16 BEEMUDA, 



there were above 300 English inhabitants. After 

 that time the population was increased by blacks, 

 who now form more than one-half of the entire 

 population. 



The colony continued to enjoy a high reputation, 

 and at the period of civil commotion, along with 

 Virginia, was the resort of distinguished emigrants. 

 The islands gained additional lustre from the fact 

 that Edmund Waller, the poet, chose them for the 

 theme of his Battel of the Summer Islands, saying, 

 in the most flattering strains, — 



" The kind spring which but salutes us here, 

 Inhabits there, and courts them all the year ; 

 Eipe fruits and blossoms on the same trees live. 

 At once they promise what at once they give, — 

 So sweet the air, so moderate the clime, 

 None sickly lives, or dies before his time ; 

 Heaven sure has kept this spot of earth uncurst, 

 To show how all things were created first ! " 



Waller was a member of the Long Parliament, and 

 at first joined the party against the king ; but after- 

 wards entered into the conspiracy against the Par- 

 liament, for which Chaloner - and Tompkins were 

 executed. Waller, more fortunately, escaped by 

 paying a fine of 10,OOOZ. Having spent some time 

 in the Bermudas, he proceeded to France, and on ' 

 the elevation of Cromwell to the Protectorship, he 

 returned to England. 



