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Vexilla 12
sign. Navis
autoris libra
Horolog.
Facundia
senis.
Obviatio
ex arce.
500 naves.
Applausus.
Atlas
oratione
excipit
hospites.
Atlanti
respondet
sen ex.
1 88 HISTORY OF THE ROSICRUCIANS.
lord had also a great number. They
sailed before us to
shorten the time. Our flags were the twelve celestial signs,
and we sate in Libra. Besids other things our ship had a
noble and curious clock which showed us all the
minutes. The sea was so calm that it was a
singular pleasure to sail, but that which surpassed all
was the old man's discourse, who so well knew how
to pass away our time with wonderful histories that I
could have been content to sail with him all my life long.
The ships passed on, and before we had sailed two hours
the mariner told us that he saw the whole lake almost
covered with ships, by which we conjectured they were
come out to meet us, which proved true, for as soon as we
were gotten out of the sea into the lake of the forementioned
river, there stood in to us five hundred ships,
one of which
sparkled with gold and pretious stones, and in it sate the
King and Queen, with lords, ladies, and virgins of high
birth. As soon as they were well in ken of us the pieces
were discharged on both sides, and there was such a din of
trumpets, shalms, and kettle-drums, that all the ships upon
the sea capered again. As soon as we came near, they
brought about our ships together and so made a stand.
Old Atlas stepped forth on the King's behalf, making a
short but handsom oration, wherein he wellcomed us, and
demanded whether the royal Presents were in readiness.
The rest of my companions were in an huge amazement
whence this King should arise, for they imagined no other
but that they must again awaken him. We suffered them
to continue in their wonderment, and carried ourselves as
if it seemed strange to us too. After Atlas' oration out
steps our old man, making somewhat a larger reply, wherein
he wished the King and Queen all happiness and increase,