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
Hereupon a Councel was called, and the business debated; but there were
so many cross and different Opinions, that they could not suddenly
resolve what answer to send the Empress; at which she grew angry,
insomuch that she resolved to return into her Blazing- World, without
giving any assistance to her Countrymen: but the Duchess of Newcastle
intreated her Majesty to abate her passion; for, said she, Great
Councels are most commonly slow, because many men have many several
Opinions: besides, every Councellor striving to be the wisest, makes
long speeches, and raise many doubts, which cause retardments. If I had
long-speeched Councellors, replied the Empress, I would hang them, by
reason they give more Words, then Advice. The Duchess answered, That her
Majesty should not be angry, but consider the differences of that and
her Blazing-World; for, said she, they are not both alike; but there are
grosser and duller understandings in this, than in the Blazing-World.
At last a Messenger came out, who returned the Empress thanks for her
kind proffer, but desired withal, to know from whence she came, and how,
and in what manner her assistance could be serviceable to them? The
Empress answered, That she was not bound to tell them whence she came;
but as for the manner of her assistance, I will appear, said she, to
your Navy in a splendorous Light, surrounded with Fire. The Messenger
asked at what time they should expect her coming? I'le be with you,
answered the Empress, about one of the Clock at night. With this report
the Messenger returned; which made both the poor Councellors and Sea-men
much afraid; but yet they longed for the time to behold this strange sight.
The appointed hour being come, the Empress appear'd with Garments made
of the Star-stone, and was born or supported above the Water, upon the
Fish- mens heads and backs, so that she seemed to walk upon the face of
the Water, and the Bird- and Fish-men carried the Fire-stone, lighted
both in the Air, and above the Waters.
Which sight, when her Country-men perceived at a distance, their hearts
began to tremble; but coming something nearer, she left her Torches, and
appeared onely in her Garments of Light, like an Angel, or some Deity,
and all kneeled down before her, and worshipped her with all submission
and reverence: But the Empress would not come nearer than at such a
distance where her voice might be generally heard, by reason she would
not have that any of her Accoustrements should be perceived, but the
splendor thereof; and when she was come so near that her voice could be
heard and understood by all, she made this following Speech:
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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