ROBERT LANEHAM 83 



the midst of each, upon a base of two feet square, and high, seemly 

 bordered of itself, a square pilaster rising pyramidically fifteen feet 

 high. Symmetrically pierced through from a foot beneath to two 

 feet of the top : whereupon, for a Capital, an orb of ten inches 

 thick ; every one of these, with its base, from the ground to the 

 top, of one whole piece ; hewn out of hard porphyry, and with 

 great art and heed (think me) thither conveyed and there erected. 

 Where, further also, by great cast and cost, the sweetness of savour 

 on all sides, made so respirant from the redolent plants, and 

 fragrant herbs and flowers, in form, colour, and quantity so 

 deliciously variant ; and fruit-trees bedecked with apples, pears, 

 and ripe cherries. . . . 



A garden then so appointed, as wherein aloft upon sweet 

 shadowed walk of terrace, in heat of summer to feel the pleasant 

 whisking wind above, or delectable coolness of the fountain-spring 

 beneath ; to taste of delicious strawberries, cherries, and other 

 fruits, even from their stalks ; to smell such fragrancy of sweet 

 odours, breathing from the plants, herbs, and flowers ; to hear such 

 natural melodious music and tunes of birds ; to have in eye for 

 mirth sometime these underspringing streams ; then, the woods, 

 the waters (for both pool and chase were hard at hand in sight), 

 the deer, the people (that out of the East arbour in the base 

 Court, also at hand in view), the fruit-trees, the plants, the herbs, 

 the flowers, the change in colours, the birds flittering, the fountain 

 streaming, the fish swimming, all in such delectable variety, order, 

 and dignity ; whereby, at one moment, in one place, at hand, 

 without travel, to have so full fruition of so many God's blessings, 

 by entire delight unto all senses (if all can take) at once ; for 

 etymon of the word worthy to be called Paradise : and though 

 not so goodly as Paradise, for want of the fair rivers, yet better 

 a great deal by the lack of so unhappy a tree. Argument most 

 certain of a right noble mind, that in this sort could have thus all 

 contrived. — Letter describing the Pageants at Kenilworth Castle, 



1575- 



