The man in the moone, or, A discourse of a voyage thither by F.G., B. of H. ; to which is added Nuncius inanimatus, written in Latin by the same author, and now Englished by a person of worth.

The man in the moone, or, A discourse of a voyage thither by F.G., B. of H. ; to which is added Nuncius inanimatus, written in Latin by the same author, and now Englished by a person of worth.

Table of contents

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Title page

To the Ingenious Reader.

THE MAN IN THE MOONE.

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Title page

NUNCIUS Inanimatus.

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LECTORI DE AUTHORE.

Title page

NUNCIUS INANIMATUS. OR The Mysterious Messenger &c.

These Books are lately printed, and are sold at the Kings Arms in Pauls Church-yard.

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THE MAN IN THE MOONE: OR, A DISCOURSE Of a Voyage thither:

By F.G. B. of H.

To which is added Nuncius Inanimatus, written in Latin by the same Author, and now Englished by a Person of Worth.

The Second Edition.

LONDON, Printed for Joshua Kirton, at the Signe of the Kings Arms in St. Pauls. Church-yard. 1657

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To the Ingenious Reader.

THou hast here an essay of Fancy, where Invention is shewed with Judgment. Is was not the Authors intention (I presume) to discourse thee into a belief of each particular circumstance. Tis fit thou allow [Page] him a liberty of conceit; where thou takest to thy self a liberty of judgment. In substance, thou hast here a new discovery of a new World, which perchance may finde little better entertainment in thy opinion, than that of Columbus at first, in the esteem of all men. Yet his than but poor espyall of America, betray'd unto knowledge so much as hath [Page] since encreast into a vaste plantation. And the then unknown, to be now of as large extent as all other the known World.

That there shoud be Antipodes was once thought as great a Paradox as now that the Moon should be habitable. But the knowledge of this may seem more properly reserved for this our discovering age: In which our [Page] lilaeusses, can by advantage of their spectacles gaze the Sun into spots, & descry mountaines in the Moon. But this and more in the ensuing discourse I leave to thy candid censure, and the faithfull relation of the little eye-witnesse, our great discoverer.

E. M.

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THE MAN IN THE MOONE.

IT is well enough and sufficiently known to all the countries of Andaluzia, that I Domingo Gonsales was born of Noble parentage, and that in the renowned City of Sivill, to wit in the year 1552. my Fathers name being Therrando Gonsales (that was near kinsman by the mothers side unto Don Pedro Sanchez [Page] that worthy Count of Almenara,) and as for my Mother, she was the daughter of the Reverend and famous Lawyer, Otho Perez de Sallaveda, Governour of Barcellona, and Corrigidor of Biscaia: being the youngest of 17 Children they had, I was put to school, and intended by them unto the Church. But our Lord purposing to use my service in matters of far other nature and quality, inspired me with spending some time in the wars. It was at the time that Don Fernando, the Noble and thrice renowned Duke D Alva, was sent into the Low Countries, viz. the year of Grace 1568. I then following the current of my foresaid desire, leaving the Universitie of Salamanca, (whither my Parents had sent me) without giving knowledge unto any of my dearest friends, got me through France unto Antwerp, where in the [Page] moneth of June 1569. I arrived in something poore estate. For having s [...]ld my Books and Bedding, with such other stuff as I had, which happily yielded me some 30. duckats, and borrowed of my Fathers f [...]ends some 20. more, I bought me a little Nagg, with which I travelled more thriftily than young Gentlemen are wont ordinarily to doo: Untill at last arriving within a league of Antwerp, certain of the cursed Ge [...]ses set upon me, and bereaved me of Horse, Mony, and all: Whereupon I was fain (through want and necessity,) to enter into the service of Marshall Cossey a French Noble man, whom I se [...]v [...]d truely in honourable place, although mine enemies gave it out to my disgrace that I was his horse-keepers boy. But for that matter I shall referr my self unto the report of the Count Mansfield, Mounsieur Tavier, [Page] and other men of known worth and estimation; who have often testified unto many of good credit, yet living, the very truth in that behalf, which indeed is this, that Mounsieur Cossey, who about that time had been sent Embassador unto the Duke D' Alva; Governour of the Low Countries, he I say understanding the Nobility of my birth, and my late misfortune; thinking it would be no small honour to him, to have a Spanyard of that quality about him, furnished me with horse, armour and whatsoever I wanted, using my service in nothing so much (after once I had learned the French tongue) as writing his Letters, because my hand indeed was then very fair. In the time of War, if upon necessity, I now and then dressed mine own Horse, it ought not to be cast in my teeth, seeing I hold it the part of a Gentleman, [Page] for setting forward the service of his Prince, to submit himself unto the vilest office. The first expedition I was in, was against the Prince of Orange, at what time the Marshall my friend aforesaid, met him making a road into France, and putting him to flight, chased him even unto the walls of Cambray. It was my good hap at that time to defeat a horseman of the enemy, by killing his Horse with my pistoll, which falling upon his leg, so as he could not stir, he yielded himself to my mercie; but I knowing mine own weakness of body, and seeing him a lusty tall fellow, thought it my surest way to dispatch him, which having done, I rifled him of a chain, mony, and other things to the value of 200. ducats: no sooner was that money in my purse, but I began to resume the remembrance of my nobility, and [Page] giving unto Mounsieur Cossey the Besa Los Manos, I got my self immediately unto the Dukes court, where were divers of my kindred, that (now they saw my purse full of good Crowns) were ready enough to take knowledge of me; by their means I was received into pay, and in process of time obtained a good degree of favour with the Duke, who sometimes would jeast a little more broadly at my personage than I could well brook. For although I must acknowledge my stature to be so little, as no man there is living, I think less, yet in as much as it was the work of God, and not mine, he ought not to have made that a means to dishonour a Gentleman withall. And those things which have happened unto me, may be an example, that great and wonderfull things may be performed by most unlikely bodyes, if [Page] the mind be good, and the blessing of our Lord do second and follow the endeavours of the same. Well, howsoever the Dukes merriments went against my stomack, I framed my self the best I could to dissemble my discontent, and by such my patience accommodating my self al [...]o unto some other his humors, so won his favour, as at his departure home into Spain, (whither I attended him) the Year 1573. by his favour an [...] some other accidents, (I will say nothing of my own industry, wherein I was not wanting to my self) I was able to carry home in my purse the value of 30 [...]0. Crowns. At my return home my Parents, that were marvellously displeased with my departure, received me with great joy; and the rather, for that they saw I brought with me means to maintain my self without their charge, [Page] having a portion sufficient of mine own, so that they needed not to defalke any thing from my bretheren or sisters for my setting up. But fearing I would spend it as lightly as I got it, they did never leave importuning me till I must needs marry the daughter of a Portugais, a Merchant of Lisbon, a man of great wealth and dealings, called John Figueres. Therein I satisfied their desire, and putting [...]ot onely my marriage money, but also a good part of mine own Stock into the hands of my Father in Law, or such as he wished me unto, I lived in good sort, even like a Gentleman, with great content for divers years. At last it fell out, that some disagreement happened between me and one Pedro Delgades a Gentleman of my kin, the causes whereof are needless to be related, but so farr this dissention grew between us, [Page] as when no mediation of friends could appease the s [...]me, into the field we went together alone with our Rapiers, where my chance was to kill him, being a man of great strength, and tall stature. But what I wan [...]ed of him in strength, I supplyed with courage, and my nimbleness more than countervailed his stature. This fact being committed in Carmona, I fled with all the speed I could to Lisbone, thinking to lurk with some friend of my Father in laws, till the matter might be compounded and a course taken for a sentence of Acquittall by consent of the prosecutors. This matter fell out in the Year 1596. even at that time that a certain great Count of ours came home from the West Indies, in triumphant manner, boasting and sending out his declarations in print, of a [Page] great victory he had obtained against the English, near the Isle of Pines. Whereas the truth is, he got of the English nothing at all in that Voyage, but blowes and a great loss.

Would to God that lying and Vanit [...]e had been all the faults he had; his convetousness was like to by my utter undoing, although since it hath proved a means of eternizing my name for ever with all Posterity, (I verily hope) and to the unspeakable good of all mortall men, that in succeeding ages the World shall have, if at the leastwise it may please God that I do return safe home a [...] into my Countrie, to give perfect instructions how those admirable devices, and past all credit of possibility, which I have light upon, may be imparted unto publique use. You shall [Page] then see men to flie from place to place in the ayre; you shall be able, (without moving or travelling of any creature,) to send messages in an instant many Miles off, and receive answer again imediately; you shall be able to declare your minde presently unto your friend, being in some private and remote place of a populous Citie, with a number of such like things: but that which far surpasseth all the rest, you shall have notice of a new World, of many most rare and incredible secrets of Nature, that all the Philosophers of former ages could never so much as dream off: But I must be adv [...]sed, how I be over liberall, in publishing these wonderfull mysteryes, till the Sages of our State have considered how farr the use of these things may stand with the Policy and good government of our [Page] Countrey, as also with the Fathers of the Church, how the publication of them may not prove prejudiciall to the affairs of the Catholique Faith and Religion, which I am taught (by those wonders I have seen above any mortall man that hath lived in many ages past) with all my best endeavours to advance, without all respect of temporall good, and so I hope I shall.

But to go forward with my narration, so it was that the bragging Captain above named, made shew of great discontentment for the death of the said Delgades, who was indeed some kin unto him. Howbeit he would have been intreated, so that I would have given him no less than 1000. Ducats (for his share) to have put up his Pipes, and surceased all suit in his [Page] Kinsmans behalfe; I had by this time (besides a wife) two sonns whom I liked not to beggar by satisfying the desire of this covetous br [...]ggart and the rest, and therefore constrained of necessity to take another course, I put my self in a good Carick that went for the East Indies, taking with me the worth of 2000. Ducats to traffique withall, being yet able to leave so much more for the estate of my wife and children, whatsoever might become of me, and the goods I carried with me. In the Indies I prospered exceeding well, bestowing my stock in Jewells, namely, for the most part in Diamonds, Emeraulds, and great Pearl; of which I had such peniworths, as my stock being safely returned into Spain, (so I heard it was) must needs yield ten for one. But my self upon my way homeward [Page] soone after we had doubled the East of Buena Speranza, fell grievously sick for many dayes, making account by the same sickness to end my life, as undoubtedly I had done, had we no (even then as we did) recovered th [...] same blessed Isle of S. Hellen, the only paradice, I think, that the Earth yieldeth, of the healthfullness of the Aire there, the fruitfullness of the soile, and the abundance of all manner of things necessary for sustaining the life of man, what should I speak, seeing there is scant a boy in all Spain, that hath not heard of the same? I cannot but wonder, that our King in his wisdome hath not thought fit to plant a Colony, and to fortifie in it, being a place so necessary for refreshing of all [...] vellers out of the Indies, so as it [...] hardly possible to make a Voyage thence, without touching there.

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[Page]It is situate in the Altitude of 16. degrees to the South, and is about 3. leagues in compass, having no firm land or continent within 300. leagues, nay not so much as an Island within 100. leagues of the same, so that it may seeme a miracle of Nature, that out of so huge and tempestuous an Ocean, such a little piece of ground should arise and discover it self [...] Upon [...]he South side there is a very good harbo [...]ough, and near unto the same divers edifices built by the Portingals to entertain passengers, amongst the which there is a pretty Chappell handsomly beautifyed with a Tower, having a fair Bell in the same. Near unto this housing there is a pretty Brook of excellent fresh water, divers faire walkes made b [...] hand, and set along upon both sides, with fruit-Trees, especially Oranges [Page] Limmons, Pomgranats, Almonds, and the like, which bear Fruit all the year long, as do also the Fig-Trees, Vines, Pear-Trees, (whereof there are divers sorts,) Palmitos, Cocos, Olives, Plumms; also I have seen there such as we call Damaxaelas, but few; as for Apples I dare say there are none at all; of garden Hearbs there is good store, as of Parsly, Cole-worts, Rosemary, Mellons, Gourds, Lettice, and the like; Corn likewise growing of it self, incredible plenty, as Wheate, Pease Barley, and almost all kind of Pulse; but chiefly it aboundeth with Cattle, and Fowle, as Goates, Swine, Sheepe, and Horses, Partridges. wild Hens, Phesants, Pigeons, and wild Fowle beyond all credit: especially there are to be seen about the Moneths of February, and March, huge flocks [Page] of a certain kinde of wilde Swans (of which I shall have cause hereafter to speak more) that like unto our Cuckoes, and Nightingales, at a certain season of the yeare, do vanish away, and are no more to be seen.

On this blessed Island did they set me a shore with a Negro to attend me, where, praised be God, I recovered my health, and continued there for the space of one whole yeare, solacing my self (for lacke of human societie) with Birds, and brute beasts, as for Diego (so was the Blackmoore called,) he was constrained to live at the West end of the Island in a Cave. Because being alwayes together, victuals would not have fallen out so plenty: if the Hunting or Fowling of the one had succeeded well, the other would finde means to invite him, [Page] but if it were scant with both, we were faine both to bestirre our selves; marry that fell out very seldome, for that no creatures there doe any whit more fear a man, then they do a Goate or a Cow; by reason thereof I found means easily to make tame divers sorts both of Birds & Beasts, which I did in short time, onely by muzzeling them, so as till they came either unto me, or else Diego, they could not feed. At first I took great pleasure in a kinde of Partridges, of which I made great use, as also of a tame Fox I had. For whensoever I had any occasion to conferre with Diego, I would take me one of them, being hungry, and tying a note about his neck, beat him from me, whereupon strait they would away to the Cave of Diego, and if they found him not there, still would they [Page] beat up and down all the West end of the Island, till they had hunted him out; yet this kinde of conveyance, not being without some inconvenience, needlesse here to be recited; after a certaine space I perswaded Diego (who though he were a fellow of good parts, was ever content to be ruled by me,) to remove his habitation unto a promontory or cape upon the North-West part of the Island, being, though a league off, yet within sight of my house and Chappell; and then, so long as the weather was fair, we could at all times by signalls, declare our minds each to other in an instant, either by night, or by day; which was a thing I took great pleasure in.

If in the night season I would signifie any thing to him, I used to set up a light in the Tower or [Page] place where our bell hung: It is a pretty large roome, having a faire window well glased, and the walls within being plaistered, were exceeding white; by reason thereof, though the light were but small, it gave a great shew, as also it would have done much further off, if need had been. This light after I had let stand some half houre, I used to cover: and then if I saw any signall of light againe from my companion at the cape, I knew that he waited for my notice, which perceiving, by hiding and shewing my light, according to a certain rule and agreement between us, I certified him at pleasure what I list: The like course I took in the day to advertise him of my pleasure, sometimes by smoake, sometimes by dust, sometimes by a more refined & more effectual way.

[Page]But this Art containeth more mysteries than are to be set down in few words: Hereafter I will perhaps afford a discourse for it of purpose, assuring my selfe that it may prove exceedingly profitable unto mankind, being rightly used and well imployed: for that which a messenger cannot perform in many dayes, this may dispatch in a peece of an houre. Well, I notwithstanding after a while grew weary of it, as being too painfull for me, and betooke me again to my winged messengers.

Upon the Sea-shore, especially about the mouth of our River, I found great store of a certain kinde of wild Swan (before mentioned) feeding almost altogether upon the prey, and (that which is somewhat strange,) partly of Fish, partly of Birds, having (which is also no lesse [Page] strange) one foot with Clawes, talons, and pounces, like an Eagle, and the other whole like a Swan or water-fowl. These birds using to breed there in infinite numbers, I tooke some 30. or 40. young ones of them, and bred them up by hand, partly for my recreation, partly also as having in my head some rudiments of that device, which afterward I put in practise. These being strong and able to continue a great flight, I taught them first to come at call affar off, not using any noise but only the shew of a white Cloth. And surely in them I found it true that is delivered by Plutarch, how that Animalia Carnivora, they are dociliora quam alterius cujusvis generis. It were a wonder to tell what tricks I had taught them, by that time they were a quarter old; amongst other things I used them by little [Page] and little to fly with burthens, wherein I found them able above all credit, and brought them to that passe, as that a white sheet being displayed unto them by Diego upon the side of a hill, they would carry from me unto him, Bread, Flesh, or any other thing I list to send, and upon the like call return unto me again.

Having prevailed thus farre, I began to cast in my head how I might doe to joyne a number of them together in bearing of some great burthen: which if I could bring to passe, I might enable a man to fly, and be carried in the aire to some certain place safe and without hurt. In this cogitation having much laboured my wits, and made some triall, I found by experience, that if many were put to the bearing of one great burthen, by reason it was not possible [Page] all of them should rise together just in one instant, the first that raised himself upon his wings finding himself stayed by a weight heavier than he could move or stir, would by and by give over, as also would the second, third, and all the rest. I devised (therefore) at last a means how each of them might rise carrying but his own proportion of weight only, and it was thus.

I fastned about every one of my Gans' as a little pulley of Corke, and putting a string through it of meetly length, I fastened the one end thereof unto a blocke almost of eight Pound weight, unto the other end of the string I tied a poyse weighing some two Pound, which being done, and causing the signall to be erected, they presently rose all (being 4 in number,) and carried away my blocke unto the place [Page] appointed. This falling out according to my hope and desire. I made proof afterwards, but using the help of two or three birds more, in a Lamb, whose happiness I much envied, that he should be the first living creature to take possession of such a device.

At last after divers tryalls I was surprized with a great longing, to cause my self to be carried in the like sort, Diego my Moore was likewise possessed with the same desire, and but that otherwise I loved him well, and had need of his help, I should have taken that his ambitious affection in very evill part: for I hold it farre more honour to have been the first flying man, then to be another Neptune that first adventured to sayle upon the Sea. Howbeit not seeming to take notice of the mark he aimed at, I only told [Page] him (which also I take to be true) that all my Gansa's were not of sufficient strength to carry him, being a man, though of no great stature, yet twice my weight at least. So upon a time having provided all things necessary, I placed my selfe with all my trinckets, upon the top of a rocke at the Rivers mouth, and putting my self at full Sea upon an Engine (the description whereof ensueth) I caused Diego to advance his Signall: whereupon my Birds presently arose, 25. in number, and carried me over lustily to the other rocke on the other side, being about a Quarter of a league.

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[Page]The reason why I chose that time and place, was that I thought somewhat might perchance fall out in this enterprize contrary to my expectation, in which case I assured my self the worst that could be, was but to fall into the water, where being able to swim well, I hoped to receive little or no hurt in my fal. But when I was once over in safety, O how did my heart even swell with joy and admiration of mine owne invention! How often did I wish my self in the midst of Spaine, that speedily I might fill the world with the fame of my glory and renown? Every houre wished I with great longing for the Indian Fleet to take me home with them, but they stayed (by what mischance I do not know) 3 Moneths beyond the accustomed time.

At last they came being in number [Page] 3 Carickes sore weather-beaten, their people being for the most part sick and exceeding weak, so as they were constrained to refresh themselves in our Island one whole moneth.

The Captaine of our Admirall was called Alphonso de Xima, a Valiant man, wise, and desirous of renown, and worthy better fortune then afterward befell him. Unto him I opened the device of my Gansa's, well knowing how impossible it were otherwise to perswade him to take in so many Birds into the Ship, that would be more troublesome (for the nicenesse of provision to be made for them,) then so many men; Yet I adjured him by all manner of Oaths, and perswasions, to afford me both true dealing, and secrecy. Of the last I doubted not much, as assuring my [Page] selfe, he would not dare to impart the device to any other, before our King were acquainted with it. Of the first I feared much more, namely, lest Ambition, and the desire of drawing unto himself the honour of such an invention, should cause him to make me away; yet I was forced to run the hazard, except I would adventure the losse of my Birds, the like whereof for my purpose were not to be had in all Christendome, nor any that I could be sure, would ever serve the turne. Well, that doubt in proofe fell out to be causeless: the man I thinke was honest of himself: but had he dealt treacherously with me, I had laid a plot for the discovery of him, as he might easily judge I would, which peradventure somewhat moved him, yet God knowes how he might have used me, before [Page] my arrivall in Spain, if in the meane course we had not been intercepted, as you shall heare. Upon Thursday the 21. of June, to wit in the yeare, 1599. we set saile towards Spaine, I having allowed me a very convenient Cabin for my Birds, and stowage also for mine Engine, which the Captaine would have had me leave behinde me, and it is a mervaile I had not, but my good fortune therein saved my life, and gave me that which I esteeme more than an hundred lives, if I had them: for thus it fell out, after two moneths saile, we encountred with a fleet of the English, some ten leagues from the Island of Tenerik, one of the Canaries, which is famous through the World, for a Hill upon the same called el Pico, that is to be discerned and kenned upon the Sea, no [Page] less than 100. leagues off. We had aboard us 5. times the number of people that they had; we were well provided of munition, and our men in good health: yet seeing them disposed to fight, and knowing what infinite riches we carried with us, we thought it a wiser way to fly, if we might, than by encountring a company of dangerous fellows, to hazard not onely our own lives, (which a man of valour in such a case esteemeth not) but the estates of many poor Merchants, who I am afraid were utterly undone by miscarriage of that business. Our Fleet then consisted of 5. sail, to wit, 3. Carracks, a Bark, and a Caravel, that coming from the Isle of Saint Thomas, had (in an evil hour for him) overtaken us some few dayes before.

The English had 3. Ships very [Page] well appointed, and no sooner spied, but they began to play for us, and changing their course, as we might well perceive, endeavoured straightway to bring us under their lee, which they might well do (as the wind stood) especially being light nimble vessels, and yare of sail, as for the most part all the English shipping is, whereas ours was heavy, deep laden, foul with the Sea: our Captain therefore resolved peradventure wisely enough (but I am sure neither valiantly, not fortunately) to fly, commanding us to disperse our selves: the Caravel by reason of too much hast fell foul upon one of the Carracks, and bruised her so, as one of the English that had undertaken her, easily fetcht her up, and entred her: as for the Caravel, she sank immediately in the sight of us all. The [Page] Bark (for ought I could perceive) no man making after her, escaped unpursued; and another of our Carracks after some chase, was given over by the English, that making account to finde a booty good enough of us, and having us between them and their third companion, made upon us with might and main. Wherefore our Captain that was aboord us, gave direction to runne aland upon the Isle, the Port whereof we could not recover, saying, that he hoped to save some of the goods, and some of our lives, and the rest he had rather should be lost, than commit all to the mercy of the Enemy. When I heard of that resolution, seeing the Sea to work high, and knowing all the Coast to be full of blind Rocks, and Shoals, so as our Ves [...]ell might not possibly [Page] come near land, before it must needs be rent in a thousand pieces, I went unto the Captain, shewing him the desperateness of the course he intended, wishing him rather to try the mercy of the enemy, than so to cast away himself, and so many brave men: but he would not hear me by any means; whereupon discerning it to be high time to shift for my self, first, I sought out my Box or little Casket of stones, and having put it into my sleeve, I then betook me to my Gansa's, put them upon my Engine, and my self upon it, trusting (as indeed it happily fell out) that when the Ship should split, my Birds, although they wanted their Signal, of themselves, and for safeguard of their own lives (which nature hath taught every living creature to preserve [Page] to their power) would make towards the Land; which fell out well (I thank God,) according to mine expectation. The people of our Ship marvelled about what I went, none of them being acquainted with the use of my Birds, but the Captain, for Diego was in the Rosaria, the Ship that fled away unpursued, (as before I told you:) some half a league we were from the Land, when our Carrack struck upon a Rock, and split immediately: whereupon I let loose unto my Birds the reins, having first placed my self upon the highest of the Deck: and with the shock they all arose, carrying me fortunately unto the Land, whereof, whether I were well apaid, you need not doubt: but a pitifull sight it was unto me, to behold my friends and acquaintance in that miserable distress, [Page] of whom (notwithstanding) many escaped better than they had any reason to hope for. For the English launching out their Cockboats, like men of more noble, and generous disposition than we are pleased to esteem them, taking compassion upon them, used all the diligence they could to help such as had any means to save themselves from the fury of the waves, and that even with their own danger: amongst many, they took up our Captain, who (as Father Pacio could since tell me) having put himself into his Cock, with 12. others, was induced to yield himself unto one Captain Rymundo, who carried him together with our Pilot along in their voyage with them, being bound for the East Indies; but their hard hap was by a breach of the Sea near [Page] the Cape of Buona Esperanca, to be swallowed of the merciless Waves, whose fury a little before they had so hardly escaped. The rest of them (as I likewise heard) and they were in all some 26. persons that they took into their ship, they set them aland soon after at Cape Verde.

As for my self, being now ashore in a Country inhabited for the most part by Spaniards, I reckoned my self in safety. Howbeit I quickly found the Reckoning, I so made, mine Host had not been acquainted withall; for it was my chance to pitch upon that part of the Isle, where the Hill before mentioned beginneth to rise. And it is inhabited by a Savage kinde of people, that live upon the sides of that Hill, the top whereof is alwayes covered with Snow, and held for the monstrous height and steepness not to [Page] be accessible either for man or beast. Howbeit these Savages fearing the Spaniards, between whom and them there is a kinde of continual war) hold themselves as near the top of that hill as they can, where they have divers places of good strength, never coming down into the fruitfull Valleys, but to prey upon what they can find there. It was the chance of a company of them to espy me within some hours space after my Landing: They thinking they had light upon a booty, made towards me with all the speed they could, but not so privily as that I could not perceive their purpose before they came near to me by half a quarter of a league; seeing them come down the side of a Hill with great speed directly towards me, divers of them carrying long Staves, besides other weapons, [Page] which, because of their distance from me, I might not discern. I thought it high time to bestir me, and shift for my self, and by all means to keep my self out of the fingers of such slaves, who had they caught me, for the hatred they bear to us Spaniards, had surely hewed me all to pieces.

The Country in that place was bare, without the coverture of any wood: But the mountain before spoken of, beginning even there to lift up it self, I espied in the side of the same a white cliff, which I trusted my Gansa's would take for a signal, and being put off; would make all that way, whereby I might quickly be carried so far, as those barbarous Cullions should not be able to overtake me, before I had recovered the dwelling of some Spaniard, or at least-wise might have [Page] time to hide my self from them, till that in the night, by help of the stars, I might guide my self toward Las Loeguna, the City of that Island, which was about one league off, as I think. Wherefore with all the celerity that might be, I put my self upon mine Engine, and let loose the reins unto my Gansa's; It was my good fortune that they took all one way, although not just that way I aimed at. But what then? O Reader, Arrige aures, prepare thy self unto the hearing of the strangest Chance that ever happened to any mortal man, and that I know thou wilt not have the Grace to believe, till thou feest it seconded with Iteration of Experiments in the like, as many a one, I trust, thou mayst in short time; My Gansa's, like so many horses that had gotten the bit between [Page] their teeth, made (I say) not towards the Cliff I aimed at, although I used my wonted means to direct the Leader of the Flock that way, but with might and main took up towards the top of El Pico, and did never stay till they came there, a place where they say never man came before, being in all estimation at least 15 leagues in height perpendicularly upward, above the ordinary level of the Land and Sea.

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[Page]What manner of place I found there, I should gladly relate unto you, but that I make haste to matters of far greater Importance. There when I was set down, I saw my poor Gansa's fall to panting and blowing gaping forbreath, as if they would all presently have died: where fore I thought it not good to trouble them a while, forbearing to draw them in, (which they never wont to endure without strugling) and little expecting that which followed.

It was now the season that these Birds were wont to take their flight away, as our Cuckoes and Swallows do in Spain, towards the Autumn. They (as after I perceived) mindfull of their usual voyage, even as I began to settle my self for the taking of them in, as it were with one consent, rose up, and having no other place higher to [Page] make toward, to my unspeakable fear and amazement strook bolt upright, and never did lin towring upward, and still upward, for the space, as I might guess, of one whole hour; toward the end of which time, methought I might perceive them to labour less and less; till at length, O incredible thing! they forbare moving anything at all and yet remained unmoveable as stedfastly, as if they had been upon so many perches, the Lines s [...]cked; neither I, nor the Engine moved at all, but abode still, as having no manner of weight.

I found then by this Experience that which no Philosopher ever dreamed of, to wit, that those things which we call heavy, do not sink towards the Center of the Earth, as their natural place, but as drawn by a secret property of the Globe of [Page] the Earth, or rather some thing within the same, in like sort as the Load-stone draweth Iron, being within the compass of the beams attractive.

For though it be true that there they could abide unmoved without the prop or sustentation of any corporal thing, other than the air, as easily and quietly as a fish in the middle of the water, yet forcing themselves never so little, it is not possible to imagine with what swiftness and celerity they were carried, and whether it were upward, downward, or sidelong, all was one. Truly I must confess, the horrour and amazement of that place was such, as if I had not been armed with a true Spanish courage and resolution, I must needs have dyed there with very fear.

But the next thing that did most [Page] trouble me, was the swiftness of Motion, such as did even almost stop my breath; If I should liken it to an Arrow out of a Bow, or to a stone cast down from the top of some high tower, it would come far short, and short.

Another thing there was exceeding, and more than exceeding, troublesome unto me, and that was the Illusions of Devils and wicked spirits, who, the first day of my arrival, came about me in great numbers, carrying the shapes and likeness of men and women, wondring at me like so many Birds about an Owl, and speaking divers kindes of Languages which I understood not, till at last I did light upon them that spake very good Spanish, some Dutch, and other some Italian, for all these Languages I understood.

And here I saw onely a touch of [Page] the Suns absence for a little while once, ever after having him in my sight. Now to yeeld you satisfaction in the other, you shall understand that my Gansa's, although entangled in my line, might easily find means to seize upon divers kinds of Fly [...]s and Birds, as especially Swallows, and Cuckoes, whereof there were multitudes, as Motes in the Sunne; although, to say the truth, I never saw them to feed any thing at all. As for my self, in truth I was much beholding unto those same, whether men or Devils I know not, that amongst divers speeches, which I will forbeare awhile to relate, told me, that if I would follow their directions, I should not onely be brought safely to my home, but also be assured to have the command of all pleasures of that place, at all times.

[Page] To the which motions not daring to make a flat deniall, I prayed a time to think of it, and withall intreated them (though I felt no hunger at all, which may seeme strange) to help me with some victualls, least in the meane while I should starve. They did so readily enough, and brought mee very good Flesh, and Fish of divers sorts well dressed, but that it was exceeding fresh, and without any manner of relish of salt.

Wine also I tasted there of divers sorts, as good as any in Spain, and Beere, no better in all Antwerp. They wished me then, while I had meanes to make my provision, telling me, that till the next Thursday they could not help me to any more, if happily then; at what time also they would find means to carry me back, and set me safe in [Page] Spain, where I would wish to be, so that I would become one of their fraternity, and enter into such covenants and profession as they had made to their Master and Captain, whom they would not name. I answered them gently for the time, telling them, I saw little reason to be very glad of such an offer, praying them to be mindfull of me as occasion served.

So for that time I was rid of them, having first furnished my Pockets with as much Victuall as I could thrust in, amongst the which I fail not to afford place for a little Botijo of good Canary wine.

Now shall I declare unto you the quality of the place, in which I then was. The Clouds I perceived to be all under me, between me and the earth. The starrs, by reason it was always day, I saw at all times alike, [Page] not shining bright, as upon the earth we are wont to see them in the night time; but of a whitish colour, like that of the Moon in the day time with us: And such of them as were to be seen (which were not many) shewed farre greater than with us, yea (as I should ghess) no lesse than ten times so great. As for the Moon being then within two dayes of the change, she appeared of a huge and fearfull quantitie.

This also is not to be forgotten, that no starrs appeared but on that part of the Hemispheare that was next the Moon, and the neerer to her the bigger in Quantity they shewed. Again I must tell you, that whether I lay quiet and rested, or else were carried in the Aire, I perceived my self still to be alwayes directly between the Moon [Page] and the earth. Whereby it appeareth, not only that my Gansa's took none other way than directly toward the Moon, but also, that when we rested (as at first we did for many houres,) either we were insensibly carried, (for I perceived no such motion) round about the Globe of the Earth, or else that (according to the late opinion of Copernicus,) the Earth is carryed about, and turneth round perpetually, from West to the East, leaving unto the Planets onely that motion which Astronomers call naturall, and is not upon the Poles of the Equinoctiall, commonly termed the Poles of the World, but upon those of the Zodiake; concerning which question, I will speake more hereafter, when I shall have leysure to call to my remēbrance the Astronomy that I learned being a young man at Salamanca, [Page] but have now almost forgotten.

The aire in that place I found quiet without any motion of wind, and exceeding temperate, neither hot nor cold, as where neither the Sun-beames had any subject to reflect upon, neither was yet either the earth or water so neer as to affect the aire with their naturall quality of coldnesse. As for that imagination of the Philosophers, attributing heat together with moistnesse unto the ayre, I never esteemed it otherwise than a fancy. Lastly now it is to be remembred that after my departure from the earth, I never felt any appetite of hunger or thirst. Whether the purity of the Aire, our proper element not being infected with any Vapors of the earth and water, might yeeld nature sufficient nutriment; or what [Page] else might be the cause of it, I cannot tell, but so I found it, although I perceived my self in perfect health of body, having the use of all my Limbs and Senses; and Strength both of Body and Minde, rather beyond and above, than any thing short of the pitch, or wonted vigor. Now let us go on: and on we shall go more than apace.

Not many houres after the departure of that develish companie from me, my Gansa's began to bestir themselves, still directing their course toward the globe or body of the Moon, and they made their way with that incredible swiftness, as I think they gained not so little as fifty Leagues in every hour. In that passage I noted three things very remarkeable, one, that the farther we went, the lesser the globe of the Earth appeared to us; whereas [Page] still on the contrary side the Moon shewed her self more & more monstrously huge.

Again, the Earth (which ever I held in mine eye) did as it were mask it self with a kind of brightness like another Moon; and even as in the Moon we discerned certain spots or Clouds, as it were, so did I then in the earth. But whereas the forme of those spots in the Moon continue constantly one & the same; these by little & little did change every hour. The reason thereof I conceive to be this, that whereas the Earth, according to her naturall motion, (for that such a motion she hath, I am now constrained to joyne in opinion with Copernicus,) turneth round upon her own Axe every 24. houres from the West unto the East: I should at the first see in the middle of the body [Page] of this new starre a spot like unto a Peare that had a morsell bitten out upon the one side of him; after certaine houres, I should see that spot slide away to the East side. This no doubt was the maine of Affricke.

Then should I perceive a great shining brightnesse to occupy that roome, during the like time (which (was undoubtedly none other than the great Atlantick Ocean). After that succeeded a spot almost of an Ovall form, even just such as we see America to have in our Mapps. Thē another vast cleerness representing the West Ocean; and lastly a medly of spots, like the Countries of East Indies. So that it seemed unto me no other than a huge Mathematicall Globe, leasurely turned before me, wherein successively, all the Countries of our earthly world [Page] within the compasse of 24. hours were represented to my sight. And this was all the meanes I had now to number the dayes, and take reckoning of time.

Philosophers and Mathematicians I would should now confesse the wilfulnesse of their own blindnesse. They have made the world believe hitherto, that the Earth hath no motion. And to make that good, they are fain to attribute unto all and every of the celestiall bodies two motions, quite contrary each to other; whereof one is from the East to the West, to be performed in 2 [...]. hours; (that they imagine to be forced, per raptum primi Mobilis) the other from the West to the East in severall proportions.

O incredible thing, that those same huge bodies of the fixed stars in the highest orbe, whereof divers [Page] are by themselves confessed to be more than one hundreth times as bigge as the whole earth, should as so many nailes in a Cart-Wheele, be whirled about in that short space, whereas it is many thousands of Years (no lesse, I trow, they say, than 30 thousand) before that orbe do finish his Course from West to East, which they call the naturall motion. Now whereas to every of these they yeeld their natural course from West to East; therein they doe well. The Moone performeth it in 27. dayes; the Sun, Venus, and Mercury in a Years or thereabouts, Mars in three Yeare, Jupiter in twelve Years, and Saturne in 30 But to attribute unto these celestiall bodies contrary motions at once, was a very absurd conceit & much more, to imagine that same Orbe, wherein the fixed stars are, (whose natural course [Page] taketh so many thousand of years) should every 24. houres be turned about. I will not go so far as Copernicus, that maketh the Sunne the Center of the Earth, and unmoveable, neither will I define any thing one way or other. Only this I say, allow the Earth his motion (which these eyes of mine can testifie to be his due) and these absurdities are quite taken away, every one having his single and proper Motion onely.

But where am I? At the first I promised an History, and I fall into disputes before I am aware. There is yet one accident more befell me worthy of especiall remembrance: that during the time of my stay, I saw as it were a kind of cloud of a reddish colour growing toward me, which continually growing neerer and neerer, at last I perceived to [Page] be nothing else but a huge swarme of Locusts.

He that readeth the discourses of learned men, concerning them, and namely that of John Leo, in his description of Affrike, how that they are seen in the Aire many days before they fall upon a countrey, adding unto that which they deliver, this experience of mine, will easily conclude, that they cannot come from any other place than the Globe of the Moon. But give me leave now at last to passe on my journey quietly, without interruption for Eleven or Twelve dayes, during all which time, I was carried directly toward the Globe or body of the Moon with such a violent whirling as cannot be expressed.

For I cannot imagine that a bullet out of the mouth of a Canon could [Page] make way through the vaporous & muddy aire near the earth with that celerity, which is most strange, cōsidering that my Gansa's moved their wings but even now and then, and sometimes not at all in a Quarter of an houre together; onely they held them stretched out, so passing on, as we see that Eagles, and Kites sometimes will do for a little space, when (as one speaks, I remember) cunctabundo volatu pene eodem loco pendula circumtuentur; and during the time of those pauses I believe they tooke their napps and times of sleeping; for other (as I might easily note) they had none.

Now for my self, I was so fast knit unto my Engin, as I durst commit my selfe to slumbring enough to serve my turne, which I took with as great ease (although I am loath to speake it, because it [Page] may seeme incredible) as if I had been in the best Bed of down in all Antwerp.

After Eleven dayes passage in this violent flight, I perceived that we began to approach neere unto another Earth, if I may so call it, being the Globe or very body of that Starre which we call the Moon.

The first difference that I found between it and our earth, was, that it shewed it self in his naturall colours: ever after I was free from the attraction of the Earth, whereas with us, a thing removed from our eye but a league or two, begins to put on that lurid aud deadly colour of blue.

Then, I perceived also, that it was covered for the most part with a huge and mighty Sea, those parts only being drie Land, which shew [Page] unto us here somewhat darker than the rest of her body (that I mean) which the Country people call el hombre della Luna, the Man of the Moon.

As for that part which shineth so cleerly in our eyes; it is even another Ocean, yet besprinckled here and there with Islands, which for the littleness, so far off we cannot discern.

So that same splendor appearing unto us, and giving light unto our night, appeareth to be nothing else but the reflection of the Sun-beams returned unto us out of the water, as out of a glasse: How ill this agreeth with that which our Philosophers teach in the Schooles I am not ignorant.

But alas how many of their Errors hath time and experience refuted in this our age, with the recitall [Page] whereof I will not stand to trouble the Reader.

Amongst many other of their vain surmises, the time and order of my narration putteth me in mind of one, which now my experience found most untrue.

Who is there that hath not hitherto believed the uppermost Region of the Ayre to be extreme hot, as being next forsooth unto the naturall place of the Element of Fire.

O Vanities, fansies, Dreames!

After the time I was once quite free from the attractive Beames of that tyrannous Loadstone, the earth, I found the Ayre of one and the self same temper, without Winds, without Raine, without Mists, without Clouds, neither hot not cold, but continually after one and the same tenor, most pleasant, milde, [Page] and comfortable, till my arrivall in that New World of the Moon.

As for that Region of Fire our Philosophers talke of, I heard no news of it; mine eyes have sufficiently informed me there can be no such thing.

The Earth by turning about had now shewed me all her parts twelve times when I finished my course: For when by my reckoning it seemed to be (as indeed it was) Tuesday the Eleventh day of September, (at what time the Moon being two dayes old was in the Twentieth degree of Libra,) my Gansa's stayed their course as it were with one consent, and tooke their rest, for certain houres; after which they took their flight, and within lesse than one houre, set me upon the top of a very high hill in that other [Page] world, where immediatly were presented unto mine eyes many most strange and unwonted fights.

For first, I observed, that although the Globe of the Earth shewed much bigger there than the Moon doth unto us, even to the full trebling of her diameter, yet all manner of things there were of largeness and quantity, 10. 20. I thinke I may say 30. times more than ours.

Their trees at least three times so high as ours, and more than five times the breadth and thicknesse.

So their herbs, Beasts, and Birds; although to compare them with ours, I know not well how, because I found not any thing there, any Species either of Beast or Bird that resembled ours any thing at all, except Swallows, Nightingales, Cuckoes, Woodcocks, Batts, & some kinds [Page] of wild Fowl, as also of such Birds as my Gansa's, all which, (as now I well perceived,) spend the time of their absence from us, even there in that world; neither do they vary any thing at all either in quantity or quality from those of ours here, as being none other than the very same, and that not onely Specie, but numero.

But of these novelties, more hereafter in their due places.

No sooner was I set down upon the ground, But I was surprised with a most ravenous hunger, and earnest desire of eating. Wherefore stepping unto the next tree, I fastened thereunto my engine, with my Gansa's, and in great haste fell to searching of my pockets for the Victuals I had reserved as aforesaid: but to my great amazement and discomfort, I found in stead of Partridge, [Page] and Capon, which I thought to have put there, a mingle mangle of dry leaves, of Goats haire, sheepe, or Goats-dung, Mosse, and such like trash.

As for my Canary Wine, it was turned to a stinking and filthie kind of liquor, like the Urine of some Beast.

O the illusions of wicked spirits, whose helpe if I had been faine only to rely upon, you see how I had been served.

Now while I stood musing and wondring at this strange Metamorphosis, I heard my Gansa's upon the sudden to make a great fluttering behind me. And looking back, I espied them to fall greedily upon a certain shrub within the compasse of their lines, whose leaves they fed upon most earnestly; where heretofore, I had never seene them to eat [Page] any manner of green meate whatsoever. Whereupon stepping to the shrubb, I put a lease of it between my teeth: I cannot express the pleasure I found in the tast thereof; such it was I am sure, as if I had not with great discretion moderated my appetite, I had surely surfetted upon the same.

In the mean time it fell out to be a baite that well contented both my Birds and me at that time, when we had need of some good refreshing.

Scarcely had I ended this banquett, when upon the sudden I saw my self environed with a kind of people most strange, both for their feature, demeanure, and apparell.

Their stature was most divers, but for the most part, twice the height of ours; their colour and [Page] countenance most pleasing, and their habit such, as I know not how to express.

For neither did I see any kind of Cloth, Silke, or other stuffe to resemble the matter of that whereof their Clothes were made; neither (which is most strange of all other) can I devise how to describe the colour of them, being in a manner all clothed alike.

It was neither blacke, nor white, yellow nor redd, greene nor blue, nor any colour composed of these.

But if you aske me what it was, then I must tell you, it was a colour never seen in our earthly world, and therefore neither to be described unto us by any, nor to be conceived of one that never saw it.

For as it were a hard matter to describe unto a man borne blind [Page] the difference betweene blue and Greene, so can I not bethinke my selfe of any meanes how to decipher unto you this Lunar colour, having no affinitie with any other that ever I beheld with mine eyes.

Onely this I can say of it, that it was the most glorious and delightfull, that can possibly be imagined; neither in truth was there any one thing, that more delighted me, during my abode in that new world, than the beholding of that most pleasing and resplendent colour.

It remaineth now that I speake of the Demeanure of this people, who presenting themselves unto me upon the sudden, and that in such extraordinary fashion as I have declared, being strucken with a great amasement, I crossed [Page] my self, and cried out, Jesus Maria.

No sooner was the word Jesus out of my mouth, but young & old, fell all down upon their knees, (at which I not a little rejoyced) holding up both their hands on high, and repeating all certain words which I understood not.

Then presently they all arising, one that was far the tallest of them came unto me, and embraced me, with great kindnesse, and giving order (as I partly perceived) unto some of the rest to stay by my Birds, he took me by the hand, and leading me down toward the foote of the hill, brought me to his dwelling, being more than half a league from the place where I first alighted.

It was such a building for beauty and hugeness, as all our world [Page] cannot shew any neere comparable to it.

Yet such I saw afterwards elsewhere, as this might seem but a Cottage in respect of them.

There was not a doore about the house, that was not 30. foot high, and twelve in breadth.

The roomes were between 40. and 50. foote in height, and so all other proportions answerable.

Neither could they well be much lesse, the Master inhabiting them, being full 28. high.

As for his corporature, I suppose verily that if we had him here in this world to be weighed in the ballance, the poyse of his body would shew it self more ponderous than Five and Twenty, peradventure thirty of ours.

After I had rested my self with him the value of one of our dayes; [Page] he ledd me some Five leagues off, unto the Palace of the Prince of the Countrey.

The stateliness of the building wherof I wil leave unto the second part of this work, as also many other particulars, which will minister more pleasure to the Reader, than yet I may afford him, being desirous in this first part to set down no more than what the processe of my story concerning my Journey doth necessarily draw from me.

This Prince whose stature was much higher than the former, is called (as neere as I can by Letters declare it, for their sounds are not perfectly to be expressed by our characters) Pylonas, which signifieth in their Language, First [...] perhaps it be not rather a denotation of his dignity and authority, as being the prime Man in all those parts.

[Page]In all those parts, I say. For there is one supreme Monarch amongst them, of stature yet much more huge than he, commanding over all that whole Orbe of that world, having under him 29 other Princes of exceeding great power, and every of them 24 others, whereof this Pylonas was one.

The first ancestor of this great Monarch came out of the earth (as they deliver) and by marriage with the inheretrix of that huge Monarchy, obtaining the government, left it unto his posteritie, who ever since have held the same, even for the space of 40 thousand dayes or Moons, which amounteth unto 3077 Years.

And his name being Irdonozur, his heirs, unto this day, do all assume unto themselves that name, he, they say, having continued there [Page] well neer 400 Moons, and having begotten divers children, returned (by what means they declare not) unto the Earth againe: I doubt not but they may have their Fables, as well as we.

And because our Histories afford no mention of any earthly man to have ever been in that world before my self, and much lesse to have returned thence again, I cannot but condemne that tradition for false and fabulous; yet this I must tell you, that learning seemeth to be in great estimation among them: And that they make semblance of detesting all Lying and Falshood, which is wont there to be severely punished.

Again, which may yeeld some countenance unto their historicall narrations, many of them live wonderfull long, even beyond all credit, [...] [Page] [...] [Page] [Page] to wit even unto the age as they professed to me of 30000. Moons, which amounteth unto 1000. Years and upwards, (so that the ages of 3. or 4. men might well reach unto the time of the first Irdonozur,) and this is noted generally, that the taller people are of Stature, the more excellent they are for all indowments of mind, and the longer time they do live.

For whereas (that which before I partly intimated unto you) their stature is most divers, great numbers of them little exceeding ou [...]s; such seldom live above the age of a 1000. Moons, which is answerable to 80. of our Years, and they account them most base creaturs, even but a degree before bruite beasts, imploying them accordingly in all the basest and most servile Offices, tearming them by a word that signifieth [Page] bastard-men, counterfeits, or Changelings; so those whom they account Genuine, naturall, and true Lunars, both in quantitie of bodie, and length of life, they have for the most part 30. times as much as we, which proportion agreeth well with the quantity of the day in both worlds, theirs containing almost 30 of ours.

Now when I shall declare unto you the manner of our travell unto the Palace of Pylonas, you will say you scarce ever heard any thing more strange and incredible.

Unto every one of us there was delivered at our first setting forth, two Fans of Feathers, not much unlike to those that our Ladies do carrie in Spaine, to make a coole Aire unto themselves in the heat of Summer. The use of which Fans before I declare unto you, I must let [Page] you understand that the Globe of the Moon is not altogether destitute of an attractive Power: but it is so farre weaker than that of the earth, as if a man do but spring upward, with all his force, (as Dancers do when they shew their activity by capering) he shall be able to mount 50. or 60. foot high, and then he is quite beyond all attraction of the Moons earth, falling down no more, so as by the help of these Fans, as with wings, they convey themselves in the Aire in a short space (although not with that swiftnesse that Birds do) even whither they lift.

In two houres space (as I could guesse) by the helpe of these fans, we were carried through the Aire those five Leagues, being about 60 persons. Being arrived at the Palace of Pylonas, after our conducto [...] [Page] had gotten audience, (which was not presently) and had declared what manner of present he had brought; I was immediately called in unto him by his attendants: by the statelinesse of his Palace, and the reverence done unto him, I soone discerned his greatnesse, and therefore framed my selfe to win his favour the best I might. You may remember I told you of a certain little Box or Casket of Jewels, the remainder of those which being brought out of the East Indies, I sent from the Ile of St. Hellen into Spaine.

These, before I was carried in unto him, I took out of my pocket in a corner, and making choice of some of every sort, made them ready to be presented as I should think fit.

I found him sitting in a most [Page] magnificent chaire of Estate, having his Wife or Queen upon one hand, and his eldest Son on the other, which were both attended, the one by a troope of Ladies, and the other of young men, and all along the side of the roome stood a great number of goodly personages, whereof scarce any one was lower of stature than Pylonas, whose age they say is now 21000. Moons. At my first entrance, falling downe upon my knees, I thought good to use unto him these words in the Latine tongue, Propitius sit tibi Princeps Illustrissime Dominus noster Jesus Christus, &c. As the people I first met withall, so they, hearing the holy name of our Saviour, they all, I say, King, Queen, and all the rest fell downe upon their knees, pronouncing a word or two I understood not. They being risen [Page] again, I proceeded thus, & Maria Salvator is Genitrix, Petrus & Paulus &c. and so reckoning up a number of Saints, to see if there were any one of them that they honoured as their patron, at last reckoning among others St. Martinus, they all bowed their bodies, and held up hands in sign of great reverence: the reason whereof I learned to be, that Martin in their language signifieth God: Then taking out my Jewells, prepared for that purpose, I presented unto the King or Prince (call him how you please) 7. stones of so many severall sorts, a Diamond, a Rubie, an Emerauld, a Saphire, a Topaz, a Turquez, and an Opall, which he accepted with great joy & admiration, as having not often seen any such before.

Then I offered unto the Queen and Prince some other, and was about [Page] to have bestowed a number of more, upon other there present, but Pylonas forbade them to accept, thinking (as afterwards I learned) that they were all I had, and being willing they should be reserved for Irdonozur his Soveraign.

This done, he imbraced me with great kindnesse, and began to inquire of me divers things by signs, which I likewise answered by signs as well as I could.

But not being able to give him content, he delivered me to a guard of a 100. of his Giants (so I may well call them) commanding straightly,

First, that I should want nothing that might be fit for me;

Secondly, that they should not suffer any of the dwarfe Lunars (if I may so tearme them) to come neer me;

[Page]Thirdly, that I should with all diligence be instructed in their Language.

And lastly, that by no means they should impart unto me the knowledge of certain things, particularly by him specified; marry what those particulars were, I might never by any means get knowledge.

It may be now you will desire to understand what were the things Pylonas inquired of me.

Why what but these? whence I came? how I arrived there? and by what means? what was my name? what my Errand? and such like.

To all which I answered the very truth as neer as I could.

Being dismissed, I was afforded all manner of necessaries that my heart could wish, so as it seemed unto me I was in a very Paradise, [Page] the pleasures whereof notwithstanding could not so overcome me, as that the remembrance of my Wife and Children, did not trouble me much.

And therefore being willing to foster any small sparke of hope of my return, with great diligence I took order for the attendance of my Birds, (I mean my Gansa's) whom my self in person tended every day with great carefulnesse; All which notwithstanding had fallen out to little purpose, had not other mens care performed that which no indeavour of mine own could.

For the time now approached, when of necessity all the people of our stature, (and so my self among the rest) must needs sleepe for some 13. or 14. whole dayes together.

[Page]So it commeth to passe there by a secret power, and unresistable decree of nature, that when the day beginneth to appear, and the Moon to be enlightned by the Sunbeams, (which is at the first Quarter of the Moon) all such people as exceed not very much our stature inhabiting those parts, they fall into a dead sleep, and are not possibly to be wakened till the Sun be set, and withdrawn out of their sight, even as Owles, and Batts, with us cannot indure the light, so we there at the first approach of the day, begin to be amazed with it, and fall immediatly into a slumber, which groweth by little and little, into a dead sleepe, till this light depart from thence againe, which is not in 14. or 15. dayes, to wit, untill the last quarter.

Methinkes now I heare some [Page] man to demand what manner of light there is in that world during the absence of the Sun. To resolve you for that point, you shall understand that there is a light of two sorts.

One of the Sun (which I might not endure to behold,) and another of the Earth: that of the Earth was now at the highest; for that when the Moon is at the Change, then is the Earth (unto them in the Moon) like a full Moon with us; and as the Moon increaseth with us, so the light of the Earth decreaseth with them: I then found the light there (though the Sun were absent) equall unto that with us, in the day time, when the Sun is covered with Clouds, but toward the quarter it little and little diminisheth, yet leaving still a competent light, which is somewhat strange.

[Page]But much stranger is that which was reported unto me there, how that in the other Hemisphere of the Moon (I mean contrary to that I happened upon,) where during half the Moon, they see not the Sun, and the Earth never appeareth unto them, they have notwithstanding a kinde of light (not unlike by their description to our Moon-light) which it seemeth the propinquintie of the Starrs and other Planetts (so much neerer unto them than us) affordeth.

Now you shall understand that of the true Lunars there be three degrees.

Some beyond the pitch of our stature a good deale, as perhaps 10 or 12 foot high, that can indure the day of the Moon, when the earth shineth but little, but not endure the beams of both; at such [Page] time they must be content to be laid asleep.

Others there are of 20 foot high, or somewhat more, that in ordinary places indure all light both of earth and Sun. Marrie there is a certain Iland, the mysteries whereof none may know, whose stature is not at least 27 foot high (I mean of the measure of the Stādard of Castile) If any other come a Land there in the Moons day time, they fal asleep immediatly: This Iland they call Gods Iland, or Insula Martini in their language: they say it hath a particular governour, who is (as they report) of age 65000 Moons, which amounteth to 5000 of our years, his name is said to be Hiruch, and he commandeth after a sort over Irdonozur himself, especially in that Iland out of which he never cometh.

There is another, repairing much [Page] thither, they said is half his age and upwards, to wit, about 33. thousand Moons, or 26. hundred of our years, and he commandeth in all things (throughout the whole Globe of the Moon) concerning matters of Religion, and the service of God, as absolutely as our holy Father the Pope doth in any part of Italy. I would faine have seen this man, but I might not be suffered to come neer him: his name is Imozes.

Now give me leave to settle my self to a long nights sleep: My attendants take charge of my Birds, prepare my lodging, and signifie to me by signes, how it must be with me. It was about the middle of September, where I perceived the Aire to grow more cleare than ordinary, and with the increasing of the light, I began to feele my [Page] selfe first dull, then heavy and willing to sleep, although I had not lately been hindred from taking mine ease that way.

I delivered my self at last into the custody of this sister of Death, whose prisoner I was for almost a fortnight after; Awaking then, it is not to be believed how fresh, how nimble, how vigorous, I found all the faculties both of my body and minde.

In good time, therefore, I setled my self immediatly to the learning of the language which (a marvellous thing to consider) is one & the same throughout all the regions of the Moon,) yet so much the lesse to be wondred at, because I cannot thinke all the Earth of Moon to Amount to the fortieth part of our inhabited Earth; partly because the Globe of the Moone is much [Page] lesse than that of the Earth, and partly because their Sea or Ocean covereth in estimation Three parts of Foure, (if not more) whereas the superficies of our land may be judged Equivalent and comparable in Measure to that of our Seas.

The Difficulty of that language is not to be conceived, and the reasons thereof are especially two:

First, because it hath no affinitie with any other that ever I heard.

Secondly, because it consisteth not so much of words and Letters, as of tunes and uncouth sounds, that no letters can express.

For you have few words but they signifie divers and severall things, and they are distinguished onely by their tunes that are as it were sung [Page] in the utterance of them, yea many words there are consisting of tunes onely, so as if they list they will utter their minds by tunes without words: for Example, they have an ordinary salutation amongst them, signifying (Verbatim) Glorie be to God alone, which they express (as I take it, for I am no perfect Musician) by this tune without any words at all.

[...]

Yea the very names of Men they will expresse in the same sort.

When they were disposed to talke of me before my face, so [Page] as I should not perceive it; this was Gonsales.

[...]

By occasion hereof, I discerne means of framing a Language (and that easie soon to be learned) as copious as any other in the world, consisting of tunes onely, whereof my friends may know more at leasure if it please them.

This is a great Mystery, and worthier the searching after than at first sight you would imagine.

Now notwithstanding the difficulty of this language, within two moneths space I had attained unto such knowledge of the same, as I understood most questions to be demanded of me, and what with signs, what with words, made reasonable [Page] shift to utter my mind; which thing being certified unto Pylonas, he sent for me oftentimes, and would be pleased to give me knowledge of many things that my Guardians durst not declare unto me.

Yet this I will say of them, that they never abused me with any untruth that I could perceive; but if I asked a question that they liked not to resolve me in, they would shake their heads, and with a Spanish shrugge passe over to other talke.

After 7 months space it happened that the great Irdonozur making his progresse to a place some 200. leagues distant from the Palace of Pylonas, sent for me.

The History of that Journey, and the conference that passed between us, shall be related at large in my second Booke. Onely thus much [Page] thereof at this time, that he would not admit me into his presence, but talked with me through a Window, where I might hear him, and he both hear and see me at pleasure. I offered him the remainder of my Jewells, which he accepted very thankfully; telling me, that he would requite them with gifts of another manner of value.

It was not above a Quarter of a Moon that I stayed there, before I was sent backe unto Pylonas again; and so much the sooner, because if we had stayed but a day or two longer, the Sun would have overtaken us, before we could have recovered our home.

The gifts he bestowed on me were such as a Man would forsake mountains of Gold for, and they were all stones, to wit nine in number [...] and those of three sorts, whereof one [Page] they call Poleastis, another Machrus, and third Ebelus, of each sort three. The first are of the bignesse of an Hazell nut, very like unto Jet, which among many other incredible vertues hath this property, that being once heat in the Fire, they ever after retaine their heat (though without any appearance) untill they be quenched with some kinde of liquor, whereby they receive no detriment at all, though they be heat and quenched ten thousand times.

And their heat is so vehement, as they will make red hot any mettall that shall come within a foot of them, and being put in a Chimney, will make a roome as warme, as if a great fire were kindled in the same.

The Machrus (yet farre more precious than the other) is of the [Page] colour of Topaz, so shining and resplendent, as (though not past the bignesse of a Beane yet,) being placed in the midst of a large Church in the night time, it maketh it all as light, as if a 100. Lamps were hanged up round about it.

Can you wish for properties in a stone of greater use than these. Yes my Ebelus will af [...]oord you that which I dare say will make you preferre him before these, yea and all the Diamonds, Saphyres, Rubies, and Emeralds that our world can yeeld, were they laid in a heap before you;

To say nothing of the colour, (the Lunar whereof I made mention before, which notwithstanding is so incredibly beautifull, as a man should travell 1000 Leagues to behold it) the shape is somewhat flat of the breadth of a Pistolett, and [Page] twice the thickness. The one side of this, which is somewhat more Orient of Colour than the other, being clapt to the bare skin of a man, in any part of his body, it taketh away from it al weight or ponderousness; whereas turning the other side it addeth force unto the attractive beam [...] of the Earth, either in this world or that, and maketh the body to weigh half so much againe as it did before; do you marvell now why I should so overprize this stone? before you see me on earth againe, you shall understand more of the value of this kinde and unvaluable Jem.

I inquired then amongst them, whether they had not any kind of Jewell o [...] other meanes to make a man invisible, which me thought had been a thing of great and extraordinary use.

[Page]And I could tell that divers of our learned men had written many things to that purpose.

They answered, that if it were a thing feasable, yet they assured thē selves that God would not suffer it to be revealed to us creatures, subject to so many imperfections being a thing so apt to be ab [...]sed to ill purposes; and that was all I could get of them.

Now after it was known that Irdonozur, the great Monarch, had done me this honour, it is strange how much al [...] men respected me more than before: my Guardians, which hitherto were very nice in relating any thing to me, concerning the government of that world, now became somewhat more open, so as I could learne (partly of them, and partly of Pylonas,) what I shall deliver unto you concerning that matter, [Page] whereof I will onely give you a taste at this time, referring you unto a more ample discourse in my second part, which at my returne into Spaine you shall have at large; but not till then, for causes heretofore related.

In a thousand years it is not found that there is either Whoremonger amongst them, whereof these reasons are to be yielded: There is no want of any thing necessary for the use of man.

Food groweth every where without labour, and that of all sorts to be desired.

For rayment, howsing, or any thing els that you may imagine possible for a man to want, or desire, it is provide by the command of Superiors, though not without labour, yet so little, as they do nothing but as it were playing, & with pleasure.

[Page]Againe their Females are all of an absolute beauty: and I know not how it commeth to passe by a secret disposition of nature there that a man having once known a Woman, never desireth any other. As for murther, it was never heard of amongst them; neither is it a thing almost possible to be committed: for there is no wound to be given which may not be cured: they assured me, (and I for my part doe believe it,) that although a mans head be cut off, yet if any time within the space of Three Moons it be put together, and joyned to the Carkasse againe, with the appointment of the Juice of a certaine hearbe, there growng, it will be joyned together againe, so as the partie wounded shall become perfectly whole in a few houres.

[Page]But the chief cause, is, that through an excellent disposition of that stature of people there, all, young and old, do hate all manner of vice, and do live in such love, peace, and amitie, as it seemeth to be another Paradise. True it is, that some are better disposed than other: but that they discerne immediately at the time of their birth.

And because it is an inviolable decree amongst them, never to put any one to death, perceiving by the stature, and some other notes they have, who are likely to be of a wicked or imperfect disposition, they send them away (I know not by what means) into the Earth, and change them for other children, before they shall have either abilitie or opportunitie to do amisse among them: But first (they say) they are faine to keepe them there [Page] for a certain space, till that the Aire of the Earth may alter their colour to be like unto ours.

And their ordinary vent for them is a certain high hill in the North of America, whose people I can easily believe to be wholly descended of them, partly in regard of their colour, partly also in regard of the continuall use of Tob [...]cco which the Lunars use exceeding much, as living in a place abounding wonderfully with moysture, as also for the pleasure they take in it, and partly in some other respects, too long now to be rehearsed. Sometimes they mistake their aime, and fall upon Christendome, Asia or Affricke, marry that is but seldome: I remember some years since, that I read certain stories tending to the confirmation of these things delivered by these Lunars, as especially [Page] one Chapter of Guil. Neubrigensis, de reb. Angl. it is towards the end of his first book, but the chapter I cannot particularly resign.

Then see Inigo Mondejar in his description of Nueva Granata, the second book; as also Joseph Desia de Carana, in his history of Mexico: if my memory faile me not, you will find that in these, which will make my report much the more credible: But for testimonies I care not.

May I once have the happinesse to return home in safety, I will yield such demonstrations, of all I deliver, as shall quickly make void all doubt of the truth hereof.

If you will aske me further of the manner of government amongst the Lunars, and how Justice is executed? [Page] Alas what need is there of Exemplary punishment, where there are no offences committed: they need there no Lawyers, for there is never any contention, the seeds thereof, if any begin to sprout, being presently by the wisedom of the next Superior puld up by the roots.

And as little need is there of Physicians; they never misdiet themselves, their Aire is alwayes temperate and pure, neither is there any occasion at all of sicknes, as to me it seemed at least, for I could not hear that ever any of them were sicke.

But the time that nature hath assigned unto them being spent, without any paine at all they die, or rather (I should say) cease to live, as a candle to give light, when that which nourisheth it is consumed.

[Page]I was once at the departure of one of them, which I wondred much to behold; for notwithstanding the happy life [...]e led, and multitude of friends and children he should forsake, as soone as certainly he understood and perceived his end to approach, he prepared a great feast, and c [...]ing about him all those he especially esteemed of, he bids them be merry and rejoyce with him; for that the time was come he should now leave the counterfeit pleasures of that world, and be made partaker of all true joyes and perfect happinesse.

I wondred not so much at his constancy, as the behaviour of those his friends: with us in the like case, all seeme to mourne, when often some of them do but laugh in their sleeves, or as one sayes, under a visard.

[Page]They all on the other side, young and old, both seemingly, and in my conscience, sincerely [...]id rejoyce thereat, so as if any dissembled, it was but their own griefe conceived for their own particular losse.

Their bodies being dead, putrifie not, and therefore are not buried, but kept in certaine Roomes ordained for that purpose; so as most of them can shew their Ancestors bodies uncorrupt for many generations.

There is never any raine, wind, or change of the Aire, never either Summer, or Winter, but as it were a perpetuall Spring, yeelding all pleasure, all content, and that free from any annoyance at all.

O my Wife and Children, what wrong have you done me to bereave me of the happinesse of that place! but it maketh no matter, for [Page] by this voyage am I sufficiently assured, that ere long the race of my mortall life being run, I shall attain a greater happiness elsewhere, and that everlasting.

It was the Ninth day of September that I began to ascend from El Pico; twelve dayes I was upon my Voyage, and arrived in that Region of the Moon, that they call Simiri, September the 21. following.

The 12. day of May being Friday we came unto the Court of the great Irdonozur, and returned backe the Seventeenth unto the Palace of Pylonas, there I continued till the month of March, in the yeare 1601. at what time I earnestly besought Pylonas (as I had often done before) to give me leave to depart, (though with never so great hazard of my life) backe into the earth againe.

He much disswaded me, laying [Page] before me the danger of the voyage, the misery of that place from whence I came, and the abundant happinesse of that I now was in; But the remembrance of my Wife and children overweighed all these reasons, and to tell you the truth I was so far forth moved with a desire of that deserved glory, that I might purchase at my return, as me thought: I deserved not the name of a Spanyard, if I would not hazard 20 lives, rather than loose but a little possibility of the same. Wherfore I answered him, that my desire of seing my children was such, as I knew I could not live any longer, if I were once out of hope of the same. When then he desired one years stay longer, I told him it was manifest I must depart now or never: My Birds began to droop, for want of their wonted migration, three of them were now [Page] dead, and if a few more failed, I was for ever destitute of all possibility of returning.

With much adoe at last he condescended unto my request [...] having first acquainted the great Irdonozur with my desire, then perceiving by the often b [...]iting of my Birds, a great longing in them to take their flight, I cr [...]mmed up mine Engine, and took my leave of Pylonas, who (for all the courtesie he had done me) required of me but one thing, which was, faithfully to promise him, that if ever I had means thereunto, I should salute from him Elizabeth, whom he tearmed the great Queen of England, calling her the most glorious of all women living; and indeed he would often question with me of her, and therein delighted so much, as it seemed he was never satisfied in talkking [Page] of her; he also delivered unto me a token or present for her of no small Value: Though I account her an enemy of Spaine, I may not faile of performing this promise as soon as I shall be able so to do: upon the 29. day of March being Thursday, 3. dayes after my awaking from the last Moons light, I fastened my self to mine Engine, not forgetting to take with me, besides the Jewels Irdonozur had given me (with whose use and vertues Pylonas had acquainted me at large) a small quantitie of Victuall, wherefore afterward I had great use, as shall be declared.

An infinite multitude of people, (and amongst the rest Pylonas himself being present,) after I had given him the last Bezalos manos, I let loose the raines unto my Birds, who with great greediness taking wing quickly [Page] carried me out of their sight, it fel out with me as in my first passage, I never felt either hunger or thirst, till I arrived in China upon a high mountain, some 5 Leagues from the high and mighty City of Pachin.

This Voyage was performed in lesse than 9 dayes; I heard no news by the way of these airie men, which I had seen in my ascending.

Nothing stayed my journey any whit at all: Whether it was the earnest desire of my Birds, to return to the Earth, where they had missed one season, or that the attraction of the Earth so much stronger than that of the Moon, furthered their labour; so it came to passe; although now I had 3 Birds wanting of those I carried forth with me.

For the first 8 days my Birds flew before, and I with the Engine was as it were drawn by them.

[Page] The Ninth day when I began to approach unto the Clouds, I perceived my self and mine Engine to sink towards the Earth, and go before them.

I was then horribly afraid, lest my Birds, not being able to bear our weight, they being so few, should be constrained to precipitate both me and themselves head long to the Earth: wherefore I thought it no less than needfull to make use of the Ebelus, (one of the stones bestowed upon me by Irdono [...]ur,) which I clapped to my bare flesh within my hose: and it appeared manifestly thereupon unto me that my Birds made their way with much greater ease than before, as being lightned of a great burthen; neither do I think it possible for them to have let me down safely unto the Earth without that help.

[Page] China is a Countrey so populous, as I thinke there is hardly a piece of ground to be found (in the most barren parts of the same) though but thrice a mans length, which is not most carefully manured. I being yet in the Aire, some of the Country people had espied me, & came running unto me by troops, they seised upon me, and would needs [...] by and by, carrie me unto an Officer. I seeing no other remedy, yielded my selfe unto them. But when I assayed to go, I found my selfe so light, that I had much adoe, one foote being upon the ground, to set downe the other, that was by reason of my Ebelus, so applyed, as it tooke quite away all weight and ponderousnesse from my body: Wherefore bethinking my selfe what was to be [...] done, I fained a desire of performing the [Page] necessitie of nature, which by signes being made known unto them (for they understood not a word of any Language I could speak) they permitted me to go aside among a few bushes, assuring themselves that for me to escape from them it was impossible; Being there I remembred the directiōs Pylonas had given me, concerning the use of my stones, and first I took them all together, with a few Jewells yet remaining of those I had brought out of India, and knit them up in my handkerchief, all, except one the least and worst Ebelus.

Him I found means to apply in such sort unto my body, as but the halfe of his side touched my skin, whereby it came to passe that my body then had but half the weight, that being done I drew towards these my Guardians, till seeing them [Page] come somewhat neer together they could not crosse my way, I shewed them a fair paire of heeles.

This I did to the end I might recover an opportunity of finding my Stones, and Jewells, which I knew they would rob me off, if I prevented them not.

Being thus lightned, I bid them such a base, as had they been all upon the backs of so many Zebra's, they could never have overtaken me: I directed my course unto a certain thick wood, into which I entred some quarter of a League, and then finding a pretty spring, (which I took for my marke) hard by it, I thrust my Jewells into a little hole made by a Want, or some such like creature.

Then I took out of my pocket my Victualls, (to which in all my Voyage I had not till then any desire) [Page] and refreshed my self therewith, til such time as the people pursuing me, had overtaken me, into whose hands I quietly delivered my self.

They led me unto a mean Officer, who (understanding that once I had escaped from them that first apprehended me,) caused a certain seat to be made of boords, into which they closed me in such sort, as onely my head was at liberty, and then carried me upon the shoulders of 4 slaves, (like some notorious malefactor) before a man of great authority, whom in their language (as after I learned) they called a Mandarine, abiding two days journey off, to wit one League distant from the great and famous City of Pachin, or Paquin, by the Chinesse called Suntien.

Their language I could no way [Page] understand; onely this I could discerne, that I was for something or other accused with a great deale of vehemence.

The substance of this accusation it seemes was, that I was a Magician, as witnessed my strange carriage in the aire; that being a stranger, as appeared by my both language and habit, I contrary to the Lawes of China, entred into the Kingdome without warrant, and that probably with no good intent. The Mandarine heard them out, with a great deale of composed gravitie; and being a man of quicke apprehension, and withall studious of novelties, he answered them, that he would take such order with me, as the case required, and that my bold attempt should not want its deserved punishment. But having dismissed them, he gave order to his Servants, that I [Page] should be kept in some remote parts of his vast Palace, and be strictly watched, but courteously used: This doe I conjecture, by what at the present I found, and what after followed. For my accommodation was every way better, than I could expect; I lodged well, fared well, was attended well, and could not fault any thing, but my restraint. In this manner did I continue many moneths, afflicted with nothing so much as with the thought of my Gansa's; which I knew must be irrecoverably lost, as indeed they were. But in this time, by my own industry, and the forwardness of those that accompanied me, I was grown indifferent ready in the ordinary language of that Province, (for almost every Province in China, hath its proper Language) whereat I discerned they tooke no small content. [Page] I was at length to take the aire, and brought into the spacious garden of that Palace, a place of excellent pleasure, and delight, as being planted with herbes and Flowers of admirable both sweetnes & beauty, and almost infinite variety of fruits both European & others, & all those composed with that rare curiosity, that I was ravished with the cōtemplation of such delightfull objects. But I had not here long recreated my self, yet the Mandarine entred the Garden, on that side where I was walking, and being advertised thereof by his servants, & wished to kneel down to him (as I after found it to be the usuall publique reverence to those great Officers) I did so, and humbly craved his favour towards a poor stranger, that arrived in those parts not by his own destination, but by the secret disposal of the heavens: [Page] He in a different language (which al the Mandarines, as I have since learned, do use) and that like that of the Lunars did cōsist much of tunes, but was by one of his servants interpreted to me. He, I say, wished me to be of good comfort, for that he intended no harm unto me, and so passed on. The next day was I commanded to come before him, and so conducted into a sumptuous dining roome exquisitely painted and adorned. The Mandarine having commanded all to avoid the room, vouchsafed conference with me in the vulgar language; inquiring first the estate of my Countrey, the power of my Prince, the religion & manners of the people; wherein being satisfied by me, he at last descended to the particulars of my education and studies, and what brought me into this remote country: Then did I at [Page] large declare unto him the adventure of my life, onely omitting here & there, what particulars I thought good, forbearing especially any mē tion of the stones given me by Irdonozur. The strangenes of my story did much amaze him. And finding in all my discourse nothing any way tending to Magick; (wherein he had hoped by my means to have gaind some knowledge) he began to admire the excellencie of my wit, applauding me for the happiest man, that this world had ever produced: and wishing me to repose my self after my long narration, he for that time dismissed me. After this, the Mandarine took such delight in me, that no day passed, wherein he sent not for me. At length he advised me to apparell my self in the habit of the Country (which I willingly did) and gave me not only the liberty [Page] of his house, but took me also abroad with him, when he went to Paquin, whereby I had the opportunitie by degrees to learn the disposition of the people, and the policy of the Country, which I shall reserve for my second part. Neither did I by this my attendance on him gain only the knowledge of these things, but the possibility also of being restored to my native soyl, and to those dear pledges which I value above the world, my Wife and children. For by often frequenting Paquin, I at length heard of some Fathers of the Society that were become famous for the extraordinary favour by the King vouchsafed them, to whom they had presented some European trifles, as Clocks, Watches, Dials, and the like, which with him passed for exquisite rarities. To them by the Mandarines [Page] leave, I repaired, was welcomed by them, they much wondring to see a Lay Spaniard there, whither they had with so much difficulty obtained leave to arrive. There did I relate to Father Pantoja, and those others of the society these fore-related adventures, by whose directions I put them in writing, and sent this story of my fortunes to Macao, from thence to be coveighed for Spaine, as a forerunner of my return. And the Mandarine being very indulgent unto me, I came often unto the Fathers, with whom I consulted about many secrets with them; also did I lay a foundation for my returne, the blessed houre whereof I do with patience expect; that by inriching my Country with the knowledge of hidden mysteries, I may once reape the glory of my fortunate misfortunes.

FINIS.

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NUNCIUS INANIMATUS.

By F.G. B. of H.

LONDON, Printed for Joshua Kirton, at the Signe of the Kings Arms in St. Pauls Church-yard. 1657.

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NUNCIUS Inanimatus.

NEminem latere potest, qui Philosophiam vel primis (quod aiunt) labris degustarit, ad intellectum humanum nihil nisi exteriorum sensuum adminiculo pervenire; ut, qui alium sive absentem, sive Praesentem, suae voluntatis certiorem facere velit, hunc aditu ingredi omnino habeat necesse.

2. Et apud praesentes quidem alio vix utimur Medio, quam sermonis; qui Auditus ministerio mentem menti solet apte convenire, & quasi conjungere; nisi for [...] Palias al [...]quis reperiatur quand [...]que, qui (ut de Claudiano illo liberto Tacitus) servis nihil nisi scripto, aut nutu mandare solitus est.

3. Absenti qui volunt aliquid indicare, & Nunciorum fidei non omnia credere, per oculos ingerunt, quae per aures non possunt, aut non tutum existimant: quem quidem in [Page] finem literas solemus exarare, animi Indices quae jussa plerunque satis fideliter peragunt nisi ubi, ve [...] Nuncio [...]ū persidia, aut negligentia vel Itinerum impedimenta in causa sunt, ut ad destina [...]ū locū Indicia nostra non perveniant.

4. His incommodis remedia nonnulla sunt ab Antiquis excogitata, quae praeterea quod viam expedire videbantur, & Nuncios adhibere, qui facile non possunt corrumpi, celeritatem etiam pollicebantur, qualem Nullus hominum praestare posset, nisi qui tanquam Perseus alter, Pegasum nescio quem Alarum (ut literas, seque perferat,) nactus fuisset.

5. Illorum inventa hujusmodi apud Historicos commemorata non pigebit paucis recensere, ut postquam Nuncium porro hunc meum descripserim, & quid polliceatur retulerim, quantum nostra Commenta Antiquorum illa transcendant, tunc demum lectori innotescat.

6. Cecinna Volaterrarius (ut habet Plinius) comprehensas Hirundines in urbem secum auferens,Nat. Hist. lib. 10. Cap. 24. Pl. lbid. victoriae nuncias amicis mittebat, illito victoriae colore, Tradit & Fabius Pictor in Annalibus suis, cum obsideretur praesidium Rom: [...] Ligustinis, Hirundinem a pullis ad se alla [...]am lino ad pedem eius alligato, ut nodis significaret, quo die adveniente auxilio Eruptio sieri deberet. Et D. Brutus in obsidione [Page] Mutinensi, Epistolas annexas columbarum pedibus, misit in Castra consilium.Pl. lib. [...] Cap. 37.

7. Sed horum omnium inventa multis gradibus superavit illud Mamaluchorum AEgiptiorum Alexandriam incolentium, de quibus sic scribit Bern: quidem de Breidenbach Decanus Moguntinus. Quanquam forte fit difficile creditu, (inquit ille) tamen omnino sic se habet, quod narrabo:Itin. ter. S. moct. 28. 1483 Amiraldus semper apud se quasdam disciplinatas habet columbas, sic edoctas, ut quocunque perrexerint, in Amiraldi curiam revertantur: Earum duas aut tres Naucleri, (emissi in occursum Alexandrinum portum petentium) secum recipientes, educunt per mare usque ad locum in quo advenientes possunt explorare, ubi mox conscriptam schedulam continentem quae scitu necessaria sunt, ad collum vnius Columbae suspendunt, eam (que) sinunt avolare, quae continuo volatu ad mensam us (que) Amiraldi schedulam afferens, quales sint venientes indicat: Quod si post primam emissam columbam, aliud quidpiam Amiraldo fuerit [...] significandum, mox secundam emittunt Columbam, vel etiam tertiam si necesse fuerit: & ita longe antequam Naves portum intrent, Amiraldus de eis est edoctus. Dicitur etiam quod alias habet Columbas, quas us (que) in Cayrum emittit ad Soldanum, tempore quo aliquod repentinum & ardu [...] [Page] inciderit negotium, sibi necessario significandum Porro si Naucleri ab ipso Amiraldo emissi navium conditiones investiga [...]e nequiverint, hoc ipsum per Columbas sibi renunciant.

8. Hisce, similibusque rationibus al [...] quid significatum quandoque comper [...]mus sed avbus semper Baj [...]lis; cum nos internuncium dare polliceamur, qui non solum non Ales, aut Alatus, sed ne Animal quidem sit; & tamen Celeritate Animal [...]um quodvis, vel pervelocissimū, multis quod aiunt parasangis [...]nteeat.

9. Ad institutum igitur nostrum propius accedit illud illorum, qui noctu accensis ignibus, interdiu, Pumo, amicis procul dissitis, brevissimo temporis spatio quod visu fuerit, significarunt. Sic Graecie Chio Confoederatis suis, qui ad Artemisium castra habebant; & Mardonius Persa ab Athenis in Asiam u [...]que: sicuti ab Herodoto traditum est.

10. [...]sti enimvero (quantum perspicio) non omnia quae expedire viderentur, hujusmodi signis enunciabant, sed unum duntaxat aliquod [...] de quo, inter ipsos antea Conventum suerat; utpote, Athenas [...]o temporis [...]rticulo captas, aut exsce [...]sionem factam in terram hostilem, tum, cum in illis locis aut fl [...]mma, aut fumus excitatus fuisser.

[Page] 11. Plus multo mihi videntur praestitisse Tibe [...]iani illi apud Suetonium; qui quo tempore P [...]udentium ille n [...]qu [...]ssimus in Caprearum insula helluaretur, actum p [...]aecipue quando Sejanum opprimere satagebat, Signa, (ne Nuncii moratentur) tolli procul, ut qiud (que) foret factu, mandavit, quae verba videntur innuere ita rationes suas instituisse Tiberium, ut omnia Cogintu necessaria pe [...] hujusmodi signa in Continenti procul elata ipse in Insula degens, intell exerit.

12. Qua in re si non hallucinor, facile subeat admirari, qui evenia [...], ut ars hujusmodi, omnia animi nostri sensa sic sine Nunciis ad absentes procul annunciandi in hac nostrae Europa interi [...]rit, aut saltem ab eo tempore nusquam fuerit usurpata quantum Historiarum classicarum lectione possum reperire.

13. In hac inquam nostra Europa: nam apud Ca [...]ajanos in summa perfectione hodi [...] (que)v gere, clarissime patet, clarissimi Scriptoris testimonio Aug: Busbequii de cujus fide dubitare esset nefas, nisi is aliena fide niteretur, se ipsum audiamus sic loquentem.

14. Postquam multorum Mensuum labore ad angustias ac veluti claustia regni Catayani perventum est, asperis montibus praerup [...] (que) saxis circumdata; nec potest intrari n [...]si perfauces, quae Regis illius praesidiis tenentur: ibi Mercatores interrogantur quid ferant, undeveniant, [Page] & quo sint numero; qua cognita, regii praesidiarii interdiu fumo, noctu per ignes proximae speculae tradunt, illa deinceps sequenti, ac sic deinceps, donec aliquothorarum quod plurium dierum spatio non potest Nuncius, Cathaiam ad regem de mercatorum adventu transferatur, qui quidem pari celeritate eadem (que) ratione quid sibi placeat, respondet; admitti omnes, an partim excludi aut differri.

15. Ab hujusmodi speculis, (quas nos Anglice Becons appellamus;) aliquid enunciari posse, majores nostros non latere patet, a quibus nempe morem accepimus Hostium adventum earum ope declarandi. Verum illa duntaxat ratione, tot hominum & jumentorum numerum, gentium mercimonia, & alia scitu necessaria sigillatim referre, opus videtur magis arduum, & difficile, quam ut solertia gentis Barbarae & philosophiae tam humanae quam divinae penitus ignaraepraestare posse existimem. Atque de visu, quem non sine causa Cicero sensuum acerrimum pronunciavit.) Haec hactenus.

16 Ut iam ab oculis ad aures transeamus; legendo huc us (que) vix comperi aliquam rationem excogitatam ab antiquis aut a Modernis usurpatam, qua hujusce sensus beneficio notitia quisque perciperit a loco paulo longinquiori intervallo dissito, insuper Nuncii [Page] inter mentis sermonem.

17. Huc tamen aliquid spectat, quod prodidit nobis Solominis Antiquitatis (a [...] nostrae praesertim Britannicae) Camdenus in his verbis: Muri Pictici, (quem aut Borealem Angliae partem construxit Severus;) accolae tubulum aereumeo artificio muro insertum inter singula Castella & Turres intercurrisse ferunt, (cujus fragmenta subinde reperserunt,) ut si quis vocem meam quacunque turri immisisset, statim sonus in proximam inde ad tertiam & omnes deinceps non interruptus perserretur ad significandum ubi loci, hostium insultus timeretur, eujusmodi miraculum de turribus B [...]zantii. in Severi historia refert Xiphilinus. Sed cum Murus nunciaceat, (inquit ille,) & Tubulus sit nullus, multi hic circumqua (que) praedia in Cor [...] nage ut Juridici loquuntur, a Regibus nostris tenent: videlicet, ut Cornu irruptiones hostium vicinis significent; quod a veteri Romano [...]um instituto deductum nonnulli existimant. Hactenus Camdenus, qui omnia Antiquorum inventa ad hunc scopum tendentia his in verbis complexus est.

18. Haud abs re fuerit fortassis, ut poste [...] quam de visu & auditu disseruimus, nonnihil etiam dicamus de tactu: cujus sensus ministerio procul absentibus aliquid posse significari sine Nuncio praesertim neque; traditum est [Page] huc usque ab aliquo ut ex [...]stimo, nec ut fieri possit, credibile videatur. Ego autem & fieri posse, & factum esse facile contendo, ad Millarii unius aut forte etiam Alterius distantiam, quanquam experimento ut hoc ipsum haberem exploratum mihi nondum contigit, & utrum operantium denique futu [...]um sit, non promintio.

19. Ad caeteros vero illos sensus quod attinet (visus inquam & auditus:) Hic dico, & fidenter dico: Primum, nunciari posse ab artis hujusce gnaro ad alium similiter gnarum procul absentem (modo intra tam partem milliaris) sive obsessum, sive latentem aut, fortasse detentum in al quo loco, qui nuncianti plane notus non sit, & etiamsi notus, tamen non accessib lis; omnia fig [...]llatim quaecunque voluerit & conducere exist mari [...]. A [...]c antur procul omnes horaimnes; Corpus in Ergastu'um compinge; vincantur manus; Caput obnubito; caetero qui non sis modestus, verba cuncta auribus percipiet absentis Amici, illi modo amico libertas non sit imminuto adeo quin ea valeat facere quae fieri solent quand [...]que a liberis ho [...]inious, aut [...]altem quae se facere posse existimet quis (que) sine periculo.

20. Dico deinde quod cognito loco ubi Am [...]cus resideat ad quem Notitia perferri debe [...] & si ute [...]que plena fruatur libertate, [Page] rationes etiam [...] fuerint unitae quae ad Medii dipositionem sunt conducibiles: ad centissimum usque Milliare (forte etiam vel milessimum) omnia posse nunciari tali Amico, sine nuncio, hominum, (imone animalum) quoquam intercurrente idque infra brevissimum temporis spatium, horam puta aut multo fortasse contractius.

21. Miranda inquis, sed non credenda hoccine, vero tam mirandum aut incredibile videatur? Habes adhuc generalia tantum [...] specific acum Individuum de quo minus credas: mandetur Nuncio huic meo Londini (modo raucis) qu [...]cquid annuntiari curis Bristoliae, Welliae, au [...]i mavis Exoniae degenti, neque enim longir quitatem viae multum moror si detur facultas sternendi & permiabilem faciend [...]: Mandetur (inquam) Londini idque in ipso articulo Meridiei unus aliquis integer sac [...]ae B [...]bl [...]ae versiculus annunciandus; curabo ut mandata is exhibeat loco designato, (attende quid dieo) ante meridiem ejusdem diei.

22. Ne temere pronunties: serius aliquot Minutis ad Bristoliensem; quam ad Londinensem Meridianum Sol pervenit. Hoc tantum est quod mirere, Nuncium qualemcunque, motum caelestem pernicitate posse antevertere. Iste vero facier, faciet inquam, si opus fuerit; aut ego omnium qui fari aut [Page] s [...]ribere sciverunt, vanissimus.

23. De arcibus aut civitatibus obsessia quid loquar? Nuncius noster Inanimatus Animae nil metuens, innumero [...]um hostium phalanges pertransibit: non morabitur cum fossa ad Infernum usque depressa, aut Murus vel Babyloniis illis moenibus excelsior, quin verba fideliter perferat mittentis, modo (quod femper moneo) Pauca; sive obsessus is fuerit, sive ad obseslum aliquid velit significare, id (que) velocitate incredibile si intra aliquot M [...]llaria 5. puta vel 7. detur consistere quanq [...]am non diffido a vigessimo usque hoc ipsum satis commode praestari posse.

24. Habes iam tria hujusce Nuncii mei promissa, quae quomodo inter se differant, perspicuitatis gratia operae-pretium fortasse fuerit demonstrare.

25. In primo, laudo fallendi astutiam, in secundo transeundi celeritatem: in tertio, cuncta penetrandi potentiam & vim invictam.

26. Quod primo in loco pollicitus sum facillime praestabit sine sumptu, sine opera cujusquam praeterquam Immittentis: hoc vero habet incommodi, quod illius usus paulo crebrior suspitione non vacabit.

27. Quod secundo; fit etiam saepenumero absque ope aliena, & nonnullis in locis operam exhibebit temporariam fere sine sumptu; plerun (que) vero pa [...]um aut nihil efficiet [Page] sine praeparatione, eaque tali, ut pro singuli [...] Milliaribus quinis plus minus libris nostratibus constare possit, si ad perpetuum usum destinetur: omnino vero nihil sine nutu atque authoritate Magistratus, cui quidem perqua [...] facile est, Nuncio huic nostro hanc viam pr [...] cludere.

28. Ad tertium quod attinet; haud magnum profecto sumptum requirit: oportet vero ut is qui agit in loco aliquo tuto sit constitut [...] eoque non nimium distance, ubi vim hostilem possit propulsare, donec operationem perfecerit. Negandum proinde non est Immittentis quam Emittentis deteriorem esse Conditionem.

29. Videris mihi iam lector p [...]rcontari, quonam Sensuum percipiente, haec omnia sic annuncianda amicus intelligat; nam sunt sensus, Intellectus, satellites (Cicero) interpretes & nuncii, utpote per quos solos ad illum pervenitur. Respondeo auditu nonnunquam, etiam visu. Rationem quaeris quomodo? Habebis paucis, & proinde fortassis non tam clare, quin Paradigmata requiras.

30. Si oculis amici absentis aliquid cupis re presentare, absentis inquam & procul absentis; idque citius, quam corpus aliquodsublunare ad locum tam longo intervallo disjunctum possit perferri [...] ( [...]am & id in me recipio:) oporte [...], [Page] ut Ideae, sive formae visibiles augeantur quantitate, multiplicentur numero; & pro rerum significandarum varietate varientur, vel qualitate, vel quantitate, vel situ, vel ordine.

31. Auribus nihil perc [...]pi nisi per sonum Neminem fugit: Erit igitur necesse ut is [...] cui aliquid auditu mediante nuntiatum fuerit, Sonos audiat, [...]os (que) distinguibiles pro numero Audiendorum: quae cum sint infinita, infinita sit etiam oportet, sonorum edendorum varietas. Satis tame [...] erit ut distinguantur, vel genere, vel tempore modo etiam & Numere:

32. Haec qui probe intellexer [...]t (& exemplis omnia luce fient clariora) quomodo perferantur hujusmodi som ad locum procul distantem, [...]unquam pe [...]contabitur.

33. Ne vero malis et damnatis artibus haec effici quisquam suspicetur: Deo opt: Max: teste profiteor atque denuncio, illiciti nihil concnere hanc disciplinam: nihil aut divinis aut humanis legibus repugans Arithme [...]icae Geometriae Music aeque aux [...]io plaeraque [...] coetera si non usitatis [...] at legitimis rationibus p [...]efici, idque sumptu sane medi [...]cri, pene dixeram nu [...]lo; Multa siquidem p [...]aesta [...]i possunt in hoc genere sine a iquo vel Ter [...]untii unius dispendio.

34. Ac ista quidem cum sic se habeant sapientibus d [...]jud [...]candum reliquo an quantum [...] et quousque laec nostra Inventa Rcip: utilia [Page] sint futura, si in primo deficient, moriantur, et sicut Partus Abortivus, aut lucem non videant, aut visa no tantilium fruantur, sed protinus intereant.

35. Egoe nimvero cum hujusce Artis usum fore permagnum existimem; tam pacis quam Bel itempore, [...]fficio meo consentaneum duxi, operam meam in ea tradenda deferre. Quod tamen non faciam libenter ita, ut cum passim pluribus innotuerit, ea suo tempore uti nequeamus.

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LECTORI DE AUTHORE.

Pr [...]stat pol Scilo, Artifex peritus,

Demon, Artifici: Artifex sed hicce

Et Motu prior, atque major Arte,

Praestat credite, Demoni vel ips [...],

Praestat Damoni & antevertit ips [...].

ED. M. Ch.

Aliud ejusdem.

Dic quaeso, si non duce D [...]mone tant [...] quis ergo.

Angelus hic bonus est [...] est bonus [...]ic.

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NUNCIUS INANIMATUS. OR THE Mysterious Messenger,

Unlocking the secrets of mens Hearts,

By F.G. B. of H.

LONDON, Printed for Joshua Kirton, at the Signe of the Kings Arms in St. Pauls Church-yard. 1657.

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NUNCIUS INANIMATUS. OR The Mysterious Messenger &c.

1 IT cannot be imagined, that any one who hath but the lest knowledge in Philosophy, should be ignorant, that, nothing can be perceived by human understanding without the help of the exteriour Senses, so that he that intends to communicate the secrets of his minde to one either absent or present, it is altogether necessary that he have an accesse by this way.

[Page]2 And certainly to those that are present, we use no other means than that of Speech, which by the subserviency of the sense of Hearing, doth disclose one mans minde unto another, and as it were joyn them both together, unless peradventure sometimes another Pallas be found, who (as Tacitus relates of that freeman of Claudius) was wont to comm [...]nd his servants by no other way than by writing, or nodding with his head.

3 They who would declare any thing to their freind that is absent, and yet will not trust to the fidelity of the Messenger, do present that unto their Eyes, which they cannot, or at least think not safe to do unto the Ears; to which end and purpose the indicting of Letters, being the interpreters of our minde, began to be in common use; which for the most part do faithfully perform that Arrant whereon they are sent, unless when the trechery or [Page] negligence of those that carry them, or the impediments of the journey cause that these Demonstrations of our minde, come not to the place to which they are destinated.

4 There are m [...]ny several remedies of these inconveniencies invented by the Antients, which not only seem to facilitate the way, and to point out fit Messengers not easily to be corrupted, but also they promise a kind of swiftness as is beyond the power of man, unless he like another Perseus can purchase I know not what winged Pegasus for the conveyance of himselfe and Letters.

5 It will not repent me of my labour in reckoning up their Inventions of this sort, as I finde them recorded by the penns of Historians, that at the last when I have given, in some measure, a description of this my Nuncio, and have related what he promiseth, then it may be made known to the intelligent [Page] Reader how far our inventions exceed and go beyond those of the Ancients.

6 Cecinna of Volatera, a Noble man of Rome (according to the testimonie of Pliny) bringing with him into the City, Swallows that had been taken, sent them with tidings of victory unto his freinds, painting them with the colour which betokens Victory: And Fabius Pictor also relates in his Annales, that when a Roman Garison was besieged by the Ligurians, that there was a Swallow, brought from her young ones to him, with a peice of thred tied unto one of her leggs, that he should signify by the knots what day he would come with more, aid that they might make a Sally: And Decimus Brutus, at the siege of Modena, sent Letters that were tied at the feet of Pigeons into the Tents of the Consulls Hirtius and Pansa, who came to his releife against Anthony.

[Page] 7 But that invention of the AEgiptian Mamalucks dwelling at Alexandria doth far exceced all these, of whom Bernard de Bridenbach Dean of Mentz, thus writeth; Although, saith he, perchance it may seem incredible, yet nevertheless what I shall declare, really came to pass: Amiraldus had allwaies with him some tutored Pigeons, which were so taught, that wheresoever they flew, they would at length return to the Court of Amiraldus; Now those Pilots that are sent out to meet with Ships sayling to the Port of Alexandria to be their conduct, carry two or three Pigeons along with them to Sea, till they come even to the place where they make full search, where presently they draw up an Inventory containing those things that are necessary to be known, which they hang at the neck of one of the Pigeons, and so let it fly away, who by its continuall and restless motion, soon [Page] arrives with the Schedule at the Table of Amiraldus, and shews who they are that are a comming: But if after the sending forth of the first Pigeon, any thing more is to be made known to Amiraldus, presently they send forth a second, and so a third, if there be any need: So that Amiraldus perfectly knowes who and what they are, a long time before ever the Ships enter into the Harbour. It is also affirmed, that he hath other Doves, which he sends to the Sultan at [...] Cairo, by which he signifies that some suddain and difficult busines hath hapned; Moreover if the Pilots sent out from Amiraldus, cannot finde out the conditions of the Ship, they declare this very thing to him by the Doves.

8 By these and the like means we finde sometimes a thing may be made known in a short space, but it is allwaies done by Birds who are the Carriers, whereas we promise to exhibit [Page] an Inter-Nuncio, who is not a Bird, neither is he winged, no not so much as a living Creature, and yet notwithstanding by many degrees goes beyond any creature whatsoever, though never so swift in celerity of motion.

9 That invention of theirs cometh somewhat nigh to our purpose, who by fires that were kindled in the night, and by smoke in the day, which may be perceived in a short space of time, did declare their intents to their friends that were far distant. Thus did the Grecians when they were at Chios, to their Confederates who pitched their Tents at Artemisium, and Mardonius the Persian, from Athens even to Asia, as it is asserted by Herodotus.

10 Yet they (as much as I perceive) could not shew by these signes every thing which was expedient, but onely that one thing, about which they had agreed before among themselves, [Page] that Athens was taken in that moment of time, or that there was a marching down into the Enemies Quarters just then, when in those places they had either kindled a fire or raised a smoke.

11 For my part I think that to be a more ingenuous exploit of the Tybereans, related by Suetonius, who at the same time when this wicked Monster rioted in the Island of Caprea, and then chiefely when he endeavoured to curbe the haughty spirit of Sejanus, commanded signalls to be erected afar off (lest the Messengers should slack their speed) to be lifted up higher, that he might understand beforehand what was done; whose words seem to intimate thus much, that Tyberius devised this way, that he himself dwelling in the Island, might understand all things nedful to be known (by these Signes that were then lifted up) in the Continent or Main land.

[Page] 12 In which particular, if I am not much mistaken, it is easily to be admired how it comes to pass, that this kind of art, thus declaring the very secrets of our minde without the help of any Messenger, to those that are absent a great way from us, should alltogether decay in this our Europe; or at least should from that time to this never be used, as I finde in reading Classick Histories.

13 I say in this our Europe, for it is most certain, that even to this day it is in great perfection among the Cathayans, as appears by the testimony of Augerius Busbequius; to doubt of whose fidellity, would be allmost Piacular, unless he leaned on another mans credit; hear himself thus speaking.

14 After the travell of many a month we came at last to the very straights and skirts of the Kingdom of Cathay, for a good part of the Dominions of the King of Cathay is Mediterranean, [Page] encompassed with sleep and untractable Mountains, and dangerous Rocks, neither can any one enter into it but by the narrow passages thereof, which are kept by the Kings Garrison; there the Merchants are questioned what they bring, from whence they come, and how many there are of them; which being known, the Watchmen appointed by the King, shew it in the day time by smoke, in the night by fire to the next high hill, that in like manner to the next, and so one after another; so that in the space of a few houres, which a Messenger could not do in many daies, newes is brought to the King of Cathay of the arivall of those Merchants, who answers with the like swiftness and in the same manner, whether it stands with his good pleasure that all should be admitted, or that they should partly be excluded or deferred.

15 Our Ancestors were not ignorant that from high Hills of this kind (which we in England call Beacons) a thing might be made manifest, from [Page] whom also we have derived this custome, that by their help we give notice of the invasion of a forein Enemy; But by by this means onely, particularly to relate the exact number of Men and Beasts, Nation, Merchandize and things needfull to be known, seems to be a more abstruse and difficult work than (as I think) to be performed by the subtilty of a barbarous Nation alltogether ignorant of Philosophy, aswell Humane as Divine. And let this suffice to be spoken about Sight, which, not without just cause, the Prince of Orators stiles the sharpest of all the Senses.

16 That now we may pass from the eys the ears, by reading hitherto. I have not yet found any way either invented by the Ancients, or put in practise by any of our time, whereby a man that is a far distant may receive notice of any business by the benefit of this sense, unless by the speech of the Messenger that goes to each.

[Page]17 Yet to this belongeth that which Mr. Cambden the Son of all Antiquity (especially of our British) hath exposed to publick view in these words; The Inhabitants of the Picts Wall (which Severus built at the Northerne part of England) do report that there was a brazen Pipe put into the wall, with that rare artifice that it run through each Tower and Castell, (Pieces, whereof they now and then find) that if any one did but sound his voyce into it, let him be in what Tower soever, presently the sound went into the next, and so to the third, so that the sound passed through each of them, without any interruption, to signify where about they feared the assault of the enemy; Xiphiline in the life of Severus relates a wonder of the same kind in the Towers of Constantinople: but whereas saith he the Wall is now demolished, and the Pipe is not to be found, many here on every side hold their Lands of our Kings successively [Page] in Cornage as the Lawyers phrase is, that by the sound of a Horne they should signifie to their neighbours the irruptions of an Enemic, which some think to be borrowed from the old Roman custome: thus far Cambden who in these words hath comprised all the inventions of the Ancients tending to this end.

18 Perchance it will not be altogether impertinent, that after we have spoken somewhat about seeing and hearing, we should say a little about touching, by the help of which sense that any thing should be signified to them that are afar off, especially without a Messenger is not yet asserted of any one as I think, neither doth it seem credible, but for my part I dare say that it may be done, and that with ease, at the distance of a mile or perchance two, although I have not tryed the verity thereof by any experiment, and I list not to say whether it wil be worth our labour for the future.

[Page] 19 But that which concernes those senses (to wit, of seeing and hearing) I dare say and do confidently assert, that a man skilfull in this art may tell whatsoever he pleases or thinks, may conduce to his good, to another that is afar off if a like skilfull (if he be within a quarter of a mile) though besieged, or lying hid, or perchance detained in any place which is not directly knowne to him that sends the tydings, and if knowne, yet not to be gone to; Let nobody come near him, secure the body in a prison, let the hands be bound, hoodwink the face, but be not trouble some any other way, and he shall understand the words of his absent friends, if this liberty be not taken away from him, that he may be able to do those things which are wont sometimes to be done by Freemen, or may do them without fear or danger.

20 I say moreover, that if the place be known where a friend resides, to [Page] whom our message should be brought, and if both enjoy a full liberty, the causes being before agreed upon, which conduce to the disposition of the meanes, any thing may be told to such a friend without any Messenger going between each, or any living creature, though he be a hundred, nay perchance a thousand miles off, and that in a short space of time, perchance an hour, or it may be somewhat less.

21 These things some whisperingly say are strange and wonderfull, but they are not so soone to be believed: but doth this seeme so wonderfull and uncredible. You have yet but this only in the Genus and Species, behold an individuall is presented to thy eyes, which thou wilt less believe. Tell unto this my Nuncio at London in as few words as may be, what you desire may be told to me dwelling at Bristol, Wells, or if you will rather at Exeter, for I do not much regard the length of the way, so it is but passable; I say tell him [Page] at London, and that just about noone any one whole verse of the sacred Scripture, I will see that he shall perform our commands in the designed place (marke what I say) before the high noone of the same day.

22 Do not rashly pronounce this proposall impossible, for the course of the Sun makes the noone later by some minutes at Bristol than at London: this it is you may wonder at, that this Messenger should exceed the heavenly motion thereof in swiftness. This he will do, will do it I say, if there be need, or else I am the vainest person of all that know how either to speake or write.

23 What speak I of Towers, or Cities that are besieged? our inanimate Nuncio, not fearing any thing, will pass through whole troops of enemies; A trench digg'd almost as low as hell, or a wall though higher than those of Babylon, shall not hinder his journey, but he will faithfully performe the [Page] message (so it be in as concise termes as may be) of him that sent him, though besieged, or whether he would have it told to him that is besieged, and that with such an incredible swiftnes, if he be to be found within 5. or 7. miles, though I doubt not but it may be done effectually within 20. miles.

24 You have here 3. promises of this my Nuncio, presented to your consideration, perchance it will be worth our while to shew how they differ among themselv's for perspicuities sake.

25 In the first I set forth the subtlety of deceiving: in the 2 d. the swiftness of its passage: in the 3 d. its unconquered power and strength in penetrating all things.

26 That in the first place will easily be performed without any cost or labour of any one, save him that sends, but it hath this inconvenience, that its frequent use will not be free from suspition.

27 That in the second place is very [Page] often effected, without any help from others, and in some places almost without any charge, but for the most part it will do little or nothing without preparation, and that such that for each mile it will cost five pounds more or less, if it be designed for perpetual use, and nothing can be done without the countenance and authority of the Magistrate, who can easily, if he please, hinder our Nuncios journey.

28 As concerning the third, truely it requireth no great charge, but it must be observed, that he that doth act, be setled in a place without danger, and that not too far distant, where he may resist his enemies force, untill he hath perfected his work, and here we must not deny, that the condition of him that sends in, than of him that sends out is the worst.

29 You seem to me, O Reader, to ask by what sense, a friend may perceive those things that are to be told, for the senses are the guard, Interpreters [Page] and Messengers of the Understanding (so Cicero) by which alone we come to understand: I answer somtimes by hearing, and sometimes by sight; You ask a reason how? you shall have it in few terms, and perchance not so clearly, but that you require examples.

30 If you desire to represent any thing to the eyes of your absent friend, I say absent, and at a great distance sooner than any sublunary body can come to the place that is separated by so long an intervall, for I undertake that) we must see that the Idaeas or visible forms be increased in quantity, multiplyed in number, and be varied according to the variety of the things, to be signified in quality, quantity, position or order.

31 There is none but knowes that nothing can be perceived by the eares without a sound, it is therefore necessary that he to whom any thing is to be declared by the mediation of hearing, should heare those sounds, and those must be distinguished according to the [Page] number of the things to be heard, which because they are infinite, the variety of sounds that are to be echoed forth must be infinite also: nevertheless it will be sufficient, that they be distinguished either in the kind, or time, manner and number.

32 He that shall rightly understand (and by examples they are more clear than the Sun in its meridian splendor) how sounds of this nature are reported to a place far distant will never question the verity hereof.

33 And here lest any one should timerously suspect these things to be effected by unlawfull and condemned arts, in the presence of that God who is both the greatest and the best: I protest, and openly denounce, that this discipline contains in it nothing that is unlawfull, or that is contrary to the Laws either of God or man, and that many things are done by the help of Arithmetick, Geometry and Musick, the rest if not by usuall, yet by lawfull [Page] means, and that at a very small cost, I had almost said none at all, for certainly many things may be performed in this kind without the least expence or loss that can be imagined.

34 And seeing that it is so, I leave it to the judgment of those that are judicious to consider how much and how far these our inventions may be profitable to the Common-wealth for the future: if they are defective, let them dye, and as untimely birth let them not see the light, or if they chance to see the light, let them not enjoy a little, but forthwith let them vanish into nothing.

35 Yet I my self think the use of this art to be very great, as well in times of Peace as War, and I thought it my duty to bestow some pains in the delivery thereof, which I will not do so willingly, lest that when it shall be made known to many, we cannot use or practise these things in their due time.

FINIS.

[Page]

These Books are lately printed, and are sold at the Kings Arms in Pauls Church-yard.

The Administration of Cardinall Richelieu, containing the History of the most important Affairs of Christendom, more particularly of England, from A [...]no. 1624. to 1634.

A Collection out of the best approved Authors, containing near six hundred severall Histories of Visions, Apparitions, Prophecies, Sp [...]its, Divinations, and other wonderfull Illusions of the Devill, also of dive [...]s Astrological Predictions.

The Man in the Moon, or a discourse of a Voyage into the Moon by Domingo Gonsales. Also Nuncius Inanimatus Englished.

A Restitution of decayed intelligence in Antiquities, concerning the English Nation, by the Study and Travell of Richard Verstegan.

The History and Character of the Bishops, in the Reigns of Q. Elizabeth and K. James, written by Sir John Harrington.

The Magistrates Authority in matters of Religion, O [...] the right of the State in the Church, [...] Discourse written by the learned Hugo Grotius.

Of Government and Obedience as they stand directed and determined by Scripture and Reason, Four Books, by John Hall of Richmond.

Two Play's of Mr. James Sbirley, The 'constant Maid, a Comedy, and St. Patrick for Ireland.

That Excellent Tragedy of Bussie D [...] Ambois written by M [...]. George Chapman.

The Philosophy commonly called the Morals, written by the learned Philosopher Plutarch.

The Indian History of Anaxander and Orazia' written in French by Monsicur de Bois Robert, and translated by W. G. Esq

[Page]

Information about this book

Title statement

The man in the moone, or, A discourse of a voyage thither by F.G., B. of H. ; to which is added Nuncius inanimatus, written in Latin by the same author, and now Englished by a person of worth.

Godwin, Francis, 1562-1633.

Edition statement

1657

Publication

Publisher

Text Creation Partnership,

Place of publication

Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) :

Date

2003-01 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).

ID [DLPS]

A42948

ID [STC]

Wing G970

ID [STC]

ESTC R35701

ID [EEBO-CITATION]

15539718

ID [OCLC]

ocm 15539718

ID [VID]

103664

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This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal. The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission.

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Early English books online.

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(EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A42948)

Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 103664)

Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1149:27)

Source

— The man in the moone, or, A discourse of a voyage thither by F.G., B. of H. ; to which is added Nuncius inanimatus, written in Latin by the same author, and now Englished by a person of worth., Godwin, Francis, 1562-1633.. The second edition..

Extent

[7], 126, 13, 21, [1] p., [1] leaf of plates : ill.

Printed for Joshua Kirton ...,. London :: 1657.. (Two versions of Nuncius inanimatus, Latin and English, included, each with special t.p. and separate pagination.) (Reproduction of original in the Huntington Library.)

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