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These are the OCR results for the 1627 published version of the book New Atlantis written by Francis Bacon. The OCR results have been produced with tesseract.
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<TEI xmlns="http://www.tei-c.org/ns/1.0"><teiHeader><fileDesc><titleStmt><title>Untitled Document</title><author/></titleStmt><editionStmt><edition><date/></edition></editionStmt><publicationStmt><p>no publication statement available</p></publicationStmt><sourceDesc><p>Written by OpenOffice</p></sourceDesc></fileDesc><revisionDesc><listChange><change><name/><date/></change></listChange></revisionDesc></teiHeader><text><body><p>The Project Gutenberg Etext of The New Atlantis by Francis Bacon </p><p>#2 in our series by Sir Francis Bacon </p><p>Copyright laws are changing all over the world, be sure to check </p><p>the copyright laws for your country before posting these files!! </p><p>Please take a look at the important information in this header. </p><p>We encourage you to keep this file on your own disk, keeping an </p><p>electronic path open for the next readers. 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We need your donations.</p><p>The New Atlantis </p><p>by Sir Francis Bacon </p><p>December, 2000 [Etext 2434#]</p><p>The Project Gutenberg Etext of The New Atlantis by Francis Bacon </p><p>******This file should be named nwatl10.txt or nwatl10.zip****** </p><p>Corrected EDITIONS of our etexts get a new NUMBER, nwatl11.txt </p><p>VERSIONS based on separate sources get new LETTER, nwatl10a.txt </p><p>This etext was prepared by Michael Pullen, </p><p>globaltraveler5565@yahoo.com. </p><p>Project Gutenberg Etexts are usually created from multiple editions, </p><p>all of which are in the Public Domain in the United States, unless a </p><p>copyright notice is included. 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If you</p><p> don't derive profits, no royalty is due. Royalties are</p><p> payable to "Project Gutenberg Association/Carnegie-Mellon</p><p> University" within the 60 days following each</p><p> date you prepare (or were legally required to prepare)</p><p> your annual (or equivalent periodic) tax return.</p><p>WHAT IF YOU *WANT* TO SEND MONEY EVEN IF YOU DON'T HAVE TO? </p><p>The Project gratefully accepts contributions in money, time, </p><p>scanning machines, OCR software, public domain etexts, royalty </p><p>free copyright licenses, and every other sort of contribution </p><p>you can think of. Money should be paid to "Project Gutenberg</p><p>Association / Carnegie-Mellon University". </p><p>*END*THE SMALL PRINT! FOR PUBLIC DOMAIN ETEXTS*Ver.04.29.93*END* </p><p>THE NEW ATLANTIS </p><p>BY SIR FRANCIS BACON </p><p>INTRODUCTORY NOTE </p><p>Bacon's literary executor, Dr. Rowley, published "The New Atlantis" in </p><p>1627, the year after the author's death. It seems to have been</p><p>written about 1623, during that period of literary activity which </p><p>followed Bacon's political fall. None of Bacon's writings gives in</p><p>short apace so vivid a picture of his tastes and aspirations as this </p><p>fragment of the plan of an ideal commonwealth. The generosity and</p><p>enlightenment, the dignity and splendor, the piety and public spirit, </p><p>of the inhabitants of Bensalem represent the ideal qualities which </p><p>Bacon the statesman desired rather than hoped to see characteristic of </p><p>his own country; and in Solomon's House we have Bacon the scientist </p><p>indulging without restriction his prophetic vision of the future of </p><p>human knowledge. No reader acquainted in any degree with the</p><p>processes and results of modern scientific inquiry can fail to be </p><p>struck by the numerous approximations made by Bacon's imagination to </p><p>the actual achievements of modern times. The plan and organization of</p><p>his great college lay down the main lines of the modern research </p><p>university; and both in pure and applied science he anticipates a </p><p>strikingly large number of recent inventions and discoveries. In</p><p>still another way is "The New Atlantis" typical of Bacon's attitude. </p><p>In spite of the enthusiastic and broad-minded schemes he laid down for </p><p>the pursuit of truth, Bacon always had an eye to utility. The</p><p>advancement of science which he sought was conceived by him as a means </p><p>to a practical end the increase of man's control over nature, and the </p><p>comfort and convenience of humanity. For pure metaphysics, or any</p><p>form of abstract thinking that yielded no "fruit," he had little </p><p>interest; and this leaning to the useful is shown in the practical </p><p>applications of the discoveries made by the scholars of Solomon's </p><p>House. Nor does the interest of the work stop here. It contains much,</p><p>both in its political and in its scientific ideals, that we have as </p><p>yet by no means achieved, but which contain valuable elements of </p><p>suggestion and stimulus for the future. </p><p>THE NEW ATLANTIS </p><p>We sailed from Peru, (where we had continued for the space of one </p><p>whole year) for China and Japan, by the South Sea; taking with us </p><p>victuals for twelve months; and had good winds from the east, though </p><p>soft and weak, for five months space, and more. But the wind came</p><p>about, and settled in the west for many days, so as we could make </p><p>little or no way, and were sometime in purpose to turn back. But then</p><p>again there arose strong and great winds from the south, with a point </p><p>east, which carried us up (for all that we could do) towards the north; </p><p>by which time our victuals failed us, though we had made good spare </p><p>of them. So that finding ourselves, in the midst of the greatest</p><p>wilderness of waters in the world, without victuals, we gave ourselves </p><p>for lost men and prepared for death. Yet we did lift up our hearts</p><p>and voices to God above, who showeth his wonders in the deep, </p><p>beseeching him of his mercy, that as in the beginning he discovered </p><p>the face of the deep, and brought forth dry land, so he would not </p><p>discover land to us, that we might not perish. </p><p>And it came to pass that the next day about evening we saw within a </p><p>kenning before us, towards the north, as it were thick clouds, which </p><p>did put us in some hope of land; knowing how that part of the South </p><p>Sea was utterly unknown; and might have islands, or continents, that </p><p>hitherto were not come to light. Wherefore we bent our course thither,</p><p>where we saw the appearance of land, all that night; and in the </p><p>dawning of the next day, we might plainly discern that it was a land; </p><p>flat to our sight, and full of boscage; which made it show the more </p><p>dark. And after an hour and a half's sailing, we entered into a good</p><p>haven, being the port of a fair city; not great indeed, but well built, </p><p>and that gave a pleasant view from the sea: and we thinking every </p><p>minute long, till we were on land, came close to the shore, and </p><p>offered to land. But straightways we saw divers of the people, with</p><p>bastons in their hands (as it were) forbidding us to land; yet without </p><p>any cries of fierceness, but only as warning us off, by signs that </p><p>they made. Whereupon being not a little discomforted, we were</p><p>advising with ourselves, what we should do. </p><p>During which time, there made forth to us a small boat, with about </p><p>eight persons in it; whereof one of them had in his hand a tipstaff of </p><p>a yellow cane, tipped at both ends with blue, who came aboard our ship, </p><p>without any show of distrust at all. And when he saw one of our</p><p>number, present himself somewhat before the rest, he drew forth a </p><p>little scroll of parchment (somewhat yellower than our parchment, and </p><p>shining like the leaves of writing tables, but otherwise soft and </p><p>flexible,) and delivered it to our foremost man. In which scroll were</p><p>written in ancient Hebrew, and in ancient Greek, and in good Latin of </p><p>the school, and in Spanish, these words: Land ye not, none of you; and </p><p>provide to be gone from this coast, within sixteen days, except you </p><p>have further time given you. Meanwhile, if you want fresh water or</p><p>victuals, or help for your sick, or that your ship needeth repairs, </p><p>write down your wants, and you shall have that, which belongeth to </p><p>mercy. This scroll was signed with a stamp of cherubim: wings, not</p><p>spread, but hanging downwards; and by them a cross. This being</p><p>delivered, the officer returned, and left only a servant with us to </p><p>receive our answer. </p><p>Consulting hereupon amongst ourselves, we were much perplexed. The</p><p>denial of landing and hasty warning us away troubled us much; on the </p><p>other side, to find that the people had languages, and were so full of </p><p>humanity, did comfort us not a little. And above all, the sign of the</p><p>cross to that instrument was to us a great rejoicing, and as it were a </p><p>certain presage of good. Our answer was in the Spanish tongue; that</p><p>for our ship, it was well; for we had rather met with calms and </p><p>contrary winds than any tempests. For our sick, they were many, and</p><p>in very ill case; so that if they were not permitted to land, they ran </p><p>danger of their lives. Our other wants we set down in particular;</p><p>adding, That we had some little store of merchandise, which if it </p><p>pleased them to deal for, it might supply our wants, without being </p><p>chargeable unto them. We offered some reward in pistolets unto the</p><p>servant, and a piece of crimson velvet to be presented to the officer; </p><p>but the servant tools them not, nor would scarce look upon them; and </p><p>so left us, and went back in another little boat, which was sent for </p><p>him. </p><p>About three hours after we had dispatched our answer, there came </p><p>towards us a person (as it seemed) of place. He had on him a gown</p><p>with wide sleeves, of a kind o� water chamolet, of an excellent azure </p><p>colour, fair more glossy than ours; his under apparel was green; and </p><p>so was his hat, being in the form of a turban, daintily made, and not </p><p>so huge as the Turkish turbans; and the locks of his hair came down </p><p>below the brims of it. A reverend man was he to behold. He came in a</p><p>boat, gilt in some part of it, with four persons more only in that </p><p>boat; and was followed by another boat, wherein were some twenty.</p><p>When he was come within a flightshot of our ship, signs were made to </p><p>us, that we should send forth some to meet him upon the water; which </p><p>we presently did in our ship-boat, sending the principal man amongst </p><p>us save one, and four of our number with him. </p><p>When we were come within six yards of their boat, they called to us to </p><p>stay, and not to approach farther; which we did. And thereupon the</p><p>man, whom I before described, stood up, and with a loud voice, in </p><p>Spanish, asked, "Are ye Christians?" We answered, "We were;" fearing</p><p>the less, because of the cross we had seen in the subscription. At</p><p>which answer the said person lifted up his right hand towards Heaven, </p><p>and drew it softly to his mouth (which is the gesture they use, when </p><p>they thank God;) and then said : "If ye will swear (all of you) by the </p><p>merits of the Saviour, that ye are no pirates, nor have shed blood, </p><p>lawfully, nor unlawfully within forty days past, you may have licence </p><p>to come on land." We said, "We were all ready to take that oath."</p><p>Whereupon one of those that were with him, being (as it seemed) a </p><p>notary, made an entry of this act. Which done, another of the</p><p>attendants of the great person which was with him in the same boat, </p><p>after his Lord had spoken a little to him, said aloud: "My Lord would </p><p>have you know, that it is not of pride, or greatness, that he cometh </p><p>not aboard your ship; but for that in your answer you declare that you </p><p>have many sick amongst you, he was warned by the Conservator of Health </p><p>of the city that he should keep a distance." We bowed ourselves</p><p>towards him, and answered, "We were his humble servants; and accounted </p><p>for great honour, and singular humanity towards us, that which was </p><p>already done; but hoped well, that the nature of the sickness of our </p><p>men was not infectious." So he returned; and a while after came the</p><p>Notary to us aboard our ship; holding in his hand a fruit of that </p><p>country, like an orange, but of color between orange-tawney and </p><p>scarlet; which cast a most excellent odour. He used it (as it</p><p>seemeth) for a preservative against infection. He gave us our oath;</p><p>"By the name of Jesus, and his merits:" and after told us, that the </p><p>next day, by six of the Clock, in the Morning, we should be sent to, </p><p>and brought to the Strangers' House, (so he called it,) where we </p><p>should be accommodated of things, both for our whole, and for our sick. </p><p>So he left us; and when we offered him some pistolets, he smiling </p><p>said, "He must not be twice paid for one labour:" meaning (as I take </p><p>it) that he had salary sufficient of the State for his service. For</p><p>(as I after learned) they call an officer that taketh rewards, twice </p><p>paid. </p><p>The next morning early, there came to us the same officer that came to </p><p>us at first with his cane, and told us, "He came to conduct us to the </p><p>Strangers' House; and that he had prevented the hour, because we might </p><p>have the whole day before us, for our business. For," said he, "if</p><p>you will follow my advice, there shall first go with me some few of </p><p>you, and see the place, and how it may be made convenient for you; and </p><p>then you may send for your sick, and the rest of your number, which ye </p><p>will bring on land." We thanked him, and said, "That this care, which</p><p>he took of desolate strangers, God would reward." And so six of us</p><p>went on land with him: and when we were on land, he went before us, </p><p>and turned to us, and said, "He was but our servant, and our guide." </p><p>He led us through three fair streets; and all the way we went, there </p><p>were gathered some people on both sides, standing in a row; but in so </p><p>civil a fashion, as if it had been, not to wonder at us, but to </p><p>welcome us: and divers of them, as we passed by them, put their arms a </p><p>little abroad; which is their gesture, when they did bid any welcome. </p><p>The Strangers' House is a fair and spacious house, built of brick, of </p><p>somewhat a bluer colour than our brick; and with handsome windows, </p><p>some of glass, some of a kind of cambric oiled. He brought us first</p><p>into a fair parlour above stairs, and then asked us, "What number of </p><p>persons we were? And how many sick?" We answered, "We were in all,</p><p>(sick and whole,) one and fifty persons, whereof our sick were </p><p>seventeen." He desired us to have patience a little, and to stay till</p><p>he came back to us; which was about an hour after; and then he led us </p><p>to see the chambers which were provided for us, being in number </p><p>nineteen: they having cast it (as it seemeth) that four of those </p><p>chambers, which were better than the rest, might receive four of the </p><p>principal men of our company; and lodge them alone by themselves; and </p><p>the other fifteen chambers were to lodge us two and two together. The</p><p>chambers were handsome and cheerful chambers, and furnished civilly." </p><p>Then he led us to a long gallery, like a dorture, where he showed us </p><p>all along the one side (for the other side was but wall and window), </p><p>seventeen cells, very neat ones, having partitions of cedar wood. </p><p>Which gallery and cells, being in all forty, (many more than we needed, </p><p>) were instituted as an infirmary for sick persons. And he told us</p><p>withal, that as any of our sick waxed well, he might be removed from </p><p>his cell, to a chamber; for which purpose there were set forth ten </p><p>spare chambers, besides the number we spake of before. This done, he</p><p>brought us back to the parlour, and lifting up his cane a little, (as </p><p>they do when they give any charge or command) said to us, "Ye are to </p><p>know, that the custom of the land requireth, that after this day and </p><p>to-morrow, (which we give you for removing of your people from your </p><p>ship,) you are to keep within doors for three days. But let it not</p><p>trouble you, nor do not think yourselves restrained, but rather left </p><p>to your rest and ease. You shall want nothing, and there are six of</p><p>our people appointed to attend you, for any business you may have </p><p>abroad." We gave him thanks, with all affection and respect, and said,</p><p>"God surely is manifested in this land." We offered him also twenty</p><p>pistolets; but he smiled, and only said; "What? twice paid! " And so </p><p>he left us. </p><p>Soon after our dinner was served in; which was right good viands, both </p><p>for bread and treat: better than any collegiate diet, that I have </p><p>known in Europe. We had also drink of three sorts, all wholesome and</p><p>good; wine of the grape; a drink of grain, such as is with us our ale, </p><p>but more clear: And a kind of cider made of a fruit of that country; a </p><p>wonderful pleasing and refreshing drink. Besides, there were brought</p><p>in to us, great store of those scarlet oranges, for our sick; which </p><p>(they said) were an assured remedy for sickness taken at sea. There</p><p>was given us also, a box of small gray, or whitish pills, which they </p><p>wished our sick should take, one of the pills, every night before </p><p>sleep; which (they said) would hasten their recovery. </p><p>The next day, after that our trouble of carriage and removing of our </p><p>men and goods out of our ship, was somewhat settled and quiet, I </p><p>thought good to call our company together; and when they were </p><p>assembled, said unto them; "My dear friends, let us know ourselves, </p><p>and how it standeth with us. We are men cast on land, as Jonas was,</p><p>out of the whale's belly, when we were as buried in the deep: and now </p><p>we are on land, we are but between death and life; for we are beyond, </p><p>both the old world, and the new; and whether ever we shall see Europe, </p><p>God only knoweth. It is a kind of miracle bath brought us hither: and</p><p>it must be little less, that shall bring us hence. Therefore in</p><p>regard of our deliverance past, and our danger present, and to come, </p><p>let us look up to God, and every man reform his own ways. Besides we</p><p>are come here amongst a Christian people, full of piety and humanity: </p><p>let us not bring that confusion of face upon ourselves, as to show our </p><p>vices, or unworthiness before them. Yet there is more. For they have</p><p>by commandment, (though in form of courtesy) cloistered us within </p><p>these wall, for three days: who knoweth, whether it be not, to take </p><p>some taste of our manners and conditions?" and if they find them bad, </p><p>to banish us straightways; if good, to give us further time. For</p><p>these men that they have given us for attendance, may withal have an </p><p>eye upon us. Therefore for God's love, and as we love the weal of our</p><p>souls and bodies, let us so behave ourselves, as we may be at peace </p><p>with God, and may find grace in the eyes of this people." Our company</p><p>with one voice thanked me for my good admonition, and promised me to </p><p>live soberly and civilly, and without giving any the least occasion of </p><p>offence. So we spent our three days joyfully, and without care, in</p><p>expectation what would be done with us, when they were expired. </p><p>During which time, we had every hour joy of the amendment of our sick; </p><p>who thought themselves cast into some divine pool of healing; they </p><p>mended so kindly, and so fast. </p><p>The morrow after our three days were past, there came to us a new man, </p><p>that we had not seen before, clothed in blue as the former was, save </p><p>that his turban was white, with a small red cross on the top. He had</p><p>also a tippet of fine linen. At his coming in, he did bend to us a</p><p>little, and put his arms abroad. We of our parts saluted him in a</p><p>very lowly and submissive manner; as looking that from him, we should </p><p>receive sentence of life, or death: he desired to speak with some few </p><p>of us: whereupon six of us only staid, and the rest avoided the room. </p><p>He said, "I am by office governor of this House of Strangers, and by </p><p>vocation I am a Christian priest: and therefore am come to you to </p><p>offer you my service, both as strangers and chiefly as Christians. </p><p>Some things I may tell you, which I think you will not be unwilling to </p><p>hear. The State hath given you license to stay on land, for the space</p><p>of six weeks; and let it not trouble you, if your occasions ask </p><p>further time, for the law in this point is not precise; and I do not </p><p>doubt, but my self shall be able, to obtain for you such further time, </p><p>as may be convenient. Ye shall also understand, that the Strangers'</p><p>House is at this time rich, and much aforehand; for it hath laid up </p><p>revenue these thirty-seven years; for so long it is since any stranger </p><p>arrived in this part: and therefore take ye no care; the State will </p><p>defray you all the time you stay; neither shall you stay one day the </p><p>less for that. As for any merchandise ye have brought, ye shall be</p><p>well used, and have your return, either in merchandise, or in gold and </p><p>silver: for to us it is all one. And if you have any other request to</p><p>make, hide it not. For ye shall find we will not make your</p><p>countenance to fall by the answer ye shall receive. Only this I must</p><p>tell you, that none of you must go above a karan," (that is with them </p><p>a mile and an half) "from the walls of the city, without especial </p><p>leave." </p><p>We answered, after we had looked awhile one upon another, admiring </p><p>this gracious and parent-like usage; "That we could not tell what to </p><p>say: for we wanted words to express our thanks; and his noble free </p><p>offers left us nothing to ask. It seemed to us, that we had before us</p><p>a picture of our salvation in Heaven; for we that were a while since </p><p>in the jaws of death, were now brought into a place, where we found </p><p>nothing but consolations. For the commandment laid upon us, we would</p><p>not fail to obey it, though it was impossible but our hearts should be </p><p>enflamed to tread further upon this happy and holy ground." We added;</p><p>"That our tongues should first cleave to the roofs of our mouths, ere</p><p>we should forget, either his reverend person, or this whole nation, in </p><p>our prayers." We also most humbly besought him, to accept of us as</p><p>his true servants; by as just a right as ever men on earth were </p><p>bounden; laying and presenting, both our persons, and all we had, at </p><p>his feet. He said; "He was a priest, and looked for a priest's reward;</p><p>which was our brotherly love, and the good of our souls and bodies." </p><p>So he went from us, not without tears of tenderness in his eyes; and </p><p>left us also confused with joy and kindness, saying amongst ourselves; </p><p>"That we were come into a land of angels, which did appear to us daily, </p><p>and prevent us with comforts, which we thought not of, much less </p><p>expected." </p><p>The next day about ten of the clock, the Governor came to us again, </p><p>and after salutations, said familiarly; "That he was come to visit us;" </p><p>and called for a chair, and sat him down: and we, being some ten of </p><p>us, (the rest were of the meaner sort, or else gone abroad,) sat down </p><p>with him, And when we were set, he began thus: " We of this island of </p><p>Bensalem," (for so they call it in their language,) "have this; that </p><p>by means of our solitary situation; and of the laws of secrecy, which </p><p>we have for our travellers, and our rare admission of strangers; we </p><p>know well most part of the habitable world, and are ourselves unknown. </p><p>Therefore because he that knoweth least is fittest to ask questions, </p><p>it is more reason, for the entertainment of the time, that ye ask me </p><p>questions, than that I ask you." </p><p>We answered; "That we humbly thanked him that he would give us leave </p><p>so to do: and that we conceived by the taste we had already, that </p><p>there was no worldly thing on earth, more worthy to be known than the </p><p>state of that happy land. But above all," (we said,) "since that we</p><p>were met from the several ends of the world, and hoped assuredly that </p><p>we should meet one day in the kingdom of Heaven, (for that we were </p><p>both parts Christians,) we desired to know, (in respect that land was </p><p>so remote, and so divided by vast and unknown seas, from the land </p><p>where our Saviour walked on earth,) who was the apostle of that nation, </p><p>and how it was converted to the faith?" It appeared in his face that</p><p>he took great contentment in this our question: he said; "Ye knit my </p><p>heart to you, by asking this question in the first place; for it </p><p>sheweth that you first seek the kingdom o f heaven; and I shall gladly, </p><p>and briefly, satisfy your demand. </p><p>"About twenty years after the ascension of our Saviour, it came to </p><p>pass, that there was seen by the people of Renfusa, (a city upon the </p><p>eastern coast of our island,) within night, (the night was cloudy, and </p><p>calm,) as it might be some mile into the sea, a great pillar of light; </p><p>not sharp, but in form of a column, or cylinder, rising from the sea a </p><p>great way up towards heaven; and on the top of it was seen a large </p><p>cross of light, more bright and resplendent than the body of the </p><p>pillar. Upon which so strange a spectacle, the people of the city</p><p>gathered apace together upon the sands, to wonder; and so after put </p><p>themselves into a number of small boats, to go nearer to this </p><p>marvellous sight. But when the boats were come within (about) sixty</p><p>yards of the pillar, they found themselves all bound, and could go no </p><p>further; yet so as they might move to go about, but might not approach </p><p>nearer: so as the boats stood all as in a theatre, beholding this </p><p>light as an heavenly sign. It so fell out, that there was in one of</p><p>the boats one of the wise men, of the society of Salomon's House; </p><p>which house, or college (my good brethren) is the very eye of this </p><p>kingdom; who having awhile attentively and devoutly viewed and </p><p>contemplated this pillar and cross, fell down upon his face; and then</p><p>raised himself upon his knees, and lifting up his hands to heaven, </p><p>made his prayers in this manner. </p><p>"`LORD God of heaven and earth, thou hast vouchsafed of thy grace to </p><p>those of our order, to know thy works of Creation, and the secrets of </p><p>them: and to discern (as far as appertaineth to the generations o f </p><p>men) between divine miracles, works of nature, works of art, and </p><p>impostures and illusions of all sorts. I do here acknowledge and</p><p>testify before this people, that the thing which we now see before our </p><p>eyes is thy Finger and a true Miracle. And forasmuch as we learn in</p><p>our books that thou never workest miracles, but to d divine and </p><p>excellent end, (for the laws o f nature are thine own laws, and thou </p><p>exceedest them not but upon great cause,) we most humbly beseech thee </p><p>to prosper this great sign, and to give us the interpretation and use </p><p>of it in mercy; which thou dost in some part secretly promise by </p><p>sending it unto us.' </p><p>"When he had made his prayer, he presently found the boat he was in, </p><p>moveable and unbound; whereas all the rest remained still fast; and </p><p>taking that for an assurance of leave to approach, he caused the boat </p><p>to be softly and with silence rowed towards the pillar. But ere he</p><p>came near it, the pillar and cross of light brake up, and cast itself </p><p>abroad, as it were, into a firmament of many stars; which also </p><p>vanished soon after, and there was nothing left to be seen, but a </p><p>small ark, or chest of cedar, dry, and not wet at all with water, </p><p>though it swam. And in the fore-end of it, which was towards him,</p><p>grew a small green branch of palm; and when the wise man had taken it, </p><p>with all reverence, into his boat, it opened of itself, and there were </p><p>found in it a Book and a Letter; both written in fine parchment, and </p><p>wrapped in sindons of linen. The Book contained all the canonical</p><p>books of the Old and New Testament, according as you have them; (for </p><p>we know well what the churches with you receive); and the Apocalypse </p><p>itself, and some other books of the New Testament, which were not at </p><p>that time written, were nevertheless in the Book. And for the Letter,</p><p>it was in these words: </p><p>"`I, Bartholomew, a servant of the Highest, and Apostle of Jesus </p><p>Christ, was warned by an angel that appeareth to me, in a vision of </p><p>glory, that I should commit this ark to the floods of the sea. </p><p>Therefore I do testify and declare unto that people where God shall </p><p>ordain this ark to come to land, that in the same day is come unto </p><p>them salvation and peace and good-will, from the Father, and from the </p><p>Lord Jesus.' </p><p>"There was also in both these writings, as well the Book, as the </p><p>Letter, wrought a great miracle, conform to that of the Apostles, in </p><p>the original Gift of Tongues. For there being at that time in this</p><p>land Hebrews, Persians, and Indians, besides the natives, every one </p><p>read upon the Book, and Letter, as if they had been written in his own </p><p>language. And thus was this land saved from infidelity (as the</p><p>remainder of the old world was from water) by an ark, through the </p><p>apostolical and miraculous evangelism of Saint Bartholomew." And here</p><p>he paused, and a messenger came, and called him from us. So this was</p><p>all that passed in that conference. </p><p>The next day, the same governor came again to us, immediately after </p><p>dinner, and excused himself, saying; "That the day before he was </p><p>called from us, somewhat abruptly, but now he would make us amends, </p><p>and spend time with us if we held his company and conference agreeable."</p><p>We answered, "That we held it so agreeable and pleasing to us, as </p><p>we forgot both dangers past and fears to come, for the time we hear </p><p>him speak; and that we thought an hour spent with him, was worth years </p><p>of our former life." He bowed himself a little to us, and after we</p><p>were set again, he said; "Well, the questions are on your part." </p><p>One of our number said, after a little pause; that there was a matter, </p><p>we were no less desirous to know, than fearful to ask, lest we might </p><p>presume too far. But encouraged by his rare humanity towards us,</p><p>(that could scarce think ourselves strangers, being his vowed and </p><p>professed servants,) we would take the hardiness to propound it: </p><p>humbly beseeching him, if he thought it not fit to be answered, that </p><p>he would pardon it, though he rejected it. We said; "We well observed</p><p>those his words, which he formerly spake, that this happy island, </p><p>where we now stood, was known to few, and yet knew most of the nations </p><p>of the world; which we found to be true, considering they had the </p><p>languages of Europe, and knew much of our state and business; and yet </p><p>we in Europe, (notwithstanding all the remote discoveries and </p><p>navigations of this last age), never heard of the least inkling or </p><p>glimpse of this island. This we found wonderful strange; for that all</p><p>nations have inter-knowledge one of another, either by voyage into </p><p>foreign parts, or by strangers that come to them: and though the </p><p>traveller into a foreign country, doth commonly know more by the eye, </p><p>than he that stayeth at home can by relation of the traveller; yet </p><p>both ways suffice to make a mutual knowledge, in some degree, on both </p><p>parts. But for this island, we never heard tell of any ship of theirs</p><p>that had been seen to arrive upon any shore of Europe; nor of either </p><p>the East or West Indies; nor yet of any ship of any other part of the </p><p>world, that had made return from them. And yet the marvel rested not</p><p>in this. For the situation of it (as his lordship said) in the secret</p><p>conclave' of such a vast sea might cause it. But then, that they</p><p>should have knowledge of the languages, books, affairs, of those that </p><p>lie such a distance from them, it was a thing we could not tell what </p><p>to make of; for that it seemed to us a conditioner and propriety of </p><p>divine powers and beings, to be hidden and unseen to others, and yet </p><p>to have others open and as in a light to them." </p><p>At this speech the Governor gave a gracious smile, and said; "That we </p><p>did well to ask pardon for this question we now asked: for that it </p><p>imported, as if we thought this land, a land of magicians, that sent </p><p>forth spirits of the air into all parts, to bring them news and </p><p>intelligence of other countries." It was answered by us all, in all</p><p>possible humbleness, but yet with a countenance taking knowledge, that </p><p>we knew that he spake it but merrily, "That we were apt enough to </p><p>think there was somewhat supernatural in this island; but yet rather </p><p>as angelical than magical. But to let his lordship know truly what it</p><p>was that made us tender and doubtful to ask this question, it was not </p><p>any such conceit," but because we remembered, he had given a touch in </p><p>his former speech, that this land had laws of secrecy touching </p><p>strangers." To this he said; "You remember it aright and therefore in</p><p>that I shall say to you, I must reserve some particulars, which it is </p><p>not lawful for me to reveal; but there will be enough left, to give </p><p>you satisfaction. </p><p>"You shall understand (that which perhaps you will scarce think </p><p>credible) that about three thousand years ago, or somewhat more, the </p><p>navigation of the world, (especially for remote voyages,) was greater </p><p>than at this day. Do not think with yourselves, that I know not how</p><p>much it is increased with you, within these six-score years: I know it</p><p>well: and yet I say greater then than now; whether it was, that the </p><p>example of the ark, that saved the remnant of men from the universal </p><p>deluge, gave men confidence to adventure upon the waters; or what it </p><p>was; but such is the truth. The Phoenicians, and especially the</p><p>Tyrians, had great fleets. So had the Carthaginians their colony,</p><p>which is yet further west. Toward the east the shipping of Egypt and</p><p>of Palestine was likewise great. China also, and the great Atlantis,</p><p>(that you call America,) which have now but junks and canoes, abounded </p><p>then in tall ships. This island, (as appeareth by faithful registers</p><p>of those times,) had then fifteen hundred strong ships, of great </p><p>content. Of all this, there is with you sparing memory, or none; but</p><p>we have large knowledge thereof. </p><p>"At that time, this land was known and frequented by the ships and </p><p>vessels of all the nations before named. And (as it cometh to pass)</p><p>they had many times men of other countries, that were no sailors, that </p><p>came with them; as Persians, Chaldeans, Arabians; so as almost all </p><p>nations of might and fame resorted hither; of whom we have some stirps, </p><p>and little tribes with us at this day. And for our own ships, they</p><p>went sundry voyages, as well to your straits, which you call the </p><p>Pillars of Hercules, as to other parts in the Atlantic and Mediterrane </p><p>Seas; as to Paguin, (which is the same with Cambaline,) and Quinzy, </p><p>upon the Oriental Seas, as far as to the borders of the East Tartary. </p><p>"At the same time, and an age after, or more, the inhabitants of the </p><p>great Atlantis did flourish. For though the narration and description,</p><p>which is made by a great man with you; that the descendants of </p><p>Neptune planted" there; and of the magnificent temple, palace, city, </p><p>and hill; and the manifold streams of goodly navigable rivers, (which </p><p>as so many chains environed the same site and temple); and the several </p><p>degrees of ascent, whereby men did climb up to the same, as if it had </p><p>been a scala coeli, be all poetical and fabulous: yet so much is true, </p><p>that the said country of Atlantis, as well that of Peru, then called </p><p>Coya, as that of Mexico, then named Tyrambel, were mighty and proud </p><p>kingdoms in arms, shipping and riches: so mighty, as at one time (or </p><p>at least within the space of ten years) they both made two great </p><p>expeditions; they of Tyrambel through the Atlantic to the Mediterrane </p><p>Sea; and they of Coya through the South Sea upon this our island: and </p><p>for the former of these, which was into Europe, the same author </p><p>amongst you (as it seemeth) had some relation from the Egyptian priest </p><p>whom he cited. For assuredly such a thing there was. But whether it</p><p>were the ancient Athenians that had the glory of the repulse and </p><p>resistance of those forces, I can say nothing: but certain it is, </p><p>there never came back either ship or man from that voyage. Neither</p><p>had the other voyage of those of Coya upon us had better fortune, if </p><p>they had not met with enemies of greater clemency. For the king of</p><p>this island, (by name Altabin,) a wise man and a great warrior, </p><p>knowing well both his own strength and that of his enemies, handled </p><p>the matter so, as he cut off their land-forces from their ships; and </p><p>entoiled both their navy and their tamp with a greater power than </p><p>theirs, both by sea and land: arid compelled them to render themselves </p><p>without striking stroke and after they were at his mercy, contenting </p><p>himself only with their oath that they should no more bear arms </p><p>against him, dismissed them all in safety. </p><p>"But the divine revenge overtook not long after those proud </p><p>enterprises. For within less than the space of one hundred years, the</p><p>great Atlantis was utterly lost and destroyed: not by a great </p><p>earthquake, as your man saith; (for that whole tract is little subject</p><p>to earthquakes;) but by a particular' deluge or inundation; those </p><p>countries having, at this day, far greater rivers and far higher </p><p>mountains to pour down waters, than any part of the old world. But it</p><p>is true that the same inundation was not deep; not past forty foot, in </p><p>most places, from the ground; so that although it destroyed man and </p><p>beast generally, yet some few wild inhabitants of the wood escaped. </p><p>Birds also were saved by flying to the high trees and woods. For as</p><p>for men, although they had buildings in many places, higher than the </p><p>depth of the water, yet that inundation, though it were shallow, had a </p><p>long continuance; whereby they of the vale that were not drowned, </p><p>perished for want of food and other things necessary. </p><p>"So as marvel you not at the thin population of America, nor at the </p><p>rudeness and ignorance of the people; for you must account your </p><p>inhabitants of America as a young people; younger a thousand years, at </p><p>the least, than the rest of the world: for that there was so much time </p><p>between the universal flood and their particular inundation. For the</p><p>poor remnant of human seed, which remained in their mountains, peopled </p><p>the country again slowly, by little and little; and being simple and </p><p>savage people, (not like Noah and his sons, which was the chief family </p><p>of the earth;) they were not able to leave letters, arts, and civility </p><p>to their posterity; and having likewise in their mountainous </p><p>habitations been used (in respect of the extreme cold of those </p><p>regions) to clothe themselves with the skins of tigers, bears, and </p><p>great hairy goats, that they have in those parts; when after they came </p><p>down into the valley, and found the intolerable heats which are there, </p><p>and knew no means of lighter apparel, they were forced to begin the </p><p>custom of going naked, which continueth at this day. Only they take</p><p>great pride and delight in the feathers of birds; and this also they </p><p>took from those their ancestors of the mountains, who were invited </p><p>unto it by the infinite flights of birds that came up to the high </p><p>grounds, while the waters stood below. So you see, by this main</p><p>accident of time, we lost our traffic with the Americans, with whom of, </p><p>all others, in regard they lay nearest to us, we had most commerce. </p><p>"As for the other parts of the world, it is most manifest that in the </p><p>ages following (whether it were in respect of wars, or by a natural </p><p>revolution of time,) navigation did every where greatly decay; and </p><p>specially far voyages (the rather by the use of galleys, and such </p><p>vessels as could hardly brook the ocean,) were altogether left and </p><p>omitted. So then, that part of intercourse which could be from other</p><p>nations to sail to us, you see how it hath long since ceased; except </p><p>it were by some rare accident, as this of yours. But now of the</p><p>cessation of that other part of intercourse, which might be by our </p><p>sailing to other nations, I must yield you some other cause. For I</p><p>cannot say (if I shall say truly,) but our shipping, for number, </p><p>strength, mariners, pilots, and all things that appertain to </p><p>navigation, is as great as ever; and therefore why we should sit at </p><p>home, I shall now give you an account by itself: and it will draw </p><p>nearer to give you satisfaction to your principal question. </p><p>"There reigned in this land, about nineteen hundred years ago, a king, </p><p>whose memory of all others we most adore; not superstitiously, but as </p><p>a divine instrument, though a mortal man; his name was Solamona: and </p><p>we esteem him as the lawgiver of our nation. This king had a large</p><p>heart, inscrutable for good; and was wholly bent to make his kingdom </p><p>and people happy. He therefore, taking into consideration how</p><p>sufficient and substantive this land was to maintain itself without </p><p>any aid (at all) of the foreigner; being five thousand six hundred</p><p>miles in circuit, and of rare fertility of soil in the greatest part </p><p>thereof; and finding also the shipping of this country might be </p><p>plentifully set on work, both by fishing and by transportations from </p><p>port to port, and likewise by sailing unto some small islands that are </p><p>not far from us, and are under the crown and laws of this state; and, </p><p>recalling into his memory the happy and flourishing estate wherein </p><p>this land then was; so as it might be a thousand ways altered to the </p><p>worse, but scarce any one way to the better; thought nothing wanted to </p><p>his noble and heroical intentions, but only (as far as human foresight </p><p>might reach) to give perpetuity to that which was in his time so </p><p>happily established. Therefore amongst his other fundamental laws of</p><p>this kingdom, he did ordain the interdicts and prohibitions which we </p><p>have touching entrance of strangers; which at that time (though it was </p><p>after the calamity of America) was frequent; doubting novelties, and </p><p>commixture of manners. It is true, the like law against the admission</p><p>of strangers without licence is an ancient law in the kingdom of China, </p><p>and yet continued in use. But there it is a poor thing; and hath</p><p>made them a curious, ignorant, fearful, foolish nation. But our</p><p>lawgiver made his law of another temper. For first, he hath preserved</p><p>all points of humanity, in taking order and making provision for the </p><p>relief of strangers distressed; whereof you have tasted." </p><p>At which speech (as reason was) we all rose up and bowed ourselves. </p><p>He went on. </p><p>"That king also, still desiring to join humanity and policy together; </p><p>and thinking it against humanity, to detain strangers here against </p><p>their wills, and against policy that they should return and discover </p><p>their knowledge of this estate, he took this course: he did ordain </p><p>that of the strangers that should be permitted to land, as many (at </p><p>all times) might depart as would; but as many as would stay should </p><p>have very good conditions and means to live from the state. Wherein</p><p>he saw so far, that now in so many ages since the prohibition, we have </p><p>memory not of one ship that ever returned, and but of thirteen persons </p><p>only, at several times, that chose to return in our bottoms. What</p><p>those few that returned may have reported abroad I know not. But you</p><p>must think, whatsoever they have said could be taken whore they came </p><p>but for a dream. Now for our travelling from henna into parts abroad,</p><p>our Lawgiver thought fit altogether to restrain it. So is it not in</p><p>China. For the Chinese sail where they will or can; which sheweth</p><p>that their lawn of keeping out strangers is a law of pusillanimity and </p><p>fear. But this restraint of ours bath one only exception, which is</p><p>admirable; preserving the good which cometh by communicating with </p><p>strangers, and avoiding the hurt; and I will now open it to you. And</p><p>here I shall seem a little to digress, but you will by and by find it </p><p>pertinent. </p><p>"Ye shall understand (my dear friends) that amongst the excellent acts </p><p>of that king, one above all bath the pre-eminence. It was the</p><p>erection and institution of an Order or Society, which we call </p><p>Salomon's House; the noblest foundation (as we think) that ever was </p><p>upon the earth; and the lanthorn of this kingdom. It is dedicated to</p><p>the study of the works and creatures of God. Some think it beareth</p><p>the founder's name a little corrupted, as if it should be Solamona's </p><p>House. But the records write it as it is spoken. So as I take it to</p><p>be denominate of the king of the Hebrews, which is famous with you, </p><p>and no stranger to us. For we have some parts of his works, which</p><p>with you are lost; namely, that natural history, which he wrote, of </p><p>all plants, from the cedar o f Libanus to the moss that groweth out of</p><p>the wall, and of all things that have life and motion. This maketh me</p><p>think that our king, finding himself to symbolize in many things with </p><p>that king of the Hebrews (which lived many years before him), honored </p><p>him with the title of this foundation. And I am rather induced to be</p><p>of this opinion, for that I find in ancient records this Order or </p><p>Society is sometimes called Salomon's House, and sometimes the College </p><p>of the Six Days Works; whereby I am satisfied that our excellent king </p><p>had learned from the Hebrews that God had created the world and all </p><p>that therein is within six days: and therefore he instituting that </p><p>House for the finding out of the true nature of all things, (whereby </p><p>God might have the more glory in the workmanship of them, and inert </p><p>the more fruit in the use of them), did give it also that second name. </p><p>"But now to come to our present purpose. When the king had forbidden</p><p>to all his people navigation into any part that was not under his </p><p>crown, he made nevertheless this ordinance; that every twelve years </p><p>there should be set forth, out of this kingdom two ships, appointed to </p><p>several voyages; That in either of these ships there should be a </p><p>mission of three of the Fellows or Brethren of Salomon's House; whose </p><p>errand was only to give us knowledge of the affairs and state of those </p><p>countries to which they were designed, and especially of the sciences, </p><p>arts, manufactures, and inventions of all the world; and withal to </p><p>bring unto us books, instruments, and patterns in every kind: That the </p><p>ships, after they had landed the brethren, should return; and that the </p><p>brethren should stay abroad till the new mission. These ships are not</p><p>otherwise fraught, than with store of victuals, and good quantity of </p><p>treasure to remain with the brethren, for the buying of such things </p><p>and rewarding of such persons as they should think fit. Now for me to</p><p>tell you how the vulgar sort of mariners are contained from being </p><p>discovered at land; and how they that must be put on shore for any </p><p>time, color themselves under the names of other nations; and to what </p><p>places these voyages have been designed; and what places of rendezvous </p><p>are appointed for the new missions; and the like circumstances of the </p><p>practique; I may not do it: neither is it much to your desire. But</p><p>thus you see we maintain a trade not for gold, silver, or jewels; nor </p><p>for silks; nor for spices; nor any other commodity of matter; but only </p><p>for God's first creature, which was Light: to have light (I say) of </p><p>the growth of all parts of the world." </p><p>And when he had said this, he was silent; and so were we all. For</p><p>indeed we were all astonished to hear so strange things so probably </p><p>told. And he, perceiving that we were willing to say somewhat but had</p><p>it not ready in great courtesy took us off, and descended to ask us </p><p>questions of our voyage and fortunes and in the end concluded, that we </p><p>might do well to think with ourselves what time of stay we would </p><p>demand of the state; and bade us not to scant ourselves; for he would </p><p>procure such time as we desired: Whereupon we all rose up, and </p><p>presented ourselves" to kiss the skirt of his tippet; but he would not </p><p>suffer us; and so took his leave. But when it came once amongst our</p><p>people that the state used to offer conditions to strangers that would </p><p>stay, we had work enough to get any of our men to look to our ship; </p><p>and to keep them from going presently to the governor to crave </p><p>conditions. But with much ado we refrained them, till we might agree</p><p>what course to take. </p><p>We took ourselves now for free men, seeing there was no danger of our </p><p>utter perdition; and lived most joyfully, going abroad and seeing what </p><p>was to be seen in the city and places adjacent within our tedder; and </p><p>obtaining acquaintance with many of the city, not of the meanest</p><p>quality; at whose hands we found such humanity, and such a freedom and </p><p>desire to take strangers as it were into their bosom, as was enough to </p><p>make us forget all that was dear to us in our own countries: and </p><p>continually we met with many things right worthy of observation and </p><p>relation: as indeed, if there be a mirror in the world worthy to hold </p><p>men's eyes, it is that country. </p><p>One day there were two of our company bidden to a Feast of the Family, </p><p>as they call it. A most natural, pious, and reverend custom it is,</p><p>shewing that nation to be compounded of all goodness. This is the</p><p>manner of it. It is granted to any man that shall live to see thirty</p><p>persons descended of his body alive together, and all above three </p><p>years old, to make this feast which is done at the cost of the state. </p><p>The Father of the Family, whom they call the Tirsan, two days before </p><p>the feast, taketh to him three of such friends as he liketh to choose; </p><p>and is assisted also by the governor of the city or place where the </p><p>feast is celebrated; and all the persons of the family, of both sexes, </p><p>are summoned to attend him. These two days the Tirsan sitteth in</p><p>consultation concerning the good estate of the family. There, if</p><p>there be any discord or suits between any of the family, they are </p><p>compounded and appeased. There, if any of the family be distressed or</p><p>decayed, order is taken for their relief and competent means to live. </p><p>There, if any be subject to vice, or take ill courses, they are </p><p>reproved and censured. So likewise direction is given touching</p><p>marriages, and the courses of life, which any of them should take, </p><p>with divers other the like orders and advices. The governor assisteth,</p><p>to the end to put in execution by his public authority the decrees </p><p>and orders of the Tirsan, if they should be disobeyed; though that </p><p>seldom needeth; such reverence and obedience they give to the order of </p><p>nature. The Tirsan doth also then ever choose one man from among his</p><p>sons, to live in house with him; who is called ever after the Son of </p><p>the Vine. The reason will hereafter appear.</p><p>On the feast day, the father or Tirsan cometh forth after divine </p><p>service into a large room where the feast is celebrated; which room </p><p>bath an half-pace at the upper end. Against the wall, in the middle</p><p>of the half-pace, is a chair placed for him, with a table and carpet </p><p>before it. Over the chair is a state, made round or oval, and it is</p><p>of ivy; an ivy somewhat whiter than ours, like the leaf of a silver </p><p>asp; but more shining; for it is green all winter. And the state is</p><p>curiously wrought with silver and silk of divers colors, broiding or </p><p>binding in the ivy; and is ever of the work of some of the daughters </p><p>of the family; and veiled over at the top with a fine net of silk and </p><p>silver. But the substance of it is true ivy; whereof, after it is</p><p>taken down, the friends of the family are desirous to have some leaf </p><p>or sprig to keep. </p><p>The Tirsan cometh forth with all his generation or linage, the males </p><p>before him, and the females following him; and if there be a mother </p><p>from whose body the whole linage is descended, there is a traverse </p><p>placed in a loft above on the right hand of the chair, with a privy </p><p>door, and a carved window of glass, leaded with gold and blue; where </p><p>she sitteth, but is not seen. When the Tirsan is come forth, he</p><p>sitteth down in the chair; and all the linage place themselves against </p><p>the wall, both at his back and upon the return of the half-pace, in </p><p>order of their years without difference of sex; and stand upon their </p><p>feet. When he is set; the room being always full of company, but well</p><p>kept and without disorder; after some pause, there cometh in from the </p><p>lower end of the room, a taratan (which is as much as an herald) and</p><p>on either side of him two young lads; whereof one carrieth a scroll of </p><p>their shining yellow parchment; and the other a cluster of grapes of </p><p>gold, with a long foot or stalk. The herald and children are clothed</p><p>with mantles of sea-water green satin; but the herald's mantle is </p><p>streamed" with gold, and hath a train. </p><p>Then the herald with three curtesies, or rather inclinations, cometh </p><p>up as far as the half-pace; and there first taketh into his hand the </p><p>scroll. This scroll is the king's charter, containing gifts of</p><p>revenew, and many privileges, exemptions, and points of honour, </p><p>granted to the Father of the Family; and is ever styled and directed, </p><p>To such do one our well beloved friend and creditor: which is a title </p><p>proper only to this case. For they say the king is debtor to no man,</p><p>but for propagation of his subjects. The seal set to the king's</p><p>charter is the king's image, imbossed or moulded in gold; and though </p><p>such charters be expedited of course, and as of right, yet they are </p><p>varied by discretion, according to the number and dignity of the </p><p>family. This charter the herald readeth aloud; and while it is read,</p><p>the father or Tirsan standeth up supported by two of his sons, such as </p><p>he chooseth. Then the herald mounteth the half-pace and delivereth</p><p>the charter into his hand: and with that there is an acclamation by </p><p>all that are present in their language, which is thus much: Happy are </p><p>the people o f Bensalem. </p><p>Then the herald taketh into his hand from the other child the cluster </p><p>of grapes, which is of gold, both the stalk and the grapes. But the</p><p>grapes are daintily enamelled; and if the males of the family be the </p><p>greater number, the grapes are enamelled purple, with a little sun set </p><p>on the top; if the females, then they are enamelled into a greenish </p><p>yellow, with a crescent on the top. The grapes are in number as many</p><p>as there are descendants of the family. This golden cluster the</p><p>herald delivereth also to the Tirsan; who presently delivereth it over </p><p>to that son that he had formerly chosen to be in house with him: who </p><p>beareth it before his father as an ensign of honour when he goeth in </p><p>public, ever after; and is thereupon called the Son of the Vine. </p><p>After the ceremony endeth the father or Tirsan retireth; and after </p><p>some time cometh forth again to dinner, where he sitteth alone under </p><p>the state, as before; and none of his descendants sit with him, of </p><p>what degree or dignity soever, except he hap to be of Salomon's House. </p><p>He is served only by his own children, such as are male; who perform </p><p>unto him all service of the table upon the knee; and the women only </p><p>stand about him, leaning against the wall. The room below the</p><p>half-pace hath tables on the sides for the guests that are bidden; who </p><p>are served with great and comely order; and towards the end of dinner </p><p>(which in the greatest feasts with them lasteth never above an hour </p><p>and an half) there is an hymn sung, varied according to the invention </p><p>of him that composeth it (for they have excellent posy) but the </p><p>subject of it is (always) the praises of Adam and Noah and Abraham; </p><p>whereof the former two peopled the world, and the last was the Father </p><p>of the Faithful: concluding ever with a thanksgiving for the nativity </p><p>of our Saviour, in whose birth the births of all are only blessed. </p><p>Dinner being done, the Tirsan retireth again; and having withdrawn </p><p>himself alone into a place, where he makes some private prayers, he </p><p>cometh forth the third time, to give the blessing with all his </p><p>descendants, who stand about him as at the first. Then he calleth</p><p>them forth by one and by one, by name, as he pleaseth, though seldom </p><p>the order of age be inverted. The person that is called (the table</p><p>being before removed) kneeleth down before the chair, and the father </p><p>layeth his hand upon his head, or her head, and giveth the blessing in </p><p>these words: Son of Bensalem, (or daughter of Bensalem,) thy father </p><p>with it: the man by whom thou hast breath and life speaketh the word: </p><p>the blessing of the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, and the </p><p>Holy Dove, be upon thee, and make the days of thy pilgrimage good and </p><p>many. This he saith to every of them; and that done, if there be any</p><p>of his sons of eminent merit and virtue, (so they be not above two,) </p><p>he calleth for them again; and saith, laying his arm over their </p><p>shoulders, they standing; Sons, it is well ye are born, give God the </p><p>praise, and persevere to the end. And withall delivereth to either of</p><p>them a jewel, made in the figure of an ear of wheat, which they ever </p><p>after wear in the front of their turban or hat. This done, they fall</p><p>to music and dances, and other recreations, after their manner, for </p><p>the rest of the day. This is the full order of that feast.</p><p>By that time six or seven days were spent, I was fallen into straight </p><p>acquaintance with a merchant of that city, whose name was Joabin. He</p><p>was a Jew and circumcised: for they have some few stirps of Jews yet </p><p>remaining among them, whom they leave to their own religion. Which</p><p>they may the better do, because they are of a far differing </p><p>disposition from the Jews in other parts. For whereas they hate the</p><p>name of Christ; and have a secret inbred rancour against the people </p><p>among whom they live: these (contrariwise) give unto our Saviour many </p><p>high attributes, and love the nation of Bensalem extremely. Surely</p><p>this man of whom I speak would ever acknowledge that Christ was born </p><p>of a virgin and that he was more than a man; and he would tell how God </p><p>made him ruler of the seraphims which guard his throne; and they call </p><p>him also the Milken Way, and the Eliah of the Messiah; and many other </p><p>high names; which though they be inferior to his divine majesty, yet </p><p>they are far from the language of other Jews. </p><p>And for the country of Bensalem, this man would make no end of </p><p>commending it; being desirous, by tradition among the Jews there, to </p><p>have it believed that the people thereof were of the generations of </p><p>Abraham, by another son, whom they call Nachoran; and that Moses by a </p><p>secret Cabala ordained the Laws of Bensalem which they now use; and </p><p>that when the Messiah should come, and sit in his throne at Hierusalem, </p><p>the king of Bensalem should sit at his feet, whereas other kings </p><p>should keep a great distance. But yet setting aside these Jewish</p><p>dreams, the man was a wise man, and learned, and of great policy, and </p><p>excellently seen in the laws and customs of that nation. </p><p>Amongst other discourses, one day I told him I was much affected with </p><p>the relation I had, from some of the company, of their custom, in </p><p>holding the Feast of the Family; for that (methought) I had never </p><p>heard of a solemnity wherein nature did so much preside. And because</p><p>propagation of families proceedeth from the nuptial copulation, I </p><p>desired to know of him what laws and customs they had concerning </p><p>marriage; and whether they kept marriage well and whether they were </p><p>tied to one wife; for that where population is so much affected,' and </p><p>such as with them it seemed to be, there is commonly permission of </p><p>plurality of wives. </p><p>To this he said, "You have reason for to commend that excellent </p><p>institution of the Feast of the Family. And indeed we have experience</p><p>that those families that are partakers of the blessing of that feast </p><p>do flourish and prosper ever after in an extraordinary manner. But</p><p>hear me now, and I will tell you what I know. You shall understand</p><p>that there is not under the heavens so chaste a nation as this of </p><p>Bensalem; nor so free from all pollution or foulness. It is the</p><p>virgin of the world. I remember I have read in one of your European</p><p>books, of an holy hermit amongst you that desired to see the Spirit of </p><p>Fornication; and there appeared to him a little foul ugly AEthiop. </p><p>But if he had desired to see the Spirit of Chastity of Bensalem, it </p><p>would have appeared to him in the likeness of a fair beautiful </p><p>Cherubin. For there is nothing amongst mortal men more fair and</p><p>admirable, than the chaste minds of this people. Know therefore, that</p><p>with them there are no stews, no dissolute houses, no courtesans, nor </p><p>anything of that kind. Nay they wonder (with detestation) at you in</p><p>Europe, which permit such things. They say ye have put marriage out</p><p>of office: for marriage is ordained a remedy for unlawful </p><p>concupiscence; and natural concupiscence seemeth as a spar to marriage. </p><p>But when men have at hand a remedy more agreeable to their corrupt </p><p>will, marriage is almost expulsed. And therefore there are with you</p><p>seen infinite men that marry not, but chose rather a libertine and </p><p>impure single life, than to be yoked in marriage; and many that do </p><p>marry, marry late,, when the prime and strength of their years is past. </p><p>And when they do marry, what is marriage to them but a very bargain; </p><p>wherein is sought alliance, or portion, or reputation, with some </p><p>desire (almost indifferent) of issue; and not the faithful nuptial </p><p>union of man and wife, that was first instituted. Neither is it</p><p>possible that those that have cast away so basely so much of their </p><p>strength, should greatly esteem children, (being of the same matter,) </p><p>as chaste men do. So likewise during marriage, is the case much</p><p>amended, as it ought to be if those things were tolerated only for </p><p>necessity? No, but they remain still as a very affront to marriage.</p><p>The haunting of those dissolute places, or resort to courtesans, are </p><p>no more punished in married men than in bachelors. And the depraved</p><p>custom of change, and the delight in meretricious embracements, (where </p><p>sin is turned into art,) maketh marriage a dull thing, and a kind of </p><p>imposition or tax. They hear you defend these things, as done to</p><p>avoid greater evils; as advoutries, deflowering of virgins, unnatural </p><p>lust, and the like. But they say this is a preposterous wisdom; and</p><p>they call it Lot's offer, who to save his guests from abusing, offered </p><p>his daughters: nay they say farther that there is little gained in </p><p>this; for that the same vices and appetites do still remain and abound; </p><p>unlawful lust being like a furnace, that if you stop the flames </p><p>altogether, it will quench; but if you give it any.vent, it will rage. </p><p>As for masculine love, they have no touch of it; and yet there are </p><p>not so faithful and inviolate friendships in the world again as are </p><p>there; and to speak generally, (as I said before,) I have not read of </p><p>any such chastity, in any people as theirs. And their usual saying is,</p><p>That whosoever is unchaste cannot reverence himself; and they say, </p><p>That the reverence of a man's self, is, next religion, the chiefest </p><p>bridle of all vices." </p><p>And when he had said this, the good Jew paused a little; whereupon I, </p><p>far more willing to hear him speak on than to speak myself, yet </p><p>thinking it decent that upon his pause of speech I should not be </p><p>altogether silent, said only this; "That I would say to him, as the </p><p>widow of Sarepta said to Elias; that he was come to bring to memory </p><p>our sins; and that I confess the righteousness of Bensalem was greater </p><p>than the righteousness of Europe." At which speech he bowed his head,</p><p>and went on in this manner: </p><p>"They have also many wise and excellent laws touching marriage. They</p><p>allow no polygamy. They have ordained that none do intermarry or</p><p>contract, until a month be past from their first interview. Marriage</p><p>without consent of parents they do not make void, but they mulct" it </p><p>in the inheritors: for the children of such marriages are not admitted </p><p>to inherit above a third part of their parents' inheritance. I have</p><p>read in a book of one of your men, of a Feigned Commonwealth, where </p><p>the married couple are permitted, before they contract, to see one </p><p>another naked. This they dislike; for they think it a scorn to give a</p><p>refusal after so familiar knowledge: but because of many hidden </p><p>defects in men and women's bodies, they have a more civil way; for </p><p>they have near every town a couple of pools, (which they call Adam and </p><p>Eve's pools,) where it is permitted to one of the friends of the men, </p><p>and another of the friends of the woman, to see them severally bathe </p><p>naked." </p><p>And as we were thus in conference, there came one that seemed to be a </p><p>messenger, in a rich huke, that spake with the Jew: whereupon he </p><p>turned to me and said; "You will pardon me, for I am commanded away in </p><p>haste." The next morning he came to me again, joyful as it seemed,</p><p>and said; "There is word come to the Governor of the city, that one of </p><p>the Fathers of Salomon's House will be here this day seven-night: we </p><p>have seen none of them this dozen years. His coming is in state; but</p><p>the cause of his coming is secret. I will provide you and your</p><p>fellows of a good standing to see his entry." I thanked him, and told</p><p>him, I was most glad of the news. </p><p>The day being come, he made his entry. He was a man of middle stature</p><p>and age, comely of person, and had an aspect as if he pitied men. He</p><p>was clothed in a robe of fine black cloth, with wide sleeves and a </p><p>cape. His under garment was of excellent white linen down to the foot,</p><p>girt with a girdle of the same; and a sindon or tippet of the same </p><p>about his neck. He had gloves, that were curious,`' and set with</p><p>stone; and shoes of peach-coloured velvet. His neck was bare to the</p><p>shoulders. His hat was like a helmet, or Spanish montera; and his</p><p>locks curled below it decently: they were of colour brown. His beard</p><p>was cut round, and of the same colour with his hair, somewhat lighter. </p><p>He was carried in a rich chariot without wheels, litter-wise; with </p><p>two horses at either end, richly trapped in blue velvet embroidered; </p><p>and two footmen on each side in the like attire. The chariot was all</p><p>of cedar, gilt, and adorned with crystal; save that the fore-end had </p><p>panels of sapphires, set in borders of gold; and the hinder-end the </p><p>like of emeralds of the Peru colour. There was also a sun of gold,</p><p>radiant, upon the top, in the midst; and on the top before, a small </p><p>cherub of gold, with wings displayed. The chariot was covered with</p><p>cloth of gold tissued upon blue. He had before him fifty attendants,</p><p>young men all, in white satin loose coats to the mid leg; and </p><p>stockings of white silk; and shoes of blue velvet; and hats of blue </p><p>velvet; with fine plumes of diverse colours, set round like hat-bands. </p><p>Next before the chariot, went two men, bare-headed, in linen garments </p><p>down the foot, girt, and shoes of blue velvet; who carried, the one a </p><p>crosier, the other a pastoral staff like a sheep-hook; neither of them </p><p>of metal, but the crosier of balm-wood, the pastoral staff of cedar. </p><p>Horsemen he had none, neither before nor behind his chariot: as it </p><p>seemeth, to avoid all tumult and trouble. Behind his chariot went all</p><p>the officers and principals of the companies of the city. He sat</p><p>alone, upon cushions of a kind of excellent plush, blue; and under his </p><p>foot curious carpets of silk of diverse colours, like the Persian, but </p><p>far finer. He held up his bare hand as he went, as blessing the</p><p>people, but in silence. The street was wonderfully well kept: so that</p><p>there was never any army had their men stand in better battle-array</p><p>than the people stood. The windows likewise were not crowded, but</p><p>every one stood in them as if they had been placed. </p><p>When the shew was past, the Jew said to me; "I shall not be able to </p><p>attend you as I would, in regard of some charge the city hath laid </p><p>upon me, for the entertaining of this great person." Three days after</p><p>the Jew came to me again, and said; "Ye are happy men; for the Father </p><p>of Salomon's House taketh knowledge of your being here, and commanded </p><p>me to tell you that he will admit all your company to his presence, </p><p>and have private conference with one of you, that ye shall choose: and </p><p>for this hath appointed the next day after to-morrow. And because he</p><p>meaneth to give you his blessing, he hath appointed it in the forenoon. </p><p>We came at our day and hour, and I was chosen by my fellows for the </p><p>private access. We found him in a fair chamber, richly hanged, and</p><p>carpeted under foot without any degrees to the state. He was set upon</p><p>a low Throne richly adorned, and a rich cloth of state over his head, </p><p>of blue satin embroidered. He was alone, save that he had two pages</p><p>of honour, on either hand one, finely attired in white. His under</p><p>garments were the like that we saw him wear in the chariot; but </p><p>instead of his gown, he had on him a mantle with a cape, of the same </p><p>fine black, fastened about him. When we came in, as we were taught,</p><p>we bowed low at our first entrance; and when we were come near his </p><p>chair, he stood up, holding forth his hand ungloved, and in posture of </p><p>blessing; and we every one of us stooped down, and kissed the hem of </p><p>his tippet. That done, the rest departed, and I remained. Then he</p><p>warned" the pages forth of the room, and caused me to sit down beside </p><p>him, and spake to me thus in the Spanish tongue. </p><p>"God bless thee, my son; I will give thee the greatest jewel I have. </p><p>For I will impart unto thee, for the love of God and men, a relation </p><p>of the true state of Salomon's House. Son, to make you know the true</p><p>state of Salomon's House, I will keep this order. First, I will set</p><p>forth unto you the end of our foundation. Secondly, the preparations</p><p>and instruments we have for our works. Thirdly, the several</p><p>employments and functions whereto our fellows are assigned. And</p><p>fourthly, the ordinances and rites which we observe. </p><p>"The end of our foundation is the knowledge of causes, and secret </p><p>motions of things; and the enlarging of the bounds of human empire, to </p><p>the effecting of all things possible. </p><p>"The Preparations and Instruments are these. We have large and deep</p><p>caves of several depths: the deepest are sunk six hundred fathom: and </p><p>some of them are digged and made under great hills and mountains: so </p><p>that if you reckon together the depth of the hill and the depth of the </p><p>cave, they are (some of them) above three miles deep. For we find,</p><p>that the depth of a hill, and the depth of a cave from the flat, is </p><p>the same thing; both remote alike, from the sun and heaven's beams, </p><p>and from the open air. These caves we call the Lower Region; and we</p><p>use them for all coagulations, indurations, refrigerations, and </p><p>conservations of bodies. We use them likewise for the imitation of</p><p>natural mines; and the producing also of new artificial metals, by </p><p>compositions and materials which we use, and lay there for many years. </p><p>We use them also sometimes, (which may seem strange,) for curing of </p><p>some diseases, and for prolongation of life in some hermits that </p><p>choose to live there, well accommodated of all things necessary, and </p><p>indeed live very long; by whom also we learn many things.</p><p>"We have burials in several earths, where we put diverse cements, as </p><p>the Chineses do their porcellain. But we have them in greater variety,</p><p>and some of them more fine. We have also great variety of composts"</p><p>and soils, for the making of the earth fruitful. </p><p>"We have high towers; the highest about half a mile in height; and </p><p>some of them likewise set upon high mountains; so that the vantage of </p><p>the hill with the tower is in the highest of them three miles at least. </p><p>And these places we call the Upper Region; accounting the air </p><p>between the high places and the low, as a Middle Region. We use these</p><p>towers, according to their several heights, and situations, for </p><p>insolation, refrigeration, conservation; and for the view of divers </p><p>meteors; as winds, rain, snow, hail; and some of the fiery meteors </p><p>also. And upon them, in some places, are dwellings of hermits, whom</p><p>we visit sometimes, and instruct what to observe. </p><p>"We have great lakes, both salt, and fresh; whereof we have use for </p><p>the fish and fowl. We use them also for burials of some natural</p><p>bodies: for we find a difference in things buried in earth or in air </p><p>below the earth, and things buried in water. We have also pools, of</p><p>which some do strain fresh water out of salt; and others by art do </p><p>turn fresh water into salt. We have also some rocks in the midst of</p><p>the sea, and some bays upon the shore for some works, wherein is </p><p>required the air and vapor of the sea,. We have likewise violent</p><p>streams and cataracts, which serve us for many motions: and likewise </p><p>engines for multiplying and enforcing of winds, to set also on going </p><p>diverse motions. </p><p>"We have also a number of artificial wells and fountains, made in </p><p>imitation of the natural sources and baths; as tincted upon" vitriol, </p><p>sulphur, steel, brass, lead, nitre, and other minerals. And again we</p><p>have little wells for infusions of many things, where the waters take </p><p>the virtue quicker and better, than in vessels or basins. And amongst</p><p>them we have a water which we call Water of Paradise, being, by that </p><p>we do to it made very sovereign for health, and prolongation of life. </p><p>"We have also great and spacious houses where we imitate and </p><p>demonstrate meteors; as snow, hail, rain, some artificial rains of </p><p>bodies and not of water, thunders, lightnings; also generations of </p><p>bodies in air; as frogs, flies, and divers others. </p><p>"We have also certain chambers, which we call Chambers of Health, </p><p>where we qualify the air as we think good and proper for the cure of </p><p>divers diseases, and preservation of health. </p><p>"We have also fair and large baths, of several mixtures, for the cure </p><p>of diseases, and the restoring of man's body from arefaction: and </p><p>others for the confirming of it in strength of sinewes, vital parts, </p><p>and the very juice and substance of the body. </p><p>"We have also large and various orchards and gardens; wherein we do </p><p>not so much respect beauty, as variety of ground and soil, proper for </p><p>divers trees and herbs: and some very spacious, where trees and </p><p>berries are set whereof we make divers kinds of drinks, besides the </p><p>vineyards. In these we practise likewise all conclusions of grafting,</p><p>and inoculating as well of wild-trees as fruit-trees, which produceth </p><p>many effects. And we make (by art) in the same orchards and gardens,</p><p>trees and flowers to come earlier or later than their seasons; and to</p><p>come up and bear more speedily than by their natural course they do. </p><p>We make them also by art greater much than their nature; and their </p><p>fruit greater and sweeter and of differing taste, smell, colour, and </p><p>figure, from their nature. And many of them we so order, as they</p><p>become of medicinal use. </p><p>"We have also means to make divers plants rise by mixtures of earths </p><p>without seeds; and likewise to make divers new plants, differing from </p><p>the vulgar; and to make one tree or plant turn into another. </p><p>"We have also parks and enclosures of all sorts of beasts and birds </p><p>which we use not only for view or rareness, but likewise for </p><p>dissections and trials; that thereby we may take light what may be </p><p>wrought upon the body of man. Wherein we find many strange effects;</p><p>as continuing life in them, though divers parts, which you account </p><p>vital, be perished and taken forth; resuscitating of some that seem </p><p>dead in appearance; and the like. We try also all poisons and other</p><p>medicines upon them, as well of chirurgery, as physic. By art</p><p>likewise, we make them greater or taller than their kind is; and </p><p>contrariwise dwarf them, and stay their growth: we make them more </p><p>fruitful and bearing than their kind is; and contrariwise barren and </p><p>not generative. Also we make them differ in colour, shape, activity,</p><p>many ways. We find means to make commixtures and copulations of</p><p>different kinds; which have produced many new kinds, and them not </p><p>barren, as the general opinion is. We make a number of kinds of</p><p>serpents, worms, flies, fishes, of putrefaction; whereof some are </p><p>advanced (in effect) to be perfect creatures, like bests or birds; and </p><p>have sexes, and do propagate. Neither do we this by chance, but we</p><p>know beforehand, of what matter and commixture what kind of those </p><p>creatures will arise. </p><p>"We have also particular pools, where we make trials upon fishes, as </p><p>we have said before of beasts and birds. </p><p>"We have also places for breed and generation of those kinds of worms </p><p>and flies which are of special use; such as are with you your </p><p>silk-worms and bees. </p><p>"I will not hold you long with recounting of our brewhouses, </p><p>bake-houses, and kitchens, where are made divers drinks, breads, and </p><p>meats, rare and of special effects. Wines we have of grapes; and</p><p>drinks of other juice of fruits, of grains, and of roots; and of </p><p>mixtures with honey, sugar, manna, and fruits dried, and decocted; </p><p>Also of the tears or woundings of trees; and of the pulp of canes. </p><p>And these drinks are of several ages, some to the age or last of forty </p><p>years. We have drinks also brewed with several herbs, and roots, and</p><p>spices; yea with several fleshes, and white-meats; whereof some of the </p><p>drinks are such, as they are in effect meat and drink both: so that </p><p>divers, especially in age, do desire to live with them, with little or </p><p>no meat or bread. And above all, we strive to have drink of extreme</p><p>thin parts, to insinuate into the body, and yet without all biting, </p><p>sharpness, or fretting; insomuch as some of them put upon the back of </p><p>your hand will, with a little stay, pass through to the palm, and yet </p><p>taste mild to the mouth. We have also waters which we ripen in that</p><p>fashion, as they become nourishing; so that they are indeed excellent </p><p>drink; and.many will use no other. Breads we have of several grains,</p><p>roots, and kernels; yea and some of flesh and fish dried; with divers </p><p>kinds of leavenings and seasonings: so that some do extremely move </p><p>appetites; some do nourish so, as divers do live of them, without any</p><p>other meat; who live very long. So for meats, we have some of them so</p><p>beaten and made tender and mortified,' yet without all corrupting, as </p><p>a weak heat of the stomach will turn them into good chylus; as well as </p><p>a strong heat would meat otherwise prepared. We have some meats also</p><p>and breads and drinks, which taken by men enable them to fast long </p><p>after; and some other, that used make the very flesh of men's bodies </p><p>sensibly' more hard and tough and their strength far greater than </p><p>otherwise it would be. </p><p>"We have dispensatories, or shops of medicines. Wherein you may</p><p>easily think, if we have such variety of plants and living creatures </p><p>more than you have in Europe, (for we know what you have,) the simples, </p><p>drugs, and ingredients of medicines, must likewise be in so much the </p><p>greater variety. We have them likewise of divers ages, and long</p><p>fermentations. And for their preparations, we have not only all</p><p>manner of exquisite distillations and separations, and especially by </p><p>gentle heats and percolations through divers strainers, yea and </p><p>substances; but also exact forms of composition, whereby they </p><p>incorporate almost, as they were natural simples. </p><p>"We have also divers mechanical arts, which you have not; and stuffs </p><p>made by them; as papers, linen, silks, tissues; dainty works of </p><p>feathers of wonderful lustre; excellent dies, and, many others; and </p><p>shops likewise, as well for such as are not brought into vulgar use </p><p>amongst us as for those that are. For you must know that of the</p><p>things before recited, many of them are grown into use throughout the </p><p>kingdom; but yet, if they did flow from our invention, we have of them </p><p>also for patterns and principals. </p><p>"We have also furnaces of great diversities, and that keep great </p><p>diversity of heats; fierce and quick; strong and constant; soft and </p><p>mild; blown, quiet; dry, moist; and the like. But above all, we have</p><p>heats, in imitation of the Sun's and heavenly bodies' heats, that pass </p><p>divers inequalities, and (as it were) orbs, progresses, and returns, </p><p>whereby we produce admirable effects. Besides, we have heats of dungs;</p><p>and of bellies and maws of living creatures, and of their bloods and </p><p>bodies; and of hays and herbs laid up moist; of lime unquenched; and </p><p>such like. Instruments also which generate heat only by motion. And</p><p>farther, places for strong insulations; and again, places under the </p><p>earth, which by nature, or art, yield heat. These divers heats we use,</p><p>as the nature of the operation, which we intend, requireth. </p><p>"We have also perspective-houses, where we make demonstrations of all </p><p>lights and radiations; and of all colours: and out of things </p><p>uncoloured and transparent, we can represent unto you all several </p><p>colours; not in rain-bows, (as it is in gems, and prisms,) but of </p><p>themselves single. We represent also all multiplications of light,</p><p>which we carry to great distance, and make so sharp as to discern </p><p>small points and lines. Also all colourations of light; all delusions</p><p>and deceits of the sight, in figures, magnitudes, motions, colours all </p><p>demonstrations of shadows. We find also divers means, yet unknown to</p><p>you, of producing of light originally from divers bodies. We procure</p><p>means of seeing objects afar off; as in the heaven and remote places; </p><p>and represent things near as afar off; and things afar off as near; </p><p>making feigned distances. We have also helps for the sight, far above</p><p>spectacles and glasses in use. We have also glasses and means to see</p><p>small and minute bodies perfectly and distinctly; as the shapes and </p><p>colours of small flies and worms, grains and flaws in gems, which </p><p>cannot otherwise be seen, observations in urine and blood not</p><p>otherwise to be seen. We make artificial rain-bows, halo's, and</p><p>circles about light. We represent also all manner of reflexions,</p><p>refractions, and multiplications' of visual beams of objects. </p><p>"We have also precious stones of all kinds, many of them of great </p><p>beauty, and to you unknown; crystals likewise; and glasses of divers </p><p>kinds; and amongst them some of metals vitrificated, and other </p><p>materials besides those of which you make glass. Also a number of</p><p>fossils, and imperfect minerals, which you have not. Likewise</p><p>loadstones of prodigious virtue; and other rare stones, both natural </p><p>and artificial. </p><p>"We have also sound-houses, where we practise and demonstrate all </p><p>sounds, and their generation. We have harmonies which you have not,</p><p>of quarter-sounds, and lesser slides of sounds. Divers instruments of</p><p>music likewise to you unknown, some sweeter than any you have, </p><p>together with bells and rings that are dainty and sweet. We represent</p><p>small sounds as great and deep; likewise great sounds extenuate and </p><p>sharp; we make divers tremblings and warblings of sounds, which in </p><p>their original are entire. We represent and imitate all articulate</p><p>sounds and letters, and the voices and notes of beasts and birds. We</p><p>have certain helps which set to the ear do further the hearing greatly. </p><p>We have also divers strange and artificial echoes, reflecting the </p><p>voice many times, and as it were tossing it: and some that give back </p><p>the voice louder than it came, some shriller, and some deeper; yea, </p><p>some rendering the voice differing in the letters or articulate sound </p><p>from that they receive. We have also means to convey sounds in trunks</p><p>and pipes, in strange lines and distances. </p><p>"We have also perfume-houses; wherewith we join also practices of </p><p>taste. We multiply smells, which may seem strange. We imitate smells,</p><p>making all smells to breathe outs of other mixtures than those that </p><p>give them. We make divers imitations of taste likewise, so that they</p><p>will deceive any man's taste. And in this house we contain also a</p><p>confiture-house; where we make all sweet-meats, dry and moist; and </p><p>divers pleasant wines, milks, broths, and sallets; in far greater </p><p>variety than you have. </p><p>"We have also engine-houses, where are prepared engines and </p><p>instruments for all sorts of motions. There we imitate and practise</p><p>to make swifter motions than any you have, either out of your muskets </p><p>or any engine that you have: and to make them and multiply them more </p><p>easily, and with small force, by wheels and other means: and to make </p><p>them stronger and more violent than yours are; exceeding your greatest </p><p>cannons arid basilisks. We represent also ordnance and instruments of</p><p>war, and engines of all kinds: and likewise new mixtures and </p><p>compositions of gun-powder, wild-fires burning in water, and </p><p>unquenchable. Also fireworks of all variety both for pleasure and use.</p><p>We imitate also flights of birds; we have some degrees of flying in </p><p>the air. We have ships and boats for going under water, and brooking</p><p>of seas; also swimming-girdles and supporters. We have divers curious</p><p>clocks, and other like motions of return: and some perpetual motions. </p><p>We imitate also motions of living creatures, by images, of men, beasts, </p><p>birds, fishes, and serpents. We have also a great number of other</p><p>various motions, strange for equality, fineness, and subtilty. </p><p>"We have also a mathematical house, where are represented all </p><p>instruments, as well of geometry as astronomy, exquisitely made. </p><p>"We have also houses of deceits of the senses; where we represent all </p><p>manner of feats of juggling, false apparitions, impostures, and </p><p>illusions; and their fallacies. And surely you will easily believe</p><p>that we that have so many things truly natural which induce admiration, </p><p>could in a world of particulars deceive the senses, if we would </p><p>disguise those things and labour to make them seem more miraculous. </p><p>But we do hate all impostures, and lies; insomuch as we have severely </p><p>forbidden it to all our fellows, under pain of ignominy and fines, </p><p>that they do not show any natural work or thing, adorned or swelling; </p><p>but only pure as it is, and without all affectation of strangeness. </p><p>"These are (my son) the riches of Salomon's House. </p><p>"For the several employments and offices of our fellows; we have </p><p>twelve that sail into foreign countries, under the names of other </p><p>nations, (for our own we conceal); who bring us the books, and </p><p>abstracts, and patterns of experiments of all other parts. These we</p><p>call Merchants of Light. </p><p>"We have three that collect the experiments which are in all books. </p><p>These we call Depredators. </p><p>"We have three that collect the experiments of all mechanical arts; </p><p>and also of liberal sciences; and also of practices which are not </p><p>brought into arts. These we call Mystery-men.</p><p>"We have three that try new experiments, such as themselves think good. </p><p>These we call Pioneers or Miners. </p><p>"We have three that draw the experiments of the former four into </p><p>titles and tables, to give the better light for the drawing of </p><p>observations and axioms out of them. These we call Compilers.</p><p>"We have three that bend themselves, looking into the experiments of </p><p>their fellows, and cast about how to draw out of them things of use </p><p>and practise for man's life, and knowledge, as well for works as for </p><p>plain demonstration of causes, means of natural divinations, and the </p><p>easy and clear discovery of the virtues and parts of bodies. These we</p><p>call Dowry-men or Benefactors. </p><p>"Then after divers meetings and consults of our whole number, to </p><p>consider of the former labours and collections, we have three that </p><p>take care, out of them, to direct new experiments, of a higher light, </p><p>more penetrating into nature than the former. These we call Lamps.</p><p>"We have three others that do execute the experiments so directed, and </p><p>report them. These we call Inoculators.</p><p>"Lastly, we have three that raise the former discoveries by </p><p>experiments into greater observations, axioms, and aphorisms. These</p><p>we call Interpreters of Nature. </p><p>"We have also, as you must think, novices and apprentices, that the </p><p>succession of the former employed men do not fail; besides, a great </p><p>number of servants and attendants, men and women. And this we do also:</p><p>we have consultations, which of the inventions and experiences which </p><p>we have discovered shall be published, and which not: and take all an </p><p>oath of secrecy, for the concealing of those which we think fit to </p><p>keep secret: though some of those we do reveal sometimes to the state</p><p>and some not. </p><p>"For our ordinances and rites: we have two very long and fair </p><p>galleries: in one of these we place patterns and samples of all manner </p><p>of the more rare and excellent inventions in the other we place the </p><p>statues of all principal inventors. There we have the statue of your</p><p>Columbus, that discovered the West Indies: also the inventor of ships: </p><p>your- monk that was the inventor of ordnance and of gunpowder: the </p><p>inventor of music: the inventor of letters: the inventor of printing: </p><p>the inventor of observations of astronomy: the inventor of works in </p><p>metal: the inventor of glass: the inventor of silk of the worm: the </p><p>inventor of wine: the inventor of corn and bread: the inventor of </p><p>sugars: and all these, by more certain tradition than you have. Then</p><p>have we divers inventors of our own, of excellent works; which since </p><p>you have not seen, it were too long to make descriptions of them; and </p><p>besides, in the right understanding of those descriptions you might </p><p>easily err. For upon every invention of value, we erect a statue to</p><p>the inventor, and give him a liberal and honourable reward. These</p><p>statues are some of brass; some of marble and touch-stone; some of </p><p>cedar and other special woods gilt and adorned; some of iron; some of </p><p>silver; some of gold. </p><p>"We have certain hymns and services, which we say daily, of Lord and </p><p>thanks to God for his marvellous works: and forms of prayers, </p><p>imploring his aid and blessing for the illumination of our labours, </p><p>and the turning of them into good and holy uses. </p><p>"Lastly, we have circuits or visits of divers principal cities of the </p><p>kingdom; where, as it cometh to pass, we do publish such new </p><p>profitable inventions as we think good. And we do also declare</p><p>natural divinations of diseases, plagues, swarms-of hurtful creatures, </p><p>scarcity, tempests, earthquakes, great inundations, comets, </p><p>temperature of the year, and divers other things; and we give counsel </p><p>thereupon, what the people shall do for the prevention and remedy of </p><p>them." </p><p>And when he had said this, he stood up; and I, as I had been taught, </p><p>kneeled down, and he laid his right hand upon my head, and said; "God </p><p>bless thee, my son; and God bless this relation, which I have made. I</p><p>give thee leave to publish it for the good of other nations; for we </p><p>here are in God's bosom, a land unknown." And so he left me; having</p><p>assigned a value of about two thousand ducats, for a bounty to me and </p><p>my fellows. For they give great largesses where they come upon all</p><p>occasions. </p><p>[The rest was not perfected.] </p><p>End of this Project Gutenberg Etext of "The New Atlantis" by Francis Bacon </p></body></text></TEI>