A very curious description of an amusement of this kind is found in Winwood; which was given at court by Anne, the wife of James I. "At night," says he, "we had the queen's mask in the banqueting-house, or rather her pageant. There was a great engine at the lower end of the room, which had motion, and in it were the images of sea-horses, with other terrible fishes, which were ridden by Moors the indecorum was, that there was all fish and no water. At the farther end there was a great shell, in the form of a scallop, Where we that lose have won, CHORUS. So little sparks become great fires, Was ever bliss SONG. More full or clear than this! The present month of May Ne'er look'd so fresh as doth this day. CHORUS. So gentle winds breed happy springs, wherein were four seats; on the lowest sat the queen, with my Lady Bedford; on the rest were placed the Ladies Suffolk, Derby, Rich, Effingham, Ann Herbert, Susan Herbert, Elizabeth Howard, Walsingham, and Bevil. Their apparel was rich, but too light and courtezan-like for such great ones. Instead of vizzards, their faces and arms up to the elbows were painted black; which was disguise sufficient, for they were hard to be known; but it became them nothing so well as their red and white; and you cannot imagine a more ugly sight than a troop of leancheeked Moors. The Spanish and Venetian ambassadors were both present, and sat by the king in state; at which Monsieur Beaumont quarrels so extremely, that he saith the whole court is Spanish. But, by his favour, he should fall out with none but himself, for they were all indifferently invited to come as friends to a private sport; which he refusing, the Spanish ambassador willingly accepted; and being there, seeing no cause to the contrary, he put off Don Taxis, and took upon him el Senor Embassador, wherein he outstript our woman. little Monsieur. He was privately at the first mask, and sat among his men disguised. At this he was taken out to dance, and footed it like a lusty old gallant with his countryHe took out the queen, and forgot not to kiss her hand, though there was danger it would have left a mark upon his lips. The night's work was concluded with a banquet in the great chamber; which was so furiously assaulted, that down went tables and tresses, hefore one bit was touched. They say the Duke of Holst will come upon us with an after reckoning; and that we shall see him on Candlemas night in a mask, as he hath shewed himself a lusty reveller all this Christmas."* For a still more remarkable description of a courtly revel, associating the features of the pageant with the masque, we are indebted to the pen of Sir John Harington, who has seasoned it with a large portion of his own quaint wit. "To Mr. Secretary Barlow. 1606. "My good Friend,- In compliance with your asking, now shall you accept my poor * Memorials, vol. ii. page 44. account of rich doings. I came here a day or two before the Danish King came; and from the day he did come, till this hour, I have been well nigh overwhelmed with carousal and sports of all kinds. The sports began each day in such manner and such state, as well nigh persuaded me of Mahomet's paradise. We had women, and, indeed, wine too, of such plenty, as would have astonished each beholder. Our feasts were magnificent; and. the two royal guests did most lovingly embrace each other at table. I think the Dane hath strangely wrought on our good English nobles; for those whom I could never get to taste good liquor, now follow the fashion, and wallow in beastly delights. The ladies abandon their sobriety, and are seen to roll about in intoxication. In good sooth, the Parlia ment did kindly to provide his Majesty so seasonably with money, for there hath been no lack of good living-shews, sights, and banquetings, from morn to eve. "One day a great feast was held; and after dinner the representation of Solomon his Temple, and the coming of the Queen of Sheba, was made, or (as I may better say) was meant to have been made, before their Majesties, by device of the Earl of Salisbury and others. But, alas! as all earthly things do fail to poor mortals in enjoyment, so did prove our presentment thereof. The lady who did play the queen's part did carry most precious gifts to both their Majesties; but forgetting the steps arising to the canopy, overset her caskets into his Danish Majesty's lap, and fell at his feet, though I rather think it was in his face. Much was the hurry and confusion; cloths and napkins were at hand to make all clean. His Majesty then got up, and would dance with the Queen of Sheba; but he fell down, and humbled himself before her, and was carried to an inner chamber, and laid on a bed of state; which was not a little defiled with the presents of the queen, which she had bestowed upon his garments, such as wine, cream, jelly, beverage, cakes, spices, and other good matters. The entertainment and show went forwards, and most of the presenters went backwards, or fell down; wine did so occupy their upper chambers. Now |