The City of the Sun | Page 6

the pur- poses for which
they exist in the world, and their uses to man. Further, their
resemblances to celestial and terrestrial things, produced both by nature
and art, are so given that I was as- tonished when I saw a fish which
was like a bishop, one like a chain, another like a garment, a fourth like
a nail, a fifth like a star, and others like images of those things existing
among us, the relation in each case being completely manifest. There
are sea-urchins to be seen, and the purple shell-fish and mus- sels; and
whatever the watery world possesses worthy of being known is there
fully shown in marvellous characters of paint- ing and drawing.
On the fourth interior wall all the different kinds of birds are painted,
with their natures, sizes, customs, colors, manner of living, etc.; and the
only real phoenix is possessed by the inhabi- tants of this city. On the
exterior are shown all the races of creeping animals, serpents, dragons,
and worms; the insects, the flies, gnats, beetles, etc., in their different
states, strength, venoms, and uses, and a great deal more than you or I
can think of.

On the fifth interior they have all the larger animals of the earth, as
many in number as would astonish you. We indeed know not the
thousandth part of them, for on the exterior wall also a great many of
immense size are also portrayed. To be sure, of horses alone, how great
a number of breeds there is and how beautiful are the forms there
cleverly displayed!
On the sixth interior are painted all the mechanical arts, with the several
instruments for each and their manner of use among different nations.
Alongside, the dignity of such is placed, and their several inventors are
named. But on the exterior all the inventors in science, in warfare, and
in law are represented. There I saw Moses, Osiris, Jupiter, Mercury,
Lycurgus, Pom- pilius, Pythagoras, Zamolxis, Solon, Charondas,
Phoroneus, with very many others. They even have Mahomet, whom
nevertheless they hate as a false and sordid legislator. In the most
dignified position I saw a representation of Jesus Christ and of the
twelve Apostles, whom they consider very worthy and hold to be great.
Of the representations of men, I per- ceived Caesar, Alexander, Pyrrhus,
and Hannibal in the high- est place; and other very renowned heroes in
peace and war, especially Roman heroes, were painted in lower
positions, under the galleries. And when I asked with astonishment
whence they had obtained our history, they told me that among them
there was a knowledge of all languages, and that by persever- ance they
continually send explorers and ambassadors over the whole earth, who
learn thoroughly the customs, forces, rule and histories of the nations,
bad and good alike. These they apply all to their own republic, and with
this they are well pleased. I learned that cannon and typography were
invented by the Chinese before we knew of them. There are magistrates
who announce the meaning of the pictures, and boys are accustomed to
learn all the sciences, without toil and as if for pleasure; but in the way
of history only until they are ten years old.
Love is foremost in attending to the charge of the race. He sees that
men and women are so joined together, that they bring forth the best
offspring. Indeed, they laugh at us who exhibit a studious care for our
breed of horses and dogs, but neglect the breeding of human beings.
Thus the education of the chil- dren is under his rule. So also is the

medicine that is sold, the sowing and collecting of fruits of the earth
and of trees, agri- culture, pasturage, the preparations for the months,
the cook- ing arrangements, and whatever has any reference to food,
clothing, and the intercourse of the sexes. Love himself is ruler, but
there are many male and female magistrates dedi- cated to these arts.
Metaphysic, then, with these three rulers, manages all the above-named
matters, and even by himself alone nothing is done; all business is
discharged by the four together, but in whatever Metaphysic inclines to
the rest are sure to agree.
G.M. Tell me, please, of the magistrates, their services and duties, of
the education and mode of living, whether the gov- ernment is a
monarchy, a republic, or an aristocracy.
Capt. This race of men came there from India, flying from the sword of
the Magi, a race of plunderers and tyrants who laid waste their country,
and they determined to lead a philo- sophic life in fellowship with one
another. Although the com- munity of wives is not instituted among the
other inhabitants of their province, among them it is in use after this