Mysteries of the Rosie Cross Part 6

The Sylphes in like manner, are composed of the purest atoms of the air: the Nymphs of the most delicate parts of the water, and the Gnomes of the subtlest parts of the Earth. There was a great proportion betwixt Adam and these so perfect Creatures; because they being composed of that which was most pure in the four elements; he comprehended the perfection of these four sorts of people, and was their natural King. But since the time that his sin precipitated him into the excrements of the elements (as you shall see hereafter) the Harmony was disordered, and there was no more proportion, he being become impure and dull in respect of the substances so pure and so subtil. What remedy for this evil? How shall we remount this throne and recover this lost sovereignty? O Nature! Why do they study thee so little? Do you not comprehend my son, with what simplicity nature can render to man the goods which he has lost? Alas! Sir (replied I), I am very ignorant in all these simplicities, you speak of. But yet (pursued he) it is very easy to become knowing in them.

If we would recover that empire over the Salamanders, we must purifie, and exalt the element of fire which is in us, and raise up the tone of this slackened string, we need do no more, but concentre the fire of the world by concave mirrors in a globe of gla.s.s. And herein, is that great piece of art which all the ancients have so religiously concealed, and which the divine Theophrastus has discovered. There is formed in this globe a solar powder, which being purified by itself from the mixture of other elements, and being prepared according to art, becomes in a very little time, sovereignly proper to exalt the fire which is in us, and make us become (according to our phrase) of a fiery nature. From that time the inhabitants of the sphere of fire become our inferiors, and ravished to see our mutual harmony re-established, and that we once more approach to them. They have all the kindness for us which they have for their own species, all the respect which they owe to the image and to the lieutenant of their Creator; and all the concern which may make evident in them, the desire of obtaining by us the immortality which they want. 'Tis true that as they are more subtil than those of the other elements, they live a very long time, so they are not very forward to importune the Sages to make them immortal. You may accommodate yourself with one of these, if the aversion which you have witnessed to me last not with you to the end: perchance, she will never speak to you of that which you fear so much.

It will not be so with the Sylphs, the Gnomes and the Nymphs, for they living a less time, have more need of us, and so their familiarity is more easie to obtain. You need but shut up a gla.s.s filled with conglobated air, water or earth, and expose it to the sun for a month; then separate the element according to art, which is very easie to do, if it be earth or water. 'Tis a marvellous thing to see, what a vertue any one of these purified elements have to attract the Nymphs, Sylphs, and Gnomes. In taking but never so little every day, for about a month together, one shall see in the air the volant republique of the Sylphs; the Nymphs come in shoals up the rivers, and the guardians of treasures, presenting you with their riches. Thus, without characters, without ceremonies, without barbarous words you become absolute master over all these people. They require no wors.h.i.+p of the Sages, since they know well enough that he is n.o.bler than they. Thus venerable nature teaches her children how to repair the elements by the elements. Thus is harmony re-established. Thus man recovers his natural empire, and can do all things in the elements, without demons, or unlawful art. Thus you see, my son, that the Sages are more innocent than you thought. You say nothing to me----.

I admire sir (said I), and I begin to fear that you will make me to become a Chymist. Ah! G.o.d preserve thee from that, my child (cried he). 'Tis not to these fooleries that your nativity designs you, I will warrant you on the contrary, from being troubled about that: I told you already, that the Sages shew not these things, but to those whom they will not admit into their society. You shall have all these advantages, and others infinitely more glorious, and more pleasant, by ways clearly more philosophical. I had not described those methods to you, but to let you see the innocence of this Philosophy, and to take you out of these panic fears.

I thank G.o.d, sir (answered I), I am not at present, in any such fear as I was even now. And although I do not yet resolve upon the accommodation which you propose to me with the Salamanders; I cannot refrain from having the curiosity to learn how you have discovered that these Nymphs and these Sylphs die. Truly (replied he) they tell us so, and we see them die. How (said I) can you see them die, and yet your commerce renders them immortal? That would be well (pursued he) if the number of the Sages equalled the number of these people: besides that, there are many amongst them, who rather choose to die, than hazard by becoming immortal, the being so unhappy as they see the devils are. And 'tis the devil, who inspired with these opinions: for there is no mischief, which he doth not do to hinder the poor creatures from becoming immortal by our alliance.

Insomuch that I look upon it (and so ought you my son) as a most pernicious temptation, and a motion of very little charity, to have this aversion which you show to it.

Moreover, as concerning their death, of which you speak: what was it that obliged the Oracle of Apollo, to say, that all those who speak Oracles, were mortal, as well as he; as Porphyrius reports? And, what think you, was the meaning of that voice which was heard on all the coast of Italy, and struck so great a terror into all those who were upon the sea? The Great Pan is Dead! They were the people of the air: who gave notice to the people of the water that the chiefest and most aged of all the Sylphs, was newly dead.

At that time when this voice was heard (said I to him) I suppose that the world wors.h.i.+pped Pan and the Nymphs: and that these gentlemen, whose commerce you are preaching of to me, were the false G.o.ds of the heathen.

'Tis true, my son (replied he) the Sages have always been of that opinion, that the Devil never had the power to make himself wors.h.i.+pped. He is too unhappy, and too weak, ever to have had this pleasure, and this authority. But he has been able to persuade the elementary hosts to shew themselves to men, and make men erect temples to them; and by the natural dominion which every one has over the element which he inhabits, they trouble the air, and the sea, set the earth in combustion, and dispense the fire of heaven, according to their humour: insomuch that they had no great trouble to be taken for Deities, so long as the sovereign being dispensed the salvation of the world. But the devil never received all the advantage of his malice, which he hoped he should; for it has happened from thence, that Pan, the Nymphs, and the rest of the elementary people, having found the means of changing this commerce of wors.h.i.+p, into a commerce of love; (for you may remember, that amongst the ancients, Pan was the king of those G.o.ds whom they called Incubuses, and who always earnestly sought the acquaintance of maids), many heathens have escaped the devil, and shall never burn in h.e.l.l.

I do not well understand you, sir (said I) You have not minded me, to understand me (continued he, smiling, and in a jeering tone). Behold what you pa.s.s over! and likewise what your doctors pa.s.s over, who know not what these excellent Physicks mean! Behold the great mystery of all this part of philosophy, which concerns the elements, and which will take away (if you have but never so little love for yourself), this repugnance to philosophy, which you have witnessed to me this day! Know then, my son; and go not about to divulge this great Arcanum to any unworthy ignorant.

Know, that as the Sylphs acquire an immortal soul, by the alliance which they contract with the men who are predestinated; so also, the men who have no right to eternal glory: those miserable wretches, whose immortality is but a lamentable advantage, for whom the Messias was sent--

Then, you gentlemen of the Cabal, are Jansenists likewise (interrupted I?) We know not what that is, my child (proceeded he, somewhat angrily) and we scorn to inform ourselves wherein consists the different sects and divers religions, with which the ignorant puzzle their heads. We keep to the ancient religion of our fathers, the Philosophers; wherein 'tis very necessary that I instruct you. But come again to the purpose: these men whose sad immortality is nothing but an eternal misfortune; the unhappy children, whom the Sovereign Father has neglected, have also this recourse, that they may become mortal, by contracting alliance with these elementary people. So that you see, the Sages hazard nothing for Eternity.

If they are predestinated, they have the pleasure to carry with them to heaven (in quitting the prison of this body) the Sylphide or Nymph, which they have immortalised! and if they be not predestinated, the commerce of the Nymph renders their soul mortal, and delivers them from the horrors of the second death. So the Devil saw all the Pagans escape, who allied themselves to the Nymphs: and so the Sages, or friends of the Sages, when G.o.d inspires us to communicate to any one, the four elementary secrets (which I have now been teaching you), free themselves from the Peril of being d.a.m.ned.

Without lying, sir (cried I, not daring to put him again into an ill humour, and finding it requisite to defer the telling him plainly my opinion, till I should have discovered all the secrets of his Cabal, which I judged by this glimpse, must needs be very full of pleasure and divertis.e.m.e.nt): without lying, you advance wisdom to a great height! And you had reason to tell me, that this surpa.s.sed all our doctors; and I believe, that this likewise pa.s.ses all our magistrates too; and that, if they could discover who those were that escaped the devil by this means (as ignorance is very unjust), they would engage in the devil's interest, against these fugitives and make a strong party for him. Yes, it is for that (pursued the Count) that I have so strictly commanded you; to keep religiously this secret. Your judges are strange persons. They condemn a most innocent action as a dismal crime. What a barbarity was it, to burn those two priests which the Prince of Miranda says he knew of, who had each of them his Sylphide, for the s.p.a.ce of forty years! What an inhuman thing was it to put Joan Hervilles to death, for having laboured six and forty years, to immortalise a Gnome! And, what a piece of ignorance was that of Bodin, to represent her as a witch; and that from thence he might take advantage to authorise popular errors, touching pretended Sorcerers; in a book as impertinent as his Commonwealth is reasonable.

But it is late; and I do not consider, that you have not yet dined. 'Tis yourself, that you mean, sir (said I), for as for my part, I could listen to you till to-morrow, without inconvenience. For me! Alas! (replied he, laughing, and walking towards the gate), 'tis easily seen that you understand but little what philosophy is. The Sages eat but for their pleasure, and never for necessity. I had a quite contrary idea of Wisdom (answered I), I had thought that you wise men should never eat but to satisfy nature. You are abused (said the Count). How long think you, that our Sages can subsist without eating? How can I tell? (answered I), Moses and Elias, you know, fasted forty days: you Sages, I make no doubt, may do it, some days less. What a great piece of business would that be (replied he), the most wise men that ever was, the Divine, the almost adorable Paracelsus, affirms, that he has seen many of the Sages fast twenty years, without eating anything whatsoever. He himself, before he attained to the monarchy of wisdom, whereof we have justly presented him the sceptre, he, I say, would undertake to live many years without eating, by taking but half a scruple of his Solar Quintescence. And if you would have the pleasure to make any one live without victuals, you need do no more, but prepare the earth, as I told you it must be prepared, for the Society of the Gnomes: this earth applied to the navle, and renewed when it is dry, will cause any one to live without eating or drinking, and that without any trouble.

And the use of this Catholic-Cabalistical Medicine, frees us much better from all the importunate necessities, to which nature makes the ignorant subject; we eat not, but when it pleases us; and all the superfluity of food pa.s.sing away by an insensible Transpiration, we are never ashamed to be men. There he held his peace.

In succeeding interviews the Count de Gabalis further explains to his interlocutor the nature and pursuits of the elementary spirits; a.s.serts that it was they only, and not the vile G.o.ds of the Greeks and Romans, that delivered the oracles of old; that they continually kept watch over man to do him service, and to warn him of approaching evil. It was they who sent omens and furnished him with the understanding to interpret them, and who filled his mind with presentiments when some great calamity was impending over him, that he might perchance avoid it. They also sent him dreams for the regulation of his fate. But "alas," continues the Count, "men ignorantly misunderstand and reject their kindness. A poor Sylph hardly dares to shew himself lest he should be mistaken for an imp of evil; an Undine cannot endeavour to acquire an immortal soul, by loving a man, without running the risk of being considered a vile, impure phantom; and a Salamander, if he shews himself in his glory, is taken for a devil, and the pure light which surrounds him considered the fire of h.e.l.l. It is in vain that, to dispel these unworthy suspicions, they make the sign of the cross when they appear, and bend their knees when the Divine name is uttered. All their efforts are useless. Obstinate man persists in considering them enemies of that G.o.d whom they know, and whom they adore more religiously than men do. The prayer which you will find preserved by Porphyne, and which was offered up in the Temple of Delphos for the enlightenment of the Pagans, was the prayer of a Salamander." In short without continuing to quote the words of the Count de Gabalis, he a.s.serted that all the supernatural appearances with which the history of every age and nation was full, were to be, and could only be, explained by the agency of these elemental sprites; that the deeds attributed to devils, imps and witches, were the creations of a false and degrading superst.i.tion, unworthy to be believed by philosophers. There were no fiends with

"----'aery tongues that syllable mens' names On sands, and sh.o.r.es, and desert wildernesses."

but beneficent spirits, the friends of man. The _peris_ of eastern romance, the _fees_, the _fatas_, and the fairies of European legends, were names which, in their ignorance, the people of different countries had given to the Sylphs. Vulcan, Bacchus, and Pan, though the Greeks did not know it, were Gnomes; Neptune and Venus, and all the Naiads and Nereids, were but the Undines of the Rosicrucians; Apollo was a Salamander, and Mercury a Sylph; and not one of the personages of the multifarious mythology of the Greeks and Romans, but could be ranged under one or other of these cla.s.ses.

CHAPTER VII.

_The Hermetick Romance; or Chymical Wedding._

A remarkable work was published at Strasbourg, in the year 1616, ent.i.tled, "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 ma.n.u.script 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 amas.e.m.e.nt 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 a.s.sist 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 G.o.d 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 G.o.d, 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 mult.i.tude 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 n.o.bles, who looked upon us from above through the hole, had a while recreated themselves with this our struggling and lamenting, a certain h.o.a.ry 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 pa.s.s 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 G.o.d! 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 compa.s.sion whose weight was so heavy that they tore their very hands from their bodies, and yet could not get up. Thus it came to pa.s.s 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 G.o.d 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 G.o.d) 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 G.o.d, I durst release them all,' whereunto her son replied; 'It is, mother, thus ordained of G.o.d, 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 G.o.d 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 G.o.d 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 G.o.d 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 G.o.d 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 G.o.d, that in case such a thing were, he would vouchsafe me a good issue. And thereupon in the presence of G.o.d 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 G.o.d, 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 friends.h.i.+p, 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 G.o.d'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 s.h.i.+ning 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 G.o.d, 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 a.s.sembling, whereupon they willed me rise, and through many walks, doors, and winding stairs lighted me into a s.p.a.cious hall. In this room was a great mult.i.tude of guests, emperors, kings, princes, and lords, n.o.ble and ign.o.ble, 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 G.o.d hath helped me in also; at which they raised a mighty laughter, looking upon it as ridiculous that there should be need of G.o.d 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 n.o.bles; then pretended they the finis.h.i.+ng 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 h.e.l.l. 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 a.s.sumed 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 pa.s.s, 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 c.o.xcomb, 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 l.u.s.tre 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 a.s.sembled, 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 pa.s.sed 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 Spitalanfic.u.m, 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.