THE QVEENES MASQVES . The first , of Blacknesse : personated at the Court , at White-Hall , on the Twelu'th night . 1605 .

THE honor , and splendor of these Spectacles was such in the performance , as could those houres haue lasted , this of mine , now , had beene a most vnprofitable worke : But ( when it is the fate , euen of the greatest , and most absolute births , to need , and borrow a life of posterity ) little had beene done to the study of magnificence in these , if presently with the rage of the people , who ( as a part of greatnesse ) are priuiledged by Custome , to deface their carkasses , the spirits had also perished . In dutie , therefore , to that Maiestie , who gaue them their authoritie , and grace ; and , no lesse then the most royall of predecessors , deserues eminent celebration for these solemnities : I adde this later hand , to redeeme them as well from ignorance , as enuie , two common euils , the one of Censure , the other of Obliuion .

a PLINIE , b SOLINVS , c PTOLOMAEE , and of late LEO d the African , remember vnto vs a riuer in Aethiopia , famous by the name of Niger ; of which the people were called Nigritae , now Negro's : & are the blackest nation of the world . This e riuer taketh spring out of a certain Lake , east-ward ; & after a long race , falleth into the westerne Ocean . Hence ( because it was her Maiesties will , to haue them Black-mores at first ) the inuention was deriued by me , & presented thus .

First , for the Scene , was drawne a Landtschape , consisting of small woods , and here and there a voide place filld with huntings ; which falling , an artificiall Sea was seene to shoote forth , as if it flowed to the land , raised with waues , which seemed to mooue , and in some places the billow to breake , as imitating that orderly disorder , which is common in nature . In front of this Sea were placed sixe f Tritons , in mouing , & sprightly actions , their vpper parts humane , saue that their haires were blew , as pertaking of the Sea-colour : their desinent parts , fishe , mounted aboue their heads , and all varied in disposition . From their backs were borne out certaine light pieces of Taffata , as if carried by the winde , and their Musique made out of wreathed shels . Behinde these , a paire of Sea-Maides , for song , were as conspicuously seated ; betweene which , two great Sea-horses ( as bigge as the life ) put forth themselues ; the one mounting aloft , & writhing his head from the other , which seemed to sinck forwards ; so intended for variation , & that the Figure behind , might come of better : g vpon their backs , OCEANVS & NIGER were aduanced .

OCEANVS , presented in a humane forme , the colour of his flesh , blew ; and shadowed with a robe of Sea-greene ; his head grey , & h horned ; as he is described by the Antients : his beard of the like mixt colour ▪ he was gyrlonded with Alga , or Sea-grasse ; and in his hand a Trident .

NIGER , in forme and colour of an Aethiope ; his haire , and rare beard curled , shadowed with a blew , and bright mantle : his front , neck , and wrists adorned with Pearle , and crowned , with an artificiall wreath of Cane , and Paper-rush .

These induced the Masquers , which were twelue Nymphs , Negro's ; and the daughters of NIGER ; attended by so many of the i OCEANIAE which were their Light-bearers .

The Masquers were placed in a great concaue shell , like mother of Pearle , curiously made to moue on those waters , and rise with the billow ; the top therof was stuck with a cheu'rō of lights , which , indented to the proportion of the shell , strooke a glorious beame vpon them , as they were seated , one aboue another : so that they were all seene , but in an extrauagant order .

On sides of the shell , did swim sixe huge Sea-monsters , varied in their shapes , and dispositions , bearing on their backs the twelue Torch bearers ; who were planted there in seuerall graces ; so as the backs of some were seene ; some in purfle , or side ; others in face ; & all hauing their lights burning out of Whelks , or Murex shels .

The attire of the Masquers was alike , in all , without difference : the colours , Azure , and Siluer ; but returned on the top with a scrole and antique dressing of Feathers , and Iewels interlaced with ropes of Pearle . And , for the front , eare , neck , and wrists , the ornament was of the most choise and orient Pearle ; best setting of from the black .

For the Light bearers , Sea-greene , moued about the skirts with gold and siluer their hayre loose , and flowing , gyrlanded with Sea-grasse , and that stuck with branches of Corall .

These thus presented , the Scene behind , seemed a vast Sea ( and vnited with this that flowed forth ) from the terminaton , or horizon of which ( being the leuell of the State , which was placed in the vpper end of the Hall ) was drawne , by the lines of Prospectiue , the whole worke shooting downewards , from the eye ; which decorum made it more conspicuous , and caught the eye a far of with a wandring beauty . To which was added an obscure and cloudy night-piece , that made the whole set of . So much for the bodily part . Which was of Maister YNIGO IONES his designe , and act .

By this , one of the Tritons , with the two Sea-Maides , began to sing to the others lowd Musique , their voyces being a tenor , and two trebles .

SONG . SOund , sound aloud The welcome of the orient Floud , Into the West ; Fayre , NIGER , k sonne to great OCEANVS , Now honord , thus , With all his beauteous race : 〈◊〉 though but black in face , Yet , are they bright , And full of life , and light . To proue that Beauty best , Which not the colour , but the feature Assures vnto the creature . OCEANVS . BE silent , now the Ceremonies done . And NIGER , say , how comes it , louely Sonne , That thou , the AETHIOPES Riuer , so farre East , Art seene to fall into th' extreamest West Of me , the King of flouds , OCEANVS , And , in mine Empires heart , salute me , thus ? My ceaselesse current , now amazed stands ! To see thy labor , through so many lands , l Mixe thy fresh billow , with my brackishe streame ; And , in thy sweetnesse , stretch thy diademe , To these farre distant , and vn-equall'd skies This squared Circle of coelestiall bodies : NIGER . Diuine OCEANVS , to earth , will still liue free ; And Hell it selfe must yeeld to industry . OCEANVS . BVt , what the end of thy Herculean labors , Extended to these calme , and blessed shores ? NIGER . TO do a kind , and carefull Fathers part , In satisfiyng euery pensiue heart Of these my Daughters , my most loued birth : Who though they were the k first form'd Dames of earth , And in whose sparckling , and refulgent eyes , The glorious Sunne did still delight to rise ; Though he ( the best Iudge , and most formall Cause Of all Dames beauties ) in their firme hewes , drawes Signes of his feruent'st Loue ; and thereby shewes That , in their black , the perfectst beauty growes ; Since the fix't colour of their ; seg xml; sp xml; stage xml; unit="sentence">.,.; seg xml; sic; sp xml; target="a04654; type="unclear; unit="sentence">.,.,; sp xml; stage xml; type="unclear; unit="sentence">.the; sp xml; stage xml; type="contract2; unit="sentence">.; sp xml; unit="sentence">.Kings Majestie being seated under the State , the curtaine in an instant disappear'd discovering a Scene all of darknesse , the neerer part woody , and farther off more open with a calme River , that tooke the shadowes of the Trees by the light of the Moone , that appear'd shining in the River ; there being no more light to lighten the whole Scene than served to distinguish the severall grounds , that seemed to run farre in from the eye , with this Scene of darknesse was heard the voyces of Birds of Night .

This strange Scene having a while entertained the sight of the spectators , there arose out of the hollow caverns of the earth a duskie cloud , and on it a Chariot enricht and drawne by two great owles , on this sate a matron in a purple robe , with starres of gold and large black wings displaied , her browne haire loose , and on her head a vaile of russet cipresse , with a picked crowne and a golden Scepter in her hand ; Representing night : she tels she came to give repose to the labours of mortals : but seing all things here tending to feasts and revels , shee with her attendants will give her assistance , though it serve but as a foile to set off more nobler representations .

Nights first song . ( 1 ) In wet and cloudy mists , I sloowly rise , As with mine owne dull weight opprest . To close with sleep the jealous lovers eyes , And give forsaken Virgins rest . ( 2 ) Th' adventrous Merchant and the Mariner , ( Whom stormes all day vex in the deep ) Beginne to trust the windes when I appeare , And lose their dangers in their sleep . ( 3 ) The studious that consume their brains and sight , In search where doubtfull knowledge lies , Grow wearie of their fruitlesse use of light , And wish my shades to ease their eyes . ( 4 ) Th' ambitious toyling Statesman that prepares Great mischiefes ere the day begins , Not measures day by houres , but by his cares ; And night must intermit his sinnes . ( 5 ) Then why , when my slow Chariot us'd to clime , Did old mistaking Sages weepe ? As if my Empire did usurpe their time , And houres were lost when spent in sleep . ( 6 ) I come to ease their labours and prevent That wearinesse which would destroy : The profit of their toyles are still miss-spent Till rest enables to enjoy .

There came out from the sides of the Scene six persons , Oblivion , Silence , and the foure nocturnall houres or vigils , all attendants on the night .

Oblivion a young man naked , and a greene mantle tucked about his shoulders , and upon his head a cuckoe .

Silence an old man in a skin coat close to his body set full of eyes , his mantle tawny , and a girland of Peach-tree about his head .

The first vigill in a robe of blue , with a red mantle , her haire hanging downe in locks , and a bat setting before .

The second habited as the former , but the colours somwhat darker , on her head a scritch-owle .

The third in purple , and black , on her head a dormouse .

The fourth in watchet and carnation , her haire mixt with silver like dew , and a little Swan on her head , all these colours were appropriated to the severall nocturnall houres .

The Chariot of Night being arrived to the middle of the aire , staid , and after some dialogue with her attendants , shee ascends singing , and is hidden in the clouds .

Nights second song . Silence . Why dreadfull Queen dost thou appeare , So early in this Hemisphere ? 1 Vigill . Where all to triumphs are addrest , As they did need as little rest As wandring Planets have above ; Who ne're are tir'd , yet ever move . Oblivion . As little wearie as are they ; As free from suffrings and decay , Or feare of fleeting times expence ; Not tir'd , with weight , or vex'd with sense . 1 Vigill . Why would Oblivion mix with these that strive , To raise new joyes , and keep the old alive ? Vigill . What is the use of silence here ? Thou see'st ( great Empresse ) ev'ry eie , Doth watch for measures , ev'ry eare Doth hearken after harmony . Chorus of all . Why are we come to give their labours ease ? That reckon sleepe a death , rest a disease : And all this Isle their triumphs now expresse , Not to beget , but shew their happinesse : A precious signe , they know their owne estate , And that makes Nations chiefly fortunate : For it alike should often valued be , To know , as to deserve felicitie . The third song . ( 1 ) You just , and carefull Registers of houres , And you whose sev'rall ever usefull powers , Dispose and make me pleasing whilst I sway , Produce fantasticke creatures of the night , Though not t' advance , yet vary their delight ; Perhaps these triumphs may defer the day . ( 2 ) All that our striving mistery presents Will be but foiles to nobler ornaments , Yet I so trust the causes of their joy , And am so envious of those glistring showes The Sunne in pride , not favour doth disclose , That I would lengthen what I can't destroy .

Antimasques produced by the Attendants of Night . 1 Entry .

2 Theeves .

2 Watchmen .

1 Belman .

The two Theeves enter to share a booty , the watchmen and Belman first affright them , as they are dividing their booty , but in the end they were contented to share with the Theeves , and so they all joined in a dance .

2 Entry .

1 Wafer-man , and 4 Lacquyes with torches .

3 Entry .

Five Fayries , of which Master Ieffery Hudson , the Queenes Majesties dwarfe , presented Piecrocall a principall Captaine under King Auberon .

4 Entry .

Coyners .

Most of these Antimasques were presented by Gentlemen of Qualitie .

These Antimasques being past , the scene of night vanished ; and a new and strange Prospect of Chimeras appea'rd , with some trees of an unusuall forme , Mountaines of gold , Towers falling , Windmils , and other extravagant edifices , and in the further part a great City sustain'd by a Rain-bow , all which represented the City of Sleepe .

One of the Vigils in song called forth Sleepe , who appeared comming out of a darke cave , with three of his principall sonnes .

Morpheus the presenter of humane shapes .

Iceles , of fearfull visions .

pos=n-ab xml:id=A06453-008-b-0480 rendition=#sup-2_hi>Mr. Bartholomew de Mountacut his Page .

These Antimasques being past , the Heaven began to bee enlightned as before the Sunne rising , and the Sceane was changed into a delicious prospect ; wherein were rowes of Trees , Fountains , Statues , Arbors , Grota's , walkes , and all such things of delight , as might expresse the beautifull garden of the Britanides .

The morning Starre appeares in the Aire , sitting on a bright Cloud , in forme of a beautifull youth naked , with a mantle of watchet Cipresse , on his head a Star . On the other side of the Heaven came forth Aurora in a Chariot touch'd with gold , borne up by a rosie coloured cloud , her garment white trim'd with gold , loosely tuck'd about her , and cut downe on the sides ; her armes bare with bracelets of gold , with a vaile of Carnation flying , as blowne up by the winde , her wings white spotted with gold , her faire haire disheveled , and on her head a Girland of Roses .

Hesperus askes Aurora , why the Sunne is so long in comming , and whether being weary of his last journey , he is gone to take his rest . Aurora answers , that her brother the Sunne hath for this time given up his charge of lightning this Hemisphere to a terrestriall Beautie , in whom intellectuall and corporeall brightnesse are joyn'd , and therefore bids him descend and summon the Arch-Flamines and Flamines to celebrate with divine hymnes : this Goddesse of brightnesse with those faire Nymphs dependants on her splendor .

The fifth Song . Hesperus , Aurora . Hesperus The bright perpetuall Traveller Doth now too long the day defer , Can he grow old , Or , in his fierie chariot cold , Or weary cause he still one course doth runne ? Aurora Bold Hesperus thou dost mistake the Sunne : Though journeyes never can be past , But must for ever last , Though is not limited how far , Because it still is circular , Yet sure he cannot tire , Nor mortally wax old , Nor universall beames grow cold , Since fed with immateriall fire . Hesperus What is the cause he then so long doth stay ? Aurora He hath resign'd the pow'r of making day Throughout this Hemispheare , To a terrestr'all beautie here . Hesperus Now I perceive why Poets call him wise He knowes the way how to preserve his eyes , This earthly Star ( long since the boast of Fame ) Is both become his envy and his shame . Aurora is true , should he appeare , he were undone , And eclipsed though in his pride of noone . Hesperus Yet in her lookes he least of danger finde , She darkens those with beauties of her minde . Aurora If thou wilt ever shine above , And in thy Spheare still safely move , Descend , and summon strait Apollo's Priests that wait I' th garden o' th Britanides . Hesperus Enough , I estate . Both Her Nymphs ( whose beauties can't expire , ) 'Cause dayly kindled by her fire , Must needs be ravish'd with those layes , Since as their owne they love her praise .

The Song ended , the morning Starre descends singing , and Aurora passeth through the Aire : As he descended the Chorus of Arch-Flamines and Flamines of the Britainides come forth , they were habited in rich habits of severall colours , as they are described by the Ancients . Hesperus leads them downe into the roome neere to the State .

The sixth Song . To the King , by Hesperus and Chorus of Apolloes Flamines . Wisely did Arts great Lord That rul'd Mythologie , No vest for Truth afford , But to each eye Ordain'd her body naked still , to show Some kind of truths men bashfully should know ; Thy praises being truths are silenc'd so . ( 2 ) Yet mightie spirits raise Their actions up to Fame , When lifted high with praise : Then who will blame Great vertue for ambition when it strives To feed on praise ( the food by which it thrives ? ) Who earn'st , yet hat'st , himself of truth deprives . Saraband as they move back . keywords: 007; body xml; id="a06453; item xml; lemma="by; lemma="in; lemma="to; lg xml; list xml; pc xml; pos="acp; pos="av; pos="cc; pos="crq; pos="d; pos="n1; pos="pns; pos="po; pos="vvn; seg >; stage xml; unit="sentence">.,; sp xml; stage xml; unit="sentence">.Gent. on her person , who a while lived with her in all sensuall delights vntill vpon some iealosie conceived , shee gaue him to drinke of an inchanted Cup , and touching him with her golden wand transformd him into a Lyon . After some time shee remembring her former loue , retransformed him into his former shape . Which he reasuming tooke the first occasion by flight to quitt the place and comming into the presence of his Maiestie , whose sight frees him from all feare he relates the story of his fortune .

When Circe had notice of her Lovers escape it , put her into a furious anger and then into a lamentation or loue passion . But being consolated by her Nymphes ; shee commands that all such delights be prepared as may sweeten her sorow : and presently all the voluntary beasts vnder her subiection are introduced to make her sport . After which the way being first prepared by Harmony , and the Influences ; divine Beautie accompanied with foureteene stars of a happy constellation , descends to the Musicke of the Spheares and ioyneth with heroicke vertue , where in presence of loue & Cupid , Circe knowing the designe of the destinies on this glorious Enterview , voluntarily delivers her golden rod to MINERVA . So all the inchantments being dissolued . TEMPE which for a time had beene possest by the voluntary beasts of CIRCES Court ; is restored to the true followers of the MVSES .