THE VISION OF the 12. Goddesses, presented in a Mask the 8. of january, at Hampton Court: By the Queen's most excellent Majesty, and her Ladies. LONDON Printed by T. C. for Simon Waterson, and are to be sold at his Sop in Paul's Churchyard, at the Sign of the Crown. 1604. TO THE RIGHT Honourable the Lady Lucy, Countess of Bedford. Madame. IN respect of the unmannerly presumption of an indiscrect Printer, who without warrant hath divulged the late show at Court, presented the 8. of january, by the Queen's Majesty and her Ladies, and the same very disorderly set forth: I thought it not amiss seeing it would otherwise pass abroad, to the prejudice both of the Mask and the invention, to describe the whole form thereof in all points as it was then performed, and as the world well knows very worthily performed, by a most magnisicent Queen, whose heroical spirit, and bounty only gave it so fair, an execution as it had. Seeing also that these ornaments and delights of peace are in their season, as fit to entertain the world, and deserve to be made memorable as well as graver actions, both of them concurring to the decking & furnishing of glory, and Majesty, as the necessary compliments requisite for State and Greatness. And therefore first I will deliver the intent and scope of the project: Which was only to present the figure of those blessings, with the wish of their increase and continuance, which this mighty kingdom now enjoys by the benefit of his most gracious Majesty, by whom we have this glory of peace, with the accession of so great state & power. And to express the same, there were devised 12. Goddesses, under whose Images former times have represented the several gifts of heaven, and erected Temples, Altars, & Figures unto them, as unto divine powers, in the shape & name of women. As unto juno the Goddess of Empire & regnorum praesedi, they attributed that blessing of power. To Pallas, wisdom and defence: to Venus, love & amity: to Vesta, Religion: to Diana, the gift of Chastity: to Proserpina riches: to Macaria, felicity: to Concordia, the union of hearts. Astraea, justice: Flora, the beauties of the earth. Ceres' plenty. To Tethis power by Sea. And though these Images have oftentimes divers significations, yet it being not our purpose to represent them, with all those curious and superfluous observations, we took them only to serve as Hierogliphicqs for our present intention, according to some one property that fitted our occasion, without observing other their mystical interpretations, wherein the Authors themselves are so irrigular & confused, as the best Mytheologers, who will make somewhat to seem any thing, are so unfaithful to themselves, as they have left us no certain way at all, but a tract of confusion to take our course at adventure. And therefore owing no homage to their intricate observations, we were left at liberty to take no other knowledge of them, then fitted our present purpose, nor were tied by any laws of Heraldry to range them otherwise in their precedencies, than they fell out to stand with the nature of the matter in hand. And in these cases it may well seem ingenerosum sapere solum ex commentarijs quasi maioruninuenta industriae nostrae vian precluserit, quasi in nobis offaeta sit vis naturae, nihil exseparere, or that there can be nothing done authentical, unless we observe all the strict rules of the book. And therefore we took their aptest representations that lay best and easiest for us. And first presented the Hieroglephicq of Empire & dominion, as the ground & matter whereon this glory of State is built. Then those blessings, and beauties that preserve and adorn it: As armed policy, love, Religion, Chastity, wealth, happiness, Concord, justice, flourishing seasons, plenty: and lastly power by sea, as to imbound and circled this greatness of dominion by land. And to this purpose were these Goddesses thus presented in their proper & several attires, bringing in their hands the particular figures of their power which they gave to the Temple of Peace, erected upon 4. pillars, representing the 4. Virtues that supported a Globe of the earth. First juno in a skie-colour mantle embroidered with gold, and figured with Peacock's feathers, wearing a Crown of gold on her head, presents a Sceptre. 2 Pallas (which was the person her Majesty chose to represent) was attired in a blue mantle, with a silver imbrodery of all weapons and engines of war, with a helmet-dressing on her head, and presents a Lance and Target. 3 Venus, in a Mantle of Dove-colour, and silver, embroidered with Doves, presented (in stead of her Cestus, the girdle of Amity) a Scarf of divers colours. 4 Vesta, in a white Mantle embroidered with gold-flames, with a dressing like a Nun, presented a burning Lamp in one hand, and a Book in the other. 5 Diana, in a green Mantle embroidered with silver half Moons, and a croissant of pearl on her head: presents a Bow and a Quiver. 6 Proserpina, in a black Mantle embroidered with gold-flames, with a crown of gold on her head: presented a Mine of gold over. 7 Macaria, the Goddess of Felicity, in a Mantle of purple and silver, embroidered with the Figures of Plenty and Wisdom, (which concur to the making of true happiness) presents a Cadaceum with the Figure of abundance. 8 Concordia, in a party coloured Mantle of Crimson and White (the colours of England and Scotland joined) embroidered with silver, hands in hand, with a dressing likewise of party coloured Roses, a Branch whereof in a wreath or knot she presented. 9 Astraea, in a Mantle Crimson, with a silver embroidery, Figuring the Sword and Balance (as the Characters of justice) which she presented. 10 Flora, in a Mantle of divers colours, embroidered with all sorts of Flowers, presents a Pot of Flowers. 11 Ceres, in Straw colour & silver imbrodery, with ears of Corn, and a dressing of the same, presents a Sickle. 12 Tethes, In a Mantle of Seagreen, with a silver imbrodery of Waves, and a dressing of Reeds, presents a Trident. Now for the introducing this Show: It was devised that the Night represented in a black vesture set with Stars, should arise from below, and come towards the upper end of the Hall: there to waken her son Somnus, sleeping in his Cave, as the Proëm to the Vision. Which Figures when they are thus presented in human bodies, as all Virtues, Vices, Passions Knowledges, and whatsoever Abstracts else in imagination are, which we would make visible, we produce them, using human actions, & even Sleep it silly (which might seem improperly to exercise waking motions) hath been often showed us in that manner, with speech and gesture. As for example: Exccussit tandem sibi se; cubitoque levatus Quid veniat (cognovit enim) Scitatur. Intanto sopravenne, & gli occhi chiuse A i Signori, & a i Sergenti il pigro Sonno. And in another place: Il Sonno viene, & Sparso il corpo stanco Colramo intimo nel liquor di Lethe. So there, Sleep is brought in, as a body, using speech & motion: and it was no more improper in this form to make him walk, and stand, or speak, than it is to give voice or passion to dead men, Ghosts, Trees, and Stones: and therefore in such matters of Shows, these like Characters (in what form soever they be drawn) serve us but to read the intention of what we would represent: as in this project of ours, Night and Sleep were to produce a Vision, an effect proper to their power, & fit to shadow our purpose, for that these apparitions and shows are but as imaginations, and dreams that portend our affections, and dreams are never in all points agreeing right with waking actions: and therefore were they aptest to shadow whatsoever error might be herein presented. And therefore was Sleep (as he is described by Philostratus in Amphirai imagine) appareled in a white thin Vesture cast over a black, to signify both the day and the night, with wings of the same colour, a Garland of Poppy on his head, and in stead of his yvoyrie & transparent horn, he was showed bearing a black Wand in the left hand, and a white in the other, to effect either confused or significant dreams, according to that invocation of Statius. — Nec te totas infundere pennas Luminibus compello meis, hoc turba prccatur- Latior, extremo me tange cacumine virga. And also agreeing to that of Sil. Ital. — Tangens Lethea tempor a Virga. And in this action did he here use his white Wand, as to infuse significant Visions to entertain the Spectators, and so made them seem to see there a Temple, with a Sibylla therein attending upon the Sacrifices; which done, Iris (the Messenger of juno) descends from the top of a Mountain raised at the lower end of the Hall, and marching up to to the Temple of Peace, gives notice to the Sibylla of the coming of the Goddesses, & withal delivers her a Prospective, wherein she might behold the Figures of their Deities, and thereby describe them; to the end that at their descending, there might be no stay or hindrance of their Motion, which was to be carried without any interruption, to the action of other entertainments that were to depend one of another, during the the whole Show: and that the eyes of the Spectators might not beguile their ears, as in such cases it ever happens, whiles the pomp and splendour of the sight takes up all the intention without regard what is spoken, and therefore was it thought fit their descriptions should be delivered by the Sibyls. Which as soon as she had ended, the three Graces in silver Robes with white Torches, appeared on the top of the mountain, descending hand in hand before the Goddesses; who likewise followed three and three, as in a number dedicated unto Sanctity and an incorpore all nature, whereas the Dual, Hierogliphicè proimmudis accipitur. And between every rank of Goddesses, marched three Torchbearers in the like several colours, their heads and Robes all decked with Stars, and in their descending, the Cornets sitting in the Concaves of the Mountain, and seen but to their breasts, in the habit of satires, sounded a stately March, which continued until the Goddesses were approached iust before the Temple, & then ceased, when the Consort Music (placed in the Cupula thereof, out of sight) began: whereunto the 3. Grace's retiring themselves aside, sang, whiles the Goddesses one after an other with solemn pace aseended up into the Temple, and delivering their presents to the Sibylla (as it were but in passing by) returned down into the midst of the Hall, preparing themselves to their dance, which (as soon as the Graces had ended their Song) they began to the Music of the Viols and Lutes, placed on one side of the Hal. Which dance being performed with great majesty & Art, consisting of divers strains, framed unto motions circular, square, triangular, with other proportions exceeding rare & full of variety; the Goddesses made a pause, casting themselves into a circle, whilst the Graces again sang to the Music of the Temple, and prepared to take out the Lords to dance. With whom after they had performed certain Measures, Galliards and Currantoes, Iris again comes and gives notice of their pleasure to depart: whose speech ended, they drew themselves again into another short dance, with some few pleasant changes, still retiring them toward the foot of the Mountain, which they ascended in that same manner as they came down, whilst the Cornets taking their Notes from the ceasing of the Music below, sounded another delightful March. And thus Madam, have I briefly delivered, both the reason and manner of this Mask; as well to satisfy the desire of those who could not well note the carriage of these passages, by reason (as I said) the present pomp and splendour entertained them otherwise (as that which is most regardful in these Shows) wherein (by the unpartial opinion of all the beholders Strangers and others) it was not inferior to the best that ever was presented in Christendom: as also to give up my account hereof unto your Honour, whereby I might clear the reckoning of any imputation that might be laid upon your judgement, for preferring such a one, to her MAJESTY in this employment, as could give no reason for what was done. And for the captious Censurers, I regard not what they can say, who commonly can do little else but say; and if their deep judgements ever serve them to produce any thing, they must stand on the same Stage of Censure with other men, and peradventure perform no such great wonders as they would make us believe: and I comfort myself in this, that in Court I know not any, under him, who acts the greatest parts) that is not obnoxious to envy, & a sinister interpretation. And whosoever strives to show most wit about these Puntilloes of Dreams and shows, are sure sick of a disease they cannot hide, & would fain have the world to think them very deeply learned in all mysteries whatsoever. And peradventure they think themselves so, which if they do, they are in a far worse case than they imagine; Non potest non indoctus esse qui se doctum credit. And let us labour to show never so much skill or Art, our weaknesses and ignorance will be seen, whatsoever covering we cast over it. And yet in these matters of shows (though they be that which most entertain the world) there needs no such exact sufficiency in this kind. For, Ludit istis animus, non proficit. And therefore, Madam, I will no longer idly hold you therein, but refer you to the speeches, & so to your better delights, as one who must ever acknowledge myself especially bound unto your Honour. Sam: Daniel. The Night represented, in a black Vesture set with stars, comes and wakens her son Somnus, (sleeping in his Cave) with this speech. AWake dark sleep, rouse thee from out this Cave; Thy Mother Night that bred thee in her And fed thee first with silence & with case, (womb Doth here thy shadowing operations crave: And therefore wake my Son, awake, and come Strike with thy Horny wand, the spirits of these That here expect some pleasing novelties: And make their slumber to beget strange sights, Strange visions and unusual properties. Unseen of latters Ages, ancient Rites. Of gifts divine, wrapped up in mysteries. Make this to seem a Temple in their sight, Whose main support, holy, Religion frame: And 1 Wisdom, 2 Courage, 3 Temperance, & 4 Right, Make seem the Pillars that sustain the same. Shadow some sibyl to attend the Rites, And to describe the Powers that shall resort, With th'interpretation of the benefits They bring in Clouds, & what they do import. Yet make them to portend the true desire Of those that wish them waking real things: Whilcst I will hovering, here aloof retire And cover all things with my sable Wings. Somnus. Dear Mother Night, I your commandment Obey, and Dreams t'interpret Dreams will make, As waking curiosity is wont. Though better dream a sleep, than dream awake. And this white horny Wand shall work the deed; Whose power doth Figures of the light present: When from this sable radius doth proceed Nought but confused shows, to no intent. Be this a Temple; there Sybisla stand, Preparing reverent Rites with holy hand, And so bright visions go, and entertain All round about, whilst I'll to sleep again. Iris, the Messenger of the Goddesses descending from the Mount, where they were assembled, (decked like the Rainbow) spoke as followeth. I The daughter of Wonder, (now made the Messenger of Power) am here descended, to signify the coming of a Celestial presence of Goddesses, determined to visit this fair Temple of Peace, which holy hands & devout desires, have dedicated to unity and concord. And leaving to show themselves any more in Sames, Ida, Paphos, their ancient delighting-places of Greece, & Asia, made now the seats of Barbarizme & spoil, vouchsafe to recreate themselves upon this Western Mount of mighty BRITTANNY, the Land of civil Music and of rest, and are pleased to appear in the self-same Figures, wherein antiquity hath formerly clothed them, and as they have been cast in the imagination of piety, who hath given mortal shapes to the gifts & effects of an eternal power, for that those beautiful Characters of sense were easier to be read then their mystical Ideas, dispersed in that wide, and imcomprehensible volume of Nature. And well have mortal men appareled, all the Graces, all the Blessings, all Virtues, with that shape wherein themselves are much delighted, & which work the best Motions, and best represent the beauty of heavenly Powers. And therefore reverent Prophetess, that here attendest upon the devotions of this Place, prepare thyself for those Rites that appertain to thy function, and the honour of such Deities, and to the end thou mayst have a fore-notion what Powers, & who they are that come, take here this Prospective, and therein note and tell what thou seest: for well mayest thou there observe their shadows, but their presence will bereave thee of all, save admiration and amazement, for who can look upon such Powers and speak? And so I leave thee. Sibylla, having received this Message, and the Prospective, useth these words. WHAT have I seen? where am I? or do I see at all? or am I any where? was this Iris, (the Messenger of juno) or else but a fantasme or imagination? will the divine Goddesses vouchsafe to visit this poor Temple? Shall I be blest, to entertain so great Powers? it can be but a Dream: yet so great Powers have blest, as humble roofs, & use, out of no other respect, than their own gracefulness to shine where they will. But what Prospective is this? or what shall I herein see? Oh admirable Powers! what sights are these? juno. FIRST here Imperial juno in her Chair, With Sceptre of command for kingdoms large: Descends all clad in colours of the Air, Crowned with bright Stars, to signify her charge. Pallas. NEXT warlike Pallas, in her Helmet dressed With Lance of winning, Target of defence: In whom both Wit and Courage are expressed, To get with glory, hold with Providence. Venus. THAN lovely Venus in bright Majesty, Appears with mild aspect, in dove-like With th'all-combining Scarf of Amity, (hue: T'engird strange Nations with affections true. Vesta. NEXT Holy Vesla, with her flames of Zeal Presents herself, clad in white Purity: Whose book, the souls sweet comfort, doth re- By the ever-burning Lamp of Piety. (veal Diana. THAN chaste Diana, in her Robes of green, With weapons of the Wood herself addrests To bless the Forests, where her power is seen, In peace with all the world, but Savage beasts. Proserpina. NEXT rich Proserpina, with flames of gold, Whose state although within the earth, yet she Comes from above, & in her hand doth hold The Mine of wealth, with cheerful Majesty. Macaria. THAN all in purple Robes, rich Happiness Next her appears, bearing in either hand, Th'ensigns both of wealth, and wits t'express, That by them both, her Majesty doth stand. Concordia. NEXT all in particoloured Robes appears, In white and crimson, graceful Concord dressed With knots of Union, and in hand she bearcs The happy joined Roses of our rest. Astrea. CLeare-eyed Astrea, nex, t with reverent brow Clad in Celestial hue, (which best she likes) Comes with her Balance, and her sword to show That first her judgement weighs before it strikes. Flora. THen cheerful Flora, all adorned with flowers, Who clothes the earth with beauty & delight In thousand sundry suits, whilst shining hours Will scarce afford a darkness to the night. Ceres. NExt plenteous Ceres in her Harvest weed, Crowned with th'increase of what she gave to To gratitude & faith: in whom we read, (keep: Who sows on Virtue shall with glory reap. Tethis. LAstly comes Tethis, Albious fairest love, Whom she in faithful Arms deign t'embrace And brings the trident of her Power, t'approve The kind respect she hath to do him grace. Thus have I read their shadows, but behold! In glory, where they come as Iris told! The three Graces, coming to the upper part of the Hall, sang this Song, while the Goddesses delivered their Presents. Gratia sum 1 dantium, 2 reddentium, 3 & promerentium. 1 DEsert, Reward, and Gratitude, The Graces of Society; Do here with hand in hand conclude The blessed chain of Amity: For we deserve, we give, we thank, Thanks, Gifts, Deserts, thus join in rank. 2 We yield the splendent raijes of light, Unto these blessings that descend: The grace whereof with more delight, The well disposing doth commend; Whilst Gratitude, Rewards, Deserts, Please, win, draw on, & couple hearts. 3 For worth and power and due respect, Deserves, bestows, returns with Grace: The meed, reward, the kind effect, That give the world a cheerful face, And turning in this course of right, Make Virtue move with true delight. The Song being ended, and the Maskers in the midst of the Hall, disposing themselves to their Dance: Sibylla having placed there several Presents on the Altar, utterreth these words. OPower of powers, grant to our vows we pray, That these fair blessings which we now erect In Figures left us here, in substance may Be those great props of glory and respect. 1 Let kingdoms large, 2 let armed policy, (white 3 Mild love, 4 true Zeal, 5 right shouting at the Of brave disignes: 6 let wealth, 7 felicity, 8 justice, 9 & concord, 10 pleasure, 11 plenty, 12 might And power by Sea, with Grace proportionate, Make glorious both the Sovereign & his State. After this the Maskers danced their own Measures, which being ended, and they ready to take ●●t the Lords, the 3. Graces sang. WHiles worth with honour make their choice For measured motions ordered right, Now let us likewise give a voice, Unto the touch of our delight. For comforts locked up without sound, Are th'unborn children of the thought: Like unto Treasures never found That buried low are left forgot. Where words, our glory doth not show, (There) like brave Actions without Fame; It seems as Plants not set to grow, Oras a Tomb without a Name. The Maskers having ended their dancing wi●● the Lords, Iris gives warning of their departure. Iris. AS I was the joyful Messenger to notify the coming, so am I now the same of the departure of these divine powers. Who having clothed themselves with these appearances, do now return back again to the Spheres of their own being from, whence they came. But yet, of myself, this much I must reveal, though against the warrant of a Messenger; who I know had better to fail in obedience then in presumption, that these Deities by the motion of the all-directing Pallas, the glorious Patroncsse of this mighty Monarchy, descending in the Majesty of their invisible essence, upon yonder Mountain, found there, the best, (and most worthily the best) of LADIES, disporting with her choicest Attendants, whose forms they presently undertook, as delighting to be in the best-built-Temples of Beauty and Honour. And in them vouchsafed to appear in this manner, being otherwise no objects for mortal eyes. And no doubt, but that in respect of the persons under whose beautiful coverings they have thus presented themselves, these Deities will be pleased the rather at their invocation (knowing all their desires to be such) as evermore to grace this glorious Monarchy with the Real effects of these blessings represented. After this, they fell to a short departing dance, and so ascend the Mountain. FINIS.