>Gandalf flies in with eagles in the battle'
> he succumbs to the Ring and claims it as his own, putting it on his finger. Gollum finds the invisible Frodo and attacks him,
The Chymical Wedding of Christian RosenkreutzOriginally published in German in 1616. This edition derives from an English trans-lation published in 1690. No part of this document is copyrighted or copyrightablein any domain.
>No part of this document is copyrighted or copyrightablein any domain.
>>11811720
> For as soon as the sign was given, the servants were so nimble at draw-ing the cord up, that the most part tumbled one upon another, and thecord, this time especially, was drawn up very empty.Whereupon the greatest part, and even I myself, despaired of redemp-tion, and called upon God that he would have pity on us, and (if possible)deliver us out of this obscurity; who then also heard some of us. For whenthe cord came down the sixth time, some of them hung themselves fastupon it; and whilst being drawn up, the cord swung from one side to theother, and (perhaps by the will of God) came to me, and I suddenly caughtit, uppermost above all the rest, and so at length beyond hope came out. Atwhich I rejoiced exceedingly, so that I did not perceive the wound whichduring the drawing up I had received on my head from a sharp stone, untilI, with the rest who were released (as was always done before) had to helpwith the seventh and last pull; at which time through straining, the bloodran down all over my clothes, which I nevertheless because of my joy didnot take notice of.
>>11811720
> For as soon as the sign was given, the servants were so nimble at draw-ing the cord up, that the most part tumbled one upon another, and thecord, this time especially, was drawn up very empty.Whereupon the greatest part, and even I myself, despaired of redemp-tion, and called upon God that he would have pity on us, and (if possible)deliver us out of this obscurity; who then also heard some of us. For whenthe cord came down the sixth time, some of them hung themselves fastupon it; and whilst being drawn up, the cord swung from one side to theother, and (perhaps by the will of God) came to me, and I suddenly caughtit, uppermost above all the rest, and so at length beyond hope came out. Atwhich I rejoiced exceedingly, so that I did not perceive the wound whichduring the drawing up I had received on my head from a sharp stone, untilI, with the rest who were released (as was always done before) had to helpwith the seventh and last pull; at which time through straining, the bloodran down all over my clothes, which I nevertheless because of my joy didnot take notice of.
Page 6The great favour which my mother Hath here shown you twain Ye should not disdain: A joyful time shall soon be come. When each shall be the other’s equal, No one be poor or rich, And who was given great commands Must bring much with him now, And who was much entrusted with Stripped to the skin will be, Wherefore leave off your lamentation Which is but for a few days.As soon as he had finished these words, the cover was again put to andlocked down, and the trumpets and kettle-drums began afresh, yet thenoise of them could not be so loud but that the bitter lamentation of theprisoners which arose in the dungeon was heard above all, which soon alsocaused my eyes to run over. Presently afterwards the ancient matron, together with her son, sat downon seats before prepared, and commanded the redeemed should be told.Now as soon as she had demanded everyone’s name, which were also writ-ten down by a little page; having viewed us all, one after another, shesighed, and spoke to her son, so that I could well hear her, “Ah, how heart-ily I am grieved for the poor men in the dungeon! I would to God I couldrelease them all.”To which her son replied, “It is, mother, thus ordained by God, againstwhom we may not contend. If we were all of us lords, and possessed all thegoods upon Earth, and were seated at table, who would there then be tobring up the service?”Whereupon his mother held her peace, but soon after she said, “Well,however, let these be freed from their fetters,” which was likewise presentlydone, and I was the last except a few; yet I could not refrain (though I stilllooked upon the rest) but bowed myself before the ancient matron, andthanked God that through her, he had graciously and fatherly vouchsafed tobring me out of such darkness into the light. After me the rest did likewise,to the satisfaction of the matron. Lastly, to everyone was given a piece of gold for a remembrance, and to
>acceptable, and much less useful, to theDevil. Whereupon I tenderly opened the letter, and within it, in an azurefield, in golden letters, found the following verses written.This day, today Is the Royal Wedding day. For this thou wast born And chosen of God for joy Thou mayest go to the mountain Whereon three temples stand, And see there this affair. Keep watch Inspect thyself And shouldst thou not bathe thoroughly The Wedding may work thy bane. Bane comes to him who faileth here Let him beware who is too light.Below was written: Sponsus and Sponsa.As soon as I had read this letter, I was presently like to have fainted away,all my hair stood on end, and a cold sweat tricked down my whole body.For although I well perceived that this was the appointed wedding, ofwhich seven years before I was acquainted in a bodily vision, and whichnow for so long a time I had with great earnestness awaited, and whichlastly, by the account and calculation of the planets, I had most diligentlyobserved, I found so to be, yet could I never foresee that it
Page 7on the other (as I remember) these three letters, D.L.S.; and therewitheveryone had license to depart, and was sent to his own business with thisannexed limitation, that we to the glory of God should benefit our neigh-bours, and reserve in silence what we had been entrusted with; which wealso promised to do, and so departed one from another. But because of thewounds which the fetters had caused me, I could not well go forward, buthalted on both feet, which the matron presently espying, laughing at it, andcalling me again to her said thus to me: “My son, do not let this defectafflict you, but call to mind your infirmities, and therewith thank God whohas permitted you even in this world, and in your state of imperfection, tocome into so high a light; and keep these wounds for my sake.”Whereupon the trumpets began to sound again, which gave me such ashock that I woke up, and then first perceived that it was only a dream, butit so strongly impressed my imagination that I was still perpetually troubledabout it, and I thought I still felt the wounds on my feet. Howbeit, by allthese things I understood well that God had vouchsafed that I should bepresent at this mysterious and bidden wedding. Wherefore with childlikeconfidence I returned thanks to his Divine Majesty, and besought him thathe would further preserve me in fear of him, that he would daily fill myheart with wisdom and understanding, and at length graciously (withoutdeserting me) conduct me to the desired end. Hereupon I prepared myself for the way, put on my white linen coat,girded my loins, with a blood-red ribbon bound cross-ways over my shoul-der. In my hat I stuck four red roses, so that I might sooner be noticedamongst the throng by this token. For food I took bread, salt and water,which by the counsel of an understanding person I had at certain timesused, not without profit, in similar occurrences. But before I left my cottage, I first, in this my dress and wedding gar-ment, fell down upon my knees, and besought God that in case such athing were, he would vouchsafe me a good issue. And thereupon in thepresence of God I made a vow that if anything through his grace should berevealed to me, I would employ it to neither my own honour nor my ownauthority in the world, but to the spreading of his Name, and the service ofmy neighbour. And with this vow, and good hope, I departed o
Page 9The Second Day had hardly got out of my cell into a forest when I thought thewhole heaven and all the elements had already trimmed them-selves in preparation for this wedding. For even the birdschanted more pleasantly than before, and the young fawnsskipped so merrily that they made my heart rejoice, and moved me to sing;wherefore with a loud voice I thus began:Rejoice dear bird And praise thy Maker, Raise bright and clear thy voice, Thy God is most exalted, Thy food he hath prepared for thee To give thee in due season. So be content therewith, Wherefore shalt thou not be glad, Wilt thou arraign thy God That he hath made thee bird? Wilt trouble thy wee head That he made thee not a man? Be still, he hath it well bethought And be content therewith. What do I then, a worm of earth To judge along with God? That I in this heaven’s storm Do wrestle with all art. Thou canst not fight with God. And whoso is not fit for this, let him be sped away O Man, be satisfied That he hath made thee not the King And take it not amiss, Perchance hadst thou despised his name, That were a sorry matter: For God hath clearer eyes that that He looks into thy heart, Thou canst not God deceive.I
batjoto sighting
Page 10This I sang now from the bottom of my heart throughout the whole for-est, so that it resounded from all parts, and the hills repeated my last words,until at length I saw a curious green heath, to which I betook myself out ofthe forest. Upon this heath stood three lovely tall cedars, which by reason of theirbreadth afforded excellent and desired shade, at which I greatly rejoiced.For although I had not hitherto gone far, yet my earnest longing made mevery faint, whereupon I hastened to the trees to rest a little under them. Butas soon as I came somewhat closer, I saw a tablet fastened to one of them,on which (as afterwards I read) in curious letters the following words werewritten:“God save you, stranger! If you have heard anything concerning thenuptials of the King, consider these words. By us the Bridegroom offersyou a choice between four ways, all of which, if you do not sink down inthe way, can bring you to his royal court. The first is short but dangerous,and one which will lead you into rocky places, through which it willscarcely be possible to pass. The second is longer, and takes you circui-tously; it is plain and easy, if by the help of the Magnet you turn neither toleft nor right. The third is that truly royal way which through various plea-sures and pageants of our King, affords you a joyful journey; but this so farhas scarcely been allotted to one in a thousand. By the fourth no man shallreach the place, because it is a consuming way, practicable only for incor-ruptible bodies. Choose now which one you will of the three, and perse-vere constantly therein, for know whichever you will enter, that is the onedestined for you by immutable Fate, nor can you go back in it save at greatperil to life. These are the things which we would have you know. But, ho,beware! you know not with how much danger you commit yourself to thisway, for if you know yourself to be obnoxious by the smallest fault to thelaws of our King, I beseech you, while it is still possible, to return swiftly toyour house by the way you came.”As soon as I read this writing all my joy nearly vanished again, and I whobefore sang merrily, began now inwardly to lament. For although I saw allthe three ways before me, and understood that henceforward it was vouch-safed to me to choose one of them, yet it troubled me that if I went thestony and rocky way, I might get a miserable and deadly fall, or if I took thelong one, I might wander out of it through byways, or be in other waysdetained in the great journey. Neither could I hope that I amongst thou-sands should be the very one who should choose the roy
Page 11wise the fourth before me, but it was so environed with fire and exaltations,that I did not dare draw near it by much, and therefore again and againconsidered whether I should turn back, or take any of the ways before me.I considered well my own unworthiness, but the dream still comforted methat I was delivered out of the tower; and yet I did not dare confidently relyupon a dream; whereupon I was so perplexed in various ways, that verygreat weariness, hunger and thirst seized me.Whereupon I presently drew out my bread and cut a slice of it; which asnow-white dove of whom I was not aware, sitting upon the tree, saw, andtherewith (perhaps according to her usual manner) came down. She betookherself very familiarly with me, and I willingly imparted my food to her,which she received, and so with her prettiness she again refreshed me a lit-tle. But as soon as her enemy, a most black raven, perceived it, he straight-away darted down upon the dove, and taking no notice of me, would forceaway the dove’s food, and she could not guard herself otherwise than byflight. Whereupon they both flew together towards the south, at which Iwas so hugely incensed and grieved that without thinking what I did, I has-tened after the filthy raven, and so against my will ran into one of the forementioned ways a whole field’s length. And thus the raven having beenchased away, and the dove delivered, I then first observed what I had incon-siderately done, and that I was already entered into a way, from whichunder peril of great punishment I could not retire. And though I had stillwherewith in some measure to comfort myself, yet that which was worst ofall to me was that I had left my bag and bread at the tree, and could neverretrieve them. For as soon as I turned myself about, a contrary wind was sostrong against me that it was ready to fell me. But if I went forward on theway, I perceived no hindrance at all. From which I could easily concludethat it would cost me my life if I should set myself against the wind, where-fore I patiently took up my cross, got up onto my feet, and resolved, sinceso it must be, that I would use my utmost endeavour to get to my jou
Page 12sun had already hid himself under the hills, and I could see no abiding placeelsewhere; and this verily I ascribe only to God, who might well have per-mitted me to go forward in this way, and withheld my eyes that so I mighthave gazed beside this gate. To this I now made great haste, and reached it in so much daylight as totake a very competent view of it. Now it was an exceedingly royal beautifulportal, on which were carved a multitude of most noble figures anddevices, every one of which (as I afterwards learned) had its peculiar signifi-cation. Above was fixed a pretty large tablet, with these words, “Proculhinc, procul ite profani” (“keep away, you who are profane”), and otherthings more, that I was earnestly forbidden to relate. Now as soon as I came under the portal, there straightaway stepped forthone in a sky-coloured habit, whom I saluted in a friendly manner; andthough he thankfully returned this salute, yet he instantly demanded of memy letter of invitation. O how glad was I that I had then brought it withme! For how easily might I have forgotten it (as it also chanced to others) ashe himself told me! I quickly presented it, wherewith he was not only satisfied, but (at whichI much wondered) showed me abundance of respect, saying, “Come in mybrother, you are an acceptable guest to me”; and entreated me not to with-hold my name from him. Now I having replied that I was a Brother of theRed-Rosy Cross, he both wondered and seemed to rejoice at it, and thenproceeded thus: “My brother, have you nothing about you with which topurchase a token?” I answered that my ability was small, but if he saw any-thing about me he had a mind to, it was at his service. Now he havingrequested of me my bottle of water, and I having granted it, he gave me agolden token on which stood no more than these two letters, S.C., entreat-ing me that when it stood me in good stead, I would remember him. Afterwhich I asked him how many had come in before me, which he also toldme, and lastly out of mere friendship gave me a sealed letter to the secondPorter. Now having lingered some time with him, the night grew on. Where-upon a great beacon upon the gates was immediately fired, so that if anywere still upon the way, he might make haste thither. But the way, where itfinished at the castle, was enclosed on both sides with walls, and plantedwith all sorts of excellent fruit trees, and on every third tree on each sidelanterns were hung up, in which all the candles were lighted with a glorioustouch by a beautiful Virgin, dressed in sky-colour, which wa
Page 13majestic a spectacle that I yet delayed somewhat longer than was requisite.But at length after sufficient information, and an advantageous instruction,I departed friendlily from the first Porter. On the way, I would gladly have known what was written in my letter,yet since I had no reason to mistrust the Porter, I forbare my purpose, andso went on the way, until I came likewise to the second gate, which thoughit was very like the other, yet it was adorned with images and mystic signi-fications. On the affixed tablet was “Date et dabitur vobis” (“give and itshall be given unto you”). Under this gate lay a terrible grim lion chained, who as soon as he sawme arose and made at me with great roaring; whereupon the second Porterwho lay upon a stone of marble woke up, and asked me not to be troubledor afraid, and then drove back the lion; and having received the latterwhich I gave him with trembling, he read it, and with very great respectsaid thus to me: “Now welcome in God’s Name to me the man who for along time I would gladly have seen.”Meanwhile he also drew out a token and asked me whether I could pur-chase it. But having nothing else left but my salt, I presented it to him,which he thankfully accepted. Upon this token again stood only two let-ters, namely, S.M. I was just about to enter into discourse with him, when it began to ringin the castle, whereupon the Porter counseled me to run, or else all thepains and labour I had hitherto undergone would serve to no purpose, forthe lights above were already beginning to be extinguished. Whereupon Iwent with such haste that I did not heed the Porter, I was in such anguish;and truly it was necessary, for I could not run so fast but that the Virgin,after whom all the lights were put out, was at my heels, and I should neverhave found the way, had she not given me some light with her torch. I wasmoreover constrained to enter right next to her, and the gate was suddenlyclapped to, so that a part of my coat was locked out, which I was verilyforced to leave behind me. For neither I, nor they who stood ready withoutand called at the gate, could prevail with the Porter to open it again, but hedelivered the keys to the Virgin, who took them with her into the court. Meanwhile I again surveyed the gate, which now appeared so rich thatthe whole world could not equal it. Just by the door were two colum
Page 14and mysterious that the most dextrous man on earth could not haveexpounded them. But all these (if God permits) I shall before long publishand explain. Under this gate I was again to give my name, which was this last timewritten down in a little vellum book, and immediately with the rest des-patched to the Lord Bridegroom. It was here where I first received the trueguest token, which was somewhat smaller than the former, but yet muchheavier. Upon this stood these letters, S.P.N. Besides this, a new pair ofshoes were given me, for the floor of the castle was laid with pure shiningmarble. My old shoes I was to give away to one of the poor who sat inthrongs, although in very good order, under the gate. I then bestowed themupon an old man, after which two pages with as many torches conductedme into a little room. There they asked me to sit down on a form, which I did, but they, stick-ing their torches in two holes, made in the pavement, departed and thus leftme sitting alone. Soon after I heard a noise, but saw nothing, and it provedto be certain men who stumbled in upon me; but since I could see nothing,I had to suffer, and wait to see what they would do with me. But presentlyperceiving them to be barbers, I entreated them not to jostle me so, for Iwas content to do whatever they desired; whereupon they quickly let mego, and so one of them (whom I could not yet see) finely and gently cutaway the hair round about from the crown of my head, but over my fore-head, ears and eyes he permitted my ice-grey locks to hang. In this firstencounter (I must confess) I was ready to despair, for inasmuch as some ofthem shoved me so forcefully, and yet I could see nothing, I could thinknothing other but that God for my curiosity had suffered me to miscarry.Now these invisible barbers carefully gathered up the hair which was cutoff, and carried it away with them. After which the two pages entered again, and heartily laughed at me forbeing so terrified. But they had scarcely spoken a few words with me whenagain a little bell began to ring, which (as the pages informed me) was togive notice for assembling. Whereupon they asked me to rise, and throughmany walks, doors and winding stairs lit my way into a spacious hall. In thisroom was a great multitude of guests, emperors, kings, princes, and lords,noble and ignoble, rich and poor, and all sorts of people, at which I greatlymarvelled, and thought to myself,’ah, how gross a fool you have been toengage upon this journey with so much bitterness and toil, when (behold)here are even those fellow
Page 15reason to esteem. They are now all here, and you with all your prayers andsupplications have hardly got in at last’. This and more the Devil at thattime injected, while I notwithstanding (as well as I could) directed myselfto the issue. Meanwhile one or other of my acquaintance here and there spoke tome: “Oh Brother Rosencreutz! Are you here too?”“Yes (my brethren),” I replied, “the grace of God has helped me in too”. At which they raised mighty laughter, looking upon it as ridiculous thatthere should be need of God in so slight an occasion. Now havingdemanded each of them concerning his way, and finding that most of themwere forced to clamber over the rocks, certain trumpets (none of which weyet saw) began to sound to the table, whereupon they all seated themselves,every one as he judged himself above the rest; so that for me and someother sorry fellows there was hardly a little nook left at the lowermost table. Presently the two pages entered, and one of them said grace in so hand-some and excellent a manner, that it made the very heart in my bodyrejoice. However, certain great Sr John’s made but little reckoning of them,but jeered and winked at one another, biting their lips within their hats,and using other similar unseemly gestures. After this, meat was brought in,and although no one could be seen, yet everything was so orderly managed,that it seemed to me as if every guest had his own attendant. Now my art-ists having somewhat recreated themselves, and the wine having removed alittle shame from their hearts, they presently began to vaunt and brag oftheir abilities. One would prove this, another that, and commonly the mostsorry idiots made the loudest noise. Ah, when I call to mind what preter-natural and impossible enterprises I then heard, I am still ready to vomit atit. In a word, they never kept in their order, but whenever one rascal here,another there, could insinuate himself in between the nobles, then theypretended to having finished such adventures as neither Samson nor yetHercules with all their strength could ever have achieved: this one woulddischarge Atlas of his burden; the other would again draw forth the three-headed Cerberus out of Hell. In brief, every man had his own prate, andyet the greatest lords were so simple that they believed their pretences, andthe rogues so audacious, that although one or other of them was here andthere rapped over the fingers with a knife, yet they flinched not at it, butwhen anyone perchance had filched a gold-chain, then they would all haz-ard for the same.
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Page 16I saw one who heard the rustling of the heavens. The second could seePlato’s Ideas. A third could number Democritus’s atoms. There were alsonot a few pretenders to the perpetual motion. Many a one (in my opinion)had good understanding, but assumed too much to himself, to his owndestruction. Lastly, there was one also who found it necessary to persuadeus out of hand that he saw the servitors who attended us, and would havepersuaded us as to his contention, had not one of these invisible waitersreached him such a handsome cuff upon his lying muzzle, that not only he,but many more who were by him, became as mute as mice. But it pleased me most of all, that all those of whom I had any esteemwere very quiet in their business, and made no loud cry of it, but acknowl-edged themselves to be misunderstanding men, to whom the mysteries ofnature were too high, and they themselves much too small. In this tumult Ihad almost cursed the day when I came here; for I could not behold butwith anguish that those lewd vain people were above at the board, but I inso sorry a place could not rest in quiet, one of those rascals scornfullyreproaching me for a motley fool.Now I did not realise that there was still one gate through which wemust pass, but imagined that during the whole wedding I was to continuein this scorn, contempt and indignity, which I had yet at no time deserved,either from the Lord Bridegroom or the Bride. And therefore (in my opin-ion) he should have done well to sort out some other fool than me to cometo his wedding. Behold, to such impatience the iniquity of this worldreduces simple hearts. But this really was one part of my lameness, of which(as is before mentioned) I dreamed. And truly the longer this clamourlasted, the more it increased. For there were already those who boasted offalse and imaginary visions, and would persuade us of palpably lyingdreams. Now there sat by me a very fine quiet man, who often discoursed ofexcellent matters. At length he said, “Behold my brother, if anyone shouldnow come who were willing to instruct these blockish people in the rightway, would he be heard?”“No, verily”, I replied. “The world,” he said, “is now resolved (whatever comes of it) to becheated, and cannot abide to give ear to those who intend its good. Do yousee that same cocks-comb, with what whimsical figures and foolish conceitshe allures others to him. There one makes mouths at the people withunheard-of mysterious words. Yet believe me in this, the time is now com-ing when those shameful vizards shall be plucked off, and all the world shal
Page 17know what vagabond impostors were concealed behind them. Then per-haps that will be valued which at present is not esteemed.”Whilst he was speaking in this way, and the longer the clamour lasted theworse it was, all of a sudden there began in the hall such excellent andstately music such as I never heard all the days of my life; whereupon every-one held his peace, and waited to see what would become of it. Now inthis music there were all the sorts of stringed instruments imaginable,which sounded together in such harmony that I forgot myself, and sat soimmovable that those who sat by me were amazed at me; and this lastednearly half an hour, during which time none of us spoke one word. For assoon as anyone at all was about to open his mouth, he got an unexpectedblow, nor did he know where it came from. I thought since we were notpermitted to see the musicians, I should have been glad to view just all theinstruments they were using. After half an hour this music ceased unexpect-edly, and we could neither see or hear anything more. Presently after, a great noise began before the door of the hall, withsounding and beating of trumpets, shalms and kettle-drums, as majestic as ifthe Emperor of Rome had been entering; whereupon the door opened byitself, and then the noise of the trumpets was so loud that we were hardlyable to endure it. Meanwhile (to my thinking) many thousand small tapers came into thehall, all of which themselves marched in so very exact an order as altogetheramazed us, till at last the two aforementioned pages with bright torchesentered the hall, lighting the way of a most beautiful Virgin, all drawn on agloriously gilded triumphant self-moving throne. It seemed to me that shewas the very same who before on the way kindled and put out the lights,and that these attendants of hers were the very same whom she formerlyplaced at the trees. She was not now, as before, in sky-colour, but arrayed ina snow-white glittering robe, which sparkled with pure gold, and cast sucha lustre that we could not steadily look at it. Both the pages were dressed inthe same manner (although somewhat more modestly). As soon as theycame into the middle of the hall, and had descended from the throne, allthe small tapers made obeisance before her. Whereupon we all stood upfrom our benches, yet everyone stayed in his own place. Now she havingshowed to us, and we again to her, all respect and reverence, in a mostpleasant tone she began to speak as follows:The King, my gracious lord He is not far away,
Page 18Nor is his dearest bride, Betrothed to him in honour. They have now with the greatest joy Beheld your coming hither. Wherefore especially they would proffer Their favour to each one of you, And they desire from their heart’s depth That ye at all times fare ye well, That ye have the coming wedding’s joy Unmixed with others’ sorrow.Hereupon with all her small tapers she courteously bowed again, andsoon after began as follows:Ye know what in the invitation stands: No man hath been called hither Who hath not got from God already All gifts most beautiful, And hath himself adorned aright As well befits him here,Though some may not believe it, That any one so wayward be That on such hard conditions Should dare to make appearance When he hath not prepared himself For this wedding long before. So now they stand in hope That ye be well furnished with all good things, Be glad that in such hard times So many folk be found But men are yet so forward that They care not for their boorishness And thrust themselves in places where They are not called to be. Let no knave be smuggled in No rogue slip in with others. They will declare right openly That they a wedding pure will have,
Page 20had each been conducted into a chamber (each, as I since understood, intoa particular one) by his small taper, there remained nine of us, and amongthe rest he who discoursed with me at the table too. But although our smalltapers did not leave us, yet soon after an hour’s time one of the aforemen-tioned pages came in, and, bringing a great bundle of cords with him, firstdemanded of us whether we had concluded to stay there; when we hadaffirmed this with sighs, he bound each of us in a particular place, and sowent away with our small tapers, and left us poor wretches in darkness. Then some first began to perceive the imminent danger, and I myselfcould not refrain from tears. For although we were not forbidden to speak,yet anguish and affliction allowed none of us to utter one word. For thecords were so wonderfully made that none could cut them, much less getthem off his feet. Yet this comforted me, that still the future gain of many aone who had now taken himself to rest, would prove very little to his satis-faction. But we by only one night’s penance might expiate all our presump-tion. Till at length in my sorrowful thoughts I fell asleep, during which Ihad a dream. Now although there is no great matter in it, yet I think it notimpertinent to recount it. I thought I was upon a high mountain, and saw before me a great andlarge valley. In this valley were gathered together an unspeakable multitudeof people, each of which had at his head a thread, by which he was hangedfrom Heaven; now one hung high, another low, some stood even almostupon the earth. But through the air flew up and down an ancient man, who had in hishand a pair of shears, with which he cut here one’s, there another’s thread.Now he that was close to the earth was so much more ready, and fell with-out noise, but when it happened to one of the high ones, he fell so that theearth quaked. To some it came to pass that their thread was so stretched thatthey came to the earth before the thread was cut. I took pleasure in thistumbling, and it gave my heart joy, when he who had over-exalted himselfin the air about his wedding got so shameful a fall that it even carried someof his neighbours along with him. In a similar way it also made me rejoice that he who had all this whilekept himself near the earth could come down so finely and gently that eventhe men next to him did not perceive it. But being now in my highest fit of jollity, I was jogged unawares by oneof my fellow captives, upon which I was awakened, and was very much dis-contented with him. However, I considered my dream, and recounted it to
Page 23The Third Dayow as soon as the lovely day was broken, and the bright Sun,having raised himself above the hills, had again took himself tohis appointed office in the high Heaven, my good championsbegan to rise out of their beds, and leisurely to make themselvesready for the Inquisition. Whereupon, one after another, they came againinto the hall, and saying good morning, demanded how we had slept thatnight; and having seen our bonds, there were some that reproved us forbeing so cowardly, and because we had not, rather, like them, hazardedupon all adventures. However, some of them whose hearts still smote themmade no loud cry of the business. We excused ourselves with our igno-rance, hoping we should now soon be set at liberty, and learn wisdom bythis disgrace, that they on the contrary had not yet altogether escaped; andperhaps their greatest danger was still to come. At length everyone being assembled again, the trumpets began again tosound and the kettle drums to beat as formerly, and we then imaginednothing other but that the Bridegroom was ready to present himself; whichnevertheless was a huge mistake. For it was again the Virgin of yesterday,who had arrayed herself all in red velvet, and girded herself with a whitescarf. On her head she had a green wreath of laurel, which greatly suitedher. Her train was now no more of small tapers, but consisted of two hun-dred men in armour, who were all (like her) clothed in red and white. Now as soon as they were alighted from the throne, she came straight tous prisoners, and after she had saluted us, she said in few words: “That someof you have been aware of your wretched condition is hugely pleasing tomy most mighty Lord, and he is also resolved you shall fare the better forit”. And having seen me in my habit, she laughed and said, “Goodness! Haveyou also submitted yourself to the yoke? I imagined you would have madeyourself very smug”. With which words she caused my eyes to run over.After which she commanded that we should be unbound, and coupledtogether and placed in a station where we might easily see the Scales. For,she said, it may yet fare better with them, than with the presumptuous whostill stand here at liberty. Meanwhile the scales, which were entirely of gold, were hung up in themiddle of the hall; there was also a little table covered with red velvet, andseven weights placed on it. First of all there was a pretty big one, next four
Page 25book in that upheaval fell from him, and all the soldiers began to laugh, andhe was delivered up bound to the Third Band. Thus it went also with someof the other Emperors, who were all shamefully laughed at and put in cap-tivity. After these there came forth a short little man with a curled brownbeard, also an Emperor, who after the usual reverence got up, and held outso steadfastly, that I thought that had there been more weights ready hewould have outstood them. To him the Virgin immediately arose, andbowed before him, making him put on a gown of red velvet, and finallygave him a branch of laurel, of which she had a good store upon herthrone, upon the steps of which she asked him to sit down. Now how itfared with the rest of the Emperors, Kings and Lords after him, would taketoo long to recount; but I cannot leave unmentioned that few of thosegreat personages held out. However, various eminent virtues (beyond myhopes) were found in many. One could stand out this, the second another,some two, some three, four or five, but few could attain to the just perfec-tion; and everyone who failed was miserably laughed at by the bands. After the Inquisition had also passed over the gentry, the learned, andunlearned, and all the rest, and in each condition perhaps one, it may betwo, but for the most part none, was found perfect, it came at length tothose honest gentlemen the vagabond cheaters, and rascally Lapidem Spi-talanficum makers, who were set upon the Scale with such scorn that Imyself, in spite of all my grief, was ready to burst my belly with laughing,nor could the very prisoners themselves refrain. For the most part couldnot abide that severe trial, but were jerked out of the Scale with whips andscourges, and led to the other prisoners, but to a suitable band. Thus of sogreat a throng so few remained, that I am ashamed to reveal their number.However, there were persons of quality also amongst them, who notwith-standing were (like the rest) honoured with velvet robes and wreaths of lau-rel. The Inquisition being completely finished, and none but we poor cou-pled hounds standing aside, at length one of the Captains stepped forth, andsaid, “Gracious Madam, if it please your Ladyship, let these poor men whoacknowledged their misunderstanding be set upon the Scale too, withouttheir incurring any danger of penalty, and only for recreation’s sake, if per-haps anything that is right may be found amongst them”. In the first place I was in great perplexity, for in my anguish this was myonly comfort, that I was not to stand in such ignominy, or to be lashed out
Page 26of the Scale. For I did not doubt that many of the prisoners wished thatthey had stayed ten nights with us in the hall. Yet since the Virgin con-sented, so it must be, and we were untied and one after another set up.Now although the most part miscarried, they were neither laughed at, norscourged, but peaceably placed on one side. My companion was the fifth,and he held out bravely, whereupon all, but especially the Captain whomade the request for us, applauded him, and the Virgin showed him theusual respect. After him again two more were dispatched in an instant. ButI was the eighth. Now as soon as (with trembling) I stepped up, my companion whoalready sat by in his velvet looked friendlily upon me, and the Virgin herselfsmiled a little. But for as much as I outstood all the weights, the Virgin commandedthem to draw me up by force, wherefore three men also hung on the otherside of the beam, and yet nothing could prevail. Whereupon one of thepages immediately stood up, and cried out exceedingly loud, “THAT’SHE”: upon which the other replied, “Then let him gain his liberty”; whichthe Virgin accorded. And, being received with due ceremonies, the choicewas given me to release one of the captives, whosoever I pleased; where-upon I made no long deliberation, but elected the first Emperor whom Ihad long pitied, who was immediately set free, and with all respect seatedamongst us.Now the last being set up, and the weights proving too heavy for him, inthe meantime the Virgin had spotted my roses, which I had taken out ofmy hat into my hands, and thereupon presently through her page gra-ciously requested them of me, and I readily sent them to her.And so this first Act was finished about ten in the morning. Whereuponthe trumpets began to sound again, which nevertheless we could not as yetsee. Meantime the bands were to step aside with their prisoners, and awaitthe judgement. After which a council of the seven captains and us was set,and the business was propounded by the Virgin as President, who desiredeach one to give his opinion how the prisoners were to be dealt with. Thefirst opinion was that they should all be put to death, yet one more severelythan another, namely those who had presumptuously intruded themselvescontrary to the express conditions. Others would have them kept closeprisoners. Both of which pleased neither the President, nor me. At lengthby one of the Emperors (the same whom I had freed), my companion, and
Page 27myself, the affair was brought to this point: that first of all the principalLords should with a fitting respect be led out of the Castle; others might becarried out somewhat more scornfully. These would be stripped, andcaused to run out naked; the fourth should be hunted out with rods, whipsor dogs. Those who the day before willingly surrendered themselves, mightbe allowed to depart without any blame. And last of all those presumptuousones, and they who behaved themselves so unseemly at dinner the daybefore, should be punished in body and life according to each man’sdemerit. This opinion pleased the Virgin well, and obtained the upperhand. There was moreover another dinner vouchsafed them, which theywere soon told about. But the execution was deferred till twelve noon. Herewith the Senate arose, and the Virgin also, together with her atten-dants, returned to her usual quarter. But the uppermost table in the roomwas allotted to us, they requesting us to take it in good part until the busi-ness was fully dispatched. And then we should be conducted to the LordBridegroom and the Bride, with which we were at present well content.Meanwhile the prisoners were again brought into the hall, and each manseated according to his quality. They were likewise told to behave them-selves somewhat more civilly than they had done the day before, aboutwhich they yet did not need to have been admonished, for without this,they had already put up their pipes. And this I can boldly say, not with flattery, but in the love of truth, thatcommonly those persons who were of the highest rank best understoodhow to behave themselves in so unexpected a misfortune. Their treatmentwas but indifferent, yet respectful; neither could they yet see their atten-dants, but to us they were visible, at which I was exceedingly joyful. Nowalthough Fortune had exalted us, yet we did not take upon us more thanthe rest, advising them to be of good cheer, the event would not be so bad.Now although they would gladly have us reveal their sentence, yet we wereso deeply obligated that none of us dared open his mouth about it. Nevertheless we comforted them as well as we could, drinking withthem to see if the wine might make them any more cheerful. Our table wascovered with red velvet, beset with drinking cups of pure silver and gold,which the rest could not behold without amazement and very greatanguish. But before we had seated ourselves, in came the two pages, pre-senting everyone on the Bridegroom’s behalf with the Golden Fleece witha flying Lion, requesting us to wear them at the table, and as became us, toobserve the reputation and dignity of the Order which his Majesty had now
Page 28vouchsafed us; and we should be ratified with suitable ceremonies. This wereceived with profoundest submission, promising obediently to performwhatsoever his Majesty should please. Besides these, the noble page had aschedule in which we were set down in order. And for my part I should nototherwise wish to conceal my place, if perhaps it might not be interpretedas pride in me, which is expressly against the fourth weight. Now because our entertainment was exceedingly stately, we demandedof one of the pages whether we might not have leave to send some choicebit to our friends and acquaintances; he made no difficulty of it, and every-one sent plentifully to his acquaintances by the waiters, although they sawnone of them; and because they did not know where it came from, I myselfwished to carry something to one of them. But as soon as I had risen, oneof the waiters was at my elbow, saying he desired me to take friendly warn-ing, for if one of the pages had seen it, it would have come to he King’s ear,who would certainly have taken it amiss of me; but since none hadobserved it but himself, he did not intend to betray me, but that I ought forthe time to come to have better regard for the dignity of the order. Withwhich words the servant really astonished me so much that for a long timeafterwards I scarcely moved in my seat, yet I returned him thanks for hisfaithful warning, as well as I was able in my haste and fear. Soon after, the drums began to beat again, to which we were alreadyaccustomed: for we knew well it was the Virgin, so we prepared ourselvesto receive her; she was now coming in with her usual train, upon her highseat, one of the pages bearing before her a very tall goblet of gold, and theother a patent in parchment. Having alighted from the seat in a marvellousskillful manner, she took the goblet from the page, and presented the sameon the King’s behalf, saying that it was brought from his Majesty, and that inhonour of him we should cause it to go round. Upon the cover of this gob-let stood Fortune curiously cast in gold, who had in her hand a red flyingensign, because of which I drunk somewhat more sadly, having been all toowell acquainted with Fortune’s waywardness. But the Virgin as well as uswas adorned with the Golden Fleece and Lion, from which I observed thatperhaps she was the president of the Order. So we asked of her how theOrder might be named. She answered that it was not yet the right time toreveal this, till the affair with the prisoners was dispatched. And thereforetheir eyes were still veiled; and what had hitherto happened to us, was tothem only like an offence and scandal, although it was to be accounted asnothing in regard to the honour that attended us. Hereupon she began to
Page 29distinguish the patent which the other page held into two different parts,out of which about this much was read before the first company: “That they should confess that they had too lightly given credit to falsefictitious books, had assumed too much to themselves, and so come intothis Castle, although they were never invited into it, and perhaps the mostpart had presented themselves with design to make their market here, andafterwards to live in greater pride and lordliness; and thus one had seducedanother, and plunged him into this disgrace and ignominy, wherefore theywere deservedly to be soundly punished.”Which they with great humility readily acknowledged, and gave theirhands upon it. After which a severe check was given to the rest, much tothis purpose: “That they very well knew, and were in their consciences convinced,that they had forged false fictitious books, had fooled others, and cheatedthem, and thereby had diminished regal dignity amongst all. They knewlikewise what ungodly deceitful figures they had made use of, in so much asthey spared not even the Divine Trinity, but accustomed themselves tocheat people all the country over. It was also now as clear as day with whatpractices they had endeavoured to ensnare the true guests, and introducethe ignorant: in such a manner that it was manifest to all the world that theywallowed in open whoredom, adultery, gluttony, and other uncleannesses:All which was against the express orders of our Kingdom. In brief, theyknew they had disparaged Kingly Majesty, even amongst the common sort,and therefore they should confess themselves to be manifest convicted vag-abond-cheaters, knaves and rascals, whereby they deserved to be kept fromthe company of civil people, and severely punished.”The good artists were loath to come to this confession, but inasmuch asnot only the Virgin herself threatened them, and swore that they would die,but the other party also vehemently raged at them, and unanimously criedout that they had most wickedly seduced them out of the Light, they atlength, to prevent a huge misfortune, confessed the same with sadness, andyet withal alleged that what had happened here was not to be animadvertedupon them in the worst sense. For inasmuch as the Lords were absolutelyresolved to get into the Castle, and had promised great sums of money tothat effect, each one had used all craft to seize upon something, and sothings were brought to that state that was now manifest before their eyes.But just because it had not succeeded, “They”, in their opinion, “haddeserved no less than the Lords themselves; Who should have had so much
Page 30understanding as to consider that, if anyone could be sure of getting in, heshould not have clambered over the wall with them, that there should be sogreat peril for the sake of a slight gain?”Their books also sold so well, that whoever had no other means tomaintain himself, had to engage in such a deception. They hoped more-over, that if a right judgement were made, they should be found in no wayto have miscarried, for they had behaved themselves towards the Lords, asbecame Servants, upon their earnest entreaty.But answer was made to them that his Royal Majesty had determined topunish them all, every man, although one more severely than another. Foralthough what had been alleged by them was partly true, and therefore theLords should not wholly be indulged, yet they had good reason to preparethemselves for death, they who had so presumptuously obtruded them-selves, and perhaps seduced the more ignorant against their will; as likewisethose who had violated Royal Majesty with false books, for the same mightbe shown from their very writings and books. Hereupon many began to lament, cry, weep, entreat and prostrate them-selves most piteously, all of which notwithstanding could avail them noth-ing, and I marvelled much how the Virgin could be so resolute, when theirmisery caused our eyes to run over, and moved our compassion (althoughthe most part of them had procured us much trouble and vexation). For shepresently dispatched her page, who brought with him all the Cuirassierswho had this day been appointed at the Scales, who were each of themcommanded to take his own to him, and in an orderly procession, so thateach Cuirassier should go with one of the prisoners, to conduct them intoher great garden. At which time each one so exactly recognised his ownman, that I marvelled at it. Leave was also likewise given to my companionsof yesterday to go out into the garden unbound, and to be present at theexecution of the sentence. Now as soon as every man had come forth, theVirgin mounted up into her high throne, requesting us to sit down uponthe steps, and to appear at the judgement; which we did not refuse, but lefteverything standing upon the table (except the goblet, which the Virgincommitted to the pages’ keeping) and went forth in our robes, upon thethrone, which moved by itself as gently as if we passed through the air, tillin this manner we came into the garden, where we all arose together. This garden was not extraordinarily curious, but it pleased me that thetrees were planted in such good order. Besides, there ran in it a most costlyfountain, adorned with wonderful figures and inscriptions and strange char-
Page 31acters (which, God willing, I shall mention in a future book). In this gardenwas raised a wooden scaffold, hung about with curiously painted figuredcoverlets. Now there were four galleries made one over another; the firstwas more glorious than any of the rest, and therefore covered with a whitetaffeta curtain, so that at that time we could not perceive who was behindit. The second was empty and uncovered. Again the last two were coveredwith red and blue taffeta. Now as soon as we had come to the scaffold, theVirgin bowed herself down to the ground, at which we were mightily ter-rified, for we could easily guess that the King and Queen must not be faroff. Now we also having duly performed our reverence, the Virgin led usup by the winding stairs into the second gallery, where she placed herselfuppermost, and us in our former order. But how the Emperor whom I hadreleased behaved himself towards me, both at this time and also before atthe table, I cannot well relate without slander of wicked tongues. For hemight well have imagined in what anguish and solicitude he should nowhave been, in case he were at present to attend the judgement with suchignominy, and that only through me he had now attained such dignity andworthiness.Meanwhile the Virgin who first of all brought me the invitation, andwhom until now I had never since seen, came in. First she gave one blastupon her trumpet, and then with a very loud voice declared the sentence inthis manner: “The King’s Majesty my most gracious Lord could wish with all hisheart that each and every one here assembled had upon his Majesty’s invita-tion presented themselves so qualified as that they might (to his honour)with greatest frequency have adorned this his appointed nuptial and joyfulfeast. But since it has otherwise pleased Almighty God, his Majesty hasnothing about which to murmur, but must be forced, contrary to his owninclination, to abide by the ancient and laudable constitutions of this King-dom. But now, so that his Majesty’s innate clemency may be celebrated allover the world, he has so far absolutely dealt with his Council and estates,that the usual sentence shall be considerably lenified. So in the first place he is willing to vouchsafe to the Lords and Poten-tates, not only their lives entirely, but also that he will freely and frankly dis-miss them; friendlily and courteously entreating your Lordships not at all totake it in evil part that you cannot be present at his Majesty’s Feast ofHonour; but to remember that there is notwithstanding more imposedupon your Lordships by God Almighty (who in the distribution of his gifts