in that they have long desired.  
At which day abovesaid for certain urgent occasions, 
Urgent ca●ses why the Challenge was deferred.  the said Challenge and Triumph by her majesties commandment, was deferted till the first day of May. At which day for like causes it was further deferred till the next Monday following, being the eighth day of May: And so till Whitsun Monday, when they first began to perform it.  
The said day being come, the four Foster children had made preparation to besiege the Fortress of Beauty. And thereto had provided a frame of wood which was covered with Canvas, & painted outwardly in such excellent order, as if it had been very natural earth or mould, and carried the name of a Rolling trench, 
The order of the rolling trench with most excellent inventions.  which went on wheels, which way soever the persons with in did drive it. Upon the top whereof was placed two Cannons of wood, so passing well coullered, as they seemed to be in deed two fair field● pieces of ordinances, and by them was placed two men for Gunners clothed in Crimson Sarsenet, with their baskets of earth for defence of their bodies by them. And also there stood on the top of the trench, an Ensign bearer, in the same suit with the gunner's, displaying his ensign, and within the said trench was cunningly conveyed, divers kind of most excellent music against the castle of Beauty. These things thus all in a readiness, the Challengers approached, & came from the Stable toward the Tyltyard, one after another in brave and excellent order. And the manner of their several enterings was as followeth.  
First, 
The Earl of arundel's entry the first day.  the Earl of Arundel entered the Ty●teyarde, all in Guilt and engraven Armour, with Caparisons and furniture richly and bravely embroidered, having attendant on him, Two gentlemen ushers, iiii. Paages riding on four spare horses, and twenty of his Gentlemen. All which aforesaid were appareled in short Cloaks and venetian hose of Crimson velvet, laid with gold lace, doublets of yellow Satin, hats of Crimson velvet with gold bands and yellow feathers, and yellow silk stocks. Then had he six tump●●●ers that sounded before him. And xxxi. ●eomen that waited after him appareled in Cassock coats, and venetian hose of Crimson velvet, laid on which red silk and gold lace, Doublets of yellow taffety, Hats of crimson Taffeta, with yellow feathers, and yellow worsted stockings.  
After him proceeded the Lord Windsor, 
The Lord Windsor's entry the first day.  in guilt and engraven Armour, with comparisons and furniture, richly embroidered with gold, having attendant on him four Pages riding on four spare horses, and four and twenty gentlemen, All appareled in short cloaks of scarlet, lined through with orange tawny taff●tie, & laid about with silver lace, Doublets of orange tawny Satin, venetianhose of orange tawny velvet, black velvet caps, with silver bands and white feathers, and silvered rapiers & daggers, with scabbards o●blacke velvet. Four trumpeters, and too footmen in cassock coats and ven●tian hose of orange tawny velvet, and black velvet caps with silver bands & white feathers, four grooms of his stable leading of his four horses, in cassock coats and venetian hose of orange tawny taffety, and orange tawny feltes with silver ●ands, and white feathers. Then had he three score yeomen in coats of Orange tawny cloth, with the Unicorn of of silver plate on their sleeves, and orange tawny feltes with silver bands and white feathers.  
Then proceeded M. Philip Sidney, 
M. Sydney's entry.  in very sumptuous manner, with armour part blewe, & the rest gilt & engraven, with four spare horses, having comparisons and furniture veri rich & costly, as some of cloth of gold embroidered with pearl, & some embroodred with gold and silver feathers, very richly & cunningly wrought, he had four pages that road on his four spare horses, who had cassok coats & venetian hose all of cloth of silver, laid with gold lace, & hats of the same with gold bands, and white feathers, and each one a pair of white buskins. Then had he a thirty gentlemen & ●eomen, & four trumpeters, who were all in cassoke coats and venetian lose of yellow velvet, laid with silver lace, yellow velvet caps with silver bands and white feathers, and every one a pair of white buskins. And the had upon their coats, a scroll or band of silver, which came scarce wise over the shoulder, and so down under the arm, with this po●●●e, or sentence written upon it, both before and behind, Sicnos non nobis.  
Then came M. Fulke Gravel, in gilt armour, 
M. Fulke Grevils' entry.  with rich and fair comparisons and furniture, having four spare horses with four Pages riding upon them, and four Trumpeters sounding before him, and a Twenty men gentlemen and yeomen attending upon him, who with the Pages & Trumpeters were all appareled in lose jerkins of Tawny taffety, cut and lined with yellow sarsenet, & laid with gold lace, and cut down the arm and set with loops and buttons of gold, Venetian hose of the same lined as aforesaid, laid with gold lace down the side with loops and buttons of gold, with each a pair of yellow worsted stockings. And ha●ts of Tawny Taffarie with gold bands and yellow Feathers. Having thus all entered the Tilt yard, they proceeded on with the rolling trench before them, which stayed against the Queen, and they passed by, as though they would behold the Fortress of Beauty. And so went about the Tilt, At last the boy that uttered the first deflaunce pronounced these speeches to her Majesty.  
If the message lately delivered unto you had been believed and followed. 
The second defy or challenge.  (O Queen) in whom the whole story of virtue is written with the language of BEAUTY. Nothing should this violence have needed in your inviolate presence, your eyes which till now have been only wont to discern the bowed knees of kneeling hearts, and inwardly turned, found always the heavenly peace of a sweet mind, Should not now have their fair beams reflect with the shining of Armour, should not now be driven to see the fury of Desire, nor the fiery force of fury: But since so it is (alas that so it is) that in the defence of obstinate refusal there never groweth victory but by compassion? They are come, what need I say more, you see them, ready in heart as you know, and able with hands as they hope, not only to assailing but to prevailing. Perehance you despise the smallness of number, I say unto you, the force of DESIRE goes not by fullness of company. Nay rather View with what unresistible determination themselves approach, And how not only the heavens send their invisible Instrument to aid them. But also the very earth the dullest of all the Elements which with natural heaviness still strives to the sleepy Centre, 
Meaning the music within the mount.  yet for advancing this enterprise is contented actively as you shall see to move itself upon itself, to rise up in height, That it may the better command the high & high minded FORTRESS? Many words when deeds are in field are tedious both to the speaker and hearer, 
Wherewith the mount moved and rose up in height.  you see their forces but know not their fortunes, if you be resolved, it boots not, and threats dread not, I have discharged my charge, which was even when all things were ready for the assault, then to offer partly a thing not so much unused as gracious in besiegers, you shall now be summoned to yield, which if it be rejected, then look for the affectionate Alarm to be followed with desirous Assault: The time approacheth for their approaches: But no time shall stay me from wishing, that how soever this succeed, the world may long time enjoy her chiefest ornament, which decks it with her self, and herself with the love of goodness.  
Which speech being ended, the Rowlling trench or Mount of earth was moved as near the Queen's Majesty as might be, which being settled, the music played very pleasantly, and one of the Boys being then accompanied with Cornets, summoned the Fortress with this song.  

Yield yield, O yield, you that this FORT do hold,  
which seated is, in spotless honours fi●lde,  
Desires great force, no forces can withhold:  
then to desires desire, O yield O yield.   

Yield yield O yield, trust not on beauty's pride,  
fairness though fair, is but a feeble shield,  
When strong Desire, which virtues love doth guide,  
claims but to gain his due, O yield O yield.   

Yield yield O yield, who first this Fort did make,  
did it for just Desires, true children build,  
Such was his mind, if you another take:  
defence herein doth wrong, O yield O yield,   

Yield yield O yield, now is it time to yield,  
Before thassault begin, O yield O yield.   
When that was ended, another Boy turning himself to the Foster children and their retinue, sung this Alarm.  

Alarm alarm, here will no yielding be,  
such marble ears, no cunning words can charm,  
Courage therefore, and let the stately see.  
that nought withstands DESIRE, Alarm alarm.   

Alarm alarm, let not their beauties move  
remorse in you to do this FORTRESS harm,  
For since war is the ground of virtues love,  
no force, though force be used Alarm alarm.   

Alarm alarm, companions now begin,  
about this never conquered walls to swarm,  
More praise to us we never look to win,  
much may that was not yet, Alarm alarm.   

Alarm alarm when once the fight in warm,  
then shall you see them yield, Alarm alarm.   
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 powder.  the one with sweet powder, and the other with sweet water, very odoriferous and pleasant, and the noise of the shooting was very excellent consent of melody within the Mount: And after that, was store of pretty scaling ladders, and the footmen threw Flowers and such fancies against the walls, with all such devices as might se●me fit shot for Desire, All which did continue till time the Defendants came in.  
Then came in the defendants in most sumptuous manner, 
The manner of the defendants coming in.  with every one his servants, Pages, and trumpeters, (having some more, some less) in such order as I have here under placed them, with every one his sundry invention, which for that some of them be mystical and not known to many, I omit therefore for bre●ties s●ke to speak of any, yet such speeches as wear spoken or presented for them to her Majesty, so many as were, or at the least as I c●uld come by, I have ●●re in their order placed them, whereby their inucntions for whom they were spoken, are therein plainly declared. Therefore I refer you to the reeding of them hereafter, But thus the desendaunts, entered the title yard, one after an other as followeth.  
First M. Henry Grey, Sir Thomas Parat, 
The defendant names that run at Tilt.  M. Anthony Cook, M. Th●mas Ratcliff, Master Henry Knowles, M. William Knowles, M. Robert Knowles. M. Francis Knowles, M. Raffe Bowes, M. Thomas Kelway, M. George Goring, M. William Tresham, M. Robert Alexander, M. Edward Dennie, M. Herculus Meautus, M. Edward Moor, M. Richard Skipwith, M. Richard Warde, M. Edward Digibie, M. Henry Nowell, M. Henry Brunkerd. And afterwards in the midst of the running, came in Sir Henry Lea, as unknown, and when he had broken his six staves, went out in like manner again.  
So passing on one after another, when sir Thomas Parat and M. Cook came to the end of the Tilt, over against the Queen's Majesty, one of their pages arrayed like an Angel, uttered these speeches unto her.  
Despair, 
The speech of sir Thomas Parrot and master Cook, to the Queen  no not despair (most high and happy Princess) could so congeal the frozen knight in the air but that DESIRE, (ah sweet DESIRE) enforced him to behold the Sun on the earth, whereon as he was gazing with twinkling eye (for who can behold such beams steadfastly) he begun to dissolve into drops, m●lting with such delight that he seemed to prefer the linger of a certain death, before the lasting of an uncertain life, such is the nature of engraven loyalty, that it chooseth rather to have the body dissolved then the mind disliked, Thus consuming with con●ent, (a sweet sicnesse is conceit) and pining with more than speakable passions, he suddenly beheld that Sun to be besieged which he so devoutly served, wherewith boiling in no less disdains, then surprised with immoderate pensiveness, he uttered these words: O jove, if thou mean to resolve nature into contraries, why do I live to see it, if into nothing, why do I live at all, if the foot scale the head, there is no rest if DESIRE overshoot duty, there is no reason, and where either of these are, there can be no rule. And so setting more sighs than may be numbered by syphers, this present time, (ah grief) this present time, that honest and fair hearted frozen Knight died, (what said I) even that which again with grief I must say died, whose ghost making speedy passage into the ELYSIAN fields (for what more swift than a soul) in the midst of the infernal multitude, with s●re●ches, cries and clamers, made both Heaven and hell to redouble this Echo, 
By the Sun is meant her Majesty, called before the fortress of Beauty.  O times, O men, O cu●●uption of manners, the Sun is besieged, the Sun (O mischief) the Sun is besieged which strange and unacquainted tea●●es, caused not only murmuring amongst the Ghosts beneath, but amusing among the Gods above, who aswell to repress the tumults which might have risen among the shadows, as to revenge the pride which began to grow on the earth, sent down an Angel with this commandment, 
Sir Thomas Parrot and M. Cook were both ●n like ar●our beset, with apples and fruit, he one signifying Adam, 〈◊〉 the other ●ue, who ●ad hair ●ung all ●own his ●elmet.  Go descend, and cause ADAM and EVE to appear 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 loins have issued those preposterous limbs, I know none more fit to correct them! Certes none more willing: They will attempt any thing for thy sake and service of that earthly, and yet (O strange consceite) most heavenvly Sun, for as they were before driven from their DESIRE, because they desired to know the best, so now shall they be driven to their DESIRE which they covet to honour most, This shall be their reward, they shall come near and yet shall not search, and be they far of, it shall warm, A cloud may sometimes bar their sight, but nothing shall deprive them the safeguard, yet command them to be humble in affection, though ●●●uente, least they seem to disdain that pride 〈◊〉, which they desire themselves, 
The Angel speaketh to the Queen  The 〈◊〉 ●he highest, delighteth in the shadow which 〈◊〉 shortest, and nourisheth the tree whose root grows deepest, not whose top springeth loftiest. This commission and counsel ended all things were in a moment accomplished with such celereity (for to the God's time is tied) that they were sped as soon as they were spoken, And now most renowned and divine Sun, Adam & Eve being present, vouchsafe to hear somewhat in their behalves pronounced, Sir Knights, if in besieging the sun ye understood what you had undertaken, ye would not destroy a common blessing for a private benefit: Will you subdue the sun, 
He speaketh to the challengers in the behalf of the two knights, Adam & Eue.  who shall rest in the shadow where the weary take breath, the disquiet rest, and all comfort, will ye bereave all men of those glistering and gladsome beams, what shall then prosper in the shining, but you will limb it by the rays. O rare exhalations, brothers you may be to DESIRE, but sons ye are to ill hap, which thinks you can not sink deep enough into the sea, unless you take your shall from the sun, Desist you knights, desist, sith it is impossible to resist, content your se●●es with the suns indifferent succour, suffer the juniper shrub to grow by the lofty Oak, and claim no prerogative where the sun grants no privilege, for being of the same metal that others are, the sun will work the like effects, as she doth 〈◊〉 others, The Giants would have been gods, if they could have scaled the heavens & you no less than star●es, could you conquer the same But as their throwing hill upon hill did manifest their pride, but nothing further their pretence, So your laying challenge upon claim, & conquest upon challenge, may well prove a will but no worthiness, A desire to reach, but no possibility to recover, In which your soaring attempts if you chance to fall, the only comfort you have, is to cry with PHAETOn MAGNIS EXCIDIMUS AUSIS: But if no persuasions may move your minds: Know ye proud Knights, there are that have hearts as big as mountains, and as far above you in prowess, as ye are above all in presumption, yet not so vain (which ye term valiant) to assault the sun, and why, because it is impregnable, we content to enjoy the light, ye to eclipse it, we to rest under the feet, ye to run over the head, we to yield to that which nothing can conquer, you to conquer that which maketh all men Captives. But wear it possible, that head could devise, courage attempt, or hand execute any thing that might show the depth of our unspotted loyalty, soon should be seen (and for your selves to soon) that your enterprises should be of as small account then, as now they are of lightlihood, to deep an impression is engraven in our thoughts, for the majesty of that sun which now piercing our eyes hath fully subdued our hearts, that we are priest in her defence to offer the whole world defiance, In proof whereof I am charged to throw down his Gauntler, which who so dareth take up, shall feel both the heat of their just conceived quarrel, and the reproach of their own deserved folly, not my riding in breaking a few staves to end the strife, but at Tournie or what else so ever they can devise or dare adventure for to win the benefit of BEAUTY, Thus most renowned and divine BEAUTY, whose beams shine like the Sun, have ADAM and EVE adventured to defend the Sun, the same I call Beauty the light of the world, the marvel of men, the mirror of nature, on which their encounter, if those favourable gleams may fall, they will not only think to have done good herein, but to be restored again to Paradise, 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 things most gracious where virtues grow as thick as leaves did in Paradise. They will take heedeto taste of the forbidden fruit, contented to behold, not coveting to take hold, And for that it hath been long argued, ●nd no arguing can end? whether the first offence came by the crudelity of ADAM, or the simplicity of Eve, the one defending his fault by sound arguments, the other excusing hers by sharp answers, they most humbly s●e for this, that either by Six courses between them the quarrel may be ended, or by your highness peremptory sentence determined, for they both being in the world are desirous that one might bear the blame of both, And what herein your excellency shall set down, there is none shall gainsay, For whensoever the question shall be moved, No other reason shall be allowed then this.  
Elizabetha dixit.  
This speech being thus ended, Sir Thomas Parat, and M. Cook proceeded backward on the other side of the Tilt, And when M. Ratcliff came likewise against the Queen, one of his Pages pronounced these speeches in his Master's behalf to her Majesty.  
So many were the misfortunes, (most renowned and beautiful Princess) of the desolate knight my master, 
M. Ratcliffes' speech to the Queen  as neither the shortness of the time will suffer me to repeat, nor the greatness of the mystery to remember? But let this su●●ise that some there were and so manifold, that Geometry where on the body of man hangeth could not bear being intolerable, not the mind which consisteth in Arithmetic, number being infinite. Thus always crossed by fortune, whose crossing is no blessing, he determined to separate himself as far from society, as his actions were from success, who wandering through many deserts, yet finding as he thought no place desolate, happened at the last to come to a Cliff adjoining to the main Sea, covered all with most whereon he was walking, much delighted with the solitary seat, but not well liking the cold situation, he suddenly sunk into a hollow vault, surprised at the first with fear, but seeing it at the last a place of succour, he accounted his former miseries mee●ly appeased by this present fortune. In this Den he used for his bed moss, for his candle moss, for his ceiling moss, and unless now and then a few coals, moss for his meat. A dry food God wot and a fresh, but so moistened with wet tears, and so salt, that hard it was to conjecture, whether it were better to feed or to fast. Here he gave himself to continual meditation, separating his mind from his body, his thought from his heart, yea divorcing himself from himself, in so much that with his strange diet & new conceits, he became so enchanted, that neither the remembrance of others, nor a thought touching himself could enter into his mind: An alteration seldom heard of, that the place where●s he w●s shrouded in, should make him to forget who he is? Living thus a long time for that no limb should seem short, rising according to ●●s manner to walk in the moss in the grisping of the day he espied upon the shore certain men either cast away by shipwreck, or cast over-borde by Pyrattes, unto whom he went and perc●●●ing by their plaints one which lay dead amongst them to be their master, inquired whence they were, but they not willing to repeat their misfortunes, opened the bosom of the gentleman, and pulled out as crowle containing a claim, a challenge, nay a conquest of BEAUTY. At the sight whereof, suddenly (quoth he) Beauty, and therewithal apalled paused, entering by little and little out of his present MELANCHOLIES into his former misfortunes, who as one awaked out of a long dream, began thus to debate. O Beauty where thy Fortress is sounded I know, but what these brethren should mean I mar●ile, for as I am assured that to win thee none could be so fortunate, so did I 〈◊〉 that to claim thee none could be so fond, when as thou O divine BEAUTY art of every one to be desired, but never to be conquered of DESIRE. But as the Eagle beholding the sun, coveteth to build her ●est in the same, and so dimmeth her sight. So they viewing the brightness of BEAUTY are incensed to conquer it by DESIRE. And what then? because she is invincible shall I be indifferent. No, I will forsake this caitiff Cottage, and will take Arms to defend that BEAUTIES' CASTLE. Nothing shall remove me from mine attempt, which being performed, nothing can move me, yea but she hath servants already a number, I but unless I be there, not the whole number, but many were famous but none more faithful, yet alas, if thou go, thou shalt ever be infortunate, better always infortunate, then one disloyal, which words being ended, he demanded whether they would in like case adventure with one of no less courage than their master, but certainly of greater affection: Whose service he having upon small entreaty obtained, for that belike they were desirous to see the event for the which they had suffered such adventures, he departed to his cave, hewing a shield out of the hard cliff enriched only with soft moss: A double sign of his desire, thinking that nothing could manifest BEAUTY so well as PYTHAGORAS wallunt, a tender ●yne and a hard shell. And now most excellent and divine BEAUTY, divine it must needs be that worketh so heavenly, 
Here the boy delivered M. Ratclifs shield to the Queen  sith he is called from his solitary Cave to your sumptuous Court, from bondage to liberty, from a living death to a never dying life, and all for the sake and service of BEAUTY: Vouchsafe his shield which is the ensign of your same to be the instrument of his fortune. And for prostrating himself to your feet, he is here ready priest to adventure any adventures for your gracious fa●●●r.  
Which speech being ended, 
Here entereth the iiij. sons of S. Francis Knowles.  he retired back as the rest. And af●er him came the four Sons of Sir Francis Knowles, on after another, according to their age, and all in like armour, who coming to the end of the Tilt, stayed till these speeches were uttered by one of their Pages, who being appareled like unto Mercury, pronounced these speeches in the Knights behalfs to her Majesty.  
Report hath bruited all abroad, 
The speech of the four sons of sir Francis Knowles, pronounced by their page being appareled like unto Mercury.  that desperate DESIRE with a wonderful army of affections hath laid his siege against the invincible FORTRESS OF PEEERELESSE BEAUTY, and that the chiefest champions of this most famous enterprise, are four of ●●incies fellows, Fosterbrothers to DESIRE, and dry-nursed by despair, valiant Knights, and honourable personages, whose haughty hearts deserve renown at least, for venturing to win the golden fleece without MEDEA'S help. The Giants long ago did scale the clouds men say, in hope to win the fort of JUPITER. The wanton youth, whose vaxed wings did ftie with soaring up aloft, had scaped unscorched if he had kept a meaner gale below. So falls it ou● in this attempt, DESIRE vaunts to conquer BEAUTIES FORT by force, wherein the goddess keeps continually watch and ward, so that DESIRE may despair to win one inch of her against her will. Her stately seat is set so high, as that no level can be laid against her walls, and sooner may men undertake to hit a star with a stone, then to beat her brave bulwarks by battery. No undermining may pre●aile, for that her fort is founded upon so firm a Rock, as will not stir for either fraud or force: And is there any hope to win by famine such a fort as yields continual food to all her foes, and though they feed not fat therewith, yet must they either feed thereon or fast, for BEAUTY is the only bait whereon DESIRE bites, and love the chief restority that lady BEAUTY likes, so that she can no more be left without meat, than men can live with out minds: Of all affections that are, DESIRE is the most worthy to woe, but least deserves to win BEAUTY, for in winning his saint he looseth himself, no sooner hath desire what he desireth, but that he dieth presently: So that when BEAUTY yieldeth once to desire, then can she never vaunt to be desired again: Wherefore of force this principle must stand it is convenient for DESIRE ever to wish, necessary & that he always want, O rare & most renowned BEAUTY, O gods to be honoured of all, not to be equalled of any, become not now a prisoner, your FORTRESS is invincible, no doubt DESIRE will content himself with a favourable parley, & weight for grace by loyalty not challenge it by lawnce, although he make near so brave, the wordle doth know, that Ladi● BEAUTY needs no rescue to raise this siege, for that she sits above all reach, her heavenly looks above when she so lists can dazzle all men's eyes. But though she list not use those means, yet it is meet that all her servants come and show themselves devout to do her wil● perchance her pleasure is to see the forts tried of these iiii. FOSTER friends. O happy, ten times happy they whose hap shallbe with favour of her D●●●●●, to take in hand this brave attempt: In hope whereof these iiii legitimate sons of Despair, brethren to hard mishap, suckled with sighs, and swathed up in sorrow, weaned in woe, & dry-nursed by DESIRE, long time fostered with favourable countenance, & fed with sweet fancies, but now of late (alas) wholly given over to grief & is disgraced by disdain, are come with ready hearts and hands, to prove against these other 4. that DESIRE doth not deserve one wink of good favour from Lady BEAUTIES smiling eyes, for threatening to win her, fort by force? They doubt not the victory if only they may find some little show from their Saint in favour of their enterprise. If Mercury have said amiss, blame those bright beams which have be●eft him of his wit, if well, vouchsafe one beck to bid him pack away.  
These speeches being ended, both they & the rest marched about the Till, ●and so going back to the neither end thereof prepared themselves to run, 
The running of the Tilt.  every one in his turn, each defendant six courses against the former challangers, Who performed their parts so valiantly on both sides, that their prowess hath demerited perpetual memory, & worthily won honour both to themselves and their native country. As Fame hath the same reported.  
When this days sport was thus accomplished, the boy that uttered the defiances, in these few speeches took his goodnight of the Queen.  
In the trial of this debateful question (O yourself) then with what can be said more, 
the boy that uttered the defiance, in this speech took his goodnight of the Queen.  you see that seeing gins to fail. Might the ordinary truce maker though no truce be treated, (if at least your presence make it not lightsome to wrap all in her black and mourning weeds) perchance mourning that since night first, was the noblest DESIRE, have been subject to undeserved torments: And therefore these knights by th'authority of darkness very undesirously are compelled to depart from whence they came. (never part yet ere they go) Thus much they command me in their names to confess. That such excellency they find in your knights and in comparison of them, such unableness in their selves. That if Desire did not banish despair as a traitor out of his kingdom, it would have already undermined their best grounded determination: but no inward nor outward wound, no weakness, no weariness, can daunt Desire, nor take away the natural effects that follow it. Therefore having left them no other courage than Desire, no other strength than Desire, no other beginning or ending cause but Desire. They will continue this hard and hardy enterprise to morrow, in the mean time they can find no place in their hearts that doth not wish you as sweet rest, as Psyche was conveyed unto by the gentle Zephyrus, and if it be p●ssible by the same guest visited. They wish that when your lids look up, their jewels they may preserve them, to see to morrow a better day than this, & yet not so singular success, s as you may long, freely, & joyfully enjoy; yourself, to the delight of lookers, and wonder of maikers: this said, the Knights in order as they came departed.   

The second days sport.  
The next days show was done in this order. 
Here entereth a most excelling, & brave chariot, with rare curious, and costly work with the four challengers in it, which chariot was very curiously shadowed with fine Lawn.  The four foster children of Desire, entered in a brave Chariot, (very finely and curiously decked) as men f●rewearied & half overcome, The chariot was made in such sort as upon the top the 4 knights sat, with a beautiful Lady, representing Desire about them. Whereunto their eyes were turned, in token what they desired, In the Lurk of 〈◊〉 Chariot was conveyed room ●or a full consort of Music, who played still very doleful music as t●e Chariot moved, the chariot was drawn by four horses according to the four knights, which horses were appareled in White and carnation silk, being the colloures of Desire, and as it passed by the upper end of the Tilt, a Harrault of Arms was sent before to utter these speeches in the knight's behalf to her Majesty.  
No confidence in themselves, 
The first speech the second day.  O most unmached Princess, before whom envy dieth, wanting all merenes of comparison to sustain it, And admiration is expressed, finding the scope of it void of conceaveable limits, Not any slight regarding the force of your valiant knights, hath encouraged the Foster children of Desire to make this day an inheritor of yesterdays action: ●ut the wing of Memory alas the sworn enemy to the wofullmans' quietness, being constantly held by the hand of perfection, And never ceasing to blow the coal of some kindled Desire, hath brought their inward fire to blaze forth this flame unquenchable by any meanus' 〈◊〉 by death the whole fuel be consumed, and therefore not able to master it, they are violently bo●●e whether desire draws. Although they must con●es (alas●●) that yesterdays brave onse● should come to such a confession: That they are not greatly companied with hope, the common supplie● to Desi●es army. So as now from summoning this Castle to yield, they are fallen lowly to beseech you to vouchsafe your eyes out of that Impregnable Fortress to behold what will fall out betwixt them and your famous knights: wherein though they be so eu●●pressed with the others vallure that already they could uneath have been able to come 〈◊〉▪ if the chariot of Desire had not carried them, yet will they make this whole assembly witnesses so fai●e of their will, That sooner their souls shall leave their bodies then Desire shall leave souls: In that only stands their strength that gave them th●● fi●st courage, and must be their last comfort. For what resistance is there where not only they are met with foreign enemies, such as stately disdain, which looks from so high a Tower to poor Desire. That though (in itself) it be great yet in her eyes (so seated) it seems small or such on the other side as unfortunate despair, which makes the country so barren where they lay their siege, that it would take away all the food of fancy: But even civil war yesterday grew betwixt them and others, who bears the same badge of Desire: that they do so, as thus bestead they are brought to this fair pass, to desire no more, but that this death or overthrow, may be seen● by those eyes who are only unhappy, in that they can neither find fellows nor see themselves.  
Which speech being done, the defendants came in, in such order as they came in the day before, therefore I shall not need to make a new repetition of the same, sith all hath been touched already. Then went they to the Tourney, where they did very Nobly, 
Tourneys, and Barriers courageously tried.  as the shivering of the sword might very well testify, And after that to the barriers, where they lashed it out lustily, and fought courageously, as if the Greeks and Troyans' had dealt their deadly dole, no party was spared, nor estate expected, but each knight endued to win the golden fleece, that expected either fame or the favour of his mistress, which sport continued all the same day, And towards the evening the sport being ended, there was a boy sent up to the queen being clothed in Ash coloured garments in t●ken of humble submission, wh● having an Olive brauch in his hand, and falling down prostrate on his face, and then kneeled up, concluded this noble exercise with these words to her Majesty,  
Most renowned Princess of Princess, 
The last speech to the Queen  in wh●● can nothing obtain victory, but virtue, The Foster children of Desire, (but heirs only to misfortune) ●end me to deliver in such words as sorrow can a●●orde their most humble hearted submission, they acknowledge this Fortress to be reserved for the eye of the whole world, far listed up, from the compass of their d●●tinie, They acknowledge the blindness of their error, in that they did not know 〈◊〉 (how strong so e●er it be) within itself to be no stronger without itself than it pleased the desired, they acknowledge they have degenerated from their Fosterer in making violence accompany Desire, They acknowledge that Desire received his beginning and nourishment of this 〈◊〉, and therefore to commit ungratefulness in b●●●ing Arms (though desirous Armesl) against it● They aclowledge Noble Desire should have desired nothing so much, as the flourishing of that For●●esse, which was to be esteemed according to itself 〈◊〉 They acknowledge the least determination of virtue (which stands for guard of this Fortress) to be to strong for the strongest Desire, And therefore they do acknowledge themselves overcome, as to be 〈◊〉 to this 〈◊〉 for ever, which Tilt they will bear in their foreheads, as their other 〈◊〉 i● engraven in their hea●●s: For witness thereof they present this Olive branch to your presence, in token of your Triumphant peace, And of their peaceable servitude.  
Whereby they present themselves as bondmen by those bonds, which the loss of life, can only lose: Only from out of that which was theirs they crave thus much, to give sun token to those knights which may be judged to havedon best in each kind of weapon, or who by his devise hath come in best sort in this desirous strife, this being done, they being now slaves (in whom much duty requires) for fear of offence, dare say no further, but wish from the bottom of their captived hearts, That while this realm is thus fortified and beautified: Desire may be your 〈…〉 adversary.  
Which speech being ended her majesty gave them all praise and great thanks, which they esteemed so well & thought themselves rewarded according to their own wishing, And so they departed each 〈◊〉 in order, according to their first coming i●.    

The authors conclusion to the Reader.  
THUS have I (good Reader) according to my s●mple skill set forth this singular pastime that thou mayest▪ being far of? peradventure know more, than they that were present and eye beholders of the same, which so ●eere as I could either gather or get, I have for thy pleasure here placed it, If any thing be wanting which is not here mentioned, or aught awry and not right reported, let this suffice, that my ●il was good to have gotten all, and most unwiling to do aught amiss, yet s●ch as it is if thou well accept it, I shall think my pains well employed for thy pleasure, and gratified enough with that good will: Therefore wishing thee to think no worse of my work, than I thought the laber little in working, craving but P●na verba for my well meaning. I give thee the friendly Farewell.  
Thine to command in all courteous manner. HENRY GOLDWIL.