The Chymical Wedding · Day 2

1I was hardly got out of my Cell into a Forrest, when me thought that the whole Heaven and all the Elements had already trimmed themselves against this Wedding. For even the Birds in my opinion chanted more pleasantly then before, and the young Fawns skipped so merrily, that they rejoyced my old Heart, and moved me to sing: wherefore with a loud Voice I thus began: "With mirth thou pretty Bird rejoice, Thy Maker's praise in-hanced. Lift up thy shrill and pleasant Voice, Thy God is high advanced. Thy food before he did provide, And gives it in a fitting side, Therewith be thou sufficed. Why should'st thou now unpleasant be, Thy wrath against God venting! That he a little Bird made thee, Thy silly head tormenting? Because he made thee not a Man, O peace, he hath well thought thereon. Therewith be thou sufficed. What is't I'd have poor earthly worm, By God (as if He twere) inditing, That I should thus against Heaven storm To force great arts by fighting? God will out-braved be by none, Who's good for naught, may hence be gone, O man be herewith sufficed. That he no Caesar hath thee fram'd, To pine therefore is needless His Name perhaps thou hadst defamed Whereof he was not heedless. Most clear and bright Gods eyes do shine, He pierces to thy heart within, And cannot be deceived."

2This sang I now from the bottom of my Heart throughout the whole Forrest, so that it resounded from all parts, and the Hills repeated my last words, until at length I espyed a curious green Heath, whither I betook my self out of the Forrest. Upon this Heath stood three lovely tall Cedars, which by reason of their breadth afforded an excellent and desired shade, whereat I greatly rejoyced; for although I had not hitherto gone far, yet my earnest longing made me very faint, whereupon I hasted to the Trees to rest a little under them, but as soon as I came somewhat nigher, I espyed a Tablet fastned to one of them, on which (as afterwards I read) in curious Letters the following words were written: "Hospes salve: si quid tibi forsitan de nuptiis Regis auditum, Verba haec perpende. Quatuor viarum optionem per nos tibi Sponsus offert, per quas omnes, modo non in devias delabaris, ad Regiam ejus aulam pervenire possis. Prima brevis est, sed periculosa, et quae te in varios scopulous deducet ex quibus vix te expedire licebit. Altera longior, quae circumducet te, non abducet, plana est et facilis, si te Magnetis auxilio neque ad dextrum, neque finistrum abduci patiaris. Tertia vere Regia est, quae per varias Regis nostri delicias et spectacula viam tibi reddet jucundam. Sed quod vix millesimo hactenus obtigit. Per quartam nemini hominum licebit ad Regiam pervenire, utpote quae consumens et non nisi corporibus incorruptibilibus conveniens est. Elige nunc ex tribus quam velis, et in ea constans permane. Scito autem quamcumque ingressus fueris, ab immutabili fato tibi ita destinatum, nec nisi cum maximo vitae periculo regredi fas esse. Haec sunt quae te scivisse voluimus; sed heus cave ignores, quanto cum periculo te huic viae commiseris, nam si te vel minimi delicit contra Regis nostri leges nosti obnoxium, quaeso dum adhuc licet per eandem viam qua accessisti domum te confer quam citissime."

3As 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 hence forward it was vouchsafed me, to make choice of one of them; yet it troubled me that in case I went the stony and rocky way, I might get a miserable and deadly fall, or taking the long one, I might wander out of it through by-ways, or be otherway's detained in the great Journey. Neither durst I hope, that I amongst thousands 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 (by much) draw near it, and therefore again and again considered, whether I should return back, or take any of the ways before me. I well weighted my own unworthiness, but the Dream still comforted me, that I was delivered out of the Tower, and yet I durst not confidently rely upon a Dream; whereupon I was so variously perplexed, that for very great weariness, hunger and thirst seized me, whereupon I presently drew out my Bread, cut a slice of it, which a snow-white Dove of whom I was not aware, sitting upon the Tree, espyed and therewith (perhaps according to her wonted manner) came down, and betook her self 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 most black Raven perceived it, he streight 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 her self but by flight; whereupon they both together flew toward the South, at which I was so hugely incensed and grieved, that without thinking what I did, I made hast after the filthy Raven, and so against my will ran into one of the forementioned ways a whole Fields 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 entred into a way, from which under peril of great punishment I durst not retire. And though I had still herewith in some measure to comfort my self, 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: For as soon as I turned my self about, a contrary wind was so strong against me, that it was ready to fell me. But if I went forward on my way, I perceived no hinderance at all: From whence I could easily conclude, that it would cost me my life, in case I should set my self against the Wind, wherefore I patiently took up my cross, got up on my feet, and resolved, since so it must be, I would use my utmost endeavour to get to my Journeys end before night. Now although many apparent byways shewed themselves, yet I still proceeded with my Compass, and would not budge one step from the Meridian Line; howbeit the way was oftentimes so rugged and unpassable, that I was in no little doubt of it. On this way I constantly thought upon the Dove and Raven, and yet could not search out the meaning, until at length upon a high Hill afar off I espyed a stately Portal, to which not regarding how far it was distant both from me and the way I was in, I hasted, because the Sun had already hid himself under the Hills, and I (by far) 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 withheld my Eyes that so I might have gazed beside this Gate. To which (as was said) I now made mighty haste, and reached it by so much Daylight, as to take a very competent view of it.

4Now it was an exceeding Royal beautiful Portal, whereon were carved a multitude of most noble Figures and Devices, every one of which (as I afterwards learned) had its peculiar Signification; Above was fixed a pretty large Tablet, with these Words, Procul hinc, procul ite profani Profaners , and other things more, that I was earnestly forbidden to relate. Now as soon as I was come under the Portal, there streight stepped forth one in a Sky-coloured habit, whom I in friendly manner saluted, which though he thankfully returned, yet he instantly demanded of me my Letter of Invitation. O how glad was I that I had then brought it with me! For how easily might I have forgotten it (as it also chanced to others) as he himself told me! I quickly presented it, wherewith he was not only Satisfied, but (at which I much wondred) shewed me abundance of respect, saying, Come in my Brother, an acceptable Guest you are to me; and withal intreated me not to with-hold my Name from him. Now having replyed, that I was a Brother of the Red-Rosie Cross, he both wondred, and seemed to rejoyce 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 any thing 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 meer 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 Gates was immediately fired, that so if any were still upon the way, he might make haste thither. But the way where it finished at the Castle, was on both sides inclosed with Walls, and planted with all sorts of excellent Fruit-Trees, and still on every third Tree on each side Lanthorns were hung up, wherein all the Candles were already lighted with a glorious Torch by a beautiful Virgin, habited in Skye-colour, which was so noble and Majestick a Spectacle, that I yet delayed somewhat longer than was requisite. But at length after sufficient Information, and an advantageous Instruction, I friendly departed from the first Porter.

5On 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 & mystick significations. In the affixed Tablet stood Date et dabitur vobis . Under this Gate lay a terrible grim Lion chain'd, who as soon as he espi'd me arose & 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 spake thus to me; Now well-come in Gods Name unto me the man whom of long time I would gladly have seen. Mean while he also drew out a token, and asked me whether I could purchase it? But I having nothing else left 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 paines and labour I had hitherto taken would serve to no purpose, for the Lights above began already to be extinguished; whereupon I dispatched with such 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 more-over constrained to enter the very next to her, and the Gate was so suddenly clap't to, that a part of my coate 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. Mean time I again surveyed the Gate, which now appeared so rich, as the whole World could not equal it; just by the Door were two Columns, on one of them stood a pleasant Figure with this Inscription, Congratulor . The other having its Countenance vailed was sad, and beneath was written, Condoleo . In brief, the Inscriptions and Figures thereon, were so dark and mysterious, that the most dextrous man upon Earth could not have expounded them. But all these (if God permit) I shall e'er long publish and explain.

6Under 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 these Letters S. P. N. Besides this, a new pair of Shoes were given me, for the Floor of the Castle was laid with pure shing Marble; my old Shoes I was to give away to one of the Poor (whom I would) who sate in throngs, howbeit in very good order, under the Gate. I then bestowed them on an old man; after which two Pages with as many Torches, 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, made in the Pavement, departed and left me thus sitting 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 (whom I could not yet see) 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 Ice-grey Locks to hang. In his first incounter (I must confess) I was ready to dispair, for inasmuch as some of them shoved me so forceably, 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 entred again, and heartily laughed at me for being so terrified. But they had scarce spoken a few Words with me, when again a little Bell began to ring; which (as the Pages informed me) was to give notice for assembling; whereupon they willed me to 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 marviled, and thought to my self, ah, how gross a fool hast thou been to ingage upon this Journey with so much bitterness and toil, when (behold) here are even those fellows whom thou well know'st, and yet hadst 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. Mean time 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 yet 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 some other sorry Fellows there was hardly a little Nook left at the lower-most Table. Presently the two Pages entred, and one of them said Grace in so handsom and excellent a manner, as rejoyced the very Heart in my Body. Howbeit, certain great Sr John's made but little reckoning of them, but fleired and winked one at another, biting their Lips within their Hats, and using more the like unseemly Gestures. After this Meat was brought in, and albeit none could be seen, yet every thing was so orderly managed, that it seemed to me as if every Guest had had his proper Attendant. Now my Artists having somewhat recruted 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 when ever 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 atchieved: 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 pretenses, 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 the perpetual motion. Many an one (in my opinion) had good understanding, but assumed too to much to himself, to his own destruction. Lastly, there was one also who would needs out of hand perswade 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 handsom a cuff upon his lying Muzzle, that not only he, but many more 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 mis-understanding 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 quiet, one of these Rascals scornfully reproaching me for a motly 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 (as is before mentioned) 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 perswade us of palpably lying Dreams. Now there sate 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, replyed 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 Cocks-Comb, with what whimsical Figures and foolish conceits he allures others to him. There one makes Mouthes at the people with the unheard-of Mysterious Words. Yet believe me in this, the time is now coming when those shameful Lizards shall be plucked off, and all the World shall know what Vagabond Imposters were concealed behind them. Then perhaps that will be valued which at present is not esteemed. Whilst he was thus speaking, and the clamour the longer it lasted, the worse it was, all on a suddain there began in the Hall such excellent and stately Musick, as all the days of my Life I never heard the like; whereupon every one held his peace, and attended what would become of it: Now there were in this Musick all sorts of stringed Instruments imaginable, which sounded together in such harmony, that I forgot my self, and sate so unmovable, that those who sate by me were amazed at me, and this lasted near half an hour, wherein none of us spake one word, For as soon as ever any one was about to open his Mouth, he got an unexpected blow, neither knew he from whence it came: Me thought since we were not permitted to see the Musicians, I should have been glad to view only all the Instruments they made use of. After half an hour this Musick ceased unexpectly, and we could neither see nor hear any thing further. Presently after, before the Door of the Hall began a great noise sounding and beating of Trumpets, Shalms and Kettle-Drums, also Masterlike, as if the Emperor of Rome had been entring; whereupon the Door opened of it self, and then the noise of the Trumpets was so loud, that we were hardly able to indure it. Mean while (to my thinking) many thousand small Tapers came into the Hall, all which of themselves marched in so very exact an order as altoghether amazed us, till at last the two forementioned Pages with bright Torches, lighting in a most beautiful Virgin, all drawn on a gloriously gilded Triumphant Self-moving Throne, entred 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 Skye-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. Both the Pages were after the same manner habited (albeit somewhat more slightly); as soon as they were come into the middle of the Hall, & were descended from the Throne, all the small Taers made obeisance before her: Whereupon we all stood up from our Benches, yet every one staid in his own place. Now she having to us, and we again to her, shewed all Respect and Reverence; in a most pleasant Tone she began thus to speak;

7"The King my Lord most gracious, Who now's not very far from us. As also his most lovely Bride, To him in troth and honour tied; Already, with great joy indued, Have your arrival hither viewed; And do to every one, and all Promise their Grace in special; And from their very Hearts desire, You may it at the time acquire; That so their future Nuptial joy May mixed be with none's annoy." Hereupon with all her small Tapers she again courteously bowed, and presently after began thus: In the Invitation writ, you know. That no man called was hereto Who of God's rarest gifts good store Had not received long before, Adorned with all requisites, As in such cases it befit's. How though they cannot well conceit That any man's so desperate, Under conditions so hard, Here to intrude without regard; Unless he have been first of all, Prepared for this Nuptial; And therefore in good hopes do dwell That with all you it will be well: Yet men are grown so bold, and rude, Not weighing their inepitude, As still to thrust themselves in place Whereto none of them called was: No Cocks-comb here himself may sell, No Rascal in with others steal; For they resolve without all let A Wedding pure to celebrate. So then the Artists for to weigh, Scales shall be fixt the ensuing day; Whereby each one may lightly find What he hath left at home behind. If here be any of that Rout Who have good cause themselves to doubt, Let him pack quickly hence aside; For that in case he longer bide, Of grace forlom, and quite undone Betimes he must the Gantlet run: If any now his Conscience gall, He shall tonight be left in th' Hall And be again releast by morn, Yet so he hither never return. If any man have confidence, He with his waiter may go hence, Who shall him to his Chamber light Where he may rest in peace tonight; And there with praise await the Scale Or else his Sleep may chance to faile. The others here may take it well, For who aims what's possible, It were better much he hence had past, But of you all we will hope the best." As soon as she had done speaking this, she again made reverence, and sprung cheerfully into her Throne, after which the Trumpets began again to sound, which yet was not of force to take from many their grievous Sighs. So they again conducted her invisibly away, but the most part of the small Tapers remained in the Room, and still one of them accompanied each of us. In such perturbation 'tis not well possible to express what pensive Thoughts and Gestures were amongst us. Yet the most part resolved to await the Scale, and in case things sorted not well, to depart (as they hoped) in peace. I had soon cast up my reckoning, and being my Conscience convinced me of all ignorance, and unworthiness, I purposed to stay with the rest in the Hall, and chose much rather to content my self with the Meal I had already taken, than to run the Risco of a future repulse. Now after that every one by his small Taper had serverally been conducted into a Chamber (each as I since understood into a peculiar one) There staid nine of us, and amongst the rest he also, who discoursed with me before at the Table. But although our small Tapers left us not, yet soon after within an hours time one of the fore-mentioned Pages came in, and bringing a great bundle of Cords with him, first demanded of us whether we had concluded to stay there, which when we had with Sighs affirmed, he bound each of us in a several place, and so went away with our small Tapers, and left us poor Wretches in Darkness. Then first began some to perceive the imminent danger, and I my self could not refrain Tears. For although we were not forbidden to speak, yet anguish and aflliction suffered none of us to utter one word. For the Cords were so wonderfully made, yet none could cut them, much less get them off his Feet: yet this comforted me, that still the future gain, of many an one, who had now betaken himself to rest, would prove very little to his satisfaction. But we by only one Nights Pennance might expiate all our presumption: till at length in my sorrowful thoughts I fell asleep; during which I had a Dream; Now although there be no great matter in it, yet I esteem it not impertinent to recount it: Me thought I was upon an high Mountain, and saw before me a great & large Valley, in this Valley were gathered together an unspeakable multitude of People, each of which had at his Head a Thread, by which he was hanged up towards Heaven, now one hung high, another low, some stood even quite upon the Earth. But in the Air there flew up and down an ancient Man, who had in his hand a pair of Sheers, wherewith here he cut one's, and there another's thread. Now he that was nigh the Earth was so much the readier, & fell without noise, but when it happened to one of the high ones, he fell, so that the Earth quaked. To some it came to pass that their Thread was so stretched, that they came to the Earth before the Thread was cut. I took pleasure in this tumbling, and it joyed me at the Heart, when he who had over-exalted himself in the Air, of his Wedding, got so shameful a fall, that it carried even some of his Neighbours along with him. In like manner it also rejoiced me, that he who had all this while kept himself near the Earth, could come down so fine and gently, that even his next men perceived it not. But being now in my highest fit of Jolity, I was unawares jogged by one of my fellow Captives, upon which I was awaked, and was very much discontented with him; Howbeit, I considered my Dream, and recounted it to my Brother, who lay by me on the other side; who was not dissatisfied with it, but hoped some Comfort might thereby be pretended. In such discourse we spent the remaining part of the Night, and with longing exspected the Day.