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MARRIAGE OF CHRISTIAN ROSENCREUTZ. 169
Olympus; wherefore the Virgin commanded by the discharge
of some pieces to give signal of our approach, and
immediately we espyed a great white flag thrust out, and a
small gilded pinnace sent forth to meet us, wherein was a
very antient man, the Warder of the Tower,
with certain Custos
guards in white, by whom we were friendly received, and
conducted to the Tower, which was situated upon an island
exactly square, 1
and invironed with a wall so firm and structura
thick that I counted two hundred and sixty paces over. Dies.
On the other side was a fine meadow with certain little
gardens, in which grew strange, and to me unknown fruits.
There was an inner wall about the Tower which itself was
as if seven round towers had been built one by another,
yet the middlemost was somewhat higher, and within they
all entered one into another. Being come to the gates of
the Tower, we were led a little aside on the wall, that so
the coffins might be brought in without our notice, but of
this the rest knew nothing. We were conducted into the i. conclave.
Tower at the very bottom, which was an excellently
painted laboratory, where we were fain to beat and wash Labores
plants, precious stones, and all sorts of things, extract
hospitum.
their juice and essence, put up the same in glasses, and
deliver them to be laid up. Our Virgin was so busie with
us, and so full of directions, that she knew not how to give
us employment enough, so that in this Island we were
meer drudges till we had atchieved all that was necessary
for restoring the beheaded bodies. Meantime,
as I after-
wards learned, three Virgins were in the first apartment virginum.
washing the corps with diligence. Having at length
almost done our preparation, some broath, with a little
1 See additional note, No. 4.