And settled prudence, with that peace endued
Of face, as mind, always himself and even.
So Hercules, and good men bear up heaven.

I dare not speak his virtues, for the fear
Of flattering him, they come so nigh and near
To wonders ; yet thus much I prophesy

from a very curious passage in the Prince's life, written by sir Charles Cornwallis, that a grand rehearsal of the present Tilt had taken place some time before.

“The 16 yeare of his age, being to come to the time of his investment in the Principalitie of Wales and Cornewall; he did advance his own title and right so farre, as with modestie he might : which presently was gently and lovingly entertained, and granted of his Majestie, with the consent of the Right Honourable, the High Court of Parliament: the fourth of June following, being appointed for that solemne action, the Christmas before which, his Highnesse not onely for his owne recreation, but also that the world might know, what a brave Prince they were likely to enjoy, under the name of Meliades, Lord of the Isles, (an ancient title due to the first borne of Scotland) did in his name, by some appointed for the same of purpose, strangly attired, accompanied with drummes and trumpets in the chamber of presence, before the King and Queene, and in the presence of the whole court, delivered a challenge to all Knights of Great Britaine in two Speeches.

"Now began every where preparations to be made for this great fight, and happy did he thinke himselfe who should be admitted for a defendant, much more assailant: At last, to encounter his Highnesse, with his six assailants, 58 defendants, consisting of Earles, Barons, Knights, and Esquires, were appointed and chosen, eight defendants to one assailant, every assailant being to fight by turnes, eight severall times fighting, two every time with push of pike and sword, twelve stroakes at a time; after which, the BARRE for separation was to bee let downe untill a fresh onset.

“This solemnity now approaching, his Highnesse did feast the Earles, Barons, and Knights assailants, and defendants, untill the twelfth appointed night, on which this great fight was to be performed; which being come, his Highnesse, to the great wonder of the beholders, did admirably fight his part, giving and receiving that night, 32 pushes of pikes, and about 360 stroakes of swords, which is scarce credible in so young yeares, enough to assure the world, that Great Britaines brave Henry aspired to immortality.” 8vo. 1641. p. 12. et seq.

a

Of him and his. All ears your selves apply.

You, and your other you, great king and queen, Have yet the least of your bright fortune seen, Which shall rise brighter every hour with time, And in your pleasure quite forget the crime Of change; your age's night shall be her noon. And this young knight, that now puts forth so soon Into the world, shall in your names achieve More garlands for this state, and shall relieve Your cares in government; while that young lord" Shall second him in arms, and shake a sword, And lance against the foes of God and you. Nor shall less joy your royal hopes pursue In that most princely maid, whose form might call? The world to war, and make it hazard all His valour for her beauty; she shall be Mother of nations, and her princes see Rivals almost to these. Whilst you sit high, And led by them, behold your Britain fly Beyond the line, when what the seas before Did bound, shall to the sky then stretch his shore.

1 While that young lord.] The duke of York, the unfortunate Charles I.

2 In that most princely maid.] The princess Elizabeth, married a few years afterwards to the Elector Palatine. The present royal family are the descendants of that marriage. There is something interesting in the language of this prediction. Merlin is not altogether correct, it must be confessed, and yet he has not always prophesied so well. Elizabeth is now “the mother of nations," and no sparing compliment will be paid “her princes” by admitting them to be rivals of her brothers; for, when every allowance is made, Henry and Charles must be confessed to be no ordinary characters.

OBERON, THE FAIRY PRINCE;

A MASQUE OF PRINCE HENRY'S.

1

OBERON, ETC.

ante

The first face of the scene appeared all obscure, and
nothing

perceived but a dark rock, with trees beyond
it, and all wildness that could be presented : till, at
one corner of the cliff, above the horizon, the moon
began to shew, and rising, a Satyr was seen by her
light to put forth his head and call.

i Satyr.
HROMIS! Mnasil ! None appear?

See you not who riseth here?
3, _

You saw Silenus, late, I fear. -
I'll
prove,

if this can reach your ear.

He wound his cornet, and thought himself answered ;

but was deceived by the echo. O, you wake then ! come away,

Times be short are made for play;

a b

They are the names of two young Satyrs, I find in Virgil Eclog. 6, that took Silenus sleeping; who is feigned to be the pædagogue of Bacchus : as the Satyrs are his collusores, or playfellows. So doth Diodor. Siculus, Synesius, Julian, in Cæsarib. report them.

A proverbial speech, when they will tax one the other of drink-
ing or sleepiness; alluding to that former place in Virgil :

Chromis et Mnasilus in antro
Silenum, pueri, somno videre jacentem,
Inflatum hesterno venas, ut semper, Iaccho.