The works of John Dryden, now first collected in eighteen volumes. Volume 08Dryden, John
General
The works of John Dryden, now first collected in eighteen volumes. Volume 08
Dryden, John
English drama -- 17th century
[Footnote 73: See the _Nugæ Antiquæ_. In vol. i. p. 349. of Mr
Park's excellent edition, Sir John Harrington gives the following
extraordinary account of one of King James's revels with Christian
IV. of Denmark.--"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 hereof. The ladie, 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 majesties lap, and fell at his feet, though
I rather think it was in his face. Much was the hurry and confusion;
clothes 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 upon 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 dresses, Hope, Faith, and Charity: Hope did
essay to speak, but wine rendered her endeavours so feeble, that she
withdrew, and _hoped_ the king would excuse her brevity: Faith was
then left all alone, for I am certain she was not joined 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 sort she made obeisance, and brought gifts, but
said she would return home again, as there was no gift which heaven had
not already given his majesty. She then returned 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 triumph long; for, after much lamentable utterance, she was led
away like a silly captive, and laid to sleep on the outer steps of the
anti-chamber. Now did Peace make entry, and strove to get foremost 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 marvelled at these strange
pageantries; and they do bring to my remembrance what past of this sort
in our queen's days, of which I was sometime a humble presenter and
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