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
heavy; for though they were not all of a piece, yet they were so well
sodder'd, that there was no fear of Leaks, Chinks, or Clefts; and as for
Guns, there was no use of them, because they had no other enemies but
the Winds: But the Leather Ships were not altogether so sure, although
much leighter; besides, they were pitched to keep out Water.
Having thus prepar'd, and order'd their Navy, they went on in despight
of Calm or Storm: And though the Lady at first fancied her self in a
very sad condition, and her mind was much tormented with doubts and
fears, not knowing whether this strange Adventure would tend to her
safety or destruction; yet she being withal of a generous spirit, and
ready wit, considering what dangers she had past, and finding those
sorts of men civil and diligent attendants to her, took courage, and
endeavoured to learn their language; which after she had obtained so
far, that partly by some words and signs she was able to apprehend their
meaning, she was so far from being afraid of them, that she thought her
self not onely safe, but very happy in their company: By which we may
see, that Novelty discomposes the mind, but acquaintance settles it in
peace and tranquillity. At last, having passed by several rich Islands
and Kingdoms, they went towards Paradise, which was the seat of the
Emperor; and coming in sight of it, rejoiced very much; the Lady at
first could perceive nothing but high Rocks, which seemed to touch the
Skies; and although they appear'd not of an equal heigth, yet they
seemed to be all one piece, without partitions: but at last drawing
nearer, she perceived a clift, which was a part of those Rocks, out of
which she spied coming forth a great number of Boats, which afar off
shewed like a company of Ants, marching one after another; the Boats
appeared like the holes or partitions in a Honey-comb, and when joined
together, stood as close; the men were of several Complexions, but none
like any of our World; and when both the Boats and Ships met, they
saluted and spake to each other very courteously; for there was but one
language in all that World: nor no more but one Emperor, to whom they
all submitted with the greatest duty and obedience, which made them live
in a continued Peace and Happiness; not acquainted with Foreign Wars or
Home-bred Insurrections. The Lady now being arrived at this place, was
carried out of her Ship into one of those Boats, and conveighed through
the same passage (for there was no other) into that part of the World
where the Emperor did reside; which part was very pleasant, and of a
mild temper: Within it self it was divided by a great number of vast and
large Rivers, all ebbing and flowing, into several Islands of unequal
distance from each other, which in most parts were as pleasant,
healthful, rich, and fruitful, as Nature could make them; and, as I
mentioned before, secure from all Foreign Invasions, by reason there was
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