Chapter I: Part 1

A
JOURNEY
TO THE
World Under-Ground.

BY
_NICHOLAS KLIMIUS_.

Translated from the ORIGINAL.

_LONDON_:

Printed for T. ASTLEY, at the _Rose_ in St.
_Paul_’s _Church-Yard_; and B. COLLINS,
Bookseller, in _Salisbury_.

MDCCXLII.

THE
CONTENTS.

+Chap. I.+ _The Author’s Descent to the subterraneous World_ Page 1

+Chap. II.+ _His Descent upon the Planet_ Nazar 13

+Chap. III.+ _A Description of the City of_ Keba 29

+Chap. IV.+ _The Court of the_ Potuan _Empire_ 43

+Chap. V.+ _Of the Nature of the Country, and the Manners of
the People_ 58

+Chap. VI.+ _Of the Religion of the_ Potuan _Nation_ 64

+Chap. VII.+ _Of their Policy_ 71

+Chap. VIII.+ _Of the Academy_ 91

+Chap. IX.+ _The Author’s Journey round the Planet_ Nazar 102

+Chap. X.+ _The Author’s Banishment to the Firmament_ 171

+Chap. XI.+ _The Author’s Voyage to the Land of Wonders_ 206

+Chap. XII.+ _The Author’s Arrival at_ Quama 235

+Chap. XIII.+ _The Rise of the fifth Monarchy_ 244

+Chap. XIV.+ _The Author is elevated to the Imperial Dignity_ 280

+Chap. XV.+ _The Catastrophe_ 297

+Chap. XVI.+ _The Author’s Return into his own Country_ 309

ABELINE’s _Appendix_ 323

A
JOURNEY
TO THE
World Under-Ground.

CHAP. I

_The Author’s Descent to the subterraneous
World._

In the Year 1664, after I had pass’d my several Examinations in the University of _Copenhagen_, and had deservedly obtained the Character, which is there call’d _Laudable_, by the Votes of my Judges, as well Philosophers as Divines, I prepar’d for my Return into my native Country; and accordingly put myself aboard a Ship bound for _Bergen_ in _Norway_, dignify’d indeed with various Marks of Honour from the Gentlemen of the several Faculties, but in my Fortunes quite impoverish’d. This was an Evil that attended myself as well as several of the _Norway_ Students, who return’d from the Study of the Arts and Sciences into their own Country stript of all they were worth. As we had a pretty brisk Gale, after a Voyage of six Days we arrived at _Bergen_ Harbour. Being thus restor’d to my Country, something wiser indeed, tho’ by no Means richer, I was supported for a Time at the Expence of my near Relations, and led a precarious Sort of Life, yet not altogether indolent and inactive. For in order to clear up by Experience some Points of natural Philosophy, the Study I had devoted myself to, I rambled over every Corner of the Province, with an insatiable Curiosity, to explore the Nature of the Earth, and to search into the very Bowels of our Mountains. No Rock so steep but I climb’d it; no Cavern so hideous and deep, but I made a Descent into it, to try if haply I could discover any Thing curious and worthy the Inquiry of a Philosopher. For there are a Multitude of Things in our Country of _Norway_, hardly ever seen or heard of, which if _France_, _Italy_, _Germany_, or any other Country so fruitful of the Marvellous, could boast of, nothing wou’d be more talk’d of, nothing more sifted and examin’d.

Among those Things, which to me appear’d most worthy of Observation, there was a large and deep Cave upon the Top of that Mountain which the Natives call _Floïen_. And because the Mouth of the Cave us’d to send forth a gentle murmuring Sound, and that too by Intervals, as if by its frequent Sighs its Jaws were now shut, and now open’d; hence the _Literati_ of _Bergen_, and particularly the celebrated Master _Abeline_, and Master _Edward_, one of our first Geniuses in Astronomy and natural Philosophy, imagin’d this Affair highly worthy of a philosophical Inquiry; and since they themselves were too old for such an Enterprize, they excited the younger Inhabitants to a closer Examination of the Nature of the Cavern; especially as at stated Intervals, after the Manner of human Respiration, the Sound being sometime with-held issued out with a certain proportional Force.

What with these Discourses, and what with my own natural Inclination, I form’d a Design of entring into this Cavern, and communicated my Intention to some of my Friends. But they by no Means approv’d of it, plainly declaring, that it was a wild and frantick Undertaking. But all they cou’d say, so far was it from extinguishing, that it did not even damp the Ardour of my Mind; and their Advices, instead of weakning, administred Fuel to my Curiosity. For that Eagerness with which I pursued the Study of Nature inspir’d me to face every Danger, and the Straightness of my private Circumstances gave a Spur to my natural Inclination. For my own Substance was quite wasted, and it seem’d to me the greatest Hardship to live in a State of Dependance, in a Country where all Hopes of Preferment were cut off, where I beheld myself condemned to Poverty, and every Avenue to Honour and Advantage entirely stopp’d, unless I would make my Way by some flagrant Act of Dishonour or Immorality.

Thus resolv’d, and having got together what was requisite for such an Exploit, upon a _Thursday_ Morning, when the Heavens were all serene and cloudless, I left the City soon after Twilight, to the End that having finish’d my Observations, I might return again that same Day; because, being ignorant of Futurity, it was not possible I shou’d foresee that I, like another _Phaeton_,

_Volverer in præceps, longoque per aëra tractu_,

should be flung upon another World, not to revisit my native Soil, till after a ten Years Peregrination.

This Expedition was undertaken in the Year of our Lord 1665, _John Munthe_, and _Lawrence Severini_ being Consuls of _Bergen_, and _Christiern Bertholdi_ and _Lawrence Scandio_ being Senators. I went out attended by four Fellows I had hir’d, who brought with them such Ropes and Iron Crooks as would be necessary to descend by. We went directly to _Sanduic_, the most commodious Way to climb the Mountain. Having with Difficulty reach’d the Top, we came to the Place where was the fatal Cave, and being tir’d with so troublesome a Journey, we all sat down to Breakfast. ’Twas then my Mind, foreboding as it were the approaching Evil, first began to be dismay’d. Therefore turning to my Companions, “Will any one, says I, undertake this Task?” But no Reply being made, my Ardour, that had languish’d, kindled anew. I order’d them to fasten the Rope about me, and thus equipp’d, I commended my Soul to Almighty God. Being now just ready to be let down, I gave my Companions to understand what I would have done, _viz._ that they should continue letting down the Rope till they heard me cry out, upon which Signal they should stop, and if I persisted to cry out, that then they shou’d immediately draw me up again. In my right hand I held my Harpoon, or Iron Hook, an Instrument that might be of Use to me to remove whatever might obstruct my Passage, and also to keep my Body suspended equally between the Sides of the Cavern. But scarce had I descended so low as about ten or twelve Cubits, when the Rope broke. This Accident was discover’d to me by the sudden Outcries of the Men I had hir’d. But their Noise soon died away; for with an amazing Velocity I was hurry’d down into the Abyss, and like a second _Pluto_, allowing my Harpoon to be a Sceptre,

_Labor, & icta viam tellus ad Tartara fecit._

For about the fourth Part of an Hour (as near as I cou’d guess, considering the great Consternation I must be in) I was in total Darkness, and in the very Bosom of Night; when at length a thin small Light, like Twilight, broke in upon me, and I beheld at last a bright serene Firmament. I ignorantly thought therefore, that either by the Repercussion or opposite Action of the subterraneous Air, or that by the Force of some contrary Wind, I had been thrown back, and that the Cave had vomited me up again. But neither the Sun which I then survey’d, nor the Heavens, or heavenly Bodies, were at all known to me, since they were considerably less than those of ours. I concluded therefore, that either all that whole Mass of new Heavens existed solely in Imagination, excited by the Vertigo my Head had undergone, or else that I was arriv’d at the Mansions of the Blessed. But this last Opinion I soon rejected with Scorn, since I view’d myself arm’d with a Harpoon, and dragging a mighty Length of Rope after me, knowing full well, that a Man just going to Paradise has no Occasion for a Rope or a Harpoon, and that the cœlestial Inhabitants cou’d not possibly be pleas’d with a Dress, which look’d as if I intended, after the Example of the _Titans_, to take Heaven by Violence, and to expel them from their divine Abodes. At last after the maturest Consideration, I fell to imagining, that I was sunk into the subterraneous World, and that the Conjectures of those Men are right who hold the Earth to be concave, and that within the Shell or outward Crust there is another lesser Globe, and another Firmament adorn’d with lesser Sun, Stars, and Planets. And the Event discover’d that this Conjecture was right.

That Violence with which I was hurry’d headlong, had now continued for some Time, when at length I perceived that it languish’d gradually in Proportion to my Approach towards a certain Planet, which was the first Thing I met with. That same Planet increas’d so sensibly in Bulk or Magnitude, that at last, without much Difficulty, I cou’d plainly distinguish Mountains, Vallies, and Seas, through that thicker Atmosphere with which it was surrounded.

—_Sicut avis quæ circum littora, circum
Piscosos scopulos humilis volat æquora juxta,
Haud aliter terras inter cœlumque volabam._

Then I perceiv’d that I did not only swim in a cœlestial Matter or Æther, but that my Motion which had hitherto been perpendicular, was now alter’d into a circular one. At this my Hair stood on End; for I was full of Apprehension lest I should be transform’d into a Planet, or into a Satellite of the neighbouring Planet, and so be whirl’d about in an everlasting Rotation. But when I reflected, that by this Metamorphosis my Dignity would suffer no great Diminution, and that a heavenly Body, or at least an Attendant upon a heavenly Body, would surely move with equal Solemnity to a famish’d Philosopher, I took Courage again, especially when I found from the Benefit of that pure cœlestial Æther, that I was no longer prest by Hunger or Thirst. Yet upon recollecting that I had in my Pocket some of that Sort of Bread which the People of _Bergen_ call _Bolken_, and which is of an oval or oblong Figure, I resolv’d to take it out, and make an Experiment whether in this Situation I had any Appetite. But at the first Bite perceiving it was quite nauseous, I threw it away as a Thing to all Intents and Purposes useless. The Bread thus cast away was not only suspended in Air, but (what was very marvellous to behold) it describ’d a little circular Motion round my own Body. And from thence I learnt the true Laws of Motion, by which it comes to pass, that all Bodies plac’d in Æquilibrium naturally affect a circular Motion. Upon this, instead of deploring my Wretchedness, as I had done, for being thus the Sport of Fortune, I began to plume a little, finding that I was not only a simple Planet, but such a Planet as wou’d have a perpetual Attendant conforming itself to my Motions, insomuch that I should have the Honour to be reckon’d in the Number of the greater heavenly Bodies or Stars of the first Magnitude. And to confess my Weakness, so elated was I, that if I had then met any of our Consuls or Senators of _Bergen_, I should have receiv’d them with a supercilious Air, should have regarded them as Atoms, and accounted them unworthy to be saluted or honoured with a Touch of my Harpoon.

For almost three Days I remain’d in this Condition. For as without any Intermission I was whirl’d about the Planet that was next me, I could distinguish Day from Night; and observing the subterraneous Sun to rise, and set, and retire gradually out of my Sight, I could easily perceive when it was Night, tho’ it was not altogether such as it is with us. For at Sun-set the whole Face of the Firmament appear’d of a bright Purple, not unlike the Countenance of our Moon sometimes. This I took to be occasion’d by the inner Surface of our Earth, which borrow’d that Light from the subterraneous Sun, which Sun was plac’d in the Center. This Hypothesis I fram’d to myself, being not altogether a Stranger to the Study of Astronomy.

But while I was thus amus’d with the Thoughts of being in the Neighbourhood of the Gods, and was congratulating myself as a new Constellation, together with my Satellite that surrounded me, and hop’d in a short Time to be inserted in the Catalogue of Stars by the Astronomers of the neighbouring Planet, behold! an enormous winged Monster hover’d near me, sometimes on this Side, now on that Side, and by and by over my Head. At first View I took it for one of the twelve heavenly Signs in this new World, and accordingly hop’d, that, if the Conjecture was right, it would be that of _Virgo_, since out of the whole Number of the twelve Signs, that alone could yield me, in my unhappy Solitude, some Delight and Comfort. But when the Figure approach’d nearer to me, it appear’d to be a grim, huge Griffin. So great was my Terror, that unmindful of my starry Dignity, to which I was newly advanc’d, in that Disorder of my Soul, I drew out my University-Testimonium, which I happen’d to have in my Pocket, to signify to this terrible Adversary that I had pass’d my academical Examination, that I was a graduate Student, and could plead the Privilege of my University against any one that should attack me. But my Disorder beginning to cool, when I came to myself, I could not but condemn my Folly. For it was yet a Matter of Doubt to what Purpose this Griffin should approach me, whether as an Enemy, or a Friend; or, what is more likely, whether led by the sole Novelty of the Thing, he had only a Mind to feast his Curiosity. For the Sight of a human Creature whirling about in Air, bearing in his right Hand an Harpoon, and drawing after him a great Length of Rope like a Tail, was really a Phænomenon which might excite even a brute Creature to behold the Spectacle. For the unusual Figure I then exhibited, gave to the Inhabitants of the Globe, round which I revolv’d, an Occasion of divers Conjectures and Conversations concerning me, as I afterwards learn’d; for the Philosophers and Mathematicians would have me to be a Comet, being positive that my Rope was the Tail; and some there were, who from the Appearance of so rare a Meteor, prognosticated some impending Misfortune, a Plague, a Famine, or some other such extraordinary Catastrophe: Some also went further, and delineated my Figure, such as it appear’d to them at that Distance, in very accurate Drawings; so that I was describ’d, defin’d, painted and engrav’d before ever I touch’d their Globe. All this I afterward heard with no small Pleasure, and even Laughter, when I was convey’d to that Planet, and had learn’d their Language.

It must be noted, that sometimes there appear new Stars, which the Subterraneans call _Sciscisi_, or blazing Stars, which they describe as something looking horrid with fiery Hair, and, after the Manner of our Comets, bushy on the Top, so as that it projects in Form of a long Beard; and these, as in our World, so in that, they are reckon’d ominous.

But to resume my History. The Griffin advanc’d so near at last, as to incommode me by the Flapping of his Wings, and even did not scruple to attack my Leg with his Teeth, so that now it openly appear’d with what Disposition he pursu’d me. Upon this I began to attack this troublesome Animal with Arms, and grasping my Harpoon with both my Hands, I soon curb’d the Insolence of my Foe, obliging him to look about for a Way to escape; and at last, since he persisted to annoy me, I darted my Harpoon with such a Force into the Back of the Animal between his Wings, that I could not pull it out again. The wounded Griffin, setting up a horrible Cry, fell headlong upon the Planet. As for myself, quite weary of this starry Station, this new Dignity, which I saw expos’d to infinite Hazards and Evils,

_Arbitrio volucris rapior, quoque impetus egit
Huc sine lege ruo, longoque per aera tractu
In terram feror, ut de cœlo stella sereno,
Etsi non cecidit, potuit cecidisse videri._

And now this circular Motion I had describ’d alter’d once more into a perpendicular one. And being for some Time agitated and tost with great Violence by the opposite Motions of a thicker Air, at length by an easy, gentle Descent, I alighted upon the aforesaid Planet, together with the Griffin, who soon after died of his Wound.

It was Night when I was convey’d to that Planet. This I could gather from the sole Absence of the Sun, and not from the Darkness; for there still remained so much Light, as that I could distinctly read my University-Testimonium by it. That Light by Night arises from the inward Surface of our Earth, whose Surface reflects a Light like that of the Moon among us. And hence, with respect to Light alone, there is little Difference between the Nights and Days, only that the Sun is absent, and his Absence makes the Nights a little colder.

CHAP. II.

_His Descent upon the Planet_ Nazar.

Having thus finish’d this airy Voyage, and being set down upon the Planet without the least Hurt, I lay for a considerable Time without Motion, waiting till Day-break for the Event. ’Twas then I found the usual Infirmities of Nature return, and that I stood in great Need of Sleep as well as Food, insomuch that I repented I had so rashly discarded my Loaf of Bread.

My Mind thus oppress’d with various Anxieties, at length I fell into a profound Sleep, and had slept (as near as I could guess) two Hours, when a horrible Bellowing interrupting my Sleep, at length entirely dispell’d it. A strange Variety of Notions had fill’d my Brain during this Sleep. I thought I was returned into _Norway_, and holding forth among the Students according to Custom; and at one Time I imagin’d I heard the Voice of the Deacon _Nicolas Andreas_ chanting in the Church of _Fanöen_, just out of the City, and that it was the Noise of his Voice, which according to Custom had so cruelly wounded my Ears. And agreeably to this, when I awoke, I really thought it was his horrid Voice that had disturb’d me. But when I saw a Bull standing near me, then, indeed, I concluded my Rest had been broke by his Bellowing. Presently throwing my Eyes around me, the Sun now rising, I beheld every where green, fertile Plains and Fields; some Trees also appeared, but (what was most amazing) they moved; tho’ such was the Silence and Stillness of the Air at that Time, that it would not have moved the lightest Feather from its Place. Immediately the Bull came roaring at me, and I in my Terror and Consternation seeing a Tree just by me, attempted to climb it; but when I got up into it, it uttered a fine small Voice, tho’ something shrill, and not unlike an angry Lady’s; and presently I receiv’d, as it were from the swiftest Hand, such a Blow as quite stunn’d me, and laid me prostrate on the Ground. I was almost expiring with this Thunderbolt of a Stroke, when I heard certain confus’d Murmurings round me, like those in great Markets, or upon full Change. Having opened my Eyes, I beheld all about me a whole Grove of Trees, all in Motion, all animated, and the Plain overspread with Trees and Shrubs, tho’ just before there were not above six or seven. ’Tis not to be express’d what Disorders this produced in my Understanding, and how much my Mind was shock’d with these Delusions: Sometimes I thought I must certainly dream; sometimes I thought I was haunted by Spectres and evil Spirits, and twenty absurder Things did I imagine; but I had no Time to examine these Machines, or to inquire into their Causes; for presently another Tree advancing to me, let down one of its Branches, which had at the Extremity of it six large Buds in the Manner of Fingers. With these the Tree took me up from the Ground, and carried me off, attended by a Multitude of other Trees of various Kinds and different Sizes, all which kept muttering certain Sounds, articulately indeed, but in a Tone too foreign for my Ears, so that I could not possibly retain any Thing of them, except these two Words, _Pikel Emi_, which I heard them very often repeat. By these Words (as I afterward understood) was meant, _A Monkey of an odd Shape_; because from the Make of my Body, and Manner of Dress, they conjectur’d I was a Monkey, tho’ of a Species different from the Monkeys of that Country. Others took me for an Inhabitant of the Firmament, and that some great Bird had transported me hither; a Thing that had once before happened, as the History or Annals of that Globe can testify. But all these Things I understood not till after the Space of some Months, in which Time I became acquainted with the subterranean Language. For in my present Circumstances, what thro’ Fear, and what through the Disorder of my Intellects, I was quite regardless of myself, nor could conceive how there could be any such Thing as living and speaking Trees, nor to what Purpose was this Procession, which was very slow and solemn. But yet the Voices and Murmurs with which all the Plains echoed seemed to indicate Anger and Indignation; and in good Truth it was not without ample Reason that they had conceived this Resentment against me; for that very Tree, which I climb’d up in my Flight from the Bull, was the Wife of the Prætor, or principal Magistrate of the next City; and so the Quality of the Person injur’d aggravated the Crime; for it look’d as if I had a Mind to violate not a Female of mean and plebeian Birth, but a Matron of prime Rank, which was a most detested Spectacle to a People of so venerable a Modesty as these were. At length we arrived at the City to which I was led Captive. This City was equally remarkable for its stately Edifices, and for the elegant Order and Proportion of the Streets and Highways; so lofty were the Houses, that they resembled so many Towers; the Streets too were full of walking Trees, which by letting down their Branches saluted each other as they met, and the greater Number of Branches or Boughs they dropt, the greater was the Compliment. Thus when an Oak went out of one of the most eminent Houses, the rest of the Trees drew back at his Approach, and let down every one of their Branches; from whence it was easy to infer, that that Oak was far above the vulgar Sort; and, indeed, I soon understood that it was the Prætor himself, and the very Person whose Wife I was said to have so highly affronted. Forthwith they hurried me to the Prætor’s House; upon my Entrance into which, the Doors were immediately lock’d and bolted upon me, so that I look’d upon myself as one condemn’d to a Gaol. What greatly contributed to this Fear was, that there were three Guards plac’d without, like Centinels, each of them arm’d with six Axes, according to the Number of their Branches; for as many Branches as they had, so many Arms they had; and as many Buds at the Extremities, so many Fingers. I observed, that on the Top of the Trunks or Bodies of the Trees their Heads were plac’d, not at all unlike human Heads; and instead of Roots, I saw two Feet, and those very short, by Reason of which the Pace they us’d was almost as slow as that of a Tortoise; so that had I been at Liberty, it had been very easy for me to have escap’d their Hands, since my Motion was perfect Flying compar’d to theirs.

To be short, I now plainly perceived, that the Inhabitants of this Globe were Trees, and that they were endued with Reason; and I was lost in Wonder at that Variety in which Nature wantons in the Formation of her Creatures. These Trees do by no Means equal ours in Height, scarce any of them exceeding the common and ordinary Stature of a Man; some indeed were less; these one would call Flowers or Shrubs; and such I conjectur’d were Youths and Infants.

Words cannot express into what a Labyrinth of Thought these strange Appearances threw me, how many Sighs they extorted from me, and how passionately I longed after the dear Place of my Nativity. For altho’ these Trees seemed to me to be sociable Creatures, to enjoy the Benefit of Language, and to be endued with a certain Degree or Portion of Reason, insomuch that they had a Right to be inserted in the Class of rational Animals, yet I much doubted whether they could be compar’d to Men; I could not bring myself to think, that Justice, Mercy, and the other moral Virtues had any Residence among them. Rack’d with these Thoughts, my Bowels yearned, and Rivers of Tears flowed down my Cheeks. But while I was thus indulging my Grief, and pouring out my silent Complaints in such unmanly Sorrows, the Guards entered my Chamber, whom I looked upon as so many _Roman_ Lictors, considering the Axes they bore. These marching before me, I was led thro’ the City to a very lofty Dome in the Center of the _Forum_, or great Market-Place. I seemed to myself to be greater than a _Roman_ Consul, and to have obtained the Honour of a Dictator; for there were but twelve Axes attended the Consuls, whereas I was attended by eighteen. On the folding Doors of the Dome, to which I was led, a Figure of Justice was carved, holding a Pair of Scales with her Branches or Arms: This Image had a Virgin-Air, an earnest Look, a piercing Sight, with a certain venerable Dejection that made her appear not too proud, nor yet too humble. This Place I clearly perceived was the Senate-House. Being introduced into Court, the Floor of which shone with Marble of tessellated or _Mosaic_ Workmanship; I there beheld a Tree seated on a Golden Tribunal, with twelve Associates sitting on either Hand on so many Benches in the most exact and elegant Order. The President on the Tribunal was a Palm-Tree, of a middling Stature, but easily distinguish’d from the rest of the Assistants, by the great Variety of her Leaves, which were of various Dyes: The inferior Officers, to the Number of twenty-four, guarded each Side, all armed with six Axes apiece. A most tremendous Prospect! since from so much Armour it was natural to infer they were a People that delighted in Blood.

The Senators, at my Entrance, extended their Branches toward the Skies; which Ceremony being ended, they sat down again; and being all seated, I was brought to the Bar between two Trees, whose Trunks or Bodies were covered with Sheep-Skins. I suspected they were Lawyers, and such in good Truth they were. Before they began to plead, the President wrapt his Head in a Garment of a dark Colour. One of these Advocates made a very short Speech, which he thrice repeated; to which the other Advocate replied with equal Brevity: These Pleadings were followed by a Silence of Half an Hour: Then the President, removing the Covering from her Head, rose up, and again extending her Branches toward the Sky, pronounc’d certain Words, which I supposed contained my Sentence; for at the End of the Speech I was dismiss’d back to my old Prison, and confin’d there, as I guess’d, to be in Readiness to be brought forth to Punishment.

Being left alone, and revolving in my Memory every Thing that had happened, I could not forbear smiling at the Stupidity of this People; for they seemed rather to be acting a Play than exercising Justice, and every Thing I had seen, their Gesture, their Dress, and Method of Proceeding seem’d to favour more of the Buffoonery of the Stage, than the awful Tribunal of Justice. Then I congratulated the Happiness of our World, and the Superiority of the _Europeans_ to all others. But tho’ I arraigned the Folly and Dulness of this subterraneous Nation, yet I was forced to own that they ought to be distinguished from the Brute Creation; for the Elegance of the City, the Symmetry of the Buildings, with several other Particulars, loudly proclaimed that these Trees were not devoid of Reason, nor altogether ignorant of the Arts, especially Mechanicks; but then it was in this alone that I thought all their Virtues, all their whole Perfection consisted.

While I was holding this silent Conference with myself, a Tree enters holding a Lancet in his Hand; who unbuttoning my Bosom, and making bare my Arm, opened the middle Vein quite like an Artist. When he had drawn as much Blood as he thought sufficient, he bound up my Arm with equal Dexterity. This being performed, he inspected the Blood with the deepest Attention; and being perfectly satisfied, he walked away in a Kind of silent Admiration: All this confirmed me in the Opinion I had entertained of the Stupidity of this Nation. But as soon as I had thoroughly learnt the subterranean Language, and all these Things had been explained to me, my Disdain was turned into Admiration. The Proceedings at Law, which I had so rashly condemned, were thus explained. From the Make of my Body, they inferred I was an Inhabitant of the Firmament. I appeared to have attempted the Chastity of an honourable Matron, and one of prime Quality. For this Crime I was dragged to the Bar of Justice. One of the Advocates or Lawyers aggravated the Crime, demanding the Punishment due by Law; the other requested not that the Punishment should be remitted, but only that it should be deferr’d, till it could be discover’d what, and who I was, and of what Country; whether a brute Animal, or a rational one. Moreover I learnt, that the Action of the Judges extending their Branches towards Heaven, was the ordinary Ceremony of Religion before they proceeded to Trial. The Lawyers were all covered with Sheep-Skins, as Emblems of Innocence and Impartiality in the Management of their Causes; and indeed all the Lawyers here were Men of Probity; which shews that in a well-constituted Government it is not impossible, but that there may be honest Lawyers. So severe were the Laws against knavish Advocates, that Fraud and foul Play could not escape Detection, Perfidiousness could find no Shelter, Slander no Mercy, Impudence no Countenance, and Deceit no Impunity. The three-fold Repetition of Words was made use of to assist the Slowness of their Perception, in which the Natives of this Globe were distinguished from all others; for very few could comprehend what they had only cursorily read, or understand what they had only once heard. Those whose forward Capacities took a Thing presently, were deem’d defective in Judgment, and therefore it was seldom that such were admitted to any weighty Posts or Offices; for they had learnt by Experience, that the Government had been endanger’d when in the Hands of those who were quick of Apprehension, and who were commonly styl’d great Geniuses; but that those of slower Capacities had restored to Order what the others had thrown into Confusion. These Things were Paradoxes to me, yet upon a more serious Recollection, they seemed not altogether absurd. But the History of the President fill’d me with the greatest Astonishment. She was a Virgin, and a Native of that City, and by the then reigning Sovereign was appointed _Kaki_, or supreme Judge in the City: For among these People there was no Difference of Sexes observed in the Distribution of publick Posts; but an Election being made, the Affairs of the Republick were committed to the wisest and most worthy. And in order to form a right Judgment of the Proficience, or of the intellectual Endowments of every one, there were proper Seminaries instituted, the chief Directors of which were styl’d _Karatti_ (a Word that strictly signifies Inquisitors.) It was their Office to inspect into every one’s Abilities, to inquire nicely into the Genius of the Youth, and after such Inquiry to transmit annually to their Prince an Account or List of such as were to be admitted to all Duties and Posts of Government, and to point out at the same Time, in what Particular every one of them was most likely to be of Service to the State. The Prince upon the Receipt of such Catalogue ordered their Names to be inscrib’d in a Book, that he might never be at a Loss what Sort of Persons to prefer to the vacant Posts. The aforesaid Virgin four Years before had obtained a most honourable Testimonial from the _Karatti_, and upon that Account was by the Sovereign appointed President of the City in which she was born. This Rule they observe constantly and inviolably, because they believe that the Welfare of any Place will be best consulted and pursued by those who are Natives of it. _Palmka_ (that was the Name of the Virgin) for the Space of three Years govern’d this truly _Spartan_ Commonwealth with the highest Applause, and was esteem’d the wisest Tree in all the City; for so great was her Dulness of Apprehension, that she hardly ever conceiv’d a Thing without its being thrice or four times repeated. But what she once apprehended she thoroughly understood, and with such Acumen solv’d every Difficulty in it, that her Decrees were deem’d so many Oracles.

_Novit enim justum gemina suspendere lance
Ancipitis libræ, rectum discrevit, ubi inter
Curva subit, vel cum fallit pede regula raro._

And hence there were no judicial Decrees of hers during her Administration of Justice, which were not confirmed and applauded by the High Court of Justice at _Potu_, the Capital of the Empire: Therefore the Institution in Favour of the weaker Sex, which at first View I had condemn’d, had nothing absurd in it upon a more accurate Review. Bless me! thought I, what if the Wife of our Mayor of _Bergen_ were to sit in Judgment instead of her Husband? What if the Daughter of Counsellor _Severini_, that all-accomplish’d young Lady, were to plead at the Bar instead of her stupid Father? Our Laws would never receive the least Dishonour from them, nor would Justice be so often violated. Moreover, I was of Opinion, since in the _European_ Courts of Law, Causes were so soon determin’d, that such sudden and hasty Determinations, were they to undergo a strict Scrutiny, would by no Means pass without Censure. To proceed to explain some other Things. The Reason of the _Venæ-section_ or Letting Blood, I understood to be this: When any one was convicted of a Crime, instead of whipping, maiming, or capital Punishments, he was condemned to the _Venæ-section_, that is, to have a Vein open’d, by which it should appear, whether his Crime proceeded from Malice, or from the vitiated Blood, and whether by such an Operation he could be cur’d. So that these Courts of Justice regarded the Amendment, rather than the Punishment of the Offender. Yet the very Method of Amendment had a Sort of Punishment in it, because it was a Mark of Ignominy to undergo this Operation by judicial Sentence. If any one fell a second Time into the same Crime, he was deem’d an unworthy Member of the State, and as such was to be _banish’d to the Firmament_, where all were receiv’d without Distinction. But of this sort of Exile we shall enlarge hereafter. Then as to the Reason why upon the Opening of my Vein the Chirurgeon was so astonish’d at the Sight of my Blood, it was this, namely, that the Natives of this Globe had a white fluid Juice in their Veins. And the whiter this was, so much the greater Mark it bore of Innocence and Probity.

All these Things, when I had perfectly learn’d the subterranean Tongue, I thoroughly understood, and thenceforward began to form a milder Judgment of a People I had too hastily censur’d. And tho’ at first I was of Opinion that these Trees were excessively stupid and brutish, yet I soon found Reason to think that they were not altogether destitute of Humanity, and that therefore I was in no Danger of my Life. And what confirm’d me in this was, that twice a Day I saw my Food duly brought me. This Food consisted of Fruits, Herbs, and Pulse, and my Drink was a Liquor the most delicious and grateful I ever tasted.

The Magistrate, in whose Custody I was, soon sent Advice to the Sovereign of the Empire, who resided at _Potu_, (not far from this City) that a certain rational Animal, of a very unusual Make, had fallen into his Hands. The Sovereign, excited by the Novelty of the Thing, gave Orders that I should be instructed in their Language, and then sent to Court. Hereupon I had a Language Master appointed me, under whose Care in the Space of six Months I made so great a Proficiency, that I was enabled to converse pretty readily with the Natives. After having pass’d thro’ this first Exercise, a new Order arriv’d from Court, concerning my farther Instruction, by which I was commanded to be enter’d into the Seminary, that the natural Powers of my Understanding might be enquir’d into by the _Karatti_, and in what Kind of Learning I gave the most hopeful Promises of Success. All this was done with great Exactness. While I was performing my Exercises here, they were as careful of my Body as they were of my Mind, and particularly, they us’d their utmost Art to bring me into their own Shape, and accordingly they skilfully fitted artificial Branches to my Body.

During this, the Magistrate, at whose House I lodg’d, every Evening as I return’d from the Seminary, enter’d into various Conferences with me. He heard me with the utmost Pleasure descanting on those Things that had occur’d to me in this subterranean Tour. But he was above Measure amaz’d at the Description I gave him of our Earth, and of that immense Heaven that surrounded it, studded with infinite Stars. All this he heard with the utmost Avidity. But it kindled his Blushes, when I told him of the Trees of our Globe, which were lifeless, immoveable, and fastened by the Roots to the Ground; nay, he beheld me with some Resentment, when I attested that our Trees were cut down for Fuel to heat our Furnaces and dress our Provisions. But considering the Thing more gravely, his Indignation subsided, and extending his five Branches to the Skies (for so many he had) he ador’d the Wisdom of the great Creator, whose Ways are past finding out; and henceforward he heard me with still greater Attention. His Wife, who had hitherto avoided me, when she learnt the true Reason for which I was brought to Judgment, and that I was deceiv’d in the Appearance of a Tree, which in our Country ’twas a customary Thing to climb, now laid aside all Suspicion, and was entirely reconciled. But yet, that I might not at the Beginning of our Reconciliation open an old Wound, I declin’d all Conversation with her, unless in the Presence, and at the express Command of her Husband.

CHAP. III.

_A Description of the City of_ Keba.

In the mean while, and during the Course of this Discipline under the _Karatti_, my Host walk’d me about the City to shew me whatever was curious and observable. We walk’d up and down without any Molestation, and what was more to be admir’d, without any crowding or jostling; quite otherwise than it is with us, where People flock in Heaps to any Thing that is new and uncommon, that they may feast their Curiosity. For the Inhabitants of this Planet have very little Taste for Novelty, and pursue only solid Things. The Name of this City is _Keba_, and it is the second in Dignity of the whole _Potuan_ Empire. The Inhabitants are so sedate and grave, you would swear they were all Senators. Age is particularly honourable here; nor is there a profounder Deference and Veneration any where paid it; for it carries Authority not only in its Sentiments, but in its Looks and Nods. But I much wonder’d that a Nation so sober, so modest as this, should be delighted with Comedies and certain ludicrous Shews and Spectacles that were there exhibited. This did not seem to suit with so much Gravity. Which my Host perceiving, Through all these Dominions, says he, the Subjects divide their Time between Things serious and Things of a gayer Turn,

_Saturnumq; gravem nostro Jove frangimus una._

For, among other laudable Institutions of this Empire, there is an Indulgence of innocent Pleasures, by which it is believ’d the Soul is strengthen’d, and prepar’d to sustain the more arduous Duties, and by which those black Clouds of Melancholy are dispell’d, which are thought to be the Sources of Riots, Seditions, and pernicious Counsels. Therefore they chequer the severer Toils with Sports and Plays, so happily tempering Seriousness with Pleasantry, that the first cannot degenerate into Sourness, nor the latter into Impertinence. But it was not without Indignation I observ’d that School-Disputations do there make a Part of the Shews and Theatrical Performances. For at set Times of the Year, Wagers being laid, and a Reward assign’d to the Conquerors, the Disputants engage like a Couple of Gladiators, and much upon the same Terms that fighting Cocks or any such battling Animals do among us. Hence it was a Custom among the Great, to maintain a Set of Disputants, as we do a Pack of Hounds, and to give them a logical Education, that they may be fit for Engagement at the stated Times of the Year. Thus a certain wealthy Citizen in three Years Time had made prodigious Gains, even to the Sum of 4000 _Ricatu_, from one Disputant, whom he maintained for that Purpose. This Disputant, with an amazing Volubility of Tongue,

_Diruit, ædificat, mutat quadrata rotundis_,

By ensnaring Syllogisms and every Artifice of Logick, by Distinctions, Reservations, and Exceptions, eluded every Opponent, and silenc’d whom he would. I was often present at these Entertainments, and that with no small Vexation. For it seem’d to me a horrid and shameful Thing, that such noble Exercises, which give Lustre to our Schools, should here be prostituted on the Stage. And when I call’d to Mind, that I myself with the highest Applause had disputed in Publick, and had obtained the Laurel, I could scarce withhold my Tears. And not only the Dispute, but the Method of disputing incensed me. For they hir’d certain Stimulators, in their Language _Cabalci_, who when they observ’d the Ardor of the Disputants to flag, just prick’d their Sides with Lancets to re-kindle it, and to rally their declining Spirits. Other Things thro’ Shame I omit, which in so polish’d a Nation I could not but condemn. Besides these Disputants, call’d in their Tongue, by way of Contempt, _Masbaki_, that is strictly, Wranglers, there were other Trials of Skill between Beasts, both of the wild and tame Kind, and also between Birds of Prey, which were exhibited to the Spectators at a certain Price. I begg’d to know of my Host, how it was possible that so judicious a Nation could think of leaving to the Theatre those noble Exercises, whereby a Faculty of Speaking is acquir’d, Truth is discover’d, and the Understanding sharpen’d? He reply’d, that formerly these Exercises were in high Reputation among their barbarous Ancestors; but since they had been convinc’d by Experience, That Truth was rather stifled by Disputes, that their Youth were render’d petulant and forward thereby, that Disturbances arose from them, and that the more generous Studies were so much the more fetter’d, they turn’d over these Exercises from the University to the Playhouse; and the Event has shew’d us, that by Reading, Silence, and Meditation, the Students now make far greater Advances in Learning. With this Reply, tho’ very specious, I was not however altogether satisfy’d.

In this City there was an Academy or School, where with the utmost Decency and Solidity the Liberal Arts were taught. My Host introduc’d me into the Auditory of this School on a particular Day, when a _Madic_, or Doctor of Philosophy, was to be created. The whole Ceremony was this: The Candidate made a learned and elegant Dissertation upon a Problem in natural Philosophy, which being ended, the Governors of the School inserted his Name in the Register of Doctors, who from thence had Authority to teach publickly. My Host asking how I liked it? I answer’d that it appear’d to me a mighty dry Business in Comparison of our Promotions. Then I explain’d to him how Masters and Doctors were created among us, namely, by exhibiting certain Specimens of their Skill in Disputation. At this, contracting his Brows, he desir’d to know the Nature of our Disputations, and in what they differ from the subterranean. I reply’d, that they were usually upon curious and learned Subjects, particularly such as relate to the Manners, Language, or Dress of two ancient Nations who formerly flourish’d in _Europe_, and that I for my Part had wrote three Dissertations upon the Slippers of the Ancients. With that he set up such a Laugh, as made the whole House ring. His Wife, alarm’d with the Noise, flies to know the Cause of it: But I was so much out of Humour, that I disdained to answer her; for I thought it a burning Shame, so grave and solid a Matter should be treated with that Ridicule and Contempt. But understanding from her Husband the Truth of the Case, she laugh’d as violently. This Thing taking Air, gave a Handle to endless Sneers; nay, the Wife of a certain Senator, of herself exceedingly prone to laugh, was so delighted, that she had like to have burst herself. And she soon, after dying accidentally of a Fever, it was thought her Death was occasion’d by that immoderate Laugh, which had inflam’d her Lungs. They were not indeed quite certain that such was the Case; however, so it was whisper’d. She was otherwise a Matron of a fine Understanding, and a most useful Lady, for she had seven Branches, which is something rare in that Sex. All the better Sort of Trees were much concern’d at her Death. She was bury’d at Midnight without the City Gates, and in the same Garments she happen’d to have on when she dy’d. For there is a Provision by Law, that no Body can be bury’d in the City, because they believe the Air may be corrupted by the Effluvia of the Carcases. It is also by Law provided, that the dead Bodies shall be interr’d without any Funeral Pomp, or rich Dresses, inasmuch as all is shortly to be the Food of Worms. And these appear’d to me to be very wise Institutions. Yet they had Feasts in Honour of the Dead, and also Funeral Orations, which simply contain’d an Exhortation to a virtuous Life, and which plac’d before their Eyes an Image of Mortality. At this the Censors were present, to observe whether the Orators rais’d or depress’d the Character of the Deceas’d beyond Justice. And hence the subterranean Orators were extremely sparing of their Encomiums, since to give immoderate Praises was punishable by Law. Not long after, when I was going to one of these Funeral Orations, I ask’d my Host what was the State and Condition of the departed Hero? He reply’d, he was an Husbandman who dy’d suddenly upon the Road to this City. Hereupon, in my Turn, I burst into an excessive Laughter, retorting thus their own Weapons upon them. And pray, says I, why have not Bulls and Oxen, those Companions of Husbandmen, the Honour of a Funeral Oration? They can equally supply Matter, for they equally perform the same Office. But my Host desir’d me to spare my Jests; for that in these Dominions Husbandmen were held in the highest Esteem, on account of the great Excellence of the Duties they were employ’d in; and that no Way of Life was more honourable than that of Agriculture. Thus every honest and industrious Farmer was regarded by the Citizens as their Feeder and Foster-Father. And hence arose the Custom, that when the Farmers about Autumn, or in the Month of _Palm-Trees_, repair to the City with a Multitude of Carriages loaden with Corn, the Magistrates meet them without the Gates, and introduce them into the City with Trumpets and other Instruments in Concert, after the Manner of a Triumph. At this strange Account I was struck dumb, especially recollecting the hard Fate of our Husbandmen, groaning under the deepest Slavery, and whose Employments are look’d upon as low and illiberal, in Comparison of those which are Pandars to our Pleasures; such as Cooks, Poulterers, Perfumers, and such like. And this I fairly own’d to my Host, at the same Time enjoining him Silence, fearing lest the Subterraneans should pass very unfavourable Judgments upon Mankind. Having promised Secrecy, he carry’d me to the Hall where the Funeral Oration was to be made. I own I never heard any Thing executed more solidly, with greater Veracity, or with so little an Appearance of Flattery as this; and I judg’d it a proper Pattern, to which all Funeral Orations should conform. The Orator first gave us a View of the Virtues of the Deceas’d, and then enumerated his Vices and Failings, with an Admonition to his Audience to avoid ’em.

As we return’d from the Hall, we met an Offender in Custody of three Keepers. The same by Decree in Court had lately undergone _the Punishment of the Arm_ (so they call the letting Blood) and was now going to be consign’d over to the publick Hospital or _Bedlam_. Upon Enquiry into the Reason of such Sentence, I was inform’d, that the Criminal had disputed publickly about the Qualities and Essence of the Supreme Being, a Thing here prohibited, where all these over curious Disquisitions are thought to be such exquisite Folly and Rashness, that a Creature of a sound Understanding could not well fall into it. Therefore these subtle Disputants, after the _Venæ-section_, were, like Madmen, condemned to Confinement, till they got out of this Delirium. Ah! thought I to myself, what would become of our Divines, whom we every Day hear wrangling about the Quality and Attributes of the Deity, about the Nature of spiritual Beings, and other Mysteries of that Kind? What also would become of our Metaphysicians, who by their transcendental Jargon, affect a Degree of Wisdom far above the Vulgar, and even above Human Nature itself? Certainly, instead of Hoods, Caps, and other Academical Honours, which in _our_ World are so liberally granted them, they would in _this_ be shew’d the Way to the publick Hospital.

All this, and other Things full as paradoxical, I remark’d during the Time of my Probation in the Seminary. At length the appointed Time arriv’d, when, by Order of the Prince, I was to be conducted to Court with a Testimonial. I flatter’d myself, that I should have the most honourable Encomiums and Approbations, depending partly upon my own Accomplishments, since I had learn’d the subterranean Tongue sooner than could be expected, and partly upon the Interest of my Host, together with the renown’d Integrity of my Judges. At last my Testimonial was deliver’d me, which I open’d with the utmost Transport, impatient of reading my own Praises, and of concluding from thence what my Destiny was to be. But the Perusal of it threw me into Fits of Rage and Despair. The Tenor of it was this: