Masque at Ashby Castle

The countess was met at the gate by Merimna, an old enchantress dressed in crimson velvet, with a pale face and black hair, who declared she should not pass where Saturn, Lord of Sadness, held court.

Saturn came out of the castle, and banished Mirimna, as the countess' "fair presence" forced him relent.

[4] As the party entered the castle the enchantress Merimna reappeared in white at top of the stairs, saying how she and her company had been transformed by the countess' eyes.

[8] The eight masquers at Hampton Court in The Masque of Indian and China Knights had similarly presented shields before inviting ladies to dance.

[11] As the Countess of Derby left Ashby, there was an eclogue between a nymph and shepherd,[12] and Niobe met her in the park and gave her a cabinet.