254 NEW ATLANTIS 



one way to the better ; though nothing wanted to his 

 noble and heroical intentions, but only (as far as human 

 foresight mought reach) to give perpetuity to that which 

 was in his time so happily established. Therefore 

 amongst his other fundamental laws of this kingdom 

 he did ordain the interdicts and prohibitions which wo 

 have touching entrance of strangers ; which at that timo 

 (though it was after the calamity of America) was fre- 

 quent ; doubting novelties and commixture of manners. 

 It is true, the like law against the admission of strangers 

 without licence is an ancient law in the kingdom of 

 China, and yet continued in use. But there it is a poor 

 thing ; and hath made them a curious, ignorant, fear- 

 ful, foolish nation. But our lawgiver made his law of 

 another temper. For first, he hath preserved all points 

 of humanity, in taking order and making provision for 

 the relief of strangers distressed ; whereof you have 

 tasted.' 



At which speech (as reason was) we all rose up, and 

 bowed ourselves. He went on : 



' That king also still desiring to join humanity and 

 policy together ; and thinking it against humanity, to 

 detain strangers here against their wills ; and against 

 policy, that they should return, and discover their know- 

 ledge of this estate, he took this course : he did ordain, 

 that of the strangers that should be permitted to land, 

 as many (at all times) mought depart as would ; but as 

 many as would stay, should have very good conditions, 

 and means to live from the State. Wherein he saw so 

 far, that now in so many ages since the prohibition, we 

 have memory not of one ship that ever returned, and 

 but of thirteen persons only, at several times, that chose 

 to return in our bottoms. What those few that returned 

 may have reported abroad I know not. But you must 

 think, whatsoever they have said, could be taken where 

 they came but for a dream. Now for our travelling 

 from hence into parts abroad, our lawgiver thought fit 

 altogether to restrain it. So is it not in China. For 

 the Chinese sail where they will, or can ; which showeth, 

 that their law of keeping out strangers is a law of pusil- 



