diff options
| author | nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org> | 2025-01-27 07:48:01 -0800 |
|---|---|---|
| committer | nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org> | 2025-01-27 07:48:01 -0800 |
| commit | 636405df0f95ed61a3115c7f495cf234697f793a (patch) | |
| tree | 115e28aaba2c63696dfa824c79621f7406d4c2a1 | |
| parent | c4f65dc3d056ff0a7974a64138273e03032f8e09 (diff) | |
| -rw-r--r-- | .gitattributes | 4 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | LICENSE.txt | 11 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | README.md | 2 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/60058-0.txt | 3808 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/60058-0.zip | bin | 75830 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/60058-h.zip | bin | 1895137 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/60058-h/60058-h.htm | 6042 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/60058-h/images/cover.jpg | bin | 111868 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/60058-h/images/i006.jpg | bin | 60351 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/60058-h/images/i009.jpg | bin | 64061 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/60058-h/images/i014.jpg | bin | 55054 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/60058-h/images/i018.jpg | bin | 60754 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/60058-h/images/i029.jpg | bin | 67915 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/60058-h/images/i039.jpg | bin | 45023 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/60058-h/images/i043.jpg | bin | 56993 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/60058-h/images/i051.jpg | bin | 68117 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/60058-h/images/i068.jpg | bin | 56690 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/60058-h/images/i078.jpg | bin | 59995 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/60058-h/images/i084.jpg | bin | 57968 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/60058-h/images/i087.jpg | bin | 61152 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/60058-h/images/i100.jpg | bin | 57638 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/60058-h/images/i139.jpg | bin | 70224 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/60058-h/images/i142.jpg | bin | 61479 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/60058-h/images/i153.jpg | bin | 104499 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/60058-h/images/i162.jpg | bin | 124860 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/60058-h/images/i169.jpg | bin | 105093 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/60058-h/images/i174.jpg | bin | 92505 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/60058-h/images/i190.jpg | bin | 61394 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/60058-h/images/i194.jpg | bin | 102458 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/60058-h/images/i200.jpg | bin | 77535 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/60058-h/images/i215.jpg | bin | 65051 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/60058-h/images/i233.jpg | bin | 78728 -> 0 bytes |
32 files changed, 17 insertions, 9850 deletions
diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..c31e623 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #60058 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/60058) diff --git a/old/60058-0.txt b/old/60058-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 6f1b717..0000000 --- a/old/60058-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,3808 +0,0 @@ -Project Gutenberg's Giphantia, by Charles-Franc?ois Tiphaigne de La Roche - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Giphantia - Or a View of What Has Passed, What Is Now Passing, and, - During the Present Century, What Will Pass, in the World. - -Author: Charles-Franc?ois Tiphaigne de La Roche - -Release Date: August 4, 2019 [EBook #60058] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GIPHANTIA *** - - - - -Produced by Richard Tonsing and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - - - - - - - - - GIPHANTIA: - - OR - - A VIEW of - - WHAT HAS PASSED, - WHAT IS NOW PASSING, - - And, during the PRESENT Century, - - WHAT WILL PASS, - - IN THE WORLD. - - - Translated from the original FRENCH, - With explanatory Notes. - - - LONDON. - - Printed for ROBERT HORSFIELD, in - _Ludgate-Street_. 1761. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - TO THE - - Hon^{ble} MISS ROSS. - - - MADAM, - -Upon your hearing the other day Giphantia much praised by some friends, -and those no ill judges, you expressed a desire to see it in English, as -you had not, you said, French enough to read the original. I immediately -resolved to gratify your desire, and that very day sat about the -translation. - -It is now finished: and, as my hand is not very legible, I take the -liberty to address it to you in print with this Epistle Dedicatory; -which, as neither you, nor the Author, want any encomiums, nor the -Translator any excuses, I shall cut short, and beg leave to subscribe -myself with great respect and sincerity, - - Madam, - - Your most obedient - and most humble servant, - - Feb. 5, - 1761. - - The Translator. - - - - - TABLE - - OF THE - - CHAPTERS. - - - PART I. - - Page - - INTRODUCTION 1 - - CHAP. I. THE HURRICANE 4 - - CHAP. II. THE FINE PROSPECT 9 - - CHAP. III. THE VOICE 13 - - CHAP. IV. THE REVERSE 16 - - CHAP. V. THE APPARITIONS 24 - - CHAP. VI. THE SURFACES 27 - - CHAP. VII. THE GLOBE 34 - - CHAP. VIII. THE DISCOURSES 38 - - CHAP. IX. HAPPINESS 46 - - CHAP. X. THE HODGE-PODGE 51 - - CHAP. XI. THE MIRROUR 56 - - CHAP. XII. THE TRIAL 63 - - CHAP. XIII. THE TALENTS 73 - - CHAP. XIV. THE TASTE OF THE AGE 79 - - CHAP. XV. THE FEMALE REASONER 82 - - CHAP. XVI. THE CROCODILES 85 - - CHAP. XVII. THE STORM 93 - - CHAP. XVIII. THE GALLERY 99 - - CHAP. XIX. THE OTHER SIDE OF THE GALLERY 116 - -[Illustration] - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - GIPHANTIA. - - PART THE FIRST. - - - - - INTRODUCTION. - - -No man ever had a stronger inclination for travelling than myself. I -consider’d the whole earth as my country, and all mankind as my -brethren, and therefore thought it incumbent upon me to travel thro’ the -earth and visit my brethren. I have walk’d over the ruins of the antient -world, have view’d the monuments of modern pride, and, at the sight of -all-devouring time, have wept over both. I have often found great folly -among the nations that pass for the most civiliz’d, and sometimes as -great wisdom among those that are counted the most savage. I have seen -small states supported by virtue, and mighty empires shaken by vice, -whilst a mistaken policy has been employ’d to inrich the subjects, -without any endeavours to render them virtuous. - -After having gone over the whole world and visited all the inhabitants, -I find it does not answer the pains I have taken. I have just been -reviewing my memoirs concerning the several nations, their prejudices, -their customs and manners, their politicks, their laws, their religion, -their history; and I have thrown them all into the fire. It grieves me -to record such a monstrous mixture of humanity and barbarousness, of -grandeur and meanness, of reason and folly. - -The small part, I have preserv’d, is what I am now publishing. If it has -no other merit, certainly it has novelty to recommend it. - -[Illustration] - - - - - CHAP. I. - THE HURRICANE. - - -I was on the borders of Guinea towards the desarts that bound it on the -North. I contemplated the immense wilds, the very idea of which shocks -the firmest mind. On a sudden I was seized with an ardent desire to -penetrate into those desarts and see how far nature denies herself to -mankind. Perhaps (said I) among these scorching plains there is some -fertile spot unknown to the rest of the world. Perhaps I shall find men -who have neither been polished nor corrupted by commerce with others. - -In vain did I represent to myself the dangers and even the almost -certain death to which such an enterprize would expose me; I could not -drive the thought out of my head. One winter’s day (for it was in the -dog-days) the wind being southwest, the sky clear, and the air -temperate, furnished with something to asswage hunger and thirst, with a -glass-mask to save my eyes from the clouds of sands, and with a compass -to guide my steps, I sate out from the borders of Guinea and advanced -into the desart. - -I went on two whole days without seeing any thing extraordinary: in the -beginning of the third I perceived all around me nothing but a few -almost sapless shrubs and some tufts of rushes, most of which were dried -up by the heat of the sun. These are nature’s last productions in those -barren regions; here her teeming virtue stops, nor can life be farther -extended in those frightful solitudes. - -I had scarce continued my course two hours over a sandy soil, where the -eye meets no object but scattered rocks, when the wind growing higher, -began to put in motion the surface of the sands. At first, the sand only -played about the foot of the rocks and formed small waves which lightly -skimmed over the plain. Such are the little billows which are seen to -rise and gently roll on the surface of the water when the sea begins to -grow rough at the approach of a storm. The sandy waves soon became -larger, dashed and broke one another; and I was exposed to the most -dreadful of hurricanes. - -Frequent whirlwinds arose, which collecting the sands carried them in -rapid gyrations to a vast height with horrible whistlings. Instantly -after, the sands, left to themselves, fell down in strait lines and -formed mountains. Clouds of dust were mixed with the clouds of the -atmosphere, and heaven and earth seemed jumbled together. Sometimes the -thickness of the whirlwinds deprived me entirely of the light of the -sun: and sometimes red transparent sands shone from afar: the air -appeared in a blaze, and the sky seemed dissolved into sparks of fire. - -Mean time, now tossed into the air by a sudden gust of wind, and now -hurled down by my own weight, I found myself one while in clouds of -sand, and another while in a gulf. Every moment I should have been -either buried or dashed in pieces, had not a benevolent Being (who will -appear presently) protected me from all harm. - -The terrible hurricane ceased with the day: the night was calm, and -weariness overcoming my fears, I fell asleep. - -[Illustration] - - - - - CHAP. II. - THE FINE PROSPECT. - - -The sun was not yet risen, when I wak’d: but the first rays enlighten’d -the east and objects began to be visible. Sleep had recover’d my -strength and calm’d my spirits: when I was awake, my fears return’d, and -the image of death presented itself again to my anxious thoughts. - -I was standing on a high rock, from whence I could view every thing -round me. I cast, with horror, my eyes on that sandy region, where I -thought I should have found my grave. What was my surprise when towards -the north I spied an even, vast and fertile plain! From a state of the -profoundest sorrow in an instant I pass’d (which usually requires time) -to a state of the highest joy; nature put on a new face; and the -frightful view of so many rocks confusedly dispers’d among the sands -serv’d only to render more affecting and more agreeable the prospect of -that delightful plain, I was going to enter. O nature! how admirable are -thy distributions! how wisely manag’d the various scenes thou presentest -to our sight! - -The plants, which grow on the edge of the plain are very small; the soil -does not yet supply sufficient moisture: but as you advance, vegetation -flourishes, and gives them a larger size and more height. The trees are -seen to rise by degrees and soon afford a shelter under their boughs. At -last, trees co-eval with the world appear with their tops in the clouds -and form an immense amphitheatre which majestically displays itself to -the eyes of the traveller and proclaims that such a habitation is not -made for mortals. - -Every thing seem’d new to me in this unknown land; every thing threw me -into astonishment. Not any of Nature’s productions which my eyes eagerly -ran over resembles those that are seen any where else. Trees, plants, -insects, reptiles, fishes, birds, all were form’d in a manner -extraordinary, and at the same time elegant and infinitely varied. But -what struck me with the greatest wonder, was that an universal -sensibility, cloath’d with all imaginable forms animated the bodies that -seem’d the least susceptible of it: even to the very plants all gave -signs of sensation. - -I walk’d on slowly in this enchanted abode. A delicious coolness kept my -senses open to the pleasure; a sweet scent glided into my blood with the -air I breath’d; my heart beat with an unusual force: and joy enlighten’d -my soul in its most gloomy recesses. - -[Illustration] - - - - - CHAP. III. - THE VOICE. - - -One thing surprised me: I did not see any inhabitants in these gardens -of delight. I know not how many ideas disturbed my mind on that -occasion, when a voice struck my ears, uttering these words: “Stop and -look stedfastly before thee; behold him who has inspired thee to -undertake so dangerous a voyage.” Amazed, I looked a good while and saw -nothing: at last I perceived a sort of spot, a kind of shade fixed in -the air a few paces from me. I continued to look at it more attentively, -and fancied, I saw a human form with a countenance so mild and ingaging -that instead of being terrified, the sight was to me a fresh motive of -joy. - -I am (said the benevolent Shade) the Prefect of this Island. Thy -inclination to Philosophy has prepossessed me in thy favour: I have -followed thee in thy late journey and defended thee from the hurricane. -I will now show thee the rarities of the place; and then I will take -care to restore thee safe to thy country. - -This Solitude with which thou art so charmed, stands in the midst of a -tempestuous ocean of moving sands; it is an island surrounded with -inaccessible desarts, which no mortal can pass without a supernatural -aid. Its name is GIPHANTIA. It was given to the elementary spirits, the -day before the Garden of Eden was allotted to the parent of mankind. Not -that the spirits spend their time here in ease and sloth. What would you -do, O ye feeble mortals! If dispersed in the air, in the sea, in the -bowels of the earth, in the sphere of fire, they did not incessantly -watch for your welfare? Without our care, the unbridled elements would -long since have effaced all remains of the human kind. Why cannot we -preserve you entirely from their disorderly sallies? Alass! our power -extends not so far: we cannot totally screen you from all the evils that -surround you: we only prevent your utter destruction. - -It is here the elementary spirits come to refresh themselves after their -labours; it is here they hold their assemblies, and concert the best -measures for the administration of the elements. - - - - - CHAP. IV. - THE REVERSE. - - -Of all the Countries in the world (added the Prefect) Giphantia is the -only one where nature still preserves her primitive vigor. She is -incessantly labouring to increase the numerous tribes of Vegetables and -Animals, and to produce new kinds. She organizes all with admirable -skill; but she does not always succeed, in rendering them perpetual. The -Mechanism of propagation is the master-piece of her wisdom: sometimes -she fails and her productions return for ever into nothing. We cherish, -with our utmost care, such as are sufficiently organized to produce -their kind; and then plant them out in the Earth. - -A Naturalist wonders sometimes to find plants that had never been -noticed before: it is because we had just then supplied the earth with -them, of which he had not the least suspicion. - -Sometimes also these Exotics not meeting with a proper Climate, decay by -degrees and the species is lost. Such are those productions which are -mention’d by the Antients and which the Moderns complain are no where to -be found. - -Such a plant still subsists but has long droop’d, and lost its -qualities, and deceives the Physician who is daily disappointed. The Art -is blam’d; it is not known that the fault is in Nature. - -I have now a collection of new simples of the greatest virtue; and I -should have imparted them to mankind before now, had there not been -strong reasons to induce me to delay it. - -For instance, I have a sovereign plant to fix the human mind, and which -would give steadiness even to a Babylonian: but for these fifty years I -have been diligently observing Babylon, and have not found one single -moment, wherein the Inclinations, Customs, and Manners have been worth -fixing. - -I have another plant, most excellent for checking the too lively sallies -of the spirit of invention: but thou knowest how rare these sallies are -now-a-days: never was invention at a lower ebb. One would think that -every thing has been said, and that nothing more remained but to adapt -things to the taste and mode of the age. - -I have a root which would never fail to allay that sourness of the -Learned who censure one another: but I observe that without their -abusing and railing at each other, no man would concern himself about -their disputes. It is a sort of pleasure to see them bring themselves as -well as Learning into contempt. I leave the malignity of the readers to -divert themselves with the malignity of the Authors. - -Moreover, do not imagine that nature sleeps in any part of the earth; -she strenuously labours even in those infinitely minute spaces where the -eye cannot reach. At Giphantia, she disposes matter on extraordinary -plans, and perpetually tends to produce something new: she every where -incessantly repeats her labours, still endeavouring to carry her works -to a degree of perfection which she never attains. These flowers which -so agreeably strike the eye, she strives to render still more beautiful. -These animals, which to you seem so dextrous, she endeavours to render -still more so. In short, Man that to you appears so superior to the -rest, she tries to render still more perfect; but in this her endeavours -prove the most unsuccessful. - -Indeed, one would think that mankind do all in their power to remain in -a much lower rank than nature designs them! and they seldom fail to turn -to their hurt the best dispositions she gives them for their Good. On -the Babylonians, for instance, nature has bestowed an inexhaustible fund -of agreeableness. Her aim was manifestly to form a people the most -aimable. They were made to enliven reason, to root out the thorns that -spring from the approaches of the sciences, to soften the austerity of -wisdom, and, if possible, to adorn virtue. Thou knowest it: her favours -which should have been diffused on these objects have been diverted from -their destination; and frivolousness and debauchery have been cloathed -with them. In the hands of the Babylonians, vice loses all her -deformity. Behold in their manners, their discourses, their writings, -with what discretion vice unveils herself, with what art she ingages, -with what address she insinuates: you have not yet thought of her, and -she is seated in your heart. Even he who, by his function, lifts up his -voice against her, dares not paint her in her true colours. In a word, -no where does vice appear less vice than at Babylon. Even to the very -names, all things are changed, all things are softened. The sincere and -honest are now-a-days your modish men who are outwardly all complaisance -but inwardly full of corruption: Good company are not the Virtuous but -those who excel in palliating vice. The man of fortitude is not he that -bears the shocks of fortune unmoved, but he that braves Providence. -Bare-faced Irreligion is now styled free-thinking, blasphemy is called -boldness of speech, and the most shameful excesses, Gallantry. Thus it -is that with what they might become a pattern to all nations, the -Babylonians (to say no worse) are grown libertines of the most seducing -and most dangerous kind. - -[Illustration] - - - - - CHAP. V. - THE APPARITIONS. - - -I return (continues the Prefect of Giphantia) to the elementary spirits. -Their constant abode in the air, always full of vapours and exhalations; -in the sea, ever mixed with salts and earths; in the fire, perpetually -used about a thousand heterogeneous bodies; in the earth, where all the -other elements are blended together: this abode, I say, by degrees -spoils the pure essence of the spirits, whose original nature is to be -(as to their material substance) all fire, all air, or other unmixt -element. This degradation has sometimes gone so far, as that by the -mixture of the different elements, the spirits have acquired a -sufficient consistence to render them visible. People have seen them in -the fire and called them Salamanders, and Cyclops: they have seen them -in the air and called them Sylphs, Zephyrs, Aquilons: they have seen -them in the water and called them Sea-nymphs, Naiads, Nereids, Tritons: -they have seen them in caverns, desarts, woods, and have called them -Gnomes, Sylvans, Fauns, Satyrs, _&c._ - -From the astonishment caused by these Apparitions, men sunk into fear, -and fear begot superstition. To these, Creatures like themselves, they -erected altars which belong only to the Creator. Their imagination -magnifying what they had seen, they soon formed a Hierarchy of -Chimerical Deities. The Sun appeared to them a luminous chariot guided -by Apollo through the celestial plains; Thunder, a fiery bolt darted by -Jupiter at the heads of the guilty: the Ocean, a vast empire, where -Neptune ruled the waves: the bowels of the earth, the gloomy residence -of Pluto, where he gave laws to the pale and timorous Ghosts: in a word, -they filled the world with Gods and Goddesses. The Earth itself became a -Deity. - -When the elementary Spirits perceived how apt their Apparitions were to -lead men into error, they took measures to be no longer visible: they -devised a sort of refiner by which from time to time they get rid of all -extraneous matter. From thence forward, no mortal eye has ever seen the -least glimpse of these spirits. - - - - - CHAP. VI. - THE SURFACES. - - -Mean while the Prefect moved on and I followed, quite astonished and -pensive. At our coming out of the wood we found ourselves before a hill, -at the foot of which stood a hollow column above a hundred feet high and -thick in proportion. I saw issuing out of the top of the column vapours -(much like the exhalations raised by the sun) in such abundance that -they were very visible. From the same column I saw coming out and -dispersing themselves in the air certain human forms, certain images -still lighter than the vapours by which they were supported. - -Behold (says the Prefect) the Refiner of the Elementary Spirits. The -column is filled with four Essences, each of which has been extracted -from each element. The Spirits plunge into them, and by a mechanism, too -long to be described, get rid of all extraneous matter. The images which -thou seest coming out of the column, are nothing more than very thin -surfaces which surrounded them and served to make them visible. These -surfaces partake of the different qualities of the spirits who excel -more or less in certain respects, as visages are expressive of the -characters of men, who differ infinitely. Thus, there are images or -surfaces of science, of learning, of prudence, of wisdom, _&c._ - -Men often cloath themselves with them, and like masks these surfaces -make them appear very different from what they really are. Hence it is -that you constantly meet with the appearance of every good, of every -virtue and every quality, though the things themselves are scarce to be -found any where. - -At Babylon especially, these surfaces are in singular esteem: all is -seen there in appearance. A Babylonian had rather be nothing and appear -every thing than to be every thing and appear nothing. So, you see only -surfaces every where and of every kind. - -Surface of modesty, the only thing needful for a Babylonian lady: it is -called decency. - -Surface of friendship, by the means of which all Babylon seems to be but -one family. Friendship is like a strong band made of very weak threads -twisted together. A Babylonian is tied to no one by the band, but he is -tied to each of his fellow-citizens by a single thread. - -Surface of piety, formerly much in use and of great influence, -now-a-days totally in disrepute. It gives people a certain Gothic air -quite ridiculous in the eyes of the moderns. It is now found only among -a few adherents to the old bigots, and in an order of men, who, on -account of their function, cannot lay it aside, how desirous soever they -may be. - -Surface of opulence, one of the most striking things in Babylon. Behold -in the Temples, in the Assemblies, in the publick Walks, those citizens -so richly dressed, those women so adorned, those children so neat, so -lively, and who promise so fair to be one day as frivolous as their -fathers: follow them to their homes; furniture of the best taste, -commodious apartments, houses like little palaces, all continues to -proclaim opulence. But stop there: if you go any farther, you will see -families in distress and hearts overflowing with cares. - -Surface of probity, for the use of Politicians and those who concern -themselves with the management of others. These great men cannot be as -honest as the lower people; they have certain maxims from which they -think it essential never to depart, and from which it is no less -essential that they appear extremely remote. - -Surface of patriotism, of which the real substance has long since -disappeared. We must distinguish, in the conduct of the Babylonians, -between the Theory and the Practice. The Theory turns entirely upon -Patriotism. Publick Good, national Interest, Glory of the Babylonian -Name, all this is the language of Theory. The Practice hangs solely upon -the hinge of private interest. It is very remarkable that in this -respect the Babylonians have long been dupes of one another. Each -plainly perceived that _Country_ did not much affect him; but he heard -others talk of it so often and so affectionately that he verily believed -there was still such a thing as a true Patriot. But now their eyes are -open and they see that all are alike. - -[Illustration] - - - - - CHAP. VII. - THE GLOBE. - - -Such is the lot of the elementary spirits, continued the Prefect of -Giphantia. No sooner are they out of the probation-column where they are -purified, but they return to their usual labours: and to see where their -presence is most necessary, and where men have most need of their -assistance. At their coming out of the column they ascend this hill. -There by a mechanism which required the utmost skill of the spirits, -every thing that passes in all parts of the world is seen and heard. -Thou art going to try the experiment thy self. - -On each side of the column is a large stair-case of above a hundred -steps which leads to the top of the hill. We went up; and were scarce -half way when my ears were struck with a disagreeable humming which -increased as we advanced. When we came to a platform in which the hill -ends, the first thing that struck my eyes was a Globe of a considerable -diameter. From the Globe proceeded the noise which I heard. At a -distance it was a humming; nearer, it was a frightful thundering noise, -formed by a confused mixture of shouts for joy, ravings of despair, -shrieks, complaints, singings, murmurs, acclamations, laughter, groans, -and whatever proclaims the immoderate sorrow and extravagant joy of -mortals. - -Small imperceptible pipes (said the Prefect) come from each point of the -earth’s surface and end at this Globe. The inside is organized so that -the motion of the air which is propagated through the imperceptible -pipes, and grows weaker in time, resumes fresh force at the entrance -into the Globe and becomes sensible again. Hence these noises and -hummings. But what would these confused sounds signify, if means were -not found to distinguish them? Behold the image of the earth painted on -the Globe; the Islands, the Continents, the Oceans which surround, join, -and divide all. Dost thou not see Europe, that quarter of the earth that -hath done so much mischief to the other three? Burning Africa, where the -arts and the wants that attend them have never penetrated? Asia, whose -luxury, passing to the European nations, has done so much good, -according to some, and so much hurt, according to others! America, still -dyed with the blood of its unhappy inhabitants, whom men of a religion, -that breathes peace and good-will, came to convert and barbarously -murder? Observe what point of the Globe, thou pleases. Place there the -end of this rod which I give thee, and putting the other end to thy ear, -thou shalt hear distinctly whatever is said in the corresponding part of -the earth. - -[Illustration] - - - - - CHAP. VIII. - DISCOURSES. - - -Surprised at this prodigy, I put the end of the rod upon Babylon; I -applied my ear, and heard what follows: - -“Since you consult me about this writing, I will fairly give you my -opinion. I think it discreet and too much so. What! not a word against -the government, against the manners, against religion! who will read -you? If you did but know how tired people are with History, Morality, -Phylosophy, Verse, Prose, and all that! The whole world are turned -writers; and you will more easily find an author than a reader. How make -impression on the crowd? How draw attention, unless by strokes levelled, -right or wrong, against place-men; by luscious touches of imagination -proper to excite the gust of pleasures blunted by excess; by the trite -arguments which, though repeated a thousand times, still please, because -they attack what we dread! This in my opinion is the only course for a -writer to take who has any pretensions to fame. Mind our Philosophers: -when they reflect, for instance, on the nature of the soul, they fall -into a doubt which with all their reason they cannot get out of. Do they -come to write? They resolve the difficulty, and the soul is mortal. If -they assert this, it is not from an inward persuasion, but from a desire -to write, and to write such things, as will be read. Again, if you had -made yourself a party: if you belonged to one of those clubs, where the -Censor passes from hand to hand, and where each, in his turn, is the -Idol! But no; you are among the literary cabals like a divine who should -pretend to be neither Jansenist nor Molinist[1]. Who, think ye, will -take care of your interests? Who will preach you up? Who will inlist -your name among those we respect?” - -I removed the end of the rod about a twentieth part of an inch lower and -I heard, probably, a Farmer of the imposts, who was making his -calculations upon the people. - -“Is it not true (said he) that in the occasions of the state, every one -should contribute in proportion to his means, after a deduction of his -necessary expences? Is it not also true, that a very short man spends -less in cloaths than a very tall one? Is it not true that this -difference of expence is very considerable, since there is occasion for -summer-habits, winter-habits, spring-habits, autumn-habits, -country-habits, riding-habits, and I know not how many others? There -should be likewise morning and evening habits; but the morning is not -known at Babylon. I would therefore have all his Majesty’s subjects -measured and taxed each inversely as his stature.... Another -consideration of equal weight. A Tax on Batchelors has been talked of; -but it was not considered. Money should be raised upon those who are -rich enough to be married, and especially upon those who are rich enough -to venture upon having children. And therefore married men should be -taxed in a ratio compounded of the amount of their capitation and the -number of their children. I have in my pocket-book I know not how many -projects as good as these, and which I have very luckily devised. Each -man has his talents: this is mine: and it is well known how much it is -to be prized now-a-days.” - -At a little distance a Grammarian was making his Observations. “Three -languages (said he) are spoken at Babylon: that of the mob: that of the -petit maitre; and that of the better sort. The first serves to express -in a disagreeable manner, shocking things. With all their judgment, some -authors have written in this language, and the Babylonians, with all -their niceness, have read them with pleasure. The second is made up of a -certain contexture of words without any meaning. You may talk this -language a whole day together, and when you have done, it will be found -you have said nothing at all. To enter into the character of the idiom, -it is essential to talk incessantly without reason, and as far as -possible from common sense. The third wants a certain precision; a -certain force and certain graces; but it is susceptible of a singular -elegance and clearness. It will not perhaps be expressive enough of the -flights of the poet or the transports of the musician: but it expresses -with admirable ease all the ideas of him who observes, compares, -discusses, and seeks the truth. Without doubt, it is the properest -language for reasoning; and most unhappily it is the least used for that -purpose.” - -Methought I heard a woman’s voice at a little distance, and put my rod -there. “I confess (said she) I am foolishly fond of this romance. -Nothing can be better penned. However, this same Julia, who holds out -during three volumes, and does not surrender till the end of the fourth, -makes the intrigue a little too tedious. It is also pity that the -viscount advances so slowly. He uses such preambles, spends so much time -in protestations, and presses his conquest with so much caution, that he -has put me, who am none of the liveliest, a hundred times out of -patience. Surely the author was little acquainted with the manners of -the nation!” - -[Illustration] - - - - - CHAP. IX. - HAPPINESS. - - -The end of my rod by chance fell upon an assembly, where they were -talking of Happiness. Each declared his opinion as follows: - -“At length (says one) this superb Colonnade is laid open; they think of -removing those pitiful little houses which darken that grand and -beautiful front; they repent of having built under ground to adorn a -place; Taste is reviving; the Arts are going to flourish: very shortly -Babylon will proclaim the magnificence of the monarch and the happiness -of the people.... It is a great question whether colonnades, fine -squares, and large cities, will make a nation happy: they must be -enriched. Industry must be excited, agriculture incouraged, manufactures -increased, and trade made to flourish: without which, all the rest is -nothing.... Nonsense! I have said it, and I say it again: if we will be -happy, our manners must be more simple; the circle of our wants -contracted; and, in a country-life, we must withdraw from the vices -which attend the luxury of cities.... I do not know wherein consists the -happiness of nations; but I think the happiness of individuals consists -in the health of the body and peace of the mind.... Assuredly not. -Health causes no lively impression, and tranquility is tiresome. To be -happy, you must enjoy a great reputation; for, at every instant, your -ear will be tickled with encomiums.... Yes! and at every instant your -ear will be grated with censures, because there is no pleasing every -body. It is my opinion, every man is happy in proportion to his -authority and power: for one can gratify oneself in the same -proportion.... Yes! but then that eagerness will be wanting which stamps -a value upon things: if all was in our power, we should care for -nothing. For my part, I am of opinion, that to be happy we must despise -all things; that is the only way to avoid all kind of vexation and -trouble whatsoever.... And I think, we should concern ourselves with -every thing: by that means we shall partake of every occasion of joy.... -Now I think we should be indifferent to every thing: as the means of -enjoying an unchangeable happiness.... I take Wisdom to be the thing, -for that alone will set us above all events.... And I say, it must be -Folly: for Folly creates her own happiness, independently of any thing -cross or disagreeable about her.... You are all of you in the wrong. -Nothing general can be assigned that may be productive of the happiness -of particular persons. So many men, so many minds: this desires one kind -of happiness, and that another: one wishes for riches, another is -content with necessaries; this would love and be loved; that considers -the passions as the bane of the soul. Every one must study himself and -follow his own inclination.... Not at all; and you are as much mistaken -as the rest. In vain do I persuade myself that I should be happy, if I -possessed such a thing; the moment I have it, I find it insufficient, -and wish for another. We desire without end; and never enjoy. A certain -man was continually travelling about, and always on foot: quite tired -out, he said: If I had a horse I should be contented. He had a horse; -but the rain, the cold, the sun were still troublesome to him. A horse -(says he) is not sufficient; a chariot only can screen me from the -inclemencies of the air. His fortune increased, and a chariot was -bought. What followed? Exercise till then had kept our traveller in -health: as soon as that ceased, he grew infirm and gouty, and presently -after, it was not possible for him to travel either on foot or on -horseback or in a chariot.” - - - - - CHAP. X. - THE HODGE-PODGE. - - -I did not keep the rod any longer in one place; but moved it here and -there without distinction: and I heard only broken discourses, such as -these: - -“War, taxes, misery, are dreaded; insignificant fears all these: alas! -mine are very different. I have here framed a system upon Earthquakes; -and, by calculation, I find that near the center of the globe there is -now forming an internal fire that will turn the world upside down. -Within six months the earth will burst like a bomb, and all nature.... -Yes! all nature vanishes in my eyes; thou alone dost exist for me: -extinguish, my dear, extinguish the flame thou has lighted in my bosom. -What a moment! Pleasure drowns all my senses: my soul, penetrated with -delight, seems to be upon the wing: she beats, she trembles, she flies: -O receive her, my dear, she is wholly thine. Ah! I hear my husband’s -footsteps; let us run.... Courage, brave soldiers! strike home; revenge -your country; let the blood flow, and give no quarter. May the Islanders -perish and the Babylonians live!... I do aver, for my part that of all -the nations there is not one so gay as the Babylonians. They always take -things on the most smiling side. One day of prosperity makes them forget -a whole year of adversity. Even at their own misery, they all sing; and -an epigram pays them for their losses caused by the follies of the -Great.... O how little are our great ones! and how foolish are our wise -ones! I cannot help thinking man an imperfect creature. I plainly see -nature’s efforts to make him reasonable; but I see too these efforts are -fruitless. Materials are wanting. There are but two ages: the age of -weakness in which we are born and pass two thirds of life; and the age -of infancy in which we grow old and die. I have indeed heard talk of an -age of reason; but I do not see it come. I conclude therefore, and I -say.... Yes! madam! of transparent cotton. The discovery was very lately -made in Terra Australis: so no more colds and defluxions. Transparent -handkerchiefs, gloves, and stockings, will defend from the weather, and -at the same time give us a sight of that admirable bosom, those charming -arms, that divine leg.... Doubts every where, certainty no where. How -tired am I to hear, to read, to reflect, and to know nothing precisely. -Who will tell me only what is.... This, sir, is the country-man who -leaving his plough, is come to talk with you about the affair of those -poor orphans which is not ended. That is true, but what would you have? -We are so overwhelmed! No matter, it shall be decided.... Ah! good sir, -I am glad to see you; I owe you a compliment: the last wig I had of you -makes me look ten years older. Surely the gentleman did not think, I had -so magisterial a face! Do you know, my dear sir, that it is enough to -make me look ridiculous, and you to forfeit your reputation.... Grant, O -Lord, three weeks of a westerly wind that my ship may sail.... O Lord, -three weeks of an easterly wind that my ship may arrive.... Give me, O -God, give me children.... O God! send a malignant fever upon my -ungracious son.... O Lord! grant me a husband.... O God! rid me of -mine....” - -Perhaps all this Hodge-Podge will not be relished by most of my readers. -I should be sorry for it. To what end then do mortals hold such odd, -such silly and such contradictory discourses? - - - - - CHAP. XI. - THE MIRROUR. - - -As I was amusing myself with these broken speeches, the Prefect of -Giphantia presented me with a Mirrour. Thou canst only (says he) guess -at things: but with thy rod and that glass, thou art going to hear and -see both at once; nothing will escape thee; thou wilt be as present to -whatever passes. - -From space to space (continued the Prefect) there are in the atmosphere -portions of air which the spirits have so ranged, that they receive the -rays reflected from the different parts of the earth, and remit them to -this Mirrour: so that by inclining the glass different ways, the several -parts of the earth’s surface will be visible on it. They will all appear -one after the other, if the Mirrour is placed successively in all -possible aspects. It is in thy power to view the habitations of every -mortal. - -I hastily took up the wonderful glass. In less than a quarter of an hour -I surveyed the whole earth. - -I perceived many void spaces, even in the most populous countries! and -yet I saw men crowding, jostling and destroying one another, as if they -had wanted room. - -I looked about a good-while for happiness, and found it no where; not -even in the most flourishing kingdoms. I saw only some signs of it in -the villages, which by their remoteness were screened from the contagion -of the cities. - -I beheld in one view the vast countries which nature meant to separate -by still vaster oceans; and I saw men cover the sea with ships, and by -that means join even these distant countries. This is plainly acting -(said I) against nature’s intentions: such proceedings cannot be crowned -with success. Accordingly, Europe does not appear more happy since her -junction with America: and I do not know whether she has not more reason -to lament it. - -I saw prejudices vary with the climates, and, every where, do much good -and much harm. - -I beheld wise nations rejoice at the birth of their children, and -deplore the death of their relations and friends: I beheld others more -wise stand round the new-born babe, and weep bitterly at the thoughts of -the storms he was to undergo in the course of his life; they reserved -their rejoicings for funerals, and congratulated the deceased upon their -being delivered from the miseries of this world. - -I saw the earth covered with monuments of all kinds, which human -weakness erects to the ambition of heroes. In the very temples, the -brass and the marble, which contain the remains of the dead, present -images of war, and breathe slaughter: the very statues of those friends -of mankind, of those pacific sovereigns, whom the calamities of the -times involve in short wars, are adorned with warlike instruments and -nations in chains, as if Laurels died in blood were only worthy to crown -Kings. - -I saw the most respectable of human propensities carry men to the -strangest excesses. Some were addressing their prayers to the Sun, -others were imploring the aid of the Moon, and others prostrating -themselves before Mountains; one was trembling at the aspect of -thundering Jove, another was bending the knee to an Ape. The Ox, the -Dog, the Cat, had their altars. Incense was burning even to Vegetables; -Grain, Beans, and Onions had their worship and votaries. - -I saw the race of mankind divide themselves into as many Parties as -Religions; these Parties I saw divest themselves of all humanity and -cloath themselves with Fanaticism, and these Fanatics worrying one -another like wild beasts. - -I saw men who adored the same God, who sacrificed upon the same altar, -who preached to the people the doctrine of peace and love, I saw these -very men fall out about unintelligible questions, and mutually hate, -persecute, and destroy one another. O God! what will become of man, if -thy goodness doth not exceed their weakness and folly? - -In a word, I saw the several nations, diversified in a thousand -respects, all agree in their not being one better than another. All men -are bad, the Ultramontane by system, the Iberian by pride, the Batavian -by interest, the German by roughness, the Islander by humour, the -Babylonian by caprice, and All by a general corruption of heart. - -[Illustration] - - - - - CHAP. XII. - THE TRIAL. - - -After this general survey of the whole earth, I had a mind to view -Babylon in particular. Having turned my glass to the north, and -inclining it gently to the 20th meridian, I tried to find out that great -city. Among the places that passed in succession under my eyes, there -was one that fixed my attention. I saw a country-house, neither small -nor great, neither too much adorned nor too naked. All about it was more -embellished by nature than by art. It overlooked gardens, groves, and -some ponds which bounded a hill on the east. A country feast was at this -time celebrating, to which all the neighbouring inhabitants were come. -Some, stretched on the green turf, were drinking large draughts, and -entertaining one another with their former amours; and several were -performing dances, which the old men did not think so fine as those of -time past. - -Seest thou (says the Prefect to me) in the balcony, that young lady who -with a smiling air is viewing the sight? She was married some days ago, -and it is on her account that this feast is made. Her name is _Sophia_: -she has beauty as you see, fortune, wit, and what is worth more than all -the rest, a stock of good sense. She had five Lovers at one time: none -made a deep impression in her heart, none were displeasing to her; she -could not tell to which to give the preference. - -One day she said to them, I am young; and it is not my intention to -enter yet into the bands of matrimony, which is always done too soon. If -my hand is so valuable as by your eager addresses you seem to think, -exert your endeavours to deserve it. But, I declare to you that I shall -not make any choice these several years. - -Of Sophia’s five Lovers, the first was much inclined to extravagance. -Women (says he) are taken with the outside: let us spend freely and -spare nothing. - -The second had a fund of economy which bordered upon avarice. Sophia -(says he) who has a solid judgment, must think him best that shows -himself capable of amassing riches: let us turn to commerce. - -The third was proud and haughty. Surely (says he) Sophia, who has noble -thoughts, will be touched with the lustre of glory: let us take to arms. - -The fourth was a studious man. Sophia (says he) who has so much sense, -will incline to where the most is to be found. Let us continue to -cultivate our mind; and strive to distinguish ourselves among the -learned. - -The fifth was an indolent man, who gave himself little concern about -worldly affairs: he was at a loss what course to take. - -Each pursued his plan, and pursued it with that ardor which love alone -is capable of inspiring. - -The prodigal expended part of his estate in cloaths, in equipages, in -domesticks; he built a fine house, furnished it nobly, kept open table, -gave balls and entertainments of all kinds: nothing was talked of but -his generosity and magnificence. - -The merchant set all the springs of commerce in motion, traded to all -parts of the world and became one of the richest men of his country. The -military man sought occasions; and soon signalized himself. The studious -man redoubled his efforts, made discoveries, and became famous. - -Mean while, the indolent lover made his reflections; and, believing if -he remained unactive he should be excluded, he strove to conquer his -indolence. The estate, he had from his ancestors, seemed to him very -sufficient, and he did not care to meddle with commerce; the hurry of -war was quite opposite to his temper, and he had no mind to take to -arms; he had never read but for his amusement, the sciences did not seem -to him worth the pains to come at them; he had no ambition to become -learned. What then is to be done? Let us wait, (says he) time will show. -So he remained at his country-house, pruning his trees, reading Horace, -and now and then going to see the only object that disturbed his -tranquillity. Ever resolving to take some course, the time slipt away, -and he took none. - -The fatal hour approaches (said he sometimes to Sophia) you are going to -make your choice, and most assuredly it will not be in my favour. Yet a -few days, and I am undone. This peaceful retreat, those delightful -fields you will not grace, you will not enliven, with your presence. -Those serene days that I reckoned to pass with you in the purest of -pleasures were only flattering dreams with which love charmed my senses. -O Sophia! all that stirs the passions and troubles the repose of men has -no power over me; my desires are all centered in you; and I am going to -lose you for ever! - -You are too reasonable, replied Sophia, to take it ill that I should -chuse where I think I shall be happy. - -At last, the time was expired, and not without many reflections, Sophia -resolved to make her choice. - -She said to the prodigal: if I have been the aim of your expences, I am -sorry for it: but what you have done for my sake, you would have done, -had I been out of the question. You have lavished away one part of your -estate to obtain a wife; you would spend the other to avoid the trouble -of management. I advise you never to think of it. - -She told the merchant, soldier and scholar, I am sensible, you have -shown a great regard for me: but I think too you have shown no less, you -for riches, you for glory, and you for learning. In trying to fix my -inclination, each has followed his own; each would do as much for -himself as for me. Should I chuse one of you, his views would still rest -upon other objects; one would be busied with increasing his fortune, the -other with his promotion in the army, and the third with his progress in -the sciences. I cannot therefore satisfy any one of you: and my desire -is to ingross the heart of the man who ingrosses mine. - -The same day, she saw the solitary gentleman. You have long waited for -it (said she to him) and I am at last going to declare my mind. You know -what your rivals have done to obtain my consent: see what they were and -what they are. For your part, such as you was, such you remain. I think, -I see the reason. Indifferent to all other things, you have but one -passion, and I am its object. I alone can render you happy. Well then! -my happiness shall be in creating yours. I will share the delights of -your solitude, and will endeavour to increase them. - -[Illustration] - - - - - CHAP. XIII. - THE TALENTS. - - -I returned to my first object, and, after a long search, I perceived on -the mirrour a spot of land which seemed wrapped in a cloud. There issued -from thence a confused noise like the murmurs of an ebbing tide. The sun -quickly dispersed the vapours, and I saw Babylon. - -I saw there spectacles wherein the calamities of past times are -lamented, in order to forget the calamities of the present; I saw -Academies where they should examine and discuss, but where they dispute -and quarrel; Temples that are built against the restoration of religion; -Orators, who foretell to the seduced people the most terrible disasters, -and Hearers who measure the expressions and criticize the style; a -Palace wherein are placed Magistrates for the security of your property, -and where you are conducted by Guides who fleece you. - -I cast my eyes on the publick walks and gardens, ever open to idleness, -coquetry and recreation. I beheld sitting alone on the grass a person -who, with a smile, was penning down his ideas. I fixed the paper, and -read what follows: - -“One day Jupiter proclaimed through the whole earth, that he had -resolved to distribute different talents to the different nations; that -on such a day the distribution would be made at Olympus; and that the -geniuses of the several nations should repair thither. - -“The Genius of Babylon stayed not till the day appointed, but came the -first of all to Jupiter’s palace. He made his appearance with that air -of confidence which is natural to him; he uttered I know not how many -very handsome and well-turned compliments, and made presents to all the -celestial court with a grace peculiar to him. - -“He gave the Father of the gods a quintal of wild-fire of a late -invention, that his thunder may be more effectual and people begin to -have faith: to Apollo a Babylonian grammar, that he may reform the -oddities of the language: to Minerva a collection of Romances, that she -may correct their licentiousness and teach the Romancers to write -decently: to Venus two small _votive_ pictures, to thank her for that -the last year there were at Babylon but two hundred thousand inhabitants -who bore the long and painful marks of her favours. - -“He made his court to the Gods, wheedled the Goddesses, said and did so -many handsome and pleasant things, that nothing was talked of at -Jupiter’s court but the agreeableness of the Genius of Babylon. - -“Mean while, the day appointed was come: and Jupiter, having advised -with his council, made the distribution of the different talents to the -Geniuses of the several nations. To this he assigned the gift of -Philosophy: to that, the gift of Legislation; and to another the gift of -Eloquence. He said to one, Be Thou the most ingenious; to another, Be -Thou the most learned, and Thou, the most frugal; and Thou, the most -warlike; and Thou, the most politick: and Be Thou (said he, speaking to -the Genius of Babylon) whatever thou chusest to be. - -“Delighted with his success, and returning home, the Genius of Babylon -is at all. He framed I know not how many schemes, and executed none. He -made most excellent laws, and afterwards embroiled them with numberless -explanations and comments. - -“He would likewise turn Theologist, and engaged in disputes which proved -fatal to him. - -“He traded, gained much, enlarged his expences, and became richer and -less easy. - -“Orator, Poet, Merchant, Philosopher, he was every thing; and in many -things he attained to perfection, but never could keep his ground.” - -[Illustration] - - - - - CHAP. XIV. - THE TASTE OF THE AGE. - - -Two men of letters were walking at a little distance. “Will you not own -(said one of them) that, two centuries ago, our learning was in its -infancy; and hardly showed to what degree it might arrive. In the last -century, it took root and rose so high that nothing was seen above it. -The greatest masters among the Greeks and Latins were taken for -patterns: they were equalled, if not surpassed. - -“Success inspires confidence; and too much confidence breeds neglect. To -have the eye always on the Antients grew distasteful. They have had -their merit (said the Babylonians) and we have ours: who can say we do -not equal them? They therefore set up for themselves: and the taste, not -the more general and of all the nations, but the taste peculiar to them -characterized their works. See almost all our poems, our histories, our -speeches, our books, all is after the Babylonian mode; much of art, -little of nature; a vast superficies, no depth; all is florid, light, -lively, sparkling; all is pretty, nothing is fine. Methinks I foresee -the judgment of posterity: they will consider the works of the -seventeenth century as the greatest efforts of the nation towards the -excellent; and the works of the eighteenth, as pictures wherein the -Babylonians have taken pleasure to paint themselves. - -“If our writers are capable to go back and resume their great patterns, -it is known what they can do; they are sure to please all the world, and -for ever: but, if they continue to stand on their own bottom, their -works will be only trinkets of fancy, on which the present taste stamps -a value, and which another taste will soon bury in oblivion.” - -[Illustration] - - - - - CHAP. XV. - THE FEMALE REASONER. - - -I saw two women apart, one of which was talking: she looked round her -every moment with that air of uneasiness which expresses a confidence -the most mysterious. I lent my ear; and with great difficulty I heard -what follows: - -“I am obliged to thee, my dear Countess, for the idea thou hast -conceived of my prudence. Hearken; I will hide nothing from thee; thou -shalt see how far I may be relied on. We women are forced to guess -things, they will never be told us plainly: but, with a little -attention, it is easy for us to see how matters are. For my part, I have -reflected on the maxims of the wise men of our days, and from thence -have drawn these conclusions. It is only the mob that trouble themselves -now about a future state; the rewards and punishments of another world -are words without a meaning; which have long been discarded by people of -fashion. Beasts and men (of beasts the chief) are made to be guided by -the senses; they should be actuated solely by the passions. Let each -attentively listen to what is inspired into him by nature, and let him -follow her inspirations; that is the way to happiness. On the other -hand, society cannot subsist without laws, and laws cannot be -accommodated to the passions of every citizen. They therefore who have -placed their happiness in what is forbidden by law, cannot behave too -circumspectly. They must always walk in the shade; mystery should follow -their steps, and cast a veil on all their proceedings: in a word, they -may do what they will, provided they appear to do what they ought. -These, my dear Countess, are the maxims I have gathered from the -Philosophy of the time. I will not mention their influence on my -conduct. Perhaps I really am what I appear to be: but I should be quite -otherwise, that I might appear always such.” - -O Babylon! (said I to myself) the leven has fermented the whole mass. -Thou appearest very corrupt; but thou art still more corrupt than thou -appearest. - - - - - CHAP. XVI. - THE CROCODILES. - - -During the course of my travels, I saw in Persia, on the plains watered -by the Tedjen, a dispute arise which divided the country and bred a -surprising animosity in the people. I was curious to see how that matter -stood: I placed the mirrour in the proper position, and then put the end -of the rod upon the globe, so as I could see and hear what was doing. - -The plain was covered with two numerous armies; which were just going to -join battle. The ground of the quarrel was this: - -A pious and learned Musulman, who used to read the Alcoran with the zeal -of an archangel and the penetration of a seraphim, took it in his head -one day to ask whether the dove, that instructed Mahomet, spoke Hebrew -or Arabic. Some said one thing, some another; and two parties were -formed. They disputed, they wrote at large pro and con, and could not -agree. To the warmth of the contest were added bitterness, malignity its -inseparable companion, and policy, which endeavours to make an advantage -of every thing. One party persecuted the other, or was persecuted, -according as they were or were not uppermost. They began with the -forfeiture of estates and banishments; and ended in an open war. The -sectaries had caballed so well, that the people rose in arms against one -another. - -The two armies were just going to ingage, when a venerable old man -advanced, and convening the heads, made the following speech: - -“Hearken, O ye people of Chorasan. There was in Egypt a famous city -called Ombi; it was near another great city named Tentyris: both were -situated on the fertile banks of the Nile[2]. In that part, the river -bred a great number of Crocodiles; and these voracious animals so -fiercely attacked these two cities, that the inhabitants were going to -remove. The governours of Tentyris were apprehensive that their -authority would vanish, and the citizens would come to be dispersed. -They assembled therefore the Tentyrites and said: - -“_You suffer the destructive animals to increase and multiply in peace. -Hear what we have to declare to you in the name of the Nile your -foster-father and your God. Woe be unto you, if you remain any longer in -this state of indolence! Arm without delay, and wage war against the -monsters that devour your wives and children._ - -“It was the injunction of the Nile, and not to be disputed. The -Tentyrites took up arms, but it was with great disadvantage, and never -was advice more imprudent. The Crocodiles, invulnerable in almost all -the parts of their bodies, killed many more men than the men killed -monsters. The governours of Ombi used a different artifice to keep the -Ombites from leaving their city. - -“_Hearken_, (said they to them) _the God_ Nile _speaks to you by our -mouth: I create plenty among the Ombites, I inrich their lands, I fatten -their flocks; my waters flow and they grow rich. The Crocodile is my -servant, and I permit him now and then to feed upon some of them; this -is the only tribute I require for all my benefits: and, instead of -rejoicing at having it in their power by a single act to render -themselves agreeable to me, they destroy one another, if my servant -seizes a few children. Let them cease to complain, or I will cease to -feed them; I will with-hold my waters and all shall perish._ - -“The moment the Ombites knew the Crocodile to be the favourite of the -Nile, they erected altars to him; and, far from complaining when he was -pleased to feed on their children, they gloried in it. _Is there a woman -more happy than I?_ (said an Ombite) _I enjoy a competent fortune, have -a loving husband, and three of my children have been eaten by the -servant of our God Nile._ - -“In the mean time, the favourite of the Nile was killed by the -Tentyrites and worshipped by the Ombites. Discord and animosity inflamed -them against one another; they went to war, which ended in the -destruction of both. Thus perished two cities, dupes of their sincerity, -devoured by the Crocodile, and butchered by each other. Let this example -open your eyes, O ye unfortunate inhabitants of this happy climate. -Cease to be victims of an irregular zeal: worship God, keep silence, and -live in peace.” - -Scarce had the old man done speaking, when a general murmur and menacing -looks showed him how little he had moved the assembly, so he withdrew -with a sigh. Immediately the battle was joined; and I turned away my -eyes that I might not behold these mad people destroy one another. - -I have a great deal more to show you, (says the Prefect) let us lay down -the mirrour and rod, and walk on. - -[Illustration] - - - - - CHAP. XVII. - THE STORM. - - -Some paces from the noisy globe, the earth is hollowed, and there -appears a descent of forty or fifty steps of turf; at the foot of which -there is a beaten subterraneous path. We went in; and my guide, after -leading me through several dark turnings, brought me at last to the -light again. - -He conducted me into a hall of a middling size, and not much adorned, -where I was struck with a sight that raised my astonishment. I saw, out -of a window, a sea which seemed to me to be about a quarter of a mile -distant. The air, full of clouds, transmitted only that pale light which -forebodes a storm: the raging sea ran mountains high, and the shore was -whitened with the foam of the billows which broke on the beach. - -By what miracle (said I to myself) has the air, serene a moment ago, -been so suddenly obscured? By what miracle do I see the ocean in the -center of Africa? Upon saying these words, I hastily ran to convince my -eyes of so improbable a thing. But in trying to put my head out of the -window, I knocked it against something that felt like a wall. Stunned -with the blow, and still more with so many mysteries, I drew back a few -paces. - -Thy hurry (said the Prefect) occasions thy mistake. That window, that -vast horizon, those thick clouds, that raging sea, are all but a -picture. - -From one astonishment I fell into another: I drew near with fresh haste; -my eyes were still deceived, and my hand could hardly convince me that a -picture should have caused such an illusion. - -The elementary spirits (continued the Prefect) are not so able painters -as naturalists; thou shalt judge by their way of working. Thou knowest -that the rays of light, reflected from different bodies, make a picture -and paint the bodies upon all polished surfaces, on the retina of the -eye, for instance, on water, on glass. The elementary spirits have -studied to fix these transient images: they have composed a most subtile -matter, very viscous, and proper to harden and dry, by the help of which -a picture is made in the twinkle of an eye. They do over with this -matter a piece of canvas, and hold it before the objects they have a -mind to paint. The first effect of the canvas is that of a mirrour; -there are seen upon it all the bodies far and near, whose image the -light can transmit. But what the glass cannot do, the canvas, by means -of the viscous matter, retains the images. The mirrour shows the objects -exactly, but keeps none; our canvases show them with the same exactness, -and retains them all. This impression of the images is made the first -instant they are received on the canvas, which is immediately carried -away into some dark place; an hour after, the subtile matter dries, and -you have a picture so much the more valuable, as it cannot be imitated -by art nor damaged by time. We take, in their purest source, in the -luminous bodies, the colours which painters extract from different -materials, and which time never fails to alter. The justness of the -design, the truth of the expression, the gradation of the shades, the -stronger or weaker strokes, the rules of perspective, all these we leave -to nature, who, with a sure and never-erring hand, draws upon our -canvases images which deceive the eye and make reason to doubt, whether, -what are called real objects, are not phantoms which impose upon the -sight, the hearing, the feeling, and all the senses at once. - -The Prefect then entered into some physical discussions, first, on the -nature of the glutinous substance which intercepted and retained the -rays; secondly, upon the difficulties of preparing and using it; -thirdly, upon the struggle between the rays of light and the dried -substance; three problems, which I propose to the naturalists of our -days, and leave to their sagacity. - -Mean while, I could not take off my eyes from the picture. A sensible -spectator, who from the shore beholds a tempestuous sea, feels not more -lively impressions: such images are equivalent to the things themselves. - -The Prefect interrupted my extasy. I keep you too long (says he) upon -this storm, by which the elementary spirits designed to represent -allegorically the troublesome state of this world, and mankind’s stormy -passage through the same: turn thy eyes, and behold what will feed thy -curiosity and increase thy admiration. - - - - - CHAP. XVIII. - THE GALLERY OR THE FORTUNE OF MANKIND. - - -Scarce had the Prefect said these words; when a folding-door opened on -our right, and let us into an immense Gallery, where my wonder was -turned into amazement. - -On each side, above two hundred windows let in the light to such a -degree, that the eye could hardly bear its splendor. The spaces between -them were painted with that art, I have just been describing. Out of -each window, was seen some part of the territory of the elementary -spirits. In each picture, appeared woods, fields, seas, nations, armies, -whole regions; and all these objects were painted with such truth, that -I was often forced to recollect myself, that I might not fall again into -illusion. I could not tell, every moment, whether what I was viewing out -of a window was not a painting, or what I was looking at in a picture -was not a reality. - -Survey with thy eyes (said the Prefect) survey the most remarkable -events that have shaken the earth and decided the fate of men. Alass! -what remains of all these powerful springs, of all these great exploits? -the most real signs of them are the traces they have left upon our -canvases in forming these pictures[3]. - -The most antient actions, whose lustre has preserved their memory, are -the actions of violence. Nimrod, the mighty hunter, after having worried -the wild beasts, attacks his fellow-creatures. See in the first picture -that gigantic man, the first of those heroes so renowned; see in his -looks pride, ambition, an ardent desire of rule. He framed the first -scheme of a kingdom, and uniting men under the pretence of binding them -together, he enslaved them. - -Belus, Ninus, Semiramis ascend the throne, which they strengthen by -fresh acts of violence! and of above thirty kings who successively -reigned, only one closed the wounds of mankind, let Asia take breath, -and governed like a philosopher: his name is almost forgot. History, -which glows at the sight of renowned and tragical events, languishes -over peaceable reigns: and scarce mentions such sovereigns. - -Sardanapalus ends this series of kings. Enemy to noise, disorder and -war, he mispends his time, shuts himself up in his palace, and sinks -into effeminacy. The women, thou seest about him, neither think nor -exist but for him. His looks give them life, and he receives life from -theirs. What do I say? He seeks himself with astonishment and finds -himself not; a surfeit of pleasures destroys his taste: he does not -live, but languish. - -In the mean time, two of his generals[4] loathing peace, form schemes of -conquests, and feed, themselves with bloody projects. They deem -themselves alone worthy to reign, because they alone breathe war in the -midst of the publick tranquillity. See where they attack and dethrone -their effeminate monarch: and forcing him to destroy himself, they seize -and share his dominions. Thus the Assyrian empire was dismembered, after -having kept Asia in continual alarms above twelve hundred years. - -Kings succeeded both at Nineveh and at Babylon; and all became famous -for wars and ravages[5]. One of them laid Egypt waste, plundered -Palestine, burnt Jerusalem, put out the eyes of a king whose children he -had murdered, drove from their country whole nations and put them in -chains; and, after such expeditions, he ordered altars to be erected to -him, and worship to be paid him as to a beneficent God. See at the foot -of his image, incense burning and nations lying prostrate; and admire -how far the pride and abjection of mortals extend[6]. - -The next picture represents the infancy of Cyrus, and the particular -moment wherein he gave signs of that intolerable haughtiness, considered -by the historians as the first sallies of a greatness of soul, which to -display itself wants only great occasions. Cyrus, both by right of birth -and right of conquest, united Assyria and Media to Persia, and was the -founder of the largest empire that ever existed. - -His successors still think their bounds too narrow: they send into -Greece, which was then signalized in Europe, armies infinitely numerous, -the which are destroyed: and the spirit of conquest had on that occasion -the fate which unhappily it has not always. - -The Greeks, freed from these powerful enemies, turn their arms against -one another: they are animated by jealousy, inflamed by the warm and -dangerous eloquence of their orators, and torn by civil wars. Persia -falls into the same convulsions. And when perhaps every thing was -tending to peace, Alexander appears, and all are embroiled worse than -ever. - -This picture shows him in that tender age wherein he lamented his -father’s conquests, and saw with grief human blood shed by wounds, he -had not made. Scarce was he on the throne when he carried desolation -into Greece, Persia and India. The world did not suffice for his -murdering progress, and his heart was still unsatisfied. That other -picture represents his death. That destructive thunderbolt is at last -extinguished, Alexander expires, and casting his dying eyes on the grand -monarchy he is going to leave, nothing seems to comfort him but the -prospect of the bloody tragedies of which his death is to be the signal. - -Of all Alexander’s dominions, those to whom they belonged of right, had -the least share. The empire was divided among his generals[7]. War was -soon kindled amongst them, continued among their descendants, and ruined -all the countries of which they had the rule. - -Among so many warlike kings, Ptolemy Philadelphus appeared like a lily -raised by chance in a field of thorns. See in that immense library, the -monarch surrounded with old sages, who are giving him an account of the -numberless volumes which are before his eyes. He was too great a lover -of mankind to disturb their tranquillity; and held them in such -estimation, that he collected from all countries the productions of -their wit[8]. These kinds of riches seemed to him alone worthy his care. -He saw them with the same eye that other kings behold those metals which -they search for in the bowels of the earth, or which they fetch from the -extremities of the world through rivulets of blood. - -Whilst discord rages amongst Alexander’s successors and their -descendants; already appeared in the center of Italy the first sparks of -the flame that was to spread over the universe and consume all nations. -Like those bodies of a vast weight, which, not being in their just -position, swing themselves to and fro for some moments, and then fix -themselves immoveably; Rome, subject successively to kings, consuls, -decemvirs, military tribunes, settles a government and begins the -conquest of the world. - -This ambitious nation, direct at first their forces against their -neighbours. In vain did the several Italian states struggle for five -hundred years against the fate of Rome: one while in subjection, another -while in rebellion: now conquerors, now conquered, they were all in the -end forced to submit to the yoke. - -Italy subdued and calmed, that is, reduced to the state of those robust -bodies, which by being exhausted fall into a consumption and weakness, -the Romans cross the seas, and go into Africa in search of fresh enemies -and other spoils. Carthage as ambitious, perhaps as powerful, but more -unfortunate than her rival, after a long and violent contest, is -overcome and destroyed. Corinth and Numantia share the same fate. - -About this time, Viriatus raised himself in the same manner as the -Romans. In this picture, he is a huntsman; in that, a robber; in the -third, a general of an army; and in the fourth, he mounts the throne of -Lusitania. But he was only a victim crowned by fortune to be sacrificed -to the ambition of the Romans[9]. - -Asia is soon opened to these insatiable conquerors. The empire daily -enlarges, and that enormous power over-runs all the known world. - -The first passion of the Romans was glory. During seven centuries, -patriotism, which policy cherished with so great success, directed the -love of glory in favour of the republic; and the Romans signalized -themselves no less by their attachment to their country, than by their -warlike exploits. This space was filled with a long train of heroes, and -those that followed, despairing to become famous in the same manner, -sought to distinguish themselves by other methods. Rome was mistress of -the world; it appeared glorious to become master of Rome. Sylla, Marius, -and some others, showed that such a project was not impracticable: Cæsar -accomplished it. That boasted conqueror, who was reproached with so many -things, effaced them all by his virtue: by his military virtue which -destroyed above a million of men, oppressed his fellow-citizens, and -enslaved his country. In vain did the republic exert her utmost -endeavours to save her expiring liberty; she was exhausted and stretched -her hands to Augustus, who, from a bad citizen, became the best of -masters. - -Raised to the empire, he put an end to war, and soon gave mankind a -peace the most universal, they had ever enjoyed. The elementary spirits -have given an idea of the pleasure of this general tranquillity, by the -agreeable prospect of the landskips which are here represented. - -This peace.... Pray (says I interrupting the Prefect) suspend a moment -the rapid recital of so many revolutions; give me leave to examine this -picture, and a little time to calm the perturbation of my mind. How I -love to see that beautiful sky; those plains that lose themselves at a -distance; those pastures filled with flocks; those fields covered with -corn? The breath of war blows far from those climates the vertiginous -spirit of heroism. This is indeed the seat of peace and tranquillity. My -imagination carries me to those delightful vallies: I behold and -contemplate nature, whose labours nothing interrupts, producing on every -side life and pleasure. My thoughts are composed and my spirits sedate -amidst the tranquillity that reigns in those places: my blood, grown -cool, flows in my veins with the same gentle motion as the rivulets that -water those green turfs; and the passions now have on my mind only the -effect of the zephyr, which seems to play gently among the branches of -leafy trees. - - - - - CHAP. XIX. - THE OTHER SIDE OF THE GALLERY. - - -The Prefect soon resumed the thread of his discourse. The quickness, -wherewith he ran over the Gallery, hardly gave me time to view the -several pictures he was explaining. I had not seen him before nor did I -afterwards see him speak with so much action. His face was inflamed, his -eyes darted fire, and his words were too slow for his eagerness. - -The language, the manners, the laws of the Romans (said he) were spread -over the world. The nations, conquered and settled, became members of -the empire; and all the known world made but one family. By what -fatality was Augustus’s peace, which seemed so unalterable, of so short -a duration? Mankind only breathed, and were soon inflicted with new -wounds. When Rome had no more kingdoms to subdue, she had rebels to -reduce. Several nations, thinking it a great happiness or a great glory -to be parted from the body of the empire, rebelled in Europe, in Asia, -in Africa: all were repressed. Thus most of the nations, formerly -attacked and defeated, now the aggressors and reduced, continued to be -hurled from one misfortune to another; and the following pictures, those -which represent the more celebrated times of the first Emperors, will -still go on to present to thee spectacles of blood. The three reigns of -Titus, Antoninus, and Marcus Aurelius, were three fine Days in a severe -Winter. - -Those times, nevertheless, were times of peace, in comparison of those -that had gone before and those that came after. The empire was like a -body with a good constitution, but which however is attacked with some -disorders, and shews that it is not far from its decline. - -Whilst the Romans, at first to extend, then to support and sometimes to -inrich themselves, kept the world in awe, pulled down what attempted to -rise, and penetrated wherever they were allured by rich spoils; towards -the North, in those frozen climates where nature seems to reach only to -expire, there arose and increased, in the bosom of peace and silence, -nations who were one day to humble the pride of the masters of the -world. Three centuries had not yet passed since Augustus’s peace, when, -in the reign of Valerianus, the deceitful hope of a more commodious and -happy life armed these unpolished people. See where they are coming out -of their huts, tumultuously gathering together, marching in disorder, -and showing the way to the hideous multitudes who followed one another -from age to age. - -These foreign enemies, coming when the empire was rent with internal -rebellions, shook the Colossus. It withstood however, for some time, the -weight which pulled it down, and one while ready to fall, and another -while erect, it seemed sometimes to be going to stand firm again. - -Among the emperors who signalized themselves against the Barbarians, -Probus contributed the most to support the Majesty of the Roman name. -Valiant, but still more humane, he abhorred war and continually waged -it. Dost thou observe, in the picture before thee, that bald old man, -his air of candor, his respectable countenance, the plainness of every -thing about him? It is Probus represented in the moment when, beholding -Rome’s enemies humbled, full of the idea of that general peace he always -desired, he said: “yet a few days and the empire will have no farther -occasion for soldiers.” Words which rendered him worthy of the -veneration of the whole earth, but which caused him to be murdered. Time -passed, the efforts of the Barbarians redoubled, and blood continued to -be shed. - -Mean while, the enemies of Rome grew warlike, and her defenders -degenerated. Of this the chief causes were pride, which increasing -wants, forces the citizen to refer every thing to his private interest; -the folly of most of the emperors, which bred in the people a numbness -which a few years confirm, and which whole ages cannot remove; perhaps -too a weariness of the spirits; for that ambition, that haughtiness, or, -if you please, that Roman grandeur, was in the course of things an -excessive effort, which, like an epidemical distemper come to its -height, must necessarily abate by degrees. - -However this may be, a century and half after their first invasions, the -Barbarians began to make real progresses, and dismember the Western part -of the empire. Amidst the troubles that then existed, some kingdoms were -established which still remain to this day. Just as Earthquakes, which -raising the sea drown whole regions, produce also new Islands amidst the -waves. - -See the Goths, who after traversing sword in hand, part of Asia and all -Europe, are settling in Spain: see the Angles, a people of Germany, who -are passing into Great Britain, and, under pretence of aiding, are -seizing it: see the Franks, other Germans, who are coming to free the -Gauls from the Roman yoke and making them to submit to theirs. In these -unhappy times, Rome herself shares the same fate which she had made so -many cities undergo; she is plundered and sacked at several times[10]. - -But the next pictures present to thee, in a point of view still more -dreadful, regions laid waste, fields bathed in blood, and cities in -ashes. These are the exploits of Attila and his rapid incursions in -Macedonia, Mysia, Thrace, Italy, and almost through the whole world -which he ravaged. So many desolations, proceeding from several -conquerors, would have made so many heroes: coming from a single hand, -they form a terrible monster. It is thus that military virtues show -themselves in their true colours, and become horrible when they meet in -a center[11]. - -During Attila’s ravages, certain Italians flying from his fury, withdraw -to the Adriatic sea-side. Behold in this picture the men pale, the women -dishevelled, and the children in tears. Some hide themselves among the -rocks; others dig themselves subterraneous retreats; some ascend the -hills, and, as far as their eyes can reach, look whither the merciless -conqueror, whose name alone makes them tremble, is still pursuing them -to those desolate places, so little proper for the habitation of men. On -every side thou canst see nothing but destruction and horror: very soon -however proud Venice is going to rise out of these melancholy ruins. - -Shortly after, the last blow is given to the Western empire. Tyrannized -by its rulers, rent by factions, weakened by continual losses, and -pressed by a fatal destiny, it shakes under some emperors, and falls -under Augustulus. Rome and Italy, successively a prey to two Barbarians, -are afterwards united to the Eastern empire, from which by fresh -misfortunes they were soon after detached again. - -Two centuries passed in cruel vicissitudes, when a new scourge, Mahomet, -arose in the East. He was deemed at first but as an impostor worthy of -contempt: but he had an understanding capable of the greatest things, -and a boldness which carried him to the highest enterprizes. It was -known how far he was able to go, when his progress could no longer be -opposed. He over-ran part of the East, and out of the ruins founded the -kingdom of the Khalifs. The nations, he subdued by force of arms, he won -by seduction; and, more fatal still to mankind than all the heroes whose -pernicious actions die with them, he sullied the human species with a -stain which probably will never be effaced[12]. - -In the West, the misfortunes of the Romans are renewed. The Lombards -waste Italy, the Moors settle in Spain, from whence they threaten the -French: new swarms of Barbarians are going to invade the finest -countries of Europe. - -At this time, from the bosom of France arises a Prince full of genius, -and of that military ardor which, in a calm, would have brought on a -storm; but which, finding the tempest formed, like an impetuous wind, -blew it away: this was Charlemain. In this picture, he checks the -Saracens; in that, he subdues Germany; moreover, he destroys in Italy -the power of the Lombards, founds the temporal authority of the Popes, -and receives the crown of the Western empire. - -Charlemain’s empire soon fell to pieces. The partitions of the princes, -and the ambition of some chiefs, detach whole nations from it. Weak or -avaricious emperors give or sell liberty to others. The rest is under -particular lords: the sovereign scarce keeps the title and shadow of -authority. - -Dost thou observe that battle? seest thou a numerous army defeated by -fifteen hundred men? It is the æra of the liberty of the Helvetic body. -Members of the empire, but oppressed by tyrants, the Swiss shake off the -yoke and form a government, the wisdom of which cannot be too much -admired. Their commerce extends but to necessaries: they have soldiers -only for their defence, and these too are trained among other nations: a -constant peace reigns in the republic. Without covetousness, without -jealousy, without ambition, liberty and necessaries content them. They -are a people that talk the least of philosophy, and are the most -philosophical. - -Whilst the new Western empire is rent, the Eastern is destroyed. Thou -seest coming out of Asia the last swarm of Barbarians which were to fall -upon Europe[13]. They advance: and, like huge masses which acquire more -force in proportion to the height they fall from, they crush -Constantinople and seize the Eastern empire, which they still possess to -this day. - -Such is the disastrous contexture of the compendious History of mankind: -the crowd of particulars is only a crowd of less noted calamities. The -total of the nations, especially the European, is like a mass of -quicksilver, which the lightest impression puts in motion, which the -least shake divides and subdivides, and of which chance unites again the -parts in a thousand different manners. Who will find the means to fix -them? - - - THE END OF THE FIRST PART. - - - - - GIPHANTIA: - - PART II. - -[Illustration] - - LONDON, - Printed in the Year MDCCLX. - - - - - TABLE - OF THE - CHAPTERS. - PART II. - - - Page - - CHAP. I. THE REPAST 201 - - CHAP. II. THE KERNELS 212 - - CHAP. III. ANTIENT LOVE 215 - - CHAP. IV. THE GRAFTS 221 - - CHAP. V. VOLUPTAS 228 - - CHAP. VI. PERPETUAL YOUTH 233 - - CHAP. VII. THE ITCHINGS 239 - - CHAP. VIII. THE COMPENSATIONS 249 - - CHAP. IX. NIL ADMIRARI 253 - - CHAP. X. THE FANTASTICAL TREE 259 - - CHAP. XI. THE PREDICTIONS 265 - - CHAP. XII. THE SYSTEM 274 - - CHAP. XIII. EPISTLE TO THE EUROPEANS 292 - - CHAP. XIV. THE MAXIMS 302 - - CHAP. XV. THE THERMOMETERS 306 - - CHAP. XVI. THE LENTILS 312 - - CHAP. XVII. THE SUBTERRANEOUS ROAD 318 - -[Illustration] - - - - - GIPHANTIA. - - PART THE SECOND. - - - - - CHAP. I. - THE REPAST. - - -My zeal has carried me farther than I should have imagined, added the -Prefect; it is time to think of what concerns thee. The air of Giphantia -is lively and full of active corpuscles; it keeps up the spirits; and, -in spite of the fatigues, thou hast endured in the desart, it does not -suffer thee to have the least sense of weariness, However, thou hast -need of a more solid food. I have ordered thee a Repast, and I will -regale thee after the manner of the elementary spirits. - -We went out of the gallery; and the Prefect conducted me to a grotto, of -which the architecture was so strange, that I dare not venture to -describe it. The whole furniture was a marble table and a cane-chair, on -which he bid me sit down. - -Whatever I saw at Giphantia was extraordinary, the Repast to which I was -invited was not less so. Thirty salt-sellers filled with salts of -different colours, were placed on the table in a circle round a fruit, -much like our melons. There was also a glass decanter full of water, -round which other salt-sellers formed another circle. - -These preparations were not very tempting; I never had less appetite. -However, not to affront a host, to whom I was so much obliged, I tasted -the fruit that he offered me. The purest chymical earth purged of all -foreign matter, would have more taste. I forced myself to swallow a few -bits. I drank a glass of water: And I told the Prefect, that my strength -was more than sufficiently recruited, and if he pleased, we would -continue to visit the rarities of Giphantia. - -Thou hast had (said he) the complaisance to taste the fruit and the -liquor, thou wilt farther oblige me to season them both. The salts which -stand round them have, perhaps, more virtue than thou art aware of. I -invite thee to try. - -Upon these words, I viewed the salt-sellers more attentively, I saw that -each had a label; and I read upon those that surrounded the insipid -fruit, salt of woodcock, salt of quail, salt of wild-duck, salt of -trout, _&c._ Upon the others, I read, concrete juice of Rhenish, of -Champagne, of Burgundy, of Usquebaugh, of oil of Venus, of Citron, _&c._ - -Having taken a small slice of the fruit, I spread upon it a grain of one -of those salts; and putting it to my mouth I took it for the wing of an -ortolan. I looked upon the salt-seller from whence I had the salt, and -saw the word _ortolan_ on the label. Astonished at this phænomenon, I -spread upon another slice salt of turbot, and I thought I was eating one -of the finest turbots the channel ever produced. I tried the same -experiment upon the water; according to the salt I dissolved in it, I -drank wine of Beaune, of Nuis, of Chambertin, _&c._ - -My lord, (said I to the Prefect) you have shewn me the columns, the -globe, the mirrour, the pictures; I have admired the mechanism of these -masterpieces, and the wonderful skill of the elementary spirits; but -now, my admiration is turned to desire. Is a mortal allowed to enter -into the physical mysteries of the spirits? May I learn from you, this -invaluable secret of your saline powders. - -Now-a-days more than ever, (added I) men (especially the Babylonians) -seek with eagerness whatever can please the senses; and one of the -things which raises the greatest emulation, is to have a table covered -with exquisite dainties. Their fore-fathers did not look upon a good -cook as a _person divine_. The most simple preparations sufficed for -their food: they thought no wines excelled those of their own country; -and sometimes those good men made a little too free with them. The -modern Babylonians disgusted at this simplicity, and hating hard -drinking, have taken a different method. They are become sober, but of a -sensual and ambitious sobriety, which, by unheard of extracts and -mixtures, perpetually creates new tastes. They search in the smallest -fibres of the animals for the purest substance, and, under the name of -essences, they inclose in a little phial the produce of what would -suffice for the nourishment of the most numerous families. The most -exquisite wines cannot satisfy their palate; they esteem nothing but -what is owing to a violence done to the order of nature’s productions. -They extract the most active spirit of wine, and thereto add all the -spices of India: And, with such liquors, seeds of fire, collected from -all the countries of the world, flow in their veins. - -You see (continued I) that with the secret of your savoury -crystalizations, I should be able to satisfy the nicest palates, and -please the most curious lovers of variety. But what is much more -important, these saline extracts, which are not prepared by the -pernicious arts of the distiller and cook, these extracts, I say, would -not spoil the stomach in pleasing the taste; high health would revive -among us; the primitive constitutions would be restored by degrees; and -mankind would resume a new youthful vigour; in all respects, a man might -be a glutton without danger, and, that is saying a great deal of a vice, -which is become incorrigible. - -I was not refused: In less than half an hour, the Prefect taught me the -whole art; I actually resolve the savours, with the same ease that -Newton did the colours. From all the fruits that go to decay, from all -the plants of no use, from even the herbs of the field, in a word, from -all bodies whatever, I extract all their savoury parts; I analyze these -parts; I reduce them to their primitive particles; and then uniting them -again in all imaginable proportions, I form saline powders, which give -such a taste as is desired. I can inclose in a small snuff-box, -wherewith to make in an instant a complete entertainment, courses, -ragouts, fricassees, deserts, coffee, tea, with all kinds of wine and -other liquors. From a single bit, though ever so insipid, I produce at -pleasure the wing of a partridge, the thigh of a woodcock, the tongue of -a carp, _&c._ From a decanter of water, I draw Tomar, Ai, Muscadine, -Malmsey, Chian wine, Lacryma Christi, and a thousand others. - -My secret should have been publick before now; but all the advantages -accruing from it do not remove a fear, which, as will be seen, is surely -not without foundation. I am apprehensive that certain gentlemen, -incessantly busied to open new channels to convey to them the substance -of the people, may lay their greedy hands upon my salt, and undertake to -distribute it, charged with some light tax. These light taxes are known -always to grow heavier, and end with crushing; much like those -snow-balls, which, rolling down from the top of the mountains, and soon -growing immensely large, root up trees, throw down houses, and destroy -the fields. Let these gentlemen give in our newspapers, a positive -assurance that they will never meddle with the management of my savours; -the next day, I will publish my secret, distribute my powders, and -regale all Babylon. - -I think I know the world: these gentlemen, you will see, will keep -silence, and I my salt, and so nobody will be regaled. - -[Illustration] - - - - - CHAP. II. - THE KERNELS. - - -My dinner ended and my lesson learnt, we sate out again. Let us (said -the Prefect) take the benefit of this long shady walk, and go to the -grove at the end of it. By the way, I will explain some matters relating -to what I am going to show thee. - -Adam had just been driven out of Paradise, (continued the Prefect:) The -tree, from which the fatal apple was gathered, disappeared: Innocence, -everlasting peace, unmixt pleasure vanished; and death covered the earth -with her mournful vail. Witnesses of Adam’s sin and punishment, the -elementary spirits remained in a consternation mixt with astonishment -and fear. All was silent, like the dreadful calm, which, in a gloomy -night, succeeds the flashes of lightening. - -One of our spirits perceiving on the ground the remains of the fatal -apple, hastily took them up, and found three Kernels: these were so many -treasures. - -The forbidden tree, which was the cause of Man’s misery, was to have -been the cause of his happiness. It contained the shoots of the -sciences, arts, and pleasures. The little, men know of these things, is -nothing in comparison of what this mysterious tree would have disclosed -in their favour. It was to vegetate, blossom, and bear seed for ever; -and the least of these seeds would have been the source of more delights -than ever existed among the children of men. - -We took great care of the three Kernels, which had escaped the total -ruin just then befallen mankind; this was not sufficient to repair their -unhappy fate, but it helped to soften it. As soon as we were returned to -Giphantia, we consulted upon what we could do in favour of mankind so -terribly fallen. Most of the spirits took the office of governing the -elements, and, as far as lay in their power, of directing their motions, -according to the wants of men. Those that remained at Giphantia, were -entrusted with the sowing of the three Kernels, and carefully to mind -what they produced. - - - - - CHAP. III. - ANTIENT LOVE. - - -As we were talking we entered into a pretty large grove, in the midst of -which, I perceived a star formed by most beautiful shrubs. From every -part of these shrubs there darted forth a luminous matter, whereon were -painted all the colours of the rain-bow. Thus the sun, viewed through -the boughs of a thick tree, seems crowned with sparkling rays, on which -shine the liveliest and most variegated colours. - -The first Kernel taken from the fatal apple and committed to the ground, -(said the Prefect of Giphantia) produced a shrub of the nature of those -thou seest. Its leaves were like those of the myrtle. Its purple -blossoms, speckled with white, were raised round their stalks in form of -pyramids. Its boughs were thick and interwoven with one another in a -thousand different ways. It was the most beautiful tree, nature had ever -produced, therefore it was her most favorite object. A soft zephyr, -gently moving its leaves, seemed to animate them; and never were they -ruffled by the impetuous north winds; never was the course of its sap -obstructed by winter’s frost, or its moisture exhausted by summer’s -scorching heats; an eternal spring reigned around it. This singular -tree, was the Tree of Love. - -It is well known what influence the extraneous particles of the air have -upon us. Some accelerate or retard the motions of the blood, others dull -or raise the spirits, sometimes they brighten the imagination, and -sometimes they cloud it with the gloomy vapours of melancholy. Those -that were exhaled from the tree of Love, and dispersed over the earth, -brought the seeds of the most alluring pleasure. Till then, men, left to -a blind instinct, which inclined them to propagate their species, shared -that advantage (if it is one) with the rest of the animals. But, like a -flower which opens to the first rays of the sun, their hearts soon -yielded to the first impressions of love, and instinct gave place to -sentiment. - -With that passion they received a new life; the face of nature seemed -changed; every thing became ingaging; every thing touched them. - -The other passions disappeared, or were, in respect of this, like brooks -to a river in which they are going to be lost. - -Superior to all events, love heightened pleasure, asswaged pain, and -gave a charm to things the most indifferent. It enlivened the graces of -youth, alleviated the infirmities of age, and lasted as long as life. - -Its power was not confined to the creating a tender and unchangeable -attachment to the object beloved; it inspired also a certain sentiment -of sweetness, which was infused into all men, and united them together. -Society was then as an endless chain, each link was composed of two -hearts joined by love. - -The pleasure of others was a torment to none: Gloomy jealousy had not -possessed the human heart, nor envy shed her venom there. Concord -multiplied pleasures: A man was not more pleased with his own, than with -the happiness of others. - -Mankind was yet in infancy, and unacquainted with excesses. Adversity -did not depress them to annihilation, nor prosperity puff them up to the -loss of their senses. Their wants were few, the arts had not increased -them. Frightful poverty appeared not among them, because they knew not -riches; every one had necessaries, because none had superfluities. Utter -strangers to the ridiculousness of rank, they were not exalted with -insolence, nor did they servilely cringe; no man was low, because no man -was high. All was in order, and men were as happy as their state would -admit of. O nature! why dost thou not still enlighten us with those days -of peace, harmony, and love! - -[Illustration] - - - - - CHAP. IV. - THE GRAFTS. - - -The stinging nettle and wild briar increase and are renewed, (continued -the Prefect) the tree of Love had not that privilege. Its blossoms -vanished without leaving a kernel, and its shoots planted in the ground -did not take root; they died and nature groaned. - -Mean while, this only tree was going to decay; its sap withdrew from -most of the branches, and the faded leaves withered on their boughs. - -The elementary spirits were sensible how valuable the treasure was, that -the sons of men were going to lose, and were under the deepest concern -for them. They studied therefore to find the means to fix love upon -earth, and imagined they had succeeded. - -They took from the languishing and exhausted tree, its best shoots and -grafted them upon different stocks. This precaution saved love, but at -the same time, altered its nature. Nourished by an extraneous sap, these -shoots and their emanations quickly degenerated: So the exotic plants -which grow in our gardens by the assiduous care of the gardiner, change -their nature, and lose almost all their virtues. - -Love then existed among men; but what love? It sprung from caprice, was -attached without choice, and vanished with levity: It became such as it -is at this day amongst you. It is no longer that common band which -united mankind, and rendered them happy; it is on the contrary, an -inexhaustible fountain of discord. Formerly, it was stronger alone than -all the passions together; it was subject only to reason: Now, it is -overcome by the weakest passion, and hearkens to any thing but reason. - -To say the truth; it is no longer Love: Phantoms have taken its place, -and receive the homage of men. One in the highest ranks only finds -objects worthy his vows; he thinks it love, it is only ambition. Another -fixes his heart where fortune is lavish of her gifts, he imagines, love -directs him, but it is thirst of riches. Another flies from where -delicateness of sentiments calls for his care and regard, and runs where -an easy object hardly gives him time to desire. What is the ground of -his haste? a depraved appetite for pleasure. Of pure, sincere, and -unmixt love there is none left; the grafts are quite spoiled. - -At Babylon, degenerated love varied with the fashions, the manners, and -every thing else. At first it gave into the Romantick: This was in the -days of our good Knights Errant. It was all fire, transport, extasy. The -eye of the fair was a sun, the heart of the lover was a volcano, and the -rest of the same stamp. - -In time, it was found, that all this was departing a little from nature; -in order therefore, to make it more natural, love was dressed like a -shepherd with a flock and pipe; and spoke the language of a swain. In -the heart of his noisy and tumultuous city, a Babylonian sung the -refreshing coolness of the groves, invited his mistress to drive her -flock thither, and offered to guard it against the wolves. - -The pastoral language being drained, the sentiment was refined, and the -heart analysed. Never had love appeared so subtilised. To make a -tolerable compliment to a girl beloved, a man must have been a pretty -good metaphysician. - -The Babylonians, weary of thinking so deeply, from the height of these -sublime metaphysicks fell into free speeches, double-meanings, and -wanton stories. Their behaviour was agreeable to their talk; and love, -after having been a valiant knight-errant, a whining shepherd and a -sublime metaphysician, is at last grown a libertine. It will soon become -a debauchee, if it is not so already; after which, nothing remains but -to turn religious; and this is what I expect. - -Moreover, the Babylonians flatter themselves with being a people the -most respectful to the ladies, and boast of having it from their -ancestors. In this respect, as in all others, two things must be -distinguished at Babylon, the appearance and the reality. In appearance, -no place where women are more honoured; in reality, no place where they -are less esteemed. Outwardly, nothing but homages, inwardly, nothing but -contempt. It is even a principle at Babylon, that the men cannot have, -in an assembly, too much respect for the sex, nor, in private too -little. - -[Illustration] - - - - - CHAP. V. - VOLUPTAS or PLEASURE. - - -We came out of the grove. Men (said I to the Prefect) are highly -indebted to you for preserving love, degenerated as it is. If you did -but know what a void there is among them now-a-days! Their amusements -are so few, that the least of all must be to them very valuable. Love no -longer makes their happiness; but it diverts them at least. What would -the Babylonians do, if love did not put in motion all those walking -statues, which you see so busy about the women? They sigh, they -complain, they request, they press, they obtain, they are happy or -dupes; it is just the same thing: But time passes, and that is enough -for the Babylonians. - -“In the beginning (continued the Prefect) nature, ever attentive to the -welfare of men, begot Voluptas. She was an unadorned native beauty, but -full of those charms which characterises whatever comes out of the hands -of the common parent of all Beings. Nature gave her a golden cup, and -said: Go among men; draw pleasure out of my works; present it without -distinction to all mortals; quench their thirst, but make them not -drunk.” - -Voluptas appeared upon earth. Men flocked together in crowds; all drank -largely of her cup; all quenched their thirst, none were intoxicated. -Voluptas made herself desired, presented herself seasonably, and was -always received with joy. As she offered herself with restriction, she -was always cherished and never cloyed. Men, not being enervated by -excess, preserved to a very advanced age, all their organs in vigor; -their taste remained; and old age still drank of Voluptas’s cup. - -Nature has a rival, called Art, who, incessantly employed in rendering -himself useful or agreeable to society, strives to supply what nature -cannot or will not do for men. He resumes nature’s works, retouches -them, sometimes embellishes, often disguises and degrades them. - -Art failed not to observe the conduct of Voluptas, and to refine -whatever she offered to mankind. He could not bear an interval between -pleasures, and would have them succeed one another without intermission. -He ransacked all the countries of the world, united all the objects of -sensuality, and multiplied a thousand ways the pleasures of sense. Men, -surrounded with so many alluring objects, thought themselves happy, and -in their intoxication, said: _Without Art, Nature is nothing_. But very -soon their senses were cloyed; satiety bred disgust, and disgust made -them indifferent to all kinds of pleasure. Neither Art nor Nature could -affect them to any degree. From that time, they have hardly been able to -amuse or divert themselves. Voluptas has no longer any charms for them. - -[Illustration] - - - - - CHAP. VI. - PERPETUAL YOUTH. - - -There is no place (continued the Prefect) where these dissipations, -supposed to supply the room of pure pleasure, are more necessary than at -Babylon; so there is no place where they are more frequent. - -The Babylonians are known not to be made for much thinking, and, for -good reason, it is not desired they should think. A wise policy has -always proposed to keep as many employed as possible, and to amuse the -rest. - -For these last it is, that the arts of amusement are incouraged, that -publick walks are kept up at a great charge, that spectacles of all -kinds are exhibited, and so many places tolerated, where gaming, -drinking, and licentiousness serve for food to these heedless men, who, -without these avocations, would not fail to disturb the society. - -These various avocations fill up the moments of life to such a degree, -that there is no time for recollection, and for counting the years that -insensibly fly away. A man declines, decays, is bent under the load of -years, and he has not once thought of it. - -Rather let us say, there is no old-age at Babylon, for men of this kind: -A perpetual Youth runs through their life; the same agitations in the -heart, the same dullness in the soul, and the same void in the mind. -Youths of twenty-five and of sixty, march with an equal pace to the same -end. The desires, eagernesses, sallies, excesses are the same. All -forgetful of themselves, still go on; and death alone is capable to stop -the career of these decrepid youths. - -It is remarkable, that one day, one of those young old men, bethought -himself to make reflections. “When a man (said he) is come, like me, to -a certain age, he does not fully live, he dies by degrees, and he ought -successively to renounce whatever does not suit his state. There are -things that become nobody, which however are connived at in youth; but -which make an old man ridiculous. What business have I now with this -costly furniture, these splendid equipages, with this table served with -so much profusion? Am I excusable for keeping a mistress, whose -luxuriousness will not fail to ruin me in the end? does it become me to -appear still in those places, where licentiousness carries inconsiderate -youth? I will forsake a world for which I am no longer fit, and will -embrace that peaceful and retired life to which my declining age invites -me. What I shall retrench from my expences, I will give to my nephew, -who is coming; into the world, and should set out with some figure. -Since I am dying by degrees, so by degrees he ought to inherit.” - -This resolution being taken and well taken, a friend of his comes to -visit him, sees him thoughtful, asks the reason and learns his design. -“What, (says he to him) have you not still spirit enough to withstand -reason? She knocks, and it is going to be opened! what do you mean? -Reason may be of use to a young man, to curb the fury of his passions; -but must be fatal to an old one, in totally extinguishing the little -relish he has left for pleasures. What a fine sight will it be, to see -Plutarch’s morals, Nicole’s essays, and Pascal’s thoughts lodged in thy -brain, close by Bocace’s novels, La Fontaine’s tales, and Rousseau’s -epigrams! Believe me: Reason is good only for those, who have cultivated -it long ago; heads made like ours cannot suit it. Our maxims and -reason’s are too contradictory; and instead of regulating, it would -throw all into disorder and confusion.” - -“But (replied our new convert) dost thou know what thou art doing with -thy extraordinary eloquence? never was so much reason used to prove, -that we must act against reason. Come, let us go, my dear marquis, a -free supper waits us at the ... where the nymph, thou knowest, will -compleat my conviction: From thence we will go to the ball. Tomorrow, -champagne at your cousin the countess’s, and lansquenet, at our friend -the President’s.” - - - - - CHAP. VII. - THE ITCHINGS. - - -We walked toward the south. On this side, Giphantia ends in a point, and -forms a little promontory, from whence there is a large prospect. This -promontory is covered all over with a plant, whose boughs descend and -creep every way. This is the production of the second Kernel. The plant -never bears either leaves or blossoms, or fruit: It is formed by an -infinite number of very thin small fibres, which branch out of one -another. - -View carefully the fibres (says the Prefect to me.) Dost thou see at -their extremity, little longish bodies, which move so briskly? They are -small maggots, which this plant breeds; whether vegetation, carried -beyond its usual bounds, produces them; or whether there comes at the -extremity of the fibres, a sort of corruption, by which they are -engendered. In time, these maggots waste away so as to become invisible: -But withal they get wings, and growing flies, they disperse themselves -over the earth. There, they stick fast to men, and cease not to infest -them with a sting given them by nature. And as the tarantula, with the -poison which she leaves in the wound she has made, inspires an -immoderate desire to leap and dance, just so these small insects cause, -according to their different kinds, different Itchings. Such are the -itch of talking, the itch of writing, the itch of knowing, the itch of -shining, the itch of being known, with a hundred others. Hence, all the -motions, men put themselves into, all the efforts they make, all the -passions that stir them. - -The sensation they feel on these occasions, is so manifestly such as we -are describing, that when any one is seen in an uncommon agitation of -body or mind, it is very usual to say, _What fly stings? what maggot -bites?_ Though nothing can be seen, it is perceived that the cause of so -many motions is a stinging: A man often finds it by experience, and -knows what it is owing to. - -When once men are troubled with these restless prickings, they cannot be -quiet. He, for instance, that is stung with the itch of talking, is -continually discoursing with every body, correcting those that do not -need it, informing those that know more than himself. His visage opens, -lengthens, and shortens at pleasure: He laughs with those that laugh, -weeps with those that weep, without sharing the joy of the one, or the -grief of the other. If by chance he gives you room to say any thing, -speak fast and stop not; for, in an instant, he would begin again, and -take care not to be interrupted. Never does he lend an ear to any one; -and even when he seems to hold his tongue, he is still muttering to -himself. He despises nothing so much as those silent animals, who hear -little and speak still less; and he thinks no men more worthy of envy -than those, who have the talent of drawing a circle of admirers, of -raising the voice in the midst of them, and of saying nothings -incessantly applauded. - -Sometimes the itch of talking is turned into the itch of writing; which -comes to the same thing; for writing, is talking to the whole world. -Then those torrents of words, which flow from the mouth, change their -course and flow from the pen ... what numbers of bablers in these silent -libraries! Oh how must those who have ears, and run over these immense -collections, be stunned with what they hear! They are like great fairs, -where each author cries up his wares to the utmost of his power, and -spares nothing to promote the sale. Come (says an Antient) come and -learn of me to practice virtue and become happy; come and draw from -these pure fountains, whose streams are polluted by the corruption of -men.... Come rather to me (cries a Modern) time and observation have -opened our eyes; we see things, and only want to show them to you.... -Mind them not (says a Romancer) seek not truth there; truth still lies -in the bottom of Democritus’s well. Come therefore to me for amusement, -and I will help you to it. Come and read the life and exploits of the -duke of * * * *, the model of the court; he never attacked a girl -without debauching her; he has embroiled above fifty families, and -thrown whole towns into confusion: He must, it is plain, be one of the -most accomplished men of the age.... I have things to offer you, much -more interesting than all this, (says a Versifier) I have the prettiest -odes and finest songs in the world, little soft verses, nosegays for -Iris, and a complete collection of all the riddles and symbolical -letters, which for these ten years have puzzled the sagacity of the -strongest heads in Babylon.... Away with those trifles (says a Tragic -Poet) and come to me: I manage the passions as I please: I will force -tears from your eyes, transport you out of your senses, and make your -hair stand an end.... That is very kind indeed, (says a Comic Poet) but -I believe, it will be better to come to me, who will make you laugh at -all others and even at yourselves. I pity you all, (says a Man-hater) -burn me all those books there and mine too; and let there be no mention -of learning, arts, sciences, and the like wretched things; for it is I -that tell you, as long as you have any reason, you shall have neither -wisdom, nor conduct, nor happiness. - -I say nothing of the itch of knowledge, which should always precede that -of writing, and which commonly follows it at a good distance, and often -never comes at all. - -At Babylon, the itch of being singular, is like an epidemical disease. -It is pretty well known wherein the Babylonians are alike, but it would -be the work of an age, to say wherein they differ. Every one -distinguishes himself by some remarkable stroke. Hence comes the mode of -portraits, and the facility of drawing them. Draw them by fancy, you are -sure they will meet with a likeness; draw them after nature, you will -never fail of originals. There are some for the pulpit, for the use of -the orators who want grace, there are some for the theatre, for the use -of poets who want genius, there are some for writings of all kinds, for -the use of the authors who want ideas. - -The most troublesome of all the itches produced by these insects, is the -itch of being known. Thou canst not conceive, what efforts are made by -all the men stung with this itch. I say all the men; for, who has not a -view to reputation and fame? The Artisan shows his work, the Gamester -his calculations, the Poet his images, the Orator his grand strokes, the -Scholar his discoveries, the General his campaigns, the Minister his -schemes. And even he that sees the nothingness of this chimæra, still -contemplates its charms, and sighs after it: Just so a lover, with a -troubled heart, strives to abandon a faithless mistress, from whom he -cannot bear to part. What designs, what efforts of imagination to make -one’s self talked of! how many things attempted and dropt! what hopes, -fears, cares, and follies of every kind! - -[Illustration] - - - - - CHAP. VIII. - COMPENSATIONS. - - -What you tell me (says I) is very extraordinary. But I cannot see why -the elementary spirits raise and cultivate this plant with so great -care. They who wish us so much good, in this respect do us very little. -To behold men, stung to the quick, acting like madmen, losing their -senses for chimeras, is a thing, in my opinion, deserving pity; but -perhaps it may be an amusement to the elementary spirits. - -Like many others (replied the Prefect) thou judgest and seest things but -in one view. The itches have their inconveniences; but that is nothing -in comparison of their advantages. Without the itch of talking and -writing, would eloquence be known? Would the sciences have been -transmitted and improved from generation to generation? Would not you be -like so many untaught children, without ideas, without knowledge, -without principles? Was it not for the itch of being known, who would -take the pains to amuse you, to instruct you, to be useful to you by the -most interesting discoveries? Without the itch of ruling, who would busy -themselves in unravelling the chaos of the laws, in hearing and judging -your quarrels, in watching for your safety? Without the itch of shining, -in what kingdom would policy find a vent for those respectable -knick-knacks wherewith she adorns those she is pleased to distinguish? -And yet, this kind of nothings are, for the good of the state, to be -acquired at the price even of blood. Thanks to our flies, there are some -mad enough to sacrifice all for their sake, and others fools enough to -behold them with veneration. - -Take away our insects, and men stand stupidly ranged by one another, -like so many statues; let our insects fly, and these statues receive new -life, and are as busy as bees. One sings, another dances, this reads his -verses and falls into an extasy, that hears him and is tired: The -Chymist is at his furnace, the Speculatist in his study, the Merchant at -sea, the Astronomer discovers a new satellite, the Physician a new -medicine, the soldier a new manœuvre; in fine, the statues are men; and -all this is owing to this plant and our care. - -I beg (said I to the Prefect) we may stand at a distance from this -admirable plant; I dread more than I can express, the neighbourhood of -these volatiles. I rejoice much to see them authors of so many benefits; -but I fear still more, the uneasiness they create. - -[Illustration] - - - - - CHAP. IX. - NIL ADMIRARI. - - -Your fearfulness, (says the Prefect) surprises me. Tell me, I pray, what -idea hast thou of what is called grandeur, dignities, and high rank in a -state? - -I am in this world (answered I) like a traveller, who goes on his way -curiously observing the objects, but desiring none, because he is but a -passenger. Moreover, if things are estimated according to the happiness -they procure, I do not think that the highest places should be much -valued; for, I see, they make no man happy, and are a misfortune to -many. - -What of riches? added the Prefect. - -Pleasure (said I) is like a very rare commodity, which, however, every -one would fain purchase. Among those that succeed, the rich buy it very -dear, it comes cheap to the rest: One may as well be among the last as -the first. Of the few pleasures that exist, the lower class enjoy as -large a share as the highest. - -What of wit, genius, talents? says the Prefect. - -One half of the world, replied I, study to amuse the other. The first -class is formed of men of talents; whose brains are wound up by nature -higher than ordinary. They are incessantly striving to please: If they -fail, they waste away with grief; if they succeed, it is never fully, -and a single censure creates them more pain than all the encomiums -together give them pleasure. It is, therefore, better to be of the -second class, I mean among those who are amused by the others. - -As far as I see, said the Prefect, the aspect of the great and their -pomp, of the scholar and his extensive genius, of the rich and his vast -possessions, makes little or no impression on thy mind. - -I confess, replied I, that no man was ever less dazzled with all this -than myself. Wrapt in a certain coolness of sense, I am guarded against -all strong impressions. I behold with the same eye the ignorant who know -nothing, and the learned who know all, except truth; the protector who -plans, though he knows his weakness, and the protected who cringes, -though he perceives his superiority; the peasant that is disgusted with -the simplicity of his diet, and the rich sensual, who with thirty -niceties, can hardly make a dinner; the duchess, loaded with diamonds, -and the shepherdess decked with flowers; vanity, which dwells in the -cottage as well as in the palace, and upholds the low as well as the -high; care, which sits on the throne by the king, or follows the -philosopher in his retirement. All the parts on the stage of this world, -seem to me one no better than another: but I do not desire to act any. I -would observe all and be taken up with nothing. Hence it is, that I -dreaded the neighbourhood of these restless flies.... - -And hence it is precisely, interrupted the Prefect, that thou hadst -nothing to fear from them. Thou admirest nothing; it is sufficient: The -flies can take no hold of thee. The first impression they must make, is -the impression of surprise and admiration; if they make not that, they -miss their aim. But the moment admiration is admitted, a crowd of -passions quickly follow. For, in the object of wonder, great hurt or -great good is expected. Hence Love or Aversion, and all their -attendants; restless Desire which never sleeps; Joy, which embraces and -devours its objects; Melancholy, which, at a distance, and with weeping -eyes, contemplates and calls for what it dreads: Confidence, which walks -with head erect, and often meets a fall; Despair, which is preceded by -fear and followed by madness, and a thousand others. If thou wilt rest -secure from their attacks, cherish thy coolness of sense, and never lose -sight of the grand principle, - - NIL ADMIRARI. - -[Illustration] - - - - - CHAP. X. - THE FANTASTICAL TREE. - - -After having walked some time by the side of a rivulet, we came into a -beautiful and spacious meadow. It was enamelled with a thousand sorts of -flowers, whose various colours were, at a distance, blended together and -formed shining carpets, such as art has never woven. The meadow was -bounded by a piece of rock, like a wall; against which grew a tree, like -an espalier. It did not rise above a man’s height, but spread itself to -the right and left, the length of the rock, above three hundred paces. -Its leaves were very thin and very narrow, but in such abundance, that -it was not possible to see the least part, either of the trunk or of the -branches, or of the surface of the rock. - -Thou seest, said the Prefect, the product of the third and last Kernel; -we give it the name of the Fantastical Tree. - -From this precious tree it is, that inventions, discoveries, arts and -sciences take their original; and that by a mechanism, which will -surprise thee. - -Thou knowest that the fibres of the leaves of a tree, are ranged -uniformly on each of them; to see one, is to see all the rest. Here, -this uniformity has no place; each leaf has its fibres ranged in a -particular manner; there are not two alike in the Fantastical Tree. But, -what is most wonderful, the fibres, on each leaf, are ranged with -symmetry, and represent distinctly a thousand sorts of objects; one -while a colonnade, an obelisk, a decoration; another while mechanical -instruments; here, geometrical diagrams, algebraical problems, -astronomical systems; there, physical machines, chymical instruments, -plans of all kinds of works, verse, prose, conversation, history, -romances, songs, and the like. - -These leaves do not fade. When come to perfection they grow by degrees -prodigiously small, and roll themselves up in a thousand folds. In this -state, they are so light, that the wind blows them away; and so small, -that they enter through the pores of the skin. Once admitted into the -blood, they circulate with the humours, and generally stop at the brain, -where they cause a singular malady, the progress of which is thus: - -When one of the leaves is settled in the brain, it is imbibed, dilated, -opened, becomes such as it was on the Fantastical Tree, and presents to -the mind the images wherewith it is covered. During the operation, the -patient appears with his eyes fixed, and a pensive air. He seems to hear -and see what passes about him, but his thoughts are otherways employed. -He walks sometimes at a great rate, and sometimes stands stock-still. He -rubs his forehead, stamps with his foot, and bites his nails. They who -have seen a geometrician upon the solution of a problem, or a naturalist -on the first glimpse of a physical explication, must have observed these -symptoms. - -This violent state proceeds from the efforts of the soul, to discern -what is traced on the leaf; it holds longer or shorter, according as the -leaf takes up more or less time in displaying, and aptly presenting -itself. - -The abatement of the malady appears by light emanations from the brain, -such as some ideas suddenly conceived, some designs hastily thrown upon -paper, some scheme sketched in a hurry. The soul begins to discern the -objects, and contemplate at leisure the Fantastical leaf. - -These last symptoms declare an approaching crisis, which quickly shows -itself in a general evacuation of all that has been transmitted to the -brain. Then verses flow, difficulties are cleared, problems are -resolved, phenomena are explained, dissertations are multiplied, -chapters are heaped upon chapters; and the whole takes the form of a -book, and the patient is cured. Of all the accidents which afflicted -him, there only remains an immoderate affection for the offspring of his -brain, of which he was delivered with so much pain. - - - - - CHAP. XI. - PREDICTIONS. - - -Behold, added the Prefect, showing me the extent of the Fantastical -Tree, behold leaves for a century of designs, of discoveries, and of -writings. Thou mayest examine at thy leisure what, during that space, -will torment above a million of heads. - -I drew near, and attentively viewed a good while the wonderful tree, -especially those branches on which the sciences vegetated; and after -having examined it to the last boughs with all the attention and -exactness I am capable of, I think myself qualified to make here some -Predictions. - -The historical branch has an admirable effect; all the events are -painted like a camayeu[14], as by the hand of the greatest masters. So -many leaves, so many little pictures. What will most surprise, is, that -these pictures, seen in different points of view, represent the same -subject, but represent it very variously: And, according to the manner -of beholding it, the same action appears courageous or rash, zealous or -fanatical, rational or silly, proud or magnanimous. So, according to the -point of view, wherein these leaves present themselves to the brain of -an historian, he will see things in a good or bad light, and will write -accordingly. I would not have such works entitled, _The history of what -passed in such a time_, but rather, _The manner in which such an author -saw what passed_. Moreover this branch is plentifully furnished, and -should be so. As long as there are men, there will be ambition, -traitors, disturbers of the publick peace, merit will be forgotten and -the worthless preferred, virtue will be oppressed, vice will be -triumphant, countries will be ravaged, cities will be sacked, and -thrones will be dyed in blood; and these are the food of history; -excellent school, for youth to learn lessons of humanity, candor, and -sincerity! - -The metaphysical branch is almost equally furnished: But its leaves are -very thin, and their fibres so excessively small, that they are hardly -perceivable. I greatly pity the brains where they will settle. I see but -one way to give them ease: And that is, to treat the most thorny -questions after the modern manner; I mean to supply the want of clear -ideas and deep reflections, by bold and confident assertions, which may -serve to impose. - -The moral branch droops, and receives scarce any sap; its withered -leaves declare an approaching decay; alas! it is dying. The plans on it -are quite effaced. This is too visible from the works that are published -of this kind. The ideas of good and evil are confounded; virtue is so -disguised as hardly to be known, nor is it easy to discern what is to be -called vice. And yet, the whole is not said. There remains many -arguments to be published against the obsolete notion of justice; many -jests to be passed upon those who still talk of probity in the old -fashioned stile; many fresh proofs to demonstrate, that national, -private, and especially personal interest, should be the sole rule of -conduct. At these so fine lessons, the Babylonians will clap their hands -and cry: “In truth, all the world was blind; and men did not see clearly -till this present time.” - -The poetical branch is in a very bad state; there are only a few boughs -left, among others, the dramatic bough, and that so very weak, it can -hardly support itself. There will appear from time to time at Babylon -some tragic poets, but no comic. I suspect the reason. Formerly the -Babylonians were only ridiculous; they were brought upon the stage and -people laughed: Now, they are almost all vicious, but vicious upon -principle; and such objects by no means raise laughter. The manners -begin to be no longer theatrical. - -The panegyrical branch is very considerable, and bends under its load. -There will be panegyricks applicable to a great man from whom some -favour is expected; to an author who having flattered, receives homage -for homage; to another, who is flattered, in order that he may flatter -again. There will be some commercial ones, which will be sold, to one -for his protection, to another for his table, to a third for his money. -There will be also some, and in great plenty for those, who beg them: -But there will be hardly any for those that deserve them the most. - -With good-sense alone, and the simplest notions which a bough of the -philosophical branch furnishes, and which teach to estimate the things -of this life according to their value, there will be formed, among the -people, a number of practical philosophers; whilst, among the men of -letters, all the penetration imaginable, all the knowledge they think -they have, all the wit in the world will form only imperfect -philosophers. They will avoid praises, but so as to attain them by some -round-about way. They will profess the most ardent zeal for all the -citizens, nay, for all men in general; but they will care only for -themselves. They will decide upon the most complicated, the most -obscure, the most important questions, with an astonishing confidence; -but in deciding everything they will clear up nothing. They will wear -outwardly the most reserved modesty; inwardly they will be eaten up by -ambition. Now, shall we call such persons philosophers? It is thus that -we give the name of stars to those meteors, which kindle sometimes in -the upper region of the air, make a blaze, and instantly vanish. - -In general, I thought, I saw upon a great number of leaves, things -entirely contradictory. The century will slide away, and the sentiments -upon the same objects will not be reconciled. According to custom, each -will speak his opinion, and attack the rest. Disputes will arise; and -the most bitter ironies, the strongest invectives, the most cutting -railleries, nothing will be spared to raise the laughter of the crowd, -and the pity of the wise. - -[Illustration] - - - - - CHAP. XII. - THE SYSTEM. - - -Of an infinite number of plans of different works, that I saw drawn on -the leaves of the Fantastical Tree, I remember three. In the first, the -point in question is very abstract, but treated in so singular a manner, -that perhaps it will not be disagreeable to give here a slight sketch of -it. - -“When I have examined matter, it has appeared to me, that it could not -think, and I have readily admitted Beings purely spiritual. It is true, -the least ideas of such substances have never been formed. This proves -the sagacity of man does not reach very far: But does it prove there is -nothing beyond? - -“When I have considered the animals, I have not been able to help -thinking them intelligent, and that so much ingenuity was not without -some understanding. They are, therefore, said I, provided with a -spiritual substance. But what! these insects, these worms, these -microscopical animals, who increase without number in the shortest -space, have they each a spiritual, that is to say, an unchangeable, -immortal soul? I do not imagine, any such thought ever entered into a -sound head. - -“Then calling to mind that intelligent Being diffused through the whole -earth, and perhaps farther, that immense spirit of whom some antient -philosophers have talked, under the name of the universal soul; I have -thought that, without multiplying infinitely spiritual substances, that -soul was very proper to supply their place, and alone sufficient to give -life to all the animals. I have therefore embraced the opinion of the -antients, but with one restriction. - -“They were persuaded that every thinking organized Being, is animated by -a particle of the universal soul; That cannot be. If this soul is -capable of perceptions, it is spiritual, and indivisible, and if it is -indivisible, it cannot separate from itself any part to go and animate -any Being whatever. If this spirit informs different bodies, it is -because it operates at the same time in different places; and not -because it sends any where some emanation of its substance. - -“Farther: The antients believed that man, like the animals, derived from -the universal soul all the intelligence he is endowed with; another -mistake. If we consider in man, that hidden principle which carries him -so efficaciously to follow the impressions of sense, though ever so -repugnant to reason, we shall agree, with the antients, that this -principle must be the same with that which animates, rules, and directs -the animals; the pure sensitive nature of the universal soul is visible -in it. But when I perceive in man another agent, which tends to subject -all his actions to the rules of justice; which so often opposes the -senses (though seldom with success) which, even when it succeeds not to -hinder the sin, never fails to sting him with remorse and repentance; I -cannot help thinking, that besides the universal spirit, there is in man -another principle of a superior order: A principle known by the name of -rational soul. It is manifest by the clashing between the passions and -reason, that there are in us two contradictory Beings, which oppose one -another. If I may be allowed to compare things of so different a nature, -I should say that every thing which partakes of the universal soul is -like a spunge soaked in water, and immersed in the sea; and that if, -moreover, the body is endued with a reasonable soul (which is the case -of man) it is like the same spunge soaked in water, but in which a drop -of oil has found its way. - -“In fine, the antients believed, that the universal soul was diffused -every where; but neither can That be. Perhaps it pervades the -terrestrial globe, or, it may be, the whole solar system, or even -farther: But still it is certain, it has its bounds, it is God alone -that fills immensity. - -“But how shall the existence of a thinking Being be admitted, which, -bounded as it is, has however so prodigious an extension? What ideas can -be formed of its capaciousness and its limits? How can it animate so -many bodies physically separated one from the other, and forming so many -individuals? Let us fathom, as far as in us lies, these depths of -obscurity. - -“Since spiritual substances have no solidity, they are penetrable, and -take up no room. From their penetrability it follows, that several -spirits may exist in one and the same space, and that a body may also be -in the same place. From their taking up no room it follows, that they -have neither length, nor breadth, nor depth; that they have no extension -properly so called. But still a spirit is a real Being, a substance: -Though it takes up no room, it is necessarily some-where; and, though it -has no extension properly so called, it has necessarily its bounds. So, -in a metaphysical sense, all spiritual Beings may be said to be more or -less extended, to contain, and to be contained: And then we may return -to our companion of the spunge, penetrated by a drop of oil, impregnated -with water, and immersed in the sea.” - -“On the other hand, by virtue of the laws of combination, the result of -the unions necessarily differs from the substances that are united; and -it does not appear, that the soul and the body should make an exception. -When the spirit and matter are united, think not the spirit the same as -before; it is, in some measure, materialized; think not the matter such -as it was before; it is, in some measure, spiritualized. From this -mixture results a new Being, different from pure spirit, though it -retains its noblest virtue; different from brute matter, though it -partakes of its qualities: It is a particular Being, forming an -individual, and thinking apart; in fine, it is such a Being as you that -are reading, such as I that am writing. Therefore, what perceives in us, -is properly speaking, neither the universal spirit nor the rational -soul, nor organized matter: but a compound of all three. Just as when a -lion roars, it is not the universal soul, that is in a rage; it is the -compound of that soul and the brain of the lion. Hence it comes, that -each animal forms a separate thinking individual, though all the animals -think only by virtue of one and the same spirit, the universal soul. Let -us proceed without losing sight of the faint light which guides us thro’ -these dark paths. - -“We have seen that, to form an animal, there needs only a combination of -organized matter, and the universal soul; and, to form a man, there must -be another union of organized matter, universal spirit, and rational -soul. If the universal spirit was wanting; ever obedient to the dictates -of the rational soul, we should see none but virtuous and spotless men, -such as are no where to be found. If the rational soul was wanting, -abandoned to this instinct of the universal spirit, which always follows -the allurements of sense, we should see none but monsters of vice and -disorder. - -“The rational soul is united to the human body, the instant the motion -essential to life is settled there, it is separated the instant that -motion is destroyed; and, once separated, it is known to return no more, -it departs for-ever; and enters into a state of which there is to be no -end. - -“The universal soul is united and separated in the same circumstances: -But it is not always separated for-ever. Let, in any person, the motion -essential to life, after having totally ceased, come to be renewed, (a -thing which every physician knows to be very possible) and what will be -the consequence? The rational soul, which departed upon the ceasing of -the vital motion, cannot return; but the universal soul, always present, -cannot fail of re-uniting with the organized body set in motion again. -The man is dead, for his soul is separated from his body. He preserves, -however, the air of a living man; because the universal soul is -re-settled in his brain, which it directs tolerably well. - -“Such to you appears a person perfectly recovered from an apoplectic or -lethargic fit, who is but half come to life; his soul is flown; there -remains only the universal spirit. Excess of joy, or of grief, any -sudden opposition may occasion death, and does occasion it, in fact, -oftener than is imagined. Let a fit of jealousy or passion affect you to -a certain degree, your soul, too strongly shocked, quits its habitation -for-ever: And, let your friends say what they please, or say what you -will yourself, you are dead, positively dead. However, you are not -buried: the universal soul acts your part to the deception of the whole -world, and even of yourself. - -“Do not complain therefore, that a relation forgets you, that a friend -forsakes you, that a wife betrays you. Alas! perhaps it is a good while -since you had a wife, or relations, or friends; they are dead; their -images only remain. - -“How many deaths of this kind have I seen at Babylon? Never, for -instance, did contagious distemper make such havock as the late pious -broils. It is true, the Babylonians are so constituted, that their soul -sits very loose; the least shock parts it from the body; this is -confirmed by observation. Call to mind their notorious quarrel about -musick, their rage, their fury: How few heads were untouched? They are -mad, said some reasonable people: But for my part, I knew they were -dead. - -“God rest the soul of the author of the _Petites Lettres a de grands -Philosophes!_ He had long been declining; and at last died some months -ago. Instantly, the universal soul, possessed of his brains, dislodged -some shreds of verses, jumbled them together, and framed that lifeless -comedy, the indecency of which gave offence to all the Babylonians that -remained _alive_. - -“I shall now speak of the signs by which the living may be distinguished -from the dead: And, doubtless, the reader sees already what these signs -may be. To behold wickedness with unconcern; to be unmoved by virtue, to -mind only self-interest; and without remorse, to be carried away with -the torrent of the age, are signs of death. Be assured, no rational soul -inhabits such abandoned machines. What numbers of dead amongst us! you -will say. What numbers of dead amongst us! will I answer. - -“As there are signs which declare that such a particular person, who -thinks himself, and whom you think full of life, is however deprived of -it; so there are signs which show the ravages, these concealed deaths -have made in the world. For instance, there must have been, of late -years, a great mortality among the learned: For, if you observe almost -all the productions of modern literature, you will find only a playing -with words, destructive principles, dangerous assertions, dazzling -hints. Alas! our authors are manifestly but machines, actuated by the -universal soul. - -“And, very lately, have we not had fresh proofs of this mortality? What -is meant by these libels unworthy of the light? These _when’s_? These -_if’s_? These _what-d’ye-calls_? These _wherefore’s_? And I know not how -many more with which we are deluged. Be not persuaded that rational -souls are capable of such excesses. - -“I will conclude with opening a door to new reflections. Suppose a man, -like so many others, vegetates only, and is reduced to the universal -soul, I demand whether the race of such a man is not in the same state. -If so, I pity our posterity. Rational souls were scarce among our -fore-fathers; they are still more so among us; surely there will be none -left among our offspring. All are degenerating, and we are very near the -last stage.” - -[Illustration] - - - - - CHAP. XIII. - LETTER TO THE EUROPEANS. - - -The second of the works, of which I remember to have seen the plan -delineated on the leaves of the Fantastical tree, was digested into the -form of a letter, addressed to all the nations of Europe, the substance -of which is as follows: - -“O ye powerful nations of Europe; nations polished, ingenious, learned, -warlike, made to command the rest; nations the most accomplished upon -earth; the times are come: Your profound schemes for the happiness of -man have prospered: You enjoy it at length, and I congratulate you upon -it. - -“In nature’s infancy, those uncivilised ages wherein men wandering in -the fields, were fed with the products of the earth, a perfect security, -easy pleasure, profound peace, or rather languishing indolence benumbed -all the faculties of the soul. But when the sweets of property had -flattered the human heart; when each had his inclosure and could say, -_This is mine_; then all was in motion. A man had too much of one thing, -and too little of another; he gave the superfluity for what he wanted: -And trade was established. It was at first carried on among neighbours; -then, from country to country; and at last, from one of the quarters of -the world to the other three. From that time, mankind have formed but -one numerous family, whose members are incessantly employed in cheating -one another. The spirit of distrust, finess, and fraud, have displayed -all the springs of the soul; the talents have shown themselves, the arts -have taken birth; and men begin to enjoy the full extent of their -understanding. - -“How well these profound speculatists have conjectured, who have told -us: _Would you have a state flourish? incourage populousness; for real -strength and riches consist in a great number of citizens. To incourage -populousness, enlarge trade more and more, set up manufactures, -introduce arts of every kind; and, to consume superfluities, call in -luxury._ Let the names of those who have opened this admirable way, be -carefully preserved in our kalendar. - -“It is true, by following this method, you have missed your aim, which -was populousness. What fortune soever a man may raise, it is consumed by -the boundless expence of luxury, which always exceeds the revenues: -There is nothing left for the education and settlement of children; and -means must be used to have a small number, or even none at all. Long -races suit only those remote times when your ancestors, plentifully -furnished with necessaries, were so unfortunate as to have no idea of -pageantry. It is no wonder, if people so barbarous as not to know silk, -lace, tea, chocolate, Burgundy, Champagne, should so increase in the -northern regions, as to over-run, like a torrent, all your countries, -should found monarchies, and dictate laws, which are revered to this -day. - -“But what signifies populousness and multitude? Rejoice, O ye fortunate -nations; for you have coffee and snuff, cinnamon and musk, sugar and -furs, tea and china. How happy are you! and how composed should your -minds be! - -“It is true, toils, hunger, thirst, shoals, storms, sooner or later -destroy these insatiable traders, who traverse the seas to bring you -these precious superfluities. But with how many advantages are these -petty inconveniences repaid? The face of Europe is entirely new! even to -your constitutions all is changed. Thousands of quintals of spices, -circulate in your blood, carry fire into your inmost nerves, and give -you a new sort of Being. Neither your health, nor your diseases are like -those of your fore-fathers. Their robust constitution, simplicity of -manners, their native virtues, are they comparable to the advantages you -enjoy? That sensibility of the organs, that delicacy of mind and body, -those universal lights, those vices of all kinds.... What! will it be -said, are vices also to be reckoned among the actual felicities of -Europe? Yes, without doubt: Is it not daily proved, that virtue -heretofore might be useful to the prudent economy of your ancestors, but -that, for enlightened citizens, who no longer walk by the old rules, -vice is absolutely necessary, or rather changes its nature and becomes -virtue. - -“Another advantage that you owe to the depth of your policy and -extensiveness of your trade is, that perpetual occasions offer to show -your courage, and to practice your military virtues. - -“When formerly your countries were under that vast dominion, which -swallowed up all the rest, they sunk into indolence; you had only short -wars and long intervals of peace, every thing languished. But since, out -of the wrecks of that unwieldy empire, a hundred petty states have been -formed, every thing has revived. The Europeans have incessantly -quarrelled and fought for little spots of land; the grand art of heroism -is returned, the art of sacking provinces and shedding blood: And that -balance of power so much talked of, is at last established, which puts -all Europe in arms at the motion of the least of its parts, and by means -of which, a single spark is sufficient to set the whole earth in a -flame. - -“Let us not regret those times so productive of warriors, when country -heroes, each at the head of two or three hundred vassals, continually -harrassed one another. The seeds of dissention, which were grown scarce -in your climates, have been sought in the farthest parts of the earth; -and from the bosom of the two Indias, commerce has brought fresh seeds -of enmity, discord, and war. - -“These fertile sources are not exhausted; there still remain countries -to be discovered. O ye indefatigable nations! is your courage abated? -What! should you confine yourselves to your late progresses, as if there -remained no unknown lands? Will you never go and hoist your standards, -and build forts, directly under the Poles? Rouse yourselves, there are -still left riches to plunder, countries to waste, blood to spill. - -“But why should you cast your eyes on such objects? Are not your -possessions immense? Is not your luxury carried to the utmost height? -Are there still new vices to be introduced among you? And do not you -begin to shake off the troublesome yoke of every sort of duty? Without -doubt, you are very well, nor were you ever better. The little way you -have to arrive at perfection, will soon be gone over. When modern -wisdom, which timorously conceals herself still in the shade, shall -appear in broad day; when she shall have raised her proud head, and -shall see all Europe at her feet, universally adopting her maxims, then, -you will have neither religious nor moral principles; you will be at the -summit of felicity.” - - - - - CHAP. XIV. - THE MAXIMS. - - -The third work of which I remember to have seen the sketch on the -Fantastical Tree, was entitled, _Rules of Conduct for the Eighteenth -Century, addressed to a young Babylonian, who is coming into the world_. -It contained the following Maxims. - -“Every country has its customs, every age its manners; and, in human -wisdom, the only unchangeable Maxim is, to change with the times and -places. The most unquestionable Maxims of the Babylonians, and of the -present times are such as these: - -“To have true merit does not much signify; but to have small talents is -essential. To make one’s court, for example, and pretty verses, is -sufficient to prosper: and even farther than can be imagined. - -“Great faults shall be forgiven you, but the least ridiculous ones are -unpardonable. You think right, and say excellent things: But take care -you do not sneeze; it will be such an indecorum, that all the Babylonish -gravity would not be able to hold; and you might speak still better -things, and not a soul hear you. - -“Be particularly careful to act entirely with reference to yourself, and -to talk always with reference to the publick-good. It is a fine word, -that _publick-good_: If you would, it will never enter into your heart; -but it must be always in your mouth. - -“Seek not the esteem of the Babylonians in place, that leads to nothing; -seek to please. What, think you, will esteem do for you? It is so frozen -a sentiment, has so distant a relation to _self_! But amuse their -highnesses, and their eminencies, you will then be prized, they will not -suffer you out of their sight; they will do all for you, and think they -can never do enough. - -“Wait not to sollicit for a place you may be fit for; probably you will -not succeed. But ask, without distinction, for whatever shall offer. It -is a secret to you, but you must know, that it often enters into the -depth of true policy, to prefer unfit persons, and remove those that are -capable. - -“In fine, if you will prosper, turn, according to circumstances, -flatterer, like a dedication; quack, like a preface; verbose like a book -of art or science; enthusiast, like a demi-philosopher; liar, like an -historian; fool-hardy, like an author who is resolved to be talked of. - -“These are the true principles of wisdom: But remember, it is the -Babylonian wisdom of the Eighteenth Century.” - - - - - CHAP. XV. - THE THERMOMETERS. - - -As I was attentively examining a leaf of the Fantastical Tree, on which -I perceived grand projects, and insufficient means; I saw another, so -small and curled as to be almost invisible, fly off from a neighbouring -bough, and suddenly disappear. At the same instant I felt a slight -pricking in my forehead, and a sort of restlessness in my head, which I -cannot describe, and which has not left me ever since. - -Certainly this leaf has entered my brain, and is labouring to unfold -itself; some new invention will result from it one time or other. I even -begin to suspect of what kind; and I imagine, it will be a mechanical -affair. If I am not mistaken it is this: - -The different tempers, the different talents, the different dispositions -depend upon the heat and motion, more or less considerable, of the -animal spirits: This is a settled point among the physicians; I shall -not appeal from their judgment. The question would be to find a -mechanical instrument, to discover in each person the degree of heat and -motion of this animal liquid, in order to discern what any one is fit -for, and to employ him accordingly. This is what I am seeking, and what -the leaf, which is busy in my brain, when unfolded will not fail to show -me. - -I will compose a quintessence analogous to the animal liquid; and, -instead of spirits of wine, I will fill thermometers with it. On the -side of the tube, in the room of the different degrees of the -temperature of the air, there shall be an enumeration of the objects, -about which men are usually employed: Instead of cold, temperate, hot, -very hot, _&c._ shall be put, good for history, good for physick, good -for poetry, good for the gown, good for the sword, good for the mitre, -good for the baton, good for Bedlam, _&c._ - -When a person shall put his hand upon the phial, the liquor will be -condensed, or dilated; and, rising or falling in the tube, will show -what the person is good for. - -I will present Thermometers to sovereigns, that they may chuse Generals, -Ministers, Counsellors, and especially Favourites, who will love them -enough to tell them the truth. I will give some to Bishops to fill their -Benefices and Dignities, for I observe, that those who are appointed to -watch, should themselves be watched. I will give some to Fathers, that -their children may be wisely disposed of: We shall not see them gird -with a sword a son whom they ought to dedicate to the altar, nor bury in -a cloister a daughter who would have been the delight of a husband, and -the happiness of a family. I will give some to the Great, that they may -discern those who deserve their protection: They will grant it no more -to a base flatterer, to a supple intriguer, to an ostentatious mean -person, who has pretensions; but to true merit, which is seldom seen by -them, and never with all its advantages. I will give some to those -tender-hearted virtuous Girls, made to enliven the small number of our -pleasures, and to allay the multitude of our troubles. With my -Thermometers, they will chuse husbands worthy of their affection, if any -such there be; and they will not see themselves given up to men born for -the plague of their sex; those men without morals, who marry for life, -and espouse only for six months. - -In fine, I will give some to particular persons, that each may examine -himself, and act accordingly: For I observe, that generally every one -does what he should not do; I see none but what are misplaced. - -I am now solliciting for a pension, to defray the vast expence, that I -must evidently be at in making Thermometers, even though I should give -them only to such as most want them. - -It is true, that reflection might serve instead of my liquid and -glass-tubes, but reflections are known to be very rare. For example, it -is now at Babylon as on the real stage; all is action, nothing is -thought, and my Thermometers may become a necessary piece of furniture. - - - - - CHAP. XVI. - THE LENTILS. - - -The sap which circulates in the Fantastical Tree, said the Prefect, is -exhausted in bearing and nourishing leaves. Let it be considered, how -many plans, views, projects, come into men’s heads; the prodigious -quantity of leaves that this tree must furnish will be astonishing; and -it will be no longer wondered, that its whole substance is wasted in -their production. - -Mean while, the sap, passing into the philosophical branch, makes more -progress there than any where else; it produces blossoms, and sometimes -fruit. These blossoms are of a singular form and colour, that is to say, -admirable to some eyes, and very odd to others. Their odour is very -penetrating; few love it, many cannot bear it: To like it, requires a -strong head, and a brain organized on purpose. - -These same blossoms are extremely delicate: The least change of the air -disorders their economy. They generally fade without leaving any fruit. - -In fine, the fruit is very late, and seldom comes to perfect maturity. -The shell is almost round, divided within into little cells, and ending -at the top in a crown. - -The little cells of the philosophical fruit, are full of seeds -transparent as crystal, round and flatted like a Lentil, but infinitely -smaller. When the fruit is ripe, it bursts; the cells open, the seeds -come out. But as they are very light, they are suspended in the air, and -the wind blows them every way over the surface of the earth. - -One thing would astonish thee if thou wast not a little versed in -chymistry and optics, and that is, these philosophical grains have a -particular analogy to the eye. They will not stick to any other -substance; but, as soon as they come within the reach of certain eyes, -they never fail to fasten on them, and that just before the sight of the -eye. As they are perfectly transparent, they cannot be perceived: But -they are discovered by their effects. - -He that has a seed of this kind before his eyes, sees things as they -are, and he cannot be imposed upon by chimæras. What used to appear to -him _great_, is prodigiously lessened, and what appeared to him -_little_, is magnified in the same proportion; so that to his eyes, -every thing is upon a level or nearly so. - -In general, men appear to him very little, and those lords over others, -whom he beheld before as colossuses, seem to him so little above the -rest, that he hardly perceives the difference. - -He sees the extent of human knowledge, and finds it so near to -ignorance, that he does not conceive how learning can breed vanity, or -ignorance cause shame. - -He sees without disguise the phantom of immortality, the idol of the -great and the jest of the wise. He sees the celebrated names penetrate a -little more or less into futurity; and then stop like the rest and sink -into eternal oblivion. - -He sees what is low in the most sublime; the dark part of what casts the -most lustre, the weak side in what appears the strongest: And his -imagination presents to him nothing dazzling, but wherein his reason -discovers all the defects. - -He sees the earth, as a point in the boundless space; the series of -ages, as an instant in eternal duration; and the chain of human actions, -as the traces of a cloud of flies in the aerial plains. - -In fine, he respects virtue; and, as to the rest, whatever he perceives -all around him, even to the most minute things, seems to him all alike. -He esteems nothing, he despises nothing, he prefers nothing, and -accommodates himself to every thing. - -Such a man cannot be conceived to be susceptible of all those little -sallies of joy which affect others, but then he is screened from those -little mortifications which trouble them so much, and in my opinion, he -is a gainer. - - - - - CHAP. XVII. - THE SUBTERRANEOUS ROAD. - - -I have one thing more (said the Prefect) to show thee; prepare thy eyes -and thy ears; and be frightened at nothing. - -The rivulet, by the side of which we walked to the Fantastical Tree, -receives several streams as it flows along; and, as if it left with -regret so beautiful a residence, after forming a thousand serpentine -windings in the meadow, it glides gently towards its mouth. In that -place, a hole, formed by an opening of the earth, receives and transmits -it through subterraneous channels. - -We came to the place where it was broadest. The bottom was of smooth -gravel, and the water not above an inch deep. The Prefect went in and I -followed him. - -I had gone but a few paces, when the bottom gave way: I sunk, but it was -only to my waste; and I remained in that posture, without being able to -get to one side or the other. Fear nothing, says the Prefect, calmly -enjoy the last spectacle I have reserved for thee. - -I then gave myself up to the efforts of the waters, which carried me -away, and I soon entered into the subterraneous cavities, where they -were lost. At a little distance, the rivulet flowed into another, and -soon after, both ran into a river. I was carried from stream to stream; -I crossed gulphs, lakes, and seas. - -As long as a faint light permitted, I contemplated the internal frame of -the earth. It is a labyrinth of immense caverns, deep grottos, irregular -crevices, which have a communication with one another. The waters that -flow in these subterranean places, spread themselves sometimes into vast -basons, and seem to stagnate; sometimes they run with a rapid stream -through narrow straits; and dash against the rocks with such -impetuosity, as to produce the phosporus and flashes of lightening; very -often they fall from the top of the vaults with a dreadful noise. The -dazzled eye sees, as it imagines, the foundations of the earth shake; -one would think, that the whole was turned upside down, and falling into -chaos. - -When the glimmering light, which I had enjoyed some time, came to fail, -I found myself buried in profound darkness, which increased the horror, -I had conceived at what I had seen. A hideous noise, mixed with the -murmuring of the streams, with the whistling of the gulfs, with the -roaring of the torrents, threw me into great perturbation of mind; and -my troubled fancy formed to itself a thousand frightful images. - -I went on a good while in this darkness; and I know not how far I had -gone when a faint light struck my eyes. It was not like that which -precedes sun-rising, or follows sun-set; but that melancholy light, -which a town on fire spreads at a distance in the shade of the night. I -was some time before I saw whence it came: At last, I found myself close -to the most terrible of all the sights. - -A vast opening exposed to my eyes in an immense cavern, an abyss of -fire. The devouring flame rapidly consumed the combustible matter with -which the arched roofs of the abyss were impregnated. A thick smoke -mixed with fiery sparks, diffused itself to a great distance. From time -to time, the calcined stones fell down by pieces, and the liquified -metals formed flaming streams. Sometimes whole rocks, rent from the tops -of the vaults, gave passage to water, which poured down in boiling -streams. The moment the water touched the calcined matters and melted -minerals, it caused most shocking detonations: The concavities of the -globe resounded, their foundations were shaken: And I conceived that -such was the cause of those terrible earth-quakes, that have destroyed -so many countries, and swallowed up so many cities. - -I was soon in darkness again; for I still went on. Every moment I should -have been destroyed, if the Prefect of Giphantia had not watched over -me. I saw him no more: But his promise was with me: And the dangers, I -had escaped, heartened me against those I had still to undergo. By -degrees I took courage, and became so easy as to make some reflections. - -Alas! said I, through a frightful desart I came into the most beautiful -mansions in the world, and I am now going thence through gulfs, abysses, -and vulcanos. Good and evil closely follow one another. It is thus, the -light of the day and darkness of the night, the frosts of the winter and -the flowers of the spring, the gentle zephyrs and the raging storms, -succeed one another. However, by this strange concatenation, is formed -the enchanting prospect of nature. Let us not doubt it: The natural -world, notwithstanding its disorders, is the master-piece of infinite -wisdom; the moral world, in spite of its stains, is worthy the -admiration of the philosopher: And Babylon, with all its faults, is the -chief city of the world. - -At last, after many days of subterraneous navigation, I once more saw -the light; I came out of these terrible vaults, and the last current -landed me upon a maritime coast. The serenity of the air was not ruffled -with the wind; the calm sea shone with the rays of the rising-sun; and, -like a tender wife who stretches out her arms, and sweetly smiles on a -beloved husband, the earth seemed to resume new life at the return of -that glorious orb, from whence springs all its fertility. By degrees, my -troubled senses were calmed: I looked round me, and found myself in my -own country, six hundred furlongs north-west from Babylon, to which city -I address and dedicate this narrative of my hazardous travels. - - - _FINIS._ - ------ - -Footnote 1: - - The Jansenists (so called from Jansenius bishop of Ypres) explained - the Doctrine of Grace after the Calvinistical or rather Methodistical - manner, whilst the Molinists (so named from Molina a Spanish Jesuit) - explained it after the Arminian or rather Semi-pelagian way. The - Gallican clergy were divided between these two Opinions. - - The reader may remember, there are three opinions concerning Grace. - Says the Calvinist and Methodist, Grace does ALL. Says the Arminian - and Semi-pelagian, Grace does HALF. Says the Pelagian, Grace does - NOTHING. - -Footnote 2: - - The city of Ombi stood on the eastern side of the Nile, and Tentyra or - Tentyris on the western; both in Thebais part of Upper Egypt. The - Tentyrites were professed enemies of the Crocodiles, whilst the rest - of the Egyptians held them in great veneration, especially the - Ombites, who for their sake waged war with the Tentyrites. - -Footnote 3: - - Our author in this and the following chapter gives a very lively - summary of the four great monarchies of the world. - - I. The Assyrian or Babylonian founded by Nimrod (or Belus I.) soon - after the dispersion at Babel, and which ended with the taking of - Babylon (A. C. 538) by Cyrus who founded II. The Persian empire which - ended with the defeat of Darius Codomannus (A. C. 334) by Alexander - the Great who founded III. The Grecian or Macedonian empire which in - about five years was divided among his successors, and at length - (after the battle of Actium and death of Cleopatra) became subject to - IV. The Roman empire under Augustus Cæsar, of which there are still - some remains. - -Footnote 4: - - Arbaces governour of Media, and Belesis of Babylon. - -Footnote 5: - - After the death of Sardanapalus (who is said to burn himself, his - wives and concubines, his eunuchs and riches, in one of the courts of - his palace) the empire was divided into the Median over which Arbaces - reigned at Nineveh, and the Assyrian over which Belesis reigned at - Babylon. These were united under Cyrus about 210 years after. Belesis - (the Baladan of Scripture) is called also Nabonassar. From the first - year of his reign begins the famous Astronomical Æra of Nabonassar, - containing 908 years from February 26 before Christ 747, to the 23d - year of Antoninus Pius in the year of our Lord 161. - -Footnote 6: - - Nebuchadnezzer (A. C. 589) utterly destroyed Jerusalem, put out king - Zedekiah’s eyes, killed his sons and erected the golden image in the - plains of Dura. - -Footnote 7: - - By a solemn treaty Ptolemy had Egypt, _&c._ Cassander had Macedonia - and Greece. Lysimachus had Thrace, Bithynia, _&c._ Seleucus had Syria, - _&c._ Of these, the kingdom of Egypt (under 14 monarchs including - Cleopatra) and of Syria (under 27 kings) subsisted till subdued by the - Romans. The rest soon fell to pieces. - -Footnote 8: - - His Library is said to consist of above 200,000 volumes. Among the - rest was the Septuagint or Greek translation of the Old Testament A. - C. 267. done by Ptolemy’s order. This library was at last destroyed by - fire. - -Footnote 9: - - This man who from a huntsman raised himself to the throne of Lusitania - (now Portugal) defeated the Romans in several battles; so that Cepion - the consul was forced at last to have him murdered by treachery. He - was (says Livy) much lamented and honorably buried. - -Footnote 10: - - Rome was taken by Alaric king of the Goths in 410. By Genseric the - Vandal in 455. By Odoacer king of the Heruli in 465, and by Totila the - Goth in 546, by whom it was miserably plundered. - -Footnote 11: - - Attila king of the Huns, (called _the scourge of God_) after his other - devastations entered Gaul with 500,000 Men and was defeated in the - plains of Chalons in 451, with the loss of 200,000 Huns. After which - he wasted Italy and destroyed Aquileia and other places. Then - returning home, he died on his wedding night. The Huns were the most - terrible of all the northern swarms. By the very terror of their - countenances they are said to over-run the Scythians, Alans and Goths. - They were so ignorant as not to know letters. - -Footnote 12: - - Mahomet was born at Mecca in Arabia, May 5, 570. He is thought by some - to be persuaded that he was really inspired to propagate the belief of - one God, and to overthrow the idolatrous religion of his country. If - he retained some absurd notions, it was (say they) to induce his - countrymen to embrace his religion. The Mahometan æra begins July 16, - 622, when he fled from Mecca to Medina. He died Jan. 17, 631, after - having reduced Arabia to his obedience. His religion has since spread - itself over Asia, Africa, and great part of Europe. - -Footnote 13: - - Soliman, father of the Othman race, came out of Scythia with 50,000 - men in the year 1214, and pushed his conquests to the Euphrates. In - attempting to pass that river he was drowned in 1219. Othman his - grandson was declared sultan in 1300. Mahomet II. the seventh emperor - of the Turks, put an end to the Eastern empire by taking - Constantinople in 1453. The Turks embraced the religion of Mahomet. - -Footnote 14: - - Camayeu, is a stone, whereon are found various figures formed by - nature. It is the name the orientals give the onyx, on which and on - agate, these natural figures are often found. When the figures are - perfected by art, it is still called a camayeu, as is also a painting - in one colour, representing basso relievos. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES - - - 1. Changed all long ſ to short s. - 2. Added 200 to all page numbers in Part 2 to avoid conflicts with Part - 1 numbering. - 3. Silently corrected typographical errors and variations in spelling. - 4. Retained anachronistic, non-standard, and uncertain spellings as - printed. - 5. Footnotes have been re-indexed using numbers and collected together - at the end of the last chapter. - 6. Enclosed italics font in _underscores_. - 7. Superscripts are denoted by a caret before a single superscript - character or a series of superscripted characters enclosed in - curly braces, e.g. M^r. or M^{ister}. - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Giphantia, by -Charles-Franc?ois Tiphaigne de La Roche - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GIPHANTIA *** - -***** This file should be named 60058-0.txt or 60058-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/0/0/5/60058/ - -Produced by Richard Tonsing and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for the eBooks, unless you receive -specific permission. If you do not charge anything for copies of this -eBook, complying with the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook -for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative works, reports, -performances and research. They may be modified and printed and given -away--you may do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks -not protected by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the -trademark license, especially commercial redistribution. - -START: FULL LICENSE - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full -Project Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at -www.gutenberg.org/license. - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or -destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your -possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a -Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound -by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the -person or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph -1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this -agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the -Foundation" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection -of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual -works in the collection are in the public domain in the United -States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the -United States and you are located in the United States, we do not -claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, -displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as -all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope -that you will support the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting -free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm -works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the -Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the work. You can easily -comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the -same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg-tm License when -you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are -in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, -check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this -agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, -distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any -other Project Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no -representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any -country outside the United States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other -immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear -prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work -on which the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, -performed, viewed, copied or distributed: - - This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and - most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no - restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it - under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this - eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the - United States, you'll have to check the laws of the country where you - are located before using this ebook. - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is -derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not -contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the -copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in -the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are -redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply -either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or -obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any -additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms -will be linked to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works -posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the -beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including -any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access -to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format -other than "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official -version posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site -(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense -to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means -of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original "Plain -Vanilla ASCII" or other form. Any alternate format must include the -full Project Gutenberg-tm License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -provided that - -* You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed - to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he has - agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid - within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are - legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty - payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in - Section 4, "Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg - Literary Archive Foundation." - -* You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all - copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue - all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg-tm - works. - -* You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of - any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of - receipt of the work. - -* You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work or group of works on different terms than -are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing -from both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and The -Project Gutenberg Trademark LLC, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark. Contact the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project -Gutenberg-tm collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may -contain "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate -or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other -intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or -other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or -cannot be read by your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium -with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you -with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in -lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person -or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second -opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If -the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing -without further opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO -OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT -LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of -damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement -violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the -agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or -limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or -unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the -remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in -accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the -production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, -including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of -the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this -or any Project Gutenberg-tm work, (b) alteration, modification, or -additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any -Defect you cause. - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of -computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It -exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations -from people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future -generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see -Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at -www.gutenberg.org - - - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by -U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's principal office is in Fairbanks, Alaska, with the -mailing address: PO Box 750175, Fairbanks, AK 99775, but its -volunteers and employees are scattered throughout numerous -locations. Its business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, Salt -Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up to -date contact information can be found at the Foundation's web site and -official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact - -For additional contact information: - - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND -DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular -state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To -donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. - -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project -Gutenberg-tm concept of a library of electronic works that could be -freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and -distributed Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of -volunteer support. - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in -the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search -facility: www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. - diff --git a/old/60058-0.zip b/old/60058-0.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 23c88cd..0000000 --- a/old/60058-0.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/60058-h.zip b/old/60058-h.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 3d93c91..0000000 --- a/old/60058-h.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/60058-h/60058-h.htm b/old/60058-h/60058-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index 3f719a9..0000000 --- a/old/60058-h/60058-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,6042 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" - "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> - <head> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" /> - <title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Giphantia</title> - <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" /> - <style type="text/css"> - body { margin-left: 8%; margin-right: 10%; } - h1 { text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-size: xx-large; } - h2 { text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-size: x-large; } - .pageno { right: 1%; font-size: x-small; background-color: inherit; color: silver; - text-indent: 0em; text-align: right; position: absolute; - border: thin solid silver; padding: .1em .2em; font-style: normal; - font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; } - p { text-indent: 0; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; text-align: justify; } - sup { vertical-align: top; font-size: 0.6em; } - .fss { font-size: 75%; } - .sc { font-variant: small-caps; } - .large { font-size: large; } - .xlarge { font-size: x-large; } - .color_red { color: red; } - .lg-container-b { text-align: center; } - @media handheld { .lg-container-b { clear: both; } } - .lg-container-l { text-align: left; } - @media handheld { .lg-container-l { clear: both; } } - .lg-container-r { text-align: right; } - @media handheld { .lg-container-r { clear: both; } } - .linegroup { display: inline-block; text-align: left; } - @media handheld { .linegroup { display: block; margin-left: 1.5em; } } - .linegroup .group { margin: 1em auto; } - .linegroup .line { text-indent: -3em; padding-left: 3em; } - div.linegroup > :first-child { margin-top: 0; } - .linegroup .in2 { padding-left: 4.0em; } - .linegroup .in4 { padding-left: 5.0em; } - .ol_1 li {padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em; } - ol.ol_1 {padding-left: 0; margin-left: 2.78%; margin-top: .5em; - margin-bottom: .5em; list-style-type: decimal; } - div.footnote > :first-child { margin-top: 1em; } - div.footnote p { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: 0.25em; margin-bottom: 0.25em; } - div.pbb { page-break-before: always; } - hr.pb { border: none; border-bottom: thin solid; margin-bottom: 1em; } - @media handheld { hr.pb { display: none; } } - .chapter { clear: both; page-break-before: always; } - .figcenter { clear: both; max-width: 100%; margin: 2em auto; text-align: center; } - .figcenter img { max-width: 100%; height: auto; } - .id001 { width:30%; } - @media handheld { .id001 { margin-left:35%; width:30%; } } - .ig001 { width:100%; } - .table0 { margin: auto; margin-top: 2em; } - .nf-center { text-align: center; } - .nf-center-c0 { text-align: left; margin: 0.5em 0; } - p.drop-capa0_0_6 { text-indent: -0em; } - p.drop-capa0_0_6:first-letter { float: left; margin: 0.100em 0.100em 0em 0em; - font-size: 250%; line-height: 0.6em; text-indent: 0; } - @media handheld { - p.drop-capa0_0_6 { text-indent: 0; } - p.drop-capa0_0_6:first-letter { float: none; margin: 0; font-size: 100%; } - } - .c000 { margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; } - .c001 { page-break-before: always; margin-top: 4em; } - .c002 { margin-top: 2em; } - .c003 { margin-top: 1em; } - .c004 { page-break-before:auto; margin-top: 4em; } - .c005 { margin-top: 0.25em; margin-bottom: 0.25em; } - .c006 { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: 0.25em; margin-bottom: 0.25em; } - .c007 { text-align: center; } - .c008 { vertical-align: top; text-align: left; padding-right: 1em; } - .c009 { vertical-align: top; text-align: right; } - .c010 { font-size: 250%; } - .c011 { margin-top: 4em; } - .c012 { margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 0.25em; } - .c013 { text-decoration: none; } - .c014 { border: none; border-bottom: thin solid; width: 10%; margin-left: 0; - margin-top: 1em; text-align: left; } - div.tnotes { padding-left:1em;padding-right:1em;background-color:#E3E4FA; - border:1px solid silver; margin:2em 10% 0 10%; font-family: Georgia, serif; - } - .covernote { visibility: hidden; display: none; } - div.tnotes p { text-align:left; } - @media handheld { .covernote { visibility: visible; display: block;} } - @media handheld {.ol_1 li {padding-left: 1em; text-indent: 0em; } } - body {font-family: Georgia, serif; text-align: justify; } - table {font-size: .9em; } - .footnote {font-size: .9em; } - div.footnote p {text-indent: 2em; margin-bottom: .5em; } - .figcenter {font-size: .9em; } - .ph1 { text-indent: 0em; font-weight: bold; font-size: xx-large; - margin: .67em auto; page-break-before: always; } - div.titlepage {text-align: center; page-break-before: always; - page-break-after: always; } - div.titlepage p {text-align: center; text-indent: 0em; font-weight: bold; - line-height: 1.5; margin-top: 3em; } - .section { clear: both; page-break-before: always; } - </style> - </head> - <body> - - -<pre> - -Project Gutenberg's Giphantia, by Charles-Franc?ois Tiphaigne de La Roche - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Giphantia - Or a View of What Has Passed, What Is Now Passing, and, - During the Present Century, What Will Pass, in the World. - -Author: Charles-Franc?ois Tiphaigne de La Roche - -Release Date: August 4, 2019 [EBook #60058] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GIPHANTIA *** - - - - -Produced by Richard Tonsing and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class='tnotes covernote'> - -<p class='c000'><b>Transcriber’s Note:</b></p> - -<p class='c000'>The cover image was created by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain.</p> - -</div> - -<div class='titlepage'> - -<div> - <h1 class='c001'><span class='color_red'>GIPHANTIA:</span><br /> <br /> <span class='large'>OR</span><br /> <br /> <span class='xlarge'>A VIEW of<br /> <br /> <span class='color_red'><span class='sc'>What</span> HAS PASSED,<br /> <span class='sc'>What</span> IS NOW PASSING,</span><br /> <br /> And, during the <span class='fss'>PRESENT</span> Century,<br /> <br /> <span class='color_red'><span class='sc'>What</span> WILL PASS,</span><br /> <br /> IN THE WORLD.</span></h1> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>Translated from the original <span class='sc'>French</span>,</div> - <div>With explanatory Notes.</div> - <div class='c002'><span class='color_red'>LONDON.</span></div> - <div class='c003'>Printed for <span class='sc'>Robert Horsfield</span>, in</div> - <div><em>Ludgate-Street</em>. 1761.</div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c003' /> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c004'><span class='large'>TO THE</span><br /> <br /> Hon<sup>ble</sup> <span class='sc'>Miss</span> ROSS.</h2> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c002'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='sc'>Madam</span>,</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c005'>Upon your hearing the other -day Giphantia much praised -by some friends, and those no ill -judges, you expressed a desire to see -it in English, as you had not, you -said, French enough to read the original. -I immediately resolved to -gratify your desire, and that very -day sat about the translation.</p> - -<p class='c006'>It is now finished: and, as my -hand is not very legible, I take the -liberty to address it to you in print -with this Epistle Dedicatory; which, -as neither you, nor the Author, -want any encomiums, nor the -Translator any excuses, I shall cut -short, and beg leave to subscribe -myself with great respect and sincerity,</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in4'>Madam,</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Your most obedient</div> - <div class='line in2'>and most humble servant,</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Feb. 5,</div> - <div class='line'>1761.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-r'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>The Translator.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c004'>TABLE<br /> <br /> <span class='large'>OF THE</span><br /> <br /> CHAPTERS.</h2> -</div> - -<table class='table0' summary='TABLE OF THE CHAPTERS.'> - <tr><td class='c007' colspan='2'>PART I.</td></tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <th class='c008'></th> - <th class='c009'>Page</th> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'><span class='c010'>I</span>NTRODUCTION</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_1'>1</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>CHAP. I. <span class='sc'>The Hurricane</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_4'>4</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>CHAP. II. <span class='sc'>The fine Prospect</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_9'>9</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>CHAP. III. <span class='sc'>The Voice</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_13'>13</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>CHAP. IV. <span class='sc'>The Reverse</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_16'>16</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>CHAP. V. <span class='sc'>The Apparitions</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_24'>24</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>CHAP. VI. <span class='sc'>The Surfaces</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_27'>27</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>CHAP. VII. <span class='sc'>The Globe</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_34'>34</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>CHAP. VIII. <span class='sc'>The Discourses</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_38'>38</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>CHAP. IX. <span class='sc'>Happiness</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_46'>46</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>CHAP. X. <span class='sc'>The Hodge-Podge</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_51'>51</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>CHAP. XI. <span class='sc'>The Mirrour</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_56'>56</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>CHAP. XII. <span class='sc'>The Trial</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_63'>63</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>CHAP. XIII. <span class='sc'>The Talents</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_73'>73</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>CHAP. XIV. <span class='sc'>The Taste of the Age</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_79'>79</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>CHAP. XV. <span class='sc'>The Female Reasoner</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_82'>82</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>CHAP. XVI. <span class='sc'>The Crocodiles</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_85'>85</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>CHAP. XVII. <span class='sc'>The Storm</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_93'>93</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>CHAP. XVIII. <span class='sc'>The Gallery</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_99'>99</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>CHAP. XIX. <span class='sc'>The other Side of the Gallery</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_116'>116</a></td> - </tr> -</table> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i006.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c003' /> -</div> -<div class='section ph1'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c011'> - <div>GIPHANTIA.</div> - <div class='c003'><span class='xlarge'>PART <span class='fss'>THE</span> FIRST.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_1'>1</span> - <h2 class='c004'><span class='sc'>Introduction.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c012'>No man ever had a stronger inclination -for travelling than myself. I -consider’d the whole earth as my country, -and all mankind as my brethren, and -therefore thought it incumbent upon me -to travel thro’ the earth and visit my brethren. -I have walk’d over the ruins of -the antient world, have view’d the monuments -of modern pride, and, at the -sight of all-devouring time, have wept -<span class='pageno' id='Page_2'>2</span>over both. I have often found great -folly among the nations that pass for the -most civiliz’d, and sometimes as great -wisdom among those that are counted -the most savage. I have seen small states -supported by virtue, and mighty empires -shaken by vice, whilst a mistaken -policy has been employ’d to inrich the -subjects, without any endeavours to render -them virtuous.</p> - -<p class='c006'>After having gone over the whole -world and visited all the inhabitants, I find -it does not answer the pains I have taken. -I have just been reviewing my memoirs -concerning the several nations, their -prejudices, their customs and manners, -their politicks, their laws, their religion, -their history; and I have thrown them -all into the fire. It grieves me to record -such a monstrous mixture of humanity -<span class='pageno' id='Page_3'>3</span>and barbarousness, of grandeur and -meanness, of reason and folly.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The small part, I have preserv’d, is -what I am now publishing. If it has -no other merit, certainly it has novelty -to recommend it.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i009.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_4'>4</span> - <h2 class='c004'>CHAP. I.<br /> <span class='large'><span class='sc'>The Hurricane.</span></span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c012'>I was on the borders of Guinea towards -the desarts that bound it on -the North. I contemplated the immense -wilds, the very idea of which -shocks the firmest mind. On a sudden -I was seized with an ardent desire to -penetrate into those desarts and see how -far nature denies herself to mankind. -Perhaps (said I) among these scorching -plains there is some fertile spot unknown -to the rest of the world. Perhaps I shall -find men who have neither been polished -nor corrupted by commerce with -others.</p> - -<p class='c006'><span class='pageno' id='Page_5'>5</span>In vain did I represent to myself the -dangers and even the almost certain -death to which such an enterprize would -expose me; I could not drive the -thought out of my head. One winter’s -day (for it was in the dog-days) the -wind being southwest, the sky clear, -and the air temperate, furnished with -something to asswage hunger and thirst, -with a glass-mask to save my eyes from -the clouds of sands, and with a compass -to guide my steps, I sate out from the -borders of Guinea and advanced into -the desart.</p> - -<p class='c006'>I went on two whole days without -seeing any thing extraordinary: in the -beginning of the third I perceived all -around me nothing but a few almost -sapless shrubs and some tufts of rushes, -most of which were dried up by the heat -<span class='pageno' id='Page_6'>6</span>of the sun. These are nature’s last productions -in those barren regions; here -her teeming virtue stops, nor can life -be farther extended in those frightful -solitudes.</p> - -<p class='c006'>I had scarce continued my course two -hours over a sandy soil, where the eye -meets no object but scattered rocks, -when the wind growing higher, began -to put in motion the surface of the sands. -At first, the sand only played about the -foot of the rocks and formed small waves -which lightly skimmed over the plain. -Such are the little billows which are seen -to rise and gently roll on the surface of -the water when the sea begins to grow -rough at the approach of a storm. The -sandy waves soon became larger, dashed -and broke one another; and I was exposed -to the most dreadful of hurricanes.</p> - -<p class='c006'><span class='pageno' id='Page_7'>7</span>Frequent whirlwinds arose, which -collecting the sands carried them in -rapid gyrations to a vast height with -horrible whistlings. Instantly after, the -sands, left to themselves, fell down in -strait lines and formed mountains. -Clouds of dust were mixed with the -clouds of the atmosphere, and heaven -and earth seemed jumbled together. -Sometimes the thickness of the whirlwinds -deprived me entirely of the light -of the sun: and sometimes red transparent -sands shone from afar: the air -appeared in a blaze, and the sky seemed -dissolved into sparks of fire.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Mean time, now tossed into the air -by a sudden gust of wind, and now -hurled down by my own weight, I found -myself one while in clouds of sand, and -another while in a gulf. Every moment -<span class='pageno' id='Page_8'>8</span>I should have been either buried or -dashed in pieces, had not a benevolent -Being (who will appear presently) protected -me from all harm.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The terrible hurricane ceased with the -day: the night was calm, and weariness -overcoming my fears, I fell asleep.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i014.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_9'>9</span> - <h2 class='c004'>CHAP. II.<br /> <span class='large'><span class='sc'>The fine Prospect.</span></span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c012'>The sun was not yet risen, when -I wak’d: but the first rays enlighten’d -the east and objects began to -be visible. Sleep had recover’d my -strength and calm’d my spirits: when -I was awake, my fears return’d, and -the image of death presented itself -again to my anxious thoughts.</p> - -<p class='c006'>I was standing on a high rock, from -whence I could view every thing round -me. I cast, with horror, my eyes on -that sandy region, where I thought I -should have found my grave. What -was my surprise when towards the north -I spied an even, vast and fertile plain! -<span class='pageno' id='Page_10'>10</span>From a state of the profoundest sorrow -in an instant I pass’d (which usually requires -time) to a state of the highest -joy; nature put on a new face; and the -frightful view of so many rocks confusedly -dispers’d among the sands serv’d only -to render more affecting and more agreeable -the prospect of that delightful plain, -I was going to enter. O nature! how -admirable are thy distributions! how -wisely manag’d the various scenes thou -presentest to our sight!</p> - -<p class='c006'>The plants, which grow on the edge -of the plain are very small; the soil does -not yet supply sufficient moisture: but -as you advance, vegetation flourishes, -and gives them a larger size and more -height. The trees are seen to rise by -degrees and soon afford a shelter under -their boughs. At last, trees co-eval -<span class='pageno' id='Page_11'>11</span>with the world appear with their tops -in the clouds and form an immense -amphitheatre which majestically displays -itself to the eyes of the traveller and -proclaims that such a habitation is not -made for mortals.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Every thing seem’d new to me in this -unknown land; every thing threw me -into astonishment. Not any of Nature’s -productions which my eyes eagerly ran -over resembles those that are seen any -where else. Trees, plants, insects, reptiles, -fishes, birds, all were form’d in a -manner extraordinary, and at the same -time elegant and infinitely varied. But -what struck me with the greatest wonder, -was that an universal sensibility, -cloath’d with all imaginable forms -animated the bodies that seem’d the -least susceptible of it: even to the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_12'>12</span>very plants all gave signs of sensation.</p> - -<p class='c006'>I walk’d on slowly in this enchanted -abode. A delicious coolness kept my -senses open to the pleasure; a sweet scent -glided into my blood with the air I -breath’d; my heart beat with an unusual -force: and joy enlighten’d my -soul in its most gloomy recesses.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i018.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_13'>13</span> - <h2 class='c004'>CHAP. III.<br /> <span class='large'><span class='sc'>The Voice.</span></span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c012'>One thing surprised me: I did not -see any inhabitants in these gardens -of delight. I know not how many ideas -disturbed my mind on that occasion, -when a voice struck my ears, uttering -these words: “Stop and look stedfastly -before thee; behold him who has inspired -thee to undertake so dangerous -a voyage.” Amazed, I looked a good -while and saw nothing: at last I perceived -a sort of spot, a kind of shade -fixed in the air a few paces from me. -I continued to look at it more attentively, -and fancied, I saw a human form -with a countenance so mild and ingaging -<span class='pageno' id='Page_14'>14</span>that instead of being terrified, the sight -was to me a fresh motive of joy.</p> - -<p class='c006'>I am (said the benevolent Shade) the -Prefect of this Island. Thy inclination -to Philosophy has prepossessed me in -thy favour: I have followed thee in thy -late journey and defended thee from the -hurricane. I will now show thee the -rarities of the place; and then I will -take care to restore thee safe to thy -country.</p> - -<p class='c006'>This Solitude with which thou art so -charmed, stands in the midst of a tempestuous -ocean of moving sands; it is -an island surrounded with inaccessible -desarts, which no mortal can pass without -a supernatural aid. Its name is -<span class='sc'>Giphantia</span>. It was given to the elementary -spirits, the day before the Garden -<span class='pageno' id='Page_15'>15</span>of Eden was allotted to the parent -of mankind. Not that the spirits spend -their time here in ease and sloth. What -would you do, O ye feeble mortals! If -dispersed in the air, in the sea, in the -bowels of the earth, in the sphere of fire, -they did not incessantly watch for your -welfare? Without our care, the unbridled -elements would long since have -effaced all remains of the human kind. -Why cannot we preserve you entirely -from their disorderly sallies? Alass! our -power extends not so far: we cannot -totally screen you from all the evils that -surround you: we only prevent your -utter destruction.</p> - -<p class='c006'>It is here the elementary spirits come -to refresh themselves after their labours; -it is here they hold their assemblies, and -concert the best measures for the administration -of the elements.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_16'>16</span> - <h2 class='c004'>CHAP. IV.<br /> <span class='large'><span class='sc'>The Reverse.</span></span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c012'>Of all the Countries in the world -(added the Prefect) Giphantia is -the only one where nature still preserves -her primitive vigor. She is incessantly -labouring to increase the numerous tribes -of Vegetables and Animals, and to produce -new kinds. She organizes all with -admirable skill; but she does not always -succeed, in rendering them perpetual. -The Mechanism of propagation -is the master-piece of her wisdom: sometimes -she fails and her productions return -for ever into nothing. We cherish, -with our utmost care, such as are sufficiently -organized to produce their -<span class='pageno' id='Page_17'>17</span>kind; and then plant them out in the -Earth.</p> - -<p class='c006'>A Naturalist wonders sometimes to -find plants that had never been noticed -before: it is because we had just then -supplied the earth with them, of which -he had not the least suspicion.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Sometimes also these Exotics not -meeting with a proper Climate, decay -by degrees and the species is lost. Such -are those productions which are mention’d -by the Antients and which the Moderns -complain are no where to be -found.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Such a plant still subsists but has long -droop’d, and lost its qualities, and deceives -the Physician who is daily disappointed. -The Art is blam’d; it is -<span class='pageno' id='Page_18'>18</span>not known that the fault is in Nature.</p> - -<p class='c006'>I have now a collection of new simples -of the greatest virtue; and I should -have imparted them to mankind before -now, had there not been strong reasons -to induce me to delay it.</p> - -<p class='c006'>For instance, I have a sovereign plant -to fix the human mind, and which would -give steadiness even to a Babylonian: -but for these fifty years I have been -diligently observing Babylon, and have -not found one single moment, wherein -the Inclinations, Customs, and Manners -have been worth fixing.</p> - -<p class='c006'>I have another plant, most excellent -for checking the too lively sallies of the -spirit of invention: but thou knowest -<span class='pageno' id='Page_19'>19</span>how rare these sallies are now-a-days: -never was invention at a lower ebb. -One would think that every thing has -been said, and that nothing more remained -but to adapt things to the taste -and mode of the age.</p> - -<p class='c006'>I have a root which would never fail -to allay that sourness of the Learned who -censure one another: but I observe that -without their abusing and railing at each -other, no man would concern himself -about their disputes. It is a sort of -pleasure to see them bring themselves -as well as Learning into contempt. I -leave the malignity of the readers to -divert themselves with the malignity of -the Authors.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Moreover, do not imagine that nature -sleeps in any part of the earth; she -<span class='pageno' id='Page_20'>20</span>strenuously labours even in those infinitely -minute spaces where the eye cannot -reach. At Giphantia, she disposes -matter on extraordinary plans, and perpetually -tends to produce something -new: she every where incessantly repeats -her labours, still endeavouring to carry -her works to a degree of perfection -which she never attains. These flowers -which so agreeably strike the eye, she -strives to render still more beautiful. -These animals, which to you seem so -dextrous, she endeavours to render still -more so. In short, Man that to you -appears so superior to the rest, she tries -to render still more perfect; but in this -her endeavours prove the most unsuccessful.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Indeed, one would think that mankind -do all in their power to remain -<span class='pageno' id='Page_21'>21</span>in a much lower rank than nature designs -them! and they seldom fail to turn -to their hurt the best dispositions she -gives them for their Good. On the -Babylonians, for instance, nature has -bestowed an inexhaustible fund of agreeableness. -Her aim was manifestly to form -a people the most aimable. They were -made to enliven reason, to root out the -thorns that spring from the approaches -of the sciences, to soften the austerity -of wisdom, and, if possible, to adorn -virtue. Thou knowest it: her favours -which should have been diffused on these -objects have been diverted from their destination; -and frivolousness and debauchery -have been cloathed with them. In -the hands of the Babylonians, vice loses -all her deformity. Behold in their manners, -their discourses, their writings, with -what discretion vice unveils herself, with -<span class='pageno' id='Page_22'>22</span>what art she ingages, with what address -she insinuates: you have not yet thought -of her, and she is seated in your heart. -Even he who, by his function, lifts up -his voice against her, dares not paint her -in her true colours. In a word, no where -does vice appear less vice than at Babylon. -Even to the very names, all things -are changed, all things are softened. -The sincere and honest are now-a-days -your modish men who are outwardly all -complaisance but inwardly full of corruption: -Good company are not the -Virtuous but those who excel in palliating -vice. The man of fortitude is -not he that bears the shocks of fortune -unmoved, but he that braves Providence. -Bare-faced Irreligion is now styled free-thinking, -blasphemy is called boldness of -speech, and the most shameful excesses, -Gallantry. Thus it is that with what -<span class='pageno' id='Page_23'>23</span>they might become a pattern to all nations, -the Babylonians (to say no worse) -are grown libertines of the most seducing -and most dangerous kind.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i029.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_24'>24</span> - <h2 class='c004'>CHAP. V.<br /> <span class='large'><span class='sc'>The Apparitions.</span></span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c012'>I return (continues the Prefect of -Giphantia) to the elementary spirits. -Their constant abode in the air, -always full of vapours and exhalations; -in the sea, ever mixed with salts and -earths; in the fire, perpetually used -about a thousand heterogeneous bodies; -in the earth, where all the other elements -are blended together: this abode, I say, -by degrees spoils the pure essence of the -spirits, whose original nature is to be -(as to their material substance) all fire, -all air, or other unmixt element. This -degradation has sometimes gone so far, -as that by the mixture of the different -elements, the spirits have acquired a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_25'>25</span>sufficient consistence to render them visible. -People have seen them in the fire -and called them Salamanders, and Cyclops: -they have seen them in the air -and called them Sylphs, Zephyrs, Aquilons: -they have seen them in the water -and called them Sea-nymphs, Naiads, -Nereids, Tritons: they have seen them -in caverns, desarts, woods, and have -called them Gnomes, Sylvans, Fauns, -Satyrs, <i>&c.</i></p> - -<p class='c006'>From the astonishment caused by these -Apparitions, men sunk into fear, and -fear begot superstition. To these, Creatures -like themselves, they erected altars -which belong only to the Creator. Their -imagination magnifying what they had -seen, they soon formed a Hierarchy of -Chimerical Deities. The Sun appeared -to them a luminous chariot guided by -<span class='pageno' id='Page_26'>26</span>Apollo through the celestial plains; -Thunder, a fiery bolt darted by Jupiter -at the heads of the guilty: the Ocean, a -vast empire, where Neptune ruled the -waves: the bowels of the earth, the -gloomy residence of Pluto, where he -gave laws to the pale and timorous -Ghosts: in a word, they filled the world -with Gods and Goddesses. The Earth -itself became a Deity.</p> - -<p class='c006'>When the elementary Spirits perceived -how apt their Apparitions were to lead -men into error, they took measures to -be no longer visible: they devised a sort -of refiner by which from time to time -they get rid of all extraneous matter. -From thence forward, no mortal eye -has ever seen the least glimpse of these -spirits.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_27'>27</span> - <h2 class='c004'>CHAP. VI.<br /> <span class='large'><span class='sc'>The Surfaces.</span></span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c012'>Mean while the Prefect moved -on and I followed, quite astonished -and pensive. At our coming out -of the wood we found ourselves before -a hill, at the foot of which stood a hollow -column above a hundred feet high -and thick in proportion. I saw issuing -out of the top of the column vapours -(much like the exhalations raised by the -sun) in such abundance that they were -very visible. From the same column I -saw coming out and dispersing themselves -in the air certain human forms, -certain images still lighter than the vapours -by which they were supported.</p> - -<p class='c006'><span class='pageno' id='Page_28'>28</span>Behold (says the Prefect) the Refiner -of the Elementary Spirits. The column -is filled with four Essences, each -of which has been extracted from each -element. The Spirits plunge into them, -and by a mechanism, too long to be described, -get rid of all extraneous matter. -The images which thou seest coming -out of the column, are nothing -more than very thin surfaces which surrounded -them and served to make them -visible. These surfaces partake of the -different qualities of the spirits who excel -more or less in certain respects, as -visages are expressive of the characters -of men, who differ infinitely. Thus, -there are images or surfaces of science, -of learning, of prudence, of -wisdom, <i>&c.</i></p> - -<p class='c006'><span class='pageno' id='Page_29'>29</span>Men often cloath themselves with -them, and like masks these surfaces -make them appear very different from -what they really are. Hence it is that -you constantly meet with the appearance -of every good, of every virtue -and every quality, though the things -themselves are scarce to be found any -where.</p> - -<p class='c006'>At Babylon especially, these surfaces -are in singular esteem: all is seen there -in appearance. A Babylonian had rather -be nothing and appear every thing -than to be every thing and appear -nothing. So, you see only surfaces -every where and of every kind.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Surface of modesty, the only thing -needful for a Babylonian lady: it is -called decency.</p> - -<p class='c006'><span class='pageno' id='Page_30'>30</span>Surface of friendship, by the means -of which all Babylon seems to be -but one family. Friendship is like a -strong band made of very weak threads -twisted together. A Babylonian is tied -to no one by the band, but he is tied to -each of his fellow-citizens by a single -thread.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Surface of piety, formerly much in -use and of great influence, now-a-days -totally in disrepute. It gives people a -certain Gothic air quite ridiculous in the -eyes of the moderns. It is now found -only among a few adherents to the old -bigots, and in an order of men, who, -on account of their function, cannot -lay it aside, how desirous soever they -may be.</p> - -<p class='c006'><span class='pageno' id='Page_31'>31</span>Surface of opulence, one of the most -striking things in Babylon. Behold in -the Temples, in the Assemblies, in -the publick Walks, those citizens so -richly dressed, those women so adorned, -those children so neat, so lively, and -who promise so fair to be one day as -frivolous as their fathers: follow them -to their homes; furniture of the best -taste, commodious apartments, houses -like little palaces, all continues to proclaim -opulence. But stop there: if -you go any farther, you will see families -in distress and hearts overflowing with -cares.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Surface of probity, for the use of -Politicians and those who concern themselves -with the management of others. -These great men cannot be as honest as -the lower people; they have certain -<span class='pageno' id='Page_32'>32</span>maxims from which they think it essential -never to depart, and from which -it is no less essential that they appear -extremely remote.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Surface of patriotism, of which the -real substance has long since disappeared. -We must distinguish, in the -conduct of the Babylonians, between -the Theory and the Practice. The -Theory turns entirely upon Patriotism. -Publick Good, national Interest, Glory -of the Babylonian Name, all this is -the language of Theory. The Practice -hangs solely upon the hinge of -private interest. It is very remarkable -that in this respect the Babylonians -have long been dupes of one -another. Each plainly perceived that -<em>Country</em> did not much affect him; -but he heard others talk of it so often -<span class='pageno' id='Page_33'>33</span>and so affectionately that he verily -believed there was still such a thing as -a true Patriot. But now their eyes -are open and they see that all are alike.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i039.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_34'>34</span> - <h2 class='c004'>CHAP. VII.<br /> <span class='large'><span class='sc'>The Globe.</span></span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c012'>Such is the lot of the elementary -spirits, continued the Prefect of -Giphantia. No sooner are they out of -the probation-column where they are -purified, but they return to their usual -labours: and to see where their presence -is most necessary, and where men have -most need of their assistance. At their -coming out of the column they ascend -this hill. There by a mechanism which -required the utmost skill of the spirits, -every thing that passes in all parts of the -world is seen and heard. Thou art going -to try the experiment thy self.</p> - -<p class='c006'><span class='pageno' id='Page_35'>35</span>On each side of the column is a large -stair-case of above a hundred steps which -leads to the top of the hill. We went -up; and were scarce half way when my -ears were struck with a disagreeable -humming which increased as we advanced. -When we came to a platform -in which the hill ends, the first thing that -struck my eyes was a Globe of a considerable -diameter. From the Globe proceeded -the noise which I heard. At a -distance it was a humming; nearer, it -was a frightful thundering noise, formed -by a confused mixture of shouts for joy, -ravings of despair, shrieks, complaints, -singings, murmurs, acclamations, -laughter, groans, and whatever proclaims -the immoderate sorrow and extravagant -joy of mortals.</p> - -<p class='c006'><span class='pageno' id='Page_36'>36</span>Small imperceptible pipes (said the -Prefect) come from each point of the -earth’s surface and end at this Globe. -The inside is organized so that the motion -of the air which is propagated -through the imperceptible pipes, and -grows weaker in time, resumes fresh -force at the entrance into the Globe and -becomes sensible again. Hence these -noises and hummings. But what would -these confused sounds signify, if means -were not found to distinguish them? -Behold the image of the earth painted -on the Globe; the Islands, the Continents, -the Oceans which surround, join, -and divide all. Dost thou not see Europe, -that quarter of the earth that hath -done so much mischief to the other three? -Burning Africa, where the arts and the -wants that attend them have never penetrated? -Asia, whose luxury, passing to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_37'>37</span>the European nations, has done so much -good, according to some, and so much -hurt, according to others! America, -still dyed with the blood of its unhappy -inhabitants, whom men of a religion, -that breathes peace and good-will, came -to convert and barbarously murder? -Observe what point of the Globe, thou -pleases. Place there the end of this rod -which I give thee, and putting the other -end to thy ear, thou shalt hear distinctly -whatever is said in the corresponding -part of the earth.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i043.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_38'>38</span> - <h2 class='c004'>CHAP. VIII.<br /> <span class='large'><span class='sc'>Discourses.</span></span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c012'>Surprised at this prodigy, I put -the end of the rod upon Babylon; I -applied my ear, and heard what follows:</p> - -<p class='c006'>“Since you consult me about this -writing, I will fairly give you my -opinion. I think it discreet and too -much so. What! not a word against -the government, against the manners, -against religion! who will read you? -If you did but know how tired people -are with History, Morality, Phylosophy, -Verse, Prose, and all that! -The whole world are turned writers; -and you will more easily find an author -than a reader. How make impression -on the crowd? How draw -<span class='pageno' id='Page_39'>39</span>attention, unless by strokes levelled, -right or wrong, against place-men; -by luscious touches of imagination -proper to excite the gust of pleasures -blunted by excess; by the trite arguments -which, though repeated a thousand -times, still please, because they -attack what we dread! This in my -opinion is the only course for a writer -to take who has any pretensions to -fame. Mind our Philosophers: when -they reflect, for instance, on the nature -of the soul, they fall into a doubt -which with all their reason they cannot -get out of. Do they come to -write? They resolve the difficulty, -and the soul is mortal. If they assert -this, it is not from an inward persuasion, -but from a desire to write, and -to write such things, as will be read. -Again, if you had made yourself a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_40'>40</span>party: if you belonged to one of -those clubs, where the Censor passes -from hand to hand, and where each, -in his turn, is the Idol! But no; -you are among the literary cabals like -a divine who should pretend to be neither -Jansenist nor Molinist<a id='r1' /><a href='#f1' class='c013'><sup>[1]</sup></a>. Who, -think ye, will take care of your interests? -Who will preach you up? -Who will inlist your name among those -we respect?”</p> - -<p class='c006'><span class='pageno' id='Page_41'>41</span>I removed the end of the rod about -a twentieth part of an inch lower and -I heard, probably, a Farmer of the imposts, -who was making his calculations -upon the people.</p> - -<p class='c006'>“Is it not true (said he) that in the -occasions of the state, every one should -contribute in proportion to his means, -after a deduction of his necessary expences? -Is it not also true, that a very -short man spends less in cloaths than -a very tall one? Is it not true that -this difference of expence is very considerable, -since there is occasion for -summer-habits, winter-habits, spring-habits, -autumn-habits, country-habits, -riding-habits, and I know not how -many others? There should be likewise -morning and evening habits; -but the morning is not known at -<span class='pageno' id='Page_42'>42</span>Babylon. I would therefore have all -his Majesty’s subjects measured and -taxed each inversely as his stature.... -Another consideration of equal weight. -A Tax on Batchelors has been talked -of; but it was not considered. Money -should be raised upon those who -are rich enough to be married, and -especially upon those who are rich -enough to venture upon having children. -And therefore married men -should be taxed in a ratio compounded -of the amount of their capitation and -the number of their children. I have -in my pocket-book I know not how -many projects as good as these, and -which I have very luckily devised. -Each man has his talents: this is -mine: and it is well known how -much it is to be prized now-a-days.”</p> - -<p class='c006'><span class='pageno' id='Page_43'>43</span>At a little distance a Grammarian was -making his Observations. “Three languages -(said he) are spoken at Babylon: -that of the mob: that of the -<span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">petit maitre</span>; and that of the better -sort. The first serves to express in a -disagreeable manner, shocking things. -With all their judgment, some authors -have written in this language, -and the Babylonians, with all their -niceness, have read them with pleasure. -The second is made up of a -certain contexture of words without -any meaning. You may talk this -language a whole day together, and -when you have done, it will be found -you have said nothing at all. To enter -into the character of the idiom, it is -essential to talk incessantly without -reason, and as far as possible from common -sense. The third wants a certain -<span class='pageno' id='Page_44'>44</span>precision; a certain force and certain -graces; but it is susceptible of a singular -elegance and clearness. It will -not perhaps be expressive enough of -the flights of the poet or the transports -of the musician: but it expresses -with admirable ease all the ideas of him -who observes, compares, discusses, and -seeks the truth. Without doubt, it is -the properest language for reasoning; -and most unhappily it is the least used -for that purpose.”</p> - -<p class='c006'>Methought I heard a woman’s voice -at a little distance, and put my rod -there. “I confess (said she) I am foolishly -fond of this romance. Nothing -can be better penned. However, this -same Julia, who holds out during three -volumes, and does not surrender till the -end of the fourth, makes the intrigue -<span class='pageno' id='Page_45'>45</span>a little too tedious. It is also pity that -the viscount advances so slowly. He -uses such preambles, spends so much -time in protestations, and presses his -conquest with so much caution, that -he has put me, who am none of the -liveliest, a hundred times out of patience. -Surely the author was little -acquainted with the manners of the -nation!”</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i051.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_46'>46</span> - <h2 class='c004'>CHAP. IX.<br /> <span class='large'><span class='sc'>Happiness.</span></span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c012'>The end of my rod by chance -fell upon an assembly, where they -were talking of Happiness. Each declared -his opinion as follows:</p> - -<p class='c006'>“At length (says one) this superb -Colonnade is laid open; they think of -removing those pitiful little houses -which darken that grand and beautiful -front; they repent of having built -under ground to adorn a place; Taste -is reviving; the Arts are going to -flourish: very shortly Babylon will -proclaim the magnificence of the -monarch and the happiness of the -people.... It is a great question -<span class='pageno' id='Page_47'>47</span>whether colonnades, fine squares, and -large cities, will make a nation happy: -they must be enriched. Industry must -be excited, agriculture incouraged, -manufactures increased, and trade -made to flourish: without which, all -the rest is nothing.... Nonsense! -I have said it, and I say it -again: if we will be happy, our manners -must be more simple; the circle -of our wants contracted; and, in a -country-life, we must withdraw from -the vices which attend the luxury of -cities.... I do not know wherein -consists the happiness of nations; but -I think the happiness of individuals -consists in the health of the body and -peace of the mind.... Assuredly -not. Health causes no lively impression, -and tranquility is tiresome. -To be happy, you must enjoy a great -<span class='pageno' id='Page_48'>48</span>reputation; for, at every instant, your -ear will be tickled with encomiums.... -Yes! and at every instant your -ear will be grated with censures, because -there is no pleasing every body. -It is my opinion, every man is happy -in proportion to his authority and -power: for one can gratify oneself in -the same proportion.... Yes! but -then that eagerness will be wanting -which stamps a value upon things: if -all was in our power, we should care -for nothing. For my part, I am of -opinion, that to be happy we must -despise all things; that is the only way -to avoid all kind of vexation and trouble -whatsoever.... And I think, -we should concern ourselves with every -thing: by that means we shall partake -of every occasion of joy.... Now I -think we should be indifferent to every -<span class='pageno' id='Page_49'>49</span>thing: as the means of enjoying an -unchangeable happiness.... I take -Wisdom to be the thing, for that alone -will set us above all events.... And -I say, it must be Folly: for Folly creates -her own happiness, independently of -any thing cross or disagreeable about -her.... You are all of you in -the wrong. Nothing general can be -assigned that may be productive of the -happiness of particular persons. So -many men, so many minds: this desires -one kind of happiness, and that -another: one wishes for riches, another -is content with necessaries; this -would love and be loved; that considers -the passions as the bane of the -soul. Every one must study himself -and follow his own inclination.... -Not at all; and you are as much mistaken -as the rest. In vain do I persuade -<span class='pageno' id='Page_50'>50</span>myself that I should be happy, -if I possessed such a thing; the moment -I have it, I find it insufficient, -and wish for another. We desire without -end; and never enjoy. A certain -man was continually travelling about, -and always on foot: quite tired out, -he said: If I had a horse I should be -contented. He had a horse; but the -rain, the cold, the sun were still troublesome -to him. A horse (says he) is -not sufficient; a chariot only can screen -me from the inclemencies of the air. -His fortune increased, and a chariot -was bought. What followed? Exercise -till then had kept our traveller in -health: as soon as that ceased, he -grew infirm and gouty, and presently -after, it was not possible for him to -travel either on foot or on horseback -or in a chariot.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_51'>51</span> - <h2 class='c004'>CHAP. X.<br /> <span class='large'><span class='sc'>The Hodge-Podge.</span></span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c012'>I did not keep the rod any longer in -one place; but moved it here and -there without distinction: and I heard -only broken discourses, such as these:</p> - -<p class='c006'>“War, taxes, misery, are dreaded; insignificant -fears all these: alas! mine -are very different. I have here framed -a system upon Earthquakes; and, by -calculation, I find that near the center -of the globe there is now forming an -internal fire that will turn the world -upside down. Within six months the -earth will burst like a bomb, and all -nature.... Yes! all nature -vanishes in my eyes; thou alone dost -<span class='pageno' id='Page_52'>52</span>exist for me: extinguish, my dear, -extinguish the flame thou has lighted -in my bosom. What a moment! -Pleasure drowns all my senses: my -soul, penetrated with delight, seems -to be upon the wing: she beats, she -trembles, she flies: O receive her, my -dear, she is wholly thine. Ah! I -hear my husband’s footsteps; let us -run.... Courage, brave -soldiers! strike home; revenge -your country; let the blood flow, -and give no quarter. May the -Islanders perish and the Babylonians -live!... I do aver, for my part -that of all the nations there is not one -so gay as the Babylonians. They always -take things on the most smiling -side. One day of prosperity makes -them forget a whole year of adversity. -Even at their own misery, they all -<span class='pageno' id='Page_53'>53</span>sing; and an epigram pays them for -their losses caused by the follies of the -Great.... O how little are our -great ones! and how foolish are our -wise ones! I cannot help thinking man -an imperfect creature. I plainly see -nature’s efforts to make him reasonable; -but I see too these efforts are fruitless. -Materials are wanting. There -are but two ages: the age of weakness -in which we are born and pass -two thirds of life; and the age of infancy -in which we grow old and die. -I have indeed heard talk of an age of -reason; but I do not see it come. I -conclude therefore, and I say.... -Yes! madam! of transparent cotton. -The discovery was very lately made -in Terra Australis: so no more colds -and defluxions. Transparent handkerchiefs, -gloves, and stockings, will defend -<span class='pageno' id='Page_54'>54</span>from the weather, and at the same -time give us a sight of that admirable -bosom, those charming arms, that -divine leg.... Doubts every -where, certainty no where. How -tired am I to hear, to read, to reflect, -and to know nothing precisely. Who -will tell me only what is.... This, -sir, is the country-man who leaving -his plough, is come to talk with you -about the affair of those poor orphans -which is not ended. That is true, -but what would you have? We are so -overwhelmed! No matter, it shall be -decided.... Ah! good sir, I am -glad to see you; I owe you a compliment: -the last wig I had of you makes -me look ten years older. Surely the -gentleman did not think, I had so -magisterial a face! Do you know, my -dear sir, that it is enough to make me -<span class='pageno' id='Page_55'>55</span>look ridiculous, and you to forfeit your -reputation.... Grant, O Lord, -three weeks of a westerly wind that -my ship may sail.... O Lord, -three weeks of an easterly wind that -my ship may arrive.... Give -me, O God, give me children.... -O God! send a malignant -fever upon my ungracious son.... -O Lord! grant me a husband.... -O God! rid me of -mine....”</p> - -<p class='c006'>Perhaps all this Hodge-Podge will -not be relished by most of my readers. -I should be sorry for it. To what end -then do mortals hold such odd, such silly -and such contradictory discourses?</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_56'>56</span> - <h2 class='c004'>CHAP. XI.<br /> <span class='large'><span class='sc'>The Mirrour.</span></span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c012'>As I was amusing myself with these -broken speeches, the Prefect of -Giphantia presented me with a Mirrour. -Thou canst only (says he) guess at things: -but with thy rod and that glass, thou art -going to hear and see both at once; nothing -will escape thee; thou wilt be as -present to whatever passes.</p> - -<p class='c006'>From space to space (continued the -Prefect) there are in the atmosphere -portions of air which the spirits have so -ranged, that they receive the rays reflected -from the different parts of the -earth, and remit them to this Mirrour: -<span class='pageno' id='Page_57'>57</span>so that by inclining the glass different -ways, the several parts of the earth’s -surface will be visible on it. They will -all appear one after the other, if the -Mirrour is placed successively in all possible -aspects. It is in thy power to view -the habitations of every mortal.</p> - -<p class='c006'>I hastily took up the wonderful glass. -In less than a quarter of an hour I surveyed -the whole earth.</p> - -<p class='c006'>I perceived many void spaces, even -in the most populous countries! and -yet I saw men crowding, jostling and -destroying one another, as if they had -wanted room.</p> - -<p class='c006'>I looked about a good-while for happiness, -and found it no where; not even -in the most flourishing kingdoms. I saw -<span class='pageno' id='Page_58'>58</span>only some signs of it in the villages, -which by their remoteness were screened -from the contagion of the cities.</p> - -<p class='c006'>I beheld in one view the vast countries -which nature meant to separate by still -vaster oceans; and I saw men cover the -sea with ships, and by that means join -even these distant countries. This is -plainly acting (said I) against nature’s -intentions: such proceedings cannot be -crowned with success. Accordingly, Europe -does not appear more happy since -her junction with America: and I do not -know whether she has not more reason -to lament it.</p> - -<p class='c006'>I saw prejudices vary with the climates, -and, every where, do much good and -much harm.</p> - -<p class='c006'><span class='pageno' id='Page_59'>59</span>I beheld wise nations rejoice at the -birth of their children, and deplore the -death of their relations and friends: -I beheld others more wise stand round -the new-born babe, and weep bitterly at -the thoughts of the storms he was to -undergo in the course of his life; they -reserved their rejoicings for funerals, and -congratulated the deceased upon their -being delivered from the miseries of this -world.</p> - -<p class='c006'>I saw the earth covered with monuments -of all kinds, which human weakness -erects to the ambition of heroes. -In the very temples, the brass and the -marble, which contain the remains of -the dead, present images of war, and -breathe slaughter: the very statues of -those friends of mankind, of those pacific -sovereigns, whom the calamities of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_60'>60</span>the times involve in short wars, are -adorned with warlike instruments and -nations in chains, as if Laurels died in -blood were only worthy to crown -Kings.</p> - -<p class='c006'>I saw the most respectable of human -propensities carry men to the strangest -excesses. Some were addressing their -prayers to the Sun, others were imploring -the aid of the Moon, and others -prostrating themselves before Mountains; -one was trembling at the aspect -of thundering Jove, another was bending -the knee to an Ape. The Ox, the -Dog, the Cat, had their altars. Incense -was burning even to Vegetables; Grain, -Beans, and Onions had their worship -and votaries.</p> - -<p class='c006'>I saw the race of mankind divide -themselves into as many Parties as Religions; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_61'>61</span>these Parties I saw divest themselves -of all humanity and cloath themselves -with Fanaticism, and these Fanatics -worrying one another like wild -beasts.</p> - -<p class='c006'>I saw men who adored the same -God, who sacrificed upon the same -altar, who preached to the people the -doctrine of peace and love, I saw these -very men fall out about unintelligible -questions, and mutually hate, persecute, -and destroy one another. O God! -what will become of man, if thy goodness -doth not exceed their weakness and -folly?</p> - -<p class='c006'>In a word, I saw the several nations, -diversified in a thousand respects, all -agree in their not being one better than -another. All men are bad, the Ultramontane -<span class='pageno' id='Page_62'>62</span>by system, the Iberian by pride, -the Batavian by interest, the German -by roughness, the Islander by humour, -the Babylonian by caprice, and All by a -general corruption of heart.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i068.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_63'>63</span> - <h2 class='c004'>CHAP. XII.<br /> <span class='large'><span class='sc'>The Trial.</span></span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c012'>After this general survey of the -whole earth, I had a mind to view -Babylon in particular. Having turned -my glass to the north, and inclining it -gently to the 20th meridian, I tried to -find out that great city. Among the -places that passed in succession under my -eyes, there was one that fixed my attention. -I saw a country-house, neither -small nor great, neither too much adorned -nor too naked. All about it -was more embellished by nature than -by art. It overlooked gardens, groves, -and some ponds which bounded a hill on -the east. A country feast was at this -time celebrating, to which all the neighbouring -<span class='pageno' id='Page_64'>64</span>inhabitants were come. Some, -stretched on the green turf, were drinking -large draughts, and entertaining one -another with their former amours; and -several were performing dances, which -the old men did not think so fine as those -of time past.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Seest thou (says the Prefect to me) in -the balcony, that young lady who with -a smiling air is viewing the sight? She -was married some days ago, and it is on -her account that this feast is made. Her -name is <em>Sophia</em>: she has beauty as you -see, fortune, wit, and what is worth more -than all the rest, a stock of good sense. -She had five Lovers at one time: none -made a deep impression in her heart, -none were displeasing to her; she could -not tell to which to give the preference.</p> - -<p class='c006'><span class='pageno' id='Page_65'>65</span>One day she said to them, I am young; -and it is not my intention to enter yet -into the bands of matrimony, which is -always done too soon. If my hand is so -valuable as by your eager addresses you -seem to think, exert your endeavours to -deserve it. But, I declare to you that -I shall not make any choice these several -years.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Of Sophia’s five Lovers, the first was -much inclined to extravagance. Women -(says he) are taken with the outside: -let us spend freely and spare -nothing.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The second had a fund of economy -which bordered upon avarice. Sophia -(says he) who has a solid judgment, must -think him best that shows himself capable -<span class='pageno' id='Page_66'>66</span>of amassing riches: let us turn to -commerce.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The third was proud and haughty. -Surely (says he) Sophia, who has noble -thoughts, will be touched with the lustre -of glory: let us take to arms.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The fourth was a studious man. Sophia -(says he) who has so much sense, will -incline to where the most is to be found. -Let us continue to cultivate our mind; -and strive to distinguish ourselves among -the learned.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The fifth was an indolent man, who -gave himself little concern about worldly -affairs: he was at a loss what course to -take.</p> - -<p class='c006'><span class='pageno' id='Page_67'>67</span>Each pursued his plan, and pursued -it with that ardor which love alone is -capable of inspiring.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The prodigal expended part of his -estate in cloaths, in equipages, in domesticks; -he built a fine house, furnished -it nobly, kept open table, gave balls -and entertainments of all kinds: nothing -was talked of but his generosity -and magnificence.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The merchant set all the springs of -commerce in motion, traded to all parts -of the world and became one of the -richest men of his country. The military -man sought occasions; and soon -signalized himself. The studious man -redoubled his efforts, made discoveries, -and became famous.</p> - -<p class='c006'><span class='pageno' id='Page_68'>68</span>Mean while, the indolent lover made -his reflections; and, believing if he remained -unactive he should be excluded, -he strove to conquer his indolence. The -estate, he had from his ancestors, seemed -to him very sufficient, and he did not -care to meddle with commerce; the -hurry of war was quite opposite to his -temper, and he had no mind to take to -arms; he had never read but for his -amusement, the sciences did not seem to -him worth the pains to come at them; -he had no ambition to become learned. -What then is to be done? Let us wait, -(says he) time will show. So he remained -at his country-house, pruning -his trees, reading Horace, and now -and then going to see the only object -that disturbed his tranquillity. Ever -resolving to take some course, the time -slipt away, and he took none.</p> - -<p class='c006'><span class='pageno' id='Page_69'>69</span>The fatal hour approaches (said he -sometimes to Sophia) you are going -to make your choice, and most assuredly -it will not be in my favour. Yet a few -days, and I am undone. This peaceful -retreat, those delightful fields you -will not grace, you will not enliven, -with your presence. Those serene days -that I reckoned to pass with you in the -purest of pleasures were only flattering -dreams with which love charmed my -senses. O Sophia! all that stirs the passions -and troubles the repose of men has -no power over me; my desires are all -centered in you; and I am going to lose -you for ever!</p> - -<p class='c006'>You are too reasonable, replied Sophia, -to take it ill that I should chuse -where I think I shall be happy.</p> - -<p class='c006'><span class='pageno' id='Page_70'>70</span>At last, the time was expired, and -not without many reflections, Sophia -resolved to make her choice.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She said to the prodigal: if I have -been the aim of your expences, I am -sorry for it: but what you have done -for my sake, you would have done, had -I been out of the question. You have -lavished away one part of your estate -to obtain a wife; you would spend -the other to avoid the trouble of management. -I advise you never to think -of it.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She told the merchant, soldier and -scholar, I am sensible, you have shown -a great regard for me: but I think too -you have shown no less, you for riches, -you for glory, and you for learning. In -trying to fix my inclination, each has -<span class='pageno' id='Page_71'>71</span>followed his own; each would do as -much for himself as for me. Should -I chuse one of you, his views would -still rest upon other objects; one would -be busied with increasing his fortune, -the other with his promotion in the -army, and the third with his progress -in the sciences. I cannot therefore satisfy -any one of you: and my desire is -to ingross the heart of the man who -ingrosses mine.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The same day, she saw the solitary -gentleman. You have long waited for -it (said she to him) and I am at last -going to declare my mind. You know -what your rivals have done to obtain -my consent: see what they were and -what they are. For your part, such -as you was, such you remain. I think, -I see the reason. Indifferent to all -<span class='pageno' id='Page_72'>72</span>other things, you have but one passion, -and I am its object. I alone can -render you happy. Well then! my -happiness shall be in creating yours. I -will share the delights of your solitude, -and will endeavour to increase them.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i078.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_73'>73</span> - <h2 class='c004'>CHAP. XIII.<br /> <span class='large'><span class='sc'>The Talents.</span></span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c012'>I returned to my first object, and, -after a long search, I perceived on -the mirrour a spot of land which seemed -wrapped in a cloud. There issued from -thence a confused noise like the murmurs -of an ebbing tide. The sun quickly -dispersed the vapours, and I saw Babylon.</p> - -<p class='c006'>I saw there spectacles wherein the calamities -of past times are lamented, in -order to forget the calamities of the present; -I saw Academies where they should -examine and discuss, but where they dispute -and quarrel; Temples that are built -against the restoration of religion; Orators, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_74'>74</span>who foretell to the seduced people -the most terrible disasters, and Hearers -who measure the expressions and criticize -the style; a Palace wherein are placed -Magistrates for the security of your property, -and where you are conducted by -Guides who fleece you.</p> - -<p class='c006'>I cast my eyes on the publick walks -and gardens, ever open to idleness, coquetry -and recreation. I beheld sitting -alone on the grass a person who, with a -smile, was penning down his ideas. I -fixed the paper, and read what follows:</p> - -<p class='c006'>“One day Jupiter proclaimed through -the whole earth, that he had resolved -to distribute different talents to the -different nations; that on such a day -the distribution would be made at -<span class='pageno' id='Page_75'>75</span>Olympus; and that the geniuses of -the several nations should repair thither.</p> - -<p class='c006'>“The Genius of Babylon stayed not -till the day appointed, but came the -first of all to Jupiter’s palace. He -made his appearance with that air of -confidence which is natural to him; -he uttered I know not how many very -handsome and well-turned compliments, -and made presents to all the -celestial court with a grace peculiar to -him.</p> - -<p class='c006'>“He gave the Father of the gods a -quintal of wild-fire of a late invention, -that his thunder may be more effectual -and people begin to have faith: -to Apollo a Babylonian grammar, that -he may reform the oddities of the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_76'>76</span>language: to Minerva a collection of -Romances, that she may correct their -licentiousness and teach the Romancers -to write decently: to Venus two small -<em>votive</em> pictures, to thank her for that -the last year there were at Babylon -but two hundred thousand inhabitants -who bore the long and painful marks -of her favours.</p> - -<p class='c006'>“He made his court to the Gods, -wheedled the Goddesses, said and did -so many handsome and pleasant things, -that nothing was talked of at Jupiter’s -court but the agreeableness of the -Genius of Babylon.</p> - -<p class='c006'>“Mean while, the day appointed was -come: and Jupiter, having advised -with his council, made the distribution -of the different talents to the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_77'>77</span>Geniuses of the several nations. To -this he assigned the gift of Philosophy: -to that, the gift of Legislation; and -to another the gift of Eloquence. -He said to one, Be Thou the most -ingenious; to another, Be Thou the -most learned, and Thou, the most -frugal; and Thou, the most warlike; -and Thou, the most politick: and Be -Thou (said he, speaking to the Genius -of Babylon) whatever thou chusest -to be.</p> - -<p class='c006'>“Delighted with his success, and returning -home, the Genius of Babylon -is at all. He framed I know not how -many schemes, and executed none. -He made most excellent laws, and -afterwards embroiled them with numberless -explanations and comments.</p> - -<p class='c006'><span class='pageno' id='Page_78'>78</span>“He would likewise turn Theologist, -and engaged in disputes which proved -fatal to him.</p> - -<p class='c006'>“He traded, gained much, enlarged -his expences, and became richer and -less easy.</p> - -<p class='c006'>“Orator, Poet, Merchant, Philosopher, -he was every thing; and in -many things he attained to perfection, -but never could keep his ground.”</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i084.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_79'>79</span> - <h2 class='c004'>CHAP. XIV.<br /> <span class='large'><span class='sc'>The Taste of the Age.</span></span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c012'>Two men of letters were walking -at a little distance. “Will you -not own (said one of them) that, two -centuries ago, our learning was in its -infancy; and hardly showed to what -degree it might arrive. In the last -century, it took root and rose so high -that nothing was seen above it. The -greatest masters among the Greeks -and Latins were taken for patterns: -they were equalled, if not surpassed.</p> - -<p class='c006'>“Success inspires confidence; and too -much confidence breeds neglect. To -have the eye always on the Antients -grew distasteful. They have had their -<span class='pageno' id='Page_80'>80</span>merit (said the Babylonians) and we -have ours: who can say we do not -equal them? They therefore set up -for themselves: and the taste, not the -more general and of all the nations, but -the taste peculiar to them characterized -their works. See almost all our poems, -our histories, our speeches, our books, -all is after the Babylonian mode; much -of art, little of nature; a vast superficies, -no depth; all is florid, light, -lively, sparkling; all is pretty, nothing -is fine. Methinks I foresee the judgment -of posterity: they will consider -the works of the seventeenth century -as the greatest efforts of the nation -towards the excellent; and the works -of the eighteenth, as pictures wherein -the Babylonians have taken pleasure -to paint themselves.</p> - -<p class='c006'><span class='pageno' id='Page_81'>81</span>“If our writers are capable to go back -and resume their great patterns, it is -known what they can do; they are sure -to please all the world, and for ever: -but, if they continue to stand on their -own bottom, their works will be only -trinkets of fancy, on which the present -taste stamps a value, and which another -taste will soon bury in oblivion.”</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i087.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_82'>82</span> - <h2 class='c004'>CHAP. XV.<br /> <span class='large'><span class='sc'>The Female Reasoner.</span></span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c012'>I saw two women apart, one of which -was talking: she looked round her -every moment with that air of uneasiness -which expresses a confidence the most -mysterious. I lent my ear; and with -great difficulty I heard what follows:</p> - -<p class='c006'>“I am obliged to thee, my dear -Countess, for the idea thou hast conceived -of my prudence. Hearken; -I will hide nothing from thee; thou -shalt see how far I may be relied on. -We women are forced to guess things, -they will never be told us plainly: -but, with a little attention, it is easy -for us to see how matters are. For my -<span class='pageno' id='Page_83'>83</span>part, I have reflected on the maxims -of the wise men of our days, and from -thence have drawn these conclusions. -It is only the mob that trouble themselves -now about a future state; the -rewards and punishments of another -world are words without a meaning; -which have long been discarded by -people of fashion. Beasts and men -(of beasts the chief) are made to be -guided by the senses; they should be -actuated solely by the passions. Let -each attentively listen to what is inspired -into him by nature, and let him follow -her inspirations; that is the way to -happiness. On the other hand, society -cannot subsist without laws, and -laws cannot be accommodated to the -passions of every citizen. They therefore -who have placed their happiness -in what is forbidden by law, cannot -<span class='pageno' id='Page_84'>84</span>behave too circumspectly. They must -always walk in the shade; mystery -should follow their steps, and cast a veil -on all their proceedings: in a word, -they may do what they will, provided -they appear to do what they ought. -These, my dear Countess, are the -maxims I have gathered from the -Philosophy of the time. I will not -mention their influence on my conduct. -Perhaps I really am what I appear to -be: but I should be quite otherwise, -that I might appear always such.”</p> - -<p class='c006'>O Babylon! (said I to myself) the -leven has fermented the whole mass. -Thou appearest very corrupt; but thou -art still more corrupt than thou appearest.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_85'>85</span> - <h2 class='c004'>CHAP. XVI.<br /> <span class='large'><span class='sc'>The Crocodiles.</span></span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c012'>During the course of my travels, -I saw in Persia, on the plains watered -by the Tedjen, a dispute arise -which divided the country and bred a -surprising animosity in the people. I -was curious to see how that matter stood: -I placed the mirrour in the proper position, -and then put the end of the rod -upon the globe, so as I could see and -hear what was doing.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The plain was covered with two numerous -armies; which were just going -to join battle. The ground of the -quarrel was this:</p> - -<p class='c006'><span class='pageno' id='Page_86'>86</span>A pious and learned Musulman, who -used to read the Alcoran with the zeal -of an archangel and the penetration of -a seraphim, took it in his head one day -to ask whether the dove, that instructed -Mahomet, spoke Hebrew or Arabic. -Some said one thing, some another; and -two parties were formed. They disputed, -they wrote at large pro and con, -and could not agree. To the warmth -of the contest were added bitterness, -malignity its inseparable companion, -and policy, which endeavours to make an -advantage of every thing. One party -persecuted the other, or was persecuted, -according as they were or were not uppermost. -They began with the forfeiture -of estates and banishments; and -ended in an open war. The sectaries -had caballed so well, that the people rose -in arms against one another.</p> - -<p class='c006'><span class='pageno' id='Page_87'>87</span>The two armies were just going to -ingage, when a venerable old man advanced, -and convening the heads, made -the following speech:</p> - -<p class='c006'>“Hearken, O ye people of Chorasan. -There was in Egypt a famous city -called Ombi; it was near another -great city named Tentyris: both were -situated on the fertile banks of the -Nile<a id='r2' /><a href='#f2' class='c013'><sup>[2]</sup></a>. In that part, the river bred -a great number of Crocodiles; and -these voracious animals so fiercely attacked -<span class='pageno' id='Page_88'>88</span>these two cities, that the -inhabitants were going to remove. -The governours of Tentyris were -apprehensive that their authority -would vanish, and the citizens would -come to be dispersed. They assembled -therefore the Tentyrites and -said:</p> - -<p class='c006'>“<em>You suffer the destructive animals to -increase and multiply in peace. Hear -what we have to declare to you in the -name of the Nile your foster-father and -your God. Woe be unto you, if you remain -any longer in this state of indolence! -Arm without delay, and wage -war against the monsters that devour -your wives and children.</em></p> - -<p class='c006'>“It was the injunction of the Nile, -and not to be disputed. The Tentyrites -<span class='pageno' id='Page_89'>89</span>took up arms, but it was with -great disadvantage, and never was advice -more imprudent. The Crocodiles, -invulnerable in almost all the -parts of their bodies, killed many -more men than the men killed monsters. -The governours of Ombi used -a different artifice to keep the Ombites -from leaving their city.</p> - -<p class='c006'>“<em>Hearken</em>, (said they to them) <em>the -God</em> Nile <em>speaks to you by our mouth: -I create plenty among the Ombites, I -inrich their lands, I fatten their flocks; -my waters flow and they grow rich. -The Crocodile is my servant, and I permit -him now and then to feed upon some -of them; this is the only tribute I require -for all my benefits: and, instead -of rejoicing at having it in their power by -a single act to render themselves agreeable -<span class='pageno' id='Page_90'>90</span>to me, they destroy one another, if my -servant seizes a few children. Let them -cease to complain, or I will cease to feed -them; I will with-hold my waters and -all shall perish.</em></p> - -<p class='c006'>“The moment the Ombites knew -the Crocodile to be the favourite of -the Nile, they erected altars to him; -and, far from complaining when he -was pleased to feed on their children, -they gloried in it. <em>Is there a woman -more happy than I?</em> (said an Ombite) -<em>I enjoy a competent fortune, have a -loving husband, and three of my children -have been eaten by the servant -of our God Nile.</em></p> - -<p class='c006'>“In the mean time, the favourite -of the Nile was killed by the Tentyrites -and worshipped by the Ombites. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_91'>91</span>Discord and animosity inflamed -them against one another; -they went to war, which ended in the -destruction of both. Thus perished -two cities, dupes of their sincerity, -devoured by the Crocodile, and -butchered by each other. Let this -example open your eyes, O ye unfortunate -inhabitants of this happy -climate. Cease to be victims of an -irregular zeal: worship God, keep -silence, and live in peace.”</p> - -<p class='c006'>Scarce had the old man done speaking, -when a general murmur and menacing -looks showed him how little -he had moved the assembly, so he -withdrew with a sigh. Immediately -the battle was joined; and I turned -away my eyes that I might not behold -<span class='pageno' id='Page_92'>92</span>these mad people destroy one -another.</p> - -<p class='c006'>I have a great deal more to show you, -(says the Prefect) let us lay down the -mirrour and rod, and walk on.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i100.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_93'>93</span> - <h2 class='c004'>CHAP. XVII.<br /> <span class='large'><span class='sc'>The Storm.</span></span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c012'>Some paces from the noisy globe, -the earth is hollowed, and there -appears a descent of forty or fifty steps -of turf; at the foot of which there is a -beaten subterraneous path. We went -in; and my guide, after leading me -through several dark turnings, brought -me at last to the light again.</p> - -<p class='c006'>He conducted me into a hall of a middling -size, and not much adorned, where -I was struck with a sight that raised my -astonishment. I saw, out of a window, -a sea which seemed to me to be about a -quarter of a mile distant. The air, full -of clouds, transmitted only that pale -<span class='pageno' id='Page_94'>94</span>light which forebodes a storm: the raging -sea ran mountains high, and the shore -was whitened with the foam of the billows -which broke on the beach.</p> - -<p class='c006'>By what miracle (said I to myself) has -the air, serene a moment ago, been so -suddenly obscured? By what miracle do -I see the ocean in the center of Africa? -Upon saying these words, I hastily ran -to convince my eyes of so improbable -a thing. But in trying to put my head -out of the window, I knocked it against -something that felt like a wall. Stunned -with the blow, and still more with -so many mysteries, I drew back a few -paces.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Thy hurry (said the Prefect) occasions -thy mistake. That window, that vast -horizon, those thick clouds, that raging -sea, are all but a picture.</p> - -<p class='c006'><span class='pageno' id='Page_95'>95</span>From one astonishment I fell into another: -I drew near with fresh haste; -my eyes were still deceived, and my -hand could hardly convince me that a -picture should have caused such an -illusion.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The elementary spirits (continued the -Prefect) are not so able painters as naturalists; -thou shalt judge by their way -of working. Thou knowest that the -rays of light, reflected from different -bodies, make a picture and paint the -bodies upon all polished surfaces, on the -retina of the eye, for instance, on water, -on glass. The elementary spirits have -studied to fix these transient images: -they have composed a most subtile matter, -very viscous, and proper to harden -and dry, by the help of which a picture -is made in the twinkle of an eye. They -<span class='pageno' id='Page_96'>96</span>do over with this matter a piece of canvas, -and hold it before the objects they -have a mind to paint. The first effect -of the canvas is that of a mirrour; there -are seen upon it all the bodies far and -near, whose image the light can transmit. -But what the glass cannot do, the -canvas, by means of the viscous matter, -retains the images. The mirrour shows -the objects exactly, but keeps none; -our canvases show them with the same -exactness, and retains them all. This -impression of the images is made the first -instant they are received on the canvas, -which is immediately carried away into -some dark place; an hour after, the subtile -matter dries, and you have a picture -so much the more valuable, as it cannot -be imitated by art nor damaged by time. -We take, in their purest source, in the -luminous bodies, the colours which -<span class='pageno' id='Page_97'>97</span>painters extract from different materials, -and which time never fails to alter. The -justness of the design, the truth of the -expression, the gradation of the shades, -the stronger or weaker strokes, the rules -of perspective, all these we leave to nature, -who, with a sure and never-erring -hand, draws upon our canvases images -which deceive the eye and make reason -to doubt, whether, what are called real -objects, are not phantoms which impose -upon the sight, the hearing, the feeling, -and all the senses at once.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The Prefect then entered into some -physical discussions, first, on the nature -of the glutinous substance which intercepted -and retained the rays; secondly, -upon the difficulties of preparing and -using it; thirdly, upon the struggle between -the rays of light and the dried -<span class='pageno' id='Page_98'>98</span>substance; three problems, which I propose -to the naturalists of our days, and -leave to their sagacity.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Mean while, I could not take off my -eyes from the picture. A sensible spectator, -who from the shore beholds a -tempestuous sea, feels not more lively -impressions: such images are equivalent -to the things themselves.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The Prefect interrupted my extasy. -I keep you too long (says he) upon this -storm, by which the elementary spirits -designed to represent allegorically the -troublesome state of this world, and -mankind’s stormy passage through the -same: turn thy eyes, and behold what -will feed thy curiosity and increase thy -admiration.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_99'>99</span> - <h2 class='c004'>CHAP. XVIII.<br /> <span class='large'><span class='sc'>The Gallery or The Fortune of Mankind.</span></span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c012'>Scarce had the Prefect said these -words; when a folding-door opened -on our right, and let us into an immense -Gallery, where my wonder was turned -into amazement.</p> - -<p class='c006'>On each side, above two hundred windows -let in the light to such a degree, that -the eye could hardly bear its splendor. -The spaces between them were painted -with that art, I have just been describing. -Out of each window, was seen some -part of the territory of the elementary -spirits. In each picture, appeared -woods, fields, seas, nations, armies, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_100'>100</span>whole regions; and all these objects -were painted with such truth, that I -was often forced to recollect myself, -that I might not fall again into illusion. -I could not tell, every moment, whether -what I was viewing out of a window -was not a painting, or what I was looking -at in a picture was not a reality.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Survey with thy eyes (said the Prefect) -survey the most remarkable events -that have shaken the earth and decided -the fate of men. Alass! what remains -of all these powerful springs, of all these -great exploits? the most real signs of -them are the traces they have left upon -our canvases in forming these pictures<a id='r3' /><a href='#f3' class='c013'><sup>[3]</sup></a>.</p> - -<p class='c006'><span class='pageno' id='Page_101'>101</span>The most antient actions, whose lustre -has preserved their memory, are the actions -of violence. Nimrod, the mighty -hunter, after having worried the wild -beasts, attacks his fellow-creatures. See -in the first picture that gigantic man, the -first of those heroes so renowned; see -in his looks pride, ambition, an ardent -desire of rule. He framed the first -scheme of a kingdom, and uniting men -under the pretence of binding them together, -he enslaved them.</p> - -<p class='c006'><span class='pageno' id='Page_102'>102</span>Belus, Ninus, Semiramis ascend the -throne, which they strengthen by fresh -acts of violence! and of above thirty -kings who successively reigned, only -one closed the wounds of mankind, let -Asia take breath, and governed like a -philosopher: his name is almost forgot. -History, which glows at the sight of renowned -and tragical events, languishes -over peaceable reigns: and scarce mentions -such sovereigns.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Sardanapalus ends this series of kings. -Enemy to noise, disorder and war, he -mispends his time, shuts himself up in -his palace, and sinks into effeminacy. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_103'>103</span>The women, thou seest about him, -neither think nor exist but for him. -His looks give them life, and he receives -life from theirs. What do I say? He -seeks himself with astonishment and -finds himself not; a surfeit of pleasures -destroys his taste: he does not -live, but languish.</p> - -<p class='c006'>In the mean time, two of his generals<a id='r4' /><a href='#f4' class='c013'><sup>[4]</sup></a> -loathing peace, form schemes -of conquests, and feed, themselves with -bloody projects. They deem themselves -alone worthy to reign, because -they alone breathe war in the midst of -the publick tranquillity. See where -they attack and dethrone their effeminate -monarch: and forcing him to destroy -<span class='pageno' id='Page_104'>104</span>himself, they seize and share his -dominions. Thus the Assyrian empire -was dismembered, after having kept Asia -in continual alarms above twelve hundred -years.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Kings succeeded both at Nineveh -and at Babylon; and all became famous -for wars and ravages<a id='r5' /><a href='#f5' class='c013'><sup>[5]</sup></a>. One of them -<span class='pageno' id='Page_105'>105</span>laid Egypt waste, plundered Palestine, -burnt Jerusalem, put out the eyes of -a king whose children he had murdered, -drove from their country whole -nations and put them in chains; and, -after such expeditions, he ordered altars -to be erected to him, and worship to -be paid him as to a beneficent God. -See at the foot of his image, incense -burning and nations lying prostrate; -and admire how far the pride and abjection -of mortals extend<a id='r6' /><a href='#f6' class='c013'><sup>[6]</sup></a>.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The next picture represents the infancy -of Cyrus, and the particular moment -wherein he gave signs of that intolerable -haughtiness, considered by the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_106'>106</span>historians as the first sallies of a greatness -of soul, which to display itself -wants only great occasions. Cyrus, -both by right of birth and right of -conquest, united Assyria and Media to -Persia, and was the founder of the -largest empire that ever existed.</p> - -<p class='c006'>His successors still think their bounds -too narrow: they send into Greece, -which was then signalized in Europe, -armies infinitely numerous, the which -are destroyed: and the spirit of conquest -had on that occasion the fate which -unhappily it has not always.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The Greeks, freed from these powerful -enemies, turn their arms against one -another: they are animated by jealousy, -inflamed by the warm and dangerous -eloquence of their orators, and torn by -<span class='pageno' id='Page_107'>107</span>civil wars. Persia falls into the same -convulsions. And when perhaps every -thing was tending to peace, Alexander -appears, and all are embroiled worse -than ever.</p> - -<p class='c006'>This picture shows him in that tender -age wherein he lamented his father’s -conquests, and saw with grief -human blood shed by wounds, he had -not made. Scarce was he on the throne -when he carried desolation into Greece, -Persia and India. The world did not -suffice for his murdering progress, and -his heart was still unsatisfied. That -other picture represents his death. That -destructive thunderbolt is at last extinguished, -Alexander expires, and casting -his dying eyes on the grand monarchy -he is going to leave, nothing seems to -comfort him but the prospect of the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_108'>108</span>bloody tragedies of which his death is -to be the signal.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Of all Alexander’s dominions, those -to whom they belonged of right, had -the least share. The empire was divided -among his generals<a id='r7' /><a href='#f7' class='c013'><sup>[7]</sup></a>. War was -soon kindled amongst them, continued -among their descendants, and ruined all -the countries of which they had the -rule.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Among so many warlike kings, Ptolemy -Philadelphus appeared like a lily -<span class='pageno' id='Page_109'>109</span>raised by chance in a field of thorns. -See in that immense library, the monarch -surrounded with old sages, who -are giving him an account of the numberless -volumes which are before his -eyes. He was too great a lover of mankind -to disturb their tranquillity; and -held them in such estimation, that he -collected from all countries the productions -of their wit<a id='r8' /><a href='#f8' class='c013'><sup>[8]</sup></a>. These kinds of -riches seemed to him alone worthy his -care. He saw them with the same eye -that other kings behold those metals -which they search for in the bowels of -the earth, or which they fetch from the -extremities of the world through rivulets -of blood.</p> - -<p class='c006'><span class='pageno' id='Page_110'>110</span>Whilst discord rages amongst Alexander’s -successors and their descendants; -already appeared in the center of Italy -the first sparks of the flame that was -to spread over the universe and consume -all nations. Like those bodies of a -vast weight, which, not being in their -just position, swing themselves to and -fro for some moments, and then fix -themselves immoveably; Rome, subject -successively to kings, consuls, decemvirs, -military tribunes, settles a -government and begins the conquest -of the world.</p> - -<p class='c006'>This ambitious nation, direct at first -their forces against their neighbours. -In vain did the several Italian states -struggle for five hundred years against -the fate of Rome: one while in subjection, -another while in rebellion: now -<span class='pageno' id='Page_111'>111</span>conquerors, now conquered, they were -all in the end forced to submit to the -yoke.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Italy subdued and calmed, that is, -reduced to the state of those robust -bodies, which by being exhausted fall -into a consumption and weakness, the -Romans cross the seas, and go into -Africa in search of fresh enemies and -other spoils. Carthage as ambitious, -perhaps as powerful, but more unfortunate -than her rival, after a long and -violent contest, is overcome and destroyed. -Corinth and Numantia share -the same fate.</p> - -<p class='c006'>About this time, Viriatus raised himself -in the same manner as the Romans. -In this picture, he is a huntsman; in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_112'>112</span>that, a robber; in the third, a general -of an army; and in the fourth, he mounts -the throne of Lusitania. But he was -only a victim crowned by fortune to -be sacrificed to the ambition of the -Romans<a id='r9' /><a href='#f9' class='c013'><sup>[9]</sup></a>.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Asia is soon opened to these insatiable -conquerors. The empire daily enlarges, -and that enormous power over-runs all -the known world.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The first passion of the Romans was -glory. During seven centuries, patriotism, -which policy cherished with -<span class='pageno' id='Page_113'>113</span>so great success, directed the love of -glory in favour of the republic; and -the Romans signalized themselves no -less by their attachment to their country, -than by their warlike exploits. This -space was filled with a long train of -heroes, and those that followed, despairing -to become famous in the same manner, -sought to distinguish themselves -by other methods. Rome was mistress -of the world; it appeared glorious to -become master of Rome. Sylla, Marius, -and some others, showed that such -a project was not impracticable: Cæsar -accomplished it. That boasted conqueror, -who was reproached with so -many things, effaced them all by his -virtue: by his military virtue which -destroyed above a million of men, oppressed -his fellow-citizens, and enslaved -his country. In vain did the republic -<span class='pageno' id='Page_114'>114</span>exert her utmost endeavours to save her -expiring liberty; she was exhausted and -stretched her hands to Augustus, who, -from a bad citizen, became the best of -masters.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Raised to the empire, he put an end -to war, and soon gave mankind a peace -the most universal, they had ever enjoyed. -The elementary spirits have -given an idea of the pleasure of this -general tranquillity, by the agreeable -prospect of the landskips which are -here represented.</p> - -<p class='c006'>This peace.... Pray (says I -interrupting the Prefect) suspend a moment -the rapid recital of so many revolutions; -give me leave to examine this -picture, and a little time to calm the perturbation -of my mind. How I love -<span class='pageno' id='Page_115'>115</span>to see that beautiful sky; those plains -that lose themselves at a distance; those -pastures filled with flocks; those fields -covered with corn? The breath of war -blows far from those climates the vertiginous -spirit of heroism. This is indeed -the seat of peace and tranquillity. -My imagination carries me to those -delightful vallies: I behold and contemplate -nature, whose labours nothing interrupts, -producing on every side life -and pleasure. My thoughts are composed -and my spirits sedate amidst the -tranquillity that reigns in those places: -my blood, grown cool, flows in my -veins with the same gentle motion as -the rivulets that water those green turfs; -and the passions now have on my mind -only the effect of the zephyr, which seems -to play gently among the branches of -leafy trees.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_116'>116</span> - <h2 class='c004'>CHAP. XIX.<br /> <span class='large'><span class='sc'>The other Side of the Gallery.</span></span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c012'>The Prefect soon resumed the -thread of his discourse. The -quickness, wherewith he ran over the -Gallery, hardly gave me time to view -the several pictures he was explaining. -I had not seen him before nor did I afterwards -see him speak with so much action. -His face was inflamed, his eyes darted -fire, and his words were too slow for his -eagerness.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The language, the manners, the laws -of the Romans (said he) were spread -over the world. The nations, conquered -and settled, became members of -the empire; and all the known world -<span class='pageno' id='Page_117'>117</span>made but one family. By what fatality -was Augustus’s peace, which seemed so -unalterable, of so short a duration? -Mankind only breathed, and were soon -inflicted with new wounds. When Rome -had no more kingdoms to subdue, she -had rebels to reduce. Several nations, -thinking it a great happiness or a great -glory to be parted from the body of the -empire, rebelled in Europe, in Asia, in -Africa: all were repressed. Thus most -of the nations, formerly attacked and -defeated, now the aggressors and reduced, -continued to be hurled from one -misfortune to another; and the following -pictures, those which represent the more -celebrated times of the first Emperors, -will still go on to present to thee spectacles -of blood. The three reigns of Titus, -Antoninus, and Marcus Aurelius, were -three fine Days in a severe Winter.</p> - -<p class='c006'><span class='pageno' id='Page_118'>118</span>Those times, nevertheless, were times -of peace, in comparison of those that -had gone before and those that came -after. The empire was like a body with -a good constitution, but which however -is attacked with some disorders, and -shews that it is not far from its decline.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Whilst the Romans, at first to extend, -then to support and sometimes to inrich -themselves, kept the world in awe, -pulled down what attempted to rise, -and penetrated wherever they were allured -by rich spoils; towards the North, -in those frozen climates where nature -seems to reach only to expire, there arose -and increased, in the bosom of peace -and silence, nations who were one day -to humble the pride of the masters of -the world. Three centuries had not -yet passed since Augustus’s peace, when, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_119'>119</span>in the reign of Valerianus, the deceitful -hope of a more commodious and -happy life armed these unpolished people. -See where they are coming out -of their huts, tumultuously gathering -together, marching in disorder, and showing -the way to the hideous multitudes -who followed one another from age to -age.</p> - -<p class='c006'>These foreign enemies, coming when -the empire was rent with internal rebellions, -shook the Colossus. It withstood -however, for some time, the weight -which pulled it down, and one while -ready to fall, and another while erect, -it seemed sometimes to be going to stand -firm again.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Among the emperors who signalized -themselves against the Barbarians, Probus -contributed the most to support the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_120'>120</span>Majesty of the Roman name. Valiant, -but still more humane, he abhorred war -and continually waged it. Dost thou -observe, in the picture before thee, that -bald old man, his air of candor, his -respectable countenance, the plainness -of every thing about him? It is Probus -represented in the moment when, beholding -Rome’s enemies humbled, full -of the idea of that general peace he always -desired, he said: “yet a few days -and the empire will have no farther -occasion for soldiers.” Words which -rendered him worthy of the veneration -of the whole earth, but which caused -him to be murdered. Time passed, the -efforts of the Barbarians redoubled, and -blood continued to be shed.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Mean while, the enemies of Rome grew -warlike, and her defenders degenerated. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_121'>121</span>Of this the chief causes were pride, -which increasing wants, forces the citizen -to refer every thing to his private -interest; the folly of most of the emperors, -which bred in the people a numbness -which a few years confirm, and -which whole ages cannot remove; perhaps -too a weariness of the spirits; for -that ambition, that haughtiness, or, if -you please, that Roman grandeur, was -in the course of things an excessive effort, -which, like an epidemical distemper -come to its height, must necessarily abate -by degrees.</p> - -<p class='c006'>However this may be, a century and -half after their first invasions, the Barbarians -began to make real progresses, -and dismember the Western part of the -empire. Amidst the troubles that then -existed, some kingdoms were established -<span class='pageno' id='Page_122'>122</span>which still remain to this day. Just as -Earthquakes, which raising the sea -drown whole regions, produce also new -Islands amidst the waves.</p> - -<p class='c006'>See the Goths, who after traversing -sword in hand, part of Asia and all -Europe, are settling in Spain: see the -Angles, a people of Germany, who are -passing into Great Britain, and, under -pretence of aiding, are seizing it: see -the Franks, other Germans, who are -coming to free the Gauls from the Roman -yoke and making them to submit to -theirs. In these unhappy times, Rome -herself shares the same fate which she -had made so many cities undergo; she is -plundered and sacked at several times<a id='r10' /><a href='#f10' class='c013'><sup>[10]</sup></a>.</p> - -<p class='c006'><span class='pageno' id='Page_123'>123</span>But the next pictures present to thee, -in a point of view still more dreadful, -regions laid waste, fields bathed in blood, -and cities in ashes. These are the exploits -of Attila and his rapid incursions -in Macedonia, Mysia, Thrace, Italy, and -almost through the whole world which -he ravaged. So many desolations, proceeding -from several conquerors, would -have made so many heroes: coming from -a single hand, they form a terrible monster. -It is thus that military virtues -show themselves in their true colours, -and become horrible when they meet in -a center<a id='r11' /><a href='#f11' class='c013'><sup>[11]</sup></a>.</p> - -<p class='c006'><span class='pageno' id='Page_124'>124</span>During Attila’s ravages, certain Italians -flying from his fury, withdraw to -the Adriatic sea-side. Behold in this -picture the men pale, the women dishevelled, -and the children in tears. Some -hide themselves among the rocks; others -dig themselves subterraneous retreats; -some ascend the hills, and, as far as their -eyes can reach, look whither the merciless -conqueror, whose name alone makes -them tremble, is still pursuing them to -those desolate places, so little proper for -the habitation of men. On every side -thou canst see nothing but destruction -<span class='pageno' id='Page_125'>125</span>and horror: very soon however proud -Venice is going to rise out of these melancholy -ruins.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Shortly after, the last blow is given -to the Western empire. Tyrannized by -its rulers, rent by factions, weakened -by continual losses, and pressed by a fatal -destiny, it shakes under some emperors, -and falls under Augustulus. Rome and -Italy, successively a prey to two Barbarians, -are afterwards united to the Eastern -empire, from which by fresh misfortunes -they were soon after detached -again.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Two centuries passed in cruel vicissitudes, -when a new scourge, Mahomet, -arose in the East. He was deemed at first -but as an impostor worthy of contempt: -but he had an understanding capable of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_126'>126</span>the greatest things, and a boldness which -carried him to the highest enterprizes. -It was known how far he was able to go, -when his progress could no longer be -opposed. He over-ran part of the East, -and out of the ruins founded the kingdom -of the Khalifs. The nations, he -subdued by force of arms, he won by -seduction; and, more fatal still to mankind -than all the heroes whose pernicious -actions die with them, he sullied the -human species with a stain which probably -will never be effaced<a id='r12' /><a href='#f12' class='c013'><sup>[12]</sup></a>.</p> - -<p class='c006'><span class='pageno' id='Page_127'>127</span>In the West, the misfortunes of the -Romans are renewed. The Lombards -waste Italy, the Moors settle in Spain, -from whence they threaten the French: -new swarms of Barbarians are going to -invade the finest countries of Europe.</p> - -<p class='c006'>At this time, from the bosom of -France arises a Prince full of genius, and -of that military ardor which, in a calm, -would have brought on a storm; but -which, finding the tempest formed, like -an impetuous wind, blew it away: this -was Charlemain. In this picture, he -checks the Saracens; in that, he subdues -Germany; moreover, he destroys in Italy -the power of the Lombards, founds the -temporal authority of the Popes, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_128'>128</span>receives the crown of the Western -empire.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Charlemain’s empire soon fell to pieces. -The partitions of the princes, and the -ambition of some chiefs, detach whole -nations from it. Weak or avaricious -emperors give or sell liberty to others. -The rest is under particular lords: the -sovereign scarce keeps the title and shadow -of authority.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Dost thou observe that battle? seest -thou a numerous army defeated by fifteen -hundred men? It is the æra of the -liberty of the Helvetic body. Members -of the empire, but oppressed by tyrants, -the Swiss shake off the yoke and form a -government, the wisdom of which cannot -be too much admired. Their commerce -extends but to necessaries: they have -<span class='pageno' id='Page_129'>129</span>soldiers only for their defence, and these -too are trained among other nations: a -constant peace reigns in the republic. -Without covetousness, without jealousy, -without ambition, liberty and necessaries -content them. They are a people that -talk the least of philosophy, and are the -most philosophical.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Whilst the new Western empire is rent, -the Eastern is destroyed. Thou seest -coming out of Asia the last swarm of -Barbarians which were to fall upon Europe<a id='r13' /><a href='#f13' class='c013'><sup>[13]</sup></a>. -They advance: and, like huge -<span class='pageno' id='Page_130'>130</span>masses which acquire more force in proportion -to the height they fall from, -they crush Constantinople and seize the -Eastern empire, which they still possess -to this day.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Such is the disastrous contexture of -the compendious History of mankind: -the crowd of particulars is only a crowd -of less noted calamities. The total -of the nations, especially the European, -is like a mass of quicksilver, which the -lightest impression puts in motion, which -the least shake divides and subdivides, -and of which chance unites again the -parts in a thousand different manners. -Who will find the means to fix them?</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><span class='sc'>The End of the First Part.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c004'>GIPHANTIA:<br /> <br /> <span class='large'>PART II.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i139.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>LONDON,</div> - <div>Printed in the Year MDCCLX.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c004'>TABLE<br /> <span class='large'>OF THE</span><br /> CHAPTERS.<br /> PART II.</h2> -</div> - -<table class='table0' summary='TABLE OF THE CHAPTERS. PART II.'> - <tr> - <th class='c008'></th> - <th class='c009'>Page</th> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'><span class='c010'>C</span>HAP. I. <span class='sc'>The Repast</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_201'>201</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>CHAP. II. <span class='sc'>The Kernels</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_212'>212</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>CHAP. III. <span class='sc'>Antient Love</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_215'>215</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>CHAP. IV. <span class='sc'>The Grafts</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_221'>221</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>CHAP. V. <span class='sc'>Voluptas</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_228'>228</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>CHAP. VI. <span class='sc'>Perpetual Youth</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_233'>233</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>CHAP. VII. <span class='sc'>The Itchings</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_239'>239</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>CHAP. VIII. <span class='sc'>The Compensations</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_249'>249</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>CHAP. IX. <span class='sc'>Nil Admirari</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_253'>253</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>CHAP. X. <span class='sc'>The Fantastical Tree</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_259'>259</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>CHAP. XI. <span class='sc'>The Predictions</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_265'>265</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>CHAP. XII. <span class='sc'>The System</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_274'>274</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>CHAP. XIII. <span class='sc'>Epistle to the Europeans</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_292'>292</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>CHAP. XIV. <span class='sc'>The Maxims</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_302'>302</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>CHAP. XV. <span class='sc'>The Thermometers</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_306'>306</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>CHAP. XVI. <span class='sc'>The Lentils</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_312'>312</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>CHAP. XVII. <span class='sc'>The Subterraneous Road</span></td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#Page_318'>318</a></td> - </tr> -</table> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i142.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='section ph1'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c011'> - <div>GIPHANTIA.</div> - <div class='c003'><span class='xlarge'><span class='sc'>PART the SECOND.</span></span></div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_201'>201</span> - <h2 class='c004'>CHAP. I.<br /> <span class='large'><span class='sc'>The Repast.</span></span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c012'>My zeal has carried me farther -than I should have imagined, -added the Prefect; it is time to think -of what concerns thee. The air of Giphantia -is lively and full of active corpuscles; -it keeps up the spirits; and, in -spite of the fatigues, thou hast endured -in the desart, it does not suffer thee to -have the least sense of weariness, However, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_202'>202</span>thou hast need of a more solid food. -I have ordered thee a Repast, and I -will regale thee after the manner of the -elementary spirits.</p> - -<p class='c006'>We went out of the gallery; and the -Prefect conducted me to a grotto, of -which the architecture was so strange, -that I dare not venture to describe it. -The whole furniture was a marble table -and a cane-chair, on which he bid me -sit down.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Whatever I saw at Giphantia was extraordinary, -the Repast to which I was -invited was not less so. Thirty salt-sellers -filled with salts of different colours, -were placed on the table in a circle round -a fruit, much like our melons. There -was also a glass decanter full of water, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_203'>203</span>round which other salt-sellers formed another -circle.</p> - -<p class='c006'>These preparations were not very -tempting; I never had less appetite. -However, not to affront a host, to whom -I was so much obliged, I tasted the -fruit that he offered me. The purest -chymical earth purged of all foreign -matter, would have more taste. I forced -myself to swallow a few bits. I drank a -glass of water: And I told the Prefect, -that my strength was more than sufficiently -recruited, and if he pleased, -we would continue to visit the rarities -of Giphantia.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Thou hast had (said he) the complaisance -to taste the fruit and the liquor, -thou wilt farther oblige me to season -them both. The salts which stand round -<span class='pageno' id='Page_204'>204</span>them have, perhaps, more virtue than -thou art aware of. I invite thee to -try.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Upon these words, I viewed the salt-sellers -more attentively, I saw that each -had a label; and I read upon those that -surrounded the insipid fruit, salt of -woodcock, salt of quail, salt of wild-duck, -salt of trout, <em>&c.</em> Upon the -others, I read, concrete juice of Rhenish, -of Champagne, of Burgundy, of -Usquebaugh, of oil of Venus, of Citron, -<em>&c.</em></p> - -<p class='c006'>Having taken a small slice of the -fruit, I spread upon it a grain of one of -those salts; and putting it to my mouth -I took it for the wing of an ortolan. I -looked upon the salt-seller from whence -I had the salt, and saw the word <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">ortolan</span></i> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_205'>205</span>on the label. Astonished at this phænomenon, -I spread upon another slice salt -of turbot, and I thought I was eating -one of the finest turbots the channel -ever produced. I tried the same experiment -upon the water; according to the -salt I dissolved in it, I drank wine of -Beaune, of Nuis, of Chambertin, <em>&c.</em></p> - -<p class='c006'>My lord, (said I to the Prefect) you -have shewn me the columns, the globe, -the mirrour, the pictures; I have admired -the mechanism of these masterpieces, -and the wonderful skill of the -elementary spirits; but now, my admiration -is turned to desire. Is a mortal -allowed to enter into the physical mysteries -of the spirits? May I learn from -you, this invaluable secret of your saline -powders.</p> - -<p class='c006'><span class='pageno' id='Page_206'>206</span>Now-a-days more than ever, (added -I) men (especially the Babylonians) seek -with eagerness whatever can please the -senses; and one of the things which -raises the greatest emulation, is to have -a table covered with exquisite dainties. -Their fore-fathers did not look upon a -good cook as a <em>person divine</em>. The most -simple preparations sufficed for their -food: they thought no wines excelled -those of their own country; and sometimes -those good men made a little too -free with them. The modern Babylonians -disgusted at this simplicity, and -hating hard drinking, have taken a different -method. They are become sober, -but of a sensual and ambitious sobriety, -which, by unheard of extracts and mixtures, -perpetually creates new tastes. -They search in the smallest fibres of the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_207'>207</span>animals for the purest substance, and, -under the name of essences, they inclose -in a little phial the produce of what -would suffice for the nourishment of the -most numerous families. The most -exquisite wines cannot satisfy their -palate; they esteem nothing but what -is owing to a violence done to the order -of nature’s productions. They extract -the most active spirit of wine, and -thereto add all the spices of India: -And, with such liquors, seeds of fire, -collected from all the countries of the -world, flow in their veins.</p> - -<p class='c006'>You see (continued I) that with the -secret of your savoury crystalizations, I -should be able to satisfy the nicest palates, -and please the most curious lovers -of variety. But what is much more important, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_208'>208</span>these saline extracts, which are -not prepared by the pernicious arts of -the distiller and cook, these extracts, I -say, would not spoil the stomach in -pleasing the taste; high health would -revive among us; the primitive constitutions -would be restored by degrees; -and mankind would resume a new -youthful vigour; in all respects, a man -might be a glutton without danger, and, -that is saying a great deal of a vice, -which is become incorrigible.</p> - -<p class='c006'>I was not refused: In less than half an -hour, the Prefect taught me the whole -art; I actually resolve the savours, with -the same ease that Newton did the colours. -From all the fruits that go to -decay, from all the plants of no use, -from even the herbs of the field, in a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_209'>209</span>word, from all bodies whatever, I extract -all their savoury parts; I analyze -these parts; I reduce them to their primitive -particles; and then uniting them -again in all imaginable proportions, I -form saline powders, which give such a -taste as is desired. I can inclose in a -small snuff-box, wherewith to make in -an instant a complete entertainment, -courses, ragouts, fricassees, deserts, coffee, -tea, with all kinds of wine and other -liquors. From a single bit, though ever -so insipid, I produce at pleasure the -wing of a partridge, the thigh of a woodcock, -the tongue of a carp, <em>&c.</em> From -a decanter of water, I draw Tomar, -Ai, Muscadine, Malmsey, Chian wine, -Lacryma Christi, and a thousand others.</p> - -<p class='c006'><span class='pageno' id='Page_210'>210</span>My secret should have been publick -before now; but all the advantages accruing -from it do not remove a fear, -which, as will be seen, is surely not -without foundation. I am apprehensive -that certain gentlemen, incessantly busied -to open new channels to convey to -them the substance of the people, may -lay their greedy hands upon my salt, -and undertake to distribute it, charged -with some light tax. These light taxes -are known always to grow heavier, and -end with crushing; much like those -snow-balls, which, rolling down from -the top of the mountains, and soon growing -immensely large, root up trees, throw -down houses, and destroy the fields. -Let these gentlemen give in our newspapers, -a positive assurance that they -will never meddle with the management -<span class='pageno' id='Page_211'>211</span>of my savours; the next day, I will -publish my secret, distribute my powders, -and regale all Babylon.</p> - -<p class='c006'>I think I know the world: these -gentlemen, you will see, will keep -silence, and I my salt, and so nobody -will be regaled.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i153.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_212'>212</span> - <h2 class='c004'>CHAP. II.<br /> <span class='large'><span class='sc'>The Kernels.</span></span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c012'>My dinner ended and my lesson -learnt, we sate out again. Let -us (said the Prefect) take the benefit of -this long shady walk, and go to the -grove at the end of it. By the way, I -will explain some matters relating to -what I am going to show thee.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Adam had just been driven out of -Paradise, (continued the Prefect:) The -tree, from which the fatal apple was -gathered, disappeared: Innocence, everlasting -peace, unmixt pleasure vanished; -and death covered the earth with her -mournful vail. Witnesses of Adam’s -sin and punishment, the elementary -<span class='pageno' id='Page_213'>213</span>spirits remained in a consternation mixt -with astonishment and fear. All was -silent, like the dreadful calm, which, -in a gloomy night, succeeds the flashes -of lightening.</p> - -<p class='c006'>One of our spirits perceiving on the -ground the remains of the fatal apple, -hastily took them up, and found three -Kernels: these were so many treasures.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The forbidden tree, which was the -cause of Man’s misery, was to have been -the cause of his happiness. It contained -the shoots of the sciences, arts, and pleasures. -The little, men know of these -things, is nothing in comparison of what -this mysterious tree would have disclosed -in their favour. It was to vegetate, blossom, -and bear seed for ever; and the -least of these seeds would have been the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_214'>214</span>source of more delights than ever existed -among the children of men.</p> - -<p class='c006'>We took great care of the three -Kernels, which had escaped the total -ruin just then befallen mankind; this -was not sufficient to repair their unhappy -fate, but it helped to soften it. As soon -as we were returned to Giphantia, we -consulted upon what we could do in -favour of mankind so terribly fallen. -Most of the spirits took the office of governing -the elements, and, as far as lay -in their power, of directing their motions, -according to the wants of men. -Those that remained at Giphantia, were -entrusted with the sowing of the three -Kernels, and carefully to mind what -they produced.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_215'>215</span> - <h2 class='c004'>CHAP. III.<br /> <span class='large'><span class='sc'>Antient Love.</span></span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c012'>As we were talking we entered into -a pretty large grove, in the midst -of which, I perceived a star formed by -most beautiful shrubs. From every -part of these shrubs there darted forth a -luminous matter, whereon were painted -all the colours of the rain-bow. Thus -the sun, viewed through the boughs of -a thick tree, seems crowned with sparkling -rays, on which shine the liveliest and -most variegated colours.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The first Kernel taken from the fatal -apple and committed to the ground, -(said the Prefect of Giphantia) produced -a shrub of the nature of those thou seest. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_216'>216</span>Its leaves were like those of the myrtle. -Its purple blossoms, speckled with white, -were raised round their stalks in form of -pyramids. Its boughs were thick and -interwoven with one another in a thousand -different ways. It was the most -beautiful tree, nature had ever produced, -therefore it was her most favorite -object. A soft zephyr, gently moving -its leaves, seemed to animate them; -and never were they ruffled by the impetuous -north winds; never was the -course of its sap obstructed by winter’s -frost, or its moisture exhausted by summer’s -scorching heats; an eternal spring -reigned around it. This singular tree, -was the Tree of Love.</p> - -<p class='c006'>It is well known what influence the -extraneous particles of the air have -<span class='pageno' id='Page_217'>217</span>upon us. Some accelerate or retard the -motions of the blood, others dull or raise -the spirits, sometimes they brighten the -imagination, and sometimes they cloud -it with the gloomy vapours of melancholy. -Those that were exhaled from -the tree of Love, and dispersed over the -earth, brought the seeds of the most alluring -pleasure. Till then, men, left -to a blind instinct, which inclined them -to propagate their species, shared that -advantage (if it is one) with the rest of -the animals. But, like a flower which -opens to the first rays of the sun, their -hearts soon yielded to the first impressions -of love, and instinct gave place to -sentiment.</p> - -<p class='c006'>With that passion they received a new -life; the face of nature seemed changed; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_218'>218</span>every thing became ingaging; every -thing touched them.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The other passions disappeared, or -were, in respect of this, like brooks to -a river in which they are going to be -lost.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Superior to all events, love heightened -pleasure, asswaged pain, and gave a -charm to things the most indifferent. -It enlivened the graces of youth, alleviated -the infirmities of age, and lasted -as long as life.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Its power was not confined to the -creating a tender and unchangeable attachment -to the object beloved; it inspired -also a certain sentiment of sweetness, -which was infused into all men, -and united them together. Society was -<span class='pageno' id='Page_219'>219</span>then as an endless chain, each link was -composed of two hearts joined by love.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The pleasure of others was a torment -to none: Gloomy jealousy had not possessed -the human heart, nor envy shed her -venom there. Concord multiplied pleasures: -A man was not more pleased -with his own, than with the happiness -of others.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Mankind was yet in infancy, and -unacquainted with excesses. Adversity -did not depress them to annihilation, nor -prosperity puff them up to the loss of -their senses. Their wants were few, the -arts had not increased them. Frightful -poverty appeared not among them, because -they knew not riches; every one -had necessaries, because none had superfluities. -Utter strangers to the ridiculousness -<span class='pageno' id='Page_220'>220</span>of rank, they were not exalted -with insolence, nor did they servilely -cringe; no man was low, because no -man was high. All was in order, and -men were as happy as their state would -admit of. O nature! why dost thou -not still enlighten us with those days of -peace, harmony, and love!</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i162.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_221'>221</span> - <h2 class='c004'>CHAP. IV.<br /> <span class='large'><span class='sc'>The Grafts.</span></span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c012'>The stinging nettle and wild -briar increase and are renewed, -(continued the Prefect) the tree of Love -had not that privilege. Its blossoms -vanished without leaving a kernel, and its -shoots planted in the ground did not take -root; they died and nature groaned.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Mean while, this only tree was going -to decay; its sap withdrew from most -of the branches, and the faded leaves -withered on their boughs.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The elementary spirits were sensible -how valuable the treasure was, that the -sons of men were going to lose, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_222'>222</span>were under the deepest concern for -them. They studied therefore to find -the means to fix love upon earth, and -imagined they had succeeded.</p> - -<p class='c006'>They took from the languishing and -exhausted tree, its best shoots and grafted -them upon different stocks. This precaution -saved love, but at the same -time, altered its nature. Nourished by -an extraneous sap, these shoots and -their emanations quickly degenerated: -So the exotic plants which grow in our -gardens by the assiduous care of the -gardiner, change their nature, and lose -almost all their virtues.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Love then existed among men; but -what love? It sprung from caprice, -was attached without choice, and -vanished with levity: It became such -<span class='pageno' id='Page_223'>223</span>as it is at this day amongst you. It -is no longer that common band which -united mankind, and rendered them -happy; it is on the contrary, an inexhaustible -fountain of discord. Formerly, -it was stronger alone than all the -passions together; it was subject only to -reason: Now, it is overcome by the -weakest passion, and hearkens to any -thing but reason.</p> - -<p class='c006'>To say the truth; it is no longer -Love: Phantoms have taken its place, -and receive the homage of men. One -in the highest ranks only finds objects -worthy his vows; he thinks it love, it -is only ambition. Another fixes his -heart where fortune is lavish of her gifts, -he imagines, love directs him, but it is -thirst of riches. Another flies from -<span class='pageno' id='Page_224'>224</span>where delicateness of sentiments calls -for his care and regard, and runs where -an easy object hardly gives him time to -desire. What is the ground of his haste? -a depraved appetite for pleasure. Of -pure, sincere, and unmixt love there -is none left; the grafts are quite -spoiled.</p> - -<p class='c006'>At Babylon, degenerated love varied -with the fashions, the manners, and -every thing else. At first it gave into -the Romantick: This was in the days of -our good Knights Errant. It was all -fire, transport, extasy. The eye of the -fair was a sun, the heart of the lover -was a volcano, and the rest of the same -stamp.</p> - -<p class='c006'>In time, it was found, that all this was -departing a little from nature; in order -<span class='pageno' id='Page_225'>225</span>therefore, to make it more natural, love -was dressed like a shepherd with a flock -and pipe; and spoke the language of a -swain. In the heart of his noisy and -tumultuous city, a Babylonian sung -the refreshing coolness of the groves, invited -his mistress to drive her flock thither, -and offered to guard it against the -wolves.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The pastoral language being drained, -the sentiment was refined, and the heart -analysed. Never had love appeared so -subtilised. To make a tolerable compliment -to a girl beloved, a man must -have been a pretty good metaphysician.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The Babylonians, weary of thinking -so deeply, from the height of these -sublime metaphysicks fell into free -speeches, double-meanings, and wanton -<span class='pageno' id='Page_226'>226</span>stories. Their behaviour was agreeable -to their talk; and love, after having -been a valiant knight-errant, a whining -shepherd and a sublime metaphysician, -is at last grown a libertine. It -will soon become a debauchee, if it is -not so already; after which, nothing -remains but to turn religious; and this -is what I expect.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Moreover, the Babylonians flatter -themselves with being a people the most -respectful to the ladies, and boast of -having it from their ancestors. In this -respect, as in all others, two things -must be distinguished at Babylon, the -appearance and the reality. In appearance, -no place where women are more -honoured; in reality, no place where they -are less esteemed. Outwardly, nothing -<span class='pageno' id='Page_227'>227</span>but homages, inwardly, nothing but -contempt. It is even a principle at Babylon, -that the men cannot have, in -an assembly, too much respect for the -sex, nor, in private too little.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i169.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_228'>228</span> - <h2 class='c004'>CHAP. V.<br /> <span class='large'><span class='sc'>Voluptas</span> or <span class='sc'>Pleasure</span>.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c012'>We came out of the grove. Men -(said I to the Prefect) are highly -indebted to you for preserving love, degenerated -as it is. If you did but know -what a void there is among them now-a-days! -Their amusements are so few, -that the least of all must be to them -very valuable. Love no longer makes -their happiness; but it diverts them at -least. What would the Babylonians do, -if love did not put in motion all those -walking statues, which you see so busy -about the women? They sigh, they -complain, they request, they press, they -<span class='pageno' id='Page_229'>229</span>obtain, they are happy or dupes; it is -just the same thing: But time passes, -and that is enough for the Babylonians.</p> - -<p class='c006'>“In the beginning (continued the -Prefect) nature, ever attentive to the -welfare of men, begot Voluptas. She -was an unadorned native beauty, but -full of those charms which characterises -whatever comes out of the -hands of the common parent of all -Beings. Nature gave her a golden -cup, and said: Go among men; draw -pleasure out of my works; present -it without distinction to all mortals; -quench their thirst, but make them -not drunk.”</p> - -<p class='c006'><span class='pageno' id='Page_230'>230</span>Voluptas appeared upon earth. Men -flocked together in crowds; all drank -largely of her cup; all quenched their -thirst, none were intoxicated. Voluptas -made herself desired, presented herself -seasonably, and was always received -with joy. As she offered herself with -restriction, she was always cherished -and never cloyed. Men, not being -enervated by excess, preserved to a -very advanced age, all their organs -in vigor; their taste remained; and -old age still drank of Voluptas’s cup.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Nature has a rival, called Art, who, -incessantly employed in rendering himself -useful or agreeable to society, strives -to supply what nature cannot or will -not do for men. He resumes nature’s -<span class='pageno' id='Page_231'>231</span>works, retouches them, sometimes embellishes, -often disguises and degrades -them.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Art failed not to observe the conduct -of Voluptas, and to refine whatever she -offered to mankind. He could not -bear an interval between pleasures, -and would have them succeed one another -without intermission. He ransacked -all the countries of the world, -united all the objects of sensuality, and -multiplied a thousand ways the pleasures -of sense. Men, surrounded with so -many alluring objects, thought themselves -happy, and in their intoxication, -said: <em>Without Art, Nature is nothing</em>. -But very soon their senses were cloyed; -satiety bred disgust, and disgust made -<span class='pageno' id='Page_232'>232</span>them indifferent to all kinds of pleasure. -Neither Art nor Nature could affect -them to any degree. From that time, -they have hardly been able to amuse or -divert themselves. Voluptas has no -longer any charms for them.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i174.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_233'>233</span> - <h2 class='c004'>CHAP. VI.<br /> <span class='large'><span class='sc'>Perpetual Youth.</span></span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c012'>There is no place (continued -the Prefect) where these dissipations, -supposed to supply the room of -pure pleasure, are more necessary than -at Babylon; so there is no place where -they are more frequent.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The Babylonians are known not to be -made for much thinking, and, for good -reason, it is not desired they should -think. A wise policy has always proposed -to keep as many employed as -possible, and to amuse the rest.</p> - -<p class='c006'>For these last it is, that the arts of -amusement are incouraged, that publick -<span class='pageno' id='Page_234'>234</span>walks are kept up at a great charge, -that spectacles of all kinds are exhibited, -and so many places tolerated, where gaming, -drinking, and licentiousness serve -for food to these heedless men, who, -without these avocations, would not -fail to disturb the society.</p> - -<p class='c006'>These various avocations fill up the -moments of life to such a degree, that -there is no time for recollection, and -for counting the years that insensibly -fly away. A man declines, decays, is -bent under the load of years, and he -has not once thought of it.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Rather let us say, there is no old-age -at Babylon, for men of this kind: A -perpetual Youth runs through their -life; the same agitations in the heart, -the same dullness in the soul, and the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_235'>235</span>same void in the mind. Youths of twenty-five -and of sixty, march with an equal -pace to the same end. The desires, -eagernesses, sallies, excesses are the same. -All forgetful of themselves, still go on; -and death alone is capable to stop the -career of these decrepid youths.</p> - -<p class='c006'>It is remarkable, that one day, one -of those young old men, bethought -himself to make reflections. “When a -man (said he) is come, like me, to a -certain age, he does not fully live, he -dies by degrees, and he ought successively -to renounce whatever does -not suit his state. There are things -that become nobody, which however -are connived at in youth; but which -make an old man ridiculous. What -business have I now with this costly -<span class='pageno' id='Page_236'>236</span>furniture, these splendid equipages, -with this table served with so much -profusion? Am I excusable for keeping -a mistress, whose luxuriousness -will not fail to ruin me in the end? -does it become me to appear still in -those places, where licentiousness -carries inconsiderate youth? I will -forsake a world for which I am no -longer fit, and will embrace that -peaceful and retired life to which my -declining age invites me. What I -shall retrench from my expences, I -will give to my nephew, who is -coming; into the world, and should set -out with some figure. Since I am -dying by degrees, so by degrees he -ought to inherit.”</p> - -<p class='c006'><span class='pageno' id='Page_237'>237</span>This resolution being taken and well -taken, a friend of his comes to visit -him, sees him thoughtful, asks the -reason and learns his design. “What, -(says he to him) have you not still -spirit enough to withstand reason? -She knocks, and it is going to be -opened! what do you mean? Reason -may be of use to a young man, to -curb the fury of his passions; but -must be fatal to an old one, in totally -extinguishing the little relish he has -left for pleasures. What a fine sight -will it be, to see Plutarch’s morals, -Nicole’s essays, and Pascal’s thoughts -lodged in thy brain, close by Bocace’s -novels, La Fontaine’s tales, and Rousseau’s -epigrams! Believe me: Reason -is good only for those, who have -cultivated it long ago; heads made -<span class='pageno' id='Page_238'>238</span>like ours cannot suit it. Our maxims -and reason’s are too contradictory; -and instead of regulating, it -would throw all into disorder and -confusion.”</p> - -<p class='c006'>“But (replied our new convert) -dost thou know what thou art doing -with thy extraordinary eloquence? -never was so much reason used to -prove, that we must act against reason. -Come, let us go, my dear marquis, -a free supper waits us at the ... -where the nymph, thou knowest, -will compleat my conviction: From -thence we will go to the ball. Tomorrow, -champagne at your cousin -the countess’s, and lansquenet, at -our friend the President’s.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_239'>239</span> - <h2 class='c004'>CHAP. VII.<br /> <span class='large'><span class='sc'>The Itchings.</span></span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c012'>We walked toward the south. On -this side, Giphantia ends in a -point, and forms a little promontory, -from whence there is a large prospect. -This promontory is covered all over with -a plant, whose boughs descend and creep -every way. This is the production of -the second Kernel. The plant never -bears either leaves or blossoms, or fruit: -It is formed by an infinite number of -very thin small fibres, which branch -out of one another.</p> - -<p class='c006'>View carefully the fibres (says the -Prefect to me.) Dost thou see at their -<span class='pageno' id='Page_240'>240</span>extremity, little longish bodies, which -move so briskly? They are small maggots, -which this plant breeds; whether -vegetation, carried beyond its usual -bounds, produces them; or whether -there comes at the extremity of the -fibres, a sort of corruption, by which -they are engendered. In time, these -maggots waste away so as to become invisible: -But withal they get wings, and -growing flies, they disperse themselves -over the earth. There, they stick fast -to men, and cease not to infest them -with a sting given them by nature. -And as the tarantula, with the poison -which she leaves in the wound she has -made, inspires an immoderate desire to -leap and dance, just so these small insects -cause, according to their different kinds, -different Itchings. Such are the itch -<span class='pageno' id='Page_241'>241</span>of talking, the itch of writing, the itch -of knowing, the itch of shining, the itch -of being known, with a hundred others. -Hence, all the motions, men put themselves -into, all the efforts they make, all -the passions that stir them.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The sensation they feel on these occasions, -is so manifestly such as we are describing, -that when any one is seen in -an uncommon agitation of body or -mind, it is very usual to say, <em>What fly -stings? what maggot bites?</em> Though -nothing can be seen, it is perceived that -the cause of so many motions is a stinging: -A man often finds it by experience, -and knows what it is owing to.</p> - -<p class='c006'>When once men are troubled with -these restless prickings, they cannot be -quiet. He, for instance, that is stung -<span class='pageno' id='Page_242'>242</span>with the itch of talking, is continually -discoursing with every body, correcting -those that do not need it, informing -those that know more than himself. -His visage opens, lengthens, and shortens -at pleasure: He laughs with those that -laugh, weeps with those that weep, -without sharing the joy of the one, or -the grief of the other. If by chance -he gives you room to say any thing, -speak fast and stop not; for, in an instant, -he would begin again, and take -care not to be interrupted. Never does -he lend an ear to any one; and even -when he seems to hold his tongue, he -is still muttering to himself. He despises -nothing so much as those silent -animals, who hear little and speak still -less; and he thinks no men more worthy -of envy than those, who have the talent -<span class='pageno' id='Page_243'>243</span>of drawing a circle of admirers, of raising -the voice in the midst of them, -and of saying nothings incessantly applauded.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Sometimes the itch of talking is -turned into the itch of writing; which -comes to the same thing; for writing, -is talking to the whole world. Then -those torrents of words, which flow -from the mouth, change their course and -flow from the pen ... what numbers of -bablers in these silent libraries! Oh how -must those who have ears, and run over -these immense collections, be stunned -with what they hear! They are like -great fairs, where each author cries up -his wares to the utmost of his power, -and spares nothing to promote the sale. -Come (says an Antient) come and learn -<span class='pageno' id='Page_244'>244</span>of me to practice virtue and become -happy; come and draw from these -pure fountains, whose streams are polluted -by the corruption of men.... -Come rather to me (cries a Modern) time -and observation have opened our eyes; -we see things, and only want to show -them to you.... Mind them not (says -a Romancer) seek not truth there; -truth still lies in the bottom of Democritus’s -well. Come therefore to me -for amusement, and I will help you to -it. Come and read the life and exploits -of the duke of * * * *, the model -of the court; he never attacked a girl -without debauching her; he has embroiled -above fifty families, and thrown -whole towns into confusion: He must, -it is plain, be one of the most accomplished -men of the age.... I have -<span class='pageno' id='Page_245'>245</span>things to offer you, much more interesting -than all this, (says a Versifier) -I have the prettiest odes and finest songs -in the world, little soft verses, nosegays -for Iris, and a complete collection of -all the riddles and symbolical letters, -which for these ten years have puzzled -the sagacity of the strongest heads in -Babylon.... Away with those trifles -(says a Tragic Poet) and come to me: I -manage the passions as I please: I will -force tears from your eyes, transport -you out of your senses, and make your -hair stand an end.... That is very kind -indeed, (says a Comic Poet) but I -believe, it will be better to come to me, -who will make you laugh at all others -and even at yourselves. I pity you all, -(says a Man-hater) burn me all those -books there and mine too; and let -<span class='pageno' id='Page_246'>246</span>there be no mention of learning, arts, -sciences, and the like wretched things; -for it is I that tell you, as long as you -have any reason, you shall have neither -wisdom, nor conduct, nor happiness.</p> - -<p class='c006'>I say nothing of the itch of knowledge, -which should always precede that of -writing, and which commonly follows -it at a good distance, and often never -comes at all.</p> - -<p class='c006'>At Babylon, the itch of being singular, -is like an epidemical disease. It is pretty -well known wherein the Babylonians -are alike, but it would be the work of -an age, to say wherein they differ. -Every one distinguishes himself by some -remarkable stroke. Hence comes the -mode of portraits, and the facility of -drawing them. Draw them by fancy, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_247'>247</span>you are sure they will meet with a likeness; -draw them after nature, you will -never fail of originals. There are some -for the pulpit, for the use of the orators -who want grace, there are some for -the theatre, for the use of poets who -want genius, there are some for writings -of all kinds, for the use of the authors -who want ideas.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The most troublesome of all the itches -produced by these insects, is the itch of -being known. Thou canst not conceive, -what efforts are made by all the men -stung with this itch. I say all the men; -for, who has not a view to reputation -and fame? The Artisan shows his work, -the Gamester his calculations, the Poet -his images, the Orator his grand strokes, -the Scholar his discoveries, the General -<span class='pageno' id='Page_248'>248</span>his campaigns, the Minister his schemes. -And even he that sees the nothingness -of this chimæra, still contemplates its -charms, and sighs after it: Just so a -lover, with a troubled heart, strives to -abandon a faithless mistress, from whom -he cannot bear to part. What designs, -what efforts of imagination to make -one’s self talked of! how many things -attempted and dropt! what hopes, fears, -cares, and follies of every kind!</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i190.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_249'>249</span> - <h2 class='c004'>CHAP. VIII.<br /> <span class='large'><span class='sc'>Compensations.</span></span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c012'>What you tell me (says I) is -very extraordinary. But I cannot -see why the elementary spirits raise -and cultivate this plant with so great -care. They who wish us so much good, -in this respect do us very little. To -behold men, stung to the quick, acting -like madmen, losing their senses for -chimeras, is a thing, in my opinion, -deserving pity; but perhaps it may be -an amusement to the elementary spirits.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Like many others (replied the Prefect) -thou judgest and seest things but in one -view. The itches have their inconveniences; -but that is nothing in comparison -<span class='pageno' id='Page_250'>250</span>of their advantages. Without -the itch of talking and writing, would -eloquence be known? Would the -sciences have been transmitted and improved -from generation to generation? -Would not you be like so many untaught -children, without ideas, without knowledge, -without principles? Was it not -for the itch of being known, who -would take the pains to amuse you, to -instruct you, to be useful to you by the -most interesting discoveries? Without -the itch of ruling, who would busy -themselves in unravelling the chaos -of the laws, in hearing and judging your -quarrels, in watching for your safety? -Without the itch of shining, in what -kingdom would policy find a vent for -those respectable knick-knacks wherewith -she adorns those she is pleased to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_251'>251</span>distinguish? And yet, this kind of nothings -are, for the good of the state, to -be acquired at the price even of blood. -Thanks to our flies, there are some mad -enough to sacrifice all for their sake, and -others fools enough to behold them with -veneration.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Take away our insects, and men stand -stupidly ranged by one another, like so -many statues; let our insects fly, and -these statues receive new life, and are -as busy as bees. One sings, another -dances, this reads his verses and falls -into an extasy, that hears him and is -tired: The Chymist is at his furnace, -the Speculatist in his study, the Merchant -at sea, the Astronomer discovers -a new satellite, the Physician a new -medicine, the soldier a new manœuvre; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_252'>252</span>in fine, the statues are men; and all -this is owing to this plant and our care.</p> - -<p class='c006'>I beg (said I to the Prefect) we may -stand at a distance from this admirable -plant; I dread more than I can express, -the neighbourhood of these volatiles. I -rejoice much to see them authors of so -many benefits; but I fear still more, -the uneasiness they create.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i194.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_253'>253</span> - <h2 class='c004'>CHAP. IX.<br /> <span class='large'><span class='sc'>Nil Admirari.</span></span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c012'>Your fearfulness, (says the Prefect) -surprises me. Tell me, I -pray, what idea hast thou of what is -called grandeur, dignities, and high -rank in a state?</p> - -<p class='c006'>I am in this world (answered I) like a -traveller, who goes on his way curiously -observing the objects, but desiring none, -because he is but a passenger. Moreover, -if things are estimated according -to the happiness they procure, I do not -think that the highest places should be -much valued; for, I see, they make -no man happy, and are a misfortune to -many.</p> - -<p class='c006'><span class='pageno' id='Page_254'>254</span>What of riches? added the Prefect.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Pleasure (said I) is like a very rare -commodity, which, however, every one -would fain purchase. Among those -that succeed, the rich buy it very dear, -it comes cheap to the rest: One may as -well be among the last as the first. Of -the few pleasures that exist, the lower -class enjoy as large a share as the -highest.</p> - -<p class='c006'>What of wit, genius, talents? says -the Prefect.</p> - -<p class='c006'>One half of the world, replied I, -study to amuse the other. The first -class is formed of men of talents; -whose brains are wound up by nature -higher than ordinary. They are incessantly -striving to please: If they fail, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_255'>255</span>they waste away with grief; if they -succeed, it is never fully, and a single -censure creates them more pain than all -the encomiums together give them -pleasure. It is, therefore, better to be -of the second class, I mean among those -who are amused by the others.</p> - -<p class='c006'>As far as I see, said the Prefect, the -aspect of the great and their pomp, of -the scholar and his extensive genius, of -the rich and his vast possessions, makes -little or no impression on thy mind.</p> - -<p class='c006'>I confess, replied I, that no man was -ever less dazzled with all this than myself. -Wrapt in a certain coolness of -sense, I am guarded against all strong -impressions. I behold with the same -eye the ignorant who know nothing, -and the learned who know all, except -<span class='pageno' id='Page_256'>256</span>truth; the protector who plans, though -he knows his weakness, and the protected -who cringes, though he perceives -his superiority; the peasant that is disgusted -with the simplicity of his diet, -and the rich sensual, who with thirty -niceties, can hardly make a dinner; the -duchess, loaded with diamonds, and -the shepherdess decked with flowers; -vanity, which dwells in the cottage as -well as in the palace, and upholds the -low as well as the high; care, which -sits on the throne by the king, or follows -the philosopher in his retirement. -All the parts on the stage of this world, -seem to me one no better than another: -but I do not desire to act any. I would -observe all and be taken up with nothing. -Hence it is, that I dreaded the -neighbourhood of these restless flies....</p> - -<p class='c006'><span class='pageno' id='Page_257'>257</span>And hence it is precisely, interrupted -the Prefect, that thou hadst nothing to -fear from them. Thou admirest nothing; -it is sufficient: The flies can -take no hold of thee. The first impression -they must make, is the impression -of surprise and admiration; if they -make not that, they miss their aim. But -the moment admiration is admitted, a -crowd of passions quickly follow. For, -in the object of wonder, great hurt or -great good is expected. Hence Love or -Aversion, and all their attendants; -restless Desire which never sleeps; Joy, -which embraces and devours its objects; -Melancholy, which, at a distance, and -with weeping eyes, contemplates and -calls for what it dreads: Confidence, -which walks with head erect, and often -meets a fall; Despair, which is preceded -<span class='pageno' id='Page_258'>258</span>by fear and followed by madness, and a -thousand others. If thou wilt rest -secure from their attacks, cherish thy -coolness of sense, and never lose sight -of the grand principle,</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='sc'>Nil Admirari</span>.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i200.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_259'>259</span> - <h2 class='c004'>CHAP. X.<br /> <span class='large'><span class='sc'>The Fantastical Tree.</span></span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c012'>After having walked some time -by the side of a rivulet, we came -into a beautiful and spacious meadow. -It was enamelled with a thousand sorts -of flowers, whose various colours were, -at a distance, blended together and -formed shining carpets, such as art has -never woven. The meadow was bounded -by a piece of rock, like a wall; against -which grew a tree, like an espalier. It -did not rise above a man’s height, but -spread itself to the right and left, the -length of the rock, above three hundred -paces. Its leaves were very thin and -very narrow, but in such abundance, -that it was not possible to see the least -<span class='pageno' id='Page_260'>260</span>part, either of the trunk or of the -branches, or of the surface of the -rock.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Thou seest, said the Prefect, the product -of the third and last Kernel; we -give it the name of the Fantastical -Tree.</p> - -<p class='c006'>From this precious tree it is, that -inventions, discoveries, arts and sciences -take their original; and that by a mechanism, -which will surprise thee.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Thou knowest that the fibres of the -leaves of a tree, are ranged uniformly -on each of them; to see one, is to see -all the rest. Here, this uniformity has -no place; each leaf has its fibres ranged -in a particular manner; there are not -two alike in the Fantastical Tree. But, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_261'>261</span>what is most wonderful, the fibres, on -each leaf, are ranged with symmetry, -and represent distinctly a thousand sorts -of objects; one while a colonnade, an -obelisk, a decoration; another while mechanical -instruments; here, geometrical -diagrams, algebraical problems, astronomical -systems; there, physical machines, -chymical instruments, plans of -all kinds of works, verse, prose, conversation, -history, romances, songs, and the -like.</p> - -<p class='c006'>These leaves do not fade. When -come to perfection they grow by degrees -prodigiously small, and roll themselves -up in a thousand folds. In this state, -they are so light, that the wind blows -them away; and so small, that they -enter through the pores of the skin. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_262'>262</span>Once admitted into the blood, they -circulate with the humours, and generally -stop at the brain, where they cause -a singular malady, the progress of which -is thus:</p> - -<p class='c006'>When one of the leaves is settled in -the brain, it is imbibed, dilated, opened, -becomes such as it was on the Fantastical -Tree, and presents to the mind -the images wherewith it is covered. -During the operation, the patient appears -with his eyes fixed, and a pensive -air. He seems to hear and see what -passes about him, but his thoughts are -otherways employed. He walks sometimes -at a great rate, and sometimes -stands stock-still. He rubs his forehead, -stamps with his foot, and bites his -nails. They who have seen a geometrician -<span class='pageno' id='Page_263'>263</span>upon the solution of a problem, or -a naturalist on the first glimpse of a -physical explication, must have observed -these symptoms.</p> - -<p class='c006'>This violent state proceeds from the -efforts of the soul, to discern what is -traced on the leaf; it holds longer or -shorter, according as the leaf takes up -more or less time in displaying, and -aptly presenting itself.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The abatement of the malady appears -by light emanations from the brain, -such as some ideas suddenly conceived, -some designs hastily thrown upon paper, -some scheme sketched in a hurry. The -soul begins to discern the objects, and -contemplate at leisure the Fantastical -leaf.</p> - -<p class='c006'><span class='pageno' id='Page_264'>264</span>These last symptoms declare an approaching -crisis, which quickly shows -itself in a general evacuation of all -that has been transmitted to the -brain. Then verses flow, difficulties -are cleared, problems are resolved, -phenomena are explained, dissertations -are multiplied, chapters are heaped -upon chapters; and the whole takes -the form of a book, and the patient is -cured. Of all the accidents which afflicted -him, there only remains an immoderate -affection for the offspring of -his brain, of which he was delivered -with so much pain.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_265'>265</span> - <h2 class='c004'>CHAP. XI.<br /> <span class='large'><span class='sc'>Predictions.</span></span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c012'>Behold, added the Prefect, -showing me the extent of the Fantastical -Tree, behold leaves for a century -of designs, of discoveries, and of writings. -Thou mayest examine at thy leisure -what, during that space, will torment -above a million of heads.</p> - -<p class='c006'>I drew near, and attentively viewed -a good while the wonderful tree, especially -those branches on which the -sciences vegetated; and after having -examined it to the last boughs with all -the attention and exactness I am capable -of, I think myself qualified to make -here some Predictions.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The historical branch has an admirable -effect; all the events are painted -<span class='pageno' id='Page_266'>266</span>like a camayeu<a id='r14' /><a href='#f14' class='c013'><sup>[14]</sup></a>, as by the hand of the -greatest masters. So many leaves, so -many little pictures. What will most -surprise, is, that these pictures, seen in -different points of view, represent the -same subject, but represent it very -variously: And, according to the manner -of beholding it, the same action -appears courageous or rash, zealous or -fanatical, rational or silly, proud or -magnanimous. So, according to the -point of view, wherein these leaves present -themselves to the brain of an historian, -he will see things in a good or -bad light, and will write accordingly. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_267'>267</span>I would not have such works entitled, -<em>The history of what passed in such a time</em>, -but rather, <em>The manner in which such -an author saw what passed</em>. Moreover -this branch is plentifully furnished, and -should be so. As long as there are men, -there will be ambition, traitors, disturbers -of the publick peace, merit will -be forgotten and the worthless preferred, -virtue will be oppressed, vice will -be triumphant, countries will be ravaged, -cities will be sacked, and thrones will be -dyed in blood; and these are the food of -history; excellent school, for youth to -learn lessons of humanity, candor, and -sincerity!</p> - -<p class='c006'>The metaphysical branch is almost -equally furnished: But its leaves are -very thin, and their fibres so excessively -small, that they are hardly perceivable. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_268'>268</span>I greatly pity the brains where they will -settle. I see but one way to give them -ease: And that is, to treat the most -thorny questions after the modern manner; -I mean to supply the want of clear -ideas and deep reflections, by bold and -confident assertions, which may serve to -impose.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The moral branch droops, and receives -scarce any sap; its withered leaves -declare an approaching decay; alas! it -is dying. The plans on it are quite -effaced. This is too visible from the -works that are published of this kind. -The ideas of good and evil are confounded; -virtue is so disguised as hardly -to be known, nor is it easy to discern -what is to be called vice. And yet, -the whole is not said. There remains -many arguments to be published against -<span class='pageno' id='Page_269'>269</span>the obsolete notion of justice; many jests -to be passed upon those who still talk of -probity in the old fashioned stile; many -fresh proofs to demonstrate, that national, -private, and especially personal -interest, should be the sole rule of conduct. -At these so fine lessons, the Babylonians -will clap their hands and cry: -“In truth, all the world was blind; -and men did not see clearly till this -present time.”</p> - -<p class='c006'>The poetical branch is in a very bad -state; there are only a few boughs left, -among others, the dramatic bough, and -that so very weak, it can hardly support -itself. There will appear from time to -time at Babylon some tragic poets, but -no comic. I suspect the reason. Formerly -the Babylonians were only ridiculous; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_270'>270</span>they were brought upon the -stage and people laughed: Now, they -are almost all vicious, but vicious upon -principle; and such objects by no means -raise laughter. The manners begin to -be no longer theatrical.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The panegyrical branch is very considerable, -and bends under its load. -There will be panegyricks applicable to -a great man from whom some favour -is expected; to an author who having -flattered, receives homage for homage; -to another, who is flattered, in order -that he may flatter again. There will be -some commercial ones, which will be -sold, to one for his protection, to another -for his table, to a third for his -money. There will be also some, and in -great plenty for those, who beg them: -<span class='pageno' id='Page_271'>271</span>But there will be hardly any for those -that deserve them the most.</p> - -<p class='c006'>With good-sense alone, and the simplest -notions which a bough of the -philosophical branch furnishes, and which -teach to estimate the things of this life -according to their value, there will be -formed, among the people, a number -of practical philosophers; whilst, among -the men of letters, all the penetration -imaginable, all the knowledge they think -they have, all the wit in the world will -form only imperfect philosophers. They -will avoid praises, but so as to attain -them by some round-about way. They -will profess the most ardent zeal for all -the citizens, nay, for all men in general; -but they will care only for themselves. -They will decide upon the most complicated, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_272'>272</span>the most obscure, the most -important questions, with an astonishing -confidence; but in deciding everything -they will clear up nothing. They -will wear outwardly the most reserved -modesty; inwardly they will be eaten -up by ambition. Now, shall we call -such persons philosophers? It is thus -that we give the name of stars to those -meteors, which kindle sometimes in the -upper region of the air, make a blaze, -and instantly vanish.</p> - -<p class='c006'>In general, I thought, I saw upon -a great number of leaves, things entirely -contradictory. The century will -slide away, and the sentiments upon -the same objects will not be reconciled. -According to custom, each will speak -his opinion, and attack the rest. Disputes -<span class='pageno' id='Page_273'>273</span>will arise; and the most bitter -ironies, the strongest invectives, the -most cutting railleries, nothing will be -spared to raise the laughter of the crowd, -and the pity of the wise.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i215.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_274'>274</span> - <h2 class='c004'>CHAP. XII.<br /> <span class='large'><span class='sc'>The System.</span></span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c012'>Of an infinite number of plans of -different works, that I saw drawn -on the leaves of the Fantastical Tree, -I remember three. In the first, the -point in question is very abstract, but -treated in so singular a manner, that -perhaps it will not be disagreeable to -give here a slight sketch of it.</p> - -<p class='c006'>“When I have examined matter, -it has appeared to me, that it could -not think, and I have readily admitted -Beings purely spiritual. It is -true, the least ideas of such substances -have never been formed. This -proves the sagacity of man does not -<span class='pageno' id='Page_275'>275</span>reach very far: But does it prove -there is nothing beyond?</p> - -<p class='c006'>“When I have considered the -animals, I have not been able to help -thinking them intelligent, and that so -much ingenuity was not without some -understanding. They are, therefore, -said I, provided with a spiritual substance. -But what! these insects, -these worms, these microscopical -animals, who increase without number -in the shortest space, have they -each a spiritual, that is to say, -an unchangeable, immortal soul? I -do not imagine, any such thought -ever entered into a sound head.</p> - -<p class='c006'>“Then calling to mind that intelligent -Being diffused through the -whole earth, and perhaps farther, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_276'>276</span>that immense spirit of whom some -antient philosophers have talked, under -the name of the universal soul; -I have thought that, without multiplying -infinitely spiritual substances, -that soul was very proper to supply -their place, and alone sufficient to -give life to all the animals. I have -therefore embraced the opinion of -the antients, but with one restriction.</p> - -<p class='c006'>“They were persuaded that every -thinking organized Being, is animated -by a particle of the universal -soul; That cannot be. If this soul is -capable of perceptions, it is spiritual, -and indivisible, and if it is indivisible, -it cannot separate from -itself any part to go and animate -any Being whatever. If this spirit -informs different bodies, it is because -<span class='pageno' id='Page_277'>277</span>it operates at the same time in different -places; and not because it sends -any where some emanation of its -substance.</p> - -<p class='c006'>“Farther: The antients believed that -man, like the animals, derived from -the universal soul all the intelligence -he is endowed with; another -mistake. If we consider in man, that -hidden principle which carries him -so efficaciously to follow the impressions -of sense, though ever so repugnant -to reason, we shall agree, with -the antients, that this principle must -be the same with that which animates, -rules, and directs the animals; the -pure sensitive nature of the universal -soul is visible in it. But when I perceive -in man another agent, which -<span class='pageno' id='Page_278'>278</span>tends to subject all his actions to the -rules of justice; which so often opposes -the senses (though seldom with -success) which, even when it succeeds -not to hinder the sin, never -fails to sting him with remorse and -repentance; I cannot help thinking, -that besides the universal spirit, there -is in man another principle of a -superior order: A principle known -by the name of rational soul. It is -manifest by the clashing between the -passions and reason, that there are in -us two contradictory Beings, which -oppose one another. If I may be -allowed to compare things of so different -a nature, I should say that every -thing which partakes of the universal -soul is like a spunge soaked in -water, and immersed in the sea; and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_279'>279</span>that if, moreover, the body is endued -with a reasonable soul (which is -the case of man) it is like the same -spunge soaked in water, but in which -a drop of oil has found its way.</p> - -<p class='c006'>“In fine, the antients believed, that -the universal soul was diffused every -where; but neither can That be. -Perhaps it pervades the terrestrial -globe, or, it may be, the whole solar -system, or even farther: But still -it is certain, it has its bounds, it is -God alone that fills immensity.</p> - -<p class='c006'>“But how shall the existence of a -thinking Being be admitted, which, -bounded as it is, has however so prodigious -an extension? What ideas -can be formed of its capaciousness -and its limits? How can it animate -<span class='pageno' id='Page_280'>280</span>so many bodies physically separated -one from the other, and forming so -many individuals? Let us fathom, -as far as in us lies, these depths of -obscurity.</p> - -<p class='c006'>“Since spiritual substances have no -solidity, they are penetrable, and -take up no room. From their penetrability -it follows, that several spirits -may exist in one and the same space, -and that a body may also be in the -same place. From their taking up -no room it follows, that they have -neither length, nor breadth, nor -depth; that they have no extension -properly so called. But still a spirit -is a real Being, a substance: Though -it takes up no room, it is necessarily -some-where; and, though it has no -<span class='pageno' id='Page_281'>281</span>extension properly so called, it has -necessarily its bounds. So, in a metaphysical -sense, all spiritual Beings -may be said to be more or less extended, -to contain, and to be contained: -And then we may return to -our companion of the spunge, penetrated -by a drop of oil, impregnated -with water, and immersed in the -sea.”</p> - -<p class='c006'>“On the other hand, by virtue of -the laws of combination, the result -of the unions necessarily differs from -the substances that are united; and it -does not appear, that the soul and the -body should make an exception. -When the spirit and matter are united, -think not the spirit the same as before; -it is, in some measure, materialized; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_282'>282</span>think not the matter such as -it was before; it is, in some measure, -spiritualized. From this mixture results -a new Being, different from -pure spirit, though it retains its -noblest virtue; different from brute -matter, though it partakes of its -qualities: It is a particular Being, -forming an individual, and thinking -apart; in fine, it is such a Being as -you that are reading, such as I that -am writing. Therefore, what perceives -in us, is properly speaking, -neither the universal spirit nor the -rational soul, nor organized matter: -but a compound of all three. Just -as when a lion roars, it is not the -universal soul, that is in a rage; it is the -compound of that soul and the brain -of the lion. Hence it comes, that -<span class='pageno' id='Page_283'>283</span>each animal forms a separate thinking -individual, though all the animals -think only by virtue of one and the -same spirit, the universal soul. Let -us proceed without losing sight of the -faint light which guides us thro’ these -dark paths.</p> - -<p class='c006'>“We have seen that, to form an -animal, there needs only a combination -of organized matter, and the -universal soul; and, to form a man, -there must be another union of organized -matter, universal spirit, and rational -soul. If the universal spirit was -wanting; ever obedient to the dictates -of the rational soul, we should -see none but virtuous and spotless -men, such as are no where to be -found. If the rational soul was wanting, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_284'>284</span>abandoned to this instinct -of the universal spirit, which always -follows the allurements of sense, we -should see none but monsters of vice -and disorder.</p> - -<p class='c006'>“The rational soul is united to the -human body, the instant the motion -essential to life is settled there, it is -separated the instant that motion is -destroyed; and, once separated, it -is known to return no more, it departs -for-ever; and enters into a -state of which there is to be no end.</p> - -<p class='c006'>“The universal soul is united and -separated in the same circumstances: -But it is not always separated for-ever. -Let, in any person, the motion -essential to life, after having -totally ceased, come to be renewed, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_285'>285</span>(a thing which every physician knows -to be very possible) and what will be -the consequence? The rational soul, -which departed upon the ceasing of -the vital motion, cannot return; but -the universal soul, always present, -cannot fail of re-uniting with the organized -body set in motion again. -The man is dead, for his soul is separated -from his body. He preserves, -however, the air of a living man; because -the universal soul is re-settled in -his brain, which it directs tolerably -well.</p> - -<p class='c006'>“Such to you appears a person -perfectly recovered from an apoplectic -or lethargic fit, who is but half -come to life; his soul is flown; there -remains only the universal spirit. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_286'>286</span>Excess of joy, or of grief, any sudden -opposition may occasion death, -and does occasion it, in fact, oftener -than is imagined. Let a fit of -jealousy or passion affect you to a -certain degree, your soul, too strongly -shocked, quits its habitation for-ever: -And, let your friends say -what they please, or say what you -will yourself, you are dead, positively -dead. However, you are not buried: -the universal soul acts your part to -the deception of the whole world, -and even of yourself.</p> - -<p class='c006'>“Do not complain therefore, that -a relation forgets you, that a friend -forsakes you, that a wife betrays you. -Alas! perhaps it is a good while -since you had a wife, or relations, or -<span class='pageno' id='Page_287'>287</span>friends; they are dead; their images -only remain.</p> - -<p class='c006'>“How many deaths of this kind -have I seen at Babylon? Never, for -instance, did contagious distemper -make such havock as the late pious -broils. It is true, the Babylonians -are so constituted, that their soul sits -very loose; the least shock parts it -from the body; this is confirmed by -observation. Call to mind their notorious -quarrel about musick, their -rage, their fury: How few heads -were untouched? They are mad, said -some reasonable people: But for my -part, I knew they were dead.</p> - -<p class='c006'>“God rest the soul of the author of -the <i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Petites Lettres a de grands Philosophes!</span></i> -He had long been declining; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_288'>288</span>and at last died some months ago. -Instantly, the universal soul, possessed -of his brains, dislodged some -shreds of verses, jumbled them together, -and framed that lifeless -comedy, the indecency of which -gave offence to all the Babylonians -that remained <em>alive</em>.</p> - -<p class='c006'>“I shall now speak of the signs by -which the living may be distinguished -from the dead: And, doubtless, the -reader sees already what these signs -may be. To behold wickedness with -unconcern; to be unmoved by virtue, -to mind only self-interest; and without -remorse, to be carried away with -the torrent of the age, are signs of -death. Be assured, no rational soul -inhabits such abandoned machines. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_289'>289</span>What numbers of dead amongst us! -you will say. What numbers of dead -amongst us! will I answer.</p> - -<p class='c006'>“As there are signs which declare -that such a particular person, who -thinks himself, and whom you think -full of life, is however deprived of it; -so there are signs which show the ravages, -these concealed deaths have -made in the world. For instance, -there must have been, of late years, a -great mortality among the learned: -For, if you observe almost all the -productions of modern literature, you -will find only a playing with words, -destructive principles, dangerous assertions, -dazzling hints. Alas! our -authors are manifestly but machines, -actuated by the universal soul.</p> - -<p class='c006'><span class='pageno' id='Page_290'>290</span>“And, very lately, have we not had -fresh proofs of this mortality? What -is meant by these libels unworthy of -the light? These <em>when’s</em>? These <em>if’s</em>? -These <em>what-d’ye-calls</em>? These <em>wherefore’s</em>? -And I know not how many -more with which we are deluged. Be -not persuaded that rational souls are -capable of such excesses.</p> - -<p class='c006'>“I will conclude with opening a door -to new reflections. Suppose a man, -like so many others, vegetates only, -and is reduced to the universal soul, -I demand whether the race of such -a man is not in the same state. If -so, I pity our posterity. Rational -souls were scarce among our fore-fathers; -they are still more so among -<span class='pageno' id='Page_291'>291</span>us; surely there will be none left -among our offspring. All are degenerating, -and we are very near the -last stage.”</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i233.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_292'>292</span> - <h2 class='c004'>CHAP. XIII.<br /> <span class='large'><span class='sc'>Letter to the Europeans.</span></span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c012'>The second of the works, of -which I remember to have seen -the plan delineated on the leaves of -the Fantastical tree, was digested into -the form of a letter, addressed to all -the nations of Europe, the substance of -which is as follows:</p> - -<p class='c006'>“O ye powerful nations of Europe; -nations polished, ingenious, learned, -warlike, made to command the rest; -nations the most accomplished upon -earth; the times are come: Your -profound schemes for the happiness -of man have prospered: You enjoy it -at length, and I congratulate you -upon it.</p> - -<p class='c006'><span class='pageno' id='Page_293'>293</span>“In nature’s infancy, those uncivilised -ages wherein men wandering in -the fields, were fed with the products -of the earth, a perfect security, easy -pleasure, profound peace, or rather -languishing indolence benumbed all -the faculties of the soul. But when -the sweets of property had flattered -the human heart; when each had his -inclosure and could say, <em>This is mine</em>; -then all was in motion. A man had -too much of one thing, and too little -of another; he gave the superfluity -for what he wanted: And trade was -established. It was at first carried on -among neighbours; then, from country -to country; and at last, from one -of the quarters of the world to the -other three. From that time, mankind -have formed but one numerous -<span class='pageno' id='Page_294'>294</span>family, whose members are incessantly -employed in cheating one -another. The spirit of distrust, -finess, and fraud, have displayed all -the springs of the soul; the talents -have shown themselves, the arts have -taken birth; and men begin to enjoy -the full extent of their understanding.</p> - -<p class='c006'>“How well these profound speculatists -have conjectured, who have told -us: <em>Would you have a state flourish? -incourage populousness; for real strength -and riches consist in a great number of -citizens. To incourage populousness, -enlarge trade more and more, set up manufactures, -introduce arts of every kind; -and, to consume superfluities, call in -luxury.</em> Let the names of those who -<span class='pageno' id='Page_295'>295</span>have opened this admirable way, be -carefully preserved in our kalendar.</p> - -<p class='c006'>“It is true, by following this method, -you have missed your aim, which was -populousness. What fortune soever -a man may raise, it is consumed by -the boundless expence of luxury, -which always exceeds the revenues: -There is nothing left for the education -and settlement of children; and -means must be used to have a small -number, or even none at all. Long -races suit only those remote times -when your ancestors, plentifully furnished -with necessaries, were so unfortunate -as to have no idea of pageantry. -It is no wonder, if people so -barbarous as not to know silk, lace, -tea, chocolate, Burgundy, Champagne, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_296'>296</span>should so increase in the -northern regions, as to over-run, -like a torrent, all your countries, -should found monarchies, and dictate -laws, which are revered to this day.</p> - -<p class='c006'>“But what signifies populousness -and multitude? Rejoice, O ye fortunate -nations; for you have coffee -and snuff, cinnamon and musk, sugar -and furs, tea and china. How happy -are you! and how composed should -your minds be!</p> - -<p class='c006'>“It is true, toils, hunger, thirst, -shoals, storms, sooner or later destroy -these insatiable traders, who traverse -the seas to bring you these precious -superfluities. But with how many -advantages are these petty inconveniences -repaid? The face of Europe -<span class='pageno' id='Page_297'>297</span>is entirely new! even to your constitutions -all is changed. Thousands -of quintals of spices, circulate in your -blood, carry fire into your inmost -nerves, and give you a new sort of -Being. Neither your health, nor your -diseases are like those of your fore-fathers. -Their robust constitution, -simplicity of manners, their native -virtues, are they comparable to the advantages -you enjoy? That sensibility -of the organs, that delicacy of mind -and body, those universal lights, those -vices of all kinds.... What! will -it be said, are vices also to be reckoned -among the actual felicities of Europe? -Yes, without doubt: Is it not daily -proved, that virtue heretofore might -be useful to the prudent economy of -your ancestors, but that, for enlightened -<span class='pageno' id='Page_298'>298</span>citizens, who no longer walk -by the old rules, vice is absolutely -necessary, or rather changes its nature -and becomes virtue.</p> - -<p class='c006'>“Another advantage that you owe -to the depth of your policy and extensiveness -of your trade is, that perpetual -occasions offer to show your -courage, and to practice your military -virtues.</p> - -<p class='c006'>“When formerly your countries -were under that vast dominion, which -swallowed up all the rest, they sunk -into indolence; you had only short -wars and long intervals of peace, -every thing languished. But since, -out of the wrecks of that unwieldy -empire, a hundred petty states have -been formed, every thing has revived. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_299'>299</span>The Europeans have incessantly -quarrelled and fought for little spots -of land; the grand art of heroism is -returned, the art of sacking provinces -and shedding blood: And that balance -of power so much talked of, is at last -established, which puts all Europe in -arms at the motion of the least of its -parts, and by means of which, a single -spark is sufficient to set the whole -earth in a flame.</p> - -<p class='c006'>“Let us not regret those times so -productive of warriors, when country -heroes, each at the head of two or -three hundred vassals, continually -harrassed one another. The seeds of -dissention, which were grown scarce -in your climates, have been sought -in the farthest parts of the earth; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_300'>300</span>and from the bosom of the two -Indias, commerce has brought fresh -seeds of enmity, discord, and war.</p> - -<p class='c006'>“These fertile sources are not exhausted; -there still remain countries -to be discovered. O ye indefatigable -nations! is your courage abated? -What! should you confine yourselves -to your late progresses, as if there -remained no unknown lands? Will -you never go and hoist your standards, -and build forts, directly under -the Poles? Rouse yourselves, -there are still left riches to plunder, -countries to waste, blood to spill.</p> - -<p class='c006'>“But why should you cast your eyes -on such objects? Are not your possessions -immense? Is not your luxury -carried to the utmost height? Are -<span class='pageno' id='Page_301'>301</span>there still new vices to be introduced -among you? And do not you -begin to shake off the troublesome -yoke of every sort of duty? Without -doubt, you are very well, nor were -you ever better. The little way you -have to arrive at perfection, will soon -be gone over. When modern wisdom, -which timorously conceals herself still -in the shade, shall appear in broad -day; when she shall have raised her -proud head, and shall see all Europe -at her feet, universally adopting her -maxims, then, you will have neither -religious nor moral principles; you -will be at the summit of felicity.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_302'>302</span> - <h2 class='c004'>CHAP. XIV.<br /> <span class='large'><span class='sc'>The Maxims.</span></span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c012'>The third work of which I remember -to have seen the sketch -on the Fantastical Tree, was entitled, -<em>Rules of Conduct for the Eighteenth Century, -addressed to a young Babylonian, who is -coming into the world</em>. It contained the -following Maxims.</p> - -<p class='c006'>“Every country has its customs, -every age its manners; and, in human -wisdom, the only unchangeable -Maxim is, to change with the times -and places. The most unquestionable -Maxims of the Babylonians, and -of the present times are such as these:</p> - -<p class='c006'><span class='pageno' id='Page_303'>303</span>“To have true merit does not much -signify; but to have small talents is -essential. To make one’s court, for -example, and pretty verses, is sufficient -to prosper: and even farther than -can be imagined.</p> - -<p class='c006'>“Great faults shall be forgiven you, -but the least ridiculous ones are unpardonable. -You think right, and -say excellent things: But take care -you do not sneeze; it will be such an -indecorum, that all the Babylonish -gravity would not be able to hold; -and you might speak still better -things, and not a soul hear you.</p> - -<p class='c006'>“Be particularly careful to act entirely -with reference to yourself, and to -talk always with reference to the publick-good. -It is a fine word, that -<span class='pageno' id='Page_304'>304</span><em>publick-good</em>: If you would, it will -never enter into your heart; but it -must be always in your mouth.</p> - -<p class='c006'>“Seek not the esteem of the Babylonians -in place, that leads to nothing; -seek to please. What, think you, will -esteem do for you? It is so frozen a -sentiment, has so distant a relation -to <em>self</em>! But amuse their highnesses, -and their eminencies, you will then -be prized, they will not suffer you -out of their sight; they will do all -for you, and think they can never -do enough.</p> - -<p class='c006'>“Wait not to sollicit for a place -you may be fit for; probably you -will not succeed. But ask, without -distinction, for whatever shall offer. -It is a secret to you, but you must -<span class='pageno' id='Page_305'>305</span>know, that it often enters into the -depth of true policy, to prefer unfit -persons, and remove those that are -capable.</p> - -<p class='c006'>“In fine, if you will prosper, turn, -according to circumstances, flatterer, -like a dedication; quack, like a -preface; verbose like a book of art -or science; enthusiast, like a demi-philosopher; -liar, like an historian; -fool-hardy, like an author who is resolved -to be talked of.</p> - -<p class='c006'>“These are the true principles of -wisdom: But remember, it is the Babylonian -wisdom of the Eighteenth -Century.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_306'>306</span> - <h2 class='c004'>CHAP. XV.<br /> <span class='large'><span class='sc'>The Thermometers.</span></span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c012'>As I was attentively examining -a leaf of the Fantastical Tree, -on which I perceived grand projects, -and insufficient means; I saw another, -so small and curled as to be almost invisible, -fly off from a neighbouring -bough, and suddenly disappear. At -the same instant I felt a slight pricking -in my forehead, and a sort of restlessness -in my head, which I cannot describe, -and which has not left me ever since.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Certainly this leaf has entered my -brain, and is labouring to unfold itself; -some new invention will result from it -one time or other. I even begin to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_307'>307</span>suspect of what kind; and I imagine, it -will be a mechanical affair. If I am not -mistaken it is this:</p> - -<p class='c006'>The different tempers, the different -talents, the different dispositions depend -upon the heat and motion, more or less -considerable, of the animal spirits: This -is a settled point among the physicians; -I shall not appeal from their judgment. -The question would be to find a mechanical -instrument, to discover in each person -the degree of heat and motion of -this animal liquid, in order to discern -what any one is fit for, and to employ -him accordingly. This is what I am -seeking, and what the leaf, which is busy -in my brain, when unfolded will not fail -to show me.</p> - -<p class='c006'><span class='pageno' id='Page_308'>308</span>I will compose a quintessence analogous -to the animal liquid; and, instead -of spirits of wine, I will fill thermometers -with it. On the side of the -tube, in the room of the different degrees -of the temperature of the air, -there shall be an enumeration of the -objects, about which men are usually -employed: Instead of cold, temperate, -hot, very hot, <em>&c.</em> shall be put, good -for history, good for physick, good -for poetry, good for the gown, good -for the sword, good for the mitre, -good for the baton, good for Bedlam, -<em>&c.</em></p> - -<p class='c006'>When a person shall put his hand -upon the phial, the liquor will be condensed, -or dilated; and, rising or falling -<span class='pageno' id='Page_309'>309</span>in the tube, will show what the person -is good for.</p> - -<p class='c006'>I will present Thermometers to sovereigns, -that they may chuse Generals, -Ministers, Counsellors, and especially -Favourites, who will love them enough -to tell them the truth. I will give some -to Bishops to fill their Benefices and -Dignities, for I observe, that those who -are appointed to watch, should themselves -be watched. I will give some -to Fathers, that their children may -be wisely disposed of: We shall not see -them gird with a sword a son whom -they ought to dedicate to the altar, nor -bury in a cloister a daughter who would -have been the delight of a husband, and -the happiness of a family. I will give -<span class='pageno' id='Page_310'>310</span>some to the Great, that they may discern -those who deserve their protection: They -will grant it no more to a base flatterer, -to a supple intriguer, to an ostentatious -mean person, who has pretensions; but -to true merit, which is seldom seen -by them, and never with all its advantages. -I will give some to those -tender-hearted virtuous Girls, made to -enliven the small number of our pleasures, -and to allay the multitude of our -troubles. With my Thermometers, -they will chuse husbands worthy of -their affection, if any such there be; -and they will not see themselves given -up to men born for the plague of their -sex; those men without morals, who -marry for life, and espouse only for six -months.</p> - -<p class='c006'><span class='pageno' id='Page_311'>311</span>In fine, I will give some to particular -persons, that each may examine himself, -and act accordingly: For I observe, -that generally every one does what he -should not do; I see none but what are -misplaced.</p> - -<p class='c006'>I am now solliciting for a pension, -to defray the vast expence, that I must -evidently be at in making Thermometers, -even though I should give them -only to such as most want them.</p> - -<p class='c006'>It is true, that reflection might serve -instead of my liquid and glass-tubes, -but reflections are known to be very -rare. For example, it is now at Babylon -as on the real stage; all is action, -nothing is thought, and my Thermometers -may become a necessary piece of -furniture.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_312'>312</span> - <h2 class='c004'>CHAP. XVI.<br /> <span class='large'><span class='sc'>The Lentils.</span></span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c012'>The sap which circulates in the -Fantastical Tree, said the Prefect, -is exhausted in bearing and nourishing -leaves. Let it be considered, -how many plans, views, projects, come -into men’s heads; the prodigious quantity -of leaves that this tree must furnish -will be astonishing; and it will be no -longer wondered, that its whole substance -is wasted in their production.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Mean while, the sap, passing into -the philosophical branch, makes more -progress there than any where else; it -produces blossoms, and sometimes fruit. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_313'>313</span>These blossoms are of a singular form -and colour, that is to say, admirable to -some eyes, and very odd to others. -Their odour is very penetrating; few -love it, many cannot bear it: To like -it, requires a strong head, and a brain -organized on purpose.</p> - -<p class='c006'>These same blossoms are extremely -delicate: The least change of the air -disorders their economy. They generally -fade without leaving any fruit.</p> - -<p class='c006'>In fine, the fruit is very late, and -seldom comes to perfect maturity. The -shell is almost round, divided within -into little cells, and ending at the top in -a crown.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The little cells of the philosophical -fruit, are full of seeds transparent as -<span class='pageno' id='Page_314'>314</span>crystal, round and flatted like a Lentil, -but infinitely smaller. When the fruit -is ripe, it bursts; the cells open, the -seeds come out. But as they are very -light, they are suspended in the air, and -the wind blows them every way over the -surface of the earth.</p> - -<p class='c006'>One thing would astonish thee if -thou wast not a little versed in chymistry -and optics, and that is, these philosophical -grains have a particular analogy -to the eye. They will not stick to -any other substance; but, as soon as -they come within the reach of certain -eyes, they never fail to fasten on them, -and that just before the sight of the -eye. As they are perfectly transparent, -they cannot be perceived: But they are -discovered by their effects.</p> - -<p class='c006'><span class='pageno' id='Page_315'>315</span>He that has a seed of this kind before -his eyes, sees things as they are, and he -cannot be imposed upon by chimæras. -What used to appear to him <em>great</em>, is -prodigiously lessened, and what appeared -to him <em>little</em>, is magnified in the same -proportion; so that to his eyes, every -thing is upon a level or nearly so.</p> - -<p class='c006'>In general, men appear to him very -little, and those lords over others, whom -he beheld before as colossuses, seem to -him so little above the rest, that he -hardly perceives the difference.</p> - -<p class='c006'>He sees the extent of human knowledge, -and finds it so near to ignorance, -that he does not conceive how learning -can breed vanity, or ignorance cause -shame.</p> - -<p class='c006'><span class='pageno' id='Page_316'>316</span>He sees without disguise the phantom -of immortality, the idol of the great -and the jest of the wise. He sees the -celebrated names penetrate a little more -or less into futurity; and then stop -like the rest and sink into eternal -oblivion.</p> - -<p class='c006'>He sees what is low in the most -sublime; the dark part of what casts -the most lustre, the weak side in what -appears the strongest: And his imagination -presents to him nothing dazzling, -but wherein his reason discovers all the -defects.</p> - -<p class='c006'>He sees the earth, as a point in the -boundless space; the series of ages, -as an instant in eternal duration; and -the chain of human actions, as the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_317'>317</span>traces of a cloud of flies in the aerial -plains.</p> - -<p class='c006'>In fine, he respects virtue; and, as -to the rest, whatever he perceives all -around him, even to the most minute -things, seems to him all alike. He -esteems nothing, he despises nothing, -he prefers nothing, and accommodates -himself to every thing.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Such a man cannot be conceived to -be susceptible of all those little sallies -of joy which affect others, but then he -is screened from those little mortifications -which trouble them so much, and -in my opinion, he is a gainer.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_318'>318</span> - <h2 class='c004'>CHAP. XVII.<br /> <span class='large'><span class='sc'>The Subterraneous Road.</span></span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c012'>I have one thing more (said the -Prefect) to show thee; prepare thy -eyes and thy ears; and be frightened at -nothing.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The rivulet, by the side of which we -walked to the Fantastical Tree, receives -several streams as it flows along; and, -as if it left with regret so beautiful a -residence, after forming a thousand serpentine -windings in the meadow, it -glides gently towards its mouth. In -that place, a hole, formed by an opening -of the earth, receives and transmits -<span class='pageno' id='Page_319'>319</span>it through subterraneous channels.</p> - -<p class='c006'>We came to the place where it was -broadest. The bottom was of smooth -gravel, and the water not above an inch -deep. The Prefect went in and I followed -him.</p> - -<p class='c006'>I had gone but a few paces, when -the bottom gave way: I sunk, but it -was only to my waste; and I remained -in that posture, without being able to -get to one side or the other. Fear -nothing, says the Prefect, calmly enjoy -the last spectacle I have reserved for -thee.</p> - -<p class='c006'><span class='pageno' id='Page_320'>320</span>I then gave myself up to the efforts -of the waters, which carried me away, -and I soon entered into the subterraneous -cavities, where they were lost. -At a little distance, the rivulet flowed -into another, and soon after, both ran -into a river. I was carried from stream -to stream; I crossed gulphs, lakes, and -seas.</p> - -<p class='c006'>As long as a faint light permitted, I -contemplated the internal frame of the -earth. It is a labyrinth of immense -caverns, deep grottos, irregular crevices, -which have a communication with one -another. The waters that flow in these -subterranean places, spread themselves -sometimes into vast basons, and seem to -stagnate; sometimes they run with a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_321'>321</span>rapid stream through narrow straits; -and dash against the rocks with such -impetuosity, as to produce the phosporus -and flashes of lightening; very -often they fall from the top of the -vaults with a dreadful noise. The -dazzled eye sees, as it imagines, the -foundations of the earth shake; one -would think, that the whole was -turned upside down, and falling into -chaos.</p> - -<p class='c006'>When the glimmering light, which -I had enjoyed some time, came to fail, -I found myself buried in profound darkness, -which increased the horror, I had -conceived at what I had seen. A -hideous noise, mixed with the murmuring -of the streams, with the whistling -<span class='pageno' id='Page_322'>322</span>of the gulfs, with the roaring of the torrents, -threw me into great perturbation -of mind; and my troubled fancy formed -to itself a thousand frightful images.</p> - -<p class='c006'>I went on a good while in this darkness; -and I know not how far I had -gone when a faint light struck my eyes. -It was not like that which precedes sun-rising, -or follows sun-set; but that melancholy -light, which a town on fire -spreads at a distance in the shade of the -night. I was some time before I saw -whence it came: At last, I found myself -close to the most terrible of all the -sights.</p> - -<p class='c006'>A vast opening exposed to my eyes -in an immense cavern, an abyss of fire. -The devouring flame rapidly consumed -<span class='pageno' id='Page_323'>323</span>the combustible matter with which the -arched roofs of the abyss were impregnated. -A thick smoke mixed with -fiery sparks, diffused itself to a great -distance. From time to time, the calcined -stones fell down by pieces, and -the liquified metals formed flaming -streams. Sometimes whole rocks, rent -from the tops of the vaults, gave passage -to water, which poured down in -boiling streams. The moment the -water touched the calcined matters and -melted minerals, it caused most shocking -detonations: The concavities of the -globe resounded, their foundations were -shaken: And I conceived that such was -the cause of those terrible earth-quakes, -that have destroyed so many countries, -and swallowed up so many cities.</p> - -<p class='c006'><span class='pageno' id='Page_324'>324</span>I was soon in darkness again; for I -still went on. Every moment I should -have been destroyed, if the Prefect of -Giphantia had not watched over me. -I saw him no more: But his promise was -with me: And the dangers, I had -escaped, heartened me against those I -had still to undergo. By degrees I took -courage, and became so easy as to make -some reflections.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Alas! said I, through a frightful desart -I came into the most beautiful mansions -in the world, and I am now going -thence through gulfs, abysses, and vulcanos. -Good and evil closely follow -one another. It is thus, the light of the -day and darkness of the night, the frosts -of the winter and the flowers of the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_325'>325</span>spring, the gentle zephyrs and the -raging storms, succeed one another. -However, by this strange concatenation, -is formed the enchanting prospect -of nature. Let us not doubt it: The -natural world, notwithstanding its disorders, -is the master-piece of infinite -wisdom; the moral world, in spite of -its stains, is worthy the admiration of -the philosopher: And Babylon, with all -its faults, is the chief city of the world.</p> - -<p class='c006'>At last, after many days of subterraneous -navigation, I once more saw -the light; I came out of these terrible -vaults, and the last current landed me -upon a maritime coast. The serenity -of the air was not ruffled with the wind; -the calm sea shone with the rays of the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_326'>326</span>rising-sun; and, like a tender wife who -stretches out her arms, and sweetly -smiles on a beloved husband, the earth -seemed to resume new life at the return -of that glorious orb, from whence springs -all its fertility. By degrees, my troubled -senses were calmed: I looked round me, -and found myself in my own country, -six hundred furlongs north-west from -Babylon, to which city I address and dedicate -this narrative of my hazardous -travels.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><i><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">FINIS.</span></i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c014' /> -<div class='footnote' id='f1'> -<p class='c006'><a href='#r1'>1</a>. The Jansenists (so called from Jansenius -bishop of Ypres) explained the Doctrine of -Grace after the Calvinistical or rather Methodistical -manner, whilst the Molinists (so named -from Molina a Spanish Jesuit) explained it -after the Arminian or rather Semi-pelagian -way. The Gallican clergy were divided between -these two Opinions.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The reader may remember, there are three -opinions concerning Grace. Says the Calvinist -and Methodist, Grace does <span class='fss'>ALL</span>. Says the Arminian -and Semi-pelagian, Grace does <span class='fss'>HALF</span>. -Says the Pelagian, Grace does <span class='fss'>NOTHING</span>.</p> -</div> -<div class='footnote' id='f2'> -<p class='c006'><a href='#r2'>2</a>. The city of Ombi stood on the eastern -side of the Nile, and Tentyra or Tentyris -on the western; both in Thebais part of -Upper Egypt. The Tentyrites were professed -enemies of the Crocodiles, whilst the -rest of the Egyptians held them in great veneration, -especially the Ombites, who for their -sake waged war with the Tentyrites.</p> -</div> -<div class='footnote' id='f3'> -<p class='c006'><a href='#r3'>3</a>. Our author in this and the following -chapter gives a very lively summary of the -four great monarchies of the world.</p> - -<p class='c006'> I. The Assyrian or Babylonian founded -by Nimrod (or Belus I.) soon after the dispersion -at Babel, and which ended with the -taking of Babylon (A. C. 538) by Cyrus who -founded II. The Persian empire which ended -with the defeat of Darius Codomannus (A. C. -334) by Alexander the Great who founded -III. The Grecian or Macedonian empire which -in about five years was divided among his successors, -and at length (after the battle of Actium -and death of Cleopatra) became subject to -IV. The Roman empire under Augustus Cæsar, -of which there are still some remains.</p> -</div> -<div class='footnote' id='f4'> -<p class='c006'><a href='#r4'>4</a>. Arbaces governour of Media, and Belesis of -Babylon.</p> -</div> -<div class='footnote' id='f5'> -<p class='c006'><a href='#r5'>5</a>. After the death of Sardanapalus (who is -said to burn himself, his wives and concubines, -his eunuchs and riches, in one of the courts of -his palace) the empire was divided into the -Median over which Arbaces reigned at Nineveh, -and the Assyrian over which Belesis -reigned at Babylon. These were united -under Cyrus about 210 years after. Belesis -(the Baladan of Scripture) is called also Nabonassar. -From the first year of his reign -begins the famous Astronomical Æra of Nabonassar, -containing 908 years from February 26 -before Christ 747, to the 23d year of Antoninus -Pius in the year of our Lord 161.</p> -</div> -<div class='footnote' id='f6'> -<p class='c006'><a href='#r6'>6</a>. Nebuchadnezzer (A. C. 589) utterly destroyed -Jerusalem, put out king Zedekiah’s -eyes, killed his sons and erected the golden -image in the plains of Dura.</p> -</div> -<div class='footnote' id='f7'> -<p class='c006'><a href='#r7'>7</a>. By a solemn treaty Ptolemy had Egypt, -<em>&c.</em> Cassander had Macedonia and Greece. -Lysimachus had Thrace, Bithynia, <em>&c.</em> Seleucus -had Syria, <em>&c.</em> Of these, the kingdom -of Egypt (under 14 monarchs including -Cleopatra) and of Syria (under 27 kings) subsisted -till subdued by the Romans. The rest -soon fell to pieces.</p> -</div> -<div class='footnote' id='f8'> -<p class='c006'><a href='#r8'>8</a>. His Library is said to consist of above -200,000 volumes. Among the rest was the -Septuagint or Greek translation of the Old -Testament A. C. 267. done by Ptolemy’s order. -This library was at last destroyed by fire.</p> -</div> -<div class='footnote' id='f9'> -<p class='c006'><a href='#r9'>9</a>. This man who from a huntsman raised -himself to the throne of Lusitania (now Portugal) -defeated the Romans in several battles; -so that Cepion the consul was forced at last to -have him murdered by treachery. He was -(says Livy) much lamented and honorably -buried.</p> -</div> -<div class='footnote' id='f10'> -<p class='c006'><a href='#r10'>10</a>. Rome was taken by Alaric king of the -Goths in 410. By Genseric the Vandal in 455. -By Odoacer king of the Heruli in 465, and by -Totila the Goth in 546, by whom it was miserably -plundered.</p> -</div> -<div class='footnote' id='f11'> -<p class='c006'><a href='#r11'>11</a>. Attila king of the Huns, (called <em>the scourge -of God</em>) after his other devastations entered Gaul -with 500,000 Men and was defeated in the -plains of Chalons in 451, with the loss of -200,000 Huns. After which he wasted Italy -and destroyed Aquileia and other places. Then -returning home, he died on his wedding night. -The Huns were the most terrible of all the -northern swarms. By the very terror of their -countenances they are said to over-run the Scythians, -Alans and Goths. They were so ignorant -as not to know letters.</p> -</div> -<div class='footnote' id='f12'> -<p class='c006'><a href='#r12'>12</a>. Mahomet was born at Mecca in Arabia, -May 5, 570. He is thought by some to be -persuaded that he was really inspired to propagate -the belief of one God, and to overthrow -the idolatrous religion of his country. If he -retained some absurd notions, it was (say they) -to induce his countrymen to embrace his religion. -The Mahometan æra begins July 16, -622, when he fled from Mecca to Medina. He -died Jan. 17, 631, after having reduced Arabia -to his obedience. His religion has since spread -itself over Asia, Africa, and great part of -Europe.</p> -</div> -<div class='footnote' id='f13'> -<p class='c006'><a href='#r13'>13</a>. Soliman, father of the Othman race, came -out of Scythia with 50,000 men in the year -1214, and pushed his conquests to the Euphrates. -In attempting to pass that river he was -drowned in 1219. Othman his grandson was -declared sultan in 1300. Mahomet II. the -seventh emperor of the Turks, put an end to -the Eastern empire by taking Constantinople in -1453. The Turks embraced the religion of -Mahomet.</p> -</div> -<div class='footnote' id='f14'> -<p class='c006'><a href='#r14'>14</a>. Camayeu, is a stone, whereon are found -various figures formed by nature. It is the name -the orientals give the onyx, on which and on agate, -these natural figures are often found. When the -figures are perfected by art, it is still called a -camayeu, as is also a painting in one colour, representing -basso relievos.</p> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c003' /> -</div> -<div class='tnotes'> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c004'>TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES</h2> -</div> - <ol class='ol_1 c002'> - <li>Changed all long ſ to short s. - - </li> - <li>Added 200 to all page numbers in Part 2 to avoid conflicts with Part 1 numbering. - - </li> - <li>Silently corrected typographical errors and variations in spelling. - - </li> - <li>Retained anachronistic, non-standard, and uncertain spellings as printed. - - </li> - <li>Footnotes have been re-indexed using numbers and collected together at the end of the - last chapter. - </li> - </ol> - -</div> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Giphantia, by -Charles-Franc?ois Tiphaigne de La Roche - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GIPHANTIA *** - -***** This file should be named 60058-h.htm or 60058-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/0/0/5/60058/ - -Produced by Richard Tonsing and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for the eBooks, unless you receive -specific permission. If you do not charge anything for copies of this -eBook, complying with the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook -for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative works, reports, -performances and research. They may be modified and printed and given -away--you may do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks -not protected by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the -trademark license, especially commercial redistribution. - -START: FULL LICENSE - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full -Project Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at -www.gutenberg.org/license. - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or -destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your -possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a -Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound -by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the -person or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph -1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this -agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the -Foundation" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection -of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual -works in the collection are in the public domain in the United -States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the -United States and you are located in the United States, we do not -claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, -displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as -all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope -that you will support the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting -free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm -works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the -Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the work. You can easily -comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the -same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg-tm License when -you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are -in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, -check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this -agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, -distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any -other Project Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no -representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any -country outside the United States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other -immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear -prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work -on which the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, -performed, viewed, copied or distributed: - - This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and - most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no - restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it - under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this - eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the - United States, you'll have to check the laws of the country where you - are located before using this ebook. - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is -derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not -contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the -copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in -the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are -redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply -either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or -obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any -additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms -will be linked to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works -posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the -beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including -any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access -to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format -other than "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official -version posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site -(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense -to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means -of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original "Plain -Vanilla ASCII" or other form. Any alternate format must include the -full Project Gutenberg-tm License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -provided that - -* You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed - to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he has - agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid - within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are - legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty - payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in - Section 4, "Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg - Literary Archive Foundation." - -* You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all - copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue - all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg-tm - works. - -* You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of - any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of - receipt of the work. - -* You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work or group of works on different terms than -are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing -from both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and The -Project Gutenberg Trademark LLC, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark. Contact the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project -Gutenberg-tm collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may -contain "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate -or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other -intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or -other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or -cannot be read by your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium -with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you -with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in -lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person -or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second -opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If -the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing -without further opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO -OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT -LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of -damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement -violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the -agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or -limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or -unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the -remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in -accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the -production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, -including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of -the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this -or any Project Gutenberg-tm work, (b) alteration, modification, or -additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any -Defect you cause. - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of -computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It -exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations -from people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future -generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see -Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at -www.gutenberg.org - - - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by -U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's principal office is in Fairbanks, Alaska, with the -mailing address: PO Box 750175, Fairbanks, AK 99775, but its -volunteers and employees are scattered throughout numerous -locations. Its business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, Salt -Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up to -date contact information can be found at the Foundation's web site and -official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact - -For additional contact information: - - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND -DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular -state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To -donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. - -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project -Gutenberg-tm concept of a library of electronic works that could be -freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and -distributed Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of -volunteer support. - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in -the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search -facility: www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. - - - -</pre> - - </body> - <!-- created with ppgen.py 3.57c on 2019-08-04 20:35:59 GMT --> -</html> diff --git a/old/60058-h/images/cover.jpg b/old/60058-h/images/cover.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index beeb164..0000000 --- a/old/60058-h/images/cover.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/60058-h/images/i006.jpg b/old/60058-h/images/i006.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 3897008..0000000 --- a/old/60058-h/images/i006.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/60058-h/images/i009.jpg b/old/60058-h/images/i009.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 26cd62c..0000000 --- a/old/60058-h/images/i009.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/60058-h/images/i014.jpg b/old/60058-h/images/i014.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index eea95d3..0000000 --- a/old/60058-h/images/i014.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/60058-h/images/i018.jpg b/old/60058-h/images/i018.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index b6b4563..0000000 --- a/old/60058-h/images/i018.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/60058-h/images/i029.jpg b/old/60058-h/images/i029.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 3a28009..0000000 --- a/old/60058-h/images/i029.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/60058-h/images/i039.jpg b/old/60058-h/images/i039.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 2ab98be..0000000 --- a/old/60058-h/images/i039.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/60058-h/images/i043.jpg b/old/60058-h/images/i043.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 6865ff6..0000000 --- a/old/60058-h/images/i043.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/60058-h/images/i051.jpg b/old/60058-h/images/i051.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 10bd7b5..0000000 --- a/old/60058-h/images/i051.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/60058-h/images/i068.jpg b/old/60058-h/images/i068.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 5d52866..0000000 --- a/old/60058-h/images/i068.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/60058-h/images/i078.jpg b/old/60058-h/images/i078.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index e6cf59a..0000000 --- a/old/60058-h/images/i078.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/60058-h/images/i084.jpg b/old/60058-h/images/i084.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index af8e58f..0000000 --- a/old/60058-h/images/i084.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/60058-h/images/i087.jpg b/old/60058-h/images/i087.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 3183a06..0000000 --- a/old/60058-h/images/i087.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/60058-h/images/i100.jpg b/old/60058-h/images/i100.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index a1a76a3..0000000 --- a/old/60058-h/images/i100.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/60058-h/images/i139.jpg b/old/60058-h/images/i139.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 5848d5d..0000000 --- a/old/60058-h/images/i139.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/60058-h/images/i142.jpg b/old/60058-h/images/i142.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 1572e56..0000000 --- a/old/60058-h/images/i142.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/60058-h/images/i153.jpg b/old/60058-h/images/i153.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index a5c6cb6..0000000 --- a/old/60058-h/images/i153.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/60058-h/images/i162.jpg b/old/60058-h/images/i162.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index c64c129..0000000 --- a/old/60058-h/images/i162.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/60058-h/images/i169.jpg b/old/60058-h/images/i169.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index d24fed7..0000000 --- a/old/60058-h/images/i169.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/60058-h/images/i174.jpg b/old/60058-h/images/i174.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index bf234e6..0000000 --- a/old/60058-h/images/i174.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/60058-h/images/i190.jpg b/old/60058-h/images/i190.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 761b7cd..0000000 --- a/old/60058-h/images/i190.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/60058-h/images/i194.jpg b/old/60058-h/images/i194.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index be6abc9..0000000 --- a/old/60058-h/images/i194.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/60058-h/images/i200.jpg b/old/60058-h/images/i200.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 9e8b0d5..0000000 --- a/old/60058-h/images/i200.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/60058-h/images/i215.jpg b/old/60058-h/images/i215.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 7b2dbca..0000000 --- a/old/60058-h/images/i215.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/60058-h/images/i233.jpg b/old/60058-h/images/i233.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 7b31af0..0000000 --- a/old/60058-h/images/i233.jpg +++ /dev/null |
