The New Atlantis
by
Francis Bacon
1626
from
GreatVoyages-OregonStateUniversity
Website
WE sailed from Peru, where
we had continued by the space of one whole year, for China and Japan, by
the South Sea, taking with us victuals for twelve months; and had good
winds from the east, though soft and weak, for five months' space and
more. But then the wind came about, and settled in the west for many
days, so as we could make little or no way, and were sometimes in
purpose to turn back. But then again there arose strong and great winds
from the south, with a point east; which carried us up, for all that we
could do, toward the north: by which time our victuals failed us, though
we had made good spare of them.
So that finding ourselves,
in the midst of the greatest wilderness of waters in the world, without
victual, we gave ourselves for lost men, and prepared for death. Yet we
did lift up our hearts and voices to God above, who showeth His wonders
in the deep; beseeching Him of His mercy that as in the beginning He
discovered the face of the deep, and brought forth dry land, so He would
now discover land to us, that we might not perish.
And it came to pass that the next day about evening we saw within a
kenning before us, toward the north, as it were thick clouds, which did
put us in some hope of land, knowing how that part of the South Sea was
utterly unknown, and might have islands or continents that hitherto were
not come to light. Wherefore we bent our course thither, where we saw
the appearance of land, all that night; and in the dawning of next day
we might plainly discern that it was a land flat to our sight, and full
of boscage, which made it show the more dark.
And after an hour and a
half's sailing, we entered into a good haven, being the port of a fair
city. Not great, indeed, but well built, and that gave a pleasant view
from the sea. And we thinking every minute long till we were on land,
came close to the shore and offered to land. But straightway we saw
divers of the people, with batons in their hands, as it were forbidding
us to land: yet without any cries or fierce- ness, but only as warning
us off, by signs that they made.
Whereupon being not a little
discomfited, we were advising with ourselves what we should do. During
which time there made forth to us a small boat, with about eight persons
in it, whereof one of them had in his hand a tipstaff of a yellow cane,
tipped at both ends with blue, who made aboard our ship, without any
show of distrust at all. And when he saw one of our number present
himself somewhat afore the rest, he drew forth a little scroll of
parchment (somewhat yellower than our parchment, and shining like the
leaves of writing- tables, but otherwise soft and flexible), and
delivered it to our foremost man. In which scroll were written in
ancient He- brew, and in ancient Greek, and in good Latin of the school,
and in Spanish these words:
"Land ye not, none of
you, and provide to be gone from this coast within sixteen days,
except you have further time given you; meanwhile, if you want fresh
water, or victual, or help for your sick, or that your ship needeth
repair, write down your wants, and you shall have that which
belongeth to mercy."
This scroll was signed with
a stamp of cherubim's wings, not spread, but hanging down- ward; and by
them a cross.
This being delivered, the officer returned, and left only a servant with
us to receive our answer. Consulting hereupon among ourselves, we were
much perplexed. The denial of landing, and hasty warning us away,
troubled us much: on the other side, to find that the people had
languages, and were so full of humanity, did comfort us not a little.
And above all, the sign of the cross to that instrument was to us a
great rejoicing, and as it were a certain presage of good. Our answer
was in the Spanish tongue,
"That for our ship, it
was well; for we had rather met with calms and contrary winds, than
any tempests. For our sick, they were many, and in very ill case; so
that if they were not permitted to land, they ran in danger of their
lives."
Our other wants we set down
in particular, adding,
"That we had some little
store of merchandise, which if it pleased them to deal for, it might
supply our wants, without being chargeable unto them."
We offered some reward in
pistolets unto the servant, and a piece of crimson velvet to be
presented to the officer; but the servant took them not, nor would
scarce look upon them; and so left us, and went back in another little
boat which was sent for him.
About three hours after we had dispatched our answer, there came toward
us a person (as it seemed) of a place. He had on him a gown with wide
sleeves, of a kind of water chamolet, of an excellent azure color, far
more glossy than ours; his under-apparel was green, and so was his hat,
being in the form of a turban, daintily made, and not so huge as the
Turkish turbans; and the locks of his hair came down below the brims of
it. A reverend man was he to behold.
He came in a boat, gilt in
some part of it, with four persons more only in that boat; and was
followed by another boat, wherein were some twenty. When he was come
within a flight-shot of our ship, signs were made to us that we should
send forth some to meet him upon the water, which we presently did in
our ship-boat, sending the principal man amongst us save one, and four
of our number with him. When we were come within six yards of their
boat, they called to us to stay, and not to approach farther, which we
did.
And thereupon the man, whom I before described, stood up, and with a
loud voice in Spanish asked, "Are ye Christians?" We answered, "We
were;" fearing the less, because of the cross we had seen in the
subscription. At which answer the said person lift up his right hand
toward heaven, and drew it softly to his mouth (which is the gesture
they use, when they thank God), and then said:
"If ye will swear, all
of you, by the merits of the Saviour, that ye are no pirates; nor
have shed blood, lawfully or unlawfully, within forty days past; you
may have license to come on land."
We said, "We were all ready
to take that oath." Whereupon one of those that were with him, being (as
it seemed) a notary, made an entry of this act. Which done, another of
the attendants of the great per- son, which was with him in the same
boat, after his lord had spoken a little to him, said aloud:
"My lord would have you
know that it is not of pride, or greatness, that he cometh not
aboard your ship; but for that in your answer you declare that you
have many sick amongst you, he was warned by the conservator of
health of the city that he should keep a distance."
We bowed ourselves toward
him and answered:
"We were his humble
servants; and accounted for great honor and singular humanity toward
us, that which was already done; but hoped well that the nature of
the sickness of our men was not infectious."
So he returned; and awhile
after came the notary to us aboard our ship, holding in his hand a fruit
of that country, like an orange, but of color between orange-tawny and
scarlet, which cast a most excellent odor. He used it (as it seemed) for
a preservative against infection. He gave us our oath, "By the name of
Jesus, and His merits," and after told us that the next day, by six of
the clock in the morning, we should be sent to, and brought to the
strangers' house (so he called it), where we should be accommodated of
things, both for our whole and for our sick. So he left us; and when we
offered him some pistolets, he smiling, said, "He must not be twice paid
for one labor:" meaning (as I take it) that he had salary sufficient of
the State for his service. For (as I after learned) they call an officer
that taketh rewards twice paid.
The next morning early there came to us the same officer that came to us
at first, with his cane, and told us he came to conduct us to the
strangers' house; and that he had pre- vented the hour, because we might
have the whole day before us for our business.
"For," said he," if you
will follow my advice, there shall first go with me some few of you,
and see the place, and how it may be made convenient for you; and
then you may send for your sick, and the rest of your number which
ye will bring on land."
We thanked him and said,
"That his care which he
took of desolate strangers, God would reward."
And so six of us went on
land with him; and when we were on land, he went before us, and turned
to us and said "he was but our servant and our guide." He led us through
three fair streets; and all the way we went there were gathered some
people on both sides, standing in a row; but in so civil a fashion, as
if it had been, not to wonder at us, but to welcome us; and divers of
them, as we passed by them, put their arms a little abroad, which is
their gesture when they bid any welcome.
The strangers' house is a fair and spacious house, built of brick, of
somewhat a bluer color than our brick; and with handsome windows, some
of glass, some of a kind of cambric oiled. He brought us first into a
fair parlor above stairs, and then asked us "what number of persons we
were? and how many sick?"
We answered,
"We were in all (sick
and whole) one-and-fifty persons, whereof our sick were seventeen."
He desired us have patience
a little, and to stay till he came back to us, which was about an hour
after; and then he led us to see the chambers which were provided for
us, being in number nineteen. They having cast it (as it seemeth) that
four of those chambers, which were better than the rest, might receive
four of the principal men of our company; and lodge them alone by
themselves; and the other fifteen chambers were to lodge us, two and two
together. The chambers were handsome and cheerful chambers, and
furnished civilly.
Then he led us to a long
gallery, like a torture, where he showed us all along the one side (for
the other side was but wall and window) seventeen cells, very neat ones,
having partitions of cedar wood. Which gallery and cells, being in all
forty (many more than we needed), were instituted as an infirmary for
sick persons. And he told us withal, that as any of our sick waxed well,
he might be removed from his cell to a chamber; for which purpose there
were set forth ten spare chambers, besides the number we spake of
before.
This done, he brought us back to the parlor, and lifting up his cane a
little (as they do when they give any charge or command), said to us:
"Ye are to know that the
custom of the land requireth that after this day and to-morrow
(which we give you for removing your people from your ship), you are
to keep within doors for three days. But let it not trouble you, nor
do not think yourselves restrained, but rather left to your rest and
ease. You shall want nothing; and there are six of our people
appointed to attend you for any business you may have abroad."
We gave him thanks with all
affection and respect, and said, "God surely is manifested in this
land." We offered him also twenty pistolets; but he smiled, and only
said: "What? Twice paid!" And so he left us. Soon after our dinner was
served in; which was right good viands, both for bread and meat: better
than any collegiate diet that I have known in Europe. We had also drink
of three sorts, all whole- some and good: wine of the grape; a drink of
grain, such as is with us our ale, but more clear; and a kind of cider
made of a fruit of that country, a wonderful pleasing and refreshing
drink. Besides, there were brought in to us great store of those scarlet
oranges for our sick; which (they said) were an assured remedy for
sickness taken at sea. There was given us also a box of small gray or
whitish pills, which they wished our sick should take, one of the pills
every night be- fore sleep; which (they said) would hasten their
recovery.
The next day, after that our trouble of carriage and removing of our men
and goods out of our ship was somewhat settled and quiet, I thought good
to call our company together, and, when they were assembled, said unto
them:
"My dear friends, let us
know ourselves, and how it standeth with us. We are men cast on
land, as Jonas was out of the whale's belly, when we were as buried
in the deep; and now we are on land, we are but between death and
life, for we are beyond both the Old World and the New; and whether
ever we shall see Europe, God only knoweth. It is a kind of miracle
hath brought us hither, and it must be little less that shall bring
us hence. Therefore in regard of our deliverance past, and our
danger present and to come, let us look up to God, and every man
reform his own ways.
Besides, we are come
here among a Christian people, full of piety and humanity. Let us
not bring that confusion of face upon ourselves, as to show our
vices or unworthiness before them. Yet there is more, for they have
by commandment (though in form of courtesy) cloistered us within
these walls for three days; who knoweth whether it be not to take
some taste of our manners and conditions? And if they find them bad,
to banish us straightway; if good, to give us further time. For
these men that they have given us for attendance, may withal have an
eye upon us. Therefore, for God's love, and as we love the weal of
our souls and bodies, let us so behave ourselves as we may be at
peace with God and may find grace in the eyes of this people."
Our company with one voice
thanked me for my good ad- monition, and promised me to live soberly and
civilly, and without giving any the least occasion of offence. So we
spent our three days joyfully, and without care, in expectation what
would be done with us when they were expired. During which time, we had
every hour joy of the amendment of our sick, who thought themselves cast
into some divine pool of healing, they mended so kindly and so fast.
The morrow after our three days were past, there came to us a new man,
that we had not seen before, clothed in blue as the former was, save
that his turban was white with a small red cross on top. He had also a
tippet of fine linen. At his coming in, he did bend to us a little, and
put his arms abroad. We of our parts saluted him in a very lowly and
submissive manner; as looking that from him we should receive sentence
of life or death. He desired to speak with some few of us. Whereupon six
of us only stayed, and the rest avoided the room. He said:
"I am by office,
governor of this house of strangers, and by vocation, I am a
Christian priest, and therefore am come to you to offer you my
service, both as strangers and chiefly as Christians. Some things I
may tell you, which I think you will not be unwilling to hear.
The State hath given you
license to stay on land for the space of six weeks; and let it not
trouble you if your occasions ask further time, for the law in this
point is not precise; and I do not doubt but myself shall be able to
obtain for you such further time as shall be convenient. Ye shall
also understand that the strangers' house is at this time rich and
much afore- hand; for it hath laid up revenue these thirty-seven
years, for so long it is since any stranger arrived in this part;
and there- fore take ye no care; the State will defray you all the
time you stay.
Neither shall you stay
one day the less for that. As for any merchandise you have brought,
ye shall be well used, and have your return, either in merchandise
or in gold and silver, for to us it is all one. And if you have any
other request to make, hide it not; for ye shall find we will not
make your countenance to fall by the answer ye shall receive. Only
this I must tell you, that none of you must go above a karan [that
is with them a mile and a half] from the walls of the city, without
special leave."
We answered, after we had
looked awhile upon one an- other, admiring this gracious and parent-like
usage, that we could not tell what to say, for we wanted words to
express our thanks; and his noble free offers left us nothing to ask. It
seemed to us that we had before us a picture of our salvation in heaven;
for we that were awhile since in the jaws of death, were now brought
into a place where we found nothing but consolations. For the
commandment laid upon us, we would not fail to obey it, though it was
impossible but our hearts should be inflamed to tread further upon this
happy and holy ground. We added that our tongues should first cleave to
the roofs of our mouths ere we should forget either this reverend person
or this whole nation, in our prayers.
We also most humbly besought
him to accept of us as his true servants, by as just a right as ever men
on earth were bounden; laying and presenting both our persons and all we
had at his feet. He said he was a priest, and looked for a priest's
reward, which was our brotherly love and the good of our souls and
bodies. So he went from us, not without tears of tenderness in his eyes,
and left us also confused with joy and kindness, saying among ourselves
that we were come into a land of angels, which did appear to us daily,
and prevent us with comforts, which we thought not of, much less
expected.
The next day, about ten of the clock; the governor came to us again, and
after salutations said familiarly that he was come to visit us, and
called for a chair and sat him down; and we, being some ten of us (the
rest were of the meaner sort or else gone abroad), sat down with him;
and when we were set he began thus: "We of this island of Bensalem (for
so they called it in their language) have this: that by means of our
solitary situation, and of the laws of secrecy, which we have for our
travellers, and our rare admission of strangers; we know well most part
of the habitable world, and are ourselves unknown.
Therefore because he that
knoweth least is fittest to ask questions it is more reason, for the
entertainment of the time, that ye ask me questions, than that I ask
you." We answered, that we humbly thanked him that he would give us
leave so to do. And that we conceived by the taste we had already, that
there was no worldly thing on earth more worthy to be known than the
state of that happy land.
But above all, we said,
since that we were met from the several ends of the world, and hoped
assuredly that we should meet one day in the kingdom of heaven (for that
we were both parts Christians), we desired to know (in respect that land
was so remote, and so divided by vast and unknown seas from the land
where our Saviour walked on earth) who was the apostle of that nation,
and how it was converted to the faith? It appeared in his face that he
took great contentment in this our question; he said: "Ye knit my heart
to you by asking this question in the first place; for it showeth that
you first seek the kingdom of heaven; and I shall gladly, and briefly,
satisfy your demand.
"About twenty years after the ascension of our Saviour it came to pass,
that there was seen by the people of Renfusa (a city upon the eastern
coast of our island, within sight, the night was cloudy and calm), as it
might be some mile in the sea, a great pillar of light; not sharp, but
in form of a column, or cylinder, rising from the sea, a great way up
toward heaven; and on the top of it was seen a large cross of light,
more bright and resplendent than the body of the pillar. Upon which so
strange a spectacle, the people of the city gathered apace together upon
the sands, to wonder; and so after put themselves into a number of small
boats to go nearer to this marvellous sight.
But when the boats were come
within about sixty yards of the pillar, they found themselves all bound,
and could go no further, yet so as they might move to go about, but
might not approach nearer; so as the boats stood all as in a theatre,
beholding this light, as a heavenly sign. It so fell out that there was
in one of the boats one of the wise men of the Society of Saloman's
House (which house, or college, my good brethren, is the very eye of
this kingdom), who having awhile attentively and devoutly viewed and
contemplated this pillar and cross, fell down upon his face; and then
raised himself upon his knees, and lifting up his hands to heaven, made
his prayers in this manner:
"'Lord God of heaven and
earth; thou hast vouchsafed of thy grace, to those of our order to
know thy works of creation, and true secrets of them; and to
discern, as far as appertaineth to the generations of men, between
divine miracles, works of nature, works of art and impostures, and
illusions of all sorts. I do here acknowledge and testify before
this people that the thing we now see before our eyes is thy finger,
and a true miracle. And forasmuch as we learn in our books that thou
never workest miracles, but to a divine and excellent end (for the
laws of nature are thine own laws, and thou exceedest them not but
upon great cause), we most humbly beseech thee to prosper this great
sign, and to give us the interpretation and use of it in mercy;
which thou dost in some part secretly promise, by sending it unto
us.'
"When he had made his prayer, he presently found the boat he was in
movable and unbound; whereas all the rest remained still fast; and
taking that for an assurance of leave to approach, he caused the
boat to be softly and with silence rowed toward the pillar; but ere
he came near it, the pillar and cross of light broke up, and cast
itself abroad, as it were, into a firmament of many stars, which
also vanished soon after, and there was nothing left to be seen but
a small ark or chest of cedar, dry and not wet at all with water,
though it swam; and in the fore end of it, which was toward him,
grew a small green branch of palm; and when the wise man had taken
it with all reverence into his boat, it opened of itself, and there
were found in it a book and a letter, both written in fine
parchment, and wrapped in sindons of linen. The book contained all
the canonical books of the Old and New Testament, according as you
have them (for we know well what the churches with you receive), and
the Apocalypse itself; and some other books of the New Testament,
which were not at that time written, were nevertheless in the book.
And for the letter, it was in these words:
"'I, Bartholomew, a servant of the Highest, and apostle of Jesus
Christ, was warned by an angel that appeared to me in a vision of
glory, that I should commit this ark to the floods of the sea.
Therefore I do testify and declare unto that people where God shall
ordain this ark to come to land, that in the same day is come unto
them salvation and peace, and good-will from the Father, and from
the Lord Jesus.'
"There was also in both these writings, as well the book as the
letter, wrought a great miracle, conform to that of the apostles, in
the original gift of tongues. For there being at that time, in this
land, Hebrews, Persians, and Indians, besides the natives, everyone
read upon the book and letter, as if they had been written in his
own language. And thus was this land saved from infidelity (as the
remain of the old world was from water) by an ark, through the
apostolical and miraculous evangelism of St. Bartholomew."
And here he paused, and a
messenger came and called him forth from us. So this was all that passed
in that conference.
The next day the same governor came again to us immediately after
dinner, and excused himself, saying that the day be- fore he was called
from us somewhat abruptly, but now he would make us amends, and spend
time with us; if we held his company and conference agreeable. We
answered that we held it so agreeable and pleasing to us, as we forgot
both dangers past, and fears to come, for the time we heard him speak;
and that we thought an hour spent with him was worth years of our former
life. He bowed himself a little to us, and after we were set again, he
said, "Well, the questions are on your part."
One of our number said, after a little pause, that there was a matter we
were no less desirous to know than fearful to ask, lest we might presume
too far. But, encouraged by his rare humanity toward us (that could
scarce think ourselves strangers, being his vowed and professed
servants), we would take the hardness to propound it; humbly beseeching
him, if he thought it not fit to be answered, that he would pardon it,
though he rejected it. We said, we well observed those his words, which
he formerly spake, that this happy island, where we now stood, was known
to few, and yet knew most of the nations of the world, which we found to
be true, considering they had the languages of Europe, and knew much of
our State and business; and yet we in Europe (notwithstanding all the
remote discoveries and navigations of this last age) never heard any of
the least inkling or glimpse of this island.
This we found wonderful
strange; for that all nations have inter knowledge one of another,
either by voyage into foreign parts, or by strangers that come to them;
and though the traveller into a foreign country doth commonly know more
by the eye than he that stayeth at home can by relation of the traveller;
yet both ways suffice to make a mutual knowledge, in some degree, on
both parts. But for this island, we never heard tell of any ship of
theirs that had been seen to arrive upon any shore of Europe; no, nor of
either the East or West Indies, nor yet of any ship of any other part of
the world, that had made return for them.
And yet the marvel rested
not in this. For the situation of it (as his lordship said) in the
secret conclave of such a vast sea might cause it. But then, that they
should have knowledge of the languages, books, affairs, of those that
lie such a distance from them, it was a thing we could not tell what to
make of; for that it seemed to us a condition and propriety of divine
powers and beings, to be hidden and unseen to others, and yet to have
others open, and as in a light to them.
At this speech the governor gave a gracious smile and said that we did
well to ask pardon for this question we now asked, for that it imported,
as if we thought this land a land of magicians, that sent forth spirits
of the air into all parts, to bring them news and intelligence of other
countries. It was answered by us all, in all possible humbleness, but
yet with a countenance taking knowledge, that we knew that he spake it
but merrily.
That we were apt enough to
think there was somewhat supernatural in this island, but yet rather as
angelical than magical. But to let his lordship know truly what it was
that made us tender and doubtful to ask this question, it was not any
such conceit, but because we remembered he had given a touch in his
former speech, that this land had laws of secrecy touching strangers. To
this he said,
"You remember it aright;
and therefore in that I shall say to you, I must reserve some
particulars, which it is not lawful for me to reveal, but there will
be enough left to give you satisfaction.
"You shall understand (that which perhaps you will scarce think
credible) that about 3,000 years ago, or somewhat more, the
navigation of the world (especially for remote voyages) was greater
than at this day. Do not think with yourselves, that I know not how
much it is increased with you, within these threescore years; I know
it well, and yet I say, greater then than now; whether it was, that
the example of the ark, that saved the remnant of men from the
universal deluge, gave men confidence to venture upon the waters, or
what it was; but such is the truth. The Phoenicians, and especially
the Tyrians, had great fleets; so had the Carthaginians their
colony, which is yet farther west. Toward the east the shipping of
Egypt, and of Palestine, was likewise great. China also, and the
great Atlantis (that you call America), which have now but junks and
canoes, abounded then in tall ships. This island (as appeareth by
faithful registers of those times) had then 1,500 strong ships, of
great content. Of all this there is with you sparing memory, or
none; but we have large knowledge thereof.
"At that time this land was known and frequented by the ships and
vessels of all the nations before named. And (as it cometh to pass)
they had many times men of other countries, that were no sailors,
that came with them; as Persians, Chaldeans, Arabians, so as almost
all nations of might and fame re- sorted hither; of whom we have
some stirps and little tribes with us at this day. And for our own
ships, they went sundry voyages, as well to your straits, which you
call the Pillars of Hercules, as to other parts in the Atlantic and
Mediterranean seas; as to Paguin (which is the same with Cambalaine)
and Quinzy, upon the Oriental seas, as far as to the borders of the
East Tartary.
"At the same time, and an age after or more, the inhabitants of the
great Atlantis did flourish. For though the narration and
description which is made by a great man with you, that the
descendants of Neptune planted there, and of the magnificent temple,
palace, city, and hill; and the manifold streams of goodly navigable
rivers, which as so many chains environed the same site and temple;
and the several degrees of ascent, where- by men did climb up to the
same, as if it had been a Scala Coeli; be all poetical and fabulous;
yet so much is true, that the said country of Atlantis, as well that
of Peru, then called Coya, as that of Mexico, then named Tyrambel,
were mighty and proud kingdoms, in arms, shipping, and riches; so
mighty, as at one time, or at least within the space of ten years,
they both made two great expeditions; they of Tyrambel through the
Atlantic to the Mediterranean Sea; and they of Coya, through the
South Sea upon this our island; and for the former of these, which
was into Europe, the same author among you, as it seemeth, had some
relation from the Egyptian priest, whom he citeth.
For assuredly, such a
thing there was. But whether it were the ancient Athenians that had
the glory of the repulse and resistance of those forces, I can say
nothing; but certain it is there never came back either ship or man
from that voyage. Neither had the other voyage of those of Coya upon
us had better fortune, if they had not met with enemies of greater
clemency. For the King of this island, by name Altabin, a wise man
and a great warrior, knowing well both his own strength and that of
his enemies, handled the matter so as he cut off their land forces
from their ships, and entoiled both their navy and their camp with a
greater power than theirs, both by sea and land; and compelled them
to render themselves without striking a stroke; and after they were
at his mercy, contenting himself only with their oath, that they
should no more bear arms against him, dismissed them all in safety.
"But the divine revenge overtook not long after those proud
enterprises. For within less than the space of 100 years the Great
Atlantis was utterly lost and destroyed; not by a great earthquake,
as your man saith, for that whole tract is little subject to
earthquakes, but by a particular deluge, or inundation; those
countries having at this day far greater rivers, and far higher
mountains to pour down waters, than any part of the old world. But
it is true that the same inundation was not deep, nor past forty
foot, in most places, from the ground, so that although it destroyed
man and beast generally, yet some few wild inhabitants of the wood
escaped. Birds also were saved by flying to the high trees and
woods. For as for men, although they had buildings in many places
higher than the depth of the water, yet that inundation, though it
were shallow, had a long continuance, whereby they of the vale that
were not drowned perished for want of food, and other things
necessary. So as marvel you not at the thin population of America,
nor at the rudeness and ignorance of the people; for you must
account your inhabitants of America as a young people, younger a
thou- sand years at the least than the rest of the world, for that
there was so much time between the universal flood and their
particular inundation.
"For the poor remnant of human seed which remained in their
mountains, peopled the country again slowly, by little and little,
and being simple and a savage people (not like Noah and his sons,
which was the chief family of the earth), they were not able to
leave letters, arts, and civility to their posterity; and having
likewise in their mountainous habitations been used, in respect of
the extreme cold of those regions, to clothe them- selves with the
skins of tigers, bears, and great hairy goats, that they have in
those parts; when after they came down into the valley, and found
the intolerable heats which are there, and knew no means of lighter
apparel, they were forced to begin the custom of going naked, which
continueth at this day. Only they take great pride and delight in
the feathers of birds, and this also they took from those their
ancestors of the mountains, who were invited unto it, by the
infinite flight of birds, that came up to the high grounds, while
the waters stood below.
So you see, by this main
accident of time, we lost our traffic with the Americans, with whom
of all others, in regard they lay nearest to us, we had most
commerce. As for the other parts of the world, it is most manifest
that in the ages following (whether it were in respect of wars, or
by a natural revolution of time) navigation did everywhere greatly
decay, and specially far voyages (the rather by the use of galleys,
and such vessels as could hardly brook the ocean) were altogether
left and omitted. So then, that part of intercourse which could be
from other nations to sail to us, you see how it hath long since
ceased; except it were by some rare accident, as this of yours. But
now of the cessation of that other part of intercourse, which might
be by our sailing to other nations, I must yield you some other
cause. But I cannot say if I shall say truly, but our ship- ping,
for number, strength, mariners, pilots, and all things that
appertain to navigation, is as great as ever; and therefore why we
should sit at home, I shall now give you an account by itself; and
it will draw nearer, to give you satisfaction, to your principal
question.
"There reigned in this land, about 1,900 years ago, a King, whose
memory of all others we most adore; not superstitiously, but as a
divine instrument, though a mortal man: his name was Salomana; and
we esteem him as the lawgiver of our nation. This King had a large
heart, inscrutable for good; and was wholly bent to make his kingdom
and people happy. He, there- fore, taking into consideration how
sufficient and substantive this land was, to maintain itself without
any aid at all of the foreigner; being 5,000 miles in circuit, and
of rare fertility of soil, in the greatest part thereof; and finding
also the shipping of this country might be plentifully set on work,
both by fishing and by transportations from port to port, and
likewise by sailing unto some small islands that are not far from
us, and are under the crown and laws of this State; and recalling
into his memory the happy and flourishing estate wherein this land
then was, so as it might be a thousand ways altered to the worse,
but scarce any one way to the better; though nothing wanted to his
noble and heroical intentions, but only (as far as human fore- sight
might reach) to give perpetuity to that which was in his time so
happily established, therefore among his other fundamental laws of
this kingdom he did ordain the interdicts and prohibitions which we
have touching entrance of strangers; which at that time (though it
was after the calamity of America) was frequent; doubting novelties
and commixture of manners.
It is true, the like law
against the admission of strangers without license is an ancient law
in the Kingdom of China, and yet continued in use. But there it is a
poor thing; and hath made them a curious, ignorant, fearful, foolish
nation. But our lawgiver made his law of another temper. For first,
he hath preserved all points of humanity, in taking order and making
provision for the relief of strangers distressed; whereof you have
tasted."
At which speech (as reason
was) we all rose up and bowed ourselves. He went on:
"That King also still
desiring to join humanity and policy together; and thinking it
against humanity to detain strangers here against their wills, and
against policy that they should return and discover their knowledge
of this estate, he took this course; he did ordain, that of the
strangers that should be permitted to land, as many at all times
might depart as many as would; but as many as would stay, should
have very good conditions, and means to live from the State.
Wherein he saw so far,
that now in so many ages since the prohibition, we have memory not
of one ship that ever returned, and but of thirteen persons only, at
several times, that chose to return in our bottoms. What those few
that returned may have reported abroad, I know not. But you must
think, whatsoever they have said, could be taken where they came but
for a dream. Now for our travelling from hence into parts abroad,
our lawgiver thought fit altogether to restrain it. So is it not in
China. For the Chinese sail where they will, or can; which showeth,
that their law of keeping out strangers is a law of pusillanimity
and fear. But this restraint of ours hath one only exception, which
is admirable; preserving the good which cometh by communicating with
strangers, and avoiding the hurt: and I will now open it to you.
"And here I shall seem a
little to digress, but you will by and by find it pertinent. Ye
shall understand, my dear friends, that among the excellent acts of
that King, one above all hath the pre-eminence. It was the erection
and institution of an order, or society, which we call Saloman's
House, the noblest foundation, as we think, that ever was upon the
earth, and the lantern of this kingdom. It is dedicated to the study
of the works and creatures of God. Some think it beareth the
founder's name a little corrupted, as if it should be Solomon's
House. But the records write it as it is spoken. So as I take it to
be denominate of the King of the Hebrews, which is famous with you,
and no strangers to us; for we have some parts of his works which
with you are lost; namely, that natural history which he wrote of
all plants, from the cedar of Libanus to the moss that groweth out
of the wall; and of all things that have life and motion.
This maketh me think
that our King finding himself to symbolize, in many things, with
that King of the Hebrews, which lived many years before him, honored
him with the title of this foundation. And I am the rather induced
to be of this opinion, for that I find in ancient records, this
order or society is sometimes called Solomon's House, and sometimes
the College of the Six Days' Works, whereby I am satisfied that our
excellent King had learned from the Hebrews that God had created the
world and all that therein is within six days: and therefore he
instituted that house, for the finding out of the true nature of all
things, whereby God might have the more glory in the workmanship of
them, and men the more fruit in their use of them, did give it also
that second name.
"But now to come to our present purpose. When the King had forbidden
to all his people navigation into any part that was not under his
crown, he made nevertheless this ordinance; that every twelve years
there should be set forth out of this kingdom, two ships, appointed
to several voyages; that in either of these ships there should be a
mission of three of the fellows or brethren of Saloman's House,
whose errand was only to give us knowledge of the affairs and state
of those countries to which they were designed; and especially of
the sciences, arts, manufactures, and inventions of all the world;
and withal to bring unto us books, instruments, and patterns in
every kind: that the ships, after they had landed the brethren,
should re- turn; and that the brethren should stay abroad till the
new mission, the ships are not otherwise fraught than with store of
victuals, and good quantity of treasure to remain with the brethren,
for the buying of such things, and rewarding of such persons, as
they should think fit.
Now for me to tell you
how the vulgar sort of mariners are contained from being discovered
at land, and how they must be put on shore for any time, color
themselves under the names of other nations, and to what places
these voyages have been designed; and what places of rendezvous are
appointed for the new missions, and the like circum- stances of the
practice, I may not do it, neither is it much to your desire. But
thus you see we maintain a trade, not for gold, silver, or jewels,
nor for silks, nor for spices, nor any other commodity of matter;
but only for God's first creature, which was light; to have light, I
say, of the growth of all parts of the world."
And when he had said this,
he was silent, and so were we all; for indeed we were all astonished to
hear so strange things so probably told. And he perceiving that we were
willing to say somewhat, but had it not ready, in great courtesy took us
off, and descended to ask us questions of our voyage and fortunes, and
in the end concluded that we might do well to think with ourselves what
time of stay we would demand of the State, and bade us not to scant
ourselves; for he would procure such time as we desired. Whereupon we
all rose up and presented ourselves to kiss the skirt of his tippet, but
he would not suffer us, and so took his leave. But when it came once
among our people that the State used to offer conditions to strangers
that would stay, we had work enough to get any of our men to look to our
ship, and to keep them from going presently to the governor to crave
conditions; but with much ado we restrained them, till we might agree
what course to take.
We took ourselves now for freemen, seeing there was no danger of our
utter perdition, and lived most joyfully, going abroad and seeing what
was to be seen in the city and places adjacent, within our tedder; and
obtaining acquaintance with many of the city, not of the meanest
quality, at whose hands we found such humanity, and such a freedom and
desire to take strangers, as it were, into their bosom, as was enough to
make us forget all that was dear to us in our own countries, and
continually we met with many things, right worthy of observation and
relation; as indeed, if there be a mirror in the world, worthy to hold
men's eyes, it is that country.
One day there were two of
our company bidden to a feast of the family, as they call it; a most
natural, pious, and reverend custom it is, showing that nation to be
compounded of all goodness. This is the manner of it; it is granted to
any man that shall live to see thirty per- sons descended of his body,
alive together, and all above three years old, to make this feast, which
is done at the cost of the State. The father of the family, whom they
call the tirsan, two days before the feast, taketh to him three of such
friends as he liketh to choose, and is assisted also by the governor of
the city or place where the feast is celebrated; and all the per- sons
of the family, of both sexes, are summoned to attend him.
These two days the tirsan
sitteth in consultation, concerning the good estate of the family.
There, if there be any discord or suits between any of the family, they
are compounded and appeased. There, if any of the family be distressed
or decayed, order is taken for their relief, and competent means to
live. There, if any be subject to vice, or take ill-courses, they are
reproved and censured. So, likewise, direction is given touching
marriages, and the courses of life which any of them should take, with
divers other the like orders and advices. The governor sitteth to the
end, to put in execution, by his public au- thority, the decrees and
orders of the tirsan, if they should be disobeyed, though that seldom
needeth; such reverence and obedience they give to the order of nature.
The tirsan doth also then ever choose one man from among his sons, to
live in house with him, who is called ever after the Son of the Vine.
The reason will hereafter appear. On the feast day, the father, or
tirsan, cometh forth after divine service into a large room where the
feast is celebrated; which room hath a half-pace at the upper end.
Against the wall, in the middle of the half-pace, is a chair placed for
him, with a table and carpet before it. Over the chair is a state, made
round or oval and it is of ivy; an ivy somewhat whiter than ours, like
the leaf of a silver-asp, but more shining; for it is green all winter.
And the state is curiously wrought with silver and silk of divers
colors, broiding or binding in the ivy; and is ever of the work of some
of the daughters of the family, and veiled over at the top, with a fine
net of silk and silver.
But the substance of it is
true ivy; whereof after it is taken down, the friends of the family are
desirous to have some leaf or sprig to keep. The tirsan cometh forth
with all his generation or lineage, the males before him, and the
females following him; and if there be a mother, from whose body the
whole lineage is descended, there is a traverse placed in a loft above
on the right hand of the chair, with a privy door, and a carved window
of glass, leaded with gold and blue; where she sitteth, but is not seen.
When the tirsan is come forth, he sitteth down in the chair; and all the
lineage place themselves against the wall, both at his back, and upon
the return of the half-pace, in order of their years) without difference
of sex, and stand upon their feet. When he is set, the room being always
full of company, but well kept and without disorder, after some pause
there cometh in from the lower end of the room a taratan (which is as
much as a herald), and on either side of him two young lads: whereof one
carrieth a scroll of their shining yellow parchment, and the other a
cluster of grapes of gold, with a long foot or stalk.
The herald and children are
clothed with mantles of sea-water- green satin; but the herald's mantle
is streamed with gold, and hath a train. Then the herald with three
courtesies, or rather inclinations, cometh up as far as the half-pace,
and there first taketh into his hand the scroll. This scroll is the
King's charter, containing gift of revenue, and many privileges,
exemptions, and points of honor, granted to the father of the family;
and it is ever styled and directed, "To such an one, our well- beloved
friend and creditor," which is a title proper only to this case. For
they say, the King is debtor to no man, but for propagation of his
subjects; the seal set to the King's charter is the King's image,
embossed or moulded in gold; and though such charters be expedited of
course, and as of right, yet they are varied by discretion, according to
the number and dignity of the family. This charter the herald readeth
aloud; and while it is read, the father, or tirsan, standeth up,
supported by two of his sons, such as he chooseth.
Then the herald mounteth the half-pace, and delivereth the charter into
his hand: and with that there is an acclamation, by all that are
present, in their language, which is thus much, "Happy are the people of
Bensalem." Then the herald taketh into his hand from the other child the
cluster of grapes, which is of gold; both the stalk, and the grapes. But
the grapes are daintily enamelled: and if the males of the family be the
greater number, the grapes are enamelled purple, with a little sun set
on the top; if the females, then they are enamelled into a greenish
yellow, with a crescent on the top. The grapes are in number as many as
there are descendants of the family. This golden cluster the herald
delivereth also to the tirsan; who presently delivereth it over to that
son that he had formerly chosen, to be in house with him: who beareth it
before his father, as an ensign of honor, when he goeth in public ever
after; and is thereupon called the Son of the Vine.
After this ceremony ended
the father, or tirsan, retireth, and after some time cometh forth again
to dinner, where he sitteth alone under the state, as before; and none
of his descendants sit with him, of what degree or dignity so ever,
except he hap to be of Salo- man's House. He is served only by his own
children, such as are male; who perform unto him all service of the
table upon the knee, and the women only stand about him, leaning against
the wall. The room below his half-pace hath tables on the sides for the
guests that are bidden; who are served with great and comely order; and
toward the end of dinner (which in the greatest feasts with them lasteth
never above an hour and a half) there is a hymn sung, varied according
to the invention of him that composeth it (for they have excellent
poesy), but the subject of it is always the praises of Adam, and Noah,
and Abraham; whereof the former two peopled the world, and the last was
the father of the faithful: concluding ever with a thanksgiving for the
nativity of our Saviour, in whose birth the births of all are only
blessed.
Dinner being done, the tirsan retireth again; and having withdrawn
himself alone into a place, where he maketh some private prayers, he
cometh forth the third time, to give the blessing; with all his
descendants, who stand about him as at the first. Then he calleth them
forth by one and by one, by name as he pleaseth, though seldom the order
of age be inverted. The person that is called (the table being before
removed) kneeleth down before the chair, and the father layeth his hand
upon his head, or her head, and giveth the blessing in these words:
"Son of Bensalem (or
daughter of Bensalem), thy father saith it; the man by whom thou
hast breath and life speaketh the word; the blessing of the
everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, and the Holy Dove be upon
thee, and make the days of thy pilgrimage good and many."
This he saith to every of
them; and that done, if there be any of his sons of eminent merit and
virtue, so they be not above two, he calleth for them again, and saith,
laying his arm over their shoulders, they standing: "Sons, it is well
you are born, give God the praise, and persevere to the end;" and withal
delivereth to either of them a jewel, made in the figure of an ear of
wheat, which they ever after wear in the front of their turban, or hat;
this done, they fall to music and dances, and other recreations, after
their manner, for the rest of the day. This is the full order of that
feast.
By that time six or seven days were spent, I was fallen into straight
acquaintance with a merchant of that city, whose name was Joabin. He was
a Jew and circumcised; for they have some few stirps of Jews yet
remaining among them, whom they leave to their own religion. Which they
may the better do, because they are of a far differing disposition from
the Jews in other parts. For whereas they hate the name of Christ, and
have a secret inbred rancor against the people among whom they live;
these, contrariwise, give unto our Saviour many high attributes, and
love the nation of Bensalem extremely.
Surely this man of whom I
speak would ever acknowledge that Christ was born of a Virgin; and that
he was more than a man; and he would tell how God made him ruler of the
seraphim, which guard his throne; and they call him also the Milken Way,
and the Eliah of the Messiah, and many other high names, which though
they be inferior to his divine majesty, yet they are far from the
language of other Jews.
And for the country of Ben-
salem, this man would make no end of commending it, being desirous by
tradition among the Jews there to have it believed that the people
thereof were of the generations of Abraham, by another son, whom they
call Nachoran; and that Moses by a secret cabala ordained the laws of
Bensalem which they now use; and that when the Messias should come, and
sit in his throne at Hierusalem, the King of Bensalem should sit at his
feet, whereas other kings should keep a great distance. But yet setting
aside these Jewish dreams, the man was a wise man and learned, and of
great policy, and excellently seen in the laws and customs of that
nation.
Among other discourses one day I told him, I was much affected with the
relation I had from some of the company of their custom in holding the
feast of the family, for that, me- thought, I had never heard of a
solemnity wherein nature did so much preside. And because propagation of
families proceedeth from the nuptial copulation, I desired to know of
him what laws and customs they had concerning marriage, and whether they
kept marriage well, and whether they were tied to one wife? For that
where population is so much affected, and such as with them it seemed to
be, there is commonly per- mission of plurality of wives. To this he
said:
"You have reason for to
commend that excellent institution of the feast of the family; and
indeed we have experience, that those families that are partakers of
the blessings of that feast, do flourish and prosper ever after, in
an extraordinary manner. But hear me now, and I will tell you what I
know. You shall understand that there is not under the heavens so
chaste a nation as this of Bensalem, nor so free from all pollution
or foulness. It is the virgin of the world; I remember, I have read
in one of your European books, of a holy hermit among you, that
desired to see the spirit of fornication, and there appeared to him
a little foul ugly Ethiope; but if he had desired to see the spirit
of chastity of Bensalem, it would have appeared to him in the
likeness of a fair beautiful cherub. For there is nothing, among
mortal men, more fair and admirable than the chaste minds of this
people.
"Know, therefore, that with them there are no stews, no dissolute
houses, no courtesans, nor anything of that kind. Nay, they wonder,
with detestation, at you in Europe, which permit such things. They
say ye have put marriage out of office; for marriage is ordained a
remedy for unlawful concupiscence; and natural concupiscence seemeth
as a spur to marriage. But when men have at hand a remedy, more
agreeable to their corrupt will, marriage is almost expulsed. And
therefore there are with you seen infinite men that marry not, but
choose rather a libertine and impure single life, than to be yoked
in marriage; and many that do marry, marry late, when the prime and
strength of their years are past. And when they do marry, what is
marriage to them but a very bargain; wherein is sought alliance, or
portion, or reputation, with some desire (almost in- different) of
issue; and not the faithful nuptial union of man and wife, that was
first instituted. Neither is it possible that those that have cast
away so basely so much of their strength, should greatly esteem
children (being of the same matter) as chaste men do. So likewise
during marriage is the case much amended, as it ought to be if those
things were tolerated only for necessity; no, but they remain still
as a very affront to marriage.
"The haunting of those dissolute places, or resort to courtesans,
are no more punished in married men than in bachelors. And the
depraved custom of change, and the delight in meretricious
embracements (where sin is turned into art), maketh marriage a dull
thing, and a kind of imposition or tax. They hear you defend these
things, as done to avoid greater evils; as advoutries, deflowering
of virgins, unnatural lust, and the like. But they say this is a
preposterous wisdom; and they call it Lot's offer, who to save his
guests from abusing, offered his daughters; nay, they say further,
that there is little gained in this; for that the same vices and
appetites do still remain and abound, unlawful lust being like a
furnace, that if you stop the flames altogether it will quench, but
if you give it any vent it will rage; as for masculine love, they
have no touch of it; and yet there are not so faithful and inviolate
friendships in the world again as are there, and to speak generally
(as I said be- fore) I have not read of any such chastity in any
people as theirs. And their usual saying is that whosoever is
unchaste cannot reverence himself; and they say that the reverence
of a man's self, is, next religion, the chiefest bridle of all
vices."
And when he had said this
the good Jew paused a little; whereupon I, far more willing to hear him
speak on than to speak myself; yet thinking it decent that upon his
pause of speech I should not be altogether silent, said only this; that
I would say to him, as the widow of Sarepta said to Elias: "that he was
come to bring to memory our sins; "and that I confess the righteousness
of Bensalem was greater than the righteous- ness of Europe. At which
speech he bowed his head, and went on this manner:
"They have also many
wise and excellent laws, touching marriage. They allow no polygamy.
They have ordained that none do intermarry, or contract, until a
month be past from their first interview. Marriage without consent
of parents they do not make void, but they mulct it in the
inheritors; for the children of such marriages are not admitted to
inherit above a third part of their parents' inheritance. I have
read in a book of one of your men, of a feigned commonwealth, where
the married couple are permitted, before they contract, to see one
another naked.
This they dislike; for
they think it a scorn to give a refusal after so familiar knowledge;
but because of many hidden defects in men and women's bodies, they
have a more civil way; for they have near every town a couple of
pools (which they call Adam and Eve's pools), where it is permitted
to one of the friends of the man, and another of the friends of the
woman, to see them severally bathe naked."
And as we were thus in
conference, there came one that seemed to be a messenger, in a rich huke,
that spake with the Jew; whereupon he turned to me, and said, "You will
pardon me, for I am commanded away in haste." The next morning he came
to me again, joyful as it seemed, and said: "There is word come to the
governor of the city, that one of the fathers of Salomon's House will be
here this day seven-night; we have seen none of them this dozen years.
His coming is in state; but the cause of this coming is secret. I will
provide you and your fellows of a good standing to see his entry." I
thanked him, and told him I was most glad of the news.
The day being come he made his entry. He was a man of middle stature and
age, comely of person, and had an aspect as if he pitied men. He was
clothed in a robe of fine black cloth and wide sleeves, and a cape: his
under-garment was of excellent white linen down to the foot, girt with a
girdle of the same; and a sindon or tippet of the same about his neck.
He had gloves that were curious, and set with stone; and shoes of
peach-colored velvet.
His neck was bare to the
shoulders. His hat was like a helmet, or Spanish montero; and his locks
curled below it decently; they were of color brown. His heard was cut
round and of the same color with his hair, somewhat lighter. He was
carried in a rich chariot, without wheels, litter-wise, with two horses
at either end, richly trapped in blue velvet embroidered; and two
footmen on each side in the like attire. The chariot was all of cedar,
gilt and adorned with crystal; save that the fore end had panels of
sapphires set in borders of gold, and the hinder end the like of
emeralds of the Peru color.
There was also a sun of
gold, radiant upon the top, in the midst; and on the top before a small
cherub of gold, with wings displayed. The chariot was covered with
cloth-of- gold tissued upon blue. He had before him fifty attendants,
young men all, in white satin loose coats up to the mid-leg, and
stockings of white silk; and shoes of blue velvet; and hats of blue
velvet, with fine plumes of divers colors, set round like hat-bands.
Next before the chariot went two men, bare- headed, in linen garments
down to the foot, girt, and shoes of blue velvet, who carried the one a
crosier, the other a pastoral staff like a sheep-hook; neither of them
of metal, but the crosier of balm-wood, the pastoral staff of cedar.
Horsemen he had none,
neither before nor behind his chariot; as it seemeth, to avoid all
tumult and trouble. Behind his chariot went all the officers and
principals of the companies of the city. He sat alone, upon cushions, of
a kind of excellent plush, blue; and under his foot curious carpets of
silk of divers colors, like the Persian, but far finer. He held up his
bare hand, as he went, as blessing the people, but in silence. The
street was wonder- fully well kept; so that there was never any army had
their men stand in better battle-array than the people stood. The
windows likewise were not crowded, but everyone stood in them, as if
they had been placed.
When the show was passed, the Jew said to me, "I shall not be able to
attend you as I would, in regard of some charge the city hath laid upon
me for the entertaining of this great person." Three days after the Jew
came to me again, and said: "Ye are happy men; for the father of
Salomon's House taketh knowledge of your being here, and commanded me to
tell you that he will admit all your company to his presence, and have
private conference with one of you, that ye shall choose; and for this
hath appointed the next day after to-morrow. And because he meaneth to
give you his blessing, he hath appointed it in the forenoon." We came at
our day and hour, and I was chosen by my fellows for the private access.
We found him in a fair
chamber, richly hanged, and carpeted under foot, without any degrees to
the state; he was set upon a low throne richly adorned, and a rich cloth
of state over his head of blue satin embroidered. He was alone, save
that he had two pages of honor, on either hand one, finely attired in
white. His under- garments were the like that we saw him wear in the
chariot; but instead of his gown, he had on him a mantle with a cape, of
the same fine black, fastened about him.
When we came in, as we were
taught, we bowed low at our first entrance; and when we were come near
his chair, he stood up, holding forth his hand ungloved, and in posture
of blessing; and we every one of us stooped down and kissed the end of
his tippet. That done, the rest departed, and I remained. Then he warned
the pages forth of the room, and caused me to sit down beside him, and
spake to me thus in the Spanish tongue:
"God bless thee, my son;
I will give thee the greatest jewel I have. For I will impart unto
thee, for the love of God and men, a relation of the true state of
Salomon's House. Son, to make you know the true state of Salomon's
House, I will keep this order. First, I will set forth unto you the
end of our foundation. Secondly, the preparations and instruments we
have for our works. Thirdly, the several employments and functions
whereto our fellows are assigned. And fourthly, the ordinances and
rites which we observe.
"The end of our foundation is the knowledge of causes, and secret
motions of things; and the enlarging of the bounds of human empire,
to the effecting of all things possible.
"The preparations and instruments are these: We have large and deep
caves of several depths; the deepest are sunk 600 fathoms; and some
of them are digged and made under great hills and mountains; so that
if you reckon together the depth of the hill and the depth of the
cave, they are, some of them, above three miles deep. For we find
that the depth of a hill and the depth of a cave from the flat are
the same thing; both remote alike from the sun and heaven's beams,
and from the open air. These caves we call the lower region. And we
use them for all coagulations, indurations, refrigerations, and
conservations of bodies. We use them likewise for the imitation of
natural mines and the producing also of new artificial metals, by
compositions and materials which we use and lay there for many
years. We use them also sometimes (which may seem strange) for
curing of some diseases, and for prolongation of life, in some
hermits that choose to live there, well accommodated of all things
necessary, and indeed live very long; by whom also we learn many
things.
"We have burials in several earths, where we put divers cements, as
the Chinese do their porcelain. But we have them in greater variety,
and some of them more fine. We also have great variety of composts
and soils, for the making of the earth fruitful.
"We have high towers, the highest about half a mile in height, and
some of them likewise set upon high mountains, so that the vantage
of the hill with the tower is in the highest of them three miles at
least. And these places we call the upper region, account the air
between the high places and the low as a middle region. We use these
towers, according to their several heights and situations, for
insulation, refrigeration, conservation, and for the view of divers
meteors -- as winds, rain, snow, hail, and some of the fiery meteors
also. And upon them in some places are dwellings of hermits, whom we
visit sometimes and instruct what to observe.
"We have great lakes, both salt and fresh, whereof we have use for
the fish and fowl. We use them also for burials of some natural
bodies, for we find a difference in things buried in earth, or in
air below the earth, and things buried in water. We have also pools,
of which some do strain fresh water out of salt, and others by art
do turn fresh water into salt. We have also some rocks in the midst
of the sea, and some bays upon the shore for some works, wherein are
required the air and vapor of the sea. We have likewise violent
streams and cataracts, which serve us for many motions; and likewise
engines for multiplying and enforcing of winds to set also on divers
motions.
"We have also a number of artificial wells and fountains, made in
imitation of the natural sources and baths, as tincted upon vitriol,
sulphur, steel, brass, lead, nitre, and other minerals; and again,
we have little wells for infusions of many things, where the waters
take the virtue quicker and better than in vessels or basins. And
among them we have a water, which we call water of paradise, being
by that we do it made very sovereign for health and prolongation of
life.
"We have also great and spacious houses, where we imitate and
demonstrate meteors -- as snow, hail, rain, some artificial rains of
bodies and not of water, thunders, lightnings; also generations of
bodies in air -- as frogs, flies, and divers others.
"We have also certain chambers, which we call chambers of health,
where we qualify the air as we think good and proper for the cure of
divers diseases and preservation of health.
"We have also fair and large baths, of several mixtures, for the
cure of diseases, and the restoring of man's body from are- faction;
and others for the confirming of it in strength of sinews, vital
parts, and the very juice and substance of the body.
"We have also large and various orchards and gardens, wherein we do
not so much respect beauty as variety of ground and soil, proper for
divers trees and herbs, and some very spacious, where trees and
berries are set, whereof we make divers kinds of drinks, beside the
vineyards. In these we practise likewise all conclusions of
grafting, and inoculating, as well of wild-trees as fruit-trees,
which produceth many effects. And we make by art, in the same
orchards and gardens, trees and flowers, to come earlier or later
than their seasons, and to come up and bear more speedily than by
their natural course they do. We make them also by art greater much
than their nature; and their fruit greater and sweeter, and of
differing taste, smell, color, and figure, from their nature. And
many of them we so order as that they become of medicinal use.
"We have also means to make divers plants rise by mixtures of earths
without seeds, and likewise to make divers new plants, differing
from the vulgar, and to make one tree or plant turn into another.
"We have also parks, and enclosures of all sorts, of beasts and
birds; which we use not only for view or rareness, but like- wise
for dissections and trials, that thereby may take light what may be
wrought upon the body of man. Wherein we find many strange effects:
as continuing life in them, though divers parts, which you account
vital, be perished and taken forth; resuscitating of some that seem
dead in appearance, and the like. We try also all poisons, and other
medicines upon them, as well of chirurgery as physic. By art
likewise we make them greater or smaller than their kind is, and
contrariwise dwarf them and stay their growth; we make them more
fruitful and bearing than their kind is, and contrariwise barren and
not generative. Also we make them differ in color, shape, activity,
many ways. We find means to make commixtures and copulations of
divers kinds, which have produced many new kinds, and them not
barren, as the general opinion is. We make a number of kinds of
serpents, worms, flies, fishes of putrefaction, whereof some are
advanced (in effect) to be perfect creatures, like beasts or birds,
and have sexes, and do propagate. Neither do we this by chance, but
we know beforehand of what matter and com- mixture, what kind of
those creatures will arise.
"We have also particular pools where we make trials upon fishes, as
we have said before of beasts and birds.
"We have also places for breed and generation of those kinds of
worms and flies which are of special use; such as are with you your
silkworms and bees.
"I will not hold you long with recounting of our brew- houses,
bake-houses, and kitchens, where are made divers drinks, breads, and
meats, rare and of special effects. Wines we have of grapes, and
drinks of other juice, of fruits, of grains, and of roots, and of
mixtures with honey, sugar, manna, and fruits dried and decocted;
also of the tears or wounding of trees and of the pulp of canes. And
these drinks are of several ages, some to the age or last of forty
years. We have drinks also brewed with several herbs and roots and
spices; yea, with several fleshes and white meats; whereof some of
the drinks are such as they are in effect meat and drink both, so
that divers, especially in age, do desire to live with them with
little or no meat or bread. And above all we strive to have drinks
of extreme thin parts, to insinuate into the body, and yet without
all biting, sharpness, or fretting; insomuch as some of them put
upon the back of your hand, will with a little stay pass through to
the palm, and yet taste mild to the mouth. We have also waters,
which we ripen in that fashion, as they become nourishing, so that
they are indeed excellent drinks, and many will use no other. Bread
we have of several grains, roots, and kernels; yea, and some of
flesh, and fish, dried; with divers kinds of leavings and
seasonings; so that some do extremely move appetites, some do
nourish so as divers do live of them, without any other meat, who
live very long. So for meats, we have some of them so beaten, and
made tender, and mortified, yet without all corrupting, as a weak
heat of the stomach will turn them into good chilus, as well as a
strong heat would meat otherwise prepared. We have some meats also
and bread, and drinks, which, taken by men, enable them to fast long
after; and some other, that used make the very flesh of men's bodies
sensibly more hard and tough, and their strength far greater than
otherwise it would be.
"We have dispensatories or shops of medicines; wherein you may
easily think, if we have such variety of plants, and living
creatures, more than you have in Europe (for we know what you have),
the simples, drugs, and ingredients of medicines, must likewise be
in so much the greater variety. We have them likewise of divers
ages, and long fermentations. And for their preparations, we have
not only all manner of exquisite distillations, and separations, and
especially by gentle heats, and percolations through divers
strainers, yea, and substances; but also exact forms of composition,
whereby they incorporate al- most as they were natural simples.
"We have also divers mechanical arts, which you have not; and stuffs
made by them, as papers, linen, silks, tissues, dainty works of
feathers of wonderful lustre, excellent dyes, and many others, and
shops likewise as well for such as are not brought into vulgar use
among us, as for those that are. For you must know, that of the
things before recited, many of them are grown into use throughout
the kingdom, but yet, if they did flow from our invention, we have
of them also for patterns and principals.
"We have also furnaces of great diversities, and that keep great
diversity of heats; fierce and quick, strong and constant, soft and
mild, blown, quiet, dry, moist, and the like. But above all we have
heats, in imitation of the sun's and heavenly bodies' heats, that
pass divers inequalities, and as it were orbs, progresses, and
returns whereby we produce admirable effects. Be- sides, we have
heats of dungs, and of bellies and maws of living creatures and of
their bloods and bodies, and of hays and herbs laid up moist, of
lime unquenched, and such like. Instruments also which generate heat
only by motion. And farther, places for strong insulations; and,
again, places under the earth, which by nature or art yield heat.
These divers heats we use as the nature of the operation which we
intend requireth.
"We have also perspective houses, where we make demonstrations of
all lights and radiations and of all colors; and out of things
uncolored and transparent we can represent unto you all several
colors, not in rainbows, as it is in gems and prisms, but of
themselves single. We represent also all multiplications of light,
which we carry to great distance, and make so sharp as to discern
small points and lines. Also all colorations of light: all delusions
and deceits of the sight, in figures, magnitudes, motions, colors;
all demonstrations of shadows. We find also divers means, yet
unknown to you, of producing of light, originally from divers
bodies. We procure means of seeing objects afar off, as in the
heaven and remote places; and represent things near as afar off, and
things afar off as near; making feigned distances. We have also
helps for the sight far above spectacles and glasses in use; we have
also glasses and means to see small and minute bodies, perfectly and
distinctly; as the shapes and colors of small flies and worms,
grains, and flaws in gems which cannot otherwise be seen,
observations in urine and blood not otherwise to be seen. We make
artificial rainbows, halos, and circles about light. We represent
also all manner of reflections, refractions, and multiplications of
visual beams of objects.
"We have also precious stones, of all kinds, many of them of great
beauty and to you unknown, crystals likewise, and glasses of divers
kind; and among them some of metals vitrificated, and other
materials, besides those of which you make glass. Also a number of
fossils and imperfect minerals, which you have not. Likewise
loadstones of prodigious virtue, and other rare stones, both natural
and artificial.
"We have also sound-houses, where we practise and demonstrate all
sounds and their generation. We have harmony which you have not, of
quarter-sounds and lesser slides of sounds. Divers instruments of
music likewise to you unknown, some sweeter than any you have; with
bells and rings that are dainty and sweet. We represent small sounds
as great and deep, likewise great sounds extenuate and sharp; we
make divers tremblings and warblings of sounds, which in their
original are entire. We represent and imitate all articulate sounds
and letters, and the voices and notes of beasts and birds. We have
certain helps which, set to the ear, do further the hearing greatly;
we have also divers strange and artificial echoes, reflecting the
voice many times, and, as it were, tossing it; and some that give
back the voice louder than it came, some shriller and some deeper;
yea, some rendering the voice, differing in the letters or
articulate sound from that they receive. We have all means to convey
sounds in trunks and pipes, in strange lines and distances.
"We have also perfume-houses, wherewith we join also practices of
taste. We multiply smells which may seem strange: we imitate smells,
making all smells to breathe out of other mixtures than those that
give them. We make divers imitations of taste likewise, so that they
will deceive any man's taste. And in this house we contain also a
confiture-house, where we make all sweatmeats, dry and moist, and
divers pleas- ant wines, milks, broths, and salads, far in greater
variety than you have.
"We have also engine-houses, where are prepared engines and
instruments for all sorts of motions. There we imitate and practise
to make swifter motions than any you have, either out of your
muskets or any engine that you have; and to make them and multiply
them more easily and with small force, by wheels and other means,
and to make them stronger and more violent than yours are, exceeding
your greatest cannons and basilisks. We represent also ordnance and
instruments of war and engines of all kinds; and likewise new
mixtures and com- positions of gunpowder, wild-fires burning in
water and un- quenchable, also fire-works of all variety, both for
pleasure and use. We imitate also flights of birds; we have some
degrees of flying in the air. We have ships and boats for going
under water and brooking of seas, also swimming-girdles and sup-
porters. We have divers curious clocks and other like motions of
return, and some perpetual motions. We imitate also motions of
living creatures by images of men, beasts, birds, fishes, and
serpents; we have also a great number of other various motions,
strange for equality, fineness, and subtilty.
"We have also a mathematical-house, where are represented all
instruments, as well of geometry as astronomy, exquisitely made.
"We have also houses of deceits of the senses, where we rep- resent
all manner of feats of juggling, false apparitions, impostures and
illusions, and their fallacies. And surely you will easily believe
that we, that have so many things truly natural which induce
admiration, could in a world of particulars deceive the senses if we
would disguise those things, and labor to make them more miraculous.
But we do hate all impostures and lies, insomuch as we have severely
forbidden it to all our fellows, under pain of ignominy and fines,
that they do not show any natural work or thing adorned or swelling,
but only pure as it is, and without all affectation of strangeness.
"These are, my son, the riches of Salomon's House.
"For the several employments and offices of our fellows, we have
twelve that sail into foreign countries under the names of other
nations (for our own we conceal), who bring us the books and
abstracts, and patterns of experiments of all other parts. These we
call merchants of light.
"We have three that collect the experiments which are in all books.
These we call depredators.
"We have three that collect the experiments of all mechanical arts,
and also of liberal sciences, and also of practices which are not
brought into arts. These we call mystery-men.
"We have three that try new experiments, such as themselves think
good. These we call pioneers or miners.
"We have three that draw the experiments of the former four into
titles and tables, to give the better light for the drawing of
observations and axioms out of them. These we call compilers. We
have three that bend themselves, looking into the experiments of
their fellows, and cast about how to draw out of them things of use
and practice for man's life and knowledge, as well for works as for
plain demonstration of causes, means of natural divinations, and the
easy and clear discovery of the virtues and parts of bodies. These
we call dowry-men or benefactors.
"Then after divers meetings and consults of our whole number, to
consider of the former labors and collections, we have three that
take care out of them to direct new experiments, of a higher light,
more penetrating into nature than the former. These we call lamps.
"We have three others that do execute the experiments so directed,
and report them. These we call inoculators.
"Lastly, we have three that raise the former discoveries by
experiments into greater observations, axioms, and aphorisms. These
we call interpreters of nature.
"We have also, as you must think, novices and apprentices, that the
succession of the former employed men do not fail; be- sides a great
number of servants and attendants, men and women. And this we do
also: we have consultations, which of the inventions and experiences
which we have discovered shall be published, and which not; and take
all an oath of secrecy for the concealing of those which we think
fit to keep secret; though some of those we do reveal sometime to
the State, and some not.
"For our ordinances and rites we have two very long and fair
galleries. In one of these we place patterns and samples of all
manner of the more rare and excellent inventions; in the other we
place the statues of all principal inventors. There we have the
statue of your Columbus, that discovered the West Indies, also the
inventor of ships, your monk that was the inventor of ordnance and
of gunpowder, the inventor of music, the inventor of letters, the
inventor of printing, the inventor of observations of astronomy, the
inventor of works in metal, the inventor of glass, the inventor of
silk of the worm, the inventor of wine, the inventor of corn and
bread, the inventor of sugars; and all these by more certain
tradition than you have. Then we have divers inventors of our own,
of excellent works; which, since you have not seen) it were too long
to make descriptions of them; and besides, in the right
understanding of those descriptions you might easily err. For upon
every invention of value we erect a statue to the inventor, and give
him a liberal and honorable reward. These statues are some of brass,
some of marble and touchstone, some of cedar and other special woods
gilt and adorned; some of iron, some of silver, some of gold.
"We have certain hymns and services, which we say daily, of laud and
thanks to God for His marvellous works. And forms of prayers,
imploring His aid and blessing for the illumination of our labors;
and turning them into good and holy uses.
"Lastly, we have circuits or visits, of divers principal cities of
the kingdom; where as it cometh to pass we do publish such new
profitable inventions as we think good. And we do also declare
natural divinations of diseases, plagues, swarms of hurtful
creatures, scarcity, tempest, earthquakes, great inundations,
comets, temperature of the year, and divers other things; and we
give counsel thereupon, what the people shall do for the prevention
and remedy of them."
And when he had said this he
stood up, and I, as I had been taught, knelt down; and he laid his right
hand upon my head, and said:
"God bless thee, my son,
and God bless this relation which I have made. I give thee leave to
publish it, for the good of other nations; for we here are in God's
bosom, a land un- known."
And so he left me; having
assigned a value of about 2,000 ducats for a bounty to me and my
fellows. For they give great largesses, where they come, upon all
occasions.
[THE REST WAS NOT PERFECTED.]
End.
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