Historical Antiquities of Hertfordshire

Aspeden

by Sir Henry Chauncy Vol I pages 240 to 252 first published in 1700

Horse with a great Bit in his Mouth, and another upon his Head, also Headstall and Reins fastened : This signify'd a Projector, who begg'd a Patent that none in the Kingdom might ride their Horses with such Bits, but such as they should buy of him.

After him came another Fellow with a bunch of Carrots upon his Head, and a Capon upon his Fist; describing a Projector who begg'd a Patent of Monopoly, as the first Inventor of the Art to fat Capons with Carrots, and that none but himself might make Use of that Invention, and have the Priviledge of fourteen Years, according to the Statute.

Several other Projectors were personated in like Manner in this Antimasque, which were the more acceptable to the Spectators, for that they represented to the King the Unfitness and Ridiculousness of these Projects against the Law.

After this and the other Antimasques (which are here omitted) were past, there came six of the chief Musicians on Horseback, upon Footclothes, and in the Habits of Heathen Priests, and Footmen carrying Torches by them.

Then an open large Chariot followed these Musicians, drawn by six brave Horses, with large Plumes of Feathers on their Heads and Buttocks; the Coachman and Postilion in rich Antick Liveries. There were above a dozen Persons in several Habits of the Gods and Goddesses sitting in the Chariot, and many Footmen by them on all sides bearing Torches.

Six more of the Musicians followed this Chariot on Horseback, habited with Footclothes, and attended with Torches as the former were.

Then came another large open Chariot like the former, drawn with six gallant Horses, set forth with Feathers, liveries, and Torches, as the others had, in which were about a dozen Musicians in like Habit as those in the first Chariot, but all with some Variety or Distinction.

These going immediately next before the Grand Masquer's Chariots, play'd upon excellent and loud Musick all the Way as they went.

Then six more Musicians on Footclothes followed this, Chariot with Horses habited and attended as the other.

After them came the first Chariot of the grand Masquers, which was not so large as those that went before, but most curiously framed, carved, and painted with exquisite Art for this very Purpose: The Form was after that of the Roman Triumphant Chariots, as near as could be made by some old Prints and Pictures of them; The Seats in it were made of an oval Form in the back End of the Chariot, so that there was no Precedence in them, and the Faces of all that sate in it might be seen together.

The Colours of the first Chariot were Silver and Crimson, given by the Lot to Gray's Inn, the Chariot and the very Wheels were richly painted all over with the same Colours, and the carved Work of it was as curious for that Art; it made a stately Shew, drawn by four Horses all on breast, covered to their Heels all over with Cloth of Tissue, of the Colours of Crimson and Silver, with Plumes of white Feathers on their Heads and Buttocks; the Coachman's Cap and Feather, his long Coat, and very Whip and Cushion, were of the same Stuff and Colour; In this Chariot sate the four grand Maskers of Grays Inn, their Habits, Doublets, Trunk-hose, and Caps of most rich Cloth of Tissue, and wrought as thick with silver Spangles as they could be placed, large white silk Stockings to their Trunk-hose, and rich Sprigs in their Caps, themselves proper and beautiful young Gentlemen.

On each Side of the Chariot were four Footmen in liveries of the Colour of the Chariot, carrying huge Flambuoys in their Hands, which with the Torches gave such a Lustre to the Paintings, Spangles, and Habits, that hardly any thing could be invented to appear more glorious.

Six more Musicians on Footclothes, in the like Habits, followed this Chariot; after whom came the second Chariot, which by Lot fell to the Middle Temple, and differ'd from the former only in Colours, which were Silver and Blue; the Chariot and Horses were cover'd and deck'd with Cloth of Tissue, of Blue and Silver: In this Chariot were the four grand Masquers of the Middle Temple, in the same Habits as the former Masquers were, and with the like Attendance, Torches, and Flambuoys with the former.

The third and fourth Chariots followed after these, and six Musicians between each Chariot, habited on Footclothes and Horses as before; both the Chariots of the same Form and like Carving and Painting, differing only in the Colours; in the third rode the Grand Masquers of the Inner Temple; and in the other those of Lincolns Inn, according to their several Lots.

The Habits of all the Grand Masquers were the same, their Persons most handsome and lovely; their Equipage so full of State and Height of Gallantry, that it was never outdone by any Representation mentioned in former Stories.

The Torches and huge flaming Flambuoys, born by the Sides of each Chariot, made it seem lightsome as at Noonday, but more glittering, and gave a full and clear light to all the Streets and Windows as they passed by. The March was slow, in Regard of the great Number, but more interrupted by the Multitude of Spectators in the Streets, besides the Windows, unwilling to part from so glorious a Spectacle.

The King and Queen stood at a Window, looking into the

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