The Blazing World and Other Writings Read Online

So taking her leave she left her, telling her she would send her such books as she desired. And thus passing some weeks, in the meantime the Prince recovered, resolving to visit this young Lady, who had heard by his aunt the relation of what she was, whose birth made him doubt she would not be so easily corrupted, as he hoped before, and she knowing his birth gave her more hopes of honourable usage[.] Yet sitting in a studious posture with a sad countenance and heavy fixed eyes, accompanied with melancholy thoughts contemplating of her misfortunes past, with a serious consideration of the condition she stood in, advising with her judgement for the future, in comes the Prince. She no sooner saw him, but she trembled for fear, remembering her past danger, and the trouble she was like to run through; but he with an humble behaviour and civil respect, craved pardon for his former faults, promising her, that if she would be pleased to allow him her conversation, he would never enforce that from her which she was not willing to grant, for there was nothing in this world he held dearer than her company, and sitting down by her, began to question her of love, as whether she had engaged her affection to any person of her own country, or anywhere else, she told him no; which answer, being jealous before, imagining she might be so valiant as to wound him more for the sake of her lover than out of a love to honour or reputation, received great content and joy, esteeming it the next happiness, that since she loved not him to love no other.

I wonder at your courage, said he, for usually your sex are so tender and fearful, and so far from using instruments of death, as swords, guns, or the like, as they dare not look at them, but turn their head aside.

She answered, that necessity was a great commandress, and thus discoursing some time, at last he took his leave until the next day: but when he was gone, glad she was. O what a torment will this be, said she, to be affrighted every day with this ravenous lion! but said she, I must get a spell against his fury, and not only against him but against all suchlike, which by her industry she got a subtle poison, which she put in a very small bladder, then she put that bladder of poison in a lock, which she fastened to her arm, that when any occasion served, she might have ready to put in her mouth, which in great extremity she would use: for crushing it but betwixt her teeth, it would expel life suddenly.

The next morning the Prince sent her a present of all kinds of rich Persian silks, and tissues, fine linen and laces, and all manner of toys which young ladies use to make them fine and gay. But she returned them with great thanks, bidding the bringer tell the Prince, that she did never receive a present, but what she was able to return with advantage, unless it were from those that had a near relation, as parents and kindred, or the like; but he when he saw them returned, thought it was, because they were not rich enough, and sent her another present of jewels of great value; which when she had viewed, she said, they were very rich, and costly: but returning them back, said she, I dare not trust my youth with the richesse and vanities of the world, lest they may prove bribes to corrupt my free and honest mind; wherefore tell the Prince, said she, I am not to be catched with glorious baits, and so returned them back.

The Prince, when he saw he could fasten no gifts on her, was much troubled, yet hoped that time might work her to his desires; so went to visit her, where when he saw her, he told her he was very unfortunate, that not only himself, but even his presents were hateful; for he could guess at no other reason why she should refuse them, since they were neither unlawful nor dishonourable to receive.

She answered, that the principles that she was taught, were that gifts were both dangerous to give and take, from designing or covetous persons. He said he was unhappy, for by that she would not receive love, nor give love; thus daily he visited her, and hourly courted her, striving to insinuate himself into her favour by his person and services, as powdering, perfuming and rich clothing, although he was so personable and well favoured, with such store of eloquence, as might have persuaded both ears and eyes to have been advocates to a young heart and an inexperienced brain[.] His service was in observing her humour, his courtship was in praising her disposition, admiring her beauty, applauding her wit, approving her judgement, insomuch that at the last she did not dislike his company; and grew to that pass, as to be melancholy when he was gone, blush when he was named, start at his approaching, sigh, weep, grew pale and distempered, yet perceived not, nor knew her disease; besides, she would look often in the glass, curl her hair finely, wash her face cleanly, set her clothes handsomely, mask herself from the sun, not considering why she did so; but he, as all lovers have watchful eyes, observed she regarded herself more than she used to do, which made him more earnest for fear her passion should cool; protesting his love, vowing his fidelity and secrecy, swearing his constancy to death[.] She said, that he might make all that good, but not the lawfulness; can you said she, make it no sin to God, no dishonour to my family, no infamy to my sex, no breach in virtue, no wrong to honesty, no immodesty to myself?

He answered, it was lawful by nature.

Sir, said she, it is as impossible to corrupt me, as to corrupt Heaven; but were you free, I should willingly embrace your love, in lawful marriage[.]

He told her they were both young, and his wife old, almost ripe enough for death, sith a little time more would cut her down; wherefore, said he, let us enjoy ourselves in the meantime, and when she is dead, we will marry.

No, said she, I will not buy a husband at that dear rate, nor am I so evil, as to wish the death of the living for any advantage, unless they were enemies to virtue, innocence, or religion; but he was so importunate, as she seemed displeased, which he perceiving left off persisting, lest he might nip off the young and tender buds of her affection. But it chanced, not long after, there was a meeting of many nobles at that feast where healths to their mistresses were drank round: where the Prince, who thought it a sin to love to neglect that institution, offered with great ceremony and devotion, for his mistress’s health, sprinkling the altar of the brain with fume, burning the incense of reason therein[.] After the feast was ended, he went to see his mistress, whose beauty like oil set his spirits in a flame, which made his affection grow to an intemperate heat; whereat she became so afraid, as she puts the poison into her mouth, the antidote of all evil, as she thought, then told him her intention; but he having more passion than doubt, would not believe her; which she perceiving, broke the bladder asunder betwixt her teeth, and immediately fell down as dead; whereat he was so amazed as he had not power to stir for a time, but at last calling for help, the old lady came to diem, he telling her what she had done, as well as his fear would give him leave. The lady having skill in physic,3 as most old ladies have, reading in herbals4 and such kind of books, gave her something to make her vomit up the poison, whereat she weakly revived to life again; but she was so very sick, as almost cut off of all hopes of keeping that life; whereat he lamented, tearing his hair, beating his breast, cursing himself, praying and imploring his pardon and her forgiveness, promising and protesting never the like again, she returning no answer, but groans and sighs: but he being a diligent servant, and much afflicted, watched by her, until she mended by the lady’s care and skill[.] When she was indifferent well recovered, she began to lament her ill condition and the danger she was in, employing her thoughts how she might escape the snares of spiteful fortune, and gain her friendship; where after some short time, finding opportunity to take time by the forelock, the Prince being sent for to court, and the old lady being not well, whereby she had more liberty, searching about the room [she] found a suit of clothes of the old lady’s page, which suit she carried into her chamber, and privately hid it, then taking pen and ink, writ two letters, the one to the Prince, the other to the old lady; so sealing the letters up, and writing their direction, left them upon the table; then she straight stripped herself of her own clothes, which she flung in a black place with her hair that she had cut off; and putting the page’s clothes on, in this disguise she went towards the chief city, to which came an arm of the sea up, making a large haven for many ships to lie at anchor in[.] But as soon as she came to the seaside, there was a ship just going off, which she seeing, got into it; her fears being so great, as not to consider, nor examine, wither they were bound; and they were so employed, hoisting their sails, and fitting their tacklings, as they took no notice when she came in: but being gone three or four leagues from the shore, and all quiet, and free from labour, the master walking upon the deck, seeing a handsome youth stand there in page’s clothes, asked him who he was, and how he came there. Said she, I do suppose, you are bound for the Kingdom of Riches, where I desire to go; but coming late, seeing everyone busily employed, I had no time to bargain for my passage; but I shall content you what in reason, you can require.

Said the master, we are not bound to that kingdom, but are sent for new discoveries towards the South, neither have we provision for any more than those that are appointed to go; which when she heard, the tears flowed from her eyes, which became her so well, as moved the master to pity and affection[.] Then asking him what he was, she answered him, that she was a gentleman’s son, whom by the reason of civil wars, was carried out of his own country very young by his mother, and so related the truth of his being cast into that kingdom, only she fained she was a youth, and had served a lady as her page; but desiring to return into his own country, had mistaken and put himself into a wrong vessel, but said she I perceive the fates are not willing I should see my native country and friends; but I being young, travel, said she, may better my knowledge; and I shall not neglect any service I am able to do, or you are pleased to employ me in, if you will accept thereof[.] At last her graceful and humble demeanour, her modest countenance, and her well favoured face preferred her to this master’s service, who was a grave and a discreet man, who told her, as supposing her a boy, that since [he] was there, he would not cast him out, although, said he, it will be hard for me to keep you, yet you shall partake of what I have allowed for myself[.]

She giving him many thanks, said she would strive to deserve it. But after some weeks, the master fell very sick; in which sickness she was so industrious to recover his health by her diligent attendance and care, as begot such affection in the old man, that he adopted him his son, having no children of his own, nor like to have, he being in years. But having sailed five or six months without any tempestuous winds, yet not without danger of rocks and shelves of sand, which they avoided by their skill, and many times refreshed themselves in those harbours they might put into, which made them hope [for] a pleasant and prosperous voyage.

But fortune playing her usual tricks, to set men up on high hopes, and then to cast them down to ruin, irritated the gods against them, for their curiosity in searching too far into their works, which caused them to raise a great storm, making the clouds and seas to meet, showers to beat them, winds to toss them, thunder to affright diem, lightning to amaze them, insomuch as they had neither strength to help themselves, nor sight to guide diem, nor memory to direct them, nor courage to support diem; the anchor was lost, the rudder was broke, the masts were split, the sails all torn, the ship did leak, their hopes were gone;

Nothing was left but black despair,

And grim Death on their face to stare;

For every gust of wind blew Death into their face,

And every billow digged their burial place.

In this time of confusion, Travellia (for so now she called herself) followed close her old new father, who had as many care-full thoughts, and as great a regard for her safety, as she of herself; and giving order to the pilot that had lost his steerage, to cast over the cock-boat,5 which no sooner done, but a gust of wind drove them on a rock that split the ship; which as soon as he perceived, he took his beloved and supposed boy, and put him in with himself and the pilot into the boat, cutting that cable, and imploring the favour of the gods, committing themselves to the fates, setting up a little sail for the wind to carry them which way it pleased. No sooner put off, but the ship and all therein sunk: but the gods favouring the young Lady for her virtue, tied up the strong winds again into their several corners: after which they sailing six days, at last were thrust through a point into a large river, which for the greatness might be called a large sea; for though it was fresh water, yet it was of that longitude and latitude, that they could not perceive land for four days together; but at the last they espied land, and coming nigh, they perceived a multitude of people, which when they came to the shore affrighted each other, for those on the land never saw any bark or the like swim upon the water, for they had that propriety to swim naturally like fishes[.] Nor they in the boat never saw such complexioned men; for they were not black like Negroes, nor tawny, nor olive, nor ash-coloured, as many are, but of a deep purple, their hair as white as milk, and like wool; their lips thin, their ears long, their noses flat, yet sharp, their teeth and nails as black as jet, and as shining; their stature tall, and their proportion big; their bodies were all naked, only from the waist down to their twist6 was there brought through their legs up to the waist again, and tied with a knot, a thin kind of stuff, which was made of the barks of trees, yet looked as fine as silk, and as soft; the men carried long darts in their hands, spear-fashion, so hard and smooth, as it seemed like metal, but made of whales’ bones. But when they landed, the people came so thick about them, as almost smothered them. But the grave and chief of them, which seemed like their priests, sent them straight to their chief governors of those parts, as their custom was, as it seemed to them afterwards; for all that was strange or rare was usually presented to their chiefs, so that they stayed not so long as to see the ceremony of that sacrifice they were offering, only they perceived it was a sacrifice of fish to some sea-god; and then [they] set them on a creature half fish, half flesh, for it was in shape like a calf, but a tail like a fish, a horn like a unicorn which lives in the river, but yet would lie upon the sands in great herds or shoals, as seals do, so as they might take [them] for their use at any time, without the trouble of keeping them up, for they were tame and gentle of themselves.

But thus riding along the sand two or three leagues to the governor’s house, for all along those sands[,] only upon a bank[,] were houses all in a row built with fishbones, which bones were laid with great art, and in fine works, and so close as stone or brick; the tops of these houses were scales of fish laid like tile or flat; these scales glittered so in the sun, as they looked some ways like silver, other ways like rainbows, in all manner of colours.

When the governor had viewed diem, he sent them with other messengers, but on the same beasts, to the next governor; and thus [] riding upon the sands for some days, their food [was] broiled fish, but broiled upon the hot sands, for there was no other food but fish and water-fowls, whereof they had great store, but yet of strange kinds to those strangers’ view, for there was no pasture, nor anything like green.

At last they came to a place, which seemed like a forest, for there were a number of bodies of trees, but having neither branches nor leaves, and yet the bodies of those trees, if one may call them so, having no branches, were so big as to hold a family of twenty, or more of the governor’s house, for so they serve, for their house was as big as four other[s]; and the bark of those trees, or indeed the wood of the tree quite through, were as all manner of flowers both for colour, shape, and scent, painted and set by nature in the wood; as when the wood was cut one way, flowers were all perfect in shape, but cut another way and they seemed like flowers shed from the stalks; and this wood was so sweet as all the forest smelled thereof.

After the governor of this place had viewed them, he set them on other beasts, and sent them by other messengers; where leaving their fleshly fishy beasts which run back again to the place they were taken from: but those they rode after[wards], were like a stag in the body, which was as big as a horse, black as a coal, a tail like a dog, horns like a ram, tipped with green like buds of trees, as swift as a roe: and thus riding until they came to another forest, where all the trees were very high and broad, whose leaves were shadowed with several greens, lighter and darker, as if they were painted, and many birds of strange colours and shapes[.] Some birds had wings like flies, beaks, bodies and legs like other birds; some the bodies like squirrels, but had feathered wings: there was one, a very fine kind of bird in shape, both for beak, head, body and legs, like a parrot, but instead of feathers, it was covered with hair like beasts, which hairs were of the colour of parrot’s feathers, and the wings like bat’s wings, streaked like a rainbow; the eyes looked as yellow as the sun, and sent forth a kind of a light like to small rays of the sun; in the midst of the forehead it had a small horn, which grew winding and sharp at the end like a needle: this bird did mount like a hawk in circle, and after would fly down at other birds as they do; but instead of talons, that horn struck them dead, for with its horn it would thrust them into their bodies, and so bear their bodies upon their horn, and fly some certain lengths as in triumphs, and then would light and eat it.

Some birds no bigger than the smallest flies there were, yet all feathered; besides, there were many sorts of beasts, for some had beaks like birds, and feathers instead of hair, but no wings, and their bodies like a sheep. There was one kind of beast in the shape of a camel, and the neck as white as a swan, and all the head and face white, only a lock of hair on the top of his crown of all manner of colours; the hair of his body was of a perfect gold yellow, his tail like his fore-top, but it would often turn up like a peacock’s tail, and spread it as broad; and the hairs being of all several colours, made a most glorious show, the legs and feet of the colour of the body, but the hooves as black as jet.

At last, they were carried to another governor who lived in a town, whose house was built with spices; the roof and beams as big as any house need to have, made of cinnamon, and the walls were plastered with the flakes of mace, which flakes were a foot square; the planches7 were cut thick, like bricks, or square marble pieces, out of nutmegs; the long planches out of ginger, for their nutmegs and races of ginger were as great as men could carry; the house was covered on the top, some with pomegranates’ rinds, others of oranges and citrons, but the pomegranates last the longer, but the other smelled the sweeter, and looked the more pleasanter to the eye[.] They never have rain there, nor in any part of the kingdom, for the air is always serene and clear; nor no higher winds than what fans the heat; their exercise was hunting, where the women hunted the females, the men the males.

But as they went to the governor, all the people run about to see them, wondering at them, viewing them round: but the governor seemed to admire the youth much, but durst not keep him, being against the custom, but sent them straight towards the chief city where their King was; where after some days riding, [they] came out of the forest into great plains and champains,8 which were covered with a sea green and willow-coloured grass, and some meadows were covered with perfect shadows of all manner of sorts of greens. But as they drew near the city, there were great quarries of crystal, as we have of stone. But when they came up to the city, all about without the walls were orchards, and root-gardens, where there grew roots as sweet, as if they were preserved, and some all juicy; most of their fruits grew in shells like nuts, but most delicious to the taste; but their shells were like a net or caul, that all the fruit was seen through, and some kind of fruits as big as one’s head, but some were no bigger than ours, others very small; there never fell rain, but dews to refresh them, which dews fell upon the earth, every night they fell like flakes of snow; and when they were upon the earth, they melted; and those flakes to the taste were like double-refined sugar.

At last, they entered the city, which city was walled about with crystal, and all their houses thereof, which houses were built both high and large, and before the houses were arched walks set upon great pillars of crystal; through the midst of the street run a stream of golden sands, and cross the stream were little silver bridges to pass and repass over to each side of the street; on each side of this stream grows rows of trees, which trees were about the height of cypress trees, but instead of green leaves, upon every stalk grew a several sweet flower, which smelled so sweet, that when Zephyrus9 blew, for they never had high winds, they gave so strong a scent, that to those that were not used to diem, did almost suffocate their spirits.

The King’s palace stood in the midst of the city, higher than all the other houses; the outward wall was crystal, cut all in triangulars, which presented millions of forms from one object; and all the ridge of the wall was all pointed crystals, which points cutting and dividing the beams of the sun so small, as the wall did not only look sparkling, but like a flaming hoop or ring of fire, by reason the wall went round. To this wall were four open passages, arched like gates; from those passages went walks, and on each side of these walks were trees, the barks thereof shadowed with hair colour, and as smooth as glass, the leaves of a perfect grass-green, for that is very rare to have in that country, Nature hath there so intermixed several colours made by light on several grounds or bodies of things; and on those trees birds do so delight therein, that they are always full of birds, every tree having a several choir by itself, which birds do sing such perfect notes, and keep so just a time, that they do make a most ravishing melody, besides, the variety of their tunes are such, that one would think Nature did set them new every day. These walks lead to another court, which was walled about with agates, carved with all imagery, and upon the ridge of the wall were such agates chose[n] out as most resemble the eyes, for in some agates their colours are naturally mixed, and lie in such circles as eyes, these seem as if so many sentinels lay looking and watching round about. From this wall went a walk, where on each side were beasts cut artificially to the life out of several coloured stones, according as those beasts were they were to resemble. This walk leads to another court which was not walled, but rather railed with white and red cornelians; these rails were cut spear-fashion. From the rails went only a plain walk paved with gold, which went straight to the palace; this palace standing on a little mount, whereto went up a pair of stairs; the stairs went round about the house, ascending by degrees on steps, which steps were of amber, leading up to a large and wide door; the frontispiece thereof was Turkey stones curiously carved in so small works, as if it had been engraven; the palace walls were all pure porcelain, and very thick and strong, yet very clear; it was all roofed or covered with jet, and also paved with the same, so that the black jet was set forth by the white porcelain, and the white porcelain seemed whiter by the blackness of the jet; their windows were only arched holes to let in air. Then in the midst of the palace was a large room like a little enclosed meadow, where in the midst of that room ran a spring of clear water, where the King bathed himself therein. Also, there were brave gardens of all sorts of flowers, where in the midst was a rock of amethyst, and artificial nymphs cut out to the life of mother [of] pearl, and little brooks winding and streaming about of golden sands; the wonder was, that although there were many mines in that kingdom, yet it was very fertile.

At last, they were brought to the King’s presence, who was laid upon a carpet made of thistledown, with great attendance about him: but he, and all those of the royal blood, were of a different colour from the rest of the people, they were of a perfect orange colour, their hair coal black, their teeth and nails as white as milk, of a very great height, yet well shaped.

But when the King saw diem, he wondered at diem; first, at the old man’s beard, for they have none; the next, at their habit, which were seamen’s clothes; but above all, at the youth, who looked handsome in despite of his poor and dirty garments[.] At last, he would have their clothes pulled off: but no sooner did they come to execute their command[,] but Travellia was so affrighted, that he fell down in a swound[.] Those that touched him started back when they saw him dead; but the old man bending him forward, brought him to life again: whereupon they straight thought that their touching him killed him, and that the old man had power to restore life, which made them afraid to touch them anymore; for that disease of swounding10 was not known to diem; then were their priests and wizards called for, to know from whence they came, and what should be done with diem, which priests were only known from the rest of the people, by a tuft of hair growing just upon the crown of the head, and all the head else had no hair, where other priests are only bald upon the crown []; the King and they fell into a great dispute.

The King pleaded hard to keep the youth, but at last the priest had the better, as most commonly they have in all religions, and so carried them away, and kept them a twelve month, but never dared touch diem, for fear they should die, because Travellia swounded, but they beckoned and pointed to them, they gave them ease, not employing them to any labour, and fed them daintily of what they could eat: for some meats they could not eat, as man’s flesh, for they had a custom in that country, to keep great store of slaves, both males and females, to breed on, as we do breed flocks of sheep, and other cattle[.] The children were eaten as we do lambs or veal, for young and tender meat; the elder for beef and mutton, as stronger meats; they kill five males for one female, for fear of destroying the breed, although they were so fruitful: they never bear less than two at a birth[,] and many times three, and they seldom leave child-bearing, until they are threescore years old, for they usually live there until they are eight score, and sometimes two hundred years, but the ordinary age is a hundred, unless plagues come; but not out of sluttery, or evil, or corrupt air, but with too much nourishment, by reason of their delicious diet, which breeds such a superfluity of humours, that it corrupts their blood[.] As for their houses, they are kept very cleanly, by reason they never eat in diem, for their custom was to eat all together in common halls, as the Lacedemonians11 did, only they had better cheer and more liberty; likewise their women were common to everyone’s use, unless it were those women of the royal blood, which is a sort by themselves, as was described before, and therefore never mixed with the rest; but if they did, and were known, it was death; these of the royal blood all their skins were wrought, like the Britons. As for their government, it was tyrannical, for all the common people were slaves to the royal.

But to return to the old man, observing how careful and choice they keep him, he told his son what he thought was their intentions, which was to sacrifice diem, and said he, there is no way to escape, unless we had their language, and could make them believe we came from the gods; and that the gods would punish diem, if they put them to death, and you are young, said he, and apt to learn; but I am old, and my memory decayed; wherefore now study for your life or never.

Well, said he, since my life lies in my learning, I will learn for my life, which he did so well, that he got in that twelve month their language, so perfect as he understood, and could speak most of it, in which time he understood all that I have delivered to the reader, and besides understood that they had many gods, and goddesses.

The sun was their chief god, and the earth the chief goddess, their next god was the sea, and their goddess the moon, and they prayed to the stars, as some do to saints, to speak in their behalf, and to present their prayer to the sun and moon, which they thought to be as man and wife, and the stars their children; to their gods, they offered none but the males, and those offerings were offered by men; and the men prayed only to the gods; and to their goddesses none but the women; nor none but female offerings were offered unto them: at last by their discourse and preparation, they perceived they were to be sacrificed to the sun, as being both males, as they thought, and with great ceremony, as being strangers, and such rarities, yet they did not touch Travellia, as supposing, if they should, he would the before he was brought to the place of sacrifices; yet in all this time he never disclosed that he could speak their language, nor to understand them; but in this time the old man had got some saltpeter, and burnt wood into charcoal, so made gunpowder, for they had the liberty to go where they would about their temples, and after he had made the gunpowder, he made two things like pistols, although not so curious and neat, yet well enough to serve his turn, and directed his son what he should do and say; whereupon against that day he made himself a garment of a grass which was like to green silk, and with the same he had woven it so finely, as it looked like satin, also the calves of his legs like buskins were several coloured flowers, and a garland of flowers on his head, the soles of his sandals were of that green; but the stripes atop were of flowers like his buskins; in each hand he held the two pistols; his hair which was grown in that time, for he never discovered it, keeping it tied up, untied it, and that day let it down, which spread upon his back, but when the priest which came to fetch him forth, saw him thus dressed, never seeing hair before, for they had none but wool, and very short as Nigers have,12 was amazed at the sight; and not daring to touch him, went by him as guarding him, as the chief sacrifice to the place, where the King and all his tribe, and all his people waiting for their coming, the King being placed at the head of the altar with a dart in his right hand, the spear of the dart being an entire diamond, cut with a sharp point, to signify the piercing beams of the sun, which spear, he usually struck into the heart of the sacrificed; which heart the priest used to cut out, and gave the King to eat raw, whilst the priest sang songs in the praise of the sun, as the father of all things[.] Thus after some expectations the priest came with their sacrifices, which when the King and people saw, they were all amazed, as well they might; for he appeared most beautiful; but at last they all shouted, and cried out, their gods had beautified and adorned their sacrifices, as being well pleased therewith, making great shouts and noises of joy; but when he came to the altar he called to them, in their own language, at which they grew mute with wonder, and being all silent, he thus spake.

The Speech

O King, and you spectators, why do you offend the gods, in destroying their messengers; which come to bring you life, and to make you happy; had I brought you plagues, then you might have sacrificed me unto your god of lights, as coming from death and darkness, his enemies; but for this your false devotion, the great sun, saith he, will destroy you with one of his small thunderbolts, killing first your priests and then the rest. With that shot off his pistol into the breast of the chief priest, wherewith he straight fell down dead; the noise of the pistol, and the flash of the fire, which they never saw before, and the effect of it upon the priest, struck them with such a horror, and did so terrify them, as they all kneeled down imploring mercy, and forgiveness, with trembling limbs, and weeping eyes, whereupon he told them, there was no way to avoid punishment, but first to fast two days from any kind of nourishment; next, not to open their lips to speak, and then to obey whatsoever he shall teach them, as being sent from the gods; bidding them go home until their time of fasting were out; and then to return to the temple again, commanding none to remain there, but to leave it to the old man, and he. Which temple was most rich and curiously built, having in that country great art and skill, in architecture.

Whereupon, the King and all the people, rising up, bowing their heads down low, as in humble obedience to commands, praying to him as a god to divert the punishments intended to them, and in sorrow, as lamenting their fault went home, each to his house, sealing up their lips for such a time, from receiving meat, or sending forth words; in the meantime the old man and he had leisure to bethink themselves what to do, having at that time the temple as a palace to live in, none to disturb diem, nor to hinder their thoughts from working out their advantage, and sitting in council a long time, disputing with each other, what was best to do, at last resolved the old man should go to the King as sent from the gods, to bid him send a command to all his people to eat such herbs, as a salad, drinking their water without mixture just before they came, for else, said the old man, their hunger will make them impatient, or so dull, as it may stop their ears, by the faintness of their spirits, caused by their empty stomachs, and too much said he, makes them furious, sending up malignant vapours to their brains, which may cause our ruins; but after he had been with the King, he returned back to the temple again, and the King obeyed his desire, as a command from the gods, and brought the people all to the temple, where after they were all gathered together, Travellia advanced himself so much higher than the rest, as they might hear him round.

Then thus spake.

Pious friends, for so I may call you, being willing to please the gods; but your ignorance hath led you wrong ways: yet the gods seeing your zeal, though through a false devotion, pitying your ignorance did by their wisdom find means to appease the wrath of their justice, for every attribute of the gods must have a satisfaction; For right is their kingdom, and truth is their sceptre, wherewith they govern all their works; but the gods hath strewn lots among mankind of moveable things which chance gathers up, and chance being blind mistakes both in the gathering and distributing: now the gods made this chance by their providence when they made man, for man hath no more knowledge of the transitory things of the world, than what chance gives them, who is an unjust distributor, for all external gifts come from her hand, which for want of sight, she gives oft times the beggar’s lot to the King, the servants’ to the masters, the masters’ to the servants: and For the internal gifts which the gods have bestowed on men, are different, as the external are transitory; For some are nearer to perfection, some farther off: yet none have perfect knowledge, For the gods mix man’s nature with such an aspiring ambition, that if they had a perfect knowledge of the glory of the gods, and a perfect knowledge of the first cause; and the effects produced therefrom, they would have warred with the gods, and have striven to usurp their authority, so busy and vainglorious hath the gods made the minds of men. Wherefore the gods govern the world by ignorance: and though the goodness of the gods is great, yet their goodness is bound in with their justice, which is attended with terrors, to punish the crimes of men. And even to punish the innocent errors that proceed from that ignorance, which they have muzzled man withal; but as their power made the world; their wisdom rules the world; their justice punishes the world: so their mercy keeps the world from destruction, and their love, not only saves man, but prefers man to a glorious happiness. And some of this love the gods have sent to you, although by your ignorance you had almost cast it from you.