Part 33

_Do-Cerne_ or _Mauritius_, is an Isle situate within the torrid Zone, close by the Tropick of _Capricorn_; but it is very uncertain unto what part of the world it belongs, participating both of _America_, and bending towards the _Asiatick_ Seas, from _India_ to _Java_. This Isle aboundeth with what the use of man shall require. The landing looking out at Sea, is Mountainous: the circuit of this Island is about an hundred miles; it procreates an healthy and nourishing air; the great quantity of ever-flourishing & fragrant trees, doth no less lenifie the burning heat, when the Sun enters into _Capricorn_, as helped by the sweet mollifying breath of the North-west winde, when _Sol_ again adheres to _Cancer_. Now as the temperature of that body is best composed, that participates indifferently of all the Elements, which either super-abounding or wanting, begets defect; What then is the temperature of this place, which is blest with, & abounds in all, & abortive in none? Water is here very plentiful, drilling it self from the high rocks & trickling down into the valleys, spreads it self into various Meanders, till those sweet and pleasant waters disembogue themselves into the lap of the salt Ocean. There is so great a quantity of wood, that we could hardly procure passage. But of those many various Trees, we found none so beneficial to us, as the _Palmeto_: this Tree is long, streight, & very soft, having neither leaves, boughs, nor branches, save at the top, whereon there is a soft pith, wherein consists the sole vegetative of that Tree; which cut out, the _Palmeto_ in a very short time expires. Its taste is much like a kernel of an Hazel-nut; boiled, it is like Cabbage. But the chiefest commodity that this Tree produceth, is the wine which issueth from it, pleasant, & as nourishing as Muskadine or Alligant. Thus we procured some thereof; coming where two or three grew together, with an augure we bored some small holes in each, which immediately the liquor filled; then with a small cane or quill we suckt the wine out of one Tree; then we went to another, and from that to the third: by that time we had drained the last, the holes in the two former were full again. This course we followed so smartly, that in less than an hour, three of us were so drunk (whereof I was none of the soberest) that had not these Trees been near the shore, for ought I know, by the morning we might have feasted the wilde beasts. Divers other Trees there be, strange both in shape and nature; one whereof (meerly out of curiosity) I must needs taste, which for half an hour so bit or stung my tongue, as if I had had my mouth full of Vitriol, or spirit of Salt. It is a comely tree to look on, but brings forth not any thing that is good: this Tree is in a manner naked too, and the body thereof as soft & penetrable, as new Cheese: the form of the Tree, its uselessness, with that hidden sting it carries in it, together with its softness; the last of which, invites me to cut these lines therein; which my knife as easily performed, as to write a mans name with a stick on the sand. The lines were these:

_Th’art like a Woman, but thou want’st her breath; Who’s fair, but fruitless, and will sting to death If tasted: would I could blast thee with my curse, Since woman thou art like, for nothing’s worse._

There is another Tree, which beareth a cod full of sharp prickles, wherein lies hid a round fruit, in form of a Doves-egg; crack it, and therein contain’d you shall finde a kernel, pleasant in taste, but poysonous in its operation. My sweet tooth long’d for a taste, and being very toothsome I did eat several; but it was not long ere my guts were all in an uproar, & were resolved in this mutiny, could they have found way, to charge my mouth with high treason against the rest of my Members; but they were at last content only to discharge their fury through the Postern of their Microcosm; which they did so furiously, that I was much afraid, my guts having spent all their shot, they would have marcht out after. I had (in plain English) in less than six hours sixty stools, besides purging upwards; and had not we had a very skilful Dr. Chyrurgeon of our Ship, I had unavoidably perisht. Nature in this Island shew’d her prodigality of water and wood, corresponding also in everything else a fruitful Mother labours to be excellent in. Here she seems to boast, not only in the variety of feather’d creatures, but in the rareness of that variety, which should I run over but briefly, the subject is so large, that by some I cannot but be thought too tedious. However, I shall lightly touch thereon. Here, and here only is generated the _Dodo_; for rareness of shape contending with the _Arabian Phœnix_; her body is round and very fat, the least whereof, commonly weighs above twenty pound: They please the sight more than the appetite, for their flesh is of no nourishment, and very offensive to the stomach. By her visage (darting forth melancholy) she seems to be sensible of that injury Nature hath done her, in framing so great a body, and yet useless, but to please the eye; committing its guidance to complemental wings (for so I’m forc’d to call them) since they are so small and impotent, that they only serve to prove her an off-spring of the winged Tribe. Here are Bats also, as large as Goshawks. There is likewise great plenty of Fish; among the rest of more especial note, is the Cow-fish; the head thereof not unlike an Elephants, her eyes are small, her body at full growth about three yards long, and one broad; her fins exceeding little, her flesh (being an amphibious creature, living as well at Land, sometimes, as in the Sea) doth taste much like Veal. Some say that this Fish doth affect, and takes much delight in the sight of a mans visage. About this Island are flying fish, Dolphins, and Sharks. One of our men imprudently swimming one day, the weather being very hot, in our sight a Shark came and bit off his leg, and part of his thigh, and he thereupon sunk; we made out to save him, but before we came, he was drowned. Here are Tortoises so great, that they will creep with two mens burdens on their backs; but their pace is so slow, that they would make but ill Porters, going not above ten yards in two hours, when they make their greatest speed. The birds here are so unaccustomed to frights, that I have shot five or six times amongst a flock, letting the dead still lie, and not one of the surviving did so much as offer to flie. The Goats here have more of the Politician in them; for they seldom feed or rest themselves, but they set out their sentinels.

CHAP. LXXIII.

_Hence he sailed for _Bantam_; by the way he recounts the danger he had like to have sustained, by ascending a _burning Mountain_._

Weighing Anchor, we steer’d our course for _Bantam_; but being much straitned by the way, for want of fresh water, we were compell’d to make up to the first Land we descry’d. Though the darkness of the night blinded our eyes from such discoveries, yet flames of fire not far distant from us, gave us perfect intelligence that land was not far off. That night we cast Anchor, fearing we might run foul of some rock or shelf: In the morning we saw a large track of Land before us, not knowing what place it should be. Our Captain commanded the Long-boat to be man’d out, to procure water, if any good were there: amongst the rest, I went for one; for I was very greedy to observe novelties. Coming on shore, and seeing this Hill now and then belch out flames, by my perswasions I made my fellows forget for a time their duty or errand they came about, to make some inquisition into this _miracle_ of Nature. Whereupon we all resolved unanimously to ascend the Hill, and with much difficulty we came so nigh the top, that we heard a most hideous noise proceeding from the Concave thereof: so terrible it was, that we now began to condemn our rash attempt, and stood at a convenient distance, judging it the only _medium_ of our safety. Whilst we were thus in a _delirium_, not knowing what was the best to be done; the Mountain was instantly possest with an _Ague-fit_, and afterwards vomiting up smoak and stones into the Air (which afterwards fell down in a shower upon our heads) we thought we could not escape without a miracle: and whilst we were all striving which way, with greatest expedition, we might eschew the danger, there rose in the midst of us such an heap of earth, ashes, and fire, with such kinde of combustible matter, as that we all seem’d as so many _moveable burning Beacons_: and without any thoughts of helping each other, every one endeavoured to secure himself. And although I was the last in the company, yet in this expedition it was much available to me; for my companions making more haste than good speed, tumbling down the Hill before me, fell several of them together; which _blocks_ lying in my way, obstructed my passage, & so sav’d the breaking of my neck, which otherwise would have been inevitable. In this prodigious conflict, most of us lost the hair of our heads, not without receiving several _batteries_ upon the _Out-works_ of our bodies. At first sight we were much afraid; but the consequence made it appear, we were not more afraid than hurt. We made a shift to crawl down the rest of the way; and having fixt our unadvised feet on the bottom of the Mountain, we resolv’d we would never again pay so dearly for our curiosity, but forthwith went in search of some Spring, that might serve as well to quench our cloathes, as our thirst. What we sought for we quickly found; and so filling our empty Cask, we made what haste we could aboard. The Captain and the rest stood amaz’d to see us look so ghastly, and were very impatient to know what was the matter with us; we told them succinctly what had happened, and what great dangers we underwent: instead of pitying us, they only laught at us for being such adventurous fools. Having thus furnished our selves with what we wanted, we set sail again for _Bantam_; where we safely arriv’d in a short time.

CHAP. LXXIV.

_Going ashore to _Bantam_, and observing the Merchants what they did, taking up Goods upon credit (as it is usual in those parts) till the ship is ready to set sail, he by a stratagem turns Merchant too, and cheats a _Banyan_, or _China_-Merchant._

As soon as we came into the Harbour before _Bantam_, we presently man’d out our Long-boat and went ashore, to acquaint the _President_ what we were, and by what authority we came thither to Traffick, being impowered by the _East-India_ Company. We were received with much demonstrations of joy, and nobly feasted for three dayes together. Here note, that the house wherein the _President_ dwelleth, is the receptacle for the whole Factory, each man according to his quality having a dwelling within this house suitable to his dignity; the Factors all in general taking their daily repast with the _President_. In a weeks time I learned by observation the custom of the Country, and manner or way of Trading, our Merchant taking up Goods daily, and sending them aboard without giving present satisfaction; it being sufficient that he belonged to such a Ship, and therefore must pay before he go, otherwise the King will arrest the Ship, compelling him to make restitution or payment. One time I met with a _Bannyan_, whom I observ’d to have a box full of precious stones: I could not sleep for thinking how I should make my self a Partner with him. At last I hammer’d out this invention: I cloath’d my self in _Indian_-silk, according to the custom of the Country; & having so done, I discoloured my face, & clapt a black patch upon one of my eyes. In this equipage I addrest my self to this _Bannyan_, who presently laid open his treasure to my view. I was not long in chusing what I esteem’d as most valuable; & demanding of him the price, we agreed he should have either so many pieces of English gold within two dayes, or else take his choice of what commodities I had aboard. We made a shift to understand each others broken expressions; and he without the least suspicion of my treachery, delivered his stones into my hands. Taking off my disguise, I went instantly aboard, & hid what I had cheated the _Bannyan_ of (as I might easily do, for the smallness of its bulk) in the Hold of our Ship, resolving not to go ashore yet awhile. The day of payment being come, & the _Bannyan_ no where finding me on Land, came aboard of our Ship, where by signs he made known to our Captain his errand; that a Merchant belonging to his Ship, had bought commodities of him, & promised to pay him on that day. Our Captain reply’d, that he verily believed he was mistaken (as knowing what commodities the Merchants belonging properly to the Ship had bought) and therefore told him he must make inquiry elsewhere for satisfaction. The _Bannyan_ still persisted, alleadging he was not mistaken, and that he was confident if he might have a sight of all the men, he could out of them select the concern’d person. So wary I was of being discovered, that I acquainted not one soul with my project: for had I committed this secret to any, (though ever so dear a friend) it had been mine no longer; neither could I have promised to my self safety. Hereupon the Captain ordered us to be all call’d aloft: which was speedily performed. He went all round the company, viewing every man particularly, and very heedfully. At last he came to me, & there made a stand, (which had like to have made my heart start out of my breast:) he lookt upon me on this side, and on the other side; and to say truly, on every side: and having thorowly eyed me, he ran to our Captain, saying, That should be the man (pointing to me) but that he is a _white man_, & hath _two sees_ (_id est_) two eyes. Whereupon I was strictly examined: but for all this sifting, I would not let drop any thing of a confession, that should convict me of guilt; but with lifting up hands and eyes to Heaven, I utterly denyed that ere I saw this man, or ever had any dealing with him. I had now forgot what promises and vows I made to Heaven, (when in _Newgate_, and sentenced to be hang’d at _Tyburn_) what a serious, pious, and honest life I would lead, if I escaped that eminent danger the concerns of this life and that to come were then in. Herein I see the old Proverb verified:

_Quo semel est imbuta recens servabit odorem Testa, diu_, &c....

That Cask will savour of that liquor still, With which at first the Cask a man did fill.

Or according to that thred-bare expression so commonly used:

_Naturam expellas furca, licet usque recurret._

Though man should stop his nature from its course, It will o’reflow again with greater force.

In short, the _Bannyan_, since he could not say positively I was the man, was dismist, not without a solemn vow he would be revenged of us all in general; and clear’d of the Indictment.

CHAP. LXXV.

_The next going ashore of the Sea-men, this _Bannyan_ (for the injury was done him) caused a _Running_ a _Muck_, that is, he instigated a great many people to kill all they met of that ship. The loss of several men thereupon: but he is out of danger, having cunningly kept himself aboard that time. He afterwards had like to have been killed by a _Crease_ the _Bannyan_ had hired for that purpose. His enemies being destroyed, he marrieth an _Indian Punce-woman_._

The next day, a great many of our men went ashore; and going into _China-row_, (a street so called in _Bantam_) to drink Punce and Tea, a great crew of Indians and Chineses (headed by this _Bannyan_) fell upon them, killing whom they could, (not directing their revenge upon any particular person, which they call a _Muck_:) so hot and sharp was this Conflict, that many were killed on both sides, but more wounded. This accident alarm’d the whole town, but most especially the English there resident: but at last, with much ado, this grand uproar was calmed. It was my good fortune, that I was not then among them, otherwise I might have been made a sacrifice among the rest of my fellows. But I was fore-warn’d, having been pre-inform’d that such broyls are usual upon such occasions; wherefore I kept my self out of harms way for that time.

But not long after, thinking their malice blown over, I went ashore; and walking with others of our Boats-crew in the same _Row_, (where most of our men were us’d to resort, because of the liquor that was there to be had, and a Whore to boot) a fellow came to me, with this _Bannyan_ I cheated, and both of them with _Creases_, (a kind of Dagger of about a foot and half long) would have stab’d me, had not my friends prevented them, by striking up their heels, and afterwards with their own _Creases_ stab’d them to the heart. After this, we could walk very quietly without any disturbance, going any where without any danger.

Being very hot there, our usual pastime was to go up a little small River (joyning to the Town) four or five miles to wash our selves: the trees so covered it over like an Arbor, that the beams of the Sun could not penetrate it; by which means it was fine and cool, which very much refresht our parched bodies. I never came ashore, but I drank very immoderately of _Punce_, _Rack_, _Tea_, &c. which was brought up in great China-Jugs holding at least two Quarts: with every such Jug there was brought in a Dish of Sweetmeats, not of one sort, but variety, and excellent good, for which we paid a shilling English: and if you call’d for another Jug, you paid no more, unless a Dish usher’d it in.

One house especially I much frequented, for the Indian womans sake that kept it: for though she was black, or rather tawny, yet she was well-featur’d and well-form’d, having long black hair (when she unty’d the tresses) hanging down to her legs. She from the first shewed me as much kindness as could be expected from that lump of Barbarism: and I could discerne her inclinations, (in the same manner as a man may from beasts, when they are prone to Generation) but yet it went against my stomack to yield to her motions. However, she continued her love to me, not letting me pay for anything I call’d for: and when there was no necessity of being aboard, she would in a manner make me lie in her house, (which, as their houses commonly are, had but one story:) the beds they use are a kinde of Quilt, hard; for were they soft, the hotness of the Climate would cause them to be very destructive to mans body, even melting his very reins. Gold and Jewels she had great quantity, with an house richly furnished after the Indian fashion. For this consideration, I perswaded myself to marry her; and with several arguments alleaged, I gained so much conquest over myself, that I could kiss her without disgorging myself: and by accustoming my self to her company, methought I began to take some delight in it. By degrees, interest so over-power’d me, that I resolv’d to marry her. Thus many (nay most) for Money, stick not to give themselves to the Devil. Having one night (lying there) seriously considered of my resolution, and liking it indifferent well, I fell asleep; but wonder’d when I awaked, to see a thing lie by me _all black_, as if she had had a _Mourning smock_ on. It seems she could hold out no longer: I pretended to flee from her; but she held me fast in her arms, using what rhetorick she could to perswade me to the contrary. I ask’d her what she meant? She told me in a little broken English she had got, that she would _Money me_; marry me, she meant: I, Money me, said I, that I like well; but without it, let the Devil have married her for me. I ask’d her several questions, to which she gave me satisfaction; and enjoyn’d her several things, which she greedily condescended to: whereupon I gave her the first-fruits of her desires. But ere I go farther, take something of my Ryming fancie with you.

CHAP. LXXVI.

_He descants on his Marrying, and lying with an Indian-Black: Gives wholsome Advice to others; and concludes for this time._

_At the first sight, her head seem’d in a _Case_, Or that a _Vizard-mask_ had hid her face, Or that she was some _Friend_ from hell had stole, Having for Lust been _burnt_ there to a _cole_. I could not tell what this foul thing should be: A _Succubus_ it did appear to me; A damn’d _black_ soul, that was by heaven sent, To make me of my _blacker_ crimes repent. I started from her, being much amaz’d: The more I was afraid, the more I gaz’d. Then she arose, and caught me in her arm; Such soft flesh sure intended me no harm. ’Twas time to roar, since that I could not tell, But that I was _encircled_ (now) by _Hell_. Stay, stay, (said she) I am no _hellish fiend_, I’m flesh and blood, and am thy loving friend: If my complexion do not please thy minde, Then close thine eyes, yet love: _Thus love is blinde_. I understood her tongue, and streight did swear That I would banish this my causless fear; And so betook myself unto the _Rug_ On which we lay, and after many a _Tug_, I plighted _faith_ with this kinde _Infidel_; But what we did, my modest tongue won’t tell. I would at any time (might I but chuse) The _fairest White_ for this same _Black_ refuse. But mischief on’t, let me _shoot_ e’re so right, It can’t be said that I did hit the _White_._

Interest so blinded my reason, that I went instantly to my Captain, and gave him information of my proceedings, desiring his consent in the marrying this Indian, alleadging how advantagious it would be to me. He granted my request, upon my earnest importunity; and being dismist from his service, we were married according to the Ceremonies of the Church by an English Priest, she renouncing her Paganism. What money was got by my wifes Trade, I laid out in such Commodities the Country afforded, as Callico’s, Pepper, Indico, Green-Ginger, _&c._ and sold them immediately to the Ships lying in the Harbour, doubling what I laid out: so that in short time I found my stock to increase beyond expectation: such satisfaction my Black received from me, that she thought she could not do enough to please me. I was an absolute Monarch in my family; she and her servants willingly condescended to be my vassals: yet though I thus enjoy’d the prerogative of an husband, yet I did not Lord it too much; which won so much upon my wifes affection, and those that were concern’d with her, that as soon as I desired any thing, it was immediately performed, with much alacrity and expedition.