Their Priests and Governors were Princes of the Imperial Blo

THE

DESCRIPION

OF A NEW

WORLD

CALLED

The Blazing-World.

WRITTEN

By The Thrice Noble, Illustrious, and Excellent

PRINCESSE

THE

Duchess of Newcastle

Printed by A. Maxwell, in the Year M.DC.LX.VIII.

Contents

To The Duchesse of Newcastle, On Her New Blazing-World.

To all Noble and Worthy Ladies.

The Description of a New World, Called The Blazing-World.

The Second Part of the Description of the New Blazing-World.

The Epilogue to the Reader.

[Illustration]

Here on this Figure Cast a Glance.

But so as if it were by Chance,

Your eyes not fixt, they must not Stay,

Since this like Shadowes to the Day

It only represent's; for Still,

Her Beauty's found beyond the Skill

Of the best Paynter, to Imbrace

These lovely Lines within her face.

View her Soul's Picture, Judgment, witt,

Then read those Lines which Shee hath writt,

By Phancy's Pencill drawne alone

Which Peces but Shee, can justly owne.

To The Duchesse of Newcastle, On Her New Blazing-World.

Our Elder World, with all their Skill and Arts,

Could but divide the World into three Parts:

Columbus, then for Navigation fam'd,

Found a new World, America 'tis nam'd;

Now this new World was found, it was not made,

Onely discovered, lying in Time's shade.

Then what are You, having no Chaos found

To make a World, or any such least ground?

But your Creating Fancy, thought it fit

To make your World of Nothing, but pure Wit.

Your Blazing-World, beyond the Stars mounts higher,

Enlightens all with a Cœlestial Fier.

William Newcastle.

To all Noble and Worthy Ladies.

This present _Description of a New World_, was made as an Appendix to my

_Observations upon Experimental Philosophy;_ and, having some Sympathy

and Coherence with each other, were joyned together as Two several

Worlds, at their Two Poles. But, by reason most Ladies take no delight

in Philosophical Arguments, I separated some from the mentioned

Observations, and caused them to go out by themselves, that I might

express my Respects, in presenting to Them such Fancies as my

Contemplations did afford. The First Part is Romancical; the Second,

Philosophical; and the Third is meerly Fancy; or (as I may call it)

Fantastical. And if (Noble Ladies) you should chance to take pleasure in

reading these Fancies, I shall account my self a Happy Creatoress: If

not, I must be content to live a Melancholly Life in my own World; which

I cannot call a Poor World, if Poverty be only want of Gold, and Jewels:

for, there is more Gold in it, than all the Chymists ever made; or, (as

I verily believe) will ever be able to make. As for the Rocks of

Diamonds, I wish, with all my Soul, they might be shared amongst my

Noble Female Friends; upon which condition, I would willingly quit my

Part: And of the Gold, I should desire only so much as might suffice to

repair my Noble Lord and Husband's Losses: for, I am not Covetous, but

as Ambitious as ever any of my Sex was, is, or can be; which is the

cause, That though I cannot be Henry the Fifth, or Charles the Second;

yet, I will endeavour to be, Margaret the First: and, though I have

neither Power, Time nor Occasion, to be a great Conqueror, like

Alexander, or Cesar; yet, rather than not be Mistress of a World, since

Fortune and the Fates would give me none, I have made One of my own. And

thus, believing, or, at least, hoping, that no Creature can, or will,

Envy me for this World of mine, I remain,

Noble Ladies, Your Humble Servant, M. Newcastle.

The Description of a New World, Called The Blazing-World.

A Merchant travelling into a foreign Country, fell extreamly in Love

with a young Lady; but being a stranger in that Nation, and beneath her,

both in Birth and Wealth, he could have but little hopes of obtaining

his desire; however his Love growing more and more vehement upon him,

even to the slighting of all difficulties, he resolved at last to Steal

her away; which he had the better opportunity to do, because her

Father's house was not far from the Sea, and she often using to gather

shells upon the shore accompanied not with above two to three of her

servants it encouraged him the more to execute his design. Thus coming

one time with a little leight Vessel, not unlike a Packet-boat, mann'd

with some few Sea-men, and well victualled, for fear of some accidents,

which might perhaps retard their journey, to the place where she used to

repair; he forced her away: But when he fancied himself the happiest man

of the World, he proved to be the most unfortunate; for Heaven frowning

at his Theft, raised such a Tempest, as they knew not what to do, or

whither to steer their course; so that the Vessel, both by its own

leightness, and the violent motion of the Wind, was carried as swift as

an Arrow out of a Bow, towards the North-pole, and in a short time

reached the Icy Sea, where the wind forced it amongst huge pieces of

Ice; but being little, and leight, it did by the assistance and favour

of the gods to this virtuous Lady, so turn and wind through those

precipices, as if it had been guided by some experienced Pilot, and

skilful Mariner: But alas! Those few men which were in it, not knowing

whither they went, nor what was to be done in so strange an Adventure,

and not being provided for so cold a Voyage, were all frozen to death;

the young Lady onely, by the light of her Beauty, the heat of her Youth,

and Protection of the Gods, remaining alive: Neither was it a wonder

that the men did freeze to death; for they were not onely driven to the

very end or point of the Pole of that World, but even to another Pole of

another World, which joined close to it; so that the cold having a

double strength at the conjunction of those two Poles, was

insupportable: At last, the Boat still passing on, was forced into

another World; for it is impossible to round this Worlds Globe from Pole

to Pole, so as we do from East to West; because the Poles of the other

World, joining to the Poles of this, do not allow any further passage to

surround the World that way; but if any one arrives to either of these

Poles, he is either forced to return, or to enter into another World:

and lest you should scruple at it, and think, if it were thus, those

that live at the Poles would either see two Suns at one time, or else

they would never want the Sun's light for six months together, as it is

commonly believed: You must know, that each of these Worlds having its

own Sun to enlighten it, they move each one in their peculiar Circles;

which motion is so just and exact, that neither can hinder or obstruct

the other; for they do not exceed their Tropicks: and although they

should meet, yet we in this World cannot so well perceive them, by

reason of the brightness of our Sun, which being nearer to us, obstructs

the splendor of the Sun of the other World, they being too far off to be

discerned by our optick perception, except we use very good Telescopes;

by which, skilful Astronomers have often observed two or three Suns at once.

But to return to the wandering Boat, and the distressed Lady; she seeing

all the Men dead, found small comfort in life; their Bodies which were

preserved all that while from putrefaction and stench, by the extremity

of cold, began now to thaw, and corrupt; whereupon she having not

strength enough to fling them over-board, was forced to remove out of

her small Cabine, upon the deck, to avoid the nauseous smell; and

finding the Boat swim between two plains of Ice, as a stream that runs

betwixt two shores, at last perceived land, but covered all with Snow:

from which came, walking upon the Ice, strange Creatures, in shape like

Bears, only they went upright as men; those Creatures coming near the

Boat, catched hold of it with their Paws, that served them instead of

hands; some two or three of them entred first; and when they came out,

the rest went in one after another; at last having viewed and observed

all that was in the Boat, they spake to each other in a language which

the Lady did not understand; and having carried her out of the Boat,

sunk it, together with the dead men.

The Lady now finding her self in so strange a place, and amongst such

wonderful kind of Creatures, was extreamly strucken with fear, and could

entertain no other Thoughts, but that every moment her life was to be a

sacrifice to their cruelty; but those Bear-like Creatures, how terrible

soever they appear'd to her sight, yet were they so far from exercising

any cruelty upon her, that rather they shewed her all civility and

kindness imaginable; for she being not able to go upon the Ice, by

reason of its slipperiness, they took her up in their rough arms, and

carried her into their City, where instead of Houses, they had Caves

under ground; and as soon as they enter'd the City, both Males and

Females, young and old, flockt together to see this Lady, holding up

their Paws in admiration; at last having brought her into a certain

large and spacious Cave, which they intended for her reception, they

left her to the custody of the Females, who entertained her with all

kindness and respect, and gave her such victuals as they used to eat;

but seeing her Constitution neither agreed with the temper of that

Climate, nor their Diet, they were resolved to carry her into another

Island of a warmer temper; in which were men like Foxes, onely walking

in an upright shape, who received their neighbours the Bear-men with

great civility and Courtship, very much admiring this beauteous Lady;

and having discoursed some while together, agreed at last to make her a

Present to the Emperor of their World; to which end, after she had made

some short stay in the same place, they brought her cross that Island to

a large River, whose stream run smooth and clear, like Chrystal; in

which were numerous Boats, much like our Fox-traps; in one whereof she

was carried, some of the Bear- and Fox-men waiting on her; and as soon

as they had crossed the River, they came into an Island where there were

Men which had heads, beaks and feathers, like wild-Geese, onely they

went in an upright shape, like the Bear-men and Fox-men: their rumps

they carried between their legs, their wings were of the same length

with their Bodies, and their tails of an indifferent size, trailing

after them like a Ladie's Garment; and after the Bear- and Fox-men had

declared their intention and design to their Neighbours, the Geese- or

Bird-men, some of them joined to the rest, and attended the Lady through

that Island, till they came to another great and large River, where

there was a preparation made of many Boats, much like Birds nests, onely

of a bigger size; and having crost that River, they arrived into another

Island, which was of a pleasant and mild temper, full of Woods and the

Inhabitants thereof were Satyrs, who received both the Bear- Fox- and

Bird men, with all respect and civility; and after some conferences (for

they all understood each others language) some chief of the Satyrs

joining to them, accompanied the Lady out of that Island to another

River, wherein were many handsome and commodious Barges; and having

crost that River, they entered into a large and spacious Kingdom, the

men whereof were of a Grass-Green Complexion, who entertained them very

kindly, and provided all conveniences for their further voyage: hitherto

they had onely crost Rivers, but now they could not avoid the open Seas

any longer; wherefore they made their Ships and tacklings ready to sail

over into the Island, where the Emperor of the Blazing- world (for so it

was call'd) kept his residence. Very good Navigators they were; and

though they had no knowledg of the Load-stone, or Needle or pendulous

Watches, yet (which was as serviceable to them) they had subtile

observations, and great practice; in so much that they could not onely

tell the depth of the Sea in every place, but where there were shelves

of Sand, Rocks, and other obstructions to be avoided by skilful and

experienced Sea-men: Besides, they were excellent Augurers, which skill

they counted more necessary and beneficial then the use of Compasses,

Cards, Watches, and the like; but, above the rest, they had an

extraordinary Art, much to be taken notice of by Experimental

Philosophers, and that was a certain Engin, which would draw in a great

quantity of Air, and shoot forth Wind with a great force; this Engine in

a calm, they placed behind their Ships, and in a storm, before; for it

served against the raging waves, like Cannons against an hostile Army,

or besieged Town; it would batter and beat the waves in pieces, were

they as high as Steeples; and as soon as a breach was made, they forced

their passage through, in spight even of the most furious wind, using

two of those Engins at every Ship, one before, to beat off the waves,

and another behind to drive it on; so that the artificial wind had the

better of the natural; for, it had a greater advantage of the waves,

then the natural of the Ships: the natural being above the face of the

Water, could not without a down right motion enter or press into the

Ships; whereas the artificial with a sideward-motion, did pierce into

the bowels of the Waves: Moreover, it is to be observed, that in a great

Tempest they would join their Ships in battel-aray: and when they feared

Wind and Waves would be too strong for them, if they divided their

Ships; they joined as many together as the compass or advantage of the

places of the Liquid Element would give them leave. For, their Ships

were so ingeniously contrived, that they could fasten them together as

close as a Honey-comb, without waste of place; and being thus united, no

Wind nor Waves were able to separate them. The Emperor's Ships, were all

of Gold; but the Merchants and Skippers, of Leather; the Golden Ships

were not much heavier then ours of Wood, by reason they were neatly

made, and required not such thickness, neither were they troubled with

Pitch, Tar, Pumps, Guns, and the like, which make our Woodden-Ships very

heavy; for though they were not all of a piece, yet they were so well

sodder'd, that there was no fear of Leaks, Chinks, or Clefts; and as for

Guns, there was no use of them, because they had no other enemies but

the Winds: But the Leather Ships were not altogether so sure, although

much leighter; besides, they were pitched to keep out Water.

Having thus prepar'd, and order'd their Navy, they went on in despight

of Calm or Storm: And though the Lady at first fancied her self in a

very sad condition, and her mind was much tormented with doubts and

fears, not knowing whether this strange Adventure would tend to her

safety or destruction; yet she being withal of a generous spirit, and

ready wit, considering what dangers she had past, and finding those

sorts of men civil and diligent attendants to her, took courage, and

endeavoured to learn their language; which after she had obtained so

far, that partly by some words and signs she was able to apprehend their

meaning, she was so far from being afraid of them, that she thought her

self not onely safe, but very happy in their company: By which we may

see, that Novelty discomposes the mind, but acquaintance settles it in

peace and tranquillity. At last, having passed by several rich Islands

and Kingdoms, they went towards Paradise, which was the seat of the

Emperor; and coming in sight of it, rejoiced very much; the Lady at

first could perceive nothing but high Rocks, which seemed to touch the

Skies; and although they appear'd not of an equal heigth, yet they

seemed to be all one piece, without partitions: but at last drawing

nearer, she perceived a clift, which was a part of those Rocks, out of

which she spied coming forth a great number of Boats, which afar off

shewed like a company of Ants, marching one after another; the Boats

appeared like the holes or partitions in a Honey-comb, and when joined

together, stood as close; the men were of several Complexions, but none

like any of our World; and when both the Boats and Ships met, they

saluted and spake to each other very courteously; for there was but one

language in all that World: nor no more but one Emperor, to whom they

all submitted with the greatest duty and obedience, which made them live

in a continued Peace and Happiness; not acquainted with Foreign Wars or

Home-bred Insurrections. The Lady now being arrived at this place, was

carried out of her Ship into one of those Boats, and conveighed through

the same passage (for there was no other) into that part of the World

where the Emperor did reside; which part was very pleasant, and of a

mild temper: Within it self it was divided by a great number of vast and

large Rivers, all ebbing and flowing, into several Islands of unequal

distance from each other, which in most parts were as pleasant,

healthful, rich, and fruitful, as Nature could make them; and, as I

mentioned before, secure from all Foreign Invasions, by reason there was

but one way to enter, and that like a Labyrinth, so winding and turning

among the Rocks, that no other Vessels but small Boats, could pass,

carrying not above three passengers at a time: On each side all along

the narrow and winding River, there were several Cities, some of Marble,

some of Alabaster, some of Agat, some of Amber, some of Coral, and some

of other precious materials not known in our world; all which after the

Lady had passed, she came to the Imperial City, named Paradise, which

appeared in form like several Islands; for, Rivers did run betwixt every

street, which together with the Bridges, whereof there was a great

number, were all paved. The City it self was built of Gold; and their

Architectures were noble, stately, and magnificent, not like our Modern,

but like those in the Romans time; for, our Modern Buildings are like

those Houses which Children use to make of Cards, one story above

another, fitter for Birds, then Men; but theirs were more Large, and

Broad, then high; the highest of them did not exceed two stories,

besides those rooms that were under-ground, as Cellars, and other

Offices. The Emperor's Palace stood upon an indifferent ascent from the

Imperial City; at the top of which ascent was a broad Arch, supported by

several Pillars, which went round the Palace, and contained four of our

English miles in compass: within the Arch stood the Emperor's Guard,

which consisted of several sorts of Men; at every half mile, was a Gate

to enter, and every Gate was of a different fashion; the first, which

allowed a passage from the Imperial City into the Palace, had on either

hand a Cloyster, the outward part whereof stood upon Arches sustained by

Pillars, but the inner part was close: Being entred through the Gate,

the Palace it self appear'd in its middle like the Isle of a Church, a

mile and a half long, and half a mile broad; the roof of it was all

Arched, and rested upon Pillars, so artificially placed that a stranger

would lose himself therein without a Guide; at the extream sides, that

is, between the outward and inward part of the Cloyster, were Lodgings

for Attendants; and in the midst of the Palace, the Emperor's own Rooms;

whose Lights were placed at the top of every one, because of the heat of

the Sun: the Emperor's appartment for State was no more inclosed then

the rest; onely an Imperial Throne was in every appartment, of which the

several adornments could not be perceived until one entered, because the

Pillars were so just opposite to one another, that all the adornments

could not be seen at one. The first part of the Palace was, as the

Imperial City, all of Gold; and when it came to the Emperors appartment,

it was so rich with Diamonds, Pearls, Rubies, and the like precious

Stones, that it surpasses my skill to enumerate them all. Amongst the

rest, the Imperial Room of State appear'd most magnificent; it was paved

with green Diamonds (for there are in that World Diamonds of all

Colours) so artificially, as it seemed but of one piece; the Pillars

were set with Diamonds so close, and in such a manner, that they

appear'd most Glorious to the sight; between every Pillar was a Bow or

Arch of a certain sort of Diamonds, the like whereof our World does not

afford; which being placed in every one of the Arches in several rows,

seemed just like so many Rainbows of several different colours. The roof

of the Arches was of blew Diamonds, and in the midst thereof was a

Carbuncle, which represented the Sun; and the Rising and Setting-Sun at

the East and West-side of the Room were made of Rubies. Out of this Room

there was a passage into the Emperor's Bed-Chamber, the Walls whereof

were of Jet, and the Floor of black Marble; the Roof was of Mother of

Pearl, where the Moon and Blazing-Stars were represented by white

Diamonds, and his Bed was made of Diamonds and Carbuncles.

No sooner was the Lady brought before the Emperor, but he conceived her

to be some Goddess, and offered to worship her; which she refused,

telling him, (for by that time she had pretty well learned their

Language) that although she came out of another world, yet was she but a

mortal. At which the Emperor rejoycing, made her his Wife, and gave her

an absolute power to rule and govern all that World as she pleased. But

her subjects, who could hardly be perswaded to believe her mortal,

tender'd her all the Veneration and Worship due to a Deity.

Her Accoustrement after she was made Empress, was as followeth: On her

head she wore a Cap of Pearl, and a Half-moon of Diamonds just before

it; on the top of her Crown came spreading over a broad Carbuncle, cut

in the form of the Sun; her Coat was of Pearl, mixt with blew Diamonds,

and frindged with red ones; her Buskins and Sandals were of green

Diamonds; In her left hand she held a Buckler, to signifie the Defence

of her Dominions; which Buckler was made of that sort of Diamond as has

several different Colours; and being cut and made in the form of an

Arch, shewed like a Rain-bow; In her right hand she carried a Spear made

of white Diamond, cut like the tail of a Blazing Star, which signified

that she was ready to assault those that proved her Enemies.

None was allowed to use or wear Gold but those of the Imperial Race,

which were the onely Nobles of the State; nor durst any one wear Jewels

but the Emperor, the Empress and their Eldest Son; notwithstanding that

they had an infinite quantity both of Gold and precious Stones in that

World; for they had larger extents of Gold, then our Arabian Sands;

their precious Stones were Rocks, and their Diamonds of several Colours;

they used no Coyn, but all their Traffick was by exchange of several

Commodities.

Their Priests and Governors were Princes of the Imperial Blood, and made

Eunuches for that purpose; and as for the ordinary sort of men in that

part of the World where the Emperor resided, they were of several

Complexions; not white, black, tawny, olive or ash-coloured; but some

appear'd of an Azure, some of a deep Purple, some of a Grass-green, some

of a Scarlet, some of an Orange-colour, &c. Which Colours and

Complexions, whether they were made by the bare reflection of light,

without the assistance of small particles; or by the help of well-ranged

and order'd Atoms; or by a continual agitation of little Globules; or by

some pressing and re-acting motion, I am not able to determine. The rest

of the Inhabitants of that World, were men of several different sorts,

shapes, figures, dispositions, and humors, as I have already made

mention, heretofore; some were Bear-men, some Worm-men, some Fish- or

Mear-men, otherwise called Syrens; some Bird-men, some Fly-men, some

Ant-men, some Geese-men, some Spider-men, some Lice-men, some Fox-men,

some Ape-men, some Jack daw-men, some Magpie-men, some Parrot-men, some

Satyrs, some Gyants, and many more, which I cannot all remember; and of

these several sorts of men, each followed such a profession as was most

proper for the nature of their Species, which the Empress encouraged

them in, especially those that had applied themselves to the study of

several Arts and Sciences; for they were as ingenious and witty in the

invention of profitable and useful Arts, as we are in our world, nay,

more; and to that end she erected Schools, and founded several

Societies. The Bear-men were to be her Experimental Philosophers, the

Bird-men her Astronomers, the Fly- Worm- and Fish-men her Natural

Philosophers, the Ape-men her Chymists, the Satyrs her Galenick

Physicians, the Fox-men her Politicians, the Spider- and Lice-men her

Mathematicians, the Jackdaw- Magpie- and Parrot-men her Orators and

Logicians, the Gyants her Architects, &c. But before all things, she

having got a Soveraign power from the Emperor over all the World,

desired to be informed both of the manner of their Religion and

Government; and to that end she called the Priests and States men, to

give her an account of either. Of the States men she enquired, first,

Why they had so few Laws? To which they answered, That many Laws made

many Divisions, which most commonly did breed Factions, and at last

brake out into open Wars. Next, she asked, Why they preferred the

Monarchical form of Government before any other? They answered, That as

it was natural for one Body to have but one Head, so it was also natural

for a Politick body to have but one Governor; and that a Common-wealth,

which had many Governors was like a Monster with many Heads. Besides,

said they, a Monarchy is a divine form of Government, and agrees most

with our Religion: For as there is but one God, whom we all unanimously

worship and adore with one Faith; so we are resolved to have but one

Emperor, to whom we all submit with one obedience.

Then the Empress seeing that the several sorts of her Subjects had each

their Churches apart, asked the Priests, whether they were of several

Religions? They answered her Majesty, That there was no more but one

Religion in all that World, nor no diversity of opinions in that same

Religion for though there were several sorts of men, yet had they all

but one opinion concerning the Worship and Adoration of God. The Empress

asked them, Whether they were Jews, Turks, or Christians? We do not

know, said they, what Religions those are; but we do all unanimously

acknowledg, worship and adore the Onely, Omnipotent, and Eternal God,

with all reverence, submission, and duty. Again, the Empress enquired,

Whether they had several Forms of Worship? They answered, No: For our

Devotion and Worship consists onely in Prayers, which we frame according

to our several Necessities, in Petitions, Humiliations, Thanksgiving,

&c. Truly, replied the Empress, I thought you had been either Jews, or

Turks, because I never perceived any Women in your Congregations: But

what is the reason, you bar them from your religious Assemblies? It is

not fit, said they, that Men and Women should be promiscuously together

in time of Religious Worship; for their company hinders Devotion, and

makes many, instead of praying to God, direct their Devotion to their

Mistresses. But, asked the Empress, Have they no Congregation of their

own, to perform the duties of Divine Worship, as well as Men? No,

answered they: but they stay at home, and say their Prayers by

themselves in their Closets. Then the Empress desir'd to know the reason

why the Priests and Governors of their World were made Eunuchs? They

answer'd, To keep them from Marriage: For Women and Children most

commonly make disturbance both in Church and State. But, said she, Women

and Children have no Employment in Church or State. 'Tis true, answer'd

they; but, although they are not admitted to publick Employments, yet

are they so prevalent with their Husbands and Parents, that many times

by their importunate perswasions, they cause as much, nay, more mischief

secretly, then if they had the management of publick Affairs.

The Empress having received an information of what concerned both Church

and State, passed some time in viewing the Imperial Palace, where she

admired much the skil and ingenuity of the Architects, and enquired of

them, first, Why they built their Houses no higher then two stories from

the Ground? They answered her Majesty, That the lower their Buildings

were, the less were they subject either to the heat of the Sun, or Wind,

Tempest, Decay, &c. Then she desired to know the reason, why they made

them so thick? They answered, That, the thicker the Walls were, the

warmer they were in Winter, the cooler in Summer; for their thickness

kept out both the Cold and Heat. Lastly, she asked, Why they Arched

their Roofs, and made so many Pillars? They replied, That Arches and

Pillars, did not onely grace a Building very much, and caused it to

appear Magnificent, but made it also firm and lasting.

The Empress was very well satisfied with their answers; and after some

time, when she thought that her new founded societies of the Vertuoso's

had made a good progress in the several Employments she had put them

upon, she caused a Convocation first of the Bird-men, and commanded them

to give her a true relation of the two Cœlestial Bodies, viz. the Sun

and Moon, which they did with all the obedience and faithfulness

befitting their duty.

The Sun, as much as they could observe, they related to be a firm or

solid Stone, of a vast bigness; of colour yellowish, and of an

extraordinary splendor: But the Moon, they said, was of a whitish

colour; and although she looked dim in the presence of the Sun, yet had

she her own light, and was a shining body of her self, as might be

perceived by her vigorous appearance in Moon-shiny-nights; the

difference onely betwixt her own and the Sun's light was, that the Sun

did strike his beams in a direct line; but the Moon never respected the

Centre of their World in a right line, but her Centre was always

excentrical. The Spots both in the Sun and Moon, as far as they were

able to perceive, they affirmed to be nothing else but flaws and stains

of their stony Bodies. Concerning the heat of the Sun, they were not of

one opinion; some would have the Sun hot in it self, alledging an old

Tradition, that it should at some time break asunder, and burn the

Heavens, and consume this world into hot Embers, which, said they, could

not be done, if the Sun were not fiery of it self. Others again said,

This opinion could not stand with reason; for Fire being a destroyer of

all things, the Sun-Stone after this manner would burn up all the near

adjoining Bodies: Besides, said they, Fire cannot subsist without fuel;

and the Sun-Stone having nothing to feed on, would in a short time

consume it self; wherefore they thought it more probable that the Sun

was not actually hot, but onely by the reflection of its light; so that

its heat was an effect of its light, both being immaterial. But this

opinion again was laught at by others, and rejected as ridiculous, who

thought it impossible that one immaterial should produce another; and

believed that both the light and heat of the Sun proceeded from a swift

Circular motion of the Æthereal Globules, which by their striking upon

the Optick nerve, caused light, and their motion produced heat: But

neither would this opinion hold; for, said some, then it would follow,

that the sight of Animals is the cause of light; and that, were there no

eyes, there would be no light; which was against all sense and reason.

Thus they argued concerning the heat and light of the Sun; but, which is

remarkable, none did say, that the Sun was a Globous fluid body, and had

a swift Circular motion; but all agreed, It was fixt and firm like a

Center, and therefore they generally called it the Sun-Stone.

Then the Empress asked them the reason, Why the Sun and Moon did often

appear in different postures or shapes, as sometimes magnified,

sometimes diminished; sometimes elevated, otherwhiles depressed; now

thrown to the right, and then to the left? To which some of the Bird-men

answered, That it proceeded from the various degrees of heat and cold,

which are found in the Air, from whence did follow a differing density

and rarity; and likewise from the vapours that are interposed, whereof

those that ascend are higher and less dense then the ambient air, but

those which descend are heavier and more dense. But others did with more

probability affirm, that it was nothing else but the various patterns of

the Air; for like as Painters do not copy out one and the same original

just alike at all times; so, said they, do several parts of the Air make

different patterns of the luminous Bodies of the Sun and Moon: which

patterns, as several copies, the sensitive motions do figure out in the

substance of our eyes.

This answer the Empress liked much better then the former, and enquired

further, What opinion they had of those Creatures that are called the

motes of the Sun? To which they answered, That they were nothing else

but streams of very small, rare and transparent particles, through which

the Sun was represented as through a glass: for if they were not

transparent, said they, they would eclipse the light of the Sun; and if

not rare and of an airy substance, they would hinder Flies from flying

in the Air, at least retard their flying motion: Nevertheless, although

they were thinner then the thinnest vapour, yet were they not so thin as

the body of air, or else they would not be perceptible by animal sight.

Then the Empress asked, Whether they were living Creatures? They

answered, Yes: Because they did encrease and decrease, and were

nourished by the presence, and starved by the absence of the Sun.

Having thus finished their discourse of the Sun and Moon, the Empress

desired to know what Stars there were besides? But they answer'd, that

they could perceive in that World none other but Blazing Stars, and from

thence it had the name that it was called the Blazing-World; and these

Blazing-Stars, said they, were such solid, firm and shining bodies as

the Sun and Moon, not of a Globular, but of several sorts of figures:

some had tails; and some, other kinds of shapes.

After this, The Empress asked them, What kind of substance or creature

the Air was? The Bird-men answered, That they could have no other

perception of the Air, but by their own Respiration: For, said they,

some bodies are onely subject to touch, others onely to sight, and

others onely to smell; but some are subject to none of our exterior

Senses: For Nature is so full of variety, that our weak Senses cannot

perceive all the various sorts of her Creatures; neither is there any

one object perceptible by all our Senses, no more then several objects

are by one sense. I believe you, replied the Empress; but if you can

give no account of the Air, said she, you will hardly be able to inform

me how Wind is made; for they say, that Wind is nothing but motion of

the Air. The Bird-men answer'd, That they observed Wind to be more dense

then Air, and therefore subject to the sense of Touch; but what properly

Wind was, and the manner how it was made, they could not exactly tell;

some said, it was caused by the Clouds falling on each other; and

others, that it was produced of a hot and dry exhalation: which

ascending, was driven down again by the coldness of the Air that is in

the middle Region, and by reason of its leightness, could not go

directly to the bottom, but was carried by the Air up and down: Some

would have it a flowing Water of the Air; and others again, a flowing

Air moved by the blaz of the Stars.

But the Empress, seeing they could not agree concerning the cause of

Wind, asked, Whether they could tell how Snow was made? To which they

answered That according to their observation, Snow was made by a

commixture of Water, and some certain extract of the Element of Fire

that is under the Moon; a small portion of which extract, being mixed

with Water, and beaten by Air or Wind, made a white Froth called Snow;

which being after some while dissolved by the heat of the same spirit,

turned to Water again. This observation amazed the Empress very much;

for she had hitherto believed, That Snow was made by cold motions, and

not by such an agitation or beating of a fiery extract upon water: Nor

could she be perswaded to believe it until the Fish- or Mear-men had

delivered their observation upon the making of Ice, which, they said,

was not produced, as some hitherto conceived, by the motion of the Air,

raking the Superficies of the Earth, but by some strong saline vapour

arising out of the Seas, which condensed Water into Ice; and the more

quantity there was of that vapour, the greater were the Mountains of

Precipices of Ice; but the reason that it did not so much freeze in the

Torrid Zone, or under the Ecliptick, as near or under the Poles, was,

that this vapour in those places being drawn up by the Sun-beams into

the middle Region of the Air, was onely condensed into Water, and fell

down in showres of Rain; when as, under the Poles, the heat of the Sun

being not so vehement, the same vapour had no force or power to rise so

high, and therefore caused so much Ice, by ascending and acting onely

upon the surface of water.

This Relation confirmed partly the observation of the Bird-men

concerning the cause of Snow; but since they had made mention that that

same extract, which by its commixture with Water made Snow, proceeded

from the Element of Fire, that is under the Moon: The Emperess asked

them, of what nature that Elementary Fire was; whether it was like

ordinary Fire here upon Earth, or such a Fire as is within the bowels of

the Earth, and as the famous Mountains Vesuvius and Ætna do burn withal;

or whether it was such a sort of fire, as is found in flints, &c. They

answered, That the Elementary Fire, which is underneath the Sun, was not

so solid as any of those mentioned fires; because it had no solid fuel

to feed on; but yet it was much like the flame of ordinary fire, onely

somewhat more thin and fluid; for Flame, said they, is nothing else but

the airy part of a fired Body.

Lastly, the Empress asked the Bird-men of the nature of Thunder and

Lightning? and whether it was not caused by roves of Ice falling upon

each other? To which they answered, That it was not made that way, but

by an encounter of cold and heat; so that an exhalation being kindled in

the Clouds, did dash forth Lightning, and that there were so many

rentings of Clouds as there were Sounds and Cracking noises: But this

opinion was contradicted by others, who affirmed that Thunder was a

sudden and monstrous Blaz, stirred up in the Air, and did not always

require a Cloud; but the Empress not knowing what they meant by Blaz

(for even they themselves were not able to explain the sense of this

word) liked the former better; and, to avoid hereafter tedious disputes,

and have the truth of the Phænomena's of Cœlestial Bodies more exactly

known, commanded the Bear-men, which were her Experimental Philosophers,

to observe them through such Instruments as are called Telescopes, which

they did according to her Majesties Command; but these Telescopes caused

more differences and divisions amongst them, then ever they had before;

for some said, they perceived that the Sun stood still, and the Earth

did move about it; others were of opinion, that they both did move; and

others said again, that the Earth stood still, and Sun did move; some

counted more Stars then others; some discovered new Stars never seen

before; some fell into a great dispute with others concerning the

bigness of the Stars; some said, The Moon was another World like their

Terrestrial Globe, and the spots therein were Hills and Vallies; but

others would have the spots to be the Terrestrial parts, and the smooth

and glossie parts, the Sea: At last, the Empress commanded them to go

with their Telescopes to the very end of the Pole that was joined to the

World she came from, and try whether they could perceive any Stars in

it: which they did; and, being returned to her Majesty, reported that

they had seen three Blazing-Stars appear there, one after another in a

short time, whereof two were bright, and one dim; but they could not

agree neither in this observation: for some said, It was but one Star

which appeared at three several times, in several places; and others

would have them to be three several Stars; for they thought it

impossible, that those three several appearances should have been but

one Star, because every Star did rise at a certain time, and appear'd in

a certain place, and did disappear in the same place: Next, It is

altogether improbable, said they, That one Star should fly from place to

place, especially at such a vast distance, without a visible motion; in

so short a time, and appear in such different places, whereof two were

quite opposite, and the third side-ways: Lastly, If it had been but one

Star, said they, it would always have kept the same splendor, which it

did not; for, as above mentioned, two were bright, and one was dim.

After they had thus argued, the Empress began to grow angry at their

Telescopes, that they could give no better Intelligence; for, said she,

now I do plainly perceive, that your Glasses are false Informers, and

instead of discovering the Truth, delude your Senses; Wherefore I

Command you to break them, and let the Bird-men trust onely to their

natural eyes, and examine Cœlestial Objects by the motions of their own

Sense and Reason. The Bear-men replied, That it was not the fault of

their Glasses, which caused such differences in their Opinions, but the

sensitive motions in their Optick organs did not move alike, nor were

their rational judgments always regular: To which the Empress answered,

That if their Glasses were true Informers, they would rectifie their

irregular Sense and Reason; But, said she, Nature has made your Sense

and Reason more regular then Art has your Glasses; for they are meer

deluders, and will never lead you to the knowledg of Truth; Wherefore I

command you again to break them; for you may observe the progressive

motions of Cœlestial Bodies with your natural eyes better then through

Artificial Glasses. The Bear-men being exceedingly troubled at her

Majesties displeasure concerning their Telescopes, kneel'd down, and in

the humblest manner petitioned, that they might not be broken; for, said

they, we take more delight in Artificial delusions, then in Natural

truths. Besides, we shall want Imployments for our Senses, and Subjects

for Arguments; for, were there nothing but truth, and no falshood, there

would be no occasion to dispute, and by this means we should want the

aim and pleasure of our endeavors in confuting and contradicting each

other; neither would one man be thought wiser then another, but all

would either be alike knowing and wise, or all would be fools; wherefore

we most humbly beseech your Imperial Majesty to spare our Glasses, which

are our onely delight, and as dear to us as our lives. The Empress at

last consented to their request, but upon condition, that their disputes

and quarrels should remain within their Schools, and cause no factions

or disturbances in State, or Government. The Bear-men, full of joy,

returned their most humble thanks to the Empress; and to make her amends

for the displeasure which their Telescopes had occasioned, told her

Majesty, that they had several other artificial Optick-Glasses, which

they were sure would give her Majesty a great deal more satisfaction.

Amongst the rest, they brought forth several Microscopes, by the means

of which they could enlarge the shapes of little bodies, and make a

Lowse appear as big as an Elephant, and a Mite as big as a Whale. First

of all they shewed the Empress a gray Drone-flye, wherein they observed

that the greatest part of her face, nay, of her head, consisted of two

large bunches all cover'd over with a multitude of small Pearls or

Hemispheres in a Trigonal order: Which Pearls were of two degrees,

smaller and bigger; the smaller degree was lowermost, and looked towards

the ground; the other was upward, and looked sideward, forward and

backward: They were all so smooth and polished, that they were able to

represent the image of any object, the number of them was in all 14000.

After the view of this strange and miraculous Creature, and their

several observations upon it, the Empress asked them, What they judged

those little Hemispheres might be? They answered, That each of them was

a perfect Eye, by reason they perceived that each was covered with a

Transparent Cornea, containing a liquor within them, which resembled the

watery or glassie humor of the Eye. To which the Emperess replied, That

they might be glassie Pearls, and yet not Eyes; and that perhaps their

Microscopes did not truly inform them. But they smilingly answered her

Majesty, That she did not know the vertue of those Microscopes: for they

never delude, but rectifie and inform the Senses; nay, the World, said

they, would be but blind without them, as it has been in former ages

before those Microscopes were invented.

After this, they took a Charcoal, and viewing it with one of their best

Microscopes, discovered in it an infinite multitude of pores, some

bigger, some less; so close and thick, that they left but very little

space betwixt them to be filled with a solid body; and to give her

Imperial Majesty a better assurance thereof, they counted in a line of

them an inch long, no less then 2700 pores; from which Observation they

drew this following Conclusion, to wit, That this multitude of pores was

the cause of the blackness of the Coal; for, said they, a body that has

so many pores, from each of which no light is reflected, must

necessarily look black, since black is nothing else but a privation of

light, or a want of reflection. But the Empress replied, That if all

Colours were made by reflection of light, and that Black was as much a

colour as any other colour; then certainly they contradicted themselves

in saying that black was made by want of reflection. However, not to

interrupt your Microscopical Inspections, said she, let us see how

Vegetables appear through your Glasses; whereupon they took a Nettle,

and by the vertue of the Microscope, discovered that underneath the

points of the Nettle there were certain little bags or bladders,

containing a poysonous liquor, and when the points had made way into the

interior parts of the skin, they like Syringe-pipes served to conveigh

that same liquor into them. To which Observation the Empress replied,

That if there were such poyson in Nettles, then certainly in eating of

them, they would hurt us inwardly, as much as they do outwardly? But

they answered, That it belonged to Physicians more then to Experimental

Philosophers, to give Reasons hereof; for they only made Microscopical

inspections, and related the Figures of the Natural parts of Creatures

according to the representation of their glasses.