STIRLING CASTLE. — -BAPTISMAL FETE. .161 



o'clock, at which their majesties presided. Here, however, we must omit many 

 curious particulars. When the first course had been removed, the company was 

 surprised by the whimsical spectacle of a Moor, harnessed by numerous gold 

 chains to a triumphal car, with which he advanced to the sound of trumpets and 

 hautboys.* The chariot bore a table richly covered with fruits and confectionary, 

 and attended by six damsels, three of whom were robed in white satin, three 

 in crimsom satin, covered with gold and silver spangles, a garland on the head, 

 the hair flowing luxuriantly over the shoulders, and bedecked with feathers, 

 pearls, and jewels. In front stood Ceres, holding a sickle in one hand, and 

 a bunch of corn in the other, and surrounded by numerous emblematical and 

 allegorical figures, each with classic costume and well selected devices. The 

 precious dessert which freighted the celestial wain was distributed by the 

 damsels in silence to the great nobility in immediate attendance. 



After this a second spectacle, equally original, entered the hall, consisting 

 of a ship full rigged, placed upon wheels, moved by invisible springs, and having 

 a length of eighteen feet in the keel, with a breadth of deck of eight feet. 

 The highest flag, which was lowered on passing through the door of the hall, 

 was forty feet ; the masts were red ; the tackle and cordage silk of the same 

 colour ; and the pulleys of gold. Her brass ordnance consisted of thirty-six 

 pieces, elegantly mounted. The sails were of white taffety, and the anchors 

 tipped with silver. In the foresail was a compass, with this device — qiwuscimque 

 per undas. On the mainsail were painted the joint arms of Scotland and 

 Denmark. All the sails, flags, and streamers, were embroidered with gold and 

 jewels. The mariners, six in number, were clad in variegated Spanish taffety. 

 The pilot, dressed in cloth of gold, moved the ship at will ; and fourteen musi- 

 cians, with Arion and his harp, performed their dulcet office on board. Upon 

 the forecastle stood Neptune, claji in Indian silk embroidered with silver, 

 holding his trident, and wearing a crown. Next stood Thetis, with her mace ; 

 and at her right hand, Triton, with his shell and the scroll — Velis, votis, ventis. 

 Around the vessel were three Syrens, accommodating their gestures to the 

 music, and repeating classic verses. The vessel was decked with pearls, corals, 

 shells, and other marine productions. At sound of trumpet, the ship moved 

 majestically forward into the hall, making sail at the blast of Triton's shell and 

 the pilot's whistle, and discharging her ordnance, till she had reached the table. 



• The machine had been so artfully contrived as to appear to be moved by the Moor unassisted. At 

 first it was designed that a lion should draw it ; but fearing lest the living savage might alarm the ladies 

 or, startled by the profusion of lamps and torches, commit havoc without distinction of sex, it was deemed 

 preferable that the trophy should be drawn by the more tractable biped, as described. 



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