Page:Northern Antiquities 1.djvu/77

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describe them have been generally wanting in fidelity or exactness; Some of their descriptions are grown obsolete, so that what was once true, is no longer so at present; Lastly, such confusion and prejudices have been occasioned by that vague term the North, that we are not to wonder if Denmark has been thought slightly of by the southern nations. To correct these mistakes I shall lay before the Reader a faithful account of the present state of these countries: In which I shall be more or less diffuse in proportion as they are more or less known to foreigners, for whom this work is principally designed. And if the picture I draw, presents nothing very agreeable or striking, I dare at least promise that it shall be very exact and faithful.

Denmark is naturally divided into continent, and islands. Among the islands, the first that merits attention, as well on account of its size as fertility, is Zealand. In this isle is seated Copenhagen, the capital of the whole kingdom; which derives its name from its harbour[1], one of the finest in the world. This city is built

  1. It's name in the Danish language is Kiobenhaffn; which literally is a “Haven for merchandize or traffic;” from Kiobe, Mercari, and Haffn, Portus. This city has been reckoned by travellers to be about the size of Bristol. T.