A second Sun and frightful spectacle

[Charlotte]

was observed over Nürnberg, Germany, on the 14th of April, 1561, the year Francis Bacon was born, but the man who writes this story I convey, was born in 1692, 66 years after Bacon withdrew from public life.

An initial picture, but the story involves many people. Bernhard, who lives in Nürnberg, and I discussed this a few years ago.

www.altereddimensions.net/aliens/NurembergUFOBattle.aspx

Yesterday, during writing on Francis' Birthday, I debated with myself whether I should or not write of a little known but most intriguing story by a German writer named Johann Gottfried Schnabel, who wrote under the pen name "Gisanger". A Schnabel is the beak of a duck or goose/gander, and a "Gisanger" (geese) is one who schnabels, viz, chatters, prattles, like me for instance. Schnabel addresses the "so inclined Readers" as if a Family member with "du", and his Introduction is highly intelligently, hilariously witty, seizing the Reader Mind to walk along the corridors of his with Him.

The more to it will become apparent later. Schnabel's curious and scanty history goes like this: His parents are unknown, he was orphaned at the age of two years, raised by relatives, was an apprentice barber, then worked as a military barber-surgean in a Regiment of Wolfenbüttel in Saxony, settled as a Master barber in Querfurt, became a Court Barber, probably for Count Stolberg, and was promoted valet de chambre". Nothing else is known about Schnabel after 1750, or where and when he died. Reading his stuff, it really doesn't matter, his prominent occupation seems to have been cutting lots of hair, on Royal Heads as well, and some minor surgeries.

Schnabel's most famous work is the "wondrous 'Fata' of a few Sailors", shipwrecked and stranded on the Island of Felsenburg = Castle on a Rock, which doesn't exist. He also wrote a Biography on "the Life and Death on a Hero and up to his time the most famous Gentleman of Estate, Eugenii Francisci, Prince of savoy and Piemont", and a story of "Him who fell from the Moon and hereafter ascended by good Luck and Fortune to become the Sun Prince".

Maybe Herr Schnabel was tired of cutting hair because he began his reseach, of what He doesn't say, but this research compelled him to undertake a lenghty sojourn through the countryside where he became acquainted with a Literature of Knowledge possessed by an extraordinary "Conduit", a man he met, who during the day mingled with the others, but as soon as the Evening Meal was done it was a must for all present to give the Stranger alone and collectively their light, upon which He seperated Himself from the people to sit at a table where was His wrapped bundle of written things He shared with Schnabel. From this Generosity, Schnabel says, he profited extraordinarily, and came to think that this Mensch must either be a "powerful Kapitaliste" (rich Knowledge), or "even an Adeptus", as He had with Him "golden Spezies" (Specialities), and His love for alchemy came up often in their conversations.

It's a very involved story

Charlotte

[Charlotte]

As to the initial picture I posted, I don't put too much importance that the objects over Nürnberg be UFOs, as the original woodcut was made by an Artist named Hans Glaser, who apparently was active in Southern Germany from 1540 to 1571. The woodcut was acquired by the Priest Johann Jakob Wick (1522-1614), who, collecting such as newspaper articles, advertising handouts, and accounts given by Friends, had an extensive Archive of Curiosities, the so called "Wickana", consisting of 23 volumes kept in the Graphical Collection in the Main Library in Zürich. However, the woodcut is woven into the story.

How Johann Gottfried Schnabel came by "the Packet of Writings" of the aforementioned "powerful Kapitaliste", and how this "other Jason" influenced him by sharing the writ after the evening meal at the Gasthaus. I will put Schnabel's translated words in parenthesis.

"One day, and to please the Postillion sounding his horn, this good Man was the first to step hastily onto the Coach whilst I was still standing at the door of the Gasthaus with two ladies and sales persons, emptying our glasses of wine. Unfortunately, he fell to the ground spooking the rested horses, and two of the wheels ran over his body and chest so hard that he was half dead and had to be carried back to the Gasthaus.

"Ignoring the mail coach, I remained with the patient who was in great pain, who, upon recovering his senses somewhat around midnight, forthwith asked for his packet of writings, and as soon as it was handed to him, he addressed me: "Mein Herr! Take and keep this packet in your confidence, perhaps Heaven will add luck
to it which was denied me. He then desired to be alone with the clergyman present, who gave good council to his Soul, and toward morning he exchanged the temporal with the eternal.

"My first thoughts were that I had inherited from this other Jason the Golden Fleece and became owner of the most sure alchemical processes. Far from it! In short, nothing other than the story of Albert Julii, and explanatory notes thereon which Mons. Eberhard Julius had sent to the unlucky passenger.

"Mons. Eberhard Julius had a fine and learned discourse with the local Natural Philosophers concerning the phenomena over Nürnberg thought to have been caused by Meteori, but because so much was written at the time in German, Latin, and other languages on observations of Meteori in many places, that almost any average Man in Germany could reason for himself, and I (Schnabel) decided not to waste my time."

Charlotte

[Charlotte]

There is many a story of shipwrecked sailors, writes Herr Schnabel, but His treats of "one Alberit Julii, a born Saxon, who seperately and in isolation embarked on a ship voyage at the age of eighteen, and on his shipwreck the 4th was thrown against a grievous/woeful cliff", and stepped in the Island Felsenburg. The story was published 1731, 170 years after the Nürnberg Phenomena in 1561, 170 years of incredible activity in Europe.

Concerning the credibility of "Insel Felsenburg". Schnabel writes:

"Who would need a belief as strong as an oak tree to put Lydia's well-trotted story of the 'island' in one's physical consciousness and accept it as truth. Who would not question more the integrity of the historian P. L. than the honesty of the poor hermit Phillip Quarll himself, because the former makes a great effort to put his lustrous fairy tale only believable to lunatics under the hat of Herr Dorrington with humble flattery as a burning historical torch? The history written by Joris or Georg Pines has since 1667 acquired considerable credibility, but since one "Anonymous" wanted the history translated into German, in which language it was mixed with Sauerkraut and gooseberries, and warmed up resulted in such a buttery mixture that one can hardly find a kernel of truth on the bottom of a long table."

Now, when Schnabel speaks of the integrity of the historian P. L., he might mean a literal, face value translation believable only to lunatics, even as it is today, as opposed to the honesty of a Hermit, which account is, of course, lunacy to the Literalist, but I harken to the Hermit because "Island Felsenstein" treats of Alchemy.

Apparently, the strange story of Schnabel's shipwrecked sailors was originally written in Latin in 1667, as He inserts many Latin phrases, suggesting he was versed in Latin of which I have no doubt, then translated into German at the request of "Anonymous" either by the historian P. L. or the poor Hermit Phillip Quarll. One has to be circumspect also of writers such as Schnabel of inventing names and things to tell His story.

Anyhow, after Schnabel was entrusted with the Bundle of Writings of the Literato in Knowledge, possessor of a sui generis Conduite, and thought he had been given the secrets of the Golden Fleece, but found it to be nothing more than the story of Albert Julii, and notes thereon by Mons. Eberhard, He continues:

"My hope of becoming a lucky Alchemist and rich Man in a short time were dashed and I felt betrayed, nevertheless, whilst reading through these works my eyes caught diverse passages, which according to my disposition I found amusing, but because I came across mail of particular content exchanged, partly by the unfortunate Literato and Mons. Eberhard Julio himself, partly with Herrn G. v. B. in Amsterdam, and partly also with Herrn H. W. W. in Hamburg, and also because these Gentlemen had corresponded for on these peculiar things for quite some time, a burning desire arose in me to take matters into my own hands to, so far as I was able, order the whole of the material and then leave it with the Publisher. It may mean much, little, or nothing to one or the other person, but my Conscience advised me not to slovenly hush up the matter."

Keeping in Mind that the time of the Meteori or Comet over Nürnberg and Basel was at the height of the Rosicrucian Movement in Europe, that Meteori or a comet was also sighted over Constantinople and Armenia which hangs together with the Travels in Europe, that Schnabel wrote His stories precisely about the time when "Count Benyowsky", "Thomas Anson", "Gentelmen of the Inner Temple", Benjamin Franklin, a certain Armenian named "Babjanian of Izmir", "Travelers with Purpose"; "Random Travelers" and "Hobos" with particular assignements of the former, methinks, criss-crossed Europe from Turkey to Vienna to Heidelberg to Saxon Anhalt, jump to Italy and France, to tie up loose ends for to establish the "New Atlantis", America.

Charlotte

[Charlotte]

The Lightening and Thunder of the 15th, 16th, and 17th century, and a Mighty Wind o'er Europe even though not the slightest breeze could be detected.

Johann Gottfried Schnabel is a Genius, but first things first.

www.altereddimensions.net/aliens/NurembergUFOBattle.aspx

As I mentioned before, and looking at the image of the battle raging in the skies over Nürnberg, April 4, 1561, and reading the several interpretations, I think it is safe to rule out UFO's as we "know" them. The woodcut shown was made by the German Artist Hans Glaser (1540-1571), and surface "on the streets" as a news flyer or "handout" at the end of April 1561. The woodcut is not fiction or a forgery, it is asserted, the text in the back of it dates the phenomena over Nürnberg April 14, 1561.

The Nürnberger Gazette reports of "dreadful apparitions filling the morning sky with cylindrical shapes from which emerged black, red, orange and blue spheres that darted about. Between the spheres, there were crosses with the color of blood. This frightening spectacle was witnessed by numerous men and women. Afterwards, a black, spear-like object appeared. A Lutheran clergyman on progress in Nürnberg wrote (that) God the Almighty has placed in the heavens many horrible and hitherto unheard signs. We have seen far more signs now than in any other year. The sun and the moon have been darkened on a number of occasions. A crucifix in the sky was seen, as were biers and coffins with black men beside them. Further, rods and whips and many other signs were seen in a multitude of places, and scarcely a year passed of late without an eclipse of the son or the moon."

I wonder who the Lutheran clergyman was. There is another woodcut from Nürnberg, dated 1591, showing "the aurora borealis shining above the city, much like the crosses and globes of the 1561 visitation." We have eclipses of the son and moon and the northern lights. Ergot poisoning is noted as a possible cause of "vivid hallucinations linked to the witch hysteria of the 15th century." There was a witch hunt at the time, but it had nothing to do with ergot hallucinations.

In 1566, a "handout" drawn up by Samuel Coccius, "of the Holy Writ and free and Liberal Arts at Basel im Vatterland", where Paracelsus studied at the University. Samuel Coccius reported that on August 7 of the same year, about sunrise were seen in the air many large black globes, which traveled with great speed against the sun and in returning fought with each other, then appeared red and somewhat orderly and were consumed and extinguished." Something like that, it's written in abrupt, short sentences.



Vossische Zeitung, Berlin 1728 (Newspaper)

An account of a Meteoran from September 29, 1728, states that one "Kamieniec" wrote that a great fiery Dragon winged about the city of Lemberg for 15 minutes spewing immensely strong flames together with much cash, and on two occasions generated a roar and noise as if the biggest Canons were fired. No one here in Lemberg has ever experienced such a monstrous event, the most we ever had was a strong storm and frightful downpour.



Constantinople, September 18, Schlesischer Nouvellen-Courier. [Breslau] 1736 (Newspaper)

On November 13, thick clouds came over the horizen at 4:00 in the afternoon, darkening the sky for 96 minutes as if it was night the City. In the midst of the clouds appeared a bright star which color was red as blood. At about six o clock in the evening this unusual star vanished but left a tail not unlike a comet. A thick fog arose lasting till eleven o clock, leaving behind such a dreadful smell that protective masks flew off the shelves and they had to call China to overnight some more.

A fragrant Rose for thy nose

Charlotte

[Charlotte]

To say the least, many unexpected things happened to Gottfried Schnabel before He even prepared to write the Story of the Island Felsenburg. 'Tis a long preamble to a Classic Tale, don't worry, it'll all make sense sooner or later, and what a Story it is!

"In 1520, two burning suns were seen in Prussia, and a burning beam landed and rose into the air becoming circular. A number of Renaissance painters show disks and tubes and other objects hovering in the sky, some of them glowing by their own light."

Below, from an article in the "Vossishe Zeitung, Berlin, 1793

"Mantua, February 20. On the 28th of the past month, at 15 minutes after 11 o' clock, observers at the Castel Gofredo, a local Duchy, hear a peculiar ruckus about the immediate area and adjacent Hamlets. For approx 8 minutes, at times loud others less so, booms akin to heavey artillery and banging of drums disturbed the air. The noise was loudest over a house not far from di S. Michele, about a hald a mile from Castel Gofredo, so frightening to the Inhabitants as to run outside, where they saw even the strongest trees, poplars and other trees trembling and moving as if a mighty wind was blowing even though there was not the slightest breeze. Almost at the same time, they heard a tremendous clamor above them and espied a stone turning about 100 Ellen above the ground, and barely missing the head of a hired hand dropped to the ground. The initial shock passing, the stone, scarcely a hand's width, was dug out, was found to weigh 16 ounces, blackish and of triangular shape, one side was hard and rough, the other somewhat smoother."

These accounts were reported in news papers and from people witnessing phenomena. Herr Schnabel tells of an incident over the Felsenburg Island.

Fulgura Frango

"One evening in late autumn, most of the Inhabitants of the island were in for an extraordinary Schreck. This event I saw myself in part, and was reported partly by those who held watch on the north rock, called 'vernom men'.

"It began with a pale-fiery Pyramid rising from the sea between west and north and ascending heavenward. At first, the Pyramid looked truly dreadful in the area of cloud concentration, but soon rays and arrows such as lightening arrows are painted, shot from the Pyramid, and single large and small sparks sprang from it comparable to the sparks flying from a Smith's anvil.

"Withing the hour the Pyramid evaporated, instead, a band approximately 5 to 6 times wider than an ordinary rainbow appeared, reaching firstly to the Pole Star, then split up lenghtwise into several small bands moving in unison eastward in a most wonderfully mingling motion until the reached the sea again. During this flowing motion one could observe under the bands frequent quivering, out of the ordinary lightening and glimmering, which was, however, not absorbed by the eye as is the case with ordinary lightening from an energized cloud.

"At midnight arose a middle-strong wind which forced the bands apart, and in their place wonderful figures presented themselves almost all over the heavens, but did not remain long in one place due to the ongoing quivering, glimmering and lightening. With the approaching day the figures and fiery rays paled and the fear of the people lessen'd. At daybreak the entire face disappeared and the fear of the people with it. There was talk that these fiery signs must be prophetic of entirely extraordinary and specific coincidences or synchronicities.

"Alone because Herr Schmelzer, Mons. Litzberg, Herr Wolfgang nebst his Alt-Father, the learned in Natural Philosophy, and others who had a concept of and grip on physics, in pondered these things further came to the agreement that these wonders of potent Meteors and Northern Lights should be heeded, therefore Mons. Schmelzer gave an instructive Sermon the following Sunday pertaining to these occurrences which God had placed in Nature, by which can be seen the sensible cause of such fire -signs, and most of the fright of the people was transformed to a God-fearing Wonderment, so that further such phenomena could be observed more calmly.

It's been raining for hours oh'n end in SoCal, and I saw one lightening strike this morning but heard no thunder. We no longer have to feel guilty washing our hands and taking long showers.

Have a great weekend

Charlotte

[Charlotte]

Fulgura Frango, the inscription on many Church Bells, means "I brake the Lightning". The verse:

Vivos voco, I call the living
Mortuos plango, mourn the dead.

A "perfect Bell", called "Protestglocke", was cast in 1605, now in the Holy Trinity Church in Schaffhausen, Switzerland. I looked, but not too long, for a picture without luck. As a bell per se it is not important to our subject, it would bring us to Schiller's Poem and so on. What might ring a bell during the telling of the story is the alternative interpretation and more to my liking, i.e., "the lightning I broke not and morn not the dead, .... I am Erz, that calls the living to serve God". Aside from Erz the metal, the German expression, "es ist erz-alt", meaning hoary with age, is the "Erzkunde" or "Ur-Knowledge", and also pertains to the mountain range "Erz Gebirge" associated with Noah's Ark, and the legend of the hoary with age Giant Rübezahl and his Dwarfs, knowing out roots (Rüben) and counting (zählen) the Ages, and as mentioned on Ma'at years ago, there is a wooden Church on the mountain range, built without nails or pegs and carved with Celtic Symbols.

The "Island Felsenburg" and "New Atlantis"

The "old" Atlantis of Plato, of which the whole world knows, is curious and vexed about, as opposed to Francis' New Atlantis known mostly only to Scholars, some looking deeply, most read the account literalistically and make hay out of it. The true account, as I have meanwhile learned, is that of St. Spyridon of the Island of Corfu, as touched upon in "The Secrets of the Universe" thread, given to us by Shakespeare/Bacon Himself in "The Tempest", and this magic is exceedingly rough. "The Tempest" can also be applied to the Colonization of Virgina, as well as the Island Felsenburg, because truly, the three accounts have the concept of "Utopia" in common.

Gottfried Schnabel's Felsenburg = a Fortress on a Rock", betokens a land where people live together in peace and harmony, where moral and ethical standards according to the biblical teachings are the norm, an island wholly removed from the unfair, corrupt, and tyrannical systems of Government, as persisted in Europe at the time (and still do in parts of the world), a "jungfräuliches" = Virgin Territory, which was planned over several generations, just as was Francis' New Atlantis - "that which you call America", in His words. But the story runs two-fold, again, New Atlantis and Felsenburg have in common that 1, people seeking a better life on earth, below, and 2, "The Island of Ben Salem", another term Francis uses is "the Island of Truth surrounded by an immense ocean".

Schnabel defends His Rendition against accusations of thieving parts from the Adventures of Robinson Crusoe of York who lived for twenty-eight years on an island of the coast of America, a story thought to be, among other origins given, after the life of the Scottish castaway Alexander Selkirk who lived for four years on the Island "Mas a Tierra" in the Pacific. The difference being that Selkirk requested to be marooned, as did Alberti Julii in terms of 'above', "married himself", (worded as "he eat himself" by the AE) while Crusoe was shipwrecked. Important is that Crusoe was "of York".

What is Daniel Defoe's "Robinson Crusoe" but the Great Plan conceived by Francis, the Adventure of the Colonization of America, as James Joyce rightly asserts, like Felsenburg planned over generation. What had been accomplished by Ficino et all in Florence, Reuchlin, Francesco Giorgy, Agrippa and Friends, influenced by Dionysius the Areopagite, continued in England and the Great Rosicrucian Movement in Europe, in particular Germany. It was then that Christopher the Colonizer, whom nobody seems to be able to identify with surety, Cabot, Forbisher, White, Thomas Gates of "National Treasure" fame, George Summers, Gilbert, and Raleigh embarked upon Voyages to the New World, to bring things into context.

A panorama of the events show the obvious, the "Plot summery" begins with "Crusoe (the family name translated from the German name "Kreutznaer" or "Kreutznär") set sail from the Queens Dock in Hull on a sea voyage in September 1651, against the wishes of his parents, who wanted him to stay home and assume a creer in law", but Crusoe leans toward the Bible, as did Eberhard Julii whom Schnabel elected to tell the story of Alberti's voyage to Felsenburg, more on that later. Crusoe of York, and the names "Kreutznaer" or "Kreutznär" obviously refer to Christian Rosencreutz, not Crusoe being "virtually synonymous with the word "castaway".

Here is a 1518 woodcut by Ambrosius Holbein of the Island Felsenburg or the New Atlantis, please scroll to

Scholarly and literary work

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_More

the Utopian.

Charlotte

[Charlotte]

Generally speaking, "Crusoe becomes the slave of a Moor", sometimes he Is a Moor, which, in the greater Picture we can see him as the noble Esteban from Spain and only surviver of the shipwreck of Florida, of "National Treasure" fame. Crusoe befriends the Captain of the Portuguese Ship "Madre de Dios", which Newport captured. Crusoe becomes "a Plantation Owner" after he is shipwrecked on an island near the "Orinoco River" on "the Island of Despair", the lost Colony of Roanoke where all his companions die. He encounters a native "Cannibal" whom he calls "Friday", teaches him English and converts him to Christianity.

Crusoe refers to himself as "King of the Island", (above, the Temple Priest of Solomon's Island, New Atlantis), and the Captain of the ship calls him "Governor of the Mutineer Colony". This Governorship we can assign to Thomas Gates or the Rebel Nathaniel Bacon, who is described by a Friend precisely, word for word, as the King of the Island, above and below, Francis Bacon.

Wanting to assimilate "Friday" into his society, Crusoe takes him to England. In the Colonization of Virginia, "Friday would be Manteo whom Thomas Hariot befriended and brought to England together with Wanchese, the latter considering himself a "captive", even as "Friday" was a fellow prisoner Crusoe rescued. Harriot taught Manteo English and Manteo taught Harriot Algonkian, whence "Harriot's Devils" the characters of an alphabet he created. Both, Crusoe and Hariot are concerned and hope the "Savages" will become civilized. As in the Colonization, there are Spanish and English Ships off the coast of Crusoe's Island.

Found is another castaway on Crusoe's Juan Fernandez Island, friendly to the "Privateers", who the English call "Will", after whom "Friday" may be modeled. Actually it is "our" Will. "Will was seen by Spanish landing parties a number of times, but was never captured." Will was rescued by the English, and "immediately killed three goats and served them up in English style, with cabbage", a sacrifice. Juan Fernandez Island, where the Privateers restocked their supplies, is off the Coast of Central America, and in Francis' New Atlantis "They sailed from Peru...."

Seven years after Defoe's Crusoe, Jonathon Swift counters Defoe's notion the "the individual precedes society", creates a new society, as "such thought (is) a dangerous endorsement of Thomas Hobbes' radical political philosophy....", to bring in Hobbes, a close Friend and Confidant of Francis, the two Gentlemen walking the Gardens at Gorhambury, Hobbes writing down Francis' "Thoughts". Another note of interest belongs:

In The Tale of Little Pig Robinson", Beatrix Potter directs the reader to Robinson Crusoe for a detailed description of the island (the land of the Bong tree) to which her eponymous hero moves. She describes the land of the Bong tree as being similar to Robinson Crusoe's, "only without the drawbacks."

This refers to 'above' where the aimless Traveler or pure fool begins his journey on land or sea, "and ends up a pilgrim, crossing a final mountain to enter the promised land - becomes closer to God, not through listening to sermons in a church but through spending time alone amongst nature with only the Bible to read". Just so, Schnabel's Alberti Julii climbs over the cliff he is thrown up against on his shipwreck the 4th, his fourth attempt and enters the Fairest Land engendering 300 Souls, not children as assumed.

Wilkie Collins also has the right idea in his novel The Moonstone, "one of the chief characters and narrators, Gabriel Betteredge, places implicit faith in all Robinson Crusoe says, and uses the book for a sort of divination. He considers 'The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe' the finest book ever written, and considers a man poorly read if he had happened not to read the book."

I would so agree with "the finest book ever written", for the Inspiration for these novels , including Schnabel's is the Book of Sir Francis Bacon, Crusoe, Kreitznaer, or Rosencreutz. Defoe was a Puritan, and the "central concern in the novel is the Christian notion of Providence. Crusoe often feels guided by a divinely ordained fate, (as was Francis and Hamlet) thus explaining his robust optimism in the face of apparent hopelessness. His various fortunate intuitions are taken as evidence of a benign spirit world. (Bacon's Spirit World is real, not intuition)

Defoe also foregrounds this theme by arranging highly significant events in the novel to occur on Crusoe's birthday", which brings us to full circle to the great Phenomena over Nürnberg and Europe in 1561 when Francis was born, and the following years. Events in the heavens correspond to those on earth, even as Pluto, the Planet of Capitalism, was demoted with the current fall of Capitalism, and to make events four-fold above and below, "our inner state becomes our outer invironment."

Whether the Writers of these novels associate their work with Francis or Rosencreutz, or the Phenomena over Nürnberg, does not matter in the least, though Titles such as The Tale of Little Pig Robinson, and The Moonstone, would suggest so. The Supra-Consciousness of the Universe is timelessly present in all things and lives of Man, and the open and receptive Mind will see Its Workings in a or that split second. The Holy Spirit of the unequaled Wisdom of the Orthodox Church, where we repeated after the Bishop "As the Universe agreed!"

Lastly, Schnabel explicitly states that his account of Alberty Julii, though it has elements of Defoe's novel, was given to him in Confidence by a powerful Kapitaliste or even an Adeptus possessed of an extraordinary Conduit, the good Man dying due to the Mail-Coach running over His body. The latter statement convenient for the for tolling a Grand Tale.

Charlotte

[Charlotte]

My addition to "The Secrets of the Universe", and the long History of the Orthodox Church, is this interconnected, parallel Journey of Humanity toward the World to come.

Tempest-tossed, without compass and rudder as most of us are on the mercyless Ocean of Life, we inevitably shipwreck on an island as told in the Novels, spend much time in personal conversation with God since no one else is there, as did Crusoe amongst nature with only the Bible.

To refresh, the Journey betokens the events told to Gottfried Schnabel by Mons. Eberhard Julius concerning the wondrous Fate of his Kin Alberti Julii, who, writes Schnabel, was youthful and healthy in his hundred year, and is probably alive to this date, and the Voyages from England to and peopling of the New World leading to Christianopolis. Anyone familiar with the European Renaissance and what I wrote here on this thread, will recognize the gist of Crusoe's words:

"I was born in the year 1632, in the city of York, of a good family, though not of that country, my father being a foreigner of Bremen who settled first at Hull. He got a good by merchandise and, leaving off his trade, lived afterward in York, from whence he had married my mother whose relations were named Robinson, a very good family in that country, and from whom I was called Robinson Kreutznaer; but by the usual corruption of words in English we are called, nay, we call ourselves, and write our name "Crusoe", and so my companion always called me.

"My island was now peopled, and I thought myself very rich in subjects; and it was a merry reflection, which I frequently made, how like a king I looked. First of all, the whole country was my own mere property, Baso that I had an undoubted right of dominion. Secondly, my people were perfectly subjected. I was absolute lord and lawgiver, they all owed their lives to me, and were ready to lay down their lives, if there had been occasion of it, for me."

We know that only one Person speaks thus, and much "wondering" and reading between the lines is necessary.

"I might well say now indeed, that the latter end of Job was better than the beginning. It is impossible to express here the flutterings of my very heart when I looked over these letters, and especially when I found all my wealth about me; for as the Brazil ships came all in fleets, the same ships which brought my letters brought my goods. . . .

"But no sooner were my eyes open, but I saw my Poll sitting on top of the hedge; and immediately knew that it was he that spoke to me; for just in such bemoaning language I had used to talk to him, and teach him; and he learned it so perfectly that he would sit upon my finger and lay his bill close to my face, and cry, "Poor Robbin Crusoe! Where are you? Where have you been? How come you here? and such things as I had taught him."

What of the Phenomena of Nürnberg, eclipses, meteori, and comets over Europe, and the "highly significant events" which occur on Crusoe's birthday?

Hamlet

A mote it is to trouble the mind's eye,
In the most high and palmy state of Rome,
A little ere the mightiest Julius fell.
The graves stood tenantless, and the sheeted dead
Did squeak and gibber in the Roman streets;
As stars with trains of fire, and dews of blood,
Disasters in the sun, and the moist star
Upon whose influence Neptune's empire stands
Was sick almost to doomsday with eclipse.
And even the like precurse of fear'd events,
As harbingers preceeding still the fates
And prologue to the omen coming on.
Have heaven and earth demonstrated
Unto our climatures and countrymen.

Remembering that Shakespeare/Bacon frames His face to all occasion.

Charlotte

[Charlotte]

In passing, Crusoe sailed from the Queens Dock in Hull in September 1651, a timely date, a Twin-City of Hull is Raleigh, NC.

Multitasking in my understanding of things.

From Nürnberg to Constantinople, to the early Saints.

Keeping to the medieval centuries under consideration, a collective mental currency of a number of Persons, intensely occupied probing the secrets of Nature, and Divinity of God, charged and impregnated the Atmosphere. Action then follows thought as Tat follows Thoth. (Tat in German is 'to act', 'doing'.) Orthodoxy has an "electric Telegraph" to God, Who "created spirits and the souls of the departed as well as those of the living and thinking beings and thought is rapid and in some sort omnipresent". So it is, not contained in our brain.

Taking also in account that our thoughts above/within manifest below/without, and that every positive or negative thought waves or ripples through the Universe effecting and changing it, it stands to reason, and as occurred, the fierce Gedankenkrieg resulting in a tremendous power struggle among the ruling Houses of Europe. The Catholic Church took a blow from Henry VIII, our Queen's Father who wanted everything His way, and Luther's Protestant Reformation. Meanwhile, the Sons of Toil traveled hither and dither from Elizabeth's to Emperor Rudolf II Court, many mindful of the "Azoth from A to Z" as my chemist Teacher had it, and Basil Valentine held forth.

Second to Heidelberg, Nürnberg was the Centre of the German Renaissance. In that City, Martin Luther and Phillipp Melanchthon initiated the Reformation from the Wartburg Castle, the same Wartburg through which Halls the Phoenix fluttered at the Minstrels Feast of Poetry and Song, three centuries earlier, inspiring Wagner's "Meistersinger von Nürnberg", for His Teacher in Poetry was Walther von der Vogelweide, and His Teacher in Music the Birds of Nature, Vogelweide being the "Meadow of Birds".



A Son of Nürnberg, Hans Sachs, the Poet and Singer who wrote the famed "Nightingale of Wittenburg, heard everywhere these days", though a Protestant, I don't think it was dedicated to Luther, for Sachs was a "Shoemaker", his Master a "Linen Weaver", and Luther didn't sing like a Nightingale, but the Minstrels did. Moreover, Hamlet and His Brother Horatio also attended Wittenberg, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern resided there. Mons. Eberhard Julius, born at the high point of a Solar Eclipse, was drawn to Theology and planned to study at the University of Wittenberg, but as Fate would have would have itHe was handed a trice sealed Letter.... more in the story proper.

Albrecht Dürer, A 1 Son of Nürnberg, "We live by the spirit. The Rest belongs to death", was a close Friend of the lesser known Renaissance Humanist, Willibald Pirckheimer, a wealthy Nürnberger who supported Dürer, whose grandson Willibald Imhoff purchased part of Dürer's collection of papers, which was sold in 1636 to the 2nd Earl of Arundel, envoy to the Great Courts of Europe.

In Nürnberg, in 1541, one Chrysogonus Polidorus, rendered an interpretation of the Tabula Smaragdina of Hermes, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emerald_Tablet and makes mention of the Golden Fleece of the Argonauts, which secrets, Schnabel, hoping to become an alchemist, presumed to have been in the "Bundle of Papers" entrusted to him by the Literato, "the other Jason", before this mysterious Traveler died.

Already in 1471, ""Regiomontanus" (Johannes Müller), built an Observatory in Nürnberg, which Dürer and Friends utilized for astronomical study.

The most remarkable is the "Nuremberg Chronicle", it "is an illustrated world history. Its structure follows the the story of human history as related in the Bible. - The Chronicle was first published in Latin on 12 July 1493 in the city of Nuremberg. This was quickly followed by a German translation on 23 December 1493." To give another glimpse of welch Geistes Kind Dürer was, "the publisher and printer was Anton Koberger, the godfather of Albrecht Dürer, who in the year of Dürer's birth in 1471 ceased goldsmithing to become the most successful printer and publisher from Lyon to Budapest."

'Tis what Dürer's Godfather printed and published:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuremberg_Chronicle

See the position of the Pelican nourishing its Young on a semblance of the "blessed" Tree of Life, and Constantinople resembling an "Island".

The "Content", from the first age of creation, to the seventh age, an outlook on the end of the whole world and the Last Judgment.

As above so below, or corresponding heavenly and earthly events, a sort of Kauderwelch, meaning "chew the Welch".

"In October 1604, a bright new evening star (SN 1604) appeared, but Kepler did not believe the rumors until he saw it himself. Kepler began systematically observing the star. Astrologically, the ned of 1603 marked the beginning of a fiery trigon, the start of a ca. 800-year cycle of great conjunctions; astrologers associated the two previous such periods with the rise of Charlemagne (ca. 800 years earlier) and the birth of Christ (ca. 1600 years earlier), and thus expected events of great portent, especially regarding the emperor." Kepler "studied the Star's astronomical properties", and "noted its fading luminosity. The Star appeared in the Constellation of Serpentarri and is noted in the Manifestos.

"Oh thick wits, Oh blind watchers of the sky!" Exclaimed Tycho, who in 1572 discovered a very bright new Star in the Constellation of Cassiopeia, "the star that's westward from the pole", in Hamlet, they say, and who was called, as was Kepler, to Prague, to the Court of Rudolf II. Maybe the Supernova was the same Star appearing and fading out. Brahe and Kepler observed solar and lunar eclipses, observed the great Comet of 1577, at which time Kepler was a child, saying that his Mother, a Healer and Herbalist, took him to a "high place to look at it".

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johannes_Kepler

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tycho_Brahe

Similarely, the Phenomena over Constantinople in 1736, when "the sky was obscured for 96 minutes by thick clouds as if it were night, wherein the middle a bright star appeared, blood-red in color, though after 6 o clock in the evening this unusual star became faint but its tail incresed in radiance not unlike a comet", and Comets seed the earth. Sounds much like Hamlet's "stars with trains of fire, and dews of blood", even as in our time of great change, in 2007 a new star was discovered in Scorpius, by two Japanese Observers, which "suddenly increased in brightness before dimming, and is now visible with the naked eye." In the Pound, it all hangs together.

In the Ounce, and since things are as above so below, 'twere many a Star traveling across Europe leaving a tails of fire like Comets seeding our Minds, and everyone knows who was the most Brilliant.

Finally, Augustine of Hippo (354-430), Saint Augustine the Blessed, for Orthodox Christians, holding His inflamed heart and looking at "VERITS" from Heaven, teaching on Salvation and Divine Grace, profoundly influenced the medieval Luminaries, therefore the Authors of the Nürnberg Chronicles, and in the link, if you click on filioque clause, thy eye catches "The Holy Trinity" by Rublev, the article replete with Saints, Patriarchs, Monarchs, the Councils of Constantinople, the Byzantine Empire, enough links to for days.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augustine_of_Hippo

Charlotte

[Charlotte]

The Parallel Journey

Johann Gottfried Schnabel (Nov. 7, 1692 - ca. 1751)

Having read only the 'Advertisement' and 'Preface' of Insel Felsenburg, and gleaning from these lines and clues 'tis not a reading for a breakfast, but I like voyages to "Treasure Islands" to see what chances, and anticipate pleasant surprises in translating the Text as I read it. Due to superfluous comments apropos "jealous" Detractors, problems with Publishers inserting additional notes, and a myriad of other non-essential remarks such as the sun is shining today, I shortened same considerably. I'll try to keep with Schnabel's mode of writing and his words in quotation marks.

The Island Felsenburg

The wondrous Fata
Of a few sailors,
In particular one Alberti Julii,
A born Sachsen,
Who in his 18th year embarked upon a Sea Voyage
And who, on his shipwreck the 4th
Was thrown against an awesome and cruel cliff,
And having climbed it, discovered a most
Beautiful Country where he wedded
His Companion, and this Union
Engendered a Family of more than 300 Souls
Who by fortuitous coincidence happened upon
And collected an astonishingly valuable Treasure
Adding to the Country's Splendour
To the happiness of their learned Friends
In Teutschland. At the end of the year 1728,
Alberti Julii in his 100rd year, still vigorous and healthy,
Is presumed to live to this day,
And his Brother's great grand Son,
Mons. Eberhard Julio,
drew up this work for the musing and speculation
Of curious Readers, and per Comission gave it to the Printer.

Von

Gisandern

".... for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband." (Galatians 4:27)

Advertisement

"In the beginning, one is withal, inclined Reader, acceptant of the historic Tale of Felsenburg or what is promised by the Title, en Suite, without paragraph of punctuation, but after fruitful consideration as regards one or the other circumstance, the story had to be told in parts for the Understanding. To have it all at once in a lump would have been more agreeable to the Publisher, but owing to the confusion in the Manuscript of Herrn Eberhard Julii, who wrote at times in Folio, other times in Quarto, yet other times in Octavo, and moreover added almost countless annotations in small pieces of paper which I had to weave in, it was impossible for me to write in the concise style I had imagined. However, daily, this work in my hands grew on me almost imperceptibly, and my untiring quill may awaken in the Reader a pleasant Amusement concerning parhaps exaggerated Curiosities, and he may find something agreeable in the partly wonderful, partly ridiculous, partly peculiar but remarkable Fata.

"Compiling the Manuscripts of Mons. Eberhard Julii, and writing a complicated report, namely, to what flourishing state the Insel Felsenburg was brought through the industry of the newly arrived Artists and Artisans of Europe; how Mons. Eberhard Julius planed his return trip to Europe to again find his Father whose Precious Treasure he had peviously recorded, and finally in the company of his Father and his Sister living in Sweden, embarked on the 'other' Voyage to Felsenburg, is nay impossible.

"If the oft mentioned Mons. Eberhard Julius is true to his password, as he promised, by the far off incidents of the Felsenburger, either the Banker G. v. B. in Amsterdam, or Herrn W. in Hamburg, translated and in writing, perhaps a Third Part of the intended Work desires credit and see the Light of Day. Should the account lack satisfactory conclusion, perchance I will write a curious Novel about Soldiers one of these Summers, for which various Officers eagerly supplied the material, the same I promised to persue. Perhaps someone meets therein-pleasant things as one might in the present.

"I would ask the gentle Reader to pardon my wholly imperfect style of writing, but because of the enormous effort exerted I would ask for an affectionate or at least dispassionate Sentiment toward my Person, and remain tenaciously

Your willing Servant

Gisander.

A good weekend to All

Charlotte

[Charlotte]

The Island Felsenburg which doesn't exist on Terra Firma, "was brought to a flourishing state through the industry of the newly arrived Artists and Artisans of Europe", writes Schnabel. These were the Artists and Artisans, Mystics, Masons, Rosicrucians et all of the Renaissance, and their traveling Envoys criss-crossing Europe, England, Russia, and the Middle East.

Preface

Dear Reader,

"In the following pages I present you with a History, which, if you are not a sworn enemy of such peculiar accounts, and your brain doesn't fill up with prejudice at first glance of the Title Page (Island Felsenburg), you will not fail some if not all here related to that faculty of your Mind predisposed to delightful amusement, and the minor effort it takes to turn the pages will be richly compensated.

"To my dismay, I hear some such Person who does take a look and resonates with the story, ask, 'how now, Compatriot, can one depend on you that the story you present is not composed of poetic ramblings, Lucian Pranks, thrown together Robinson- shavings and the like?' As it is, more and more Skribanten come to the fore to turn the curious Reader's Nose, making it difficult to accept Herrn von Lydio's well trodden path of the Island as true when mashed into the physical awareness. P. L. makes great effort to reach and tell Lunatics shining Fables with humble flattery as if it were a burning Torch of historical Truth, taking up his time in wondering more about the tale than over the account of the poor Hermit Phillip Quarl!? Since anon 1667, the story of Joris or Georg Pines procured a Birth Certificate and maintained considerable credibility, howbeit in the translation from English to German requested by Anonymous, so much Sauerkraut and Gooseberries were mixed in the latter language that one can hardly find a kernel of truth."

The well known method of some such Writers to plant doubt and discourage the Reader to puruse a story is evident here.

"One or the other Reader will hold the story as pure fiction and throw out the baby with the bathwater, because like stories have by-words such as 'verely, true, surprising, frightening, never before discovered, without equal, unheard of, unthinkable, wonderful, admirable, remarkable, rare', and so on. Often one feels compelled to call upon Herrn Ulrichen, Banisher of revolting things, because one meets up in such writings with lame satire, miserable winds, chewed over moralities, sugar-coated morsels of depraved life, and not six lawful and true historical lines are encountered."

The well known method of some such Writers to plant doubt and discourage the Reader from purusing a story is evident here. Schnabel himself uses the phrase of throwing out the baby with the bathwater, surprized me that its been around at least since the Renaissance.

"Why would one ask for favor and permission of one or the other of those stubborn heads who prefer to read nothing but 'facts' wherewith they then write only such corporal and objective History which to the smalles Iota could be affirmed by a bodily Oath? Why should even a clever fiction, as a Lasus Ingente, (repentance with grandiose phrases of joy and delight?) be disdained as reprehensible? To my Mind, the Theologi themselves give the like example in the Holy Bible, even in whole books. Sapiente sat. You probably read or heard the Axiom of a famous man: many heads, many perceptions. The dear Nobody alone can please all people, but what you don't like charms maybe ten, even hundred, and probably many other people."

Schnabel then relates how he came by the "Woundrous Fata", which can be read in the beginning of this thread in Reply 1, and remarks that he came to this work as one who hears a bell, and that the Reader may have noticed that his Conscience is not fashioned like a spider's web into which he has woven things at random, but that he was given much evidence that the story is true and not a Fable, of which anyone can believe as much as he likes, and to judge gently though it may not be faultless.

"It is not my intention to inspire you or another with this Work in my High German style of writing to elicit resonance and thereby seek your agreement, rather, let him who likes it judge it on its merit, and since the same may not turn out be profitable overall, I have nothing further to say but Haud curat Hippoclides, in (teutsch) - English:

'Say what you will of me and Julio the Sachsen,
No gray hair shall grow on my Head because of it.'

The Wondrous Fata

"The question, whether it can be rightly prognosticated that the Fate of those Children born at the time of a Solar or Lunar Eclipse is foreordained, I leave for the learned Natural Philosophers to ponder."

Apparently, the remainder of the paragraph containes deliberately confusing language, giving the impression that Schnabel himself is Eberhard Julii, at times Julius, as I was inclined to think from the beginning. In German such a Person is called an "Ich Erzähler", I myself am the Story-Teller in the First Person as given to him by the Adeptus he met on his travels. It is obvious that he does not divulge the identity of certain Persons, whereas to others he assigns a name. He writes:

"To my attentive Reader, I will begin by announcing something Remarkable, viz., that I, Eberhard Julius, first saw the light of this world on May 12, 1706, at the hour the well known Solar Eclipse has reached its highest and most dreadful degree. My Father, a well to do Merchant, and my Mother had not yet been married a full year and therefore were doubly surprised and beside themselves with Happiness, and soon after, when my Father saw my Mother fairly refreshed and cheerful, he could barely contain his joy kissing his healthy, first-born Son, so my Friends told me."

antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap080128.html

www.georgeglazer.com/maps/celestial/homann/homann.htlm

George Glazer Gallery - Antique Celestial Maps - Homann Systema Solare et Planetarium

www.jstor.org/pss/102677

Charlotte

[Charlotte]

Johann Gottfried Schnabel

"In my early life I tend to make much ado about the love and dove mushiness between my newly wed Parents and myself as the first fruit of their Love. Enough! Raised by them tenderly but Christian and mannerly, and because they dedicated my youth to study, there was never a lack of such learned, dextrous and devoted Teachers, whose skillful instructions together with my indefatigable industry, as well as advice of many experienced Men who examined me, that in my 17th year about Easter 1723, I traveled with a good Chaperon to the University of Kiel.

"Though it did not appeal to me, my Mother wished for me to study Jurisprudence, for she was the Daughter of a distinguished Esquire. Alas, my Mother's joyful applause at my good progress in that Profession of her choosing was short termed in that after one year I received the painful news that my devoted Mother nebst the fruit of her womb passed away on April 16, 1724, in childbirth. My Father requested my company for several weeks because neither my Sister nor Family members were present to ease his pain. I wrote back, that regardless of all Kollegia courses beginning anew at this time, the reason for my not wanting to be with him is that grieving together would not heal but rend our wounded Hearts all the more. With my Father's permission, and sending me 200 Spez. Dukaten, I remained in Kiel for another half year, upon which he wished for me to come home to spend the Winter month and in Spring betake myself to gallant Leipzig and there finish my Studia.

"My Father's will was my guideline. I spent the remaining time in Kiel cultivating my knowledge, then, armed with magnificent Certificates from my Professors, journed home, where to my Heart's delight I found my Father, dear Sister, related Family and Friends in a cheerful disposition, only, the loss of my Mother diminished my happiness immensely. In short, not one diversionary maneuver from my Father or Friends could exile the tendencies to melancholia taking root in my Mind, wherefore I sought shelter in my books to find my lost joy and entertainment and found it often.

"Partly glad, partly sad about my douce behavior, and upon my entreaty, my Father soon resolved to let me travel to Leipzig without an Overseer, or Hofmeister as he must be called at times, and sent me off with 300 Fl. and a banknote of 1000 T1, in which City I arrived safe and sound on May 4th, 1725.

"He who somewhat knows the demography of that world famous town can easily believe that a young fellow with so much bare cash can find all sorts of entertainment to pass the time, howbeit my Mind and Soul were filled with constant gloom unless I frequented my Kollegia and in my musings conversed with the dead.

"A Gentleman of my Land by the name of Mons. H... soon detected my conundrum, his hand reaching readily with the greatest Raison to his Doctor's Hat indicating he was a Physician, and said to me in confidence, 'My dear Herr Landsmann, I know with certainty that you have not the slightest reason to chagriniere yourself over anything in the World, exept for the loss of your blessed Mother. As a sensible man, however, you cannot sorrow so severely and for such a prolonged period of time, firstly: because you can be absolutely assured of her Salvation; other, that you have yet such a Father from whom you can expect everything that was planed and hoped for by both your Parents. As to other motives I hold my tongue, but I will bet my Head that your doleful state has more to do with the ill dispostion of the flourishing Bloods, wherefore some medicine is recommended, and then the drawing of a few Unzen of these Bloods in full bloom. For what its worth!' cried the Doctor, 'in fourteen days we will chat in a different tone'.

"The given advice seemed reasonable to me, I agreed, and in a few days found myself feeling much better and more frivolous than usual, which my Friends greatly appreciated and which was most pleasing to myself. I attended one or another Happy Hour, arranged for one myself, strolled with Friends through town, in short, I partook of everything honed young men are wont to do, minus prostitution. However, I cannot deny that the thought of like Entertainment was often interrupted by an anxious heartbeat, the source of which should still be ascribed to full-bloodedness, alone my Heart wanted to almost assure me beforehand that a particular mishap was afoot, which after a few days, namely the first days of the Lent Week, came to pass and was revealed in the content of a letter from my Father."

My Son,

"Be not frightened, rather carry my and your unfortunate Lot with heroic indifference, as I myself assure you that the false luck with three fatal strokes at once brought my Reputation and Wealth to naught. How you ask? Know then, that my Companion made us bankrupt on account of two tons of Gold, which were on board of an East Indian Ship equipped at my expense, and which was plundred by Pirates on the return voyage. Lastly, to complete my ruin I lost Stock worth 50,000 T 1. More on the matter I will not write because in writing my hands want to become rigid. In Leipzig, let Hrn H. cash the banknote of 2000 Frfl, your Sister received as much, her best things were sent to Stockholm to her Base, and I leave with little for East or West India to either find my lost Luck or Death. Perhaps you came upon Letters concerning my circumstances at Hrn W. in Hamburg. Fare well, and lament the unlucky Fate of your devoted Father whose honesty, hasard, and gullibility brought such hardship to his devout children. In the hope that God will not forsake us entirely,
I remain

D.d. 5 April, 1725

Your
To the Grave loyal Father
Franz Martin Julius

[Charlotte]

"The letter in my hand and as if struck by lightening I fell backwards on my bed and lay there motion- and emotionless for over two hours. Taking neither food nor drink, I spent all day and the following night in deep desperation, though at daybreak my stormy thoughts calmed somewhat. I prayed my morning prayer in heartfelt devotion, and after a morning song I trusted that God in His Wisdom will do as He pleases etc., opened the Bible and my eye fell on David's Psalm 127, moving me immensely. Abiding in sincere and devout supplication for a while, I again opened the Bible and chanced upon the words of Proverb 10: The Blessings of the Lord make rich without effort.

"Whereby tears welled up in my eyes and from my mouth went forth these words: "My God, I request not temporary goods and grieve not for lost ones, rather put me where it pleases Thee, a bearing wherewith I can further Thy Honour, benefit my Neighbor, keep clean my conscience, live reputierlich and die graceful.

"At the same moment came thoughts that instead of Jurisprudence I shall choose Theology, therefore I cashed my notes, deposited two thirds to earn interest, and with the rest I intended to betake myself to the University of Wittenberg. Alone, a sudden high fever thwarted my plan and moreover left me little time to obtain the banknote my Father had left with Hrn. H. nor oder my affairs, forcing me to bed upon which I requested to be cared for by a famous Physician as well as a female Nurse. My Friends, knowing the unlucky Fate and hardship of my Father, cared not in the least about me, a poor Studiosus, but praise must be given to the Physician for his loving and loyal service, who stayed with me almost day and night, and I wish to soon search for him and the opportunity to thank him.

"MY illness was of great concern to him, but luckily in the third week I was able to tolerate walks in the fresh air, and several times daily we strolled through the pleasant Rose Gardens. He ordered my eating and drinking conducive to regain my health completely for I had no Mind to arrive in Wittenberg as a half or whole Patient.

"Heaven, however, decreed that neither my spiritual Studies nor my journey to Wittenberg shall come to pass. Several days after my regularly attending Church and morning Prayers, there was a knock on my door and the Post Carrier handed me a letter, which I opened with trembling hands, and read:

B. d. 21. Mai 1725

Monsieur,

"These lines to you, written by one wholly unknown by your Family, will, without fail, surprise and intrigue you. Alone, as a Studiosus, you, perhaps more than the Unlearned will much better comprehend how incomprehensible Heaven arranges the Fate of mortal man. I, the signer of this letter, although a German by birth, am a Ship's Captain in the service of Holland, who arrived at the city of you birth a few days ago in the hope of meeting your Father to personally bring him one of the most profitable Newspapers of the World. To my greatest dismay I not only heard of his hardship but also that within the month he sea fared to West India. Regardless of the circumstances, I am obliged by an Oath I swore to entrust to you, the only Son of Mons. Eberhard Julius, a Mystery by which power not only your Father's loss will be more than doubly compensated, but perhaps bring Happiness to your Children in years to come.

"I assure you once again, Monsieur, that by my hard dealings the pastiche of your thoughts apropos this Affair are gleaned by me, howbeit I sincerely implore you to set aside all obstacles and with best possible speed journey to Amsterdam so as to arrive on Saint John's Day. God willing, 27 June is my departure date for East India. Should you not find me, I left a sealed letter written by my hand with the Banker Herr G. v. B., by which you can orient yourself and measure your steps. Even so, I fear that your Important Mission will be extensive and not always proceed smoothly, and should you come to an impass you can find me daily at the East Indian House in Amsterdam, where I am well known, to personally speak with me. Lastly, and again as a Friend, I would recommend a speedy journey to your timely and blissful Happiness, commend you into the good hands of God, and remain steadfast

Monsieur

vortre Valet
Leonard Wolfgang

P.S. Forestalling any mistrust by Monsieur Julius conserning my words, A Cashiers Check of 150 Spez. Dukaten for travel expenses is sent to Herrn S. in Leipzig.

Charlotte

[Charlotte]

"Not too much effort is required to convince anyone that after reading I sat as one dreaming for a good time. Ja! Assuredly, the new and for me so profitable content of the letter distressed me as much as my Father's calamity, although it was easier to collect myself. Consulting my Intellect, my uncertainty abated within a few hours, (sic) I decided to take the first Post Carriage to Amsterdam. To mind came the comforting Verse: God knows these are difficult yet charming matters which stimulated my curiosity, beseeching Him with all my Heart to mercifully protect my youthful Being from Satan and this depraved World with its dangerous weavings, cunning and perfidy in this Endeavor, that I would rather live in greatest poverty than endanger my Soul.

"Having so deliberated with God and my Conscience, I stood by my decision to travel to Amsterdam and made ready post heste, collecting the 150 Dukaten the same day, paid those who rendered me service, and with what little funds remained together with my Equipage betook myself to the Post Station of Holland, departing Leipzig with God's Blessing and a particular cheerful disposition.

"Nothing unusual occurred on this trip, save I resolved, partly because of fatigue, partly because of curiosity, to spend some time at the famous City of Kassel, Residence of the famous Counts of Hesse-Kassel. Rested, and having had ample opportunity to admire its magnifique Charactère I resumed my journey and arrived safely and even before St. John's Day, as requested, in Amsterdam.

"On recommendation by the luggage carrier, I lodged at the Ober-Yssel, Wine Street, a good place for an over-tired passanger, however, the overwhelming desire to see Captain Wolfgang and to speak with him at lenght allowed me but seven hours of sleep, for it itself was potent enough to banish all weariness from my limbs. For a good tip, Idlers accompanied me the next day to Taverns known to be frequented by Sailors, wherein I politely approached one or an other to enquire about Captain Wolfgang's Person, mind-set and temperament but to no avail. Within three to four hours we stopped at twelve to sixteen Tee-, Coffee-, Wine and Brandy Establishments, spoke to over fifty Sailors, but no one seemed to ken the captain.

"Quiet intoxicated, one of the Idlers began swaying dangerously and suggested we return to my Lodging, but not having made hundred steps we saw a Boat Servant to whom my Companion called out, "Ahoy Brother! Have you news of Captain Wolfgang? A good tip is to be had here". Retorted the Servant, "Why Brother, would I not know the Captain and his whereabouts? Have I not made two voyages with him? And has he not gifted me two bottles of Wine only two days ago?" Impatient, I interrupted, "Dear friend, is it true that you know Captain Leonard Wolfgang? If so, then give me news - - "

"By the Devil", replied the Ruffian, "if you think I'm lying go and find him yourself", and disappeared in a Wine Cellar. My Companion suggested that I follow him, give him money and wish him good luck to persuade the trouble-maker to converse more politely. Inasmuch finding the Captain was of the utmost importance to me, I quelled my annoyance at the crassness I had to endure and took his advice.

"Paul, was the Boat Servant's name, having barely half a Gulden nebst a Pitcher of Wine of good size and the first syllables of good words on my part, seemed to become forthwith the most polite Person in the whole World. Cap in hand, as is the custom of these people, he forcefully kissed my hand about fifty times, and despite my constant urging he refused to cover his Head. To keep him sociable, my Companion diligently raised his glass toward him drinking to my health, and even more diligently Paul apprised me in minutest detail of what he knew of Captain Wolfgang, his Life and metamorphosis in the innermost chambers of his Heart, narrating for over two hours, and then offered to take me at once to the Captain's Residence near the Stock Exchange.

"Withal, I reasoned to postpone my visit for several days to be sufficiently rested, paid for six additional Pitchers of Wine for the wetted Brothers, honored loyal-hearted Paul with another Gulden and made my way to my Quarters alone, my Guide to drunk by now to be moved.

"I requested a Meal to be prepared for me alone and to be served in my Room where I bethought all that Paul had imparted to me concerning Captain Wolfgang. Most importantly I noted him to be an excellent, clever and heroic Seaman, at times intensely passionate but quick to still his emotions, kind and generous, for he not only wrest Friends and Boat Servants, but also Strangers from the clutches of poverty to his own detriment and loss. Disregarding these qualities, some years ago his Underlings rebell'd along the way, bound his hands and feet and abandoned him on a cruel cliff on an Island. But Fortuna loved and smiled upon the Captain, and it so happened that he returned several month' ago with much Money and Treasures, though by which Art the Captain procured his Riches, Paul could not say. Left to mention is Captain Wolfgang being of medium Statue, well proportioned and grown, of the German Nation, over fourty years of age, and of Lutheran Religion.

Charlotte

[Charlotte]

"Prior to introducing myself to the Captain, I spent good time to first optain from Strangers reliable information apropos his condition, disposition, and manner of living, which, in addition to my already grounded trust could be but highly pleasing news. These thoughts made Food and Drink right palatable, and though my still aching body made feeble motions of Excitement of meeting with the Captain I decided to take fourty winks.

"Towards the Evening I again consented to be taken about Town by my now sober Guide, in particular to a famous and reputable Kaffehaus where numerous Persons of different mettle mingled. As for me, I looked for none but Sea Officers, and lucky enough I spied a table with six of the Rank and room enough for me.

"After the obligatory Compliments, I took the Liberty to join them, upon which they in their customary happy-go-lucky manner enquired as to who I might be, whence I came, what was my business hereabouts, was Amsterdam to my liking, how long I planed to stay etc. I answered all questions as I saw fit with mannerly Modesty, dough by no means in slavish Submission. Thereto they turned the Conversation to the Etat and order in the State, and questions posed to me I answered to the best of my Knowledge and sufficient enough to their Satisfaction. Discussion fell on differing Universities and Students wherein I was not ignorant concerning rare Information. Hereto the Noblest amongst them, it seemed to me, addressed me thus: "Monsieur, I confess, that you are older in Understanding than in Years. By God, I think markedly of the likes of such young Persons.

"Instead of allowing my face to blush at these surprising words I bowed with a polite Compliment and said, "Mein Herr! You deign to speak favorable of your Servant. I cannot deny that only a few weeks ago I arrived at my twentieth Year, however, given to ardent Studia since my Childhood, I know well the many Avenues of and to Knowledge I have not yet traversed but mean to rectify with zealous Industry and Association with adroit Persons.

"Should you have the means", added one of the Gentlemen, it would be regrettable not to spend at least two or three more Years at Universities, and thereafter search for opportunities to sojourn the most distinguished Lands of Europe, for on such Travels one learns to apply one's accrued Knowledge art- and successfully here and there. Aware of this, I said, "Just so are my intentions, and should my means be insufficient, God will bear me aid and stir a Patron here and there to give me Council and lend a hand to achieve my Purpose. Rejoining the Chat, the first Gentleman concurred "well said, and I believe you will seldom be wanting in such." Street noise interrupted our conversation but the Officers remaind silently seated for a while. I too drank my Coffee and puffed Kanastertobak in my pipe quietly, but noticed that one of them looked at me quiet often with a very friendly smile, embolden me to ask him if hereabouts in Amsterdam tarried a certain Sea Captain named Leonard Wolfgang, to which he answered, "I am not familier with that Name." The one striking me as the Noblest jested, "how could you not know of the famous Captain Wolfgang?" But the former and his Companions affirmed by shaking their Heads of never having heard of the Captain. "Monsieur", said the Gentle one, "is Wolfgang perhaps your Friend or an Acquaintance?" "Neither", I retorted, "alone, during my Travels I spoke with a Passenger identifying himself as Wolfgang's Cousin and had much to say about the oddities of the Captain's Adventures.

"Monsieurs", (continued the handsome one), I can assure you that said Captain is a perfect Sea Officer and intrepid Adventurer, who however, makes little ado about his Person, and who seldom speaks of his own Experiences save you catch him in an extraordinary good mood. Though a special Friend of mine I cannot brag of having espied many of his secrets, and it is yet a Mystery to me by what circumstances he came by his great Fortune. I knew him ca. twenty Years ago as a pauve diable (poor devil) keeping log on the Hollander Ship "Löwe", whereafter he seized a Dagger and owing to his Bravoure attained to the Rank of Captain. His demeaner is of such pleasure that everyone wishes to be in his Company. Recently, he furnished a splendid new Ship named "The Loyal Paris" to visit the en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbary_Coast and East India, and I believe he will set Sail in a few days. Should one or the other among you wish to meet him before his departure, he should be at the East India House before noon. I also have necessary Affairs to discuss with him. The handsome Man rose to return to his Lodging and his Friends followed, but I, after a polite farewell, remained for another hour musing about the things I heard, then walked with my again pretty drunk Guide to my Quarters, lay down at once and rested much more comfortable than usual.

"Morning next, in spotless clothing I went to the new Lutheran Church and after due Prayer strolled towad the East India House with the intention to contemplate the valuable Objects it housed, when I heard the voice of the pleasant Sea Officer of yesterday coming from a place to my side reserved for the Privileged. He said to another, "Mon Frère! See yonder standing a young German of cultured behavior who arrived only a few days ago from Leipzig, and who yesterday evening inquired about Your Person on account he met one of your Cousins on his Journey. Realizing their talk pertained to me I bowed respectfully, the Gentlemen thanked me in kind and at once parted company. The one unknown to me approached with a friendly Compliment, and said, "Monsieur, if I am not mistaken you are, perhaps, looking for Captain Wolfgang?" "Mon Patron", I answered, "it was my reason to come to Amsterdam." "Pardon me", said the Stranger, "what is your Name?" My Name is Eberhard Julius, I replied, upon which he straightaway embraced and kissed me on the brow, and said, "My Son, I am He you are looking for, namely Captain Leonard Wolfgang. God be praised my Letter has reached you and brought your Person hither. Kindly tarry here for an hour until I, having important things to do, return. I agreed and he hastened away, but returned within the hour, took me by the hand and said, "My Son, come with me to my Lodging where I shall reveal a Secret to you, which initially will appear as unbelievable to you as it then will become precious in your eyes." This strange meeting with the Captain in tandem with sundry emotions had me so bewildered that I neither knew how to answer nor how to act, albeit on the way the Captain paused for dealings with one or the other which gave me time to gather my wits. As soon as we entered his Lodging, he embraced me anew and said, "Abundant Welcome to you my most worthy Friend! Be not offended when henceforth I call you my Son, as time will tell that I, akin to a Father, will take you to a place where you can find the Foundation Stone to your timely Happiness, which I believe is on weak footing due to the tragic events in your Father's Life. However, I am not inclined to speak at lenght about our Affairs before our Mid Day Meal in which it may please you to join me. Meanwhile, I would hear a short narrative of your Lineage, upbringing and personal Tutelage. Without resistance I complied with his request and told my story as succinct as possible, even so a good hour passed and I finished just when the Meal was served."

Have a good day

Charlotte

[Charlotte]

"Refreshed by good Food, the Captain ordered Coffee, Tabak and Pipes. Without speaking a word, he retrieved a trice sealed Letter from his attachè case and handed it to me. Seeing the Title and Heading, my astonishment was great as I read:

"This in the Name of the Holy Trinity sealed Letter shall not be opened but by one who bears the hereditary Name Julius, possesses documentary evidence of being a Descendant of Stephano Julius NB, innocently beheaded, and was conceived in an honorable Marriage Bed.

"NB. The curse of very old Persons, who fear God, is detrimental to the godless and deceitful."

"I confessed to the Captain that in my life time I never cast my eyes on suchlike Heading on a Letter but was of good conscience. Captain Wolfgang's mean was frozen, mine of a friendly expression as I said: "Mon Père, it was only with the kind permission of the Holy Trinity that I have the Power and Liberty to break the Seal of this Letter." "Break it then", he said, "in the Name of the Holy Trinity", to which I replied, "because this Letter was written and sealed by the Holy Trinity, and because my conscience is free from all deceit, I will, by their Command, and not otherwise, break the Seal in the Name of the Holy Trinity." With these words I broke the Siegel and its content was worded thusly:

My Grandson,

Where ye the most powerful Prince in Europe, I could not or would not greet thee differently. It remains to be seen whether my blissful disposition is preferable to thine, inasmuch I am suchlike Sovereign whose Subjects harbor as much Love as Fear and as much Fear as Love for me, affording me to maintain a cache of Moneys and jewels necessary for the Etat of a great Prince. But of what use is my boasting, for I live cheerfully, and having the good Fortune to meet one who bears the Name of my Lineage, I wish to die cheerfully. Gird up and come to me, be ye poor or rich, off true or lame, old or young, is of no concern to me. My only desire is to embrace one of the House of Julius, who fears God and is pure at Heart, to award him the greater part of my Riches useless to me. Doubtless, ye can trust Herrn Leonard Wolfgang for he placed his left hand on my old Bosom whilst raising his right hand to God the Almighty, and thus swore a formal Oath to administer my demands to the best of his ability. All I reflect upon to write to thee, he can better communicate verbally, and also give an approximate account of my condition. Obeyeth all his orders, be well, and cometh with him speedely to me.
Date, Felsenburg, Sept. 29, Anno Christi 1724, in the 78th Year of my Reign, the 97th Year of my Age.

(L. S.) Albertus Julius

"I read the Letter five or six times but could not fully grasp the meaning of the whole Affair, easily noticed by Captain Wolfgang, who therefore said to me, "My Son, all your pondering will be in vain unless I solve this Riddle of the wondrous Tale of your Cousin Albertus Julius. Sit you down and lend me your Ear.

"Wherewith he began, in my Opinion, telling the most marvelous Occurrences in the World, which I will relate to the earnestly disposed Reader, and it must be said that in the following two hours the Captain held me in High Spirits in tandem with astonishing Amusement for which I especially thanked him.

"Upon deciding that I should go with him to the Ship, he wished for me to stay in his Company and had my belongings brought to his Lodging, expressing exceptional delight over Documents and other things which bore witness that I and my Ancestors stemmed indeed from Stephano Julio, who was my Grandfather's Grandfather, Johann Balthasar Julius, who was my biological Father's Grandfather, born 1630, and the Brother of Alberti Julii, the youngest Son of Stephani.

"Our departure was set for 27. Jun. I purchased 200 German and 100 English Bibles, 400 Song and Prayer Books, besides many others, as well as highly useful spiritual and secular Books, binding all carefully, and various artful and common Instruments and assorted Miscellanies.

"My esteemed Captain Wolfgang noticed my dislike for idleness, and as it was, having always attend to matters of importance elsewhere, he delegated to me management of details he had noted on paper which I carried out orderly and with great Zeal, and which, upon his return, he acknowledged with his charmingly amused smile he at times admitted."

Charlotte

[Charlotte]

Prominent in this story, the East India House in Amsterdam, Domain of Captain Wolfgang, and where Ship Crews were recruited.

www.amsterdamsights.com/attractions/oostindischhuis.html

Now we meet Herr Schmelzer and Litzberg again, who observed with Captain Wolfgang and his 'Alt-Father' the Phenomena over Europe as described in the beginning, and who discussed the matter with those knowledgable in Physics and the learned Natural Philosophers, Mons. Schmelzer giving an instructive Sermon concerning Meteori and other strange sightings to calm the People's nerves.

Recalling also that Schnabel, the Author of this Tale, intimates that He himself is Eberhard Julius, born May 12, 1706, when the famous Solar Eclipse had reached its Zenith, and whether the fate of Children born at such an event can be prognosticated he leaves for Naturalists to elucidate, and that Schnabel Himself, writing under the Nom de Plum Gisanger, a Goose, on a journey through the Country Side, was given the Bundle of Writings by the Kapitaliste Adeptus, which was translated from Latin to German at the request of Anonymous. The identity of the original Author is not given. One could say that Schnabel was not just anybody. See post 10, page 1.

"On June 24, the Day of John the Baptist, whilst enjoying our Mid Day Meal, the Valet informed Captain that a Stranger was about, upon which the Captain stepped outside to speak to him, but straightaway returned with a stately Man in Priest Habit whom he invited to the Table. At once I recognized the Stranger as my former Informant, Herrn Ernst Gottlieb Schmelzer, embraced and kissed him several times because he ministered to my needs with heartfelt Love in my youthful years of ten to fourteen.

"Kissing me also in recognition, Mons. Schmelzer gave voice to his surprise of meeting me here, to which I made no reply but glanced at the Captain and saw joy-engendered Tears in His eyes over our happy re-acquaintance. He sai, "Sit and feast my dear Friends, we have time enough to wrangle about things later.

"I could not wait that long and soon asked Herr Schmelzer if a Promotion in the Lutheran Church might have brought him to Amsterdam, to which He answered "No" with a smile. The Captain said, "My Son, this Gentleman will be the Ship's Pastor and care for our Souls, and it is my Hope the He, with God's help, will carry out the Duty of His Office as no other among hundred Lutheran Preachers." In fact, the Captain had Herrn Schmelzer concecrated a Priest at his own expense and had summoned him to Amsterdam.

"All was ship-shape and the Captain spent the remaining two days in Fellowship with his good Friends and sometimes Herr Schmelzer and I accompanied Him. Entrusting ourselves to God the Almighty, we left the World famous City of Amsterdam on June 27, 1725, and arrived on the 30ed ditto in Texel, and after an intermission of 14 days we continued our voyage on July 15 in the company of many Ships and the hoped for favorable Wind. The Seaman took no notice of the strenghtening Wind after Midnight, but to me, who had slept a few hours, it seemed like a raging Storm, robbing me of all my Courage to leave my bed until we had passed through the Channel. I felt none to well neither but recovered gradually.

"Earnestly concerned about my lingering illness and language, the Captain ordered all I needed to completely restore meine Gesundheit lest I be deprived of enjoying the Coasts of England and France.

"From here on I saw nothing but Water, Heaven, our Ship, and the shadowy outlines of Land in the distance, albeit the skies cleared shortly and I relished sailing by the long Coast of Portugal.

"One day, the Captain, Lieutenant Horn, the able Surgeon Friedrich Litzberg, a good Man of c. 28 years who pursued Mathematikum, and I sat together in a comfortable place to discuss this ot the other. Lieutenant Horn turned to the Captain and said, "Mein Herr, should you be so inclined, I believe you could ever so amuse us by recounting fascinating Adventures of your many Sojourns. I for one would be beholden to you whereas you would suffer no loss.

"Smiling softly, the Captain replied, "Having pondered certain things for the last two days, I intended to do just that, and will begin my Anecdotes as soon as Mons. Plager and Harckert are in League with us. Litzberg and I, and we too, impatient to hear of the Adventures, ran straightaway to fetch the Gentlemen, the former being a Watchmaker, c. 30 years of age, the latter a Weaver of c. 23 years of age, both fine frankiert (stamped). Presently, the Men joined us and the Captain began His Tale:

"I am not a Man of noble Pedigree but the Son of a Weaver in an average City in the Duchy of Brandenburg. Not od superfluous wealth, my Father had eight living Children, three Daughters and five Sons of which I was the youngest, and since he was wrinkled deep in time, also dearest to him. As per their inclinations, my Brothers learned various Trades, but because I showed a special love for Books I was much encouraged to attend School besides private tutoring, and reached a degree of learning to be admitted to the University of Frankfurt an der Oder. I wanted to study Jura (Law), but at the express order of my Father had to study Medicine, the reason being, no doubt, that no more than two old Medici, or in plain words, privileged Deliverers of death, practiced in our City, who probably earned more helping those who are passing than from the cured and happy Patients. A such a one with good Manners and much success, my Father thought, would compensate for his only Daughter, the most beautiful among the ugly Virgins, salvo errore calculi, whose dentes sapientiae, or in German speak, whose last teeth grew first at the age of twelve to sixteen.

"My progress in study was good, but since I had only 30 T1. quarterly at my disposal, there was little time for debauchery in my Life compelling me to stay at home and pursue my Books with great industry.

"MY financial means were about to improve. Absent for half a year, I celebrated the Feast of Pentecost with my Parents and as it was endeared myself to my hoped-for Father in Law, whose words carried weight in our City, and who managed a yearly Stupendium of 60 Taler, which nebst to my Father's yearly 30 Taler sent me back to Frankfurt with a happy Heart.

"Sufficiently funded, I assumed the role of a generous youg Man and prepared a Feast for twelve to sixteen of my best friends, in turn was invited to such by one ot the other, and learned to live quiet frivolously, that is, wanton consumption of food and drink, spitting, shouting, gossiping and the like.

"But! But! My riotous behavior agreed with me about as much as dog eating grass, as I learned one day walking home pretty drunk, Sword in Hand, and cooling my Head on innocent Stones, an unexpected and arrogant Iron Eater (tough guy) approached me with these comforting words, "Bear-skinned One, get up, I don't know what I would have done had I been sober and had the opportunity to flee the City in good time, but with much Wine I had imbibed double Courage, and my Passport expired anyhow, I took an offensice stance against my enemy and after short circumspection felled him with a fatal blow. Laying on the ground, his weak voice called out to me, "Bear-skinned One, you behaved resolutely but it cost me my Life, God have mercy on my poor Soul." And so the Iron Eater exchanged his personality with mine.

"In the blink of an eye I seemed to be sober but called for no one to take me home, rather sly'd away like a Fox from a chicken coup. Even so, I know not by what fact I was branded the Culprit, therefore sought by the Authorities, but my best Friends hid me and my belongings so cleverly that I couln't be found for 8 days nor was it believed that I was still in the neighborhood. Equally clever, I was smuggled out of the City after those frightful 8 days, and another good Friend helped me, apparently out of Compassion, onto his Hay Wain* and brought my trembling body across the Border to such a place where I had nothing further to fear. Even so, I didn't trust the situation entirely because we took too many Detours in my estimation, but finally, per my wish, we arrived at the Royal Swedish University at Grypswalda where I could have lived in peace had only my troubled Conscience allowed it. Besides the heavy Burden of Guilt on my Soul, my Father upon hearing the sad news, suffered a Stroke and died a few hours later. The Courts confiscated my Inheritance, but my Siblings sent me some of theirs and asked me in the Name of God to go as far as possible out into the World that news of my beheading wouldn't reach them."

*Actually, it says Wagon, but I thought Hay Wain fits the story somehow, and besides, I just happened on my small copy of the painting by Constable, which, it says on the back, was regilded and renovated by F. J. Salisbury, practical Picture Frame Maker and Art Dealer, 64 Upper Tooting Road, London, S.W. 17. Maybe it's worth a Fortune I think I bought it at a Garage sale. Enlarge, it's beautiful.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hay_Wain

Charlotte

[Charlotte]

Once more the painting of a Solar eclipse

antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap080128.html

Weltenburg Abbey. The Donau meets the 'shore' in the first picture and you can walk into the River.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weltenburg_Abbey

Captain Wolfgang's Adventures continued

"Half a year passed and I was no longer in the mood to stay at Grypswalde because I not only lacked Funds but also peace of Mind, and decided to find a Ship to contemplate the agitated Sea and thereby change my current state of Affairs. There I met up with Studiosus Theologiæ, a very good Friend of mine and Son of a powerful Merchant in Lübeck, who recommended me to his Father on board for a Holiday. Seeing I was experienced in writing and accounting, and on balance had a fairly good Head on my Shoulders, my Friend's Father agreed to hire me for a probation period, promised me hundred Silver Coins yearly, to defray my my expenses on Land and at Sea, and on good conduct an extraordinary Bonus now and then.

"Seizing the opportunity with both Hands I traveled with him to Lübeck, and because of my indefatigable industry so endeared myself to him as to be entrusted with the most important Missions to those Cities by the Sea with Patrician connections.

"I was sent to Amsterdam, and after two years in the Gentleman's service I was offered most profitable terms, which I accepted, but first traveled back to Lübeck to say good-bye to my Patron, that wealthy Sovereign L. S. Albertus Julius. To dissuade me from leaving, He promised to increase my yearly Salary by fifty Taler, but my Mind was amde up to see East India. With a sincere and tender farewell, my Patron gifted me fifty Taler and requested to visit Him upon my return, no matter my trip lucky or the contrary, and God be with me. Back in Amsterdam and with a pay of 600 Holland Gulden my Livelyhood was assured.

"My entire wealth was 800 Holland Gulden which I invested in such wares to be had in East India, where often one can secure a ten- or twenty-fold profit, and becam a good albeit minor Merchant.

"Meanwhile, my frugal and furtive way of living on the Ship and other places led everyone to believe I had not 10 Gulden to my Name, though no one could find fault with my warm-hearted and easygoing disposition. We were compelled to stay in Cape Bonne Esperence for several weeks, where, upon venturing deeper inland to shoot wildlife for a tasty Venison Meal, I chanced upon a Lusthaus surrounded by Gardens and Vinyards which I though deserving to eye rounabout, and arrived at a half open gate, walked in and saw an attractively formed and well dressed Women in graceful Dance to the rhythm of a small drum played by another Women..

"Aware of but undisturbed by my presence , the Women yet danced for a while and finally stopped to whisper something into the ear of an old Women, who then approached me and said in fairly good Holland language, "Whereas mein Herr, without asking permission you have taken the Liberty to behold the dancing of my gracious Lady, wherefore she desires to know who you might be, and secondly, thay you pay for the Dance." I replied, "My dear Mother, communicate to your genteel Lady my acquiescent Respect, that I am an Officer of a Holland Ship anchored at the Harbor, and that I will gladly pay for the pleasure of seeing her beautiful Dance, providing the fee doesn't exceed my worldly assets.

"Finished with her Rapport, the old Women, on order of the dancing Dame, gestured to me to come closer. I complied and we entered a Hut overgrown with Grape Vines where I took my place beside the Dancer. No less attractive, the Women who played the small Drum left on her own accord, the old Women with us, my Lady addressed me in the friendliest manner in holländish, entreating me to be so kind and tell her myself whence I came, what was my Position on the Ship, and my Destination. To all questions I gave answeres as they crossed my Mind for I knew that to Her, a truthful account was worth as much a one made up. In a language not know to me, Madam then said a few words to the old Women who nodded several times and left. As soon as the Women had turned her back to us, the Dancer took my Hand and said, "Mein Herr, the young Europeans are good-looking People and ye in particular are very handsome", to which I replied, "Madam, it pleaseth ye to jest with your Slave because I know there is nothing special about my looks." She said, "Ja, ja, in truth ye are very attractive and I wish earnestly ye would be my Slave for truly, no bad dealings would come from me", and continued, "Tell me how it comes that only old and malformed and not handsome Europeans remain on this Cape?" Retorted I, "Madam, if on this Cape were to be encountered more beautiful Women such as You, I assure ye more young Europeans would stay." She looked at me, "Ye say I am beautiful, do I find favor in ye eyes?" "My eyes and Mind would be ill where I not to confess that ye Beauty is most pleasing to my Heart." She replizierte, "How can I believe this? Ye find me beautiful and heart-warming and yet not even kiss me though we are alone and ye have nothing to fear." Her polite as well as imperfect Holländish was music to my ears, but her words and charming demeanor so appealed to me that instead of an answer I summoned all my Courage and pressed a fiery kiss on her purple-red lips which she did not spurn but returned with ten to twelve of her own, and so as not to be beholden to one another we kissed alternately for a good time until our tired lips remained merely joyned, upon which she pressed me so tightly to her Bosom that it almmost took my breath away, but let go at last to look about if the old Women might be spying on us. No one in sight, she took my Hand and placed it upon her half exposed Breasts while with deep Breaths fanned the fire kindled in her Heart by Love shining in her pretty kohl-black eyes. We becan to kiss anew, and I believe this time I would have violated the Sixth Commanment, but to my good Luck was tripped up by the old Women's cough from afar, breaking the Spell and we sat modestly as if we had not clouded any Waters."

Cape de Bonne Esperance

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_of_Good_Hope

Home of the legendary "Flying Dutchman"





Charlotte

[Charlotte]

Greetings!

I'm sure the Reader has discerned that the "Lusthaus" in our story is a little Hut or "Laube" in a Garden which many Germans construct in their Gardens to have their afternoon Kaffee ot Tee, to relax, be lustig/merry. Flowers and Bushes are planted about and the overgrown branches of a Grapevine give it a feeling of an enchanted Hide-a-way.

Captain Wolfgang continues:

"In a basket the old Women brought two bottles of delicate Wein, one bottle of Limonade, and assorted Fruits and Confections. Madam, now a thousand times more beautiful in my eyes, and I enjoyed the delectable Appetizers. We talked about trvial things in the presence of the old Women, who left shortly to fetch a particular Fruit from the other side of the Garden, upon which and between fiery Kisses the Dame gave me to understand that I should meet Her here tomorrow, ca. two hours earlier to mark a time for a Rendezvous on a certain Night to enjoy being together without Fear. My answer was foiled by the old Womens return, and before I bid a timely Goodbye to the Dame I said, "Madam, I would consider myself most fortunate to visit tomorrow about Mid Day and gift You a rare Object from Europe as a Token of my appreciation for your gracious Hospitality." She replied, "Your visit will be dear to me, however, a rare Gift I will accept only for payment. Fare well, and may God be with you."

"I complimented my Lady again and leaving, the old Women walked with me for almost half an hour, informing me that Madam was born a Princess of the Island of Java, that Adjutant Signor Canengo, an Italian by birth and in the service of the Governor of Holland, while forced to stay in Java during reparations of his storm-damaged Ship fell in Love with the twelve year old Girl, and because he could not overcome his ardent Love for her, he sought and found an opportunity to cunningly entice her at the age of seventeen to come to the Cape. The Garden Haus where I met Madam, the Grounds and most of the surrounding Hillside with Wine Orchards are the Property of Signor Canego, who spend most of the year here to shield his Mistress from other Men's eyes, and especially hid her when European Ships anchored at the Cape. He knows well, the old Women added, that regardless of him being a Man of sixty, my Lady is faithful and reliable, even so and unnecessarily, he appointed me Guardian of her Honor, today however, I understood that it was a Sin to deny the poor Child rapport with all Strangers. For this Reason, and because I know Signor Canengo would not return before night time, I led you to her at Mid Day. You may come again at the same time tomorrow, but seeing that you are in Love with her, I will say this, abandon all Hope for she is Chastity herself and would rather die than be kissed even once by a strange Man. Meanwhile also be assured that for any rare Gift from Europe my Mistress will pay double its worth in bare Cash of which she has plentiful.

"During this entire Parley my eyes were fastened to the Face of the dear Old One, and from the right naive seriousness with which she spoke anyone can speculate what I thought, but my answer was this, "Dear Mother, believe me that my Feelings pertaining to things of Love are of little, or more to the point, of no concern here, I respect Madam for her extraordinary Intelligence and commendable Politeness, and I asked nothing more for today's good Entertainment but to leave a small Souvenier and kiss her Hand as we say Goodbye, for I strongly believe that I will see neither her nor you again in my Lifetime as we will probably set sail in a few days."

"During this my Speech I pressed three new Spanish Kreuztaler into her Hand, because, I said, she so went out of her way today on my account. As she stood admiring the gleaming Silver Coins, I bid her fare well and speedily took leave, and after two little German miles arrived happily at my Lodging."

Charlotte

[Charlotte]

"Back in my Apartment, I had to laugh heartily about the Comedy playing itself out today, but cannot deny that I was mightily in Love with the beautiful Brunette because in her rare Beauty I met intelligence, naivety, simpleness and Love in such a captivating combination as I have never found in a Women the World over, and hours seemed years until I could be on my way to see her again. Rising early the next morning, I opened my chest and took out various things, such as: two small and one middle sized mirror of newest design, a Sun Fan with a golden Tassel, a Tabak snuffing jar in the form of a Pocket Watch, two clean Knifes for feminine utility, three types of Scissors, twenty Ellen Silk Ribbon of diverse Coleur, and all sorts of Gadgets for Women, as well as play- and other things for Children which I had forgotten I had.

"I packed all these Items, consulted my Pocket Watch, which, however, I was not willing to show her, began my outing two hours before noon, and nothing hindering on my way, arrived at the Estate of my Princess. The three Spanish Silver Taler I had given the Old One yesterday prompted her to meet me over hundred steps before the Garden Gate. She took my Hand and said, Welcome my dear Landsman, (though she was a Holländer and I a Brandenburger) do make hast for my Lady has been waiting for over half an hour for You and even refrained from dancing today." I gave her two printed Linen Shawls, two pairs of Stockings, one Knife, one Spoon and other Bagatelle over which she almost went mad with Happiness, but with calming Words I persuaded her to take me presently to Madam.

"My Lady, well groomed and in her native Costume, sat in the Garden Hut, and I must confess that in such Attire she charmed me immensely. The old Women left and I wanted to unpack my seven Gifts, but my Pretty One said that could wait some, so I kissed her Hand which seemingly annoyed her, wherefore I took her in my arms and kissed her over hundred times to her complete contentment. I attempted the same with her lovely Breasts but took timely notice of her almost swooning with delight and brought her scattered Senses back to an orderly state just before the Old One appeared to bring Refreshments, far more exquisite than yesterday.

"While enjoying these savory Treats I unpacked and laid out the Things I brought which rarity surprized my Princess. Her curiosity was almost unquenchable, asking what purpose this or the other served, and because I knew and told of what use and profit all these Things were, she counted out fifty Holland Dukaten on the Table, which I, not wanting to anger her, was forced to put in my Pocket. The Old One was asked bring something from her Room, and was barely out of sight when my Beauty handed me a pouch with hundred Dukaten and a valuable Ring with the Words, "Apple of my Eye, accept these minor Souvenirs, and loveth me, so shall You have a Thing far more precious before thy Departure." All my protesting failed, and to avoid her wrath I took the Gifts in my safekeeping. My behavior seemed to highly amuse her and with all charming Gestures she could think of, and an affectioned Sigh, she said, "Tell me, dear Love, whence comes it that your Person and Love wake in me such sweet Happiness? Ja, I swear by the Holy Faith of the Christians and the Tommi that my Soul hath never tasted like Sugar." Just so it was with me, I assured her, and truly, so it was. Meanwhile the word Tommi lingered in my Ear and, asking trustingly what was Her understanding of it, found out that they were a certain Sect in Java who declared themselves higher and holier than other Mohametaner, albeit concerning the principal Doctrine they were pretty much in Agreement. Considering that by all Appearances I courted a Heathen, I was somewhat puzzled by her explanation, though my ardent Love ever bewitching my Senses, could easily extinguish the small doubt of the religious Disparity, and via further inquiry, I moreover learned that She safeguarded an immense desire for the Christian Faith and would welcome to be thoroughly instructed therein and baptized, but her Lover, Signor Canengo, postponed it time and again, and gave it no thought during the year even though he planned and made some effort to accomidate her Wish. Next she complained about his powerlessness as a Lover, and wished with sincere Honesty that I would be with Her instead. Bedizzed by the tone in my Brunette's voice I was willing and ready to offer her my Love, fulfill my Heart's strong desire and claim Her as my own, but to such ends the Heathen proved more virtuos than I inasmuch she was too inhibited to engage thusly in winsome Intimacy in like shoddy manner and this place as good as out in the open. Alternatively, we discoursed acutely by touch wherby I became so invigorated that I almost resolved to use my Power by the by, alone, my not less exhilerated Brunette knew how to curb my passion with tender Caressess and I finally accepted Reason for she promised in earnest to grant me the following Night in the privacy of her Chamber what I presently so longed for, and in a far more pleasing manner. She bid me to arrive at the Gate with the magical time of Dusk, to be unconcerned about Signor as he will spend the Night at the Governor's House, and in the round, she knew how to arrange things so nothing would disturb their joyous time.

Charlotte

[Charlotte]

"We had barely finalized our Arrangement when the return of the Old One compelled us to assume a different bearing and our Conversation turned to European Women, their Demeaner, Haute Couture, and other particulars, to which Madam listened attentively and the Old One, interrupting frequently, affirmed or even exaggerated things. Engrossed in such harmless Rhetoric banished all other Thoughts and we were mightily startled when unexpectedly, Signor Canengo entered the Garden House, and that with glaring eyes. At first, he didn't say a Word but slapped the poor Old One across the face so forcefully that she flew out of the Door and rolled over several times. I was appalled to see my pretty Brunette prostrate herself before this old Mule on Earth and with downcast eyes crawl toward him like a dog. However, he was complaisant enough to help her up and kiss her. With a pompous attitude he finally turned to me to ask who brought me here and what Business I had in this Place. "Signor", I said, "nothing other than Luck brought me here as I went out to vend one or another European Curiosity", to which He added "and with it seduce other Men's Mistresses." My mean unconcerned, I said that such was not my purpose. He asked Madam if she had paid for the objects on the Table, and because she answered no, he reached in his Pocket, placed six Dukaten on the Table and said, "Take this double Payment and go to the Devil, and if You value your Life don't ever come near Madam again." I replizierte, "Signor, I am not a Vagabond and care little for such petty Cash, therefore I gifted these things to Madam, your Person however, I urge to treat me somewhat more polite lest I have to retort in kind." Pointedly he looked me over, and choler running thick through his Fingers he laid his Hand on his Dagger while furiously hurling Revilements at me. My Courage grew Spores and we struggled on the Ground in Anger evenly leveled, the difference in the skirmish being that I paralyzed his right Arm with a powerful blow, and two more to his head for good measure. Glancing at Madam, I saw She had fallen unconscious, but because I noticed that Canengo slowly came to his Senses and may even scream for help in hottentotish Language, I reached for my Rifle hidden in the Grass, threw in a few more rounds and hasted through the opening in the Palisade which surrounded the Garden, to the Road to my Quarters.

"At first, I ran pretty hurriedly, then walked in my natural Step when presently I became aware of being pursued by two Hottentotten running at Wind speed. The first one came so near as to utilize his inborn Adroitness with his Zagaye, an iron tipped Spear which he launched at me, but because I made a sudden zigzag move the Spear only pierced my Jacket. Hanging there, perhaps my Attacker thought he hit his Target and stood still, as did I, albeit he looked to his Comrade who approched with the same speed. Knowing how accurate the aim of these unflattering Folk, I didn't wait for them come nearer but fired, and they, being in the same line, I hit them so favorably that both fell to the Ground and thereon contorted strangely. While reloading my Rifle I spied two more in the distance coming my way. Standing still for more Misery would have been frivolous, so whilst looking back often I hurried toward my Quarters and arrived without further surprising mishaps one hour before Evening. No doubt, my last two Hunters, seeing the demise of their Comrades, were in no mood to follow me."

Are You?

Charlotte

[Charlotte]

"As soon as I was in my Quarters, that is, in one of the Huts built not far from the Cape for the comfort of the Seafaring, I changed to more elegant Apparel and sountered along, alighted among lush Bushes on the Sea Bank, opened my today acquired golden Money Purse, admired the pretty yellow pennies whereby my Love for my charming Brunette took hold of my Thoughts, and spoke thusly, "Ah dear Money! How much dearer would you be could I but possess you with a calm Heart." I put the coins back in the Purse but the precious Ring I put on my Finger, lowered my Head into both Hands to contemplate whether I should give way to my ardent Love completely, seeking Fulfillment as I do, or forgo my Happiness once and for all due to the great Danger and Cruelties associated with it.

"It was almost Evening that my deep Thoughts eased somewhat, but had not found a right answer for my troubled state and got up to return to my Quarters, hoping to find peace there. Long before I arrived, an Officer with six Men from the Garrison walked toward me and took me by force to the Fortress, where a Guard sat by my side all Night, observing my every movement and prevented anyone wishing to speak to me to approach.

"Who would have guessed that due to my Trade with the Adjudant and the Hottentotten would lead to my arrest? Not I, I tried to convince myself with all my Heart, though the main Reason I left out. To make a long story short, early the following morning I was called to our Ship's Captain, and no one present, he made me this Propostion, "My dear Monsieur Wolfgang! I know You are a poor Devil and therefore your wish to become rich probably led You to commit Thievery. Believe me, I hold You in Esteem commiserate to the Love I hold for You, alone, now be honest and confess freely, and give the Pouch with the 100 Ducaten which was stolen last Night from William van Raac, into my trusted Hands. I swear to God to cunningly cover up the Affair assuring your Honor for the sake of your Youth and Skills.

"Upon hearing the outragious Falsehood of this Speech I wanted to faint for my Conscience was clean and I speak true in saying that all my Life I abhorred nothing more than shameful Thievery, which, being accused of, my Soul could not bear. Soon as I recovered somewhat from my Bewilderment of the Captain doubting my Innocence, I protested passionately and endeavored to assure him that in fact, I heard and saw nothing apropos Money being stolen from William van Raac, who was a Merchant and Travel Companion. Withal, my explanation only seemed to anger the Captain, and he said, "Wolfgang, I didn't expect You to be thus stubborn with me, inasmuch Your behavior and Mouth betray You sufficiently. Tell me, can You deny that yesterday You sat alone and in a pensive mood by the Sea counting van Raac's stolen Money, uttering these Words, "Ah, dear Money! How much dearer would you be could I but possess you with a calm Heart?" I answered, "Mein Herr, I call again upon God and Legion of Heavenly Hosts as Witness that I am wrongly accused of the Thievery, and as to the Words I spoke by the Sea which you lastly repated, I have here in my possession a Pouch containing 150 Spez. Dukaten, which I entrust to your safekeeping until I'm proven innocent of this dastardly Deed. Pray, be so kind as to listen to my Defence and if You would, vouchsafe my Protection."

"Handing the Captain the Pouch with 150 Ducaten, I recounted at lenght the peculiar circumstances I, a young Amadis Knight, chanced upon these last three Days, to which he listened with considerable Amusement, and lastly said, "I must confess 'tis a muddled Episode, in particular the Affair with the conceited Adjudant and the slain Hottentotten will surely cause me Grief, and as far as William van Raac is concerned, further Investigation is needed, wherefore I can neither release You nor the other three Persons suspected of the Crime."

"I was, and had no choice but be satisfied with this Evaluation, meanwhile however, the poorly evidenced, shameful Accusation I found more brutal by far than the other Affair. The Newspaper arrived about Noon, and reported to my indescribable Happiness that William van Raac found his Pouch with 100 Dukaten in a Place where he thought he hid it, nevertheless kept quiet, but others were on to his Antics and sharpened his Conscience. Raac, my Person, and the three Codefendants were summoned before the Captain who was to settle the Affair speedily because the latter swore Death to van Raac. Luckily, Raac offered each of us ten Spanish Tir. to make amends, and pleaded on his Knees to forgive his rush to Judgment, all in the Captain's presence. I, for my Person, wanting to show Generosity, and show off, gave back his ten Spanish Tir., and permitted him to apologize not on his Knees, but standing.

That would be Schadenfreude

"It was gratifying that the annoying Incident was yoke-mated with some Amusement and we were free to go our Way. The Captain urged me to stay for a Moment, asked in the most polite Language to be forgiven that due to statements of the likes of Raac he was almost forced to prostitude my Character, and promised to henceforth accord me even higher marks of his Esteem for this Event convinced him in toto of my excellent Quiddity. With a friendly smile he handed me my golden Purse and Money, informed me that the Governor knew of my skirmish ith the Adjudant, and that two Hottentotten were killed though the Culprit unknown and one had to wait for further development. Meantime, he gave me the good advice to bring all my Belongings to his Lodging, in secrecy and by the by, as well hide myself to escape possible upcoming Danger should additional finds be made public.

Have a great Weekend

Charlotte