CCXI sociable letters written by the thrice noble, illustrious, and excellent princess, the Lady Marchioness of Newcastle.

CXV.

MADAM,

THe News here is, that there are many Towns and multitudes of People Drown'd in H. I cannot wonder at it, by reason they live Below Water, like Fishes, onely they do not Swim, so that one may say they are Housed-Fishes, or Fishes in Sluces; indeed, they are Incircled, or Wall'd in with Water, and for my part, I think it should be more secure to live in a Floating Boat, or Ship, Upon the Water, as Rivers, or Seas, than in a Fix'd House Under the Water, for the Water in most Places is Above their Houses; But, though they live like Fishes, for the Manner, or Matter of Wa∣ter, yet they are not of the Temper of Fishes, for the Matter, or Manner of Nature; for, as for Industry, they are like Ants or Pismires, Pru∣dently Provident, although not absolutely like

them in their Government, for their Govern∣ment is betwixt a Republick and Aristocracy. But by their Government and Industry, they do not appear to be Cold and Stupid, but Hot and Active, they neither want Courage nor Strength, Policy nor Industry, VVealth nor Jol∣lity; they are as Happy, as yet, to all Outward Appearance, as any Nation, nay Happier than most Nations are, for now they live in Peace, only wanting Champain, or Firm Ground. Their Ships bring them in all Commodities, that are either Useful, Profitable, or Delightful. And as for their VVit, I do not know whether it be so Sharp and Quick as in Drier Climats, yet they seem by their Government, to have as Sound Judgments, and Clear Understanding, as any other Nation: Indeed, they seem to have the Subtilty of the Serpent, the Craft of the Fox, the Strength of the Lion, the Prudence of the Ant, the Sight of the Eagle, and the Wisdom of Rational Men; wherefore I observe, that Men are not according to the Temper of Cli∣mats they are Born and Bred in, but according to the Pleasure of Natures VVill in Creating, or according to Fortune, Chance, or Breeding, Informing, Conforming, Reforming, Ordering or Disposing. But, Madam, I am not a fit Judg of Nations, People, nor Numbers, being of the Female Sex, who are seldom made Judges, for want of Judgement, and being Retired much to my own Thoughts, I want those Observations that Travelling and Commercing Persons have,

or may have, although most Persons of either Sex are forward to give their Opinions, whe∣ther Wise or Foolish, and are apt to Censure, whether Truly of Falsly, Generously or Mali∣ciously. But, Madam, lest you should Censure me to be a Tedious Writer, I take my leave, and rest,

Madam,

Your Ladiships faithful Friend and Servant.