Worldmaking

Why conquer worlds when you can build your own, and get everything just as you wish? Margaret Cavendish wondered. As you read the following selections from The Blazing World, think about Cavendish’s strategies of world-building.  What about her world surprises her?  What would you keep and or change?  This week you’ll be the author of your own world.

The Description of a New World, Called The Blazing-World

Margaret Cavendish

Selected and Annotated by Abigail S. Greff^[1]

To all Noble and Worthy Ladies.

This present Description of a New World, was made as an Appendix to my Observations upon Experimental Philosophy;^[2] and, having some Sympathy and Coherence with each other, were joined together as Two several Worlds, at their Two Poles. But, by reason most Ladies take no delight in Philosophical Arguments, I separated some from the mentioned Observations, and caused them to go out by themselves, that I might express my Respects,^[3] in presenting to Them such Fancies as my Contemplations did afford. The First Part is Romancical;^[4] the Second, Philosophical; and the Third is merely Fancy; or (as I may call it) Fantastical. And if (Noble Ladies) you should chance to take pleasure in reading these Fancies, I shall account myself a Happy Creatoress. If not, I must be content to live a Melancholy Life in my own World; which I cannot call a Poor World, if Poverty be only want^[5] of Gold, and Jewels. For, there is more Gold in it, than all the Chemists ever made; or, (as I verily believe) will ever be able to make. As for the Rocks of Diamonds, I wish, with all my Soul, they might be shared amongst my Noble Female Friends; upon which condition, I would willingly quit my Part.^[6] And of the Gold, I should desire only so much as might suffice to repair my Noble Lord and Husband’s Losses.^[7] For, I am not Covetous, but as Ambitious as ever any of my Sex was, is, or can be; which is the cause, That though I cannot be Henry the Fifth, or Charles the Second;^[8] yet, I will endeavor to be, Margaret the First. And, though I have neither Power, Time nor Occasion, to be a great Conqueror, like Alexander, or Caesar;^[9] yet, rather than not be Mistress of a World, since Fortune and the Fates would give me none, I have made One of my own. And thus, believing, or, at least, hoping, that no Creature can, or will, Envy me for this World of mine, I remain,

Noble Ladies, Your Humble Servant, M. Newcastle.

The Description of a New World, Called The Blazing-World.

A Merchant travelling into a foreign Country, fell extremely in Love with a young Lady; but being a stranger in that Nation, and beneath her, both in Birth and Wealth, he could have but little hopes of obtaining his desire; however his Love growing more and more vehement upon him, even to the slighting of all difficulties, he resolved at last to Steal her away;^[10] which he had the better opportunity to do, because her Father’s house was not far from the Sea, and she often using to gather shells upon the shore accompanied not with above two to three of her servants, it encouraged him the more to execute his design. Thus coming one time with a little light Vessel, not unlike a Packet-boat,^[11] manned with some few Sea-men, and well victualled,^[12] for fear of some accidents, which might perhaps retard their journey, to the place where she used to repair; he forced her away.

But when he fancied himself the happiest man of the World, he proved to be the most unfortunate; for Heaven frowning at his Theft, raised such a Tempest, as they knew not what to do, or whither to steer their course. So that the Vessel, both by its own lightness, and the violent motion of the Wind, was carried as swift as an Arrow out of a Bow, towards the North-pole, and in a short time reached the Icy Sea, where the wind forced it amongst huge pieces of Ice; but being little, and light, it did, by the assistance and favor of the gods to this virtuous Lady, so turn and wind through those precipices, as if it had been guided by some experienced Pilot, and skillful Mariner. But alas! Those few men which were in it, not knowing whither they went, nor what was to be done in so strange an Adventure, and not being provided for so cold a Voyage, were all frozen to death. The young Lady only, by the light of her Beauty, the heat of her Youth, and Protection of the Gods, remaining alive.

Neither was it a wonder that the men did freeze to death; for they were not only driven to the very end or point of the Pole of that World, but even to another Pole of another World, which joined close to it; so that the cold having a double strength at the conjunction of those two Poles, was insupportable. At last, the Boat still passing on, was forced into another World; for it is impossible to round this World’s Globe from Pole to Pole, so as we do from East to West; because the Poles of the other World, joining to the Poles of this, do not allow any further passage to surround the World that way; but if any one arrives to either of these Poles, he is either forced to return, or to enter into another World. And lest you should scruple at it,^[13] and think, if it were thus, those that live at the Poles would either see two Suns at one time, or else they would never want^[14] the Sun’s light for six months together, as it is commonly believed. You must know, that each of these Worlds having its own Sun to enlighten it, they move each one in their peculiar Circles; which motion is so just and exact, that neither can hinder or obstruct the other; for they do not exceed their Tropics. And although they should meet, yet we in this World cannot so well perceive them, by reason of the brightness of our Sun, which being nearer to us, obstructs the splendor of the Sun of the other World, they being too far off to be discerned by our optic perception, except^[15] we use very good Telescopes. By which, skillful Astronomers have often observed two or three Suns at once.

But to return to the wandering Boat, and the distressed Lady; she seeing all the Men dead, found small comfort in life. Their Bodies which were preserved all that while from putrefaction and stench, by the extremity of cold, began now to thaw, and corrupt; whereupon she having not strength enough to fling them over-board, was forced to remove out of her small Cabin, upon the deck, to avoid the nauseous smell. And finding the Boat swim between two plains of Ice, as a stream that runs betwixt two shores, at last perceived land, but covered all with Snow. From which came, walking upon the Ice, strange Creatures, in shape like Bears, only they went upright as men; those Creatures coming near the Boat, caught hold of it with their Paws, that served them instead of hands. Some two or three of them entered first; and when they came out, the rest went in one after another. At last having viewed and observed all that was in the Boat, they spoke to each other in a language which the Lady did not understand; and having carried her out of the Boat, sunk it, together with the dead men.

Having thus prepared, and ordered their Navy, they went on in spite of Calm or Storm. And though the Lady at first fancied herself in a very sad condition, and her mind was much tormented with doubts and fears, not knowing whether this strange Adventure would tend to^[17] her safety or destruction; yet she being withal^[18] of a generous spirit, and ready wit, considering what dangers she had passed, and finding those sorts of men civil and diligent attendants to her, took courage, and endeavored to learn their language. Which after she had obtained so far, that partly by some words and signs she was able to apprehend their meaning, she was so far from being afraid of them, that she thought herself not only safe, but very happy in their company. By which we may see, that Novelty discomposes^[19] the mind, but acquaintance settles it in peace and tranquility.

At last, having passed by several rich Islands and Kingdoms, they went towards Paradise, which was the seat of the Emperor; and coming in sight of it, rejoiced very much. The Lady at first could perceive nothing but high Rocks, which seemed to touch the Skies; and although they appeared not of an equal height, yet they seemed to be all one piece, without partitions. But at last drawing nearer, she perceived a clift,^[20] which was a part of those Rocks, out of which she spied coming forth a great number of Boats, which afar off showed like a company of Ants, marching one after another; the Boats appeared like the holes or partitions in a Honey-comb, and when joined together, stood as close. The men were of several Complexions, but none like any of our World; and when both the Boats and Ships met, they saluted and spoke to each other very courteously; for there was but one language in all that World. Nor no more but one Emperor, to whom they all submitted with the greatest duty and obedience, which made them live in a continued Peace and Happiness; not acquainted with Foreign Wars or Home-bred Insurrections. The Lady now being arrived at this place, was carried out of her Ship into one of those Boats, and conveyed through the same passage (for there was no other) into that part of the World where the Emperor did reside; which part was very pleasant, and of a mild temper.

Within itself it was divided by a great number of vast and large Rivers, all ebbing and flowing, into several Islands of unequal distance from each other, which in most parts were as pleasant, healthful, rich, and fruitful, as Nature could make them. And, as I mentioned before, secure from all Foreign Invasions, by reason there was but one way to enter, and that like a Labyrinth, so winding and turning among the Rocks, that no other Vessels but small Boats, could pass, carrying not above three passengers at a time. On each side all along the narrow and winding River, there were several Cities, some of Marble, some of Alabaster, some of Agate, some of Amber, some of Coral, and some of other precious materials not known in our world; all which after the Lady had passed, she came to the Imperial City, named Paradise, which appeared in form like several Islands; for, Rivers did run betwixt every street, which together with the Bridges, whereof there was a great number, were all paved. The City itself was built of Gold; and their Architectures were noble, stately, and magnificent, not like our Modern, but like those in the Romans’ time. For, our Modern Buildings are like those Houses which Children use to make of Cards, one story above another, fitter for Birds, then Men; but theirs were more Large, and Broad, then high. The highest of them did not exceed two stories, besides those rooms that were under-ground, as Cellars, and other Offices.

The Emperor’s Palace stood upon an indifferent^[21] ascent from the Imperial City; at the top of which ascent was a broad Arch, supported by several Pillars, which went round the Palace, and contained four of our English miles in compass. Within the Arch stood the Emperor’s Guard, which consisted of several sorts of Men; at every half mile, was a Gate to enter, and every Gate was of a different fashion; the first, which allowed a passage from the Imperial City into the Palace, had on either hand a Cloister, the outward part whereof stood upon Arches sustained by Pillars, but the inner part was closed. Being entered through the Gate, the Palace itself appeared in its middle like the Isle of a Church, a mile and a half long, and half a mile broad; the roof of it was all Arched, and rested upon Pillars, so artificially^[22] placed that a stranger would lose himself therein without a Guide.

At the extreme sides, that is, between the outward and inward part of the Cloister, were Lodgings for Attendants; and in the midst of the Palace, the Emperor’s own Rooms; whose Lights were placed at the top of every one, because of the heat of the Sun. The Emperor’s apartment for State was no more enclosed then the rest; only an Imperial Throne was in every apartment, of which the several adornments could not be perceived until one entered, because the Pillars were so just opposite to one another, that all the adornments could not be seen at once. The first part of the Palace was, as the Imperial City, all of Gold; and when it came to the Emperor’s apartment, it was so rich with Diamonds, Pearls, Rubies, and the like precious Stones, that it surpasses my skill to enumerate them all. Amongst the rest, the Imperial Room of State appeared most magnificent; it was paved with green Diamonds (for there are in that World Diamonds of all Colors) so artificially, as it seemed but of one piece. The Pillars were set with Diamonds so close, and in such a manner, that they appeared most Glorious to the sight; between every Pillar was a Bow or Arch of a certain sort of Diamonds, the like whereof our World does not afford; which being placed in every one of the Arches in several rows, seemed just like so many Rainbows of several different colors. The roof of the Arches was of blue Diamonds, and in the midst thereof was a Carbuncle,^[23] which represented the Sun; and the Rising and Setting-Sun at the East and West sides of the Room were made of Rubies. Out of this Room there was a passage into the Emperor’s Bed-Chamber, the Walls whereof were of Jet,^[24] and the Floor of black Marble; the Roof was of Mother of Pearl, where the Moon and Blazing-Stars were represented by white Diamonds, and his Bed was made of Diamonds and Carbuncles.

No sooner was the Lady brought before the Emperor, but he conceived her to be some Goddess, and offered to worship her; which she refused, telling him, (for by that time she had pretty well learned their Language) that although she came out of another world, yet was she but a mortal. At which the Emperor, rejoicing, made her his Wife, and gave her an absolute power to rule and govern all that World as she pleased. But her subjects, who could hardly be persuaded to believe her mortal, tendered her all the Veneration and Worship due to a Deity.

Her Accoutrement^[25] after she was made Empress, was as follows: On her head she wore a Cap of Pearl, and a Half-moon of Diamonds just before it; on the top of her Crown came spreading over a broad Carbuncle, cut in the form of the Sun; her Coat was of Pearl, mixed with blue Diamonds, and fringed with red ones; her Buskins^[26] and Sandals were of green Diamonds; In her left hand she held a Buckler,^[27] to signify the Defense of her Dominions. Which Buckler was made of that sort of Diamond as has several different Colors; and being cut and made in the form of an Arch, showed like a Rainbow. In her right hand she carried a Spear made of white Diamond, cut like the tail of a Blazing Star, which signified that she was ready to assault those that proved her Enemies.

None was allowed to use or wear Gold but those of the Imperial Race, which were the only Nobles of the State; nor dared any one wear Jewels but the Emperor, the Empress and their Eldest Son. Notwithstanding that they had an infinite quantity both of Gold and precious Stones in that World; for they had larger extents of Gold, than our Arabian Sands; their precious Stones were Rocks, and their Diamonds of several Colors; they used no Coin, but all their Traffic^[28] was by exchange of several Commodities.

Their Priests and Governors were Princes of the Imperial Blood, and made Eunuchs^[29] for that purpose; and, as for the ordinary sort of men in that part of the World where the Emperor resided, they were of several Complexions; not white, black, tawny, olive or ash-colored; but some appeared of an Azure, some of a deep Purple, some of a Grass-green, some of a Scarlet, some of an Orange color, etc. Which Colors and Complexions, whether they were made by the bare reflection of light, without the assistance of small particles, or by the help of well-ranged and ordered Atoms; or by a continual agitation of little Globules;^[30] or by some pressing and reacting motion, I am not able to determine. The rest of the Inhabitants of that World, were men of several different sorts, shapes, figures, dispositions, and humors, as I have already made mention, heretofore; some were Bear-men, some Worm-men, some Fish- or Mear-men,^[31] otherwise called Sirens; some Bird-men, some Fly-men, some Ant-men, some Geese-men, some Spider-men, some Lice-men, some Fox-men, some Ape-men, some Jackdaw-men, some Magpie-men, some Parrot-men, some Satyrs, some Giants, and many more, which I cannot all remember.

And of these several sorts of men, each followed such a profession as was most proper for the nature of their Species, which the Empress encouraged them in, especially those that had applied themselves to the study of several Arts and Sciences; for they were as ingenious and witty in the invention of profitable and useful Arts, as we are in our world, nay, more; and to that end she erected Schools, and founded several Societies. The Bear-men were to be her Experimental Philosophers, the Bird-men her Astronomers, the Fly-, Worm-, and Fish-men her Natural Philosophers, the Ape-men her Chemists, the Satyrs her Galenic^[32] Physicians, the Fox-men her Politicians, the Spider- and Lice-men her Mathematicians, the Jackdaw-, Magpie-, and Parrot-men her Orators and Logicians, the Giants her Architects, etc. But before all things, she having got a Sovereign power from the Emperor over all the World, desired to be informed both of the manner of their Religion and Government; and to that end she called the Priests and Statesmen, to give her an account of either.

Of the Statesmen she inquired, first, Why they had so few Laws? To which they answered, That many Laws made many Divisions, which most commonly did breed Factions, and at last broke out into open Wars. Next, she asked, Why they preferred the Monarchical form of Government before any other? They answered, That as it was natural for one Body to have but one Head, so it was also natural for a Politic body to have but one Governor; and that a Commonwealth, which had many Governors, was like a Monster with many Heads. Besides, said they, a Monarchy is a divine form of Government, and agrees most with our Religion. For as there is but one God, whom we all unanimously worship and adore with one Faith; so we are resolved to have but one Emperor, to whom we all submit with one obedience.

Then the Empress, seeing that the several sorts of her Subjects had each their Churches apart, asked the Priests, whether they were of several Religions? They answered her Majesty, That there was no more but one Religion in all that World, nor no diversity of opinions in that same Religion for though there were several sorts of men, yet had they all but one opinion concerning the Worship and Adoration of God. The Empress asked them, Whether they were Jews, Turks, or Christians? We do not know, said they, what Religions those are; but we do all unanimously acknowledge, worship and adore the Only, Omnipotent, and Eternal God, with all reverence, submission, and duty. Again, the Empress inquired, Whether they had several Forms of Worship? They answered, No: For our Devotion and Worship consists only in Prayers, which we frame according to our several Necessities, in Petitions, Humiliations, Thanksgiving, etc. Truly, replied the Empress, I thought you had been either Jews, or Turks, because I never perceived any Women in your Congregations. But what is the reason, you bar them from your religious Assemblies? It is not fit, said they, that Men and Women should be promiscuously together in time of Religious Worship; for their company hinders Devotion, and makes many, instead of praying to God, direct their Devotion to their Mistresses. But, asked the Empress, Have they no Congregation of their own, to perform the duties of Divine Worship, as well as Men? No, answered they: but they stay at home, and say their Prayers by themselves in their Closets.^[33] Then the Empress desired to know the reason why the Priests and Governors of their World were made Eunuchs? They answered, To keep them from Marriage: For Women and Children most commonly make disturbance both in Church and State. But, said she, Women and Children have no Employment in Church or State. ‘Tis true, answered they; but, although they are not admitted to public Employments, yet are they so prevalent with their Husbands and Parents, that many times by their importunate persuasions, they cause as much, nay, more mischief secretly, then if they had the management of public Affairs.

After the Empress had thus finished the Discourses and Conferences with the mentioned societies of her Virtuosos,^[34] she considered by herself the manner of their Religion, and finding it very defective, was troubled, that so wise and knowing a people should have no more knowledge of the Divine Truth. Wherefore, she consulted with her own thoughts, whether it was possible to convert them all to her own Religion, and to that end she resolved to build Churches, and make also up a Congregation of Women, whereof she intended to be the head herself, and to instruct them in the several points of her Religion. This she had no sooner begun, but the Women, which generally had quick wits, subtle^[35] conceptions, clear understandings, and solid judgments, became, in a short time, very devout and zealous Sisters; for the Empress had an excellent gift of Preaching, and instructing them in the Articles of Faith. And by that means, she converted them not only soon, but gained an extraordinary love of all her Subjects throughout that World. But at last, pondering with herself the inconstant nature of Mankind, and fearing that in time they would grow weary, and desert the divine Truth, following their own fancies, and living according to their own desires, she began to be troubled that her labors and pains should prove of so little effect, and therefore studied all manner of ways to prevent it.

If it be so, said the Empress, then I will have a Scribe. Then the Spirits asked her, Whether she would have the Soul of a living or a dead Man? Why, said the Empress, can the Soul quit a living Body, and wander or travel abroad? Yes, answered they, for according to Plato’s Doctrine, there is a Conversation of Souls, and the Souls of Lovers live in the Bodies of their Beloved. Then I will have, answered she, the Soul of some ancient famous Writer, either of Aristotle, Pythagoras, Plato, Epicurus, or the like.  The Spirits said, That those famous Men were very learned, subtle, and ingenious Writers; but they were so wedded to their own opinions, that they would never have the patience to be Scribes. Then, said she, I’ll have the Soul of one of the most famous modern Writers, as either of Galileo, Gassendus, Des Cartes, Helmont, Hobbes, H. More, etc. The Spirits answered, That they were fine ingenious Writers, but yet so self-conceited, that they would scorn to be Scribes to a Woman. But, said they, there’s a Lady, the Duchess of Newcastle;^[36] which although she is not one of the most learned, eloquent, witty and ingenious, yet she is a plain and rational Writer; for the principle of her Writings, is Sense and Reason, and she will without question, be ready to do you all the service she can. That Lady then, said the Empress, will I choose for my Scribe, neither will the Emperor have reason to be jealous, she being one of my own sex. In truth, said the Spirit, Husbands have reason to be jealous of Platonic Lovers,^[37] for they are very dangerous, as being not only intimate and close, but subtle and insinuating. You say well, replied the Empress; wherefore I pray send me the Duchess of Newcastle’s Soul; which the Spirit did; and after she came to wait on the Empress, at her first arrival the Empress embraced and saluted her with a Spiritual kiss.

One time, when the Duchess, her Soul, was with the Empress, she seemed to be very sad and melancholy; at which the Empress was very much troubled, and asked her the reason of her Melancholic humor?^[39] Truly, said the Duchess to the Empress, (for between dear friends there’s no concealment, they being like several parts of one united body), my Melancholy proceeds from an extreme Ambition. The Empress asked, What the height of her ambition was? The Duchess answered, That neither she herself, nor no Creature in the World was able to know either the height, depth, or breadth of her Ambition; but said she, my present desire is, that I would be a great Princess. The Empress replied, so you are; for you are a Princess of the fourth or fifth Degree, for a Duke or Duchess is the highest title or honor that a subject can arrive to,^[40] as being the next to a King’s Title. And as for the name of a Prince or Princess, it belongs to all that are adopted to the Crown; so that those that can add a Crown to their Arms, are Princes, and therefore a Duke is a Title above a Prince. For example, the Duke of Savoy, the Duke of Florence, the Duke of Lorrain, as also Kings’ Brothers, are not called by the name of Princes, but Dukes, this being the higher Title. ‘Tis true, answered the Duchess, unless it be Kings’ Eldest sons, and they are created Princes. Yes, replied the Empress, but no sovereign does make a subject equal to himself, such as Kings’ eldest sons partly are. And although some Dukes be sovereigns, yet I have heard that a Prince by his Title is sovereign, by reason the Title of a Prince is more a Title of Honor, then of sovereignty; for, as I said before, it belongs to all that are adopted to the Crown.

Well, said the Duchess, setting aside this dispute, my Ambition is, That I would fain be^[41] as you are, that is, an Empress of a World, and I shall never be at quiet until I be one. I love you so well, replied the Empress, that I wish with all my soul, you had the fruition of your ambitious desire, and I shall not fail to give you my best advice how to accomplish it; the best informers are the Immaterial Spirits, and they’ll soon tell you, Whether it be possible to obtain your wish. But, said the Duchess, I have little acquaintance with them, for I never knew any before the time you sent for me. They know you, replied the Empress; for they told me of you, and were the means and instrument of your coming hither. Wherefore I’ll confer with them, and inquire whether there be not another World, whereof you may be Empress as well as I am of this?

No sooner had the Empress said this, but some Immaterial Spirits came to visit her, of whom she inquired, Whether there were but three Worlds in all, to wit,^[42] the Blazing World where she was in, the World which she came from, and the World where the Duchess lived? The Spirits answered, That there were more numerous Worlds then the Stars which appeared in these three mentioned Worlds. Then the Empress asked, Whether it was not possible that her dearest friend the Duchess of Newcastle, might be Empress of one of them? Although there be numerous, nay, infinite Worlds, answered the Spirits, yet none is without Government. But is none of these Worlds so weak, said she, that it may be surprised^[43] or conquered? The Spirits answered, That Lucian’s World of Lights, had been for some time in a snuff, but of late years one Helmont had got it, who since he was Emperor of it, had so strengthened the Immortal parts thereof with mortal outworks,^[44] as it was for the present impregnable. Said the Empress, If there be such an Infinite number of Worlds, I am sure, not only my friend, the Duchess, but any other might obtain one. Yes, answered the Spirits, if those Worlds were uninhabited; but they are as populous as this your Majesty governs. Why, said the Empress, it is not possible to conquer a World. No, answered the Spirits, but, for the most part, Conquerors seldom enjoy their conquest, for they being more feared then loved, most commonly come to an untimely end.

If you will but direct me, said the Duchess to the Spirits, which World is easiest to be conquered, her Majesty will assist me with Means, and I will trust to Fate and Fortune; for I had rather die in the adventure of noble achievements, then live in obscure and sluggish security; since by the one, I may live in a glorious Fame; and by the other I am buried in oblivion. The Spirits answered, That the lives of Fame were like other lives; for some lasted long, and some died soon. ‘Tis true, said the Duchess; but yet the shortest-lived Fame lasts longer then the longest life of Man. But, replied the Spirits, if occasion does not serve you, you must content yourself to live without such achievements that may gain you a Fame. But we wonder, proceeded the Spirits, that you desire to be Empress of a Terrestrial World,^[45] when as you can create yourself a Celestial World if you please. What, said the Empress, can any Mortal be a Creator? Yes, answered the Spirits; for every human Creature can create an Immaterial World fully inhabited by Immaterial Creatures, and populous of Immaterial subjects, such as we are, and all this within the compass of the head or skull. Nay, not only so, but he may create a World of what fashion and Government he will, and give the Creatures thereof such motions, figures, forms, colors, perceptions, etc. as he pleases, and make Whirlpools, Lights, Pressures, and Reactions, etc. as he thinks best; nay, he may make a World full of Veins, Muscles, and Nerves, and all these to move by one jolt or stroke. Also, he may alter that World as often as he pleases, or change it from a Natural World, to an Artificial; he may make a World of Ideas, a World of Atoms, a World of Lights, or whatsoever his Fancy leads him to.

And since it is in your power to create such a World, What need you to venture life, reputation and tranquility, to conquer a gross material World? For you can enjoy no more of a material world then a particular Creature is able to enjoy, which is but a small part, considering the compass of such a world; and you may plainly observe it by your friend the Empress here, which although she possesses a whole World, yet enjoys she but a part thereof;^[46] neither is she so much acquainted with it, that she know all the places, Countries, and Dominions she Governs. The truth is, a sovereign Monarch has the general trouble;^[47] but the Subjects enjoy all the delights and pleasures in parts, for it is impossible, that a Kingdom, nay, a Country, should be enjoyed by one person at once,^[48] except he take the pains to travel into every part, and endure the inconveniencies of going from one place to another. Wherefore, since glory, delight, and pleasure lives but in other men’s opinions, and can neither add tranquility to your mind nor give ease to your body, Why should you desire to be Empress of a Material World, and be troubled with the cares that attend Government? When as by creating a World within yourself, you may enjoy all both in whole and in parts, without control or opposition; and may make what World you please, and alter it when you please, and enjoy as much pleasure and delight as a World can afford you? You have converted me, said the Duchess to the Spirits, from my ambitious desire; wherefore, I’ll take your advice, reject and despise all the Worlds without me,^[49] and create a World of my own. The Empress said, If I do make such a world, then I shall be Mistress of two Worlds, one within, and the other without me. That your Majesty may, said the Spirits; and so left these two Ladies to create two Worlds within themselves.

The Epilogue to the Reader.

By this Poetical Description, you may perceive, that my ambition is not only to be Empress, but Authoress of a whole World; and that the Worlds I have made, both the Blazing and the other Philosophical World, mentioned in the first part of this Description, are framed and composed of the most pure, that is, the Rational parts of Matter, which are the parts of my Mind; which Creation was more easily and suddenly effected,^[50] than the Conquests of the two famous Monarchs of the World, Alexander and Caesar. Neither have I made such disturbances, and caused so many dissolutions of particulars, otherwise named deaths, as they did; for I have destroyed but some few men in a little Boat, which died through the extremity of cold, and that by the hand of Justice, which was necessitated to punish their crime of stealing away a young and beauteous Lady. And in the formation of those Worlds, I take more delight and glory, then ever Alexander or Caesar did in conquering this terrestrial world; and though I have made my Blazing-world a Peaceable World, allowing it but one Religion, one Language, and one Government; yet could I make another World, as full of Factions, Divisions and Wars, as this is of Peace and Tranquility. And the Rational figures of my Mind might express as much courage to fight, as Hector and Achilles had; and be as wise as Nestor, as Eloquent as Ulysses, and be as beautiful as Helen.

But I esteeming Peace before War, Wit before Policy, Honesty before Beauty; instead of the figures of Alexander, Caesar, Hector, Achilles, Nestor, Ulysses, Helen, etc., chose rather the figure of Honest Margaret Newcastle, which now I would not change for all this Terrestrial World; and if any should like the World I have made, and be willing to be my Subjects, they may imagine themselves such, and they are such, I mean in their Minds, Fancies or Imaginations; but if they cannot endure to be Subjects, they may create Worlds of their own, and Govern themselves as they please. But yet let them have a care, not to prove unjust Usurpers, and to rob me of mine. For, concerning the Philosophical world, I am Empress of it myself; and as for the Blazing-world, it having an Empress already, who rules it with great Wisdom and Conduct, which Empress is my dear Platonic Friend; I shall never prove so unjust, treacherous and unworthy to her, as to disturb her Government, much less to depose her from her Imperial Throne, for the sake of any other, but rather choose to create another World for another Friend.