Harington (1804), 1.348-53
Untraced manuscript letter, July
1606.
Sir John Harington
to
Mr Secretary Barlow
(the identity of 'Barlow' is unknown; possibly the letter is a literary
composition rather than a strict eye-witness narrative).
[p. 348]
My good Friend, In compliance with your asking, now shall
you accept my poor accounte of rich doings.
I came here a day or two before the Danish King
came, and from the day he did come un-
[p. 349]
til this hour, I
have been well nigh overwhelmed with carousal and sports of all kinds. The sports
began
each day in such a manner and such sorte, as well nigh persuaded me of Mahomets
paradise. We had women, and indeed wine too, of such plenty, as woud have astonishd
each
sober 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 never could 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 parliament
did
kindly to provide his Majestie so seasonably with money; for there hath been no lack
of
good livinge; shewes, 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
[p. 350]
have been made,
before their Majesties, by device of the
Earl of Salisbury
and others. - But, alass! as all earthly thinges do fail to poor mortals in
enjoyment, so did prove our presentment hereof. The Lady who did play the Queenes
part,
did carry most precious gifts to both their
Majesties; but, forgetting the steppes arising to the canopy, overset her
caskets into his Danish Majesties lap, and fell at his feet, tho 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 Majestie then got up and woud 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 had been bestowed on his garments; such as wine, cream, jelly, beverage,
cakes, spices, and other good matters. The entertainment and show went forward, and
most
of the presenters went backward, or fell down; wine did so occupy their upper chambers.
Now did appear, in rich dress, Hope, Faith, and Charity: Hope did assay to
speak, but wine renderd her endeavours so feeble that she withdrew, and hoped the
King
would excuse her brevity: Faith was then all alone, for I
am cer-
[p. 351]
tain she was not joyned with good works, and left
the court in a staggering condition: Charity came to the King
's feet, and seemed to cover the multitude of sins her sisters had committed; in
some sorte she made obeysance and brought giftes, but said she would return home again,
as there was no gift which heaven had not already given his Majesty. She then returnd
to Hope and Faith, who were both sick and spewing in the lower hall. Next came Victory,
in
bright armour, and presented a rich sword to
the King
, who did not accept it, but put it by with his hand; and, by a strange medley of
versification, did endeavour to make suit to the King
. But Victory did not tryumph long; for, after much lamentable utterance, she was
led away like a silly captive, and laid to sleep in the outer steps of the anti-chamber.
Now did Peace make entry, and strive to get foremoste to the King
; but I grieve to tell how great wrath she did discover unto those of her
attendants; and, much contrary to her semblance, most rudely made war with her olive
branch, and laid on the pates of those who did oppose her coming. I have much marvalled
at these strange pegeantries, and they do bring to my remembrance
[p.
352]
what passed of this sort in our Queens days; of which I was sometime an humble
presenter and assistant: but I neer did see such lack of good order, discretion, and
sobriety, as I have now done.
...
The Lord of the mansion is overwhelmed in
preparations at
Theobalds
, and doth marvelously please both Kings, with good meat, good
[p. 353]
drink, and good speeches. I do often say (but not aloud) that the Danes
have again conquered the Britains, for I see no man, or woman either, that can now
command himself or herself.
Bibliography
Nichols (1828), 2.72-4
Harington (1930), 118-21