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ROSICRUCIAN APOLOGISTS : JOHN HEYDON. 363
likewise by sayling unto some small islands not farr from
us, and under the Crown and laws of this State ; recalling
the flourishing estate wherein this land then was, though
nothing wanted to this noble and heroicall intention but to
give perpetuity to that which was so happily established.
Amongst other fundamentall laws of this kingdome, he did
ordaine the interdicts and prohibitions which we have
touching entrance of strangers, doubting novelties and com-
mixture of manners. Nevertheless, he preserved all points
of humanity in making provision for the relief of strangers
distressed, whereof you have tasted," at which speech we
all rose up and bowed ourselves.
He went on :
"
That King also still desiring to joyn
humanity and policy, and thinking it against humanity to
detaine strangers against their will, and against policy that
they should return to discover their knowledge
of this
state, did ordain that of the strangers permitted to land,
as many at all times mought depart as would, but as many
as would stay should have very good conditions, wherein
he saw so farr that in so many ages since the prohibition,
we -have memory not of one ship that ever returned, and
but of thirteen persons, at severall times, that chose to re-
turn in our bottoms. What those few may have reported
abroad, I know not, but whatever they said could be taken
but for a dream. For our travelling hence, our law-giver
but this restraint hath
thought fit altogether to restrain it,
one admirable exception, preserving the good which com-
meth by communication with strangers, and avoiding the
hurt. Ye shall understand that among the excellent acts
of that King one hath the pre-eminence the erection and
institution of an Order, or Society, which we call the
Temple of the Rosie Crosse, the noblest foundation that