Tethys' Festival

The script was written by Samuel Daniel at the request of the queen, who appeared in person as Tethys, a goddess of the sea.

[3] The sword, set with diamonds, was supplied by the goldsmiths George Heriot and John Spilman, and described in inventories of the prince's jewels.

[4] The stage was set with a representation of Milford Haven, a Welsh port, with boats bobbing in the harbour, framed by giant statues of Neptune and Nereus.

In his speech the Triton explained the particular significance of Milford Haven as a harbour in Wales where Henry VII began his Union of York and Lancaster.

[13] After this gift exchange, Charles returned to his position while twelve maidens, "all of them daughters of earls and barons", danced around him.

[14] Next in the harbour appeared Anne of Denmark seated on a raised throne with a back made like a silver scallop shell draped with gold cloth, set around with lanterns that showed liked jewels.

On either side in caves or niches were six women masquers who represented the nymphs or guardian spirits of various rivers.

A scene resembling a wood appeared, from which the queen and her ladies were reunited with the king by Charles and his companions.

[15] The nautical theme included topical allusions in support of British fisheries and the herring industry, and an appeal against attacks on Spanish shipping.

They had half-skirts of silver cloth worked with gold (the groundwork cut-away), and longer underskirts called "bases" in the sky-blue taffeta.