Produced by Michael Pullen and William Fishburne. HTML
version by Al Haines.
THE NEW ATLANTIS
BY
SIR FRANCIS BACON
INTRODUCTORY NOTE
Bacon's literary executor, Dr. Rowley, published "The New Atlantis" in
1627, the year after the author's death. It seems to have been written
about 1623, during that period of literary activity which followed
Bacon's political fall. None of Bacon's writings gives in short apace
so vivid a picture of his tastes and aspirations as this fragment of
the plan of an ideal commonwealth. The generosity and enlightenment,
the dignity and splendor, the piety and public spirit, of the
inhabitants of Bensalem represent the ideal qualities which Bacon the
statesman desired rather than hoped to see characteristic of his own
country; and in Solomon's House we have Bacon the scientist indulging
without restriction his prophetic vision of the future of human
knowledge. No reader acquainted in any degree with the processes and
results of modern scientific inquiry can fail to be struck by the
numerous approximations made by Bacon's imagination to the actual
achievements of modern times. The plan and organization of his great
college lay down the main lines of the modern research university; and
both in pure and applied science he anticipates a strikingly large
number of recent inventions and discoveries. In still another way is
"The New Atlantis" typical of Bacon's attitude. In spite of the
enthusiastic and broad-minded schemes he laid down for the pursuit of
truth, Bacon always had an eye to utility. The advancement of science
which he sought was conceived by him as a means to a practical end the
increase of man's control over nature, and the comfort and convenience
of humanity. For pure metaphysics, or any form of abstract thinking
that yielded no "fruit," he had little interest; and this leaning to
the useful is shown in the practical applications of the discoveries
made by the scholars of Solomon's House. Nor does the interest of the
work stop here. It contains much, both in its political and in its
scientific ideals, that we have as yet by no means achieved, but which
contain valuable elements of suggestion and stimulus for the future.
THE NEW ATLANTIS
We sailed from Peru, (where we had continued for the space of one whole
year) for China and Japan, by the South Sea; taking with us victuals
for twelve months; and had good winds from the east, though soft and
weak, for five months space, and more. But the wind came about, and
settled in the west for many days, so as we could make little or no
way, and were sometime in purpose to turn back. But then again there
arose strong and great winds from the south, with a point east, which
carried us up (for all that we could do) towards the north; by which
time our victuals failed us, though we had made good spare of them. So
that finding ourselves, in the midst of the greatest wilderness of
waters in the world, without victuals, we gave ourselves for lost men
and prepared for death. Yet we did lift up our hearts and voices to
God above, who showeth his wonders in the deep, beseeching him of his
mercy, that as in the beginning he discovered the face of the deep, and
brought forth dry land, so he would now discover land to us, that we
might not perish.
And it came to pass that the next day about evening we saw within a
kenning before us, towards the north, as it were thick clouds, which
did put us in some hope of land; knowing how that part of the South Sea
was utterly unknown; and might have islands, or continents, that
hitherto were not come to light. Wherefore we bent our course thither,
where we saw the appearance of land, all that night; and in the dawning
of the next day, we might plainly discern that it was a land; flat to
our sight, and full of boscage; which made it show the more dark. And
after an hour and a half's sailing, we entered into a good haven, being
the port of a fair city; not great indeed, but well built, and that
gave a pleasant view from the sea: and we thinking every minute long,
till we were on land, came close to the shore, and offered to land.
But straightways we saw divers of the people, with bastons in their
hands (as it were) forbidding us to land; yet without any cries of
fierceness, but only as warning us off, by signs that they made.
Whereupon being not a little discomforted, we were advising with
ourselves, what we should do.
During which time, there made forth to us a small boat, with about
eight persons in it; whereof one of them had in his hand a tipstaff of
a yellow cane, tipped at both ends with blue, who came aboard our ship,
without any show of distrust at all. And when he saw one of our
number, present himself somewhat before the rest, he drew forth a
little scroll of parchment (somewhat yellower than our parchment, and
shining like the leaves of writing tables, but otherwise soft and
flexible,) and delivered it to our foremost man. In which scroll were
written in ancient Hebrew, and in ancient Greek, and in good Latin of
the school, and in Spanish, these words: Land ye not, none of you; and
provide to be gone from this coast, within sixteen days, except you
have further time given you. Meanwhile, if you want fresh water or
victuals, or help for your sick, or that your ship needeth repairs,
write down your wants, and you shall have that, which belongeth to
mercy. This scroll was signed with a stamp of cherubim: wings, not
spread, but hanging downwards; and by them a cross. This being
delivered, the officer returned, and left only a servant with us to
receive our answer.
Consulting hereupon amongst ourselves, we were much perplexed. The
denial of landing and hasty warning us away troubled us much; on the
other side, to find that the people had languages, and were so full of
humanity, did comfort us not a little. And above all, the sign of the
cross to that instrument was to us a great rejoicing, and as it were a
certain presage of good. Our answer was in the Spanish tongue; that
for our ship, it was well; for we had rather met with calms and
contrary winds than any tempests. For our sick, they were many, and in
very ill case; so that if they were not permitted to land, they ran
danger of their lives. Our other wants we set down in particular;
adding, That we had some little store of merchandise, which if it
pleased them to deal for, it might supply our wants, without being
chargeable unto them. We offered some reward in pistolets unto the
servant, and a piece of crimson velvet to be presented to the officer;
but the servant took them not, nor would scarce look upon them; and so
left us, and went back in another little boat, which was sent for him.
About three hours after we had dispatched our answer, there came
towards us a person (as it seemed) of place. He had on him a gown with
wide sleeves, of a kind of water chamolet, of an excellent azure
colour, fair more glossy than ours; his under apparel was green; and so
was his hat, being in the form of a turban, daintily made, and not so
huge as the Turkish turbans; and the locks of his hair came down below
the brims of it. A reverend man was he to behold. He came in a boat,
gilt in some part of it, with four persons more only in that boat; and
was followed by another boat, wherein were some twenty. When he was
come within a flightshot of our ship, signs were made to us, that we
should send forth some to meet him upon the water; which we presently
did in our ship-boat, sending the principal man amongst us save one,
and four of our number with him.
When we were come within six yards of their boat, they called to us to
stay, and not to approach farther; which we did. And thereupon the
man, whom I before described, stood up, and with a loud voice, in
Spanish, asked, "Are ye Christians?" We answered, "We were;" fearing
the less, because of the cross we had seen in the subscription. At
which answer the said person lifted up his right hand towards Heaven,
and drew it softly to his mouth (which is the gesture they use, when
they thank God;) and then said: "If ye will swear (all of you) by the
merits of the Saviour, that ye are no pirates, nor have shed blood,
lawfully, nor unlawfully within forty days past, you may have licence
to come on land." We said, "We were all ready to take that oath."
Whereupon one of those that were with him, being (as it seemed) a
notary, made an entry of this act. Which done, another of the
attendants of the great person which was with him in the same boat,
after his Lord had spoken a little to him, said aloud: "My Lord would
have you know, that it is not of pride, or greatness, that he cometh
not aboard your ship; but for that in your answer you declare that you
have many sick amongst you, he was warned by the Conservator of Health
of the city that he should keep a distance." We bowed ourselves
towards him, and answered, "We were his humble servants; and accounted
for great honour, and singular humanity towards us, that which was
already done; but hoped well, that the nature of the sickness of our
men was not infectious." So he returned; and a while after came the
Notary to us aboard our ship; holding in his hand a fruit of that
country, like an orange, but of color between orange-tawney and
scarlet; which cast a most excellent odour. He used it (as it seemeth)
for a preservative against infection. He gave us our oath; "By the
name of Jesus, and his merits:" and after told us, that the next day,
by six of the Clock, in the Morning, we should be sent to, and brought
to the Strangers' House, (so he called it,) where we should be
accommodated of things, both for our whole, and for our sick. So he
left us; and when we offered him some pistolets, he smiling said, "He
must not be twice paid for one labour:" meaning (as I take it) that he
had salary sufficient of the State for his service. For (as I after
learned) they call an officer that taketh rewards, "twice paid."
The next morning early, there came to us the same officer that came to
us at first with his cane, and told us, He came to conduct us to the
Strangers' House; and that he had prevented the hour, because we might
have the whole day before us, for our business. "For," said he, "if
you will follow my advice, there shall first go with me some few of
you, and see the place, and how it may be made convenient for you; and
then you may send for your sick, and the rest of your number, which ye
will bring on land." We thanked him, and said, "That this care, which
he took of desolate strangers, God would reward." And so six of us
went on land with him: and when we were on land, he went before us, and
turned to us, and said, "He was but our servant, and our guide." He led
us through three fair streets; and all the way we went, there were
gathered some people on both sides, standing in a row; but in so civil
a fashion, as if it had been, not to wonder at us, but to welcome us:
and divers of them, as we passed by them, put their arms a little
abroad; which is their gesture, when they did bid any welcome.
The Strangers' House is a fair and spacious house, built of brick, of
somewhat a bluer colour than our brick; and with handsome windows, some
of glass, some of a kind of cambric oiled. He brought us first into a
fair parlour above stairs, and then asked us, "What number of persons
we were? And how many sick?" We answered, "We were in all, (sick and
whole,) one and fifty persons, whereof our sick were seventeen." He
desired us to have patience a little, and to stay till he came back to
us; which was about an hour after; and then he led us to see the
chambers which were provided for us, being in number nineteen: they
having cast it (as it seemeth) that four of those chambers, which were
better than the rest, might receive four of the principal men of our
company; and lodge them alone by themselves; and the other fifteen
chambers were to lodge us two and two together. The chambers were
handsome and cheerful chambers, and furnished civilly. Then he led us
to a long gallery, like a dorture, where he showed us all along the one
side (for the other side was but wall and window), seventeen cells,
very neat ones, having partitions of cedar wood. Which gallery and
cells, being in all forty, many more than we needed, were instituted as
an infirmary for sick persons. And he told us withal, that as any of
our sick waxed well, he might be removed from his cell, to a chamber;
for which purpose there were set forth ten spare chambers, besides the
number we spake of before. This done, he brought us back to the
parlour, and lifting up his cane a little, (as they do when they give
any charge or command) said to us, "Ye are to know, that the custom of
the land requireth, that after this day and to-morrow, (which we give
you for removing of your people from your ship,) you are to keep within
doors for three days. But let it not trouble you, nor do not think
yourselves restrained, but rather left to your rest and ease. You
shall want nothing, and there are six of our people appointed to attend
you, for any business you may have abroad." We gave him thanks, with
all affection and respect, and said, "God surely is manifested in this
land." We offered him also twenty pistolets; but he smiled, and only
said; "What? twice paid!" And so he left us.
Soon after our dinner was served in; which was right good viands, both
for bread and treat: better than any collegiate diet, that I have known
in Europe. We had also drink of three sorts, all wholesome and good;
wine of the grape; a drink of grain, such as is with us our ale, but
more clear: And a kind of cider made of a fruit of that country; a
wonderful pleasing and refreshing drink. Besides, there were brought
in to us, great store of those scarlet oranges, for our sick; which
(they said) were an assured remedy for sickness taken at sea. There
was given us also, a box of small gray, or whitish pills, which they
wished our sick should take, one of the pills, every night before
sleep; which (they said) would hasten their recovery.
The next day, after that our trouble of carriage and removing of our
men and goods out of our ship, was somewhat settled and quiet, I
thought good to call our company together; and when they were
assembled, said unto them; "My dear friends, let us know ourselves, and
how it standeth with us. We are men cast on land, as Jonas was, out of
the whale's belly, when we were as buried in the deep: and now we are
on land, we are but between death and life; for we are beyond, both the
old world, and the new; and whether ever we shall see Europe, God only
knoweth. It is a kind of miracle bath brought us hither: and it must
be little less, that shall bring us hence. Therefore in regard of our
deliverance past, and our danger present, and to come, let us look up
to God, and every man reform his own ways. Besides we are come here
amongst a Christian people, full of piety and humanity: let us not
bring that confusion of face upon ourselves, as to show our vices, or
unworthiness before them. Yet there is more. For they have by
commandment, (though in form of courtesy) cloistered us within these
wall, for three days: who knoweth, whether it be not, to take some
taste of our manners and conditions? And if they find them bad, to
banish us straightways; if good, to give us further time. For these
men that they have given us for attendance, may withal have an eye upon
us. Therefore for God's love, and as we love the weal of our souls and
bodies, let us so behave ourselves, as we may be at peace with God, and
may find grace in the eyes of this people." Our company with one voice
thanked me for my good admonition, and promised me to live soberly and
civilly, and without giving any the least occasion of offence. So we
spent our three days joyfully, and without care, in expectation what
would be done with us, when they were expired. During which time, we
had every hour joy of the amendment of our sick; who thought themselves
cast into some divine pool of healing; they mended so kindly, and so
fast.
The morrow after our three days were past, there came to us a new man,
that we had not seen before, clothed in blue as the former was, save
that his turban was white, with a small red cross on the top. He had
also a tippet of fine linen. At his coming in, he did bend to us a
little, and put his arms abroad. We of our parts saluted him in a very
lowly and submissive manner; as looking that from him, we should
receive sentence of life, or death: he desired to speak with some few
of us: whereupon six of us only staid, and the rest avoided the room.
He said, "I am by office governor of this House of Strangers, and by
vocation I am a Christian priest: and therefore am come to you to offer
you my service, both as strangers and chiefly as Christians. Some
things I may tell you, which I think you will not be unwilling to hear.
The State hath given you license to stay on land, for the space of six
weeks; and let it not trouble you, if your occasions ask further time,
for the law in this point is not precise; and I do not doubt, but my
self shall be able, to obtain for you such further time, as may be
convenient. Ye shall also understand, that the Strangers' House is at
this time rich, and much aforehand; for it hath laid up revenue these
thirty-seven years; for so long it is since any stranger arrived in
this part: and therefore take ye no care; the State will defray you all
the time you stay; neither shall you stay one day the less for that.
As for any merchandise ye have brought, ye shall be well used, and have
your return, either in merchandise, or in gold and silver: for to us it
is all one. And if you have any other request to make, hide it not.
For ye shall find we will not make your countenance to fall by the
answer ye shall receive. Only this I must tell you, that none of you
must go above a karan," (that is with them a mile and an half) "from
the walls of the city, without especial leave."
We answered, after we had looked awhile one upon another, admiring this
gracious and parent-like usage; "That we could not tell what to say:
for we wanted words to express our thanks; and his noble free offers
left us nothing to ask. It seemed to us, that we had before us a
picture of our salvation in Heaven; for we that were a while since in
the jaws of death, were now brought into a place, where we found
nothing but consolations. For the commandment laid upon us, we would
not fail to obey it, though it was impossible but our hearts should be
enflamed to tread further upon this happy and holy ground." We added,
"That our tongues should first cleave to the roofs of our mouths, ere
we should forget, either his reverend person, or this whole nation, in
our prayers." We also most humbly besought him, to accept of us as his
true servants; by as just a right as ever men on earth were bounden;
laying and presenting, both our persons, and all we had, at his feet.
He said; "He was a priest, and looked for a priest's reward; which was
our brotherly love, and the good of our souls and bodies." So he went
from us, not without tears of tenderness in his eyes; and left us also
confused with joy and kindness, saying amongst ourselves; "That we were
come into a land of angels, which did appear to us daily, and prevent
us with comforts, which we thought not of, much less expected."
The next day about ten of the clock, the Governor came to us again, and
after salutations, said familiarly; "That he was come to visit us;" and
called for a chair, and sat him down: and we, being some ten of us,
(the rest were of the meaner sort, or else gone abroad,) sat down with
him, And when we were set, he began thus: "We of this island of
Bensalem," (for so they call it in their language,) "have this; that by
means of our solitary situation; and of the laws of secrecy, which we
have for our travellers, and our rare admission of strangers; we know
well most part of the habitable world, and are ourselves unknown.
Therefore because he that knoweth least is fittest to ask questions, it
is more reason, for the entertainment of the time, that ye ask me
questions, than that I ask you."
We answered; "That we humbly thanked him that he would give us leave so
to do: and that we conceived by the taste we had already, that there
was no worldly thing on earth, more worthy to be known than the state
of that happy land. But above all," (we said,) "since that we were met
from the several ends of the world, and hoped assuredly that we should
meet one day in the kingdom of Heaven, (for that we were both parts
Christians,) we desired to know, (in respect that land was so remote,
and so divided by vast and unknown seas, from the land where our
Saviour walked on earth,) who was the apostle of that nation, and how
it was converted to the faith?" It appeared in his face that he took
great contentment in this our question: he said; "Ye knit my heart to
you, by asking this question in the first place; for it sheweth that
you first seek the kingdom of heaven; and I shall gladly, and briefly,
satisfy your demand.
"About twenty years after the ascension of our Saviour, it came to
pass, that there was seen by the people of Renfusa, (a city upon the
eastern coast of our island,) within night, (the night was cloudy, and
calm,) as it might be some mile into the sea, a great pillar of light;
not sharp, but in form of a column, or cylinder, rising from the sea a
great way up towards heaven; and on the top of it was seen a large
cross of light, more bright and resplendent than the body of the
pillar. Upon which so strange a spectacle, the people of the city
gathered apace together upon the sands, to wonder; and so after put
themselves into a number of small boats, to go nearer to this
marvellous sight. But when the boats were come within (about) sixty
yards of the pillar, they found themselves all bound, and could go no
further; yet so as they might move to go about, but might not approach
nearer: so as the boats stood all as in a theatre, beholding this light
as an heavenly sign. It so fell out, that there was in one of the
boats one of the wise men, of the society of Salomon's House; which
house, or college (my good brethren) is the very eye of this kingdom;
who having awhile attentively and devoutly viewed and contemplated this
pillar and cross, fell down upon his face; and then raised himself upon
his knees, and lifting up his hands to heaven, made his prayers in this
manner.
"'LORD God of heaven and earth, thou hast vouchsafed of thy grace to
those of our order, to know thy works of Creation, and the secrets of
them: and to discern (as far as appertaineth to the generations of men)
between divine miracles, works of nature, works of art, and impostures
and illusions of all sorts. I do here acknowledge and testify before
this people, that the thing which we now see before our eyes is thy
Finger and a true Miracle. And forasmuch as we learn in our books that
thou never workest miracles, but to divine and excellent end, (for the
laws of nature are thine own laws, and thou exceedest them not but upon
great cause,) we most humbly beseech thee to prosper this great sign,
and to give us the interpretation and use of it in mercy; which thou
dost in some part secretly promise by sending it unto us.'
"When he had made his prayer, he presently found the boat he was in,
moveable and unbound; whereas all the rest remained still fast; and
taking that for an assurance of leave to approach, he caused the boat
to be softly and with silence rowed towards the pillar. But ere he
came near it, the pillar and cross of light brake up, and cast itself
abroad, as it were, into a firmament of many stars; which also vanished
soon after, and there was nothing left to be seen, but a small ark, or
chest of cedar, dry, and not wet at all with water, though it swam.
And in the fore-end of it, which was towards him, grew a small green
branch of palm; and when the wise man had taken it, with all reverence,
into his boat, it opened of itself, and there were found in it a Book
and a Letter; both written in fine parchment, and wrapped in sindons of
linen. The Book contained all the canonical books of the Old and New
Testament, according as you have them; (for we know well what the
churches with you receive); and the Apocalypse itself, and some other
books of the New Testament, which were not at that time written, were
nevertheless in the Book. And for the Letter, it was in these words:
"'I, Bartholomew, a servant of the Highest, and Apostle of Jesus
Christ, was warned by an angel that appeareth to me, in a vision of
glory, that I should commit this ark to the floods of the sea.
Therefore I do testify and declare unto that people where God shall
ordain this ark to come to land, that in the same day is come unto them
salvation and peace and good-will, from the Father, and from the Lord
Jesus.'
"There was also in both these writings, as well the Book, as the
Letter, wrought a great miracle, conform to that of the Apostles, in
the original Gift of Tongues. For there being at that time in this
land Hebrews, Persians, and Indians, besides the natives, every one
read upon the Book, and Letter, as if they had been written in his own
language. And thus was this land saved from infidelity (as the
remainder of the old world was from water) by an ark, through the
apostolical and miraculous evangelism of Saint Bartholomew." And here
he paused, and a messenger came, and called him from us. So this was
all that passed in that conference.
The next day, the same governor came again to us, immediately after
dinner, and excused himself, saying; "That the day before he was called
from us, somewhat abruptly, but now he would make us amends, and spend
time with us if we held his company and conference agreeable." We
answered, "That we held it so agreeable and pleasing to us, as we
forgot both dangers past and fears to come, for the time we hear him
speak; and that we thought an hour spent with him, was worth years of
our former life." He bowed himself a little to us, and after we were
set again, he said; "Well, the questions are on your part."
One of our number said, after a little pause; that there was a matter,
we were no less desirous to know, than fearful to ask, lest we might
presume too far. But encouraged by his rare humanity towards us, (that
could scarce think ourselves strangers, being his vowed and professed
servants,) we would take the hardiness to propound it: humbly
beseeching him, if he thought it not fit to be answered, that he would
pardon it, though he rejected it. We said; "We well observed those his
words, which he formerly spake, that this happy island, where we now
stood, was known to few, and yet knew most of the nations of the world;
which we found to be true, considering they had the languages of
Europe, and knew much of our state and business; and yet we in Europe,
(notwithstanding all the remote discoveries and navigations of this
last age), never heard of the least inkling or glimpse of this island.
This we found wonderful strange; for that all nations have
inter-knowledge one of another, either by voyage into foreign parts, or
by strangers that come to them: and though the traveller into a foreign
country, doth commonly know more by the eye, than he that stayeth at
home can by relation of the traveller; yet both ways suffice to make a
mutual knowledge, in some degree, on both parts. But for this island,
we never heard tell of any ship of theirs that had been seen to arrive
upon any shore of Europe; nor of either the East or West Indies; nor
yet of any ship of any other part of the world, that had made return
from them. And yet the marvel rested not in this. For the situation
of it (as his lordship said) in the secret conclave' of such a vast sea
might cause it. But then, that they should have knowledge of the
languages, books, affairs, of those that lie such a distance from them,
it was a thing we could not tell what to make of; for that it seemed to
us a conditioner and propriety of divine powers and beings, to be
hidden and unseen to others, and yet to have others open and as in a
light to them."
At this speech the Governor gave a gracious smile, and said; "That we
did well to ask pardon for this question we now asked: for that it
imported, as if we thought this land, a land of magicians, that sent
forth spirits of the air into all parts, to bring them news and
intelligence of other countries." It was answered by us all, in all
possible humbleness, but yet with a countenance taking knowledge, that
we knew that he spake it but merrily, "That we were apt enough to think
there was somewhat supernatural in this island; but yet rather as
angelical than magical. But to let his lordship know truly what it was
that made us tender and doubtful to ask this question, it was not any
such conceit, but because we remembered, he had given a touch in his
former speech, that this land had laws of secrecy touching strangers."
To this he said; "You remember it aright and therefore in that I shall
say to you, I must reserve some particulars, which it is not lawful for
me to reveal; but there will be enough left, to give you satisfaction."
"You shall understand (that which perhaps you will scarce think
credible) that about three thousand years ago, or somewhat more, the
navigation of the world, (especially for remote voyages,) was greater
than at this day. Do not think with yourselves, that I know not how
much it is increased with you, within these six-score years: I know it
well: and yet I say greater then than now; whether it was, that the
example of the ark, that saved the remnant of men from the universal
deluge, gave men confidence to adventure upon the waters; or what it
was; but such is the truth. The Phoenicians, and especially the
Tyrians, had great fleets. So had the Carthaginians their colony,
which is yet further west. Toward the east the shipping of Egypt and
of Palestine was likewise great. China also, and the great Atlantis,
(that you call America,) which have now but junks and canoes, abounded
then in tall ships. This island, (as appeareth by faithful registers
of those times,) had then fifteen hundred strong ships, of great
content. Of all this, there is with you sparing memory, or none; but
we have large knowledge thereof.
"At that time, this land was known and frequented by the ships and
vessels of all the nations before named. And (as it cometh to pass)
they had many times men of other countries, that were no sailors, that
came with them; as Persians, Chaldeans, Arabians; so as almost all
nations of might and fame resorted hither; of whom we have some stirps,
and little tribes with us at this day. And for our own ships, they
went sundry voyages, as well to your straits, which you call the
Pillars of Hercules, as to other parts in the Atlantic and Mediterrane
Seas; as to Paguin, (which is the same with Cambaline,) and Quinzy,
upon the Oriental Seas, as far as to the borders of the East Tartary.
"At the same time, and an age after, or more, the inhabitants of the
great Atlantis did flourish. For though the narration and description,
which is made by a great man with you; that the descendants of Neptune
planted there; and of the magnificent temple, palace, city, and hill;
and the manifold streams of goodly navigable rivers, (which as so many
chains environed the same site and temple); and the several degrees of
ascent, whereby men did climb up to the same, as if it had been a scala
coeli, be all poetical and fabulous: yet so much is true, that the said
country of Atlantis, as well that of Peru, then called Coya, as that of
Mexico, then named Tyrambel, were mighty and proud kingdoms in arms,
shipping and riches: so mighty, as at one time (or at least within the
space of ten years) they both made two great expeditions; they of
Tyrambel through the Atlantic to the Mediterrane Sea; and they of Coya
through the South Sea upon this our island: and for the former of
these, which was into Europe, the same author amongst you (as it
seemeth) had some relation from the Egyptian priest whom he cited. For
assuredly such a thing there was. But whether it were the ancient
Athenians that had the glory of the repulse and resistance of those
forces, I can say nothing: but certain it is, there never came back
either ship or man from that voyage. Neither had the other voyage of
those of Coya upon us had better fortune, if they had not met with
enemies of greater clemency. For the king of this island, (by name
Altabin,) a wise man and a great warrior, knowing well both his own
strength and that of his enemies, handled the matter so, as he cut off
their land-forces from their ships; and entoiled both their navy and
their tamp with a greater power than theirs, both by sea and land: arid
compelled them to render themselves without striking stroke and after
they were at his mercy, contenting himself only with their oath that
they should no more bear arms against him, dismissed them all in safety.
"But the divine revenge overtook not long after those proud
enterprises. For within less than the space of one hundred years, the
great Atlantis was utterly lost and destroyed: not by a great
earthquake, as your man saith; (for that whole tract is little subject
to earthquakes;) but by a particular' deluge or inundation; those
countries having, at this day, far greater rivers and far higher
mountains to pour down waters, than any part of the old world. But it
is true that the same inundation was not deep; not past forty foot, in
most places, from the ground; so that although it destroyed man and
beast generally, yet some few wild inhabitants of the wood escaped.
Birds also were saved by flying to the high trees and woods. For as
for men, although they had buildings in many places, higher than the
depth of the water, yet that inundation, though it were shallow, had a
long continuance; whereby they of the vale that were not drowned,
perished for want of food and other things necessary.
"So as marvel you not at the thin population of America, nor at the
rudeness and ignorance of the people; for you must account your
inhabitants of America as a young people; younger a thousand years, at
the least, than the rest of the world: for that there was so much time
between the universal flood and their particular inundation. For the
poor remnant of human seed, which remained in their mountains, peopled
the country again slowly, by little and little; and being simple and
savage people, (not like Noah and his sons, which was the chief family
of the earth;) they were not able to leave letters, arts, and civility
to their posterity; and having likewise in their mountainous
habitations been used (in respect of the extreme cold of those regions)
to clothe themselves with the skins of tigers, bears, and great hairy
goats, that they have in those parts; when after they came down into
the valley, and found the intolerable heats which are there, and knew
no means of lighter apparel, they were forced to begin the custom of
going naked, which continueth at this day. Only they take great pride
and delight in the feathers of birds; and this also they took from
those their ancestors of the mountains, who were invited unto it by the
infinite flights of birds that came up to the high grounds, while the
waters stood below. So you see, by this main accident of time, we lost
our traffic with the Americans, with whom of, all others, in regard
they lay nearest to us, we had most commerce.
"As for the other parts of the world, it is most manifest that in the
ages following (whether it were in respect of wars, or by a natural
revolution of time,) navigation did every where greatly decay; and
specially far voyages (the rather by the use of galleys, and such
vessels as could hardly brook the ocean,) were altogether left and
omitted. So then, that part of intercourse which could be from other
nations to sail to us, you see how it hath long since ceased; except it
were by some rare accident, as this of yours. But now of the cessation
of that other part of intercourse, which might be by our sailing to
other nations, I must yield you some other cause. For I cannot say (if
I shall say truly,) but our shipping, for number, strength, mariners,
pilots, and all things that appertain to navigation, is as great as
ever; and therefore why we should sit at home, I shall now give you an
account by itself: and it will draw nearer to give you satisfaction to
your principal question.
"There reigned in this land, about nineteen hundred years ago, a king,
whose memory of all others we most adore; not superstitiously, but as a
divine instrument, though a mortal man; his name was Solamona: and we
esteem him as the lawgiver of our nation. This king had a large heart,
inscrutable for good; and was wholly bent to make his kingdom and
people happy. He therefore, taking into consideration how sufficient
and substantive this land was to maintain itself without any aid (at
all) of the foreigner; being five thousand six hundred miles in
circuit, and of rare fertility of soil in the greatest part thereof;
and finding also the shipping of this country might be plentifully set
on work, both by fishing and by transportations from port to port, and
likewise by sailing unto some small islands that are not far from us,
and are under the crown and laws of this state; and, recalling into his
memory the happy and flourishing estate wherein this land then was; so
as it might be a thousand ways altered to the worse, but scarce any one
way to the better; thought nothing wanted to his noble and heroical
intentions, but only (as far as human foresight might reach) to give
perpetuity to that which was in his time so happily established.
Therefore amongst his other fundamental laws of this kingdom, he did
ordain the interdicts and prohibitions which we have touching entrance
of strangers; which at that time (though it was after the calamity of
America) was frequent; doubting novelties, and commixture of manners.
It is true, the like law against the admission of strangers without
licence is an ancient law in the kingdom of China, and yet continued in
use. But there it is a poor thing; and hath made them a curious,
ignorant, fearful, foolish nation. But our lawgiver made his law of
another temper. For first, he hath preserved all points of humanity,
in taking order and making provision for the relief of strangers
distressed; whereof you have tasted."
At which speech (as reason was) we all rose up and bowed ourselves. He
went on.
"That king also, still desiring to join humanity and policy together;
and thinking it against humanity, to detain strangers here against
their wills, and against policy that they should return and discover
their knowledge of this estate, he took this course: he did ordain that
of the strangers that should be permitted to land, as many (at all
times) might depart as would; but as many as would stay should have
very good conditions and means to live from the state. Wherein he saw
so far, that now in so many ages since the prohibition, we have memory
not of one ship that ever returned, and but of thirteen persons only,
at several times, that chose to return in our bottoms. What those few
that returned may have reported abroad I know not. But you must think,
whatsoever they have said could be taken where they came but for a
dream. Now for our travelling from henna into parts abroad, our
Lawgiver thought fit altogether to restrain it. So is it not in China.
For the Chinese sail where they will or can; which sheweth that their
law of keeping out strangers is a law of pusillanimity and fear. But
this restraint of ours hath one only exception, which is admirable;
preserving the good which cometh by communicating with strangers, and
avoiding the hurt; and I will now open it to you. And here I shall
seem a little to digress, but you will by and by find it pertinent.
"Ye shall understand (my dear friends) that amongst the excellent acts
of that king, one above all hath the pre-eminence. It was the erection
and institution of an Order or Society, which we call Salomon's House;
the noblest foundation (as we think) that ever was upon the earth; and
the lanthorn of this kingdom. It is dedicated to the study of the
works and creatures of God. Some think it beareth the founder's name a
little corrupted, as if it should be Solamona's House. But the records
write it as it is spoken. So as I take it to be denominate of the king
of the Hebrews, which is famous with you, and no stranger to us. For
we have some parts of his works, which with you are lost; namely, that
natural history, which he wrote, of all plants, from the cedar of
Libanus to the moss that groweth out of the wall, and of all things
that have life and motion. This maketh me think that our king, finding
himself to symbolize in many things with that king of the Hebrews
(which lived many years before him), honored him with the title of this
foundation. And I am rather induced to be of this opinion, for that I
find in ancient records this Order or Society is sometimes called
Salomon's House, and sometimes the College of the Six Days Works;
whereby I am satisfied that our excellent king had learned from the
Hebrews that God had created the world and all that therein is within
six days: and therefore he instituting that House for the finding out
of the true nature of all things, (whereby God might have the more
glory in the workmanship of them, and insert the more fruit in the use
of them), did give it also that second name.
"But now to come to our present purpose. When the king had forbidden
to all his people navigation into any part that was not under his
crown, he made nevertheless this ordinance; that every twelve years
there should be set forth, out of this kingdom two ships, appointed to
several voyages; That in either of these ships there should be a
mission of three of the Fellows or Brethren of Salomon's House; whose
errand was only to give us knowledge of the affairs and state of those
countries to which they were designed, and especially of the sciences,
arts, manufactures, and inventions of all the world; and withal to
bring unto us books, instruments, and patterns in every kind: That the
ships, after they had landed the brethren, should return; and that the
brethren should stay abroad till the new mission. These ships are not
otherwise fraught, than with store of victuals, and good quantity of
treasure to remain with the brethren, for the buying of such things and
rewarding of such persons as they should think fit. Now for me to tell
you how the vulgar sort of mariners are contained from being discovered
at land; and how they that must be put on shore for any time, color
themselves under the names of other nations; and to what places these
voyages have been designed; and what places of rendezvous are appointed
for the new missions; and the like circumstances of the practique; I
may not do it: neither is it much to your desire. But thus you see we
maintain a trade not for gold, silver, or jewels; nor for silks; nor
for spices; nor any other commodity of matter; but only for God's first
creature, which was Light: to have light (I say) of the growth of all
parts of the world."
And when he had said this, he was silent; and so were we all. For
indeed we were all astonished to hear so strange things so probably
told. And he, perceiving that we were willing to say somewhat but had
it not ready in great courtesy took us off, and descended to ask us
questions of our voyage and fortunes and in the end concluded, that we
might do well to think with ourselves what time of stay we would demand
of the state; and bade us not to scant ourselves; for he would procure
such time as we desired: Whereupon we all rose up, and presented
ourselves to kiss the skirt of his tippet; but he would not suffer us;
and so took his leave. But when it came once amongst our people that
the state used to offer conditions to strangers that would stay, we had
work enough to get any of our men to look to our ship; and to keep them
from going presently to the governor to crave conditions. But with
much ado we refrained them, till we might agree what course to take.
We took ourselves now for free men, seeing there was no danger of our
utter perdition; and lived most joyfully, going abroad and seeing what
was to be seen in the city and places adjacent within our tedder; and
obtaining acquaintance with many of the city, not of the meanest
quality; at whose hands we found such humanity, and such a freedom and
desire to take strangers as it were into their bosom, as was enough to
make us forget all that was dear to us in our own countries: and
continually we met with many things right worthy of observation and
relation: as indeed, if there be a mirror in the world worthy to hold
men's eyes, it is that country.
One day there were two of our company bidden to a Feast of the Family,
as they call it. A most natural, pious, and reverend custom it is,
shewing that nation to be compounded of all goodness. This is the
manner of it. It is granted to any man that shall live to see thirty
persons descended of his body alive together, and all above three years
old, to make this feast which is done at the cost of the state. The
Father of the Family, whom they call the Tirsan, two days before the
feast, taketh to him three of such friends as he liketh to choose; and
is assisted also by the governor of the city or place where the feast
is celebrated; and all the persons of the family, of both sexes, are
summoned to attend him. These two days the Tirsan sitteth in
consultation concerning the good estate of the family. There, if there
be any discord or suits between any of the family, they are compounded
and appeased. There, if any of the family be distressed or decayed,
order is taken for their relief and competent means to live. There, if
any be subject to vice, or take ill courses, they are reproved and
censured. So likewise direction is given touching marriages, and the
courses of life, which any of them should take, with divers other the
like orders and advices. The governor assisteth, to the end to put in
execution by his public authority the decrees and orders of the Tirsan,
if they should be disobeyed; though that seldom needeth; such reverence
and obedience they give to the order of nature. The Tirsan doth also
then ever choose one man from among his sons, to live in house with
him; who is called ever after the Son of the Vine. The reason will
hereafter appear.
On the feast day, the father or Tirsan cometh forth after divine
service into a large room where the feast is celebrated; which room
hath an half-pace at the upper end. Against the wall, in the middle of
the half-pace, is a chair placed for him, with a table and carpet
before it. Over the chair is a state, made round or oval, and it is of
ivy; an ivy somewhat whiter than ours, like the leaf of a silver asp;
but more shining; for it is green all winter. And the state is
curiously wrought with silver and silk of divers colors, broiding or
binding in the ivy; and is ever of the work of some of the daughters of
the family; and veiled over at the top with a fine net of silk and
silver. But the substance of it is true ivy; whereof, after it is
taken down, the friends of the family are desirous to have some leaf or
sprig to keep.
The Tirsan cometh forth with all his generation or 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 traverse
placed in a loft above on the right hand of the chair, with a privy
door, and a carved window of glass, leaded with gold and blue; where
she sitteth, but is not seen. When the Tirsan is come forth, he
sitteth down in the chair; and all the linage place themselves against
the wall, both at his back and upon the return of the half-pace, in
order of their years without difference of sex; and stand upon their
feet. When he is set; the room being always full of company, but well
kept and without disorder; after some pause, there cometh in from the
lower end of the room, a taratan (which is as much as an herald) and on
either side of him two young lads; whereof one carrieth a scroll of
their shining yellow parchment; and the other a cluster of grapes of
gold, with a long foot or stalk. The herald and children are clothed
with mantles of sea-water green satin; but the herald's mantle is
streamed with gold, and hath a train.