[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

remained still fast; and taking that for an assurance of leave to approach, he caused the boat to be softly and with
silence rowed toward the pillar; but ere he came near it, the pillar and cross of light broke up, and cast itself abroad,
as it were, into a firmament of many stars, which also vanished soon after, and there was nothing left to be seen but
a small ark or chest of cedar, dry and not wet at all with water, though it swam; and in the fore end of it, which was
toward him, grew a small green branch of palm; and when the wise man had taken it with all reverence into his boat,
it opened of itself, and there were found in it a book and a letter, both written in fine parchment, and wrapped in
sindons of linen. The book contained all the canonical books of the Old and New Testament, according as you have
them (for we know well what the churches with you receive), and the Apocalypse itself; and some other books of the
New Testament, which were not at that time written, were nevertheless in the book. And for the letter, it was in these
words:
"'I, Bartholomew, a servant of the Highest, and apostle of Jesus Christ, was warned by an angel that appeared to me
in a vision of glory, that I should commit this ark to the floods of the sea. Therefore I do testify and declare unto that
people where God shall ordain this ark to come to land, that in the same day is come unto them salvation and peace,
and good-will from the Father, and from the Lord Jesus.'
"There was also in both these writings, as well the book as the letter, wrought a great miracle, conform to that of the
apostles, in the original gift of tongues. For there being at that time, in this land, Hebrews, Persians, and Indians,
besides the natives, everyone read upon the book and letter, as if they had been written in his own language. And
thus was this land saved from infidelity (as the remain of the old world was from water) by an ark, through the
apostolical and miraculous evangelism of St. Bartholomew." And here he paused, and a messenger came and called
him forth from us. So this was all that passed in that conference.
The next day the same governor came again to us immediately after dinner, and excused himself, saying that the day
before he was called from us somewhat abruptly, but now he would make us amends, and spend time with us; if we
held his company and conference agreeable. We answered that we held it so agreeable and pleasing to us, as we
forgot both dangers past, and fears to come, for the time we heard him speak; and that we thought an hour spent with
him was worth years of our former life. He bowed himself a little to us, and after we were set again, he said, "Well,
the questions are on your part."
One of our number said, after a little pause, that there was a matter we were no less desirous to know than fearful to
ask, lest we might presume too far. But, encouraged by his rare humanity toward us (that could scarce think
ourselves strangers, being his vowed and professed servants), we would take the hardness to propound it; humbly
beseeching him, if he thought it not fit to be answered, that he would pardon it, though he rejected it. We said, we
well observed those his words, which he formerly spake, that this happy island, where we now stood, was known to
few, and yet knew most of the nations of the world, which we found to be true, considering they had the languages
of Europe, and knew much of our State and business; and yet we in Europe (notwithstanding all the remote
discoveries and navigations of this last age) never heard any of the least inkling or glimpse of this island. This we
found wonderful strange; for that all nations have interknowledge one of another, either by voyage into foreign
parts, or by strangers that come to them; and though the traveller into a foreign country doth commonly know more
by the eye than he that stayeth at home can by relation of the traveller; yet both ways suffice to make a mutual
knowledge, in some degree, on both parts. But for this island, we never heard tell of any ship of theirs that had been
seen to arrive upon any shore of Europe; no, nor of either the East or West Indies, nor yet of any ship of any other
part of the world, that had made return for them. And yet the marvel rested not in this. For the situation of it (as his
lordship said) in the secret conclave of such a vast sea might cause it. But then, that they should have knowledge of
the languages, books, affairs, of those that lie such a distance from them, it was a thing we could not tell what to
make of; for that it seemed to us a condition and propriety of divine powers and beings, to be hidden and unseen to
others, and yet to have others open, and as in a light to them.
At this speech the governor gave a gracious smile and said that we did well to ask pardon for this question we now
asked, for that it imported, as if we thought this land a land of magicians, that sent forth spirits of the air into all
parts, to bring them news and intelligence of other countries. It was answered by us all, in all possible humbleness,
but yet with a countenance taking knowledge, that we knew that he spake it but merrily. That we were apt enough to
think there was somewhat supernatural in this island, but yet rather as angelical than magical. But to let his lordship
know truly what it was that made us tender and doubtful to ask this question, it was not any such conceit, but
because we remembered he had given a touch in his former speech, that this land had laws of secrecy touching
strangers. To this he said, "You remember it aright; and therefore in that I shall say to you, I must reserve some
particulars, which it is not lawful for me to reveal, but there will be enough left to give you satisfaction.
"You shall understand (that which perhaps you will scarce think credible) that about 3,000 years ago, or somewhat
more, the navigation of the world (especially for remote voyages) was greater than at this day. Do not think with [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]