Domingo Gonsales’s Strange Voyage and Adventures

Before I come to relate our extraordinary Voyage of Domingo Gonzales to the World in the Moon, I will make a Halt at St. Hellens, or Hellena, which is now possest by the Honourable East-India Company. It is called the Sea Inn, because the English and other Nations stop there as a Place for Watering and Refreshment in their long Voyages to India. It was formerly seized by the Dutch, but retaken May 6th, 1673, by Captain Munday, with a Squadron of English Ships, and three rich Dutch East India Ships made Prizes in the Harbour; since which the Company have fortified and secured it, against any future Invasion of Dutch, Portuguese, or Spaniards. It was called Santa Helena by the Portuguese, who discovered it on St. Hellen's Day, being April 2.

Before I describe our extraordinary voyage of Domingo Gonzales to the World in the Moon, I will pause at St. Hellens, or Hellena. The island now belongs to the Honourable East-India Company. It is called the Sea Inn because the English and other Nations stop there for water and fresh supplies. They do so during their long voyages to India. The island was once seized by the Dutch. But Captain Munday recaptured it on May 6th, 1673, with a squadron of English ships. Three richly laden Dutch East India Ships were also captured in the harbour. Since then, the Company has fortified and secured the island against any future invasion by Dutch, Portuguese, or Spaniards. The Portuguese called it Santa Helena because they discovered it on St. Hellen's Day, April 2.

There is no Island in the World so far distant from the Continent or main Land as this. It is about sixteen Leagues in Compass, in the Ethiopic Sea; in 16 Degrees of South Latitude; about 1500 Miles from the Cape of Good Hope; 360 from Angola in Africa; and 510 from Brasile in America. It lies high out of the Water; and surrounded on the Sea-coasts with steep Rocks, having within many Cliffs, Mountains and Vallies, of which one is named Church-Valley, where behind a small Church they climb up to the Mountains. To the South is Apple-Dale, so called from the abundance of Oranges, Lemons, and Pomegranates enough to furnish five or six Ships. On the West-side of the Church, Ships have good Anchorage close under the Shore, to prevent the Winds which blow fiercely from the adjacent high Mountains.

No island in the world is as far from the mainland as this one. It is about sixteen leagues around and lies in the Ethiopic Sea, at 16 degrees south latitude. It is about 1500 miles from the Cape of Good Hope, 360 from Angola in Africa, and 510 from Brasile in America. The island rises high above the water, with steep rocks surrounding its shores. Inland are many cliffs, mountains, and valleys. One is named Church-Valley, where people climb to the mountains from behind a small church. To the south is Apple-Dale, named for its abundant oranges, lemons, and pomegranates, enough to supply five or six ships. West of the church, ships can anchor safely close to shore. This shelters them from the winds that blow fiercely from the nearby high mountains.

The Air seems temperate and healthful, so that sick Men brought ashore there, in a short Time recover; yet the Heat in the Vallies is as intolerable as the Cold upon the Mountains; it commonly rains there five or six Times a Day, so that the Barrenness of the Hills is not occasioned for the want of Water, of which it hath two or three good Springs for furnishing Ships with fresh Water; the Ground of its own Accord brings forth wild Pease and Beans, also whole Woods of Orange, Lemon, and Pomegranate Trees, all the Year long, laden both with Blossoms and Fruit, good Figs; abundance of Ebony and Rose-trees, Parsly, Mustard-seed, Purslain, Sorrel, and the like; the Woods and Mountains are full of Goats, large Rams, and wild Swine, but difficult to be taken. When the Portuguese discovered it, they found neither four-footed Beasts nor Fruit-trees, but only fresh Water; they afterward planted Fruit-trees, which so increased since, that all the Vallies stand full of them; Partridges, Pigeons, Moor-hens, and Peacocks breed here numerously, whereof a good Marksman may soon provide a Dinner for his Friends. On the Cliff-Islands, on the South, are thousands of grey and black Mews, or Sea-Pies, and white and coloured Birds, some, with long, others with short Necks, who lay their Eggs on the Rocks, and suffer themselves to be taken with the Hand, gazing at their Surprizers, till they are knocked on the Head with Sticks.

The air seems mild and healthy, so sick men brought ashore there soon recover. Yet the heat in the valleys is as unbearable as the cold on the mountains. It commonly rains there five or six times a day, so the hills are not barren for lack of water. The island has two or three good springs that supply ships with fresh water. The ground naturally produces wild peas and beans, as well as whole woods of orange, lemon, and pomegranate trees. These trees bear both blossoms and fruit all year long. There are also good figs, abundant ebony and rose trees, parsley, mustard seed, purslane, sorrel, and similar plants. The woods and mountains are full of goats, large rams, and wild pigs, but these animals are difficult to catch. When the Portuguese discovered the island, they found neither four-legged animals nor fruit trees, but only fresh water. They later planted fruit trees, which have since multiplied so much that all the valleys are full of them. Partridges, pigeons, moorhens, and peacocks breed here in great numbers. A good marksman may soon shoot enough of these birds to provide dinner for his friends. On the rocky islands to the south are thousands of grey and black mews, or sea-pies. There are also white and multicoloured birds, some with long necks and others with short ones. These birds lay their eggs on the rocks and let people catch them by hand. They stare at their captors until they are knocked on the head with sticks.

From the Salt-water beating against the Cliffs, a Froth or Scum remains in some Places, which the Heat of the Sun so purifies, that it becomes white and good Salt; some of the Mountains yield. Bole Armoniac, and a fat Earth like Terra Lemnia. The Sea will answer the Pains of a patient Fisherman, who must use an Angle, not a Net, because of the foul Ground and beating of the Waves; the chief are Mackrel, Roach, Carp, but differing in Colour from those among us; Eels as big, as a Man's Arm, and well tasted Crabs, Lobsters, Oysters and Mussels as good as English.

Salt water beating against the cliffs leaves foam or scum in some places. The sun’s heat purifies this residue until it becomes good white salt. Some of the mountains yield Bole Armoniac and a rich clay like Terra Lemnia. The sea rewards a patient fisherman’s efforts. He must use a hook and line, not a net, because of the rough seabed and pounding waves. The main fish are mackerel, roach, and carp, but their colors differ from those found here. There are also eels as thick as a man’s arm, and tasty crabs, lobsters, oysters, and mussels as good as English ones.

It is in this Island that the Scene of that notable Fancy, called, The Man in the Moon, or a Discourse of a Voyage thither, by Domingo Gonsales is laid, written by a learned Bishop, saith the ingenious Bishop Wilkins, who calls it a pleasant and well contrived Fancy, in his own Book, intituled, A Discourse of the New World, tending to prove that it is possible there may be another habitable World in the Moon; wherein among other curious Arguments he affirms, that this hath been the direct Opinion of divers antient, and some modern Mathematicians, and may probably be deduced from the Tenets of others, neither does it contradict any Principle of Reason nor Faith; and that as their World is our Moon, so our World is theirs.

This island is the setting for the remarkable tale, The Man in the Moon, or an Account of a Voyage There, by Domingo Gonsales. According to the ingenious Bishop Wilkins, a learned bishop wrote the tale. Wilkins calls it an entertaining and well-crafted work of imagination in his own book. His book is titled An Account of the New World, Aiming to Prove That Another Habitable World May Exist in the Moon. Among other intriguing arguments, Wilkins states that several ancient and some modern mathematicians explicitly held this view. He also argues that this view can probably be inferred from the principles of others. Nor does the view contradict any principle of reason or faith. And just as their world is our moon, so our world is theirs.

Now this small Tract having so worthy a Person to vouch for it, and many of our English Historians having published for Truth, what is almost as improbable as this, as Sir John Mandavil in his Travels and others, and this having what they are utterly destitute of, that is, Invention mixed with Judgment; and was judged worthy to be Licensed fifty years ago, and not since reprinted, whereby it would be utterly lost. I have thought fit to republish the Substance thereof, wherein the Author says he does not design to discourse his Readers into a Belief of each particular Circumstance, but expects that his new Discovery of a new World, may find little better Entertainment than Columbus had in his first Discovery of America, though yet that poor Espial betrayed so much Knowledge as hath since increased to vast Improvements, and the then Unknown is now found to be of as large Extent as all the other known World; that there should be Antipodes was once thought as great a Paradox, as now that the Moon should be habitable. But the Knowledge of it may be reserved for this our discovering Age, wherein our Virtuosi can by their Telescopes gaze the Sun into Spots, and descry Mountains in the Moon. But this and much more must be left to the Critics, as well as the following Relation of our little Eye-witness and great Discoverer, which you shall have in his own Spanish Stile, and delivered with that Grandeur and Thirst of Glory, which is generally imputed to that Nation.

This short work has so worthy a person to vouch for it. Many of our English historians have published accounts as true that are almost as improbable as this one. Among them are Sir John Mandavil in his travels and others. Yet this work has something those accounts lack entirely: imagination combined with judgment. It was judged worthy of a publishing license fifty years ago, but has not been reprinted since. Without another printing, it would be lost altogether. For these reasons, I have decided to republish its substance. The author says he does not intend to persuade his readers to believe every detail. But he expects his discovery of a new World to receive little better treatment than Columbus first received for discovering America. Yet that humble exploration revealed knowledge that has since led to vast advances. The land then Unknown has now proved as extensive as all the rest of the known World. The idea that people lived on the opposite side of the Earth once seemed just as absurd. Today, the idea that the Moon might be inhabited seems equally absurd. But knowledge of the Moon may be reserved for our own age of discovery. Our learned investigators can now use telescopes to detect spots on the Sun and make out mountains on the Moon. But these matters, and much more, must be left to the critics. So must the following account by our little eyewitness and great discoverer. You shall have his account in his own Spanish style. He tells it with the grandeur and thirst for glory generally attributed to that nation.

It is known to all the Countries of Andaluzia, that I Domingo Gonsales was born of a noble Family in the renowned City of Seville. My Father's Name being Therando Gonsales, near Kinsman on the Mother's Side to Don Pedro Sanches the worthy Count of Almanera, my Mother was the Daughter of the famous Lawyer Otho Perez de Sallaveda, Governor of Barcellona, and Corrigidor of Biscay; I being the youngest of seventeen Children, was put to School, and designed to the Church; but Heaven purposing to use my Service in Matters of far another Nature, inspired me with spending some Time in the Wars; it was at the Time that Don Fernando, the renowned Duke D'Alva, was sent into the Low Countries in 1568; I then following the Current of my Desire, leaving the University of Salamanca, whither my Parents had sent me, without giving Notice to any of my Friends, got through France to Antwerp, where I arrived in a mean Condition. For having sold my Books, Bedding, and other Things, which yielded me about 30 Ducats; and borrowed twenty more of my Father's Friends; I bought a little Nag, wherewith I travelled more thriftily than usually young Gentlemen do, till arriving within a League of Antwerp, some of the cursed Gueses set upon me, and bereaved me of my Horse, Money, and all; so I was forced through Necessity to enter into the Service of Marshal Cossey a French Nobleman, whom I served in an honourable Employ, though mine Enemies, to my Disgrace affirm, I was his Horse-keeper's Boy; but for that Matter, I refer myself to Count Mansfield, and other Persons of Condition, who have often testified to many worthy Men, the very Truth of the Business, which indeed was this, Monsieur Cossey being about this Time sent to the Duke D'Alva, Governor of the Low Countries, he informing the Nobility of my Birth, and my late Misfortune, judging it would be no small Honour to him to have a Spaniard of that Quality about him, furnished me with a Horse, Arms and whatever I wanted, using my Service, after I had learned French, in writing his Letters, because my Hand was very fair. In time of War, if upon Necessity, I sometimes dressed my own Horse, I ought not to be reproached therewith, since I count it the part of a Gentleman to submit to the vilest Office for the Service of his Prince.

Everyone throughout Andaluzia knows that I, Domingo Gonsales, was born into a noble family in the renowned city of Seville. My father's name was Therando Gonsales. Through his mother, he was closely related to Don Pedro Sanches, the worthy Count of Almanera. My mother was the daughter of the famous lawyer Otho Perez de Sallaveda, Governor of Barcellona and Corrigidor of Biscay. As the youngest of seventeen children, I was sent to school and intended for the Church. But Heaven meant to use my services for very different purposes and inspired me to spend some time at war. This was when Don Fernando, the renowned Duke D'Alva, was sent to the Low Countries in 1568. Following my desires, I left the University of Salamanca, where my parents had sent me, without telling any friends. I made my way through France to Antwerp, where I arrived in poverty. I had sold my books, bedding, and other belongings for about thirty ducats. I had also borrowed twenty more from my father's friends. With the money, I bought a small horse and traveled more cheaply than young gentlemen usually do. But within a league of Antwerp, some of the cursed Gueses attacked me. They robbed me of my horse, money, and everything else. Necessity therefore forced me into the service of Marshal Cossey, a French nobleman, in an honorable position. My enemies, however, claim that I was his stable boy, hoping to disgrace me. On that matter, I appeal to Count Mansfield and other people of high standing. They have often told many worthy men the truth about my employment. The truth was this: Monsieur Cossey was then sent to the Duke D'Alva, Governor of the Low Countries. He told the nobility about my family background and recent misfortune. He thought having a Spaniard of my standing in his service would bring him considerable honor. So he supplied me with a horse, weapons, and everything else I needed. After I learned French, he employed me to write his letters because my handwriting was very fine. If wartime necessity sometimes made me groom my own horse, I should not be reproached for doing so. For I believe a gentleman should undertake even the lowest task in the service of his prince.

The first Expedition I was in, was when the Marshal my Friend met the Prince of Orange making a Road into France, and forced him to fly even to the Walls of Cambray: It was my good Fortune to defeat a Trooper, by killing his Horse with my Pistol, who falling upon his Leg, could not stir, but yielded to my Mercy; I knowing my own Weakness of Body, and seeing him a lusty tall Fellow, thought it the surest Way to dispatch him, which having done, I plundered him of a Chain, Money, and other Things to the Value of 200 Ducats. This Money was no sooner in my Pockets, but I resumed the Remembrance of my Nobility, and taking my Audience of Leave from Monsieur Cossey, I instantly repaired to the Duke D'Alva's Court, where divers of my Kindred seeing my Pocket full of good Crowns, were ready enough to acknowledge me: By their means I was received into Pay, and in Time obtained Favour with the Duke, who would sometimes jest a little more severely at my Personage than I could well bear, for though I must acknowledge my Stature is so little, as I think no Man living is less, yet since it is the Work of Heaven and not my own, he ought not to have upbraided a Gentleman therewith, and those glorious Things that have happened to me may evince, that wonderful Matters may be performed by very unlikely Bodies, if the Mind be good, and Fortune second our Endeavours.

On my first expedition, my friend the Marshal confronted the Prince of Orange during the Prince’s raid into France. The Marshal forced him to flee all the way to the walls of Cambray. I had the good fortune to defeat a cavalryman by killing his horse with my pistol. The horse fell on his leg, leaving him unable to move, and he surrendered to me. I knew my own physical weakness and saw that he was a tall, strong fellow. So I thought killing him was the safest course. After killing him, I took his chain, money, and other belongings, worth 200 ducats in all. No sooner was the money in my pockets than I remembered my noble birth. After taking formal leave of Monsieur Cossey, I immediately went to the Duke D'Alva's court. There, several relatives were quite ready to acknowledge me when they saw my pockets full of good crowns. Through their help, I entered paid service and eventually won the Duke’s favor. He sometimes joked about my appearance more harshly than I could easily bear. I must admit that I am so short that I think no living man is shorter. Yet my height is heaven’s doing, not mine, so he should not have mocked a gentleman for it. And the glorious things that have happened to me may show that the most unlikely bodies can achieve wonders. But the mind must be good, and fortune must support our efforts.

Though the Duke's Jokes a little disgusted me, yet I endeavoured to conceal my Resentment, and accommodating myself to some other of his Humours, I was so far interested in his Favour, that at his going into Spain, whither I attended him, by his Kindness, and other Accidents, wherein by my Industry I was seldom wanting to myself, I was able to carry home 3000 Crowns in my Pocket.

Although the Duke's jokes annoyed me a little, I tried to hide my resentment. By adapting to some of his other whims, I gained enough of his favor to benefit from his kindness. I accompanied him when he went to Spain. Thanks to his kindness and other opportunities, I was able to bring home 3000 crowns in my pocket. Through my own efforts, I seldom failed to make the most of those opportunities.

At my Return, my Parents, who were extremely disturbed at my Departure, received me with Joy, which was increased because they found I had brought wherewith to maintain Myself without being chargeable to them, or lessening the Portions of my Brothers and Sisters. But doubting I would spend it as lightly as I got it, they sollicited me to marry the Daughter of John Figueres, a considerable Merchant of Lisbon, to which I complied, and putting my Marriage Money, and good Part of my own into the Hands of my father, I lived like a Gentleman many Years very happily: At length a Quarrel arising between me and Pedro Delgades, a Gentleman and Kinsman of mine; it grew so high, that when no Mediation of Friends could prevail, we two went alone with our Swords into the Field, where it was my Chance to kill him, tho' a stout proper Man; but what I wanted in Strength I Supplied in Courage, and my Agility countervailed for his Stature. This being acted in Carmona, I fled to Lisbon, thinking to conceal myself with some Friends of my Father-in-Law, till the Business might be accommodated; at which Time, a famous Spanish Count coming from the West-Indies, published triumphant Declarations of a great Victory he had obtained against the English near the Isle of Pines, whereas in reality he got nothing at all in that Voyage but Blows, and a considerable Loss. It had been well if Vanity and Lying had been his only Crimes; his Covetousness had like to have been my utter Ruin, though since it hath proved the Occasion of eternizing my Name I verily believe to all Posterity, and to the unspeakable Benefit of all Mortals for ever hereafter, at least if it please Heaven that I return home safe to my Country, and give perfect Instructions how those almost incredible and impossible Acquirements may be imparted to the World. You shall then see Men flying in the Air, from one Place to another, you shall then be able to send Messages many hundred Miles in an Instant, and receive Answers immediately, without the Help of any Creature upon Earth; you shall then presently impart your Mind to your Friend, though in the most remote and obscure Place of a populous City, and a Multitude of other notable Experiments; but what exceeds all, you shall then have the Discovery of a New World, and Abundance of rare and incredible Secrets of Nature, which the Philosophers of former Ages never so much as dreamt of; but I must be cautious in publishing these wonderful Mysteries, till our Statesmen have considered how they may consist with the Policy and good Government of our Country, and whether the Fathers of the Church may not judge the divulging them prejudicial to the Catholic Faith, which (by those Wonders I have seen above any mortal Man before me) I am instructed to advance without Respect to any temporal Advantage whatsoever.

When I returned, my parents welcomed me with joy, for my departure had deeply distressed them. Their joy increased when they found I had brought enough money to support myself. I would not burden them or reduce my brothers’ and sisters’ shares of the family wealth. But they feared I would spend the money as carelessly as I had gained it. So they urged me to marry the daughter of John Figueres, a prominent merchant of Lisbon. I agreed and placed my marriage settlement and much of my own money in my father’s hands. For many years, I lived very happily as a gentleman. Eventually, a quarrel arose between me and Pedro Delgades, a gentleman and relative of mine. The quarrel grew so bitter that our friends could not settle it. So we went alone into a field with our swords, and I happened to kill him. He was a strong, well-built man, but my courage made up for my lack of strength. My agility also offset his greater size. Since the duel took place in Carmona, I fled to Lisbon. I hoped to hide with some friends of my father-in-law until the matter could be settled. At that time, a famous Spanish count returned from the West-Indies. He published triumphant accounts of a great victory he claimed to have won against the English near the Isle of Pines. In reality, he had gained nothing on that voyage but blows and considerable losses. It would have been well if vanity and lying had been his only crimes. His greed nearly brought about my complete ruin. Yet his greed has since given me the opportunity, I truly believe, to make my name live forever among all future generations. It has also opened the way to benefits beyond words for all humanity, forever after. At least, these things will follow if Heaven allows me to return safely to my country. I must also give full instructions so the world can share these achievements, which seem almost incredible and impossible. You will then see people flying through the air from one place to another. You will be able to send messages hundreds of miles in an instant and receive immediate answers. You will need no help from any creature on Earth. You will then instantly communicate your thoughts to a friend, even in the most remote, hidden corner of a crowded city. A multitude of other remarkable experiments will also become possible. But above all, you will discover a New World and many rare and incredible secrets of nature. The philosophers of earlier ages never even dreamed of these secrets. But I must be cautious about revealing these wonderful mysteries. First, our statesmen must consider whether these mysteries fit with our country’s policies and good government. They must also consider whether the Fathers of the Church might judge that revealing these mysteries would harm the Catholic Faith. The wonders I have seen surpass anything any mortal has seen before me. Those wonders have taught me to advance that faith, regardless of any worldly advantage whatsoever.

But to proceed: This huffing Captain pretended much Discontent for the Death of Delgades, who was indeed some Kin to him; however, he was willing to be quiet if I would give him a thousand Ducats: I had now, besides a Wife, two Sons, whom I was not willing to beggar, only to satisfy the avaricious Humour of this Boaster, and so was necessitated to take some other Course. I embarked in a stout Carrick bound for the East-Indies, carrying the Value of two thousand Ducats to trade with, leaving as much more for the Support of my Wife and Children behind, whatever Misfortune might happen to me. In the Indies I thrived exceedingly, laying out my Stock in Diamonds, Emeralds, and Pearls, which I bought at such easy Rates, that my Stock safely arriving in Spain, (as I understood it did) must needs yield ten for one. But having doubled Cape Bona Esperanza in my Way home, I fell dangerously sick, expediting nothing but Death, which had undoubtedly happened, but that we just then recovered the blessed Isle of St. Hellens, the only Paradise I believe on Earth, for Healthfulness of Air, and Fruitfulness of Soil, producing all Necessaries for the Life of Man. It is about 16 Leagues in Compass, and has no firm Land or Continent within 300 Leagues, nay not so much as an Island within an hundred Leagues of it, so that it may seem a Miracle of Nature, that out of so vast and tempestuous an Ocean, such a small Rock or Piece of Ground should arise and discover itself. On the South is a good Harbour, and near it divers small Houses built by the Portuguese to accommodate Strangers, with a pretty Chapel handsomely beautified with a Tower, and Bell therein. Near it is a Stream of excellent fresh Water, divers handsome Walks, planted on both Sides with Orange, Lemon, Pomegranate, Almond-Trees and the like, which bear Fruit all the Year, as do also divers others. There are Store of Garden Herbs, with Wheat, Pease, Barley, and most Kinds of Pulse; but it chiefly aboundeth with Cattle and Fowl, as Goats, Swine, Sheep, Partridges, wild Hens, Pheasants, Pigeons, and wild Fowl beyond Credit; but especially about February and March are to be seen huge Flocks of a kind of wild Swans, (whereof I shall have Occasion to speak more hereafter) who like our Cuckows and Nightingales, go away at a certain Season, and are no more seen that Year.

But to continue: This blustering Captain claimed to be deeply upset by the death of Delgades. The dead man was indeed a relative of his. However, the Captain was willing to keep quiet if I gave him a thousand ducats. I now had a wife and two sons. I was unwilling to leave them penniless just to satisfy this boaster’s greed, so I had to find another way. I boarded a sturdy carrack bound for the East-Indies, taking the equivalent of two thousand ducats to trade with. I left as much again to support my wife and children, whatever misfortune might happen to me. In the Indies I prospered greatly, investing my money in diamonds, emeralds, and pearls. I bought them so cheaply that, if my goods reached Spain safely, they were sure to bring ten times their cost. As I later learned, the goods did arrive safely. But after rounding Cape Bona Esperanza on my way home, I became dangerously ill and expected nothing but death. I would undoubtedly have died if we had not just then reached the blessed island of St. Hellens. I believe it is the only paradise on earth, with its healthy air and fertile soil. The island produces everything needed for human life. It is about sixteen leagues around, with no mainland or continent within three hundred leagues. There is not even another island within a hundred leagues. So it may seem a miracle of nature that such a small rock or patch of land should appear above such a vast, stormy ocean. On the south side is a good harbor. Nearby are several small houses built by the Portuguese to accommodate visitors. There is also a pretty, finely decorated chapel with a tower and a bell inside. Near the chapel flows a stream of excellent fresh water. Several pleasant paths are lined on both sides with orange, lemon, pomegranate, almond, and similar trees. These trees bear fruit all year, as do several others. There are plenty of garden herbs, along with wheat, peas, barley, and most kinds of pulses. But the island is especially rich in livestock and birds. There are goats, pigs, sheep, partridges, wild hens, pheasants, pigeons, and wild birds in numbers beyond belief. Especially around February and March, huge flocks of a kind of wild swan can be seen. I shall have more to say about these swans later. Like our cuckoos and nightingales, they leave at a certain season and are not seen again that year.

On this happy Island did they set me ashore with a Negro to attend me, where. I recovered my Health, and continued a whole Year, solacing myself for want of human Society with Birds and brute Beasts; Diego my Black moor was forced to live in a Cave at the West End of the Isle, for had we dwelt together, Victuals would not have been so plenty with us; but now, if one succeeded well in hunting or fowling, the other would find Means to treat him, and if both missed, we were fain to look out sharply; but this seldom happened, since no Creature there fears a Man more than a Goat or Cow, whereby I easily tamed divers Kinds of Birds and Beasts by only muzzling them, so that till they came either to me or Diego they could not feed. At first I much delighted in a Kind of Partridges, and a tame Fox, whereof I made good Use for if I had Occasion to confer with Diego, I would take one of them muzzled and hungry, and tying a Note about his Neck, beat him from me, whereupon he would strait away to Diego's Cave, and if he were not there, would beat about till he found him, yet this Conveyance being not without some Inconvenience, I persuaded Diego, (who tho' a Fellow of good Parts, was content to be ruled by me) to remove to a Cape on the North-west Part of the Island, being though a League off, yet within Sight of my House and Chapel, and so when the Weather was fair, we could by Signals declare our Minds to each other in an Instant either by Night or Day, wherein we took much Pleasure. If in the Night I would signify any Thing to him, I set up a Light in the Bell Tower, which was a pretty large-Room with a fair Window well glazed, and the Walls within plaistered white, so that though the Light were but small, it made a great Show; after this Light had stood half an Hour, I covered it, and then if I saw any Signal of Light again from my Companion I knew he waited for my Notice, and so by hiding and shewing my Light according to the Agreement betwixt us, I certified him of what I pleased. In the Day I advertised him by Smoke, Dust, and other refined Ways.

They put me ashore on this happy island with a Negro to attend me. There I recovered my health and stayed for a whole year. Without human company, I found comfort in birds and beasts. Diego my Black moor had to live in a cave at the western end of the island. If we had lived together, food would not have been so plentiful for us. As things stood, if one of us hunted or caught birds successfully, he could feed the other. If we both failed, we had to search hard for food. But we seldom failed, since no creature there feared a man any more than a goat or cow did. This lack of fear made it easy to tame various birds and beasts simply by muzzling them. They could not eat until they came to either me or Diego. At first, I took great pleasure in a kind of partridge and a tame fox, and put them to good use. If I needed to communicate with Diego, I would take one of these animals, muzzled and hungry. I would tie a note around its neck and beat it away from me. The animal would go straight to Diego's cave. If he was not there, the animal would search around until it found him. Yet this way of sending messages had some drawbacks. So I persuaded Diego to move to a cape on the northwestern part of the island. Although he was a capable fellow, he was content to follow my direction. The cape was a league away, but still within sight of my house and chapel. So, in fair weather, we could instantly communicate by signals, either by night or by day. We took great pleasure in this. If I wanted to tell him something at night, I put a light in the bell tower. The tower had a fairly large room with a fine glazed window and white-plastered walls inside. So even a small light made a bright display. After leaving the light showing for half an hour, I covered it. If I then saw a light signal from my companion, I knew he was waiting for my message. By hiding and showing my light according to our agreed system, I could tell him whatever I wished. During the day, I sent him messages using smoke, dust, and other ingenious methods.

After a while I grew weary of it as too painful, and again used my winged Messengers, upon the Shore, about the Mouth of our River, I found Store of a kind of wild Swans feeding upon Prey, both of Fish and Birds, and which is more strange; having one Claw like an Eagle, and the other like a Swan. These Birds breeding here in infinite Numbers, I took thirty or forty of them young, and bred them up by Hand for Recreation; yet not without some Thoughts of that Experiment which I after put in Practice. These being strong and able to continue a great Flight, I taught them first to come at Call afar off, not using any Noise, but only shewing them a white Cloth; and here I found it true what Plutarch affirms, That Creatures which eat Flesh are more docible than others. 'Tis wonderful to think what Tricks I taught them ere they were a Quarter old, amongst others I used them by Degrees to fly with Burdens, wherein I found them able beyond Belief, and a white Sheet being displayed to them by Diego, upon the Side of a Hill, they would carry from me to him Bread, Flesh, or whatever I pleased, and upon the like Calf come to me again. Having proceeded thus far, I consulted how to join a Number of them together, so as to carry a heavier Weight, which if I could compass, I might enable a Man to be carried safely in the Air from one Place to another. I puzzled my Wits extremely with this Thought, and upon Trial found, that if many were put to the bearing of one great Burthen, by reason it was impossible all of them, should rise together just at one Instant, the first that rise finding himself stayed by a Weight heavier than he could stir, would soon give over, and so the second, third, and all the rest. I contrived at last a Way whereby each might rise with only his own Proportion of Weight, I fastened about each Gansa a little Pulley of Cork, and putting a String of a just Length through it, I fastened one End to a Block of almost eight Pounds Weight, and tied a two Pound Weight to the other End of the String, and then causing the Signal to be erected, they all arose together, being four in Number, and carried away my Block to the Place appointed. This hitting so luckily, I added two or three Birds more, and made Trial of their carrying a Lamb, whose Happiness I much envied, that he should be the first living Creature to partake of such an excellent Device.

After a while, I grew tired of it because it was too difficult, and used my winged messengers again. On the shore near our river’s mouth, I found many wild swans feeding on fish and birds. Stranger still, each had one foot like an eagle’s and the other like a swan’s. These birds bred here in countless numbers. I took thirty or forty young ones and raised them by hand for amusement. Yet I already had some thoughts of the experiment I later carried out. These birds were strong and could fly great distances. First, I taught them to come from far away when summoned, using no sound, only a white cloth. Here I found Plutarch’s claim to be true: creatures that eat flesh are easier to train than others. It is wonderful to think of the tricks I taught them before they were three months old. Among other things, I gradually trained them to fly with loads. Their strength proved almost beyond belief. When Diego displayed a white sheet on a hillside, they carried bread, meat, or anything I chose from me to him. At the same signal, they would return to me. Having come this far, I considered how to harness several birds together to carry a heavier weight. If I could manage that, I might enable a man to travel safely through the air from place to place. I puzzled over this idea a great deal. Through trials, I found a problem with setting many birds to carry one heavy load. It was impossible for all of them to take off at exactly the same instant. The first bird to rise would find itself held down by a weight too heavy to move and soon give up. The second, third, and all the others would do the same. At last, I devised a way for each bird to rise with only its own share of the weight. I fastened a small cork pulley to each Gansa and passed a string of the proper length through it. I attached one end to a block weighing almost eight pounds, and tied a two-pound weight to the other end. Then I had the signal raised. All four birds rose together and carried my block to the appointed place. Since this worked so well, I added two or three more birds and tested their ability to carry a lamb. I greatly envied the lamb’s good fortune. It would be the first living creature to benefit from such an excellent invention.

At length after divers Trials, I was surprized with a great Longing to cause myself to be carried in the same Manner, Diego my Moor was likewise possessed with the same Desire, and had I not loved him well, and wanted his Service, I should have resented his ambitious Thought; for I count it greater Honour to have been the first Flying Man, than to be another Neptune who first adventured to sail on the Sea. Yet seeming not to understand his Intention, I only told him, that all my Gansas were not strong enough to carry him, being a Man though of no great Bulk, yet twice heavier than myself. Having prepared all Necessaries, I one Time placed myself and all my Utensils on the Top of a Rock at the River's Mouth, and putting myself upon my Engine at full Sea, I caused Diego to advance the Signal, whereupon my Birds, twenty-five in Number, rose all at once, and carried me over lustily to the Rock on the other Side, being about a Quarter of a League, I chose this Time and Place, because if any Thing had, fallen out contrary to Expectation, the worst that could happen was only falling into the Water; and being able to swim well, I hoped to receive little Hurt in my Fall. When I was once safe over, O how did my Heart even swell with Joy and Admiration at my own Invention; how often, did I with myself in the Midst of Spain, that I might fill the World with the Fame of my Glory and Renown? Every Hour I had a longing Desire for the coming of the Indian Fleet to take me home with them, which then staid three Months beyond their usual Time: At length they arrived, being three Carricks much weather-beaten, the Men sick and weak, and so were constrained to refresh themselves in our Island a whole Month. The Admiral was called Alphonso de Xima, a valiant, wise Man, desirous of Glory, and worthy better Fortune than afterwards befel him; to him I discovered my Device of the Gansas; being satisfied, that it was impossible otherwise to persuade him to take many Birds into his Ship, who for the Niceness of their Provision would be more troublesome than so many Men; yet I adjured him by Oaths and Persuasions to be secret in the Business, though I did not much doubt it, alluring myself he durst not impart the Experiment, to any before our King were acquainted therewith. I had more Apprehension left Ambition, and the Desire of gaining to himself the Honour of so admirable an Invention, should tempt, him to dispatch me. However I was forced to run the Risque unless I would adventure the Loss of my Birds, the like whereof for my Purpose were not to be had in Christendom, nor was I sure ever to bring up others to serve my Turn.

At last, after several trials, I felt a powerful longing to be carried in the same way myself. Diego my Moor had the same desire. If I had not loved him dearly and needed his service, I would have resented his ambition. For I consider it a greater honor to have been the first Flying Man than another Neptune, who first dared to sail the sea. But I pretended not to understand his intention. I simply told him that all my Gansas together were not strong enough to carry him. Although he was not a large man, he weighed twice as much as I did. Having prepared everything I needed, I took all my equipment to the top of a rock at the river’s mouth. At high tide, I settled myself on my machine and had Diego raise the signal. My twenty-five birds rose together and carried me swiftly to the rock on the opposite side, about a quarter of a league away. I chose this time and place because, if anything went wrong, the worst that could happen was a fall into the water. Since I could swim well, I hoped to suffer little harm from the fall. Once I was safely across, how my heart swelled with joy and wonder at my own invention! How often I wished myself in the heart of Spain, so I could fill the world with my fame and glory! Every hour I longed for the Indian Fleet to arrive and take me home. The fleet was already three months overdue. At last the ships arrived: three carracks badly battered by storms, with crews so sick and weak they needed a whole month to recover on our island. The admiral was called Alphonso de Xima. He was brave, wise, eager for glory, and worthy of better fortune than he later met. I revealed my invention involving the Gansas to him. I was convinced I could not otherwise persuade him to take so many birds aboard his ship. Their special feeding requirements would make them more troublesome than the same number of men. Still, I urgently pressed him to swear to keep the matter secret, using every argument I could. I had little doubt he would, since I assured myself he would not dare reveal the experiment before our King knew about it. I was more afraid that ambition might tempt him to kill me and claim the honor of so wonderful an invention. Yet I had to take that risk unless I was willing to risk losing my birds. No others suitable for my purpose could be found in Christendom. Nor was I certain I could ever raise others to do what I needed.

It happened all these Doubts were causeless, the Man I believe was honest, but the Misfortune we met with prevented all these Thoughts. Thursday, June 21, 1599, we set Sail for Spain, I having allowed me a convenient Cabin for my Birds, and Engine, which the Captain would have persuaded me to have left behind, and it was a Wonder I did not, but my good Fortune saved my Life, for after two Months Sail we met with an English Fleet about 10 Leagues from the Island of Teneriff, one of the Canaries, famous for a Hill therein called Pico, which is seen at Sea above an hundred Leagues off. We had aboard five Times their number of Men, all in Health, and were well provided with Ammunition; yet finding them resolved to fight, and knowing what infinite Riches we carried, concluded it better if possible to escape, than by encountering a Crew of desperate Fellows, to hazard not only our Lives, which a Man of Courage does not value, but the Estates of many poor Merchants, who I am afraid were undone by the Miscarriage of this Business. Our Fleet consisted of five Sail, that is, three Carricks, a Bark, and a Caravel, who coming from St. Thomas Isle, had in an ill Hour overtaken us some Days before. The English had three Ships well provided, who no sooner spied but presently engaged us, and changing their Course, endeavoured to bring us under their Lee, which they might easily do as the Wind then flood, they being light nimble Vessels, as English Ship's generally are; ours heavy, deep laden, and foul with the Sea; So our Captain resolved, wisely enough it may be, not neither valiantly nor fortunately, to fly, commanding us to disperse ourselves. The Caravel by too much Haste fell upon one of the Carricks and bruised her so, that one of the English easily fetched her up and entered her, the Caravel sinking before our Eyes. The Bark escaped unpursued, and another, of our Carricks after some Chase was given over by the Enemy, who expecting a sufficient Booty of us, and getting us between them, fell upon us with much Fury; our Captain hereupon gave Direction to run ashore upon Teneriff, the Port whereof we could not recover, saying, "That he hoped to save Part of the Goods, and some of our Lives, and he had rather the rest should be lost, than all fall into the Mercy of our Foes."

All these doubts turned out to be groundless. I believe the man was honest, but the misfortune we met with put all these thoughts aside. On Thursday, June 21, 1599, we set sail for Spain. I was given a suitable cabin for my birds and machine. The captain had tried to persuade me to leave them behind, and it was a wonder I did not. But my good fortune saved my life. After two months at sea, we met an English fleet about ten leagues from the island of Teneriff. This is one of the Canaries, famous for a mountain called Pico, visible over a hundred leagues out at sea. We had five times as many men aboard as the enemy, all healthy, and we had plenty of ammunition. Yet we saw that the enemy were determined to fight, and we knew what immense riches we carried. So we decided it was better to escape if possible than to fight a crew of desperate men. Fighting would risk not only our lives, which a courageous man does not value, but also many poor merchants’ fortunes. I fear the failure of this venture ruined those merchants. Our fleet consisted of five ships: three carracks, a bark, and a caravel. The caravel had come from St. Thomas Isle and had caught up with us some days earlier, at an unlucky moment. The English had three well-equipped ships. As soon as they spotted us, they attacked. They changed course, trying to put us on their downwind side. With the wind as it was, they could easily do so. Their vessels were light and nimble, as English ships generally are. Ours were heavy, deeply laden, and fouled by the sea. So our captain decided to flee and ordered us to scatter. His decision may have been wise enough, but it was neither brave nor fortunate. In its haste, the caravel collided with one of the carracks and damaged the carrack badly. As a result, one of the English ships easily caught up with the carrack and boarded it. The caravel sank before our eyes. The bark escaped without being pursued. After chasing another of our carracks for a while, the enemy gave up the chase. Expecting enough plunder from our ship, the enemy caught us between them and attacked us furiously. Our captain then ordered us to run aground on Teneriff, since we could not reach its port. He said, "I hope to save part of the cargo and some of our lives. I would rather the rest were lost than have everything fall into our enemies’ hands."

When I heard this Resolution, observing the Sea to work high, and knowing all the Coast to be so full of Rocks and Shoals, that it was impossible our Ship should come near the Land, unless broken into a thousand Pieces, I represented to the Captain the Desperateness of the Attempt, wishing him rather to try the Kindness of the Enemy, than throw away himself and so many brave Men; but he would by no Remonstrances be removed from his Resolution, therefore finding it high Time to shift for myself, I locked up my little Casket of Jewels, which putting into my Sleeve, I then betook me to my Gansas, and having harnessed them to my Engine, and put myself thereon, supposing, as indeed it happened, that when the Ship should split, my Birds, though they wanted their Signal, yet for saving their own Lives, which Nature hath taught all Creatures to preserve, would make toward Land, which fell out according to my Expectation; the People in the Ship wondered what I was doing, none being acquainted with the use of my Birds but the Captain, Diego being in the other Ship which fled away unpursued; we were about half a League from Land, when our Carrick struck upon a Rock, and split to Pieces, upon which I let loose the Reins to my Birds, having first placed myself upon the Top of the Deck, and with the Shock they all arose carrying me fortunately to the Land; of which you need not doubt but I was very joyful, though it was a miserable Sight to behold my Friends and Acquaintance in that woful Distress, of whom yet many escaped better than they expected, for the English launching out their Cock-boats, discovered more generous Tempers than we are pleased to allow them, taking Compassion of their Calamity, and endeavouring with all Diligence to save them from the Fury of the Waves, though with much Danger to themselves, among others they took up our Captain, who, as Father Pacio since told me, having put himself with twelve others into the Cock-boat, was forced to yield to one Captain Raymund, who carried him and our Pilot along with them in their Voyage to the East-Indies, whither they were bound, but it was their hard Fate, by a Breach of the Sea near Cape Buona Esperanca, to be swallowed of the merciless Waves, whole Rage they awhile before had so hardly escaped; the rest as I likewise heard, who were about twenty six Persons they took into their Ship, and set them on Land at Cape Verde.

When I heard this decision, I saw that the sea was rough. I knew the whole coast was so full of rocks and shoals that our ship could not approach safely. Any attempt would smash the ship into a thousand pieces. I told the captain how desperate his plan was. I urged him to trust the enemy’s kindness rather than throw away his life and those of so many brave men. But no argument could change his mind. So, realizing it was high time to save myself, I locked my little jewel casket and slipped it into my sleeve. Then I turned to my Gansas, harnessed them to my flying machine, and seated myself on it. I expected my birds to head for land when the ship broke apart, even without their signal. Nature has taught all creatures to preserve their lives, and the birds would fly to save themselves. Events proved me right. The people aboard wondered what I was doing. Only the captain knew how I used my birds. Diego was aboard the other ship, which had escaped without being pursued. We were about half a league from land when our carrick struck a rock and broke apart. I had first positioned myself on top of the deck, and now I loosened the birds’ reins. At the impact, all the birds took flight and carried me safely to land. You can be sure I was overjoyed. Yet seeing my friends and companions in such terrible distress was heartbreaking. Still, many escaped with better fortune than they had expected. The English launched their small boats and showed more generosity than we care to give them credit for. Taking pity on the shipwrecked men, the English did everything possible to save them from the raging waves. The rescuers faced great danger themselves. Among those rescued was our captain. Father Pacio later told me that the captain had entered the ship’s boat with twelve others. The captain was then forced to surrender to a Captain Raymund. Captain Raymund took him and our pilot along on the voyage to the East-Indies, where the English ships were bound. But near Cape Buona Esperanca, a breaking wave swept away our captain and pilot. The merciless waves swallowed them after they had so narrowly escaped the sea’s fury before. The others, about twenty-six people, were taken aboard the English ship and put ashore at Cape Verde, as I also heard.

As for myself, being now ashore in an Island inhabited by Spaniards, I reckoned I was safe, but found myself mistaken, for it was my hap to pitch upon that Part of the Isle where the Pike begins to rise, which is inhabited by a Savage People who live upon the Sides of that Hill, the Top whereof is for the most Part covered with Snow, and formerly accounted, for its Steepness, inaccessible, either for Man or Beast, yet these Savages fearing the Spaniards keep as near the Top as they can, never coming down into the fruitful Vallies but to seek for Booty; a Crew of these Outlaws happened to spy me soon after I landed, and thinking they had got a Prize, approached me with all Speed; I guess their Design before they came within half a Mile, when perceiving them come down the Hill directly toward me, with long Staves and other Weapons, I thought it necessary to secure myself from these Villains, who out of Hatred to us Spaniards would have cut me to Pieces; the Country was sandy, but the Pike beginning to lift up itself, I espied in the Side a white Cliff, which I Hoped my Ganzas Would take for a Mark, and being put up, would make all that way, whereby I might be carried so far, that those barbarous Rascals should not overtake me, before I got to some Spaniard's House, or hid myself, till by the Covert of the Night I might travel to Laguna, the chief City of the Island, three Miles off. So I settled myself upon my Engine, and let loose the Reins to my Gansas, who by good Fortune took all one Course, tho' not just the Way I aimed at. But what of that! O Reader prick up thy Ears, and prepare thyself to hear the strangest Chance that ever happened to any Mortal, and which I know thou wilt not have the Grace to believe till thou seest the like Experiment, which I doubt not in a short Time may be performed. My Gansas, like so many Horses that had gotten the Bit between their Teeth, made not their Flight toward the Cliff I intended, though I used my wonted Means to direct the Leader the Flock that Way, but with Might and Main took up toward the Top of the Pike, and never stopt till they came there, a Place in vulgar Estimation (though since experimentally contradicted) fifteen Miles in Height. What kind of Place this was I would gladly relate, but that I hasten to Matters of greater Importance: When I was set down there, my poor Gansas fell to panting, blowing, and gaping for Breath as if they would all have died, so I did not trouble them awhile, forbearing to draw them in, which they never used to endure without struggling, but little did I expect what followed.

Now that I was ashore on an island inhabited by Spaniards, I thought I was safe. But I was mistaken. I happened to land where the Pike begins to rise. A Savage People live on the slopes of that mountain, whose summit is mostly covered with snow. Its steepness once led people to think neither humans nor beasts could reach the summit. Yet these Savages fear the Spaniards and stay as close to the top as they can. They come down into the fertile valleys only to look for plunder. A band of these outlaws spotted me soon after I landed. Thinking they had found a prize, they hurried toward me. I guessed their purpose before they came within half a mile. I saw them coming straight down the mountain toward me, carrying long staffs and other weapons. I thought I must protect myself from these villains. Their hatred of us Spaniards would have made them cut me to pieces. The ground was sandy, but where the Pike began to rise, I spotted a white cliff on its side. I hoped my Ganzas would take the cliff as a landmark and fly toward it when released. That way, they might carry me far enough to escape those barbarous rascals. I could reach some Spaniard's house or hide before my pursuers caught me. Then, under cover of night, I could travel to Laguna, the island's chief city, three miles away. So I settled onto my machine and loosened the reins of my Gansas. Luckily, they all flew in the same direction, though not quite where I intended. But what of that! Reader, prick up your ears. Prepare to hear the strangest event that ever happened to any mortal. I know you will not have the grace to believe it until you see the same experiment yourself. I have no doubt that the experiment may soon be performed. My Gansas were like so many horses that had taken the bit between their teeth. They did not fly toward the cliff I intended. I used my usual methods to steer the flock's leader that way, but the birds flew upward with all their strength. They headed toward the top of the Pike and did not stop until they reached it. People commonly believed the summit was fifteen miles high, though measurements have since proved that belief wrong. I would gladly describe the place, but I must hurry on to more important matters. Once I had been set down there, my poor Gansas began panting, puffing, and gasping for breath. They looked as if they would all die. So I left them alone for a while and did not pull them in. They always struggled when I tried to do that. But little did I expect what followed.

It was now the Season that these Birds take their Flight away, as our Cuckows and Swallows do in Spain towards Autumn, and as I afterwards found, being mindful of their usual Voyage, just when I began to settle myself to take them in, they with one Consent rose up, and having no other higher Place to make toward, to my unspeakable Fear and Amazement, struck bolt upright, and never left towring upward, still higher and higher, for the Space, as I guest, of an Hour, after which I thought they laboured less than before, till at length, ah wonderful! they remained immoveable, as steadily as if they had sat upon so many Perches; the Lines slacked, neither I, nor the Engine moved at all, but continued still, as having no Manner of Weight. I found then by Experience, what no Philosopher ever dreamt of, namely, that those Things we call heavy do not fall towards the Center of the Earth as their natural Place, but are drawn by a secret Property of the Globe of the Earth, or rather something within it, as the Load-stone draweth Iron, which is within the Compass of its attractive Beams. For though my Gansas could continue unmoved, without being sustained by any Thing but the Air, as easily and quietly as a Fish in the Water, yet if they forced themselves never so little, it is impossible to imagine with what Swiftness they were carried, either Upward, Downward, or Sideways; I must ingenuously confess my Horror and Amazement in this Place was such, that had I not been armed with a true Spanish Resolution, I should certainly have died for Fear.

It was now the season when these birds fly away, as our cuckoos and swallows do in Spain toward Autumn. As I later discovered, the birds were mindful of their usual journey. Just as I began settling myself to bring them in, they all rose together. With no higher place to head toward, they flew straight upward, to my unspeakable fear and amazement. They kept soaring higher and higher for what I guessed was an hour. After that, I thought they were making less effort than before. At last, how wonderful! The birds hung motionless, as steadily as if each sat on a perch. The lines went slack. Neither I nor the machine moved at all. We remained still, as though we had no weight. I then learned through experience something no philosopher had ever dreamed of. Things we call heavy do not fall toward the Earth's center because it is their natural place. Instead, a hidden property of the Earth, or rather something within it, draws heavy things toward it. A lodestone likewise draws iron within the reach of its magnetic attraction. My Gansas could remain motionless, supported only by the air, as easily and calmly as fish in water. Yet if the birds exerted themselves even slightly, they moved with unimaginable speed, whether upward, downward, or sideways. I must honestly admit that my horror and amazement at this point were so great that only my true Spanish resolve sustained me. Without it, I would certainly have died of fear.

The next Thing that disturbed me was the Swiftness of the Motion, which was so extraordinary, that it almost stopt my Breath, if I should liken it to an Arrow out of a Bow, or a Stone thrown down from the Top of an high Tower, it would come vastly short of it; another Thing was exceeding troublesome to me, that is the Illusions of Devils and wicked Spirits, who the first Day of my Arrival came about me in great Numbers in the Likeness of Men and Women, wondering at me like so many Birds about an Owl, and speaking several Languages which I understood not, till at last I met with some that spoke good Spanish, some Dutch, and others Italian, all which I understood and here I had only a Touch of the Sun's Absence once for a short Time, having him ever after in my Sight. Now though my Gansas were entangled in my Lines, yet they easily seized upon divers Kinds of Flies and Birds, especially Swallows and Cuckows, whereof there were Multitudes, even like Motes in the Sun, though I never saw them eat any Thing at all. I was much obliged to those, whether Men or Devils I know not, who among divers Discourses told me, "If I would follow their Directions, I should not only be carried, safe Home, but be assured to command at all, Times all the Pleasures of that Place." To which Motion, not daring to give a flat Denial, I desired Time to consider, and withal indebted them, (though I felt no Hunger at all, which may seem strange) to help me to some Victuals, lead I should starve in my Journey so they readily brought me very good Flesh and Fish of several Sorts, and well dressed, but that it was extreme fresh without any Relish of Salt. Wines likewise I tasted of divers Kinds as good as any in Spain and Beer no better in all Antwerp. They advised me, that while I had Opportunity I should make my Provisions, telling me, that till the next Thursday they could help me to no more, at which Time they would find Means to carry me back, and set me safe in Spain, in any Place I would desire, provided I would become one of their Fraternity, and enter into such Covenants as they had made to their Captain and Master, whom they would not name: I answered civily, "I saw little Reason to rejoice in such an Offer, desiring them to be mindful of me as Occasion served;" so for that Time I was rid of them having first furnished my Pockets with as much Victuals as I could thrust in, among which I would be sure to find a Place for a small Bottle of good Canary.

The next thing that troubled me was the speed of my journey, which was so extraordinary it almost stopped my breath. If I compared it to an arrow shot from a bow, the comparison would fall far short. So would a stone dropped from the top of a high tower. Another great trouble was the illusions created by devils and wicked spirits. On the first day of my arrival, they gathered around me in great numbers, looking like men and women. They stared at me in wonder, like so many birds around an owl. They spoke several languages I did not understand. At last I met some who spoke good Spanish, some Dutch, and others Italian, all of which I understood. Here I experienced the sun's absence only once, for a short time. After that, the sun was always in my sight. Although my Gansas were tangled in my lines, they easily caught various kinds of flies and birds, especially swallows and cuckoos. There were multitudes of these creatures, like specks of dust in sunlight, though I never saw them eat anything. I was much indebted to those beings, whether men or devils I do not know. Among other things, they told me, "If I would follow their directions, I would not only be carried safely home. I would also be assured of having all the pleasures of that place whenever I wished." I did not dare refuse their proposal outright, so I asked for time to consider. I also asked them to help me get some food, lest I starve during my journey. Strangely enough, I felt no hunger at all. They readily brought me very good meat and several kinds of fish, all well prepared. But the food was extremely bland, without any taste of salt. I also tasted several kinds of wine, as good as any in Spain, and beer unsurpassed in all Antwerp. They advised me to stock up on provisions while I had the chance. They told me they could give me no more until the following Thursday. Then they would find a way to carry me back and set me safely down anywhere I wished in Spain. But I would have to join their brotherhood and make the same pledges they had made to their captain and master. They would not name him. I answered politely, "I see little reason to rejoice at such an offer. Please remember me when the opportunity arises." So I was rid of them for the time being. First, I had stuffed my pockets with as much food as they could hold. Among the provisions, I made sure to find room for a small bottle of good Canary.

I shall now declare the Quality of the Place wherein I was: The Clouds I perceived to be all under between me and the Earth. The Stars, because it was always Day, I saw at all Times alike, not shining bright, as we see in the Night upon Earth, but of a whitish Colour, like the Moon with us in the Day-Time, those that were seen, which were not many, shewed far greater than with us, yea, as I guessed no less than ten Times bigger: As for the Moon, being then within two Days of the Change, she appeared of an huge and dreadful Greatness. It is not to be forgot, that no Stars appeared but on that Part of the Hemisphere next the Moon, and the nearer to her, the larger they appeared again; whether I lay quiet and rested, or were carried in the Air, I perceived myself to be always directly between the Moon and the Earth, whereby 'tis plain, that my Gansas took their Way directly toward the Moon, and that when we rested, as we did at first for many Hours, either we were insensibly carried round about the Globe of the Earth, though I perceived no such Motion, or else that, according to the Opinion of Copernicus, the Earth is carried about, and turneth round perpetually, from West to East, leaving to the Planets only that Motion which the Astronomers call natural, and is not upon the Poles of the Equinoctial, commonly called the Poles of the World, but upon those of the Zodiac; the Air in that Place I found without any Wind, and exceeding temperate, neither Hot nor Cold, where neither the Sun Beams had any Object to reflect upon, nor the Earth and Water appear to affect the Air with their natural Quality of Coldness; as for the Philosophers attributing Heat and Moisture to the Air, I always esteem'ed it a Fancy: Lastly, I remember that after my Departure from the Earth, I never felt either Hunger or Thirst, whether the Purity of the Air, freed From the Vapours of the Earth and Water, might yield Nature sufficient Nourishment, or what else might be the Cause I cannot determine, but so I found it, though I was perfectly in Health both of Body and Mind, even above my usual Vigour.

I will now describe the place where I found myself. I could see that all the clouds lay below me, between me and the Earth. Because it was always day, the stars looked the same at all times. They did not shine brightly, as they do at night on Earth. Instead, they were whitish, like the Moon as we see it during the day. The few stars I could see looked far larger than they do from Earth. I guessed they looked at least ten times bigger. As for the Moon, it was then two days short of the new moon and looked huge and terrifying. I must not forget that stars appeared only in the part of the hemisphere nearest the Moon. The closer the stars were to the Moon, the larger they looked. Whether I rested quietly or travelled through the air, I always seemed to be directly between the Moon and Earth. This made it clear that my Gansas were heading straight towards the Moon. When we rested, as we did for many hours at first, one of two things must have happened. Either we were carried around the Earth's globe without my noticing any movement, or the Earth itself was moving. According to Copernicus, the Earth turns continually from west to east. This leaves the planets with only the motion astronomers call natural. That motion follows the poles of the Zodiac, not the equinoctial poles, commonly called the poles of the world. I found the air there completely still and very mild, neither hot nor cold. The Sun's rays had nothing to reflect off there. Nor did earth and water seem to affect the air with their natural coldness. As for the philosophers' claim that air has the qualities of heat and moisture, I always considered it a fancy. Lastly, I remember that after leaving the Earth, I never felt either hunger or thirst. Perhaps the pure air, free from the vapours of earth and water, gave my body enough nourishment. I cannot say whether that was the cause or whether there was some other explanation. But that was my experience, although I was perfectly healthy in body and mind, and even more vigorous than usual.

Some Hours after the Departure of that Devilish Company, my Gansas began to bestir themselves, still directing their Course toward the Globe or Body of the Moon, making their Way with such incredible Swiftness, that I conceive they advanced little less than fifty Leagues in an Hour, in which Passage I observed three Things very remarkable, one that the farther we went the less the Globe of the Earth appeared to us, and that of the Moon still larger: Again the Earth, which I had ever in mine Eye, seemed to mask itself with a kind of Brightness like another Moon, and as we discern certain Spots or Clouds as it were in the Moon, so did I then see the like in the Earth; but whereas the Form of these Spots in the Moon are always the same, these on the Earth seemed by Degrees to change every Hour; the Reason whereof seems to be, that whereas the Earth according to his natural Motion (for such a Motion I am now satisfied (he hath according to the Opinion of Copernicus) turns round upon her own Axis every four and twenty Hours from West to East) I should at first see in the Middle of the Body of this new Star the Earth, a Spot like a Pear, with a Morsel bit out on one Side, in some Hours I should observe this Spot move away toward the East: This no doubt was the main Land of Africa; then might I perceive a great shining Brightness in that Place which continued about the same Time, and was questionless the vast Atlantick Ocean: After this succeeded a Spot almost Oval, just as we see America described in our Maps, then another immense Clearness, representing Mare del zar or the South Sea; lastly, a number of Spots like the Countries and lands in the East-Indies, so that it seemed to me no other than an huge mathematical Globe turned round leisurely before me, wherein successively all the Countries of our earthly World were within twenty-four Hours represented to my View, and this was all the Means I now had to number the Days, and reckon the Time.

Some hours after that devilish company departed, my Gansas began to stir, still heading toward the Moon. They moved with such incredible speed that I believe they covered little less than fifty leagues an hour. During the journey, I observed three very remarkable things. First, the farther we went, the smaller the Earth appeared and the larger the Moon grew. Next, the Earth, which I kept in sight, seemed to cover itself in brightness, like another moon. Just as we make out spots or cloudlike patches on the Moon, I now saw similar patches on the Earth. But while the Moon’s spots always have the same shape, those on the Earth seemed to change gradually every hour. The reason for these changes seems to be the Earth’s natural motion. I am now convinced that the Earth rotates, as Copernicus argued. It turns on its own axis every twenty-four hours, from west to east. At first, I would see a pear-shaped patch in the middle of this new star, the Earth. The patch looked as though a bite had been taken out of one side. After a few hours, I would see the patch move eastward. This was undoubtedly the mainland of Africa. Then I could see a great shining brightness in the same place, lasting about as long. This was unquestionably the vast Atlantick Ocean. Next came an almost oval patch, just as we see America drawn on our maps. Then came another immense bright area, representing Mare del zar, or the South Sea. Finally, I saw several patches resembling the countries and lands in the East-Indies. So the Earth seemed to me like nothing more than a huge geographical globe turning slowly before my eyes. Within twenty-four hours, all the countries of our earthly world came into view, one after another. This changing view was now my only way to count the days and keep track of time.

I could now wish that Philosophers and Mathematicians would confess their own Blindness, who have hitherto made the World believe that the Earth hath no Motion, and to confirm it, are forced to attribute to every one of the celestial Bodies two Motions directly contrary to each other, one from the East to the West, to be performed in twenty-four Hours with an impetuous rapid Motion; the other from West to East in several Proportions: O incredible Supposition! that those huge Bodies of the fixed Stairs in the highest Orb, whereof they confess divers, are above an hundred Times bigger than the whole Earth, should like so many Nails in a Cart-wheel be whirled about in so short a Time; whereas it is many thousand Years, no less (say they) than thirty thousand, before that Orb finishes his Course from West to East, which they call his natural Motion; now whereas they allow their natural Course from West to East to every one of them, therein they do well; the Moon performs it in seven and twenty Days, the Sun, Venus and Mercury in a Year or thereabout, Mars in three Years, Jupiter in twelve, and Saturn in thirty. But to attribute to these celestial Bodies contrary Motions at once, is an absurd Conceit, and much more to imagine, that the same Orb wherein the fixed Stars are, whose natural, Course takes up so many thousands of Years, should be turned about every twenty-four Hours. I will not go so far as Copernicus, who makes, the Sun the Center of the Earth and immoveable, neither will I be positive in any Thing, only this I say, allow the Earth its Motion, which these Eyes of mine can testify to be true, and all those Absurdities are removed, every one having only his own single and proper Motion.

I now wish philosophers and mathematicians would admit their own blindness. Until now, they have led the world to believe that the Earth does not move. To support this belief, they must give every heavenly body two motions in directly opposite directions. One runs from east to west, taking twenty-four hours at a tremendous speed. The other runs from west to east, at varying rates. What an incredible assumption! They admit that several of those enormous fixed stars in the highest sphere are over a hundred times larger than the Earth. Yet these stars supposedly whirl around in so little time, like nails in a cartwheel. Meanwhile, they say that this sphere takes many thousands of years, no fewer than thirty thousand, to travel west to east. They call this the sphere's natural motion. Now, they are right to give each heavenly body its natural course from west to east. The Moon completes this course in twenty-seven days, the Sun, Venus and Mercury in about a year. Mars takes three years, Jupiter twelve, and Saturn thirty. But giving these heavenly bodies opposite motions at the same time is an absurd idea. It is even more absurd to imagine the sphere of fixed stars turning around every twenty-four hours. After all, that sphere's natural course takes so many thousands of years. I will not go as far as Copernicus, who makes the Sun the fixed center of the Earth. Nor will I claim certainty about anything. I say only this: allow the Earth to move, as my own eyes can testify it does. Then all these absurdities disappear, and each body has only its own single, proper motion.

But where am I? I promised an History, and am unawares turned Disputer. One Accident more befell me worth mentioning, that during my Stay I saw a kind of a reddish Cloud coming toward me, and continually approaching nearer, which at last I perceived was nothing but a huge Swarm of Locusts. He that reads the Discourses of learned Men concerning them, as John Leo of Africa, and others who relate that they are seen in the Air several Days before they fall on the Earth, and adds thereto this Experience of mine, will easily conclude, that they can come from no other Place than the Globe of the Moon. But now give me leave to go on quietly in my Journey for eleven or twelve Days, during all which Time I was carried directly toward the Globe or Body of the Moon, with such a violent Whirling as is inexpressible, for I cannot imagine a Bullet out of a Cannon could make Way through the vaporous and muddy Air near the Earth with half that Celerity; which is the more strange, since my Gansas moved their Wings but now and then, and sometimes for a quarter of an Hour not at all, only holding them stretched out, as we see Kites, and Eagles sometimes do for a short Space, during which Pauses, I suppose they took their Naps, and Times of Sleeping, for other Times I could perceive they never had any; for myself I was so fastened to mine Engine, that I durst slumber enough to serve my Turn, which I took with as great Ease, as if I had lain on the best Down-bed in Spain.

But where am I? I promised a history, and without noticing, I have turned to debate. One more event during my stay is worth mentioning. I saw a reddish cloud coming toward me, drawing steadily closer. At last I realized the cloud was nothing but a huge swarm of locusts. Learned men, including John Leo of Africa, report that locusts appear in the air several days before reaching the ground. Anyone who reads their accounts and considers my experience will easily reach one conclusion. The locusts can come from nowhere but the globe of the Moon. But now let me continue quietly on my journey for eleven or twelve days. Throughout that time, I was carried straight toward the globe, or body, of the Moon. I was swept along with a violent whirling motion beyond description. I cannot imagine a cannonball moving through the thick, misty air near Earth even half as fast. My speed was all the stranger because my Gansas flapped their wings only now and then. Sometimes they did not flap at all for a quarter of an hour, but simply held their wings outstretched. We see kites and eagles do the same for short periods. I suppose the birds took their naps during these pauses, since I could never detect them sleeping at other times. As for me, I was so securely fastened to my machine that I dared sleep as much as I needed. I slept as comfortably as if I had been lying on the best down bed in Spain.

After eleven Days Passage in this violent Flight, I perceived we began to approach to another Earth (if I may so call it) being the Globe or very Body of that Star which we call the Moon. The first Difference I found between this and our Earth was, that it appeared in its natural Colours, as soon as ever I was free from the Attraction of the Earth; whereas with us, a Thing a League or two from us, puts on that deadly Colour of Blue. I then perceived also that this World was the greatest Part covered with a huge mighty Sea, those Parts only being dry Land which, are to us somewhat darker than the rest of her Body, I mean, what the Country People call, The Man in the Moon, and that Part which shines so bright is another Ocean besprinkled with Islands, which for their Smallness we cannot discern so far off; so that the Splendor which appears to us in the Night, is nothing but the Reflection of the Sun-beams returned to us out of the Water as from a Lookin'glass. How much this disagrees with what our Philosophers teach in the Schools is evident: But alas, how many of their Errors hath Time and Experience in this our Age, and among other vain Conjectures, who hath not hitherto believed the upper Region of the Air to be very hot; as being next, forsooth, to the natural Place of the Element of Fire; meer Vanities, Fancies and Dreams: For after I was once free from the attractive Beams of that tyrannous Load-stone the Earth, I found the Air altogether serene, without Winds, Rain, Mists or Clouds, neither hot nor cold, but constantly pleasant, calm and comfortable, till my Arrival in that New World of the Moon as for that Region of Fire, our Philosophers talk of, I heard no News of it, mine Eyes have sufficiently informed me there is no such Thing.

After eleven days of this violent flight, I noticed we were approaching another Earth, if I may call it that. This was the globe, or actual body, of the star we call the Moon. The first difference I noticed between the Moon and our Earth was its appearance in its natural colors. I could see those colors as soon as I was free from Earth's pull. On Earth, however, anything a league or two away takes on that deathly blue color. I also saw that a vast sea covered most of this world. The only dry land was in the areas that look somewhat darker to us than the rest of the Moon. I mean the areas country people call The Man in the Moon. The brightly shining part is another ocean, scattered with islands too small for us to see from so far away. So the brightness we see at night is nothing but sunlight reflected back to us from the water, as from a mirror. Clearly, this differs greatly from what our philosophers teach in the schools. But alas, how many of their errors have time and experience exposed in our own age! Among their other empty guesses, who has not believed until now that the upper region of the air is very hot? Supposedly, that is because it lies next to the natural home of the element of fire. Nothing but nonsense, fantasies, and dreams! Once I escaped the pull of that tyrannical magnet, the Earth, I found the air entirely clear and calm. There was no wind, rain, mist, or cloud. The air was neither hot nor cold, but always pleasant, calm, and comfortable until I reached that New World of the Moon. As for that region of fire our philosophers talk about, I found no sign of it. My own eyes have shown me plainly enough that no such thing exists.

The Earth had now by turning about shewed me all her Parts twelve Times, when I finished my Course; for when my Reckoning it seemed to be (as indeed it was) Tuesday, September 11, (at which Time the Moon being two Days old was in the twentieth Degree of Libra) my Gansas seemed by one Consent to stay their Course, and rested for certain Hours, after which they took their Flight, and in less than an Hour set me on the Top of an high Hill in that Other World, where many wonderful Things were presented to my Sight. For I observed first, that though the Globe of the Earth appeared much greater there than the Moon doth to us, even three Times bigger, yet all Things there were ten, twenty, yea thirty Times larger than ours; their Trees were thrice as high, and above five Times, broader and thicker; so were their Herbs, Birds, and Beasts, though I cannot well compare them to ours, because I found not any kind of Beast or Bird there which any way resembled ours, except Swallows, Nightingales, Cuckoos, Woodcocks, Batts, and some kind of Wild Fowl: And likewise such Birds as my Gansas, all which, as I now perceived, spend their Time in their Absence from us, in that World, neither do they differ in any Thing from ours, but are the very same kind.

The Earth had turned to show me all its parts twelve times by the time I finished my journey. By my reckoning, it was Tuesday, September 11, as indeed it was. The Moon was then two days old and in the twentieth degree of Libra. My Gansas seemed to agree to stop flying, and they rested for several hours. Then they took flight again. In less than an hour, they set me on top of a high hill in that Other World. There I saw many wonderful things. First, I noticed that Earth looked much larger from there than the Moon looks to us, even three times larger. Yet everything there was ten, twenty, even thirty times larger than things in our world. Their trees were three times as tall, and more than five times as broad and thick. Their plants, birds, and beasts were larger too, though I cannot easily compare them with ours. This is because I found no kind of beast or bird that resembled ours in any way, except a few. These were swallows, nightingales, cuckoos, woodcocks, bats, and some kinds of wildfowl. There were also birds like my Gansas. All these birds, as I now realized, spend their time in that world when they are absent from ours. They do not differ at all from our birds, but are the very same kinds.

No sooner was I upon the Ground, but I found myself extreme hungry; stepping then to the next Tree, I fastened my Engine and Ganzas thereto, and in great Haste fell to examining my Pockets for the Victuals I had reserved there; but to my great Surprize and Vexation, instead of Partridges and Capons, which I thought I had hoarded there, I found nothing but a Medley of dry Leaves, Goats Hair, Sheep or Goats Dung, Moss, and the like; my Canary-wine was turned, and stunk like Horse-piss: O the Villainy and Cheats of these cursed Spirits, whose Assistance if I had depended on, in what a Condition had I been! While I stood musing at this strange Metamorphosis, on a sudden I heard my Gansas fluttering behind me, and looking back, I spied them falling greedily upon a Shrub within the Reach of their Lines, whose Leaves they fed earnestly upon, whereas before I had never seen them eat any green Thing whatever; so stepping to the Shrub; I put a Leaf to my Mouth; the Taste was so excellent; that I cannot express it, and if I had not with Discretion moderated my Appetite, I should have forfeited thereon; yet it happened, to be a good Bait both for me and my Birds, when we had most Need of Refreshment.

As soon as I reached the ground, I found myself extremely hungry. I went to the nearest tree and tied my machine and Ganzas to it. Then I hurriedly searched my pockets for the food I had saved there. But to my great surprise and frustration, I found none of the partridges and capons I thought I had stored. Instead, I found a mixture of dry leaves, goat hair, sheep or goat dung, moss, and similar things. My Canary wine had gone bad and stank like horse piss. Oh, the wickedness and tricks of these cursed spirits! What a state I would have been in if I had depended on their help! While I stood puzzling over this strange transformation, I suddenly heard my Gansas fluttering behind me. Looking back, I saw them greedily eating from a shrub within reach of their tethers. They eagerly devoured its leaves, though I had never before seen them eat anything green. So I went over to the shrub and put a leaf in my mouth. Its taste was so wonderful that I cannot describe it. If I had not sensibly restrained my appetite, I would have made myself ill by overeating. Still, the leaves proved a welcome meal for both me and my birds when we most needed refreshment.

Scarce had we ended our Banquet, when I saw myself surrounded with a strange kind of People both in Feature, Manners, and Apparel; their Stature was very different, but they Were generally twice as high as ours; their Shape and Countenance pleasant, and their Habit hardly to be described; for I never saw either Cloth, Silk, nor other Stuff, like that whereof their Cloths were made; neither can I possibly relate their Colour, they being in a manner all cloathed alike; it was neither Black, White, Yellow, Red nor Blue, nor any Colour composed of these: If you ask what was it then? I must tell you, it was a Colour never seen in our earthly World, and so neither to be described nor conceived by us; for as it is hard to make a Man born blind understand the Difference between Green and Blue, so neither can I decypher this Moon-colour, as having no Affinity with any I ever beheld; I can only say it was the most glorious and delightful that can be imagined, neither was any Thing more pleasant to me during my Stay there.

We had barely finished our feast when I found myself surrounded by people strange in their features, manners, and clothing. Their heights varied greatly, but they were generally twice as tall as we were. Their bodies and faces were pleasing, and their clothing was almost impossible to describe. I had never seen cloth, silk, or any other fabric like the material their clothes were made from. Nor can I possibly describe the colour of their clothes, though they were nearly all dressed alike. The colour was neither black, white, yellow, red, nor blue, nor any mixture of these. If you ask what colour it was, I must tell you it was a colour never seen in our earthly world. So we can neither describe nor imagine it. It is hard to make a man born blind understand the difference between green and blue. In the same way, I cannot describe this Moon-colour, since it resembled no colour I had ever seen. I can only say it was the most glorious and delightful colour imaginable. Nothing gave me greater pleasure during my stay there.

Being surprized at the Appearance of these People so suddenly and in such Accoutrements, I crossed myself, and cried out, Jesu Maria: No sooner was the Word Jesu pronounced, but Young and Old fell all on their Knees (whereat I not a little rejoiced) holding up their Hands on high, and repeating certain Words which I understood not; and relently rising again, one much taller than the rest came and kindly embraced me, and ordering, as I perceived, some of the rest to attend my Birds, he took me by the Hand, and led me to his Dwelling, down toward the Foot of the Hill, which was a Building so great and beautiful, as nothing in our World is comparable thereto; yet afterward I saw such as this seemed but a Cottage in respect of them, there was no Door about the House less than thirty Foot high, and twelve broad, the Rooms were forty or fifty Foot in Height, and answerable in Proportion neither could they be much less, the Master thereof being full twenty-eight high, and I suppose his Body would weigh twenty-five or thirty of ours: After I had rested with him about one of our Days, he led me five Leagues off to the Palace of the Prince of the Country, the Stateliness whereof I have not now Leisure to describe; this Prince was much taller than the former, and called (as near as I can by Letters declare it, for their Sounds are not perfectly to be expressed by our Characters) Pylonas, which in their Language is First or Chief, if it doth not rather denote his Authority and Dignity, as being the Principal Man in all those Parts; though yet there is one Supreme Monarch amongst them, much greater of Stature than he, commanding over all that whole World, having under him twenty-nine other Princes of great Power; and every one of these has twenty-four inferior Governors, whereof this Pylonas was one. The first Ancestor of this great Monarch came out of the Earth, as they relate, and by marrying the Heiress of that vast Monarchy obtaining the Government, left it to his Posterity, who have enjoyed it ever since, even forty thousand Moons, which is 3077 Years: His Name was Irdonozur, whose Heirs to this Day assume the same Name; he, they say, having continued there about four hundred Moons, and begot divers Children, returned (though by what Means they know not) to the Earth again. I doubt they have their Fables as well as we, since our Historians never mention any earthly Man to have been in that World before myself, and much less to have returned again. I cannot therefore but condemn this Tradition as false and romantick, though I found Learning was in great Esteem among them, and they seem to detest Lying and Falshood, which is there severely punished, and which may yield some Credit to their historical Narrations. Many of them live wonderful long, even beyond Belief, affirming to me, that some survived thirty thousand Moons, which is above a thousand Years, so that the Ages of three or four Men might easily reach to the Time of the first Irdonozur, and this is generally noted, that the taller People are of Stature, the more excellent are their Endowments of Mind, and the longer Time they live; for their Stature is very different, great Numbers not much exceeding ours, who seldom live above a thousand Moons, which is fourscore of our Years; these they account base, unworthy Creatures, but one Degree above brute Beasts, and employ in mean and servile Offices, calling them Bastards, Counterfeits or Changlings: Those whom they account true Natural Lunars or Moon Men, exceed ours generally thirty Times, both in Quantity of Body, and Length of Life, proportionable to the Quality of the Day in both Worlds, theirs containing almost thirty of our Days.

Startled by these people’s sudden appearance and their unusual clothing, I crossed myself and cried out, Jesu Maria. No sooner had I said Jesu than everyone, young and old, fell to their knees. This pleased me greatly. They raised their hands high and repeated words I could not understand. Then they rose again, and one much taller than the others came forward and embraced me warmly. As far as I could tell, he ordered some of the others to look after my Birds. He took me by the hand and led me to his home, down toward the foot of the hill. His home was so large and beautiful that nothing in our world could compare with it. Yet I later saw buildings that made this one seem no more than a cottage. No doorway in the house was less than thirty feet high and twelve feet wide. The rooms were forty or fifty feet high, with their other dimensions in proportion. They could hardly have been smaller, since their owner stood a full twenty-eight feet tall. I suppose his body would have weighed as much as twenty-five or thirty of ours. After I had rested with him for about one of our days, he led me five leagues away. We went to the palace of the country’s Prince, whose grandeur I have no time to describe now. This Prince was much taller than my host and was called Pylonas, as nearly as I can spell it. Our letters cannot fully represent their sounds. In their language, his name means First or Chief. Or perhaps it indicates his authority and rank, since he was the leading man in that entire region. Yet they have one Supreme Monarch, much taller than this Prince, who rules their whole world. Under the Monarch are twenty-nine other Princes with great power. Each of these Princes has twenty-four lesser Governors, and this Pylonas was one of those Governors. According to their accounts, the first ancestor of this great Monarch came from the Earth. He gained power by marrying the heiress to that vast monarchy and left the kingdom to his descendants. His descendants have ruled ever since, for forty thousand Moons, or 3,077 years. His name was Irdonozur, and his heirs still take that name today. They say he stayed there for about four hundred Moons and fathered several children. Then he returned to the Earth, though they do not know how. I suspect they have their fables just as we do. Our historians never mention any earthly man visiting that world before me, much less returning from it. I therefore cannot help judging this tradition false and fanciful. Yet I found that they held learning in great esteem. They also seem to detest lying and falsehood, which are severely punished there. This may give some credibility to their historical accounts. Many of them live remarkably long lives, almost beyond belief. They assured me that some lived thirty thousand Moons, which is more than a thousand years. So the lifetimes of three or four men could easily reach back to the first Irdonozur. It is generally observed that the taller these people are, the greater their mental gifts and the longer they live. Their height varies greatly. Large numbers are not much taller than we are. These seldom live longer than a thousand Moons, or eighty of our years. They regard these smaller people as low, worthless creatures, only one step above brute beasts. They give them menial work as servants, calling them Bastards, Counterfeits or Changlings. Those they consider true Natural Lunars or Moon Men generally surpass us thirtyfold in both body size and lifespan. This matches the relative length of the day in the two worlds, since theirs lasts almost thirty of our days.

The manner of our Travel to the Palace of Pylonas was more strange and incredible than any thing we have related, for at our first setting forth there were delivered to each of us two Feather Fans, like those our Ladies in Spain cool themselves with in Summer: You must understand, that the Globe of the Moon has likewise an attractive Power, yet so much weaker than the Earth, that if a Man do but spring upward with all his Strength, as Dancers do in shewing their Tricks, he will be able to mount fifty or sixty Foot high; and being then above all Attraction from the Moon's Earth, he falls down no more, but by the Help of these Fans, as with Wings, they convey themselves in the Air in a short Space, (though not quite so swift as Birds) whither they please. In two hours Time (as I could guess) by the Help of these Fans, we were carried through the Air those five Leagues, in all about sixty Persons. Being arrived at the Palace of Pylonas, after our Conductor had declared what manner of Present he had brought, I was called in to him by his Attendants: By the Stateliness of his Palace, and the Reverence done him, I soon perceived his Greatness, and managed my Affairs in order to procure his favour accordingly; and having, as you may remember, a certain little Box or Casket of Jewels, the Remainder of those I brought from the East-Indies, before I was introduced I secretly took them out of my Pocket, and chusing some of each sort, I made them ready to be presented as I should think convenient.

Our journey to the palace of Pylonas was stranger and more incredible than anything we have described so far. When we first set out, each of us received two feather fans. They were like those our ladies in Spain use to cool themselves in summer. You must understand that the Moon also has a gravitational pull, though much weaker than the Earth's. If a man jumps upward with all his strength, as dancers do when performing tricks, he can rise fifty or sixty feet. At that height, he is beyond all pull from the Moon's surface and no longer falls back down. With these fans serving as wings, people can quickly travel through the air wherever they please, though not quite as fast as birds. With the fans, we covered those five leagues through the air in two hours, as far as I could judge. There were about sixty of us in all. When we reached the palace of Pylonas, our guide explained what sort of gift he had brought. Then the attendants of Pylonas called me in to see him. The grandeur of his palace and the respect shown to him soon made his importance clear to me. So I acted accordingly, hoping to win his favor. As you may remember, I had a small box or casket of jewels left from those I brought from the East-Indies. Before I was introduced, I secretly took the jewels from my pocket and chose some of each kind. I prepared to offer them as gifts whenever I thought best.

I found him sitting in a magnificent Chair of State, with his Wife or Queen on one Hand, and his Eldest Son on the other, one attended by a Troop of Ladies, and the other of young Men, and all along the Side of the Room stood a great Number of handsome Personages, whereof scarce one was lower of Stature than Pylonas, whose Age they report is now one and twenty thousand Moons. At my Entrance I fell on my Knees, and taking out my Jewels, I presented to the King seven Stones of several Sorts, a Diamond, a Ruby, an Emerald, a Saphire, a Topaz and an Opal, which he accepted with Joy and Admiration. Then I offered the Queen and Prince some others, and designed to have bestowed divers more upon his Attendants; but Pylonas forbid them to accept any, supposing, as I heard, they were all I had, which he would have me reserve for Irdonozur his Sovereign: He then embraced me with much Endearedness, and enquired divers Things by Signs, which I answered in the same manner to the best of my Skill; which not contenting him, he delivered me to the Guard of 100 of his Giants as I may well call them, strictly charging them, that I should want nothing fit for me; that they should suffer none of the Dwarf Lunars, or little Moon Men, to come near me. That I should be instructed in their Language, and lastly, that they should by no Means impart to me the Knowledge of several Things by him specified, what they were I could never understand. It may be you long to know what Pylonas enquired of me: Why, what should it be but, whence I came, how I arrived there what was my Name and Business, with the like; to all which I answered as near the Truth as possible.

I found him sitting in a magnificent chair of state. His wife, or queen, sat on one side, and his eldest son on the other. The queen had a group of ladies attending her, and the prince had a group of young men. A great number of handsome people stood along the side of the room. Hardly any were shorter than Pylonas, who is said to be twenty-one thousand moons old. As I entered, I fell to my knees and took out my jewels. I presented the king with seven stones of different kinds: a diamond, a ruby, an emerald, a sapphire, a topaz, and an opal. He accepted them with joy and admiration. Then I offered the queen and prince some other jewels and intended to give several more to his attendants. But Pylonas forbade the attendants to accept any. As I later heard, he thought these were all the jewels I had. He wanted me to save them for Irdonozur, his sovereign. He then embraced me with great affection and asked several questions through signs. I answered in the same way as well as I could. But my answers did not satisfy him, so he placed me in the care of 100 of his giants. I can rightly call them giants. He strictly ordered them to make sure I lacked nothing suitable for me. They were to let none of the Dwarf Lunars, or little Moon Men, come near me. They were also to teach me their language. Finally, they were never to reveal certain things he specified. I never could understand what those things were. Perhaps you are eager to know what Pylonas asked me. Why, what else but where I came from, how I arrived there, my name and business, and similar questions? I answered all these questions as close to the truth as possible.

Being dismist, I was provided with all Necessaries as my Heart could wish, so that I seemed to be in a Paradise, the Pleasures whereof did not yet so transport me, but I was much concerned with the Thoughts of my Wise and Children, and still retaining some Hope that I might again return to them; I tended my Gansas daily with much Care, which yet had signified little, if other Men had not done more than I could: for now the Time came when of Necessity all People of our Stature, and myself like wise, must needs sleep thirteen or fourteen whole Days together; for by a Secret and irresistible Decree of Nature, when the Day begins to appear, and the Moon to be enlightened by the Sun Beams, which is in the first Quarter of the Moon, all People of our Stature inhabiting these Parts fall into a dead Sleep, and are not possibly to be awakened till the Sun set, and is withdrawn; for as Owls and Bats with us cannot endure the Light, so at the first Approach of Day we begin to be amazed therewith, and fall into a Slumber, which grows by Degrees into a dead Sleep till the Light be gone, which is in fourteen or fifteen Days, that is till the last Quarter. During the Sun's Absence, there is a twofold Light, one of the Sun, which I could not endure to behold, and another of the Earth: Now that of the Earth was at the Height, for when the Moon is at the Change, then is the Earth a full Moon to them, and as the Moon increaseth with us, so the Light of the Earth decreaseth with them. I found the Light, though the Sun was absent, equal to that with us in the Day when the Sun is clouded; but toward the Quarter it daily diminisheth, yet leaving still a competent Light, which seems very strange; though not so remarkable as what they there report, that in the other Hemisphere of the Moon, contrary to that I fell upon, where during half the Moon they see not the Sun, and the Earth never appears to them, they have yet a kind of Light, not unlike our Moon-Light, which it, seems the Nearness of the Stars, and other Planets that are at a far less Distance than from us, affords them.

After I was dismissed, I was given everything my heart could wish for. I seemed to be in paradise. Yet its pleasures did not overwhelm me so completely that I stopped worrying about my wife and children. I still held some hope of returning to them. I cared for my Gansas carefully every day. Yet my care would have achieved little if other men had not done more than I could. The time had now come when all people of our height, including myself, had to sleep thirteen or fourteen whole days. By a hidden and irresistible law of nature, daylight sends all people of our height in these parts into a deep sleep. This happens when the Sun's rays begin to light the Moon, in its first quarter. No one can wake these sleepers until the Sun sets and its light disappears. Just as owls and bats on Earth cannot bear the light, we become dazed at the first approach of day. We grow drowsy, then gradually fall into a deep sleep that lasts until the light is gone. This takes fourteen or fifteen days, until the last quarter. During the Sun's absence, there are two sources of light. One is the Sun, whose light I could not bear to look at, and the other is the Earth. The Earth's light was now at its brightest. For when we have a new Moon, the Earth looks like a full Moon to the Moon's inhabitants. As the Moon grows brighter for us, the Earth's light grows dimmer for them. Even without the Sun, I found the light equal to daylight on Earth when clouds hide the Sun. Toward the quarter, however, the light decreases daily, though enough remains to see by. This seems very strange, though not as remarkable as what the inhabitants report about the Moon's other hemisphere. That hemisphere is opposite the one where I landed. There, the Sun is invisible for half the lunar month, and the Earth never appears. Yet the inhabitants still have a kind of light much like our moonlight. Apparently, this light comes from the stars and other planets, which are much closer to them than to us.

You must understand, that of the true Lunars or Moon Men there are three Kinds, some a little taller than we, as perhaps ten or twelve foot high, these can endure the Day of the Moon, when the Earth shines but little, but not the Beams of both, and so then must be laid asleep: Others are twenty foot high or above, who can suffer all the Light both of the Earth and Sun. There are in a certain Island (the Mysteries whereof are carefully concealed) Men whose Stature is at least twenty-seven foot high: If any other come to land there in the Moon's Day time, they instantly fall asleep: This is called Insula Martini, and hath a particular Governor, who as they report is sixty-five thousand Moons old, which makes five thousand of our Years; His Name is said to be Hiruch, and he in a manner commands Irdonozur himself, especially in that Island out of which he never removes: There is another comes often thither, who they say is not above half his Age, that is about thirty-three thousand Moons, or two thousand six hundred of our Years, and he orders all Things through the Globe of the Moon in Matters of Religion, as absolutely as the Pope doth in any Part of Italy; I would fain have seen this Man, but was not permitted to come near him, his Name is Imozes.

You must understand that there are three kinds of true Lunars or Moon Men. Some are a little taller than we are, perhaps ten or twelve feet tall. These can endure the Moon’s day, when the Earth shines only faintly. But they cannot bear the light of both the Earth and Sun, so they must then be put to sleep. Others are twenty feet tall or more and can endure all the light of both the Earth and Sun. On a certain island, whose mysteries are carefully concealed, there are men at least twenty-seven feet tall. If anyone else lands there during the Moon’s daytime, they immediately fall asleep. This island is called Insula Martini and has its own governor. According to reports, the governor is sixty-five thousand moons old, which amounts to five thousand of our years. His name is said to be Hiruch, and in a way he commands even Irdonozur himself. This is especially true on that island, which he never leaves. Another man often visits the island. They say he is no more than half the governor’s age. That is about thirty-three thousand moons, or two thousand six hundred of our years. He directs all religious matters throughout the Moon, with as much absolute authority as the Pope has anywhere in Italy. I very much wanted to see this man, but I was not allowed to come near him. His name is Imozes.

Now let me settle myself to a long Night's Sleep, to which End my Attendants take Charge of my Birds, prepare my Lodging, and signify to me by Signs how I must order myself. It was then about the Middle of September, when I perceived the Air more clear than ordinary, and with the Increase of the Light I began to feel myself first dull and then heavy to Sleep, though I had not been lately disturbed of my Rest: At length I delivered myself into the Custody of this Sister of Death, whose Prisoner I was for almost a fortnight after, and then awaking, it is not to be believed how brisk and vigorous I found the faculties both of my Body and Mind; I then applied myself to learning the Language, which is the same throughout all the Regions of the Moon, yet not so wonderful, since I believe all the Earth of the Moon does not amount to the fortieth Part of our inhabited Earth, partly because the Globe of the Moon is far less, and besides the Sea or Ocean covers very nigh three Parts of four, whereas, the Land and Sea in our World may be judged of an equal Measure. Their Language is very difficult, since it hath no Affinity with any other I ever heard, and consists not so much of Words and Letters, as Tunes and strange Sounds which no Letters can express, for there are few Words but signify several Things, and are distinguished only by their Sounds, which are sung as it were in uttering; yea many Words consist of Tunes only, without Words: By Occasion whereof I find a Language may be framed, and easily learned, as copious as any other in the World only of Tunes, which is an Experiment worth searching after: Notwithstanding these Difficulties, within two Months I attained to such Knowledge therein, that I understood most Questions demanded of me, and with Signs and Words made reasonable Shift to utter my Mind; which Pylonas having Notice of, he oft-times sent for me, and was pleased to inform me of many Things my Guardians durst not disclose, though I must needs say I never found they abused me with an Untruth, but if I asked a Question they were unwilling to resolve, they would shake their Heads, and with a Spanish Shrug divert to some other Discourse.

Now let me settle down for a long night's sleep. To prepare for this, my attendants take charge of my birds and get my lodging ready. They show me by signs what I must do. It was then about the middle of September, when I noticed that the air was clearer than usual. As the light increased, I began to feel sluggish, then sleepy, though my rest had not recently been disturbed. At last I surrendered myself to sleep, that sister of death, whose prisoner I remained for almost two weeks. When I awoke, the renewed energy and strength of both my body and mind were beyond belief. I then set about learning the language, which is the same throughout all the regions of the Moon. Yet this is not so surprising. I believe the Moon's entire land area amounts to less than a fortieth of our inhabited Earth. This is partly because the Moon is a much smaller globe. Besides, its sea or ocean covers nearly three-quarters of its surface. In our world, land and sea may be considered equal in area. Their language is very difficult, since it bears no resemblance to any other I have ever heard. It consists less of words and letters than of tunes and strange sounds that no letters can express. Almost every word means several things, distinguished only by sounds that are almost sung when spoken. Indeed, many expressions consist entirely of tunes, without words. This leads me to believe that a language as rich as any in the world could consist entirely of tunes. Such a language could be created and easily learned, an experiment worth exploring. Despite these difficulties, within two months I had learned enough to understand most questions put to me. Using signs and words, I managed reasonably well to express my thoughts. When Pylonas learned of my progress, he often sent for me. He willingly told me many things my guardians did not dare disclose. Still, I must say that I never found my guardians telling me anything untrue. But if I asked a question they were unwilling to answer, they would shake their heads. Then, with a Spanish shrug, they would turn the conversation to another subject.

After seven Months Time the great Irdonozur, making his Progress to a Place about two hundred Leagues from the Palace of Pylonas, sent for me, yet would not admit me into his Presence, but discoursed me through a Window, where I might hear him, and he hear and see me at Pleasure. I presented him the Remainder of my Jewels, which he thankfully accepted, saying, he would requite them with Gifts of a far more considerable Value. I stayed there above a Quarter of a Moon, when I was again sent back to Pylonas, for if we had stayed a Day or two longer the Sun would have overtaken us before we could have recovered our Home. The Gifts he bestowed on me were such, that a Man would part with Mountains of Gold to purchase; they were all Stones, nine only in Number, of three Sorts, one called Poleastis, another Machrus, and the third Ebelus, of each Sort three; the first are about the Bigness of an Hazle-nut, very like Jet, which among many other incredible Virtues hath this Property, that being once put in the fire they ever after retain their Heat, though without any outward Appearance, till quenched with some kind of Liquor, which no way endamages them, though heated and cooled therein a thousand Times; their Heat is so vehement, that it will make any Metal within a foot of it red hot, and being in a Chimney warms the Room as if a great fire were kindled therein. The Machrus is yet more precious, in Colour like a Topaz, so clear and resplendent, as though not above the Bigness of a Bean, yet being placed in the Night in the midst of a large Church, it makes all as light as if an hundred Lamps were hanged round; can any Man wish for more useful Properties in a Stone than these? Yet my Ebelus is so excellent, that it may be much preferred before them, yea prized above all the Diamonds, Sapphires, Rubies, and Emeralds that our World can afford. The Lunar Colour is so exceeding beautiful, that a Man would travel a thousand Leagues to behold it, the Shape is somewhat flat, of the Breadth of a Piece of Eight, and twice the Thickness, one Side is of a more orient Colour than the other, which being clapt to a Man's bare Skin, takes away all the Weight and Ponderousness of his Body, but turning the other Side, it adds force to the attractive Beams of the Earth either in this World or that, and makes the Body half as heavy again: Do you wonder now, why I should so overprize this Stone? Before you see me on Earth again, you will find I have Reason to value this invaluable Jewel. I enquired, whether they had not any kind of Jem, or other Means to make a Man invisible, which I judged a Thing of admirable Use, and could mention divers of our learned Men who had written to this Purpose; they answered, that if it were possible, yet they were sure Heaven would not suffer it to be revealed to us Creatures subject to so many Imperfections, and which might be easily abused to ill Purposes, and this was all I could get of them.

After seven months, the great Irdonozur sent for me during his travels. He was visiting a place about two hundred leagues from the palace of Pylonas. Yet he would not admit me into his presence. Instead, he spoke to me through a window. There I could hear him, and he could hear and see me whenever he pleased. I presented him with the rest of my jewels, which he accepted gratefully. He said he would repay me with gifts of far greater value. I stayed there for more than a quarter of a moon before being sent back to Pylonas. Had we stayed another day or two, the sun would have overtaken us before we could return home. The gifts he gave me were worth mountains of gold to anyone who wished to buy them. They were all stones, nine in total, of three kinds. One kind was called Poleastis, another Machrus, and the third Ebelus. There were three of each kind. The first stones are about the size of a hazelnut and look very much like jet. Among many other incredible powers, they have this property: once placed in a fire, they retain their heat forever. They show no outward sign of heat and remain hot until cooled in some kind of liquid. The liquid does not damage them at all, even if they are heated and cooled in it a thousand times. Their heat is so intense that any metal within a foot of them becomes red-hot. Placed in a fireplace, one warms the room as if a great fire were burning there. The Machrus is still more precious and resembles a Topaz in color. Although no larger than a bean, it is wonderfully clear and brilliant. Placed at night in the middle of a large church, it lights the whole building like a hundred lamps. Can anyone wish for more useful powers in a stone than these? Yet my Ebelus is so remarkable that it deserves far greater esteem than either of the others. Indeed, it deserves to be valued above all the diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds our world can offer. Its Lunar color is so extraordinarily beautiful that a man would travel a thousand leagues to see it. The stone is somewhat flat, as wide as a piece of eight and twice as thick. One side has a more brilliant color than the other. Pressed against a man's bare skin, that side removes all the weight and heaviness from his body. But turning the other side against his skin strengthens the earth's attractive rays, whether in this world or that one. The stone then makes his body half again as heavy. Do you wonder now why I should value this stone so highly? Before you see me on Earth again, you will find I have reason to treasure this priceless jewel. I asked whether they had any gem or other means of making a man invisible. I thought invisibility would be wonderfully useful. I could also name several of our learned men who had written on the subject. They answered that even if invisibility were possible, they were sure Heaven would not allow its secret to reach us. We creatures have so many imperfections, and such a secret could easily be misused for evil purposes. That was all I could learn from them.

Now after it was known that Irdonozur the great Monarch had done me this Honour, it is strange how much all respected me more than before; my Guardians, who had been hitherto cautious in relating any thing of the Government of that World, grew now more open, so that from them and Pylonas together I understood many notable Particulars; as that in a thousand Years there is found neither Thief nor Whore-monger, for first there is no want of any thing necessary for the Use of Man, food growing every where without Labour, of all Sorts that can be desired. As for Cloths, Houses, or whatever else a Man may be supposed to want, it is provided by their Superiors, though not without some Labour, but yet so easy as if they did it for Pleasure: Again, their Females are all absolute Beauties, and by a secret Disposition of Nature, a Man there having once known a Woman never desires any other: Murther was never heard of amongst them, neither is it hardly possible to be committed, for there can be no Wound made but what is curable; yea they assured me, and for my Part I believe it, that though a Man's Head be cut off, yet if within three Moons it be joined to the Carcase again, and the Juice of a certain Herb there growing applied, it will be so consolidated, as the wounded Party shall be perfectly cured. But the chief Cause of their good Government is an excellent Disposition in the Nature of the People, so that all both Old and Young hate all manner of Vice, and live in such Love, Peace, and Amity, as it seems to be another Paradise: Though it is true likewise that some are of a better Disposition than others, which they discern immediately at their Birth; and because it is an inviolable Law amongst them that none shall be put to Death; therefore perceiving by their Stature or some other Signs, who are like to be of a wicked and debauched Humour, they send them, I know not by what Means, into the Earth, and change them for other Children, before they have either Opportunity or Ability to do amiss among them; but first, they say, they are fain to keep them there for some Time, till the Air of the Earth alters their Colour like ours. Their ordinary Vent for them is a certain high Hill in the North of America, whose People, I am apt to believe, are wholly descended from them, both in regard of their Colour, and their continual use of Tobacco, which the Lunars or Moon Men smoak exceedingly, the Place abounding much with Moisture, together with the Pleasure they take therein, and some other Respects too long to rehearse: Sometimes, though but seldom, they mistake their Aim, and fall upon Europe, Asia, or Africa. I remember some Years since I read certain Stories tending to confirm what is related by these Lunars, and especially one Chapter of Neubrigensis. Inigo Mondejar, in his Description of Nova Granata. Also Joseph Desia de Carana, in his History of Mexico, if my Memory fail not, recount what will make my Report more creditable; but I value not Testimonies.

Once people knew that Irdonozur, the great Monarch, had honored me, everyone treated me with remarkably greater respect. Until then, my guardians had been cautious about discussing that world's government. Now they spoke more freely. Between them and Pylonas, I learned many remarkable details. For instance, not a single thief or whoremonger is found there in a thousand years. First, no one lacks anything necessary for human life. Every desired kind of food grows everywhere without work. Their superiors provide clothes, houses, and anything else a person might need. This does require some work, but the work is so easy that they seem to do it for pleasure. Also, their women are all perfect beauties. Through some hidden working of nature, a man who has once been intimate with a woman never desires another. Murder has never been heard of among them, and it is hardly possible to commit. No wound can be inflicted that cannot be healed. Indeed, they assured me that even a severed head could be reattached, and I believe them. The head must be joined to the body again within three Moons, and a certain local herb's juice applied. Under those conditions, the head will reattach so completely that the wounded person will be perfectly cured. But the chief reason for their good government is the people's excellent natural character. Everyone, both old and young, hates every kind of vice. They live in such love, peace, and friendship that their world seems another Paradise. Still, some have better characters than others, and these differences can be detected immediately at birth. They have an unbreakable law that no one shall be put to death. So they identify children likely to become wicked and corrupt by their height or other signs. They send these children to Earth, by means I do not know, and exchange them for other children. This happens before the children have either the opportunity or the ability to do wrong among them. But first, they say, they must keep the children there for some time. Earth's air must change the children's color to match ours. Their usual outlet for these children is a certain high hill in the north of America. I am inclined to believe that the people there are entirely descended from them. My reasons include both their color and their constant use of tobacco. The Lunars, or Moon Men, smoke tobacco in great quantities because their world is so damp. They also smoke for pleasure, and for other reasons too lengthy to recount. Sometimes, though rarely, they miss their target and land in Europe, Asia, or Africa. I remember reading certain accounts some years ago that seem to support what these Lunars told me. One chapter of Neubrigensis stands out in particular. Inigo Mondejar, in his description of Nova Granata, also tells stories that would make my account more believable. So does Joseph Desia de Carana, in his history of Mexico, if my memory serves me. But I place no value on supporting testimony.

If you enquire how Justice is executed, alas, what need is there of exemplary Punishment where no Offences are committed, neither need they any Lawyers, for there is no Contention, the Seeds whereof, when they begin to sprout, are by the Wisdom of the next Superior pluckt up by the Roots. And as little Want is there of Physicians, they never surfeit themselves; the Air is always pure and temperate, neither is there any Cause of Sickness, I could never hear of any that were distempered. But the Time assigned them by Nature being spent, they die without the least Pain, or rather cease to live, as a Candle does to give Light when what nourishes it is consumed. I was once at the Departure of one of them, and was much surprized, that notwithstanding the happy Life he lived, and the Multitude of friends and Children he should forsake, yet as soon as he understood his End to approach, he prepared a great feast, and inviting all whom "he esteemed, exhorts them, to be merry and rejoice with him, since the Time was come he should now leave the counterfeit Pleasures of that World, and be made Partaker of all true Joy and perfect Happiness."

If you ask how justice is carried out, alas, what need is there for punishment that deters others when no crimes are committed? Nor do they need lawyers, since there are no disputes. Whenever the seeds of conflict begin to sprout, the next higher authority wisely pulls them up by the roots. There is just as little need for doctors. They never eat or drink too much, and the air is always pure and mild. There is no cause of illness, and I never heard of anyone who was ill. But when the lifespan nature has given them is over, they die without the slightest pain. Or rather, they stop living, just as a candle stops giving light when its fuel runs out. I was once present when one of them died, and I was greatly surprised by his response. He had lived a happy life and would leave behind many friends and children. Yet as soon as he knew his end was near, he prepared a great feast. He invited everyone "he valued and urged them to be merry and rejoice with him. For the time had come for him to leave that world's false pleasures and share in all true joy and perfect happiness."

I did not so much admire his own Constancy, as the Behaviour of his friends: With us in the like Case all seem to mourn, when many of them do oft but laugh in their Sleeves, or under a Vizard. But here all both Young and Old did, in my Conscience, not pretendedly, but really rejoice thereat, and if any dissembled, it was only Grief for their own particular Loss. Being dead their Bodies putrify not, and so are not buried, but kept in certain Rooms appointed to that Purpose, so that most of them can shew their Ancestors Bodies uncorrupt for many Generations: There is never any Rain, Wind, or change of Weather, never either Summer or Winter, but as it were a perpetual Spring, yielding all Pleasure and Content, free from the least Trouble or Annoyance; O my Wife and Children, what Wrong have you done me to bereave me of the Happiness of that Place! But it is no great Matter, for by this Voyage I am sufficiently assured, that when the Race of my mortal Life is run, I shall attain a greater Happiness elsewhere.

I admired his friends’ behavior even more than his own steadfastness. Among us, in such cases, everyone seems to mourn. Yet many are secretly laughing, hiding behind a mask of grief. But here everyone, young and old, rejoiced at his death. I truly believe their joy was genuine, not pretended. If anyone hid their feelings, they hid only their grief at their own personal loss. After death, their bodies do not decay, so they are not buried. Instead, the bodies are kept in rooms set aside for that purpose. As a result, most people can show the undecayed bodies of their ancestors going back many generations. There is never any rain, wind, or change in the weather. There is neither summer nor winter, but something like an endless spring. It offers every pleasure and satisfaction, without the slightest trouble or discomfort. Oh, my wife and children, what a wrong you have done me by depriving me of that place’s happiness! But it matters little. This voyage has fully assured me that, when my mortal life has run its course, I shall find greater happiness elsewhere.

It was the ninth of September that I began to ascend from the Pike of Teneriff; twelve Days I was upon my Voyage, and arrived in that Province of the Moon called Simiri, Sept. 21. May 12, we came to the Court of the great Irdonozur, and returned back the 17th to the Palace of Pylonas, where I continued till March 1601. When I earnestly requested Pylonas, as I had oft done before, to give me Leave to depart, tho' with Hazard of my Life, back into the Earth again. He dissuaded me, insisting on the Danger of the Voyage, the Misery of that Place from whence I came, and the abundant Happiness I now enjoyed; but the Remembrance of my Wife and Children, outweighed all these Reasons, and to say the Truth, I was so elated with a Desire of the Glory I should purchase at my Return, as methought I deserved not the Name of a Spaniard, if I would not hazard twenty Lives rather than lose the least Particle thereof. I replied I had so strong a Desire to see my Children, that I could not possibly live any longer without going to them: He then requested me to stay one Year longer; I told him, I must needs depart now or never, my Birds began to droop for want of their usual Voyage, three were already dead, and if a few more failed, I was destitute of all Possibility of Return. At length with much Solliciting I prevailed, having first acquainted the great Irdonozur with my Intentions, and perceiving by the often baying of my Birds a great Longing in them to be gone, I trimmed up my Engine, and took my Leave of Pylonas, and March 29, three Days after my waking from, the last Moon's Light, I fastened myself to my Engine, not forgetting to take the Jewels Irdonozur had given me, with the Virtues and Use whereof Pylonas had acquainted me at large, with a small Quantity of Victuals, whereof afterward I had great Occasion. A vast Multitude of People being present, and among them Pylonas himself, after I had given them all the last Farewel, I let loose the Reins to my Birds, who with much Greediness taking Wing, quickly carried me out of Sight; it happened to me as in my first Passage, for I never felt either Hunger or Thirst till I fell upon an high Mountain in China, about five Leagues from the High and Mighty City of Pequin. This Voyage was performed in less than nine Days, neither heard I any News of these airy Men I met with in my ascending; nothing stayed me in my Journey, whether because of the earnest Desire of my Birds to return to the Earth, having already missed their Season, or that the Attraction of the Earth was so much stronger than that of the Moon, and so made it easier, yet so it was, though I had three Birds less than before. For the first eight Days my Birds flew before me, and I on the Engine was as it were drawn after; but the ninth Day, when I began to approach the Clouds, I perceived myself and Engine to sink toward the Earth, and go before them. I was then horribly afraid, least my Birds unable to bear our Weight, being so few, should be constrained to precipitate both me and themselves headlong to the Earth, and thought it very necessary to make use of my Stone Ebelus, which I clapt to my bare Skin within my Clothes, and instantly I perceived my Birds made way with greater Ease than before, as seeming freed from a great Burthen, neither do I think they could possibly have let me down safely to the Earth without that Help.

It was the ninth of September when I began my ascent from the Pike of Teneriff. My voyage lasted twelve days. I arrived in the Moon’s province of Simiri on September 21. On May 12, we came to the court of the great Irdonozur. On the 17th, we returned to the palace of Pylonas, where I stayed until March 1601. Then I earnestly asked Pylonas, as I had often done before, to let me return to Earth. I was willing to risk my life. He urged me not to go. He stressed the voyage’s dangers, the misery of the place I had come from, and the great happiness I now enjoyed. But the memory of my wife and children outweighed all these reasons. To tell the truth, I was also carried away by the glory I hoped to gain on my return. I thought I did not deserve the name of Spaniard unless I would risk twenty lives rather than lose the smallest share of that glory. I replied that my desire to see my children was so strong that I could not live any longer without returning to them. He then asked me to stay another year. I told him I must leave now or never. My birds were beginning to weaken for lack of their usual voyage. Three were already dead. If a few more failed, I would have no possible way to return. At last, after much pleading, I gained his permission. I first informed the great Irdonozur of my plans. From my birds’ frequent cries, I could tell they were very eager to leave. I put my flying machine in order and said goodbye to Pylonas. On March 29, three days after waking from the last Moon’s light, I strapped myself to my machine. I remembered to take the jewels Irdonozur had given me. Pylonas had explained their powers and uses to me at length. I also took a small supply of food, which I later had great need of. A vast crowd had gathered, including Pylonas himself. After giving them all a final farewell, I loosened my birds’ reins. They took wing eagerly and quickly carried me out of sight. As on my first journey, I felt neither hunger nor thirst until I landed on a high mountain in China. The mountain was about five leagues from the great and powerful city of Pequin. The voyage took less than nine days. Nor did I hear any news of those airy men I had met during my ascent. Nothing delayed my journey. Perhaps my birds were so eager to return to Earth because they had already missed their season. Or perhaps Earth’s pull was so much stronger than the Moon’s that it made the journey easier. Whatever the reason, the journey was easier, though I had three fewer birds than before. For the first eight days, my birds flew ahead of me, drawing me along behind them on the machine. But on the ninth day, as I began approaching the clouds, I felt myself and the machine sinking toward Earth. We were now moving ahead of the birds. I was terribly afraid that so few birds could not support our weight. They might be forced to plunge headlong to Earth, taking me with them. I thought it very necessary to use my stone Ebelus. I pressed the stone against my bare skin beneath my clothes. At once, I noticed that my birds moved more easily than before, as though freed from a great burden. Nor do I think they could possibly have brought me safely down to Earth without that help.

China is a Country so populous, that I think there is scarce a Piece of Ground thrice a Man's Length which is not carefully manured: I being yet in the Air, some of the Country People spying me came running by Troops, and seized me, would needs carry me before a Magistrate, and seeing no other Remedy I yielded to them. But when I tried to go I found myself so light, that one foot being on the Ground I had much ado to set down the other, which was by reason my Ebelus took all Weight away from my Body, therefore I pretended a Desire of performing the Necessities of Nature; which being made known to them by Signs, for they understood not a Word of any Language I could speak, they permitted me to go aside among a few Bushes, assuring themselves it was impossible I should escape from them; being there, I remembred Pylonas his Directions about the Use of my Stones, and knit them up, with a few remaining Jewels, into an Handkerchief, all except the least and worst Ebelus, which I found Means to apply in such Manner to my Body, that but the half of its Side touched my Skin; this done I drew toward my Guardians, till coming so near that they could not cross my Way, I shewed them a fair Pair of Heels, that I might have Time to hide my Jewels, which I knew they would have robbed me of if not prevented. Being thus lightened I led them such a Dance, that had they been all upon the Backs of so many Race-Horses they could never have overtaken me; I directed my Course to a thick Wood, wherein I entered about a Quarter of a League, and there finding a fine Spring, which I took for my Mark, I thrust my Jewels into a Hole made by a Mole hard by.

China is so densely populated that I think hardly a patch of ground three times a man's length goes uncultivated. While I was still in the air, some country people spotted me and came running in groups. They seized me and insisted on taking me before a magistrate. Seeing no other way out, I gave in. But when I tried to walk, I found myself so light that I could barely put my second foot down. My Ebelus had taken all weight from my body. So I pretended that I needed to relieve myself. I explained my need through signs, since they understood none of the languages I could speak. They let me step aside among some bushes, certain that I could not escape. Among the bushes, I remembered Pylonas's instructions for using my stones. I tied them in a handkerchief with my few remaining jewels, except for the smallest and worst Ebelus. I managed to fasten that stone against my body so that only half of one side touched my skin. Then I moved toward my guards until I was so close that they could not block my path. I took to my heels to give myself time to hide my jewels. I knew they would rob me of my jewels unless I prevented them. With my weight reduced this way, I led them on quite a chase. Even if every one of them had ridden a racehorse, they could never have caught me. I headed for a thick wood and went about a quarter of a league into it. There I found a fine spring, which I chose as my landmark. I pushed my jewels into a mole's hole nearby.

I then took my Victuals out of my Pocket, to which till now in all my Voyage I had not the least Appetite, and refreshed myself therewith, till the People who pursued overtook me, into whole Hands I quietly surrendered myself; they led me to an inferior Officer, who understanding that I escaped from those who first apprehended me, caused an Inclosure of Boards to be made, wherein they put me, so that only my Head was at Liberty, and then carried me upon the Shoulders of sour Slaves, like some notorious Malefactor, before a Person of great Authority, who in their Language I learnt, was called a Mandarin, and resided a League off the famous City of Pequin. I could not understand them, but found I was accused for something with much Vehemence, the Substance of this Accusation it seems was, that I was a Magician, as appeared by my being so strangely carried in the Air, and that being a Stranger, as both my Language and Habit did declare, I contrary to the Laws of China had entered the Kingdom without a Warrant, and probably for no good Intent. The Mandarin heard them with a great deal of Gravity, and being a Man of quick Apprehension, and studious of Novelties, he told them he would take such Order as the Case required, and my bold Attempt should not go unpunished: Having dismist them, he ordered his Servants I should be kept in a remote Pare of his vast Palace, be strictly guarded, and kindly used; this I conjecture by my Treatment, and what followed, for my Accommodation was much better than I could expect, I lodged well, eat well, was well attended, and could complain of nothing but my Restraint; Thus continued I many Months, afflicted more with the Thoughts of my Gansas than any Thing else, who I knew must be irrecoverably lost, as indeed they were.

I then took my food out of my pocket. Until then, I had felt no appetite at all during my voyage. I ate and recovered my strength until my pursuers caught up with me. I surrendered quietly, and they led me to a lower-ranking officer. When the officer learned I had escaped from my first captors, he ordered a wooden enclosure made. They put me inside, leaving only my head free. Then four slaves carried me on their shoulders, like some notorious criminal, before a man of great authority. I learned that in their language he was called a Mandarin. He lived a league from the famous city of Pequin. I could not understand them, but I could tell they were accusing me of something with great force. The main accusation, it seemed, was that I was a magician, since I had traveled so strangely through the air. They also accused me of entering the kingdom without a permit, contrary to the laws of China. My language and clothing showed that I was a foreigner, and they thought I probably had no good intentions. The Mandarin listened with great seriousness. He was quick to understand things and eager to learn about anything new. He told my accusers he would deal with the case as it required. My bold attempt, he said, would not go unpunished. After dismissing my accusers, he ordered his servants to keep me in a remote part of his vast palace. I was to be closely guarded but treated kindly. I infer these orders from my treatment and what followed, for my living conditions were much better than I expected. I had good lodgings, ate well, and was well cared for. I could complain of nothing except my confinement. I remained there for many months, troubled more by thoughts of my Gansas than by anything else. I knew they must be lost forever, as indeed they were.

In this Time by my own Industry, and the Assistance of those who accompanied me, I learnt to speak indifferently the Language of that Province, (for almost every Province in China hath its proper Tongue) whereat I perceived they were much pleased: At length I was permitted to take the Air, and brought into the spacious Garden of that Palace, a Place of extraordinary Pleasure and Delight, adorned with Herbs and Flowers of admible Sweetness and Beauty, with almost infinite Variety of fruits, European and others, all composed with that rare Curiosity, as even ravished my Senses in the Contemplation of such delightful Objects; I had not long recreated myself here, when the Mandarin entered the Garden on that Side I was walking, of which having Notice by his Servants, and that I ought to kneel to him (a usual Reverence I found toward great Officers) I did so, and humbly intreated his savour toward a poor Stranger, who arrived in these Parts not designedly, but by the secret Disposal of the Heavens, he answered in a different Language which I hear all the Mandarins use, and like that of the Lunars consisting chiefly of Tunes, which was interpreted by one of his Attendants, wishing me to be of good Comfort, since he intended no Harm to me. Next Day I was ordered to come before him, and being conducted into a noble Dining-room exquisitely painted, the Mandarin commanding all to avoid, vouchsafed to confer with me in the vulgar Language, enquiring into the State of my Country, the Power of my Prince, and the Religion and Manners of the People; wherein having satisfied him, he asked me about my Education, and what brought me into this remote Country; I then declared to him the Adventures of my Life, omitting what I thought convenient, and especially forbearing to mention the Stories given me by Irdonozur.

During this time, I learned to speak the province’s language fairly well through my own efforts and my companions’ help. (Almost every province in China has its own language.) I could see that my progress pleased them greatly. At last, I was allowed outside for fresh air and taken into the palace’s spacious garden. It was a place of extraordinary pleasure and delight, filled with wonderfully fragrant and beautiful herbs and flowers. There was an almost endless variety of fruits, European and others. Everything was arranged with such exquisite care that the sight overwhelmed my senses with delight. I had not been enjoying the garden long when the Mandarin entered the part where I was walking. His servants told me he was coming and that I should kneel before him. I found that kneeling was a customary sign of respect toward high officials. I knelt and humbly asked him to show kindness to a poor stranger. I explained that I had come to these parts not by choice, but through the hidden workings of the heavens. He answered in a different language, which I hear all the Mandarins use. Like the language of the Lunars, it consisted chiefly of musical tones. One of his attendants interpreted his words. He told me to take heart, since he meant me no harm. The next day, I was ordered to appear before him and led into a grand, beautifully painted dining room. The Mandarin ordered everyone else to leave and granted me a conversation in the common language. He asked about conditions in my country, my Prince’s power, and the people’s religion and customs. After I had satisfied him on these matters, he asked about my education and what brought me to this distant country. I then told him the adventures of my life, leaving out whatever I thought best to omit. In particular, I said nothing of the stories Irdonozur had told me.

The Strangeness of my Story did much amaze him, and finding in all my Discourse nothing tending to Magick, wherein he hoped by my Means to be intruded, he began to admire the Excellency of my Wit, applauding me for the happiest Man that this World ever saw, and wishing me to repose myself after my long Narration, he for that Time dismissed me. After which the Mandarin took so much Delight in me, that no Day passed wherein he did not fend for me: At length he advised me to cloath myself in the Habit of that Country, which I willingly did, and gave me not only the Liberty of his House, but took me also with him when he went to Pequin, whereby I had Opportunity to learn the Disposition of the People, and the Policy of the Country, neither did I by my Attendance on him, gain only the Knowledge of these Things, but the Possibility likewise of being restored to my native Soil, and to those dear Pledges which I value above the World, even my Wise and Children: for by often frequenting Pequin, I at length heard of some fathers of the Society of Jesus, who were become famous for their extraordinary savour with the King, to whom they had presented some European, as Clocks, Watches, Dials, and the like, which by them were counted exquisite Curiosities. To these by the Mandarin's Leave I repaired, and was welcomed by them, they much wondering to see a Lay Spaniard there, whither they had with so much Difficulty obtained Leave to arrive. There did I relate to father Pontoja and others of the Society the forementioned Adventures, by whose Directions I put them in Writing, and sent this Story of my fortunes to Macoa, from thence to be conveyed to Spain, as a forerunner of my Return; and the Mandarin being indulgent to me, I came often to the Fathers, with whom I consulted about many Secrets, and with them also laid the Foundation of my Return, the blessed Hour whereof I do with Patience expect, that by enriching my Country with the Knowledge of these hidden Mysteries, I may at last reap the Glory of my fortunate Misfortunes.

The strangeness of my story amazed him greatly. He found nothing in my account connected with magic, which he had hoped to learn through me. Instead, he began to admire my great intelligence, praising me as the most fortunate man the world had ever seen. He urged me to rest after my long account and dismissed me for the time being. Afterward, the Mandarin took such delight in my company that he sent for me every day. Eventually, he advised me to dress in the clothing of that country, which I willingly did. He not only gave me the freedom of his house but also took me with him to Pequin. This gave me opportunities to learn about the people's character and the country's government. Accompanying him gave me more than this knowledge. It also offered the possibility of returning to my native land and those dearer to me than the world: my wife and children. Through my frequent visits to Pequin, I eventually heard of some fathers of the Society of Jesus. They had become famous for the extraordinary favor the King showed them. They had presented him with some European objects, such as clocks, watches, sundials, and similar things. These were considered exquisite curiosities there. With the Mandarin's permission, I visited the fathers, who welcomed me. They were greatly surprised to see a Spaniard who was not a priest there. They themselves had obtained permission to enter only with great difficulty. There I told father Pontoja and others of the Society about the adventures described above. Following their directions, I wrote down my adventures and sent the account to Macoa. From there, it was to be sent to Spain, ahead of my return. The Mandarin treated me generously, so I often visited the fathers and discussed many secrets with them. Together, we also laid the groundwork for my return, whose blessed hour I patiently await. By enriching my country with knowledge of these hidden mysteries, I may finally gain glory from my fortunate misfortunes.

A Journey of several English Merchants from Oratava in Teneriff, one of the Canary Islands on the Coast of Africa, to the top of the Pike in that Island, with the Observations they made there.

A journey by several English merchants from Oratava in Teneriff, one of the Canary Islands off the coast of Africa, to the top of the island's Pike, with the observations the merchants made there.

Mention being made in the preceding Story of the Pike of Teneriff, it may be some Diversion to insert the following little Journey performed by divers Englishmen a few Years since to the Top, who published the following Account thereof.

The previous story mentioned the Pike of Teneriff, so the following short account may offer some entertainment. Several Englishmen climbed to the top a few years ago and published the following account of their journey.

The Pike of Teneriff is thought not to have its Equal in the World for Height, its Top being so much above the Clouds, that in clear Weather it may be seen sixty Dutch Leagues at Sea.

The Pike of Teneriff is thought to be the tallest mountain in the world. Its peak rises so far above the clouds that, in clear weather, it can be seen sixty Dutch leagues out at sea.

It cannot be ascended but in July and August, lying all the other Months covered with Snow, though upon this and the near adjacent Islands none is to be seen: It requires three Days travel to come to the top: The Merchants and other worthy Persons who undertook this Journey proceed thus. Having furnished ourselves with a Guide, Servants, and Horses to carry our Wine and Provision, we set forth from Oratava, a Port Town in the Island of Teneriff, situate on the North Side, two Mile distant from the main Sea, and travelled from twelve at Night till eight in the Morning, by which Time we got to the Top of the first Mountain toward the Pico de Terraira; there under a very large and conspicuous Pine Tree we took our Breakfast, dined, and refresht ourselves till two in the Afternoon. Then we passed through many sandy Ways, over many lofty Mountains, but naked and bare, and not covered with Pine Trees as our first Night's Passage was; this exposed us to excessive Heat, till we arrived to the Foot of the Pico, where we found divers huge Stones, which seemed to have fallen from some upper Part: About six in the Evening we began to ascend up the Pico, but were scarce advanced a Mile, when the Way being no more passable for Horses, we left them with our Servants. In the Ascent of one Mile, some of our Company grew very saint and sick, disordered by fluxes, Vomitings, and agueish Distempers, our Horses Hair standing up like Bristles, and calling for some of our Wine carried in small Barrels on an Horse, we found it so wonderfully cold, that we could not drink it till we had made a fire to warm it, notwithstanding the Air was very calm and moderate, but when the Sun was set, it began to blow with such Violence, and grew so cold, that taking up our Lodging among the hollow Rocks, we were necessitated to keep fires in the Mouths of them all Night.

It can only be climbed in July and August, since it is covered with snow in all other months. Yet no snow can be seen elsewhere on this island or on the nearby islands. Reaching the top takes three days of travel. The merchants and other respected people who undertook this journey followed this route. We hired a guide and servants, and brought horses to carry our wine and supplies. We set out from Oratava, a port town on the north side of the island of Teneriff. The town lies two miles from the open sea. We traveled from midnight until eight in the morning. By then, we had reached the top of the first mountain on the way toward the Pico de Terraira. There, beneath a very large, prominent pine tree, we ate breakfast, had dinner, and rested until two in the afternoon. Then we followed many sandy paths over many high mountains. But these mountains were bare, unlike the pine-covered slopes we had crossed during our first night's journey. So we suffered from extreme heat until we reached the foot of the Pico. There we found several huge stones that seemed to have fallen from higher up. At about six in the evening, we began climbing the Pico. But we had barely gone a mile when the horses could go no farther along the path. We left them with our servants. During that mile of climbing, some of our company became very faint and sick, suffering from diarrhea, vomiting, and fevers. Our horses' hair stood up like bristles. We called for some wine, which was carried in small barrels on a horse. We found the wine so extraordinarily cold that we could not drink it until we lit a fire to warm it. This was despite the calm air and mild temperature. But after sunset, the wind began blowing violently, and the air grew very cold. We took shelter in hollows in the rocks, where we had to keep fires burning at the entrances all night.

About four in the Morning we began to mount again, and being come another Mile up, one of our Company failed and was able to proceed no further: Here began the black Rocks; the rest of us pursued our Journey till we came to the Sugar Loaf, where we began to travel again in a white Sand, being fitted with Shoes, whose single Soles are made a finger broader than the upper Leathers, to encounter this difficult Passage: Having ascended as far the black Rocks, which lay all flat like a plain floor, we climbed within a Mile of the very Top of the Pico, and at last we attained the Summit, where we found no such Smoak as appeared a little below, but a continual Perspiration of a hot and sulphureous Vapour that made our faces extremely sore; all this way we found no considerable Alteration of the Air, and very little Wind, but on the Top it was so impetuous, that we had much ado to stand against it whilst we drank K. Charles II. Health, and fired each of us a Gun. Here also we took our Dinner, but found that our strong Waters had lost their Virtue, and were almost insipid, while our Wine was more brisk and spirituous than before: The Top on which we stood being not above a Yard broad, is the Brink of a Pit called the Caldera, which we judged to be a Musket Shot over, and near fourscore Yards deep, in form of a Cone, hollow within like a Kettle, and covered over with small loose Stones mixed with Sulphur and Sand, from among which issued divers Spiracles of Smoak and Heat, which being stirred with any Thing puffs and makes a Noise, and is so offensive, that we were even suffocated with the sudden rising of Vapors, upon removing one of these Stones, which were so hot as not easily to be handled; we descended not above sour or five Yards into the Caldera or Caldron, because of the Slipperiness under foot, and the Difficulty; but some have adventured to the Bottom: Other Matters observable we discovered none, besides a clear sort of Sulphur which lay like Salt upon the Stones: from this renowned Pico we could see the Grand Canaries fourteen Leagues, distant, Palma eighteen, and Gomera seven, which Interval of Sea seemed not much wider than the Thames about London; we discerned also the Herro, being distant about twenty Leagues, and so to the utmost Limits of the Sea much farther: As soon as the Sun appeared, the Shadow of the Pico seemed to cover not only the whole Island and the Grand Canaries, but the Sea to the very Horizon, where the Top of the Sugar-Loaf or Pico visibly appeared to turn up, and cast its Shade into the Air itself, at which we were much surprized.

About four in the morning, we began climbing again. Another mile up, one of our company could go no farther. Here began the black Rocks. The rest of us continued until we reached the Sugar Loaf, where we again crossed white sand. For this difficult stretch, we wore shoes with single soles a finger’s width broader than their leather uppers. We climbed as far as the black Rocks, which lay flat like a level floor. Then we climbed to within a mile of the very top of the Pico, and finally reached the Summit. There we found none of the smoke we had seen a little below. Instead, hot, sulphurous vapour constantly seeped out and made our faces extremely sore. Throughout the climb, we noticed no considerable change in the air and very little wind. But at the top, the wind was so fierce that we could barely stand against it. There we drank to King Charles II’s health, and each of us fired a gun. We also ate our dinner there. But we found that our spirits had lost their strength and were almost tasteless. Our wine, however, was livelier and stronger than before. The top where we stood was no more than a yard wide. It formed the rim of a pit called the Caldera. We judged the pit to be a musket shot across and nearly eighty yards deep. It was cone-shaped and hollow like a kettle, covered with small, loose stones mixed with sulphur and sand. Among the stones were several vents giving off smoke and heat. When disturbed with anything, these vents puffed and made a noise. The fumes were so overpowering that we nearly suffocated when vapours suddenly rose after we moved one of the stones. The stones were so hot that they were difficult to handle. We descended only four or five yards into the Caldera, or cauldron, because the footing was slippery and difficult. But some have ventured to the bottom. We found nothing else noteworthy except a clear kind of Sulphur, which lay like salt on the stones. From this renowned Pico, we could see the Grand Canaries, fourteen leagues away, Palma, eighteen leagues away, and Gomera, seven. Those stretches of sea seemed scarcely wider than the Thames near London. We also made out the Herro, about twenty leagues away, and could see much farther, to the sea’s farthest limits. As soon as the sun appeared, the shadow of the Pico seemed to cover the whole island and the Grand Canaries. It also seemed to cover the sea right to the horizon. There, the top of the Sugar-Loaf, or Pico, visibly appeared to turn upward and cast its shadow into the air itself. We were greatly surprised by the sight.

But the Sun was not far ascended when the Clouds began to rise so fast, as intercepted our Prospect both of the Sea and the whole Island, except the Tops only of the subjacent Mountains, which seemed to pierce them through; whether these Clouds do ever surmount the Pico we cannot say, but to such as are far below they seem sometimes to hang above it, or rather wrap themselves about it, constantly when the West Winds blow; this they call the Cap, and is an infallible Prognostick of ensuing Storms: One of our Company who made this Journey again two Years after, arriving at the Top of the Pico before Day, and creeping under a great Stone to shroud himself from the cold Air, after a little Space found himself all wet, and perceived it to come from a perpetual trickling of the Water from the Rocks above him: Many excellent and exuberant Springs we found issuing from the Tops of most of the other Mountains, gushing out in great Spouts, almost as far as the huge Pine Tree we mentioned before; having stayed a while at the Top, we all descended the sandy Way till we came to the foot of the Sugar-Loaf which being steep even almost to a Perpendicular we soon parted, and here we met with a Cave about ten Yards deep and fifteen broad, being in Shape like an Oven or Cupola, having a Hole at the Top near eight Yards over; this we descended by a Rope that our Servants held fast on the Top, while with the other End being fastened about our Middles we swung ourselves, till being over a Bank of Snow we slid down, lighting upon it; we were forced to swing thus in the Descent, because in the Midst of the Bottom of this Cave opposite to the Overture at the Top, is a round Pit of Water like a Well, the surface whereof is about a Yard lower, but as wide as the Mouth at Top, and about six fathom deep; we supposed this Water was not a Spring, but dissolved Snow blown in, or Water trickling through the Rocks; about the Sides of the Grott for some Height there is Ice and Isicles hanging down to the Snow.

But the sun had barely risen when clouds began rising so quickly that they blocked our view of the sea and the whole island. Only the mountaintops below us remained visible, seeming to pierce through the clouds. We cannot say whether these clouds ever rise above the Pico. But to people far below, the clouds sometimes seem to hang above the peak, or rather wrap themselves around it. This always happens when the west winds blow. They call this cloud the Cap, and it is a sure sign of coming storms. One of our company made this journey again two years later. He reached the top of the Pico before daylight and crawled under a large stone to shelter from the cold air. After a short time, he found himself wet all over. He realized that water was constantly trickling from the rocks above him. We found many excellent, abundant springs flowing from the tops of most of the other mountains. Their water gushed out in great streams, almost as far as the huge pine tree we mentioned before. After staying a while at the top, we all descended the sandy path to the foot of the Sugar-Loaf. Its slope was almost vertical, and we soon left it behind. Here we found a cave about ten yards deep and fifteen yards wide, shaped like an oven or Cupola. It had an opening at the top nearly eight yards across. We descended through this opening on a rope, which our servants held firmly at the top. With the other end tied around our waists, we swung ourselves over a bank of snow. Then we slid down and landed on the snow. We had to swing during the descent because a round pool of water lay in the middle of the cave floor. This pool was like a well, directly beneath the opening above. Its surface was about a yard below the floor, and it was as wide as the opening above. The pool was about six fathoms deep. We supposed this water came not from a spring, but from melted snow blown inside, or water trickling through the rocks. Ice covered the cave walls up to some height, with icicles hanging down to the snow.

But being quickly weary of this excessive cold Place, and drawn up again, we continued our Descent from the Mountains by the fame Passage we went up the Day before, and so about five in the Evening arrived at Oratava, from whence we set forth; our Faces were so red and sore that to cool them we were forced to wash and bathe them in whites of Eggs: The whole Height of the Pico in Perpendicular is vulgarly esteemed to be two Miles and an half. No Trees, Herbs nor Shrubs did we find in all the Passage, but Pines, and among the whiter Sands a kind of Broom being a bushy Plant: It is the Opinion of some ingenious Persons who have lived twenty Years upon the Place, that the whole Island being a Soil mightily impregnated with Brimstone, did in former Times take Fire, and blow up all or near all at the same Time; and that many Mountains of huge Stones calcined and burnt, which appear all over this Island, especially in the South-West Part of it, were cast up and raised out of the Bowels of the Earth at the Time of that general Conflagration; and that the greatest Quantity of this Sulphur lying about the Center of the Island raised up the Pico to that Height at which it now is seen; which appears by the Situation of those Rocks that lye three or four Miles round the Bottom of the Pico, and in such Order one above another almost to the Sugar-Loaf, as it is called, as if the whole ground swelling and rising up together by the Ascension of the Brimstone, the Torrents and Rivers of it did with a sudden Eruption roul and tumble them down from the rest of the Rocks; especially to the South-West, where from the Top of the Pico to the Sea coast lie huge Heaps of these burnt Rocks one under another, and there still remain the very Tracks of the Brimstone Rivers as they ran over this Quarter, of the Island which Hath so wasted the Ground, beyond Recovery, that nothing can be made to grow there but Broom.

But we quickly tired of this extremely cold place, and after being pulled up again, we continued down the mountains. We took the same route we had climbed the day before. Around five in the evening, we reached Oratava, where we had started. Our faces were so red and sore that we had to wash and bathe them in egg whites to cool them. The total vertical height of the Pico is commonly estimated at two and a half miles. Along the entire route, we found no trees, herbs, or shrubs except pines and a bushy plant called broom. The broom grew among the whiter sands. Some knowledgeable people who have lived on the island for twenty years hold the following opinion. The island’s soil is so rich in sulfur that the whole island once caught fire. All or nearly all of it exploded at the same time. These people believe that the mountains of huge, scorched and burned stones were thrown up from deep within the earth during that great fire. These mountains appear throughout the island, especially in the southwest. They also believe that the largest amount of Sulphur lay near the island’s center and raised the Pico to its present height. They point to the arrangement of the rocks for three or four miles around the foot of the Pico. The rocks lie in layers, one above another, almost up to what is called the Sugar-Loaf. The arrangement looks as if the whole ground swelled and rose together as the sulfur pushed upward. Then, in a sudden eruption, torrents and rivers of sulfur seem to have rolled and tumbled these rocks down from the others. This is especially apparent in the southwest. There, huge heaps of burned rocks lie one below another, from the top of the Pico to the coast. The tracks left by the rivers of sulfur are still visible across this part of the island. The sulfur has ruined the ground beyond recovery, so that nothing can be made to grow there except broom.

1. The wonderful, surprizing and uncommon Voyages and Adventures of Captain Jones to Patagonia, relating His Adventures to Sea, his first Landing, and strange Combat with a mighty Bear, his furious Battle with his six and thirty Men, against an Army of eleven Kings, with their Overthrow and Deaths; his relieving Kemper Castle, his strange and admirable Sea-Fight, with six huge Gallies of Spain, and nine thousand Soldiers; his being taken a Prisoner and hard Usage; his being set at Liberty by the King's Command in Exchange for twenty-four Spanish Captains, and Return for England, A comical Description of Captain Jones's ruby Nose. Part the Second. His incredible Adventures by Sea and Land, particularly his miraculous Deliverance from a Wreck at Sea by the Support of a Dolphin; his several desperate Duels, his Combat with Baadercham, a Giant of the Race of Og, his overcoming the Giant Neerapenny, his Loves with the Queen of Noland, his barely leaving her, his deep Employments and happy Success in Business of State; all which, and more, is but the Title of his own Relation until he grew speechless and died, with his Elegy and Epitaph, the second Edition, adorned with a curious Cut of Captain Jones in Combat with the King of the Giants &c. &c. Price only 1 s.

1. The wonderful, surprising, and unusual voyages and adventures of Captain Jones to Patagonia. This account describes his adventures at sea, his first landing, and his strange fight with a mighty bear. It tells of his furious battle, alongside his thirty-six men, against an army of eleven Kings, ending in their defeat and deaths. It describes his rescue of Kemper Castle and his remarkable sea battle against six huge Spanish galleys and nine thousand soldiers. It recounts his capture and harsh treatment as a prisoner. By the King's command, he was freed in exchange for twenty-four Spanish Captains and returned to England. Also included is a comic description of Captain Jones's ruby-red nose. Part Two. His incredible adventures by sea and land, especially his miraculous rescue from a shipwreck, kept afloat by a dolphin. This part describes his several desperate duels and his fight with Baadercham, a giant of the race of Og. It recounts his defeat of the giant Neerapenny, his romance with the Queen of Noland, and his narrow escape from her. It also describes his heavy involvement and happy success in affairs of state. All this, and more, is merely the title of his own account, continued until he lost his speech and died. His elegy and epitaph are included. The second edition, decorated with a fine engraving of Captain Jones fighting the King of the Giants, etc., etc. Price only one shilling.

2. Low Life, or one half of the World knows not how the other half live, being a critical Account of what is transacted by People of almost all Religions, Nations, Circumstances, and Sizes of Understanding, in the twenty-four Hours, between Saturday Night and Monday Morning; in a true Description of a Sunday, as is usually spent within the Bills of Mortality, calculated for the 21st of June, with an Address to Mr. Hogarth, "let Fancy guess, the rest," Buckingham. The third Edition, adorned with a droll humorous Print of St. Monday. Price only 1s. 6d.

2. Low Life, or One Half of the World Does Not Know How the Other Half Lives. A critical account of what people do during the twenty-four hours between Saturday night and Monday morning. It covers people of almost all religions, nations, circumstances, and levels of intelligence. It gives a true description of how Sunday is usually spent within the Bills of Mortality, London’s death-registration area. The account is calculated for June 21 and includes an address to Mr. Hogarth. "Let imagination guess the rest," Buckingham. Third edition, illustrated with a comical print of St. Monday. Price only 1s. 6d.

3. The secret History of Betty Ireland, who was trepanned into Marriage at the Age of fourteen, and debauched by Beau M—te, &c. &c. A Book full of surprizing Incidents in the gay Life she passed through, her Misfortunes, with her Penitence and sudden Death. This Book is a proper Present to young People, to deter them from such Scenes of Life, that too many of the Young and Gay of both Sexes run into. The seventh Edition, with a beautiful Frontispiece of a Scene in gay Life. Price only 6 d.

3. The Secret History of Betty Ireland, who was tricked into marriage at fourteen and corrupted by Beau M-te, etc., etc. This book is full of surprising events from her life of pleasure, her misfortunes, her repentance, and her sudden death. This book is a suitable gift for young people, to warn them against such a life. Too many pleasure-seeking young people of both sexes fall into that way of life. The seventh edition, with a beautiful illustration at the front showing a scene from a life of pleasure. Price only 6 pence.

4. Tabes Dorsalis, or the Cause of a Consumption in young Men and Women, with an Explication of its Symptoms, Precautions, and the Method of Cure, &c. &c. By a Physician of Bristol. The fourth Edition. Embellished with a curious Frontispiece of a Gentleman and Lady in a deep Consumption. This Book is very proper for all Persons to read in these sickly Times. *** Be careful to ask for Lever's Book against Consumptions. 1 s.

4. Tabes Dorsalis, or the Cause of Consumption in Young Men and Women. With an explanation of its symptoms, precautions, and treatment, etc., etc. By a physician of Bristol. Fourth edition. Illustrated with an unusual frontispiece showing a gentleman and lady suffering from advanced consumption. This book is highly suitable for all readers in these sickly times. *** Be sure to ask for Lever's Book against Consumptions. 1 shilling.

5. The Art of Swimming, illustrated with forty Copper Plate Cuts, which represent the different Postures necessary to be used in that Art, with Advice for Bathing, by Monsieur Thevenot; to which is prefixed a prefatory Discourse, concerning Artificial Swimming, or keeping oneself above Water, by several small portable Engines in Cases of Danger. The second Edition. Price 1s. 6d. sewed, or 2s. bound. N. B. The Cramp is here provided against, by a Method in Swimming that will bring the Person in safety to Shore, for the want of knowing which Secret, thousands of Lives have been lost, as well as the expertest Swimmers, which will now be saved by reading this excellent Book.

5. The Art of Swimming, by Monsieur Thevenot, illustrated with forty copperplate engravings showing the different positions needed for swimming. Includes advice on bathing. The book opens with an introductory discussion of artificial swimming, or staying afloat using small, portable devices in dangerous situations. Second edition. Price: 1s. 6d. stitched, or 2s. bound. N. B. This book provides a way to deal with cramps while swimming and reach shore safely. Thousands of lives, including those of the most expert swimmers, have been lost because they did not know this secret. Those lives will now be saved by reading this excellent book.

6. The Husband forced to be jealous, or the good Fortune of those Women that have jealous Husbands: Being the secret History of several noble Persons, translated from the French. The second Edition, with a handsome Frontispiece of Gentlemen and Ladies. Price only 1s. N. B. This Book is on the Plan of Pamela, Clarissa and Grandison.

6. The Husband Forced to Be Jealous, or the Good Fortune of Women Who Have Jealous Husbands: The secret history of several noble people, translated from French. Second edition, with an attractive illustration of gentlemen and ladies at the front. Price only 1 shilling. Note: This book follows the model of Pamela, Clarissa and Grandison.

7. Pteryplegia, or the Art of Shooting Flying, a Poem, by the ingenious Mr. Markland, A. B. late Fellow of St. John's College in Oxford. The third Edition, with a very rural Frontispiece of a sporting Gentleman going out early in the Morning with his Dog and Gun; shewing the right Position of holding the Gun in shooting flying. Price 1s. *** Be very careful to ask for Lever's Book by Markland, for fear of having the wrong Sort[*].

7. Pteryplegia, or the Art of Shooting Birds in Flight, a poem by the talented Mr. Markland, A. B. He was formerly a Fellow of St. John's College in Oxford. Third edition, with a distinctly rural illustration at the front. It shows a sportsman setting out early in the morning with his dog and gun. The illustration shows the correct position for holding the gun when shooting birds in flight. Price 1 shilling. *** Be very careful to ask for Lever's Book by Markland, to avoid getting the wrong kind[*].

8. Le Jardinier Solitaire. The solitary or Carthusian Gardener, being Dialogues between a Gentleman and a Gardener, containing the Method to make and cultivate all Sorts of Gardens, with many new Experiments therein, and Reflexions on the Culture of Trees. Written in French by Francis Gentil, Lay Brother of the Order of Carthusians, and above thirty Years Gardener to the Charter-house at Paris, in two Parts. ALSO THE COMPLEAT FLORIST, for the universal Culture of Flowers, Trees, and Shrubs, proper to embellish Gardens; with the Way of raising all Sorts of Pastures, Greens, Knots, Porticoes, Columns, and other Ornaments, the whole illustrated by many Cuts, and with the Fable and Moral of each Plant. By the Sieur Lovis Liger D'Auxerre, in three Parts: Price 5s. bound.

8. Le Jardinier Solitaire. The Solitary or Carthusian Gardener, presented as dialogues between a gentleman and a gardener. It explains how to create and cultivate all sorts of gardens, with many new experiments and observations on growing trees. Written in French by Francis Gentil, a lay brother of the Carthusian Order. He was gardener at the Charter-house in Paris for over thirty years. In two parts. ALSO THE COMPLETE FLORIST, covering the cultivation of all flowers, trees, and shrubs suitable for decorating gardens. It also explains how to create all sorts of pastures, lawns, knot gardens, porticoes, columns, and other ornaments. The whole work includes many illustrations, along with the fable and moral associated with each plant. By the Sieur Lovis Liger D'Auxerre, in three parts. Price: 5 shillings, bound.

9. A Parallel of the ancient Architecture with the Modern, in a Collection of ten principal Authors, who have written upon the five Orders, viz. Palladio and Scamozzi, Sertio and Vignola, De Barbaro and Cataneo, L. B. Alberti and Viola, Bullant and De Lorme; the Greek Orders, Doric, Ionic and Corinthian, compose the first Part of this Treatise, and the two Latin, Tuscan and Composite, the latter. Written in French by Roland Freart Sieur de Chambray, made English for the Benefit of Builders. To which is added an Account of Architects and Architecture, by an historical and etymological Explanation of certain Terms, particularly affected by Architects; with Leontista Alberti's Treatise of Statues. By John Evelyn, Esq; Fellow of the Royal Society. The fourth Edition, with the Addition of the Elements of Architecture, collected by Sir Henry Wootten, Knt. from the best Authors and Examples, and also other large Editions. Folio. Price 12 s.

9. A Comparison of Ancient and Modern Architecture, collecting works by ten leading authors who wrote about the five orders of architecture. These authors are Palladio and Scamozzi, Sertio and Vignola, De Barbaro and Cataneo, L. B. Alberti and Viola, Bullant and De Lorme. The Greek orders, Doric, Ionic and Corinthian, make up the first part of this work. The two Latin orders, Tuscan and Composite, make up the second part. Written in French by Roland Freart Sieur de Chambray and translated into English for the benefit of builders. Also included is an account of architects and architecture, explaining the history and origins of terms particularly favored by architects. Leontista Alberti's Treatise on Statues is included as well. By John Evelyn, Esq., Fellow of the Royal Society. The fourth edition adds The Elements of Architecture, collected by Sir Henry Wootten, Knt., from the best authors and examples. Other expanded editions are also included. Folio format. Price 12 shillings.

10. The pious Youths Recreation; or Travels through Godliness, containing a pleasant historical Relation of the Families of Riches and Poverty, Godliness and Labour, wherein the Family Neglects, and Vices of Husbands and Wives, Children and Parents, Masters and Servants, are laid open in familiar Verse, &c. Illustrated with Diversity of Pictures, suited to their several Occasions. Price only 6d. bound in gilt Covers.

10. The Pious Youth’s Recreation, or Travels through Godliness. An entertaining historical account of the families of Riches and Poverty, Godliness and Labour. Simple verse exposes neglected family duties and the vices of husbands and wives, children and parents, masters and servants, etc. Illustrated with a variety of pictures suited to the different situations. Price only sixpence, bound in gilt covers.

11. Theophilus Cibber to David Garrick, Esq; with Dissertations on theatrical Subjects. Octavo. Adorned with droll humorous Cuts. Price 4s. bound.

11. Theophilus Cibber to David Garrick, Esq., with essays on theatrical subjects. Octavo format. Illustrated with amusing, humorous engravings. Price: 4 shillings, bound.

12. Sermons on eleven very Important Subjects. To which is added a celebrated Latin Oration spoken at Cambridge, by the pious Dr. Crowe of Bishopsgate Church London, and Chaplain to his late Majesty King George the Second. Octavo. 4s. bound.

12. Sermons on eleven very important subjects. Also included is a celebrated Latin speech delivered at Cambridge by the devout Dr. Crowe of Bishopsgate Church, London. Dr. Crowe was chaplain to the late King George the Second. Octavo format. 4 shillings, bound.

13. A Latin Grammer, by John Read of Boston in New England. Price 3d. stitched in blue Covers.

13. A Latin Grammar, by John Read of Boston in New England. Price: 3 pence, stitched in blue covers.

14. The Bloody Tribunal, or an Antidote against Popery, being a Review of the Cruelties of the Inquisition, as practised in Spain, Portugal, Italy, and the East and West-Indies, on all those whom the Church of Rome brands with the Name of Hereticks. Extracted from Authors of undoubted Credit, and embellished with Copper Plate Cuts. Octavo. Price 4s. bound.

14. The Bloody Tribunal, or an Antidote against Popery. A review of the Inquisition’s cruelties in Spain, Portugal, Italy, and the East and West-Indies. These cruelties were inflicted on all those whom the Church of Rome labels heretics. Drawn from authors whose reliability is beyond doubt, and illustrated with copperplate engravings. Octavo format. Price: 4 shillings, bound.

15. A plain Address to the Followers and Favourers of the Methodists, by the late Rev. Mr. Anguish of Deptford in Kent. Price 4 d.

15. A plain message to the followers and supporters of the Methodists, by the late Rev. Mr. Anguish of Deptford in Kent. Price: 4 pence.