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
The Empress expressed to her own Countrymen, who were also her
Interpreters to the rest of the Princes that were present, That she
would give them an Entertainment at the darkest time of Night: Which
being come, the Fire-Stones were lighted, which made both Air and Seas
appear of a bright shining flame, insomuch that they put all Spectators
into an extream fright, who verily believed they should all be
destroyed; which the Empress perceiving, caused all the Lights of the
Fire-Stones to be put out, and onely shewed her self in her Garments of
Light. The Bird-men carried her upon their backs into the Air, and there
she appear'd as glorious as the Sun. Then she was set down upon the Seas
again, and presently there was heard the most melodious and sweetest
Consort of Voices, as ever was heard out of the Seas, which was made by
the Fish- men; this Consort was answered by another, made by the
Bird-men in the Air, so that it seem'd as if Sea and Air had spoke, and
answered each other by way of Singing-Dialogues, or after the manner of
those Playes that are acted by singing-Voices.
But when it was upon break of day, the Empress ended her Entertainment,
and at full day-light all the Princes perceived that she went into the
Ship wherein the Prince and Monarch of her Native Country was, the King
of Esfi, with whom she had several Conferences; and having assured Him
of the readiness of her Assistance whensoever he required it, telling
Him withal, That she wanted no Intelligence, she went forth again upon
the Waters, and being in the midst of the Circle made by those Ships
that were present, she desired them to draw somewhat nearer, that they
might hear her speak; which being done, she declared her self in this
following manner:
Great, Heroick, and Famous Monarchs, I come hither to assist the King of
Esfi against his Enemies, He being unjustly assaulted by many several
Nations, which would fain take away His Hereditary Rights, and
Prerogatives of the Narrow Seas; at which Unjustice, Heaven was much
displeased, and for the Injuries He received from His Enemies, rewarded
Him with an Absolute Power, so that now he is become the Head-Monarch of
all this World; which Power, though you may envy, yet you can no wayes
hinder Him; for all those that endeavour to resist His Power, shall
onely get Loss for their Labour, and no Victory for their Profit.
Wherefore my advice to you all is, To pay him Tribute justly and truly,
that you may live Peaceably and Happily, and be rewarded with the
Blessings of Heaven: which I wish you from my Soul.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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