THE MASK OF FLOWERS. PRESENTED By the Gentlemen of Graies-Inne, at the Court of Whitehall, in the Banqueting House, upon Twelve night, 1613. Being the last of the Solemnities and Magnificences which were performed at the marriage of the right honourable the Earl of Somerset, and the Lady Francis daughter of the Earl of Suffolk, Lord Chamberlain. printer's device (McKerrow 316): "Device of a Pegasus above a caduceus and cornucopia upheld by hands emerging from clouds." LONDON Printed by N.O. for Robert Wilson, and are to be sold at his Shop at Graies-Inne new gate. 1614 ❧ TO THE VERY Honourable Knight, Sir FRANCIS BACON, his majesties Attorney general. Honourable Sir; THis last Mask, presented by Gentlemen of Gray Inn, before his Majesty, in honour of the marriage, and happy alliance between two such principal persons of the kingdom, as are the Earl of Suffolk, and the Earl of Somerset, hath received such grace from his Majesty, the Queen and Prince, and such approbation from the general. As it may well deserve to be repeated to those that were present, and represented to those that were absent, by committing the same to the Press, as others have been. The dedication of it could not be doubtful, you having been the Principal, and in effect the only person, that did both encourage and warrant the Gentlemen, to show their good affection towards so noble a Conjunction, in a time of such Magnificence. Wherein we conceive without giving you false attributes, which little need where so many are true. That you have graced in general the Societies of the Inns of Court, in continuing them still as third persons with the nobility and Court, in doing the King honour. And particularly Gray Inn, which as you have formerly brought to flourish both in the ancienter and younger sort, by countenancing virtue in every quality. So now you have made a notable demonstration thereof in the later and less serious kind, by this, That one Inn of Court by itself, in time of a Vacation, and in the space of three weeks, could perform that which hath been performed, which could not have been done, but that every man's exceeding love and respect to you, gave him wings to overtake Time, which is the swiftest of things. This which we allege for your Honour, we may allege indifferently for our excuse, if any thing were amiss or wanting, for your times did scarce afford moments, and our experience went not beyond the compass of some former employment of that nature, which our graver studies might have made us by this time to have forgotten. And so wishing you all increase of honour, we rest Humbly to do you service, I G. W. D. T. B. The Device of the Mask THe Sun willing to do honour to a Marriage, between two noble persons of the greatest Island of his universal Empire, writeth his Letter of Commission to the two Seasons of the year, the Winter and the Spring, to visit and present them on his part, directing the Winter to present them with sports, such as are commonly called by the name of Christmas sports, or Carnaval sports, and the Spring, with other sports of more Magnificence. And more especially, that Winter for his part take knowledge of a certain Challenge which had been lately sent and accepted between Silenus and Kanasha upon this point; That Wine was more worthy than Tobacco, and did more cheer and relieve the spirits of man. This to be tried at two weapons, at Song and at Dance, and requiring the Winter to give order that the same Challenge be performed in the days of Solemnity of the same Marriage. The same Letter containeth a second Special direction to the Spring, that whereas of ancient time certain beautiful youths had been transformed from Men to Flowers, and had so continued till this time, that now they should be returned again into Men, and present themselves in Mask at the same Marriage. All this is accordingly performed, and first the two Seasons Inuierno and Primavera come in, and receive their dispatch from the Sun, by Gallus the suns Messenger: Thereupon Winter brings in the Challenge, consisting of two Anticke-Maskes, the Antickemaske of the Song, and the Antickemaske of the Dance. Than the Spring brings in the Mask itself, and there is first seen in the fabric, a fair Garden upon a descending Ground, and at the height thereof there is a stately long Arbour or Bower arched upon Pillars, wherein the Maskers are placed, but are not discovered at the first, but there appear only certain great tufts of flowers betwixt the Collumnes. Those flowers upon the Charm do vanish, and so the Maskers appear every one in the space or inter-columne of his Arch. The Mask. AT the entrance of the King, at the lower end of the Banqueting house, appeared a Travers painted in Perspective, like the wall of a City, with battlements, over which were seen the Tops of houses. In the middle whereof was a great gate, and on either side a Temple, the one dedicated to Silenus, and the other to Kawasha, in either of which opened a little gate. Out of the great gate, in the middle of the City, entered Inuierno or Winter, attired like an old man, in a short gown of silk shag, like withered grass all frosted and snowed over, and his Cap, Gown, Gamashes, and Mittins furred crimson, with long white hair and beard, hung with Icecicles, he marcheth up to the middle of the Hall, and looks round about him. Inuierno. Why thus it should be; such a night as this Puts down a thousand weary long some days Of Summer, when a Sun, and Moon, and Stars Are met within the Palace of a King, In several glory shining each on other, With rays of comfort, and benign Aspects When hearts are warm: 'tis for the silly birds To sacrifice their Pipes unto the Spring, And let the Pilgrim bless the Summer's day, But Courts, and Youth, and Ladies needs must praise The Winter's rain. While Inuierno was thus speaking, entereth the Spring or Primavera, attired like a Nymph, a high tire on her head, Antic with knots of fair hair, and Cobweb Lawns rising one above an other, garnished with Flowers to some height, and behind, falling down in a pendant: an upper-body of cloth of silver florie, naked neck, and breast, decked with Pearls: a kertle of yellow cloth of gold, branched with leaves, a mantle of green and silver stuff, cut out in leaves, white buskins tied with green ribbons, fringed with flowers. She overtaking Inuierno, claps him on the shoulder. Primavera. Well overtaken Winter. Inuierno? Primavera? Inuierno. What's that I see? why, how dare you approach? In janus month, D'ye mean to give the lie To all the Almanacs that are come forth? As if they had not lied enough beside, Provoke me not, fly hence you wanton girl, Stay not one minute. Primavera. Good old lad! I know you a merry one Within doors: bluster not, I'll choose thee for My Valentine, and tell thee tales and riddles These livelong nights: thou'rt ever borrowing Some days of me, then let this one day pass, Good frost-beard now. But stay, me thinks I see The Trumpet of the Sun, he'll stint this strife. Gallus comes in Post, attired like a Post: in yellow damask doublet and bases, the doublet close wings, cut like feathers, a Powch of carnation Satin, wherein was his packet hung in a Bawdricke of the same, a pair of yellow boots, spurs with one long prick like a Cock, a little Hat of yellow Damask, with a plume of read Feathers like a Crest. Inuierno. Gallus mine own brave Bird! welcome in troth, Thou art no peeping creature that attends This gaudy wench, Thou wakest the feathered hours, And call'st to labour, Tell us, what's the news? Primavera. What, crest and spur! welcome, thou comest in time, Winter hath almost given me the ague, faith He is so bitter, but thou shalt end our quarrel. Gallus. Seasons both, God save you in your times, I know you both so well, as if I should Give leave for you to chirp, and you to chat: How you make all things green, And you make all things fat. Time would away: peace then, read this dispatch, For I must back to my accustomed watch. Winter reads the Letter. The Letter superscribed: To our faithful and never-failing Quarter-waiters, Inuierno, and Primavera. We have taken knowledge of a Marriage to be solemized between two noble People, in the principal Island of our universal Empire, unto which we are pleased to do honour, and thereupon have directed our several Letters to you the Seasons of the year to visit, and present them on your part. To this purpose we would have you Inuierno to present them with such sports as are commonly known by the name of Christmas sports, or Carnaval sports: and you Primavera, with sports of a more delicate nature, either of you according to your quality. And for your better instruction and enablement towards the due execution of this your Commission, We require you Inuierno, That whereas we understaad that Silenus hath lately sent a Challenge to Kawasha, upon this point, to maintain, That Wine is more worthy than Tobacco, and cheereth man's spirit more, The same to be tried at two several weapons, Song, and Dance; which Challenge the said Kawasha hath also accepted, you take order that the said Challenge be performed at this Marriage, taking your convenient time. And we require you Primavera for your part, That whereas of ancient time there were certain fair Youths turned into Flowers, which have so continued until this time, that you deal with Flora by virtue of this Commission, That they be now returned to Men, and present a Dance at this Marriage. Hear of fail you not. Given at our Palace your Lord and Master, I, the Sun. Postscript. We have also directed our Letters to the Summer & the Harvest, the one to present them with length of days, and the other with fruit, but those Letters come with the next dispatch. Antickemaske of the Song. HEreupon they departed all three, and presently entered Silenus at a little gate on the right hand, mounted upon an artificial Ass, which sometimes being taken with strain of the Music, did bow down his ears, and listen with great attention, the trappingss were of ivy, attended by a Satire for his Palfreveir, who led the Ass. At the same instant entered Kawasha, at the other little gate, riding upon a Kowle-staffe, covered with a foot-cloth of pied stuff, borne upon two Indian's shoulders attired like Floridans. Silenus' an old fat man, attired in a crimson Satin Doublet, without wings, collar, or skirts, a great paunch, so as his Doublet, though drawn with a lace, would not meet together by a handful, sleeves of cloth of Gold, bases and gamashaes of the same, a read swollen face, with a bunched nose, grey beard, bald head, prick ears, and little horns. Kawasha had on his head a Nightcap of read cloth of gold, close to his skull, tied under his chin, two holes cut in the top, out of which his ears appeared, hung with two great Pendants, on the crown of his Cap a Chimney, a glass chain about his nacke, his body and legs of Olive-colour stuff, made close like the skin, bases of Tobacco-colour stuff cut like Tobacco leaves, sprinkled with orcedure, in his hand an Indian Bow and Arrows. Before either of these went a Sergeant. The Sergeant of Silenus carried a copper Mace, and a bunch of Grapes carved at the upper end. The Sergeant of Kawasha carried on his shoulder a great Tobacco Pipe, as big as a Caliver. Before Silenus marched four singers, and behind him five-fidlers: Before and behind Kawasha as many of each kind. The Singers on Silenus' part were a Miller, a Wine Cooper, a Vintner's boy, a Brewer. His music, a Taber and a Pipe, a base Violin, a treble Violin a Sackbut, a Mandora. kawasha's Singers, a Skipper, a Fencer, a peddler, a Barber. His music, a bobtail, a blind Harper, and his boy, a base Violin, a tenor-Cornet, a Sackbut. Upon their entrance the Music on both sides played till they came to the middle of the Stage. Than Silenus' Singers began his Catch, and so marched forward towards the State. The Catch. Silenus. Ahay, for and a ho, Let's make this great Potan Drink off Silenus' can: And when that he well drunk is, Return him to his Munkeiss, From whence he came. Than kawasha's side answered. Kawasha. Ahay, for and a ho, we'll make Silent fall down, And cast him in a sown, To see my men of Ire, All snuffing, puffing smoke and fire, Like fell Dragon. The Freeman's Song. Silenus. Kawasha comes in majesty, Was never such a God as he, He is come from a far Country, To make our Noses a chimney. Cho. Silenus' Ass doth leer to see His well appointed company. The Fiddlers of Silenus frumpled over the last verses. Kawasha. The Wine takes the contrary way, To get into the hood: But good Tobacco makes no stay, But seizeth where it should. Moore incense hath burn At great kawasha's foot, Than to Dilen and Bacchus both, And take in jove to boot. Therefore do yield, Cho. And quit the field, Or else I'll smoke ye. These verses frumpled over by the Music of Kawasha. Silenus. The Worthies they were nine, 'tis true, And lately Arthur's Knights I knew, But now are come up Worthies new, The Roaring Boys kawasha's crew. Cho. But if Silenus' Ass should bray, 'Twould make them roar and run away. Silenus' taps the Barrel, but Tobacco taps the Brain, And makes the vapours fine and soot, That man revives again. Nothing but fumigation Doth chase away ill spirits, Kawasha and his Nation Found out these holy rites: Therefore do yield, And quit the field, Or else I'll smoke ye. This Song all join and sing. Ahay, for and a ho, Tee Ass still looks askance a, But strife in Song, It is too long, Let's end it in a dance a. After the Song ended, they marched all out in the same order they came in, their Music playing. Than entered the Antickemaske of Dance, consisting on Silenus' side of a Pantalon Courtesan. Swiss and his wife. Usurer Midwife. Smugge and his wench. kawasha's of a Fretelyne Bawd. Roaring Boy Citizen. Mountebank Jewess of Portugal. Chimney sweeper and his wench. The Dance ended, the loud Music sounded. The Travers being drawn, was seen a Garden of a glorious and strange beauty, cast into four quarters, with a cross walk and allies, compassing each quarter. In the middle of the cross walk, stood a goodly Fountain raised on four columns of Silver. On the tops whereof stood four statues of silver, which supported a bowl, in circuit containing four and twenty foot, and was raised from the ground nine foot in height, in the middle whereof upon scrolls of silver and gold was placed a Globe garnished with four golden Maske-heads, out of the which issued water into the bowl, above stood a golden Neptune, in height three foot, holding in his hand a Trident, and riding on a Dolphin so cunningly framed, that a River seemed to stream out of his mouth. The Garden walls were of brick artificially painted in Perspective, all along which were placed fruit trees with artificial leaves and fruit. The Garden within the wall was railed about with rails of three foot high, adorned with Balusters of Silver, between which were placed pedestals, beautified with transparent Lights of variable colours, upon the Pedestals stood silver columns, upon the tops whereof were personages of gold, Lions of gold, and Unicorns of silver, every parsonage and beast did hold a torchet burning that gave light and lustre to the whole fabric. Every quarter of the Garden was finely hedged about with a low hedge of Cypress and juniper: The knots within set with artificial green herbs, embellished with all sorts of artificial Flowers. In the two first quarters were two Pyramids garnished with gold and silver, and glistering with transparent lights, resembling Carbuncles, sapphires, and Rubies. In every corner of each Quarter were great pots of. jilliflowers, which shadowed certain lights placed behind them, and made a resplendent and admirable lustre. The two further quarters were beautified with Tulipaes of divers colours, and in the Middle, and in the Corners of the said quarters were set great tufts of several kinds of Flowers, receiving lustre from secret lights placed behind them. At the farther end of the Garden was a Mount raised by degrees, resembling banks of earth, covered with grass: on the top of the Mount stood a goodly Arbour substantially made and covered with artificial trees, and with arbour flowers, as Eglantine, Honnysuckles, and the like. The Arbour was in length three and thirty foot, in height one and twenty, supported with terms of gold and silver, it was divided into six double arches, and three doors answerable to the three walks of the Garden. In the middle part of the Arbour rose a goodly large Turret, and at either end a smaller. Upon the top of the Mount, on the front thereof was a bank of Flowers, curiously painted, behind which within the Arches the Maskers sat unseen. Behind the Garden over the top of the Arbour were set artificial trees appearing like an Orchard joining to the Garden, and over all was drawn in perspective, a firmament like the Skies in a clear night. Upon a grassy seat under the Arbour sat the Garden-Gods, in number twelve, appareled in long robes of green rich taffeta, Caps on their heads, and chaplets of Flowers. In the midst of them sat Primavera, at whose entreaty they descended to the Stage, and marching up to the King, sung to Lutes and Theorboes'. The Song that induced the Charm. CANT. 1. Give place you ancient powers, That turned men to Flowers, For never Writers pen, Yet told of Flowers returned to Men. Cho. But miracles of new event, Fellow the great Sun of our firmament. The Charm. Hearken ye fresh and springing Flowers, The Sun shines full upon your earth, Disclose out of your shady bowers, He will not blast your tender birth: Descend you from your hill, Take spirit at his will, No Flowers, but flourish still. The Charm ended, the Gods retire to their places, the loud Music again sounded. The banks of flowers softly descending and vanishing, the Maskers, in number thirteen appeared, seated in their Arches, appareled in doublets and round hose of white satin, long white silk stockings, white satin pumps. The doublet richly embroidered in curious panes with embossed flowers of silver, the panes bordered with imbrodery of carnation silk and silver. The hose cut in panes answerable to the embroidery of the doublets. The skirts of the doublets embroidered and cut into Lilies flowers, and the wings set forth with flowers of several colours, made in silk, and frosted with silver, ruff bands, edged with a lace of carnation silk & silver, spangled very thick, and stuck full of flowers of several kinds, fair vizards and tresses, delicate Caps of silk and silver flowers of sundry kinds, with plumes of the same, in the top whereof stuck a great bunch of Egrets. Every Maskers pump fastened with a flower suitable to his cap; on their left arms a white scarf fairly embroidered sent them by the Bride, and on their hands a rich pair of embroidered gloves, sent them by the Bridegroom. The loud Music ceasing, the Maskers descend in a gallant March through three several doors of the Arbour to the three several Allies of the Garden, marching till they all met in the middle Ally under the Fountain, and from thence to the Stage, where they fell into their first measure. That ended, the Priests descend again, and sung the second Song. The Song referring to the Device of the Transforming. CANT. 2. THrice happy Flowers, Your leaves are turned into fine hair, Your stalks to bodies straight and fair, Your sprigs to limbs, as once they were, Your verdure to fresh blood, your smell To breath, your blooms your seedy Cell, All have a lovely parallel. Cho. The Nymphs that on their heads did wear you, Henceforth in their hearts will bear you. That done, they dance their second measure, after which follows the third Song, referring to the Ladies. CANT. 3. OF creatures are the flowers (fair Ladies) The prettiest, if we shall speak true, The Earth's Coronet, the suns Babies, Enamild cups of Heavens sweet dew, Your fairer hands have often blest them, When your Needles have expressed them. Ch. Therefore though their shapes be changed, Let not your favours be estranged. This ended, they took their Ladies, with whom they danced Measures, Corantoes, Durettoes, Moriscoes, Galliards. Than was sung the fourth Song, having reference to the King. CANT. 4. ALl things return with Time, But seldom do they higher climb Yet virtue sovereign Mends all things, as they come again; This Isle was Britain in times past, But than was Britiain rude & waste, But now is Britain fit to be, A seat for a fift Monarchy. Offer we to his high deserts, Cho. Praises of truth, incense of hearts, By whom each thing with gain reverts. Than they danced their parting Measure, at the end whereof followed this last Song, having reference to the married couple. Lovely couple, Seasons two, Have performed what they can do, If the Gods inspire our Song, The other two will not stay long, Receive our Flowers with gracious hand, As a small wreath to your Garland. Flowers of honour, Flowers of beauty, Are your own, we only bring Flowers of affection, Flowers of duty. The Mask ended, it pleased his Majesty to call for the Antickemaske of Song and Dance. which was again presented; and then the Maskers uncovered their faces, and came up to the State, and kissed the King, and Queen, and Prince's hand, with a great deal of grace and favour, and so were invited to the Banquet. Selenas' side first. MEDIUS. AHey, repeat ahey, for and ahoe, repeat we'll make this great potan Drink of Si╌lenas' Can. And when that he well drunk is, well drunk is, we'll turn him to his Monkeys, From whence he came. Silena's. CONTRATENOR. AHey, repeat for and ahoe, repeat we'll make this great potan Drink of Sile╌nas Can, And when that he well drunk is, repeat we'll turn him to his Monkeys from whence he came. Silena's. TENOR. AHey, for and ahoe, repeat we'll make this great potan Drink of Silena's Can, And when that he well drunk is, repeat we'll turn him to his Monkeys, From whence he came. Silena's. BASSUS. AHey, for and ahoe, we'll make this great potan Drink of Silena's Can, And when that he well drunk is, repeat repeat repeat we'll turn him, repeat to his Monkeys, From whence he came. Kawasha's side, first time. MEDIUS. AHey, repeat ahey for and ahoe, repeat we'll make Silent fall down, And cast him in asowne, To see his men of Jere, All snuffing, puffing smoke and fire, Like fell Dragoune. Kawasha's. CONTRATENOR. AHey, repeat for and a╌hoe, repeat we'll make Silent fall down, And cast him in a sown, To see his men of Jere, repeat All snuffing, puffing smoke and fire, Like fell Dragoune. Kawasha's. TENOR. AHey, for and ahoe, repeat we'll make Si╌len fall down, And cast him in a sown, To see his men of Jere, repeat All snuffing, puffing smoke and fire, Like fell Dra╌goune. Kawasha's. BASSUS. AHey, for and ahoe, we'll make Silent fall down, And cast him in a sown, To see his men of Jere, repeat repeat repeat All snuffing, puffing smoke and fire, Like fell Dragoune. Silena's side, second time. MEDIUS. KAwashe comes in Majesty, Was never such a God as he: He is come from a far Country, To make our noses a chimney. repeat Silena's Ass doth liere to see This well appointed company. Silena's. CONTRATENOR. KAwashe comes in Ma╌iestie, Was never such a God as he: He is come from a far Country, to make our noses a chimney. repeat Silena's Ass doth liere to see This well appointed company. Silena's. TENOR. KAwashe comes in Majesty, Was never such a God as he: He is come from a far Country, To make our nose a chimney, repeat Silena's Ass doth liere to see This well appointed company. Silena's. BASSUS. KAwashe comes in Majesty, Was never such a God as he: He is come from a far Country, To make our nose a chimney, repeat Silena's Ass doth liere to see This well appointed company. Kawasha's side, second time. MEDIUS. MOre Incense hath been burned at great Kawa╌sha's' foot, Than to Silent and Bacchus both, and take in jove to boot: Wherhfore do yield, and quit the field. Kawasha's. CONTRATENOR. MOre Incense hath been burned at great Kawasha's foot, Than to Si╌len and Bacchus both, and take in jove to boot: Wherhfore do yield and quit the field. Kawasha's. TENOR. MOre Incense hath been burned at great Kawasha's foot, Than to Silent and Bacchus both, and take in jove to boot: Wherhfore do yield, and quit the field. Kawasha's. BASSUS. MOre Incense hath been burned at great Kawasha's foot, Than to Silent and Bacchus both, and take in jove to boot: Wherhfore do yield and quit the field. All together. MEDIUS. AHey, repeat ahey, for and ahoe, repeat the Ass looks yet a╌sconce╌a: But strife in Song, Will be too long, Let's end it in a dance╌a. repeat But strife, etc. All together. CONTRATENOR. AHey, ahey, for and ahoe, repeat the Ass looks yet asconce╌a: But strife in Song, Will be too long, Let's end it in a dance╌a. repeat But, etc. All together. TENOR. AHey, for and ahoe, repeat the Ass looks yet asconce╌a: But strife in Song, Will be too long, Let's end it in a dance╌a. repeat But, etc. All together. BASSUS. AHey, for and ahoe, the Ass looks yet a╌sconce╌a: But strife in Song, Will be too long, Let's end it in a dance╌a. repeat But, etc. FINIS.