12/30/02
AMERICA’S
MANIFEST DESTINY II
THE BIBLE’S MYSTERIOUS
BABYLON AND BACON’S NEW ATLANTIS
By J. Parnell McCarter
From the beginning God has given to those who were willing to sell their spiritual birthright certain temporal advantages in the realm of technology. The sons of Cain were remarkable inventors, as were the sons of Ham. The very name given to Cain suggests his prowess in building:
Cain - Biblical name, from Heb. Qayin, lit. "created one," also "smith."
And, of course, Cain built the first city (named after his son Enoch), as Nimrod built Babel (Babylon).
The book of Revelation, in chapters 17 and 18, describes a last great manifestation of Babylon before the millennium. This mysterious Babylon was to be the seat of a great worldly power, characterized by wealth and riches. It would set the humanistic trend for the rest of the world, following a period of reformation (which is described in Revelation chapter 14). It is a time described in Daniel 12:4 thus: “many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” As I have argued in my book Let My People Go, I believe this Babylon is Washington, DC., the seat of power of America.
Francis Bacon (early 17th century English philosopher and political leader) saw America’s destiny in a similar way. In his story “New Atlantis” (see below), he refers to America as Atlantis. It was to be the humanistic theosophist’s dream, utilizing technology to place man in the role of god. But at least in the version available to the public, it is incomplete. It would seem according to the words of historian and occultist Manly P. Hall that the full version of this “New Atlantis” story will not be revealed to the public until the public is “educated” (i.e., brainwashed) to accept and receive it. We are publishing the incomplete version we have here in order that our readers may be apprised of Bacon’s vision for America. It is a vision that many of the leaders of the USA have sought for it, even though it is contrary to the millennial vision found in the Bible. Of course, God will bring the “New Atlantis” vision to naught, but we should not be unaware of Satan’s shemes.
THE NEW ATLANTIS
by FRANCIS BACON.
1626, From Ideal Commonwealths, P.F. Collier & Son, New York.
(c) 1901 The Colonial Press, expired.
Prepared by Kirk Crady from scanner output provided by Internet Wiretap.
This book is in the public domain, released August 1993.
NEW ATLANTIS
WE sailed from Peru, where we had continued by the space of one whole year,
for China and Japan, by the South Sea, taking with us victuals for twelve
months; and had good winds from the east, though soft and weak, for five
months' space and more. But then the wind came about, and settled in the
west for many days, so as we could make little or no way, and were
sometimes in purpose to turn back. But then again there arose strong and
great winds from the south, with a point east; which carried us up, for all
that we could do, toward the north: by which time our victuals failed us,
though we had made good spare of them. So that finding ourselves, in the
midst of the greatest wilderness of waters in the world, without victual,
we gave ourselves for lost men, and prepared for death. Yet we did lift up
our hearts and voices to God above, who showeth His wonders in the deep;
beseeching Him of His mercy that as in the beginning He discovered the face
of the deep, and brought forth dry land, so He would now discover land to
us, that we might not perish.
And it came to pass that the next day about evening we saw within a kenning
before us, toward the north, as it were thick clouds, which did put us in
some hope of land, knowing how that part of the South Sea was utterly
unknown, and might have islands or continents that hitherto were not come
to light. Wherefore we bent our course thither, where we saw the appearance
of land, all that night; and in the dawning of next day we might plainly
discern that it was a land flat to our sight, and full of boscage, which
made it show the more dark. And after an hour and a half's sailing, we
entered into a good haven, being the port of a fair city. Not great,
indeed, but well built, and that gave a pleasant view from the sea. And we
thinking every minute long till we were on land, came close to the shore
and offered to land. But straightway we saw divers of the people, with
batons in their hands, as it were forbidding us to land: yet without any
cries or fierceness, but only as warning us off, by signs that they made.
Whereupon being not a little discomfited, we were advising with ourselves
what we should do. During which time there made forth to us a small boat,
with about eight persons in it, whereof one of them had in his hand a
tipstaff of a yellow cane, tipped at both ends with blue, who made aboard
our ship, without any show of distrust at all. And when he saw one of our
number present himself somewhat afore the rest, he drew forth a little
scroll of parchment (somewhat yellower than our parchment, and shining like
the leaves of writing- tables, but otherwise soft and flexible), and
delivered it to our foremost man. In which scroll were written in ancient
Hebrew, and in ancient Greek, and in good Latin of the school, and in
Spanish these words: "Land ye not, none of you, and provide to be gone from
this coast within sixteen days, except you have further time given you;
meanwhile, if you want fresh water, or victual, or help for your sick, or
that your ship needeth repair, write down your wants, and you shall have
that which belongeth to mercy." This scroll was signed with a stamp of
cherubim's wings, not spread, but hanging downward; and by them a cross.
This being delivered, the officer returned, and left only a servant with us
to receive our answer. Consulting hereupon among ourselves, we were much
perplexed. The denial of landing, and hasty warning us away, troubled us
much: on the other side, to find that the people had languages, and were so
full of humanity, did comfort us not a little. And above all, the sign of
the cross to that instrument was to us a great rejoicing, and as it were a
certain presage of good. Our answer was in the Spanish tongue, "That for
our ship, it was well; for we had rather met with calms and contrary winds,
than any tempests. For our sick, they were many, and in very ill case; so
that if they were not permitted to land, they ran in danger of their
lives." Our other wants we set down in particular, adding, "That we had
some little store of merchandise, which if it pleased them to deal for, it
might supply our wants, without being chargeable unto them." We offered
some reward in pistolets unto the servant, and a piece of crimson velvet to
be presented to the officer; but the servant took them not, nor would
scarce look upon them; and so left us, and went back in another little boat
which was sent for him.
About three hours after we had despatched our answer, there came toward us
a person (as it seemed) of a place. He had on him a gown with wide sleeves,
of a kind of water chamolet, of an excellent azure color, far more glossy
than ours; his under-apparel was green, and so was his hat, being in the
form of a turban, daintily made, and not so huge as the Turkish turbans;
and the locks of his hair came down below the brims of it. A reverend man
was he to behold. He came in a boat, gilt in some part of it, with four
persons more only in that boat; and was followed by another boat, wherein
were some twenty. When he was come within a flight-shot of our ship, signs
were made to us that we should send forth some to meet him upon the water,
which we presently did in our ship-boat, sending the principal man amongst
us save one, and four of our number with him. When we were come within six
yards of their boat, they called to us to stay, and not to approach
farther, which we did.
And thereupon the man, whom I before described, stood up, and with a loud
voice in Spanish asked, "Are ye Christians?" We answered, "We were;"
fearing the less, because of the cross we had seen in the subscription. At
which answer the said person lift up his right hand toward heaven, and drew
it softly to his mouth (which is the gesture they use, when they thank
God), and then said: "If ye will swear, all of you, by the merits of the
Saviour, that ye are no pirates; nor have shed blood, lawfully or
unlawfully, within forty days past; you may have license to come on land."
We said, "We were all ready to take that oath." Whereupon one of those that
were with him, being (as it seemed) a notary, made an entry of this act.
Which done, another of the attendants of the great person, which was with
him in the same boat, after his lord had spoken a little to him, said
aloud: "My lord would have you know that it is not of pride, or greatness,
that he cometh not aboard your ship; but for that in your answer you
declare that you have many sick amongst you, he was warned by the
conservator of health of the city that he should keep a distance." We bowed
ourselves toward him and answered: "We were his humble servants; and
accounted for great honor and singular humanity toward us, that which was
already done; but hoped well that the nature of the sickness of our men was
not infectious."
So he returned; and awhile after came the notary to us aboard our ship,
holding in his hand a fruit of that country, like an orange, but of color
between orange-tawny and scarlet, which cast a most excellent odor. He used
it (as it seemed) for a preservative against infection. He gave us our
oath, "By the name of Jesus, and His merits," and after told us that the
next day, by six of the clock in the morning, we should be sent to, and
brought to the strangers' house (so he called it), where we should be
accommodated of things, both for our whole and for our sick. So he left us;
and when we offered him some pistolets, he smiling, said, "He must not be
twice paid for one labor:" meaning (as I take it) that he had salary
sufficient of the State for his service. For (as I after learned) they call
an officer that taketh rewards twice paid.
The next morning early there came to us the same officer that came to us at
first, with his cane, and told us he came to conduct us to the strangers'
house; and that he had prevented the hour, because we might have the whole
day before us for our business. "For," said he," if you will follow my
advice, there shall first go with me some few of you, and see the place,
and how it may be made convenient for you; and then you may send for your
sick, and the rest of your number which ye will bring on land." We thanked
him and said, "That his care which he took of desolate strangers, God would
reward." And so six of us went on land with him; and when we were on land,
he went before us, and turned to us and said "he was but our servant and
our guide." He led us through three fair streets; and all the way we went
there were gathered some people on both sides, standing in a row; but in so
civil a fashion, as if it had been, not to wonder at us, but to welcome us;
and divers of them, as we passed by them, put their arms a little abroad,
which is their gesture when they bid any welcome.
The strangers' house is a fair and spacious house, built of brick, of
somewhat a bluer color than our brick; and with handsome windows, some of
glass, some of a kind of cambric oiled. He brought us first into a fair
parlor above stairs, and then asked us "what number of persons we were? and
how many sick?" We answered, "We were in all (sick and whole) one-and-fifty
persons, whereof our sick were seventeen." He desired us have patience a
little, and to stay till he came back to us, which was about an hour after;
and then he led us to see the chambers which were provided for us, being in
number nineteen. They having cast it (as it seemeth) that four of those
chambers, which were better than the rest, might receive four of the
principal men of our company; and lodge them alone by themselves; and the
other fifteen chambers were to lodge us, two and two together. The chambers
were handsome and cheerful chambers, and furnished civilly. Then he led us
to a long gallery, like a dorture, where he showed us all along the one
side (for the other side was but wall and window) seventeen cells, very
neat ones, having partitions of cedar wood. Which gallery and cells, being
in all forty (many more than we needed), were instituted as an infirmary
for sick persons. And he told us withal, that as any of our sick waxed
well, he might be removed from his cell to a chamber; for which purpose
there were set forth ten spare chambers, besides the number we spake of
before.
This done, he brought us back to the parlor, and lifting up his cane a
little (as they do when they give any charge or command), said to us: "Ye
are to know that the custom of the land requireth that after this day and
to-morrow (which we give you for removing your people from your ship), you
are to keep within doors for three days. But let it not trouble you, nor do
not think yourselves restrained, but rather left to your rest and ease. You
shall want nothing; and there are six of our people appointed to attend you
for any business you may have abroad." We gave him thanks with all
affection and respect, and said, "God surely is manifested in this land."
We offered him also twenty pistolets; but he smiled, and only said: "What?
Twice paid!" And so he left us. Soon after our dinner was served in; which
was right good viands, both for bread and meat: better than any collegiate
diet that I have known in Europe. We had also drink of three sorts, all
wholesome and good: wine of the grape; a drink of grain, such as is with us
our ale, but more clear; and a kind of cider made of a fruit of that
country, a wonderful pleasing and refreshing drink. Besides, there were
brought in to us great store of those scarlet oranges for our sick; which
(they said) were an assured remedy for sickness taken at sea. There was
given us also a box of small gray or whitish pills, which they wished our
sick should take, one of the pills every night before sleep; which (they
said) would hasten their recovery.
The next day, after that our trouble of carriage and removing of our men
and goods out of our ship was somewhat settled and quiet, I thought good to
call our company together, and, when they were assembled, said unto them:
"My dear friends, let us know ourselves, and how it standeth with us. We
are men cast on land, as Jonas was out of the whale's belly, when we were
as buried in the deep; and now we are on land, we are but between death and
life, for we are beyond both the Old World and the New; and whether ever we
shall see Europe, God only knoweth. It is a kind of miracle hath brought us
hither, and it must be little less that shall bring us hence. Therefore in
regard of our deliverance past, and our danger present and to come, let us
look up to God, and every man reform his own ways. Besides, we are come
here among a Christian people, full of piety and humanity. Let us not bring
that confusion of face upon ourselves, as to show our vices or unworthiness
before them. Yet there is more, for they have by commandment (though in
form of courtesy) cloistered us within these walls for three days; who
knoweth whether it be not to take some taste of our manners and conditions?
And if they find them bad, to banish us straightway; if good, to give us
further time. For these men that they have given us for attendance, may
withal have an eye upon us. Therefore, for God's love, and as we love the
weal of our souls and bodies, let us so behave ourselves as we may be at
peace with God and may find grace in the eyes of this people."
Our company with one voice thanked me for my good admonition, and promised
me to live soberly and civilly, and without giving any the least occasion
of offence. So we spent our three days joyfully, and without care, in
expectation what would be done with us when they were expired. During which
time, we had every hour joy of the amendment of our sick, who thought
themselves cast into some divine pool of healing, they mended so kindly and
so fast.
The morrow after our three days were past, there came to us a new man, that
we had not seen before, clothed in blue as the former was, save that his
turban was white with a small red cross on top. He had also a tippet of
fine linen. At his coming in, he did bend to us a little, and put his arms
abroad. We of our parts saluted him in a very lowly and submissive manner;
as looking that from him we should receive sentence of life or death. He
desired to speak with some few of us. Whereupon six of us only stayed, and
the rest avoided the room. He said: "I am by office, governor of this house
of strangers, and by vocation, I am a Christian priest, and therefore am
come to you to offer you my service, both as strangers and chiefly as
Christians. Some things I may tell you, which I think you will not be
unwilling to hear. The State hath given you license to stay on land for the
space of six weeks; and let it not trouble you if your occasions ask
further time, for the law in this point is not precise; and I do not doubt
but myself shall be able to obtain for you such further time as shall be
convenient. Ye shall also understand that the strangers' house is at this
time rich and much aforehand; for it hath laid up revenue these
thirty-seven years, for so long it is since any stranger arrived in this
part; and therefore take ye no care; the State will defray you all the time
you stay. Neither shall you stay one day the less for that. As for any
merchandise you have brought, ye shall be well used, and have your return,
either in merchandise or in gold and silver, for to us it is all one. And
if you have any other request to make, hide it not; for ye shall find we
will not make your countenance to fall by the answer ye shall receive. Only
this I must tell you, that none of you must go above a karan [that is with
them a mile and a half] from the walls of the city, without special leave."
We answered, after we had looked awhile upon one another, admiring this
gracious and parent-like usage, that we could not tell what to say, for we
wanted words to express our thanks; and his noble free offers left us
nothing to ask. It seemed to us that we had before us a picture of our
salvation in heaven; for we that were awhile since in the jaws of death,
were now brought into a place where we found nothing but consolations. For
the commandment laid upon us, we would not fail to obey it, though it was
impossible but our hearts should be inflamed to tread further upon this
happy and holy ground. We added that our tongues should first cleave to the
roofs of our mouths ere we should forget either this reverend person or
this whole nation, in our prayers. We also most humbly besought him to
accept of us as his true servants, by as just a right as ever men on earth
were bounden; laying and presenting both our persons and all we had at his
feet. He said he was a priest, and looked for a priest's reward, which was
our brotherly love and the good of our souls and bodies. So he went from
us, not without tears of tenderness in his eyes, and left us also confused
with joy and kindness, saying among ourselves that we were come into a land
of angels, which did appear to us daily, and prevent us with comforts,
which we thought not of, much less expected.
The next day, about ten of the clock; the governor came to us again, and
after salutations said familiarly that he was come to visit us, and called
for a chair and sat him down; and we, being some ten of us (the rest were
of the meaner sort or else gone abroad), sat down with him; and when we
were set he began thus: "We of this island of Bensalem (for so they called
it in their language) have this: that by means of our solitary situation,
and of the laws of secrecy, which we have for our travellers, and our rare
admission of strangers; we know well most part of the habitable world, and
are ourselves unknown. Therefore because he that knoweth least is fittest
to ask questions it is more reason, for the entertainment of the time, that
ye ask me questions, than that I ask you." We answered, that we humbly
thanked him that he would give us leave so to do. And that we conceived by
the taste we had already, that there was no worldly thing on earth more
worthy to be known than the state of that happy land. But above all, we
said, since that we were met from the several ends of the world, and hoped
assuredly that we should meet one day in the kingdom of heaven (for that we
were both parts Christians), we desired to know (in respect that land was
so remote, and so divided by vast and unknown seas from the land where our
Saviour walked on earth) who was the apostle of that nation, and how it was
converted to the faith? It appeared in his face that he took great
contentment in this our question; he said: "Ye knit my heart to you by
asking this question in the first place; for it showeth that you first seek
the kingdom of heaven; and I shall gladly, and briefly, satisfy your
demand.
"About twenty years after the ascension of our Saviour it came to pass,
that there was seen by the people of Renfusa (a city upon the eastern coast
of our island, within sight, the night was cloudy and calm), as it might be
some mile in the sea, a great pillar of light; not sharp, but in form of a
column, or cylinder, rising from the sea, a great way up toward heaven; and
on the top of it was seen a large cross of light, more bright and
resplendent than the body of the pillar. Upon which so strange a spectacle,
the people of the city gathered apace together upon the sands, to wonder;
and so after put themselves into a number of small boats to go nearer to
this marvellous sight. But when the boats were come within about sixty
yards of the pillar, they found themselves all bound, and could go no
further, yet so as they might move to go about, but might not approach
nearer; so as the boats stood all as in a theatre, beholding this light, as
a heavenly sign. It so fell out that there was in one of the boats one of
the wise men of the Society of Saloman's House (which house, or college, my
good brethren, is the very eye of this kingdom), who having awhile
attentively and devoutly viewed and contemplated this pillar and cross,
fell down upon his face; and then raised himself upon his knees, and
lifting up his hands to heaven, made his prayers in this manner:
"'Lord God of heaven and earth; thou hast vouchsafed of thy grace, to those
of our order to know thy works of creation, and true secrets of them; and
to discern, as far as appertaineth to the generations of men, between
divine miracles, works of nature, works of art and impostures, and
illusions of all sorts. I do here acknowledge and testify before this
people that the thing we now see before our eyes is thy finger, and a true
miracle. And forasmuch as we learn in our books that thou never workest
miracles, but to a divine and excellent end (for the laws of nature are
thine own laws, and thou exceedest them not but upon great cause), we most
humbly beseech thee to prosper this great sign, and to give us the
interpretation and use of it in mercy; which thou dost in some part
secretly promise, by sending it unto us.'
"When he had made his prayer, he presently found the boat he was in movable
and unbound; whereas all the rest remained still fast; and taking that for
an assurance of leave to approach, he caused the boat to be softly and with
silence rowed toward the pillar; but ere he came near it, the pillar and
cross of light broke up, and cast itself abroad, as it were, into a
firmament of many stars, which also vanished soon after, and there was
nothing left to be seen but a small ark or chest of cedar, dry and not wet
at all with water, though it swam; and in the fore end of it, which was
toward him, grew a small green branch of palm; and when the wise man had
taken it with all reverence into his boat, it opened of itself, and there
were found in it a book and a letter, both written in fine parchment, and
wrapped in sindons of linen. The book contained all the canonical books of
the Old and New Testament, according as you have them (for we know well
what the churches with you receive), and the Apocalypse itself; and some
other books of the New Testament, which were not at that time written, were
nevertheless in the book. And for the letter, it was in these words:
"'I, Bartholomew, a servant of the Highest, and apostle of Jesus Christ,
was warned by an angel that appeared to me in a vision of glory, that I
should commit this ark to the floods of the sea. Therefore I do testify and
declare unto that people where God shall ordain this ark to come to land,
that in the same day is come unto them salvation and peace, and good-will
from the Father, and from the Lord Jesus.'
"There was also in both these writings, as well the book as the letter,
wrought a great miracle, conform to that of the apostles, in the original
gift of tongues. For there being at that time, in this land, Hebrews,
Persians, and Indians, besides the natives, everyone read upon the book and
letter, as if they had been written in his own language. And thus was this
land saved from infidelity (as the remain of the old world was from water)
by an ark, through the apostolical and miraculous evangelism of St.
Bartholomew." And here he paused, and a messenger came and called him forth
from us. So this was all that passed in that conference.
The next day the same governor came again to us immediately after dinner,
and excused himself, saying that the day before he was called from us
somewhat abruptly, but now he would make us amends, and spend time with us;
if we held his company and conference agreeable. We answered that we held
it so agreeable and pleasing to us, as we forgot both dangers past, and
fears to come, for the time we heard him speak; and that we thought an hour
spent with him was worth years of our former life. He bowed himself a
little to us, and after we were set again, he said, "Well, the questions
are on your part."
One of our number said, after a little pause, that there was a matter we
were no less desirous to know than fearful to ask, lest we might presume
too far. But, encouraged by his rare humanity toward us (that could scarce
think ourselves strangers, being his vowed and professed servants), we
would take the hardness to propound it; humbly beseeching him, if he
thought it not fit to be answered, that he would pardon it, though he
rejected it. We said, we well observed those his words, which he formerly
spake, that this happy island, where we now stood, was known to few, and
yet knew most of the nations of the world, which we found to be true,
considering they had the languages of Europe, and knew much of our State
and business; and yet we in Europe (notwithstanding all the remote
discoveries and navigations of this last age) never heard any of the least
inkling or glimpse of this island. This we found wonderful strange; for
that all nations have interknowledge one of another, either by voyage into
foreign parts, or by strangers that come to them; and though the traveller
into a foreign country doth commonly know more by the eye than he that
stayeth at home can by relation of the traveller; yet both ways suffice to
make a mutual knowledge, in some degree, on both parts. But for this
island, we never heard tell of any ship of theirs that had been seen to
arrive upon any shore of Europe; no, nor of either the East or West Indies,
nor yet of any ship of any other part of the world, that had made return
for them. And yet the marvel rested not in this. For the situation of it
(as his lordship said) in the secret conclave of such a vast sea might
cause it. But then, that they should have knowledge of the languages,
books, affairs, of those that lie such a distance from them, it was a thing
we could not tell what to make of; for that it seemed to us a condition and
propriety of divine powers and beings, to be hidden and unseen to others,
and yet to have others open, and as in a light to them.
At this speech the governor gave a gracious smile and said that we did well
to ask pardon for this question we now asked, for that it imported, as if
we thought this land a land of magicians, that sent forth spirits of the
air into all parts, to bring them news and intelligence of other countries.
It was answered by us all, in all possible humbleness, but yet with a
countenance taking knowledge, that we knew that he spake it but merrily.
That we were apt enough to think there was somewhat supernatural in this
island, but yet rather as angelical than magical. But to let his lordship
know truly what it was that made us tender and doubtful to ask this
question, it was not any such conceit, but because we remembered he had
given a touch in his former speech, that this land had laws of secrecy
touching strangers. To this he said, "You remember it aright; and therefore
in that I shall say to you, I must reserve some particulars, which it is
not lawful for me to reveal, but there will be enough left to give you
satisfaction.
"You shall understand (that which perhaps you will scarce think credible)
that about 3,000 years ago, or somewhat more, the navigation of the world
(especially for remote voyages) was greater than at this day. Do not think
with yourselves, that I know not how much it is increased with you, within
these threescore years; I know it well, and yet I say, greater then than
now; whether it was, that the example of the ark, that saved the remnant of
men from the universal deluge, gave men confidence to venture upon the
waters, or what it was; but such is the truth. The Phoenicians, and
especially the Tyrians, had great fleets; so had the Carthaginians their
colony, which is yet farther west. Toward the east the shipping of Egypt,
and of Palestine, was likewise great. China also, and the great Atlantis
(that you call America), which have now but junks and canoes, abounded then
in tall ships. This island (as appeareth by faithful registers of those
times) had then 1,500 strong ships, of great content. Of all this there is
with you sparing memory, or none; but we have large knowledge thereof.
"At that time this land was known and frequented by the ships and vessels
of all the nations before named. And (as it cometh to pass) they had many
times men of other countries, that were no sailors, that came with them; as
Persians, Chaldeans, Arabians, so as almost all nations of might and fame
resorted hither; of whom we have some stirps and little tribes with us at
this day. And for our own ships, they went sundry voyages, as well to your
straits, which you call the Pillars of Hercules, as to other parts in the
Atlantic and Mediterranean seas; as to Paguin (which is the same with
Cambalaine) and Quinzy, upon the Oriental seas, as far as to the borders of
the East Tartary.
"At the same time, and an age after or more, the inhabitants of the great
Atlantis did flourish. For though the narration and description which is
made by a great man with you, that the descendants of Neptune planted
there, and of the magnificent temple, palace, city, and hill; and the
manifold streams of goodly navigable rivers, which as so many chains
environed the same site and temple; and the several degrees of ascent,
whereby men did climb up to the same, as if it had been a Scala Coeli; be
all poetical and fabulous; yet so much is true, that the said country of
Atlantis, as well that of Peru, then called Coya, as that of Mexico, then
named Tyrambel, were mighty and proud kingdoms, in arms, shipping, and
riches; so mighty, as at one time, or at least within the space of ten
years, they both made two great expeditions; they of Tyrambel through the
Atlantic to the Mediterranean Sea; and they of Coya, through the South Sea
upon this our island; and for the former of these, which was into Europe,
the same author among you, as it seemeth, had some relation from the
Egyptian priest, whom he citeth. For assuredly, such a thing there was. But
whether it were the ancient Athenians that had the glory of the repulse and
resistance of those forces, I can say nothing; but certain it is there
never came back either ship or man from that voyage. Neither had the other
voyage of those of Coya upon us had better fortune, if they had not met
with enemies of greater clemency. For the King of this island, by name
Altabin, a wise man and a great warrior, knowing well both his own strength
and that of his enemies, handled the matter so as he cut off their land
forces from their ships, and entoiled both their navy and their camp with a
greater power than theirs, both by sea and land; and compelled them to
render themselves without striking a stroke; and after they were at his
mercy, contenting himself only with their oath, that they should no more
bear arms against him, dismissed them all in safety.
"But the divine revenge overtook not long after those proud enterprises.
For within less than the space of 100 years the Great Atlantis was utterly
lost and destroyed; not by a great earthquake, as your man saith, for that
whole tract is little subject to earthquakes, but by a particular deluge,
or inundation; those countries having at this day far greater rivers, and
far higher mountains to pour down waters, than any part of the old world.
But it is true that the same inundation was not deep, nor past forty foot,
in most places, from the ground, so that although it destroyed man and
beast generally, yet some few wild inhabitants of the wood escaped. Birds
also were saved by flying to the high trees and woods. For as for men,
although they had buildings in many places higher than the depth of the
water, yet that inundation, though it were shallow, had a long continuance,
whereby they of the vale that were not drowned perished for want of food,
and other things necessary. So as marvel you not at the thin population of
America, nor at the rudeness and ignorance of the people; for you must
account your inhabitants of America as a young people, younger a thousand
years at the least than the rest of the world, for that there was so much
time between the universal flood and their particular inundation.
"For the poor remnant of human seed which remained in their mountains,
peopled the country again slowly, by little and little, and being simple
and a savage people (not like Noah and his sons, which was the chief family
of the earth), they were not able to leave letters, arts, and civility to
their posterity; and having likewise in their mountainous habitations been
used, in respect of the extreme cold of those regions, to clothe themselves
with the skins of tigers, bears, and great hairy goats, that they have in
those parts; when after they came down into the valley, and found the
intolerable heats which are there, and knew no means of lighter apparel,
they were forced to begin the custom of going naked, which continueth at
this day. Only they take great pride and delight in the feathers of birds,
and this also they took from those their ancestors of the mountains, who
were invited unto it, by the infinite flight of birds, that came up to the
high grounds, while the waters stood below. So you see, by this main
accident of time, we lost our traffic with the Americans, with whom of all
others, in regard they lay nearest to us, we had most commerce. As for the
other parts of the world, it is most manifest that in the ages following
(whether it were in respect of wars, or by a natural revolution of time)
navigation did everywhere greatly decay, and specially far voyages (the
rather by the use of galleys, and such vessels as could hardly brook the
ocean) were altogether left and omitted. So then, that part of intercourse
which could be from other nations to sail to us, you see how it hath long
since ceased; except it were by some rare accident, as this of yours. But
now of the cessation of that other part of intercourse, which might be by
our sailing to other nations, I must yield you some other cause. But I
cannot say if I shall say truly, but our shipping, for number, strength,
mariners, pilots, and all things that appertain to navigation, is as great
as ever; and therefore why we should sit at home, I shall now give you an
account by itself; and it will draw nearer, to give you satisfaction, to
your principal question.
"There reigned in this land, about 1,900 years ago, a King, whose memory of
all others we most adore; not superstitiously, but as a divine instrument,
though a mortal man: his name was Salomana; and we esteem him as the
lawgiver of our nation. This King had a large heart, inscrutable for good;
and was wholly bent to make his kingdom and people happy. He, therefore,
taking into consideration how sufficient and substantive this land was, to
maintain itself without any aid at all of the foreigner; being 5,000 miles
in circuit, and of rare fertility of soil, in the greatest part thereof;
and finding also the shipping of this country might be plentifully set on
work, both by fishing and by transportations from port to port, and
likewise by sailing unto some small islands that are not far from us, and
are under the crown and laws of this State; and recalling into his memory
the happy and flourishing estate wherein this land then was, so as it might
be a thousand ways altered to the worse, but scarce any one way to the
better; though nothing wanted to his noble and heroical intentions, but
only (as far as human foresight might reach) to give perpetuity to that
which was in his time so happily established, therefore among his other
fundamental laws of this kingdom he did ordain the interdicts and
prohibitions which we have touching entrance of strangers; which at that
time (though it was after the calamity of America) was frequent; doubting
novelties and commixture of manners. It is true, the like law against the
admission of strangers without license is an ancient law in the Kingdom of
China, and yet continued in use. But there it is a poor thing; and hath
made them a curious, ignorant, fearful, foolish nation. But our lawgiver
made his law of another temper. For first, he hath preserved all points of
humanity, in taking order and making provision for the relief of strangers
distressed; whereof you have tasted."
At which speech (as reason was) we all rose up and bowed ourselves. He went
on: "That King also still desiring to join humanity and policy together;
and thinking it against humanity to detain strangers here against their
wills, and against policy that they should return and discover their
knowledge of this estate, he took this course; he did ordain, that of the
strangers that should be permitted to land, as many at all times might
depart as many as would; but as many as would stay, should have very good
conditions, and means to live from the State. Wherein he saw so far, that
now in so many ages since the prohibition, we have memory not of one ship
that ever returned, and but of thirteen persons only, at several times,
that chose to return in our bottoms. What those few that returned may have
reported abroad, I know not. But you must think, whatsoever they have said,
could be taken where they came but for a dream. Now for our travelling from
hence into parts abroad, our lawgiver thought fit altogether to restrain
it. So is it not in China. For the Chinese sail where they will, or can;
which showeth, that their law of keeping out strangers is a law of
pusillanimity and fear. But this restraint of ours hath one only exception,
which is admirable; preserving the good which cometh by communicating with
strangers, and avoiding the hurt: and I will now open it to you.
"And here I shall seem a little to digress, but you will by and by find it
pertinent. Ye shall understand, my dear friends, that among the excellent
acts of that King, one above all hath the pre-eminence. It was the erection
and institution of an order, or society, which we call Saloman's House, the
noblest foundation, as we think, that ever was upon the earth, and the
lantern of this kingdom. It is dedicated to the study of the works and
creatures of God. Some think it beareth the founder's name a little
corrupted, as if it should be Solomon's House. But the records write it as
it is spoken. So as I take it to be denominate of the King of the Hebrews,
which is famous with you, and no strangers to us; for we have some parts of
his works which with you are lost; namely, that natural history which he
wrote of all plants, from the cedar of Libanus to the moss that groweth out
of the wall; and of all things that have life and motion. This maketh me
think that our King finding himself to symbolize, in many things, with that
King of the Hebrews, which lived many years before him, honored him with
the title of this foundation. And I am the rather induced to be of this
opinion, for that I find in ancient records, this order or society is
sometimes called Solomon's House, and sometimes the College of the Six
Days' Works, whereby I am satisfied that our excellent King had learned
from the Hebrews that God had created the world and all that therein is
within six days: and therefore he instituted that house, for the finding
out of the true nature of all things, whereby God might have the more glory
in the workmanship of them, and men the more fruit in their use of them,
did give it also that second name.
"But now to come to our present purpose. When the King had forbidden to all
his people navigation into any part that was not under his crown, he made
nevertheless this ordinance; that every twelve years there should be set
forth out of this kingdom, two ships, appointed to several voyages; that in
either of these ships there should be a mission of three of the fellows or
brethren of Saloman's House, whose errand was only to give us knowledge of
the affairs and state of those countries to which they were designed; and
especially of the sciences, arts, manufactures, and inventions of all the
world; and withal to bring unto us books, instruments, and patterns in
every kind: that the ships, after they had landed the brethren, should
return; and that the brethren should stay abroad till the new mission, the
ships are not otherwise fraught than with store of victuals, and good
quantity of treasure to remain with the brethren, for the buying of such
things, and rewarding of such persons, as they should think fit. Now for me
to tell you how the vulgar sort of mariners are contained from being
discovered at land, and how they must be put on shore for any time, color
themselves under the names of other nations, and to what places these
voyages have been designed; and what places of rendezvous are appointed for
the new missions, and the like circumstances of the practice, I may not do
it, neither is it much to your desire. But thus you see we maintain a
trade, not for gold, silver, or jewels, nor for silks, nor for spices, nor
any other commodity of matter; but only for God's first creature, which was
light; to have light, I say, of the growth of all parts of the world."
And when he had said this, he was silent, and so were we all; for indeed we
were all astonished to hear so strange things so probably told. And he
perceiving that we were willing to say somewhat, but had it not ready, in
great courtesy took us off, and descended to ask us questions of our voyage
and fortunes, and in the end concluded that we might do well to think with
ourselves what time of stay we would demand of the State, and bade us not
to scant ourselves; for he would procure such time as we desired. Whereupon
we all rose up and presented ourselves to kiss the skirt of his tippet, but
he would not suffer us, and so took his leave. But when it came once among
our people that the State used to offer conditions to strangers that would
stay, we had work enough to get any of our men to look to our ship, and to
keep them from going presently to the governor to crave conditions; but
with much ado we restrained them, till we might agree what course to take.
We took ourselves now for freemen, seeing there was no danger of our utter
perdition, and lived most joyfully, going abroad and seeing what was to be
seen in the city and places adjacent, within our tedder; and obtaining
acquaintance with many of the city, not of the meanest quality, at whose
hands we found such humanity, and such a freedom and desire to take
strangers, as it were, into their bosom, as was enough to make us forget
all that was dear to us in our own countries, and continually we met with
many things, right worthy of observation and relation; as indeed, if there
be a mirror in the world, worthy to hold men's eyes, it is that country.
One day there were two of our company bidden to a feast of the family, as
they call it; a most natural, pious, and reverend custom it is, showing
that nation to be compounded of all goodness. This is the manner of it; it
is granted to any man that shall live to see thirty persons descended of
his body, alive together, and all above three years old, to make this
feast, which is done at the cost of the State. The father of the family,
whom they call the tirsan, two days before the feast, taketh to him three
of such friends as he liketh to choose, and is assisted also by the
governor of the city or place where the feast is celebrated; and all the
persons of the family, of both sexes, are summoned to attend him. These two
days the tirsan sitteth in consultation, concerning the good estate of the
family. There, if there be any discord or suits between any of the family,
they are compounded and appeased. There, if any of the family be distressed
or decayed, order is taken for their relief, and competent means to live.
There, if any be subject to vice, or take ill-courses, they are reproved
and censured. So, likewise, direction is given touching marriages, and the
courses of life which any of them should take, with divers other the like
orders and advices. The governor sitteth to the end, to put in execution,
by his public authority, the decrees and orders of the tirsan, if they
should be disobeyed, though that seldom needeth; such reverence and
obedience they give to the order of nature.
The tirsan doth also then ever choose one man from among his sons, to live
in house with him, who is called ever after the Son of the Vine. The reason
will hereafter appear. On the feast day, the father, or tirsan, cometh
forth after divine service into a large room where the feast is celebrated;
which room hath a half-pace at the upper end. Against the wall, in the
middle of the half-pace, is a chair placed for him, with a table and carpet
before it. Over the chair is a state, made round or oval and it is of ivy;
an ivy somewhat whiter than ours, like the leaf of a silver-asp, but more
shining; for it is green all winter. And the state is curiously wrought
with silver and silk of divers colors, broiding or binding in the ivy; and
is ever of the work of some of the daughters of the family, and veiled over
at the top, with a fine net of silk and silver. But the substance of it is
true ivy; whereof after it is taken down, the friends of the family are
desirous to have some leaf or sprig to keep. The tirsan cometh forth with
all his generation or lineage, the males before him, and the females
following him; and if there be a mother, from whose body the whole lineage
is descended, there is a traverse placed in a loft above on the right hand
of the chair, with a privy door, and a carved window of glass, leaded with
gold and blue; where she sitteth, but is not seen.
When the tirsan is come forth, he sitteth down in the chair; and all the
lineage place themselves against the wall, both at his back, and upon the
return of the half-pace, in order of their years) without difference of
sex, and stand upon their feet. When he is set, the room being always full
of company, but well kept and without disorder, after some pause there
cometh in from the lower end of the room a taratan (which is as much as a
herald), and on either side of him two young lads: whereof one carrieth a
scroll of their shining yellow parchment, and the other a cluster of grapes
of gold, with a long foot or stalk. The herald and children are clothed
with mantles of sea-water- green satin; but the herald's mantle is streamed
with gold, and hath a train. Then the herald with three courtesies, or
rather inclinations, cometh up as far as the half-pace, and there first
taketh into his hand the scroll. This scroll is the King's charter,
containing gift of revenue, and many privileges, exemptions, and points of
honor, granted to the father of the family; and it is ever styled and
directed, "To such an one, our well- beloved friend and creditor," which is
a title proper only to this case. For they say, the King is debtor to no
man, but for propagation of his subjects; the seal set to the King's
charter is the King's image, embossed or moulded in gold; and though such
charters be expedited of course, and as of right, yet they are varied by
discretion, according to the number and dignity of the family. This charter
the herald readeth aloud; and while it is read, the father, or tirsan,
standeth up, supported by two of his sons, such as he chooseth.
Then the herald mounteth the half-pace, and delivereth the charter into his
hand: and with that there is an acclamation, by all that are present, in
their language, which is thus much, "Happy are the people of Bensalem."
Then the herald taketh into his hand from the other child the cluster of
grapes, which is of gold; both the stalk, and the grapes. But the grapes
are daintily enamelled: and if the males of the family be the greater
number, the grapes are enamelled purple, with a little sun set on the top;
if the females, then they are enamelled into a greenish yellow, with a
crescent on the top. The grapes are in number as many as there are
descendants of the family. This golden cluster the herald delivereth also
to the tirsan; who presently delivereth it over to that son that he had
formerly chosen, to be in house with him: who beareth it before his father,
as an ensign of honor, when he goeth in public ever after; and is thereupon
called the Son of the Vine. After this ceremony ended the father, or
tirsan, retireth, and after some time cometh forth again to dinner, where
he sitteth alone under the state, as before; and none of his descendants
sit with him, of what degree or dignity so ever, except he hap to be of
Saloman's House. He is served only by his own children, such as are male;
who perform unto him all service of the table upon the knee, and the women
only stand about him, leaning against the wall. The room below his
half-pace hath tables on the sides for the guests that are bidden; who are
served with great and comely order; and toward the end of dinner (which in
the greatest feasts with them lasteth never above an hour and a half) there
is a hymn sung, varied according to the invention of him that composeth it
(for they have excellent poesy), but the subject of it is always the
praises of Adam, and Noah, and Abraham; whereof the former two peopled the
world, and the last was the father of the faithful: concluding ever with a
thanksgiving for the nativity of our Saviour, in whose birth the births of
all are only blessed.
Dinner being done, the tirsan retireth again; and having withdrawn himself
alone into a place, where he maketh some private prayers, he cometh forth
the third time, to give the blessing; with all his descendants, who stand
about him as at the first. Then he calleth them forth by one and by one, by
name as he pleaseth, though seldom the order of age be inverted. The person
that is called (the table being before removed) kneeleth down before the
chair, and the father layeth his hand upon his head, or her head, and
giveth the blessing in these words: "Son of Bensalem (or daughter of
Bensalem), thy father saith it; the man by whom thou hast breath and life
speaketh the word; the blessing of the everlasting Father, the Prince of
Peace, and the Holy Dove be upon thee, and make the days of thy pilgrimage
good and many." This he saith to every of them; and that done, if there be
any of his sons of eminent merit and virtue, so they be not above two, he
calleth for them again, and saith, laying his arm over their shoulders,
they standing: "Sons, it is well you are born, give God the praise, and
persevere to the end;" and withal delivereth to either of them a jewel,
made in the figure of an ear of wheat, which they ever after wear in the
front of their turban, or hat; this done, they fall to music and dances,
and other recreations, after their manner, for the rest of the day. This is
the full order of that feast.
By that time six or seven days were spent, I was fallen into straight
acquaintance with a merchant of that city, whose name was Joabin. He was a
Jew and circumcised; for they have some few stirps of Jews yet remaining
among them, whom they leave to their own religion. Which they may the
better do, because they are of a far differing disposition from the Jews in
other parts. For whereas they hate the name of Christ, and have a secret
inbred rancor against the people among whom they live; these, contrariwise,
give unto our Saviour many high attributes, and love the nation of Bensalem
extremely. Surely this man of whom I speak would ever acknowledge that
Christ was born of a Virgin; and that he was more than a man; and he would
tell how God made him ruler of the seraphim, which guard his throne; and
they call him also the Milken Way, and the Eliah of the Messiah, and many
other high names, which though they be inferior to his divine majesty, yet
they are far from the language of other Jews. And for the country of
Bensalem, this man would make no end of commending it, being desirous by
tradition among the Jews there to have it believed that the people thereof
were of the generations of Abraham, by another son, whom they call
Nachoran; and that Moses by a secret cabala ordained the laws of Bensalem
which they now use; and that when the Messias should come, and sit in his
throne at Hierusalem, the King of Bensalem should sit at his feet, whereas
other kings should keep a great distance. But yet setting aside these
Jewish dreams, the man was a wise man and learned, and of great policy, and
excellently seen in the laws and customs of that nation.
Among other discourses one day I told him, I was much affected with the
relation I had from some of the company of their custom in holding the
feast of the family, for that, methought, I had never heard of a solemnity
wherein nature did so much preside. And because propagation of families
proceedeth from the nuptial copulation, I desired to know of him what laws
and customs they had concerning marriage, and whether they kept marriage
well, and whether they were tied to one wife? For that where population is
so much affected, and such as with them it seemed to be, there is commonly
permission of plurality of wives. To this he said:
"You have reason for to commend that excellent institution of the feast of
the family; and indeed we have experience, that those families that are
partakers of the blessings of that feast, do flourish and prosper ever
after, in an extraordinary manner. But hear me now, and I will tell you
what I know. You shall understand that there is not under the heavens so
chaste a nation as this of Bensalem, nor so free from all pollution or
foulness. It is the virgin of the world; I remember, I have read in one of
your European books, of a holy hermit among you, that desired to see the
spirit of fornication, and there appeared to him a little foul ugly
Ethiope; but if he had desired to see the spirit of chastity of Bensalem,
it would have appeared to him in the likeness of a fair beautiful cherub.
For there is nothing, among mortal men, more fair and admirable than the
chaste minds of this people.
"Know, therefore, that with them there are no stews, no dissolute houses,
no courtesans, nor anything of that kind. Nay, they wonder, with
detestation, at you in Europe, which permit such things. They say ye have
put marriage out of office; for marriage is ordained a remedy for unlawful
concupiscence; and natural concupiscence seemeth as a spur to marriage. But
when men have at hand a remedy, more agreeable to their corrupt will,
marriage is almost expulsed. And therefore there are with you seen infinite
men that marry not, but choose rather a libertine and impure single life,
than to be yoked in marriage; and many that do marry, marry late, when the
prime and strength of their years are past. And when they do marry, what is
marriage to them but a very bargain; wherein is sought alliance, or
portion, or reputation, with some desire (almost indifferent) of issue; and
not the faithful nuptial union of man and wife, that was first instituted.
Neither is it possible that those that have cast away so basely so much of
their strength, should greatly esteem children (being of the same matter)
as chaste men do. So likewise during marriage is the case much amended, as
it ought to be if those things were tolerated only for necessity; no, but
they remain still as a very affront to marriage.
"The haunting of those dissolute places, or resort to courtesans, are no
more punished in married men than in bachelors. And the depraved custom of
change, and the delight in meretricious embracements (where sin is turned
into art), maketh marriage a dull thing, and a kind of imposition or tax.
They hear you defend these things, as done to avoid greater evils; as
advoutries, deflowering of virgins, unnatural lust, and the like. But they
say this is a preposterous wisdom; and they call it Lot's offer, who to
save his guests from abusing, offered his daughters; nay, they say further,
that there is little gained in this; for that the same vices and appetites
do still remain and abound, unlawful lust being like a furnace, that if you
stop the flames altogether it will quench, but if you give it any vent it
will rage; as for masculine love, they have no touch of it; and yet there
are not so faithful and inviolate friendships in the world again as are
there, and to speak generally (as I said before) I have not read of any
such chastity in any people as theirs. And their usual saying is that
whosoever is unchaste cannot reverence himself; and they say that the
reverence of a man's self, is, next religion, the chiefest bridle of all
vices."
And when he had said this the good Jew paused a little; whereupon I, far
more willing to hear him speak on than to speak myself; yet thinking it
decent that upon his pause of speech I should not be altogether silent,
said only this; that I would say to him, as the widow of Sarepta said to
Elias: "that he was come to bring to memory our sins; "and that I confess
the righteousness of Bensalem was greater than the righteousness of Europe.
At which speech he bowed his head, and went on this manner:
"They have also many wise and excellent laws, touching marriage. They allow
no polygamy. They have ordained that none do intermarry, or contract, until
a month be past from their first interview. Marriage without consent of
parents they do not make void, but they mulct it in the inheritors; for the
children of such marriages are not admitted to inherit above a third part
of their parents' inheritance. I have read in a book of one of your men, of
a feigned commonwealth, where the married couple are permitted, before they
contract, to see one another naked. This they dislike; for they think it a
scorn to give a refusal after so familiar knowledge; but because of many
hidden defects in men and women's bodies, they have a more civil way; for
they have near every town a couple of pools (which they call Adam and Eve's
pools), where it is permitted to one of the friends of the man, and another
of the friends of the woman, to see them severally bathe naked."
And as we were thus in conference, there came one that seemed to be a
messenger, in a rich huke, that spake with the Jew; whereupon he turned to
me, and said, "You will pardon me, for I am commanded away in haste." The
next morning he came to me again, joyful as it seemed, and said: "There is
word come to the governor of the city, that one of the fathers of Salomon's
House will be here this day seven-night; we have seen none of them this
dozen years. His coming is in state; but the cause of this coming is
secret. I will provide you and your fellows of a good standing to see his
entry." I thanked him, and told him I was most glad of the news.
The day being come he made his entry. He was a man of middle stature and
age, comely of person, and had an aspect as if he pitied men. He was
clothed in a robe of fine black cloth and wide sleeves, and a cape: his
under-garment was of excellent white linen down to the foot, girt with a
girdle of the same; and a sindon or tippet of the same about his neck. He
had gloves that were curious, and set with stone; and shoes of
peach-colored velvet. His neck was bare to the shoulders. His hat was like
a helmet, or Spanish montero; and his locks curled below it decently; they
were of color brown. His heard was cut round and of the same color with his
hair, somewhat lighter. He was carried in a rich chariot, without wheels,
litter-wise, with two horses at either end, richly trapped in blue velvet
embroidered; and two footmen on each side in the like attire. The chariot
was all of cedar, gilt and adorned with crystal; save that the fore end had
panels of sapphires set in borders of gold, and the hinder end the like of
emeralds of the Peru color. There was also a sun of gold, radiant upon the
top, in the midst; and on the top before a small cherub of gold, with wings
displayed. The chariot was covered with cloth-of- gold tissued upon blue.
He had before him fifty attendants, young men all, in white satin loose
coats up to the mid-leg, and stockings of white silk; and shoes of blue
velvet; and hats of blue velvet, with fine plumes of divers colors, set
round like hat-bands. Next before the chariot went two men, bareheaded, in
linen garments down to the foot, girt, and shoes of blue velvet, who
carried the one a crosier, the other a pastoral staff like a sheep-hook;
neither of them of metal, but the crosier of balm-wood, the pastoral staff
of cedar. Horsemen he had none, neither before nor behind his chariot; as
it seemeth, to avoid all tumult and trouble. Behind his chariot went all
the officers and principals of the companies of the city. He sat alone,
upon cushions, of a kind of excellent plush, blue; and under his foot
curious carpets of silk of divers colors, like the Persian, but far finer.
He held up his bare hand, as he went, as blessing the people, but in
silence. The street was wonderfully well kept; so that there was never any
army had their men stand in better battle-array than the people stood. The
windows likewise were not crowded, but everyone stood in them, as if they
had been placed.
When the show was passed, the Jew said to me, "I shall not be able to
attend you as I would, in regard of some charge the city hath laid upon me
for the entertaining of this great person." Three days after the Jew came
to me again, and said: "Ye are happy men; for the father of Salomon's House
taketh knowledge of your being here, and commanded me to tell you that he
will admit all your company to his presence, and have private conference
with one of you, that ye shall choose; and for this hath appointed the next
day after to-morrow. And because he meaneth to give you his blessing, he
hath appointed it in the forenoon." We came at our day and hour, and I was
chosen by my fellows for the private access. We found him in a fair
chamber, richly hanged, and carpeted under foot, without any degrees to the
state; he was set upon a low throne richly adorned, and a rich cloth of
state over his head of blue satin embroidered. He was alone, save that he
had two pages of honor, on either hand one, finely attired in white. His
undergarments were the like that we saw him wear in the chariot; but
instead of his gown, he had on him a mantle with a cape, of the same fine
black, fastened about him. When we came in, as we were taught, we bowed low
at our first entrance; and when we were come near his chair, he stood up,
holding forth his hand ungloved, and in posture of blessing; and we every
one of us stooped down and kissed the end of his tippet. That done, the
rest departed, and I remained. Then he warned the pages forth of the room,
and caused me to sit down beside him, and spake to me thus in the Spanish
tongue:
"God bless thee, my son; I will give thee the greatest jewel I have. For I
will impart unto thee, for the love of God and men, a relation of the true
state of Salomon's House. Son, to make you know the true state of Salomon's
House, I will keep this order. First, I will set forth unto you the end of
our foundation. Secondly, the preparations and instruments we have for our
works. Thirdly, the several employments and functions whereto our fellows
are assigned. And fourthly, the ordinances and rites which we observe.
"The end of our foundation is the knowledge of causes, and secret motions
of things; and the enlarging of the bounds of human empire, to the
effecting of all things possible.
"The preparations and instruments are these: We have large and deep caves
of several depths; the deepest are sunk 600 fathoms; and some of them are
digged and made under great hills and mountains; so that if you reckon
together the depth of the hill and the depth of the cave, they are, some of
them, above three miles deep. For we find that the depth of a hill and the
depth of a cave from the flat are the same thing; both remote alike from
the sun and heaven's beams, and from the open air. These caves we call the
lower region. And we use them for all coagulations, indurations,
refrigerations, and conservations of bodies. We use them likewise for the
imitation of natural mines and the producing also of new artificial metals,
by compositions and materials which we use and lay there for many years. We
use them also sometimes (which may seem strange) for curing of some
diseases, and for prolongation of life, in some hermits that choose to live
there, well accommodated of all things necessary, and indeed live very
long; by whom also we learn many things.
"We have burials in several earths, where we put divers cements, as the
Chinese do their porcelain. But we have them in greater variety, and some
of them more fine. We also have great variety of composts and soils, for
the making of the earth fruitful.
"We have high towers, the highest about half a mile in height, and some of
them likewise set upon high mountains, so that the vantage of the hill with
the tower is in the highest of them three miles at least. And these places
we call the upper region, account the air between the high places and the
low as a middle region. We use these towers, according to their several
heights and situations, for insulation, refrigeration, conservation, and
for the view of divers meteors -- as winds, rain, snow, hail, and some of
the fiery meteors also. And upon them in some places are dwellings of
hermits, whom we visit sometimes and instruct what to observe.
"We have great lakes, both salt and fresh, whereof we have use for the fish
and fowl. We use them also for burials of some natural bodies, for we find
a difference in things buried in earth, or in air below the earth, and
things buried in water. We have also pools, of which some do strain fresh
water out of salt, and others by art do turn fresh water into salt. We have
also some rocks in the midst of the sea, and some bays upon the shore for
some works, wherein are required the air and vapor of the sea. We have
likewise violent streams and cataracts, which serve us for many motions;
and likewise engines for multiplying and enforcing of winds to set also on
divers motions.
"We have also a number of artificial wells and fountains, made in imitation
of the natural sources and baths, as tincted upon vitriol, sulphur, steel,
brass, lead, nitre, and other minerals; and again, we have little wells for
infusions of many things, where the waters take the virtue quicker and
better than in vessels or basins. And among them we have a water, which we
call water of paradise, being by that we do it made very sovereign for
health and prolongation of life.
"We have also great and spacious houses, where we imitate and demonstrate
meteors -- as snow, hail, rain, some artificial rains of bodies and not of
water, thunders, lightnings; also generations of bodies in air -- as frogs,
flies, and divers others.
"We have also certain chambers, which we call chambers of health, where we
qualify the air as we think good and proper for the cure of divers diseases
and preservation of health.
"We have also fair and large baths, of several mixtures, for the cure of
diseases, and the restoring of man's body from arefaction; and others for
the confirming of it in strength of sinews, vital parts, and the very juice
and substance of the body.
"We have also large and various orchards and gardens, wherein we do not so
much respect beauty as variety of ground and soil, proper for divers trees
and herbs, and some very spacious, where trees and berries are set, whereof
we make divers kinds of drinks, beside the vineyards. In these we practise
likewise all conclusions of grafting, and inoculating, as well of
wild-trees as fruit-trees, which produceth many effects. And we make by
art, in the same orchards and gardens, trees and flowers, to come earlier
or later than their seasons, and to come up and bear more speedily than by
their natural course they do. We make them also by art greater much than
their nature; and their fruit greater and sweeter, and of differing taste,
smell, color, and figure, from their nature. And many of them we so order
as that they become of medicinal use.
"We have also means to make divers plants rise by mixtures of earths
without seeds, and likewise to make divers new plants, differing from the
vulgar, and to make one tree or plant turn into another.
"We have also parks, and enclosures of all sorts, of beasts and birds;
which we use not only for view or rareness, but likewise for dissections
and trials, that thereby may take light what may be wrought upon the body
of man. Wherein we find many strange effects: as continuing life in them,
though divers parts, which you account vital, be perished and taken forth;
resuscitating of some that seem dead in appearance, and the like. We try
also all poisons, and other medicines upon them, as well of chirurgery as
physic. By art likewise we make them greater or smaller than their kind is,
and contrariwise dwarf them and stay their growth; we make them more
fruitful and bearing than their kind is, and contrariwise barren and not
generative. Also we make them differ in color, shape, activity, many ways.
We find means to make commixtures and copulations of divers kinds, which
have produced many new kinds, and them not barren, as the general opinion
is. We make a number of kinds of serpents, worms, flies, fishes of
putrefaction, whereof some are advanced (in effect) to be perfect
creatures, like beasts or birds, and have sexes, and do propagate. Neither
do we this by chance, but we know beforehand of what matter and commixture,
what kind of those creatures will arise.
"We have also particular pools where we make trials upon fishes, as we have
said before of beasts and birds.
"We have also places for breed and generation of those kinds of worms and
flies which are of special use; such as are with you your silkworms and
bees.
"I will not hold you long with recounting of our brew- houses, bake-houses,
and kitchens, where are made divers drinks, breads, and meats, rare and of
special effects. Wines we have of grapes, and drinks of other juice, of
fruits, of grains, and of roots, and of mixtures with honey, sugar, manna,
and fruits dried and decocted; also of the tears or wounding of trees and
of the pulp of canes. And these drinks are of several ages, some to the age
or last of forty years. We have drinks also brewed with several herbs and
roots and spices; yea, with several fleshes and white meats; whereof some
of the drinks are such as they are in effect meat and drink both, so that
divers, especially in age, do desire to live with them with little or no
meat or bread. And above all we strive to have drinks of extreme thin
parts, to insinuate into the body, and yet without all biting, sharpness,
or fretting; insomuch as some of them put upon the back of your hand, will
with a little stay pass through to the palm, and yet taste mild to the
mouth. We have also waters, which we ripen in that fashion, as they become
nourishing, so that they are indeed excellent drinks, and many will use no
other. Bread we have of several grains, roots, and kernels; yea, and some
of flesh, and fish, dried; with divers kinds of leavings and seasonings; so
that some do extremely move appetites, some do nourish so as divers do live
of them, without any other meat, who live very long. So for meats, we have
some of them so beaten, and made tender, and mortified, yet without all
corrupting, as a weak heat of the stomach will turn them into good chilus,
as well as a strong heat would meat otherwise prepared. We have some meats
also and bread, and drinks, which, taken by men, enable them to fast long
after; and some other, that used make the very flesh of men's bodies
sensibly more hard and tough, and their strength far greater than otherwise
it would be.
"We have dispensatories or shops of medicines; wherein you may easily
think, if we have such variety of plants, and living creatures, more than
you have in Europe (for we know what you have), the simples, drugs, and
ingredients of medicines, must likewise be in so much the greater variety.
We have them likewise of divers ages, and long fermentations. And for their
preparations, we have not only all manner of exquisite distillations, and
separations, and especially by gentle heats, and percolations through
divers strainers, yea, and substances; but also exact forms of composition,
whereby they incorporate almost as they were natural simples.
"We have also divers mechanical arts, which you have not; and stuffs made
by them, as papers, linen, silks, tissues, dainty works of feathers of
wonderful lustre, excellent dyes, and many others, and shops likewise as
well for such as are not brought into vulgar use among us, as for those
that are. For you must know, that of the things before recited, many of
them are grown into use throughout the kingdom, but yet, if they did flow
from our invention, we have of them also for patterns and principals.
"We have also furnaces of great diversities, and that keep great diversity
of heats; fierce and quick, strong and constant, soft and mild, blown,
quiet, dry, moist, and the like. But above all we have heats, in imitation
of the sun's and heavenly bodies' heats, that pass divers inequalities, and
as it were orbs, progresses, and returns whereby we produce admirable
effects. Besides, we have heats of dungs, and of bellies and maws of living
creatures and of their bloods and bodies, and of hays and herbs laid up
moist, of lime unquenched, and such like. Instruments also which generate
heat only by motion. And farther, places for strong insulations; and,
again, places under the earth, which by nature or art yield heat. These
divers heats we use as the nature of the operation which we intend
requireth.
"We have also perspective houses, where we make demonstrations of all
lights and radiations and of all colors; and out of things uncolored and
transparent we can represent unto you all several colors, not in rainbows,
as it is in gems and prisms, but of themselves single. We represent also
all multiplications of light, which we carry to great distance, and make so
sharp as to discern small points and lines. Also all colorations of light:
all delusions and deceits of the sight, in figures, magnitudes, motions,
colors; all demonstrations of shadows. We find also divers means, yet
unknown to you, of producing of light, originally from divers bodies. We
procure means of seeing objects afar off, as in the heaven and remote
places; and represent things near as afar off, and things afar off as near;
making feigned distances. We have also helps for the sight far above
spectacles and glasses in use; we have also glasses and means to see small
and minute bodies, perfectly and distinctly; as the shapes and colors of
small flies and worms, grains, and flaws in gems which cannot otherwise be
seen, observations in urine and blood not otherwise to be seen. We make
artificial rainbows, halos, and circles about light. We represent also all
manner of reflections, refractions, and multiplications of visual beams of
objects.
"We have also precious stones, of all kinds, many of them of great beauty
and to you unknown, crystals likewise, and glasses of divers kind; and
among them some of metals vitrificated, and other materials, besides those
of which you make glass. Also a number of fossils and imperfect minerals,
which you have not. Likewise loadstones of prodigious virtue, and other
rare stones, both natural and artificial.
"We have also sound-houses, where we practise and demonstrate all sounds
and their generation. We have harmony which you have not, of quarter-sounds
and lesser slides of sounds. Divers instruments of music likewise to you
unknown, some sweeter than any you have; with bells and rings that are
dainty and sweet. We represent small sounds as great and deep, likewise
great sounds extenuate and sharp; we make divers tremblings and warblings
of sounds, which in their original are entire. We represent and imitate all
articulate sounds and letters, and the voices and notes of beasts and
birds. We have certain helps which, set to the ear, do further the hearing
greatly; we have also divers strange and artificial echoes, reflecting the
voice many times, and, as it were, tossing it; and some that give back the
voice louder than it came, some shriller and some deeper; yea, some
rendering the voice, differing in the letters or articulate sound from that
they receive. We have all means to convey sounds in trunks and pipes, in
strange lines and distances.
"We have also perfume-houses, wherewith we join also practices of taste. We
multiply smells which may seem strange: we imitate smells, making all
smells to breathe out of other mixtures than those that give them. We make
divers imitations of taste likewise, so that they will deceive any man's
taste. And in this house we contain also a confiture-house, where we make
all sweatmeats, dry and moist, and divers pleasant wines, milks, broths,
and salads, far in greater variety than you have.
"We have also engine-houses, where are prepared engines and instruments for
all sorts of motions. There we imitate and practise to make swifter motions
than any you have, either out of your muskets or any engine that you have;
and to make them and multiply them more easily and with small force, by
wheels and other means, and to make them stronger and more violent than
yours are, exceeding your greatest cannons and basilisks. We represent also
ordnance and instruments of war and engines of all kinds; and likewise new
mixtures and compositions of gunpowder, wild-fires burning in water and
unquenchable, also fire-works of all variety, both for pleasure and use. We
imitate also flights of birds; we have some degrees of flying in the air.
We have ships and boats for going under water and brooking of seas, also
swimming-girdles and supporters. We have divers curious clocks and other
like motions of return, and some perpetual motions. We imitate also motions
of living creatures by images of men, beasts, birds, fishes, and serpents;
we have also a great number of other various motions, strange for equality,
fineness, and subtilty.
"We have also a mathematical-house, where are represented all instruments,
as well of geometry as astronomy, exquisitely made.
"We have also houses of deceits of the senses, where we represent all
manner of feats of juggling, false apparitions, impostures and illusions,
and their fallacies. And surely you will easily believe that we, that have
so many things truly natural which induce admiration, could in a world of
particulars deceive the senses if we would disguise those things, and labor
to make them more miraculous. But we do hate all impostures and lies,
insomuch as we have severely forbidden it to all our fellows, under pain of
ignominy and fines, that they do not show any natural work or thing adorned
or swelling, but only pure as it is, and without all affectation of
strangeness.
"These are, my son, the riches of Salomon's House.
"For the several employments and offices of our fellows, we have twelve
that sail into foreign countries under the names of other nations (for our
own we conceal), who bring us the books and abstracts, and patterns of
experiments of all other parts. These we call merchants of light.
"We have three that collect the experiments which are in all books. These
we call depredators.
"We have three that collect the experiments of all mechanical arts, and
also of liberal sciences, and also of practices which are not brought into
arts. These we call mystery-men.
"We have three that try new experiments, such as themselves think good.
These we call pioneers or miners.
"We have three that draw the experiments of the former four into titles and
tables, to give the better light for the drawing of observations and axioms
out of them. These we call compilers. We have three that bend themselves,
looking into the experiments of their fellows, and cast about how to draw
out of them things of use and practice for man's life and knowledge, as
well for works as for plain demonstration of causes, means of natural
divinations, and the easy and clear discovery of the virtues and parts of
bodies. These we call dowry-men or benefactors.
"Then after divers meetings and consults of our whole number, to consider
of the former labors and collections, we have three that take care out of
them to direct new experiments, of a higher light, more penetrating into
nature than the former. These we call lamps.
"We have three others that do execute the experiments so directed, and
report them. These we call inoculators.
"Lastly, we have three that raise the former discoveries by experiments
into greater observations, axioms, and aphorisms. These we call
interpreters of nature.
"We have also, as you must think, novices and apprentices, that the
succession of the former employed men do not fail; besides a great number
of servants and attendants, men and women. And this we do also: we have
consultations, which of the inventions and experiences which we have
discovered shall be published, and which not; and take all an oath of
secrecy for the concealing of those which we think fit to keep secret;
though some of those we do reveal sometime to the State, and some not.
"For our ordinances and rites we have two very long and fair galleries. In
one of these we place patterns and samples of all manner of the more rare
and excellent inventions; in the other we place the statues of all
principal inventors. There we have the statue of your Columbus, that
discovered the West Indies, also the inventor of ships, your monk that was
the inventor of ordnance and of gunpowder, the inventor of music, the
inventor of letters, the inventor of printing, the inventor of observations
of astronomy, the inventor of works in metal, the inventor of glass, the
inventor of silk of the worm, the inventor of wine, the inventor of corn
and bread, the inventor of sugars; and all these by more certain tradition
than you have. Then we have divers inventors of our own, of excellent
works; which, since you have not seen) it were too long to make
descriptions of them; and besides, in the right understanding of those
descriptions you might easily err. For upon every invention of value we
erect a statue to the inventor, and give him a liberal and honorable
reward. These statues are some of brass, some of marble and touchstone,
some of cedar and other special woods gilt and adorned; some of iron, some
of silver, some of gold.
"We have certain hymns and services, which we say daily, of laud and thanks
to God for His marvellous works. And forms of prayers, imploring His aid
and blessing for the illumination of our labors; and turning them into good
and holy uses.
"Lastly, we have circuits or visits, of divers principal cities of the
kingdom; where as it cometh to pass we do publish such new profitable
inventions as we think good. And we do also declare natural divinations of
diseases, plagues, swarms of hurtful creatures, scarcity, tempest,
earthquakes, great inundations, comets, temperature of the year, and divers
other things; and we give counsel thereupon, what the people shall do for
the prevention and remedy of them."
And when he had said this he stood up, and I, as I had been taught, knelt
down; and he laid his right hand upon my head, and said: "God bless thee,
my son, and God bless this relation which I have made. I give thee leave to
publish it, for the good of other nations; for we here are in God's bosom,
a land unknown." And so he left me; having assigned a value of about 2,000
ducats for a bounty to me and my fellows. For they give great largesses,
where they come, upon all occasions.
[THE REST WAS NOT PERFECTED.][End.] .