The Steganographick Collection and The muse

The Steganographick Collection and The muse

Introduction

The Steganographick Collection is a fascinating document in itself but when examined in regard to The Hypnertomachia Poliphilia and the later Chymical Wedding it takes on a new dimension. Because of the complexity of the works discussed here and frequent references too them, I have included a section from Day Five of the Chymical Wedding (hereafter referred to as CW) , a copy of the Steganographic Collection . (hereafter referred to as SC), and a synposis of the Hypnerotomachia Poliphili (hereafter referred to as HP) as appendix I - III.

Goddess of Love

At the most central and intimate turning point in the narrative of both the CW and the SC, there appear some similarities so extraordinary that they cannot be coincidence. Consider these:

1. CW: The main character is separated from his companions, and takes a tour with his page as his guide, seeking further mysteries.

Hypnerotomachia Poliphili

Verville AT

Verville AT

SC: The main character is separated from his companions, and takes a tour with alone with Nephes as his guide.

2. CW: The alter with the everburning tree fed by it's own fruit.

SC: The everburning tree fed by it's ripe branches.

3 CW: The sleeping Venus (never met only seen), symbol of love.

SC: The everpresent hope of Olocliree (never actually met), the loves of love and friend of Nephes, who can cause her to be seen.

4 CW : The legend on the plaque "When my tree shall be quite melted down then I shall awaken and be the mother of a King", and what the page heard revealed to the King by Atlas "When the tree shall be quite melted down, then shall Lady Venus awake, and be the mother of a King.

SC: The words of Nephes "And although she is that...