_The Hermetick Romance; or Chymical Wedding._
A remarkable work was published at Strasbourg, in the year 1616, entitled,
"The Hermetick Romance: or the Chymical Wedding. Written in High Dutch by
Christian Rosencreutz." This book though not given out to the world until
the above year, is said to have existed in manuscript for some time
previously, as far back in fact as 1601, thus making it the oldest
Rosicrucian book extant. A modern writer says: The whole Rosicrucian
controversy centres in this publication, which Buhle describes as a comic
romance of extraordinary talent.
Owing to its importance, we shall have to make some lengthy extracts from
the translation made in 1690, by E. Foxcroft of King's College, Cambridge.
It is arranged in chapters, denominated days, marked from one to seven.
The First Day.
On an evening before Easter Day, I sate at a Table, and having (as my
custom was) in my humble prayer sufficiently conversed with my Creator,
and considered many great mysteries (whereof the Father of Lights his
Majesty had shewn me not a few) and being now ready to prepare in my
heart, together with my dear Paschal Lamb, a small unleavened, undefiled
cake; all on a sudden ariseth so horrible a tempest, that I imagined no
other but that through its mighty force, the hill whereon my little house
was founded, would fly in pieces. But in as much as this, and the like
from the devil (who had done me many a spite) was no new thing to me; I
took courage and persisted in my meditation, till somebody (after an
unusual manner) touched me on the back; whereupon I was so highly
terrified, that I durst hardly look about me; yet I shewed myself as
cheerful as (in the like occurrences) human frailty would permit. Now the
same thing still twitching me several times by the coat, I looked back,
and behold it was a fair and glorious lady whose garments were all skye
colour, and curiously (like Heaven) bespangled with golden stars. In her
right hand she bare a trumpet of beaten gold, whereon a name was engraven
(which I could well read in) but am as yet forbidden to reveal it. In her
left hand she had a great bundle of letters of all languages, which she
(as I afterwards understood) was to carry into all countries. She had also
large and beautiful wings, full of eyes throughout, wherewith she could
mount aloft and fly swifter than any eagle. I might perhaps have taken
further notice of her, but because she staid so small a time with me, and
terror and amasement still possessed me, I was fain to be content. For as
soon as I turned about, she turned her letters over and over, and at
length drew out a small one, which with great reverence she laid down upon
the table, and without giving one word departed from me. But in her
mounting upwards, she gave so mighty a blast on her gallant trumpet, that
the whole hill echoed thereof, and for a full quarter of an hour after, I
could hardly hear my own words.
In so unlooked-for an adventure, I was at loss, how either to advise or
assist my poor self, and therefore fell upon my knees, and besought my
Creator to permit nothing contrary to my eternal happiness to befall me;
whereupon with fear and trembling I went to the letter which was now so
heavy, as had it been mere gold, it could hardly have been so weighty. Now
as I was diligently viewing it, I found a little Seal, whereupon a curious
cross with this inscription, IN HOC SIGNO VINCES, was engraven.
Now as soon as I espied this sign I was the more comforted, as not being
ignorant that such a Seal was little acceptable, and much less useful to
the Devil. Whereupon I tenderly opened the letter and within it, in an
Azure Field, in Golden Letters, found the following verses written--
This day, this day, this, this
The Royal wedding is.
Art thou thereto by birth inclin'd
And unto joy of God design'd,
Then mayst thou to the mountain tend
Whereon three stately Temples stand,
And there see all from end to end.
Keep watch and ward,
Thyself regard;
Unless with diligence thou bathe,
The Wedding can't thee harmless save:
He'll damage have that here delays,
Let him beware, too light that weighs.
Underneath stood 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 trickled down my whole
body. For although I well perceived that this was the appointed wedding,
whereof seven years before I was acquainted in a bodily vision, and which
now so long time I had with great earnestness attended, and which lastly,
by the account and calculation of the Planets, I had most diligently
observed, I found so to be, yet could I never foresee that it must happen
under so grievous and perilous conditions. For whereas I before imagined
that to be a welcome and acceptable guest, I needed only be ready to
appear at the wedding; I was now directed to Divine Providence, to which
until this time I was never certain. I also found by myself, the more I
examined myself, that in my head there was nothing but gross
misunderstanding and blindness in mysterious things, so that I was not
able to comprehend even those things which lay under my feet, and which I
daily conversed with, much less that I should be born to the searching
out and understanding of the secrets of Nature; since in my opinion Nature
might everywhere find a more _vertuous_ disciple, to whom to intrust her
precious, though temporary and changeable treasures. I found also that my
bodily behaviour, and outward good conversation, and brotherly love
towards my neighbour, was not duly purged and cleansed; moreover, the
tickling of the flesh manifested itself, whose affection was bent only to
pomp and bravery, and worldly pride, and not to the good of mankind; and I
was always contriving how by this art I might in short time abundantly
increase my profit and advantage, rear up stately palaces, make myself an
everlasting name in the world, and other the like carnal designs. But the
obscure words concerning the Three Temples did particularly afflict me,
which I was not able to make out by any after speculation, and perhaps
should not yet, had they not been wonderfully revealed to me. Thus
sticking betwixt hope and fear, examining myself again and again, and
finding my own frailty and impotency, not being in any wise able to
succour myself, and exceedingly amazed at the fore-mentioned threatening;
at length I betook myself to my usual and most secure course; after I had
finished my earnest and most fervent prayer, I laid me down in my bed,
that so perchance my good angel by the Divine permission might appear, and
(as it had formerly happened) instruct me in this doubtful affair, which
to the praise of God, my own good, and my neighbour's hearty and faithful
warning and amendment did now likewise fall out. For I was scarce fallen
asleep, when me-thought, I, together with a numberless multitude of men
lay fettered with great chains in a dark dungeon, wherein, without the
least glimpse of light, we swarmed like bees over one another, and thus
rendered each other's affliction more grievous. But although neither I,
nor any of the rest could see one jot; yet I continually heard one heaving
himself above the other, when his chains or fetters were become ever so
little lighter, though none of us had much reason to shove up the other,
since we were all captive wretches. Now as I with the rest had continued a
good while in this affliction, and each was still reproaching the other
with his blindness and captivity, at length we heard many trumpets
sounding together, and kettle-drums beating so artificially thereto, that
it even revived and rejoiced us in our calamity.
During this noise, the cover of the dungeon was from above lifted up, and
a little light let down unto us. Then first might truly have been
discerned the bustle we kept, for all went pesle-mesle, and he who
perchance had too much heaved up himself, was forced down again under the
others feet. In brief, each one strove to be uppermost, neither did I
myself linger, but with my weighty fetters slipped up from under the rest,
and then heaved myself upon a stone, which I laid hold of; howbeit, I was
several times caught at by others, from whom yet as well as I might, with
hands and feet, I still guarded myself. For we imagined no other but that
we should all be set at liberty, which yet fell out quite otherwise. For
after the nobles, who looked upon us from above through the hole, had a
while recreated themselves with this our struggling and lamenting, a
certain hoary headed Ancient Man, called to us to be quiet, and having
scarce obtained it, began (as I still remember) thus to say:--
If wretched mankind would forbear
Themselves so to uphold,
Then sure on them much good confer
My righteous mother would.
But since the same will not insue
They must in care and Sorrow rue,
And still in Prison lie.
Howbeit my dear mother will
Their follies over-see,
Her choicest gifts permitting still
Too much in th' Light to be.
Though very rarely it may seem
That they may still keep some esteem,
Which else would pass for forgery.
Wherefore in honour of the Feast
We this day solemnize,
That so her Grace may be increast
A good deed she'll devise,
For now a cord shall be let down,
And whosoe'er can hang thereon,
Shall freely be releast.
He had scarce done speaking, when an ancient matron commanded her servants
to let down the cord seven times into the dungeon, and draw up whosoever
could hang upon it. Good God! that I could sufficiently describe the hurry
and disquiet that then arose amongst us, for every one strove to get at
the cord, and yet only hindered each other. But after seven minutes a sign
was given by a little bell, whereupon at the first pull the servants drew
up four. At that time I could not come near the cord by much, having to my
huge misfortune, betaken myself to a stone at the wall of the dungeon, and
thereby was disabled to get to the cord which descended in the middle. The
cord was let down the second time, but divers because their chains were
too heavy, and their hands too tender, could not keep their hold on the
cord, but with themselves beat down many another, who else, perhaps, might
have held fast enough; nay, many an one was forcibly pulled off by another
who yet could not himself get at it; mutually envious were we even in this
our great misery. But they of all others most moved my compassion whose
weight was so heavy that they tore their very hands from their bodies, and
yet could not get up. Thus it came to pass that at these five times, very
few were drawn up. For as soon as the sign was given, the servants were
so nimble at the draught, that the most part tumbled one upon another, and
the cord, this time especially, was drawn up very empty. Whereupon the
greatest part, and even I myself, despaired of Redemption, and called upon
God that he would have pity on us, and (if possible) deliver us out of
this obscurity, who also then heard some of us: for when the cord came
down the sixth time, some of them hung themselves fast upon it, and whilst
in the drawing up, the cord swung from one side to the other, it (perhaps
by the will of God) came to me, which I suddenly catching, got uppermost
above all the rest, and so at length beyond hope came out; whereat I
exceedingly rejoiced, so that I perceived not the wound, which in the
drawing up I received on my head by a sharp stone, till I with the rest
who were released (as was always before done) was fain to help at the
seventh and last pull, at which time through straining, the blood ran down
all over my clothes, which I nevertheless for joy regarded not. Now when
the last draught whereon the most of all hung was finished, the matron
caused the cord to be laid away and willed her aged son (at which I much
wondered) to declare her resolution to the rest of the Prisoners, who
after he had a little bethought himself, spoke thus unto them:
Ye children dear,
All present here,
What is but now compleat and done,
Was long before resolved on:
What ev'r my mother of great grace
To each on both sides here hath shewn
May never miscontent misplace;
The joyful time is drawing on,
When every one shall equal be,
None wealthy, none in penury.
Who ev'r receiveth great commands,
Hath work enough to fill his hands.
Who ev'r with much hath trusted been,
'Tis well if he may save his skin.
Wherefore your lamentations cease,
What is't to waite for some few days.
As soon as he had finished the words, the cover was again put and locked
down, and the trumpet and kettle-drums began afresh, yet could not the
noise thereof be so loud but that the bitter lamentation of the prisoners
which arose in the dungeon was above all, which soon also caused my eyes
to run over. Presently after the ancient matron, together with her son,
sat down upon seats before prepared, and commanded the Redeemed should be
told. Now as soon as she understood the number, and had written it down in
a gold-yellow tablet, she demanded every one's name, which were also
written down by a little page; having viewed us all, one after another,
she sighed, and spoke to her son, so as I could well hear her. 'Ah? how
heartily am I grieved for the poor men in the dungeon! I would to God, I
durst release them all,' whereunto her son replied; 'It is, mother, thus
ordained of God, against whom we may not contend. In case we all of us
were lords, and possessed all the goods upon earth, and were seated at
table, who would there then be to bring 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 presently done, and I,
except a few, was the last, yet could I not refrain, but (though I still
looked upon the rest) bowed myself before the ancient matron, and thanked
God that through her, He had graciously and fatherly vouchsafed to bring
me out of such darkness into the light: after me the rest did likewise, to
the satisfaction of the matron. Lastly, to every one was given a piece of
gold for a remembrance, and to spend by the way; on the one side whereof
was stamped the rising sun, on the other (as I remember) these three
letters, D. L. S., and therewith everyone had license to depart, and was
sent to his own business, with this annexed intimation, that we to the
glory of God should benefit our neighbours, and reserve in silence what we
had been intrusted with, which we also promised to do, and so departed one
from another. But in regard of the wounds which the fetters had caused me,
I could not well go forward, but halted on both feet, which the matron
presently espying, laughing at it, and calling me again to her, said thus
to me, My son, let not this defect afflict thee, but call to mind thy
infirmities, and therewith thank God who hath permitted thee even in this
world, and in the state of thy imperfection to come into so high a light,
and keep these wounds for my sake. Whereupon the trumpets began again to
sound, which so affrighted me that I awoke, and then first perceived that
it was only a dream, which yet was so strongly impressed upon my
imagination, that I was still perpetually troubled about it, and methought
I was yet sensible of the wounds on my feet. Howbeit, by all these things
I well understood that God had vouchsafed that I should be present at this
mysterious and hidden wedding; wherefore with child-like confidence I
returned thanks to his Divine Majesty, and besought him that he would
further preserve me in this fear, that he would daily fill my heart with
wisdom and understanding, and at length graciously (without my desert)
conduct me to the desired end. Hereupon I prepared myself for the way, put
on my white linen coat, girded my loins with blood-red ribbon, bound
crossways over my shoulder; in my hat I stuck four red roses, that I might
sooner by this token be taken notice of among the throng. For food I took
bread, salt, and water, which by the counsel of an understanding person, I
had at certain times used, not without profit, in the like occurrences.
Before I parted from my cottage I first in this dress and wedding garment,
fell down on my knees and besought God, that in case such a thing were,
he would vouchsafe me a good issue. And thereupon in the presence of God I
made a vow, that if anything through his grace should be revealed unto me,
I would employ it neither to my own honour nor authority in the world, but
to the spreading of his name, and the services of my neighbour. And with
this vow and good hope, I departed out of my cell with joy.
The Second Day.
I was hardly got outside of my Cell into a Forest, when methought that the
whole heavens had already trimmed themselves against this wedding, for
even the birds in my opinion chanted more pleasantly than before, and the
young fawns skipped so merrily that they rejoiced my old heart, and moved
me to sing. At length I espied a curious green heath, whither I betook
myself out of the forest. Upon the heath stood three tall Cedars, to one
of which was fastened a tablet, upon which was curious writing, offering
to him who had heard anything concerning the nuptials of the king, four
ways, all of which would lead to the royal court. The reader was exhorted
to choose which he would, and to persevere therein, receiving at the same
time warning as to the dangers to which he would be committed. As soon as
I had read this writing, all my joy was near vanished again, and I, who
before sang merrily, began now inwardly to lament, for although I saw all
the three ways before me, and understood that henceforward it was
vouchsafed me to make choice of one of them; yet it troubled me that in
case I went the stormy and rocky way, I might get a miserable and deadly
fall; or taking the long one, I might wander out of it through byways, or
be otherwise detained in the great journey. Neither durst I hope that I
should be the very he, who should choose the royal way. I saw likewise the
fourth before me, but it was so invironed with fire and exhalations, that
I durst not draw near it, and therefore again and again considered
whether I should return back, or take any of the ways before me. I
presently drew out my bread and cut a slice of it, which a snow white
dove, of whom I was not aware, sitting upon the tree, espyed and thereupon
came down and betook herself very familiarly to me, to whom I willingly
imparted my food, which she received, and so with her prettiness did again
a little refresh me. But as soon as her enemy, a black raven, perceived
it, he straight darted himself down upon the dove, and taking no notice of
me, would needs force away the dove's meat, who could no otherwise guard
herself but by flight; whereupon they both together flew towards the
south, at which I was so hugely incensed and grieved, that without
thinking what I did, I made haste 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 being chased away, and the dove delivered, I then first
observed what I had inconsiderately done, and that I was already entered
into a way, from which under peril of great punishment I durst not retire,
and though I had still wherewith in some measure to comfort myself, yet
that which was worst of all to me was, that I had left my bag and bread at
the tree, and could never retrieve them again. At length upon a high hill
afar off I espied a stately portal, to which not regarding how far it was
distant, I hasted, because the sun had already hid himself under the
hills, and I could elsewhere espy no abiding place, and this verily I
ascribe only to God, who might well have permitted me to go forward in
this way, and with-held my eyes that so I might have gazed beside this
gate, to which I now made mighty haste, and reached it by so much
daylight, as to take a very competent view of it. Now it was an exceeding
Royal beautiful portal. As soon as I was come under it there stepped forth
one in a sky coloured habit, whom I in friendly manner saluted, which
though he thankfully returned it, yet he instantly demanded of me my
letter of invitation. O how glad was I that I had then brought it with
me. I quickly presented it, wherewith he was not only satisfied, but
showed me abundance of respect, saying, come in, my brother, an acceptable
guest you are to me; and withall intreated me not to with-hold my name
from him. Now having replied that I was a brother of the Red-Rosie Cross,
he both wondered and seemed to rejoice at it, and then proceeded thus, My
brother, have you nothing about you wherewith to purchase a token? I
answered my ability was small, but if he saw anything about me he had a
mind to, it was at his service. Now he having requested of me my bottle of
water, and I granted it, he gives me a golden token, whereon stood no more
but these two letters, S. C., intreating me that when it stood me in good
stead, I would remember him. After which I asked him, how many were got in
before me, which he also told me, and lastly out of mere friendship, gave
me a sealed letter to the second porter. Now having lingered some time
with him, the night grew on, whereupon a great beacon upon the gate was
immediately fired, that so if any were still upon the way, he might make
haste thither. At length after sufficient information, and an advantageous
instruction, I friendly departed from the first porter. On the way,
though, 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, and so went
on the way, until I came likewise to the second gate which although it was
very like the other, yet was it adorned with images and mystic
significations. Under this gate lay a terrible grim lion, chain'd, who as
soon as he espied me arose and made at me with great roaring: whereupon
the second porter, who lay upon a stone of marble, awaked, and wished me
not to be troubled or affrighted, and then drove back the lion, and having
received the letter, which I with trembling reached him, he read it, and
with very great respect, spoke thus to me; Now well-come in God's Name
unto me the man who of long time I would gladly have seen. Meanwhile he
also drew out a token, and asked me whether I could purchase it. But I
having nothing else but my salt, presented it to him, which he thankfully
accepted. Upon this token again stood only two letters, namely, S. M.
Being now just about to enter discourse with him, it began to ring in the
Castle, whereupon the porter counselled me to run apace, or else all the
pains and labour I had hitherto taken would serve to no purpose, for the
lights above began all ready to be extinguished; whereupon I dispatched
with such great haste that I heeded not the porter, in such anguish was I,
and truly it was but 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 never have found the way, had not she with her torch, afforded me
some light. I was moreover constrained to enter the very next to her, and
the gate was so suddenly clapped to, that a part of my coat was locked
out, which I verily was forced to leave behind me, for neither I nor they
who stood ready without and called at the gate could prevail with the
porter to open it again, but he delivered the keys to the Virgin, who took
them with her into the court. Under this gate I was again to give my name,
which was this last time written down in a little vellum book, and
immediately with the rest dispatched to the Lord Bridegroom. Here it was
where I first received the true Guest-Token, which was somewhat less than
the former, but yet much heavier; upon this stood three letters S. P. N.
Besides this, a new pair of shoes were given me, for the floor of the
castle was laid with pure shining marble; my old shoes I was to give way
to one of the poor who sat in throngs under the gate. Two pages, with as
many torches, then conducted me into a little room; there they willed me
to sit down on a form, which I did, but they, sticking their torches in
two holes in the pavement, departed, and left me thus alone. Soon after I
heard a noise, but saw nothing, and it proved to be certain men who
stumbled in upon me; but since I could see nothing I was fain to suffer
and attend what they would do with me, but presently perceiving them to be
barbers, I intreated them not to justle me so, for I was content to do
whatever they desired, whereupon they quickly let me go, and so one of
them fine and gently cut away the hair round about from the crown of my
head, but on my forehead, ears, and eyes, he permitted my grey locks to
hang.
In this first encounter I was ready to despair, for inasmuch as some of
them shoved me so forcibly, and I could yet see nothing I could think no
other but that God, for my curiosity, had suffered me to miscarry. Now
these invisible barbers carefully gathered up the hair which was cut off
and carried it away with them. After which the two pages entered again,
and heartily laughed at me for being so terrified. But they had scarcely
spoken a few words with me when again a little bell began to ring, which
was to give notice for assembling, whereupon they willed me rise, and
through many walks, doors, and winding stairs lighted me into a spacious
hall. In this room 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 hugely marvelled, and thought to myself, ah, how gross
a fool hast thou been to engage upon this journey with so much bitterness
and toil, when here are even those fellows whom thou well knowest, and yet
had'st never any reason to esteem. They are now all here, and thou with
all thy prayers and supplications art hardly got in at last. This, and
more, the devil at that time injected, whom I notwithstanding (as well as
I could) directed to the issue. Meantime one or other of my acquaintance
here and there spake to me: Oh Brother Rosencreutz! art thou here too?
Yea, my brethren, replied I, the grace of God hath helped me in also; at
which they raised a mighty laughter, looking upon it as ridiculous that
there should be need of God in so slight an occasion. Now having demanded
each of them concerning his way, and found that most were forced to
clamber over the rocks, certain trumpets (none of which we saw) began to
sound to the table, whereupon they all seated themselves, everyone as he
judged himself above the rest, so that for me and some other sorry fellows
there was hardly a little nook left at the lower-most table. Presently the
two pages entered, and one of them said grace; after this meat was brought
in, and albeit none could be seen, yet everything was so orderly managed,
that it seemed to me as if every guest had had his proper attendant. Now
my artists having somewhat recruited themselves, and the wine having a
little removed shame from their hearts, they presently began to vaunt and
brag of their abilities. One would prove this, another that, and commonly
the most sorry idiots made the loudest noise. Ah, when I call to mind what
preternatural and impossible enterprises I then heard, I am still ready to
vomit at it. In fine they never kept in their order, but whenever one
rascal here, another there, could insinuate himself in between the nobles;
then pretended they the finishing of such adventures as neither Sampson
nor yet Hercules with all their strength could ever have achieved. This
would discharge 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,
and yet the great lords were so simple that they believed their pretences,
and the rogues so audacious, that although one or other of them was here
and there rapped over the fingers with a knife, yet they flinched not at
it, but when any one perchance had filched a gold chain, then would all
hazard for the like. I saw one who heard the rustling of the heavens. The
second could see Plato's ideas. A third could number Democritus's atoms.
There were also not a few pretenders to perpetual motion. Many an one (in
my opinion) had good understanding, but assumed too much to himself, to
his own destruction. Lastly, there was one also who would needs out of
hand persuade us that he saw the servitors who attended, and would still
have pursued his contention, had not one of those invisible waiters
reached him so handsome a cuff upon his lying muzzle, that not only he,
but many who were by him became as mute as mice. But it best of all
pleased me, that all those, of whom I had any esteem were very quiet in
their business, and made no loud cry of it, but acknowledged themselves to
be _misunderstanding_ men, to whom the mysteries of nature were too high,
and they themselves much too small. In this tumult I had almost cursed the
day wherein I came hither, for I could not but with anguish behold that
those lewd vain people were above at the board, but I in so sorry a place
could not, however, rest in peace, one of those rascals scornfully
reproaching me for a motley fool. Now I thought not that there was yet one
gate behind, through which we must pass, but imagined I was during the
whole wedding, to continue in this scorn, contempt and indignity, which
yet I had at no time deserved, either of the Lord Bridegroom or the Bride,
and therefore (in my opinion) he should have done well to have sought out
some other fool to his wedding than me. Behold, to such impatience doth
the iniquity of this world reduce simple hearts. But this really was one
part of my lameness, whereof I dreamed. And truly this clamour the longer
it lasted, the more it increased. For there were already those who boasted
of false and imaginary visions, and would persuade us of palpably lying
dreams. Now there sat by me a very fine quiet man, who oftentimes
discoursed of excellent matters, at length he said, Behold, my brother, if
any one should now come who were willing to instruct these blockish people
in the right way, would he be heard? No, verily, replied I. The world,
said he, is now resolved (whatever comes on it) to be cheated, and cannot
abide to give ear to those who intend its good. Seest thou also that same
coxcomb, with what whimsical figures and foolish conceits he allures
others to him. There, one makes mouths at the people with unheard of
mysterious words. Yet believe me in this, the time is now coming when
those shameful Vizards shall be plucked off, and all the world shall know
what vagabond impostors were concealed behind them. Then perhaps that will
be valued which at present is not esteemed. Then there began in the hall
such excellent and stately music as all the days of my life I never heard
the like of. After half an hour this music ceased. Presently after began a
great noise of kettle drums, trumpets, etc. The door opened of itself and
many thousand small tapers came into the hall, all which of themselves
marched in so very exact order as altogether amazed us, till at last the
two fore-mentioned pages with bright torches, lighting in a most beautiful
virgin, all drawn on a gloriously gilded triumphant self-moving throne,
entered the hall. It seemed to me she was the very same who before on the
way kindled and put out the lights, and that these her attendants were the
very same whom she formerly placed at the trees. She was not now as before
in sky colour, but arrayed in a snow white glittering robe which sparkled
of pure gold and cast such a lustre that we durst not steadily behold it.
Such guests as chose to stay throughout the night, having announced their
intention of so doing, were bound in their chambers with cords, in such a
way that they could by no means free themselves. At length in my sorrowful
thoughts I fell asleep.
The Third Day.
On the morrow all being assembled, the Trumpets, etc., began again to
sound and we imagined that the Bridegroom was ready to present himself,
which nevertheless was a huge mistake. For it was again the yesterday's
Virgin who had arrayed herself all in red velvet and girded herself with a
white scarf. Her train was now no more of small tapers, but consisted of
two hundred men in harness who were all clothed in red and white. As soon
as they were alighted from the throne, she comes straight to us prisoners,
and after she had saluted us, she said in a few words: That some of you
have been sensible of your wretched condition is hugely pleasing to my
most mighty lord, and he is also resolved you shall fare the better for
it. And having espied me in my habit, she laughed and spake, good lack!
Hast thou also submitted thyself to the yoke? I imagined thou would'st
have made thyself very snug, which words caused my eyes to run over. After
which she commanded we should be unbound, and coupled together and placed
in a station where we might behold the scales, for, said she, it may yet
fare better with them than with the presumptuous who yet stand here at
liberty. Meanwhile the scales which were entirely of gold were hung up in
the midst of the hall. There was also a little table covered with red
velvet, and seven weights placed thereon. First of all stood a pretty
great one, next four little ones, lastly, two great ones severally; and
these weights in proportion to their bulk were so heavy that no man can
believe or comprehend it. The Virgin having sprung up into her high
throne, one of the pages commanded each one to place himself according to
his order, and one after the other, step into the scales. One of the
emperors made no scruple of it, but first of all bowed himself a little
towards the Virgin, and afterwards in all his stately attire went up,
whereupon each captain laid in his weight, which (to the wonder of all) he
stood out. But the last was too heavy for him, so that forth he must, and
that with such anguish that the Virgin herself had pity on him, yet was
the good emperor bound and delivered over to the sixth band. Next came
forth another emperor, who stepped haughtily into the scale and having a
great thick book under his gown, he imagined not to fail; but being scarce
able to abide the third weight, and being unmercifully slung down, and
his book in that affrightment slipping from him, all the soldiers began to
laugh, and he was delivered up bound to the third band. Thus it went with
some others of the emperors. After these came forth a little short man
with a curled beard, an emperor too, who after the usual reverence got up
also, and held out so steadfastly, that methought had there been more
weights ready, he would have outstood them; to whom the Virgin immediately
arose, and bowed before him, causing him to put on a gown of red velvet,
and at last reached him a branch of laurel, having good store of them upon
her throne, upon the steps whereof she willed him to sit down. After him,
how it fared with the rest of the emperors, kings and lords would be too
long to recount, but I cannot leave unmentioned that few of those great
personages held out. After the inquisition had also passed over the
gentry, the learned, and unlearned, and the rest, and in each condition
perhaps one, it may be, two, but for the most part none, was found
perfect, it came at length to those honest gentlemen the vagabond
cheaters, and rascally Lapidem Spitalanficum, who were set upon the scale
with such scorn that I myself for all my grief was ready to burst with
laughing, neither could the very prisoners themselves refrain, for the
most part could not abide that severe trial, but with whips and scourges
were jerked out of the scale, and led to the other prisoners. Thus of so
great a throng so few remained, that I am ashamed to discover their
number.
The Inquisition being completely finished, and none but we poor coupled
hounds standing aside, at length one of the captains stepped forth and
said, Gracious Madam, if it please your ladyship, let these poor men who
acknowledged their misunderstanding be set upon the scale, also without
their incurring any danger of penalty, and only for recreation's sake, if
perchance anything that is right may be found amongst them. We being
untied were one after another set up. My companion was the fifth who held
out bravely, whereupon all, but especially the captain, applauded him, and
the Virgin shewed him the usual respect. I was the eighth. Now as soon as
(with trembling) I stepped up, my companion who already sat by in his
velvet, looked friendly upon me, and the Virgin herself smiled a little.
But for as much as I outstayed all the weights, the Virgin commanded them
to draw me up by force, wherefore three men moreover hung on the other
side of the beam, and yet could nothing prevail. Whereupon one of the
pages immediately stood up and cried out exceeding loud, THAT'S HE, upon
which the other replied, then let him gain his liberty, which the Virgin
acceded, and being received with due ceremonies, the choice was given me
to release one of the captives, whosoever I pleased. Afterwards a Council
of the seven captains and us was set, and the business was propounded by
the Virgin as president, who desired each one to give his opinion, how the
prisoners were to be dealt with.
* * * * *
The story is a long one, and we must present the rest only in outline. It
goes on to say that the kinds of punishment to be dealt out to the
prisoners were then discussed and arranged, after which another banquet
took place, when these captives were required to make confession of being
cheats and vagabonds, which after some expostulation they agreed to,
appealing at the same time for mercy which was refused, though variations
in the degrees of punishment were promised.
When the sentences had all been executed, there came forward "a beautiful
snow white Unicorn with a golden collar about his neck. In the same place
he bowed himself down upon both his fore feet, as if hereby he had shewn
honour to the Lyon, who stood so immoveably upon the fountain, that I took
him to be of stone or brass, who immediately took the naked sword, which
he bare in his Paw and break it in the middle in two, the pieces whereof
to my thinking sunk into the fountain, after which he so long roared,
until a white dove brought a branch of olive in her bill, which the Lyon
devoured in an instant, and so was quieted. And so the Unicorn returned to
his place with joy, while our Virgin led us down by the winding stairs."
The narrative grows complicated as it proceeds, and none the less strange
in its character; its details are inexplicable and tedious, and it will be
impossible to lay them before our readers. The writer proceeds to describe
his rambles about the castle, the wonders which there met his gaze, his
respectful treatment at the banquet, and a problem proposed by the Virgin
which was duly debated by each in turn.
Fourth Day.
Presented to the King by the Virgin who explained that the lords had
ventured hither with peril of body and life--assured by Atlas of the
King's welcome--promised by the Virgin that she would remove the burden of
his old age--performance of a comedy.
Fifth Day.
Further explorations of the castle--discovery of the burial place of Lady
Venus, "that beauty which hath undone many a great man both in fortune,
honour, blessing, and prosperity." Journey with the Virgin to the Tower of
Olympus.
Sixth Day.
Distribution by lot of Ladders, Ropes and Wings--the mysterious
bird--restoring the dead to life.
Seventh Day.
"After eight o'clock I awaked and quickly made myself ready, being
desirous to return again into the tower, but the dark passages in the wall
were so many and various that I wandered a good while before I could find
the way out. The same happened to the rest, too, till at last we all met
again in the neathermost vault, and habits entirely yellow were given us,
together with our golden fleeces. At that time the Virgin declared to us
that we were Knights of the Golden Stone, of which we were before
ignorant. After we had now thus made ourselves ready and taken our
breakfasts, the old man presented each of us with a medal of gold; on the
one side stood these words: AR. NAT. MI. On the other these, TEM. NA. F.
Exhorting us, moreover, we should enterprise nothing beyond and against
this token of remembrance. Herewith we went to the sea, where our ships
lay so richly equipped, that it was not well possible but that such brave
things must first have been brought thither. The ships were twelve in
number; our flags were the twelve celestial signs, and we sate in Libra.
Besides other things, our ship had also a noble and curious clock, which
shewed us all the minutes. The ships passed on and before we had sailed
two hours the mariner told us that he already saw the whole lake almost
covered with ships, by which we could conjecture they were come but to
meet us, which also proved true. As soon as they were well in ken of us,
the pieces were discharged on both sides, and there was such a din of
trumpets, shalms, and kettledrums that all the ships upon the sea capered
again. Finally as soon as we came near they brought our ships together and
so made a stand. Immediately the old Atlas stepped forth on the King's
behalf, making a short but handsome oration, wherein he welcomed us and
demanded whether the royal presents were in readiness. The rest of my
companions were in an huge amazement, whence this king should arise, for
they imagined no other but that they must again awaken him. We suffered
them to continue in their wonderment, and carried ourselves as if it
seemed strange to us too. After Atlas's oration, out steps our old man
making somewhat a larger reply, wherein he wished the King and Queen all
happiness and increase, after which he delivered up a curious small
casket, but what was in it I know not; only it was committed to Cupid, who
hovered between them both, to keep. After the oration was finished, they
again let off a joyful volley of shot, and so we sailed on a good time
together, till at length we arrived at another shore. This was near the
first gate at which I first entered. At this place again there attended a
great multitude of the King's family together with some hundreds of
horses. Our old lord and I most unworthy were to ride even with the King,
each of us bearing a snow white ensign, with a red cross. I had fastened
my tokens round my hat of which the young King soon took notice, and
demanded if I were he, who could at the gate redeem those tokens? I
answered in the most humble manner, Yes. But he laughed on me, saying,
there henceforth needed no ceremony; I was his father. Then he asked
wherewith I had redeemed them. I replied, with water and salt, whereupon
he wondered who had made me so wise, upon which I grew somewhat more
confident, and recounted unto him, how it had happened to me with my
bread, the dove, and the raven, and he was pleased with it, and said
expressly that it must needs be that God had herein vouchsafed me a
singular happiness.... Meantime the tables were prepared in a spacious
room, in which we had never been before; into this we were conducted with
singular pomp and ceremony. This was the last noblest meal at which I was
present. After the banquet the tables were suddenly taken away, and
certain curious chairs placed round about in circle, in which we together
with the King and Queen, both their old men, the ladies and virgins were
to sit. After which a very handsome page opened the above mentioned
glorious little book, when Atlas immediately placing himself in the midst,
began to bespeak us to the ensuing purpose. That his royal majesty had not
yet committed to oblivion the service we had done, and how carefully we
had attended our duty, and therefore by way of retribution had elected all
and each of us Knights of the Golden Stone. That it was therefore further
necessary not only once again to oblige ourselves towards his royal
majesty, but to now swear too upon the following articles, and then his
royal majesty would likewise know how to behave himself towards his liege
people. Upon which he caused the page to read over the articles, which
were these:--
1.--You my lords the knights, shall swear, that you shall at no time
ascribe your order either unto any devil, or spirit, but only to God your
Creator, and his handmaid Nature.
2.--That you will abominate all whoredom, incontinency and uncleanness,
and not defile your order with such vices.
3.--That you through your talents will be ready to assist all that are
worthy, and have need of them.
4.--That you desire not to employ this honour to worldly pride and high
authority.
5.--That you shall not be willing to live longer than God will have you.
Now being to vow to them all by the King's sceptre, we were afterwards
with the usual ceremonies installed knights, and amongst other privileges
set our ignorance, poverty and sickness; to handle them at our pleasure.
And this was afterwards ratified in a little chapel, and thanks returned
to God for it. And because every one was there to write his name, I writ
thus,
Summa Scientia nihil Scire,
Fr. Christianus Rosencreutz,
Eques aurei Lapidis,
Anno 1549."