| Cryptographic Shakespeare |
| Cryptographic Shakespeare |
Bacon's New Atlantis
The New Atlantis
By Francis Bacon, 1626
Page 103
(Bound in at the end of Bacon's Sylva Sylvarum)
WE sailed from Peru, where we had continued by the space of one whole year, for China and Japan, by the South
Sea, taking with us victuals for twelve months; and had good winds from the east, though soft and weak, for five
months' space and more. But then the wind came about, and settled in the west for many days, so as we could make
little or no way, and were sometimes in purpose to turn back. But then again there arose strong and great winds
from the south, with a point east; which carried us up, for all that we could do, toward the north: by which time our
victuals failed us, though we had made good spare of them. So that finding ourselves, in the midst of the greatest
wilderness of waters in the world, without victual, we gave ourselves for lost men, and prepared for death. Yet we
did lift up our hearts and voices to God above, who showeth His wonders in the deep; beseeching Him of His mercy
that as in the beginning He discovered the face of the deep, and brought forth dry land, so He would now discover
land to us, that we might not perish.
And it came to pass that the next day about evening we saw within a kenning before us, toward the north, as it
were thick clouds, which did put us in some hope of land, knowing how that part of the South Sea was utterly
unknown, and might have islands or continents that hitherto were not come to light. Wherefore we bent our course
thither, where we saw the appearance of land, all that night; and in the dawning of next day we might plainly discern
that it was a land flat to our sight, and full of boscage, which made it show the more dark. And after an hour and a
half's sailing, we entered into a good haven, being the port of a fair city. Not great, indeed, but well built, and that
gave a pleasant view from the sea. And we thinking every minute long till we were on land, came close to the shore
and offered to land. But straightway we
Page 104
saw divers of the people, with batons in their hands, as it were forbidding us to land: yet without any cries or
fierceness, but only as warning us off, by signs that they made. Whereupon being not a little discomfited, we were
advising with ourselves what we should do. During which time there made forth to us a small boat, with about eight
persons in it, whereof one of them had in his hand a tipstaff of a yellow cane, tipped at both ends with blue, who
made aboard our ship, without any show of distrust at all. And when he saw one of our number present himself
somewhat afore the rest, he drew forth a little scroll of parchment (somewhat yellower than our parchment, and
shining like the leaves of writing-tables, but otherwise soft and flexible), and delivered it to our foremost man. In
which scroll were written in ancient Hebrew, and in ancient Greek, and in good Latin of the school, and in Spanish
these words: "Land ye not, none of you, and provide to be gone from this coast within sixteen days, except you have
further time given you; meanwhile, if you want fresh water, or victual, or help for your sick, or that your ship
needeth repair, write down your wants, and you shall have that which belongeth to mercy." This scroll was signed
with a stamp of cherubim's wings, not spread, but hanging downward; and by them a cross.
This being delivered, the officer returned, and left only a servant with us to receive our answer. Consulting
hereupon among ourselves, we were much perplexed. The denial of landing, and hasty warning us away, troubled
us much: on the other side, to find that the people had languages, and were so full of humanity, did comfort us not a
little. And above all, the sign of the cross to that instrument was to us a great rejoicing, and as it were a certain
presage of good. Our answer was in the Spanish tongue, "That for our ship, it was well; for we had rather met with
calms and contrary winds, than any tempests. For our sick, they were many, and in very ill case; so that if they were
not permitted to land, they ran in danger of their lives." Our other wants we set down in particular, adding, "That we
had some little store of merchandise, which if it pleased them to deal for, it might supply our wants, without being
chargeable unto them." We offered some reward in pistolets unto the servant, and a piece of crimson velvet Page 105
to be presented to the officer; but the servant took them not, nor would scarce look upon them; and so left us, and
went back in another little boat which was sent for him.
About three hours after we had despatched our answer, there came toward us a person (as it seemed) of a place.
He had on him a gown with wide sleeves, of a kind of water chamolet, of an excellent azure color, far more glossy
than ours; his under-apparel was green, and so was his hat, being in the form of a turban, daintily made, and not so
huge as the Turkish turbans; and the locks of his hair came down below the brims of it. A reverend man was he to
behold. He came in a boat, gilt in some part of it, with four persons more only in that boat; and was followed by
another boat, wherein were some twenty. When he was come within a flight-shot of our ship, signs were made to us
that we should send forth some to meet him upon the water, which we presently did in our ship-boat, sending the
principal man amongst us save one, and four of our number with him. When we were come within six yards of their
boat, they called to us to stay, and not to approach farther, which we did.
And thereupon the man, whom I before described, stood up, and with a loud voice in Spanish asked, "Are ye
Christians?" We answered, "We were;" fearing the less, because of the cross we had seen in the subscription. At
which answer the said person lift up his right hand toward heaven, and drew it softly to his mouth (which is the
gesture they use, when they thank God), and then said: "If ye will swear, all of you, by the merits of the Saviour, that
ye are no pirates; nor have shed blood, lawfully or unlawfully, within forty days past; you may have license to come
on land." We said, "We were all ready to take that oath." Whereupon one of those that were with him, being (as it
seemed) a notary, made an entry of this act. Which done, another of the attendants of the great person, which was
with him in the same boat, after his lord had spoken a little to him, said aloud: "My lord would have you know that
it is not of pride, or greatness, that he cometh not aboard your ship; but for that in your answer you declare that you
have many sick amongst you, he was warned by the conservator of health of the city that he should keep a distance."
We bowed ourselves toward him and answered: "We were
Page 106
his humble servants; and accounted for great honor and singular humanity toward us, that which was already done;
but hoped well that the nature of the sickness of our men was not infectious."
So he returned; and awhile after came the notary to us aboard our ship, holding in his hand a fruit of that
country, like an orange, but of color between orange-tawny and scarlet, which cast a most excellent odor. He used it
(as it seemed) for a preservative against infection. He gave us our oath, "By the name of Jesus, and His merits," and
after told us that the next day, by six of the clock in the morning, we should be sent to, and brought to the strangers'
house (so he called it), where we should be accommodated of things, both for our whole and for our sick. So he left
us; and when we offered him some pistolets, he smiling, said, "He must not be twice paid for one labor:" meaning
(as I take it) that he had salary sufficient of the State for his service. For (as I after learned) they call an officer that
taketh rewards twice paid.
The next morning early there came to us the same officer that came to us at first, with his cane, and told us he
came to conduct us to the strangers' house; and that he had prevented the hour, because we might have the whole
day before us for our business. "For," said he," if you will follow my advice, there shall first go with me some few of
you, and see the place, and how it may be made convenient for you; and then you may send for your sick, and the
rest of your number which ye will bring on land." We thanked him and said, "That his care which he took of desolate
strangers, God would reward." And so six of us went on land with him; and when we were on land, he went before
us, and turned to us and said "he was but our servant and our guide." He led us through three fair streets; and all
the way we went there were gathered some people on both sides, standing in a row; but in so civil a fashion, as if it
had been, not to wonder at us, but to welcome us; and divers of them, as we passed by them, put their arms a little
abroad, which is their gesture when they bid any welcome.
The strangers' house is a fair and spacious house, built of brick, of somewhat a bluer color than our brick; and
with handsome windows, some of glass, some of a kind of cambric
Page 107
oiled. He brought us first into a fair parlor above stairs, and then asked us "what number of persons we were? and
how many sick?" We answered, "We were in all (sick and whole) one-and-fifty persons, whereof our sick were
seventeen." He desired us have patience a little, and to stay till he came back to us, which was about an hour after;
and then he led us to see the chambers which were provided for us, being in number nineteen. They having cast it
(as it seemeth) that four of those chambers, which were better than the rest, might receive four of the principal men
of our company; and lodge them alone by themselves; and the other fifteen chambers were to lodge us, two and two
together. The chambers were handsome and cheerful chambers, and furnished civilly. Then he led us to a long
gallery, like a dorture, where he showed us all along the one side (for the other side was but wall and window)
seventeen cells, very neat ones, having partitions of cedar wood. Which gallery and cells, being in all forty (many
more than we needed), were instituted as an infirmary for sick persons. And he told us withal, that as any of our
sick waxed well, he might be removed from his cell to a chamber; for which purpose there were set forth ten spare
chambers, besides the number we spake of before.
This done, he brought us back to the parlor, and lifting up his cane a little (as they do when they give any charge
or command), said to us: "Ye are to know that the custom of the land requireth that after this day and to-morrow
(which we give you for removing your people from your ship), you are to keep within doors for three days. But let it
not trouble you, nor do not think yourselves restrained, but rather left to your rest and ease. You shall want nothing;
and there are six of our people appointed to attend you for any business you may have abroad." We gave him
thanks with all affection and respect, and said, "God surely is manifested in this land." We offered him also twenty
pistolets; but he smiled, and only said: "What? Twice paid!" And so he left us. Soon after our dinner was served in;
which was right good viands, both for bread and meat: better than any collegiate diet that I have known in Europe.
We had also drink of three sorts, all wholesome and good: wine of the grape; a drink of grain, such as is with us our
ale, but more clear; and a kind of cider
Page 108
made of a fruit of that country, a wonderful pleasing and refreshing drink. Besides, there were brought in to us
great store of those scarlet oranges for our sick; which (they said) were an assured remedy for sickness taken at sea.
There was given us also a box of small gray or whitish pills, which they wished our sick should take, one of the pills
every night before sleep; which (they said) would hasten their recovery.
The next day, after that our trouble of carriage and removing of our men and goods out of our ship was
somewhat settled and quiet, I thought good to call our company together, and, when they were assembled, said
unto them: "My dear friends, let us know ourselves, and how it standeth with us. We are men cast on land, as Jonas
was out of the whale's belly, when we were as buried in the deep; and now we are on land, we are but between
death and life, for we are beyond both the Old World and the New; and whether ever we shall see Europe, God only
knoweth. It is a kind of miracle hath brought us hither, and it must be little less that shall bring us hence. Therefore
in regard of our deliverance past, and our danger present and to come, let us look up to God, and every man reform
his own ways. Besides, we are come here among a Christian people, full of piety and humanity. Let us not bring that
confusion of face upon ourselves, as to show our vices or unworthiness before them. Yet there is more, for they have
by commandment (though in form of courtesy) cloistered us within these walls for three days; who knoweth
whether it be not to take some taste of our manners and conditions? And if they find them bad, to banish us
straightway; if good, to give us further time. For these men that they have given us for attendance, may withal have
an eye upon us. Therefore, for God's love, and as we love the weal of our souls and bodies, let us so behave
ourselves as we may be at peace with God and may find grace in the eyes of this people."
Our company with one voice thanked me for my good admonition, and promised me to live soberly and civilly,
and without giving any the least occasion of offence. So we spent our three days joyfully, and without care, in
expectation what would be done with us when they were expired. During which time, we had every hour joy of the
amendment of our sick, who thought themselves cast into some divine pool of healing, they mended so kindly and
so fast.
Page 109
The morrow after our three days were past, there came to us a new man, that we had not seen before, clothed in
blue as the former was, save that his turban was white with a small red cross on top. He had also a tippet of fine
linen. At his coming in, he did bend to us a little, and put his arms abroad. We of our parts saluted him in a very
lowly and submissive manner; as looking that from him we should receive sentence of life or death. He desired to
speak with some few of us. Whereupon six of us only stayed, and the rest avoided the room. He said: "I am by
office, governor of this house of strangers, and by vocation, I am a Christian priest, and therefore am come to you to
offer you my service, both as strangers and chiefly as Christians. Some things I may tell you, which I think you will
not be unwilling to hear. The State hath given you license to stay on land for the space of six weeks; and let it not
trouble you if your occasions ask further time, for the law in this point is not precise; and I do not doubt but myself
shall be able to obtain for you such further time as shall be convenient. Ye shall also understand that the strangers'
house is at this time rich and much aforehand; for it hath laid up revenue these thirty-seven years, for so long it is
since any stranger arrived in this part; and therefore take ye no care; the State will defray you all the time you stay.
Neither shall you stay one day the less for that. As for any merchandise you have brought, ye shall be well used, and
have your return, either in merchandise or in gold and silver, for to us it is all one. And if you have any other request
to make, hide it not; for ye shall find we will not make your countenance to fall by the answer ye shall receive. Only
this I must tell you, that none of you must go above a karan [that is with them a mile and a half] from the walls of
the city, without special leave."
We answered, after we had looked awhile upon one another, admiring this gracious and parent-like usage, that
we could not tell what to say, for we wanted words to express our thanks; and his noble free offers left us nothing to
ask. It seemed to us that we had before us a picture of our salvation in heaven; for we that were awhile since in the
jaws of death, were now brought into a place where we found nothing but consolations. For the commandment laid
upon us, we would
Page 110
not fail to obey it, though it was impossible but our hearts should be inflamed to tread further upon this happy and
holy ground. We added that our tongues should first cleave to the roofs of our mouths ere we should forget either
this reverend person or this whole nation, in our prayers. We also most humbly besought him to accept of us as his
true servants, by as just a right as ever men on earth were bounden; laying and presenting both our persons and all
we had at his feet. He said he was a priest, and looked for a priest's reward, which was our brotherly love and the
good of our souls and bodies. So he went from us, not without tears of tenderness in his eyes, and left us also
confused with joy and kindness, saying among ourselves that we were come into a land of angels, which did appear
to us daily, and prevent us with comforts, which we thought not of, much less expected.
The next day, about ten of the clock; the governor came to us again, and after salutations said familiarly that he
was come to visit us, and called for a chair and sat him down; and we, being some ten of us (the rest were of the
meaner sort or else gone abroad), sat down with him; and when we were set he began thus: "We of this island of
Bensalem (for so they called it in their language) have this: that by means of our solitary situation, and of the laws of
secrecy, which we have for our travellers, and our rare admission of strangers; we know well most part of the
habitable world, and are ourselves unknown. Therefore because he that knoweth least is fittest to ask questions it is
more reason, for the entertainment of the time, that ye ask me questions, than that I ask you." We answered, that we
humbly thanked him that he would give us leave so to do. And that we conceived by the taste we had already, that
there was no worldly thing on earth more worthy to be known than the state of that happy land. But above all, we
said, since that we were met from the several ends of the world, and hoped assuredly that we should meet one day
in the kingdom of heaven (for that we were both parts Christians), we desired to know (in respect that land was so
remote, and so divided by vast and unknown seas from the land where our Saviour walked on earth) who was the
apostle of that nation, and how it was converted to the faith? It appeared in his face that he took great contentment
in this our question; he said: "Ye knit my heart
The New Atlantis
By Francis Bacon, 1626
Page 103
(Bound in at the end of Bacon's Sylva Sylvarum)
WE sailed from Peru, where we had continued by the space of one whole year, for China and Japan, by the South
Sea, taking with us victuals for twelve months; and had good winds from the east, though soft and weak, for five
months' space and more. But then the wind came about, and settled in the west for many days, so as we could make
little or no way, and were sometimes in purpose to turn back. But then again there arose strong and great winds
from the south, with a point east; which carried us up, for all that we could do, toward the north: by which time our
victuals failed us, though we had made good spare of them. So that finding ourselves, in the midst of the greatest
wilderness of waters in the world, without victual, we gave ourselves for lost men, and prepared for death. Yet we
did lift up our hearts and voices to God above, who showeth His wonders in the deep; beseeching Him of His mercy
that as in the beginning He discovered the face of the deep, and brought forth dry land, so He would now discover
land to us, that we might not perish.
And it came to pass that the next day about evening we saw within a kenning before us, toward the north, as it
were thick clouds, which did put us in some hope of land, knowing how that part of the South Sea was utterly
unknown, and might have islands or continents that hitherto were not come to light. Wherefore we bent our course
thither, where we saw the appearance of land, all that night; and in the dawning of next day we might plainly discern
that it was a land flat to our sight, and full of boscage, which made it show the more dark. And after an hour and a
half's sailing, we entered into a good haven, being the port of a fair city. Not great, indeed, but well built, and that
gave a pleasant view from the sea. And we thinking every minute long till we were on land, came close to the shore
and offered to land. But straightway we
Page 104
saw divers of the people, with batons in their hands, as it were forbidding us to land: yet without any cries or
fierceness, but only as warning us off, by signs that they made. Whereupon being not a little discomfited, we were
advising with ourselves what we should do. During which time there made forth to us a small boat, with about eight
persons in it, whereof one of them had in his hand a tipstaff of a yellow cane, tipped at both ends with blue, who
made aboard our ship, without any show of distrust at all. And when he saw one of our number present himself
somewhat afore the rest, he drew forth a little scroll of parchment (somewhat yellower than our parchment, and
shining like the leaves of writing-tables, but otherwise soft and flexible), and delivered it to our foremost man. In
which scroll were written in ancient Hebrew, and in ancient Greek, and in good Latin of the school, and in Spanish
these words: "Land ye not, none of you, and provide to be gone from this coast within sixteen days, except you have
further time given you; meanwhile, if you want fresh water, or victual, or help for your sick, or that your ship
needeth repair, write down your wants, and you shall have that which belongeth to mercy." This scroll was signed
with a stamp of cherubim's wings, not spread, but hanging downward; and by them a cross.
This being delivered, the officer returned, and left only a servant with us to receive our answer. Consulting
hereupon among ourselves, we were much perplexed. The denial of landing, and hasty warning us away, troubled
us much: on the other side, to find that the people had languages, and were so full of humanity, did comfort us not a
little. And above all, the sign of the cross to that instrument was to us a great rejoicing, and as it were a certain
presage of good. Our answer was in the Spanish tongue, "That for our ship, it was well; for we had rather met with
calms and contrary winds, than any tempests. For our sick, they were many, and in very ill case; so that if they were
not permitted to land, they ran in danger of their lives." Our other wants we set down in particular, adding, "That we
had some little store of merchandise, which if it pleased them to deal for, it might supply our wants, without being
chargeable unto them." We offered some reward in pistolets unto the servant, and a piece of crimson velvet Page 105
to be presented to the officer; but the servant took them not, nor would scarce look upon them; and so left us, and
went back in another little boat which was sent for him.
About three hours after we had despatched our answer, there came toward us a person (as it seemed) of a place.
He had on him a gown with wide sleeves, of a kind of water chamolet, of an excellent azure color, far more glossy
than ours; his under-apparel was green, and so was his hat, being in the form of a turban, daintily made, and not so
huge as the Turkish turbans; and the locks of his hair came down below the brims of it. A reverend man was he to
behold. He came in a boat, gilt in some part of it, with four persons more only in that boat; and was followed by
another boat, wherein were some twenty. When he was come within a flight-shot of our ship, signs were made to us
that we should send forth some to meet him upon the water, which we presently did in our ship-boat, sending the
principal man amongst us save one, and four of our number with him. When we were come within six yards of their
boat, they called to us to stay, and not to approach farther, which we did.
And thereupon the man, whom I before described, stood up, and with a loud voice in Spanish asked, "Are ye
Christians?" We answered, "We were;" fearing the less, because of the cross we had seen in the subscription. At
which answer the said person lift up his right hand toward heaven, and drew it softly to his mouth (which is the
gesture they use, when they thank God), and then said: "If ye will swear, all of you, by the merits of the Saviour, that
ye are no pirates; nor have shed blood, lawfully or unlawfully, within forty days past; you may have license to come
on land." We said, "We were all ready to take that oath." Whereupon one of those that were with him, being (as it
seemed) a notary, made an entry of this act. Which done, another of the attendants of the great person, which was
with him in the same boat, after his lord had spoken a little to him, said aloud: "My lord would have you know that
it is not of pride, or greatness, that he cometh not aboard your ship; but for that in your answer you declare that you
have many sick amongst you, he was warned by the conservator of health of the city that he should keep a distance."
We bowed ourselves toward him and answered: "We were
Page 106
his humble servants; and accounted for great honor and singular humanity toward us, that which was already done;
but hoped well that the nature of the sickness of our men was not infectious."
So he returned; and awhile after came the notary to us aboard our ship, holding in his hand a fruit of that
country, like an orange, but of color between orange-tawny and scarlet, which cast a most excellent odor. He used it
(as it seemed) for a preservative against infection. He gave us our oath, "By the name of Jesus, and His merits," and
after told us that the next day, by six of the clock in the morning, we should be sent to, and brought to the strangers'
house (so he called it), where we should be accommodated of things, both for our whole and for our sick. So he left
us; and when we offered him some pistolets, he smiling, said, "He must not be twice paid for one labor:" meaning
(as I take it) that he had salary sufficient of the State for his service. For (as I after learned) they call an officer that
taketh rewards twice paid.
The next morning early there came to us the same officer that came to us at first, with his cane, and told us he
came to conduct us to the strangers' house; and that he had prevented the hour, because we might have the whole
day before us for our business. "For," said he," if you will follow my advice, there shall first go with me some few of
you, and see the place, and how it may be made convenient for you; and then you may send for your sick, and the
rest of your number which ye will bring on land." We thanked him and said, "That his care which he took of desolate
strangers, God would reward." And so six of us went on land with him; and when we were on land, he went before
us, and turned to us and said "he was but our servant and our guide." He led us through three fair streets; and all
the way we went there were gathered some people on both sides, standing in a row; but in so civil a fashion, as if it
had been, not to wonder at us, but to welcome us; and divers of them, as we passed by them, put their arms a little
abroad, which is their gesture when they bid any welcome.
The strangers' house is a fair and spacious house, built of brick, of somewhat a bluer color than our brick; and
with handsome windows, some of glass, some of a kind of cambric
Page 107
oiled. He brought us first into a fair parlor above stairs, and then asked us "what number of persons we were? and
how many sick?" We answered, "We were in all (sick and whole) one-and-fifty persons, whereof our sick were
seventeen." He desired us have patience a little, and to stay till he came back to us, which was about an hour after;
and then he led us to see the chambers which were provided for us, being in number nineteen. They having cast it
(as it seemeth) that four of those chambers, which were better than the rest, might receive four of the principal men
of our company; and lodge them alone by themselves; and the other fifteen chambers were to lodge us, two and two
together. The chambers were handsome and cheerful chambers, and furnished civilly. Then he led us to a long
gallery, like a dorture, where he showed us all along the one side (for the other side was but wall and window)
seventeen cells, very neat ones, having partitions of cedar wood. Which gallery and cells, being in all forty (many
more than we needed), were instituted as an infirmary for sick persons. And he told us withal, that as any of our
sick waxed well, he might be removed from his cell to a chamber; for which purpose there were set forth ten spare
chambers, besides the number we spake of before.
This done, he brought us back to the parlor, and lifting up his cane a little (as they do when they give any charge
or command), said to us: "Ye are to know that the custom of the land requireth that after this day and to-morrow
(which we give you for removing your people from your ship), you are to keep within doors for three days. But let it
not trouble you, nor do not think yourselves restrained, but rather left to your rest and ease. You shall want nothing;
and there are six of our people appointed to attend you for any business you may have abroad." We gave him
thanks with all affection and respect, and said, "God surely is manifested in this land." We offered him also twenty
pistolets; but he smiled, and only said: "What? Twice paid!" And so he left us. Soon after our dinner was served in;
which was right good viands, both for bread and meat: better than any collegiate diet that I have known in Europe.
We had also drink of three sorts, all wholesome and good: wine of the grape; a drink of grain, such as is with us our
ale, but more clear; and a kind of cider
Page 108
made of a fruit of that country, a wonderful pleasing and refreshing drink. Besides, there were brought in to us
great store of those scarlet oranges for our sick; which (they said) were an assured remedy for sickness taken at sea.
There was given us also a box of small gray or whitish pills, which they wished our sick should take, one of the pills
every night before sleep; which (they said) would hasten their recovery.
The next day, after that our trouble of carriage and removing of our men and goods out of our ship was
somewhat settled and quiet, I thought good to call our company together, and, when they were assembled, said
unto them: "My dear friends, let us know ourselves, and how it standeth with us. We are men cast on land, as Jonas
was out of the whale's belly, when we were as buried in the deep; and now we are on land, we are but between
death and life, for we are beyond both the Old World and the New; and whether ever we shall see Europe, God only
knoweth. It is a kind of miracle hath brought us hither, and it must be little less that shall bring us hence. Therefore
in regard of our deliverance past, and our danger present and to come, let us look up to God, and every man reform
his own ways. Besides, we are come here among a Christian people, full of piety and humanity. Let us not bring that
confusion of face upon ourselves, as to show our vices or unworthiness before them. Yet there is more, for they have
by commandment (though in form of courtesy) cloistered us within these walls for three days; who knoweth
whether it be not to take some taste of our manners and conditions? And if they find them bad, to banish us
straightway; if good, to give us further time. For these men that they have given us for attendance, may withal have
an eye upon us. Therefore, for God's love, and as we love the weal of our souls and bodies, let us so behave
ourselves as we may be at peace with God and may find grace in the eyes of this people."
Our company with one voice thanked me for my good admonition, and promised me to live soberly and civilly,
and without giving any the least occasion of offence. So we spent our three days joyfully, and without care, in
expectation what would be done with us when they were expired. During which time, we had every hour joy of the
amendment of our sick, who thought themselves cast into some divine pool of healing, they mended so kindly and
so fast.
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The morrow after our three days were past, there came to us a new man, that we had not seen before, clothed in
blue as the former was, save that his turban was white with a small red cross on top. He had also a tippet of fine
linen. At his coming in, he did bend to us a little, and put his arms abroad. We of our parts saluted him in a very
lowly and submissive manner; as looking that from him we should receive sentence of life or death. He desired to
speak with some few of us. Whereupon six of us only stayed, and the rest avoided the room. He said: "I am by
office, governor of this house of strangers, and by vocation, I am a Christian priest, and therefore am come to you to
offer you my service, both as strangers and chiefly as Christians. Some things I may tell you, which I think you will
not be unwilling to hear. The State hath given you license to stay on land for the space of six weeks; and let it not
trouble you if your occasions ask further time, for the law in this point is not precise; and I do not doubt but myself
shall be able to obtain for you such further time as shall be convenient. Ye shall also understand that the strangers'
house is at this time rich and much aforehand; for it hath laid up revenue these thirty-seven years, for so long it is
since any stranger arrived in this part; and therefore take ye no care; the State will defray you all the time you stay.
Neither shall you stay one day the less for that. As for any merchandise you have brought, ye shall be well used, and
have your return, either in merchandise or in gold and silver, for to us it is all one. And if you have any other request
to make, hide it not; for ye shall find we will not make your countenance to fall by the answer ye shall receive. Only
this I must tell you, that none of you must go above a karan [that is with them a mile and a half] from the walls of
the city, without special leave."
We answered, after we had looked awhile upon one another, admiring this gracious and parent-like usage, that
we could not tell what to say, for we wanted words to express our thanks; and his noble free offers left us nothing to
ask. It seemed to us that we had before us a picture of our salvation in heaven; for we that were awhile since in the
jaws of death, were now brought into a place where we found nothing but consolations. For the commandment laid
upon us, we would
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not fail to obey it, though it was impossible but our hearts should be inflamed to tread further upon this happy and
holy ground. We added that our tongues should first cleave to the roofs of our mouths ere we should forget either
this reverend person or this whole nation, in our prayers. We also most humbly besought him to accept of us as his
true servants, by as just a right as ever men on earth were bounden; laying and presenting both our persons and all
we had at his feet. He said he was a priest, and looked for a priest's reward, which was our brotherly love and the
good of our souls and bodies. So he went from us, not without tears of tenderness in his eyes, and left us also
confused with joy and kindness, saying among ourselves that we were come into a land of angels, which did appear
to us daily, and prevent us with comforts, which we thought not of, much less expected.
The next day, about ten of the clock; the governor came to us again, and after salutations said familiarly that he
was come to visit us, and called for a chair and sat him down; and we, being some ten of us (the rest were of the
meaner sort or else gone abroad), sat down with him; and when we were set he began thus: "We of this island of
Bensalem (for so they called it in their language) have this: that by means of our solitary situation, and of the laws of
secrecy, which we have for our travellers, and our rare admission of strangers; we know well most part of the
habitable world, and are ourselves unknown. Therefore because he that knoweth least is fittest to ask questions it is
more reason, for the entertainment of the time, that ye ask me questions, than that I ask you." We answered, that we
humbly thanked him that he would give us leave so to do. And that we conceived by the taste we had already, that
there was no worldly thing on earth more worthy to be known than the state of that happy land. But above all, we
said, since that we were met from the several ends of the world, and hoped assuredly that we should meet one day
in the kingdom of heaven (for that we were both parts Christians), we desired to know (in respect that land was so
remote, and so divided by vast and unknown seas from the land where our Saviour walked on earth) who was the
apostle of that nation, and how it was converted to the faith? It appeared in his face that he took great contentment
in this our question; he said: "Ye knit my heart
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