Sylua syluarum: or A naturall historie In ten centuries. VVritten by the Right Honourable Francis Lo. Verulam Viscount St. Alban. Published after the authors death, by VVilliam Rawley Doctor of Diuinitie, late his Lordships chaplaine.

NEW ATLANTIS.

WEE sayled from Peru, (wher wee had con∣tinued by the space of one whole yeare,) for China and Iapan, by the South Sea; ta∣king with vs Victuals for twelue Mo∣neths; And had good Windes from the East, though soft and weake, for fiue Mo∣neths space, and more. But then the Winde came about, and setled in the West for many dayes, so as we could make little or no way, and were sometimes in pur∣pose to turne back. But then againe ther arose Strong and Great Windes from the South, with a Point East; which carried vs vp, (for all that we could doe) towards the North: By which time our Victualls failed vs, though we had made good spare of them. So that finding our selues, in the Midst of the greatest Wildernesse of Waters in the World, without Victuall, we gaue our Selues for lost Men, and prepared for Death. Yet we did lift vp our Harts and Voices to GOD aboue, who sheweth his Wonders in the Deepe; Beseeching him of his Mercy, that as in the Begin∣ning He discouered the Face of the Deepe, and brought forth Dry-Land; So he would now discouer Land to vs, that we mought not perish. And it came to passe, that the next Day about Euening, we saw within a Kenning before vs, to∣wards the North, as it were thick Cloudes, which did put vs in some hope of Land; Knowing how that part of the South Sea was vtterly vnknowne; And might haue Islands, or Continents, that hithertoo were not come to light.

Wherefore we bent our Course thither, wher we saw the Appearance of Land, all that night; And in the Dawning of the next Day, we might plainly discerne that it was a Land; Flatt to our sight, and full of Boscage; which made it shew the more Darke, And after an Houre and a halfs Sayling, we entred into a good Hauen, being the Port of a faire Citty; Not great indeed, but well built, and that gaue a pleasant view from the Sea: And we thinking euery Minute long, till we were on Land, came close to the Shore, and offred to land. But straightwayes we saw diuers of the People, with Bastons in their Hands, (as it were) forbidding vs to land; Yet without any Cries or Fiercenesse, but onely as warning vs off, by Signes that they made. Wherevpon being not a lit∣tle discomforted, we were aduising with our selues, what we should doe. During which time, ther made forth to vs a small Boate, with about eight Persons in it; wherof One of them had in his Hand a Tipstaffe of a yellow Cane, tipped at both ends with Blew, who came aboard our Shipp, without any shew of Distrust at all. And when he saw one of our Number, present himselfe somewhat afore the rest, he drew forth a little Scroule of Parchment, (somewhat yellower then our Parchment, and shining like the Leaues of Writing Tables, but otherwise soft and flexible,) and de∣liuered it to our foremost Man. In which Scroule were writ∣ten in Ancient Hebrew, and in Ancient Greeke, and in good Latine of the Schoole, and in Spanish, these wordes; Land yee not, none of you; And prouide to be gone, from this Coast, within six∣teene daies, except you haue further time giuen you. Meanewhile, if you want Fresh Water, or Victuall, or helpe for your Sick, or that your Ship needeth repaire, write downe your wants, and you shall haue that, which belongeth to Mercy. This Scroule was Signed with a Stampe of Cherubins Wings, not spred, but hanging downwards; And by them a Crosse. This being deliuered, the Officer returned, and left onely a Seruant with vs to re∣ceyue our Answeare. Consulting hereupon amongst our Selues, we were much perplexed. The Deniall of Landing, & Hasty Warning vs away, troubled vs much; On the other∣side,

to finde that the People had Languages, and were so full of Humanity, did comfort vs not a little. And aboue all, the Signe of the Crosse to that Instrument, was to vs a great Reioycing, and as it were a certaine Presage of Good. Our Answer was in the Spanish tongue; That for our Shipp, it was well; For we had rather mett with Clames, and contrary windes, then any Tempests. For our Sick, they were many, and in very ill Case; So that if they were not permitted to Land, they ran danger of their Liues. Our other Wants we sett downe in particular, adding; That we had some little store of Merchandize, which if it pleased them to deale for, it might supply our Wants, without being chargeable vnto them. We offred some Reward in Pistoletts vnto the Seruant, and a peece of Crimson Vel∣uett to be presented to the Officer: But the Seruant tooke them not, nor would scarce looke vpon them; And so left vs, and went back in another little Boate, which was sent for him.

About three Houres after we had dispatched our An∣swear, ther came towards vs, a Person (as it seemed) of place. He had on him a Gowne with wide Sleeues, of a kinde of Water Chamolett, of an excellent Azure Colour, farre more glossy then ours: His vnder Apparell was Green; And so was his Hatt, being in the forme of a Turban, dain∣tely made, and not so huge as the Turkish Turbans; And the Lockes of his Haire came downe below the Brimms of it. A Reuerend Man was he to behold. Hee came in a Boate, gilt in some part of it, with foure Persons more one∣ly in that Boate; And was followed by another Boate, wherein were some Twenty. When he was come within a Flight-shott of our Shipp, Signes were made to vs, that we should send forth some to meet him vpon the Water; which we presently did in our Shipp-Boate, sending the principall Man amongst vs saue one, and foure of our Num∣ber with him. When we were come within sixe yards of their Boate, they called to vs to stay, and not to approach further; which we did. And therupon the Man, whom I before described, stood vp, and with a loud voice, in Spa∣nish,

asked; Are yee Christians? We answered; We were; fea∣ring the lesse, because of the Crosse we had seen in the Sub∣scription. At which Answear the said Person lift vp his Right Hand towards Heauen, and drew it softly to his Mouth, (which is the Gesture they vse, when they thank GOD;) And then said: If yee will sweare, (all of you,) by the Me∣ritts of the SAVIOVR, that yee are no Pirates; Nor haue shed bloud, lawfully, nor vnlawfully, within fourtie daies past; you may haue License to come on Land. Wee said; Wee were all ready to take that Oath. Wherupon 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 Boate, after his Lord had spoken a little to him, said aloud; My Lord would haue you know, that it is not of Pride, or Greatnes, that ••e commeth not aboard your Shipp; But for that, in your Answear, your declare, that you haue many Sick amongst you, he was warned by the Con∣seruatour of Health, of the Citty, that he should keepe a distance. We bowed our selues towards him, and answered; Wee were his humble Seruants; And accounted for great Honour, and singular Humanity towards vs, that which was allready done; But hoped well, that the Nature, of the Sicknes, of our Men, was not infectious. Sc he returned; And a while after came the Notary to vs aboard our Ship; Holding in his hand a Fruit of that Cuntry, like an Orenge, but of colour between Orenge tawney and Scarlett; which cast a most excellent Odour. He vsed it (as it seemeth) for a Preseruatiue against Infection. He gaue vs our Oath; By the Name of Iesus, and his Merits: And after told vs, that the next day, by sixe of the Clocke, in the Morning, we should be sent to, and brought to the Strangers House, (so he called it,) wher we should be accommodated of things, both for our VVhole, and for our Sick So he left vs; And when we offred him some Pisto∣letts he smiling said; He must not be twice paid, for one Labour: Meaning (as I take it) that he had Salary sufficient of the State for his Seruice. For (as I after learned) they call an Offi∣cer, that taketh Rewards, Twice-paid.

The next Morning earely, ther came to vs the same Offi∣cer, that came to vs at first with his Cane, and told vs; He came to conduct vs to the Strangers House; And that hee had preuented the Houre, because we might haue the whole day before vs, for our Businesse. For (said he) If you will follow my Ad∣uice ther shall first goe with me some few of you, and see the place, and how it may be made conuenient for you; And then you may send for your Sick, and the rest of your Number, which yee will bring on Land. We thanked him, and said; That this Care, which he tooke of desolate Strangers, GOD would reward. And so sixe of vs went on Land with him: And when we were on Land, he went before vs, and turned to vs, and said; He was but our Seruant, and our Guide. Hee ledd vs through three faire Streets; And all the way we went, ther were gathered some People on both sides, standing in 2 Rowe; But in so ciuill a fashion, as if it had beene, not to wonder at vs, but to welcome vs: And diuers of them, as we passed by them, put their Armes a little abroad; which is their Gesture, when they bid any welcome. The Strangers House is a faire and spacious House, built of Brick, of somewhat a blewer Colour then our Brick; And with handsome windowes, some of Glasse, some of a kinde of Cambrick oyl'd. He brought vs first into a faire Parlour aboue staires, and then asked vs; 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 seuenteene. He desired vs to haue patience a little, and to stay till he came back to vs; which was about an Houre after; And then hee led vs to see the Chambers, which were prouided for vs, being in number nineteene. They hauing cast it (as it seemeth) that foure of those Chambers, which were better then the rest, might receiue foure of the princi∣pall Men of our Company; And lodge them alone by themselues; And the other 15. Chambers were to lodge vs two and two together. The Chambers were handsome and cheerefull Chambers, and furnished ciuilly. Then he ledd vs to a long Gallery, like a Dorture, where hee

shewed vs all along the one side (for the other side was but VVall and VVindow,) seuenteene Cells, very neat ones, hauing partitions of Cedar wood. VVhich Gallery, and Cells, being in all fourty, (many more then we needed,) were instituted as an Infirmary for sick Persons. And he told vs withall, that as any of our Sick waxed well, he might be remoued from his Cell, to a Chamber: For which pur∣pose, there were sett forth ten spare Chambers, besides the Number we spake of before. This done, he brought vs back to the Parlour, and lifting vp his Cane a little, (as they doe when they giue any Charge or Commaund) said to vs; Yee are to know, that the Custome of the Land requireth, that after this day, and too morrow, (which we giue you for remouing of your people from your Ship,) you are to keepe within dores for three daies. But lett it not trouble you, nor doe not think your selues restrained, but rather left to your Rest and Ease. You shall want nothing, and there are sixe of our People appointed to attend you, for any Busines you may haue abroad. VVee gaue him thankes, with all Af∣fection and Respect, and said; GOD surely is manifested in this Land. VVee offred him also twenty Pistoletts; But he smiled, and onely saide; What? twice paid! And so he left vs. Soone after our Dinner was serued in; VVhich was right good Viands, both for Bread, and Meate: Better then any Collegiate Diett, that I haue knowne in Europe. VVe had also Drinke of three sorts, all wholesome and good; VVine of the Grape; A Drink of Graine, such as is with vs our Ale, but more cleare: And a kinde of Sider made of a Fruit of that Cuntry; A wonderfull pleasing and Refreshing Drink. Besides, ther were brought in to vs, great store of those Scar∣lett Orenges, for our Sick; which (they said) were an assured Remedy for sicknes taken at Sea. Ther was giuen vs also, a Boxe of small gray, or whitish Pills, which they wished our Sicke should take, one of the Pills, euery night before sleepe; which (they said) would hasten their Recouery. The next day, after that our Trouble of Carriage, and Re∣mouing of our Men, and Goods, out of our Shipp, was somewhat setled and quiett, I thought good to call our

Company together, and when they were assembled, said vnto them; My deare Frends; Let vs know our selues, and how it standeth with vs. We are Men cast on Land, as Ionas was, out of the Whales Belly, when we were as buried in the Deepe: And now we are on Land, wee are but between Death and Life; For we are beyond, both the Old World, and the New; And whether euer wee shall see Europe, GOD onely knoweth. It is a kinde of Miracle hath brought vs hither: And it must bee little lesse, that shall bring vs hence. Therefore in regard of our Deliuerance past, and our danger present, and to come, let vs looke vp to GOD, and euery man reforme his owne wayes. Besides we are come here amongst a Christian People, full of Piety and Humanity: Let vs not bring that Confusion of face vpon our selues, as to shew our vices, or vnworthinesse before them. Yet there is more. For they haue by Commandement, (though in forme of Courtesie) Cloistered vs within these Walls, for three dayes: Who knoweth, whether it be not, to take some tast of our manners and conditions? And if they finde them bad, to banish vs straight-wayes; If good to giue vs further time. For these Men, that they haue giuen vs for Attendance, may with∣all haue an eye vpon vs. Therefore for GODS loue, and as we loue the weale of our Soules and Bodies, let vs so behaue our selues, as wee may be at peace with GOD, and may finde grace in the Eyes of this People. Our Company with one voice thanked me for my good Admonition, and promised me to liue so∣early and ciuilly, and without giuing any the least occasion of Offence. So we spent our three dayes ioyfully, and with∣out care, in expectation what would be done with vs, when they were expired. During which time, we had eue∣ry houre ioy of the Amendment of our Sick; who thought themselues cast into some Diuine Poole of Healing; They mended so kindely, ans so fast.

The Morrow after our three dayes were past, ther came to vs a new Man, that we had not seen before, clothed in Blew as the former was, saue that his Turban was white, with a small red Crosse on the Topp. He had also a Tippet of fine Linnen. At his Comming in, he did bend to vs a

little, and put his Armes abroad. Wee of our parts saluted him in a very lowly and submissiue manner; As looking that from him, wee should receyue Sentence of Life, or Death. He desired to speak with some few of vs: Wher∣upon sixe of vs onely staied, and the rest auoyded the Roome. He said; I am by Office Gouerner of this House of Strangers, and by Vocation I am a Christian Priest; and ther∣fore am come to you, to offer you my seruice, both as Strangers, and chiefly as Christians. Some things I may tell you, which I thinke you will not be vnwilling to heare. The State hath giuen you Licence to Stay on Land, for the space of sixe weekes: And let it not trouble you, if your occasions aske further time, for the Law in this point is not precise; And I doe not doubt, but my selfe shall be able, to obtaine for you, such further time, as may be con∣uenient. Yee shall also vnderstand, that the Strangers House, is at this time Rich, and much aforehand; For it hath layd vp Reuenew these 37. years: For so long it is, since any Stran∣ger arriued in this part: And therfore take yee no care; The State will defray you all the time you stay: Neither shall you stay one day the lesse for that. As for any Merchandize yee haue brought, yee shall be well vsed, and haue your returne, either in Merchandize, or in Gold and Siluer: For to vs it is all one. And if you haue any other Request to make, hide it not. For yee shall finde, we will not make your Countenance to fall, by the Answer ye shall receiue. Onely this I must tell you, that none of you must goe aboue a Karan, (that is with them a Mile and an halfe) from the walles of the Citty, without especiall leaue. We answered, after we had looked awhile one vpon an∣other, admiring this gracious and parent-like vsage; That we could not tell what to say: For wee wanted words to expresse our Thankes; And his Noble free Offers lest vs nothing to aske. It seemed to vs, that we had before vs a picture of our Salua∣tion in Heauen: For wee that were a while since in the Iawes of Death, were now brought into a place, where we found nothing but Consolations. For the Commandement laid vpon vs, we would not faile to obey it, though it was impossible, but our Hearts should be enflamed to tread further vpon this Happy and Holy Ground.

Wee added; That our Tongues should first cleaue to the Roofes of our Mouthes, ere we should forget, either his Reuerend Person, or this whole Nation, in our Prayers. Wee also most humbly besought him, to accept of vs as his true seruants, by as iust a Right, as euer Men on Earth were bounden; laying and presenting, both our persons, and all we had, at his feete. He said; He was a Priest, and looked for a Priests reward; which was our Brotherly loue, and the Good of our Soules and Bo∣dies. So he went from vs, not without teares of Ten∣dernesse in his Eyes; And left vs also confused with Ioy and Kindnesse, saying amongst our selues; That wee were come into a Land of Angells, which did appeare to vs dayly, and preuent vs with Comforts, which we thought not of, much lesse ex∣pected.

The next day about 10. of the Clocke, the Gouernour came to vs againe, and after Salutations, said familiarly; That he was come to visit vs; And called for a Chaire, and satt him downe; And we being some 10. of vs, (the rest were of the meaner Sort; or else gone abroad;) sate down with him. And when we were sett, he began thus. Wee of this Island of Bensalem (for so they call it in their Lan∣guage) haue this; That by meanes of our solitary Situation; and of the Lawes of Secrecy, which we haue for our Trauellers; and our rare Admission of Strangers; we know well most part of the Habitable World, and are our selues vnknowne. Therefore because he that knoweth least, is sittest to aske Questions, it is more Rea∣son, for the Entertainement of the time, that yee aske mee Questi∣ons, then that I aske you. We answered; That wee humbly thanked him, that he would giue vs leaue so to doe: And that wee conceiued by the tast wee had already, that ther was no wordly thing on Earth, more worthy to be knowne, then the State of that happy Land. But aboue all (We said) since that wee were mett from the feuer all Ends of the World; and boped assuredly, that we should meete one day in the Kingdome of Heauen (for that we were both parts Christians) wee desired to know (in respect that Land was so remote, and so diuided by vast and vnknowne Seas, from the Land, wher our SAVIOVR walked on Earth)

who was the Apostle of that Nation, and how it was conuerted to the Faith? It appeared in his face, that he tooke great Con∣tentment in this our Question: Hee said; Yee knit my Heart to you, by asking this Question in the first place; For it sheweth that you First seeke the Kingdome of Heauen; And I shall gladly, and briefly, satis fie your demaund.

About twenty Yeares after the Ascension of our SAVIOVR, it came to passe, that ther was seen by the People of Renfusa, (a Cit∣ty vpon the Easterne Coast of our Island,) within Night, (the Night was Cloudy, and Calme,) as it might be some mile into the Sea, a great Pillar of Light; Not sharp, but in forme of a Columne, or Cylinder, rising from the Sea, a great way vp towards Heauen; and on the topp of it was seene a large Crosse of Light, more bright and resplendent then the Body of the Pillar. Vpon which so strange a Spectacle, the People of the Citty gathered apace toge∣ther vpon the Sands, to wonder; And so after put themselues in∣to a number of small Boates, to goe nearer to this Marueilous sight. But when the Boates were come within (about) 60. yeards of the Pillar, they found themselues all bound, and could goe no fur∣ther; yet so as they might moue to goe about, but might not ap∣proach nearer: So as the Boates stood all as in a Theater, behol∣ding this Light, as an Heauenly Signe. It so fell out, that ther was in one of the Boates, one of our Wise Men, of the Society of Salo∣mons House; which House, or Colledge (my good Brethren) is the very Eye of this Kingdome; Who hauing a while attentiuely and deuoutly viewed, and contemplated this Pillar, and Crosse, fell downe vpon his face; And then raysed himselfe vpon his knees, and listing vp his Hands to Heauen, made his prayers in this manner.

LOrd God of Heauen and Earth; thou hast vouchsafed of thy Grace, to those of our Order, to know thy Workes of Creation, and the Secretts of them; And to discerne (as farre as appertaineth to the Generations of Men) Between Diuine Mi∣racles,

Workes of Nature, Works of Art, and Im∣postures and Illusions of all sorts. I doe here acknow∣ledge and testifie before this People, that the Thing which we now see before our eyes, is thy Finger, and a true Miracle. And for-as-much, as we learne in our Bookes, that thou neuer workest Miracles, but to a Diuine and Excellent End, (for the Lawes of Nature are thine owne Lawes, and thou ex∣ceedest them not but vpon great cause) wee most humbly beseech thee, to prosper this great Signe; And to giue vs the Interpretation and vse of it in Mercy; Which thou doest in some part secretly promise, by sending it vnto vs.

VVhen he had made his Prayer, hee presently found the Boate he was in, moueable and vnbound; whereas all the rest remained still fast; And taking that for an assurance of Leaue to approach, he caused the Boate to be softly, and with silence, rowed towards the Pillar. But ere he came neere it, the Pillar and Crosse of Light brake vp, and cast it selfe abroad, as it were, into a Fir∣mament of many Starres; which also vanished soone after, and there was nothing lest to be seen, but a small Arke, or Chest of Cedar, dry, and not wett at all with water, though it swam. And in the Fore-end of it, which was towards him, grew a small greene Branch of Palme; And when the wise Man had taken it, with all reuerence, into his Boate, it opened of it selfe, and there were found in it, a Booke, and a Letter; Both written in fine Parch∣ment, and wrapped in Sindons of Linnen. The Booke conteined all the Canonicall Bookes of the Old and New Testament, according as you haue them; (For we know well what the Chur∣ches with you receiue;) And the Apocalypse it selfe; And Some other Bookes of the New Testament, which were not at that time written, were neuerthelesse in the Booke. And for the Letter, it was in these words.

IBartholomew, a Seruant of the Highest, and Apostle of IESVS CHRIST, was warned by an Angell, that appeared to me, in a vision of Glo∣ry, that I should commit this Arke to the flouds of the Sea. Therefore, I doe testifie and declare, vnto that People, where GOD shall ordaine this Ark to come to Land, that in the same day, is come vnto them Saluation and Peace, and Good Will, from the Father, and from the LORD IESVS.

There was also in both these writings, as well the Booke, as the Letter, wrought a great Miracle, Conforme to that of the A∣postles, in the Originall Gift of Tongues. For there being at that time, in this Land, Hebrewes, Persians, and Indians, be∣sides the Natiues, euery one redd vpon the Booke, and Letter, as if they had been written in his owne Language. And thus was this Land saued from Infidelity, (as the Remaine of the Old World was from Water) by an Ark, through the Apostolicall and Mira∣culous Euangelisme of Saint Bartholomew. And here hee paused, and a Messenger came, and called him from vs. So this was all that passed in that Conference.

The next Day, the same Gouernour came againe to vs, immediately after Dinner, and excused himselfe, saying; That the Day before, he was called from vs, somewhat abruptly, but now he would make vs amends, and spend time with vs; if we held his Company, and Conference agreeable. Wee answered; That wee held it so agreeable and pleasing to vs, as wee forgot both Dangers past, and Feares to come, for the time wee heard him speake; And that wee thought, an Houre spent with him, was worth Yeares of our former life. He bowed himselfe a little to vs, and after we were set againe, he said; Well, the Questi∣ons are on your part. One of our Number said, after a little Pause; That there was a Matter, wee were no lesse desirous to know, then fearefull to aske, least wee might presume too farre.

But encouraged by his rare Humanity towards vs, (that could scarce thinke our selues Strangers, being his vowed and professed Seruants,) We would take the Hardines to propound it: Humbly beseeching him, if hee thought it not fit to bee answered, that hee would pardon it, though he reiected it. Wee said; VVee well ob∣serued those his words, which hee formerly spake, that this happy Island, wher we now stood, was knowne to few, and yet knew must 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 Businesse; And yet we in Europe, (notwithstanding all the remote Discoueries, and Nauigations of this last Age) neuer heard any of the least Inkling or Glimse of this Island. This we found wonderfull strange; For that all Nations haue Enterknow∣ledge one of another, either by Voyage into Forraigne Parts, or by Strangers that come to them: And though the Trauailer in∣to a Forreine Countrey, doth commonly know more by the Eye, then he that stayeth at home can by relation of the Trauailer; Yet both wayes suffice to make a mutuall Knowledge, in some de∣gree, on both parts. But for this Island, wee neuer heard tell of any Shipp of theirs, that had been Seene to arriue vpon any Shore of Europe; No, nor of either the East or West Indies, nor yet of any Shipp of any other part of the World, that had made re∣turne from them. And yet the Maruell rested not in this; For the Situation of it (as his Lordship said,) in the secret Conclaue of such a vast Sea mought cause it. But then, that they should haue Knowledge of the Languages, Bookes, Affaires, of those that lye such a distance from them, it was a thing wee could not tell what to make of; For that it seemed to vs a condi∣tion and Proprietie of Diuine Powers and Beings, to be hid∣den and vnseene to others, and yet to haue others open, and as in a light to them. At this speach the Gouernour gaue a gracious smile, and sayd; That we did well to aske 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 Ayre into all parts, to bring them Newes and Intelligence of other Countries. It was answered by vs all, in all possible hum∣blenes, but yet with a Countenance taking knowledge, that

we knew he spake it but merrily; That we were apt enough to think, ther was some what supernaturall in this Island; but yet rather as Angelicall, then Magicall. But to let his Lordship know truely, what it was, that made vs tender and doubtful to aske this Question, it was, not any such conceit, but because we remembred, he had giuen a Touch in his former Speach, that this Land had Lawes of Secrecy touching Strangers. To this he said; You remember it aright: And therefore in that I shall say to you, I must reserue some particu∣lars, which it is not lawfull for mee to reueale; but there will bee enough left, to giue you satisfaction.

You shall vnderstand (that which perhaps you will scarce think credible) that about three thousand Yeares agoe; or somewhat more, the Nauigation of the World (specially for remote Voyages) was greater then at this Day. Doe not thinke with your selues, that I know not how much it is encreased with you, within these sixescore Years: I know it well; And yet I say, greater then, than now: Whether it was, that the Example of the Ark, that saued the Rem∣nant of Men, from the vniuersall Deluge, gaue Men confidence to aduenture vpon the Waters; Or what it was; but such is the Truth. The Phoeniceans, and specially the Tyrians, had great Fleetes. So had the Carthaginians their Colony, which is yet further West. Toward the East the Shipping of Egypt, and of Pa∣lestina was likewise great. China also, and the great Atlantis, (that you call America) which haue now but Iunks, and Canoa's, a∣bounded then in tall Ships. This Island, (as appeareth by faithfull Registers of those times) had then fifteene hundred strong Ships, of great content. Of all this, there is with you sparing Memory, or none; But we haue large Knowledge thereof.

At that time, this Land was knowne and frequented by the Shipps and Vessells of all the Nations before named. And (as it commeth to passe) they had many times Men of other Countries, that were no Saylers, that came with them; As Persians, Chaldeans, Arabians; So as almost all Nati∣ons of Might and Fame resorted hither; Of whom we haue some Stirps, and little Tribes with vs, at this day. And for our owne Ships, they went sundry Voyages; as well to your Streights, which you call the Pillars of Hercules, As to other parts in the

Atlantique and Mediterrane Seas; As to Paguin, (which is the same with Cambaline) and Quinzy, vpon the Orientall Seas, as farre 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 De∣scription, which is made by a great Man with you; that the Descen∣dents of Neptune planted there; and of the Magnificent Temple, Pallace, Citie, and Hill; And the manifold streames of goody Naui∣gable Riuers, (which as so many Chaines enuironed the same Site, and Temple;) And the seuerall Degrees of Ascent, wherby Men did climb vp to the same, as if it bad bin a Scala Caeli; be all Poetical & 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 & proud Kingdomes, in Armes, Shipping, and Riches: So Mighty, as at one time, (or at least within the space of 10. Yeares,) they both made two great Expeditions; They of Tirambel through the Atlantique to the Mediterrane Sea; and they of Coya through the South Sea vpon this our Island: And for the former of these, which was into Europe, the same Au∣thour amongst you, (as it seemeth,) had some relation from the E∣gyptian Priest, whom he citeth. For assuredly such a thing ther wa••. But whether it were the Ancient Athenians, that had the glory of the Repulse, and Resistance of those Forces, I can say nothing: But certaine it is, there neuer came backe, either Ship, or M••r, from that Voyage. Neither had the other Voyage of those of Coya vpon vs, had better fortune, if they had not met with Enemies of greater clemency. For the King of this Island, (by name Altabin,) a wife Man, and a great Warrier; Knowing well both his owne strength, and that of his Enemies; handled the matter so, as he cut off their Land-Forces, from their Ships; and encoyled both their Nauy, and their Campe, with a greater Power then theirs, both by Sea and Land: And compelled them to render themselues without striking stroke: And after they were at his Mercy, contenting himselfe onely with their Oath, that they should no more beare Armes against him, dismissed them all in safety. But the Diuine Reuenge ouertooke not long after those proud Enterprises. For within lesse then the space of one Hundred

Yeares, the Great Atlantis was vtterly lost and destroyed: Not by a great Earthquake, as your Man saith; (For that whole Tract is little subiect to Earthquakes;) But by a particular Deluge or Inundation; Those Countries hauing, at this Day, farr greater Ri∣uers, and farr higher Mountaines, to poure downe waters, then a∣ny part of the Old World. But it is true, that the same Inundation was not deepe; Not past fourty foote, 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 saued by flying to the high Trees and Woods. For as for Men, al∣though they had Buildings in many places, higher then the Depth of the Water; Yet that Inundation, though it were shallow, had a long Continuance; whereby they of the Vale, that were not drow∣ned, perished for want of Food, and other things necessary. So as maruaile you not at the thin Population of America, nor at the Rudenesse and Ignorance of the People; For you must ac∣count your Inhabitants of America as a young People; Younger a thousand yeares, at the least, then the rest of the World: For that ther was so much time, betweene the Vniuersall Floud, and their Particular Inundation. For the poore Remnant of Humane Seed, which remained in their Mountaines, Peopled the Countrey againe slowly, by little and little; And being simple and sauage People, (Not like Noah and his Sonnes, which was the chiefe Family of the Earth) they were not able to leaue Letters, Arts, and Ciuillity, to their Posterity; And hauing likewise in their Mountanous Habitations beene vsed, (in respect of the Extreame Cold of those Regions,) to cloath themselues with the Skinns of Tygers, Beares, and great Hai∣ry Goates, that they haue in those Parts; When after they came downe into the Valley, and found the Intollerable Heates which are there, and knew no meanes of lighter Apparell; they were forced to beginn the Custome of Going Naked, which con∣tinueth at this day. Onely they take great pride and delight, in the Feathers of Birds; And this also they tooke from those their Auncestours of the Mountaines, who were inuited vnto it, by the infinite Flights of Birdes, that came vp to the high Grounds, while the Waters stood below. So you see, by this maine Acci∣dent

of Time, wee lost our Traffique with the Americans, with whom, of all others, in regard they lay nearest to vs, wee 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 Warres, or by a naturall Reuolution of Time,) Na∣uigation did euery wher greatly decay; And specially, farre Voyages, (the rather by the vse of Gallies, and such Vessells as could hardly brooke the Ocean,) were altogether left and omit∣ted. So then, that part of Entercourse, which could bee from other Nations, to Sayle to vs, 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 Entercourse, which mought be by our Sayling to other Nations, I must yeeld you some other Cause. For I cannot say, (if I shall say truely,) but our Shipping, for Number, Strength, Marriners, Pylots, and all things that appertaine to Nauigation, is as great as euer; And therefore why we should sit at home, I shall now giue you an ac∣count by it selfe; And it will draw nearer, to giue you satisfaction, to your principall Question.

There raigned in this Island, about 1900. yeares agoe, a King, whose memory of all others we most adore; Not Su∣perstitiously, but as Diuine Instrument, though a Mortall Man: His Name was Solamona: And we esteeme him as the Law-gi∣uer of our Nation. This King had a large heart, inscruta∣ble for good; And was wholly bent to make his kingdome and People Happy. He therefore taking into Consideration, how sufficient and substantiue this Land was, to maintaine it self, without any ayd (at all) of the Forrainer; Being 5600. Miles in circuit, and of rare Fertility of Soyle, in the greatest part thereof; And finding also the Shipping of this Country mought bee plentifully set on worke, both by Fishing, and by Transportations from Port to Port, and likewise by Sayling vnto some small Islands that are not farre from vs, and are vn∣der the Crowne and Lawes of this State; And recalling into his Memory, the happy and flourishing Estate, wherein this Land then was; So as it mought bee a thousand wayes altered to the worse, but scarse any one way to the better; thought nothing

wanted to his Noble and Heroicall Intentions, but onely (as farr as Humane foresight mought reach) to giue perpetuitie to that, which was in his time so happily established. Therefore amongst his other Fundamentall Lawes of this Kingdome, he did ordaine the Interdicts and Prohibitions, which wee haue touching Ex∣trance of Strangers; which at that time (though it was after the Calamity of America) was frequent; Doubting Nouelties, and Commixture of Manners. It is true, the like Law, a∣gainst the Admission of Strangers without License, is an Anci∣ent Law, in the Kingdome of China, and yet continued in vse. But ther it is a poore Thing; And hath made them a curious, ig∣norant, fearefull, foolish Nation. But our Law-giuer made his Law of another temper. For first, hee hath preserved all points of Humanity, in taking Order, and making Prouision for the Reliefe of Strangers distressed; whereof you haue tasted. At which Speach (as reason was) wee all rose vp, and bowed our selues. Hee went on. That King also still de∣siring to ioyne Humanity and Pollicy together; And thinking it against Humanity, to detaine Strangers here against their wills; And against Pollicy, that they should returne, and discouer their Knowledge of this Estate, he tooke this Course: He did or daine, that of the Strangers, that should be permitted to Land, as ma∣ny (at all times) mought depart as would; But as many as would stay, should haue very good Conditions, and Meanes to liue, from the State. Wherein hee saw so farre, that now in so many Ages since the Prohibition, wee haue memory not of one Shipp that euer returned, and but of thirteene Persons on∣ly at seuerall times, that chose to returne in our Bottomes. What those few that returned may haue reported abroad I know not. But you must thinke, Whatsoeuer they haue said, could bee taken where they came, but for a Dreame. Now for our Trauelling from hence into Parts abroad, our Law-giuer thought fit altogether to restraine it. So is it not in China. For the Chineles sayle where they will, or can; which sheweth, that thier Law of Keeping out Strangers, is a Law of Pusillani∣mity, and feare. But this restraint of ours, hath one onely Ex∣ception, which is admirable; Preseruing the good which com∣meth

by communicating with Strangers, and auoyding the Hurt; And I will now open it to you. And here I shall seeme a little to digresse, but you will by and by finde it pertinent. Yee shall vn∣derstand, (my deare Friends,) that amongst the Excellent Acts of that King, one aboue all hath the preheminence. It was the Ere∣ction, and Institution of an Order, or Society, which wee call Sa∣lomons House; The Noblest Foundation, (as wee thinke,) that euer was vpon the Earth; And the Lanthorne of this Kingdome. It is dedicated to the Study of the Works, and Creatures of GOD. Some thinke it beareth the Founders Name a little corrupted, as if it should be Solamona's House. But the Records write it, as it is spoken. So as I take it to bee denominate of the King of the He∣brewes, which is famous with you, and no Stranger to vs. For wee haue some Parts of his works, which with you are lost; Namely that Naturall History, which hee wrote of all Plants, from the Cedar of Libanus, to the Mosse that groweth out of the Wall; And of all things that haue Life and Motion. This maketh me thinke, that our King finding himselfe to Sym∣bolize, in many things, with that King of the Hebrewes (which liued many yeares before him) honoured him with the Title of this Foundation. And I am the rather induced to be of this Opi∣nion, for that I finde in ancient Records, this Order or Societie is sometimes called Salomons House; And sometimes the Colledge of the sixe Daies Workes: wherby I am satisfi∣ed, That our Excellent King had learned from the Hebrewes; That GOD had created the World, and all that therin is, within sixe Dayes; And therefore hee instituting that House, for the finding out of the true Nature of all Things, (wherby GOD mought haue the more Glory in the Workemanship of them, and Men the more fruit in the vse of them,) did giue it also that second Name. But now to come to our present purpose. When the King bad forbidden, to all his People, Nauigation into a∣ny Part, that was not vnder his Crowne, he made neuerthelesse this Ordinance; That euery twelue yeares ther should be set forth, out of this Kingdome, two Ships, appointed to seuerall Voya∣ges; That in either of these Shipps, ther should be a Mission of three of the Fellowes, or Brethren of Salomons House;

whose Errand was onely to giue vs Knowledge of the Affaires and State of those Countries, to which they were designed; And especially of the Sciences, Arts, Manufactures, and Inuentions of all the World; And withall to bring vnto vs, Bookes, Instru∣ments, and Patternes, in euery kinde: That the Ships, after they had landed the Brethren, should returne; And that the Bre∣thren should stay abroad till the new Mission. These Ships are not otherwise fraught, then with Store of Victualls, and good Quantitie of Treasure to remaine with the Brethren, for the buying of such Things, and rewarding of such Persons, as they should thinke fit. Now for me to tell you, how the Vulgar sort of Marriners are contained from being discouered at Land; And how they that must be put on shore for any time, colour themselues vnder the Names of other Nations; And to what places these Voyages haue beene designed; And what places of Rendez∣Vous are appointed for the new Missions; And the like Cir∣cumstances of the Practique; I may not doe it; Neither is it much to your desire. But thus you see, wee maintaine a Trade, not for Gold, Siluer, or Iewels; Nor for Silkes; Nor for Spi∣ces; Nor any other Commodity of Matter; But onely for GODS first Creature, which was Light: To haue Light (I say) of the Growth of all Parts of the World. And when hee had said this, he was silent; And so were wee all. For indeed wee were all astonished, to heare so strange things so probably told. And hee perceiuing, that wee were willing to say somewhat, but had it not ready, in great Courtesie tooke vs off, and descended to aske vs Que∣stions of our Voyage and Fortunes, and in the end conclu∣ded, that we mought doe well, to thinke with our selues, what Time of stay wee would demand of the State; And bad vs not to scant our selues; For he would procure such time as wee desired. Wherevpon wee all rose vp, and pre∣sented our selues to kisse the skirt of his Tippet; But hee would not suffer vs; and so tooke his leaue. But when it came once amongst our People, that the State vsed to offer Conditions to Strangers, that would stay, wee had Worke enough to get any of our Men to looke to our Shipp; And

to keepe them from going presently to the Gouernour, to craue Conditions. But with much adoe wee refrained them, till we mought agree what Course to take.

We took our selues now for free men, seeing ther was no danger of our vtter Perdition; And liued most ioyfully, going abroad, and seeing what was to be seen, in the Citty, and pla∣ces adiacent, within our Tedder; And obtaining Acquain∣tance with many of the Citty, not of the meanest Quallity; At whose hands we found such Humanity, and such a Free∣dome and desire, to take Strangers, as it were, into their Bo∣some, as was enough to make vs forget all that was deare to vs, in our owne Countries: And continually we mett with many things, right worthy of Obseruation, & Relation: As indeed, if ther be a Mirrour in the World, worthy to hold Mens Eyes, it is that Countrey. One day there were two of our Company bidden to a Feast of the Family, as they call it. A most Naturall, Pious, & Reuerend Custome it is, shewing that Nation to be compounded of all Goodnes. This is the manner of it. It is granted to any Man, that shall liue to see thirty Persons, descended of his Body, aliue together, and all aboue 3. yeares 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 dayes before the Feast, taketh to him three of such Friends as he liketh to chuse; And is assisted also by the Gouernour of the Citty, or Place, where the Feast is celebra∣ted; And all the Persons of the Family, of both Sexes, are sum∣moned to attend him. These two dayes the Tirsan sitteth in Consultation, cōcerning the good Estate of the Family. Ther, if ther be any Discord or sutes betweene any of the Family, they are compounded and appeased. Ther, if any of the Family bee Distressed or Decayed, order is taken for their Reliefe, and competent meanes to liue. Ther, if any bee subiect to vice, or take ill Courses, they are reproued and Censured. So likewise, Direction is giuen touching Mar∣riages, and the Courses of life, which any of them should take, with diuers other the like Orders and Aduises. The Gouernour assisteth, to the end, to put in Execution, by his

Publicke Authority, the Decrees and Orders of the Tirsan, if they should bee disobeyed; Though that seldome nee∣deth; Such Reuerence and Obedience they giue; to the Order of Nature. The Tirsan doth also then, euer chuse one Man from amongst his Sonnes, to liue in House with him; Who is called, euer after, the Sonne of the Vine. The Reason will hereafter appeare. On the Feast day, the Fa∣ther or Tirsan commeth forth after Diuine Seruice, into a large Roome, where the Feast is celebrated; which Roome hath an Halfe-Pace at the vpper end. Against the wall, in the middle of the halfe-pace, is a Chaire placed for him, with a Table and Carpet before it. Ouer the Chaire is a State, made Round or Ouall, and it is of Iuy; An Iuy somewhat whiter then ours, like the Leafe of a Siluer Aspe, but more shining; For it is greene all Winter. And the State is curiously wrought with Siluer and Silke of di∣uers Colours, broyding or binding in the Iuy; And is euer of the worke, of some of the Daughters of the Family; And vailed ouer at the Topp, with a fine Nett of Silke and Siluer. But the Substance of it, is true Iuy; wherof, after it is taken downe, the Friends of the Family, are desirous to haue some Leafe or Sprigg to keepe. The Tir∣san commeth forth with all his Generation or Linage, the Males before him, and the Females following him; And if there be a Mother, from whose Body the whole Linage is descended, there is a Trauerse placed in a Lost aboue, on the right hand of the Chaire, with a priuy Dore, and a carued Window of Glasse, leaded with Gold and blew; Wher shee sitteth, but is not seene. When the Tirsan is come forth, he sitteth downe in the Chaire; And all the Linage place themselues against the wall both at his back, and vpon the Returne of the Halfe-pace, in Order of their yeares, without difference of Sexe, and stand vpon their Feete. When hee is sett, the Roome being alwaies full of Company, but well kept and without Disorder, after some pause, there commeth in from the lower ende of the Roome, a Taratan, (which is as much as an Herald;

And on either side of him two young Lads; Wherof one carrieth a Scrowle of their shining yellow Parchment; And the other a Cluster of Grapes of Gold, with a long Foote or Stalke. The Herald, and Children, are cloathed with Mantles of Sea-water greene Sattin; But the He∣ralds Mantle is streamed with Gold, and hath a Traine. Then the Herald with three Curtesies, or rather Inclinati∣ons, commeth vp as farre as the Halfe-pace; And ther first taketh into his Hand the Scrowle. This Scrowle is the Kings Charter, containing Guift of Reuenew, and ma∣nany Priuiledges, Exemptions, and Points of Honour, granted to the Father of the Family; And it is euer stiled and directed; To such an one, Our welbeloued Friend and Creditour: Which is a Title proper onely to this Case. For they sa••, the King is Debter to no Man, but for Propaga∣tion of his Subiects, The Seale set to the Kings Charter, is the Kings Image, Imbossed or moulded in Gold; And though such Charters bee expedited of Course, and as of Right, yet they are varied by discretion, according to the Number and Dignitie of the Family. This Charter the Herald readeth aloud; And while it is read, the Father or Tirsan, standeth vp, supported by two of his Sonnes, such as hee chooseth. Then the Herald mounteth the Half∣Pace, and deliuereth 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 peo∣ple of Bensalem. Then the Herald taketh into his Hand from the other Child the Cluster of Grapes, which is of Gold; Both the Stalke, and the Grapes. But the Grapes are daintely enamelled; And if the Males of the Family be the greater number, the Grapes are enamelled Purple, with a little Sunne fett on the Topp; If the Females, then they are enamelled into a greenish yellow, with a Cres∣sant on the Topp. The Grapes are in number as many as there are Descendents of the Family. This Golden Cluster, the Herald deliuereth also to the Tirsan; Who pre∣sently deliuereth it ouer, to that Sonne, that hee had for∣merly

chosen, to bee in House with him; Who bea∣reth it before his Father, as an Ensigne of Honour, when he goeth in publicke euer after; And is thereupon called the Sonne of the Vine. After this Ceremony ended, the Father or Tirsan retireth; And after some time commeth forth againe to Dinner, where he sitteth alone vnder the State, as before; And none of his Descendants sit with him, of what Degree or Dignitie soeuer, except he hap to be of Salomons House. Hee is serued onely by his owne Children, such as are Male; who performe vnto him all seruice of the Table vpon the knee; And the Women on∣ly stand about him, leaning against the wall. The Roome belowe the Halfe-pace, hath Tables on the sides for the Ghests that are bidden; Who are serued with great and comely order; And towards the end of Din∣ner (which in the greatest Feasts with them, lasteth neuer aboue an Houre and an halfe) there is an Hymne sung, va∣ried according to the Inuention of him that composeth it, (for they haue excellent Poesie;) But the Subiect of it is, (alwayes,) the prayses of Adam, and Noah, and Abraham; Wherof the former two Peopled the World, and the last was the Father of the Faithfull: Concluding euer with a Thankesgiuing for the Natiuitie of our Sauiour, in whose Birth, the Births of all are onely Blessed. Dinner being done, the Tirsan retireth againe; And hauing withdrawne himselfe alone into a place; where hee maketh some pri∣uate Prayers, hee commeth foorth the third time, to giue 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 seldome the Order of Age bee inuerted. The person that is called, (the Table being before remoued,) kneeleth downe be∣fore the Chaire, and the Father layeth his Hand, vpon his Head, or her Head, and giueth the Blessing in these Wordes; Sonne 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 Euerlasting Father,

the Prince of Peace, and the Holy Doue, bee vpon thee, and make the dayes of thy Pilgrimage, good, and many. This he saith to euery of them; And that done, if there be any of his Sonnes, of eminent Meritt and Vertue, (so they be not aboue two,) hee calleth for them againe; And saith, lay∣ing his Arme ouer their shoulders, they standing; Sonnes, it is well yee are borne, giue God the prayse, and perseuere to the end. And withall deliuereth to either of them a Iewel, made in the Figure of an Eare of Wheat, which they euer af∣ter weare in the front of their Turban, or Hat. This done, they fall to Musick and dances, And other Recreations, af∣ter their manner, for the rest of the day. This is the full or∣der of that Feast.

By that time, sixe or seuen Dayes were spent, I was fallen into straight Acquaintance, with a Merchant of that Citty, whose Name was Ioabin Hee was a Iew and Circumci∣sed: For they haue some few Stirps of Iewes, yet remai∣ning amongst them, whom they leaue to their owne Re∣ligion. Which they may the better doe, because they are of a farre differing Disposition from the Iewes in other Parts. For whereas they hate the Name of CHRIST; And haue a secret inbred Rancour against the People amongst whom they liue; These (contrariwise) giue vnto our SA∣VIOVR many high Attributes, and loue the Nation of Ben∣salem, extreamely. Surely this Man, of whom I speake, would euer acknowledge, that CHRIST was borne of a Virgin; And that hee was more then a Man; And hee would tell how GOD made him Ruler of the Seraphims, which guard his Throane; And they call him also the Milken Way, and the Eliah of the Messiah; And many o∣ther High Names; which though they be inferiour to his Diuine Maiestie, Yet they are farre from the Language of other Iewes. And for the Countrey of Bensalem, this Man would make no end of commending it. Being desirous by Tradition amongst the Iewes there, to haue it beleeued, that the People thereof were of the Generations of Abra∣ham, by another Sonne, whom they call Nachorans; And

that Moses by a secret Cabala ordained the Lawes of Bensa∣lem which they now vse; And that when the Messiah should come, and sit in his Throne at Hierusalem, the King of Bensalem, should sit at his feete, whereas other Kings should keepe a great distance. But yet setting a∣side these Iewish Dreames, the Man was a wise Man, and learned, and of great Pollicy, and excellently seene in the Lawes and Customes of that Nation. Amongst other Discourses, one day, I told him, I was much affected with the Relation I had, from some of the Company, of their Custome, in holding the Feast of the Family; For that (me thought) I had neuer heard of a Solemnity, wherein Na∣ture did so much preside. And because Propagation of Fa∣milies, proceedeth from the Nuptiall Copulation, I desired to know of him, what Lawes and Customes they had concerning Marriage; And whether they kept Marriage well; And whether they were tyed to one Wife; For that wher Population is so much affected, and such as with them it seemed to be, ther is commonly Permision of Plu∣rality of Wiues. To this he said; You haue Reason for to com∣mend that excellent Institution of the Feast of the Family. And indeed wee haue Experience, that those Families, that are partakers of that Blessing of that Feast, doe flurkish and prosper euer after, in an extraordinary manner. But heare mee now, and I will tell you what I know. You shall vnderstand, that there is not vnder the Heauens, so chast a Nation, as this of Bensalem; Nor so free from all Pollution, or foulenesse. It is the Virgin of the World. I remember, I haue redd in one of your Europaean Bookes, of an holy Hermit amongst you, that desired to see the Spirit of Fornication, and there appeared to him, a little foule vgly Aethiope. But if he hed desired to see the Spirit of Chastitie of Bensalem, it would haue appeared to him, in the like∣nes of a faire beautifull Cherubin. For there is nothing, amongst Mortall Men, more faire and admirable, then the Chast Mindes of this People. Know therefore, that with them ther are no Stewes, no dissolute Houses, no Curtisans, nor any thing of that kind. Nay they wonder (with detestation) at you in Europe, which

permit such things. They say ye haue put Marriage out of office: For Marriage is ordained a Remedy for vnlawfull Concupiscence; And Naturall Concupiscence seemeth as a spurr to Marriage. But when Men haue at hand a Remedy, more agreeable to their corrupt will, Marriage is almost expulsed. And therefore that are with you seene infinite Men, that marry not, but chuse rather a libertine and impure single Life, then to be yoaked in Marriage; And many that doe marry, marry late, when the Prime and Stength of their Yeares is past. And when they doe marry, what is Marriage to them, but a very Bargaine; Wherin is sought Alliance, or Portion, or Reputation, with some desire (almost in∣different) of Issue; And not the faithfull Nuptiall Vnion of Man and Wife, that was first instituted. Neither is it possible, that those that haue cast away so basely, so much of their Strength, should greatly esteeme Children, (being of the same Matter,) as Chast Men doe. So Likewise during Marriage is the Case much amended▪ as it ought to bee if those things were tolerated onely for necessitie? No, but they remaine still as a very Affront to Marriage. The Haunting of those dissolute places, or resort to Curtizans, are no more punished in Married Men, then in Bat∣chellers, And the depraued Custome of change, and the Delight in Meretricious Embracements, (wher sinne is turned into Art,) maketh Marriage a dull thing, and a kinde of Imposition, or Taxe. They heare you defend these things, as done to auoyd greater Euills; As Aduoutries, Deflouring of Virgins, Vnnaturall lust, and the like. But they say this is a preposterous Wisdome; And they call it Lot's offer, who to saue his Guests from abusing, Offered his Daughters: Nay they say further, That ther is little gained in this; For that the same Vices and Appetites, doe still remayne and a∣bound Vnlawfull Lust being like a Furnace, that if you stopp the Flames altogether, it will quench; But if you giue it any vent, it will rage. As for Masculine Loue, they haue no touch of it, And yet ther are not, so faithfull and inuiolate Freind∣shipps, in the world againe, as are ther: And to speake gene∣rally, (as I said before,) I haue not read of any such Chastity, in any People, as theirs: And their vsuall saying is, That who∣soeuer is vnchast cannnot reuerence himselfe: And they say;

That the Reuerence of a Mans selfe, is, next Religion, the chiefest Bridle of all Vices. And when hee had faid this, the good Iew paused a little; Whereupon, I farr more willing to heare him speake on, then to speake my selfe; yet thinking it decent, that vpon his pause of Speech, I should not be altogether silent, said onely this; That I would say to him, as the Widow of Sarepta said to Elias; that he was come to bring to Memory our Sinnes; And that I confesse the Righte∣ousnesse of Bensalem, was greater then the Righteousnesse of Europe. At which speech hee bowed his Head, and went on in this manner. They haue also many wise and excel∣lent Lawes touching Marriage. They allow no Polygamy. They haue ordained that none doe intermarry or contract, vntill a Moneth hee past from their first Inter viewe. Marriage with∣out consent of Parents they doe not make void, but they mulct it in the Inheritours: For the Children of such Marriages, are not admitted to inherit, aboue a third Part of their Parents Inheri∣tance. I haue read in a Booke of one of your Men, of a Faigned Common-wealth, wher the Married Couple are permitted, before they Contract, to see one another Naked. This they dislike: For they thinke it a Scorne, to giue a Refusall af∣ter so Familiar Knowledge: But because of many hidden De∣fects in Men and Womens Bodies, they haue a more ciuill Way: For they haue neare euery Towne, a Couple of Pooles, (which they call Adam and Eues Pooles,) wher it is permitted to one of the Friends of the Man, and another of the friends of the Woman, to see them seuerally bath Naked.

And as wee were thus in Conference, ther came one that seemed to be a Messenger, in a rich Huke, that spake with the Iew: Whereupon hee turned to mee, and said; You will pardon mee, for I am commanded away in hast. The next Morning he came to me againe, ioyfull as it seemed, and said; There is word come to the Gouernour of the Citty, that one of the Fathers of Salomons House, will be here this day Seuen-night: Wee haue seene none of them this Dozen Yeares. His Comming is in State; But the Cause of his com∣ming is secret. I will prouide you, and your Fellowes, of a good

Standing, to see his Entry. I thanked him, and told him; I was most glad of the Newes. The Day being come he made is Entry. He was a Man of middle Stature, and Age, comely of Person, and had an Aspect as if he pittied Men. He was cloathed in a Roabe of fine black Cloath, with wide Sleeues, and a Cape. His vnder Garment was of excellent white Linnen, downe to the Foote, girt with a Girdle of the same; And a Sindon or Tip∣ett pett of the same about his Neck. He had Gloues, that were curious, and sett with Stone; And Shoes of Peach-coloured Veluet. His Neck was bare to the Shoul∣ders. His Hatt was like a Helmett, or Spanish Montera; And his Locks curled below it decently: They were of Colour browne. His Beard was cutt round, and of the same co∣lour with his Haire, somewhat lighter. He was carried in a rich Chariott, without Wheeles, Litter-wise; With two Horses at either end, richly trapped in blew Veluett Em∣broydered; and two Footmen on each side in the like At∣ire. The Chariott was all of Cedar, gilt, and adorned with Crystall; Saue that the Fore-end had Pannells of Sap∣hires, set in Borders of Gold; And the Hinder end the like of Emerauds of the Peru Colour. Ther was also a Sunn of Gold, Radiant, vpon the Topp, in the Midst; And on the Topp before, a small Cherub of Gold, with Wings displayed. The Chariott was couered with Cloath of Gold tissued vp∣on Blew. He had before him fifty Attendants, young Men all, in white Satten loose Coates to the Mid Legg; And Stoc∣kins of white Silk; And Shoes of blew Veluet; And Hatts of blew Veluett; with fine Plumes of diuerse Colours, sett round like Hat-bands. Next before the Chariott, went two Men, bare headed, in Linnen Garments downe to the Foote, girt, and Shoes of blew Veluett; Who carried, the one a Crosier, the other a Pastorall Staffe like a Sheep∣hooke: Neither of them of Mettall, but the Crosier of Balme-wood, the Pastorall Staffe of Cedar. Horse-Men he had none, neither before, nor behinde his Chariott: As it seemeth to anoyd all Tumult and Trouble. Behinde

his Chariott, went all the Officers and Principalls of the Companies of the Citty. He sate alone, vpon Cushions, of a kinde of excellent Plush, blew; And vnder his Foote curious Carpetts of Silk of diuerse Colours, like the Per∣sian, but farr finer. He held vp his bare Hand, as he went, as blessing the People, but in Silence. The Street was wonderfully well kept; So that ther was neuer any Army had their Men stand in better Battell-Array, then the People stood. The Windowes likewise were not crouded, but euery one stood in them, as if they had been placed. When the shew was past, the Iew said to me; I shall not be able to attend you as I would, in regard of some charge the Citty hath lay'd vpon me, for the Entertaining of this Great Person. Three dayes after the Iew came to me againe, and said; Yee are happy Men; for the Father of Salo∣mons House taketh knowledge of your Being here, and comman∣ded me to tell you, that he will admitt all your Company to his pre∣sence, and haue priuate Conference with one of you, that ye shall choose: And for this hath appointed the next day after too Mor∣row. And because he meaneth to giue you his Blessing, he hath ap∣pointed it in the Forenoone. We came at our Day, and Houre, and I was chosen by my Fellowes for the priuate Accesse. We found him in a faire Chamber, richly hanged, and car∣petted vnder Foote, without any Degrees to the State. He was sett vpon a Low Throne richly adorned, and a rich Cloath of State ouer his Head, of blew Sattin Em∣broidered. He was alone, saue that he had two Pages of Honour, on either Hand one, finely attired in White. His Vnder Garments were the like that we saw him weare in the Chariott; but in stead of his Gowne, he had on him a Mantle with a Cape, of the same fine Black, fastned about him. When we came in, as we were taught, we bowed Lowe at our first Entrance; And when we were come neare his Chaire, he stood vp, holding forth his Hand vngloued, and in Posture of Blessing; And we eue∣ry one of vs stooped downe, and kissed the Hemme of his Tippett. That done, the rest departed, and I remayned.

Then hee warned the Pages forth of the Roome, and caused mee to sit downe beside him, and spake to me thus in the Spanish Tongue.

GOD blesse thee, my Sonne; I will giue thee the greatest Iewell I haue: For I will impart vnto thee, for the Loue of GOD and Men, a Relation of the true State of Salomons House. Sonne, to make you know the true state of Salomons House, I will keepe this order. First I will set forth vnto you the End of our Foundation. Secondly, the Preparations and Instruments we haue for our Workes. Thirdly, the seuerall Employments and Functions wher∣to our Fellowes are assigned. And fourthly, the Ordinances and Rites which we obserue.

The End of our Foundation is the Know∣ledge of Causes, and Secrett Motions of Things; And the Enlarging of the bounds of Humane Em∣pire, to the Effecting of all Things possible.

The Preparations and Instruments are these. We haue large and deepe Causes of seuerall Depths: The deepest are sunke 600. Fathome: And some of them are digged and made vnder great Hills and Mountaines: So that if you reckon together the Depth of the Hill, and the Depth of the Caue, they are (some of them) aboue three

Miles deepe. For wee finde, that the Depth of a Hill, and the Depth of a Caue from the Flat, is the same Thing; Both remote alike, from the Sunn and Heauens Beames, and from the Open Aire. These Caues we call the Low∣er Region; And wee vse them for all Coagu∣lations, Indurations, Refrigerations, and Con∣seruations of Bodies. We use them likewise for the Imitation of Naturall Mines; And the Pro∣ducing also of New Artificiall Mettalls, by Com∣positions and Materialls which we vse, and lay ther for many years. Wee vse them also some∣times, (which may seeme strange,) for Curing of some Diseases, and for Prolongation of Life, in some Hermits that choose to liue ther, well accom∣modated of all things necessarie, and indeed liue very long; By whom also we learne many things.

We haue Burialls in seuerall Earths, wher we put diuerse Cements, as the Chineses doe their Porcellane. But we haue them in greater Vari∣etie, and some of them more fine. We haue also great variety of Composts, and Soiles, for the Making of the Earth Fruitfull.

We haue High Towers; The Highest about halfe a Mile in Heigth; And some of them like∣wise set vpon High Mountaines: So that the Van∣tage of the Hill with the Tower, is in the high∣est of them three Miles at least. And these Places wee call the Vpper Region; Accoun∣ting the Aire betweene the High Places, and the

Lowe, as a Middle Region. VVee vse these Towers, according to their seuerall Heights, and Situations, for Insolation, Refrigeration, Con∣seruation; And for the View of diuers Meteors, As Windes, Raine, Snow, Haile; And some of the Fiery Meteors also. And vpon them, in some Places, are Dwellings of Hermits, whom wee visit sometimes, and instruct what to ob∣serue.

We haue great Lakes, both Salt, and Fresh; wherof we haue vse for the Fish, and Fowle. We vse them also for Burialls of some Naturall Bo∣dies: For we finde a Difference in Things buri∣ed in Earth, or in Aire below the Earth; and things buried Water. VVe haue also Pooles, of which some doe straine Fresh Water out of Salt; And others by Art doe turne Fresh Water into Salt. VVe haue also some Rocks in the Midst of the Sea; And some Bayes vpon the Shore for some Works, wherin is required the Ayre and Vapour of the Sea. VVe haue likewise Violent Streames and Cataracts, which serue vs for many Motions: And likewise Engines for Multiplying and En∣forcing of VVindes, to set also on going diuerse Motions.

VVe haue also a Number of Artificiall VVels, and Fountaines, made in Imitation of the Na∣turall Sources and Baths; As tincted vpon Vi∣trioll, Sulphur, Steele, Brasse, Lead, Nitre, and other Mineralls. And againe wee haue little

VVells for Infusions of many Things, wher the VVaters take the Vertue quicker and better, then in Vessels, or Basins. And amongst them we haue a VVater, which wee call VVater of Paradise, being, by that we doe to it, made very Soueraigne for Health, and Prolongation of Life.

We haue also Great and Spatious Houses, wher we imitate and demonstrate Meteors; As Snow, Haile, Raine, some Artificiall Raines of Bodies, and not of VVater, Thunders, Lightnings; Al∣so Generations of Bodies in Aire; As Froggs, Flies, and diuerse Others.

We haue also certaine Chambers, which wee call Chambers of Health, wher wee qualifie the Aire as we thinke good and proper for the Cure of diuerse Diseases, and Preseruation of Health.

We haue also faire and large Baths, of seue∣rall Mixtures, for the Cure of Diseases, and the Restoring of Mans Body from Arefaction: And Others for the Confirming of it in Strength of Sinnewes, Vitall Parts, and the very Iuyce and Substance of the Body.

We haue also large and various Orchards, and Gardens; Wherin we do not so much respect Beauty, as Variety of Ground and Soyle, proper for diuerse Trees, and Herbs: And some very spatious, wher Trees, and Berries are set, wherof we make diuerse Kinds of Drinks, besides the Vine-yards. In these wee practise likewise all Conclusions of Graf∣ting, and Inoculating, as well of VVilde-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, then their Seasons; And to come vp and beare more speedily then by their Naturall Course they doe. We make them also by Art greater much then their Nature; And their Fruit greater, and sweeter, and of differing Tast, Smell, Colour, and Figure, from their Nature. And many of them we so Order as they become of Medicinall Vse.

Wee haue also Meanes to make diuerse Plants, rise by Mixtures of Earths without Seedes; And likewise to make diuerse New Plants, differing from the Vulgar; and to make one Tree or Plant turne into another.

We haue also Parks, and Enclosures of all Sorts, of Beasts, and Birds; which wee vse not onely for View or Rarenesse, but likewise for Dissections, and Trialls; That therby we may take light, what may be wrought vpon the Body of Man. Wher∣in we finde many strange Effects; As Continu∣ing Life in them, though diuerse Parts, which you acount Vitall, be perished, and taken forth; Re∣sussitating of some that seeme Dead in Appea∣rance; And the like. We try also all Poysons, and other Medicines vpon them, as well of Chy∣rurgery, as Phisicke. By Art likewise, we make them Greater, or Taller, then their Kinde is; And contrary-wise Dwarfe them and stay their Grouth:

Wee make them more Fruitfull, and Bearing then their Kind is; And contrary-wise Barren and not Generatiue. Also we make them differ in Colour, Shape, Actiuity, many wayes. We finde Meanes to make Commixtures and Copulations of diuerse Kindes; which haue produced many New Kindes, and them not Barren, as the generall Opinion is. We make a Number of Kindes, of Serpents, Wormes, Flies, Fishes, of Putrefaction; Wherof some are aduanced (in effect) to be Perfect Crea∣tures, like Beastes or Birds; And haue Sexes, and doe Propagate. Neither doe we this by Chance, but wee know before hand, of what Matter and Commixture, what Kinde of those Creatures will arise.

Wee haue also Particular Pooles, wher we make Trialls vpon Fishes, as we haue said before of Beasts, and Birds.

We haue also Places for Breed and Generati∣on of those Kindes of Wormes, and Flies, which are of Speciall Vse; Such as are with you your Silk∣wormes, and Bees.

I will not hold you long with recounting of our Brew-Howses, Bake-Howses, and Kitchins, wher are made diuerse Drinks, Breads, and Meats, Rare, and of speciall effects. Wines we haue of Grapes; And Drinkes of other Iuyce, of Fruits, of Graines, and of Rootes; And of Mixtures with Honey, Sugar, Manna, and Fruits dryed, and decocted: Also of the Teares or Woun∣dings,

of Trees; And of the Pulp of Canes. And these Drinkes are of seuerall Ages, some to the Age or Last of fourtie yeares. We haue Drinks also brewed with seuerall Herbs, and Roots, and Spices; Yea with seuerall Fleshes, and White∣Meates; Wherof some of the Drinkes are such, as they are in effect Meat and Drinke both: So that Diuerse, especially in Age, doe desire to liue with them, with little or no Meate, or Bread. And aboue all wee striue to haue Drinks of Extreame Thin Parts, to insinuate into the Body, and yet without all Biting, Sharpenesse, or Fretting; Inso∣much as some of them, put vpon the Back of your Hand, will, with a little stay, passe through to the Palme, and yet taste Milde to the Mouth. Wee haue also VVaters, which we ripen in that fashion, as they become Nourishing; So that they are in∣deed excellent Drinke; And Many will vse no other.Breads we haue of seuerall Graines, Roots, and Kernells; Yea and some of Flesh, and Fish, Dryed; With diuerse kindes of Leaue∣nings, and Seasonings: So that some doe ex∣treamely moue Appetites; Some doe Nourish so, as diuerse doe liue of them, without any other Meate; Who liue very long. So for Meates, wee haue some of them so beaten, and made ten∣der, and mortified, yet without all Corrupting, as a VVeake Heate of the Stomach will turne them into good Chylus; As well as a Strong Heate would Meate otherwise prepared. We haue

some Meates also, and Breads, and Drinks, which taken by Men, enable them to Fast long after; And some other, that vsed make the very Flesh of Mens Bodies, sensibly, more Hard and Tough; And their Strength farre greater, then otherwise it would bee.

Wee haue Dispensatories, or Shops of Medi∣cines. Wherin you may easely thinke, if we haue such Variety of Plants, and Liuing Creatures, more then you haue in Europe, (for we know what you haue,) the Simples, Druggs, and Ingredi∣ents of Medicines, must likewise be in so much the greater Variety. Wee haue them likewise of di∣uerse Ages, and long Fermentations. And for their Preparations, wee haue not onely all Manner of Exquisite Distillations, and Separations, and especially by Gentle Heates, and Percolations through diuerse Strainers, yea and Substances; But also exact Formes of Composition, wherby they incorporate allmost, as they were Naturall Simples.

Wee haue also diuerse Mechanicall Arts, which you haue not; And Stuffes made by them; As Papers, Linnen, Silks, Tissues; dainty VVorks of Feathers of wonderfull Lustre; excellent Dies, and many others: And Shops likewise, as well for such as are not brought into Vulgar vse amongst vs, as for those that are. For you must know, that of the Things before recited, many of them are growne into vse throughout the Kingdome; But

yet, if they did flow from our Inuention, wee haue of them also for Patternes and Principalls.

Wee haue also Fournaces of great Diuersi∣ties, and that keepe great Diuersitie of Heates: Fierce and Quicke; Strong and Constant; Soft and Milde; Blowne, Quiet, Dry, Moist; And the like. But aboue all we haue Heates, in Imitation of the Sunnes and Heauenly Bodies Heates, that passe diuerse Inequalities, and (as it were) Orbs, Progresses, and Returnes, wherby we produce admirable effects. Besides wee haue Heates of Dungs; and of Bellies and Mawes of Liuing Creatures, and of their Blouds, and Bo∣dies; and of Hayes and Herbs layd vp moist; of Lime vnquenched; and such like. Instruments also which generate Heate onely by Motion. And further, Places for Strong Insolations; And a∣gaine Places vnder the Earth, which by Nature, or Art, yeeld Heate. These diuerse Heates wee vse, As the Nature of the Operation, which wee intend, requireth.

Wee haue also Perspectiue-Houses, wher wee make Demonstrations of all Lights, and Radiati∣ons: And of all Colours: And out of Things vncoloured and Transparent, wee can represent vnto you all seuerall Colours; Not in Raine∣Bowes, (as it is in Gemms, and Prismes,) but of themselues Single. Wee represent also all Multi∣plications of Light, which wee carry to great Di∣stance, and make so Sharp, as to discerne small

Points and Lines. Also all Colourations of Light; All Delusions and Deceits of the Sight, in Figures, Magnitudes, Motions, Colours: All Demonstrations of Shadowes. Wee finde also diuerse Meanes yet vnknowne to you, of Producing of Light, originally, from diuerse Bodies. Wee procure meanes of Seeing Obiects a-farr off; As in the Heauen, and Remote Places: And represent Things Neare; as A-farr off; And Things A-farr off as Neare; Making Faigned Distances. Wee haue also Helps for the Sight, farr aboue Spectacles and Glasses in vse. Wee haue also Glasses and Meanes, to see Small and Minute Bodies, per∣fectly and distinctly; As the Shapes and Colours of Small Flies and Wormes, Graines and Flawes in Gemmes which cannot otherwise be seen, Obser∣uations in Vrine & Bloud not otherwise to be seen. Wee make Artificiall Raine-Bowes, Halo's, and Circles about Light. Wee represent also all man∣ner of Reflexions, Refractions, and Multiplicati∣ons of Visuall Beames of Obiects.

Wee haue also Pretious Stones of all kindes, ma∣ny of them of great Beauty, and to you vnknowne: Crystalls likewise; And Glasses of diuerse kindes; And amongst them some of Mettals Vitrificated, and other Materialls, besides those of which you make Glasse. Also a Number of Fossiles, and Imper∣fect Mineralls, which you haue not. Likewise Loadstones of Prodigious Vertue: And other rare Stones, both Naturall, and Artificiall.

Wee haue also Sound-Houses, wher wee practise and demonstrate all Sounds, and their Generation. Wee haue Harmonies which you haue not, of Quar∣ter-Sounds, and lesser Slides of Sounds. Diuerse Instruments of Musick likewise to you vnknowne, some sweeter then any you haue; Together with Bells and Rings that are dainty and sweet. Wee represent Small Sounds as Great and Deepe; Likewise Great Sounds, Extenuate and Sharpe; Wee make diuerse Tremblings and Warblings of Sounds, which in their Originall are Entire. Wee represent and imitate all Articulate Sounds and Letters, and the Voices and Notes of Beasts and Birds. Wee haue certaine Helps, which sett to the Eare doe further the Hearing greatly. Wee haue also diuerse, Strange and Artificiall Eccho's, Re∣flecting the Voice many times, and as it were Tos∣sing it: And some that giue back the Voice Low∣der then it came; some Shriller, and some Dee∣per; Yea some rendring the Voice, Differing in the Letters or Articulate Sound, from that they receyue. Wee haue also meanes to conuey Sounds in Trunks and Pipes, in strange Lines, and Distances.

Wee haue also Perfume-Houses; wherwith we ioyne also Practises of Tast. VVe Multiply Smells, which may seeme strange. VVe Imitate Smells, making all Smells to breath out of other Mixtures then those that giue them. VVe make diuerse Imitations of Tast likewise •• so that they

will deceyue any Mans Tast. And in this House wee containe also a Confiture-House, wher wee make all Sweet-Meats, Dry and Moist; And diuerse pleasant Wines, Milks, Broaths, and Sallets, farr in greater variety, then you haue.

Wee haue also Engine-Houses, wher are pre∣pared Engines and Instruments for all Sorts of Motions. Ther we imitate and practise to make Swifter Motions, then any you haue, either out of your Musketts, or any Engine that you haue: And to Make them, and Multiply them more Easily, and with Small Force, by VVheeles, and other Meanes: And to make them Stronger, and more Violent, then yours are; Exceeding your greatest Cannons, and Basilisks. Wee represent also Ordnance and Instruments of VVarr, and Engines of all Kindes: And likewise New Mixtures and Compositions of Gun-Powder, Wilde-Fires burning in Water, and Vnquenchable. Also Fire-workes of all Variety, both for Pleasure, and Vse. Wee imi∣tate also Flights of Birds; Wee haue some De∣grees of Flying in the Ayre. Wee haue Shipps and Boates for Going vnder Water, and Broo∣king of Seas; Also Swimming-Girdles and Sup∣porters. Wee haue diuers curious Clocks; And other like Motions of Returne: And some Per∣petuall Motions. Wee imitate also Motions of Liuing Creatures, by Images, of Men, Beasts, Birds, Fishes, and Serpents. Wee haue also a

great Number of other Various Motions, strange for Equality, Finenesse, and Subtilty.

Wee haue also a Mathematicall House, wher are represented all Instruments, as well of Geo∣metry, as Astronomy, exquisitely made.

Wee haue also Houses of Deceits of the Sen∣ses; wher we represent all manner of Feates of Iug∣ling, False Apparitions, Impostures, and Illusi∣ons: And their Fallaces. And surely you will easily beleeue, that wee, that haue so many Things truely Naturall, which induce Admiration, could in a World of Particulars deceiue the Senses, if wee would disguise those Things, and labour to make them seeme more Miraculous. But we doe hate all Impostures, and Lies: Insomuch as wee haue seuerely forbidden it to all our Fellowes, vnder paine of Ignominy and Eines, that they doe not shew any Naturall worke or Thing, Ador∣ned or Swelling; but onely Pure as it is, and without all Affectation of Strangenesse.

These are (my Sonne) the Riches of Salo∣mons House.

For the seuerall Employments and Offices of our Fellowes; Wee haue Twelue that Sayle into Forraine Countries, vnder the Names of other Nations, (for our owne wee conceale;) Who bring vs the Bookes, and Abstracts, and Patternes of Experiments of all other Parts.

These wee call Merchants of Light.

Wee haue Three that Collect the Experiments which are in all Bookes. These wee call Depre∣datours.

Wee haue Three that Collect the Experi∣ments of all Mechanicall Arts; And also of Liberall Sciences; And also of Practises which are not Brought into Arts. These we call My∣stery-Men.

Wee haue Three that try New Experiments, such as themselues thinke good. These wee call Pioners or Miners.

Wee haue Three that Drawe the Experiments of the Former Foure into Titles, and Tables, to giue the better light, for the drawing of Obserua∣tions and Axiomes out of them. These wee call Compilers.

Wee haue Three that bend themselues, Loo∣king into the Experiments of their Fellowes, and cast about how to draw out of them Things of Vse, and Practise for Mans life, and Know∣ledge as well for VVorkes, as for Plaine De∣monstration of Causes, Meanes of Naturall Diuinations, and the easie and cleare Discouery, of the Vertues and Parts of Bodies. These wee call Dowry-men or Benefactours.

Then after diuerse Meetings and Consults of our whole Number, to consider of the former La∣bours and Collections, wee haue Three that take care, out of them, to Direct New Experiments, of a

Higher Light, more Penetrating into Nature then the Former. These wee call Lamps.

Wee haue Three others that doe Execute the Experiments so Directed, and Report them. These wee call Inoculatours.

Lastly, wee haue Three that raise the former Discoueries by Experiments, into Greater Ob∣seruations, Axiomes, and Aphorismes. These wee call Interpreters of Nature.

Wee haue also, as you must thinke, Nouices and Apprentices, that the Succession of the for∣mer Employed Men doe not faile; Besides, a great Number of Seruants and Attendants, Men and Women. And this we doe also: We haue Consultations, which of the Inuentions and Experiences, which wee haue discouered, shall be Published, and which not: And take all an Oath of Secrecy, for the Concealing of those which wee thinke fitt to keepe Secrett: Though some of those we doe reuease sometimes to the State, and some not.

For our Ordinances and Rites: Wee haue two very Long, and Faire Galleries: In one of these wee place Patternes and Samples of all manner of the more Rare and Excellent Inuen∣tions: In the other wee place the Statuas of all Principall Inuentours. These wee haue the Sta∣tua of your Columbus, that discouered the

West-Indies: Also the Inuentour of Shipps: Your Monke that was the Inuentour of Ordnance, and of Gunpowder: The Inuentour of Mu∣sicke: The Inuentour of Letters; The Inuen∣tour of Printing: The Inuentour of Obserua∣tions of Astronomy: The Inuentour of Works in Mettall: The Inuentour of Glasse: The In∣uentour of Silke of the VVorne: The Inuen∣tour of VVine: The Inuentour of Corne and Bread: The Inuentour of Sugars: And all these, by more certaine Tradition, then you haue. Then haue we diuerse Inuentours of our Owne, of Excellent VVorkes: Which since you haue not seene, it were too long to make Descriptions of them; And besides, in the right Vnderstanding of those Descriptions, you might easily erre. For vpon euery Inuention of Valew, wee erect a Sta∣tua to the Inuentour, and giue him a Liberall and Honourable Reward. These Statua's are, some of Brasse; some of Marble and Touchstone; some of Cedar and other speciall VVoods guilt and adorned; some of Iron; some of Siluer; Some of Gold.

Wee haue certaine Hymnes and Seruices, which wee say dayly, of Laud and Thanks to GOD, for his Marueillous VVorks: And Formes of Pray∣ers imploring his Aide and Blessing, for the Il∣lumination of our Labours, and the Turning of them into Good and Holy Vses.

Lastly, wee haue Circuites or Visits of diuers

Principall Citties of the Kingdome; wher, as it commeth to passe, we doe publish such New Profi∣table Inuentions, as wee thinke good. And wee doe also declare Naturall Diuinations of Disea∣ses, Plagues, Swarmes of Hurtfull Creatures, Scarcety, Tempests, Earthquakes, Great Inun∣dations, Cometts, Temperature of the Yeare, and diuerse other Things; And wee giue Coun∣sell thereupon, what the People shall doe, for the Preuention and Remedy of them.

And when Hee had sayd this, Hee stood vp: And I, as I had beene taught, kneeled downe, and He layd his Right Hand vpon my Head, and said; GOD blesse thee, my Sonne; And GOD blesse this Relation, which I haue made. I giue thee leaue to Publish it, for the Good of other Nations; For wee here are in GODS Bosome, a Land vn∣knowne. And so hee left mee; Hauing assigned a Va∣lew about two Thousand Duckets, for a Bounty to mee and my Fellowes. For they giue great Largesses, they come, vpon all occasions.

The rest was not Perfected.