Fair from his cradle springs the star of day, Rock'd on bright waves fair sinks his parting light: Such be thy course, in sunlike beauty bright, Daughter of kings and born to be as they. The world's majestic wonder. Lo! thy ray Hath called a royal bird, in venturous flight, From realms where keen Arcturus fires by night The polar skies: from regions far away He wheels on swiftest wing: within thy sphere Secure his bold eye drinks the soft clear fires. Now Heaven and Love be kind; and both ordain What time his suit shall win thy beauty's ear. The Northern Eagle won with chaste desires, By Truth's pure light may live to God again. [40] Hardwicke, _State Papers_. {86} CHAPTER III STATE ENTRY OF CHARLES INTO MADRID--GREAT FESTIVITIES--HIS LOVE-MAKING--ATTEMPTS TO CONVERT THE PRINCE--THE REAL INTENTION OF OLIVARES--HIS CLEVER PROCRASTINATION--CHARLES AND BUCKINGHAM LOSE PATIENCE--HOWEL'S STORY OF CHARLES AND THE INFANTA--THE FEELING AGAINST BUCKINGHAM--ANXIETY OF KING JAMES--HIS CORRESPONDENCE WITH "BABY AND STEENIE"--CHARLES DECIDES TO DEPART--FURTHER DELAY--THE DIPLOMACY OF OLIVARES--BUCKINGHAM AND ARCHY ARMSTRONG--DEPARTURE OF CHARLES--HIS RETURN HOME, AND THE ENGLISH DISILLUSION All being ready for the public entry of Charles on Sunday, 16th, the Prince, though he declined the invitation to sleep the previous night at the monastery of St. Geronimo, as was customary with Spanish sovereigns who entered the capital in state, went thither early in the morning, and was entertained at a sumptuous banquet by the Count Gondomar, as near as he could manage it in English fashion. Then, as was also the usage with Spanish sovereigns, all the members of the numerous Councils and juntas rode in full state, accompanied by their officers and escorts, to pay their respects to the Prince. Charles received this glittering crowd, numbering some hundreds, standing by a velvet-covered {87} table beneath a canopy of silver tissue in the royal apartment of the monastery, the empty throne being behind him, and the walls of the chambers covered with rich hangings and pictures, amongst which were portraits of King James and his councillors. As each pompously named official knelt and begged permission to kiss the Prince's hand, Charles gracefully threw his arms upon their shoulders instead, and raised them from the ground.[1] The impression generally produced by the Prince now and during his stay was excellent, and it was noticed throughout that he never took advantage, as Buckingham and the crowd of noisy English courtiers who soon arrived in Spain did, of the Spanish politeness which places everything at the disposal of a guest. The behaviour of these courtiers, indeed, and especially Buckingham's insolence, very soon produced disgust amongst the grave, courteous Spaniards. [Sidenote: The state entry]