Note 106 — SCENE IV.
Reading edition
He means that he wishes he had insured his return, as he would as willingly be at the Bermudas, or (as it was then called) "The Isle of Devils." In a note on "the still vexed Barmoothes" ("Tempest," act i. sc. 2), it is shown that the Bermudas was a cant name for the privileged resort of such characters as Whorebang and his companions.
The notions entertained by our ancestors of the Bermudas is distinctly shown in the following extract from Middleton's "Anything for a Quiet Life," 1662, act v.; [Dyce's edit., iv. 499.] Chamlet is troubled with a shrewish wife, and is determined to leave England and go somewhere else. He says—
"The place I speak of has been kept with thunder, With frightful lightnings' amazing noises; But now (the enchantment broke) 'tis the land of peace, Where hogs and tobacco yield fair increase. . . Gentlemen, fare you well, I am for the Bermudas."