THE TRUE STATE OF ICELAND ad. 



1592- 

 by those historiographers, who have bin so greedy to 

 pubhsh novelties. But this opinion, bred by the sottish- 

 nes of the common people hath hitherto (as I hope) 

 bene sufficiently overthrowen as a thing foolish & vaine, 

 and as being devised for the upbrayding of our nation. 

 Wherefore, proceede (friendly Reader) and be farther 

 instructed in this philosophy of infernall secrets. 



The ninth section. 

 But round about the Hand, for the space of 7. or 8. Frisius and 

 moneths in a yere there floateth ise, making a ^'^^«^^^'"- 

 miserable kind of mone, and not unlike to mans 

 voice, by reason of the clashing together. The 

 inhabitants are of opinion that in mount Hecla and 

 in the ise, there are places wherein the soules of their 

 countreymen are tormented. 



NO doubt, a worthy augmentation of the history, 

 concerning the hel of Island, shut up within the 

 botome of one mountaine, & that no great one : yea, 

 at some times (by fits and seasons) changing places: [I. 563.] 

 namely, when it is weary of lurking at home by the fires 

 side within ye mountaine, it delighteth to be ranging 

 abroad, & to venter to sea, but without a ship, & to 

 gather it selfe round into morsels of yce. Come forth, 

 & give eare all ye y^ wonder at this secret. Lo, I 

 will afford these historiographers another addition of 

 history very notable. Let them write therfore, that ye 

 Islanders have not only hel within their jurisdiction, but 

 also y* they enter into it willingly & wittingly, & come 

 forth againe untouched ye very same day. How can 

 that be ^. Why : it is an ancient custome of the Island Taking of 

 that they which inhabite neare the sea shoare do usually ^^^^^^ °^ ^'-^ 

 go betimes in a morning to catch Scales, even upon the 

 very same ise which the historiographers make to be hel, 

 & in the evening returne home safe and sound. Set 

 downe also (if ye please) that the prison of the damned 

 is kept in store by the Islanders in coffers and vessels, 

 as we shall anon heare out of Frisius. 



123 



tee. 



