The Description of a New World, Called the Blazing-WorldNewcastle, Margaret Cavendish, Duchess of
Science
The Description of a New World, Called the Blazing-World
Newcastle, Margaret Cavendish, Duchess of
Science fiction; Utopias -- Fiction; Voyages, Imaginary -- Early works to 1800
Prodigal, Deceitful, Envious, Malicious, Unjust, Revengeful,
Irreligious, Factious, &c. she did also admire, that not any particular
State, Kingdom or Common-wealth, was contented with their own shares,
but endeavoured to encroach upon their Neighbours, and that their
greatest glory was in Plunder and Slaughter, and yet their victory's
less then their expences, and their losses more than their gains; but
their being overcome, in a manner their utter ruine: But that she
wonder'd most at, was, that they should prize or value dirt more then
mens lives, and vanity more then tranquility: for the Emperor of a
world, said she, injoys but a part, not the whole; so that his pleasure
consists in the Opinions of others. It is strange to me, answered the
Duchess, that you should say thus, being your self, an Empress of a
World; and not onely of a world, but of a peaceable, quiet, and obedient
world. 'Tis true, replied the Empress: but although it is a peaceable
and obedient world, yet the Government thereof is rather a trouble, then
a pleasure; for order cannot be without industry, contrivance, and
direction: besides, the Magnificent state, that great Princes keep or
ought to keep, is troublesome. Then by your Majestie's discourse, said
the Duchess, I perceive that the greatest happiness in all the Worlds
consist in Moderation: No doubt of it, replied the Empress; and after
these two souls had visited all the several places, Congregations and
Assemblies both in Religion and State, the several Courts of Judicature
and the like, in several Nations, the Empress said, That of all the
Monarchs of the several parts of the World, she had observed the
Grand-Seignior was the greatest; for his word was a Law, and his power
absolute. But the Duchess pray'd the Empress to pardon her that she was
of another mind; for, said she, he cannot alter Mahomets Laws and
Religion; so that the Law and Church do govern the Emperor, and not the
Emperor them. But, replied the Empress, he has power in some
particulars; as for example, To place and displace Subjects in their
particular Governments of Church and State; and having that, he has the
Command both over Church and State, and none dares oppose him. 'Tis
true, said the Duchess; but if it pleases your Majesty, we will go into
that part of the World whence I came to wait on your Majesty, and there
you shall see as powerful a Monarch as the Grand Signior; for though his
Dominions are not of so large extent, yet they are much stronger, his
Laws are easie and safe, and he governs so justly and wisely, that his
Subjects are the happiest people of all the Nations or parts of that
World. This Monarch, said the Empress, I have a great mind to see. Then
they both went, and in a short time arrived into his Dominions; but
coming into the Metropolitan City, the Empress's Soul observed many
Gallants go into an House; and enquiring of the Duchess's Soul, what
House that was? she told her, It was one of the Theatres where Comedies
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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