In the meanwhile, the Empress knowing the colours of her own country, sent a letter to their general, and the rest of the chief commanders, to let them know, that she was a great and powerful princess, and came to assist them against their enemies; wherefore she desired they should declare themselves, when they would have her help and assistance.
Hereupon a council was called, and the business debated; but there were so many cross and different opinions, that they could not suddenly resolve what answer to send the Empress; at which she grew angry, insomuch that she resolved to return into her Blazing-World, without giving any assistance to her countrymen: but the Duchess of Newcastle entreated her Majesty to abate her passion; for, said she, great councils are most commonly slow, because many men have many several opinions: besides, every councillor striving to be the wisest, makes long speeches, and raise many doubts, which cause retardments. If I had long-speeched councillors, replied the Empress, I would hang them, by reason they give more words, than advice. The Duchess answered, that her Majesty should not be angry, but consider the differences of that and her Blazing-World; for, said she, they are not both alike; but there are grosser and duller understandings in this, than in the Blazing-World.
At last a messenger came out, who returned the Empress thanks for her kind proffer, but desired withal, to know from whence she came, and how, and in what manner her assistance could be serviceable to them? The Empress answered, that she was not bound to tell them whence she came; but as for the manner of her assistance, I will appear, said she, to your navy in a splendorous light, surrounded with fire. The messenger asked at what time they should expect her coming? I’ll be with you, answered the Empress, about one of the clock at night. With this report the messenger returned; which made both the poor councillors and seamen much afraid; but yet they longed for the time to behold this strange sight.
The appointed hour being come, the Empress appeared with garments made of the star-stone, and was born or supported above the water, upon the Fish-men’s heads and backs, so that she seemed to walk upon the face of the water, and the Bird- and Fish-men carried the fire-stone, lighted both in the air, and above the waters.
Which sight, when her countrymen perceived at a distance, their hearts began to tremble; but coming something nearer, she left her torches, and appeared only in her garments of light, like an angel, or some deity, and all kneeled down before her, and worshipped her with all submission and reverence: But the Empress would not come nearer than at such a distance where her voice might be generally heard, by reason she would not have that any of her accoutrements should be perceived, but the splendor thereof; and when she was come so near that her voice could be heard and understood by all, she made this following speech:
Dear countrymen, for so you are, although you know me not; I being a native of this kingdom, and hearing that most part of this world had resolved to make war against it, and sought to destroy it, at least to weaken its naval force and power, have made a voyage out of another world, to lend you my assistance against your enemies. I come not to make bargains with you, or to regard my own interest more than your safety; but I intend to make you the most powerful nation of this world, and therefore I have chosen rather to quit my own tranquility, riches and pleasure, than suffer you to be ruined and destroyed. All the return I desire, is but your grateful acknowledgment, and to declare my power, love and loyalty to my native country: for, although I am now a great and absolute princess, and Empress of a whole world, yet I acknowledge, that once I was a subject of this kingdom, which is but a small part of this world; and therefore I will have you undoubtedly believe, that I shall destroy all your enemies before this following night, I mean those which trouble you by sea; and if you have any by land, assure yourself I shall also give you my assistance against them, and make you triumph over all that seek your ruin and destruction.
Upon this declaration of the Empress, when both the general, and all the commanders in their several ships, had returned their humble and hearty thanks to her Majesty for so great a favour to them, she took her leave, and departed to her own ships. But, good Lord! what several opinions and judgments did this produce in the minds of her countrymen! some said she was an angel; others, she was a sorceress; some believed her a goddess; others said the Devil deluded them in the shape of a fine lady.
The morning after, when the navies were to fight, the Empress appeared upon the face of the waters, dressed in her imperial robes, which were
