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ROSICRUCIAN APOLOGISTS : JOHN HEYDON. 359
the nations of the world, which we found to be true, con-
sidering they had the languages of Europe,
of our state and business, yet we, notwithstanding
and knew much
the re-
mote discoveries of this last age, never heard the least ink-
ling of this island ; we never heard tell of any ship of theirs
that had been seen to arrive upon any shore of Europe.
And yet the mar veil rested not in this, for its scituation in
the secret conclave of such a vast sea mought cause it, but
that they should have knowledge of the languages, books,
affaires of those that lye such a distance from them, was a
thing we could not tell what to make of, for it seemed a
propriety of divine powers and beings to be hidden to others,
and yet to have others open as in a light to them. At this
speech the Governour gave a gratious smile, and said that
we did well to ask pardon for a question which imported as
if we thought this a land of magicians, that sent forth spirits
of the aire into all parts to bring them intelligence of other
countries. It was answered by us in all possible humble-
nesse, but yet with a countenance takeirig knowledge that
he spake it but merrily, that we were apt enough to think
there was something supernaturall in this island, but rather
as angelicall than magicall ; but to let his lordship know
truly what made us doubtful to ask this question,
was be-
cause we remembred he had given a touch in his former
speech that this land had laws of secresy touching strangers.
To this he said :
" You remember aright, and in that I shall
say I must reserve particulars which it is not lawful to reveal,
but there will be enough left to give you satisfaction. You
shall understand that about three thousand years agoe, the
navigation of the world (specially for remote voyages) was
greater than it is now. Whether it was that the example
of the Ark that saved the remnant of men from the univer-