John Dee, 1527-1608 / / by Charlotte Fell Smith ... with portrait and illustrations.

  • Fell-Smith, Charlotte, 1851-1937.
Date:
1909
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: John Dee, 1527-1608 / / by Charlotte Fell Smith ... with portrait and illustrations. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by Royal College of Physicians, London. The original may be consulted at Royal College of Physicians, London.

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    The visit was repeated on the 19th, when the distinguished foreigner was hospitably entertained for the night. The Queen was then at Greenwich, but on July 30 she and her court proceeded in great splendour up the river to Sion House. She passed by Dee's door, and probably paused as usual for a greeting. Next morning Leicester rode over to Mortlake, and put the household in commotion by announcing that Laski and others would come to dine at Mortlake on the next day but one. These festivities were a great tax on the astrologer's means, and he confessed sincerely that he was not able to prepare them a convenient dinner, unless I should sell some of my plate or some of my pewter for it. Whereupon her Majestie sent unto me very royally, within one hour after, forty angells of gold [£20] from Sion, whither her Majestie was now come from Greenwich. Leicester's secretary, Mr. Lloyd, was despatched post-haste with the gift, prompted, as Dee adds, through the Erie his speech to the Queene. One imagines Leicester's somewhat peremptory suggestion and the Queen's impulsive acquiescence. In minor matters she was woman enough to relish being sometimes dictated to. The secretary also brought what was hardly less acceptable to Dee, viz., Mr. Rawligh his letter unto me of her Majestie's good disposition unto me. Raleigh was then in great favour with the Queen. In the intervals between these visits of the Prince, the spirits had been consulted about Laski's prospects. They had at once interested themselves in him, and Madimi, one of the most fascinating of these psychical