Then going off from the place where he stood, they went to the King, to take their leaves, whereat the King and people wept, and wished, the gods had given them leave to dwell amongst them; but since they could not have their desire therein, they travelled to the river-side in attendance on diem, offering them great riches to carry with diem, but they desired, nor took they anymore with them, than they thought would defray their charges, in a time of necessity; neither did they build a new ship to sail in, but went in the same boat they came, which had been kept as a relic safe; for the old man considered with himself, that a bigger vessel would be more dangerous without men, to serve therein than the small boat, which they could manage themselves[.] And so with great sorrow of either side, the one to lose their angels, as they thought them to be; the others for the dangers they were to run through14[,] and thus [they] parted, putting forth their boat from the shore, but the old man who was very skilful at sea, observing what angle they came in, returned the same way, where after six days they were upon the main sea[.] The winds being fair, and the waters smooth, the boat went as swift as an arrow out of a Parthian’s bow,15 and as even as if it meant to hit a mark, but if by a fresh gale the waves did chance to rise, the boat would as nimbly skip each ridge, as a young kid over a green hillock, being as light as Mercury’s winged heels; whereat joy filled their hearts with hopes, as winds filled their sails; but various fortune causing several changes in the world, did raise such storms of fears, as drowned all their joys; for a ship freighted with pirates, like a great whale seized on them; pirates letting nothing escape which they can get to make advantage on, so ravenous is their covetous appetite[.] But finding not such a prize as they did expect: but such as rather might prove a burden, [they] consulted to put the old man into the boat again, and to keep only the young youth, [who] being very handsome, they might sell him for a slave, and get a sum of money: but when the old man was to depart, Travellia clasped about him so close, as his tears and the tears of the old man mixed and joined, and flowed as waters through a channel swelled with several brooks; but when he was forced to leave his hold down on his knees he fell, begging he might go or keep his father there[:] said he, pity my father’s age; cast him not out alone to sail on the wide and dangerous sea; for though my help is weak, yet I am a stay and staff for his decayed life to lean upon, and I hope the gods have destined me to that end, but if no pity can move your hearts for him, O let it try for me:
Cut me not from the root, though old and dry;
For then poor branch I wither, and shall die.
Nay, said he, I will the when I can no longer help him, for death is in my power, though life is not, but the Prince, who was their commander, hearing a noise, came on the deck, who no sooner saw him, but was struck with compassion, raised by a resemblance of his mistress appearing in the face of the youth; and going to him, bid him dry his eyes, and cease his sorrow, for they both should live together, so long as he could keep them.
Heaven bless you, said he, and may you never part from that you most do love, but when Travellia’s tears were stopped, and sight got a passage through his eyes again, and looking up to view that man, from whom his obligation came, no sooner saw his face, but terror struck his heart, and trembling seized her limbs, as if she had seen some hideous and prodigious things.16 The Prince observing her in that agony, asking him, as supposing her a boy, what made him shake and tremble so, in quivering words she answered, fear as before had shrunk his sinews short; so now joy had extended them too far[.] The Prince then stroking his head, promised they should be used both well, and so returned into his cabin. Thus travelling on the sea, as on a great champaign, the ship like a horse went several paces, according as the waves did rise and fall.
But at last this ship became like a horse diseased with spavens,17 which broke out, or springing a leak, which they stopped as well as they could for the time, but doubting it could not long hold out; [they] grew very sad, some weeping, some praying, some murmuring, some raving, according as their fear[s] and hopes were: but the Prince who was valiant by nature, expected death with as much patience, as they with fear did apprehend, neither was he struck with terror, but yielded to the fates, and was willing to die; but in the midst of their afflictions [they] at last espied an island; at which sight they all shouted for joy.
Thus in the life of man, many several accidents passeth about, and it chances many times, out of the midst of grief and sorrow, rises up objects of comfort; so was it here, and setting up all their sails, made haste to it, but before they could come close to it, although they were not far from it, the leak broke out again, likewise their fears, for the ship grew so sick, it could swim no farther, but like a lingering disease perished, by little and little, which perceiving, they hoist out of their boat, where the Prince gave order that those which were most afraid, should go first. He himself was the last that went therein, though the boat did go and unload, and return many times, insomuch that not only all the passengers were saved, but all their goods, which no sooner were out, but the ship sunk; thus died with an incurable dropsy; but in these dangers the Prince forgot not Travellia; for why, the prince was more fond of him than Travellia was of himself; for her fears of being known gave her no rest[.] But being all safely arrived in the island, they began to consider what to do; the Prince counselled them to choose out some of the company, and to leave them thereabouts to build up huts, to lay their goods in; and also to cut down some trees, there being great store of wood, choosing that which was most proper and fit to build a new ship, whilst the rest of the company went to seek food, and to discover the place.
This being agreed upon, they divided themselves, and those that travelled up into the island, found it very small, as being not above thirty miles long, and twenty broad, unpeopled; but great store of fish and fowl; few beasts, but those that were, were of a gende kind; fine meadows full of herbs and sweet flowers, refreshing and shady woods, wherein ran clear springs and bubbling brooks[.] Thus though it was little, it was very pleasant, the greatest inconveniences they found there, was want of houses; for they found the ground somewhat damp with dews, which being an island [it] was subject unto, but the air was serene and clear: the climate a little more than temperately hot, but the time that the ship was a-building, the Prince had a little house, or rather like an arbour, built in the midst of the island, to lodge in, and the rest made little huts for themselves, and several recreations they found to pass away the time[.] But being in that solitary place, the Prince, who was melancholy for the loss of his mistress, grew full of thoughts, and having her picture in his mind drawn to the life, comparing it to Travellia’s face, which he often looked upon, began to reason with himself why that might not be she, considering her private escape, and the little acquaintance she had in that country, and seeming of a better breeding than a shipmaster’s son could have, it did almost confirm his hopes; but discoursing one day with the old man of several accidents, telling their misfortunes and good hap of both sides, and being both of one country, the old man thinking no harm, discovered by his talking, that Travellia was none of his son, begotten from his loins, but adopted through compassion and affection, and then telling the story how he came into his ship unknown, or without his leave, by which circumstance of time, place, and manner found that it was she, wherewith [at] the joy thereof he could scarce conceal his passion, but dissembled his knowledge, as well as he could, for the present, yet after that time sought an occasion to get her alone, where he for his exercises and pastimes did usually go a-birding, and did command Travellia to carry his bags of shot after him, who loved the service, though she feared the lord, and when they were gone some distance from the rest of the company, and being in a shady wood, the Prince fained himself weary, where setting down to rest, and commanding him to do the like, at last discovered to him how he came to know her[.] She finding herself discovered turned as pale as death, and in that passion of fear prayed him to kill her, or otherwise she should find a way to do it herself.
She musing with herself what to do, believing he was not grown the chaster, with living amongst rude and barbarous people, thought it best to dissemble and give a seeming consent. Whereat the Prince’s thoughts were more elevated, than if he had been master of the whole world, whereafter returning to the rest of the company, the one with an overjoyed mind, the other sad and full of perplexed thoughts; but when she came to a place where she might be alone, setting down in a melancholy posture, where for a time without uttering words, or shedding tears, for grief and amazement had congealed the one, and stopped the other, yet at last her smothered sorrow broke out into complaint.
You gods, said she, who will offer sacrifice to your deities since you give mnocency no protection, nor let chastity live undefilled. Cruel fates to spin my thread of life, to make me up a web of misery; accursed fortune that brake not that thread with an untimely death, and you unjust powers to torment poor virtue, making it a sin to free itself, for had I leave to the I would not live in shame for to dwell here committing acts dishonourable, although I am forced, yet shall I seem a party guilty, and though no outward accusers, yet my conscience will condemn me; but, O you gods of light, since you regard me not, nor will hear me;18 you powers of darkness, hearken unto me, and wrap me up in your dark mantles, of perpetual night, that no eye may see me, and cast me into black oblivion, where no remembrance is.
The old man her father, who was come from the waterside, where he had been for the directing and ordering of the building of a new ship, came to her in the midst of her complaints, and asked her what she lacked, or if she were sick; I would I were, said she, then might I hope death would reprieve me, but I am worse, for I am miserable, having torments like to those of Hell within my mind; my thoughts are vultures, eating on my carrion infamy, or like the restless stone, that cannot get up to the hill of peace, but rolleth back with fear, and sad remembrance; then telling him what she was, which he did never know before, and what had passed since the first of her misfortunes to that present, and how he had ignorandy discovered her: which, when he heard, he cursed his tongue for telling how, and where he found her.
Father, said she, what is past cannot be recalled, wherefore I must strive to help myself in what’s to come; and since I have been dutiful, and you so loving and kind as to save me from the jaws of death, help me now to protect my honour, convey me hence, let me not live here to please his appetite, but cast me to some unknown place, where like an anchoret19 I may live from all the world, and never more to see the face of man, for in that name all horror strikes my senses, and makes my soul like to some furious thing, so affrighted it hath been.
Said her father, Heaven give you quiet, and me aid to help your designs; but you must, said he, dissemble to compass your designs; wherefore rise, and put on a smooth and pleasant face, and let your discourse be compliant, that you may have a free liberty; for if a doubt should cross his thoughts, you may chance to be restrained and kept by force, which will break that assistance I may bring you.
Whilst they were thus discoursing, the Prince came to them, who had not patience to be long from her, for her absence was his Hell, and her presence was his Heaven; and flattering the old man, my father, said he, for so I may call you now, only let me entreat you I may be your son, and she your daughter, since she you thought was a boy, is proved a girl; and since fortune hath brought us so happily to meet, let us not despise her favours, but make the best use of them to our advantage.
Then telling the old man how that island might be made a paradise, and in what felicity they might live therein, if their peevish humours did not overthrow their pleasures, the old man seemed to approve of all the Prince said; whereupon the Prince took him to be his dear friend, and secret counsellor; for the old man did not omit to give him counsel concerning the settling and advancing of his new and small monarchy, because he thought in doing so he might the better work out his own design, by taking away those suspicions that otherwise he thought he might have.
Then the Prince bidding the old man to have a care, and to order his maritime affairs in overseeing his ships and boats built, for, said he, our chief maintenance will be from the sea; the whilst, said he, I will persuade these men I have here to make this place the staple and port of their prizes, and dwelling.
Then taking Travellia along with him, the old man and he parted for that time; and going to the rest of the company, he persuaded so well with his rhetoric, that they resolved to stay, and build them houses there to live, and also warehouses to lay their prizes in, and from thence to traffic with them into safe and free places; whereupon everyone put himself in order thereunto[.] Some cut down wood, others digged up stones, some carried burdens, some placing and building; thus like bees, some gathered the honey and wax, whilst others made and wrought the combs. The meantime the old man made himself busy at the coast side about ships and boats, as being the chief master employed in that work. But ofttimes he would go out a-fishing in a fisher-boat all alone, bringing several draughts of fish; and when he thought he should be least mistrusted, conveyed victuals therein, and then gave Travellia notice to steal to the waterside; where watching his opportunity, when the Prince was busy in surveying and in drawing the plats20 and forms of the city he would have built, stole away; where as soon as he came, his old father went, as if he meant to go a-fishing, carrying his nets and the like with him to the boat, his supposed son busy in helping him, and so both being put out to sea; where they had not gone very far, but were taken by sympathetical merchants; who trafficking into the Kingdom of Amity, sold them there to other merchants; where carrying them to the chief city, the Queen of that country, who was an absolute Princess in the rule and government thereof, seeing Travellia, who was brought to her as a rarity, took such a liking to him, that she received him into her family, as also to attend near her person; wherein he behaved himself so well, that he became her favourite, where the old man was treated well for his son’s sake.
But in the meantime, the Prince was in a sad condition for the loss of his mistress, who searched about all the island for her, but could hear nothing of her, until he sent to the seaside for the old man, to enquire for her; who had answer back, that the old man and the youth went out a-fishing, but were not as yet returned.
Which he no sooner heard, but guessed aright that they were fled away; whereupon he grew so enraged, that he lost all patience, swearing, tearing, stamping, as if he had been distracted.
But when his fury was abated, his melancholy increased, walking solitary, accompanied only with his sad thoughts, casting about which way to leave that hated place, for all places seemed so where his mistress was not: yet he knew not yet very well what to do, because he had persuaded the rest of the company to abide there, and make it their home, which in order thereunto he knew they had taken great pains; besides, he thought they might despise him, as seeming inconstant, yet stay he could not; wherefore calling them together, [he] spake in this manner.
My friends, said he, we have here a pleasant island unhabited, but what is possessed by ourselves; and certainly, we might become a famous people, had we women to build posterity; making a commonwealth: but as we are all men, we can only build us houses, to live and the in, but not children to survive us.
Wherefore my counsel is, that some of us that are least employed, may take the new ship, and go a-piracing for women, making some adventure on the next kingdom, which may be done by a sudden surprisal, which prizes, if we get, will bring us more comfort, pleasure and profit than any other goods; for what contentment can other riches bring us, if we have not posterity to leave it with.
They all applauded so well of his advice, as they were impatient of his stay, striving who should go along with him, and so pleased they were with the imagination of the female sex, as those whose lot was to stay,
prayed for the others’ good success, that seldom or never prayed before; but the Prince’s intention was only to find that female he lost; caring not to seek those he never saw; but most of those, setting out with great hopes and expedition, of a good return, sailed with a fair wind, three or four days, at last saw land, part of the Kingdom of Amour[.] No sooner landed, but they were beset with multitudes of country people, who flocked together, being affrighted with the arrival of strangers; and being more in numbers than they were, overpowered them, taking them as prisoners[.] They were examined, for what they came? They answered for fresh water, but they believed them not, for, said they, it is not likely you would come in a troop so armed for fresh water, so they bound them, and sent them to the King to examine them farther; and being carried to the chief city where the King was, who was advertised of such strangers, sent for them into his presence to view diem[.] And being brought unto them, the Prince, who was of a comely and graceful presence, being a handsome man, bowing his head down low, and in a submissive style, thus spake.
Great King, we poor watery pilgrims; travelling through the vast ocean of the sea to search the curiosity of nature, to whom we may offer our prayers of admiration on her altar of new discoveries, but cruel fortune, who strives to persecute, hath forced us to your coast for the relief of fresh water, for we came not here to rob, nor to surprise, but to relieve our feeble strength; that was almost famished with thirst; not that we were afraid to die, but loath to live in pain; nor would we willingly yield up our lives, unless great honour lay at stake, but if the fates decree our death, what way soever it comes, with patience we submit.
But if great King your generosity dare trust our faiths, so far as to employ us in your service, we may prove such by our courage, as our acts may beg a pardon for those necessitated faults we have committed; and if we the in wars, we the like gallant men, but to the shackled prisoners, we the like slaves, which all noble natures shun.
The Blazing World and Other Writings (Penguin Classics) Page 13