Page:Pyrotechnics the history and art of firework making (1922).djvu/74

 so strangely with sparkling blazes, that the skie seemed to be filled with fire After this, in a most curious manner, an artificiall fire-worke with great wonder was seen flying in the ayre, like unto a fiery Dragon, against which another fierrie vision appeared flaming like to Saint George on Horsebacke, brought in by a burning Inchanter, between which was then fought a most strange battell continuing a quarter of an howre or more; the dragon being vanquished, seemed to roar like thunder, and withall burst in pieces, and so vanished; but the champion, with his flaming horse, for a little time made a shew of a tryumphant conquest, and so ceased.

"After this was heard another ratling sound of Cannons, almost covering the ayre with fire and smoke, and forthwith appeared, out of a hill of earth made upon the water, a very strange fire, flaming upright like unto a blazing starre. After which flew forth a number of rockets so high in the ayre, that we could not chose but approve by all reasons that Arte hath exceeded Nature, so artificially were they performed. And still as the Chambers and Culverines plaide upon the earth, the fire-workes danced in the ayre, to the great delight of his Highnes and the Princes.

"Out of the same mount or hill of earth flew another strange piece of artificiall fire-worke, which was in the likenes of a hunted Harte, running upon the water so swiftly, as it had been chaced by many huntsmen.

"After the same, issued out of the mount a number of hunting-hounds made of fire burning, pursuing the aforesaid Harte up and downe the waters, making many rebounds and turnes with much strangenes; skipping in the ayre as it had been a usual hunting upon land.

"These were the noble delights of Princes, and prompt were the wits of men to contrive such princely pleasures.