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| author | nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org> | 2025-02-05 20:29:35 -0800 |
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| committer | nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org> | 2025-02-05 20:29:35 -0800 |
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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..4130f94 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #51967 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/51967) diff --git a/old/51967-8.txt b/old/51967-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index bfc55bd..0000000 --- a/old/51967-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,13911 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Life and Adventures of Peter Wilkins, -Complete, by Robert Paltock - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - - - -Title: The Life and Adventures of Peter Wilkins, Complete - Volumes One and Two - -Author: Robert Paltock - -Commentator: A. H. Bullen - -Release Date: May 2, 2016 [EBook #51967] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PETER WILKINS *** - - - - -Produced by David Widger from page images generously -provided by the Internet Archive - - - - - - - - - -LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF PETER WILKINS., VOL. I. - -By Robert Paltock, of Clement's Inn. - -WITH A PREFACE BY A. H. BULLEN, Editor Of "The Works Of John Day," "A -Collection Of Old English Plays," Etc. - - -1884. - - - - -PREFACE. - -In one of those bright racy essays at which modern dulness delights to -sneer, Hazlitt discussed the question whether the desire of posthumous -fame is a legitimate aspiration; and the conclusion at which he arrived -was that there is "something of egotism and even of pedantry in this -sentiment." It is a true saying in literature as in morality that "he -that seeketh his life shall lose it." The world cares most for those who -have cared least for the world's applause. A nameless minstrel of the -North Country sings a ballad that shall stir men's hearts from age to -age with haunting melody; Southey, toiling at his epics, is excluded -from Parnassus. Some there are who have knocked at the door of the -Temple of Fame, and have been admitted at once and for ever. When -Thucydides announced that he intended his history to be a "possession -for all time," there was no mistaking the tone of authority. But to be -enthroned in state, to receive the homage of the admiring multitude, and -then to be rejected as a pretender,--that is indeed a sorry fate, and -one that may well make us pause before envying literary despots their -titles. The more closely a writer shrouds himself from view, the more -eager are his readers to get a sight of him. The loss of an arm or a leg -would be a slight price for a genuine student to pay if only he could -discover one new fact about Shakespeare's history. I will not attempt to -impose on the reader's credulity by professing myself eager to acquire -information about the author of "Peter Wilkins" at such a sacrifice; but -it would have been a sincere pleasure to me if I could have brought to -light some particulars about one whose personality must have possessed -a more than ordinary charm. The delightful _voyage imaginaire_ here -presented to the reader was first published in 1751.* - - * Some copies are said to be dated 1750. It appears on the - list of new books announced in the "Gentleman's Magazine" - for November 1750. - -An edition appeared immediately afterwards at Dublin; so the book must -have had some sale. The introduction and the dedication to the Countess -of Northumberland (to whom it will be remembered Percy dedicated his -"Reliques" and Goldsmith the first printed copy of his "Edwin and -Angelina") are signed with the initials "R. P.;" and for many years the -author's full name was unknown. In 1835, Nicol, the printer, sold by -auction a number of books and manuscripts in his possession, which -had once belonged to Dodsley, the publisher; and when these were being -catalogued, the original agreement * for the sale of the MS. of "Peter -Wilkins" was brought to light. - - * It is now in the collection, shortly to be dispersed, of - the late Mr. James Crossley of Manchester, a gentleman who - was esteemed throughout his long life not less for unfailing - courtesy than for rare scholarship. Mr. Crossley promised to - search for the document and send me a transcript of it; but - his kind intention was frustrated by his death. Paltock's - name is sometimes written Pultock or Poltock. There is no - ground for identifying the author of "Peter Wilkins" with - the "R. P., Gent.," who published in 1751 "Memoirs of the - Life of Parnese, a Spanish Lady, Translated from the Spanish - MS." - -From this document it appeared that the author was Robert Paltock of -Clement's Inn, and that he received for the copyright 20L., twelve -copies of the book, and "the cuts of the first impression"(proof -impressions of the illustrations). The writer's name shows him to have -been, like his hero, of Cornish origin; but the authors of the admirable -and exhaustive "Bibliotheca Cornubiensis" could discover nothing about -him beyond the fact that he was not a bencher of Clement's Inn. That -Paltock should have chosen Clement's Inn as a place of residence is -not surprising. It still keeps something of its pristine repose. The -sun-dial is still supported by the negro; the grass has not lost its -verdure, and on August evenings the plane-trees' leaves glint golden -in the sun. One may still hear the chimes at midnight as Falstaff and -Justice Shallow heard them of old. Here, where only a muffled murmur -comes from the work-a-day world, a man in the last century might have -dreamed away his life, lonely as Peter Wilkins on the island. One can -imagine the amiable recluse composing his homely romance amid such -surroundings. Perhaps it was the one labour of his life. He may have -come to the Inn originally with the aspiration of making fame and money; -and then the spirit of cloistered calm turned him from such vulgar -paths, and instead of losing his fine feelings and swelling the ranks of -the plutocrats, he gave us a charming romance for our fireside. With -the literary men of his day he seems to have had no intercourse. Not a -single mention of him is to be found among his contemporaries, and -we may be sure that he cut no brilliant figure at the club-houses. No -chorus of reviewers chimed the praises of "Peter Wilkins." So far as -I can discover, the "Monthly Review" was the only journal in which the -book was noticed, and such criticism as the following can hardly be -termed laudatory:--"Here is a very strange performance indeed. It seems -to be the illegitimate offspring of no very natural conjunction, like -'Gulliver's Travels' and 'Robinson Crusoe;' but much inferior to the -manner of these two performances as to entertainment or utility. It has -all that is impossible in the one or impossible in the other, without -the wit and spirit of the first, or the just strokes of nature and -useful lessons of morality in the second. However, if the invention of -wings for mankind to fly with is sufficient amends for all the dulness -and unmeaning extravagance of the author, we are willing to allow that -his book has some merit, and that he deserves some encouragement at -least as an able mechanic, if not as a good author." But the book -was not forgotten. A new edition appeared in 1783, and again in the -following year. It was included in Weber's "Popular Romances," 1812, and -published separately, with some charming plates by Stothard, in 1816. -Within the last fifty years it has been frequently issued, entire or -mutilated, in a popular form. A drama founded on the romance was acted -at Covent Garden on April 16, 1827; and more than once of late years -"Peter Wilkins" has afforded material for pantomimes. In 1763 a French -translation (by Philippe Florent de Puisieux) appeared under the title -of "Les Hommes Volants, ou les Aventures de Pierre Wilkins," which was -included in vols. xxii.-xxiii. of DePerthe's "Voyages Imaginaires" ( -1788-89). A German translation was published in 1767, having for title -"Die fliegenden Menschen, oder wunderbare Begebenheiten Peter Wilkins." -Whether the author lived to see the translations of this work cannot -be ascertained. A Robert Paltock was buried at Ryme Intrinseca Church, -Dorset, in 1767, aged seventy (Hutchin's "Dorset," iv. 493-494, third -edition), but it is very doubtful whether he was the author of the -romance. - -Paltock's fame may be said to be firmly established. An American writer, -it is true, in a recent "History of Fiction," says not a word about -"Peter Wilkins;" but, we must remember, another American wrote a -"History of Caricature" without mentioning Rowlandson. Coleridge admired -the book, and is reported to have said: "Peter Wilkins is, to my mind, a -work of uncommon beauty.... I believe that 'Robinson Crusoe' and 'Peter -Wilkins' could only have been written by islanders. No continentalist -could have conceived either tale.... It would require a very peculiar -genius to add another tale _ejusdem generis_ to 'Robinson Crusoe' and -'Peter Wilkins.' I once projected such a thing, but the difficulty of -the preoccupied ground stopped me. Perhaps La Motte Fouqué might effect -something; but I should fear that neither he nor any other German could -entirely understand what may be called the _desert island_ feeling. -I would try the marvellous line of 'Peter Wilkins' if I attempted it -rather than the real fiction of 'Robinson Crusoe'" ("Table-Talk," 1851, -pp. 331-332). Southey, in a note on a passage of the "Curse of Kehama," -went so far as to say that Paltock's winged people "are the most -beautiful creatures of imagination that ever were devised," and added -that Sir Walter Scott was a warm admirer of the book. With Charles Lamb -at Christ's Hospital the story was a favourite. "We had classics of our -own," he says, "without being beholden to 'insolent Greece or haughty -Rome,' that passed current among us--'Peter Wilkins,' the 'Adventures of -the Hon. Captain Robert Boyle,' the 'Fortunate Blue-Coat Boy,' and the -like." But nobody loved the old romance with such devotion as Leigh -Hunt. He was never tired of discoursing about its beauties, and he wrote -with such thorough appreciation of his subject that he left little or -nothing for another to add. "It is interesting," he writes in one place, -"to fancy R. P., or 'Mr. Robert Paltock of Clement's Inn,' a gentle -lover of books, not successful enough, perhaps, as a barrister to lead a -public or profitable life, but eking out a little employment or a bit -of a patrimony with literature congenial to him, and looking oftener -to 'Purchase Pilgrims' on his shelves than to 'Coke on Littleton.' We -picture him to ourselves with 'Robinson Crusoe' on one side of him and -'Gaudentio di Lucca' on the other, hearing the pen go over his paper -in one of those quiet rooms in Clement's Inn that look out of its -old-fashioned buildings into the little garden with the dial in it held -by the negro: one of the prettiest corners in London, and extremely fit -for a sequestered fancy that cannot get any further. There he sits, -the unknown, ingenious, and amiable Mr. Robert Paltock, thinking of an -imaginary beauty for want of a better, and creating her for the delight -of posterity, though his contemporaries were to know little or nothing -of her. We shall never go through the place again without regarding him -as its crowning interest.... Now a sweeter creature [than Youwarkee] is -not to be found in books; and she does him immortal honour. She is all -tenderness and vivacity; all born good taste and blessed companionship. -Her pleasure consists but in his; she prevents all his wishes; has -neither prudery nor immodesty; sheds not a tear but from right feeling; -is the good of his home and the grace of his fancy. It has been well -observed that the author has not made his flying women in general light -and airy enough... And it may be said, on the other hand, that the -kind of wing, the graundee, or elastic drapery which opens and shuts -at pleasure, however ingeniously and even beautifully contrived, would -necessitate creatures whose modifications of humanity, bodily and -mental, though never so good after their kind, might have startled the -inventor had he been more of a naturalist; might have developed a being -very different from the feminine, sympathising, and lovely Youwarkee. -Muscles and nerves not human must have been associated with inhuman -wants and feelings; probably have necessitated talons and a beak! At -best the woman would have been wilder, more elvish, capricious, and -unaccountable. She would have ruffled her whalebones when angry; been -horribly intimate, perhaps, with birds' nests and fights with eagles; -and frightened Wilkins out of his wits with dashing betwixt rocks and -pulling the noses of seals and gulls. ("Book for a Corner," 1868, i. 68, -&c.) Could criticism be more delightful? But in the "London Journal," -November 5, 1834, the genial essayist's fancy dallied even more daintily -with the theme: "A peacock with his plumage displayed, full of 'rainbows -and starry eyes,' is a fine object, but think of a lovely woman set in -front of an ethereal shell and wafted about like a Venus.... We are to -picture to ourselves a nymph in a vest of the finest texture and most -delicate carnation. On a sudden this drapery parts in two and flies -back, stretched from head to foot like an oval fan or an umbrella; and -the lady is in front of it, preparing to sweep blushing away from us and -'winnow the buxom air.'" - -For many of us the conduct of life is becoming evermore a thing of -greater perplexity. It is wearisome to be rudely jostling one another -for the world's prizes, while myriads are toiling round us in an -Egyptian bondage unlit by one ray of sunshine from the cradle to the -grave. Some have attained to Lucretian heights of philosophy, whence -they look with indifference over the tossing world-wide sea of human -misery; but others are fain to avert their eyes, to clean forget for a -season the actual world and lose themselves in the mazes of romance. In -moments of despondency there is no greater relief to a fretted spirit -than to turn to the "Odyssey" or Mr. Payne's exquisite translation of -the "Arabian Nights." Great should be our gratitude to Mr. Morris for -teaching us in golden verse that "Love is Enough," and for spreading -wide the gates of his "Earthly Paradise." Lucian's "True History," that -carries us over unknown seas beyond the Atlantic bounds to enchanted -islands in the west, is one of those books which we do not half -appreciate. And among the world's benefactors Robert Paltock deserves a -place. An idle hour could not be spent in a much pleasanter way than in -watching Peter Wilkins go a-field with his gun or haul up the beast-fish -at the lonely creek. What can be more delightful than the description -how, wakened from dreams of home by the noise of strange voices -overhead, he sees fallen at his door the lovely winged woman Youwarkee! -Prudish people may be scandalised at the unreserved frankness shown -in the account of the consummation of Wilkins' marriage with this fair -creature; but the editor was unwilling to mutilate the book in the -interests of such refined readers. A man or a woman who can find -anything to shock his or her feelings in the description of Youwarkee's -bridal night deserves the commiseration of sensible people. Very -charming is the picture of the children sitting round the fire on the -long winter evenings listening wide-eyed to the ever-fresh story of -their father's marvellous adventures. The wholesome morality, the -charitableness and homely piety apparent throughout, give the narrative -a charm denied to many works of greater literary pretension. When Peter -Wilkins leaves his solitary home to live among the winged people, the -interest of the story, it must be confessed, is somewhat diminished. -The author's obligations to Swift in the latter part of the book are -considerable; and of course in describing how Peter Wilkins ordered his -life on the lonely island, he was largely indebted to Defoe. But the -creation of the winged beings is Paltock's own. It has been suggested -that he named his hero after John Wilkins, Bishop of Chester, who, among -other curious theories, had seriously discussed the question whether men -could acquire the art of flying. In the second part of his "Mathematical -Magick," the Bishop writes: "Those things that seem very difficult -and fearfull at the first may grow very facil after frequent trial and -exercise: And therefore he that would effect any thing in this kind -must be brought up to the constant practice of it from his Youth; trying -first only to use his wings in running on the ground, as an Estrich or -tame geese will do, touching the earth with his toes; and so by degrees -learn to rise higher till he shall attain unto skill and confidence. -I have heard it from credible testimony that one of our nation hath -proceeded so far in this experiment that he was able by the help of -wings to skip constantly ten yards at a time." Youwarkee spread wide her -graundee, and in an instant was lost in the clouds. Had the author given -her the motion of a goose, or even of an ostrich--bah! the thought is -too dreadful. - -Judicious reader, the long winter evenings have come round, and you have -now abundance of leisure. Let the poets stand idle on the shelves -till the return of spring, unless perchance you would fain resume -acquaintance with the "Seasons," which you have not read since a boy, -or would divert yourself with Prior or be grave with Crabbe. Now is the -time to feel once more the charm of Lamb's peerless and unique essays; -now is the time to listen to the honied voice of Leigh Hunt discoursing -daintily of men and books. So you will pass from Charles Lamb and Leigh -Hunt to the books they loved to praise. Exult in the full-blooded, -bracing life which pulses in the pages of Fielding; and if Smollett's -mirth is occasionally too riotous and his taste too coarse, yet confess -that all faults must be pardoned to the author of "Humphry Clinker." -Many a long evening you will spend pleasantly with Defoe; and then, -perchance, after a fresh reading of the thrice and four times wonderful -adventures of Robinson Crusoe, you will turn to the romance of "Peter -Wilkins." So may rheums and catarrhs be far from you, and may your -hearth be crowned with content! - -A. H. B. - -5 Willow Road, Hampstead, November 1883. - - - - - -LIFE AND ADVENTURES - -OF - -PETER WILKINS. - -A Cornish Man: - -Relating particularly, - -His Shipwreck near the South Pole; his wonderful Passage thro' a -subterraneous Cavern into a kind of new World; his there meeting with a -Gawry or flying woman, whose Life he preserv'd, and afterwards married -her; his extraordinary Conveyance to the Country of Glums and Gawrys, or -Men and Women that fly. Likewise a Description of this strange Country, -with the Laws, Customs, and Manners of its Inhabitants, and the Author's -remarkable Transactions among them. - -Taken from his own Mouth, in his Passage to England from off Cape Horn -in America, in the ship Hector, - -With an INTRODUCTION, giving an Account of the surprizing Manner of his -coming on board that Vessel, and his Death on his landing at Plymouth in -the Year 1739. - -Illustrated with several Cuts, clearly and distinctly representing the -Structure and Mechanism of the Wings of the Glums and Gawrys, and the -Manner in which they use them either to swim or fly. - - -To the Right Honourable - -ELIZABETH, - -Countess of Northumberland, Madam, - -Few Authors, I believe, who write in my Way (whatever View they may set -out with) can, in the Prosecution of their Works, forbear to dress their -fictitious Characters in the real Ornaments themselves have been most -delighted with. - -THIS, I confess, hath been my Case, in the Person of _Youwarkee_, in -the following Sheets; for having formed her Body, I found myself at an -inexpressible Loss how to adorn her Mind in the masterly Sentiments -I coveted to endue her with; 'till I recollected the most aim[i]able -Pattern in your Ladyship; a single View of which, at a Time of the -utmost fatigue to his Lordship, hath charmed my Imagination ever since. - -If a Participater of the Cares of Life in general, alleviates the -Concerns of Man; what an invaluable Blessing must that Lady prove, to -the Softness of whose Sex Nature hath conjoined an Aptitude for Council, -an Application, Zeal, and Dispatch but too rarely found in his own! - -Had my Situation in Life been so happy as to have presented me with -Opportunities of more frequent and minuter Remarks upon your Ladyship's -Conduct, I might have defy'd the whole _British_ Fair to have outshone -my southern Gawry: For if, to a majestic Form and extensive Capacity, I -had been qualified to have copied that natural Sweetness of Disposition, -that maternal Tenderness, that Cheerfulness, that Complacency, -Condescension, Affability, and unaffected Benevolence, which so -apparently distinguish the Countess of _Northumberland_; I had exhibited -in my _Youwarkee_ a Standard for future Generations. - -Madam, I am the more sensible of my Speaking but the Truth from the -late Instance of your Benignity, which entitles me to the Honour of -subscribing myself, - -Madam, Your Ladyship's - -most obliged and - -most obedient Servant, - -R. P. - - - - -CONTENTS OF VOL. I. - - -CHAPTER I. - -Giving an account of the authors birth and family--The fondness of his -mother--His being put to an academy at sixteen by the advice of his -friend--His thoughts of his own illiterature - -CHAPTER II. - -How he spent his time at the academy--An intrigue with a servant maid -there--She declares herself with child by him--Her expostulations with -him--He is put to it for money--Refused it from home by his friend, who -had married his mother--Is drawn in to marry the maid--She lies in at -her aunts--Returns to her service--He has another child by her - -CHAPTER III. - -Minds his studies--Informs his master of his mother's marriage and usage -of him--Hears of her death--Makes his master his guardian--Goes with -him to take possession of his estate--Is informed all is given to his -father-in-law--Moral reflections on his condition and on his father's -crimes - -CHAPTER IV. - -Departs secretly from his master--Travels to Bristol--Religious thoughts -by the way--Enters on shipboard, and is made captain's steward - -CHAPTER V. - -His first entertainment en board--Sets sail--His sickness--Engagement -with a French privateer--Is taken and laid in irons--Twenty-one -prisoners turned adrift in a small boat with only two days' provisions - -CHAPTER VI. - -The boat, two hundred leagues from land, makes no way, but drives more -to sea by the wind--The people live nine days at quarter allowance--Four -die with hunger the twelfth day--Five more the fourteenth day--On the -fifteenth they eat one just dead--Want of water excessive--They spy a -sail--Are taken up--Work their passage to the African shore--One sent on -a secret expedition--Are way-laid, taken, made slaves, and sent up the -country - -CHAPTER VII. - -The author escapes with Glanlepze, a native--His hardships -in travel--Plunder of a cottage--His fears--Adventure with a -crocodile--Passage of a river--Adventure with a lioness and -whelps--Arrives at Glanlepze's house--The trial of Glanlepze s wife's -constancy--The tender meeting of her and her husband--The author's -reflections thereupon - -CHAPTER VIII. - -How the author passed his time with Glanlepze--His acquaintance with -some English prisoners--They project an escape--He joins them--They -seize a Portuguese ship and get off--Make a long run from land--Want -water--They anchor at a desert island--The boat goes on shore for -water--They lose their anchor in a storm--The author and one Adams drove -to sea--A miraculous passage to a rock--Adams drowned there--The authors -miserable condition - -CHAPTER IX. - -He thinks of destroying himself--His soliloquy--Strange accident in -the hold--His surprise--Can't climb the rock--His method to sweeten his -water--Lives many months on board--Ventures to sea in his boat several -times and takes many fish--Almost overcome by an eel - -CHAPTER X. - -Lays in great store of provisions--Resolves to traverse the rock--Sails -for three weeks, still seeing it only--Is sucked under the rock, and -hurried down a cataract--Continues there five weeks--His description of -the cavern--His thoughts and difficulties--His arrival at a great lake, -and his landing in the beautiful country of Graundevolet - -CHAPTER XI. - -His joy on his arrival at land--A description of the place--No -inhabitants--Wants fresh water--Resides in a grotto--Finds water--Views -the country--Carries his things to the grotto - -CHAPTER XII. - -An account of the grotto--A room added to it--A view of that -building--The author makes a little cart--Also a wet dock for his -boat--Goes in quest of provision--A description of divers fruits and -plants--He brings home a cartload of different sorts--Makes experiments -on them--Loads his cart with others--A great disappointment--Makes good -bread--Never sees the sun--The nature of the light - -CHAPTER XIII. - -The author lays in a store against the dark weather--Hears voice--His -thoughts thereon--Persuades himself it was a dream--Hears them -again--Determines to see if any one lodged in the rock--Is satisfied -there is nobody--Observations on what he saw--Finds a strong weed -like whip-cord--Makes a dragnet--Lengthens it--Catches a monster--Its -description--Makes oil of it - -CHAPTER XIV. - -The author passes the summer pleasantly--Hears the voices in the -winter--Ventures out--Sees a strange sight on the lake--His uneasiness -at it--His dream--Soliloquy--Hears the voices again, and perceives a -great shock on his building--Takes up a beautiful woman--He thinks her -dead, but recovers her--A description of her--She stays with him - -CHAPTER XV. - -He is afraid of losing his new mistress--They live together all -winter--A remark on that--They begin to know each others language--A -long discourse between them at cross purposes--She flies--They engage to -be man and wife - -CHAPTER XVI. - -The author's disappointment at first going to bed with his new -wife--Some strange circumstances relating thereto--She resolves several -questions he asks her, and clears up his fears as to the voices--A -description of swangeans - -CHAPTER XVII. - -Youwarkee cannot bear a strong light--Her husband makes her spectacles, -which help her--A description of them - -CHAPTER XVIII. - -Youwarkee with child--The author's stock of provisions--No beast or -fish in Youwarkee's country--The voices again--Her reason for not -seeing those who uttered 'em--She bears a son--A hard speech in her -lying-in--Divers birds appear--Their eggs gathered--How the author kept -account of time - -CHAPTER XIX. - -His concern about clothing for Pedro, his eldest son--His discourse with -his wife about the ship--Her flight to it--His melancholy reflections -'till her return--An account of what she had done, and of what she -brought--She clothes her children and takes a second flight - -CHAPTER XX. - -The author observes her flight--A description of a glumm in the -graundee--She finds out the gulf not far from the ship--Brings home more -goods--Makes her a gown by her husband's instruction - -CHAPTER XXI. - -The author gets a breed of poultry--By what means--Builds them a -house--How he managed to keep them in winter - -CHAPTER XXII. - -Reflections on mankind--The author wants to be with his ship--Projects -going, but perceives it impracticable--Youwarkee offers her service, -and goes--An account of her transactions on board--Remarks on her -sagacity--She despatches several chests of goods through the gulf to -the lake--An account of a danger she escaped--The author has a fit of -sickness - -CHAPTER XXIII. - -The religion of the author's family - -CHAPTER XXIV. - -An account of his children--Their names--They are exercised in -flying--His boat crazy--Youwarkee intends a visit to her father, but -first takes another flight to the ship--Sends a boat and chests through -the gulf--Clothes her children--Is with child again, so her visit is put -off--An inventory of the last freight of goods--The authors method of -treating his children--Youwarkee, her son Tommy, with her daughters -Patty and Hallycarnie, set out for her father's - -CHAPTER XXV. - -Youwarkee's account of the stages to Arndrumnstake--The author uneasy -at her flight--His employment in her absence, and preparations for -receiving her father--How he spent the evenings with the children - -CHAPTER XXVI. - -His concern at Youwarkee's stay--Reflections on his condition--Hears -a voice call him--Youwarkee's brother Quangrollart visits him with a -companion--He treats them at the grotto--The brother discovers himself -by accident--The author presents his children to him - -CHAPTER XXVII. - -Quangrollarf s account of Youwarkee's journey, and reception at her -father's - - - - -THE INTRODUCTION. - -It might be looked upon as impertinent in me, who am about to give the -life of another, to trouble the reader with any of my own concerns, -or the affairs that led me into the South Seas. Therefore I shall only -acquaint him, that in my return on board the "Hector," as a passenger, -round Cape Horn, for England, full late in the season, the wind and -currents setting strong against us, our ship drove more southernly, by -several degrees, than the usual course, even to the latitude of 75 or -76; when the wind chopping about, we began to resume our intended -way. It was about the middle of June, when the days are there at the -shortest, on a very starry and moonlight night, that we observed at some -distance a very black cloud, but seemingly of no extraordinary size or -height, moving very fast towards us, and seeming to follow the ship, -which then made great way. Every one on deck was very curious in -observing its motions; and perceiving it frequently to divide, and -presently to close again, and not to continue long in any determined -shape, our captain, who had never before been so far to the southward as -he then found himself, had many conjectures what this phenomenon might -portend; and every one offering his own opinion, it seemed at last to be -generally agreed that there might possibly be a storm gathering in the -air, of which this was the prognostic; and by its following, and nearly -keeping pace with us, we were in great fear lest it should break upon -and overwhelm us, if not carefully avoided. Our commander, therefore, -as it approached nearer and nearer, ordered one of the ship's guns to be -fired, to try if the percussion of the air would disperse it. This was -no sooner done than we heard a prodigious flounce in the water, at but -a small distance from the ship, on the weather-quarter; and after -a violent noise, or cry in the air, the cloud, that upon our firing -dissipated, seemed to return again, but by degrees disappeared. Whilst -we were all very much surprised at this unexpected accident, I, being -naturally very curious and inquisitive into the causes of all unusual -incidents, begged the captain to send the boat to see, if possible, what -it was that had fallen from the cloud, and offered myself to make one in -her. He was much against this at first, as it would retard his voyage, -now we were going so smoothly before the wind. But in the midst of -our debate, we plainly heard a voice calling out for help, in our own -tongue, like a person in great distress. I then insisted on going, and -not suffering a fellow-creature to perish for the sake of a trifling -delay. In compliance with my resolute demand, he slackened sail; and -hoisting out the boat, myself and seven others made to the cry, and soon -found it to come from an elderly man, labouring for life, with his arms -across several long poles, of equal size at both ends, very light, and -tied to each other in a very odd manner. The sailors at first were very -fearful of assisting or coming near him, crying to each other, "He must -be a monster!" and perhaps might overset the boat and destroy them; but -hearing him speak English, I was very angry with them for their foolish -apprehensions, and caused them to clap their oars under him, and at -length we got him into the boat. He had an extravagant beard, and also -long blackish hair upon his head. As soon as he could speak (for he -was almost spent), he very familiarly took me by the hand, I having set -myself close by him to observe him, and squeezing it, thanked me very -kindly for my civility to him, and likewise thanked all the sailors. I -then asked him by what possible accident he came there; but he shook -his head, declining to satisfy my curiosity. Hereupon reflecting that it -might just then be troublesome for him to speak, and that we should -have leisure enough in our voyage for him to relate, and me to hear, his -story (which, from the surprising manner of his falling amongst us, I -could not but believe would contain something very remarkable), I waived -any farther speech with him at that time. - -We had him to the ship, and taking off his wet clothes, put him to bed -in my cabin; and I having a large provision of stores on board, and -no concern in the ship, grew very fond of him, and supplied him with -everything he wanted. In our frequent discourses together, he had -several times dropped loose hints of his past transactions, which but -the more inflamed me with impatience to hear the whole of them. About -this time, having just begun to double the Cape, our captain thought of -watering at the first convenient place; and finding the stranger had no -money to pay his passage, and that he had been from England no less than -thirty-five years, despairing of his reward for conducting him thither, -he intimated to him that he must expect to be put on shore to shift for -himself, when we put in for water. This entirely sunk the stranger's -spirits, and gave me great concern, insomuch that I fully resolved, if -the captain should really prove such a brute, to take the payment of his -passage on myself. - -As we came nearer to the destined watering, the captain spoke the -plainer of his intentions (for I had not yet hinted my design to him -or any one else); and one morning the stranger came into my cabin, with -tears in his eyes, telling me he verily believed the captain would be -as good as his word, and set him on shore, which he very much dreaded. -I did not choose to tell him immediately what I designed in his favour, -but asked him if he could think of no way of satisfying the captain, -or any one else, who might thereupon be induced to engage for him; and -farther, how he expected to live when he should get to England, a man -quite forgotten and penniless. Hereupon he told me he had, ever since -his being on board, considering his destitute condition, entertained a -thought of having his adventures written; which, as there was something -so uncommon in them, he was sure the world would be glad to know; and he -had flattered himself with hopes of raising somewhat by the sale of them -to put him in a way of living; but as it was plain now he should never -see England without my assistance, if I would answer for his passage, -and write his life, he would communicate to me a faithful narrative -thereof, which he believed would pay me to the full any charge I might -be at on his account. I was very well pleased with this overture, not -from the prospect of gain by the copy, but from the expectation I had of -being fully satisfied in what I had so long desired to know; so I told -him I would make him easy in that respect. This quite transported -him: he caressed me, and called me his deliverer, and was then going -open-mouthed to the captain to tell him so. But I put a stop to that: -For, says I, though I insist upon hearing your story, the captain may -yet relent of his purpose, and not leave you on shore; and if that -should prove the case, I shall neither part with my money for you, nor -you with your interest in your adventures to me. Whereupon he agreed I -was right, and desisted. - -When we had taken in best part of our water, and the boat was going its -last turn, the captain ordered up the strange man, as they called him, -and told him he must go on board the boat, which was to leave him on -shore with some few provisions. I happening to hear nothing of these -orders, they were so sudden, the poor man was afraid, after all, he -should have been hurried to land without my knowledge: but begging very -hard of the captain only for leave to speak with me before he went, I -was called (though with some reluctance, for the captain disliked me -for the liberties I frequently took with him, on account of his brutal -behaviour). I expostulated with the cruel wretch on the inhumanity of -the action he was about; telling him, if he had resolved the poor man -should perish, it would have been better to have suffered him to do so -when he was at the last extremity, than to expose him afresh, by this -means, to a death as certain, in a more lingering and miserable way. But -the savage being resolved, and nothing moved by what I said, I paid him -part of the passage down, and agreed to pay the rest at our arrival in -England. - -Thus having reprieved the poor man, the next thing was to enter upon my -new employ of amanuensis: and having a long space of time before us, -we allotted two hours every morning for the purpose of writing down his -life from his own mouth; and frequently, when wind and weather kept us -below, we spent some time of an afternoon in the same exercise, till -we had quite completed it. But then there were some things in it so -indescribable by words, that if I had not had some knowledge in drawing, -our history had been very incomplete. Thus it must have been, especially -in the description of the _Glumms_ and _Gawrys_ therein mentioned. In -order to gain (that so I might communicate) a clear idea of these, I -made several drawings of them from his discourses and accounts; and, -at length, after divers trials, I made such exact delineations, that -he declared they could not have been more perfect resemblances if I had -drawn them from the life. Upon a survey, he confessed the very persons -themselves could not have been more exact. I also drew with my pencil -the figure of an aerial engagement, which, having likewise had his -approbation, I have given a draught of, plate the sixth. - -Then, having finished the work to our mutual satisfaction, I locked it -up, in order to peruse it at leisure, intending to have presented it to -him at our arrival in England, to dispose of as he pleased, in such -a way as might have conduced most to his profit; for I resolved, -notwithstanding our agreement, and the obligations he was under to -me, that the whole of that should be his own. But he, having been in a -declining state some time before we reached shore, died the very night -we landed; and his funeral falling upon me, I thought I had the greatest -right to the manuscript, which, however, I had no design to have parted -with; but showing it to some judicious friends, I have by them been -prevailed with not to conceal from the world what may prove so very -entertaining, and perhaps useful. - -R. P. - -A GENUINE ACCOUNT - -OF THE - -LIFE OF PETER WILKINS. - - - - -CHAPTER I. - -Giving an account of the author's birth and family--The fondness of -his mother--His being put to an academy at sixteen by the advice of his -friend--His thoughts of his own illiterature - -I was born at Penhale, in the county of Cornwall, on the 21st day of -December 1685, about four months after my father, Peter Wilkins, who -was a zealous Protestant of the Church of England, had been executed -by Jeffreys, in Somersetshire, for joining in the design of raising the -Duke of Monmouth to the British throne. I was named, after my father and -grandfather, Peter, and was my father's only child by Alice his wife, -the daughter of John Capert, a clergyman in a neighbouring village. My -grandfather was a shopkeeper at Newport, who, by great frugality and -extraordinary application, had raised a fortune of about £160 a year -in lands, and a considerable sum of ready money, all which at his -death devolved upon my father, as his only child; who, being no less -parsimonious than my grandfather, and living upon his own estate, had -much improved it in value before his marriage with my mother; but he -coming to that unhappy end, my mother, after my birth, placed all her -affection upon me (her growing hope, as she called me), and used every -method, in my minority, of increasing the store for my benefit. - -In this manner she went on, till I grew too big, as I thought, for -confinement at the apron-string, being then about fourteen years of age; -and having met with so much indulgence from her, for that reason found -very little or no contradiction from anybody else; so I looked on myself -as a person of some consequence, and began to take all opportunities of -enjoying the company of my neighbours, who hinted frequently that the -restraint I was under was too great a curb upon an inclination like -mine of seeing the world; but my mother, still impatient of any little -absence, by excessive fondness, and encouraging every inclination I -seemed to have, when she could be a partaker with me, kept me within -bounds of restraint till I arrived at my sixteenth year. - -About this time I got acquainted with a country gentleman, of a small -paternal estate, which had been never the better for being in his hands, -and had some uneasy demands upon it. He soon grew very fond of me, -hoping, as I had reason afterwards to believe, by a union with my -mother to set himself free from his entanglements. She was then about -thirty-five years old, and still continued my father's widow, out -of particular regard to me, as I have all the reason in the world to -believe. She was really a beautiful woman, and of a sanguine complexion, -but had always carried herself with so much reserve, and given so little -encouragement to any of the other sex, that she had passed her widowhood -with very few solicitations to alter her way of life. This gentleman -observing my mother's conduct, in order to ingratiate himself with her, -had shown numberless instances of regard for me; and, as he told my -mother, had observed many things in my discourse, actions, and turn of -mind, that presaged wonderful expectations from me, if my genius was but -properly cultivated. - -This discourse, from a man of very good parts, and esteemed by everybody -an accomplished gentleman, by degrees wrought upon my mother, and more -and more inflamed her with a desire of adding what lustre she could to -my applauded abilities, and influenced her so far as to ask his advice -in what manner most properly to proceed with me. My gentleman then had -his desire, for he feared not the widow, could he but properly dispose -of her charge; so having desired a little time to consider of a matter -of such importance, he soon after told her he thought the most useful -method of establishing me would be at an academy, kept by a very worthy -and judicious gentleman, about thirty, or more, miles from us, in -Somersetshire; where, if I could but be admitted, the master taking in -but a stated number of students at a time, he did not in the least doubt -but I should fully answer the character he had given her of me, and -outshine most of my contemporaries. - -My mother, over-anxious for my good, seeming to listen to this proposal, -my friend (as I call him) proposed taking a journey himself to the -academy, to see if any place was vacant for my reception, and learn the -terms of my admission; and in three days' time returned with an engaging -account of the place, the master, the regularity of the scholars, of an -apartment secured for my reception, and, in short, whatever else might -captivate my mother's opinion in favour of his scheme; and indeed, -though he acted principally from another motive, as was plain -afterwards, I cannot help thinking he believed it to be the best way of -disposing of a lad sixteen years old, born to a pretty fortune, and who, -at that age, could but just read a chapter in the Testament; for he had -before beat my mother quite out of her inclination to a grammar-school -in the neighbourhood, from a contempt, he said, it would bring upon -me from lads much my juniors in years, by being placed in the first -rudiments of learning with them. - -Well, the whole concern of my mother's little family was now employed -in fitting me out for my expedition; and as my friend had been so -instrumental in bringing it about, he never missed a day inquiring -how preparations went on; and during the process, by humouring me, -ingratiated himself more and more with my mother, but without seeming in -the least to aim at it. In short, the hour of my departure arrived; and -though I had never been master of above a sixpence at one time, unless -at a fair or so, for immediate spending, my mother, thinking to make my -heart easy at our separation (which, had it appeared otherwise, would -have broke hers, and spoiled all), gave me a double pistole in gold, and -a little silver in my pocket to prevent my changing it. - -Thus I (the coach waiting for us at the door), having been preached into -a good liking of the scheme by my friend, who now insisted upon making -one of our company to introduce us, mounted the carriage with more -alacrity than could be expected for one who had never before been beyond -the smoke of his mother's chimney; but the thoughts I had conceived, -from my friend's discourse, of liberty in the academic way, and the -weight of so much money in my pocket, as I then imagined would scarce -ever be exhausted, were prevailing cordials to keep my spirits on the -wing. We lay at an inn that night, near the master's house, and the next -day I was initiated; and, at parting with me, my friend presented me -with a guinea. When I found myself thus rich, I must say I heartily -wished they were all fairly at home again, that I might have time -to count my cash, and dispose of such part of it as I had already -appropriated to several uses then in embryo. - -The next morning left me master of my wishes, for my mother came and -took her last (though she little thought it) leave of me, and smothering -me with her caresses and prayers for my well-doing, in the height of -her ardour put into my hand another guinea, promising to see me again -quickly; and desiring me, in the meantime, to be a very good husband, -which I have since taken to be a sort of prophetic speech, she bid me -farewell. - -I shall not trouble you with the reception I met from my master, or his -scholars, or tell you how soon I made friends of all my companions, by -some trifling largesses which my stock enabled me to bestow as occasion -required; but I must inform you that, after sixteen years of idleness at -home, I had but little heart to my nouns and pronouns, which now -began to be crammed upon me; and being the eldest lad in the house, -I sometimes regretted the loss of the time past, and at other times -despaired of ever making a scholar at my years; and was ashamed to -stand like a great lubber, declining of _hæc mulier_ a woman, whilst -my schoolfellows, and juniors by five years, were engaged in the love -stories of Ovid, or the luscious songs of Horace. I own these thoughts -almost overcame me, and threw me into a deep melancholy, of which I soon -after, by letter, informed my mother; who (by the advice, as I suppose, -of my friend, by this time her suitor) sent me word to mind my studies, -and I should want for nothing. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - - How he spent his time at the academy--An intrigue with a - servant-maid there--She declares herself with child by him-- - Her expostulations to him--He is put to it for money-- - Refused it from home by his friend, who had married his - mother--Is drawn in to marry the maid--She lies-in at her - aunts--Returns to her service--He has another child by her - -I had now been passing my time for about three months in this melancholy -way, and, you may imagine, under that disadvantage, had made but little -progress in my learning, when one of our maids, taking notice one day -of my uneasiness, as I sat musing in my chamber, according to my custom, -began to rally me that I was certainly in love, I was so sad. Indeed I -never had a thought of love before, but the good-natured girl seeming to -pity me, and seriously asking me the cause, I fairly opened my heart to -her; and for fear my master should know it, gave her half-a-crown to be -silent. This last engagement fixed her my devotee, and from that time -we had frequent conferences in confidence together, till at length -inclination, framed by opportunity, produced the date of a world of -concern to me; for about six months after my arrival at the academy, -instead of proving my parts by my scholarship, I had proved my manhood -by being the destined father of an infant which my female correspondent -then assured me would soon be my own. - -We nevertheless held on our frequent intercourse; nor was I so alarmed -at the news as I ought to have been, till about two months after, when -Patty (for that was the only name I then knew her by) explained herself -to me in the following terms:--"You know, Mr. Peter, how matters are -with me: I should be very sorry, for your sake, and my own too, to -reveal my shame, but in spite of us both nature will show itself; and -truly I think some care should be taken, and some method proposed, to -preserve the infant, and avoid, as far as may be, the inconveniences -that may attend us, for here is now no room for delay." This speech, I -own, gave me the first reflection I ever had in my life, and locked up -all my faculties for a long time; nor was I able, for the variety of -ideas that crowded my brain, to make a word of answer, but stood like an -image of stone, till Patty, seeing my confusion, desired me to recollect -my reason; for as it was too late to undo what had been done, it -remained now only to act with that prudence and caution which the nature -of the case required; and that, for her part, she would concur in every -reasonable measure I should approve of; but I must remember she was only -a servant, and had very little due to her for wages, and not a penny -besides that; and that there must necessarily be a preparation made for -the reception of the infant when time should produce it. I now began to -see the absolute necessity of all she said, but how to accomplish it was -not in me to comprehend. My own small matter of money was gone, and had -been so a long time; we therefore agreed I should write to my mother for -a fresh supply. I did so; and to my great confusion was answered by my -former friend in the following words:-- - - "Son Peter,--Your mother and I are much surprised you should - write for money, having so amply provided for you; but as it - is not many months to Christmas, when possibly we may send - for you home, you must make yourself easy till then; as a - school-boy, with all necessaries found him, cannot have much - occasion for money.--Your loving father, - J. G." - -Imagine, if it is possible, my consternation at the receipt of this -letter. I began to think I should be tricked out of what my father and -grandfather had with so much pains and industry for many years been, -heaping up for me, and had a thousand thoughts all together jostling out -each other, so could resolve on nothing. I then showed Patty the letter, -and we both condoled my hard fortune, but saw no remedy. Time wore away, -and nothing done, or like to be, as I could see. For my part, I was like -one distracted, and no more able to assist or counsel what should be -done than a child in arms. At length poor Patty, who had sat thinking -some time, began with telling me she had formed a scheme which in some -measure might help us; but fearing it might be disagreeable to me, she -durst not mention it till I should assure her, whatever I thought of -that, I would think no worse of her for proposing it. This preparatory -introduction startled me a great deal; for it darted into my head she -waited for my concurrence to destroy the child, to which I could never -have consented. But upon my assuring her I would not think the worse of -her for whatever she should propose, but freely give her my opinion upon -it, she told me, as she could see no other way before us but what tended -to our disgrace and ruin, if I would marry her she would immediately -quit her place and return to her aunt, who had brought her up from a -child, and had enough prettily to live upon, who, she did not doubt, -would entertain her as my wife; but she was assured, upon any other -score, or under any other name, would prove her most inveterate -enemy. When Patty had made an end, I was glad to find it no worse; and -revolving matters a little in my mind, both as to affairs at home and -the requested marriage, I concluded upon this latter, and had a great -inclination to acquaint my mother of it, but was diverted from that, by -suspecting it might prove a good handle for my new father to work with -my mother some mischief against me; so determined to marry forthwith, -send Patty to her aunt's, and remain still at the academy myself till -I should see what turn things would take at home. Accordingly, the next -day good part of Patty's wages went to tie the connubial knot, and to -the honest parson for a bribe to antedate the certificate; and she very -soon after took up the rest to defray her journey to her aunt's. - -Though Patty was within two months of her time, she had so managed that -no one perceived it; and getting safe to her aunt's, was delivered of -a daughter, of which she wrote me word, and said she hoped to see me at -the end of her month. How, thought I, can she expect to see me; money I -have none! and then I despaired of leave for a journey if I had it; -and to go without leave would only arm J. G. against me, as I perceived -plainly his interest and mine were very remote things; so I resolved to -quit all thoughts of a journey, and wait till opportunity better served -for seeing my wife and child, and our good aunt to whom we were so -much obliged. While these and such-like cogitations engrossed my whole -attention, I was most pleasingly surprised one day, upon my return-from -a musing walk by the river-side at the end of our garden, where I -frequently got my tasks, to find Patty sitting in the kitchen with my -old mistress, my master's mother, who managed his house, he having been -a widower many years. The sight of her almost overcame me, as I had -bolted into the kitchen, and was seen by my old mistress before I -had seen Patty was with her. The old lady, perceiving me discomposed, -inquired into the cause, which I directly imputed to the symptoms of an -ague that I told her I had felt upon me best part of the morning. She, -a good motherly woman, feeling my pulse, and satisfying herself of its -disorder, immediately ran to her closet to bring me a cordial, which she -assured me had done wonders in the like cases; so that I had but just -time to embrace Patty and inquire after our aunt and daughter before -madam returned with the cordial. Having drank it, and given thanks, I -was going to withdraw, but she would not part with me so; for nothing -less than my knowledge that this cordial was of her own making, from -whence she had the receipt, and an exact catalogue of the several cures -it had done, would serve her turn; which, taking up full three-quarters -of an hour, gave room to Patty and me to enjoy each other's glances for -that time, to our mutual satisfaction. At last the old prattlebox -having made a short pause to recover breath from the narrative of the -cordial, "Mr. Peter," says she, "you look as if you did not know poor -Patty; she has not left me so long that you should forget her; she is -a good tight wench, and I was sorry to part with her; but she is out of -place, she says, and as that dirty creature Nan is gone, I think to take -her again." I told her I well knew she was judge of a good servant, and -I did not doubt Patty was such, if she thought so; and then I made my -exit, lighter in heart by a pound than I came. - -I shall not tire you any farther with the amours between self and Patty; -but to let you know she quitted her place again seven months after, upon -the same score. - - - - -CHAPTER III. - - Minds his studies--Informs his master of his mother's - marriage, and usage of him--Hears of her death--Makes his - master his guardian--Goes with him to take possession of his - estate--Is informed all is given to his father-in-law--Moral - reflections on his condition, and on his father's crimes. - -I was now near nineteen years of age; and though I had so much more in -my head than my school-learning, I know not how it happened, but ever -since the commencement of my amour with Patty, having somebody to -disburden my mind to, and to participate in my concerns, I had been -much easier, and had kept true tally with my book, with more than usual -delight; and being arrived to an age to comprehend what I heard and -read, I could, from the general idea I had of things, form a pretty -regular piece of Latin, without being able to repeat the very rules it -was done by; so that I had the acknowledgment of my master for the best -capacity he ever had under his tuition: this, he not sparing frequently -to mention it before me, was the acutest spur he could have applied to -my industry; and now, having his good will, I began to disuse set hours -of exercise, but at my conveniency applied myself to my studies as I -best pleased, being always sure to perform as much, or more, than he -ever enjoined me; till I grew exceedingly in his confidence, and by -reason of my age (though I was but small, yet manly) I became rather his -companion upon parties than his direct pupil. - -It was upon one of these parties I took the opportunity to declare the -dissatisfaction I had at my mother's second marriage. "Sir," says I, -"surely I was of age to have known it first, especially considering the -affection my mother had always shown to me, and my never once having -done the least thing to disoblige her; but, sir," said I, "something -else, I fear, is intended by my mother's silence to me; for I have never -received above three letters from her since I came here, which is now, -you know, three years, and those were within the first three months. -I then showed him the fore-mentioned letter I received from my new -father-in-law, and assured him that gave me the first hint of this -second marriage." - -I found, by the attention my master gave to my relation, he seemed to -suspect this marriage would prove detrimental to me; but not on the -sudden knowing what to say to it, he told me he would consider of it; -and, by all means, advised me to write a very obliging letter to my new -father, with my humble request that he would please to order me home the -next recess of our learning. I did so under my master's dictation; and -not long after received an answer to the following effect:-- - -"Son Peter,--Your mother has been dead a good while; and as to your -request, it will be only expensive, and of little use; for a person who -must live by his studies can't apply to them too closely." - -This letter, if I had a little hope left, quite subdued my fortitude, -and well-nigh reduced me to clay. However, with tears in my eyes, I -showed it to my master, who, good man! wishing me well, "Peter," says -he, "what can this mean? here is some mystery concealed in it; here -is some ill design on foot!" Then taking the letter into his hand, "A -person who must live by his studies," says he; "here is more meant than -we can think for. Why, have not you a pretty estate to live upon, when -it comes to your hands? Peter," says he, "I would advise you to go to -your father and inquire how your affairs are left; but I am afraid -to let you go alone, and will, when my students depart at Christmas, -accompany you myself with all my heart; for you must know I have advised -on your affair already, and find you are of age to choose yourself a -guardian, who may be any relation or friend you can confide in; and may -see you have justice done you." I immediately thanked him for the hint, -and begged him to accept of the trust, as my only friend, having very -few, if any, near relations: this he with great readiness complied with, -and was admitted accordingly. - -So soon as our scholars were gone home, my master lending me a horse, -we set out together to possess ourselves of all my father's real estate, -and such part of the personal as he had been advised would belong to -me. Well, we arrived at the old house, but were not received with such -extraordinary tokens of friendship as would give the least room to -suppose we were welcome. For my part, all I said, or could say, was that -I was very sorry for my mother's death. My father replied so was he. -Here we paused, and might have sat silent till this time for me, if my -master, a grave man, who had seen the world, and was unwilling any part -of our time there, which we guessed would be short, should be lost, had -not broke silence. "Mr. G." says he, "I see the loss of Master Wilkins's -mother puts him under some confusion; so that you will excuse me, as his -preceptor and friend, in making some inquiry how his affairs stand, and -how his effects are disposed, as I don't doubt you have taken care to -schedule everything that will be coming to him; and though he is not -yet of the necessary age for taking upon himself the management of his -estate, he is nevertheless of capacity to understand the nature and -quantum of it, and to show his approbation of the disposition of it, -as if he was a year or two older." During this discourse, Mr. G. turned -pale, then reddened, was going to interrupt, then checked himself; but -however kept silence till my master had done; when, with a sneer, he -replied, "Sir, I must own myself a great stranger to your discourse; nor -can I, for my life, imagine what your harangue tends to; but sure I am, -I know of no estate, real or personal, or anything else belonging to -young Mr. Wilkins, to make a schedule of, as you call it: but this I -know, his mother had an estate in land, near two hundred a year, and -also a good sum of money when I married her; but the estate she settled -on me before her marriage, to dispose of after her decease as I saw fit; -and her money and goods are all come to my sole use, as her husband." I -was just ready to drop while Mr. G. gave this relation, and was not able -to reply a word; but my master, though sufficiently shocked at what he -had heard, replied, "Sir, I am informed the estate, and also the money -you mention, was Mr. Wilkins's father's at his death; and I am surprised -to think any one should have a better title to them than my pupil, his -only child."--"Sir," says Mr. G., "you are deceived; and though what you -say seems plausible enough, and is in some part true, as that the late -Mr. Wilkins had such estate, and some hundreds--I may say thousands--at -his death; yet you seem ignorant that he made a deed, just before -entering into the fatal rebellion, by which he gave my late wife both -the estate, money, and everything else he had, absolutely, without any -conditions whatsoever; all which, on his unhappy execution, she enjoyed, -and now of right, as I told you before, belongs to me. However, as -I have no child, if Peter behaves well under your direction, I have -thoughts of paying another year's board for him, and then he must shift -for himself."--"Oh!" cried I, "for the mercy of some savage beast to -devour me! Is this what I have been cockered up for? Why was I not -placed out to some laborious craft, where I might have drudged for bread -in my proper station? But I fear it is too late to inquire into what is -past, and must submit." - -My master, good man! was thunderstruck at what he had heard; and finding -our business done there, we took our leaves; after Mr. G. had again -repeated, that if I behaved well, my preceptor should keep me another -year, which was all I must expect from him; and at my departure he gave -me a crown-piece, which I then durst not refuse, for fear of offending -my master. - -We made the best of our way home again to my tutor's, where I stayed but -a week to consider what I should do for myself. In this time he did all -he could to comfort me; telling me if I would stay with him and become -his usher, he would complete my learning for nothing, and allow me a -salary for my trouble. But my heart was too lofty to think of becoming -an usher within so little way from mine own estate in other hands. -However, since I had not a penny of money to endeavour at recovering my -right with, I told my master I would consider of his proposal. - -During my stay with him he used all methods to make me as easy as -possible; and frequently moralised with so much effect, that I was -almost convinced I ought to submit and be content. Amongst the rest -of his discourse, he endeavoured to show me (one day after I had been -loudly condemning my cruel fortune, and saying I was born to be unhappy) -that I was mistaken if I thought or imagined it was chance or accident -that had been against me when I complained of fortune. "For," says he, -"Peter, there is nothing done below but is at least foreknown, if not -decreed, above; and our business in life is to believe so: not that I -would have such belief make us careless, and think it to no purpose to -strive, as some do; who, being persuaded that our actions are not in our -own choice, but that, being pressed by an irresistible decree, we -are forced to act this or that, fancy we must be necessarily happy or -miserable hereafter; or, as others, who, for fear of falling upon that -shocking principle, would even deprive the Almighty of foreknowledge, -lest it should consequentially amount to a decree: for, say they, what -is foreknown, will and must be. But I would have you act so as that, let -either of these tenets be true, you may still be sure of making yourself -easy and happy; and for that purpose let me recommend to you a uniform -life of justice and piety; always choosing the good rather than the bad -side of every action: for this, say they what they will to the contrary, -is not above the power of a reasonable being to practise: and doing so, -you may without scruple say,--If there is foreknowledge of my actions, -or they are decreed, I then am one who is foreknown or decreed to be -happy. And this, without farther speculation, you will find the only -means always to keep you so; for all men, of all denominations, fully -allow this happy effect to follow good actions. Again, Peter, a person -acting in a vicious course, with such an opinion in his head as above, -must surely be very miserable, as his very actions themselves must -pronounce the decree against him: whilst, therefore, we have not heard -the decree read, you see we may easily give sentence whether it be for -good or evil to us, by the tenor and course of our own actions. - -"You are not now to learn, Peter, that the crimes of the father are -often punished in the children, often in the father himself, sometimes -in both, and not seldom in neither, in this life; and though, at first, -one should think the future punishment annexed to bad actions was -sufficient, still it is necessary some should suffer here also for an -example to others; we being much more affected with what the eye sees, -than what the heart only meditates upon. - -"Now, to bring it to our own case; your father, Peter, rose against the -lawful magistrate, to deprive him (it matters not that he was a bad one) -of his lawful power. Your father's policy was such, and his design so -well laid, as he thought, that upon any ill success to himself, he had -secured his estate to go in the way of all others he could wish to have -it, and sits down very well contented that, happen what would, he should -bite the Government in preventing the forfeiture. But lo! his policy -is as a wall of sand blown down with a puff! for it is to you it ought, -even himself being umpire, to have come, as no one would think he would -prize any before you, his own child. Now, could he look from the grave, -and know what passes here, and see Mr. G. in possession of all he -fancied he had secured for you, what a weak and short-sighted creature -would he find himself! If it be said he did not know he should have a -child, then herein appears God's policy beyond man's; for He knew it, -and has so ordered that that child should be disinherited; for, by the -way, Peter, take this for a maxim, wherever the first principle of an -action is ill, no good consequence can possibly ever be an attendant on -it. Could he, as I said before, but look up and see you, his only child, -undone by the very instrument he designed for your security, how -pungent would be his anxiety! I say, Peter, though there is something -so unaccountable to human wisdom in such events of things, yet there is -something therein so reasonable and just withal, that by a prying eye, -the Supreme Hand may very visibly be seen in them. Now, this being -plainly the case before us, and herein the glory of the Almighty -exalted, rest content under it, and let not this disappointment, -befallen you for your father's faults, be attended with others sent down -for your own; but remember this, the Hand that depresses a man is no -less able to exalt and establish him." - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - - Departs secretly from his master--Travels to Bristol-- - Religious thoughts by the way--Enters on shipboard, and is - made captain's steward - -I seemed to be very well satisfied whilst my master was speaking; but -though I thought he talked like an angel, my former uneasiness seized me -at parting with him. In short, without more consideration, I rose in -the morning early and marched off, having first wrote to my wife at her -aunt's, relating the state of the case to her, with my resolution to -leave England the first opportunity, giving her what comfort I could, -assuring her if I ever was a gainer in life she should not fail to be a -partaker, and promising also to let her know where I settled. I walked -at a great rate, for fear my master's kindness should prompt him to -send after me; and taking the bye-ways, I reached by dark night a -little village, where I resolved to halt. Upon inquiry I found myself -thirty-five miles from my master's. I had eaten nothing all day, and was -very hungry and weary, but my crown-piece was as yet whole; however I -fed very sparingly, being over-pressed with the distress of my affairs -and the confusion of my thoughts. I slept that night tolerably, but the -morning brought its face of horror with it. I had inquired over-night -where I was, and been informed that I was not above sixteen miles from -Bristol, for which place I then resolved. - -At my setting out in the morning, after I had walked about three miles, -and had recollected a little my master's last discourse, I found by -degrees my spirit grew calmer than it had been since I left Mr. G. at my -house (as I shall ever call it), and looking into myself for the cause, -found another set of thoughts were preparing a passage into my mind, -which did not carry half the dread and terror with them that their -predecessors had; for I began to cast aside the difficulties and -apprehensions I before felt in my way, and encouraging the present -motions, soon became sensible of the benefit of a virtuous education; -and though what I had hitherto done in the immediate service of God, I -must own had been performed from force, custom, and habit, and without -the least attention to the object of the duty; yet, as under my mother -at home, and my master at the academy, I had been always used to say my -prayers, as they called it, morning and night: I began, with a sort of -superstitious reflection, to accuse myself of having omitted that duty -the night before, and also at my setting out in the morning, and very -much to blame myself for it, and, at the same instant, even wondered at -myself for that blame. What, says I, is the real use of this praying; -and to whom or to what do we pray? I see no one to pray to; neither have -I ever thought that my prayers would be answered. It is true they are -worded as if we prayed to God: but He is in heaven; does He concern -Himself with us who can do Him no service? Can I think all my prayers -that I have said, from day to day, so many years, have been heard by -Him? No, sure; if they had, I should scarce have sustained this hard -fate in my fortune. But hold, how have I prayed to Him? Have I earnestly -prayed to Him, as I used to petition my mother for anything when I -wanted it against her inclination? No, I can't say I have. And would my -mother have granted me such things, if she had not thought I had from my -heart desired them, when I used to be so earnest with her? No, surely; I -can't say she had any reason for it. But I had her indeed before me; now -I have not God in my view: He is in heaven. Yet, let me see; my master -(and I can't help thinking he must know) used to say that God is a -spirit, and not confined by the incumbrance of a body, as we are; now, -if it is so, why may He not virtually be present with me, though I don't -perceive Him? Why may He not be at once in heaven and elsewhere? For if -He consists not in parts, nothing can circumscribe Him: and, truly, -I believe it must be so; for if He is of that supreme power as He is -represented, He could never act in so unconfined a capacity, under -the restraint of place; but if He is an operative and purely spiritual -Being, then I can see no reason why His virtual essence should not -be diffused through all nature; and then (which I begin to think most -likely) why should I not suppose Him ever present with me, and able -to hear me? And why should not I, when I pray, have a full idea of the -Being, though not of any corporeal parts or form of God, and so have -actually somewhat to be intent upon in my prayers, and not do as I have -hitherto done, say so many words only upon my knees; which I cannot help -thinking may be as well without either sense or meaning in themselves, -as without a proper object in my mind to direct them unto? - -These thoughts agitated me at least two miles, working stronger and -stronger in me; till at length, bursting into tears, Have I been doing -nothing, says I, in the sight of God, under the name of prayers, for so -many years? Yes, it is certainly so. Well, by the grace of God, it shall -be so no longer; I will try somewhat more. So looking round about me, to -see if I was quite alone, I stepped into an adjoining copse, and could -scarce refrain falling on my knees, till I came to a proper place for -kneeling in. I then poured forth my whole soul and spirit to God; and -all my strength, and every member, every faculty was to the utmost -employed, for a considerable time, in the most agreeable as well as -useful duty. I would indeed have begun with my accustomed prayers, and -had repeated some words of them; when, as though against and contrary to -my design, I was carried away by such rapturous effusions that, to this -hour, when I reflect thereon, I cannot believe but I was moved to them -by a much more than human impulse. However, this ecstasy did not last -above a quarter of an hour; but it was considerably longer before my -spirits subsided to their usual frame. When I had a little composed -myself, how was I altered! how did I condemn myself for all my past -disquiet! what calm thanks did I return for the ease and satisfaction -of mind I then enjoyed! And coming to a small rivulet, I drank a hearty -draught of water and contentedly proceeded on my journey. I reached -Bristol about four o'clock in the afternoon. Having refreshed myself, -I went the same evening to the quay to inquire what ships were in the -river, whither bound, and when they would depart. My business was with -the sailors, of whom there were at that time great numbers there; but I -could meet with no employ, though I gave out I would gladly enter myself -before the mast. After I had done the best I could, but without success, -I returned to the little house I had dined at, and went to bed very -pensive. I did not forget my prayers; but I could by no means be roused -to such devotion as I felt in the morning. Next day I walked again -to the quay, asking all I met, who looked like seafaring men, for -employment; but could hear of none, there being many waiting for berths; -and I feared my appearance (which was not so mean as most of that sort -of gentry is) would prove no small disappointment to my preferment that -way. At last, being out of heart with my frequent repulses, I went to a -landing-place just by, and as I asked some sailors, who were putting two -gentlemen on shore, if they wanted a hand on board their ship, one of -the gentlemen, whom I afterwards found to be the master of a vessel -bound to the coast of Africa, turned back and looking earnestly on me, -"Young man," says he, "do you want employment on board?" I immediately -made him a bow, and answered, "Yes, sir." Said he, "There is no talking -in this weather (for it then blew almost a storm), but step into that -tavern," pointing to the place, "and I will be with you presently." I -went thither, and not long after came my future master. He asked me many -questions, but the first was, whether I had been at sea. I told him no; -but I did not doubt soon to learn the duty of a sailor. He then looked -on my hand, and shaking his head, told me it would not do, for I had too -soft a hand. I told him I was determined for the sea, and that my hand -and heart should go together; and I hoped my hand would soon harden, -though not my heart. He then told me it was a pity to take such a pretty -young fellow before the mast; but if I understood accounts tolerably, -and could write a good hand, he would make me his steward, and make it -worth my while. I answered in the affirmative, joyfully accepting his -offer; but on his asking me where my chest was (for, says he, if the -wind had not been so strong against me, I had fallen down the river -this morning), I looked very blank, and plainly told him I had no other -stores than I carried on my back. The captain smiled. Says he, "Young -man, I see you are a novice; why, the meanest sailor in my ship has a -chest, at least, and perhaps something in it. Come," says he, "my lad, -I like your looks; be diligent and honest; I will let you have a little -money to set you out, and deduct it in your pay." He was then pulling -out his purse, when I begged him, as he seemed to show me so great a -kindness, that he would order somebody to buy what necessaries he knew -I should want for me, or I should be under as great a difficulty to know -what to get, and where to buy them, as I should have been at for want of -them. He commended my prudence, and said he would buy them and send them -on board himself; so bid me trouble myself no more about them, but go to -the ship in the return of his boat, and stay there till he came; giving -me a ticket to the boat's crew to take me in. When I came to the shore, -the boat was gone off and at a good distance; but I hailed them, and -showing my ticket, they put back and took me safe to the ship; heartily -glad that I was entered upon my new service. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - - His first entertainment on board--Sets sail--His sickness-- - Engagement with a French privateer--Is taken and laid in - irons--Twenty-one prisoners turned adrift in a small boat - with only two days' provision - -Being once on board and in pay, I thought I was a man for myself, and -set about considering how to behave; and nobody knowing, as yet, upon -what footing I came on board, they took me for a passenger, as my dress -did not at all bespeak me a sailor; so every one, as I sauntered about, -had something to say to me. By and by comes a pert young fellow up: -"Sir," says he, "your servant; what, I see our captain has picked up a -passenger at last."--"Passenger?" says I; "you are pleased to be -merry, sir; I am no passenger."--"Why, pray," says he, "what may you -be then?"--"Sir," says I, "the captain's steward."--"You impertinent -puppy," says he, "what an answer you give me; you the captain's steward! -No, sir, that place, I can assure you, is in better hands!" and away he -turned. I knew not what to think of it, but was terribly afraid I should -draw myself into some scrape. By and by others asked me, some one thing, -some another, and I was very cautious what answers I made them, for fear -of offence: till a gravish sailor came and sat down by me; and after -talking of the weather and other indifferent matters, "Pray," says I, -"sir, who is that gentleman that was so affronted at me soon after I -came on board?"--"Oh," says he, "a proud, insignificant fellow, the -captain's steward; but don't mind him," says he; "he uses the captain -himself as bad; they have had high words just before the captain went on -shore; and had he used me as he did him, I should have made no ceremony -of tipping him overboard--a rascal!" Says I, "You surprise me; for the -captain sent me on board to be his steward, and agreed with me about it -this afternoon."--"Hush," says he, "I see how it will go; the captain, -if that's the case, will discharge him when he comes on board; and -indeed I believe he would not have kept him so long, but we have waited -for a wind, and he could not provide himself." - -The captain came on board at night; and the first thing he did was to -demand the keys of Mr. Steward, which he gave to me, and ordered him on -shore. - -The next morning the captain went on shore himself; but the wind -chopping about and standing fair about noon, he returned then with my -chest, and before night we were got into sailing order, and before the -wind with a brisk gale. - -What happened the first fourteen days of our passage I know not, having -been all that time so sick and weak I could scarcely keep life and soul -together; but after grew better and better. We prosecuted our voyage, -touching for about a week at the Madeiras in our way. The captain grew -very fond of me, and never put me to hard duty, and I passed my time, -under his favour, very pleasantly. One evening, being within sixty -leagues of the Cape of Palms, calm weather, but the little wind we had -against us, one of our men spied a sail, and gave the captain notice of -it He, not suspecting danger, minded it little, and we made what way the -wind would permit, but night coming on, and the calm continuing, about -peep of day we perceived we were infallibly fallen in with a French -privateer, who, hoisting French colours, called out to us to strike. Our -captain had scarce time to consider what to do, they were so near us; -but as he had twenty-two men on board, and eight guns he could bring -to, he called all hands upon deck, and telling them the consequence of a -surrender, asked them if they would stand by him. One and all swore -they would fight the ship to the bottom, rather than fall into the -privateer's hands. The captain immediately gave the word for a clear -deck, prepared his firearms, and begged them to be active and obey -orders; and perceiving the privateer out-numbered our hands by -abundance, he commanded all the small arms to be brought upon deck -loaded, and to run out as many of the ship's guns as she could bring to -on one side, and to charge them all with small shot, then stand to till -he gave directions. The privateer being a light ship, and a small breeze -arising, run up close to us, first firing one gun, then another, still -calling out to us to strike, but we neither returned fire nor answer, -till he came almost within pistol-shot of us, and seeing us a small -vessel, thought to board us directly; but then our captain ordered a -broadside, and immediately all hands to come on deck; himself standing -there at the time of our first fire with his fusee in his hand, and -near him I stood with another. We killed eight men and wounded several -others. The privateer then fired a broadside through and through us. -By this time our hands were all on deck, and the privateer pushing, in -hopes to grapple and board us, we gave them a volley from thence, that -did good execution; and then all hands to the ship's guns again, except -four, who were left along with me to charge the small arms. It is -incredible how soon they had fired the great guns and were on deck -again. This last fire, being with ball, raked the privateer miserably. -Then we fired the small arms, and away to the ship's guns. This we did -three times successively without loss of a man, and I believe if -we could have held it once more, and no assistance had come to the -privateer, she had sheered quite off: but our captain spying a sail -at some distance behind the privateer, who lay to windward of us, and -seeing by his glass it was a Frenchman, was almost dismayed; the same -sight put courage into our enemies, who thereupon redoubled the attack, -and the first volley of their small arms shot our captain in the breast, -upon which he dropped dead without stirring. I need not say that sight -shocked me exceedingly. Indeed it disconcerted the whole action; and -though our mate, a man of good courage and experience, did all that a -brave man could do to animate the men, they apparently drooped, and -the loss of the ship became inevitable; so we struck, and the Frenchman -boarded us. - -During the latter part of the engagement we had two men killed and five -wounded, who died afterwards of their wounds. We, who were alive, were -all ordered on board the Frenchman, who, after rifling us, chained us -two and two and turned us into the hold. Our vessel was then ransacked; -and the other privateer, who had suffered much the day before in an -engagement with an English twenty-gun ship of war, coming up, the prize -was sent by her into port, where she herself was to refit. In this -condition did I and fourteen of our crew lie for six weeks, till the -fetters on our legs had almost eaten to the bone, and the stench of the -place had well-nigh suffocated us. - -The "Glorieux" (for that was the name of the privateer who took us) -saw nothing farther in five weeks worth her notice, which very much -discouraged the men; and consulting together, it was agreed to cruise -more northward, between Sierra Leone and Cape de Verde; but about noon -next day they spied a sail coming west-north-west with a fresh gale. -The captain thereupon ordered all to be ready, and lie by for her. But -though she discerned us, she kept her way, bearing only more southward; -when the wind shifting to northeast, she ran for it, full before the -wind, and we after her, with all the sail we could crowd; and though -she was a very good sailer, we gained upon her, being laden, and before -night came pretty well up with her; but being a large ship, and the -evening hazy, we did not choose to engage her till morning. The next -morning we found she was slunk away; but we fetched her up, and hoisting -French colours, fired a shot, which she not answering, our captain run -alongside of her and fired a broadside; then slackening upon her, a -hard engagement ensued; the shot thumping so against our ship, that we -prisoners, who had nothing to do in the action, expected death, one or -other of us, every moment. The merchantman was so heavy loaded, and drew -so much water, that she was very unwieldy in action; so after a fight of -two hours, when most of her rigging and masts were cut and wounded, she -struck. Twelve men were sent on board her, and her captain and several -officers were ordered on board us. - -There were thirty-eight persons in her, including passengers; all of -whom, except five, and the like number which had been killed in the -action, were sent chained into the hold to us, who had lain there almost -six weeks. This prize put Monsieur into good heart, and determined him -to return home with her. But in two days' time his new acquisition was -found to have leaked so fast near the bottom, that before they were -aware of it the water was risen some feet. Several hands were employed -to find out the leak; but all asserted it was too low to be come at; and -as the pumps, with all the labour the prisoners, who were the persons -put to it, could use, would not reduce it, but it still increased, they -removed what goods they could into the privateer; and before they could -unload it the prize sunk. - -The next thing they consulted upon was what to do with the prisoners, -who, by the loss of the prize, were now grown too numerous to be trusted -in the privateer; fearing, too, as they were now so far out at sea, -by the great addition of mouths, they might soon be brought to short. -allowance, it was, on both accounts, resolved to give us the prize's -boat, which they had saved, and turn us adrift to shift for ourselves. -There were in all forty-three of us; but the privateer having lost -several of their own men in the two engagements, they looked us over, -and picking out two-and-twenty of us, who were the most likely fellows -for their purpose, the remaining one-and-twenty were committed to the -boat, with about two days' provision and a small matter of ammunition, -and turned out. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - - The boat, two hundred leagues from land, makes no way, but - drives more to sea by the wind--The people live nine days at - quarter allowance--Four die with hunger the twelfth day-- - Five more the fourteenth day--On the fifteenth they eat one - just dead--Want of water excessive--Spy a sail--Are taken up - --Work their passage to the African shore--Are sent on a - secret expedition--Are waylaid, taken slaves, and sent up - the country. - -When we, who were in the boat, came to reflect on our condition, the -prospect before us appeared very melancholy; though we had at first -readily enough embraced the offer, rather than perish in so much misery -as we suffered in our loathsome confinement. We now judged we were above -two hundred leagues from land, in about eight degrees north latitude; -and it blowing north-east, a pretty stiff gale, we could make no way, -but rather lost, for we aimed at some port in Africa, having neither -sail, compass, nor any other instrument to direct us; so that all the -observation we could make was by the sun for running southward, or as -the wind carried us, for we had lost the North Pole. As we had little -above two days' provisions, we perceived a necessity of almost starving -voluntarily, to avoid doing it quite, seeing it must be many days before -we could reach shore, if ever we did, having visibly driven a great deal -more southward than we were; nay, unless a sudden change happened, we -were sure of perishing, unless delivered by some ship that Providence -might send in our way. In short, the ninth day came, but no relief with -it; and though we had lived at quarter allowance, and but just saved -life, our food, except a little water, was all gone, and this caused -us quite to despair. On the twelfth day four of our company died with -hunger in a very miserable way; and yet the survivors had not strength -left to move them to pity their fellows. In truth, we had sat still, -attempting nothing in several days; as we found that, unless the wind -shifted, we only consumed the little strength we had left to no manner -of purpose. On the fourteenth day, and in the night, five more died, and -a sixth was near expiring; and yet we, the survivors, were so indolent, -we would scarce lend a hand to throw them overboard. On the fifteenth -day, in the morning, our carpenter, weak as he was, started up, and as -the sixth man was just dead, cut his throat, and whilst warm let out -what blood would flow; then pulling off his old jacket, invited us to -dinner, and cutting a large slice of the corpse, devoured it with as -much seeming relish as if it had been ox-beef. His example prevailed -with the rest of us, one after another, to taste and eat; and as -there had been a heavy dew or rain in the night, and we had spread out -everything we had of linen and woollen to receive it, we were a little -refreshed by wringing our clothes and sipping what came from them; after -which we covered them up from the sun, stowing them all close together -to keep in the moisture, which served us to suck at for two days after, -a little and a little at a time; for now we were in greater distress for -water than for meat. It has surprised me, many times since, to think how -we could make so light a thing of eating our fellow creature just dead -before our eyes; but I will assure you, when we had once tasted, we -looked on the blessing to be so great, that we cut and eat with as -little remorse as we should have had for feeding on the best meat in -an English market; and most certainly, when this corpse had failed, -if another had not dropped by fair means, we should have used foul by -murdering one of our number as a supply for the rest. - -Water, as I said before, to moisten our mouths, was now our greatest -hardship, for every man had so often drank his own, that we voided -scarce anything but blood, and that but a few drops at a time; our -mouths and tongues were quite flayed with drought, and our teeth just -fallen from our jaws; for though we had tried, by placing all the -dead men's jackets and shirts one over another, to strain some of the -sea-water through them by small quantities, yet that would not deprive -it of its pernicious qualities; and though it refreshed a little in -going down, we were so sick, and strained ourselves so much after it, -that it came up again, and made us more miserable than before. Our -corpse now stunk so, what was left of it, that we could no longer bear -it on board, and every man began to look with an evil eye on his fellow, -to think whose turn it would be next; for the carpenter had started the -question, and preached us into the necessity of it; and we had agreed, -the next morning, to put it to the lot who should be the sacrifice. In -this distress of thought it was so ordered by good Providence, that -on the twenty-first day we thought we spied a sail coming from the -north-west, which caused us to delay our lots till we should see whether -it would discover us or not: we hung up some jackets upon our oars, to -be seen as far off as we could, but had so little strength left we could -make no way towards it; however, it happened to direct its course so -much to our relief, that an hour before sunset it was within a league -of us, but seemed to bear away more eastward, and our fear was that they -should not know our distress, for we were not able to make any noise -from our throats that might be heard fifty yards; but the carpenter, who -was still the best man amongst us, with much ado getting one of the guns -to go off, in less than half-an-hour she came up with us, and seeing -our deplorable condition, took us all on board, to the number of eleven. -Though no methods were un-essayed for our recovery, four more of us -died in as many days. When the remaining seven of us came a little to -ourselves, we found our deliverers were Portuguese, bound for Saint -Salvadore. We told the captain we begged he would let us work our -passage with him, be it where it would, to shore; and then, if we could -be of no further service to him, we did not doubt getting into Europe -again: but in the voyage, as we did him all the service in our power, we -pleased him so well that he engaged us to stay with him to work the ship -home again, he having lost some hands by fever soon after his setting -sail. - -We arrived safe in port; and in a few days the captain, who had a secret -enterprise to take in hand, hired a country coasting vessel, and sent -her seventeen leagues farther on the coast for orders from some factory -or settlement there. I was one of the nine men who were destined to -conduct her; but not understanding Portuguese, I knew little of the -business we went upon. We were to coast it all the way; but on the tenth -day, just at sunrise, we fell in with a fleet of boats which had waylaid -us, and were taken prisoners. Being carried ashore, we were conducted a -long way up the country, where we were imprisoned, and almost starved, -though I never knew the meaning of it; nor did any of us, unless the -mate, who, we heard, was carried up the country much farther, to Angola; -but we never heard more of him, though we were told he would be sent -back to us. - -Here we remained under confinement almost three months, at the end of -which time our keeper told us we were to be removed; and coupling us two -and two together, sent a guard with us to Angola; when, crossing a -large river, we were set to work in removing the rubbish and stones of -a castle or fortress, which had been lately demolished by an earthquake -and lightning. Here we continued about five months, being very sparingly -dieted, and locked up every night. - -This place, however, I thought a paradise to our former dungeon; and as -we were not overworked, we made our lives comfortable enough, having the -air all day to refresh us from the heat, and not wanting for company; -for there were at least three hundred of us about the whole work; and -I often fancied myself at the tower of Babel, each labourer almost -speaking in a language of his own. - -Towards the latter end of our work our keepers grew more and more remiss -in their care of us. At my first coming thither, I had contracted a -familiarity with one of the natives, but of a different kingdom, who was -then a slave with me; and he and I being able tolerably to understand -each other, he hinted to me, one day, the desire he had of seeing his -own country and family, who neither knew whether he was dead or alive, -or where he was, since he had left them, seven years before, to make war -in this kingdom; and insinuated that as he had taken a great liking to -me, if I would endeavour to escape with him, and we succeeded, he would -provide for me. "For," says he, "you see, now our work is almost over, -we are but slightly guarded; and if we stay till this job is once -finished, we may be commanded to some new works at the other end of the -kingdom, for aught we know, so that our labours will only cease with our -lives: and for my part, immediate death in the attempt of liberty is to -me preferable to a lingering life of slavery." - -These, and such-like arguments, prevailed on me to accompany him, as he -had told me he had travelled most of the country before in the wars of -the different nations; so having taken our resolution, the following -evening, soon after our day's work, and before the time came for locking -up, we withdrew from the rest, but within hearing, thinking if we should -then be missed and called, we would appear and make some excuse for our -absence, but if not, we should have the whole night before us. - -When we were first put upon this work, we were called over singly, by -name, morning and evening, to be let out and in, and were very narrowly -observed in our motions; but not one of us having been ever absent, our -actions were at length much less minded than before, and the ceremony of -calling us over was frequently omitted; so that we concluded if we -got away unobserved the first night, we should be out of the reach of -pursuers by the next; which was the soonest it was possible for them to -overtake us, as we proposed to travel the first part of our journey with -the utmost despatch. - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - - The author escapes with Glanlepze a native--Their hardships - in travel--Plunder of a cottage--His fears--Adventure with a - crocodile--Passage of a river--Adventure with a lioness and - whelps--Arrive at Glanlepzis house--The trial of Glanlepze's - wife's constancy--The tender meeting of her and her - husband--The author's reflections thereupon. - -Having now set out with all possible speed, we seemed to each other as -joyful as we could; though it cannot be supposed we had no fears in our -minds the first part of our journey, for we had many; but as our way -advanced our fears subsided; and having, with scarce any delay, pushed -forwards for the first twenty-four hours, nature then began to have two -very pressing demands upon us, food and rest; but as one of them was -absolutely out of our power to comply with, she contented herself -with the other till we should be better able to supply her, and gave a -farther time till the next day. - -The next morning found us very empty and sharp-set, though a very sound -night's rest had contributed its utmost to refresh us. But what added -much to our discomfort was, that though our whole subsistence must come -from fruits, there was not a tree to be found at a less distance than -twelve leagues, in the open rocky country we were then in; but a good -draught of excellent water we met with did us extraordinary service, and -sent us with much better courage to the woods, though they were quite -out of the way of our route: there, by divers kinds of fruits, which, -though my companion knew very well, I was quite a stranger to, we -satisfied our hunger for the present, and took a moderate supply for -another opportunity. This retarded our journey very much, for in so hard -travel every pound weighed six before night. - -I cannot say this journey, though bad enough, would have been so -discouraging, but for the trouble of fetching our provisions so far; and -then, if we meant not to lose half the next day in the same manner, we -must double load ourselves, and delay our progress by that means; but we -still went on, and in about eight days got quite clear of Angola. - -On the eighth day, my companion, whose name was Glanlepze, told me we -were very near the confines of Congo, but there was one little village -still in Angola by which we must pass within half a league; and if I -would agree to it, he would go see what might be got here to supply -ourselves with. I told him I was in an unknown world, and would follow -wherever he should lead me; but asked him if he was not afraid of the -people, as he was not of that country. He told me as there had been wars -between them and his country for assisting their neighbours of Congo, -he was not concerned for any mischief he should do them, or they him. -"But," says he, "you have a knife in your pocket, and with that we will -cut two stout clubs, and then follow me and fear nothing." - -We soon cut our clubs, and marching on, in the midst of some small -shrubs and a few scattering trees, we saw a little hovel, larger indeed, -but worse contrived, than an English hog-stye, to which we boldly -advanced; and Glanlepze entering first, saluted an old man who was lying -on a parcel of rushes. The man attempted to run away, but Glanlepze -stopped him, and we tied his hands and feet He then set up such a -hideous howl, that had not Glanlepze threatened to murder him, and -prepared to do it, he would have raised the whole village upon us; -but we quieted him, and rummaging to find provision, which was all we -wanted, we by good luck spied best part of a goat hanging up behind a -large mat at the farther end of the room. By this time in comes a woman -with two children, very small. This was the old man's daughter, of about -five-and-twenty. Glanlepze bound her also, and laid her by the old man; -but the two children we suffered to lie untied. We then examined her, -who told us the old man was her father, and that her husband, having -killed a goat that morning, was gone to carry part of it to his sister; -that they had little or no corn; and finding we wanted victuals, she -told us there was an earthen pot we might boil some of the goat in if we -pleased. - -Having now seen all that was to be had, we were going to make up our -bundle, when a muletto very gently put his head into the doorway: him -Glanlepze immediately seized; and bidding me fetch the great mat and the -goat's flesh, he in the meantime put a long rope he found there about -the beast's neck, and laying the mat upon him, we packed up the goat's -flesh and a little corn in a calabash-shell; and then turning up the mat -round about, skewered it together, and over all we tied the earthen pot; -Glanlepze crying out at everything we loaded, "It is no hurt to plunder -an enemy!" and so we marched off. - -I own I had greater apprehensions from this adventure than from anything -before. "For," says I, "if the woman's husband returns soon, or if she -or her father can release themselves, they will raise the whole village -upon us, and we are undone." But Glanlepze laughed at me, saying we had -not an hour's walk out of the Angola dominions, and that the king of -Congo was at war with them in helping the king of Loango, whose subject -himself was; and that the Angolans durst not be seen out of their -bounds on that side the kingdom; for there was a much larger village -of Congovians in our way, who would certainly rise and destroy them, if -they came in any numbers amongst them; and though the war being carried -on near the sea, the borders were quiet, yet, upon the least stir, the -whole country would be in arms, whilst we might retire through the woods -very safely. - -Well, we marched on as fast as we could all the remainder of that day -till moonlight, close by the skirt of a long wood, that we might take -shelter therein, if there should be occasion $ and my eyes were the best -part of the way behind me; but neither hearing nor seeing anything to -annoy us, and finding by the declivity of the ground we should soon -be in some plain or bottom, and have a chance of water for us all, and -pasture for our muletto, which was now become one of us, we would not -halt till we found a bottom to the hill, which in half an hour more we -came to, and in some minutes after to a rivulet of fine clear water, -where we resolved to spend the night. Here we fastened our muletto -by his cord to a stake in the ground; but perceiving him not to -have sufficient range to fill his belly in before morning, we, under -Glanlepze's direction, cut several long slips from the mat, and soaking -them well in water, twisted them into a very strong cord, of sufficient -length for the purpose. And now, having each of us brought a bundle -of dry fallen sticks from the wood with us, and gathered two or three -flints as we came along, we struck fire on my knife upon some rotten -wood, and boiled a good piece of our goat's flesh; and having made such -a meal as we had neither of us made for many months before, we laid us -down and slept heartily till morning. - -As soon as day broke we packed up our goods, and filling our calabash -with water, we loaded our muletto, and got forward very pleasantly that -day and several others following, and had tolerable lodgings. - -About noon, one day, travelling with great glee, we met an adventure -which very much daunted me, and had almost put a stop to my hopes of -ever getting where I intended. We came to a great river whose name I -have now forgot, near a league over, but full, and especially about -the shores, of large trees that had fallen from the mountains and been -rolled down with the floods, and lodged there in a shocking manner. This -river, Glanlepze told me, we must pass: for my part, I shrunk at the -sight of it, and told him if he could get over, I would not desire to -prevent his meeting with his family; but as for my share, I had rather -take my chance in the woods on this side than plunge myself into such -a stream only for the sake of drowning. "Oh!" says Glanlepze, "then you -can't swim?"--"No," says I; "there's my misfortune."--"Well," says the -kind Glanlepze, "be of good heart; I'll have you over." He then bade me -go cut an armful of the tallest of the reeds that grew there near the -shore, whilst he pulled up another where he then was, and bring them to -him. The side of the river sloped for a good way with an easy descent, -so that it was very shallow where the reeds grew, and they stood very -close together upon a large compass of ground. I had no sooner entered -the reeds a few yards, to cut some of the longest, but (being about -knee-deep in the water and mud, and every step raising my feet very high -to keep them clear of the roots, which were matted together) I thought -I had trod upon a trunk of one of the trees, of which, as I said, there -was such plenty thereabouts; and raising my other foot to get that also -upon the tree, as I fancied it, I found it move along with me; upon -which I roared out, when Glanlepze, who was not far from me, imagining -what was the matter, cried out, "Leap off, and run to shore to the -right!" I knew not yet what was the case, but did what I was bid, and -gained the shore. Looking back, I perceived the reeds shake and -rustle all the way to the shore, by degrees after me. I was terribly -frightened, and ran to Glanlepze, who then told me the danger I had -escaped, and that what I took for a tree was certainly a large alligator -or crocodile. - -My blood ran chill within me at hearing the name of such a dangerous -creature; but he had no sooner told me what it was, than out came -the most hideous monster I had ever seen. Glanlepze ran to secure the -muletto; and then taking the cord which had fastened him, and tying it -to each end of a broken arm of a tree that lay on the shore, he marched -up to the crocodile without the least dismay, and beginning near the -tail, with one leg on one side, and the other on the other side, he -straddled over him, still mending his pace as the beast crept forward, -till he came to his fore-feet; then throwing the great log before his -mouth, he, by the cord in his hand, bobbed it against the creature's -nose, till he gaped wide enough to have taken in the muletto; then of -a sudden, jerking the wood between his jaws with all his force by the -cord, he gagged the beast, with his jaws wide open up to his throat, so -that he could neither make use of his teeth nor shut his mouth; he then -threw one, end of the cord upon the ground, just before the creature's -under-jaw, which, as he by degrees crept along over it, came out behind -his fore-legs on the contrary side; and serving the other end of it in -the same manner, he took up those ends and tied them over the creature's -back, just within his forelegs, which kept the gag firm in his mouth; -and then calling out to me (for I stood at a good distance), "Peter," -says he, "bring me your knife!" I trembled at going so near, for the -crocodile was turning his head this way and that very uneasy, and -wanting to get to the river again, but yet I carried it, keeping as -much behind him as I could, still eyeing him which way he moved, and at -length tossed my knife so near that Glanlepze could reach it; and he, -just keeping behind the beast's forefeet, and leaning forward, first -darted the knife into one eye, and then into the other; and immediately -leaping from his back, came running to me. "So, Peter," says he, "I have -done the business."--"Aye! business enough, I think," says I, "and more -than I would have done to have been king of Congo."--"Why, Peter," says -he, "there is nothing but a man may compass by resolution, if he takes -both ends of a thing in his view at once, and fairly deliberates on both -sides what may be given and taken from end to end. What you have seen -me perform is only from a thorough notion I have of this beast and of -myself, how far each of us hath power to act and counteract upon the -other, and duly applying the means. But,", says he, "this talk will not -carry us across the river; come, here are the reeds I have pulled up, -which I believe will be sufficient without any more, for I would -not overload the muletto."--"Why," says I, "is the muletto to carry -them?"--"No, they are to carry you," says he.--"I can never ride upon -these," says I.--"Hush!" says he, "I'll not lose you, never fear. Come, -cut me a good tough stick, the length of these reeds."--"Well," says I, -"this is all conjuration; but I don't see a step towards my getting over -the river yet, unless I am to ride the muletto upon these reeds, and -guide myself with the stick." - -"I must own, Peter," says he, "you have a bright guess." So taking an -armful of the reeds, and laying them on the ground, "Now, Peter," says -he, "lay that stick upon those reeds and tie them tight at both ends." -I did so. "Now, Peter," says he, "lay yourself down upon them." I then -laying myself on my back, lengthwise, upon the reeds, Glanlepze laughed -heartily at me, and turning me about, brought my breast upon the reeds -at the height of my arm-pits; and then taking a handful of the reeds he -had reserved by themselves, he laid them on my back, tying them to the -bundle close at my shoulders, and again at the ends. "Now, Peter," says -he, "stand up;" which I did, but it was full as much as I could do. I -then seeing Glanlepze laughing at the figure I cut, desired him to be -serious, and not put me upon losing my life for a joke; for I could not -think what he would do next with me. He bid me never fear; and looking -more soberly, ordered me to walk to the river, and so stand just within -the bank till he came; then leading the muletto to me, he tied me to -her, about a yard from the tail, and taking the cord in his hand, led -the muletto and me into the water. We had not gone far before my guide -began to swim, then the muletto and I were presently chin-deep, and I -expected nothing but drowning every moment: however, having gone so far, -I was ashamed to cry out; when getting out of my depth, and my reeds -coming to their bearing, up I mounted, and was carried on with all -the ease imaginable; my conductor guiding us between the trees so -dexterously, that not one accident happened to either of us all the way, -and we arrived safe on the opposite shore. - -We had now got into a very low, close, swampy country, and our goat's -flesh began to be very stale through the heat, not only of the sun, but -the muletto's back: however, we pleased ourselves we should have one -more meal of it before it was too bad to eat; so, having travelled about -three miles from the river, we took up our lodging on a little rising, -and tied our muletto in a valley about half a furlong below us, where he -made as good a meal in his way as we did in ours. - -We had but just supped, and were sauntering about to find the easiest -spot to sleep on, when we heard a rustling and a grumbling noise in a -small thicket just on our right, which seeming to approach nearer and -nearer, Glanlepze roused himself, and was on his legs just time enough -to see a lioness and a small whelp which accompanied her, within thirty -yards of us, making towards us, as we afterwards guessed, for the sake -of our goat's flesh, which now smelt very strong. Glanlepze whipped on -the contrary side of the fire to that where the goat's flesh lay, and -fell to kicking the fire about at a great rate, which being made of dry -wood, caused innumerable sparks to fly about us; but the beasts still -approaching in a couchant manner, and seizing the ribs of the goat -and other bones (for we had only cut the flesh off), and grumbling and -cracking them like rotten twigs, Glanlepze snatched up a fire-brand, -flaming, in each hand, and made towards them; which sight so terrified -the creatures that they fled with great precipitation to the thicket -again. - -Glanlepze was a little uneasy at the thoughts of quitting so good a -lodging as we had found, but yet held it best to move farther; for as -the lions had left the bones behind them, we must expect another visit -if we stayed there, and could hope for no rest; and, above all, we might -possibly lose our muletto; so we removed our quarters two miles farther, -where we slept with great tranquillity. - -Reflections on the nature of mankind have often astonished me. I told -you at first my thoughts concerning prayer in my journey to Bristol, and -of the benefit I received from it, and how fully I was convinced of -the necessity of it; which one would think was a sufficient motive to a -reasonable creature to be constant in it; and yet, it is too true that, -notwithstanding the difficulties I had laboured under, and hardships I -had undergone, and the danger of starving at sea or being murdered for -food by my fellows, when there was as urgent a necessity of begging -Divine assistance as can be conceived, I never once thought of it, nor -of the Object of it, nor returned thanks for my being delivered, till -the lioness had just left me; and then I felt near the same force urging -me to return thanks for my escape, as I had impelling me to prayer -before; and I think I did so with great sincerity. - -I shall not trouble you with a relation of the common accidents of our -journey, which lasted two months and better, nor with the different -methods we used to get subsistence, but shall at once conduct you to -Quamis; only mentioning that we were sometimes obliged to go about, and -were once stopped by a cut that my guide and companion received by a -ragged stone in his foot, which growing very bad, almost deprived me of -the hopes of his life; but by rest and constant sucking and licking it, -which was the only remedy we had to apply, except green leaves chewed, -that I laid to it by his direction, to supple and cool it, he soon began -to be able to ride upon the muletto, and sometimes to walk a little. - -I say we arrived at Quamis, a small place on a river of that name, where -Glanlepze had a neat dwelling, and left a wife and five children when -he went out to the wars. We were very near the town when the day closed; -and as it is soon dark there after sunset, you could but just see -your hand at our entrance into it We met nobody in the way, but I went -directly to Glanlepze's door, by his direction, and struck two or three -strokes hard against it with my stick. On this there came a woman to -it stark-naked. I asked her, in her own language, if she knew one -Glanlepze. She told me, with a deep sigh, that once she did. I asked -then where he was. She said, with their ancestors, she hoped, for he -was the greatest warrior in the world; but if he was not dead, he was -in slavery. Now you must know Glanlepze had a mind to hear how his wife -took his death or slavery, and had put me upon asking these questions -before he discovered himself. I proceeded then to tell her I brought -some news of Glanlepze, and was lately come from him, and by his order. -"And does my dear Glanlepze live!" says she, flying upon my neck, and -almost smothering me with caresses, till I begged her to forbear, or she -would strangle me, and I had a great deal more to tell her; then ringing -for a light, when she saw I was a white man she seemed in the utmost -confusion at her own nakedness; and immediately retiring, she threw a -cloth round her waist and came to me again. I then repeated to her that -her husband was alive and well, but wanted a ransom to redeem himself, -and had sent me to see what she could anyways raise for that purpose. -She told me she and her children had lived very hardly ever since he -went from her, and she had nothing to sell, or make money of, but her -five children; that as this was the time for the slaving-trade, she -would see what she could raise by them, and if that would not do, she -would sell herself and send him the money, if he would let her know how -to do it. - -Glanlepze, who heard every word that passed, finding so strong a proof -of his wife's affection, could hold out no longer, but bursting into the -room, clasped her in his arms, crying, "No, Zulika! (for that was -her name) I am free; there will be no occasion for your or my dear -children's slavery, and rather than have purchased my freedom at that -rate, I would willingly have died a slave myself. But my own ears have -heard the tender sentiments my Zulika has for me." Then, drowned in -tears of joy, they embraced each other so close and so long, that I -thought it impertinent to be seen with them till their first transports -were over. So I retired without the house, till Glanlepze called me in, -which was not less than full half an hour. I admired at the love and -constancy of the person I had just left behind me; and, Good Heaven, -thinks I to myself, with a sigh, how happy has this our escape rendered -Glanlepze and his wife! what a mutual felicity do they feel! And what -is the cause of all this? Is it that he has brought home great treasures -from the wars? Nothing like it; he is come naked. Is it that, having -escaped slavery and poverty, he is returned to an opulent wife, -abounding with the good things of life? No such thing. What, then, can -be the cause of this excess of satisfaction, this alternate joy, that -Patty and I could not have been as happy with each other? Why, it was my -pride that interposed and prevented it. But what am I like to get by -it, and by all this travel and these hazards? Is this the way to make -a fortune, to get an estate? No, surely the very contrary. I could not, -forsooth, labour for Patty and her children where I was known; but am I -any better for labouring here where I am not known, where I have nobody -to assist me, than I could have been where I am known, and where there -would have been my friends about me, at least, if they could have -afforded no great assistance? I have been deceived, then, and have -travelled so many thousand miles, and undergone so many dangers, only to -know at last I had been happier at home; and have doubled my misery for -want of consideration--that very consideration which, impartially -taken, would have convinced me I ought to have made the best of my bad -circumstances, and to have laid hold of every commendable method of -improving them. Did I come hither to avoid daily labour or voluntary -servitude at home? I have had it in abundance. Did I come hither to -avoid poverty or contempt? Here I have met with them tenfold And now, -after all, was I to return home empty and naked, as Glanlepze has done, -should I meet a wife, as bare as myself, so ready to die in my embraces, -and to be a slave herself, with her children, for my sake only? I fear -not. - -These and the like reflections had taken possession of me when Glanlepze -called me in; where I found his wife, in her manner, preparing our -supper, with all that cheerfulness which gives a true lustre to -innocence. - -The bustle we made had by this time awakened the children; who, -stark-naked as they were born, both boys and girls, came crawling out, -black as jet, from behind a curtain at the farther end of the room, -which was very long. The father as yet had only inquired after them; -but upon sight of them he fell into an ecstasy, kissing one, stroking -another, dandling a third, for the eldest was scarce fourteen; but -not one of them knew him, for seven years makes a great chasm in young -memories. The more I saw of this sport, the stronger impression Patty -and my own children made upon me. My mind had been so much employed on -my own distresses, that those dear ideas were almost effaced; but this -moving scene introduced them afresh, and imprinted them deeply on my -imagination, which cherished the sweet remembrance. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - - How the author passed his time with Glanlepze--His - acquaintance with some English prisoners--They project an - escape--He joins them--They seize a Portuguese ship and get - off.--Make a long run from land--Want water--They anchor at - a desert island--The boat goes on shore for water--They - lose their anchor in a storm--The author and one Adams drove - to sea--A miraculous passage to a rock--Adams drowned there-- - The author's miserable condition - -I passed my time with Glanlepze and his wife, who both really loved -me, with sufficient bodily quiet, for about two years: my business -was chiefly, in company with my patron, to cultivate a spot of ground -wherein we had planted grain and necessaries for the family; and once or -twice a week we went a fishing, and sometimes hunted and shot venison. -These were our chief employments; for as to excursions for slaves, which -is a practice in many of those countries, and what the natives get money -by, since our own slavery, Glanlepze and I could not endure it. - -Though I was tolerably easy in my external circumstances, yet my mind -hankering after England made my life still: unhappy; and that infelicity -daily increased as I saw the less probability of attaining my desire. At -length, hearing of some European sailors who were under confinement for -contraband trade at a Portuguese fort about two miles from Quamis, I -resolved to go to see them; and if any of them should be English, at -least to inquire after my native country. I went and found two Dutchmen -who had been sailors in British pay several years, three Scotchmen, -an Irishman, and five Englishmen, but all had been long in English -merchants' service. They were taken, as they told me, by a Portuguese -vessel, together with their ship, as a Dutch prize under pretence of -contraband trade. The captain was known to be a Dutchman, though he -spoke good English, and was then in English pay and his vessel English; -therefore they would have it that he was a Dutch trader, and so seized -his ship in the harbour, with the prisoners in it The captain, who was -on shore with several of his men, was threatened to be laid in irons if -he was taken, which obliged him and his men to abscond, and fly overland -to an English factory for assistance to recover his ship and cargo; -being afraid to appear and claim it amongst so many enemies without an -additional force. They had been in confinement two months, and their -ship confiscated and sold. In this miserable condition I left them, but -returned once or twice a week for a fortnight or three weeks to visit -them. These instances of regard, as they thought them, created some -confidence in me, so that they conversed with me very freely. Amongst -other discourse, they told me one day that one of their crew who went -with the captain had been taken ill on the way, and being unable to -proceed, was returned; but as he talked good Portuguese, he was not -suspected to belong to them; and that he had been to visit them, and -would be there again that day. I had a mind to see him, so stayed longer -than I intended, and in about an hour's time he came. After he was -seated he asked who I was, and (privately) if I might be trusted. Being -satisfied I might, for that I was a Cornish man, he began as follows, -looking narrowly about to see he was not overheard: "My lads," says he, -"be of good courage; I have hopes for you; be but men and we shall see -better days yet." I wondered to what this preface tended, when he told -us that since his return from the captain, as he spoke good Portuguese -and had sailed on board Portuguese traders several years, he mixed among -that people, and particularly among the crew of the "Del Cruz," the ship -which had taken them; that that ship had partly unloaded, and was taking -in other goods for a future voyage; that he had informed himself of -their strength, and that very seldom more than three men and two boys -lay on board; that he had hired himself to the captain, and was to go -on board the very next day. "Now," says he, "my lads, if you can break -prison any night after to-morrow, and come directly to the ship (telling -them how she lay, for, says he, you cannot mistake, you will find two -or three boats moored in the gut against the church), I will be ready to -receive you, and we will get off with her in lieu of our ship they have -taken from us, for there is nothing ready to follow us." - -The prisoners listened to this discourse very attentively; but scratched -their heads, fearing the difficulty of it, and severer usage if they -miscarried, and made several objections; but at last they all swore to -attempt it the night but one following. Upon which the sailor went away -to prepare for their reception on board. After he was gone, I surveyed -his scheme attentively in my own mind, and found it not so difficult as -I first imagined, if the prisoners could but escape cleverly. So before -I went away I told them I approved of their purpose; and as I was their -countryman, I was resolved, with their leaves, to risk my fortune with -them. At this they seemed much pleased, and all embraced me. We then -fixed the peremptory night, and I was to wait at the water-side and get -the boats in readiness. - -The prison they were in was a Portuguese fort, which had been deserted -ever since the building a much better on the other side of the river, a -gunshot lower. It was built with walls too thick for naked men to storm; -the captives were securely locked up every night; and two soldiers, -or sentinels, kept watch in an outer-room, who were relieved from the -main-guard in the body of the building. - -The expected night arrived, and a little before midnight, as had been -concerted, one of the prisoners cried out he was so parched up he was on -fire, he was on fire! The sentinels were both asleep, but the first that -waked called at the door to know what was the matter. The prisoner still -crying out, "I am on fire!" the rest begged the sentinel to bring a bowl -of water for him, for they knew not what ailed him. - -The good-natured fellow, without waking his companion, brought the -water, and having a lamp in the guard-room, opened the door; when the -prisoners seizing his arms, and commanding him to silence, bound his -hands behind him, and his feet together; then serving the other in the -same manner, who was now just awake, and taking from them their swords -and muskets, they made the best of their way over the fort wall; which -being built with buttresses on the inside was easily surmounted. Being -got out, they were not long in finding me, who had before this time made -the boats ready and was impatiently waiting for them; so in we all got -and made good speed to the ship, where we were welcomed by our companion -ready to receive us. - -Under pretence of being a new-entered sailor, he had carried some -Madeira wine on board, and treated the men and boys so freely that he -had thrown them into a dead sleep, which was a wise precaution. There -being now, therefore, no fear of disturbance or interruption, we drew up -the two boats and set all hands at work to put the ship under way; and -plied it so closely, the wind favouring us, that by eleven o'clock the -next morning we were out of sight of land; but we set the men and boys -adrift, in one of the boats, nigh the mouth of the river. - -The first thing we did after we had made a long run from shore was to -consult what course to steer. Now, as there was a valuable loading on -board of goods from Portugal and others taken in since, some gave their -opinion for sailing directly for India, selling the ship and cargo there -and returning by some English vessel; but that was rejected; for we did -not doubt but notice would be given of our escape along the coast, and -if we should fall into the Portuguese's hands, we could expect no mercy; -besides, we had not people sufficient for such an enterprise. Others, -again, were for sailing the directest course for England; but I told -them, as our opinions were different, and no time was to be lost, my -advice was to stretch southward till we might be quite out of fear of -pursuit, and then, whatever course we took, by keeping clear of all -coasts, we might hope to come safe off. - -My proposal seemed to please the whole crew; so crowding all the sail -we could, we pushed southwards very briskly before the wind for several -days. We now went upon examining our stores, and found we had flour -enough, plenty of fish and salt provisions, but were scant of water and -wood; of the first whereof there was not half a ton, and but very little -of the latter. This made us very uneasy, and being none of us expert in -navigation farther than the common working of the ship, and having no -chart on board that might direct us to the nearest land, we were almost -at our wits' end, and came to a short allowance of liquor. That we must -get water if we could was indisputable; but where to do it puzzled us, -as we had determined not to get in with the African shore on any account -whatever. - -In this perplexity, and under the guidance of different opinions (for -we were all captains now), we sometimes steered eastward, and sometimes -westward, for about nine days, when we espied a little bluish cloud-like -appearance to the southwest; this continuing, we hoped it might be land, -and therefore made to it. Upon our nearer approach we found it to be, -as we judged, an island; but not knowing its name or whether it was -inhabited, we coasted round it two days to satisfy ourselves as to this -last particular. Seeing no living creature on it during that time, and -the shore being very broken, we came to an anchor about two miles from -it, and sent ten of our crew in our best boat with some casks to get -water and cut wood. The boat returned at night with six men and the -casks filled, having left four behind to go on with the cutting of wood -against next day. Accordingly next morning the boat went off again and -made two turns with water and wood ere night, which was repeated for two -or three days after. On the sixth she went off for wood only, leaving -none but me and one John Adams on board. - -The boat had scarce reached the island this last turn before the day -overcast, and there arose such a storm of wind, thunder, lightning, and -hail as I had never before seen. At last our cable broke close to the -anchor, and away we went with the wind full southward by west; and not -having strength to keep the ship upon a side wind, we were forced to set -her head right before it and let her drive. Our hope was, every hour, -the storm would abate; but it continued with equal violence for many -days, during all which time neither Adams nor I had any rest, for one or -other of us was forced, and sometimes both, to keep her right before the -wind, or she would certainly have overset. When the storm abated, as it -did by degrees, neither Adams nor I could tell where we were, or in what -part of the world. - -I was sorry I had no better a sailor with me, for neither Adams nor -myself had ever made more than one voyage till now, so that we were both -unacquainted with the latitude, and scarce knew the use of the compass -to any purpose; and being out of all hope of ever reaching the island to -our companions, we neither knew which way to steer, nor what to do; and -indeed had we known where we were, we two only could not have been -able to navigate the ship to any part we desired, or ever to get to the -island, unless such a wind as we had before would of itself have driven -us thither. - -Whilst we were considering, day after day, what to do, though the sea -was now very calm and smooth, the ship seemed to sail at as great a rate -as before, which we attributed to the velocity she had acquired by -the storm, or to currents that had set that way by the violence of the -winds. Contenting ourselves with this, we expected all soon to be right -again; and as we had no prospect of ever seeing our companions, we kept -the best look-out we could to see for any vessel coming that course -which might take us in, and resolved to rest all our hopes upon that. - -When we had sailed a good while after this manner, we knew not whither, -Adams called out, "I see land!" My heart leapt within me for joy, and -we hoped the current that seemed to carry us so fast set in for some -islands or rivers that lay before us. But still we were exceedingly -puzzled at the ship's making such way, and the nearer we approached the -land, which was now very visible, the more speed the ship made, though -there was no wind stirring. We had but just time to think on this -unexpected phenomenon, when we found that what we had taken for land was -a rock of an extraordinary height, to which, as we advanced nearer, -the ship increased its motion, and all our strength could not make her -answer her rudder any other way. This put us under the apprehension -of being dashed to pieces immediately, and in less than half an hour I -verily thought my fears had not been groundless. Poor Adams told me he -would try when the ship struck if he could leap upon the rock, and ran -to the head for that purpose; but I was so fearful of seeing my danger -that I ran under hatches, resolving to sink in the ship. We had no -sooner parted but I felt so violent a shock that I verily thought the -ship had brought down the whole rock upon her, and been thereby dashed -to pieces, so that I never more expected to see the light. - -I lay under this terror for at least half an hour, waiting the ship's -either filling with water or bulging every moment. But finding neither -motion in her nor any water rise, nor the least noise whatsoever, I -ventured with an aching heart from my retreat, and stole up the hatchway -as if an enemy had been on deck, peeping first one way then another. -Here nothing presented but confusion, the rock hung over the hatchway -at about twenty feet above my head, our foremast lay by the board, the -mainmast yard-arm was down, and great part of the mainmast snapped -off with it, and almost everything upon deck was displaced. This sight -shocked me extremely; and calling for Adams, in whom I hoped to find -some comfort, I was too soon convinced I had lost him. - -Wilkins thinks of destroying himself--His soliloquy--Strange accident in -the hold--His surprise--Cannot climb the rock--His method to sweeten his -water--Lives many months on board---Ventures to sea in his boat several -times, and takes many fish--Almost overcome by an eel. - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -After I had stood a while in the utmost confusion of thought, and my -spirits began to be a little composed, I was resolved to see what damage -the hull of the ship had received. Accordingly I looked narrowly, but -could find none, only she was immovably fixed in a cleft of the -rock, like a large archway, and there stuck so fast, that though upon -fathoming I could find no bottom, she never moved in the least by the -working of the water. - -I now began to look upon Adams as a happy man, being delivered by an -immediate death from such an inextricable scene of distress, and wished -myself with him a thousand times. I had a great mind to have followed -him into the other world; yet I know not how it is, there is something -so abhorrent to human nature in self-murder, be one's condition what -it will, that I was soon determined on the contrary side. Now again I -perceived that the Almighty had given me a large field to expatiate in -upon the trial of His creatures, by bringing them into imminent dangers -ready to overwhelm them, and at the same time, as it were, hanging out -the flag of truce and mercy to them. These thoughts brought me to my -knees, and I poured out my soul to God in a strain of humiliation, -resignation to His will, and earnest petitions for deliverance or -support in this distress. Having finished, I found myself in a more -composed frame; so having eaten a biscuit and drank a can of water, and -not seeing anything to be done whereby I could better my condition, I -sat me down upon the deck, and fell into the following soliloquy-- - -Peter, says I, what have you to do here?--Alas! replied I to myself, I -am fixed against my will in this dismal mansion, destined, as rats might -be, to devour the provisions only, and having eaten all up, to perish -with hunger for want of a supply.--Then, says I, of what use are you in -the world, Peter?--Truly, answered I, of no other use that I can see but -to be an object of misery for Divine vengeance to work upon, and to show -what a deplorable state human nature can be reduced to; for I cannot -think any one else can be so wretched.--And again, Peter, says I, what -have you been doing ever since you came into the world?--I am afraid, -says I, I can answer no better to this question than to either of the -former; for if only reasonable actions are to be reckoned among my -doings, I am sure I have done little worth recording; for let me see -what it all amounts to. I spent my first sixteen years in making a fool -of my mother; my three next in letting her make a fool of me, and in -being fool enough myself to get me a wife and two children before I was -twenty. The next year was spent in finding out the misery of slavery -from experience. Two years more I repined at the happiness of my -benefactor, and at finding it was not my lot to enjoy the same. This -year is not yet spent, and how many more are to come, and where they may -be passed, and what they may produce, requires a better head than mine -even to guess at; but certainly my present situation seems to promise -nothing beside woe and misery.--But hold a little, says I, and let me -clearly state my own wretchedness. I am here, it is true; but for any -good I have ever done or any advantage I have reaped in other places, I -am as well here as anywhere. I have no present want of food or unjust -or cruel enemy to annoy me; so as long as the ship continues entire -and provisions last, I shall do tolerably. Then why should I grieve -or terrify myself about what may come? What my frighted imagination -suggests may perhaps never happen. Deliverance, though not to be looked -for, is yet possible; and my future fate may be as different from -my present condition as this is from the hopes with which I lately -flattered myself. And why, after all, may I not die a natural death -here as well as anywhere? All mankind die, and then there is an end of -all----An end of all! did I say? No, there is something within that -gives me the lie when I say so. Let me see; Death, my master used to -say, is not an end, but a beginning of real life: and may it not be so? -May I not as well undergo a change from this to a different state of -life when I leave this world, as be born into it I know not from whence? -Who sent me into this world? Who framed me of two natures so unlike, -that death cannot destroy but one of them? It must be the Almighty God. -But all God's works tend to some end; and if He has given me an immortal -nature, it must be His intention that I should live somewhere and -somehow for ever. May not this stage of being then be only an -introduction to a preparative for another? There is nothing in this -supposition repugnant to reason. Upon the whole, if God is the author of -my being, He only has a right to dispose of it, and I may not put an end -thereto without His leave. It is no less true that my continuing therein -during His pleasure, and because it is so, may turn vastly to my -advantage in His good time; it may be the means of my becoming happy for -even when it is His will that I go hence. It is no less probable that, -dismal as my present circumstances appear, I may be even now the object -of a kind Providence: God may be leading me by affliction to repentance -of former crimes; destroying those sensual affections that have all my -days kept me from loving and serving Him. I will therefore submit myself -to His will, and hope for His mercy. - -These thoughts, and many others I then had, composed me very much, and -by degrees reconciled me to my destined solitude. I walked my ship, of -which I was now both master and owner, and employed myself in searching -how it was fastened to the rock, and where it rested; but all to no -purpose as to that particular. I then struck a light and went into the -hold, to see what I could find useful, for we had never searched the -ship since we took her. - -In the hold I found abundance of long iron bars, which I suppose were -brought out to be trafficked with the blacks. I observed they lay -all with one end close to the head of the ship, which I presumed was -occasioned by the violent shock they received when she struck against -the rock; but seeing one short bar lying out beyond the rest, though -touching at the end of one of the long bars, I thought to take it up, -and lay it on the heap with the others; but the moment I had raised -the end next the other bars, it flew out of my hand with such violence, -against the head of the ship, and with such a noise, as greatly -surprised me, and put me in fear it had broke through the plank. - -I just stayed to see no harm was done, and ran upon deck with my hair -stiff on my head; nor could I conceive less than that some subtle spirit -had done this prank merely to terrify me. - -It ran in my pate several days, and I durst upon no account have gone -into the hold again, though my whole support had lain there; nay, it -even spoiled my rest, for fear something tragical should befall me, of -which this amazing incident was an omen. - -About a week after, as I was shifting myself (for I had not taken my -clothes off since I came there), and putting on a new pair of shoes -which I found on board, my own being very bad, taking out my iron -buckles, I laid one of them upon a broken piece of the mast that I sat -upon; when to my astonishment, it was no sooner out of my hand but up it -flew to the rock and stuck there. I could not tell what to make of it, -but was sorry the devil had got above deck. I then held several other -things one after another in my hand, and laid them down where I laid the -buckle, but nothing stirred till I took out the fellow of that from the -shoes; when letting it go away, it jumped also to the rock. - -I mused on these phenomena for some time, and could not forbear calling -upon God to protect me from the devil; who must, as I imagined, have -a hand in such unaccountable things as they then seemed to me. But at -length reason got the better of these foolish apprehensions, and I began -to think there might be some natural cause of them, and next to be -very desirous of finding it out In order to this I set about making -experiments to try what would run to the rock and what would not. I went -into the captain's cabin, and opening a cupboard, of which the key was -in the door, I took out a pipe, a bottle, a pocket-book, a silver spoon, -a tea-cup, &c, and laid them successively near the rock; when none of -them answered, but the key which I had brought out of the cupboard on -my finger dropping off while I was thus employed, no sooner was it -disengaged but away it went to it. After that I tried several other -pieces of iron-ware with the like success. Upon this, and the needle of -my compass standing stiff to the rock, I concluded that this same rock -contained great quantity of loadstone, or was itself one vast magnet, -and that our lading of iron was the cause of the ship's violent course -thereto, which I mentioned before. - -This quite satisfied me as to my notions of spirits, and gave me a more -undisturbed night's rest than I had had before, so that now, having -nothing to affright me, I passed the time tolerably well in my solitude, -as it grew by degrees familiar to me. - -I had often wished it had been possible for me to climb the rock, but -it was so smooth in many places and craggy in others, and over-hanging, -continuing just the same to the right and left of me as far as ever I -could see, that from the impossibility of it, I discharged all thoughts -of such an attempt. - -I had now lived on board three months, and perceived the days grow -shorter and shorter, till, having lost the sun for a little time, they -were quite dark: that is, there was no absolute daylight, or indeed -visible distinction between day and night; though it was never so dark -but I could see well enough upon deck to go about. - -What now concerned me the most was my water, which began to grow very -bad (though I had plenty of it) and unsavoury, so that I could scarce -drink it, but had no prospect of better. Now and then indeed it snowed -a little, which I made some use of, but this was far from contenting me. -Hereupon I began to contrive; and having nothing else to do, I set two -open vessels upon deck, and drawing water from the hold I filled one of -my vessels, and letting it stand a day and a night I poured it into the -other, and so shifted it every twenty-four hours; this, I found, though -it did not bring it to the primitive taste and render it altogether -palatable, was nevertheless a great help to it, by incorporating the -fresh air with it, so that it became very potable, and this method I -constantly used with my drinking-water, so long as I stayed on board the -ship. - -It had now been sharp weather for some time, and the cold still -increasing, this put me upon rummaging the ship farther than ever I -thought to do before; when opening a little cabin under deck, I found a -large cargo of fine French brandy, a great many bottles, and some small -casks of Madeira wine, with divers cordial waters. Having tasted these, -and taken out a bottle or two of brandy, and some Madeira, I locked up -my door and looked no farther that time. - -The next day I inquired into my provisions, and some of my flesh having -soaked out the pickle, I made fresh pickle and closed it up again. I -that day also found several cheeses cased up in lead, one of which I -then opened and dined upon: but what time of day or night it was when I -eat this meal I could not tell. I found a great many chests well filled, -and one or two of tools which some years after stood me in a very good -stead, though I did not expect they would ever be of that service when I -first met with them. - -In this manner I spent my time till I began to see broad daylight again, -which cheered me greatly. I had been often put in hopes during the dark -season that ships were coming towards me, and that I should once more -have the conversation of mankind, for I had by the small glimmering seen -many large bodies (to my thinking) move at a little distance from me, -and particularly toward the reappearing of the light, but though I -hallooed as loud as I could, and often fired my gun, I never received an -answer. - -When the light returned, my days increased in proportion as they had -before decreased; and gathering comfort from that, I determined to -launch my small boat and to coast along the island, as I judged it, to -see if it was inhabited and by whom; I determined also to make me some -lines for fishing, and carry my gun to try for other game, if I found -a place for landing; for though I had never, since my arrival, seen a -single living creature but my cat, except insects, of which there were -many in the water and in the air before the dark weather, and then began -to appear again, yet I could not but think there were both birds and -beasts to be met with. - -Upon launching my boat I perceived she was very leaky, so I let her fill -and continue thus a week or more to stop her cracks, then getting down -the side of my ship I scooped her quite dry and found her very fit for -use; so putting on board my gun, lines, brandy bottles, and clothes -chest for a seat, with some little water and provisions for a week, I -once more committed myself to the sea, having taken all the observation -I could to gain my ship again if any accident should happen, though I -resolved upon no account to quit sight of the rock willingly. - -I had not rowed very long before I thought I saw an island to my right -about a league distant, to which I inclined to steer my course, the sea -being very calm; but upon surveying it nearer, I found it only a great -cake of ice, about forty yards high above the water and a mile or two -in length. I then concluded that what I had before taken for ships were -only these lumps of ice. Being thus disappointed as to my island, I -made what haste I could back to the rock again and coasted part of -its circumference; but though I had gone two or three leagues of its -circuit, the prospect it afforded was just the same. - -I then tried my lines by fastening several very long ones, made of the -log-line, to the side of the boat, baiting them with several different -baits, but took only one fish of about four pounds weight, very much -resembling a haddock, part of which I dressed for my supper after my -return to the ship, and it proved very good. Towards evening I returned -to my home, as I may call it. - -The next day I made a voyage on the other side of the rock, though but -to a small distance from the ship, with intent only to fish, but took -nothing. I had then a mind to victual my boat or little cruiser, and -prepare myself for a voyage of two or three days, which I thought I -might safely undertake, as I had never seen a troubled sea since I came -to the island; for though I heard the wind often roaring over my head, -yet it coming always from the land-side, it never disturbed the water -near the shore. I set out the same way I went at first, designing to -sail two or three days out and as many home again, and resolved if -possible to fathom the depth as I went. With this view I prepared a very -long line with a large shot tied in a rag at the end of it, by way of -plummet, but I felt no ground till the second night The next morning I -came into thirty fathom water, then twenty, then sixteen. In both tours -I could perceive no abatement in the height or steepness of the rock. - -In about fourteen fathom water I dropped my lines, and lay by for an -hour or two. Feeling several jars as I sat on my chest in the boat, I -was sure I had caught somewhat, so pulling up my lines successively, I -brought first a large eel near six feet long and almost as thick as my -thigh, whose mouth, throat, and fins, were of a fine scarlet, and -the belly as white as snow: he was so strong while in the water, and -weighty, I had much ado to get him into the boat, and then had a harder -job to kill him; for though, having a hatchet with me to cut wood in -case I met with any landing-place, I chopped off his head the moment I -had him on board, yet he had several times after that have like to have -broken my legs and beat me overboard before I had quite taken his life -from him, and had I not whipped off his tail and also divided his body -into two or three pieces, I could not have mastered him. The next I -pulled up was a thick fish like a tench, but of another colour and much -bigger. I drew up several others, flat and long fish, till I was tired -with the sport; and then I set out for the ship again, which I reached -the third day. - -During this whole time, I had but one shot, and that was as I came -homewards, at a creature I saw upon a high crag of the rock, which I -fired at with ball, fearing that my small shot would not reach it The -animal, being mortally wounded, bounded up, and came tumbling down the -rock, very near me. I picked it up, and found it to be a creature not -much unlike our rabbits, but with shorter ears, a longer tail, and -hoofed like a kid, though it had the perfect fluck of a rabbit I put it -into my boat, to contemplate on when I arrived at the ship; and, plying -my oars, got safe, as I said, on the third day. - -I made me a fire to cook with as soon as I had got my cargo out of the -boat into my ship, but was under debate which of my dainties to begin -upon. I had sometimes a mind to have broiled my rabbit, as I called it, -and boiled some of my fish; but being tired, I hung up my flesh till -the next day, and boiled two or three sorts of my fish, to try which was -best. I knew not the nature of most of them, so I boiled a piece of my -eel, to be sure, judging that, however I might like the others, I should -certainly be able to make a good meal of that. This variety being ready, -I took a little of my oil out of the hold for sauce, and sat down to my -meal, as satisfied as an emperor. But upon tasting my several messes, -though the eel was rather richer than the smaller fishes, yet the others -were all so good, I gave them the preference for that time, and laid by -the rest of the eel, and of the other fish, till the next day, when I -salted them for future use. - -I kept now a whole week or more at home, to look farther into the -contents of the ship, bottle off a cask of Madeira, which I found -leaking, and to consume my new stores of fish and flesh, which, being -somewhat stale when first salted, I thought would not keep so well as -the old ones that were on board. I added also some fresh bread to my -provision, and sweetened more water by the aforementioned method; and -when my necessary domestic affairs were brought under, I then projected -a new voyage. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - - Lays in great store of provisions--Resolves to traverse the - rock--Sails for three weeks, still seeing it only--Is sucked - under the rock, and hurried down a cataract--Continues there - five weeks--His description of the cavern--His thoughts and - difficulties--His arrival at a great lake--And his landing - in the beautiful country of Graundevolet - -I had for a long time wanted to see the other side of the rock, and -at last resolved to try if I could not coast it quite round; for, as -I reasoned with myself, I might possibly find some landing-places, and -perhaps a convenient habitation on shore. But as I was very uncertain -what time that might take up, I determined on having provisions, -instruments of divers kinds, and necessary utensils in plenty, to guard -against accidents as well as I could. I therefore took another sea-chest -out of the hold of the ship, and letting it into my boat, replenished it -with a stock of wine, brandy, oil, bread, and the like, sufficient for -a considerable voyage. I also filled a large cask with water, and took -a good quantity of salt to cure what fish I should take by the way. I -carried two guns, two brace of pistols, and other arms, with ammunition -proportionable; also an axe or two, a saw to cut wood if I should see -any, and a few other tools, which might be highly serviceable if I could -land. To all these I added an old sail, to make a covering for my goods -and artillery against the weather. Thus furnished and equipped, having -secured my hatches on board, and everything that might spoil by wet, I -set out, with a God's speed, on my expedition, committing myself once -more to Providence and the main ocean, and proceeding the same way I -went the first time. - -I did not sail extraordinary fast, but frequently fished in proper -places, and caught a great deal, salting and drying the best of what I -took. For three weeks' time and more, I saw no entrance into the island, -as I call it, nor anything but the same unscalable rock. This uniform -prospect gave me so little hopes of landing, that I was almost of a mind -to have returned again. But, on mature deliberation, resolving to go -forward a day or two more, I had not proceeded twenty-four hours, when, -just as it was becoming dark, I heard a great noise, as of a fall of -water, whereupon I proposed to lie by and wait for day, to see what it -was; but the stream insensibly drawing me on, I soon found myself in an -eddy; and the boat drawing forward beyond all my power to resist it, I -was quickly sucked under a low arch, where, if I had not fallen flat in -my boat, having barely light enough to see my danger, I had undoubtedly -been crushed to pieces or driven overboard. I could perceive the boat -to fall with incredible violence, as I thought, down a precipice, and -suddenly whirled round and round with me, the water roaring on all -sides, and dashing against the rock with a most amazing noise. - -I expected every moment my poor little vessel would be staved against -the rock, and I overwhelmed with waters; and for that reason never once -attempted to rise up, or look upon my peril, till after the commotion -had in some measure ceased. At length, finding the perturbation of the -water abate, and as if by degrees I came into a smoother stream, I took -courage just to lift up my affrighted head; but guess, if you can, the -horror which seized me, on finding myself in the blackest of darkness, -unable to perceive the smallest glimmer of light. - -However, as my boat seemed to glide easily, I roused myself and struck a -light; but if I had my terrors before, what must I have now! I was quite -stupefied at the tremendous view of an immense arch over my head, to -which I could see no bounds; the stream itself, as I judged, was about -thirty yards broad, but in some places wider, in some narrower. It was -well for me I happened to have a tinder-box, or, though I had escaped -hitherto, I must have at lust perished; for in the narrower parts of the -stream, where it ran swiftest, there were frequently such crags stood -out from the rock, by reason of the turnings and windings, and such -sets of the current against them, as, could I not have seen to manage my -boat, which I took great care to keep in the middle of the stream, must -have thrown me on them, to my inevitable destruction. - -Happy it was for me, also, I was so well victualled, and that I had -taken with me two bottles of oil (as I supposed, for I did not imagine -I had any more), or I had certainly been lost, not only through hunger, -for I was, to my guess, five weeks in the vault or cavern, but for -want of light, which the oil furnished, and without which all other -conveniences could have been of no avail to me. I was forced to keep my -lamp always burning; so, not knowing how long my residence was to be in -that place, or when I should get my discharge from it, if ever, I was -obliged to husband my oil with the utmost frugality; and notwithstanding -all my caution, it grew low, and was just spent, in little above half -the time I stayed there. - -I had now cut a piece of my shirt for a wick to my last drop of oil, -which I twisted and lighted. I burnt the oil in my brass tobacco-box, -which I had fitted pretty well to answer the purpose Sitting down, I had -many black thoughts of what must follow the loss of my light, which I -considered as near expiring, and that, I feared, for ever. I am here, -thought I, like a poor condemned criminal, who knows his execution -is fixed for such a day, nay, such an hour, and dies over and over in -imagination, and by the torture of his mind, till that hour comes: that -hour, which he so much dreads! and yet that very hour which releases him -from all farther dread! Thus do I--my last wick is kindled--my last drop -of fuel is consuming!--and I am every moment apprehending the shocks of -the rock, the suffocation of the water; and, in short, thinking over my -dying thoughts, till the snuff of my lamp throws up its last curling, -expiring flame, and then my quietus will be presently signed, and I -released from my tormenting anxiety! Happy minute! Come then; I only -wait for thee! My spirits grew so low and feeble upon this, that I had -recourse to my brandy bottle to raise them; but, as I was just going to -take a sip, I reflected that would only increase thirst, and, therefore, -it were better to take a little of my white Madeira; so, putting -my dram-bottle again into the chest, I held up one of Madeira, as I -fancied, to the lamp, and seeing it was white (for I had red too) I -clapped it eagerly to my mouth, when the first gulp gave me a greater -refreshment, and more cheered my heart, than all the other liquors I had -put together could have done; insomuch, as I had almost leaped over the -boat's side for joy. "It is oil!" cried I aloud, "it is oil!" I set it -down carefully, with inexpressible pleasure; and examining the rest of -the bottles I had taken for white Madeira, I found two more of those -to be filled with oil. "Now," says I, "here is the counterpart of my -condemned prisoner! For let but a pardon come, though at the gallows, -how soon does he forget he has been an unhappy villain! And I, too, have -scarce a notion now, how a man, in my case, could feel such sorrow as I -have for want of a little oil." - -After my first transport, I found myself grow serious, reflecting upon -the vigilance of Providence over us poor creatures, and the various -instances wherein it interposes to save or relieve us in cases of -the deepest distress, where our own foresight, wisdom, and power have -utterly failed, and when, looking all around, we could discover no -means of deliverance. And I saw a train of circumstances leading to -the incident I have just mentioned, which obliged me to acknowledge the -superintendence of Heaven over even my affairs; and as the goodness -of God had cared for me thus far, and manifested itself to me now, in -rescuing me, as it were, from being swallowed up in darkness, I had -ground to hope He intended a complete deliverance of me out of -that dismal abyss, and would cause me yet to praise Him in the full -brightness of day. - -A series of these meditations brought me (at the end of five weeks, as -nearly as I could compute it by my lamp) to a prodigious lake of water, -bordered with a grassy down, about half a mile wide, of the finest -verdure I had ever seen: this again was flanked with a wood or grove, -rising like an amphitheatre, of about the same breadth; and behind, and -above all, appeared the naked rock to an immense height. - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - - His joy on his arrival at land--A description of the place-- - No inhabitants--Wants fresh water--Resides in a grotto-- - Finds water--Views the country--Carries his things to the - grotto. - -It is impossible to express my joy at the sight of day once more. I got -on the land as soon as possible after my dismission from the cavern, -and, kneeling on the ground, returned hearty thanks to God for my -deliverance, begging, at the same time, grace to improve His mercies, -and that I might continue under His protection, whatever should -hereafter befall me, and at last die on my native soil. - -I unloaded my vessel as well as I could, and hauled her up on the -shore; and, turning her upside down, made her a covering for my arms -and baggage. I then sat down to contemplate the place, and eat a most -delightful meal on the grass, being quite a new thing to me. - -I walked over the greensward to the wood, with my gun in my hand, a -brace of pistols in my girdle, and my cutlass hanging before me; but, -when I was just entering the wood, looking behind me and all around the -plain, "Is it possible," says I, "that so much art (for I did not then -believe it was natural) could have been bestowed upon this place, and -no inhabitant in it? Here are neither buildings, huts, castle, nor any -living creature to be seen! It cannot be," says I, "that this place was -made for nothing!" - -I then went a considerable way into the wood, and inclined to have gone -much farther, it being very beautiful, but, on second thoughts, judged -it best to content myself at present with only looking out a safe -retreat for that night; for, however agreeable the place then seemed, -darkness was at hand, when everything about me would have more or less -of horror in it. - -The wood, at its first entrance, was composed of the most charming -flowering shrubs that can be imagined; each growing upon its own stem, -at so convenient a distance from the other, that you might fairly pass -between them any way without the least incommodity. Behind them grew -numberless trees, somewhat taller, of the greatest variety of shapes, -forms, and verdures the eye ever beheld; each, also, so far asunder as -was necessary for the spreading of their several branches and the growth -of their delicious fruits, without a bush, briar, or shrub amongst them. -Behind these, and still on the higher ground, grew an infinite number -of very large, tall trees, much loftier than the former, but intermixed -with some underwood, which grew thicker and closer the nearer you -approached the rock. I made a shift to force my way through these as far -as the rock, which rose as perpendicular as a regular building, having -only here and there some crags and unevennesses. There was, I observed, -a space all the way between the underwood and the rock, wide enough -to drive a cart in; and, indeed, I thought it had been left for that -purpose. - -I walked along this passage a good way, having tied a rag of the lining -of my jacket at the place of my entrance, to know it again at my coming -back, which I intended to be ere it grew dark; but I found so much -pleasure in the walk, and surveying a small natural grotto which was in -the rock, that the daylight forsook me unawares: whereupon I resolved -to put off my return unto the boat till next morning, and to take up my -lodging for that night in the cave. - -I cut down a large bundle of underwood with my cutlass, sufficient to -stop up the mouth of the grotto, and laying me down to rest, slept as -sound as if I had been on board my ship; for I never had one hour's rest -together since I shot the gulf till this. Nature, indeed, could not have -supported itself thus long under much labour; but as I had nothing to do -but only keep the middle stream, I began to be as used to guide myself -in it with my eyes almost closed, and my senses retired, as a higgler is -to drive his cart to market in his sleep. - -The next morning I awaked sweetly refreshed; and, by the sign of my rag, -found the way again through the underwood to my boat I raised that up a -little, took out some bread and cheese, and, having eat pretty heartily, -laid me down to drink at the lake, which looked as clear as crystal, -expecting a most delicious draught; but I had forgot it brought me -from the sea, and my first gulp almost poisoned me. This was a sore -disappointment, for I knew my water-cask was nigh emptied; and, indeed, -turning up my boat again, I drew out all that remained, and drank it, -for I was much athirst. - -However, I did not despair; I was now so used to God's providence, and -had a sense of its operations so riveted in my mind, that though the -vast lake of salt water was surrounded by an impenetrable rock or -barrier of stone, I rested satisfied that I should rather find even that -yield me a fresh and living stream, than that I should perish for want -of it. - -With this easy mind did I travel five or six miles on the side of the -lake, and sometimes stepped into the wood, and walked a little there, -till I had gone almost half the diameter of the lake, which lay in a -circular or rather an oval figure. I had then thoughts of walking back, -to be near my boat and lodging, for fear I should be again benighted -if I went much farther; but, considering I had come past no water, and -possibly I might yet find some if I went quite round the lake, I rather -chose to take up with a new lodging that night, than to return; and I -did not want for a supper, having brought out with me more bread and -cheese than had served for dinner, the remainder of which was in the -lining of my jacket. When it grew darkish, I had some thoughts of -eating; but I considered, as I was then neither very hungry nor dry, if -I should eat it would but occasion drought, and I had nothing to -allay that with; so I contented myself for that night to lay me down -supperless. - -In the morning I set forward again upon my water search, and hoped to -compass the whole lake that day. I had gone about seven miles more, -when, at a little distance before me, I perceived a small hollow or cut -in the grass from the wood to the lake; thither I hasted with all speed, -and blessed God for the supply of a fine fresh rill, which, distilling -from several small clefts in the rock, had collected itself into one -stream, and cut its way through the green sod to the lake. - -I lay down with infinite pleasure, and swallowed a most cheering draught -of the precious liquid; and, sitting on the brink, made a good meal of -what I had with me, and then drank again. I had now got five-sixths of -the lake's circumference to go back again to my boat, for I did not -suspect any passage over the cavern's mouth where I came into the lake; -and I could not, without much trouble, consider that, if I would have -this water for a constant supply, I must either come a long way for it, -or fix my habitation near it. I was just going back again, revolving -these uneasy thoughts in my breast, when this rose suddenly in my mind, -that, if I could possibly get over the mouth of the cavern, I should not -have above three miles from my grotto to the water. Now, as I could not -get home that night otherwise than by crossing it, and as, if I lost my -labour, I should be but where I was, whereas if I should get over it, it -would very much shorten my journey, I resolved to try whether the -thing was practicable, first, however, looking out for a resting-place -somewhere near my water, if I should meet with a disappointment. - -I then walked into the wood, where, meeting with no place of retreat to -my liking, I went to my rill, and taking another sup, determined not to -leave that side of the lake till morning; but having some time to -spare, I walked about two miles to view the inlet of the lake, and was -agreeably surprised, just over the mouth of the cavern, to see a large -stone arch like a bridge, as if it had been cut out of the rock, quite -across the opening: this cheered me vastly, and, pushing over it, I -found a path that brought me to my boat before night. - -I then went up to my grotto for the third night in this most delightful -place; and the next morning early I launched my boat, and taking my -water-cask and a small dipping bucket with me, I rowed away for the -rill, and returned highly pleased with a sufficiency of water, whereof -I carried a bucket and a copper kettle full up with me to the grotto. -Indeed, it was not the least part of my satisfaction that I had this -kettle with me; for though I was in hopes, in my last voyage, I should -have come to some shore, where I could have landed and enjoyed myself -over some of my fish, and for that reason had taken it, notwithstanding -things did not turn out just as I had schemed, yet my kettle proved the -most useful piece of furniture I had. - -Having now acquainted myself with the circumference of the lake, and -settled a communication with my rill, I began to think of commencing -housekeeper. In order thereunto, I set about removing my goods up to the -grotto. By constant application, in a few days I had gotten all thither -but my two great chests and my water-cask; and how to drag or drive -any of those to it, I was entirely at a loss. My water-cask was of the -utmost importance to me, and I had thoughts sometimes of stopping it -close, and rolling it to the place; but the ascent through the wood to -the grotto was so steep, that, besides the fear of staving it, -which would have been an irreparable loss, I judged it impossible to -accomplish it by my strength; so with a good deal of discontent, I -determined to remit both that and the chests to future consideration. - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - - An account of the grotto--A room added to it---A view of - that building--The author makes a little cart--Also a wet - dock for his boat--Goes in quest of provision--A description - of divers fruits and plants--He brings home a cart-load of - different sorts--Makes experiments on them--Loads his cart - with others--A great disappointment--Makes good bread--Never - sees the sun--The nature of the light - -Having come to a full resolution of fixing my residence at the -grotto, and making that my capital seat, it is proper to give you some -description of it. - -This grotto, then, was a full mile from the lake, in the rock which -encompassed the wood. The entrance was scarcely two feet wide, and about -nine feet high, rising from the height of seven feet upward to a point -in the middle. The cavity was about fifteen feet long within, and about -five wide. Being obliged to lie lengthwise in it, full six feet of it -were taken up at the farther end for my lodging only, as nothing could -stand on the side of my bed that would leave me room to come at it. The -remaining nine feet of the cave's length were taken up, first, by my -fireplace, which was the deepest side of the doorway, ranging with my -bed (which I had set close to the rock on one side), and took up near -three feet in length; and my furniture and provisions, of one sort or -other, so filled up the rest, that I had much ado to creep between them -into my bed. - -In the chest which I had taken for a seat in the boat, as aforesaid, -upon breaking it open by the water-side, I found a mattress, some -shirts, shoes, stockings, and several other useful things; a small case -of bottles with cordials in them, some instruments of surgery, plasters -and salves; all which, together with a large quantity of fish that I had -salted, I carried to the grotto. - -My habitation being thus already overcharged, and as I could not, -however, bear the thoughts of quitting it, or of having any of my -goods exposed to the weather on the outside, I was naturally bent on -contriving how I should increase my accommodations. As I had no prospect -of enlarging the grotto itself, I could conceive no other way of -effecting my desire but by the addition of an outer room. This thought -pleased me very much, so that the next day I set myself to plan out the -building, and trace the foundation of it. - -I told you before there was about the space of a cart-way between the -wood and the rock clear; but this breadth, as I was building for -life (so I imagined), not appearing to me spacious enough for my new -apartment, I considered how I should extend its bounds into the wood. -Hereupon I set myself to observe what trees stood at a proper distance -from my grotto, that might serve as they stood, with a little management -of hewing and the like, to compose a noble doorway, posts, and -supporters; and I found, that upon cutting down three of the nearest -trees, I should answer my purpose in this respect; and there were -several others, about twenty feet from the grotto, and running parallel -with the rock, the situation of which was so happily adapted to my -intention, that I could make them become, as I fancied, an out-fence or -wall; so I took my axe and cut down my nearest trees, but as I was -going to strike, a somewhat different scheme presented itself to my -imagination that altered my resolution. - -In conformity with this new plan, I fixed the height of my intended -ceiling, and sawed off my nearest trees to that, sloping from the sides -to the middle, to support cross-beams for the roof to rest on, and left -the trunks standing, by way of pillars, both for the use and ornament of -the structure. In short, I worked hard every day upon my building for a -month, in which time I had cut all my timber into their proper lengths -for my outworks and covering, but was at a great stand how to fix my -side-posts, having no spade or mattock, and the ground almost as hard -as flint, for to be sure it had never been stirred since the creation. I -then thought I had the worst part of my job to get over; however, I went -on, and having contrived, in most of my upright side-quarters, to take -the tops of trees, and leave on the lower parts their cleft, where they -began to branch out and divide from the main stem, I set one of them -upright against the rock, then laid one end of my long ceiling-pieces -upon the cleft of it, and laid the other end upon a tree on the same -side, whose top I had also sawed off with a proper cleft I then went and -did the same on the other side; after this I laid on a proper number of -cross-beams, and tied all very firmly together with the bark of young -trees stripped off in long thongs, which answered that purpose very -well. Thus I proceeded, crossing, joining, and fastening all together, -till the whole roof was so strong and firm that there was no stirring -any part of it I then spread it over with small lop wood, on which I -raised a ridge of dried grass and weeds, very thick, and thatched over -the whole with the leaves of a tree very much resembling those of a -palm, but much thicker, and not quite so broad; the entire surface, I -might say, was as smooth as a die, and so ordered, by a gentle declivity -every way, as to carry off the wet. - -Having covered in my building, I was next to finish and close the -walls of it; the skeleton of these was composed of sticks, crossing one -another checker-wise and tied together; to fill up the voids, I wove -upon them the longest and most pliable twigs of the underwood I could -find, leaving only a doorway on one side, between two stems of a tree -which, dividing in the trunk at about two feet from the ground, grew -from thence, for the rest of its height, as if the branches were a -couple of trees a little distance from one another, which made a sort of -stile-way to my room. When this was all done, I tempered up some earth -by the lake-side, and mixing it to a due consistence with mud, which I -took from the lake, applied it as a plastering in this manner: I divided -it into pieces, which I rolled up of the size of a foot-ball; these -lumps I stuck close by one another on the lattice, pressing them very -hard with my hands, which forced part of them quite through the small -twigs, and then I smoothed both sides with the back of my saw, to about -the thickness of five or six inches; so that by this means I had a wall -round my new apartment a foot thick. This plaster-work cost me some time -and a great deal of labour, as I had a full mile to go to the lake -for every load of stuff, and could carry but little at once, it was so -heavy; but there was neither water for tempering, nor proper earth to -make it with any nearer. At last, however, I completed my building in -every respect but a door, and for this I was forced to use the lid of my -sea chest; which indeed I would have chosen not to apply that way, but -I had nothing else that would, do; and there was, however, this -conveniency, that it had hinges ready fixed thereon. - -I now began to enjoy myself in my new habitation, like the absolute and -sole lord of the country, for I had neither seen man nor beast since my -arrival, save a few animals in the trees like our squirrels, and some -water-rats about the lake; but there were several strange kinds of birds -I had never before seen, both on the lake and in the woods. - -That which now troubled me most was how to get my water nearer to me -than the lake, for I had no lesser vessel than the cask, which held -above twenty gallons, and to bring that up was a fatigue intolerable. -My next contrivance, therefore, was this: I told you I had taken my -chest-lid to make a door for my ante-chamber, as I now began to call it; -so I resolved to apply the body of the chest also to a purpose different -from that it originally answered. In order to this, I went to the lake -where the body of the chest lay, and sawed it through within about three -inches of the bottom. Of the two ends, having rounded them as well as I -could, I made two wheels; and with one of the sides I made two more. I -burnt a hole through the middle of each; then preparing two axle-trees, -I fastened them, after putting on the wheels, to the bottom of the chest -with the nails I had drawn out, of it. Having finished this machine, on -which I bestowed no small labour, I was hugely pleased with it, and only -wished I had a beast, if it were but an ass, to draw it; however, that -task I was satisfied to perform myself, since there was no help for it; -so I made a good strong cord out of my fishing-lines, and fixed that -to drag it by. When all was thus in readiness, filling my water-cask, -I bound it thereon, and so brought it to the grotto with such ease, -comparatively, as quite charmed me. Having succeeded so well in the -first essay, I no sooner unloaded but down went I again with my cart, -or truckle rather, to the lake, and brought from thence on it my other -chest, which I had left entire. - -I had now nothing remaining near the lake but my boat, and had half a -mind to try to bring that up too; but having so frequent occasion for -her to get my water in, which I used in greater abundance now than I had -done at first, a great part going to supply my domestic uses, as well as -for drinking, I resolved against that, and sought out for a convenient -dock to stow it in as a preservative against wind and weather, which I -soon after effected; for having pitched upon a swampy place, overgrown -with a sort of long flags or reeds, I soon cut a trench from the lake, -with a sort of spade or board that I had chopped and sharpened for that -use. - -Thus having stowed my boat and looked over all my goods and sorted them, -and taken a survey of my provisions, I found I must soon be in want -of the last if I did not forthwith procure a supply; for though I had -victualled so well at setting out, and had been very sparing ever since, -yet had it not been for a great quantity of fish I took and salted in my -passage to the gulf, I had been to seek for food much sooner. Hereupon I -thought it highly prudent to look out before I really wanted. - -With this resolution I accoutred myself, as in my first walk, with my -instruments and arms; but instead of travelling the lake-side, I went -along the wood, and therein found great plenty of divers kinds of fruits -\ though I could scarce persuade myself to taste or try the effects -of them, being so much unlike our own, or any I had seen elsewhere. I -observed amongst the shrubs abundance of a fruit, or whatever else you -may call it, which grew like a ram's-horn; sharp at the point next the -twig it was fastened to, and circling round and round, one fold upon -another, which gradually increased to the size of my wrist in the -middle, and then as gradually decreased till it terminated in a point -again at the contrary extreme; all which spiral, if it were fairly -extended in length, might be a yard or an ell long. I surveyed this -strange vegetable very attentively; it had a rind, or crust, which I -could not break with my hand, but taking my knife and making an opening -therewith in the shell, there issued out a sort of milky liquor in great -quantity, to at least a pint and half, which having tasted, I found as -sweet as honey, and very pleasant: however, I could not persuade myself -any more than just to taste it. I then found on the large trees several -kinds of fruit, like pears or quinces, but most of them exceeding hard -and rough, and quite disagreeable; so I quitted my hopes of them. - -About three miles from my grotto I met with a large space of ground full -of a low plant, growing only with a single woody stalk half a foot -high, and from thence issued a round head, about a foot or ten inches -diameter, but quite flat, about three-quarters of an inch thick, and -just like a cream-cheese standing upon its edge: these grew so close -together, that upon the least wind stirring, their heads rattled against -each other very musically; for though the stalks were so very strong -that they would not easily either bend or break, yet the fanning of the -wind upon the broad heads twisting the stalks, so as to let the heads -strike each other, they made a most agreeable sound. - -I stood some time admiring this shrub, and then cutting up one of them, -I found it weighed about two pounds; they had a tough green rind or -covering, very smooth, and the inside full of a stringy pulp, quite -white. In short, I made divers other trials of berries, roots, herbs, -and what else I could find, but received little satisfaction from any -of them for fear of bad qualities. I returned back ruminating on what -things I had seen, resolving to take my cart the next walk, and bring -it home loaded with different kinds of them, in order to make my trials -thereof at leisure: but my cart being too flat and wanting sides, I -considered it would carry very little, and that what it would otherwise -bear, on that account, must tumble and roll off, so I made a fire and -turned smith; for with a great deal to do breaking off the wards of a -large key I had, and making it red-hot, I by degrees fashioned it into a -kind of spindle, and therewith making holes quite round the bottom of my -cart, in them I stuck up sticks about two feet high that I had tapered -at the end to fit them. - -Having thus qualified my cart for a load, I proceeded with it to the -wood, and cutting a small quantity of each species of green, berry, -fruit, and flower that I could find, and packing them severally in -parcels, I returned at night heavy-laden, and held a council with myself -what use they could most properly be applied to. - -I had amongst my goods, as I said, a copper-kettle which held about a -gallon: this I set over my fire and boiled something by turns of every -sort in it, watching all the while, and with a stick stirring and -raising up one thing and then another, to feel when they were boiled -tender: but of upwards of twenty greens which I thus dressed, only one -proved eatable, all the rest becoming more stringy, tough, and -insipid for the cooking. The one I have excepted was a round, thick, -woolly-leafed plant, which boiled tender and tasted as well as spinach; -I therefore preserved some leaves of this to know it again by; and for -distinction called it by the name of that herb. - -I then began upon my fruits of the pear and quince kind, at least eight -different sorts; but I found I could make nothing of them, for they were -most of them as rough and crabbed after stewing as before, so I laid -them all aside. Lastly, I boiled my ram's-horn and cream-cheese, as I -called them, together. Upon tasting the latter of these, it was become -so watery and insipid, I laid it aside as useless. I then cut the other -and tasted the juice, which proved so exceeding pleasant that I took a -large gulp or two of it, and tossed it into the kettle again. - -Having now gone through the several kinds of my exotics, I had a mind -to re-examine them after cooling, but could make nothing of any of my -greens but the spinach. I tried several berries and nuts too, but, save -a few sort of nuts, they were all very tasteless. Then I began to review -the fruits, and could find but two sorts that I had any the least hopes -from. I then laid the best by and threw the others away. After this -process, which took me up near a whole day, and clearing my house of -good-for-nothings, I returned to reexamine my cheese, that was grown -cold, and was now so dry and hard I could not get my teeth into it; upon -which I was going to skim it away out of my grotto, saying, "Go, thou -worthless!" (for I always spoke aloud my thoughts to myself)--I say I -was just despatching it when I checked my hands, and as I could make -no impression with my teeth, had a mind to try what my knife would do. -Accordingly I began at the edge of the quarter, for I had boiled but a -quarter of it, but the rind was grown so hard and brittle that my knife -slipping and raking along the cut edge of it, scratched off some powder -as white as possible; I then scraped it backward and forward some time, -till I found it would all scrape away in this powder, except the rind, -upon which I laid it aside again for farther experiment. - -During this review my kettle and ram's-horn had been boiling, till -hearing it blubber very loud, and seeing there was but little liquor in -it, I whipped it off the fire, for fear of burning its bottom, but took -no further notice of it till about two hours after; when returning -to the grotto, I went to wash out my kettle, but could scarce get my -ram's-horn from the bottom; and when I did, it brought up with it a -sort of pitchy substance, though not so black, and several gummy threads -hanging to it, drawn out to a great length. I wondered at this, and -thought the shell of the ram's-horn had melted, or some such thing, -till, venturing to put a little of the stuff on my tongue, it proved to -my thinking as good treacle as I had ever tasted. - -This new discovery pleased me very much. I scraped all the sweet thing -up, and laid it near my grotto in a large leaf of one of the trees -(about two feet long, and broad in proportion) to prevent its running -about. In getting this curiosity out of my kettle, I found in it a small -piece of my cheese, which I suppose had been broke off in stirring; and -biting it (for it was soft enough) I think it was the most luscious and -delicate morsel I ever put into my lips. This unexpected good fortune -put me on trying the best of my pears again; so setting on my kettle, -with very little water, and putting some of my treacle into it, and two -of the best pears quartered, I found, upon a little boiling, they also -became an excellent dainty. - -Having succeeded so well, I was quite ripe for another journey with -my cart; which I accordingly undertook, taking my route over the stone -bridge, to see what the other side of the lake produced. In travelling -through the trees, I met, amongst other things, with abundance of large -gourds, which, climbing the trees, displayed their fruit to the height -of twenty or thirty feet above the ground. I cut a great many of -these, and some very large ones of different hues and forms; which of -themselves making a great load, with some few new sorts of berries and -greens, were the gathering of that day. But I must tell you I was almost -foiled in getting them home; for coming to my stone bridge, it rose so -steep, and was so much ruggeder than the grass or wood ground, that I -was at a set upon the first entrance and terribly afraid that I should -either break my wheels or pull off my axle-trees. Hereupon I was forced -to unload, and carry my cargo over in my arms to the other side of the -bridge; whither having then, with less fear but much caution, drawn my -cart, I loaded again and got safe home. - -I was mightily pleased with the acquisitions of this journey; for now, -thought I, I shall have several convenient family utensils; so spent the -next day or two in scooping my gourds and cleaning away the pulp. When I -had done this, finding the rinds to be very weak and yielding, I made -a good fire, and setting them round it at a moderate distance to dry, -I went about something else without doors: but, alas! my hopes were ill -founded; for coming home to turn my gourds and see how dry they were, I -found them all warped and turned into a variety of uncouth shapes. This -put me to a stand; but, however, I recovered some pieces of them for -use, as the bottom parts of most of them, after paring away the sides, -would hold something, though they by no means answered my first purpose. - -Well, thought I, what if I have lost my gourds, I have gained -experience. I will dry them next time with the guts in, and having -stiffened their rinds in their proper dimensions, then try to cleanse -them. So next morning (for I was very eager at it) I set out with my -cart for another load; and having handed them over the bridge, got safe -with them to the grotto. These by proper management proved exceedingly -valuable to me, answering, in one way or other, the several uses of -plates, bottles, pans, and divers other vessels. - -I now got a large quantity of the vegetable ram's-horn, and filled a -great many of the gourds with the treacle it yielded; I also boiled and -dried a large parcel of my cheeses, and hung them up for use, for I had -now for some time made all my bread of the latter, scraping and bruising -the flour, and mixing it with my treacle and water; and this indeed made -such a sweet and nourishing bread, that I could even have lived wholly -upon it; but I afterwards very much improved it by putting the milky -juice of the ram's-horn, unboiled, to my flour in a small quantity, and -then baking it on the hearth, covered over with embers. This detracted -nothing from the sweetness and mellowness of my bread, but made it much -lighter than the treacle alone would have done. - -Finding there was no fear of starving, but so far from it, that from -day to day I found out something new to add to my repast, either in -substantials or by way of dessert, I set me down very well contented -with my condition. I had nothing to do but to lay up store against -sickness and the dark weather, which last I expected would soon be upon -me, as the days were now exceeding short. Indeed, though I had now been -here six months, I had never seen the sun since I first entered the -gulf; and though there was very little rain, and but few clouds, yet the -brightest daylight never exceeded that of half an hour after sunset in -the summer-time in England, and little more than just reddened the -sky. For the first part of my time here, there was but little if any -difference between day and night; but afterwards, what I might call the -night, or lesser degree of light, took up more hours than the greater, -and went on gradually increasing as to time, so that I perceived total -darkness approached, such as I had on board my ship the year before. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - - The author lays in a store against the dark weather-Hears - voices--His thoughts thereon--Persuades himself it was a - dream--Hears them again--Determines to see if any one lodged - in the rock--Is satisfied there is nobody--Observations on - what he saw--Finds a strong weed like whipcord--Makes a - drag-net--Lengthens it--Catches a monster--Its description-- - Makes oil of it - -I had now well stored my grotto with all sorts of winter provisions, and -feeling the weather grow very cold, I expected and waited patiently for -the total darkness. I went little abroad, and employed myself within -doors endeavouring to fence against the approaching extremity of the -cold. For this purpose I prepared a quantity of rushes, which being -very dry, I spread them smoothly on the floor of my bed-chamber a good -thickness, and over them I laid my mattress. Then I made a double sheet -of the boat's awning or sail, that I had brought to cover my goods; and -having skewered together several of the jackets and clothes I found in -the chest, of them I made a coverlid; so that I lay very commodiously, -and made very long nights of it now the dark season was set in. - -As I lay awake one night, or day, I know not which, I very plainly heard -the sound of several human voices, and sometimes very loud; but though -I could easily distinguish the articulations, I could not understand the -least word that was said; nor did the voices seem at all to me like such -as I had anywhere heard before, but much softer and more musical. This -startled me, and I rose immediately, slipping on my clothes and taking -my gun in my hand (which I always kept charged, being my constant -travelling companion) and my cutlass. Thus equipped, I walked into my -ante-chamber, where I heard the voices much plainer, till after some -little time they by degrees died quite away. After watching here, and -hearkening a good while, hearing nothing, I walked back into the grotto, -and laid me down again on my bed. I was inclined to open the door of my -ante-chamber, but I own I was afraid; besides, I considered that if I -did, I could discover nothing at any distance by reason of the thick and -gloomy wood that enclosed me. - -I had a thousand different surmises about the meaning of this odd -incident; and could not conceive how any human creatures should be in -my kingdom (as I called it) but myself, and I never yet see them, or any -trace of their habitation. But then again I reflected, that though I had -surrounded the whole lake, yet I had not traced the out-bounds of the -wood next the rock, where there might be innumerable grottoes like mine; -nay, perhaps some as spacious as that I had sailed through to the lake; -and that though I had not perceived it, yet this beautiful spot might be -very well peopled. But, says I again, if there be any such beings as -I am fancying here, surely they don't skulk in their dens, like savage -beasts, by daylight, and only patrole for prey by night; if so, I shall -probably become a delicious morsel for them ere long, if they meet with -me. This kept me still more within doors than before, and I hardly ever -stirred out but for water or firing. At length, hearing no more voices, -nor seeing any one, I began to be more composed in my mind, and at last -grew persuaded it was all a mere delusion, and only a fancy of mine, -without any real foundation; and sometimes, though I was sure I was -fully awake when I heard them, I persuaded myself I had rose in my -sleep, upon a dream of voices, and recollected with myself the various -stories I had heard when a boy of walking in one's sleep, and the -surprising effects of it; so the whole notion was now blown over. - -I had not enjoyed my tranquillity above a week, before my fears were -roused afresh, hearing the same sound of voices twice the same night, -but not many minutes at a time. What gave me most pain was that they -were at such a distance, as I judged by the languor of the sound, that -if I had opened my door I could not have seen the utterers through the -trees, and I was resolved not to venture out; but then I determined, if -they should come again anything near my grotto, to open the door, see -who they were, and stand upon my defence, whatever came of it: For, says -I, my entrance is so narrow and high that more than one cannot come at a -time; and I can with ease despatch twenty of them before they can -secure me, if they should be savages; but if they prove sensible human -creatures, it will be a great benefit to me to join myself to their -society. Thus had I formed my scheme, but I heard no more of them for a -great while; so that at length beginning to grow ashamed of my fears, I -became tranquil again. - -The day now returning, and with it my labours, I applied to my usual -callings; but my mind ran strangely upon viewing the rock quite round, -that is, the whole circuit of my dominions; for, thinks I, there may -possibly be an outlet through the rock into some other country, from -whence the persons I heard may come. As soon therefore as the days grew -towards the longest, I prepared for my progress. Having lived so well at -home since my settlement, I did not care to trust only to what I could -pick up in the woods for my subsistence during this journey, which would -not only take up time in procuring, but perhaps not agree with me; so -I resolved to carry a supply with me, proportionate to the length of my -perambulation. Hereupon considering that though my walk round the lake -was finished in two days, yet as I now intended to go round by the rock, -the way would be much longer and perhaps more troublesome than that was; -remembering also my journey with Glanlepze in Africa, and how much -I complained of the fruits we carried for our subsistence; these -circumstances, I say, laying together, I resolved to load the cart with -a variety of food, bread and fruits especially, and draw that with me. - -Thus provided, I sallied forth with great cheerfulness, and proceeded in -the main easily; though in some places I was forced to make way with -my hatchet, the ground was so over-run with underwood. I very narrowly -viewed the rock as I went, bottom and sides, all the way, but could see -nothing like a passage through it, or indeed any more than one opening, -or inlet, which I entered for about thirty yards, but it was not above -three feet wide, and terminated in the solid rock. - -After some days' travel (making all the observations I could on the -several plants, shrubs, and trees which I met with, particularly where -any of these occurred to me entirely new), finding myself a little -faintish, I had a mind for a sup of ram's-horn juice; so I cut me one, -but upon opening it found therein only a pithy pulp, and noways fit to -taste. I supposed by this I was too early for the milk, it being three -months later the last year when I cut them. Hereon, seeing one upon -another shrub, which by its rusty colour I judged might have hung all -the winter, I opened that, and found it full of milk; but putting some -of it into my mouth, it was as sour as any vinegar I ever tasted in my -life. So, thinks I (and said so too; for, as I told you before, I always -spoke out), here's sauce for something when I want it; and this gave -me a hint to store myself with these gourds, to hang by for vinegar the -next winter. - -By this time I had come almost to my rill, when I entered upon a large -plat of ground miserably over-run with weeds, matted together very -thick. These choked up my wheels in such a manner that I could neither -free them with my hands, nor get either backwards or forwards, they -binding my cart down like so many cords; so that I was obliged to cut my -way back again with my hatchet, and take a sweep round in the wood, on -the outside of these weeds. - -In all my life I never saw anything of its size, for it was no thicker -than a whipcord, so strong as this weed; and what raised my wonder was -the length of it, for I drew out pieces of it near fifty feet long, and -even they were broken at the end, so that it might be as long again for -aught I know, for it was so matted and twisted together, that it was a -great trial of patience to untangle it; but that which was driest, -and to me looked the rottenest and weakest, I found to be much the -strongest. Upon examination of its parts, I discovered it to be -composed of an infinite number of small threads, spirally overlaying and -enfolding one another. - -As I saw but few things that I could not find a use for, so this I -perceived would serve all the common purposes of packthread; a thing I -was often in want of. This inclined me to take a load of it home with -me. Indeed the difficulty of getting a quantity in the condition I -desired it, puzzled me a little; for, says I, if I cut up a good deal -of it with my hatchet, as I first designed, I shall only have small -lengths, good for little, and to get it in pieces of any considerable -length, so as to be of service, will require much time and labour. But -reflecting how much I needed it, and of what benefit it would be, -I resolved to make a trial of what I could do; so, without more -hesitation, I went to work, and cutting a fibre close to its root, -I extricated that thread from all its windings, just as one does an -entangled whipcord. When I had thus disengaged a sufficient length, I -cut that off, and repeating the like operation, in about three hours' -time, but with no little toil, I made up my load of different lengths -just to my liking. Having finished this task, I filled the gourd, -brought for that purpose, with water; and having first viewed the whole -remaining part of the rock, I returned over the stone bridge home again. - -This journey, though it took me up several days, and was attended -with some fatigue, had yet given me great satisfaction; for now I -was persuaded I could not have one rival or enemy to fear in my whole -dominions. And from the impossibility, as I supposed, of there being -any, or of the ingress of any, unless by the same passage I entered -at, and by which I was well assured they could never return, I grew -contented, and blamed myself for the folly of my imaginary voices, as I -called them then, and took it for a distemper of the fancy only. - -The next day I looked over my load of matweed, having given it that -name, and separated the different lengths from each other. I then found -I had several pieces between forty and fifty feet long, of which I -resolved to get a good number more, to make me a drag-net that I might -try for some fish in the lake. A day or two after, therefore, I brought -home another load of it Then I picked out a smooth level spot upon the -green-sward, and having prepared a great number of short wooden pegs, I -strained a line of the matweed about ten feet long, tying it at each end -to a peg, and stuck a row of pegs along by that line, about two inches -asunder; I next strained another line of the same length, parallel to -that, at the distance of forty feet from it, and stuck pegs thereby, -corresponding to the former row; and from each peg on one side, to the -opposite peg on the other, I tied a like length of my mat-line, quite -through the whole number of pegs; when the work looked like the inside -of a harpsichord. I afterwards drove pegs in like manner along the whole -length of the two outermost longer lines, and tied shorter lines to -them, so that the whole affair then represented the squares of a racket; -the corners of each of which squares I tied very tight with smaller -pieces of the line, till I had formed a complete net of forty feet long -and ten wide. - -When I had finished my net, as I thought, I wrapped several stones -in rags, and fastened them to the bottom to sink it, and some of the -smallest unscooped dry gourds to the top, to keep that part buoyant. I -now longed to begin my new trade, and carried the net to my boat with -that intention; but after two or three hauls I found it would not answer -for want of length (though by chance I caught a blackish fish without -scales, a little bigger than whiting, but much longer, which stuck by -the gills in it); so I left the net in the boat, resolving to make an -addition to it with all speed; and returning to my grotto, I supped on -the fish I had taken and considered how to pursue my enterprise with -better effect. - -I provided me with another large parcel of line; and having brought two -more lengths to perfection, I joined all together, and fixing one end -on shore, by a pole I had cut for that purpose, I launched my boat, with -the other end in it, taking a sweep the length of my net round to -my stick again, and getting on shore, hauled up my net by both ends -together. I found now I had mended my instrument, and taken a proper way -of applying it; for by this means, in five hauls, I caught about sixteen -fish of three or four different sorts, and one shell-fish, almost like -a lobster, but without great claws, and with a very small short tail; -which made me think, as the body was thrice as long as a lobster's in -proportion, that it did not swim backwards, like that creature, but -only crawled forwards (it having lobsterlike legs, but much shorter and -stronger), and that the legs all standing so forward, its tail was, by -its motion, to keep the hinder part of the body from dragging upon the -ground, as I observed it did when the creature walked on land, it then -frequently flacking its short tail. - -These fish made me rich in provisions. Some of them I ate fresh, and the -remainder I salted down. But of all the kinds, my lobster was the most -delicious food, and made me almost three meals. - -Thus finding there were fish to be had, though my present tackle seemed -suitable enough to my family, yet could I not rest till I had improved -my fishery by enlarging my net; for as it was, even with my late -addition, I must either sweep little or no compass of ground, or it -would have no bag behind me. Upon this I set to work and shortly doubled -the dimensions of it. I had then a mind to try it at the mouth of my -rill; so taking it with me the next time I crossed the lake for water, -and fastening it to my pole, close by the right side of the rill, I -swept a long compass round to the left, and closing the ends, attempted -to draw it up in the hollow cut of the rill. But by the time I had -gathered up two-thirds of the net, I felt a resistance that quite -amazed me. In short, I was not able to stand against the force I felt. -Whereupon sitting down in the rill, and clapping my feet to the two -sides of it, I exerted all my strength, till finally I became conqueror, -and brought up so shocking a monster, that I was just rising to run -for my life on the sight of it. But recollecting that the creature was -hampered, and could not make so much resistance on the land as in the -water, I ventured to drag the net up as far from the rill as my strength -and breath would permit me; and then running to the boat for my gun, -I returned to the net to examine my prize. Indeed, I had not instantly -resolution enough to survey it, and when at length I assumed courage -enough to do so, I could not perfectly distinguish the parts, they were -so discomposed; but taking hold of one end of the net, I endeavoured to -disentangle the thing, and then drawing the net away, a most surprising -sight presented itself: the creature reared upright, about three feet -high, covered all over with long, black shaggy hair, like a bear, which -hung down from his head and neck quite along his back and sides. He had -two fins, very broad and large, which, as he stood erect, looked like -arms, and these he waved and whirled about with incredible velocity; and -though I wondered at first at it, I found afterwards it was the motion -of these fins that kept him upright; for I perceived when they ceased -their motion he fell flat on his belly. He had two very large feet, -which he stood upon, but could not run, and but barely walk on them, -which made me in the less haste to despatch him; and after he had stood -upon his feet about four minutes, clapping his fins to his sides, he -fell upon his belly. - -When I found he could not attack me, I was moving closer to him; but -upon sight of my stirring, up he rose again, and whirled his fins about -as before so long as he stood. And now I viewed him round, and found -he had no tail at all, and that his hinder fins, or feet, very much -resembled a large frog's, but were at least ten inches broad, and -eighteen long, from heel to toe; and his legs were so short that when he -stood upright his breech bore upon the ground. His belly, which he kept -towards me, was of an ash-colour, and very broad, as also was his breast -His eyes were small and blue, with a large black sight in the middle, -and rather of an oval than round make. He had a long snout like a boar, -and vast teeth. Thus having surveyed him near half an hour living, I -made him rise up once more and shot him in the breast. He fell, and -giving a loud howl, or groan, expired. - -I had then time to see what else I had caught; and turning over the net, -found a few of the same fish I had taken before, and some others of a -flat-tish make, and one little lump of flesh unformed; which last, by -all I could make of it, seemed to be either a spawn or young one of that -I had shot. - -The great creature was so heavy, I was afraid I must have cut him in -pieces to get him to the boat; but with much ado, having stowed the -rest, I tumbled him on board. I then filled my water-cask and rowed -homewards. Being got to land, I was obliged to bring down my cart, to -carry my great beast-fish, as I termed him, up to the grotto. When I had -got him thither, I had a notion of first tasting, and then, if I liked -his flesh, of salting him down and drying him; so, having flayed him and -taken out the guts and entrails, I boiled a piece of him; but it made -such a blaze that most of the fat ran into the fire, and the flesh -proved so dry and rank that I could no ways endure it. - -I then began to be sorry I had taken so much pains for no profit, and -had endangered my net into the bargain (for that had got a crack or two -in the scuffle), and was thinking to throw away my large but worthless -acquisition. - -However, as I was now prone to weighing all things, before I threw it -away I resolved to consider a little; whereupon I changed my mind. -Says I, Here is a good warm skin, which, when dry, will make me a rare -cushion. Again, I have for a long while had no light beside that of the -day; but now as this beast's fat makes such a blaze in the fire, and -issues in so great a quantity from such a small piece as I broiled, why -may not I boil a good tallow or oil out of it? and if I can, I have not -made so bad a hand of my time as I thought for. - -In short, I went immediately to work upon this subject (for I never let -a project cool after I had once started it), and boiled as much of the -flesh as the kettle would hold, and letting it stand to cool, I found -it turned out very good oil for burning; though I confess I thought it -would rather have made tallow. This success quickened my industry; and I -repeated the operation till I got about ten quarts of this stuff, which -very well rewarded my labour. After I had extracted as much oil as I -could from the beast-fish, the creature having strongly impressed my -imagination, I conceived a new fancy in relation to it; and that was, -having heard him make a deep, howling groan at his death, I endeavoured -to persuade myself, and at last verily believed, that the voices I -had so often heard in the dark weather proceeded from numbers of these -creatures, diverting themselves in the lake, or sporting together on -the shore; and this thought, in its turn, contributed to ease my -apprehensions in that respect. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - - The author passes the summer pleasantly--Hears the voices in - the winter--Ventures out--Sees a strange sight on the lake-- - His uneasiness at it--His dream--Soliloquy--Hears the - voices again, and perceives a great shock on his building-- - Takes up a beautiful woman--He thinks her dead, but recovers - her--A description of her--She stays with him - -I passed the summer (though I had never yet seen the sun's body) very -much to my satisfaction: partly in the work I have been describing (for -I had taken two more of the beast-fish, and had a great quantity of oil -from them); partly in building me a chimney in my ante-chamber of mud -and earth burnt on my own hearth into a sort of brick; in making a -window at one end of the abovesaid chamber, to let in what little light -would come through the trees when I did not choose to open my door; -in moulding an earthen lamp for my oil; and, finally, in providing and -laying in stores, fresh and salt (for I had now cured and dried many -more fish), against winter. These, I say, were my summer employments -at home, intermixed with many agreeable excursions. But now the winter -coming on, and the days growing very short, or indeed there being no -day properly speaking, but a kind of twilight, I kept mostly in my -habitation, though not so much as I had done the winter before, when I -had no light within doors, and slept, or at least lay still, great -part of my time; for now my lamp was never out. I also turned two of -my beast-fish skins into a rug to cover my bed, and the third into a -cushion, which I always sat upon, and a very soft and warm cushion -it made. All this together rendered my life very easy, yea, even -comfortable. - -An indifferent person would now be apt to ask, What would this man -desire more than he had? To this I answer, that I was contented while my -condition was such as I have been describing; but a little while after -the darkness or twilight came on, I frequently heard the voices again; -sometimes a few only at a time, as it seemed, and then again in great -numbers. This threw me into new fears, and I became as uneasy as ever, -even to the degree of growing quite melancholy; though, otherwise, I -never received the least injury from anything. I foolishly attempted -several times, by looking out of my window, to discover what these odd -sounds proceeded from, though I knew it was too dark to see anything -there. - -I was now fully convinced, by a more deliberate attention to them, that -they could not be uttered by the beast-fish, as I had afore conjectured, -but only by beings capable of articulate speech; but then, what or where -they were, it galled me to be ignorant of. - -At length, one night or day, I cannot say which, hearing the voices very -distinctly, and praying very earnestly to be either delivered from the -uncertainty they had put me under, or to have them removed from me, I -took courage, and arming myself with gun, pistols, and cutlass, I went -out of my grotto and crept down the wood. I then heard them plainer -than before, and was able to judge from what point of the compass they -proceeded. Hereupon I went forward towards the sound, till I came to the -verge of the wood, where I could see the lake very well by the dazzle of -the water. Thereon, as I thought, I beheld a fleet of boats, covering a -large compass, and not far from the bridge. I was shocked hereat beyond -expression. I could not conceive where they came from, or whither they -would go; but supposed there must be some other passage to the lake than -I had found in my voyage through the cavern, and that for certain they -came that way, and from some place of which as yet I had no manner of -knowledge. - -Whilst I was entertaining myself with this speculation, I heard the -people in the boats laughing and talking very merrily, though I was too -distant to distinguish the words. I discerned soon after all the boats -(as I still supposed 'em) draw up, and push for the bridge; presently -after, though I was sure no boat entered the arch, I saw a multitude of -people on the opposite shore all marching towards the bridge; and what -was the strangest of all, there was not the least sign of a boat now -left upon the whole lake. I then was in a greater consternation than -before; but was still much more so when I saw the whole posse of people, -that as I have just said were marching towards the bridge, coming over -it to my side of the lake. At this my heart failed, and I was just going -to run to my grotto for shelter; but taking one look more, I plainly -discovered that the people, leaping one after another from the top of -the bridge, as if into the water, and then rising again, flew in a -long train over the lake, the lengthways of it, quite out of my sight, -laughing, hallooing, and sporting together; so that looking back again -to the bridge and on the lake, I could neither see person nor boat, -nor anything else, nor hear the least noise or stir afterwards for that -time. - -I returned to my grotto brimful of this amazing adventure, bemoaning my -misfortune in being at a place where I was like to remain ignorant of -what was doing about me. For, says I, if I am in a land of spirits, as -now I have little room to doubt, there is no guarding against them. I am -never safe, even in my grotto; for that can be no security against such -beings as can sail on the water in no boats, and fly in the air on no -wings, as the case now appears to me, who can be here and there and -wherever they please. What a miserable state, I say, am I fallen to! -I should have been glad to have had human converse, and to have found -inhabitants in this place; but there being none, as I supposed hitherto, -I contented myself with thinking that I was at least safe from all those -evils mankind in society are obnoxious to. But now, what may be the -consequence of the next hour I know not; nay, I am not able to say but -whilst I speak, and show my discontent, they may at a distance conceive -my thoughts, and be hatching revenge against me for my dislike of them. - -The pressure of my spirits inclining me to repose, I laid me down, but -could get no rest; nor could all my most serious thoughts, even of the -Almighty Providence, give me relief under my present anxiety: and all -this was only from my state of uncertainty concerning the reality of -what I had heard and seen, and from the earnestness with which I coveted -a satisfactory knowledge of those beings who had just taken their flight -from me. - -I really believe the fiercest wild beast, or the most savage of mankind -that had met me, and put me upon my defence, would not have given me -half the trouble that then lay upon me; and the more, for that I had no -seeming possibility of ever being rid of my apprehensions: so finding I -could not sleep, I got up again; but as I could not fly from myself, all -the art I could use with myself was but in vain to obtain me any quiet. - -In the height of my distress I had recourse to prayer, with no small -benefit; begging that if it pleased not the Almighty Power to remove -the object of my fears, at least to resolve my doubts about them, and to -render them rather helpful than hurtful to me. I hereupon, as I always -did on such occasions, found myself much more placid and easy, and began -to hope the best, till I had almost persuaded myself that I was out of -danger; and then laying myself down, I rested very sweetly till I was -awakened by the impulse of the following dream. - -Methought I was in Cornwall, at my wife's aunt's; and inquiring after -her and my children, the old gentlewoman informed me, both my wife -and children had been dead some time, and that my wife, before her -departure, desired her (that is, her aunt) immediately upon my arrival -to tell me she was only gone to the lake, where I should be sure to see -her, and be happy with her ever after. I then, as I fancied, ran to -the lake to find her. In my passage she stopped me, crying, "Whither so -fast, Peter? I am your wife, your Patty." Methought I did not know her, -she was so altered; but observing her voice, and looking more wistfully -at her, she appeared to me as the most beautiful creature I ever -beheld. I then went to seize her in my arms; but the hurry of my spirits -awakened me. - -When I got up, I kept at home, not caring even to look out at my door. -My dream ran strangely in my head, and I had now nothing but Patty in my -mind. "Oh!" cries I, "how happy could I be with her, though I had only -her in this solitude. Oh! that this was but a reality, and not a dream." -And indeed, though it was but a dream, I could scarce refrain from -running to the lake to meet my Patty. But then I checked my folly, and -reasoned myself into some degree of temper again. However, I could not -forbear crying out, "What, nobody to converse with! Nobody to assist, -comfort, or counsel me! This is a melancholy situation indeed." Thus I -ran on lamenting till I was almost weary, when on a sudden I again -heard the voices. "Hark!" says I, "here they come again. Well, I am now -resolved to face them, come life, come death! It is not to be alone I -thus dread; but to have company about me, and not know who or what, is -death to me worse than I can suffer from them, be they who or what they -will." - -During my soliloquy the voices increased, and then by degrees diminished -as usual; but I had scarce got my gun in my hand, to pursue my -resolution of showing myself to those who uttered them, when I felt such -a thump upon the roof of my ante-chamber as shook the whole fabric and -set me all over into a tremor. I then heard a sort of shriek, and a -rustle near the door of my apartment; all which together seemed very -terrible. But I, having before determined to see what and who it was, -resolutely opened my door and leaped out I saw nobody; all was quite -silent, and nothing that I could perceive but my own fears amoving. I -went then softly to the corner of the building, and there looking down, -by the glimmer of my lamp which stood in the window, I saw something in -human shape lying at my feet. I gave the word, "Who is there?" Still no -one answered. My heart was ready to force a way through my side. I was -for a while fixed to the earth like a statue. At length, recovering, I -stepped in, fetched my lamp, and returning saw the very beautiful face -my Patty appeared under in my dream; and not considering that it was -only a dream, I verily thought I had my Patty before me; but she seemed -to be stone dead. Upon viewing her other parts (for I had never yet -removed my eyes from her face), I found she had a sort of brown chaplet, -like lace, round her head, under and about which her hair was tucked up -and twined; and she seemed to me to be clothed in a thin hair-coloured -silk garment, which, upon trying to raise her, I found to be quite warm, -and therefore hoped there was life in the body it contained. I then took -her into my arms, and treading a step backwards with her, I put out my -lamp; however, having her in my arms, I conveyed her through the doorway -in the dark into my grotto; here I laid her upon my bed, and then ran -out for my lamp. - -This, thinks I, is an amazing adventure. How could Patty come here, and -dressed in silk and whalebone too? Sure that is not the reigning fashion -in England now? But my dream said she was dead. Why, truly, says I, so -she seems to be. But be it so; she is warm. Whether this is the place -for persons to inhabit after death or not, I can't tell (for I see there -are people here, though I don't know them); but be it as it will, she -feels as flesh and blood; and if I can but bring her to stir and act -again as my wife, what matters it to me what she is? It will be a great -blessing and comfort to me; for she never would have come to this very -spot but for my good. - -Top-full of these thoughts, I re-entered my grotto, shut my door and -lighted my lamp; when going to my Patty (as I delighted to fancy her), -I thought I saw her eyes stir a little. I then set the lamp farther off -for fear of offending them if she should look up; and warming the last -glass I had reserved of my Madeira, I carried it to her, but she never -stirred. I now supposed the fall had absolutely killed her, and was -prodigiously grieved; when laying my hand on her breast I perceived the -fountain of life had some motion. This gave me infinite pleasure; so, -not despairing, I dipped my finger in the wine and moistened her lips -with it two or three times, and I imagined they opened a little. Upon -this I bethought me, and taking a teaspoon, I gently poured a few drops -of the wine by that means into her mouth. Finding she swallowed it, I -poured in another spoonful, and another, till I brought her to herself -so well as to be able to sit up. All this I did by a glimmering light -which the lamp afforded from a distant part of the room, where I had -placed it, as I have said, out of her sight. - -I then spoke to her, and asked divers questions, as if she had really -been Patty and understood me; in return of which she uttered a language -I had no idea of, though in the most musical tone, and with the sweetest -accent I ever heard. It grieved me I could not understand her. However, -thinking she might like to be on her feet, I went to lift her off the -bed, when she felt to my touch in the oddest manner imaginable; for -while in one respect it was as though she had been cased up in whalebone -it was at the same time as soft and warm as if she had been naked. - -I then took her in my arms and carried her into my ante-chamber again, -where I would fain have entered into conversation, but found she and -I could make nothing of it together, unless we could understand one -another's speech. It is very strange my dream should have prepossessed -me so of Patty, and of the alteration of her countenance, that I could -by no means persuade myself the person I had with me was not she; -though, upon a deliberate comparison, Patty, as pleasing as she always -was to my taste, would no more come up to this fair creature than a -coarse ale-wife would to Venus herself. - -You may imagine we stared heartily at each other, and I doubted not but -she wondered as much as I by what means we came so near each other. I -offered her everything in my grotto which I thought might please her; -some of which she gratefully received, as appeared by her looks and -behaviour. But she avoided my lamp, and always placed her back toward -it. I observing that, and ascribing it to her modesty in my company, let -her have her will, and took care to set it in such a position myself as -seemed agreeable to her, though it deprived me of a prospect I very much -admired. - -After we had sat a good while, now and then, I may say, chattering to -one another, she got up and took a turn or two about the room. When I -saw her in that attitude, her grace and motion perfectly charmed me, and -her shape was incomparable; but the strangeness of her dress put me to -my trumps to conceive either what it was, or how it was put on. - -Well, we supped together, and I set the best of everything I had before -her, nor could either of us forbear speaking in our own tongue, though -we were sensible neither of us understood the other. After supper I -gave her some of my cordials, for which she showed great tokens of -thankfulness, and often in her way, by signs and gestures, which were -very far from being insignificant, expressed her gratitude for my -kindness. When supper had been some time over, I showed her my bed and -made signs for her to go to it; but she seemed very shy of that, till I -showed her where I meant to lie myself, by pointing to myself, then to -that, and again pointing to her and to my bed. When at length I had made -this matter intelligible to her, she lay down very composedly; and after -I had taken care of my fire, and set the things I had been using for -supper in their places, I laid myself down too; for I could have no -suspicious thoughts or fear of danger from a form so excellent. - -I treated her for some time with all the respect imaginable, and never -suffered her to do the least part of my work. It was very inconvenient -to both of us only to know each other's meaning by signs; but I could -not be otherwise than pleased to see that she endeavoured all in her -power to learn to talk like me. Indeed I was not behindhand with her in -that respect, striving all I could to imitate her. What I all the while -wondered at was, she never showed the least disquiet at her confinement; -for I kept my door shut at first, through fear of losing her, thinking -she would have taken an opportunity to run away from me; for little did -I then think she could fly. - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - - Wilkin s afraid of losing his new mistress--They live - together all winter--A remark on that--They begin to know - each other's language--A long discourse between them at - cross purposes--She flies--They engage to be man and wife. - -After my new love had been with me a fortnight, finding my water run -low, I was greatly troubled at the thought of quitting her any time to -go for more; and having hinted it to her, with seeming uneasiness, -she could not for a while fathom my meaning; but when she saw me much -confused, she came at length, by the many signs I made, to imagine it -was my concern for her which made me so; whereupon she expressively -enough signified I might be easy, for she did not fear anything -happening to her in my absence. On this, as well as I could declare my -meaning, I entreated her not to go away before my return. As soon as she -understood what I signified to her by actions, she sat down, with her -arms across, leaning her head against the wall to assure me she would -not stir. However, as I had before nailed a cord to the outside of the -door, I tied that for caution's sake to the tree, for fear of the worst: -but I believe she had not the least design of removing. - -I took my boat, net, and water-cask, as usual, desirous of bringing her -home a fresh fish dinner, and succeeded so well as to catch enough for -several good meals, and to spare. What remained I salted, and found she -liked that better than the fresh, after a few days' salting; though she -did not so well approve of that I had formerly pickled and dried. As my -salt grew very low, though I had been as sparing of it as possible, I -now resolved to try making some; and the next summer I effected it. - -Thus we spent the remainder of the winter together, till the days began -to be light enough for me to walk abroad a little in the middle of -them; for I was now under no apprehensions of her leaving me, as she had -before this time had so many opportunities of doing so, but never once -attempted it. - -I must here make one reflection upon our conduct, which you will almost -think incredible, viz., that we two, of different sexes, not wanting our -peculiar desires, fully inflamed with love to each other, and no outward -obstacle to prevent our wishes, should have been together, under the -same roof alone for five months, conversing together from morning to -night (for by this time she pretty well understood English, and I her -language), and yet I should never have clasped her in my arms, or have -shown any further amorous desires to her than what the deference I all -along paid her could give her room to surmise. Nay, I can affirm that -I did not even then know that the covering she wore was not the work of -art, but the work of nature, for I really took it for silk; though it -must be premised that I had never seen it by any other light than of my -lamp. Indeed the modesty of her carriage and sweetness of her behaviour -to me had struck into me such a dread of offending her, that though -nothing upon earth could be more capable of exciting passion than her -charms, I could have died rather than have attempted only to salute her -without actual invitation. - -When the weather cleared up a little by the lengthening of daylight, I -took courage one afternoon to invite her to walk with me to the lake; -but she sweetly excused herself from it, whilst there was such a -frightful glare of light, as she said; but looking out at the door, -told me, if I would not go out of the wood she would accompany me: so we -agreed to take a turn only there. I first went myself over the stile of -the door, and thinking it rather too high for her, I took her in my arms -and lifted her over. But even when I had her in this manner, I knew not -what to make of her clothing, it sat so true and close; but seeing by a -steadier and truer light in the grove, though a heavy gloomy one, than -my lamp had afforded, I begged she would let me know of what silk or -other composition her garment was made. She smiled, and asked me if mine -was not the same under my jacket "No, lady," says I, "I have nothing -but my skin under my clothes."--"Why, what do you mean?" replies she, -somewhat tartly; "but indeed I was afraid that something was the matter -by that nasty covering you wear, that you might not be seen. Are you -not a glumm?"*--"Yes,"says I, "fair creature." (Here, though you may -conceive she spoke part English, part her own tongue, and I the same, as -we best understood each other, yet I shall give you our discourse, word -for word, in plain English.) "Then," says she, "I am afraid you must -have been a very bad man, and have been crashee,** which I should be -very sorry to hear." - - * A man. - - ** Slit. - -I told her I believed we were none of us so good as we might be, but I -hoped my faults had not at most exceeded other men's; but I had suffered -abundance of hardships in my time; and that at last Providence -having settled me in this spot, from whence I had no prospect of ever -departing, it was none of the least of its mercies to bring to my -knowledge and company the most exquisite piece of all His works, in her, -which I should acknowledge as long as I lived. She was surprised at this -discourse, and asked me (if I did not mean to impose upon her, and was -indeed an ingcrashee* glumm) why I should tell her I had no prospect of -departing hence. "Have not you," says she, "the same prospect that I or -any other person has of departing? Sir," added she, "you don't do -well, and really I fear you are slit, or you would not wear this nasty -cumbersome coat (taking hold of my jacket-sleeve), if you were not -afraid of showing the signs of a bad life upon your natural clothing." - - * Unslit. - -I could not for my heart imagine what way there was to get out of my -dominions. But certainly, thought I, there must be some way or other, or -she would not be so peremptory. And as to my jacket, and showing myself -in my natural clothing, I profess she made me blush; and but for shame, -I would have stripped to my skin to have satisfied her. "But, madam," -says I, "pray pardon me, for you are really mistaken; I have examined -every nook and corner of this new world in which we now are, and can -find no possible outlet; nay, even by the same way I came in, I am sure -it is impossible to get out again."--"Why," says she, "what outlets have -you searched for, or what way can you expect out but the way you came -in? And why is that impossible to return by again? If you are not slit, -is not the air open to you? Will not the sky admit you to patrole in it, -as well as other people? I tell you, sir, I fear you have been slit for -your crimes; and though you have been so good to me, that I can't help -loving of you heartily for it, yet if I thought you had been slit, I -would not, nay, could not, stay a moment longer with you; no, though it -should break my heart to leave you." - -I found myself now in a strange quandary, longing to know what she meant -by being slit, and had a hundred strange notions in my head whether I -was slit or not; for though I knew what the word naturally signified -well enough, yet in what manner or by what figure of speech she applied -it to me, I had no idea of. But seeing her look a little angrily upon -me, "Pray, madam," says I, "don't be offended, if I take the liberty to -ask you what you mean by the word crashee* so often repeated by you; for -I am an utter stranger to what you mean by it."--"Sir," says she, "pray -answer me first how you came here?"--"Madam," replied I, "will you -please to take a walk to the verge of the wood, I will show you the very -passage."--"Sir," says she, "I perfectly know the range of the rocks all -round, and by the least description, without going to see them, can tell -from which you descended."--"In truth," said I, "most charming lady, I -descended from no rock at all; nor would I for a thousand worlds attempt -what could not be accomplished but by my destruction."--"Sir," says -she, in some anger, "it is false, and you impose upon me."--"I declare -to you," says I, "madam, what I tell you is strictly true; I never was -near the summit of any of the surrounding rocks, or anything like it; -but as you are not far from the verge of the wood, be so good as to step -a little farther and I will show you my entrance in hither."--"Well," -says she, "now this odious dazzle of light is lessened, I don't care if -I do go with you." - -When we came far enough to see the bridge, "There, madam," says I, -"there is my entrance, where the sea pours into this lake from yonder -cavern."--"It is not possible," says she; "this is another untruth; and -as I see you would deceive me, and are not to be believed, farewell; I -must be gone. But, hold," says she, "let me ask you one thing more; that -is, by what means did you come through that cavern? You could not have -used to have come over the rock?"--"Bless me, madam!" says I, "do you -think I and my boat could fly? Come over the rock, did you say? No, -madam; I sailed from the great sea, the main ocean, in my boat, through -that cavern into this very lake here."--"What do you mean by your boat?" -says she. "You seem to make two things of your boat you say you sailed -with and yourself."--"I do so," replied I; "for, madam, I take myself -to be good flesh and blood, but my boat is made of wood and other -materials."--"Is it so?" says she. "And, pray, where is this boat -that is made of wood and other materials?--under your jacket?"--"Lord, -madam!" says I, "you put me in fear that you were angry; but now I hope -you only joke with me. What, put a boat under my jacket! No, madam; my -boat is in the lake."--"What, more untruths?" says she.--"No, madam," I -replied; "if you would be satisfied of what I say (every word of which -is as true as that my boat now is in the lake), pray walk with me -thither and make your own eyes judges what sincerity I speak with." To -this she agreed, it growing dusky; but assured me, if I did not give her -good satisfaction, I should see her no more. - -We arrived at the lake; and going to my wet-dock, "Now, madam," says -I, "pray satisfy yourself whether I spake true or no." She looked at my -boat, but could not yet frame a proper notion of it. Says I, "Madam, -in this very boat I sailed from the main ocean through that cavern into -this lake; and shall at last think myself the happiest of all men if you -continue with me, love me, and credit me; and I promise you I'll never -deceive you, but think my life happily spent in your service." I found -she was hardly content yet to believe what I told her of my boat to be -true; till I stepped into it, and pushing from the shore, took my oars -in my hand, and sailed along the lake by her, as she walked on the -shore. At last she seemed so well reconciled to me and my boat, that she -desired I would take her in. I immediately did so, and we sailed a good -way; and as we returned to my dock I described to her how I procured the -water we drank, and brought it to shore in that vessel. - -"Well," says she, "I have sailed, as you call it, many a mile in my -lifetime, but never in such a thing as this. I own it will serve very -well where one has a great many things to carry from place to place; but -to be labouring thus at an oar when one intends pleasure in sailing, is -in my mind a most ridiculous piece of slavery."--"Why, pray, madam, how -would you have me sail? for getting into the boat only will not carry -us this way or that without using some force."--"But," says she, "pray, -where did you get this boat, as you call it?"--"O madam!" says I, "that -is too long and fatal a story to begin upon now; this boat was made many -thousand miles from hence, among a people coal-black, a quite different -sort from us; and, when I first had it, I little thought of seeing this -country; but I will make a faithful relation of all to you when we come -home." Indeed, I began to wish heartily we were there, for it grew into -the night; and having strolled so far without my gun, I was afraid of -what I had before seen and heard, and hinted our return; but I found my -motion was disagreeable to her, and so I dropped it. - -I now perceived and wondered at it, that the later it grew the -more agreeable it seemed to her; and as I had now brought her into -good-humour again by seeing and sailing in my boat, I was not willing -to prevent its increase. I told her, if she pleased, we would land, and -when I had docked my boat, I would accompany her where and as long as -she liked. As we talked and walked by the lake, she made a little run -before me and sprung into it Perceiving this, I cried out, whereupon -she merrily called on me to follow her. The light was then so dim, as -prevented my having more than a confused sight of her when she jumped -in; and looking earnestly after her, I could discern nothing more than -a small boat in the water, which skimmed along at so great a rate that I -almost lost sight of it presently; but running along the shore for -fear of losing her, I met her gravely walking to meet me, and then -had entirely lost sight of the boat upon the lake. "This," says she, -accosting me with a smile, "is my way of sailing, which, I perceive, by -the fright you were in, you are altogether unacquainted with; and, as -you tell me you came from so many thousand miles off, it is possible -you may be made differently from me: but, surely we are the part of the -creation which has had most care bestowed upon it; and I suspect, from -all your discourse, to which I have been very attentive, it is possible -you may no more be able to fly than to sail as I do."--"No, charming -creature," says I, "that I cannot, I'll assure you." She then, stepping -to the edge of the lake, for the advantage of a descent before her, -sprung up into the air, and away she went farther than my eyes could -follow her. - -I was quite astonished. "So," says I, "then all is over! all a delusion -which I have so long been in! a mere phantom! Better had it been for me -never to have seen her, than thus to lose her again! But what could -I expect had she stayed? For it is plain she is no human composition. -But," says I, "she felt like flesh, too, when I lifted her out at the -door!" I had but very little time for reflection; for, in about ten -minutes after she had left me in this mixture of grief and amazement, -she alighted just by me on her feet. - -Her return, as she plainly saw, filled me with a transport not to be -concealed; and which, as she afterwards told me, was very agreeable to -her. Indeed, I was some moments in such an agitation of mind from these -unparalleled incidents, that I was like one thunder-struck; but coming -presently to myself, and clasping her in my arms with as much love and -passion as I was capable of expressing, and for the first time with -any desire,--"Are you returned again, kind angel," said I, "to bless a -wretch who can only be happy in adoring you? Can it be, that you, who -have so many advantages over me, should quit all the pleasures that -nature has formed you for, and all your friends and relations, to take -an asylum in my arms? But I here make you a tender of all I am able -to bestow--my love and constancy."--"Come, come," says she, "no more -raptures; I find you are a worthier man than I thought I had reason -to take you for, and I beg your pardon for my distrust whilst I was -ignorant of your imperfections; but now I verily believe all you have -said is true; and I promise you, as you have seemed so much to delight -in me, I will never quit you till death, or other as fatal accident -shall part us. But we will now, if you choose, go home; for I know you -have been some time uneasy in this gloom, though agreeable to me: for, -giving my eyes the pleasure of looking eagerly on you, it conceals my -blushes from your sight." - -In this manner, exchanging mutual endearments and soft speeches, hand -in hand, we arrived at the grotto; where we that night consummated our -nuptials, without farther ceremony than mutual solemn engagements to -each other; which are, in truth, the essence of marriage, and all that -was there and then in our power. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - - The author's disappointment at first going to bed with his - new wife--Some strange circumstances relating thereto--She - resolves several questions he asks her, and clears up his - fears as to the voices--A description of swangeans. - -Every calm is succeeded by a storm, as is every storm by its calm; for, -after supper, in order to give my bride the opportunity of undressing -alone, which I thought might be most agreeable the first night, I -withdrew into the antechamber till I thought she was laid; and then, -having first disposed of my lamp, I moved softly towards her, and -stepped into bed too; when, on my nearer approach to her, I imagined she -had her clothes on. This struck a thorough damp over me; and asking her -the reason of it, not being able to touch the least bit of her flesh -but her face and hands, she burst out a-laugh-ing; and, running her hand -along my naked side, soon perceived the difference she before had made -such doubt of between herself and me. Upon which she fairly told me, -that neither she, nor any person she had ever seen before, had any -other covering than what they were born with, and which they would not -willingly part with but with their lives. This shocked me terribly; -not from the horror of the thing itself, or any distaste I had to this -covering (for it was quite smooth, warm, and softer than velvet or the -finest skin imaginable), but from an apprehension of her being so wholly -encased in it, that, though I had so fine a companion, and now a -wife, yet I should have no conjugal benefit from her, either to my own -gratification, or the increase of our species. - -In the height of my impatience I made divers essays for unfolding this -covering, but unsuccessfully. Surely, says I, there must be some way of -coming at my wishes, or why should she seem so shy of me at first, and -now we are under engagements to each other, meet me half way with such a -yielding compliance? I could, if I had had time to spare, have gone on, -starting objections and answering them, in my own breast, a great while -longer (for I now knew not what to make of it); but being prompted to -act as well as think, and feeling, as tenderly as possible, upon her -bosom, for the folds or plaits of her garment, she lying perfectly -still, and perceiving divers flat broad ledges, like whale-bone, -seemingly under her covering, which closely enfolded her body, I thought -it might be all laced on together somewhat like stays, and felt behind -for the lacing. - -At length, perceiving me so puzzled, and beyond conception vexed at my -disappointment, of asudden, lest I should grow outrageous (which I was -almost come to), she threw down all those seeming ribs flat to her side -so imperceptibly to me, that I knew nothing of the matter, though I lay -close to her; till putting forth my hand again to her bosom, the softest -skin, and most delightful body, free from all impediment, presented -itself to my wishes, and gave itself up to my embraces. - -I slept very soundly till morning, and so did she; but at waking I was -very solicitous to find out what sort of being I had had in my arms, -and with what qualities her garment was endued, or how contrived that, -notwithstanding all my fruitless attempts to uncover her, she herself -could so instantaneously dispose of it undiscerned by me. Well, thought -I, she is my wife, I will be satisfied in everything; for surely she -will not now refuse to gratify my curiosity. - -We rose with the light; but surely no two were ever more amorous, or -more delighted with each other. I, being up first, lighted the fire, and -prepared breakfast of some fish soup, thickened with my cream-cheese; -and then calling her, I kept my eye towards the bed to see how she -dressed herself; but throwing aside the clothes, she stepped out ready -dressed, and came to me. When I had kissed her, and wished her a good -day, we sat down to breakfast; which being soon over, I told her I hoped -every minute of our lives would prove as happy as those we so lately -passed together; which she seemed to wish with equal ardour. I then told -her, now she was my wife, I thought proper to know her name, which I had -never before asked, for fear of giving uneasiness; for, as I added, I -did not doubt she had observed in my behaviour, ever since I first -saw her, a peculiar tenderness for her, and a sedulous concern not to -offend, which had obliged me hitherto to stifle several questions I -had to ask her whenever they would be agreeable to her. She then bid me -begin; for as she was now my wife, whilst I was speaking it became her -to be all attention, and to give me the utmost satisfaction she could in -all I should require, as she herself should have so great an interest in -everything for the future which would oblige me. - -Compliments (if, in compliance with old custom, I may call them so, for -they were by us delivered from the heart) being a little over on both -sides, I first desired to know what name she went by before I found -her: "For," says I, "having only hitherto called you madam, and my lady, -besides the future expression of my love to you in the word dear, I -would know your original name, that so I might join it with that tender -epithet."--"That you shall," says she, "and also my family at another -opportunity; but as my name will not take up long time to repeat at -present, it is Youwarkee. And pray," says she, "now gratify me with the -knowledge of yours."--"My dear Youwarkee," says I, "my name was Peter -Wilkins when I heard it last; but that is so long ago, I had almost -forgot it. And now," says I, "there is another thing you can give me a -pleasure in."--"You need, then, only mention it, my dear Peter," says -she.--"That is," says I, "only to tell me if you did not, by some -accident, fall from the top of the rock over my habitation, upon the -roof of it, when I first took you in here; and whether you are of the -country upon the rocks?"--She, softly smiling, answered, "My dear Peter, -you run your questions too thick. As to my country, which is not on the -rocks, as you suppose, but at a vast distance from hence, I shall leave -that till I may hereafter, at more leisure, speak of my family, as I -promised you before; but as to how I came into this grotto, I knew not -at first, but soon perceived your humanity had brought me in, to take -care of me, after a terrible fall I had; not from the rock, as you -suppose, for then I must not now have been living to enjoy you, but -from a far less considerable height in the air. I'll tell you how it -happened. A parcel of us young people were upon a merry _swangean_* -round this _arkoe_,** which we usually divert ourselves with at set -times of the year, chasing and pursuing one another, sometimes soaring -to an extravagant height, and then shooting down again with surprising -precipitancy, till we even touch the trees; when of a sudden we mount -again and away." - - * Flight. - - ** Water surrounded with a wood. - -"I say, being of this party, and pursued by one of my comrades, I -descended down to the very trees, and she after me; but as I mounted, -she over-shooting me, brushed so stiffly against the upper part of -my _graundee_* that I lost my bearing; and being so near the branches -before I could recover it again, I sunk into the tree, and rendered -my graundee useless to me; so that down I came, and that with so much -force, that I but just felt my fall, and lost my senses. Whether I cried -out or no upon my coming to the ground, I cannot say; but if I did, my -companion was too far gone by that time to hear or take notice of me; -as she, probably, in so swift a flight, saw not my fall. As to the -condition I was in, or what happened immediately afterwards, I must -be obliged to you for a relation of that; but one thing I was quickly -sensible of, and never can forget, viz., that I owe my life to your care -and kindness to me." - - * The covering and wings of skin they flew with. - -I told her she should have that part of her story from me another time. -"But," says I, "there is something so amazing in these flights, or -swangeans, as you call them, that I must, as the questions for this day, -beg you would let me know what is the method of them. What is the nature -of your covering, which was at first such an obstacle to my wishes? How -you put it on? And how you use it in your swangean?" - -"Surely, my dearest Peter," says she, "but that I can deny you nothing, -since you are my _barkatt_* which you seem so passionately to desire, -the latter of your questions would not be answered, for it must put me -to the blush. As to our method of flight, you saw somewhat of that last -night, though in a light hardly sufficient for you; and for the nature -of my covering, you perceive that now; but to show you how it is put on, -as you call it, I am afraid it will be necessary, as far as I can, to -put it off, before I can make you comprehend that; which having done, -the whole will be no farther a mystery. But, not to be tedious, is it -your command that I uncover? Lay that upon me, it shall be done." - - * Husband. - -Here I was at a plunge whether to proceed or drop the question. Thinks -I, if my curiosity should be fatal to me, as I may see something I can -never bear hereafter, I am undone. She waits the command! Why so? I know -not the consequence! What shall I do? At last, somewhat resolutely, I -asked her whether her answer either way to my command would cause her to -leave me, or me to love her less? She, seeing my hesitation, and -perceiving the cause, was so pleased, that she cried out--"No, my dear -Peter, not that, nor all the force on earth, shall ever part me from -you. But I conceive you are afraid you shall discover something in me -you may not like. I fear not that; but an immodest appearance before -you I cannot suffer myself to be guilty of, but under your own -command."--"My lovely Youwarkee," says I, "delay then my desires no -longer; and since you require a warrant from me, I do command you to do -it" Immediately her graundee flew open (discovering her naked body just -to the hip, and round the rim of her belly) and, expanding itself, was -near six feet wide. Here my love and curiosity had a hard conflict; the -one to gain my attention to the graundee, and the other to retain my -eyes and thoughts on her lovely body, which I had never beheld so much -of before. Though I was very unwilling to keep her uncovered too long, I -could not easily dismiss so charming a sight I attentively viewed her -lovely flesh, and examined the case that enshrined it; but as I shall -give you a full description of the graundee hereafter, in a more proper -place, I will mention it no farther here, than to tell you that when I -had narrowly surveyed the upper part of it, she in a moment contracted -it round her so close that the nicest eye could not perceive the joining -of the parts. "Indeed, my dear Youwarkee," says I, "you had the best of -reasons for saying you was not fearful I should discover anything in you -displeasing; for if my bosom glowed with love before, you have now -therein raised an ardent flame, which neither time, nor aught else, will -ever be able to extinguish. I now almost conceive how you fly; though -yet I am at a loss to know how you extend and make use of the lower part -of your graundee, which rises up and meets the upper; but I will rather -guess at that by what I have seen, than raise the colour higher in those -fair cheeks, which are, however, adorned with blushes." Then running to -her, and taking her in my arms, I called her the dearest gift of Heaven; -and left off further interrogatories till another opportunity. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - - Youwarkee cannot bear a strong light--Wilkins makes her - spectacles, which help her--A description of them - -Youwarkee and I having no other company than one another's, we talked -together almost from morn to night, in order to learn each other's -dialect But how compilable soever she was in all other respects, I could -not persuade her to go out with me to fetch water, or to the lake, in -the day-time. It being now the light season, I wanted her to be more -abroad; but she excused herself, telling me her people never came into -those luminous parts of the country during the false glare, as they -called it, but kept altogether at home, where their light was more -moderate and steadier; and that the place where I resided was not -frequented by them for half the year, and at other times only upon -parties of pleasure, it not being worth while to settle habitations -where they could not abide always. She said Normnbdsgrsutt was the -finest region in the world, where her king's court was, and a vast -kingdom. I asked her twice or thrice more to name the country to me, -but not all the art we could use, hers in dictating, and mine in -endeavouring to pronounce it, would render me conqueror of that -her monosyllable (for as such it sounded from her sweet lips); so I -relinquished the name to her, telling her whenever she had any more -occasion to mention the place, I desired it might be under the style of -Doorpt Swangeanti, which she promised; but wondered, as she could speak -the other so glibly, as she called it, I could not do so too. - -I told her that the light of my native country was far stronger than any -I had seen since my arrival at Graundevolet (for that, I found by her, -was the name my dominions went by); and that we had a sun, or ball of -fire, which rolled over our heads every day, with such a light, and such -a heat, that it would sometimes almost scorch one, it was so hot, and -was of such brightness that the eye could not look at it without danger -of blindness. She was heartily glad, she said, she was not born in so -wretched a land; and she did not believe there was any other so good -as her own. I thought no benefit could arise from my combating these -innocent prejudices, so I let them alone. - -She had often lamented to me the difference of our eyesight, and the -trouble it was to her that she could not at all times go about with me, -till it gave me a good deal of uneasiness to see her concern. At last I -told her, that though I believed it would be impossible to reduce my -sight to the standard of hers, yet I was persuaded I could bring hers to -bear the strongest light I had ever seen in this country. She was -mightily pleased with the thought of that, and said she wished I might, -for she was sensible of no grief like being obliged to stay at home when -I went abroad on my business, and was resolved to try my experiment if I -pleased, and in the meantime should heartily pray for the success. I hit -on the following invention. - -I rummaged over all my old things, and by good luck found an old -crape hatband. This I tried myself, single, before my own eyes, in the -strongest light we had; but believing I had not yet obscured it enough, -I doubled it, and then thought it might do; but for fear it should not -I trebled it, and then it seemed too dark for eyes like mine to discover -objects through it, and so I judged it would suit hers; for I was -determined to produce something, if possible, that would do at first, -without repetition of trial, which I thought would only deject her more, -by making her look on the matter as impracticable. I now only wanted a -proper method for fixing it on her, and this I thought would be easily -effected, but had much more difficulty in it than I imagined. A first I -purposed to tie the crape over her eyes, but trying it myself, I found -it very rough and fretting: I then designed fixing it to an old crown of -a hat that held my fish-hooks and lines, and so let it hang down before -her face; but that also had its inconveniences, as it would slap -her eyes in windy weather, and would be not only useless, but very -troublesome in flight; so that I was scarce ever more puzzled before. At -last I thought of a method that answered exceedingly well, the hint -of which I took from somewhat I had seen with my master when I was at -school, which he called goggles, and which he used to tie round his -head to screen his eyes in riding. The thing I made upon that plan was -composed of old hat, pieces of rams-horn, and the above-mentioned crape. - -When I had finished the whole apparatus, I tried it first upon myself, -and finding great reason to believe it would perfectly answer the -intention, I ran directly to Youwarkee. "Come," says I, "my dear, will -you go with me to the water-rill; for I must fetch some this morning?" -She shook her head, and, with tears in her eyes, wished she could. -"But," says she, "let me see how light it is abroad."--"No," says I, "my -love, you must not look out till you go."--"Indeed," says she, "if it -did not affect my eyes and head you should not ask me twice."--"Well," -says I, "my Youwarkee, I am now come to take you with me; and that you -may not suffer by it, turn about, and let me apply the remedy I told -you of for your sight" She wanted much to see first what it was, but I -begged her to forbear till she tried whether it would be useful or not -She told me she would absolutely submit to my direction, so I adjusted -the thing to her head. "Now," says I, "you have it on, let us go out -and try it, and let me know the moment you find the light offensive, and -take particular notice how you are affected." Hereupon away we marched, -and I heard no complaint in all our walk to the lake. - -"Now, my dear Youwarkee," says I, when we got there, "what do you think -of my contrivance? Can you see at all?"--"Yes, very well," says she. -"But, my dear Peter, you have taken the advantage of the twilight, I -know, to deceive me; and I had rather have stayed at home than have -subjected you to return in the night for the sake of my company." I then -assured her it was mid-day, and no later, which pleased her mightily; -and, to satisfy her, I untied the string behind, and just let her be -convinced it was so. When I had fixed the shade on her head again, she -put up her hands and felt the several materials of which it consisted; -and after expressing her admiration of it, "So, my dear Peter," says -she, "you have now encumbered yourself with a wife indeed, for since -I can come abroad in a glaring light with so much ease, you will never -henceforward be without my company." - -Youwarkee being thus in spirits, we launched the boat, watered, took a -draught of fish, and returned; passing the night at home, in talking of -the spectacles (for that was the name I told her they must go by) and -of the fishing, for that exercise delighted her to a great degree. But, -above all, the spectacles were her chief theme; she handled them and -looked at them again and again, and asked several rational questions -about them; as, how they could have that effect on her eyes, enabling -her to see, and the like. She ventured out with them next day by -herself; and, as she threatened, was as good as her word, for she -scarcely afterwards let me go abroad by myself, but accompanied me -everywhere freely, and with delight. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. - - Youwarkee with child--Their stock of provisions--No beast or - fish in Youwarkeis country--The voices again--Her reason for - not seeing those who uttered them--She bears a son--A hard - speech in her lying-in--Divers birds appear--Their eggs - gathered--How Wilkits kept account of time - -About three months after we were married, as we called it, Youwarkee -told me she believed she was breeding, and I was mightily pleased with -it, for though I had had two children before by Patty, yet I had never -seen either of them, so that I longed to be a father. I sometimes amused -myself with whimsical conjectures, as, whether the child would have a -graundee or not; which of us it would be most like; how we should do -without a midwife; and what must become of the infant, as we had not -milk, in case Youwarkee could not suckle it. Indeed, I had leisure -enough for indulging such reveries; for, having laid in our winter -stores, my wife and I had nothing to do but enjoy ourselves over a good -fire, prattling and toying together, making as good cheer as we could; -and truly that was none of the worst, for we had as fine bread as need -to be eaten; we had pears preserved; all sorts of dried fish; and once -a fortnight, for two or three days together, had fresh fish; we had -vinegar, and a biting herb which I had found, for pepper; and several -sorts of nuts; so there was no want. - -It was at this time, after my return from watering one day, where -Youwarkee had been with me, that, having taken several fish, and amongst -them some I had not before seen, I asked her, as we were preparing and -salting some of them, how they managed fish in her country, and what -variety they had of them there. She told me she neither ever saw nor -heard of a fish in her life till she came to me. "How!" says I, "no fish -amongst you? Why, you want one of the greatest dainties that can be -set upon a table. Do you wholly eat flesh," says I, "at Doorpt -Swangeanti?"--"Flesh," says she laughingly, "of what?"--"Nay," says -I, "you know best what the beasts of your own country are. We have in -England, where I was born and bred, oxen, very large hogs, sheep, lambs, -and calves; these make our ordinary dishes: then we have deer, hares, -rabbits, and these are reckoned dainties; besides numberless kinds of -poultry, and fish without stint"--"I never heard of any of these things -in my life," says Youwarkee, "nor did I ever eat anything but fruits and -herbs, and what is made from them, at Normnbdsgrsutt."--"You will speak -that crabbed word," says I, "again."--"I beg your pardon, my dear," -says she; "at Doorpt Swangeanti, I say; nor I, nor any one else, to my -knowledge, ever ate any such thing; but seeing you eat fish, as you -call them, I made no scruple of doing so too, and like them very well, -especially the salted ones, for I never tasted what you call salt -neither till I came here."--"I cannot think," says I, "what sort of a -country yours is, or how you all live there."--"Oh," says she, "there -is no want; I wish you and I were there." I was afraid I had talked too -much of her country already, so we called a new cause. - -Soon after winter had set in, as we were in bed one night, I heard -the voices again; and though my wife had told me of her countryfolk's -swangeans in that place, I, being frighted a little, waked her; and she -hearing them too, cried out, "There they are! it is ten to one but -my sister or some of our family are there. Hark! I believe I hear -her voice." I myself hearkened very attentively; and by this time -understanding a great deal of their language, I not only could -distinguish different speakers, but knew the meaning of several of the -words they pronounced. - -I would have had Youwarkee have gotten up and called to them. "Not for -the world," says she; "have you a mind to part with me? Though I have no -intent to leave you, as I am with child, if they should try to force me -away without my consent, I may receive some injury, to the danger of my -own life, or at least of the child's." This reason perfectly satisfying -me, endeared the loving creature to me ten times more, if possible, than -ever. - -The next summer brought me a yawm,* as fair as alabaster. - - * Man-child. - -My wife was delivered without the usual assistance, and had as -favourable a labour as could be. The first thing I did, after giving her -some fish-soup, made as skilfully as I was able, and a little cordial, -was to see if my yawm had the graundee or not. Finding it had--"So," -says I to Youwarkee, "you have brought me a legitimate heir to my -dominions, whose title sure cannot be disputed, being one of you." -Though I spoke this with as much pleasure, and in as endearing a way as -ever I spoke in my life, and quite innocently, the poor Youwarkee burst -into tears to such excess there was no pacifying her. I asked her -the reason of her grief, begged and entreated her to let me know what -disturbed her, but all in vain; till, seeing me in a violent passion, -such as I had never before appeared to be in, she told me she was very -sorry I should question her fidelity to me. She surprised me in saying -this, as I never had any such apprehension. "No, my dearest wife," says -I, "I never had any such suspicion as you charge me with, I can safely -affirm; nor can I comprehend your meaning by imputing such a thing to -me."--"Oh!" says she, "I am sure you have no cause for it; but you said -the poor child was one of us; as much as to intimate that had it been -your own, it would have been born as you were, without the graundee, -which thought I cannot bear, and if you continue to think so it must end -me; therefore take away my life now, rather than let me live to see my -farther misery." - -I was heartily sorry for what I had said, when I saw the effects of it, -though I did not imagine it could have been perverted to such a contrary -meaning. But considering her to be the faithful-lest and most loving -creature upon earth, and that true love cannot bear anything -that touches upon or can be applied (though with ever so forced a -construction) to an opprobrious or contemptuous meaning, I attributed -her groundless resentment to her excess of fondness only for me; and -falling upon the bed by her, and bathing her face in my tears, I assured -her the interpretation she had put on my words was altogether foreign -from the view they were spoken with; professing to her that I never had, -nor ever could have, the least cause of jealousy. On my confirming this -absolute confidence in her virtue by the strongest asseverations, she -grew fully convinced of her error, and acknowledged she had been too -rash in censuring me; and growing pleased at my fresh professions of -love to her, we presently were reconciled, and became again very good -friends. - -When Youwarkee had gathered strength again, she proved an excellent -nurse to my Pedro (for that was the name I gave him), so that he soon -grew a charming child, able to go in his twelvemonth, and spoke in his -twentieth. This and two other lovely boys I had by her in three years, -every one of which she brought up with the breast, and they thrived -delicately. - -I don't mention the little intervening occurrences which happened -during this period; they consisted chiefly of the old rota of fishing, -watering, providing in the summer for the winter, and in managing my -salt-work; which altogether kept me at full employment, comfortably to -maintain an increasing family. - -In this time I had found out several new sorts of eatables. I had -observed, as I said before, abundance of birds about the wood and lake -in the summer months. These, by firing at them two or three times on my -first coming, I had almost caused to desert my dominions. But as I had -for the last two or three years given no disturbance at all to them, -they were now in as great plenty as ever; and I made great profit of -them by the peace they enjoyed; and yet my table never wanted a supply, -fresh in the summer, or salted and pickled in winter. - -I took notice it was about October these birds used to come; and most of -the month of November they were busy in laying their eggs, which I used -at that time to find in great plenty along the banks of the lake in the -reeds, and made great collections of them; I used also to find a great -many in the woods amongst the shrubs and underwood. These furnished our -table various ways; for with my cream-cheese flour, and a little mixture -of ram's-horn juice, I had taught my wife to make excellent puddings of -them; abundance of them also we ate boiled or fried alone, and often as -sauce to our fish. As for the birds themselves, having long omitted to -fire at them, I had an effectual means of taking them otherwise by nets, -which I set between the trees, and also very large pitfall nets, with -which I used to catch all sorts, even from the size of a thrush to that -of a turkey. But as I shall say more of these when I come to speak of my -ward by and by, and of my poultry, I shall omit any further mention of -them here. - -You may perhaps wonder how I could keep an account of my time so -precisely, as to talk of the particular months. I will tell you. At my -coming from America, I was then exact; for we set sail the fourteenth of -November, and struck the first or second day of February. So far I kept -perfect reckoning; but after that I was not so exact, though I kept it -as well as my perplexity would admit even then, till the days shortening -upon me, prevented it. - -Hereupon I set about making a year for myself. I found the duration of -the comparative darkness, or what might with me be termed night, in the -course of the twenty-four hours, or day, gradually increased for six -months; after which it decreased reciprocally for an equal time, and -the lighter part of the day took its turn, as in our parts of the world, -only inversely: so that as the light's decrease became sensible about -the middle of March, it was at the greatest pitch the latter end of -August, or beginning of September; and from thence, on the contrary, -went on decreasing to the close of February, when I had the longest -portion of light. Hereupon, dividing my year into two seasons only, I -began the winter half in March, and the summer half in September. Thus -my winter was the spring and summer quarters in Europe, and my summer -those of our autumn and winter. - -From my settling this matter, I kept little account of days or weeks, -but only reckoned my time by summer and winter, so that I am pretty -right as to the revolutions of these; though the years, as to their -notation, I kept no account of, nor do I know what year of the Lord it -now is. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX. - - Wilkins's concern about clothing for Pedro, his eldest son-- - His discourse with his wife about the ship--Her flight to - it--His melancholy reflections till her return--An account - of what she had done, and of what she brought--She clothes - her children, and takes a second flight - -As my boy Pedro grew up, though, as I said before, he had the graundee, -yet it was of less dimensions than it ought to have been to be useful to -him, so that it was visible he could never fly; for it would scarce meet -before, whereas it ought to have reached from side to side both ways. -This pleased my wife to the heart; for now she was sure, whatever I -had done before, I could not suspect her. Be that as it will, the boy's -graundee not being a sufficient vestment for him, it became necessary he -should be clothed. - -I turned over my hoard, but could find nothing that would do; or, at -least, that we knew how to fit him with. I had described my own country -vest for lads to Youwarkee, and she formed a tolerable idea of it, but -we had no tackle to alter anything with. "Oh, my dear," says I, "had I -but been born with the graundee, I need not be now racking my brains to -get my child clothes."--"What do you mean by that?" says she.--"Why," -says I, "I would have flown to my ship (for I had long before related -to her all my sea adventures, till the vessel's coming to the magnetical -rock), and have brought some such things from thence, as you, not -wanting them in this country, can have no notion of." She seemed mighty -inquisitive to understand how a ship was made, what it was most like to, -how a person who never saw one might know it only by the description, -and how one might get into it; with abundance of the like questions. -She then inquired what sort of things those needles and several other -utensils were, which I had at times been speaking of; and in what -part of a ship they usually kept such articles. And I, to gratify her -curiosity, as I perceived she took a pleasure in hearing me, answered -all her questions to a scruple; not then conceiving the secret purpose -of all this inquisitiveness. - -About two days after this, having been out two or three hours in the -morning, to cut wood, at coming home I found Pedro crying, ready -to break his heart, and his little brother Tommy hanging to him and -crawling about the floor after him: the youngest pretty baby was fast -asleep upon one of the beast-fish skins, in a corner of the room. I -asked Pedro for his mother; but the poor infant had nothing farther to -say to the matter, than "Mammy run away, I cry! mammy run away, I -cry!" I wondered where she was gone, never before missing her from our -habitation. However, I waited patiently till bed-time, but no wife. -I grew very uneasy then; yet, as my children were tired and sleepy, I -thought I had best go to bed with them, and make quiet; so, giving all -three their suppers, we lay down together. They slept; but my mind was -too full to permit the closure of my eyes. A thousand different chimeras -swam in my imagination relating to my wife. One while I fancied her -carried away by her kinsfolks; then, that she was gone of her own accord -to make peace with her father. But that thought would not fix, being put -aside by her constant tenderness to her children and regard to me, whom -I was sure she would not have left without notice. "But alas!" says I, -"she may even now be near me, but taken so ill she cannot get home, or -she may have died suddenly in the wood." I lay tumbling and tossing in -great anxiety, not able to find out any excusable occasion she could -have of so long absence. And then, thinks I, if she should either be -dead, or have quite left me, which will be of equally bad consequence -to me, what can I do with three poor helpless infants? If they were a -little more grown up, they might be helpful to me and to each other; -but at their age how shall I ever rear them without the tenderness of -a mother? And to see them pine away before my face, and not know how to -help them, will distract me. - -Finding I could neither sleep nor lie still, I rose, intending to search -all the woods about, and call to her, that if any accident had prevented -sight of her she might at least hear me. But upon opening the door, and -just stepping out, how agreeably was I surprised to meet her coming in, -with something on her arm. "My dear Youwarkee," says I, "where have you -been? What has befallen you to keep you out so long? The poor children -have been at their wits' end to find you; and I, my dear, have been -inconsolable, and was now, almost distracted, coming in search of you." -Youwarkee looked very blank, to think what concern she had given me and -the children. "My dearest Peter," says she, kissing me, "pray forgive -me the only thing I have ever done to offend you, and the last cause -you shall ever have, by my good will, to complain of me; but walk within -doors, and I will give you a farther account of my absence. Don't you -remember what delight I took the other day to hear you talk of your -ship?"--"Yes," says I, "you did so; but what of that?"--"Nay, pray," -says she, "forgive me, for I have been to see it."--"That's impossible," -says I; and truly this was the first time I ever thought she went about -to deceive me.--"I do assure you," says she, "I have; and a wonderful -thing it is! But if you distrust me, and what I say, I have brought -proof of it; step out with me to the verge of the wood, and satisfy -yourself."--"But pray," says I, "who presented you with this upon your -arm?"--"I vow," says she, "I had forgot this: yes, this will, I believe, -confirm to you what I have said."--I turned it over and over; and -looking wistfully upon her, says I, "This waistcoat, indeed, is the very -fellow to one that lay in the captain's locker in the cabin"--"Say not -the very fellow," says she, "but rather say the very same, for I'll -assure you it is so; and had you been with me, we might have got so many -things for ourselves and the children, we should never have wanted -more, though we had lived these hundred years; but as it is, I have left -something without the wood for you to bring up." When we had our talk -out, she, hearing the children stir, took them up, and was going, as she -always did, to get their breakfasts. "Hold," says I, "this journey must -have fatigued you too much already; lay yourself to rest, and leave -everything else to me."--"My dear," says she, "you seem to think this -flight tiresome, but you are mistaken; I am more weary with walking to -the lake and back again, than with all the rest. Oh," says she, "if you -had but the graundee, flying would rest you, after the greatest labour; -for the parts which are moved with exercise on the earth, are all at -rest in flight; as, on the contrary, the parts used in flight are when -on earthly travel. The whole trouble of flight is in mounting from -the plain ground; but when once you are upon the graundee at a proper -height, all the rest is play, a mere trifle; you need only think of your -way, and incline to it, your graundee directs you as readily as your -feet obey you on the ground, without thinking of every step you take; it -does not require labour, as your boat does, to keep you a-going." - -After we had composed ourselves, we walked to the verge of the wood, to -see what cargo my wife had brought from the ship. I was astonished at -the bulk of it; and seeing, by the outside, it consisted of clothes, I -took it with much ado upon my shoulders and carried it home. But upon -opening it, I found far more treasure than I could have imagined; for -there was a hammer, a great many spikes and nails, three spoons, about -five plates of pewter, four knives and a fork, a small china punchbowl, -two chocolate cups, a paper of needles, and several of pins, a parcel -of coarse thread, a pair of shoes, and abundance of such other things -as she had heard me wish for and describe; besides as much linen and -woollen, of one sort or another, as made a good package for all the -other things; with a great tin porridge-pot, of about two gallons, tied -to the outside; and all these as nicely stowed as if she had been bred a -packer. - -When I had viewed the bundle, and poised the weight, "How was it -possible, my dear You-warkee," said I, "for you to bring all this? -You could never carry them in your hands."--"No, no," replied she, "I -carried them on my back."--"Is it possible," says I, "for your graundee -to bear yourself and all this weight too in the air, and to such a -height as the top of these rocks?"--"You will always," replies she, -"make the height a part of your difficulty in flying; but you are -deceived, for as the first stroke (I have heard you say often) in -fighting is half the battle, so it is in flying; get but once fairly on -the wind, nothing can hurt you afterwards. My method, let me tell you, -was this; I climbed to the highest part of the ship, where I could stand -clear, having first put up my burden, which you have there; and then -getting that on my back near my shoulders, I took the two cords you see -hang loose to it in my two hands, and extending my graundee, leaped off -flatwise with my face towards the water; when instantly playing two or -three good strokes with my graundee, I was out of danger; now, if I -had found the bundle too heavy to make my first strokes with, I should -directly have turned on my back, dropped my bundle, and floated in my -graundee to the ship again, as you once saw me float on the lake." Says -I, "You must have flown a prodigious distance to the lake, for I was -several days sailing, I believe three weeks, from my ship, before I -reached the gulf; and after that could be little less than five weeks -(as I accounted for it), and at a great rate of sailing too under the -rock, before I reached the lake; so that the ship must be a monstrous -way off." "No, no," says she, "your ship lies but over yon cliff, that -rises as it were with two points; and as to the rock itself, it is not -broader than our lake is long; but what made you so tedious in your -passage was many of the windings and turnings in the cavern returning -in to themselves again; so that you might have gone round and round -till this time, if the tide had not luckily struck you into the direct -passage: this," says she, "I have heard from some of my countrymen, who -have flown up it, but could never get quite through." - -"I wish with all my heart," says I, "fortune had brought me first to -light in this country; or (but for your sake I could almost say) had -never brought me into it at all; for to be a creature of the -least significancy, of the whole race but one, is a melancholy -circumstance."--"Fear not," says she, "my love, for you have a wife will -hazard all for you, though you are restrained; and as my inclinations -and affections are so much yours, that I need but know your desires -to execute them as far as my power extends, surely you, who can act by -another, may be content to forego the trouble of your own performance. I -perceive, indeed," continued she, "you want mightily to go to your ship, -and are more uneasy now you know it is safe than you was before; but -that being past my skill to assist you in, if you will command your -deputy to go backwards and forwards in your stead, I am ready to obey -you." - -Thus ended our conversation about the ship for that time. But it left -not my mind so soon; for a stronger hankering after it pursued me now -than ever since my wife's flight, but to no purpose. - -We sat us down and sorted out our cargo, piece by piece; and having -found several things proper for the children, my wife longed to enter -upon some piece of work towards clothing Pedro in the manner she -had heard me talk of, and laid hard at me to show her the use of the -needles, thread, and other things she had brought. Indeed I must say -she proved very tractable; and from the little instruction I was able to -give her, soon out-wrought my knowledge; for I could only show her that -the thread went through the needle, and both through the cloth to hold -it together; but for anything else I was as ignorant as she. In much -less time than I could have imagined, she had clothed my son Pedro, and -had made a sort of mantle for the youngest. But now seeing us so smart -(for I took upon me sometimes to wear the green waistcoat she had -brought under my dirty jacket), she began to be ashamed of herself, as -she said, in our fine company; and afterwards (as I shall soon acquaint -you) got into our fashion. - -Seeing the advantages her flight to the ship, and that so many -conveniences arose from it, she was frequently at me to let her go -again. I should as much have wished for another return of goods as she, -but I could by no means think of parting with my factor; for I knew her -eagerness to please me, and that she would stick at nothing to perform -it. And, thinks I, should any accident happen to her, by over-loading or -otherwise, and I should lose her, all the other commodities of the -whole world put together would not compensate her loss. But as she so -earnestly desired it, and assured me she would run no hazards, I was -prevailed on at length, by her incessant importunities, to let her go; -though under certain restrictions which she promised me to comply with. -As first, I insisted upon it that she should take a tour quite round -the rock, setting out the same way I had last gone with my boat; and, if -possible, find out the gulf, which I told her she could not mistake, -by reason of the noise the fall of the water made; and desired her to -remark the place, so as I might know within-side where it was without. -And then I told her she might review and search every hole in the ship -as she pleased; and if there were any small things she had a mind to -bring from it, she was welcome, provided the bundle she should make up -was not above a fourth part either of the bulk or weight of the last. -All which she having engaged punctually to observe, she bade me not -expect her till I saw her, and she would return as soon as possible. I -then went with her to the confines of the wood (for I told her I desired -to see her mount), and she, after we had embraced, bidding me to stand -behind her, took her flight. - - - - -CHAPTER XX. - - The Author observes her flight--A description of a glumm - in the graundee--She finds out the gulf not far from the - ship--Brings home more goods--Makes her a gown by her - husband's instruction - -I had ever since our marriage been desirous of seeing Youwarkee fly; -but this was the first opportunity I had of it; and indeed the sight was -worthy of all the attention I paid it; for I desired her slowly to put -herself in proper order for it, that I might make my observation -the more accurately; and shall now give you an account of the whole -apparatus, though several parts of the description were taken from -subsequent views; for it would have been impossible to have made just -remarks of everything at that once, especially as I only viewed her back -parts then. - -I told you before, I had seen her graundee open, and quite extended as -low as her middle; but that being in the grotto by lamplight, I could -not take so just a survey as now, when the sort of light we ever had was -at the brightest. - -She first threw up two long branches or ribs of the whalebone, as -I called it before (and indeed for several of its properties, as -toughness, elasticity, and pliableness, nothing I have ever seen can so -justly be compared to it), which were jointed behind to the upper bone -of the spine, and which, when not extended, lie bent over the shoulders -on each side of the neck forwards, from whence, by nearer and nearer -approaches, they just meet at the lower rim of the belly in a sort -of point; but when extended, they stand their whole length above the -shoulders, not perpendicularly, but spreading outwards, with a web of -the softest and most pliable and springy membrane that can be imagined, -in the interstice between them, reaching from their root or joint on the -back up above the hinder part of the head, and near half-way their own -length; but when closed, the membrane falls down in the middle upon the -neck, like a handkerchief. There are also two other ribs rising as it -were from the same root, which, when open, run horizontally, but not so -long as the others. These are filled up in the interstice between them -and the upper ones with the same membrane; and on the lower side of -this is also a deep flap of the membrane, so that the arms can be either -above or below it in flight, and are always above it when closed. This -last rib, when shut, flaps under the upper one, and also falls down with -it before to the waist, but is not joined to the ribs below. Along the -whole spine-bone runs a strong, flat, broad, grisly cartilage, to which -are joined several other of these ribs; all which open horizontally, and -are filled in the interstices with the above membrane, and are jointed -to the ribs of the person just where the plane of the back begins to -turn towards the breast and belly; and, when shut, wrap the body round -to the joints on the contrary side, folding neatly one side over the -other. At the lower spine are two more ribs, extended horizontally when -open, jointed again to the hips, and long enough to meet the joint on -the contrary side cross the belly; and from the hip-joint, which is on -the outermost edge of the hip-bone, runs a pliable cartilage quite down -the outside of the thigh and leg to the ankle; from which there branch -out divers other ribs horizontally also when open, but when closed, they -encompass the whole thigh and leg, rolling inwards cross the back of -the leg and thigh till they reach and just cover the cartilage. The -interstices of these are also filled up with the same membrane. From the -two ribs which join to the lower spine-bone, there hangs down a sort -of short apron, very full of plaits, from hip-joint to hip-joint, and -reaches below the buttocks, half-way or more to the hams. This has also -several small limber ribs in it. Just upon the lower spine-joint, and -above the apron, as I call it, there are two other long branches, which, -when close, extend upon the back from the point they join at below to -the shoulders, where each rib has a clasper, which reaching over the -shoulders, just under the fold of the uppermost branch or ribs, hold -up the two ribs flat to the back like a V, the interstices of which are -also filled up with the aforesaid membrane. This last piece, in flight, -falls down almost to the ankles, where the two claspers lapping under -each leg within-side, hold it very fast; and then also the short apron -is drawn up by-the strength of the ribs in it, between the thighs -forward, and covers the pudenda and groin as far as the rim of the -belly. The whole arms are covered also from the shoulders to the wrist -with the same delicate membrane, fastened to ribs of proportionable -dimensions, and jointed to a cartilage on the outside in the same manner -as on the legs. - -It is very surprising to feel the difference of these ribs when open and -when closed; for, closed, they are as pliable as the finest whalebone, -or more so, but when extended, are as strong and stiff as a bone. They -are tapering from the roots, and are broader or narrower as best suits -the places they occupy, and the stress they are put to, up to their -points, which are almost as small as a hair. The membrane between them -is the most elastic thing I ever met with, occupying no more space, when -the ribs are closed, than just from rib to rib, as flat and smooth -as possible; but when extended in some postures, will dilate itself -surprisingly. This will be better comprehend by the plates, where you -will see several figures of glumms and gawrys in different attitudes, -than can be expressed by words. - -As soon as my wife had expanded the whole graundee, being upon plain -ground, she stooped forward, moving with a heavy wriggling motion at -first, which put me into some pain for her; but after a few strokes, -beginning to rise a little, she cut through the air like lightning, and -was soon over the edge of the rock and out of my sight. - -It is the most amazing thing in the world to observe the large expansion -of this graundee when open; and when closed (as it all is in a moment -upon the party's descent) to see it sit so close and compact to the -body, as no tailor can come up to it; and then the several ribs lie so -justly disposed in the several parts, that instead of being, as one -would imagine, a disadvantage to the shape, they make the body and limbs -look extremely elegant; and by the different adjustment of their lines -on the body and limbs, the whole, to my fancy, somewhat resembles the -dress of the old Roman warriors in their buskins; and, to appearance, -seems much more noble than any fictitious garb I ever saw, or can frame -a notion of to myself. - -Though these people, in height, shape, and limb, very much resemble the -Europeans, there is yet this difference, that their bodies are rather -broader and flatter, and their limbs, though as long and well shaped, -are seldom as thick as ours. And this I observed generally in all I saw -of them during a long time among them afterwards; but their skin, for -beauty and fairness, exceeds ours very much. - -My wife having now taken her second flight, I went home, and never left -my children till her return; this was three days after our parting. I -was in bed with my little ones when she knocked at the door. I soon let -her in, and we received each other with a glowing welcome. The news she -brought me was very agreeable. She told me she first went and pried into -every nook in the ship, where she had seen such things, could we get at -them, as would make us very happy. Then she set out the way I told her -to go, in order to find the gulf. She was much afraid she should not -have discovered it, though she flew very slow, that she might be sure -to hear the waterfall and not over-shoot it. It was long ere she came -at it; but when she did, she perceived she might have spared most of her -trouble, had she set out the other way; for, after she had flown almost -round the island, and not before, she began to hear the fall, and upon -coming up to it, found it to be not above six minutes' flight from the -ship. She said the entrance was very narrow, and, she thought, lower -than I represented it; for she could scarce discern any space between -the surface of the water and the arch-way of the rock. I told her that -might happen from the rise or fall of the sea itself. But I was glad to -hear the ship was no farther from the gulf; for my head was never free -from the thoughts of my ship and cargo. She then told me she had left -a small bundle for me without the wood, and went to look after her -children. I brought up the bundle, and though it was not near so large -as the other, I found several useful things in it, wrapped up in four -or five yards of dark blue woollen cloth, which I knew no name for, but -which was thin and light, and about a yard wide. I asked her where she -met with this stuff; she answered, where there was more of it, under a -thing like our bed, in a cloth like our sheet, which she cut open, -and took it out of.--"Well," says I, "and what will you do with -this?"--"Why, I will make me a coat like yours," says she, "for I don't -like to look different from my dear husband and children."--"No, -Youwarkee," replied I, "you must not do so; if you make such a jacket as -mine, there will be no distinction between glumm and gawry;* the gowren -praave,** in my country, would not on any account go dressed like a -glumm; for they wear a fine flowing garment called a gown, that sits -tight about the waist, and hangs down from thence in folds, like your -barras, *** almost to the ground, so that you can hardly discern their -feet, and no other part of their body but their hands and face, and -about as much of their neck and breasts as you see in your graundee." - - * Man and woman. - - ** Modest women. - - ***The back flap of the graundee. - -Youwarkee seemed highly delighted with this new-fancied dress, and -worked day and night at it against the cold weather. Whilst she employed -herself thus, I was busied in providing my winter stores, which I was -forced to do alone now, herself and children taking up all my wife's -time. About a fortnight after she had begun mantua-making, she presented -herself to me one day, as I came from work, in her new gown; and, truly, -considering the scanty description I had given her of such a garment, -it appeared a good comely dress. Though it had not one plait about the -body, it sat very tight thereto, and yet hung down full enough for a -countess; for she would have put it all in (all the stuff she had) had -there been as much more of it. I could see no opening before, so asked -her how she got it on. She told me she laid along on the ground, and -crept through the plaits at the bottom, and sewed the body round her -after she had got her hands and arms through the sleeves. I wondered at -her contrivance; and, smiling, showed her how she should put it on, and -also how to pin it before: and after she had done that, and I had turned -up about half a yard of sleeve, which then hung down to her fingers' -ends, I kissed her, and called her my country-woman; of which, and her -new gown, she was very proud for a long time. - - - - -CHAPTER XXI. - - The Author gets a breed of poultry, and by what means-- - Builds them a house--How he managed to keep them in winter - -One day, as I was traversing the woods to view my bird-traps, looking -into the underwood among the great trees on my right hand, I saw a -wood-hen (a bird I used to call so, from its resemblance in make to our -English poultry) come out of a little thicket. I know not whether my -rustling or what had disturbed it; but I let her pass, and she ran away -before me. When she was fairly out of sight, I stepped up, and found -she had a nest and sixteen eggs there. I exactly marked the place, and -taking away one of the eggs, I broke it, at some distance from the nest, -to see how forward they were; and I had no sooner broke the shell but -out came a young chicken. I then looked into the nest again, and taking -up more of the eggs, I found them all just splintered in the shell, and -ready for hatching. I had immediately a desire to save them, and bring -them up tame; but I was afraid if I took them away before they were -hatched, and a little strengthened under the hen, they would all die; so -I let them remain till next day. In the meanwhile I prepared some small -netting of such a proper size as I conceived would do, and with this -I contrived, by fastening it to stakes which I fixed in the ground, -to surround the nest, and me on the outside of it. All the while I was -doing this, the hen did not stir, so that I thought she had either been -absent when I came, or had hatched and gone off with the young ones. As -to her being gone I was under no concern; for I had no design to -catch her, but only to confine the chickens within my net if they were -hatched. But, however, I went nearer, and peeping in, found she sat -still, squeezing herself as flat to the ground as she could. I was in -twenty minds whether to take her first, and then catch the chickens, or -to let her go off, and then clap upon them; but as I proposed to let her -go, I thought if she would sit still till I had got the chickens, that -would be the best way; so I softly kneeled down before her, and sliding -my hand under her, I gently drew out two, and put them in a bag I had in -my left hand. I then dipped again and again, taking two every turn; but -going a fourth time, as I was bringing out my prize, the hen jumped up, -flew out, and made such a noise that, though I the minute before saw six -or seven more chicks in a lump where she had sat, and kept my eye upon -them, yet before I could put the last two I had got into my bag, these -were all gone, and in three hours' search I could not find one of them, -though I was sure they could not pass my net, and must be within the -compass of a small room, my toils enclosing no more. After tiring myself -with looking for them, I marched home with those eight I had got. - -I told Youwarkee what I had done, and how I intended to manage the -little brood, and, if I could, to bring them up tame. We kept them some -days very warm by the fire, and fed them often, as I had seen my mother -do with her early chickens; and in a fortnight's time they were as stout -and familiar as common poultry. We kept them a long while in the house; -and when I fed them I always used them to a particular whistle, which -I also taught my wife, that they might know both us and their -feeding-time; and in a very short while they would come running, upon -the usual sound, like barn-door fowls to the name of Biddy. - -There happened in this brood to be five hens and three cocks; and they -were now so tame that, having cut their wings, I let them out, when the -weather favoured, at my door, where they would pick about in the wood, -and get the best part of their subsistence; and having used them to -roost in a corner of my ante-chamber, they all came in very regularly -at night and took their places. My hens, at the usual season, laid me -abundance of eggs, and hatched me a brood or two each of chickens; so -that now I was at a loss to know what to do with them, they were become -so numerous. The ante-chamber was no longer a proper receptacle of such -a flock, and therefore I built a little house, at a small distance from -my own, on purpose for their reception and entertainment. I had by this -time cleared a spot of ground on one side of my grotto, by burning up -the timber and underwood which had covered it: this I enclosed, and -within that enclosure I raised my aviary, and my poultry thrived very -well there, seemed to like their habitation, and grew very fat. - -My wife and I took much delight in visiting and feeding them, and it was -a fine diversion also to my boys; but at the end of summer, when all -the other birds took their annual flight, away went every one of my -new-raised brood with them, and one of my old cocks, the rest of the old -set remaining very quiet with me all the winter. The next summer, when -my chicks of that year grew up a little, I cut their wings, and by that -means preserved all but one, which I suppose was either not cut so close -as the rest, or his wings had grown again. From this time I found, by -long experience, that not two out of a hundred that had once wintered -with me would ever go away, though I did not cut their wings; but all of -the same season would certainly go off with the wild ones, if they could -any ways make a shift to fly. I afterwards got a breed of blacknecks, -which was a name I gave them from the peculiar blackness of their necks, -let the rest of their bodies be of what colour they would, as they -are, indeed, of all colours. These birds were as big, or bigger, than a -turkey, of a delicious flavour, and were bred from turkey eggs hatched -under my own wood-hens in great plenty. I was forced to clip these as -I did the other young fowl, to keep them, and at length they grew very -tame, and would return every night during the dark season. The greatest -difficulty now was to get meat for all these animals in the winter, when -they would sit on the roost two days together if I did not call and feed -them, which I was sometimes forced to do by lamp-light, or they would -have starved in cloudy weather. But I overcame that want of food by an -accidental discovery; for I observed my blacknecks in the woods jump -many times together at a sort of little round heads, or pods, very dry, -which hung plentifully upon a shrub that grew in great abundance there. -I cut several of these heads, and carrying them home with me, broke -them, and took out a spoonful or more from each head of small yellow -seeds, which giving to my poultry, and finding they greedily devoured -them, I soon laid in a stock for twice my number of mouths, so that they -never after wanted. I tried several times to raise a breed of water-fowl -by hatching their eggs under my hens; but not one in ten of the sorts, -when hatched, were fit to eat; and those that were would never live -and thrive with me, but go away to the lake, I having no sort of water -nearer me; so I dropped my design of water-fowl as impracticable. But by -breeding and feeding my land-fowl so constantly in my farmyard, I never -wanted of that sort at my table, where we eat abundance of them; for my -whole side of the lake in a few years was like a farmyard, so full of -poultry that I never knew my stock; and upon the usual whistle they -would flock round me from all quarters. I had everything now but cattle, -not only for the support, but convenience and pleasure of life; and so -happily should I have fared here, if I had had but a cow and bull, a ram -and sheep, that I would not have changed my dominions for the crown of -England. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII. - - Reflections on mankind--The Author wants to be with his - ship--Projects going, but perceives it impracticable-- - Youwarkee offers her service y and goes--An account of her - transactions on board-Remarks on her sagacity--She - despatches several chests of goods through the gulf to the - lake--An account of a danger she escaped--The Author has a - fit of sickness - -Strange is the temper of mankind, who, the more they enjoy, the -more they covet. Before I received any return from my ship, I rested -tolerably easy, and but seldom thought upon what I had left behind me -in her, thinking myself happy in what I had, and completely so since -my union with my dear wife; but after I had got what I could never -have expected, I grew more and more perplexed for want of the rest, and -thought I should never enjoy true happiness while even a plank of the -ship remained. My head, be I where I would, or at what I would, was ever -on board. I wished for her in the lake, and could I but have got her -thither, I thought I should be an emperor; and though I wanted for -nothing to maintain life, and had so good a wife and five children I was -very fond of, yet the one thing I had not, reduced the comfort of all -the rest to a scanty pattern, even so low as to destroy my whole peace. -I was even mad enough to think of venturing up the cavern again, but was -restrained from the attempt by the certain impracticableness of it Then -I thought Youwarkee should make another trip to the ship. But what can -she bring from it, says I to myself, in respect of what must be left -behind? Her whole life will not suffice to clear it in, at the rate she -can fetch the loading hither in parcels. At last a project started, that -as there were so many chests on board, Youwarkee should fill some of -them and send them through the gulf to take their chance for the lake. -This, at first sight, seemed feasible; but then I considered how they -could be got from the ship to the gulf; and again, that they would never -keep out the water, and if they filled with a lading in them they would -sink; or, if this did not happen, they might be dashed to pieces against -the crags in the cavern. These apprehensions stopped me again; till, -unwilling to quit the thought, "True," says I, "this may happen to some; -but if I get but one in five, it is better than nothing." Thus I turned -and wound the affair in my mind; but objections still started too -obstinate to be conquered. - -In the height of my soliloquy in comes Youwarkee, and seeing my dejected -look, would needs know the meaning of it I told her plainly that I could -get no rest from day to day ever since she first went to the ship, to -think such a number of good things lay there to be a prey to the sea, as -the ship wasted, when they might be of such infinite service here; and -that, since her last flight, I had suffered the more, when I thought how -near the gulf was to the ship; so that could I but get thither myself -with my boat, I would contrive to pack up the goods in the chests that -were on board, and carrying them in the boat, drop them near the draught -of the water, which of itself would suck them under the rock down the -gulf; and when they were passed through the cavern, I might take them -up in the lake. "Well," says she, "Peter, and why cannot I do this for -you?"--"No," says I, "even this has its objections." Then I told her -what I feared of their taking water, or dashing against the rock, and -twenty other ways of frustrating my views: "But, above all," says I, -"how can you get such large and weighty things to the gulf without a -boat? There is another impossibility! it won't do." - -Youwarkee eyed me attentively. "Pr'ythee, my dear Peter," says she, "set -your heart at rest about that. I can only try; if no good is to be -done, you shall soon know it, and must rest contented under the -disappointment."--I told her if I was there, I could take all the things -out of the chests, and then melt some pitch and pour into every crack, -to keep out the water when they were set afloat. "Pitch!" says she, -"what's that?"--"Why," says I, "that is a nasty, hard, black sticking -thing that stands in tubs in the ship, and which being put over the fire -in anything to melt will grow liquid, and when it is cold be hard again, -and will resist the water and keep it out."--Says she, "How can I put -this pitch within-side of the chest-lid when I have tied it up?"--"It is -to no manner of purpose," says I, "to talk of it; so there's an end of -it."--"But," says she, "suppose yourself there, what things would you -bring first?"--I then entered into a long detail of particulars; saying -I would have this and that, and so on, till I had scarce left out a -thing I either knew of or could suppose to be in the ship; and for fear -I had not mentioned all, says I at last, if I was there, I believe I -should leave but little portable behind me. - -"So, so, my dear," says Youwarkee, "you would roll in riches, I find; -but you have mentioned never a new gown for me."--"Why, aye!" says I, -"I would have that too."--"But how would you melt the pitch?" says -she.--"Oh," says I, "there is a tinder-box and matches in a room below, -upon the side of the fire-hearth." And then I let her see one I had -brought with me, and showed her the use of the flint and steel.--"Well, -my dear," says she, "will you once more trust me?"--I told her, her -going would be of little more use than to get a second gown or some such -thing; but if she was desirous, I would let her make another flight, on -her promise to be back as soon as possible. - -In the evening she set out, and stayed two days, and till the night -of the third. I would here observe that though it was much lighter and -brighter on the outside of the rock where the ship lay than with us at -Graundevolet, yet having always her spectacles with her, I heard no -more complaint of the glare of light she used to be so much afraid of: -indeed, she always avoided the fire and lamp at home as much as she -could, because she generally took off her spectacles within doors; but -when at any time she had them on, she could bear both well enough. - -Upon her return again, she told me she had shipped some goods to sea for -me, which she hoped would arrive safe (for by this time she had had my -seafaring terms so often over, she could apply them very properly), -and that they were in six chests, which she had pitched after my -directions.--"Aye!" says I, "you have pitched them into the sea perhaps; -but after my directions, I am satisfied was beyond your ability."--"You -glumms," says she, "think us gawrys very ignorant; but I'll satisfy you -we are not so dull of apprehension as you would make us. Did you not -show me one day how your boat was tarred and caulked, as you call -it?"--"I did," says I; "what then?"--"I'll tell you," says she. "When -I had emptied the first chest, and set it properly, I looked about for -your pitch, which at last I found by its sticking to my fingers; I then -put a good piece into a sort of little kettle, with a long handle, that -lay upon the pitch."--"Oh, the pitch-ladle!" says I.--"I know not what -you call it," says she; "but then I made a fire, as you told me, and -melted that stuff; afterwards turning up the chest side-ways, and then -end-ways, I poured it into it, and let it settle in the cracks, and with -an old stocking, such as yours, dipped into the pitch, I rubbed every -place where the boards joined. I then set the chest on the side of the -ship, and when the pitch was cold and hardened in it, filled it top-full -of things: but when I had done thus, and shut the lid, I found that -would not come so close but I could get the blade of a knife through -anywhere between it and the chest; whereupon I cut some long slips of -the cloth I was packing up, and fitting them all round the edge of the -chest, I dipped them into the pitch, and laid them on hot; and where one -slip would not do, I put two; and shutting the lid down close upon them, -I nailed it, as I had seen you do some things, quite round; then tying a -rope to the handle, I tipped the chest into the sea, holding the rope. -I watched it some time, and seeing it swim well, I took flight with the -rope in my hand, and drew the chest after me to the gulf, when, letting -go the rope, away it went. I served five more in the same manner: and -now, my dearest, I am here to tell you I hope you will be able to see at -least some of them, one time or other, in the lake." - -I admired in all this at the sagacity of the gawrys. Alas! thinks I, -what narrow-hearted creatures are mankind! Did I not heretofore look -upon the poor blacks in Africa as little better than beasts, till my -friend Glanlepze convinced me, by disabling the crocodile, the passage -of the river, and several other achievements, that my own excellences -might have perished in a desert without his genius; and now what -could I, or almost any of us masterpieces of the creation (as we think -ourselves) and Heaven's peculiar favourites, have done in this present -case, that has been omitted by this woman (for I may justly style her so -in an eminent degree), and that in a way to which she was bred an utter -stranger? - -After what I had heard from Youwarkee, I grew much more cheerful; -which she, poor creature, was remarkably pleased with. She went with me -constantly once, and sometimes twice a day, for several days together, -to see what success at the lake; till at length she grew very impatient, -for fear, as she afterwards told me, I should either think she had not -done what she said, or had done it in an ineffectual manner. But one -day, walking by the lake, I thought I saw something floating in the -water at a very great distance. "Youwarkee," says I, "I spy a sail!" -Then running to my boat* and taking her in, away we went, plying my oars -with all my might; for I longed to see what it was. At nearer view -I perceived it to be one of my wife's fleet. But what added to my -satisfaction was to see Youwarkee so pleased, for she could scarcely -contain herself. - -When we came close to it, up she started: "Now, my dear Peter," says -she, "torment yourself no more about your goods on board; for if this -will do, all shall be your own."--She then lent me a hand to take it -in; but we had both work enough to compass it, the wood had soaked in so -much water. We then made the best of our way homewards to my wet-dock; -when, just as we had landed our treasure, we saw two more boxes coming -down the stream both together, whereupon we launched again, and brought -them in one by one; for I did not care to trust them both on one bottom, -my boat being in years, and growing somewhat crazy. - -We had now made a good day's work of it; so, mooring the boat, we went -home, intending to be out next morning early with the cart, to convey -our imports to the grotto. - -After supper, Youwarkee looking very earnestly at me, with tears just -glittering in her eyes, broke out in these words--"What should you -have thought, Peter, to have seen me come sailing, drowned, through the -cavern, tied to one of your chests?"--"Heaven forbid such a thought, my -charmer!" says I. "But as you know I must have been rendered the most -miserable of all living creatures by such a sight, or anything else that -would deprive me of you, pray tell me how you could possibly have such a -thought in your head?"--She saw she had raised my concern, and was very -sorry for what she had said. "Nothing, nothing," says she, "my dear! -it was only a fancy just come into my head."--"My dear Youwee," says I, -"you must let me know what you mean: I am in great pain till you explain -yourself; for I am sure there is something more in what you say -than fancy; therefore, pray, if you love me, keep me on the rack no -longer."--"Ah, Peter!" says she, "there was but a span between me and -death not many days ago; and when I saw the line of the last chest we -took up just now, it gave so much horror I could scarce keep upon my -feet."--"My dear Youwee, proceed," says I; "for I cannot bear my torment -till I have heard the worst."--"Why, Peter," says she, "now the danger -is over, I shall tell you my escape with as much pleasure as I guess -you will take in hearing of it. You must know, my life," says she, "that -having cast that chest into the sea, as I was tugging it along by -that very line, it being one of the heaviest, and moving but slowly, I -twisted the string several times round my hand, one fold upon another, -the easier to tow it; when, drawing it rather too quick into the eddy, -it pulled so hard against me, towards the gulf, and so quick, that I -could in no way loosen or disengage the cord from my fingers, but -was dragged thereby to the very rock, against which the chest struck -violently. My last thought, as I supposed it, was of you, my dear" (on -which she clasped me round the neck, in sense of her past agony); "when -taking myself for lost, I forbore further resistance; at which instant -the line, slackening by the rebound of the chest, fell from my hand of -itself, and the chest returning to the rock, went down the current. I -took a turn or two round on my graundee to recollect my past danger, and -went back to the ship, fully resolved to avoid the like snare for the -future. Indeed I did not easily recover my spirits, and was so terrified -with the thought, that I had half a mind to have left the two remaining -chests behind me; but as danger overcome gives fresh resolution, I again -set to work, and discharged them also down the gulf, as I hope you will -see in good time." - -My heart bled within me all the while she spoke, and I even felt -ten times more than she could have suffered by the gulf. "My dearest -Youwee," says I, "why did you not tell me this adventure sooner?" "It is -too soon, I fear, now!" says she; for she then saw the colour forsake -my lips, my eyes grow languid, and myself dropping into her arms. She -screamed out, and ran to the chest, where all was empty; but turning -every bottle up, and from the remaining drops in each collecting a small -quantity of liquor, and putting it by little and little to my lips, and -rubbing my wrists and temples, she brought me to myself again; but I -continued so extremely sick for some days after, that it was above a -week before I could get down with my cart to fetch up my chests. - -When I was able to go down, Youwarkee would not venture me alone, but -went herself with me. We then found two more of the chests, which we -landed; and I had work sufficient for two or three days in getting them -all up to the grotto, they were so heavy, and all the way through the -wood being up hill. - -We had five in hand, and watched several days for the sixth, when seeing -nothing of it we gave it over for lost; but one day, as I was going for -water, Youwarkee would go with me, and urged our carrying the net, that -we might drag for some fish. Accordingly we did so; and now having taken -what we wanted, we went to the rill, and pushing in the head of the boat -(as I usually did, for by that means I could fill the vessel as I stood -on board), the first thing that appeared was my sixth chest. Youwarkee -spied it first, and cried, pointing thereto, "O Peter, what we have long -wished for, and almost despaired of, is come at last! let us meet and -welcome it." I was pleased with the gaiety of her fancy. I did as she -desired; we got it into the boat, after merrily saluting it, and so -returned home. It took us up several days time in searching, sorting, -and disposing our cargo, and drying the chests; for the goods themselves -were so far from being wetted or spoiled, that even those in the last -chest, which had lain so long in the water, had not taken the least -moisture. - -Youwarkee was quite alert at the success of her packing, but left me -to ring her praises, which I did not fail of doing more than once at -unpacking each chest, and could see her eyes glow with delight to see -she had so pleased me. - -She had been so curious as to examine almost everything in the ship; and -as well of things I had described, and she did know, as of what she did -not, brought me something for a sample; but, above all, had not forgot -the blue stuff, for the moment she had seen that she destined it to the -use of herself and children. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII. - - The religion of the author's family. - -Youwarkee and I having fixed ourselves, by degrees, into a settled rota -of action, began to live like Christians, having so great a quantity of -most sorts of necessaries about us. But I say we lived like Christians -on another account, for you must not think, after what I have said -before, that I and my family lived like heathens; no, I will assure -you, they by degrees knew all I knew, and that, with a little artificial -improvement, and a well-regulated disposition, I hoped, and did not -doubt, would carry them all to heaven. I would many a time have given -all my interest in the ship's cargo for a Bible; and a hundred times -grieved that I was not master of a pocket one, which I might have -carried everywhere about me. I never imagined there was one aboard, and -if there were, and You-warkee should find it, I supposed it would be in -Portuguese, which I knew little of, so it would be of small service to -me if I had it. - -Since I am on the topic of religion, it may not be amiss, once for all, -to give you a small sketch of my religious proceedings after coming into -my new dominions. I have already told you that from my first stop at the -rock I had prayed constantly morning and evening, but I cannot say I did -it always with the same efficacy. However, my imperfect devotions were -not without good effect; and I am confident, wherever this course is -pursued with a right view, sooner or later the issue will prove the -same to others as I found it to myself; I mean, that mercies will be -remembered with more gratitude, and evils be more disregarded, and -become less burdensome; and surely the person whose case this is, must -necessarily enjoy the truest relish of life. As daily prayer was my -practice, in answer to it I obtained the greatest blessing and comfort -my solitude was capable of receiving; I mean my wife, whose character I -need not farther attempt to blazon in any faint colours of my own after -what has been already said, her acts having spoken her virtues beyond -all verbal description. - -After we were married, as I call it--that is, after we had agreed to -become man and wife--I frequently prayed before her, and with her (for -by this time she understood a good deal of my language); at which, -though contrary to my expectation, she did not seem surprised, but -readily kneeled by and joined with me. This I liked very well; and upon -my asking her one day after prayer if she understood what I had been -doing (for I had a notion she did not)--"Yes, verily," says she, "you -have been making petitions to the image of the great Collwar."*--"Pray," -says I (willing gently to lead her into a just sense of a Supreme -Being), "who is this Collwar? and where does He dwell?"--"He it is," -says she, "that does all good and evil to us."--"Right," says I, "it -is in some measure so; but He cannot of Himself do evil, absolutely and -properly, as His own act"--"Yes," says she, "He can; for He can do all -that can be done; and as evil can be done, He can do it."--So quick a -reply startled me. Thinks I, she will run me aground presently; and from -being a doctor, as I fancied myself, I shall become but a pupil to my -own scholar. I then asked her where the great Collwar dwelt? She told -me in heaven, in a charming place.--"And can He know what we do?" says -I.--"Yes," replied she, "His image tells Him everything; and I have -prayed to His image, which I have often seen, and it is filled with so -much virtue that it is His second self; for there is only one of them -in the world who is so good: He gives several virtues to other images -of Himself, which are brought to Him, and put into His arms to breathe -upon; and the only thing I have ever regretted since I knew you is, that -I have not one of them here to comfort and bless us and our children." - - * God. - -Though I was sorry for the oddity of her conceptions, I was almost glad -to find her so ignorant, and pleased myself with thinking that as she -had already a confused notion of a Supreme Power, I should soon have the -satisfaction of bringing her to a more rational knowledge of Him. - -"Pray, Youwee," says I, "what is your God made of?"--"Why of clay," says -she, "finely painted, and looks so terrible he would make you tremble to -behold him."--"Do you think," says I, "that is the true Collwar's real -shape, if you could see Himself?" She told me yes, for that some of His -best servants had seen him, and took the representation from Himself. -"And pray, do you think He loves His best servants, as you call them, -and is kind to them?"--"You need not doubt it," says she.--"Why, then," -replied I, "how came He to look so terrible upon them when they saw Him, -as you say they did? for I can see no reason, how terrible soever He -looks to others, why He should show Himself so to those He loves. I -should rather think, as you say He is kind to them, that He should have -two images, a placid one for His good, and a terrible one for His bad -servants; or else, who by seeing Him can tell whether He is pleased or -angry? for even you yourself, Youwee, when anything pleases you, have a -different look from that you have when you are angry, and little Pedro -can tell whether he does well or ill by your countenance; whereas, -if you made no distinction, but looked with the same face on all his -actions, he would as readily think he did well as ill in committing -a bad action." Youwarkee could not tell what to say to this, the fact -seeming against her. - -I then asked her if she thought the image itself could hear her -petitions. She replied, "Yes."--"And can he," says I, "return you an -answer?"--She told me he only did that to his best servants.--"Did you -ever hear him do it?" says I. "For unless he can speak too, I should -much suspect his hearing; and you being one of his best servants, seeing -you love him, and pray heartily to him, why should you not hear him as -soon as others?"--"No," says she, "there are a great number of glumms -on purpose to serve him, pray for us to him, and receive his -answers."--"But to what purpose then," says I, "is your praying to him, -if their prayers will serve your turn?"--"Oh," says she, "the image -hears them sooner than us, and sends the petitions up to the great -Collwar, and lets Him know who makes them, and desires Him to let them -have what they want."--"But suppose," says I, for argument sake, "that -you could see the great Collwar, or know where He was, and should pray -to Himself, without going about to His image first, do you think He -could not hear you?"--"I cannot tell that," says she.--"But how then," -says I, "can He tell what (if it could speak) His image says, which is -as far from Him and then her own zealous application, with God's grace, -soon brought her to a firm belief in it, and a suitable temper and -conduct with respect to God and man." - -After I had begun with my children, I frequently referred their further -instruction to their mother; for I have always experienced that a -superficial knowledge, with a desire of becoming a teacher, is in some -measure equivalent to better knowledge; for it not only excites every -principle one has to the utmost, but makes matters more clear and -conspicuous even to one's self. - -By these means, and the Divine blessing thereon, in a few years, I may -fairly say, I had a little Christian church in my own house, and in a -flourishing way too, without a schismatic or heretic amongst us. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV. - - The author's account of his children--Their names--They are - exercised in flying--His boat crazy--Youwarkee intends a - visit to her father', but first takes another flight to the - ship--Sends a boat and chests through the gulf--Clothes her - children--Is with child again, so her visit is put off--An - inventory of the last freight of goods--The author's method - of treating his children--Youwarkee, her son Tommy, with her - daughters Patty and Hally-carnie, set out to her father's. - -I had now lived here almost fourteen years, and besides the three sons -before mentioned, had three girls and one boy. Pedro, my eldest, had -the graundee, but too small to be useful; my second son Tommy had it -complete, so had my three daughters, but Jemmy and David, the youngest -sons, none at all. My eldest daughter I named Patty, because I always -called my first wife so. I say my first wife, though I had no other -knowledge of her death than my dream; but am from that as verily -persuaded, if ever I reach England, I shall find it so, as if I had -heard it from her aunt's own mouth. My second daughter my wife desired -might be called by her sister's name Hallycarnie, and my youngest I -named Sarah, after my mother. I put you to the trouble of writing down -the names, for as I shall hereafter have frequent occasion to mention -the children severally, it will be pleasanter for myself and you to call -them by their several names of distinction, than to call them my second -son, or my eldest daughter, and so forth. - -My wife now took great delight in exercising Tommy and Patty (who were -big enough to be trusted) in flighty and would often skim round the -whole island with them before I could walk half through the wood. And -she would teach them also to swim or sail, I know not which to call it, -for sometimes you should see them dart out of the air as if they would -fall on their faces into the lake, when coming near the surface they -would stretch their legs in a horizontal posture, and in an instant turn -on their backs, and then you could see nothing from the bank, to all -appearance, but a boat sailing along, the graundee rising at their head, -feet, and sides, so like the sides and ends of a boat that you could not -discern the face or any part of the body. I own I often envied them this -exercise, which they seemed to perform with more ease than I could only -shake my leg or stir an arm. - -Though we had perpetually swangeans about us, and the voices, as I used -to call them, I could never once prevail on my wife to show herself, -or to claim any acquaintance with her country folks. And what is very -remarkable in my children is, that my three daughters and Tommy, who had -the full graundee, had exactly their mother's sight, Jemmy and David had -just my sight, and Pedro's sight was between both, though he was never -much affected with any light; but I was obliged to make spectacles for -Tommy and all my daughters when they came to go abroad. - -I had in this time twice enlarged my dwelling, which the increase of my -family had rendered necessary. The last alteration I was enabled to do -in a much better manner, and with more ease, than the first, for by -the return of my flota I had gotten a large collection of useful tools, -several of iron, where the handles or wood-work preponderated the iron; -but such as was all, or greatest part of that metal, had got either to -the rock, or were so fast fixed to the head of the ship, that it was -difficult to remove them, so that my wife could get comparatively few of -this latter sort, though some she did. It was well, truly, I had these -instruments, which greatly facilitated my labours, for I was forced to -work harder now than ever in making provision for us all; and my sons -Pedro and Tommy commonly assisted. I had also had another importation of -goods through the gulf, which still added to my convenience. But my boat -made me shudder every time I went into her; she had leaked again and -again, and I had patched her till I could scarce see a bit of the old -wood. She was of unspeakable use to me, and yet I could not venture -myself in her, but with the utmost apprehension and trembling. I had -been intending a good while, now I had such helps, to build a new one, -but had been diverted by one avocation or other. - -About this time Youwarkee, who was now upwards of thirty-two years of -age, the fondest mother living, and very proud of her children, had -formed a project of taking a flight to Arndrumnstake, a town in the -kingdom of Doorpt Swangeanti, as I called it, where her father, if -living, was a colamb * under Georigetti, the prince of that country. -She imparted her desire to me, asking my leave; and she told me, if I -pleased, she would take Patty and Tommy along with her. I did not much -dislike the proposal, because of the great inclination I had for a -long time to a knowledge of, and familiarity with, her countrymen and -relations; and now I had so many of her children with me, I could not -think she would ever be prevailed on, but by force, to quit me and her -offspring, and be contented to lose six for the sake of having two with -her, especially as she had showed no more love for them than the rest, -so I made no hesitation, but told her she should go. - - * Governor. - -I expected continually I should hear of her departure, but she saying no -more of it, I thought she had dropped her design, and I did not choose -to mention it. But one day, as we were at dinner, looking mighty -seriously, she said, "My dear, I have considered of the journey you have -consented I should take, but in order thereto it is necessary that I -prepare several things for the children, especially those who have no -graundee, and I am resolved to finish them before I go, that we may -appear with decency, both here and at Arndrumn-stake; for I am sure my -father, whose temper I am perfectly acquainted with, will, upon sight of -me and my little ones, be so overjoyed, that he will forgive my absence -and marriage, provided he sees reason to believe I have not matched -unworthily, unbecoming my birth; and after keeping me and the children -with him, it may be two or three months, will accompany me home again -himself with a great retinue of servants and relations; or, at least, if -he is either dead or unable for flight, my other relations will come or -send a convoy to take care of me and the children; and, my dear, as I -shall give them all the encomiums I can of you, and of my situation with -you, while I am among them, I would have them a little taken with the -elegance of our domestic condition when they come hither, that they -may think me happy in you and my children; for I would not only put my -family into a condition to appear before them, but to surprise the old -gentleman and his company, who never in their lives saw any part of -mankind with another covering than the graundee." When she had done, I -expressed my approbation of her whole system, as altogether prudent, -and she proceeded immediately to put it in execution. To work she went, -opened every chest, and examined their contents. But while she was upon -the hunt, and selecting such things as she thought fit for her purpose, -she recollected several articles she had observed in the ship, which -she judged far more for her turn than any she had at home. Hereupon she -prayed me to let her take another trip to the vessel, and to carry Tommy -with her. - -After so many trials, and such happy experience of her wise and -fortunate conduct, I consented to her flight, and away went she and her -son. Upon their return, which was in a few days, she told me what they -had been doing, and said, as she so often heard me complain of the age -of my boat, and fear to sail in her, she had fitted me out a little -ship, and hoped it would in due time arrive safely. As she passed -quickly on to other things, I never once thought of asking her what -she meant by the little ship she spoke of; but must own that, like a -foolishly fond parent, I was more intent on her telling me how Tommy had -found a hoard of playthings, which he had packed up for his own use. - -As to this last particular, I learned by the sequel of the story, -when the spark, proud of his acquisition, came to me, that he had been -peeping about in the cabin whilst his mother was packing the chests, and -seeing a small brass knob in the wainscot, took it for a plaything, and -pulling to get it out, opened a little door of a cupboard, where he -had found some very pretty toys that he positively claimed for himself, -among which were a small plain gold ring, and a very fine one set with -diamonds, which he showed me upon two of his fingers. I wondered how the -child, who had never before seen such things, or the use of them, should -happen to apply these so properly; but he told me in playing with -this, meaning the diamond ring, about his fingers, it slipped over his -middle-finger joint, and he could not get it off again, so he put the -other upon another finger to keep it company. - -We watched daily, as usual on such occasions, for the arrival of our -fleet. It was surprising that none of the chests which Youwarkee shot -down the gulf were ever half so long in their passage as I was myself, -but some came in a week, some in a few days more, and even some in less, -which I attributed to their following directly the course of the water, -shooting from shelf to shelf as the tide sat; and I believe my keeping -the boat I sailed in so strictly and constantly in the middle of the -stream, was the reason of my being detained there so long. In less than -a fortnight everything came safe but one chest, which, as we never heard -of it, I suppose was either sunk or bulged. - -Being one day upon shore, watching to see if anything more was come -through the cavern, I spied at a distance somewhat looking very black -and very long, and by the colour and shape thereof I took it for a young -whale. Having observed it some time making very little way, I took my -old boat and followed it, but was afraid to go near it, lest a stroke -with its tail--which I then fancied I saw move--might endanger my boat -and myself too; but creeping nearer and nearer, and seeing it did not -stir, I believed it to be dead; whereupon, taking courage, I drew so -close that at length I plainly perceived it was the ship's second boat -turned upside down. It is not easy to express the joy I felt on this -discovery. It was the very thing I was now, as I have said, in the -greatest want of. I presently laid hold of it and brought it ashore; and -it was no small pleasure to find, on examining, that though it had lain -so long dry, it was yet quite sound, and all its chinks filled up in -its passage; and it proved to me afterwards the most beneficial thing I -could have had from the ship. - -I got all my goods home from the lake to my grotto, by means of the -cart, as usual. My wife and daughters waited with impatience for me -to unpack, that they might take possession of such things as would be -needful for rigging out the family against the supposed reception of -the old glumm, and had set all the chests in the order they desired they -might be opened in. But Tommy running to me, with a "Pray, daddy, open -my chest first! pray, give me my playthings first!" it was, to satisfy -him, concluded in favour of his demand. So, he pointing to the chest -which he regarded as his property, I opened it, whilst his eyes were -ready to pierce through it, till I came to his treasure. "There, there -they are, daddy!" says he, as soon as I had uncovered them. And indeed, -when I saw them, I could not but much commend the child for his fancy; -for the first things that appeared were a silver punch or wine can and -a ladle, then a gold watch, a pair of scissors, a small silver -chafing-dish and lamp, a large case of mathematical instruments, a -flageolet, a terrella or globular loadstone, a small globe, a dozen of -large silver spoons, and a small case of knives and forks and spoons; -in short, there was, I believe, the greatest part of the Portuguese -captain's valuable effects. - -These Tommy claiming as his own proper chattels, I could not help -interposing somewhat of my authority in the affair. "Hold, hold, son!" -says I, "these things are all mine; but as I have several of you who -will all be equally pleased with them, though, as the first finder, you -may be entitled to the best share, you are not to grasp the whole, you -must all have something like an equality; and as to some things which -may be equally useful to us all, they must be set up to be used upon -occasion, and are to be considered as mine and your mother's property." -I thereupon gave each of them a large silver spoon, and with a fork I -scratched the initials of their names respectively on them, and divided -several of the trifles amongst them equally. "And now, Tommy," says I, -"you for your pains shall have this more than the rest," offering him -the flageolet. Tommy looked very gloomy, and though he durst not find -fault, his dissatisfaction was very visible by coolly taking it, tossing -it down, and walking gravely off. "I thought," says I, "Tommy, I had -made a good choice for you; but, as I find you despise it, here, Pedro, -do you take that pretty thing, since your brother slights it" Tommy -replied, speaking but half out, and a little surly, more than I ever -observed before, "Let him take it if he will, I can get bits of sticks -enough in the wood." - -My method had always been to avoid either beating or scolding at my -children, for preferring their own opinion to mine; but I ever let -things turn about so, that from their own reason they should perceive -they had erred in opposing my sentiments, by which means they grew so -habituated to submit to my advice and direction, that for the most part -my will was no sooner known to them than it became their own choice; but -then I never willed according to fancy only, but with judgment, to the -best of my skill. - -Tommy, therefore, as I said before, having shown a disapprobation of my -doings; to convince him of his mistake, I took the flageolet from Pedro. -"And now, Pedro," says I, "let me teach you how to manage this piece of -wood, as Tommy calls it, and then let me see if in all the grove he can -cut such another." On this I clapped it to my mouth, and immediately -played several country-dances and hornpipes on it; for though my mother -had scarce taught me to read, I had learnt music and dancing, being, as -she called them, gentlemanlike accomplishments. My wife and children, -especially Tommy, all stared as if they were wild, first on me, then on -one another, whilst I played a country-dance; but I had no sooner struck -up an hornpipe, than their feet, arms, and heads had so many twitching -and convulsive motions, that not one quiet limb was to be seen amongst -them; till having exercised their members as long as I saw fit, I almost -laid them all to sleep with Chevy Chase, and so gave over. - -They no sooner found themselves free from this enchantment, than the -children all hustled round me in a cluster, all speaking together, -and reaching out their little hands to the instrument I gave it -Pedro. "There," says I to him, "take this slighted favour as no such -contemptible present." - -Poor Tommy, who had all this while looked very simple, burst into a -flood of tears at my last words, as if his heart would have broke; and -running to me, fell on his knees, and begged my pardon, hoping I would -forgive him. I took him up, and kissing him, told him he had very little -offended me; for, as he knew, I had more children to give anything to -which either of the rest despised; it was equal to me who had it, so it -was thankfully received. I found that did not satisfy; still in tears, -he said, "Might he not have the stick again, as I gave it to him first?" -"Tommy," says I, "you know I gave it to you first; but you disapproving -my kindness, I have now given it Pedro, who, should I against his will -take it from him, would have that reason to complain which you have not, -who parted with it by your own consent; and therefore, Tommy, as I am -determined to acquaint you as near as I can with the strict rules of -justice, there must no more be said to me of this matter." Such as this -was my constant practice amongst them; and they having always found me -inflexible from this rule, we seldom had any long debates. - -Though I say the affair ended so with regard to what I had to do in it, -yet it ended not so with Tommy; for though he knew he had no hopes of -moving me, he set all his engines at work to recover his stick, as he -called it, by his mother's and sisters' interest. These solicited Pedro -very strongly to gratify him. At length Pedro--he being a boy of a most -humane disposition--granted their desire, if I would give leave; and I -having signified, that the cause being now out of my hands, he might do -as he pleased, he generously yielded it. And indeed he could not have -bestowed it more properly; for Tommy had the best ear for music I ever -knew; and in less than a twelvemonth could far outdo me, his instructor, -in softness and easiness of finger; and was also master of every tune -I knew, which were neither inconsiderable in number, nor of the lowest -rate. - -Youwarkee, with her daughters, sat close to work, and had but just -completed her whole design for the family clothing, when she told me -she found herself with child again. As that circumstance ill suited a -journey, she deferred her flight for about fifteen months; in which time -she was brought to bed, and weaned the infant, which was a boy, whom -I named Richard, after my good master at the academy. The little knave -thrived amain, and was left to my farther nursing during its mammy's -absence; who, still firm to her resolution, after she had equipped -herself and companions with whatever was necessary to their travelling, -and locked up all the apparel she had made till her return, because -she would have it appear new when her father came, set out with her son -Tommy and my two daughters Patty and Hallycarnie, the last of which by -this time being big enough also to be trusted with her mother. - - - - -CHAPTER XXV. - - Youwarkee's account of the stages to Arndrumstake--The - author uneasy at her flight--His employment in her absence; - and preparations for receiving her father--How he spent the - evenings with the children. - -My wife was now upon her journey to her father's; but where that was, or -how far off, it was impossible for me to conceive by her description -of the way; for she distinguished it not by miles or leagues, but by -swan-geans, and names of rocks, seas, and mountains, which I -could neither comprehend the distance of from each other, nor from -Graundevolet, where I was. I understood by her, indeed, there was a -great sea to be passed, which would take her up almost a day and night, -having the children with her, before she reached the next arkoe, though -she could do it herself she said, and strain hard, in a summer's -night; but if the children should flag by the way, as there was no -resting-place between us and Battringdrigg, the next arkoe, it might -be dangerous to them, so she would take the above time for their sakes. -After this, I found by what she said there was a narrow sea to pass, and -a prodigious mountain, before she reached her own country; and that her -father's was but a little beyond that mountain. This was all I could -know in general about it. At their departure she and the children had -taken each a small provision for their flight, which hung about their -necks in a sort of purse. - -I cannot say, notwithstanding this journey was taken with my concurrence -and consent, that I was perfectly easy when they were gone, for my -affection for them all would work up imaginary fears too potent for my -reason to dispel, and which at first sat with no easy pressure upon -my mind. This my pretty babies at home perceiving, used all the little -winning arts they could to divert and keep up my spirits; and from day -to day, by taking them abroad with me, and playing with and amusing them -at home, I grew more and more persuaded that all would go right with the -absent, and that in due time I should see them return again. - -But as the winter set in, I went little abroad, and then we employed -ourselves within doors in preparing several things which might not only -be useful and ornamental, if the old glumm should come to see us, but -might also divert us, and make the time pass less tediously. The first -thing I went upon was a table, which, as my family consisted of so many, -I intended to make big enough for us all. With that view I broke up a -couple of chests, and, taking the two sides of one of them, I nailed -them edge to edge by strong thick pieces underneath at each end and in -the middle; then I took two chest-lids with their hinges, nailing one -to each side of my middle piece, which made two good flaps; after this, -with my tools, of which I had now a chest-full, I chopped out of new -stuff and planed four strong legs quite square, and nailed them strongly -to each corner of my middle board; I then nailed pieces from one leg to -the other, and nailed the bed likewise to them; then I fastened a border -quite round within six inches from the bottom, from foot to foot, which -held all fast together. When all this was done, still my table was -imperfect; I could not put up the flaps, having no proper support. To -remedy this I sawed out a broad slip from a chest-side, and boring a -large hole through the centre, I spiked it up to the under-side of the -table's bed, with a spindle I contrived just loose enough to play round -the head of the spike, filing down that part of the spindle which passed -through the bed of the table, and riveting it close; so that when my -flaps were set up I pulled the slip crosswise of the table, and when the -flaps were down, the slip turned under the top of the table lengthwise: -next, under each flap, I nailed a small slip lengthwise of the flaps, -to raise them on a level, when up, with the top of the table. When I had -thus completed the several parts of this needful utensil, I spent some -time and pains by scraping and rubbing, to render it all as elegant as -could be, and the success so well answered my wish, that I was not a -little proud of the performance; and what rendered my work thereon a -still more agreeable task, was my pretty infants' company, who stood by, -expressing their wonder and approbation at every stroke. - -Now I had gotten a table, I wanted chairs to it; for as yet we had -only sat round the room upon chests, which formed a bench of the whole -circumference, they stood so thick. There was no moving of them without -a monstrous trouble every time I might have occasion to set out my -table: besides, if I could have dragged them backwards and forwards, -they were too low to be commodious for seats; so I resolved to make some -chairs and stools also, that might be manageable. I will not trouble you -with the steps I took in the formation of these; only, in general, you -must know, that some more chests I broke up to that purpose served me -for timber, out of which I framed six sizeable handsome chairs, and a -competent number of stools. - -But now that I was turned joiner, I had another convenience to provide -for. I had nothing wherein to enclose things, and preserve them from -dust, except the chests, and they were quite unfit for holding liquors, -victuals, and such like matters, but open shells, as most of my vessels -were. Wherefore, having several boards now remaining of the boxes I had -broken up for chairs and stools, I bethought me of supplying this great -deficiency; so of these spare boards, in a workmanlike way (for by this -time I was become a tolerable mechanic), I composed a very tight closet, -holding half-a-dozen broad shelves, shut up by a good pair of doors, -with a lock and key to fasten them. These jobs took me up almost three -months, and I thought I had not employed them idly, but for the credit -and service of my family. I was now again at leisure for farther -projects. I was uncertain as to my wife's return, how soon she might be -with me, or how much longer she might stay; but I was sure I could do -nothing in the meanwhile more grateful than increasing, by all means in -my power, the accommodations of my house, for the more polite as well as -convenient reception of her father, or any else who might accompany her -home in the way of a retinue, as she talked of. I saw plainly I had not -room for lodging them, and that was a circumstance of main importance to -be provided for. Hereupon I thought of adding a long apartment to one -of my outer-rooms, to range against the side of the rock; but reflecting -that such a thing would be quite useless, unless I could finish it in -time, so as to be complete when my guests came, and not knowing how soon -that might be, I resolved to quit this design; and I fell upon another -which might do as well, and required much less labour and fewer days to -perfect. - -I remembered that amongst those things my wife had packed up on board -the ship, and which came home through the gulf, there were two of the -largest sails, and a couple of a smaller size. These I carried to -the wood, and tried them in several places to see where they might be -disposed to most advantage in the nature of a tent, and having found a -convenient spot to my purpose, I cut divers poles for supporters, and -making straining lines of my matweed, I pitched a noble one, sufficient -to cover or entertain a numerous company, and so tight everywhere as to -keep out the weather. The front of this new apartment I hung with blue -cloth, which had a very genteel effect. I had almost forgotten to tell -you that I contrived (by hanging one of the smaller sails across, just -in the middle, which I could let down or raise up at pleasure) to divide -the tent occasionally into two distinct rooms. - -When I had proceeded thus far, there were still wanting seats for this -additional building, as I may call it, and though I could spare some -chests to sit on, I found they would not half do. For a supplement, -then, I took my axe and felled a couple of great trees, one from each -side of the tent, sawed off the tops, and cut each of the trunks in two -about the middle: these huge cylinders I rolled into the tent with a -good deal of toil and difficulty; two of them I thrust into the inner -division, and left two in the outer. I placed them as benches on both -sides, then, with infinite pains, I shaved the upper face of each smooth -and flat, and pared off all the little knots and roughnesses of the -front, so that they were fitted to sit on, and their own weight fixed -them in the place where I intended them to be. At the upper end of the -farther chamber I set three chests lengthwise for seats, or any other -use I might see fit to put them to. - -During these operations we were all hard at it, and no hand idle but -Dicky in arms, and Sally, whom he kept in full employ; but Pedro, being -a sturdy lad, could drive a nail, and lift or carry the things I wanted, -and Jemmy and David, though so young, could pick up the chips, hold a -nail or the lamp, or be some way or other useful; for I always preached -to them the necessity of earning their bread before they ate it, and not -think to live on mine and their brother's labour. - -The nights being pretty long, after work was over, and Sarah had fed her -brother and laid him in his hammock, we used to sit all down to enjoy -ourselves at a good meal, for we were never regular at that till night; -and then after supper, my wife being absent, one or other of the young -ones would begin with something they had before heard me speak of, by -saying, "Daddy, how did you use to do this or that in England?" Then all -ears were immediately open to catch my answer, which certainly brought -on something else done either there or elsewhere; and by their little -questions and my answers they would sometimes draw me into a story -of three hours long, till, perhaps, two or three of my audience were -falling asleep, and then we all went to bed. - -I verily believe my children would, almost any of them, from the -frequent repetition of these stories, have given a sufficient account -of England to have gained a belief from almost any Englishman of their -being natives there. - -I frequently observed, that when we had begun upon Cornwall, and -traversed the mines, the sea-coast, or talked of the fine gentlemen's -seats, and such things, one would start up, and, if the discourse -flagged ever so little, would cry, "Ay; but, daddy, what did you do when -the crocodile came after you out of the water?" And another, before -that subject was half-ended (and I was forced to enter on every one they -started), would be impatient for the story of the lion; and I always -took notice that the part each had made the most reflections on, was -always most acceptable to the same person: but poor Sally would never -let the conversation drop without some account of the muletto, it was -such a pretty, gentle creature, she said. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI. - - The Author's concern at Youwarkees stay--Reflections on his - condition--Hears a voice call him--Youwarhee's brother - Quangrollart visits him with a companion--He treats them at - the grotto--The brother discovers himself by accident-- - Wilkins produces his children to him - -My head, as well as my hands, had now been employed for five months in -adjusting all things in the most suitable manner for the reception of -Youwarkee and her friends; but nobody coming, and light days getting -forward apace, I begin to grow very uneasy, and had formed divers -imaginations of what might occasion her stay. Thought I, I am afraid -all the pains I have been taking will be to no purpose; for either her -father will not let her return, or she has of herself come to such a -resolution; for she knows I cannot follow her, and had rather, perhaps, -live and enjoy the three children she has with her, amidst a number of -her friends and acquaintance, than spend the remainder of her days with -me and all our offspring in this solitude. - -But then I reflected she chose it herself, or at least declared herself -perfectly satisfied, yea, delighted therewith. And here are her children -with me, the major part of them; yet, what can I think? since her return -is put off till the swangeans are over this arkoe, she will never bring -her relations now in this unseasonable time for flight; therefore I must -think, if she intended to return at all, it would have been before -now; and as the case is not so, my fear of losing her entirely prevails -greatly. Oh! says I, that we had but a post here as we have in England; -there we can communicate our thoughts at a distance to each other -without any trouble, and for little charge! What a country is this to -live in! and what an improper creature am I to live in it! Had I but -the graundee, I would have found her out by this time, be she where she -would; but, whilst every one about me can pass, repass, and act as they -please, I am fixed here like one of my trees, bound to the spot, or, -upon removal, to die in the attempt. Alas! why did I beget children -here, but to make them as wretched and inconsolable as myself! Some of -them are so formed, indeed, as to shift for themselves; but they owe it -to their mother, not to me. What! am I a father of children who will -be bound one day to curse me? Severe reflection! Yet I never thought of -this till now. But am I the only father in such a case? No, surely! for -am not I as much bound to curse my father as my children are to curse -me? He might have left me happy if he would; I would them if I could. -Again, are there not others who, by improper junction with persons -diseased in body or vicious in mind, have entailed greater misery -upon their posterity than I have on mine! My children are all healthy, -strong, and sound, both in body and mind; and is not that the greatest -blessing that can be bestowed on our beings? But they are imprisoned -in this arkoe! What then? With industry, here is no want; and as they -increase they may settle in communities, and be helpful to each other. -I have lived here well nigh sixteen years, and it was God's pleasure -I should be here; and can I think I was placed here with an injunction -contrary to the great command, "Increase and multiply?" If that were so, -can it be possible I should have received the only means of propagating, -as it were, from Heaven itself? No, it was certainly as much my Maker's -will that I should have posterity here, as that I myself should at first -be brought thither. This is a large and plentiful spot, and capable of -great improvement, when there shall be hands sufficient. How many petty -states are less than these my dominions! I have here a compass of near -twenty miles round, and how many thousands grow voluntarily grey in a -far less circuit? - -I had hardly finished my reflections (for I was sitting by myself in my -tent upon one of the trees I had turned into benches), when I heard a -musical voice call, "Peter! Peter!" I started. "What's this?" says I. -"It is not Youwarkee's voice! What can this mean?" Listening, I heard it -again, but at so great a distance I could but just perceive the sound. -"Be it where it will," says I, "I will face it!" Thus speaking, I went -out of the tent, and hearkened very attentively, but could hear nothing. -I then ran for my gun, and walked through the wood as fast as I could -to the plain; but still I neither saw nor heard anything. I was then -in hopes of seeing somebody on the lake, but no one appeared; for I was -fully determined to make myself known to whomsoever I should meet; and, -if possible, to gain some intelligence of my wife. But after so much -fruitless pains, my hopes being at an end, I was returning when I heard, -"Peter! Peter!" again at a great distance, the sound coming from a -different quarter than at first. Upon this I stopped, and heard it -repeated; and it was as if the speaker approached nearer and nearer. -Hereupon I stepped out of the wood (for I had just re-entered it upon -my return home), when I saw two persons upon the swangean just over my -head. I cried out, "Who's that?" And they immediately called again, -"Peter! Peter!"--_Ors clam gee_, says I; that is, Here am I.--On this -they directly took a small sweep round (for they had overshot me before -they heard me) and alighted just by me; when I perceived them to be -my wife's countrymen, being dressed like her, with vol. only broader -chaplets about their heads, as she had told me the glumms all wore. -After a short obeisance, they asked me if I was the glumm Peter, -barkett* to Youwarkee. I answered I was. They then told me they -came with a message from Pendlehamby, colamb** of Arndrumn-stake, my -goppo,*** and from Youwarkee his daughter. I was vastly rejoiced to see -them, and to hear only the name of my wife. But though I longed to know -their message, I trembled to think of their mentioning it, as one -of them was just going to do, for fear of hearing something very -displeasing; so I begged them to go through the wood with me to the -grotto, where we should have more leisure and convenience for talk, and -where, at the same time, they might take some refreshment. But though I -had thus put off their message, I could not forbear inquiring by the way -after the health of my goppo, and my wife and children, how they got to -Arndrumnstake, and how they found their relations and friends. They told -me all were well; and that Youwarkee, as she did on me, desired I would -think on her with true affection. I found this was the phrase of the -country. As for the rest, I hoped it would turn out well at last, though -I dreaded to hear it. - - * Husband. - - ** Governor. - - *** Father-in-law. - -Being arrived at the grotto, I desired my guests to sit down, and take -such refreshment as I could prepare them. When they were seated, I went -to work in order to provide them a repast. Seeing my fire piled up very -high, and burning fierce, and the children about it, they wondered where -they were got, and who they had come to, and turned their faces from it; -but I setting some chairs, so that the light might not strike on their -eyes, they liked the warmth well enough; though, I remarked, the light -did not affect them so much as it had done Youwarkee. - -Whilst I was cooking, the poor children got all up in a corner, and -stared at the strangers, not being able to conceive where they came -from; and by degrees crept all backwards into the bedchamber, and hid -themselves; for they had never before seen anybody but my own family. - -I observed that one of my guests paid more than ordinary respect to the -other; and though their graundees made no distinction between them, -yet there was something I thought much more noble in the address and -behaviour of the latter; and taking notice that he was also the chief -spokesman, I judged it proper to pay my respects to him in a somewhat -more distinguishing manner, though so as not to offend the other if I -should happen to be mistaken. - -I first presented a can of my Madeira, and took care, as if by accident, -to give it to Mr. Uppermost, as I thought him, who drank half of it, -and would have given the remainder to his companion, but I begged him to -drink it all up, and his friend should be served with some presently: he -did so, and thanked me by lifting his hand to his chin. I then gave the -other a can of the same liquor, which he drank, and returned thanks as -his companion had before. I then took a can myself, and telling them -I begged leave to use the ceremony of my own country to them, I drank, -wishing their own health, and that of all relations at Arndrumnstake. -He that I took for the superior fell a-laughing heartily: "Ha, ha, -ha!" says he, "this is the very way my sister does every day at -Arndrumnstake."--"Your sister, sir!" says I, "pray has she ever been in -Europe or England?"--"Well!" says he, "I have plainly discovered myself, -which I did not intend to do yet; but, truly, brother Peter, I mean none -other than your own wife Youwarkee." - -The moment I knew who he was, I rose up and taking him by the right -hand, lifted it to my lips and kissed it. He likewise immediately stood -up, and we embraced each other with great tenderness. I then begged him, -as I had so worthy and near a relation of my wife's with me, that he -would not delay the happiness I hoped for, in a narrative from his -mouth, how it fared with my father, wife, and children, and all their -kinsfolks and friends whom I had so often heard mentioned by my dearest -Youwarkee, and so earnestly desired to see. - -My brother Quangrollart (for that, he told me, was his name) -was preparing to gratify my impatience; but seeing I had set the -entertainment on the table, which consisted chiefly of bread, several -sorts of pickles and preserves, with some cold salted fish, he said that -eating would but interrupt the thread of his discourse; and therefore, -with my leave, he would defer the relating of what I desired for a -little while; which we all thinking most proper, I desired him and -his friend (who might be another brother for aught I knew) to refresh -themselves with the poor modicum I was able to provide them. - -Whilst my brother Quangrollart was looking upon and handling his plate, -being what he had never before seen, his friend had got the handle -of one of the knives in his mouth, biting it with all his force; but -finding he could make nothing of that end he tried the other, and got -champing the blade. Perceiving what he was at, though I could not help -laughing, I rose, and begging pardon, took the knife from him; telling -him I believed he was not acquainted with the use of that instrument, -which was one of my country implements; and that the design of it, which -was called a knife, and of that other (pointing to it), called a fork, -was the one to reduce the food into pieces proper for chewing, and the -other to convey it to the mouth without daubing the fingers, which must -happen in handling the food itself; and I then showed him what use I put -them to, by helping each of them therewith to somewhat, and by cutting a -piece for myself, and putting it to my mouth with the fork. - -They both smiled and looked very well pleased; and then I told them -that the plate was the only thing that need be daubed, and when that was -taken away the table remained clean. So, after I had helped each of them -for the first time, I desired them to help themselves where they liked -best; and, to say the truth, they did so more dexterously than I could -have expected. - -During our repast we had frequent sketches of the observations they made -in their flight, and of the places where they had rested; and I could -plainly see that neither of them had ever been at this arkoe before, by -hinting that if they had not taken such a course they had missed me. - -I took particular notice which part of my entertainment they ate most -of, that I might bring a fresh supply of that when wanted; and I found -that though they eat heartily of my bread and preserves, and tasted -almost of everything else, they never once touched the fish; which put -me upon desiring I might help them to some. At this they looked upon -each other, which I readily knew the meaning of, and excused themselves, -expressing great satisfaction in what they had already gotten. I took, -however, a piece of fish on my own plate, and eating very heartily -thereof, my brother desired me to give him a bit of it; I did so, taking -care to cut it as free from bones as I could, and for greater security -cautioning him, in case there should be any, to pick them out, and not -swallow them. He had no sooner put a piece in his mouth, but, "Rosig," -says he to his friend, "this is padsi."--I thought indeed I had puzzled -my brother when I gave him the fish, but by what he said of it, he -puzzled me; for I knew not what he meant by padsi, my wife having told -me they had no fish, or else I should have taken that word for their -name of it. However, I cut Rosig a slice; and he agreeing it was padsi, -they both ate heartily of it. - -While we were at dinner, my brother told me he thought he saw some of my -children just now; for his sister had informed him she had five more at -home; and he asked me why they did not appear and eat with us. I excused -their coming, as fearing they would only be troublesome; and said, "When -we had done they should have some victuals." But he would not be put -off, and entreated me to admit them. So I called them by their names, -and they came, all but Dicky, who was asleep in his hammock. I told them -that Reglumm,* pointing to Quangrollart, was their uncle, their mamma's -brother, and ordered them to pay their obeisance to him, which they -severally did. I then made them salute Rosig. This last would have had -them sit down at table; but I positively forbade that; and giving each -of them a little of what we had before us, they carried it to the chests -and eat it there. - - * Gentleman. - -When we had done, the children helped me to clear the table, and were -retiring out of the room; but then I recalled them and desired their -uncle to excuse their stay, for as he had promised me news of their -mammy and her family, it would be the height of pleasure to them to hear -him. He seemed very much pleased with this motion, desiring by all means -they might be present while he told his story. Whereupon I ordered them -to the chests again, while Quangrollart delivered his narrative. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVII. - - Quangrollart's account of Youwarkee's journey, and - reception at her father's. - -Having set on the table some brandy and Madeira, and each of us taken -one glass of both, I showed, by the attentiveness of my aspect and -posture, how desirous I was he should proceed to what he had promised. -Observing this, he went on in the following manner:--"Brother Peter," -says he, "my sister Youwarkee, as I don't doubt you will be glad to hear -of her first, arrived very safe at Arndrumnstake the third day after -she left you, and after a very severe flight to the dear little -Hallycarnie,* who was a full day and a night on her graundee; and at -last would not have been able to have reached Battringdrigg but for my -sister's assistance, who, taking her sometimes on her back for a short -flight, by those little refreshments enabled her to perform it: but from -Battringdrigg, after some hours' rest, they came with pleasure to -the White Mountains, from whence, after a small stay, they arrived at -Arndrumnstake. - - * One of Wilkins' daughters. - -"They alighted at our covett,* but were opposed at their entrance by the -guards, to whom they did not choose to discover themselves, till notice -was given to my father; who, upon hearing that some strangers desired -admittance to him, sent me to introduce them, if they were proper -persons for his presence, or else give orders for such other reception -as was suitable to them. - -"When I came to the guard, I found three gawrys and a glumm boss,** -whose appearance and behaviour, I must own, prejudiced me very much in -their favour. I then asked from whence they came, and their business -with the colamb. You-warkee told me they came not about business of -public concern, relating to the colamb's office, but out of a dutiful -regard, as relations, to kiss his knees.--'My father' said I, 'shall -know it immediately; but first, pray inform me of your name?'--'Your -father!' replied Youwarkee; 'are you my brother Quangrollart?'--'My name -is so,' says I, 'but I have only one sister, now with my father, and -how I can be your brother, I am not able to guess.'--'Have you never had -another sister?' says she.--'Yes,' says I, 'but she is long since dead; -her name was Youwarkee.' At my mentioning her name, she fell upon -my neck in tears, crying, 'My dear brother, I am that dead sister -Youwarkee, and these with me are some of my children, for I have five -more; but, pray, how does my father and sister?'--I started back at this -declaration, to view her and the children, fearing it was some gross -imposition, not in the least knowing or remembering anything of her -face, after so long an absence; but I desired them to walk in, till I -told my father. - - * Capital Seat. - - ** Youth. - -"The guard observing the several passages between us, were amazed to -think who it could be had so familiarly embraced me; especially as they -saw I only played a passive part in it. - -"When I went in, I did not think proper directly to inform my father -what had happened; but calling my sister Hallycarnie, I let her into -the circumstances of this odd affair, and desired her advice what to do: -'For,' says I, 'surely this must be some impostor; and as my father has -scarce subdued his sorrow for my sister's loss, if this gawry should -prove a deceiver, it will only revive his affliction, and may prove at -this time extremely dangerous to him: therefore let us consider what had -best be done in the matter.' - -"Hallycarnie, who had attentively weighed all I said, seemed to think -it was some cheat, as well as I did; for we could neither of us conceive -that anything but death, or being slit, could have kept Youwarkee so -long from the knowledge of her relations; and that neither of them could -be the case was plain, if the person attending was Youwarkee. 'Besides, -brother,' says Hallycarnie, 'she cannot surely be so much altered in -fifteen years, but you must have known her; and yet, now I think, it is -possible, you being so much younger, may have forgot her; but whilst we -have been talking of her, I have so well recollected her, that I think I -could hardly be imposed upon by any deceiver.' "I then desired her to -go with me to the strangers and see if she could make any discovery. She -did so, and had no sooner entered the abb,* but Youwarkee called -out, 'My dear sister Hally-carnie!' and she as readily recollecting -Youwarkee, they in transport embraced each other; and then your wife -presenting to us her three children, it proved the tenderest scene, -except the following, I ever saw. - - * Room. - -"My father having kept his chamber some time with a fever, and though he -was pretty well recovered, having not yet been out of it, we consulted -how we might introduce our sister and children to him, with as little -surprise as might be, for fear of a relapse by too great a hurry of his -spirits. At length we concluded I should go tell him that some strangers -had arrived desiring to see him; but on inquiry, finding their business -was too trifling to trouble him upon, I had despatched them; I was then -to say how like one of them was to my sister Youwarkee; and whilst I was -speaking, Hallycarnie was to enter, and keep up the discourse till we -should find a proper opportunity of discovery. I went in, therefore, as -had been agreed; and upon mentioning the name of Youwarkee, my father -fetched a deep sigh and turned away from me in tears. At that instant -Hallycarnie came in as by accident. 'Sir,' says she, 'what makes you so -sad? are you worse to-day?'--'Oh,' says he, 'I have heard a name that -will never be out of my heart, till I am in hoximo.'*--'What, I suppose -my sister?'--''Tis true,' replied he, 'the same.'--Says she, 'I fancied -so, for I have just seen a stranger as like her as two dorrs** could be, -and would have sworn it was she, if that had been possible. I thought my -brother had been so imprudent as to mention her to you; and I think he -did not do well to rip up an old sore he knew was almost healed, and -make it break out afresh.'--'Ah! no, child,' says my father, 'that sore -never has, nor can be healed. O Great Image! why can't it by some means -or other be ascertained what end she came to?' - - * A place where the dead are buried. - - ** A fruit like an apple. - -"'Sir,' says my sister, 'I think you are much to blame for these -exclamations, after so long absence; for, if she be dead, what use are -they of? and if she be not, all may be well, and you may still see her -again.'--'Oh, never, never!' says my father; 'but could I be sure she -was alive, I would take a swangean and never close my graundee till I -found her, or dropt dead in the search.'--'And suppose you could meet -with her, sir,' says I, 'the very sight would overcome you, and be -dangerous.' 'No, believe me, boy,' says he, 'I should then be fully easy -and composed; and were she to come in this moment, I should suffer no -surprise, but pleasure.'--'No surprise, sir?' says I.--'Not if she were -alive and well,' says he.--'Then, sir,' says Hallycarnie, 'will you -excuse me if I introduce her?' and went out directly without staying for -an answer. - -"When she was gone, 'Quangrollart,' says my father sternly, 'what is the -meaning of yours and your sister's playing thus upon my weakness? It is -what I can upon no account forgive. It looks as if you were weary of -me, and wanted to break my heart. To what purpose is all this prelude of -yours, to introduce to me somebody, who, by her likeness to my daughter, -may expose me to your scoff and raillery? This is a disobedience I never -expected from either of you.' - -"'The Great Image attend me!' says I; 'sir, you have much mistaken me; -but I will not leave you in doubt, even till Hallycarnie's return. You -shall see Youwarkee with her; for all our discourse, I'll assure you, -has but been concerted to prepare you for her reception, with three of -her children.' 'And am I then, says he, in a transport, 'still to be -blessed?'--'You are, sir,' says I, 'assure yourself you are.' - -"By this time we heard them coming, but my poor father had not power to -go to meet them: and upon Youwarkee's nearer approach, to fall at his -knees, his limbs failing him, he sunk, and without speaking a word, fell -backwards on a cught drappec,* which stood behind him; and, being quite -motionless, we concluded him to be stone-dead. On this the women -became entirely helpless, screaming only, and wringing their hands in -extravagant postures. But I, having a little more presence of mind, -called for the calentar;** who, by holding his nose, pinching his feet, -and other applications, in a little time brought him to his senses -again. - - * A bed or couch covered with a sort of cotton. - - ** A sort of doctor in all great families. - -"You may more easily conceive than I describe, both the confusion we -were all in during my father's disorder, and the congratulations upon -his recovery; so, as I can give you but a defective account of these, -I shall pass them by, and come to our more serious discourse, after my -father and your wife had, without speaking a word, wept themselves quite -dry on each other's necks. - -"My father, then looking upon the three children (who were also crying -to see their mamma cry), 'And who are these?' says he.--'These, sir,' -says Youwarkee, 'are three of eight of your grandchildren.'--'And where -is your barkett?' says he. 'At home with the rest, sir,' replied she, -'who are some of them too small to come so far yet; but, sir,' says she, -'pray excuse my answering you any more questions, till you are a little -recovered from the commotion I perceive my presence has brought upon -your spirits; and as rest, the calentar says, will be exceedingly -proper, I will retire with my sister till you are better able to bear -company.' My father was with much difficulty prevailed with to part -with her out of his sight: but the calentar pressing it, we were all -dismissed, and he laid down to rest." - -My brother would have gone on, but I told him, as it grew near time for -repose, and he and Rosig must needs be fatigued with so long a flight, -if they pleased (as I had already heard the most valuable part of all -he could say, in that my father had received my wife and children so -kindly, and that he left them all well) we could defer his farther -relation till the next day; which they both agreeing to, I laid them in -my own bed, myself sleeping in a spare hammock. - -END OF VOL. I. - -PRINTED BY BALLANTYNE, HANSON AND CO. EDINBURGH AND LONDON. - - - - -============ - - - -THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF PETER WILKINS. - -By Robert Paltock - -With A Preface By A. H. Bullen - -Vol. II (of II) - -London: Reeves & Turner, 196 Strand. - -1884. - -[Illustration: 0001] - -[Illustration: 0007] - - - - -LIFE and ADVENTURES OF PETER WILKINS - -A Cornish Man - -Relating particularly, - -His Shipwreck near the South Pole; his wonderful Passage thro' a -subterraneous Cavern into a kind of new World; his there meeting with a -Gawry or flying woman, whose Life he preserv'd, and afterwards married -her; his extraordinary Conveyance to the Country of Glums and Gawrys, or -Men and Women that fly. Likewise a Description of this strange Country, -with the Laws, Customs, and Manners of its Inhabitants, and the Author's -remarkable Transactions among them. - -Taken from his own Mouth, in his Passage to England from off Cape Horn -in America, in the ship Hector. - -With an INTRODUCTION, giving an Account of the surprizing Manner of his -coming on board that Vessel, and his Death on his landing at Plymouth in -the Year 1739. - -Illustrated with several Cuts, clearly and distinctly representing the -Structure and Mechanism of the Wings of the Glums and Gawrys, and the -Manner in which they use them either to swim or fly. - -By R. S. a Passenger in the Hector. - -In Two Volumes. - -[Illustration: 0011] - - - - -CONTENTS OF VOL. II. - -CHAPT I. - -A discourse on light--Quangrollart explains the word crashee--Believes a -fowl is a fruit--Gives a further account of Youwarkee's reception by -her father, and by the king--Tommy and Hallycarnie provided for at -court--Youwarkee and her father visit the colambs, and are visited--Her -return put off till next winter, when her father is to come with her - -CHAPT II. - -The author shows Quangrollart and Rosig his poultry--They are surprised -at them--He takes them a-fishing--They wonder at his cart, and at his -shooting a fowl--They are terribly frightened at the firing of the -gun--He pacifies them - -CHAPT III. - -Peter prepares for his father's reception--Arguments about his -beard--Expects his wife--Reflections on her not coming--Sees a messenger -on the rock--Has notice of Pendlehamby's arrival and prepares a treat - -CHAPT IV. - -Peter settles the formality, of his father's reception--Description -of their march and alighting--Receives his father--Conducts him to -the grotto--Offers to beg pardon for his marriage--Is prevented by -Pendlehamby--Youwarkee not known in her English habit--Quarters the -officers in the tent - -CHAPT V. - -The manner of their dinner--Believe the fish and fowl to be -fruits--Hears his brother and the colambs are coming--Account of their -lying--Peter's reflections on the want of the graundee--They view -the arkoe--Servants harder to please than their masters--Reasons for -different dresses the same day - -CHAPT VI. - -Quangrollart arrives with the colambs--Straitened for -accommodation--Remove to the tent--Youwarkee not known--Peter relates -part of his travels--Dispute about the beast-fish skins - -CHAPT VII. - -Go a-fishing--Catch a beast-fish--Afraid of the gun--How Peter altered -his net--A fish-dinner for the guards--Method of dressing and eating it - -CHAPT VIII. - -A shooting proposed--All afraid of the gun but one private guard--His -behaviour--Pendlehamby at Peter's request makes him a general--Peter's -discourse thereon--Remainder of his story--The colambs return - -CHAPT IX. - -Peter finds his stores low--Sends Youwarkee to the ship--Receives an -invitation to Georigetti's court - -CHAPT X. - -Nasgig comes with a guard to fetch Peter--Long debate about his -going--Nasgig's uneasiness at Peter's refusal--Relates a prediction to -him, and proceedings thereon at Georigetti's court--Peter consents to -go--Prepares a machine for that purpose - -CHAPT XI. - -Peter's speech to the soldiery--Offers them freedom--His journey--Is met -by the king--The king sent back, and why--Peter alights in the king's -garden--His audience--Description of his supper and bed - -CHAPT XII. - -The king's apartments described--Peter is introduced to the king--A -moucheratt called--His discourse with the king about religion - -CHAPT XIII. - -Peter's reflections on what he was to perform--Settles the method -of it--His advice to his son and daughter--Globe-lights living -creatures--Takes Maleck into his service--Nasgig discovers to Peter a -plot in court--Revolt of Gauingrunt - -CHAPT XIV. - -Hold a moucheratt--Speeches of ragans and colambs--Peter settles -religion--Informs the king of a plot--Sends Nasgig to the ship for -cannon - -CHAPT XV. - -The king hears Barbarsa and Yaccombourse discourse on the plot--They -are impeached by Peter at a moucheratt--Condemned and executed--Nicor -submits, and is released - -CHAPT XVI. - -Nasgig returns with the cannon--Peter informs him of the -execution--Appoints him a guard--Settles the order of his march against -Harlokin--Combat between Nasgig and the rebel general--The battle--Peter -returning with Harlokin's head is met by a sweecoan--A public -festival--Slavery abolished - -CHAPT XVII. - -A visitation of the revolted provinces proposed by Peter--His new name -of the country received--Religion settled in the west--Slavery abolished -there--Lasmeel returns with Peter--Peter teaches him letters--The king -surprised at written correspondence--Peter describes the make of a beast -to the king - -CHAPT XVIII. - -Peter sends for his family--A rising of former slaves on that -account--Takes a view of the city--A description of it, and of the -country--Hot and cold springs - -CHAPT XIX. - -Peter sends for his family--Pendlehamby gives a fabulous account of the -peopling of that country--Their policy and government--Peter's -discourse on trade--You-warkee arrives--Invites the king and nobles to a -treat--Sends to Graundevolet for fowls - -CHAPT XX. - -Peter goes to his father's--Traverses the Black Mountain--Takes a -flight to Mount Alkoe--Gains the miners--Overcomes the governor's -troops--Proclaims Georigetti king--Seizes the governor--Returns him the -government--Peter makes laws with the consent of the people, and returns -to Brandleguarp with deputies - -CHAPT XXI. - -Peter arrives with the deputies--Presents them to the king--They -return--A colony agreed to be sent thither--Nasgig made governor--Manner -of choosing the colony--A flight-race, and the intent of it--Walsi wins -the prize and is found to be a gawry - -CHAPT XXII. - -The race reconciles the two kingdoms--The colony proceeds--Builds a -city--Peter views the country at a distance--Hears of a prophecy of -the king of Norbon's daughter Stygee--Goes thither--Kills the king's -nephew--Fulfils the prophecy by engaging Stygee to Georigetii--Returns - -CHAPT XXIII. - -A discourse on marriage between Peter and Georigetii--Peter proposes -Stygee--The king accepts it--Relates his transactions at Norbon--The -marriage is consummated--Account of the marriage ceremony--Peter goes -to Norbon--Opens a free trade to Mount Alkoe--Gets traders to settle at -Norbon--Convoys cattle to Mount Alkoe - -CHAPT XXIV. - -Peter looking over his books finds he has got a Latin Bible-- - -Sets about a translation--Teaches some of the ragans letters--Sets up -a paper manufacture--Makes the ragans read the Bible--The ragans teach -others to read and write--A fair kept at the Black Mountain--Peter's -reflections on the Swangeantines - -CHAPT XXV. - -Peter's children provided for--Youwarkee's death--How the king and -queen spent their time--Peter grows melancholy--Wants to get to -England--Contrives means--Is taken up at sea - -[Illustration: 5016] - -[Illustration: 0017] - - - - -A GENUINE ACCOUNT OF THE LIFE OF PETER WILKINS. - - - -CHAPTER I. - -_A discourse on light--Quangrollart explains the word crashee--Believes -a fowl is a fruit--Gives a further account of Youwarkeds reception by -her father, and by the king--Tommy and Hallycarnie provided for at -court--Youwarkee and her father visit the colambs, and are visited--Her -return put off till next winter, when her father is to come with her._ - -THE next day I prepared again of the best of everything for my new -guests. I killed three fowls, and ordered Pedro (who was as good a cook -almost as myself) to get them ready for boiling, whilst we took a walk -to the lake. Though we went out in the clearest part of the morning, I -heard no complaint of the light. I took the liberty to ask my brother if -the light did not offend him; for I told him my wife could not bear so -much without spectacles.--"What is that spectacle?" says he.--"Something -I made your sister," says I, "to prevent the inconvenience of too much -light upon her eyes."--He said the light was scarce at all troublesome -to him, for he had been in much greater, and was used to it; and that -the glumms, who travelled much abroad, could bear more light than the -gawrys, who stayed much at home: these stirring but little out unless -in large companies, and that of one another, and very rarely admitted -glumms amongst them before marriage. For his own part, he said, he -had an office at Crashdoorpt, * which, though he executed chiefly by -a deputy, obliged him to reside there sometimes for a long season -together; that being a more luminous country than Arndrumnstake, light -was become familiar to him; for it was very observable that some who -had been used to it young, though they might in time overcome it, yet at -first it was very uneasy. - - * The country of the Slits. - -I was upon the tenter whilst he spoke, lest, before he had done, a -question I had a thousand times thought to have asked my wife, should -slip out of my head, as it had so often done before, and was what I had -for years desired to be resolved in; viz., what the meaning of the word -slit was, when applied to a man. So, on his pausing, I said that his -mention of Crashdoorpt reminded me of inquiring what crashee meant, when -applied to a glumm or gawry. "It would be no hard task," he said, "to -satisfy me in respect of that, as I already understood the nature of the -graundee;" whereupon he went on thus: "Slitting is the only punishment -we use to incorrigible criminals: our method is, where any one has -committed a very heinous offence, or, which is the same thing, has -multiplied the acts of offence, he has a long string tied round his -neck, in the manner of a cravat; and then two glumms, one at each -end, take it in their hands, standing side by side with him; two more -standing before him, and two behind him; all which in that manner take -flight, so that the string keeps the criminal in the middle of them: -thus they conduct him to Crashdoorpt, which lies farther on the other -side of Arndrumnstake than this arkoe does on this side of it, and is -just such an arkoe as ours, but much bigger within the rocks. When they -come to the covett they alight, where my deputy immediately orders -the malefactor to be slit, so that he can never more return to -Normnbdsgrsutt, or indeed by any means get out of that arkoe, but must -end his days there. The method of slitting is thus: The criminal is laid -on his back with his graundee open, and after a recapitulation of his -crimes, and his condemnation, the officer with a sharp stone slits the -gume * between each of the filuses ** of the graundee, so that he can -never fly more. But what is still worse to new-comers, if they are not -very young, is the light of the place, which is so strong that it is -some years before they can overcome it, if ever they do." - -This discourse gave me a great pleasure; thereupon I repeated the -dialogue that had passed between me and Youwarkee about my being slit, -and how we had held an argument a long time, without being able to come -at one another's meaning. "But pray, brother," says I, "how comes that -light country to agree so well with you?"--"Why," says he, "the colambat -*** of Crashdoorpt is reckoned one of the most honourable employments -in the state, by reason of the hazard of it, and the person accepting it -must be young: it was, by my father's interest at court, given to me at -nine years of age; my friend Rosig has followed my fortune in it ever -since, being much about my age, and has a post under me there: in short, -by being obliged to be so much there, and from so tender an age too, I -have pretty well inured myself to any light." - - * The membrane. - - ** Ribs. - - *** Government. - -By this time we had got home again to dinner, which Pedro had set out -as elegantly as my country could afford, consisting of pickles and -preserves, as usual, a dish of hard eggs, and boiled fowls with spinage. - -My guests, as I expected, stared at the fowls, but never offered to -touch them, or seemed in the least inclined to do so. I was afraid they -would be cold, and begged them to let me help them. I put a wing on each -of their plates, and a leg on my own; but perceiving they waited to see -how I managed it, I stuck in my fork, cut off a slice, dipped it in the -salt, and put it in my mouth. Just as I did they did, and appeared very -well pleased with the taste. "I never in my life," says Rosig, "saw a -crullmott*of this shape before;" and laid hold of a leg (taking it for -a stick I had thrust in, as he told me afterwards), intending to pull -it out; but finding it grew there, "Mr. Peter," says he, "you have the -oddest-shaped crullmotts that ever I saw; pray what part of the woods do -they grow in?"--"Grow in?" says I.--"Aye," says he, "I mean whether your -crullmott-trees are like ours or not?"--"Why," says I, "these fowls -are about my yard and the wood too."--"What!" says he, "is it a running -plant like a bott?" **--"No, no," says I, "a bird that I keep tame about -my house; and these (showing him the eggs) are the eggs of these birds, -and the birds grow from them."--"Pr'ythee," says Quangrollart, "never -let's inquire what they are till we have dined; for my brother Peter -will give us nothing we need be afraid of." - - * A fruit like a melon. - - ** A gourd. - -It growing into the night by that time we rose from table, I set a bowl -of punch before them, made with my treacle and sour ram's-horn juice, -which they pulled off plentifully. After some bumpers had gone round, -I desired my brother to proceed where he left off, in the account of my -wife's reception with her father. - -"When my father," says he, "had recovered himself by some hours' repose, -the first thing he did was to order my sister Youwarkee to be called; -who, coming into his presence, he took her from her knees, kissed her, -and ordered all to depart but myself and Hallycarnie. Then bidding us -sit down, says he to your wife, 'Daughter, your appearance, whom I have -so long lamented as dead, has given me the truest cordial I could have -received, and I hope will add both to my health and years. I have heard -you suspect my anger for some part of your past conduct (for he had -hinted so to her sister and me), which you justly enough imagined may -be censured; but, my dear life, I am this day, what I did not expect any -more to be, a father of a new-born child; and not of one only, but of -many; and this day, I say, daughter, shall not be spent in sorrow and -excuses, or anything to interrupt our mutual felicity; neither will -I ever hereafter permit you to forget my forgiveness, or attempt to -palliate any of your proceedings; for know, child, that a benevolence -freely bestowed is better than twice its value obtained by petition: I, -therefore, as in presence of the Great Image, your brother and sister, -at this instant erase from my mind for ever what thoughts I may have had -prejudicial to the love I ever bore you, as I will have you to do all -such as may cloud the unreserved complacency you used to appear with -before me. And now, Quangrollart,' says he, 'let the guard be drawn out -before my covett, and let the whole country be entertained for seven -days; proclaim liberty to all persons confined; and let not the least -sorrow appear in any face throughout my colambat.' - -"I retired immediately, and gave the necessary orders for the speedy -despatch of my father's commands, which indeed were performed to the -utmost; and nothing for seven days was to be heard through the whole -district of Arndrumnstake but joy and the name of Youwarkee. - -"My father, so soon as he had despatched the above orders, sent for the -children before him, whom he kissed and blessed, frequently lifting up -his eyes in gratitude to the Great Image for the unexpected happiness he -enjoyed on that occasion; and then he ordered Youwarkee to let him know -what had befallen her in her absence, and where she lived, and with -whom. - -"Youwarkee was setting out with some indirect excuses; but my father -absolutely forbid her, and charged her only to mention plain facts, -without flourishes. So she began with her swangean, and the accidental -fall she had, your taking her in after it, and saving her life. She told -him your continued kindness so wrought upon her, that she found herself -incapable of disesteeming you, but never showed her affection, till, -having examined every particular of your life, and finding you a worthy -man, she could not avoid becoming your wife; and she said the reasons -why she always declined being seen by her friends in their swangeans, -was for fear she should be forced from you, though she longed to see -us; and that at last she was to come by your consent, and that, had it -rested there only, she might have come much sooner, for that you would -often have had her show herself to her friends, when you heard them, -having strong desires yourself to be known to them. - -"My father, upon hearing this, was so charmed with your tenderness and -affection to his daughter, that you already rival his own issue in -his esteem, and he is persuaded he can never do enough for you or your -children. - -"The noise of Youwarkee's return, and my father's rejoicing, soon spread -over all Normnbdsgrsutt; and King Georigetti sent express to my father, -to command him to attend with your wife and children at Brandleguarp, -his capital. Thither accordingly we all went with a grand retinue, and -stayed twenty days. The king took great delight, as well as the ladies -of the court, to hear Youwarkee and her children talk English, and in -being informed of you and your way of life; and so fond was Yaccombourse -(who, though not the king's wife, is instead of one) of my nephew Tommy, -that, upon my father's return, she took him to herself, and assured -my sister he should continue near her person till he was qualified for -better preferment. The king's sister Jahamel would also have taken Patty -into her service; but she begged to be permitted to attend her mother -to Arndrumnstake; so Hallycarnie, her sister, who chose to continue with -Jahamel, was received in her room. - -"Upon my father's return to Arndrumnstake, he found no less than fifteen -expresses from several colambs, desiring to rejoice with him on the -return of his daughter, with particular invitations to him and her to -spend some time with them. My father, though he hates more pomp than -is necessary to support dignity, could do no less than severally visit -them, with Youwarkee, attended by a grand retinue, spending more or less -days with each; hoping when that was over, he should have some little -time to spend in retirement with his daughter before her departure, who -now began to be uneasy for you, who, she said, would suffer the greatest -concern in her absence: but upon their return from those visits, at -about the end of four months' progress, they found themselves in as -little likelihood of retirement as the first day; for the inferior -colambs were continually posting away, one after another, to perform -their respects to my father, and all the inferior magistrates of smaller -districts sending to know when they might be permitted to do the same. -Poor Youwarkee, who saw no end of it, expressed her concern for you in -so lively a manner to my father, that finding he could by no means put -a stop to the goodwill of the people, and not bearing the thoughts of -You-warkee's departure till she had now received all their compliments, -he resolved to keep her with him till the next winter set in in these -parts, and then to accompany her himself to Graundevolet. In the -meanwhile, that you might not remain in an uneasy suspense what was -become of my sister, he ordered me to despatch messengers express to -inform you of the reasons of her stay; but I told him, if he pleased, -I would execute that office myself, with my friend Rosig, with which he -was very well pleased, and enjoined me to assure you of his affection, -and that he himself was debtor to you for the love and kindness you had -shown his daughter. - -"Thus, brother," says Quangrollart, "I hope I have acquitted myself of -my charge to your satisfaction, and it only now remains that I return -you my acknowledgments for your hearty welcome to myself and friend; -which (with concern I speak it) I am afraid I shall not have an -opportunity to return at Arndrumnstake, the distance being so immensely -great and you not having the graundee. To-morrow morning my friend and I -will set out on our return home." - -Quangrollart having done, I told him I could not but blush at the load -of undeserved praises he had laid on me; but as he had received his -notion of my merits from a wife too fond to let my character sink for -want of her support, it would be sufficient if himself could conceive -of, and also represent me at his return, in no worse a light than other -men; and though it gave me pain to think of losing my wife so long, yet -his account of her health and the company he assured me she would return -in, would doubly compensate my loss; and I begged of him, if it might -be with any convenience, he would let some messenger come the day before -her, to give me notice of their approach. As to their departure on the -morrow, I told them I could by no means think of that, as I had proposed -to catch them a dinner of fresh fish in the lake, and to show them my -boat, and how and where I came into this arkoe, believing, by what I had -observed, it would be no small novelty to them. So, having engaged them -one day more, we parted for that night to rest. - -[Illustration: 5027] - -[Illustration: 0028] - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -_The Author shows Quangrollart and Rosig his poultry--They are surprised -at them--He takes them a-fishing--They wonder at his cart, and at his -shooting a fowl--They are terribly frightened at the firing of the -gun--Wilkins pacifies them._ - - -I WAS heartily sorry to lose my brother thus quickly, and still more so -to find it would be a long time yet ere I should see my wife; however, I -was resolved to behave as cheerfully as possible, and to omit nothing -I could do, the few remaining hours of Quangrollart's stay with me, to -rivet myself thoroughly in his esteem, and to dismiss him with a most -cordial affection to me and the rest of my children here with him. I -rose early in the morning, to provide a good breakfast for my guests, -and considering we should be in the air most part of that day, I treated -them with a dish of hot fish-soup, and set before them on the table a -jovial bottle of brandy and my silver can; this last piece I chose to -show them, as a specimen of the richness of my household furniture, and -the grandeur of my living, concealing most of my other curiosities -till Pendlehamby my father-in-law's arrival, for I thought it would -be imprudent not to have somewhat new of this kind to display at his -entertainment. - -After a plenteous meal, we set out on our pleasurable expedition, having -told Pedro what to get for dinner, and that I believed we should not -return till late. - -We first took a turn in the wood, but I did not lead them near my tent, -because I did not choose my wife should hear of that till she came. -I then showed them my farmyard and poultry, which they were strangely -surprised at, and wondered to see so many creatures come at my call, and -run about my legs only upon a whistle, though before there were only two -or three to be seen. They asked me a hundred questions about the fowl, -which I answered, and told them these were some such as they had eaten, -and called crullmotts, the day before. I afterwards carried them to hear -the music of those plants that I call my cream-cheese, which, as there -happened to be a small breeze stirring, made their usual melody. - -When we had diverted ourselves some time in the wood, we went to the -wet-dock, where I showed them my boat. At first view they wondered what -use it was for; to satisfy them in that I stepped in, desiring them -to follow me; but seeing the boat's agitation, they did not choose to -venture till I assured them they might come with the greatest safety; -at length, with some persuasion and repeated assurances, I prevailed on -them to trust themselves with me. - -We first rowed to the bridge, where I informed them by what accident -I was drawn down the stream on the other side of the rock, and after a -tedious and dangerous passage, discharged safe in the lake through that -opening. - -I then told them how surprised I had been, just before I knew Youwarkee, -with the sight of her country-folks, first on the lake, and then taking -flight from that bridge, and what had been my thoughts, and how great my -terrors on that occasion. - -After we had viewed the bridge, I took them to my rill (for by this -time they were reconciled to the boat, and would help me to row it), -and showed them how I got water. I then landed them to see the method of -fishing, for which purpose I laid my net in proper order, and fixing it -as usual, I brought it round out at the rill, and had a very good haul, -with which I desired them to help me up; for though I could easily have -done it myself, I had a mind to let them have a hand in the sport, -with which they were pleased. I perceived, however, the fish were not -agreeable to them, for when any one came near their hands, they avoided -touching it: notwithstanding, having got the net on shore, I laid it -open; but to see how they stared at the fish, creeping backwards, and -then at me and the net, it made me very merry to myself, though I did -not care to show it. - -I drew up at that draught twenty-two fishes in all, of which a few were -near an ell long, several about two feet, and some smaller. When they -saw me take up the large ones in my arms, and tumble them into the -boat, they both, unrequested, took up the small ones, and put them in -likewise; but dropping them every time they struck their tails, the fish -had commonly two or three falls ere they came to the boat. - -I asked them how they liked that sport, and they told me, it was -somewhat very surprising that I should know just where the fish were, as -they could see none before I pulled them up, and yet they did not hear -me whistle. I perceived by this they imagined I could whistle the fish -together as well as the fowls, and I did not undeceive them, being well -enough pleased they should think me excellent for something, as I really -thought they were on account of the graundee. - -Upon our return, when I had docked my boat, as there were too many fish -to carry up by hand to the grotto, I desired them to take a turn upon -the shore till I fetched my cart for them. I made what haste I could, -and brought one of my guns with me, which I determined, upon some -occasion or other, to fire off; for I took it they would be more -surprised at the explosion of that than at anything they had yet seen. -Having loaded my fish, and marched backwards, they eyed my cart very -much, and wondered what made the wheels move about so, taking them for -legs it walked upon, till I explained the reason of it, and then they -desired to draw it, which they did with great eagerness, one at a time, -the other observing its motions. - -As we advanced homewards, there came a large water-fowl, about the size -of a goose, flying across us. I bid them look at it, which they did. -Says my brother, "I wish I had it!" - -"If you have a mind for it," says I, "I'll give it you." - -"I wish you would," says he, "for I never saw anything like it in my -life!" - -"Stand still then," says I; and stepping two or three yards before -them, I fired, and down it dropped. I then turned about to observe what -impression the gun had made on them, and could not help laughing to see -them so terrified. Rosig, before I could well look about, had got fifty -paces from me, and my brother was lying behind the cart of fish. I -called and asked them what was the matter, and desired them to come to -me, telling them they should receive no harm, and offered my brother -the gun to handle; but he, thanking me as much as if he had, retired to -Rosig. - -Finding they made a serious affair of it (for I saw them whispering -together), I was under some apprehension for the consequences of my -frolic. Thinks I, if under this disgust they take flight, refusing to -hear me, and report that I was about to murder them, or tell any other -pernicious story to my father of me, I am absolutely undone, and shall -never see Youwarkee more. So I laid down the gun by the fish, and -moving slowly towards them, expostulated with them upon their disorder; -assuring them that though the object before them might surprise them, it -was but a common instrument in my country, which every boy used to -take birds with; and protested to them that the gun of itself could do -nothing without my skill directing it, and that they might be sure I -should never employ that but to their service. This, and a great deal -more, brought us together again; and when we came to reasoning coolly, -they blamed me for not giving them notice. Says I, "There was no room -for me to explain the operation of the gun to you whilst the bird was -on the wing, for it would have been gone out of my reach before I could -have made you sensible of that, and so have escaped me; which, as you -desired me to get it you, I was resolved it should not do. But for -yourselves, surely you could have no diffidence in me; that is highly -unbecoming of man to man, especially relations; and, above all, a -relation to whom you have brought the welcomest news upon earth, in the -love of my dear father, and his reconciliation to my wife." - -At last, by degrees, I brought them to confess that it was only a -groundless sudden terror which suppressed their reason for a while, -but that what I said was all very true; and as their serious reflection -returned, they were satisfied of it. I then stepped for the bird, and -brought it to them; it was a very fine-feathered creature, and they were -very much delighted with the beauty of it, and desired it might be laid -upon the cart and carried home. - -All the way we went afterwards to the grotto, nothing was to be heard -from them but my praises, and what a great and wise man brother Peter -was. "And no wonder now, sister Youwarkee," says Quangrollart, "once -knowing him, could never leave him." It was not my business to gainsay -this, but only to receive it with so much modesty as might serve to -heighten their good opinion of me; and I found, upon my wife's return, -that Quangrollart had painted me in no mean colours to his father. - -I once more had the pleasure of entertaining them with the old fare, -and some of the fresh fish, part boiled and part fried, which last they -chose before the boiled. We made a very cheerful supper, talking over -that day's adventures, and of their ensuing journey home, after which we -retired to rest, mutually pleased. We all arose early the next morning. -We took a short breakfast, after which Quangrollart and Rosig stuck -their chaplets with the longest and most beautiful feathers of the bird -I shot, thinking them a fine ornament. Being now ready for departure, -they embraced me and the children, and were just taking flight, when it -came into my head, that as the king's mistress had taken Tommy into -her protection, it might possibly be a means of ingratiating him in her -favour if I sent him the flageolet (for I had, in my wife's absence, -made two others near as good, by copying exactly after it). I therefore -desired to know if one of them would trouble himself with a small piece -of wood I very much wanted to convey to my son. Rosig answered, -"With all his heart; if it was not very long he would put it into his -colapet." * So I stepped in, and fetching the flageolet, presented it to -Rosig. My brother seeing it look oddly, with holes in it, desired (after -he had asked if it was not a little gun) to have the handling of it. It -was given him, and he surveyed it very attentively. Being inquisitive -into the use of it, I told him it was a musical instrument, and played -several tunes upon it; with which he and his companion were in raptures. -I doubt not they would have sat a week to hear me if I would have gone -on; but I desiring the latter to take care of its safety, he put it in -his colapet, and away they went. - - * A bag they always carry round the neck. - -[0036] - - - -CHAPTER III. - -_Peter prepares for his father's reception--Arguments about his -beard--Expects his wife--Reflections on her not coming--Sees a messenger -on the rock--Has notice of Pendlehambys arrival, and prepares a treat._ - - -THE news my late visitors had brought me set my mind quite at ease; and -now having leisure to look into my own affairs, with the summer before -me, I began to consider what preparations I must make against the return -of my wife; for, according to the report I had heard, I concluded there -would be a great number of attendants; and as her father would no doubt -pique himself upon the grandeur of his equipage, if his followers should -see nothing in me but a plain dirty fellow, I should be contemned, and -perhaps my wife, through my means, be slighted, or at least lose that -respect the report of me had in a great measure procured her. - -The first thing therefore that I did, was to look into my chests again, -wherein I knew there were many of the Portuguese captain's clothes, and -take out such as would be most suitable to the occasion, and lay them -all by themselves. I found a blue cloth laced coat, double-breasted, -with very large gold buttons, and very broad gold button-holes, lined -with white silk; a pair of black velvet breeches, a large gold-laced -hat, and a point neckcloth with two or three very good shirts, two -pair of red-heeled shoes, a pair of white and another of scarlet silk -stockings, two silver-hilted swords, and several other good things; but -upon examination of these clothes, and by a letter or two I found in -the pockets of some of them, directed to Captain Jeremiah Vauclaile, -in Thread-needle Street, London, I judged these belonged to the English -captain, taken by the Portuguese ship in Africa. I immediately tried -some of them on, and thought they became me very well, and laid all -those in particular chests, to be ready when the time came, and set them -into one of my inner rooms. - -Upon examining the contents of another chest, I found a long scarlet -cloak laced, a case of razors, a pair of scissors, and shaving-glass, a -long-wig and two bob-wigs, and laid them by; for I was determined, as -I might possibly have no other opportunity, to make myself appear as -considerable as I could. - -When I had digested in my mind upon what occasions I would appear in -either of them, and laid them in proper order, Pedro and I went several -days to work with the net, and caught abundance of fish, which I salted -and dried; and we cut a great quantity of long grass to dry, and spread -in my tent for the lower gentry, and made up a little cock of it; we -also cut and piled up a large parcel of firewood; and as I had now about -thirty of the best fish-skins, each of which would cover four chairs, I -nailed them on for cushions to my chairs, and the rest I sewed together, -and made rugs of them. - -I had observed that my brother Quangrollart, and Rosig, neither of them -had beards, and as they were quite smooth-chinned, I conjectured that -none of their countrymen had any: So, says I, if that is the case, as I -have now both scissors and razors, I will e'en cut off mine, to be like -them. I then set up my glass, taking my scissors in hand; but had not -quite closed them for a snip, when I considered that as I was not of -their country, and was so different from them in other respects, whether -it would not add to my dignity to appear with my beard before them. This -I debated some time, and then determined in favour of my beard; but as -this question still ran in my mind, and I wavered sometimes this way, -sometimes that, I some days after prepared again for execution, and took -a large slip off; when, says I, how can I tell whether I can shave after -all? I have not tried yet, and if I can't, how much more ridiculous -shall I look with stubbed hair here and there, than with this comely -beard? I must say, I never in my life had so long a debate with myself, -it holding upwards of two months, varying almost every time I thought of -it; till one day, dressing myself in a suit I had not before tried on, -and looking in the glass: It can never be, says I, that this grave -beard should suit with these fine clothes; no, I will have it off, I -am resolved. I had no sooner given another good snip, than spying the -cloak, I had a mind to see how I looked in that. Aye, says I, now I see -I must either wear this beard or not this cloak. How majestic does it -look! So sage, so grave, it denotes wisdom and solidity; and if they -already think well of me, don't let me be fool enough to relinquish my -claim to that for a gay coat. I had no sooner fixed on this, than I took -up all the implements to put again into the chest; and the last of them -being the glass, I would have one more look before I parted with it; but -my beard made such a horrid, frightful figure, with the three great cuts -in it, that though it grieved me to think I must part with it just -when I had come to a resolution to preserve it, I fell to work with my -scissors, and off it came; and after two or three trials I became very -expert with my razor. - -Winter coming on, as I knew I must soon have more occasion than ever for -a stock of provision, from the increase of mouths I expected, I laid in -a stock for a little army; and when the hurry of that was over, I kept -a sharp look-out upon the level, in expectation of my company, and had -once a mind to have brought my tent thither to entertain them in; but -it was too much trouble for the hands I had, so I dropped the design. I -took one or other of the children with me every day, and grew more and -more uneasy at hearing nothing of them; and as uncertain attendance -naturally breeds thoughtfulness, and the hours in no employ pass so -leisurely as in that, my mind presaged numberless intervening accidents -that might, if not entirely prevent their coming, at least postpone it. - -Thinks I (and that I fixed for my standard), Youwarkee, I am sure, would -come if she could; but then, says I, here is a long flight, and to be -undertaken by an old man too (for I thought my father-in-law much older -than I afterwards found him), who is now quiet and safe at home; and -having his daughter with him, is no doubt desirous of continuing so: -now, what cares he for my uneasiness? He can find one pretence or other, -no doubt, of drilling on the time till the dark weather is over; and -then, forsooth, it will be too late to come; and thus shall I be hung -up in suspense for another year. Or what if my brother, as he called -himself, for he may be no more a brother of mine than the Pope's, for -ought I know, came only on a pretence to see how I went on; and not -finding, for all his sham compliments to me, his sister married to his -father's liking, should advise him not to send my wife back again; -and so all the trouble I have had on their account should only prove a -standing monument of my foolish credulity! Nay, it is not impossible, -but as I have already had one message to inform me Tommy and Hallycarnie -are provided for, as much as to say in plain English I shall see them no -more, so I may soon have another by some sneaking puppy or other, whom -I suppose I am to treat for the news, to tell me my wife and Patty are -provided for too, and I am to thank my kind benefactors for taking so -great a charge off my hands. Am I? No! I'll first set my tent, clothes, -chairs, and all other mementoes of my stupidity on fire, and by -perishing, what's left of us, in the blaze, exterminate at once the -wretched remains of a deserted family. I hate to be made a fool of! - -I had scarce finished my soliloquy, when I heard a monstrous sort of -groan or growl in the air, like thunder at a distance. "What's that, -Pedro?" says I.--"I never heard the like before, daddy!" says he.--"Look -about, boy," says I, "do you see anything?"--We heard it again. "Hark!" -says Pedro, "it comes from that end of the lake."--While we were -listening to the third sound, says Pedro, "Daddy, yonder is something -black upon the rock, I did not see just now."--"Why, it moves," says I, -"Pedro; here is news, good or bad."--"Hope the best, daddy," says Pedro; -"I wish it may be mammy."--"No," says I, "Pedro, I don't expect her -before I hear from her."--"Why, then," says Pedro, "here they come; I -can plainly discern three of them. If my brother Tommy should be there, -daddy!"--"No," says I, "Pedro, no such good news; they tell me Tommy's -provided for, and that's to suffice for the loss of my child: and yet, -Pedro, if I could get you settled in England in some good employ, I -should consent to that: but what Tommy's to be I know not." - -By this time the three persons were so near that, seeing us, they called -out "Peter!" and I making signs for them to alight, they settled just -before me, and told me that Pendlehamby and Youwarkee would be with me -by light next day. - -I had no sooner heard this, but so far was I from firing my tent, that -I invited them to my grotto, set the best cheer before them, and with -overhaste to do more than one thing at once, I even left undone what I -might have done. - -I asked them who came with my father; and they told me about two hundred -guards: that knocked me up again, as I had but prepared for about sixty; -thinks I, My scheme is all untwisted. I then asked them what loud noise -it was, and if they heard it just before I saw them over the rock. -They told me they heard only the gripsack they brought with them to -distinguish them from ordinary messengers; and then one of them showed -it me, for I had before only taken it for a long staff in his hand: -"but," says he, "you will hear them much louder to-morrow, and longer, -before they come to you." - -Having entertained them to their content, I sent them to rest, not -choosing to ask any questions; for I avoided anticipating the pleasure -of hearing all the news from Youwarkee herself. However, the boys and -I prepared what provisions of fowl and fish we could in the time, to be -ready cold against they came, and then laid down ourselves. - -[Illustration: 5043] - -[Illustration: 0044] - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -_Peter settles the formality of his father's reception-Description of -their march, and alighting; receives his father--Conducts him to -his grotto--Offers to beg pardon for his mandate--Is prevented by -Pendlehamby--Youwarkee not known in the English habit--Quarters the -officers in the tent._ - - -MY mind ran so all night upon the settling the formality with which I -should receive Pendlehamby, that I got little or no rest. In the morning -I spread my table in as neat a manner as I could, and having dressed -myself, Pedro, Jemmy, and David, we marched to the plain; myself -carrying a chair, and each of them a stool. I was dressed in a -cinnamon-coloured gold-button coat, scarlet waistcoat, velvet breeches, -white silk stockings, the campaign-wig flowing, a gold-laced hat and -feather, point cravat, silver sword, and over all my cloak; as for my -sons, they had the clothes my wife made before she went. - -When we heard them coming, I marshalled the children in the order they -were to sit, and charged them to do as they saw me do, but to keep -rather a half-pace backwarder than me; and then sitting down in my -chair, I ordered Pedro to his stool on my right hand, and Jemmy to his -on my left, and David to the left of Jemmy. - -I then sent two of the messengers to meet them, with instructions to -let Youwarkee know where I waited for them, that they might alight at a -small distance before they came to me. This she having communicated to -her father, the order ran through the whole corps immediately when and -where to alight. - -It will be impossible for me by words to raise your ideas adequate to -the grandeur of the appearance this body of men made coming over the -rock; but as I perceive your curiosity is on the stretch to comprehend -it, I shall faintly aim at gratifying you. - -After we had heard for some time a sound as of distant rumbling thunder, -or of a thousand bears in consort, serenading in their hoarsest voices, -we could just perceive by the clearness of the dawn gilding on the edge -of the rock, a black stream arise above the summit of it, seemingly -about forty paces broad; when the noise increasing very much the stream -arose broader and broader; and then you might perceive rows of poles, -with here and there a streamer; and as soon as ever the main body -appeared above the rock, there was such a universal shout as rent the -air, and echoing from the opposite rock returned the salute to them -again. This was succeeded with a most ravishing sound of voices in song, -which continued till they came pretty near me; and then the first line, -consisting of all the trumpets, mounting a considerable height, and -still blowing, left room for the next ranks, about twenty abreast, -to come forward beneath them; each of which dividing in the middle, -alighted in ranks at about twenty paces distant from my right and left, -making a lane before me, at the farther end of which Pendlehamby and his -two daughters alighted with about twenty of his guards behind them, the -remainder, consisting of about twenty more, coming forward over my head, -and alighting behind me; and during this whole ceremony, the gripsacks -sounded with such a din, it was astonishing. - -Poor Youwarkee, who knew nothing of my dress, or of the loss of my -beard, was thunderstruck when she saw me, not being able to observe any -visage I had for my great wig and hat; but putting a good face upon -the matter, and not doubting but if the person she saw was not me, -she should soon find her husband, for she knew the children by their -clothes, she came forward at her father's right hand, I sitting as great -as a lord, till they came within about thirty paces of my seat; and then -gravely rising, I pulled off my hat and made my obeisance, and again at -ten steps forwarder; so that I made my third low bow close at the feet -of Pendlehamby, the children all doing the same. I then kneeling with -one leg, embraced his right knee; who raising me up, embraced me. Then -retiring three steps, and coming forward again, I embraced Youwarkee -some time; during which the children observed my pattern with -Pendlehamby, who took them up and kissed them. - -I whispered Youwarkee to know if any more of her relations were in -the train, to whom I ought to pay my compliments; she told me only her -sister Hallycarnie, just behind her father. I then saluted her, and -stepping forward to the old gentleman's left hand, I ushered him through -the lines of guards to my chair; where I caused him to sit down with -Youwarkee and Hallycarnie on each side, and myself on the left of -Hallycarnie. - -After expressing the great honour done me by Pendlehamby in this visit, -I told him I had a little grotto about half a mile through the wood, to -which, if he pleased to command, we would retire; for I had only placed -that seat to relieve him immediately upon his descent. - -Pendlehamby rose, and all the gripsacks sounded, he leading Youwarkee in -his right hand, and I Hallycarnie in mine. - -At the grotto, my father being seated, taking Youwarkee in my hand, we -paid our obedience to him. I would have asked his pardon for taking his -daughter to wife without his leave, and was going on in a set speech I -had studied for the purpose; but he refused to hear me, telling me I was -mistaken, he had consented. I was replying I knew he had been so good as -to pass it over, but that would not excuse--when he again interrupted -me by saying, "If I approve it and esteem you, what can you desire -more!"--So, finding the subject ungrateful, I desisted. - -I then gave each of them a silver can of Madeira, and Youwarkee retired. -I soon made an excuse to follow her to learn if she was pleased with -what I had done. Says she, "My dearest, what is come to you? I will -promise you, but for fear of surprising my father, I had disowned you -for my husband."--"Dear Youwee," says I, "do you approve my dress, for -this is the English fashion?"--"This, Peter," says she, "I perceived -attracted all eyes to you, and indeed is very showy, and I approve it -in regard to those we are now to please; but you are not to imagine I -esteem you more in this than your old jacket; for it is Peter I love -in this and all things else; but step in again, I shall only dress, and -come to you." - -My wife, being dressed in her English gown, just crossed the room where -my father sat, to see Dicky, who was in another side-room. I was then -sitting by, and talking with him. "Son," says my father, "I understood -you had no other woman in this arkoe but my daughter; for surely you -have no child so tall as that," pointing to my wife.--"No, sir," said -I, "that is a friend."--"Is she come to you," says he, "in my daughter's -absence?"--"Oh, sir," says I, "she is very well known to my wife." - -Whilst we were talking in comes Youwarkee with the child in her arms, -which she kept covered to the wrists with her gown-sleeve, to hide her -graundee; and playing with the child, talked only in English to it. -"Is this your youngest son?" says my father.--I told him yes.--"Pray, -madam," says I, "bring the child to my father."--"Madam," says he, "you -have a fine baby in your arms; has his mother seen him since she came -home?" He speaking this in his own tongue, and Youwarkee looking at me -as if she could not understand him, I interpreted it to her. My sister -then desired to see the child, but I was forced again to interpret there -too. In short, they both talked with my wife near half an hour, but -neither of them knew her; till at last, saying in her own language, -"That is your granddaddy, my dear Dicky!" the old gentleman smoked -her out.--"I'll be slit," says he, "if that is not Youwarkee!"--"It's -impossible!" says Hallycarnie.--"Indeed, sister," says Youwarkee, "you -are mistaken!" and my father protesting he had not the least suspicion -of her, till she spoke in his tongue, rose and kissing her and the -child, desired her to appear in that habit during his stay. - -I asked Pedro what provision had been made for the guards: "Son," says -my father, "I bring not this number of people to eat you up; they have -their subsistence with them," and he would by no means suffer me to -allow them any. I then desired to know if there were any officers -or others to whom he would have shown any particular marks of -distinction.--"Son," says the old glumm, "you seem to have studied -punctilios; and though I should be sorry to incommode you for their -sakes, if you could procure some shelter and sleep-room for about twenty -of them who are superiors, ten at a time, while the rest are on duty, I -should be glad." I told him I had purposely erected a tent, which -would with great ease accommodate a greater number; and as they were -of distinction, with his leave I insisted upon providing for them; to -which, with some reluctance, I procured his consent. - -When Pendlehamby was refreshed, he would go with me to see the officers' -quarters, and showing him my tent, he having never seen such a thing -before, was going to climb up the outside of it, taking it for earth. -"Hold, sir," said I, "you cannot do so!" Then taking him to the front of -it, I turned aside the blue cloth and desired him to walk in; at which -he seemed wonderfully pleased, and asked me how it was made. I told -him in as few words as I could; but he understood so little of it, that -anything else I had said might have done as well. He mightily approved -it; and calling the chief officer, I desired he would command my house, -and that provision should be supplied to his quarters daily; at which -he hesitating, I assured him I had my father's leave for what I offered; -whereupon he stroked his chin. - -I then asked him if he had any clever fellows under him to serve them, -and dress their provisions; but he hoped, he said, they were ready -dressed, as his men knew little of that matter; but for any other piece -of service, as many as I pleased should be at my command. - -[Illustration: 5051] - -[Illustration: 0052] - - - -CHAPTER V. - -_The manner of their dinner--Believe the fish and fowl to be -fruits--Hears his brother and the colambs are coming--Account of their -lying--Peter's reflections on the want of the graundee--They view -the arkoe--Servants harder to please than their masters--Reason for -different dresses the same day._ - - -PENDLEHAMBY having a mind to view my arkoe, took a long walk with -Hallycarnie in the wood till dinner-time; and he having before told me -that some of his guards always waited on him at meals, I ordered their -dinner before his return, sending a large dish of cold fowls, cut into -joints, into the tent, to be spread on clean leaves I had laid on the -chests; and setting a sufficient quantity of bread and fish there also, -I desired the officers present to refresh themselves now, and the rest -when relieved should have a fresh supply. I saw there was an oddity in -their countenances, which at first I did not comprehend; but presently -turning about to the superior, "Sir," says I, "though this food may look -unusual to you, it is what my island affords, and you will be better -reconciled to it after tasting." So taking a piece of fowl and dipping -it in the salt, I ate a bit myself, and recommended another to him; who, -eating it, they all fell to without further scruple, above all things -commending the salt as what they had never tasted the like of before, -though they thought they had both of the fish and fowl. - -I then told them where my supply of water came from, and that they must -furnish themselves with that by their own men. - -Upon the return of my father and sister, the gripsack sounded for -dinner; when four officers on duty entering, desired, as their posts, to -have the serving up of the dishes. One of them I perceived, having set -on the first dish, never stirred from behind Pendlehamby; but upon his -least word or sign, ordered the others what to do or bring, which he -only presented to my father; and he frequently gave him a piece from his -own plate; but the other officers served at the table promiscuously. - -After dinner I brought in a bowl of punch; when begging leave to proceed -in my country method, I drank to my father's health. "So, daughter," -says he to my wife, "we are at the old game again. Son," says he, "this -is no novelty to me, Youwarkee constantly drinking to the health of her -dear Peter, and the children at Graundevolet, and obliging us to pledge -her, as she called it; but I thank you, and will return your civility;" -so taking a glass, "son and daughter," says he, "long life, love, and -unity attend you and my grandchildren!" Youwarkee and I both rising till -he had done, returned him our thanks. - -When we had sat some time, "Son," says my father, "you and your wife -having lived so retired, I fear my company and attendants must put you -to an inconvenience; now, as my son intends you a visit also, in company -with several of my brother colambs, if we shall be too great a load upon -you, declare it, for they will be at Battringdrigg arkoe to-morrow, to -know whether it will be agreeable for them to proceed. - -"You know, son," says my father, "the mouth is a great devourer, and -that the stock your family cannot consume in a year, by multiplying -their numbers, may be reduced in a day: now freely let me know (for you -say you provided for us) how your stock stands, that you may not only -pleasure us, but we not injure you." - -I told him, as for dried fish I had a vast quantity, and that my fowls -were so numerous I knew not my stock; as to bread, I had a great deal, -and might have almost what more I would; and then for fresh fish, the -whole province of Arndrumnstake could not soon devour them; but for -my pickles and preserves, I had neither such large quantities, nor -conveniences to bestow them if I had. - -"If this be the case, son," says my father, "I may send your brother -word to proceed;" and despatched ten messengers with a gripsack to -hasten his son's arrival. - -It now began to be time for rest, and the old gentleman growing pretty -mellow with the punch, which, by the heavy pulls he took at it, I -perceived was no disagreeable entertainment to him, I conducted him to -his repose; and disposing of the rest of the family, Youwarkee and I, -with great impatience, retired. - -You may imagine I was sincerely glad to find myself once more alone with -my Youwarkee; when, after a transport of mutual endearments, I desired -to know how Pendlehamby first received her; which she told me, with -every circumstance, in so affecting a manner that the tears forced -passage from mine eyes in perfect streams; and I loved the dear man ever -after as my own father. - -She told me Tommy was in great favour at court before her brother -returned from me; but ever since I sent him the flageolet he had been -caressed above measure, and would soon be a great man; that Hallycarnie -was a constant attendant on Jahamel both in her diversions and -retirement; and, she did not doubt, would in time marry very well; as -for Patty, she said her father intended, with my leave, to adopt her as -his own child. - -My wife slept very sound after her journey; but my hurry of spirits -denying me that refreshment, I never so much as now lamented the want of -the graundee.--"For," thinks I, "now I have once again tasted the sweets -of society, how shall I ever relish a total desertion of it, which in a -few days must be the case, when all this company are fled, and myself am -reduced to my old jacket and water-cart again! Now, if I was as -others here are, I might make a better figure than they by my superior -knowledge of things, and have the world my own; nay, I would fly to -my own country, or to some other part of the world, where even the -strangeness of my appearance would procure me a good subsistence. But," -says I, "if with my graundee I should lose my sight, or only be able to -live in the dark in England, why, I should be full as bad as I am here! -for nobody would be able to keep me company abroad, as my hours for the -air would be theirs of retirement; and then, at home, it would be much -the same; no one would prefer my company in a dark room in the daytime, -when they could enjoy others in the light of the sun; then how should -I be the better for the graundee, unless I fixed a resolution of living -here, or hereabouts? and then to get into company, I must retire to -still darker regions, which my eyes are no ways adapted to: in short, -I must be quite new moulded, new made, and new born too, before I can -attain my desires. Therefore, Peter," says I, "be content; you have been -happy here in your wife and children without these things; then never -make yourself so wretched as to hope for a change which can never -possibly happen, and which, perhaps, if obtained, might undo you; but -intend only what you can compass, by weighing all circumstances, and -your felicity will lie in very narrow bounds, free from two of the -greatest evils a man can be beset by, hopes and fears; two inseparable -companions, and deadly enemies to peace; for a man is destroyed by -hope through fear of disappointment."--This brought me a show of peace -again.--"Surely," says I, "I am one of the most unaccountable amongst -mankind! I never can reflect till I am worn down with vexation. O -Glanlepze! Glanlepze!" says I, "I shall never forget thy speech after -engaging the crocodile, that everything was to be attained by resolution -by him that takes both ends of a thing in his view at once, and fairly -deliberates what may be given and taken from end to end. Surely," says -I, "this ought to be engraven on brass, as I wish it was on my heart; it -would prevent me many painful hours, help me with more ease to compass -attainable ends, and to rest contented under difficulties insuperable: -and if I live to rise again, I will place it where it shall never be -more out of my sight, and will enforce it not only more and more on -myself, but on my children." - -With this thought I dropped to sleep, and with this I awaked again, and -the first thing I did was to find a proper place to write it, which, -having fixed for the door of my cupboard, I took a burnt stick for my -pencil, and wrote as follows:--"He that is resolved to overcome, must -have both ends of an object in view at once, and fairly deliberate what -may be given and taken from end to end; and then pursue the dictates -of cool reason." This I wrote in English, and then in the Doorpt -Swangeantine tongue; and having read it twice or thrice over, I went for -water and fish, and returned before the family were up. - -I took care to-day also that the officers should be as well served as -possible, and where an accommodation must be wanting, I rather chose to -let it fall on my father than on them; for I had ever observed it to be -an easier thing to satisfy the master than the man; as the master weighs -circumstances, and from a natural complacency in himself, puts a humane -construction upon that error or omission which the servant wholly -attributes to slight and neglect. - -My company being abroad, about the time I expected their return I -dressed myself as the day before, only without my cloak, and in a black -bob-wig, and took a turn to meet them. - -Pendlehamby spying me first among the trees, "Daughter Youwarkee," says -he, "you have a husband, I think, for every day in the week. Who's this? -my son Peter! Why, he is not the same man he was yesterday." She told -him she had heard me say we changed our apparel almost every day in -England; nay, sometimes twice or thrice the same day.--"What!" says -Pendlehamby, "are they so mischievous there they are fearful of being -known in the latter by those who saw them in the former part of the -day?" - -By this time I was come up, and after paying due compliments, says -Youwarkee--"My father did not know you, my dear, you are so altered -in your other wig; and I told him in your country they not only -change wigs, but their whole clothing, two or three times a day -sometimes."--"Son," says my father, "if it be so, I cannot guess at the -design of a man's making himself unlike himself."--"Oh, sir," says I, -"it is owing to the different functions he is to perform that day: as, -suppose, in the morning he is to pursue business with his inferiors, or -meet at our coffee-houses to hear and chat over the news of the day, he -appears in a light easy habit proper for despatch, and comes home dirty; -then, perhaps, he is to dine with a friend at mid-day, before whom, for -respect's sake, not choosing to be seen in his dirty dress, he puts on -something handsomer; and after spending some time there, he has, it may -be, an appointment at court, at play, or with his mistress, in all which -last cases, if he has anything better than ordinary, it is a part of -good breeding to appear in that; but if the very best was to be used in -common, it might soon become the worst, and not fit for a nice man to -stir abroad in."--"The different custom of countries you have told me -of," says my father, "is surprising: here are we born with our clothes -on, which always fit, be we ever so small or large; nay, are never -the worse for constant wearing; and you must be eternally altering and -changing colour, shape, and habit. But," says he, "where do they get all -these things? Does every man make just what he likes?"--"No," says I, -"there are a particular set of men whose business it is to make for all -the rest."--"What!" says he, "I suppose their lasks make them?"--"No, -sir, they are filgays," says I. "It is their trade, they do it for a -livelihood, being paid by them they work for. A suit of their clothes," -says I, taking up the flap of my coat, "will cost what we call twelve -or fourteen pounds in money."--"I don't understand you," says he.--"Why, -sir," says I, "that is as much as will provide one moderate man with all -the necessary things of life for two months."--"Then," says he, "these -nice men must be very rich."--"No, sir," said I, "there you are under -a mistake; for if a man, very rich, and who is known to be so, neglects -his habit, it is taken to be his choice; but one who is not known to be -rich, and is really not so, is, by appearing gay sometimes, thought to -be so; for he comes little abroad, and pinches miserably at home, first -to get that gay suit, and then acts on the same part to preserve it, -till some lucky hit may help him to the means of getting another, as it -frequently happens, by a good marriage; for though he is but seldom seen -in public, yet always appearing so fine when he is, the ladies, whose -fancies are frequently more tickled with show than sense, admitting him -only at first as a companion, are at last, if worth anything, taken in -the toils he is ever spreading for them; and, becoming his wife, -produce a standing fund to make him a rich man in reality, which he but -personated before." - -Pendlehamby could not well understand all I said; and I found by him -that all the riches they possessed were only food and slaves; and as I -found afterwards when amongst them, they know the want of nothing else; -but I am afraid I have put them upon another way of thinking, though I -aimed at what we call civilising of them. - -[Illustration: 5061] - -[Illustration: 0062] - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -_Quangrollart arrives with the colambs--Straitened for -accommodation--Remove to the tent--Youwarkee not known--Peter relates -paid of his travels--Dispute about the beast-fish skins._ - - -SLEEPING longer than usual, I was awakened next morning by a gripsack -from Quangrollart; upon hearing of which I roused immediately, thinking -they were at my door; but the messenger told me they could not be there -in what I understood by his signs to be about two hours, for they have -no such measure for time as hours; so I dressed at leisure, and then -went to Youwarkee and waked her. "Youwee," says I, "your brother will -be here presently, and I having a mind you should appear as my -countrywoman, would have you dress yourself." - -We walked down to the level, and but just saved our distance; for the -van of them were within the arkoe before we arrived, and with such a -train after them as seemed to reach the whole length of the arkoe. The -regularity and order of their flight was admirable, and the break of the -trumpets so great, sounding all the way they came (for we had not only -one set of them, but at least thirty, there being so many colambs and -petty princes in the train, each with fifty attendants), that I wondered -how they could bear it. As the principals alighted, which was at least -a hundred paces from me, the gripsacks still kept wing, sounding as long -as we stayed. - -This was a very tedious ceremony, for the guards alighting with their -colambs, ranged just as Pendlehamby's had done, but reached as far as -the eye could see. As they moved towards us, You-warkee and I, having -stood still some time, moved slowly forward to meet them. - -It would have surprised you to have seen the deference they paid us; -and I believe the guards took us for something above the mortal race. -You-warkee showed no part of her graundee, having on sleeves down to her -wrists, white silk stockings and red-heeled shoes; so that none of them -knew her for one of them. - -The first that we met was my brother, to whom we had only an opportunity -of paying our compliments _en passant_ before another graundee came up, -who was succeeded by another and another, to the number of thirty; some -out of respect to my father and brother, and some out of mere curiosity -to see me; and as fast as each had paid his salutes, he passed us, till -we found we had no more to meet, when we turned about, and fell in with -the company. - -When we came to the grotto, I was very much put to it for room, we -scarce being able to stand upright by each other, much less to sit down; -which my father perceiving, "My dear friends," says he, "had my son -known in time of so much good company, he would have been better -provided with seats for us all; but considering all we see is the labour -only of his own hands, we should rather admire at the many conveniences -we see here, than be uneasy there are no more. And, son," says he, -"as we are now so large a body, I propose we adjourn to the officers' -quarters and let them take ours." I returned my father thanks for the -hint, and led the way, the rest following, where we found room enough -and to spare. - -Though Youwarkee was with us all dinner-time helping the guests, we had -no sooner done, "But," says Quangrollart aloud, "Brother Peter, are we -not to see my sister?" I not hearing perfectly what he said, though I -perceived he spoke to me, "Sir," says I.--"My sister Youwarkee!" says -he, "why won't she appear? Here are several of her good friends as well -as myself will be glad to see her." My father then laughed so heartily -that the rest taking notice of it, my poor brother was put to the blush. -"Son," says my father, "don't you know your own sister?"--"We have not -seen her yet," says one of the colambs, "or any lady but your daughter -Hallycarnie and that attendant." My brother then seeing how it was came -up to salute my wife; but even then had his scruples, till he saw her -smile, and then begged pardon for his oversight, as did all the colambs -upon saluting her; my brother declaring that, as she was somewhat behind -me on the level, he had only paid her the respect of his chin, taking -her for some one attending me. The colamb following my brother, assured -her the little regard shown her by Quangrollart, who, he thought, -should know best where to bestow his respects, was the reason of his -taking no more notice of her; and each confessing his mistake arose from -too nearly copying the steps of his immediate predecessor, they all made -excuse, and the mistake made us very merry, till they proposed taking -a turn in the woods, it being a great novelty to them, they said; but I -begged they would leave me behind to prepare for their return. - -Having refreshed themselves after they came home, Quangrollart (being -put upon it by some of the colambs) told me I could not render a more -acceptable favour to the whole company than to relate to them an account -of my adventures; "for though," says he, "I told them last night what I -remembered to have heard from you, yet the variety was so great I could -not deliver the facts in order as I heard them, but was obliged to take -here a piece and there another, as they occurred to me, making rather -several stories of it than a continued series of facts." - -All the colambs immediately seconded the motion, and desired me to -begin. I then ordering a clear table and a bowl of punch, and having -drank all the company's healths, began my narration, hoping to have -finished it before bedtime; but they pressing me to be very particular, -and frequently one or other requiring explanations upon particular -facts, and then one making a remark upon something which another -answered, and a third replied to, they got the talk out of my hands so -long that, having lost themselves in the argument, and forgot what I -said last, they begged my pardon and desired me to go on; when one, who -in contemplation of one fact had lost best part of another, prayed me to -go on from such an incident, and another from one before that; so that -I was frequently obliged to begin half-way back again. This method not -only spun out my story to a very great length, but instead of its being -finished that evening, as I had proposed, it was scarce well begun -before bedtime drew on; so I just having brought them to Angola, told -them, as it grew late, if they pleased, I would finish the remainder -next night, which they agreed to. - -Quangrollart then asked my father if he had been fishing since he came; -but he told him he knew not what he meant. Then all the company desired -I would show them what that was. I told them they might command me as -they pleased; so we appointed the next morning for that exercise. "But, -gentlemen," says I, "your lodging to-night gives me the greatest pain; -for I know not what I shall do about that. I have a few beast-fish skins -which are very soft and hairy, but not a sufficiency for so many friends -as I would at present be proud to oblige; but I can lay them as far as -they will go upon as much dry reeds and grass as you please." I then -sent a servant to Youwarkee for the skins; after which, they one and -all crying out if they had but good dry reeds they desired no better -lodging, I despatched hands to bring away a large parcel of them to the -tent, which they did in a trice. Then waiting on those few who lay at -the grotto to their quarters, and having sent Youwarkee to her sister, -I returned to the tent to take up my own lodging with those I had left -there. - -I had not yet entered the tent when I heard a perfect tumult within, -every one talking so loud, and all together, that I verily thought they -had fallen out and were going to handicuffs. However, I resolved to go -in amongst them and try to compose their difference; when just entering, -and they spying me, several ran to me with each a skin in his hand, the -rest following as fast as they could. "Gentlemen," says I, "I hoped -to have found you all at rest."--"So we should have been," says one -of them, "but for these what you call 'ems."--"It is my unspeakable -misfortune," says I, "that I have no more at your service, and am sorry -that I should cause them to be brought, since each of you cannot have -one." Says one of them, "I don't want one, I have seen enough of it."-- -"Then, gentlemen," says I, "it is possible there may be so many more of -that colamb's mind that there may be sufficient for those who desire -them." They neither knew what to make of me nor I of them all this -while; till an old colamb perceiving our mistake, "Mr. Peter," says he, -"we have only had a dispute."--"I am sorry at my heart for it," says I, -"but I perceived you were very warm before I entered, and am in great -hopes of compromising matters to all your satisfactions."--"I was -going," says the same colamb, "to tell you we had a dispute about what -these things were, nothing else." I was then struck on a heap, being -quite ashamed they should think I suspected they had been quarrelling -for the skins; and how to come off I knew not. "You'll excuse me, sir," -says I, "for expressing a concern that you could not each have one to -examine into at the same time, that one of you need not have waited to -make your remarks till the other had done."--"No occasion, no occasion -for that, Mr. Peter," said they all together; "we shall have leisure -enough to examine them to-morrow; but we want to know what they are, and -where they grow."--"Gentlemen," says I, "each of these is the clothing -of a particular fish. And where do they grow?" said they. "In the lake," -says I; "they are a living creature, who inhabit that great water; I -often catch them when I am fishing, the same exercise we shall go upon -to-morrow." - -I had much ado to persuade them they did not grow on trees, which I was -then much more surprised at than some time after, that I returned their -visit; but having satisfied them, and given them some possible hopes -they might see one alive next day, they were very well contented, and we -all lay down to rest. - -[Illustration: 5069] - -[Illustration: 0070] - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -_Go afishing--Catch a beast-fish--Afraid of the gun--How Peter altered -his net--Fish dinner for the guards--Method of dressing and eating it._ - - -I APPEARED before them in the morning, in my old jacket, and an old -hat with brims indented almost to the crown, a flannel nightcap, -and chequered shirt. "How now, son!" says my father, "what have we -here?"--"Sir," says I, "this will show you the use of our English -fashion I mentioned the other day, and the necessity of it. You see me -in this indifferent habit, because my next business requires it; but -when I come back, and have no further dirty work to do, I shall then -dress, as near as I can, to qualify me for your company." - -"Are you for moving, gentlemen?" says my brother; "I believe it is -time." They then all arising we went to the lake, where getting into my -boat, and telling them that any six of them might go with me, they never -having seen such a thing before, and not much liking the looks of it, -all made excuses, till my brother assuring them it was very safe, and -that he had sailed in it the last trip, three or four of them, with my -father, and Hallycarnie, who was very desirous of seeing me fish, got -in, and we sailed a great way up the lake, taking my gun as usual with -me. - -It gave me exceeding delight to see the whole body of people then in the -arkoe on the graundee; some hovering over our heads, and talking with -us; others flying this way, others that, till I had pitched upon a spot -to begin my operation; when rowing to shore, and quitting my boat, the -whole body of people settled just by me, staring at me and my net, and -wondering what I was doing. I then taking a sweep as usual, got some of -the soldiers to assist me to shore with it; but when the cod of the net -landed, and the fish began to dash with their tails at the water's edge, -away ran all my soldiers, frighted out of their wits to think what was -coming: but it being a large hale, and a shelving bank, I could not lift -it to the level myself; which my brother, who had seen the sport before, -perceiving, though not one of the rest stirred, lent me a hand, and we -got it up. - -You cannot imagine what surprise appeared in every face upon opening the -net, and seeing all the fish naked. They drew up by degrees closer and -closer, for I let the fish lie some time for their observation; but -seeing the large fish, upon my handling them, flap their tails, they -very expeditiously retired again. I then tossed several of them into the -boat; but two of them being very large, and rough-scaled ugly fish, -I did not think I could lift them myself, so desired assistance, but -nobody stirred. I expected some of the colambs would have ordered their -men to have helped me, but they were so terrified with seeing me handle -them, that they could not have the conscience to order their men on so -severe a duty, till a common man came to me, and taking the tail, and I -the head, we tossed them both into the boat. - -I went higher up the lake than usual, in hopes of a beast-fish to show -them; but though I could not meet with one, I had several very great -hauls, and took three or four of my lobsters, very large ones. This was -the second trial I had made of my net since I had altered it, and it -gave me great satisfaction, for I could now take as many fish at one -draught as I could before have done at ten. I had found that though my -net was very long, yet for want of a bag, or cod, to enclose the fish, -many that were included within its compass would, whilst I drew round, -swim to the extremes, and so get out, for want of some inlet to enter -at; for which reason I sawed off the top of a tree at about ten feet -from the ground, and drawing a circle of six feet diameter round the -tree, on the ground, I stuck it round with small pegs, at two inches' -distance. Then I drove the like number of nails round the top of the -trunk of the tree, and straining a length of mat-line from each peg on -the ground to a correspondent nail on the tree, I tied my matline in -circles round the strained lines, from top to bottom, about two inches' -distance at the bottom, but at a less distance where the strained lines -grew nearer to each other towards the top; and having secured all the -ends, by some line twisted round them, I cut a hole in the middle of -my net, and tied the large ground-end over the hole in the net, and -gathered the small end up in a purse, tying it up tight; and by this -means I now scarce lost any fish which once were within the sweep of my -net. - -Having had so good success, I had a design of returning, but thought, -as I could now so easily entertain a multitude, I might as well take -another haul or two, and make a handsome treat for the soldiery. Then -coming up to my drill's mouth, I fixed my implements for a draught -there, and beginning to draw up, I found great resistance in the net, -and got two or three to help me; but, coming near shore, when the -company saw the net tumble and roll, and rise and fall, they all ran as -if they were mad, till I called them and told the colambs it was only -one of the fish whose skins I had shown them; upon which, by that time I -had discharged the fish from the net, they were all round me again; but -no sooner had he got loose, than up he rose, whirled his wings, and at -the same instant uttered such a groan that my whole company retreated -again, thinking me somewhat more than a man, who could face so dreadful -an enemy. I entreated them to come and view it; but finding no arguments -could bring them nearer, I edged round till I got him between me and the -water, and shot him dead. - -Upon the report of my gun the whole field was in the air, darting -and screaming, as I have often seen a flight of rooks do on the same -occasion; and I am apt to believe some of them never returned again, but -went directly home. - -I was a little concerned to see the confusion I had caused; and laying -down my gun, my brother, who though at a distance when I shot, -knowing what I was at, and coming up to me, it put the rest upon their -consideration; and they alighted one by one, at a distance, till they -were all on the level again. - -My father and the colambs, who were the first that durst approach, -wondered what I had done, and how the fish came to be dead, and whence -so much fire and smoke proceeded, for they were sure I brought none -with me, and asked me abundance of questions; but as I knew I must -have occasion for answering to the same thing twenty times over, had I -entered upon an explanation there, I deferred giving them satisfaction -till we came home, when all at once might be capable of hearing what was -said. So I told them the most necessary thing at present was to stow the -fish in the boat; for it was the largest I had ever taken, and I could -not wholly do it myself. I made several efforts for help, but in vain, -till the same soldier who had helped me with one of the first fish, came -to my relief, and desiring my orders what to do, assisted me; and the -rest seeing the difficulty we both had to manage it, one or two more of -them came up, and we shipped it on board. - -I then called the colambs to me, telling them I was sorry I had given -such a general disturbance to them, by shooting the fish; but as they -kept at too great a distance from me to have notice of my design, and if -I had followed them the fish might have escaped before my return, I was -obliged to do as I did, which was without any possibility of hurting -them. But, as I had given them such a fright, I hoped they would this -one day give me an opportunity of complimenting their guards with a -fish-dinner, if we could any way contrive to dress it; for whoever did -that must be able to bear the close light of a large fire. They all -shook their heads but my brother, who told me he had in his retinue -six men from Mount Alkoe, purposely retained for their strong sight, to -attend him always to Crashdoorpt, who, he believed, for the benefit -of the rest, would undertake the cookery if I would show them how. I -desired he would give them orders to attend me on the other side of the -lake, and I would instruct them at my landing; and then I crossed over -with my booty. - -Finding the Mount Alkoe men waiting for my landing, I asked if they -could bear the sight of fire. They told me they were used to much -greater light and flames than I had ever seen, they believed.--"Very -good," said I; "then get into my boat, three of you, and hand out that -fish to the shore."--I found they were more afraid of the fish than -of the fire, for not one of them stirred till I got in and tossed out -several small ones; and then taking up a large one, "Help me, somebody!" -says I, they looking a little at one another, till one of them venturing -to take it, the rest fell heartily to work, and despatched the whole -lading presently. I then laid a small parcel upon my cart, for our own -eating and the officers', and sending them to the grotto, I gave the -cooks their charge. - -"Now," says I, "my lads, do you serve all the rest of the fish as I do -this," cutting it open at the same time, and throwing away the guts, -"and I will send each of you such an instrument as I use here," pointing -to my knife. "I shall order six large heaps of wood to the level, to -be piled up there. When you have done the fish, do you set fire to the -heaps, and let them burn till the flame is over and the coals are clear; -then lay on your fish, and if any are too large to be manageable, cut -them in proper pieces, and with sticks, which I will send you, turn them -over and over, walking round the fire, and with the forked end of the -stick toss the least off first, and afterwards the greater; but be sure -throw the fish as far as ever you can from the fire, amongst the men, -that they may not be obliged to come too near it: and in this manner go -on, till either they have enough, or your fish are gone; and when you -have done, come to the grotto for your reward." - -I then set abundance of hands to work to carry wood, to be laid in six -heaps, two hundred paces from each other, and told them how to pile it. -I then prepared six long taper sticks with forked ends, and ordered more -hands to divide the fish equally to the piles. I sent others with salt -and bread; and I ordered them to let me know when all was ready. - -While these preparations were making, my tent-visitors had all dined, -and my cart had returned with the beast-fish, which the company desired -might be brought in, when every one passed his judgment upon it, and a -long dissertation we had on the marvellous works of Collwar. I let -them go on with their show, though I could have disproved most of their -conclusions from the little knowledge I had of things; but I never was -knight-errant enough to oppose my sentiments to a multitude already -prepossessed on the other side of the question; for this reason, because -I have ever observed that where several have imbibed the same ridiculous -principle in infancy, they never want arguments, though ever so -ridiculous, to support it; and as no one of them can desert it without -impeaching the judgment of the rest, they encourage each other in their -obstinacy, and quite out-vote a single person; and then, the laugh -beginning on the strongest side, nothing is so difficult as to get it -out of their hands. But when a single man in the wrong hears a just -argument from a single antagonist which he cannot contradict, he imbibes -its force, and whilst that lasts, as nothing but a better argument, -with better reasons, can remove it, he from thenceforth adapts his -adversary's reasons for his own, to oppose against his own former -opinion. - -In the height of our disputations on the beast-fish, came news that the -broil was going to begin; and as I expected very good diversion at it, I -invited the company to go see it, telling them, in my opinion, it would -exceed the sport in taking them. We passed through the wood till we came -amongst the shrubs, where I placed them to be out of harm's way; and -the fire, which was now nothing but cinders, was of no inconvenience to -them. They were pleased with it to perfection; for, first, the six men -who walked round the fires, by the glowing light of the embers and the -shining of their graundees, looked like men on fire; then, to see each -fire surrounded with a circle of men at the diameter of near two hundred -paces, as close as they could well stand, by a more distant shine of the -fire, had a very pleasing effect; but when the broilers began to throw -the fish about (for each man stood with some salt and a cut of bread -in his hand), to see a body of a hundred men running for it, and whilst -they were stooping and scrambling for that, to see a hot fish fall on -the back of one, which was whipped off by another, who, scalding his -mouth with it, threw it in the face of a third; when a fourth, fifth, -and sixth, pulling it in pieces, ran away with it; and to see the -different postures, courses, and groups, during this exercise and -running feast, was the most agreeable farce my guests had ever seen in -their lives; and, to the great saving of my liquors, kept us in the wood -for full three hours, not a soul stirring till the feast was over. - -We spent best part of this evening in discourse on the passages of -the day, the reflections on which not being concluded till bedtime, -my adventures were postponed till the next night; but we had first -concluded upon a shooting for the next morning (for they were all -extremely desirous of knowing how I did it), at a time they should have -opportunity of seeing me and making remarks; and I, being unwilling they -should think me a conjuror, agreed to make them masters of part of the -mystery of powder and ball. - -[Illustration: 0080] - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -_A shooting proposed--All afraid of the gun but one private -guard--His behaviour---Pendlehamby, at Peter's request, makes him a -general--Peter's discourse thereon--Remainder of his story--The colambs -return._ - - -THIS being the fifth morning, I cleaned up my best gun, and prepared my -balls, and we all took a walk towards the bridge, every one admiring my -gun as we went; but I could get none of them to carry it, and we had at -least five hundred questions proposed about it. I told them they need -not be afraid of it, for it was only wood and iron; but they knew -nothing of iron. I then showed them how I made it give fire, by snapping -the cock; they thought it was very strange. I then put a little powder -in the pan, and made it flash, and showing them the empty pan, they -would not be persuaded but I had taken away the powder before the flash, -or else, they said, it was impossible that should be all gone upon -flashing only; for they said it was a little nut, using the same word -to express both nut and seed. I then desired one of them to put in some -powder and snap it himself; but having prevailed with him to try the -experiment, if I had not through caution held my hand upon the barrel, -the gun had been on the ground, for the moment it flashed, he let go and -ran for it. - -I had a great inclination to gain the better of their prejudices, and -used abundance of arguments to prove the gun as innocent a thing as a -twig I took up; and that it was the powder which, when set on fire, -the flame thereof wanting more room than the powder itself did, forced -itself, and all that opposed it, out of the mouth of the gun with such -fury as to make the noise they heard; and being just come to the rock, -"Now," says I, "you shall see that what I tell you is true." They told -me they desired nothing more than that I would make them understand it, -for it was the strangest thing they had ever seen. "Well, then," says -I, "observe; I put in this much powder only, and with this rag I stop it -down close. Now," says I, "you see by the length of this stick that the -rag and powder take up the space only of a finger's depth on the inside -of the gun." They saw that plainly they said; "But how could that kill -anything?"--"Now, look again," says I, "I put in a little more powder, -as I did before when I made a flash, and you see there is a little hole -from this powder through the side of the gun to the powder within. Do -you observe that this communicates with that through this hole?"--"Yes," -said they, they did.--"Now," says I, "when I put fire to this, it sets -fire to that within, which fire turning to flame, and wanting room, -bursts out at the mouth of the gun; and to show you with what force it -comes out, here handle this round ball," giving them a bullet to handle; -"you feel how heavy it is: now, can any of you throw this ball as far -as that rock?" for I stood a good hundred paces from it.--They told me -No.--"And don't you think," says I, "that if the force of the fire made -by this powder can throw this ball to that rock, that force must be -very great?"--They said, they thought it must, but believed it to be -impossible.--"But," says I, "if it not only throws it to the rock but -beats out a piece of the stone, must not that be much more violent?" -They agreed it must.--Then putting in the ball, "Now," says I, "we will -try." I then ordered one to daub a part of the rock, about breast high, -with some mud, and first to observe about it if the rock was anywhere -fresh broken, or not; who, returning, reported that the rock was all of -a colour and sound, but somewhat ragged all about the mud.--"Did you lay -the mud on smooth?" says I. He replied, "Yes."--Then lifting up my -gun, I perceived they were creeping off; so I took it down again, and -calling, reasoned with them upon their fears. "What mischief," says I, -"can you apprehend from this gun in my hand! Should I be able to hurt -you with it, are you not all my friends or relations--could I be willing -to do it? If the gun of itself could hurt, would I handle it as I do? -For shame! be more courageous; rouse your reason, and stand by me; I -shall take care not to hurt you. It looks as if you mistrust my love to -you, for this gun can do nothing but what I direct it to." By such like -persuasions, rough and smooth, I prevailed upon the major part of the -colambs and officers to stand near me to see me fire, and then I shot; -but though my words had engaged them to stand it, I had no sooner -snapped but the graundees flew all open, though they closed again -immediately; and then we fell to question and answer again. I desired -them to walk to the rock; and sent the person who put up the mark -before, to see and show us exactly what alteration there was. He told -us there was a round hole in the mud, pointing to it, which he did -not leave there, and taking away the mud, a thick shiver of the rock -followed it. They then all agreed that the ball must have made both the -hole in the mud and also splintered the rock, and stood in amaze at it, -not being able to comprehend it: but, by all the art I had, I could not -prevail with a man of them to fire the gun himself, till it had been -buzzed about a good while, and at last came to my ears, that a common -soldier behind said he should not be afraid of it if the gentleman would -show him how. - -I then ordered the fellow to me, and he told me, with a composed look, -that it had always been his way of thinking, that what he saw another do -he could do himself, and could not rest till he had tried. "And, sir," -says he, "if this gun, as you call it, does not hurt you, why should it -hurt me? And if you can make it hit that rock, why should not I, when -you have told me how you manage it?"--"Are not you the man that first -helped me up with the large fish yesterday?" says I. He told me he was. - -I was prodigiously pleased with the fellow's spirit, "And," says I, "my -friend, if you will, and I live, you will hit it before you have done." -I then showed him the sight of the gun, and how to hold it; and being -perfect in that, "Now," says I, "shut your left eye, and observe with -your right, till this knob and that notch are exactly even with each -other and the middle of that mark; and when they are so, pull this bit -with your fore-finger, holding the gun tight to your shoulder." He so -exactly pursued my directions that he hit the very middle of the mud; -and then, without any emotion, walked up with the gun in his hand, as I -had done before; and turning to me very gravely, "Sir," says he, "it is -hit." I told him the best marksman on earth could not be sure of coming -so near his mark. He stroked his chin, and giving me the gun again, was -walking to his place; but I stopped him, and seeing something so modest -and sincere in his countenance and behaviour, and so generous in his -spirit, I asked him to which colamb he belonged. He told me to colamb -Pendlehamby.--"To my father?" says I; "then sure I shall not be denied." - -I took him with me to my father, who was not yet come up to the rock. -"Sir," says I, "there is a favour I would beg of you."--"Son," says -he, "what is it you can ask that I can refuse you?" Says I, "'This man -belongs to your guards; now there is something so noble and daring in -his spirit, and yet so meek and deserving in his deportment, that if you -will load me with obligation, it is to make him an officer; he is not -deserving of so ill a station as a private man." - -My father looking at me, "Son," says he, "there is something to be done -before he can be qualified for what you require." This, thinks I, is a -put-off. "Pray, sir," says I, "what can a man of courage, sense, and a -cool temper, want to qualify him for what I ask?"--"'Something," says -he, "which none but myself can give; and that, at your desire, I will -supply him with." Then, my father calling him, "Lask Nasgig, bonyoe," -says he; that is, Slave Nasgig, lie down. Nasgig (for that was his name) -immediately fell on his face, with his arms and hands straight by -his sides; when my father, setting his left foot on Nasgig's neck, -pronounced these words: "Lask, I give thee life, thou art a filgay!" -Then Nasgig, raising himself on his knees, made obeisance to my father, -and standing up, stroked his chin; and my father taking him by the hand -in token of equality, the ceremony ceased. - -"Now, son," says my father, "let me hear your request."--"It is only, -sir," said I, "preferment for the deserving, equal to his merit." My -father asked him if he understood the duty of a gorpell. He did not -reply yes, but beginning, gave a compendious sort of history of his -whole duty; at which all the colambs were very much surprised, for -even his comrades were not apprised, or ever imagined, he knew more of -military affairs than themselves. My father then asked him if he knew -how to behave as a duff; but he made as little difficulty of that as -the other, going through the several parts of duty in all the different -branches, in peace and war, at home and abroad. "Son," says my father, -"it is a mystery to me you should have found out more in an hour than I -myself could in half an age; for this man was born in my palang, of my -own lask, and has been mine and my father's these forty years. I shall -be glad if you will look on the rest of my lasks, and give me your -opinion; I may have more as deserving." I told him such as Nasgig were -not to be met with very often; but when they were found, ought to be -cherished accordingly. - -"Sir," says I, "nature works upon the same sort of materials divers -ways; on some in sport, and some in earnest; and if the necessary -qualifications of a great man are impressed on our mass, it is odds but -we improve regularly into one, though it may never be publicly known, or -even to ourselves, till a proper occasion; for as a curious genius -will be most inquisitive after, and is most in the end retentive of -knowledge, so no man is less ostentatious of it. He covets knowledge, -not from the prospect of gain, but merely for its own sake; the very -knowing being his recompense: and if I may presume to give you a hint -how properly to bestow your favours, let it be on persons like this; for -the vain, knowing man, who is always showing it, as he for the most part -labours for it, to show out with, and procure his rise by it, were it -not for the hopes of that, would not think knowledge worth attaining; -and as his rise is his aim, if he could invent any more expeditious -method than that, he would not pretermit any ill act that might advance -him according to his lust of rising. But the man who aims at perfection, -from his natural inclination, must, to attain his end, avoid all ill -courses, as impediments to that perfection he lusts after; and that, -by Nasgig's worth being so little known, I'll answer for it is his -character. And this being true, yourself will deduce the consequence, -which is the fitter man to bear place; for with me it is a maxim, he -that labours after truth for truth's sake (and that he surely must -who proposes no worldly view in it) can't arrive at his ends by false -methods, but is always the truest friend to himself and others, the -truest subject to his lord, and the most faithful servant to his God." - -My father then turning to me, "Son," says he, "you have enlightened me -more than ever I was before, and have put me on a new way of thinking, -for which I am to return you many thanks." And the whole company doing -the same, says my father, "I lost a brave general officer lately, who -was destined to the western wars which are breaking out, and have been -long debating in my mind to whom I should commit his corps; and but for -the hazard of the enterprise, I would have now given it to Nasgig; but -shall be loth to lose him so soon after I am acquainted with his -worth, so will think of some other post nearer my person for him, less -dangerous, though perhaps not so honourable." - -"Great sir," says Nasgig, "I am too sensible of the honour already done -me, to think any post wherein I may continue to serve you either too -mean or too hazardous for me; and as valour is nowhere so conspicuous -as in the greatest dangers, I shall esteem my blood spent to great -advantage in any enterprise where my duty under your command leads me. -I therefore rather humbly request this dangerous post, that I may either -lose my life in your service, or live to see you justified in your -advancement of me by the whole nation. For what can I do, or how can -I demonstrate my affection to your person and pleasure, in an inactive -state?" - -Here the whole level rang with applause to Nasgig. - -My father then giving his hand to Nasgig, in token of friendship, and -his word for investiture in the command of that vacant post, the whole -level again resounded with, "Long live Pendlehamby, and his servant -Nasgig!" - -This being the last day of my company's stay, for they had agreed to go -homewards next morning, some of them moved to return the sooner, that -they might have time to hear out my story. So that our stay was very -little longer. - -In our return home, Nasgig singled me out to return his acknowledgments -for my favour; and viewing my gun told me they had no such thing growing -in his country. I told him if he had it, it would do no good without my -powder. I then, at his request, described what I had heard of our method -of fighting in battle in Europe; and mentioning our cannon, he said he -supposed they killed every man they hit. "No," says I, "not so bad as -that. Sometimes they hit the flesh only, and that is commonly cured; -sometimes break a leg or arm, and that may in time be cured--some so -well as to be useful again, and others are cut off, and healed up again; -but if the ball hits the head or vitals, it is commonly mortal."--"Oh," -says he, "give me the head or vitals, then; no broken limbs for me." - -After dinner, at their request, I went on with my story, at repairing -the castle, and my escape with Glanlepze, and so on to the crocodile; -when I repeated his speech to me on that account, and told them it had -made such an impression upon me that I had endeavoured to make it the -leading thought of my mind, and had set it down upon one of my doors at -the grotto that it might the oftener be in my sight when any difficulty -arose. - -One of the colambs begged pardon for interrupting, but told me, though -he understood what Glanlepze meant, he could not tell how I could set -what he said down at my grotto, or have it in my sight, and desired me -to explain that. I would have told my guest I took it down in writing, -if that would not have puzzled the cause more; but to go the nearest way -I could, I told him we had a method in my country of conveying to a man -at a great distance whatever we have a mind to say to him, and in such -a manner that nobody but himself would know what we would have him -know. And pausing here a little to consider the easiest method of -demonstrating this to their senses, they told me they had gone as far -as their conjectures could carry them, but could conclude on nothing so -improbable as sending it by a messenger. I told them that in part was -my way, but my messenger should not know the message he carried. That -gravelled them quite, and they were unanimous that was what could not -be done. By this time I had sent for a wood-coal, to write with upon my -deal table, and kneeling down to the table, I began to write, "Honoured -sir, I send this to gain by your answer to it an account of your arrival -at Arndrumnstake." I then called them all to me. "Now," says I, "suppose -I want to know how my father gets back to Arndrumnstake, my way is -this--I set down so many words as will express my meaning to my father, -after the manner you see on this table, and make a little distance -between each word, which is the same thing as you do in speaking; for -there, if you run one word into another, and don't give each its proper -sound, who can understand you? For though you speak what contains all -the words, yet without the proper sound and distinction it is only -confusion. Do you understand that?" They told me they did. "Then," says -I, "these are the words I would have my father know, I being at this -arkoe, and he at Arndrumnstake. Honoured sir," and so I read on. "Here," -says I, "you must take us to be countrymen, and that he and I understand -both the same method. Now look, this word, which ends where you see the -gap, stands for _honoured_, and this next for _sir_, the next for _I_, -and so on; and we both using the same method, and seeing each other's -words, are able to open our minds at a distance." I was now in hopes -I had done, and was going on with my story: "But," says one of -the colambs, "Mr. Peter, though this is a matter that requires -consideration, I plainly see how you do it, by agreeing that all these -strokes put into this form shall stand for the word honoured, and so on, -as you say, let who will make them; but have not you set down there the -word Arndrumnstake?"--"Yes," says I.--"Why then," says he, "none of your -countrymen could understand what that means."--"No," says I, smiling; -"but they could."--Says he, "You say you agree what strokes shall stand -for one word, and what for another; but then how could your countrymen, -who never knew what strokes you would set down for Arndrumnstake, know -that your strokes meant that very country? for that you could not have -agreed upon before either of you knew there was any such place." - -I was at a loss, without spending more words than I was willing about -it, how to answer this close reasoner; and talking of syllables and -letters would only have perplexed the affair more, so I told him the -readiest for despatch; that as every word consisted of one or more -distinct sounds, and as some of the same sounds happened in different -words, we did not agree so much upon making our strokes stand for -several words, as for several sounds; and those sounds, more or less of -them, added together, made the particular words. "As, for example," -says I, "_Arn_ is one sound, _drumn_ is another sound, and _stake_ is -another; now, by our knowing how to set down these several sounds by -themselves, we can couple them, and apply them to the making up any -word, in the manner we please; and therefore he, by seeing those three -sounds together, knows I mean _Arndrumnstake_, and can speak it as well, -though he never heard the whole word spoken together, as if he heard me -speak to him."--"I have some little notion of what you mean," says he, -"but not clear enough to express myself upon it; and so go on! go on! -And pray what did you do about the reeds?" - -I then resuming my discourse where I left off, completed my narration -that night; but I could perceive the water in my father's eyes when I -came to the account of Youwarkee's fall and the condition I took her up -in. - -When I had done, they adjusted the order of their flight, for avoiding -confusion, one to go so long before another, and the junior colambs to -go first. - -In the morning nothing was to be heard but the gripsacks: the men were -all ranged in order to go off with their respective colambs; and after -all compliments passed, the junior colamb arising, walked half-way to -the wood, where his gripsack standing to wait for him, preceded him -to the level, the next gripsack standing ready to sound as soon as the -first removed; and this was the signal for the second colamb to move, so -that each colamb was a quarter of a mile before the other. - -My father was the last but two; but I shall never forget his tenderness -at parting with his daughter and grandchildren, and I may say with -myself too; for by this time he had a high opinion of me. Patty went -with my father, she so much resembling my wife, that my father said he -should still have his two daughters in his sight, having her with him. - -At parting, I presented Nasgig with a broadsword; and showing him the -use of it, with many expressions of gratitude on his part, and respect -on mine, he took flight after the rest. - -[Illustration: 5094] - -[Illustration: 0095] - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -_Peter finds his stores low--Sends Youwarkee to the ship--Receives an -invitation to Georigetti's court._ - - -FOR the first few days after our company had left us, Youwarkee could -not forbear a tear now and then for the loss of her father and sister; -but I endeavoured not to see it, lest I should, by persuading her to the -contrary, seem to oppose what I really thought was a farther token of -the sweetness of her disposition; but it wore off by degrees, and having -a clear stage again, it cost us several days to settle ourselves and -put our confused affairs in order; and when we had done we blessed -ourselves that we could come and go, and converse with the pleasing -tenderness we had hitherto always done. - -She told me nothing in the world but her concern for so tender a father, -and the fear of displeasing me if she disobliged him, should have kept -her so long from me; for her life had never been so sweet and serene as -with me and her children; and if she was to begin it again, and choose -her settlement and company, it should be with me in that arkoe. I told -her though I was entirely of her opinion for avoiding a life of hurry, -yet I loved a little company, if for nothing else but to advance topics -for discourse, to the exercise of our faculties; but I then agreed it -was not from mere judgment I spoke, but from fancy. "But, Youwee," says -I, "it will be proper for us to see what our friends have left us, that -we don't want before the time comes about again." Then she took her -part, and I mine; and having finished, we found they would hold out -pretty well, and that the first thing to be done was to get the oil of -the beast-fish. - -When we came to examine the brandy and wine, I found they had suffered -greatly; so I told Youwarkee, when she could spare time, she should make -another flight to the ship. "And," says I, "pray look at all the small -casks of wine or brandy, or be they what they will, if they are not -above half-full, or thereabouts, they will swim, and you may send them -down." I desired her to send a fire-shovel and tongs, describing them -to her: "And there are abundance of good ropes between decks, rolled -up, send them," says I, "and anything else you think we want, as plates, -bowls, and all the cutlasses and pistols," says I, "that hang in the -room by the cabin: for I would, me-thinks, have another cargo, as it may -possibly be the last, for the ship can't hold for ever." - -Youwarkee, who loved a jaunt to the ship mightily, sat very attentive -to what I said, and told me, if I pleased, she would go the next day; to -which I agreed. - -She stayed on this trip till I began to be uneasy for her, being gone -almost four days, and I was in great fear of some accident; but she -arrived safe, telling me she had sent all she could any ways pack up; -and any one who had seen the arrival of her fleet would had taken it for -a good ship's cargo, for it cost me full three weeks to land and draw -them up to the grotto; and then we had such a redundancy of things, that -we were forced to pile them upon each other to the top of the room. - -It began to draw towards long days again, when one morning, in bed, I -heard the gripsack. I waked Youvarkee, and told her of it; and-we both -got up, and were going to the level, when we met six glumms in the wood, -with a gripsack before them, coming to the grotto. The trumpeter, it -seems, had been there before; but the others, who seemed to be of -a better rank, had not. We saluted them, and they us; and Youwarkee -knowing one of them, we desired them to walk to the grotto. - -They told us they came express from Georigetti's palace, with an -invitation to me and Youwarkee to spend some time at his court. I -let them know what a misfortune I lay under in not being born with a -graundee, since Providence had pleased to dispose of me in a part of the -world where alone it could have been of such infinite service to me, -or I should have taken it for the highest honour to have laid myself at -their master's feet: and after some other discourse, one of them pressed -me to return his master my answer, for they had but a very little time -to stay. I told them they saw plainly, by baring my breast to them, that -I was under an absolute incapacity for such a journey, and gratifying -the highest ambition I could have in the world; for I was pinned down to -my arkoe, never more to pass the barrier of that rock. One of them -then asking, if I should choose to go if it was possible to convey me -thither, I told him he could scarce have the least doubt, was my ability -to perform such a journey equal to my inclination to take it, that I -should in the least hesitate at obeying his master. "Sir," says he, -"you make me very happy in the regard you show my master; and I must -beg leave to stay another day with you." I told him they did me great -honour; but little thought what it all tended to. - -We were very facetious; and they talked of the number of visitors I -had had here; and they mentioned several facts which had happened, and, -amongst the rest, that of Nasgig, who, they said, since his return, -had been introduced by Pendlehamby to the king, and was, for his great -prudence and penetration, become Georigetti's great favourite. They told -me war was upon the point of breaking out, and several other pieces of -news, which, as they did not concern me, I was very easy about. - -The next morning they desiring to walk, and view what was most -remarkable in my arkoe, and above all to see me fire my gun, which they -had heard so much of; I gratified them at a mark, and hit the edge of -it, and found them quite staunch, without the least start at the report. -I paid them a compliment upon it, and told them how their countrymen -had behaved, even at a second firing: "But," says he who was the chief -spokesman, and knew, I found, as much as I could tell him, "that second -fright was from seeing death the consequence of the first; and though -you had then to do mostly with soldiers, you must not think they choose -death more than others, though their duty obliges them to shun it less." - -The same person then desired me to show him how to fire the gun; which -I did, and believe he might hit the rock somewhere or other; but he did -not seem to admire the sport, and I, having but few balls left, did not -recommend the gun to the rest. - -A little before bedtime the strangers told me they believed I should see -Nasgig next morning. I presently thought there was somewhat more than -ordinary in this visit, but could noways dive to the bottom of it. - -Just before they went to rest, they ordered the trumpeter to be early -on the rock next morning; and upon the first sight of Nasgig's corps, to -sound notice of it, for us to be ready to receive him. - -[Illustration: 0100] - - - -CHAPTER X. - -_Nasgig comes with a guard to fetch Peter--Long debate about his -going--Nasgig's uneasiness at Peter's refusal--Relates a prediction to -him, and proceedings thereon at Georigetti's court--Peter consents to -go--Prepares a machine for that purpose._ - - -WE were waked by the trumpet giving notice of Nasgig's coming; I -did not care to inquire of the strangers into the particulars of his -embassy; "for be it what it will," thinks I, "Nasgig is so much my -friend that I can know the motives of it from him, and, or I am much -deceived, he is too honest to impose upon me." But I had but little -time for thought, for upon our entering the level, we found him and his -train, of at least a hundred persons, just alighting before us. - -We embraced, and professed the particular pleasure fortune had done us -in once more meeting together. When we arrived at the grotto, he told -me he was assured I had been informed of the occasion of his visit; and -that it would be the greatest honour done to his country that could be -imagined. He then laid his hand on my beard, which was now of about five -months' growth, having never shaved it since my father went, and told -he was glad to see that.--"And are you not so to see me?" says I.--"Yes, -surely," says he, "for I prize that for your sake."--"But," says I, -"pray be open with me, and tell me what you mean by my being informed of -the occasion of your coming?"--"Why," says he, "of Georigetti's message -to you, as it will be of such infinite service to our country: and," -says he, "if you had not consented to it, the messengers had returned -and stopped me."--"True," says I, "one of the messengers told me the -king would be glad to see me; which as I, so well as he, knew it was -impossible he should, in return to his compliment, I believe I might say -what a happiness it would be to me if I could wait on him. But pray what -is your immediate message? for I hear you are in great favour at court, -and would never have come hither with this retinue in so much ceremony -on a trifling account." - -"My dear Peter," says Nasgig, "know that your fame has reached far and -near since I saw you before; and our state, though a large and populous -one, and once of mighty power and twice its present extent, by the -revolt of the western part of it, who chose themselves a king, has -been so miserably harassed by wars, that the revolters, who are -ever fomenting discontent and rebellion amongst us, will, by the -encroachments they daily make on us, certainly reduce us at last to a -province under their government; which will render us all slaves to a -usurped power, set up against our lawful sovereign. Now these things -were foretold long enough before they actually began to be transacted; -but all being then at peace, and no prospect of what has since happened, -we looked not out for a remedy, till the disease became stubborn and -incurable."--"Pray," says I, "by whom were the things you mention -foretold?"--"By a very ancient and grave ragan," says he.--"How long -ago?" says I.--"Oh, above four times the age of the oldest man living," -says he.--"And when did he say it would happen?" says I.--"That," says -he, "was not quite so clear then."--"But how do you know," says I, "that -he ever said any such thing?"--"Why, the thing itself was so peculiar," -says he, "and the ragan delivered it so positively, that his successors -have ever since pronounced it twelve times a year publicly, word for -word, to put the people in mind of it, and from whom they must hope for -relief; and now the long-expected time being come, we have no hopes but -in your destruction of the tyrant-usurper."--"I destroy him!" says I: -"if he is not destroyed till I do it, I fear your state is but in a -bad case."--"My good friend Peter," says he, "you or nobody can do -it."--"Pugh," says I, "Nasgig, I took you for a man of more sense, -notwithstanding the prejudices of education, than to think, because you -have seen me kill a beast-fish that could not come to hurt me at the -distance of twenty paces, that I can kill your usurper at the distance -he is from me."--"No, my good friend," says Nasgig, "I know you take -me to have more judgment than to think so."--"Why, what else can I do," -says I, "unless he will come hither to be killed by me?"--"Dear Peter," -says he, "you will not hear me out."--"I will," says I, "say on."--"You, -as I said before, being the only person that can, according to our -prediction, destroy this usurper and restore peace among us, my master -Georigetti, and the whole state of Normnbdsgrsutt, were going to send -a splendid embassy to you; but your father advising to repose the -commission wholly in me, they all consented to it, and I am come to -invite you over to Brandleguarp for that purpose. I know you will tell -me you have not the graundee, and cannot get thither: but I am assured -you have what is far better; the wisdom you have will help you to -surmount that difficulty, which our whole moucheratt cannot get over. -And I am sure did you apply half the thought to accomplish it you seem -to do to invent excuses against it, you would easily overcome that. And -now, dear friend," continues he, "refuse me not; for as my first rise -was owing to your favour, so my downfall as absolutely attends your -refusal." - -"Dear Nasgig," says I, "you know I love you, and could refuse you -nothing in my power; but for me to be mounted in the air, I know not -how, over these rocks, and then drowned by a fall into the sea, which -is a necessary consequence of such a mad attempt; and all this in -prosecution of a project founded upon an old wife's tale, is such a -chimera as all men of sense would laugh at; as if there was no way of -destroying me, but with a guard of a hundred men to souse me into the -wide ocean. A very pretty conqueror of rebels I should prove, truly, -kicking for life till the next wave sent me to the bottom." - -Nasgig looked then so grave, I almost thought I should have heard no -more of it; but after a short pause, "Peter," says he, "I am sorry you -make so light of sacred things; a thing foretold so long ago by a holy -ragan, kept up by undoubted tradition ever since, in the manner I have -told you; in part performed, and now waiting your concurrence for its -accomplishment; but if I cannot prevail with you, though I perish at -my return, I dread to think you may be forced without thanks to perform -what generously to undertake will be your greatest glory." - -"Pray," says I, "Nasgig (for now I perceive you are in earnest), what -may this famous prediction be?" - -"Ah, Peter!" says Nasgig, "to what purpose should I relate so sacred -a prediction to one who, though the most concerned in it, makes such a -jest of it?" - -His mentioning me as concerned in it, raised my curiosity once more to -desire a relation of it. "Why should I relate it," says he, "if you -are resolved not to fulfil it?"--I told him I had no resolution against -anything that related to my own good, or that of my friends. "But the -greatest question with me," says I, "is, whether I am at all concerned -in it."--"Oh clearly, clearly!" says he, "there is no doubt of it; it -must mean you or nobody."--I told him I must judge by the words of it -that I was the person intended by it; and till that was apparent to my -reason, it would be difficult to procure my consent to so perilous -an undertaking.--"And," says he, "will you, upon hearing it, judge -impartially, and go with me if you can take the application to -yourself?"--"I cannot go quite so far as that," says I; "but this I'll -promise you, I'll judge impartially, and if I can so apply it to myself, -that it must necessarily mean me, and no other, and if you convince me I -may go safely, I will go." - -Nasgig was so rejoiced at this, he was at a loss how to express himself. -"My dear Peter," says he, "you have given me new life! our state is -free! our persons free! we are free! we are free! And, Peter," says he, -"now I have given vent to my joy, you shall hear the prediction. - -"You must know, this holy ragan lived four ages ago; and from certain -dreams and revelations he had had, set himself to overturn our -country-worship of the Great Image; and by his sanctity of life, and -sound reasonings, had almost effected it under the assistance of -Begsurbeck, then our king, who had fully embraced his tenets; but the -rest of the ragans opposing him, and finding he could not advance his -scheme, he withdrew from the ragans to a close retirement for several -years; and just before his death, sending for the king and all the -ragans, he told them he should certainly die that day, and that he could -not die at peace till he had informed them what had been revealed to -him; desiring them to take notice of it, not as a conjecture of his own, -but a certain verity which should hereafter come to pass. Says he, 'you -know you have rejected the alteration in your religion I proposed to -you; and which Begsurbeck, here present, would have advanced; and now I -must tell you what you have brought upon yourselves. As for Begsurbeck, -he shall reign the longest and most prosperously of all your former and -future kings; but in twice his time outrun, the west shall be divided -from the east, and bring sorrow, confusion, and slaughter, till the -waters of the earth shall produce a glumm, with hair round his head, -swimming and flying without the graundee; who, with unknown fire and -smoke, shall destroy the traitor of the west, settle the ancient limits -of the monarchy, by common consent establish what I would have taught -you, change the name of this country, introduce new laws and arts, add -kingdoms to this state, and force tributes from the bowels of the earth -of such things as this kingdom shall not know till then, and shall never -afterwards want; and then shall return to the waters again. Take care,' -says he, 'you miss not the opportunity when it may be had; for once -lost, it shall never, never more return; and then, woe, woe, woe to my -poor country!'--The ragan having said this, expired. - -"This prediction made so great an impression on Begsurbeck, that he -ordered all the ragans singly before him, and heard them repeat it; -which having done, and made himself perfect in it, he ordered it to -be pronounced twelve times in the year on particular days, in the -moucherait, that the people might learn it by heart; that they and their -children being perfect in it, might not fail of applying it, when the -man from the waters should appear with proper description. - -"Thus, Peter," says he, "has this prediction been kept up in our -memories as perfectly as if it had but just been pronounced to -us."--:"'Tis very true," says I, "here may have been a prediction, and -it may have been, as you say, handed down very exactly from Begsurbeck's -days till now; but how does that affect me? how am I concerned in it? -Surely, if any marks would have denoted me to be the man, some of the -colambs who have so lately left me, and were so long with me, would have -found them out in my person, or among the several actions of my life -I recounted to them."--"Upon the return of the colambs from you," -says Nasgig, "they told his majesty what they had heard and seen at -Graundevolet, and the story was conveyed through the whole realm: but -every man has not the faculty of distinction. Now, one of the ragans, -when he had heard of you, applying you to the prediction, and that to -you, soon found our deliverer in you; and at a public moucheratt, -after first pronouncing the prediction, declared himself thereon to the -following effect: - -"'May it please your majesty--and you the honourable colambs--the -reverend ragans--and people of this state,' says he, 'you all know that -our famous king Begsurbeck, who reigned at the time of this prediction, -did live sixty years after it in the greatest splendour, and died at the -age of one hundred and twenty years, having reigned full ninety of them; -and herein you will all agree with me, no king before or since has done -the like. You all likewise know, that within two hundred years after -Begsurbeck's death, that is, about twice his reign of ninety years -outrun, the rebellion in the west began, which has been carried on ever -since; and our strength diminishing as theirs increases, we are now no -fair match for them, but are fearful of being undone. So far you will -agree matters have tallied with the prediction; and now, to look -forward to the time to come, it becomes us to lay hold of the present -opportunity for our relief, for that, once slipped, will never return; -and if I have any skill in interpretations, now is the time of our -deliverance. - -"'Our prediction foretells the past evils, their increase and -continuance, till the waters of the earth shall produce a glumm. Here -I must appeal to the honourable colambs present, if the waters have -not done so in the person of glumm Peter of Graundevolet, as they have -received it from his own report.' - -"All the colambs then rising, and making reverence to the king, declared -it was most true. - -"'The next part,' says the ragan, 'is, he is to be hairy round his head; -and how his person in this respect agrees with the prediction, I beg -leave to be informed by the colambs.' - -"The colambs then rising, declared that having seen and conversed with -him, they could not observe any hair on the fore part of his head; but I -answered that when I left you I well remembered your having short stubbs -of hair upon your cheeks and chin; which I had no sooner mentioned than -your father arose and told the assembly that though he did not mind -it whilst he was with you, yet he remembered that his daughter, a year -before, had told him that you had hair on your face before as long as -that behind. - -"This again putting new life into the ragan, he proceeded--'Then let -this,' says he, 'be put to the trial by an embassy to glumm Peter; and -if it answers, there will be no room to doubt the rest. Then,' says the -ragan, 'it is plain by the report of the colambs, that glumm Peter has -not the graundee. - -"'As to the next point, he is to swim and fly. Now I am informed he -swims daily in a thing he calls a boat.'--To which the colambs all -agreed.--'And now,' says he, 'that he flies too, that must be fulfilled; -for every word must have a meaning, and that indeed he must do if ever -he comes hither. I therefore advise that a contrivance be somehow found -out for conveying glumm Peter through the air to us, and then we shall -answer that part of the prediction; and I think, and do not doubt, but -that may be done. - -"'Now,' says he, 'let us see the benefit predicted to us upon the -arrival of glumm Peter. Our words are: "Who, with unknown fire and -smoke, shall destroy the traitor of the west." What can be plainer than -this? For I again appeal to the colambs for his making unknown fire and -smoke. - -"'Thus far,' says the ragan, 'we have succeeded happily towards a -discovery of the person; but it ends not here with the death of the -traitor; but such other benefits are to accrue as are mentioned in the -following part of the prediction: they are blessings yet to come, and -who knows the end of them? - -"'I hope,' says the ragan, 'I have given satisfaction in what I have -said, and shall now leave it to the care of those whose business it is -to provide that none of those woes pronounced against us may happen, by -missing the time which, when gone, will never return.' - -"The assembly were coming to a resolution of sending you a pompous -embassy, but your father prevailed for sending me only; 'For,' says he, -'my son thinks better of him than of the rest of our whole race.' So -this important affair was committed to me, with orders to prepare a -conveyance for you, which I cannot attempt to do; but shall refer myself -to your more solid judgment in the contrivance of it." - -I had sat very attentive to Nasgig, and from what he had declared, could -not say but there was a very great resemblance between myself and the -person predicted of. "But then," says I, "they are idolaters: Providence -would not interpose in this affair, when all the glory of its success -must redound to an idol. But," says I, "has not the same thing often -happened from oracular presages, where the glory must redound to the -false deity? But what if, as is predicted, their religion is to be -changed to the old ragan's plan, and that will be to the abolition of -idolatry? I know not what to say; but if I thought my going would gain a -single soul to the eternal truth, I would not scruple to hazard my life -in the attempt." - -I then called in Youwarkee, told her the whole affair of the prediction, -which she had often heard, I found, and could have repeated. I told her -that the king and states had pitched on me as the person intended by -their prediction, and that Nasgig was sent to fetch me over: "And -indeed," says I, "Youwee, if this be a true prediction, it seems very -applicable to me as far as I can see."--"Yes, truly," says she, "so it -does, now I consider it in the light you say the ragan puts it."-- - -"Why," says I, "prophecies and predictions are never so plain as to -mention names; but yet, upon the solution, they become as intelligible -as if they did, the circumstances tallying so exactly. But what would -you have me do? Shall I, or shall I not, go?"--"Go!" says she, "how can -you go?"--"Oh," says I, "never fear that. If this is from above, means -will soon be found; Providence never directs effects without means." - -Youwarkee, whose head ran only on the dangers of the undertaking, had -a violent conflict with herself; the love of me, of her children, and of -her country, divided her so, she was not capable of advising. I pressed -her opinion again, when she told me to follow the dictates of my own -reason; "And but for the dread of losing you, and for my children's -sakes," says she, "I should have no choice to make when my country is at -stake: but you know best." - -I told Youwarkee that I really found the prediction the plainer the more -I thought of it; and that, above all, the change of religion was the -uppermost; for if I can reduce a State from the misery and bondage of -idolatry to a true sense of the Supreme Being, and seemingly by His own -direction, shall I fear to risk my own life for it? or, will He suffer -me to perish till somewhat at least is done towards it? And how do I -know but the whole tendency of my life has been by impulse hither for -this very purpose? "My dear Youwee," says I, "fear nothing, I will go." - -I called Nasgig, and told him my resolution, and that he had nothing now -to do but prepare a means of conveying me.--He said he begged to refer -that to me, for my own thoughts would suggest to me both the safest and -easiest means. - -I wanted to venture on the back of some strong glumm; when Nasgig told -me no one could endure my weight so long a flight. But what charmed me -most was, the lovely Youwarkee offered to carry me herself if she could: -"And if I can't hold out," says she, "my dear, we can but at last drop -both together." I kissed the charming creature with tears in my eyes, -but declined 'the experiment. - -I told Nasgig I wanted to divide my weight between two or four glumms, -which I believed I could easily do; and asked if each could hold out -with a fourth part of my weight.--He told me there was no doubt of that; -but he was afraid I should drop between their graundees, he imagining I -intended to lie along on their backs, part of me on each of them, or -should bear so much on them as to prevent their flight. I told him I did -not purpose to dispose of myself in the manner he presumed, but if two -or four could undoubtedly bear my weight so long a flight, I would order -myself without any other inconvenience to my bearers than their burden. -He made light of my weight between four, as a trifle, and said he would -be one with all his heart.--"Nay," says I, "if four cannot hold out, can -eight?" He plainly told me, as he knew not what I meant, he could say -nothing to it, nor could imagine how I could divide so small a body as -mine into eight different weights, for it seemed impossible, he said, to -him; but if I would show him my method, he would then give me his -opinion. - -I then, leaving him, took out my tools: I pitched upon a strong board my -wife had sent me from the ship, about twelve feet long, and a foot and -a half broad, upon the middle of which I nailed down one of my chairs; -then I took one cord of about thirty-four feet long, making handloops -at each end, and nailed it down in the middle to the under-side of my -board, as near as I could to the fore-end of it, and I took another cord -of the same length and make, and this I nailed within three feet of the -farther end of my board. I then took a cord of about twenty feet long, -and nailed about three feet before the foremost, and a fourth of the -same length, at the farther end of my board; by which means the first -and third ropes being the longest and at such a distance from the short -ropes, the glumms who held them would fly so much higher and forwarder -than the short-rope ones, that they and their ropes would be quite out -of the others' way, which would not have happened if either the ropes -had been all of one length, or nearer to or farther from one another; -and then considering that if I should receive a sudden jerk or twitch, -I might possibly be shook off my chair, I took a smaller rope to tie -myself with fast to the chair, and then I was sure if I fell into the -sea I should at least have the board and chair with me, which might -possibly buoy me up till the glumms could descend to my assistance. - -Having carried the machine down to the level with the help of two -of Nasgig's men, he being out on a walk, and having never seen it, I -ordered one of the men to sit upon the chair, and eight more to hold by -the loops and rise with him; but, as I found it difficult at their first -rising, not being able to mount all equally, to carry the board up even, -and the back part rising first, the front pitched against the ground -and threw the fellow out of the chair, I therefore bade them stop, and -ordering eight others to me, said I, "Hold each of you one of these -ropes as high as you can over your heads; then." says I to the eight -bearers, "mount on your graundees, and come round behind him in the -chair gently, two and two, and take each of you a loop, and hover with -it till you are all ready, and then rise together, keeping your eye on -the board that it rises neither higher at one end nor one side than the -other, and see you all feel your weight alike; then fly across the lake -and back again." They did so, and with as much ease, they told me, as if -they had nothing in their hands; and the man rode with so much state and -composure, he said, that I longed to try it myself; so, shifting places -with the glumm, I mounted the chair, and tying myself round, I asked if -any one knew which way Nasgig walked. One of them pointing to where he -saw him just before in the wood, I ordered them to take me up as before, -and go that way. - -Upon coming to the place where I expected Nasgig was, I hallooed and -called him; who, knowing my voice, ran to the skirt of the wood; and -seeing me mounted in my flying chair, I jokingly told him I was going, -if he had any commands; but he mounting immediately came up to me, and -viewing me round, and seeing the pleasure the men seemed to carry -me with, says he, "Are you all sure you can carry him safe to -Battringdrigg?"--They all replied, "Yes, with ease."--"This then," says -he, "is your doom: if you perform it not, every one shall be slit; but -if you carry the deliverer safe, you are filgays every man of you!" he -verily thinking I was then going off; but I undeceived him, by ordering -them to turn about and set me down where I was taken up. - -Nasgig alighting and viewing my contrivance, "This, Peter," says he, "is -but a very plain thing."--"It is so," says I, "but it is as far as my -ingenuity could reach."--"Ah, Peter!" says he "say not so, for if the -greatest difficulties, as I and all my nation thought it would be to -convey you to them, are so plain and easy to you, what must lesser -things be? No, Peter, I did not call it plain because it might be easily -done when it was seen, but in respect to the head that formed it; for -the nearest way to attain one's end is always the best, and attended -for the most part with fewest inconveniences; and I verily think, Peter, -though we believe the rise or fall of our State wholly depends on you, -you must have stayed at Graundevolet but for your own ingenuity. Well, -and when shall we set out?" says he.--I told him it would take up some -time to settle the affairs of my family, and to consider what I had best -take with me; and required at least three days, being as little as I -could have told him for that purpose. - -Nasgig, who as he was an honest man, and for making the best for his -patrons, was sorry it was so long, though he, imagining at the same time -it was short enough for one who was to go on such an enterprise, was -glad it was no longer; and immediately despatched a trumpet express -with notice, that on the fourth day he should be at the height of -Battringdrigg, and that having myself formed a machine for that purpose, -I would accompany him. - -I began next to consider what part I had to act at Doorpt Svangeanti -(for I neither could nor would call it by any other name when I came -thither), and what it was they expected from me. I am, says I, to kill -a traitor; good, that may be, but then I must take a gun and ammunition; -and why not some pistols and cutlasses? If I cannot use them all, I can -teach others who may. I will take several of them, and all my guns but -two, and I will leave a pair of pistols; I may return and want them. I -will take my two best suits of clothes, and other things suitable; for -if I am to perform things according to this prediction, it may be a long -time before I get back again. Thinks I, Youwarkee shall stay here with -the children, and if I like my settlement I can send for her at any -time. I then began to see the necessity of making at least one more -machine to carry my goods on. And says I, as they will be very weighty, -I must have more lasks to shift in carrying them, for I will retain -sixteen for my own body-machine, in order to relieve each other; and as -the distance is so great, I will not be stinted for want of fresh hands. - -Being come to this resolution, I called Nasgig, and ordered eight -fresh lasks to attend my baggage; these he soon singled out: so, -having settled all matters with my wife, and taken leave of her and the -children, I charged them not to stir out of the grotto till I was gone; -and leaving them all in tears, I set out with a heavy heart for the -level, where the whole convoy and my two machines waited for me. - -[Illustration: 5119] - -[Illustration: 0120] - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -_Peter's speech to the soldiery--Offers them freedom--His journey--Is -met by the king--The king sent back, and why--Peter alights in the -king's garden--His audience--Description of his supper and bed._ - - -WHEN we came to the level, I desired Nasgig to draw all his men into -a circle as near as they could stand. I then asked them who would -undertake to carry me: when not a man but proffered his service, and -desired to have the post of honour, as they called it. I told them my -question was only in case of necessity to know whom I might depend upon, -for my bearers were provided, saving accidents. "But, my friends," says -I, "as you are equally deserving for the offered service, as if you were -accepted, are any of you desirous of being filgays?" They all answering -together, "I, I, I!"--"Nasgig," says I, "you and I must come to -a capitulation before I go, and your honour must be pledged for -performance of articles." - -I began with telling them what an enemy I was to slavery: "And," says I -to Nasgig, "as I am about to undertake what no man upon earth ever did -before: to quit my country, my family, my every conveniency of life, for -I know not what, I know not where, and from whence I may never return; -I must be indulged, if I am ever so fortunate as to arrive safe in your -country, in the satisfaction of seeing all these my fellow-travellers as -happy as myself: for which reason I must insist upon every man present -alighting with me in safety, being made free the moment we touch the -ground; and unless you will engage your honour for this, I will not stir -a step farther." - -Nasgig paused for an answer, for though my bearers were his own lasks, -and he could dispose of them at pleasure, yet as the rest were the -king's, he knew not how far he might venture to promise for them; but -being desirous to get me over the rock, fearing I might still retract -my purpose, he engaged to procure their freedom of the king. And this, I -thought, would make the men more zealous in my service. - -I then permitting them to take me up, we were over the rock as quick as -thought, and when I had a little experienced the flight, I perceived I -had nothing to fear; for they were so dexterous on the graundee, that -I received not the least shock all the way, or scarce a wry position, -though every quarter of an inch at hand made a considerable deflection -from the perpendicular. We shifted but twice till we came to -Battringdrigg, the manner, of which I directed as I sat in my chair; for -I ordered the new man to hover over him he was to relieve, and reaching -down his hand to meet the others which were held up with a rope, the old -bearer sunk beneath the chair, and the reliever took his course. This we -did one by one, till all were changed; but there was one, a stout young -fellow, at the first short rope on my right hand, who observing me to -eye him more than the rest, in a bravado would not be relieved before -we arrived at Battringdrigg arkoe; and I afterwards took him into my -family. - -As it was now somewhat advanced into the light season, I had hopes of -a tolerable good prospect; but had it been quite light, I should have -never been the better for it. I had been upon very high mountains in the -inland parts of Africa, but was never too high to see what was below -me before, though very much contracted; but here, in the highest of our -flight, you could not distinguish the globe of the earth but by a sort -of mist, for every way looked alike to me; then sometimes on a cue -given, from an inexpressible height my bearers would dart as it were -sloping like a shooting star, for an incredible distance, almost to the -very surface of the sea, still keeping me as upright as a Spaniard on my -seat. I asked them the reason of their so vast descent, when I perceived -the labour they had afterwards to attain the same height again. They -told me they not only eased their graundees by that descent, but could -fly half as far again in a day, as by a direct (they meant horizontal) -flight; for though it seemed laborious to mount so excessive high, yet -they went on at the same time at a great rate; but when they came -to descend again, there was no comparison in their speed. And, on my -conscience, I believe they spoke true, for in their descents I think no -arrow could have reached us. - -In about sixteen hours, for I took my watch with me, we alighted on the -height of Battringdrigg: when I thought I had returned to my own arkoe, -it was so like it, but much larger. Here we rested for hours; I opened -my chest, and gave each of my bearers a drop of brandy. Nasgig and I -also just wetted our mouths, and ate a piece of preserve to moisten -us; the rest of the lasks sitting down, and feeding upon what they had -brought with them in their colapets; for their method is, when they -take long flights, to carry a number of hard round fruits, flat like my -cream-cheeses, but much less, which containing a sort of flour they eat -dry; then drinking, which swells, and fills them as much as a good meal -of anything else would. Here we met with abundance of delightful pools -of water on the vast flat of the rocks. They told me, in that arkoe -the young glumms and gawrys came in vast flights separately, to divert -themselves on the fine lakes of water, and from thence went sometimes as -far as my arkoe for that purpose; but that was but seldom. - -When we had sufficiently rested, they shut their colapets, which -sometimes hung down from their necks, and were sometimes swung round to -their backs, and crossing the arkoe and another large sea, but nothing -comparable to the first, arrived in about six hours more to the height -of the White Mountains, which Nasgig told me were the confines of -Georigetti's territories. But, thinks I, it may belong to whom it will -for the value of it; for nothing could be more barren than all the top -of it was; but the inside of it made amends for that, by the prodigious -tall and large trees it abounded with, full of the strangest kinds of -fruits I had ever seen; and these trees, most of them, seemed to grow -out of the very stone itself, not a peck of dirt being to be collected -near them. Without-side of these mountains, it was scarce darker than -at my arkoe; for I made all the observation my time would allow me; when -spying at a vast distance several lights, which were unusual things to -me in that country, they told me the largest was the burning mountain -Alkoe: this I remembered to have heard the name of upon some former -occasion, though I could not recollect what; and that the rest were -of the same sort, but smaller. I asked if they were in Georigetti's -territories. They said no, they belonged to another king formerly, whose -subjects were as fond of fire as Georigetti's were of avoiding it; -and that many of them worked with it always before them, and made an -insufferable noise by it. - -At hearing the above relation, an impression struck my fancy, that they -might be a sort of smiths or workers in iron, or other metals; and I -wished myself with them, for I had a mighty notion of that work, having -been frequently at a neighbouring forge when a boy, and knew all their -tools, and resolved to get all the information I could of that country -some other time; for our company drawing to their posts, and preparing -to set forward again, I could have no more talk now; and you must know, -I had observed so many idle rascals before I left England, who could -neither strike a stroke nor stir a foot whilst you talked with them, -that I feared if I asked questions by the way, they should in answering -me neglect their duty, and let me drop. - -When we came near our journey's end, Nasgig asked me where I would -please to alight I told him I thought at my father's; for though I came -on a visit to the king, it would not show respect to go before him just -off a journey. But I might have spared me the trouble of settling that -point; for we were not gone far from the Black Mountain, it going by -that name within side, though it is called the White without, before we -heard the gripsacks, and a sort of squeaking or screaming music, very -loud. Nasgig told me the king was in flight. I asked him how he knew -that, for I could see nobody. He knew it, he said, by the gripsack, and -the other music, which never played but on that occasion; and presently -after, I thought the whole kingdom were on the graundee, and was going -to order my bearers back to the mountain, for fear of the concourse. -Thinks I, they will jostle me down out of civility, and I shall break my -neck to gratify their curiosity. So I told Nasgig if he did not somehow -stop the multitude, I would turn back for the mountain, for I would -never venture into that crowd of people. - -Nasgig sprung away to the king and informed him; but the king, fearing -the people should be disgusted at his sending them back, gave orders -for the whole body to file off to the right and left, and taking a vast -sweep each way, to fall in behind me; but upon no account to come near -me, for fear of mischief. This was no sooner said than done, and all -spreading into two vast semicircles, met in a train just behind my -chair. - -Nasgig had also persuaded the king to retreat back to the palace, -telling him it was not with me as with them, who could help themselves -in case of accident; but as I was under the guidance of others, and on a -foundation he should scarce, in my condition, have ventured upon, he was -sure I should be better satisfied with his intended respect only, than -to receive it there: "But," says he, "that your majesty may see his -contrivance, I will cause him to alight in the palace garden, where you -may have the pleasure of viewing him in his machine." - -The king returning, ordered all the colambs, who waited my arrival, to -assemble in council again; and as I went over the city, I was surprised -to see all the rock of which it consisted quite covered with people, -besides prodigious numbers in the air, all shouting out peals of welcome -to me; and as we were then but little above their heads, every one -had something to say of me; one wondering what I had got on; another -swearing he saw hair on my face as long as his arm; and in general, -every one calling on the Image for my safety. - -The king was present when I alighted in the garden; and himself taking -me from my chair, I bent on one knee to kiss his hand; but he took me -in his arms, called me his father, and told me he hoped I would make his -days equal in glory to his great ancestor Begsurbeck. We complimented -some time before he took me into a small refectory in the garden, -and gave me some of his sort of wine, which I found was loaded with -ram's-horn, and some dried and moist sweetmeats. He then told me I had -a piece of ceremony to go through, after which he hoped to have me to -himself. I told him, whatever forms of State were customary, they become -necessary, and I should obey him. - -His majesty then called one of the persons in waiting, and telling him -he was going to the room of audience, ordered him to conduct me thither -forthwith. - -Following my guide, after a long walk through a sort of piazza, we -entered under a stately arch, curiously carved, into a very spacious -room, lighted with infinite numbers of globe-lamps, where he desired me -to sit down on a round stone pedestal covered with leaves, and all round -the sides were running foliages exquisitely wrought; on the walls were -carved figures of glumms in several actions, but chiefly in battle, or -other warlike exercises, in alto-relievo, very bold, with other devices -interspersed. I sat down, having first paid my submission to the throne, -and to the several colambs who sat on the king's right and left, down -the sides of the room. - -The person then who introduced me, going into the middle of the room, -spoke to this effect: "Mighty king--and you honourable lords his -colambs--here is present the glumm Peter of Graundevolet; I wait your -commands where to dispose him." - -Then the king and all the colambs arising, another person stepped forth, -and looking at me, for I was standing, "Glumm Peter of Graundevolet," -says he, "I am to signify to you that the mighty king Georigetti, and -all his honourable colambs, congratulate your arrival in Normnbdsgrsutt, -and have commanded me to give you rank according to your merit." Then -the king and colambs sat down, and I was led to the king's right hand, -and placed on the same stone with, but at some small distance from, his -majesty. - -The king then told me the great pleasure I had done him and his colambs, -in my so speedy arrival upon their message; but said he would give me no -farther trouble now than to know how I chose to be served; and desired -me to give orders to a bash he would send to me, for whatever I wanted; -and then giving orders to a bash to show me my lodgings, I was permitted -to retire to refresh myself. - -I was then conducted to my apartment, up a sloping flight of stone, very -long, with a vast arch over my head; I believed it might be fifty paces -long at least, but being a very broad easy ascent, and smooth, it was -not in the least fatiguing. All the way I went were the same sorts of -globe lights as in the audience-room. The staircase, if I may call it -so, it answering the same purpose, was most beautifully carved, both -sides and top. At length I came into a very large gallery, at least -fourscore paces long, and about twenty broad; on each side of which -hung the same globes. At the farther end of this gallery I entered by -an arch, very narrow, but most neatly wrought, into an oval room; in the -middle of this room, on the right hand, was another small neat archway; -entering through which about ten paces, there were two smaller arches to -the right and left, and within them, with an easy ascent of about three -paces, you came to a flat trough of stone, six or seven feet long, and -about the same width; these, I understood by my bash, were the beds to -lie on. - -I asked him if they were used to lie on the bare stone. He told me some -did, but he had orders to lay me on doffee; and presently up came four -fellows with great mats, as I took them for by my globe light, full of -something, which, by their so easily carrying so great bulk, I perceived -was very light. They pitched it down upon my stone bedstead, and first -with great sticks, and then with small switches having beat it soundly, -retired. - -Whilst I was looking about at the oddity of the place, I found my bash -was gone too. "So," says I, "all gone! I suppose they intend I shall now -go to bed." I then went into my bed-chamber, for there were globe lights -there too, and observing my bed lay full four feet above the stone, and -sloping higher to the sides and head, I went to feel what it was; but -laying my hand upon it, it was so soft I could feel no resistance till I -had pressed it some way; and it lay so light, that a fly must have sunk -upon it.--"Well," thinks I, "what if I never lay thus before, I believe -I have lain as bad!" - -I then took a turn into my oval room again, and observed the floor, -sides, and all was stone, as smooth as possible, but not polished; and -the walls and ceiling, and in short every place where they could be -ornamented, were as well adorned with carvings as can be conceived. - -Though nobody came near me yet, I did not care to be too inquisitive all -at once, but I longed to know what they burnt in the globes, which gave -so steady a light, and yet seemed to be enclosed quite round, top and -sides, without any vent-hole for the smoke to evaporate. Surely, thinks -I, they are a dullish glass, for they hung almost above my touch, and -must be exceeding hot with the fire so enclosed, and have some small -vent-hole though I can't see it. Then standing on tiptoe to feel, it -struck quite cold to my finger; but I could only reach to touch that, or -any of the rest, being all of one height. - -Whilst I was musing thus, I heard the sound of voices coming along the -gallery; and presently came a train of servants with as much victuals as -a hundred men could eat, and wines proportionable; they set it down at -the upper end of the oval room, on a flat of stone, which on making the -room had been left in the upper bend of the oval quite across it, about -table high, for that purpose. These eatables, such as were liquid, or -had sauces to them, were served up in a sort of grey stone bowls; but -the dry were brought in neat wooden baskets of twig-work. - -The servants all retiring into the gallery, except my bash, I asked him -if anybody was to eat with me: he told me no.--"I wonder," says I, "they -should send me so much, then." He replied it was the allowance of my -apartment by his majesty's orders; which silenced me. - -I believe there were twenty different things on the table, insomuch that -I did not know where to begin, and heartily wished for an excuse to get -rid of my bash, who stood close at my elbow, that I might have smelt and -tasted before I helped myself to anything, for I knew not what any one -thing was. - -In this perplexity, I asked my bash what post he was in under his -majesty. He said, one of the fifty bashes appointed to be near the -king's favourites when at court. "And pray," said I, "are you the person -to attend me?" He was, he said, the principal to wait on my person; -but there were at least sixty others, who had different offices in this -apartment. "I would be glad," said I, "to know your name, that I may the -more readily speak to you." He told me his name was Quilly. "Then, pray, -Quilly," says I, "do you know what is become of my baggage and chair?" -I found, though he guessed at my baggage, he was puzzled at the name of -chair. "My seat," says I. "Oh, I understand you," says he. "Then, pray, -will you go bring me word of them, and see them brought safe up into the -gallery?" He tripped away on my errand. So thinks I, now I am fairly rid -of you! but I had scarce turned any of my viands over, before I found -he had but stepped into the gallery, to send some of the idle -fellows-in-waiting there. And this putting me to a nonplus, "Quilly," -says I, "you know I am a stranger here; and as different countries have -different ways and customs, as well of dressing their eatables as other -things, and these dishes being dressed contrary to my custom, I shall -be glad if you will name some of them to me, that I may know them when I -see them again." - -Quilly began with this, and ran on to that, which was a fine dish; and -the other few but the king have at their tables. "And here," says he, -"is a dish of padsi; and there----" - -"Hold, hold," says I, "Quilly, let's try these first before you -proceed;" for I remembered, at my grotto, they all eat my fish for -padsi, and I cut a slice of it; for I always carried my clasp-knife in -my pocket, and they had no such thing there; and laying it on a round -cake I took for my trencher, I tasted it, and found it so, to my -apprehension, in the palate; but it did not look or flake like fish, as -I observed by the slices they had cut it into; for all the victuals were -in long slices ready to bite at. I asked him if these things were not -all cut, and with what; for I understood they had no knives, showing him -mine. He said the cook cut it with a sharp stone. I then asked him the -name of several other things, and at last he came to crullmott, which -having heard of before, I now tasted, and could have sworn it had been a -hashed fowl. I asked him if crullmotts were very common; he told me -yes, towards the bottoms of the mountains there were abundance -of crullmott-trees.--"No, no," says I, "not trees; I mean fowls, -birds."--"I don't know what they are," said he; "but these crullmotts -grow on very large trees." Indeed, I did not know yet what I was at. -"But," says I, "if your fowls do, sure your fish don't grow on trees -too!"--"We have none of them," says he, "in this country."--"Why," -says I, "it is but this moment I tasted one."--"I don't know," said he, -"where the cook got it."--"Why, here," says I, "what you call padsi -I call fish."--"Aye, padsi," says he, "'grows upon a bush in the same -woods."--"Well done," says I, "this is the first country I was ever in -where the fish and fowl grew on trees. It is ten to one but I meet with -an ox growing on some tree by the tail before I leave you." - -I had by this time, out of these two and some other pickings, made up a -very good meal; and putting my knife into my pocket, desired something -to drink. My bash asked me what I pleased to have. I told him, anything -to take a good draught of. Then he filled me a bott of wine, very well -tasted, though too sweet for meals; but putting some water to it, it did -very well. - -My messengers being returned, and having set all my things in the -gallery, I desired Quilly to let the victuals be taken away; upon which -there came more servants than dishes, who took all at once, but some -wine and water I desired might remain. - -I told Quilly I saw there were two beds. "Who are they for?" says -I.--"One for you and one for me," says he; "for we bashes never leave -the king's favourites."--"Pray, Quilly," says I, "what is the -meaning that to the several rooms I have been in, there is never a -door?"--"Door," says he, "I don't know that."--"What!" says I, "don't -you shut your rooms at night?"--"No, no. Shut at night! I never heard -of that."--"I believe," says I, "Quilly, it is almost bed-time; is it -not?"--"No, no," says Quilly, "the gripsack has not sounded."--"How do -you know," says I, "in this country, when you shall lie down, and when -rise? for my wife has told me you have no clocks." - -"No; no clocks," says he.--"Then," says I, "does every one rise and -lie down when they please? or do you all lie down and all rise together -about the same time?"--"Oh," says Quilly, "you will hear the gripsack -presently. There are several glumms who take it by turns to sound it for -the rest, and then we know it is time to lie down; and when they sound -it again, we know it is time to rise." And afterwards I found these -people guessed the time (being twelve hours between sound and sound) -so well, that there were but few minutes' variation at any time between -them and my watch; and I set my watch to go from their soundings at six -o'clock. - -I found myself pretty much fatigued after my journey; for though I had -only to sit still, yet the excessive velocity of such an unusual motion -strained every muscle as much as the hardest labour; for you may imagine -I could not at first be without my fears upon ever so small a variation -of my chair, which, though I could not possibly by my own inclination -one way or other rectify, yet a natural propensity to a perpendicular -station involuntarily biasses one to incline this or that way, in order -to preserve it; and then at first my breath being ready to fail me, in -proportion to the celerity of the flight, and to my own apprehensions, -and being upon that exercise near thirty hours, and without sleep for -almost forty, you may judge I wanted rest; so I told Quilly I would lie -down, and ordered him not to disturb me till I waked of myself. - -I could not prevent the officiousness of my valet to put me to bed, -and cover me with the down, or whatever it was; for having no sheets, -I pulled off nothing but my coat, wig, and shoes, and putting on my -flannel night-cap, I laid me down. - -[Illustration: 0137] - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -_The king's apartments described--Is introduced to the king--A -moucheratt called--His discourse with the king about religion._ - - -I HAVE known some travellers so peculiar in their taste as not to be -able to sleep in a strange lodging. But, thanks to my kind stars, that -did not prove my case; for having looked on my watch when I went to bed, -as I call it, and finding it was down, I wound it up, and observed it -began to go at about three o'clock--whether day or night, matters not; -and when I waked it was past nine, so that I know I had slept eighteen -hours; and finding that a very reasonable refreshment, and myself very -hungry, I called Quilly to get me my breakfast. - -Quilly told me his majesty had been to visit me, but would not have me -disturbed. I, begging him to despatch my breakfast as soon as possible, -and let me have some water for my hands, he ordered the gallery-waiters, -and everything came immediately. - -My breakfast was a brown liquid, with a sort of seeds or grain in it, -very sweet and good; but the fear of the king's return before I was -ready for him, prevented my inquiring into what it was. So, having -finished it, and washed my hands, Quilly presented me a towel, which -looked like an unbleached coarse linen, but was very soft and spongy; -and I found afterwards was made of threads of bark stripped from some -tree. I put on my brown suit, sword, and long wig, and sent Quilly to -know when it was his majesty's pleasure I should wait upon him. - -I had been so much used to lamplight in my grotto, that the lights of -this gloomy mansion did not seem so unusual a thing to me as they -would have done to a stranger. The king sent me word he would admit me -immediately, and Quilly was my conductor to his majesty's apartment. - -We passed through the gallery, at the farther end of which was a very -beautiful arch, even with the staircase, through which Quilly led me -into a large guard-room, wherein were above a hundred glumms, posted in -ranks, with their pikes in hand, some headed with sharp-pointed stone, -others with multangular stone, and others with stone globes. Passing -through these, we entered another gallery as long as that to my -apartment; then under another arch we came into a small square room, -carved exceeding fine; on the right and left of which were two other -archways, leading into most noble rooms. But we only saw them, passing -quite cross the little room, through an arch that fronted us into a -small gallery of prodigious height; at the farther end of which Quilly, -turning aside a mat, introduced and left me in the most beautiful place -in the universe, where, neither seeing nor hearing anybody stir, I -employed myself in examining the magnificence of the place, and could, -as I then thought, have feasted my eye with variety for a twelvemonth. -I paced it over one hundred and thirty of my paces long, and ninety-six -broad. There were arches in the middle of each side, and in the middle -of each end; the arch ceiling could not be less than the breadth of the -room, and covered with the most delightful carvings, from whence hung -globe-lights innumerable, but seemingly without order, which I thought -appeared the more beautiful on that account. In the centre of the -room hung a prodigious cluster of the same lights, so disposed as to -represent one vast light; and there were several rows of the same lights -hung round the room, one row above another, at proper distances. These -lights represented to me the stars, with the moon in the middle of them; -and after I came to be better acquainted with the country, I perceived -the lights were to represent the southern constellations. The archways -were carved with the finest devices imaginable, gigantic glumms -supporting on each side the pediments. - -At every ten paces all along the sides and ends, arose columns, each -upon a broad square base, admirably carved; these reached to the cornice -or base of the arched ceiling quite round the room. On the panels -between each column were carved the different battles and most -remarkable achievements of Begsurbeck himself. Over the arch I entered -at, was the statue of Begsurbeck, and over the opposite arch the old -prophetic ragan. In the middle of the room stood a long stone table -lengthwise, most exquisitely carved, almost the length of the room, -except where it was divided in the middle about the breadth of the -archways, in order for a passage from one arch to the other. In short, -to describe this one room particularly would make a volume of itself. - -I stayed here a full hour and a half, wondering why nobody came to me; -at length turning myself about, I saw two glumms coming towards me, and -having received their compliments, they desired me to walk in to the -king. We passed through another middling room, and taking up a mat at -the farther side of it, I was conducted in where his majesty was sitting -with another glumm. They both arose at my entrance, and calling me their -father, and leading me, one by each hand, obliged me to sit down between -them. - -After some compliments about my journey, and accommodation since, the -king told me I had not waited so long without, but he had some urgent -despatches to make; and as he chose to have me in private with him, he -imagined, he said, I would be able to divert myself in the boskee. I -declared I had never seen anything like it for grandeur and magnificence -before; but the beauty of the sculpture, and disposition of the lights, -were most exquisite. - -All this while I felt the other glumm handling my long wig, and feeling -whether it grew to my head, or what it was; for he had by this time got -his finger under the caul, and was pulling my hair down; when I turning -about my head, "Glumm Peter," says the king, "don't be uneasy, the ragan -will do you no hurt, it is only to satisfy his curiosity; and I chose -to have the ragan here, that we may more leisurely advise with you what -course to take in the present exigencies of my State. I have fully heard -the story of your travels from my colambs, and we have returned -thanks to the Great Image for bringing you, after so many hazards and -deliverances, safe to my dominions for our defence." - -The ragan desired to know whether all that hair (meaning my wig) grew -upon my head or not. I told him no, it was a covering only, to put on -occasionally; but that hair did grow on my head, and pulling off my wig -I showed them. The ragan then asked me if I had hair of my own growing -under that too (meaning my beard, which he then had in his hand, -for their glumms have no beards); but I told him that grew there of -itself.--"O parly Puly!" says the ragan, rising up, and smiting his -hands together, "It is he! It is he!" - -"Pray," says I, "ragan, who is this Puly you speak of?"--"It is the -image," says he, "of the great Collwar."--"Who is that?" says I.--"Why, -he that made the world," says he.--"And, pray," says I, "what did his -image make?"--"Oh," says he, "we made the image."--"And, pray," says -I, "can't you break it again?"--"Yes," says he, "if we had a mind to be -struck dead, we might; for that would be the immediate consequence -of such an attempt; nay, of but holding up a finger against it in -contempt."--"Pray," says I, "did ever anybody die that way?"--"No," -says he, "no one ever durst presume to do it."--"Then, perhaps," said I, -"upon trial, the punishment you speak of might not be the consequence -of such an attempt. Pray," says I, "what makes Collwar have so great a -kindness for that image?"--"Because," says he, "it is his very likeness, -and he gives him all he asks for us; for we only ask him. Why," says he, -"it is the image that has brought you amongst us." - -I did not then think it a proper time to advance the contrary to the -person I then had to do with, as I was sure it would have done no -good; for a priest is only to be convinced by the strongest party: so I -deferred my argument on that head to a fitter opportunity. - -"Most admirable Peter," says the king, "you are the glumm we depend upon -to fulfil an ancient prediction delivered by a venerable ragan. If you -will, Ragan I. O. shall repeat it to you, and therein you will be able -to discern yourself plainly described, in not only similar, but the -express words I myself, from your story, should describe you in." - -In good earnest, I had from divers circumstances concluded that I might -be the person; and resolved, as I thought I had the best handle in the -world for it from the prediction, to do what I could in the affair of -religion, by fair means or stratagem (for I was sensible my own single -force would not do it), before I began to show myself in their cause, or -else to desert them; and having had a small hint from Nasgig of what the -old ragan's design was in part, and which I approved of, I purposed to -add what else was necessary as part of his design, if his proposals had -been approved of. - -I told the king I would excuse the ragan the repetition of the -prediction, as I had partly been informed of it by Nasgig; and that -conceiving myself, as he did, to be the person predicted of by the -ragan, I had the more readily set out on this expedition, which nothing -but the hopes of performing so great a good could have prevailed with -me to undertake; and I did not doubt, with God's blessing, to accomplish -it. - -The king grew exceeding joyous at what I said, and told me he would -call a moucheratt, at which all his colambs should attend, to have their -advice, and then we would proceed to action; and ordered the ragan -to let it be for the sixth day, and in the meantime that he and his -brethren should, day and night, implore the Image to guide their -deliberations. - -The ragan being gone, I told the king I had something to impart to him, -in which it was my duty to obtain his majesty's sentiments before I -appeared publicly at the moucheratt. He desired me to proceed: I told -him I had been some time considering the old ragan's prediction, with -the occasion of it; "and," says I, "it is plain to me that all these -mischiefs have befallen you for neglect of the ragan's proposal -concerning religion; as I understand your great ancestor would have come -into it, and would have had his people done so too, but for the ragans, -who hindered it. - -"You find," says I, "by your traditional history, that Begsurbeck -lived long, and reigned gloriously; and I would aim at making you as -prosperous as he was, and infinitely more happy, not only in outward -splendour here, but in great glory hereafter." - -Perceiving that my discourse had quickened the king's attention, says I, -"I must let your majesty know it is the old ragan's plan I must proceed -upon in every branch of it."--"Why," says the king, "he would have -abolished our worship of the Image."--"And so would I," says I; "nay, -not only would, but must and will, before I engage myself in your -deliverance; and then, with the only assistance of the great Collwar, -whom I adore, and whom you must too, if you expect any service from me, -I don't doubt to prevail. - -"Your majesty sees," says I, "in few words, I have been very plain with -you; and I desire you, in as concise and plain a manner, to answer me, -what are your thoughts on this head? for I can say no more till I hear -them." - -The king seeing me so peremptory: "Glumm Peter," says he, looking about -to see no one was near, "I have too much sense to imagine our Image can -do either good or hurt; for if it could have done us good, why would it -not in our greatest distress, now near two hundred years past? For my -own part, I put no trust in it, nor did my famous ancestor the great -Begsurbeck; but here is my difficulty, where to choose another object -of worship; for I perceive by myself, mankind must, through natural -impulse, look to somewhat still above them, as a child does to his -father, from whom he hopes for and expects succour in his difficulties; -and though the father be not able to assist him, still he looks to him; -and therefore, I say, we must have another before we can part with this, -or the people, instead of the part who have been in the defection, will -all desert me; for they are easy now in hopes of help from the Image, -and every little gleam of success is attributed to it; but for the -disadvantages we receive, the ragans charge them on the people's not -praying and paying sufficiently; which they, poor souls, knowing in -their consciences to be true enough, are willing rather, as they are -bid, to take the blame upon themselves, than to suffer the least to fall -on the Image. - -"All this," says the king, "I am sensible of; but should I tell them so, -my life must pay for it; for the ragans would bring some message from -the Image against me, to desert or murder me; and then happy would be -the first man who could begin the mischief, which the rest would soon -follow." - -This so frank and unexpected declaration gave me great confidence in the -king; and I told him, if that was his opinion, he might leave the rest -to me. I would so manage it, that the thing should be brought about -by my means; and I would then satisfy all his scruples, and make him -a flourishing prince. But I could not help reflecting with myself, how -nearly this distant prince, and his State, copied some of my neighbours -in Europe. - -[Illustration: 0147] - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -_Peters reflections on what he was to perform--Settles the method -of it--His advice to his son and daughter--Globe-lights living -creatures--Takes Maleck into his service--Nasgig discovers to Peter a -plot in court--Revolt of Gauingrunt._ - - -HAVING now fully entered into the spirit of the business with my own -good liking, I was determined to push it vigorously, or perish in the -attempt. "Have I," says I, "so large a field before me now to manifest -my Maker in to a whole nation, and under His own call, and to fulfil -their own prediction too; and shall I shrink at the possible danger? Or -may there not rather be no probability of danger in it? The nation is in -distress, the readier therefore to try any remedy for help: their Image -has stood idle two hundred years; there has been an old prophecy, or at -least if not true, as firmly believed to be true as if it was so; and -this, in regard to the people, answers in all respects as well. But why -should it not be true? It is better attested by the frequent repetition, -from the original delivery to this time, than are many traditions I have -heard of amongst us Christians, which have come out spick and span new -from the repositories of the learned, of twelve or fifteen hundred years -old, little the worse for lying by; though they are not pretended to -have seen light all that time, and are undoubted verities the moment -they receive the grand sanction. Then if any means but fraud or force -can gain so large a territory to the truth, and I am the only person -can introduce it, shall not I endeavour it? Yes, surely; but I am not -excluded all advantages neither, for all the works of Providence are -brought to pass by appointed means: and indeed, were it otherwise, what -could we call Providence? For a peremptory fiat, and it is over, may -work a miracle, it is true, but will not exhibit the proceedings of -Providence. Therefore let me consider, in a prudential way, how to -proceed to the execution of what I am to set about--and guide me, -Providence! I beseech you, to the end." - -Upon the best deliberation I could take, I came to the following -resolutions: First, to insist on the abolition of the Image-worship, and -to introduce true religion by the fittest means I could find opportunity -for. - -Secondly, as the revolters had been one people with those I would serve, -and had this prediction amongst them too, and were interested in it, -in hopes of its distant accomplishment; so if they came properly to the -knowledge that the person predicted of had appeared, and was ready for -execution of his purposes, it must stagger their fidelity to their new -master; and, therefore, I would find means to let them know it. - -Thirdly, that I would not march till I was in condition not easily to -be repulsed, for that would break both the hopes and hearts of my party, -and destroy my religious scheme, and, therefore, I would get some of my -cannon. - -Fourthly, that I would go to the war in my flying-chair, and train up a -guard for my person with pistols and cutlasses. - -These resolutions I kept to myself till the moucheratt was over, to see -first how matters would turn out there. - -Whilst I waited for the approaching moucheratt, my son Tommy, and -daughter Hallycarnie, paid their duties to me. It is strange how soon -young minds are tainted by bad company. I found them both very glad to -see me, for everybody, they said, told them I was to be their deliverer. -They had both got the prophecy by heart, and mentioned the Image with -all the affection of natural subjects. The moment Tommy spoke of it to -me, "Hold," says I, "young man. What's become of those good principles -I took so much pains to ground you in? Has all my concern for your -salvation been thrown away upon you? Are you become a reprobate? What! -an apostate from the faith you inherited by birthright? Is the God I -have so often declared to you a wooden one? Answer me, or never see my -face more." - -The child was extremely confounded to see me look so severe, and hear me -speak so harsh to him. "Indeed, father," says he, "I did not willingly -offend, or design to show any particular regard to the Image, for, -thanks to you, I have none; but what I said was only the common -discourse in everybody's mouth; I meant neither good nor harm by it." - -"Tommy," says I, "it is a great fault to run into an error, though -in company of multitudes; and where a person's principle is sound at -bottom, and founded upon reason, no numbers ought to shake it. You are -young, therefore hearken to me; and you, Hallycarnie, whatever you shall -see done by the people of this country, in the worship of this idol, -don't you imitate it, don't you join in it. Keep the sound lessons I -have preached to you in mind; and upon every attempt of the ragans, or -any other, to draw you aside to their worship, or even to speak or act -the least thing in praise of this idol, think of me and my words, pay -your adoration to the Supreme Father of spirits only, and to no wooden, -stone, or earthen deity whatsoever." - -The children wept very heartily, and both promised me to remember and to -do as I had taught them. - -Being now in my oval chamber, and alone with my children, I had a -mind to be informed of some things I was almost ashamed to ask Quilly. -"Tommy," says I, "what sort of fire do they keep in these globes? and -what are they made of?"--"Daddy," says he, "yonder is the man shifting -them, you may go and see." Being very curious to see how he did it, I -went to him. As I came near him, he seemed to have something all fire -on his arm. "What has the man got there?" says I. "Only sweecoes," says -Tommy. By this time I came up to him; "Friend," says I, "what are you -about?"--"Shifting the sweecoes, sir," says he, "to feed them."--"What -oil do you feed with?" says I.--"Oil!" says he, "they won't eat oil; -that would kill them all."--"Why," says I, "my lamp is fed with oil." - -Tommy could scarce forbear laughing himself; but for fear the servant -should do so too, pulled me by the sleeve, and desired me to say no -more. So turning away with him, "Daddy," says he, "it is not oil that -gives this light, but sweecoes, a living creature. He has got his basket -full, and is taking the old ones out to feed them, and putting new ones -in. They shift them every half day and feed them."--"What!" says I, "are -all these infinite number of globes I see living creatures?"--"No," -says he, "the globes are only the transparent shell of a bott, like our -calibashes. The light comes from the sweecoe within."--"Has that man," -says I, "got any of them?"--"Yes," says he, "you may see them. The king -and the colambs, and indeed every man of note, has a place to breed -and feed them in."--"Pray, let us go see them," says I, "for that is a -curiosity indeed." - -Tommy desired the man to show me the swee-coes; so he set down his -basket, which was a very beautiful resemblance of a common higler's -basket, with a handle in the middle, and a division under it, with flaps -on each side to lift up and down. It was made of straw-coloured small -twigs, neatly compacted, but so light as scarce to be of any weight. -Opening one of the lids, I could make very little distinction of -substances, the bottom seeming all over of a white colour. I looking -surprised at the light, the man took out one, and would have put it into -my hand, but perceiving me shy of it, he assured me it was one of the -most innocent things in the world. I then took it, and surveying it, it -felt to my touch as smooth and cold as a piece of ice. It was about as -long as a large lobworm, but much thicker. The man seeing me admire the -brightness of its colour, told me it had done its duty, and was going to -be fed, but those which were going upon duty were much clearer; and -then opening the other lid, those appeared far exceeding the others in -brightness, and thickness too. I asked what he fed them with. He said, -"Leaves and fruit; but grass, when he could get it, which was not often, -they were very fond of." - -Having dismissed my children, I sent for Nasgig, to gain some -intelligences I wanted to be informed of. The moment I saw him it came -into my mind to inquire after my new filgays. He said the king granted -my request at the first word. I told him then he had saved his honour -with me, and I was obliged to him. "But," says I, "you told me my -bearers should be free too."--"They are so," says he.--"Then there is -one thing I want," says I, "and that is to see the second bearer on my -right hand, who came through without shifting. I have a fancy for that -fellow," says I, "to be about my person. I like him; and if you can give -him a good word, I should be glad to treat with him about it." - -"My friend Peter," says he, "you are a man of penetration, though it ill -becomes me to say so in regard of persons; but I can say that for him, -if he likes you as well as you seem to like him, he is the trustiest -fellow in the world; but as he knows his own worth, he would not be so -to everybody, I can tell you that."--"I don't fear his disliking me," -says I, "for I make it my maxim to do as I would be done by; and if he -is a man of honour, as you seem to say, he would do the same, and we -shall be soon agreed."--"But," says Nasgig, "it being now the fourth day -since he was freed, he may be gone home perhaps, for he is not of our -country, but of Mount Alkoe. If Quilly can find him, he will come." So -he ordered Quilly to send for Maleck of Mount Alkoe, with orders to come -to me. - -We descended from one discourse to another, and at length to King -Georigetti's affairs, when Nas-gig, giving a sigh, "Ah, Peter!" says he, -"we shall loiter away our time here till the enemy are upon our -backs. There is venom in the grass; I wish my good master is not -betrayed."--"By whom?" says I.--"By those he little suspects," says -he.--"Why," says I, "they tell me you are much in his favour; if so, why -do you suffer it?"--"I believe," says Nasgig, "I am in his favour, and -may continue in it, if I will join in measures to ruin him, but else -I shall soon be out of it."--"You tell me riddles," says I.--"These -things," says he, "a man talks with his head in his teeth. There is -danger in them, Peter; there is danger!"--"You don't suspect me," says -I, "do you?"--"No," says he, "I know your soul too well; but there are -three persons in these dominions who will never let my master rest till -out of his throne, or in hoximo. I am but lately in favour, but have -made as many observations, perhaps, as those who have been longer about -the king." - -"Nasgig," says I, "your concern proceeds from an honest heart. Don't -stifle what you have to say; if I can counsel you with safety, I'll do -it; if not, I'll tell you so." - -"Peter," says he, "Georigetti was the only son of a well-beloved father, -and ascended his throne ten years ago on his decease: but Harlokin, the -prince of the revolters, whose head is never idle, finding that whispers -and base stories spread about did not hurt Georigetti, or withdraw his -subjects' affections, has tried a means to make him undo himself."--"As -how?" says I.--"Why," said he, "by closely playing his game he has got -one of his relations into the king's service, than whom he could never -have chosen a fitter instrument. He, by degrees, feeding the king's -humour, and promising mountains, has pushed into the best places into -the kingdom. His name is Barbarsa, a most insolent man, who has had the -assurance to corrupt the king's mistress, and has prevailed and -brought her over to his interest."--"Oh perfidy!" says I, "is it -possible?"--"Yes," says he; "and more than that, has drawn in, till -now, an honest man called Nicor; and it has been agreed between them to -protract this war, till by their stratagems in procuring the revolt -of Gauingrunt, a very large and populous province, and now the barrier -between us and the rebels, and two or three more places, they shall -have persuaded Georigetti to fly; and then Barbarsa is to be king, and -Yaccom-bourse his queen. A union is then to be struck between him -and Harlokin, and peace made, by restoring some of the surrendered -provinces; and upon the death of the first of them, or their issue, -childless, the survivor, or his issue, is to take the whole. They laugh -at your uniting the dominions, and the old prediction." - -"These," said I, "Nasgig, are serious things, and, as you say, are not -lightly to be talked of; but, Nasgig, know this, he that conceals them -is a traitor. Can you prove this?"--"I have heard them say so," says -Nasgig.--"How!" says I, "and not discover it!"--"I am as anxious for -that as you can be," says he; "but for me to be cashiered, slit, and -sent to Crashdoorpt, only for meaning well, without power to perfect my -good intentions, where will be the benefit to my master or me?"--"When -and where did you hear this?" says I.--"Several and several times," says -he, "in my own bed."--"In your own bed?" says I.--"I'll tell you," says -he; "it so happens that when I rest at the palace, as I am bound to do -when on duty, there is a particular bed for me: now, as the whole palace -is cut out of one solid rock, though Yaccom-bourse's apartment at the -entrance is at a prodigious distance from the entrance to mine, yet my -bed, and one in an inner apartment of hers, stand close together; the -partition, indeed, is stone, but either from the thinness of it, or some -flaw in it, I have not yet discovered, I can plainly hear every word -that is spoken. And there it is, in their hours of dalliance, when they -use this bed, that I hear what I have now told you."--"Say nothing of -it," says I, "but leave the issue to me." - -By this time the messenger returned with Maleck, and he and I soon -agreeing, I took him into my service. - -I went to bed as usual, but could get no rest, Nasgig's story engrossing -my whole attention; I was resolved, however, to be better informed -before I acquainted the king of it; but rising pretty early next -morning, the king came into my chamber, leaning upon Barbarsa, to -tell me that he had received an express that Gauingrunt had revolted. -"Peter," says he, "behold a distressed monarch; nay, an undone -monarch!"--"Great sir," says Barbarsa, "you afflict yourself too much; -here is Mr. Peter come to assist you, and he will settle all your -concerns, never fear." I eyed the man, and (though prejudice may hang an -honest person) found him a villain in his heart; for even while he was -forcing a feeling tone of affliction, he was staring at my laced hat and -feather that lay on the seat, by which I was sure nothing could be at -a greater distance than his heart and tongue. His sham concern put me -within a moment of seizing him in the king's presence; but his majesty, -at that instant speaking, diverted me. - -Before the king left me, I told him, having certain propositions to make -to the moucheratt next day, it was possible they might require time to -consider them; wherefore it would be proper, at this critical time, to -let them meet every other day, business or none, till this affair was -over. The king ordered Barbarsa to see it was so, and then we parted. - -[Illustration: 0158] - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -_Hold a moucheratt--Speeches of ragans and colambs--Peter settles -religion--Informs the king of a plot--Sends Nasgig to the ship for -cannon_. - - -ATTENDING at the moucheratt to-day, I happened to be seated within two -paces of the idol. There was the most numerous assembly that had ever -been seen; and when all was quiet, the king opened with signifying the -revolt of Gauingrunt, the approach of the enemy, and no forces in the -field to stop them. This he set forth in terms so moving, that the whole -assembly were melted into sighs; till one of the colambs rising up, -says he: "His majesty has set forth the state of his affairs in such -a manner, and I am satisfied a true one, that it becomes us all to be -vigilant. We all seem to have, and I believe have, great faith in -the remedy this day to be proposed to us, in answer to our ancient -prediction; and as I doubt not but glumm Peter is the man, so I doubt -not but through his management we shall still receive help; but let -us consider if we might not have prevented these pressing evils, and -especially this last, by speedier preparations against them. What -province, or member of a State, will not revolt to a numerous host just -ready to devour them, if they can receive no assistance from their head? -for, to my certain knowledge, his majesty had ordered this almost a year -ago, and not a man gone yet. Can we expect Peter to go singly to fight -an army? Did your prediction say he should go alone? No, he shall slay; -that is, he and his army; what is done by them being always attributed -to their general. Inquire, therefore, into your past conduct, send -Peter, your general, and trust to the Great Image." - -His majesty then said, if there had been any remissness in executing his -commands, he believed it was done with a view to his service; but a more -proper opportunity might be found for an inquiry of that nature. As for -the present moucheratt, it was called solely to propose to Peter the -execution of the remaining part of the prediction; or, at least, such -part of it as seems now, or never, to wait its accomplishment. - -Here arose a ragan, and told the assembly, in the name of himself and -brethren, that the prediction had never yet been applicable to any one -person till glumm Peter arrived; and that his sagacity of itself was a -sufficient recommendation of him to the guidance of the enterprise; and -requested that glumm Peter might forthwith be declared protector of the -army, and set forward with it, that the State might receive safety, and -the Great Image its proper honour. - -I could now hold out no longer; but, standing up, made my speech in -the following manner, or very near it: "Mighty king--you, reverend -ragans--and honourable colambs--with the good people of this august -assembly--I am come hither, led by the force of your own prediction, at -the request of his majesty and the states, at the peril of my life, to -accomplish things said to be predicted of me, glumm Peter. If, then, -you have a prediction, if, then, your prediction describes me, and the -circumstances of these times, it consisting of several parts, they ought -seriously to be weighed, that I may know when and where I am to begin my -operation, and when and where to leave off; for in predictions the whole -is to be accomplished as much as any member of it. - -"It is said I shall destroy the traitor of the ancient limits of your -monarchy. Are you willing, therefore, that should be done? yea, or nay?" -Then every one answered, "Yea."--"And by common consent establish -what the old ragan would have taught you?" Here the king rose up; but -Barbarsa giving him a touch (for every one waited to be guided by the -voice of the ragans), he sat down again; and no one answering Yea, west; -"I am ready to enter upon it and settle the question." - -I again put the same question, and told them, as it was their own -concern, I would have an answer before I proceeded. One of the ragans -then rose, and said that part of the prediction was too loose to be -relied on, for it was to settle what he would have taught: "Now, who -knows," says he, "what he would have taught?" The assembly paused a -considerable time, and just as I was opening my mouth to speak, an -ancient and venerable ragan rose: says he, "I am sorry, at my years, -to find that truth wants an advocate; my age and infirmities might well -have excused me from speaking in this assembly, so many of my brethren -being present, younger and better qualified for that purpose than -myself; but as we are upon a sacred thing, and lest, as I find none of -them care to declare the truth, I should also be thought to consent -to its suppression if I sat silent and suffered it to be hid under a -quibble, I must beg to be heard a few words. My brother, who spoke last, -says the words are too loose which say, 'and by common consent establish -what I would have taught;' but I beg leave to think it far otherwise, -for we all know what he would have taught, and the memory of that hath -been as exactly kept as the prediction; for how could our ancestors have -opposed his doctrine, but from hearing and disapproving it? And we all -know, not only the prediction, but the doctrine, hath been punctually -handed down to us; though, woe be to us! we have not proclaimed it as -we have done the prediction; and let me tell you, when you, my brethren, -severally come to my years, and have but a single step farther to -hoximo, you will wish you had taught it, as I do, who believe and -approve it." The poor old man, having spoke as long as his breath and -spirits would permit him, sat down, and I again resumed the question, -as I now thought, on a much better foundation than before, and was -immediately told by another ragan that there would be no end to the -assembly if we considered every point at once, for we might next go upon -what countries we should conquer, and of whom to demand tribute; which -would be debating about the fruit before the seed was sown. But his -opinion was, to go on and quell the rebellion, and restore the monarchy, -and then go upon the other points. - -I told them, if they had made so light of the prediction as not to -declare publicly, since they knew it, what the ragan would have taught, -it ill became me to be more zealous in their own concerns than they were -themselves; and I should imagine there was very little truth in any -part of it, and would never hazard my life for their sakes who would not -speak the truth to save the kingdom, and desired leave of the states for -my departure; for I was not a person, I told them, to be cajoled into -anything. I undertook it at first voluntarily; and no man could, or -should, compel me to it: my life they might take, but my honour they -should never stain, though I was assured I could easily, with their -concurrence, complete all that related to them. - -The senior colamb immediately rising, desired me to have a little -patience, and not to leave the assembly (for I was going out) till I had -heard him. - -"Here is," says he, "this day a thing started, which, I think, every -whit as much concerns us all, and the body, and every member of the -people to know, as it does Peter; and I am surprised, unless the present -ragans believe what their predecessor would have taught to be better -than what they now teach (for nothing else can make us consent to it), -that they should scruple to let us know it, and keep us ignorant, who -are worshippers as well as themselves, of any matter which so nearly -concerns us to know. I am for obliging the ragans to declare the truth. -If this be a true prediction, all the relatives to it are true, and I -insist that we hear it." - -This speech emboldened several others; and all the populace siding with -the colambs out of curiosity, cried out to know it. - -Perceiving the ragans still hush, I rose; and beckoning the populace to -silence, "Mighty king--you, honourable colambs--and you, good people," -says I--"for it is to you I now speak, hear me with attention. You -think, perhaps, that the suppression of the truth by your ragans -(charged to their teeth by the most reverend of their whole body, whose -infirmities rendering him unable, though his will is good, to declare -this secret to you) will prevent the knowledge of that truth your old -ragan would have taught, but you are mistaken; and that you may know I -don't come here at a venture to try if I can relieve you, but with an -assurance of doing it if you consent, I must let you know from me -what the ragan would have taught. The ragan would have demolished this -trumpery piece of dirt, this grimalkin, set out with horrid face and -colour to fright children; this," I say, "he would have demolished, -being assured it could neither do good nor hurt, give joy or grief -to any man, or serve any other purpose whatsoever, but to procure a -maintenance to a set of men who know much better than they dare to tell -you. Can any of you believe this stupid piece of earth hears me?" Some -of the ragans cried, "Yes!"--"And that he can revenge any affront I -shall give him?" Again, "Yes, to be sure!"--"Let him then, if he dare," -says I, whipping out my cutlass, and with the backside of it striking -his head off. "This," says I, "O glumms, is what the ragan knew, and -what I defy them to deny. Now," says I, "I will further show you to whom -the old ragan would have taught you to make your petitions and pay your -adorations; and that is to the Supreme Being, Maker of heaven and -earth, of us and all things; who provides for us meat and drink, and -all things, by causing the earth, which He has made, to produce things -necessary for our use; that Being, whom you have heard of by the name -of Collwar, and are taught at present to be afraid to speak to. And -I appeal to your own hearts if many of you have ever thought of him. -Again," says I, "let anything in the shape of man, that gives himself -leave to consider at all, only tell me if what he can make, and does -make, with his own hands, hath not more occasion to depend on him as its -maker than he on that? Why, then, should not we depend upon and pray to -our Maker? - -"You very greatly mistake me, O glumms," says I, "if you imagine I would -have all those reverend men turned out of employment as useless. No, I -find they know too much of what is valuable; and therefore those who are -willing to continue in the service of the mouch, and faithfully to teach -you the old ragan's doctrine, and such farther lights of the great Being -as they shall hereafter receive, let them continue your ragans still, -and let others be chosen and trained up in that doctrine." - -Here the poor old man got up again with much difficulty. "Mr. Peter," -says he, "you are the-man predicted of; you have declared the old -ragan's mind, and all my brethren know it." - -Finding I had the populace on my side (for I did not doubt the king and -the colambs), I put the question to the ragans: "Reverend ragans," says -I, "you see your prediction this day about to be fulfilled; for if it -is a true one, no force of man can withstand it. You see your Image -disgraced; you see, and I appeal to you all for the truth of it, that -what the ragan would have taught has, without your assistance, been -disclosed. I therefore would have you the first to break the bondage of -idolatry and turn to the true Collwar, as it will be so much glory to -you. Will you, and which of you, from henceforth serve Collwar, and no -longer worship an idol? Such of you as will do so, let them continue -in the mouch: if none of you will, it shall be my business to qualify a -sufficient number of true ragans to form a succession for that purpose. -The issue of this great affair depends upon your answers." They waited -some time for a spokesman to begin, and so soon as he was able to get -up, the poor old ragan said, "I will continue in it, and do all the good -I can: and blessed be the day this prediction is fulfilled to succeeding -generations! I have lived long enough to have seen this." Then the -rest of the ragans, one by one, followed his example. And thus, with -prodigious acclamations, both the ragans and people ended the great -affair of religion. - -I now more and more believed the truth of the prediction, and told them -I should have occasion for seven hundred men before I set out against -the rebels; and desired that they might be commanded by Nasgig. This was -readily granted. I then told them, as I purposed to act nothing without -their concurrence, I desired the colambs would remain in the city till I -set out, that they might be readily called together. - -I then desired I might be quite private from company till I departed. - -I took Nasgig home with me; and when we came there, "My dear friend," -says he, "what have you done to-day! You have crushed a power hitherto -immovable; and I shall never more think anything too difficult for you -to attempt."--"Nasgig," says I, "I am glad it is over. And now," says -I, "you must enter on a new employ: but first, can you provide me -fifty honest, faithful glumms for a particular expedition? they must -be sensible, close, and temporising." He said he would, and come to me -again. - -I then desired a private audience with the king; who, on seeing me, -began upon my success at the moucheratt. I told his majesty, if I alone, -and a stranger, could gain such influence there, I might have had much -more if he had joined me, especially as he had told me he gave no credit -to the Image; and that I expected he would have appeared on my side. -"Ah, Peter!" says he, "monarchs neither see, hear, nor perceive with -their own eyes, ears, or understandings. I would willingly have done it; -but Barbarsa prevented me, by assuring me it would be my ruin; and as he -is my bosom friend, what reproaches must I have suffered if it had gone -amiss! Nay, I will tell you that he and Nicor are of opinion that your -coming hither, which is looked upon by us all as such a blessing, will -one day undo me; 'for,' say they, 'though he may perform what you expect -from him, it is not to be supposed he should suffer it to redound to -you.' 'No,' say they, 'if he can do these great things, he can soon set -you aside.' Thus, though I have no doubt of you, is my spirit wasting -within me through perpetual fears and jealousies; and I cannot get these -men, who, knowing all my secrets, are feared by me, into my own way of -thinking." - -"Mighty sir," says I, "don't think I came hither to possess, but redress -a kingdom. I lived far more to my ease in my grotto than I can in this -palace; but I now desire you," drawing my sword and putting it into his -hand, "to pierce this heart's blood and make yourself easy in my death, -rather than, suffering me to survive, live in distrust of me. No, great -king," says I, "it is not that I would injure you; but though I have -been so short a time in your dominions, I find there are those who -would, and will too, unless you exert the monarch, and shake off those -harpies which, lying always at your ear, are ever buzzing disquiet and -mischief to you."--"Peter," says he, "what do you mean? sure I have no -more traitors in my State!"--"Your majesty has," says I.--"How can you -prove it?" says he. "But pray inform me who they are?"--"I came not -hither, great king," says I, "to turn informer, but reformer; and so far -as that is necessary in order to this, I will give you satisfaction. -I only desire you will wholly guide yourself by my direction for three -days, and you shall be able to help yourself to all the information you -can require without ray telling you. In the meantime, appear no more -thoughtful than usual, or in any other way alter your accustomed -habits.". - -Nasgig having sent me the fifty men, I asked them if they were to be -trusted, and if they could carefully and artfully execute a commission -I had to charge them with. They assuring me they would, I told them I -would let them into my design, which would be the best instructions I -could give them, and left the management alone to them. - -My confidence in them made them twice as diligent as all the particular -directions in the world would have done; so I only told them I had a -mind the revolted towns and also the enemy's army should know that the -person so long ago predicted of was now at Brandleguarp, and had, as -the first step towards reducing them and killing the traitor Harlokin, -already altered their religion to the old ragan's plan; and that they -had now nothing to expect but destruction to themselves as soon as I -appeared against them with my unknown fire and smoke, which I always -had with me; and that the thing was looked upon to be as good as done -already at Brandleguarp; and then to slip away again unperceived. They -all promised me exact performance, and went off. - -Nasgig then coming in, I told him he was now under my command, and must -take six hundred glumms with him to Graundevolet; tell Youwarkee to show -him my ship, and then he must bring me the things I had described to her -by the name of cannon. He must bring them by ropes, as I was brought; -and bring powder, which she would direct him to, and the heavy balls -which lay in the room with the powder. I told him if he thought he -should not have men enough he must take more; and must be as expeditious -as was consistent with safety. I desired him to tell Youwarkee I hoped -in a short time to send for her and all the family over to me. "And now, -Nasgig," says I, "my orders are finished; but," says I, "the king! I -must assist that good man. I therefore want to know the particular times -Barbarsa and Yaccombourse usually meet."--"That," says he, "is every -night when she is not with the king; for he is excessively fond of her, -and seldom lies without her; but whenever he does, Barbarsa is admitted -to her."--"And how can I know," says I, "when she will or will not lie -with the king?" - -"When she is to lie with him," says he, "the king never sups without -her."--"-Now," says I, "you must show me your lodging, that I may find -it in your absence; and give orders to the guard to let me, and whoever -comes with me, enter at any time." He then took me to his chamber; but I -passed through so many rooms, galleries, and passages, that I was sure -I should never find it again, so I asked him if Maleck knew the way? -and he assuring me he did, I took my leave of him, and he set out for -Graundevolet. - -[Illustration: 5171] - -[Illustration: 0172] - - - -CHAPTER XV. - -_The king hears Barbarsa and Yaccombourse discourse on the plot--They -are impeached by Peter at a moucherait--Condemned and executed--Nicor -submits, and is released._ - - -I HAD now several important irons in the fire, and all to be struck -whilst hot; there was the securing religion, sowing sedition amongst the -enemy, tripping up the heels of two ministers and a she-favourite, and -transporting artillery in the air some hundred leagues; either of which -failing might have been of exceeding bad consequence; but as the affair -of the ministers now lay next at hand, I entered upon that in the -following manner. - -The king coming to me the next day, as by appointment, and having -assured me he had hinted nothing to any one, no, not to Barbarsa or -Yaccom-bourse, told me that Barbarsa had given orders for stopping -Nasgig and his men; and had persuaded him not to be in such haste in -suffering me to do as I pleased, but to show his authority and keep me -under. Says I, "Your majesty's safety is so near my heart, that even -want of confidence in me shall not make me decline my endeavours to -serve you. But have you suffered him to stop Nasgig?"--"No," says he, -"Nasgig was gone some time before he sent."--"Oh, sir!" says I, "you do -not half know the worth of that man! but you shall hereafter, and will -reward him accordingly. But now, sir," says I, "to what we meet upon; -if you will, as I told you, but comply with me for three days, without -asking questions, I will show you the greatest traitors in your -dominions, and put them into your power too." He promised me again he -would. "Then, sir," says I, "you must not send to Yaccombourse to sup -with you to-night."--"Nor lie with me?"--"No," says I.--"Pray, what -hurt can arise to my affairs from her?" says he.--"Sir," says I, "you -promised me to ask no questions."--"Agreed, agreed!" says he.--"Then," -says I, "please to meet me at Nasgig's lodgings without being perceived, -if you can; at least without notice taken."--"Good," says he.--"And when -you are there, see or hear what you will, you must not say a word till -you are retired again." All which the king engaging to perform, we -parted till evening. - -I called Maleck, and asked if he knew the way to Nasgig's lodging. He -told me, very well: and, the time being come, he conducted me thither, -where I had not waited long before the king came, most of the court -being in bed. I desired the king to stay in the outer room till I went -into the bedchamber two or three times, and I thought we must have put -it off till another night: but listening once again, I found they were -come, so I called the king, and led him to the place, entreating him, -whatever he heard, to keep his patience or he would ruin all. We first -heard much amorous discourse between Barbarsa and Yaccombourse, and then -the ensuing dialogue. - -_Yac_. My dearest Barbarsa, what was all that uproar at the moucheratt -the other day? - -_Bar_. Nothing, my love, but that mad fellow Peter, who sets up for a -conjuror, and wants us all to dance to his pipe. - -_Yac_. I heard he overcame the ragans at an argument about the Image. - -_Bar_. Why, I don't know how that was, but it was the doating old ragan -did their business; and truly the king's fingers itched to be on -Peter's side, but I gave him a judicious nod, and you know he durst not -displease so dear a friend as I am; ha, ha, ha! Am not I a sad fellow, -my love, to talk so of my king? - -_Yac_. He that wants but one step to a throne, is almost a king's fellow - -_Bar_. And that but a short one too, my dear Yaccee; but I must get rid -of that Nasgig, though I think I have almost spoiled him with the king, -too. I don't love your thinking rascals: that fellow thinks more than I -do, Yaccee. - -_Yac_. He'll never think to so good purpose, I believe. But how goes -cousin Harlokin on? I find Gauingrunt is gone over. - -_Bar_. And so shall Bazin, Istell, Pezele, and Ginkatt too, my dear; for -I am at work there. And then good-night, my poor King Georigetti; thou -shalt be advised to fly, and I'll keep the throne warm for thee.--I -don't see but King Barbarsa and Queen Yaccombourse sound much better -than Georigetti. Well, my dear, whenever we come to sovereignty, which -now cannot be long, if Nicor has but played his part well, for I have -not had an account of his success yet; I say, when we come into power, -never let us be above minding our own affairs, or suffer ourselves to be -led by the nose, as this poor insignificant king does. For, in short, -he may as well be a king of mats, as a king of flesh, if he will not use -his faculties, but suffer me to make a fool of him thus; and I should -be a fool indeed to neglect it, when he thinks it the greatest piece of -service I can do him. - -_Yac_. Come, come, my dear! let us enjoy ourselves like king and queen -till we come to the dignity. - - -Finding a pause, the king, who had admirably kept his temper, even -beyond imagination, stole into the outer room. "Peter," says he, -"I thank you; you have shown me myself. What fools are we kings! In -endeavouring to make others happy, how miserable do we make ourselves! -How easily are we deceived by the designing flattery of those -below us!--Ungrateful villain!--Degenerate strumpet!--I hate you -both.--Peter," says he, "give me your sword; I'll destroy them both -immediately." - -"Hold, sir," says I, "your majesty has heard sufficient to found a true -judgment upon; but kings should not be executioners, or act by passion -or revenge; but as you would punish that in others, so carefully avoid -it yourself. You who are in so exalted a station, as always to have -it in your power to punish a known crime in individuals, have not that -necessity to prompt you to a violent act that private persons have, to -whom it may be difficult to obtain justice. Therefore my advice is, that -you summon the colambs to-morrow, when Barbarsa and Nicor cannot fail -to attend; and I would also desire Yaccombourse to be there, you having -great proposals to make to the states which you shall want her to hear. -I will in the meantime prepare the servants under Quilly, and order -Maleck with another posse to attend, as by your command, to execute -your orders given by me, and I myself will impeach those bad persons in -public; and Nicor, if he will not ingenuously confess what commission -he was charged with from Barbarsa, shall be put to the torture I direct, -till he discovers it." - -The king was very well pleased with this method; so I ordered Quilly, as -from the king, to bring all my servants to the assembly, appointing him -his place, and Maleck to select me fifty stout persons and to wait to -execute my orders on a signal given. So soon as the assembly met, I told -them, since I had concerned myself in their affairs, I had made it my -business to search into the cause of their calamities; and finding some -of the traitors were now approached, not only near to, but even into the -capital city, his majesty had therefore ordered me to ask their advice, -what punishment was adequate, in their judgments, to the crime -of conspiring against him and the State, and holding treasonable -correspondence with his enemies under the show of his greatest friends. - -I stopped, and looked at Barbarsa; he turned as pale as ashes and was -rising to speak, when the senior colamb declared, if any such thing -could be made appear, the common punishment of Crash-doorpt was too -trivial; but they deserved to be dropped alive either to hoximo or Mount -Alkoe. The several colambs all declaring the same to be their judgment, -and even those to be too mild for their deserts, I then stepped up to -Barbarsa, who sat at the king's left hand, as did Yaccombourse at his -right, and telling them and Nicor they were all prisoners of state, I -delivered Barbarsa and Yaccombourse in custody to Quilly and his men, -and Nicor to Maleck and his men, ordering them into separate apartments, -with strict commands that neither should speak to the other upon pain of -the last pronounced judgment. - -Barbarsa would have spoke, and called out to the king, begging him not -to desert so faithful a servant for the insinuations of so vile a man -as Peter; but the king only told him the vile man could be made appear -presently, and he hoped he would meet his deserts. - -I then stood up and told the assembly the whole of what we heard, how -it first came to be discovered, and that the king himself had been an -ear-witness of it, which the king confirming, the whole assembly rang -with confusion, and revenge and indignation appeared in every face. - -I then proposed, as we yet knew not what that secret commission was -which Nicor was charged with, having enough against the rest, that -Nicor might be brought forth; and upon refusal to answer, be put to the -torture. - -Nicor appearing before the assembly, I told him I was commanded by the -king to ask him what commission he was charged with by Barbarsa, and -to whom. I told him the safest way for his life, his honour, and his -country, was to make a true confession at first, or I had authority to -put him to the torture; for, as for slitting and banishment, as they -were too slight to atone for this offence, he might rest satisfied his -would be of another sort, if he hesitated at delivering the thing in its -full truth. - -My prelude terrifying him, he openly confessed that his last commission -was to several towns, as from the king, and with his gripsack, to order -their submission to Harlokin, the king not being in any condition to -relieve them; and that as soon as they had submitted, Harlokin would be -let into this city, which could not stand against him. - -He also declared that it had been agreed, and the boundaries settled, -how far Barbarsa, who was to be declared king and marry Yaccombourse, -should govern, and how far Harlokin; that Barbarsa was to be styled King -of the East, and Harlokin King of the West; and that either of them, on -the other's dying childless, was to inherit the whole monarchy. - -The king declaring this to be all true, and that by my procurement -he heard it all mentioned but the last night between Barbarsa and -Yaccombourse as they were solacing themselves in bed, the whole assembly -ordered them to be brought out, carried with cords about their necks, -and precipitated into Mount Alkoe. - -I then begged they might be suffered to speak for themselves before -execution; and acquainting them severally with the evidence, I first -asked Barbarsa what he had to say against his sentence. He declared his -ambition, and the easiness of his master's temper, had instigated him -to attempt what had been charged upon him; having, as he thought, a fair -opportunity of so doing.--I then asked Yaccombourse the same question; -she answered me, her ambition had been her sole governor from a child, -and I had done my worst in preventing the progress of that; and whatever -else I could do was not worth her notice; "But to have reigned," -says she, with some emotion, "was worth the lives of millions, and -overbalanced everything!" - -I pleaded hard for Nicor, as I perceived him to be only the favourite's -favourite, and not in the scrape for his own views, more than what he -might merit from his new master; and as he had declared the truth, and -I believed I might make further use of him, I obtained that he might -be only committed to me, and that I might have liberty of pardoning or -slitting as I saw fit; and, as I expected, he afterwards proved very -useful to me and my designs, and I pardoned him. - -Before the assembly rose, a party of the natives of Mount Alkoe were -ordered to convey Yaccombourse and Barbarsa to the mountain, slip their -graundees, and drop them there; and thus ended the lives of these two -aspiring persons. - -When I came home, I called Nicor before me. "You know," says I, "Nicor, -you are obliged to me for this moment of your life; but I don't remind -you of it for any return I want to myself; but as you are sensible my -endeavours are to serve this State, I offer you life and freedom upon -condition you employ your utmost diligence to repair your past conduct, -by a free declaration of everything in your power that may be for the -benefit of the kingdom, as you know the springs by which all these bad -movements have been set at work; and I desire your opinion how best to -counteract the schemes formed, and redress the evils." - -Nicor being fully convinced of his error, and having lost his patron, -was very submissive; and declared he believed none of the provinces -would have gone over to Harlokin, unless they had thought it was the -king's order Barbarsa had acted by, which, by bearing his gripsack, they -made no doubt of. He advised to send expresses with the king's gripsack -to such places as had lately submitted, and to such as were about it, -to put a stop to them. I told him I had done that; "But not by the -gripsack," says he, "and unless they see and hear that, they will give -no credit to the message." He then gave me some particular hints in other -affairs of no mean consequence; and seeing him truly under concern, and, -to my thinking, sincere in what he said, I told him I was an absolute -enemy to confinement, and if any person of repute would engage he should -be forthcoming upon all occasions that I might have recourse to him, I -would let him have his liberty. - -Poor Nicor, as it commonly happens to great men in disgrace, finding -himself abandoned by all his friends, after trying everybody, dropping -some tears, told me next morning he was highly sensible of what a dye -his offences had been, for that not one amongst all his former friends -would even look upon him in his present circumstances, wherefore he must -submit to fate. - -Nicor having borne a good character before seduced by Barbarsa, and -knowing that an obliged enemy often becomes the sincerest friend, I -pressed him again to try his friends. He told me everybody was shy of -engaging in such an affair; and that he had rather suffer himself, than -meanly to entreat any one into an unwilling compliance.--"Come, Nicor," -says I, "will you be your own security to me? May I take your own -word?"--He said he could not expect that; for as the terror of slitting -lay over him, and in my hands too, he could not answer but he might -deceive me in case he should conceive I had a design against him; which -I myself, too, might have from a mistaken motive. - -"Why, then, Nicor," says I, "you are free; now use your own discretion. -I think you will never cause my judgment to be impeached for what I have -done; but if you do, I can't condemn myself for it, and hope I shall -have no reason to repent it." - -Nicor fell at my feet, embraced them, and was so overcome with my -generosity to him, that I could with difficulty prevail on him to rise -again; saying he was now more than ever ashamed to see my face. I told -him I had not done with him, but would use him henceforth as my -friend, and ordered him to call upon me daily, for I might have several -occasions for him; and, truly, next to Nasgig, he proved the usefullest -man in the kingdom. - -[Illustration: 5183] - -[Illustration: 0184] - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - -_Nasgig returns with the cannon--Peter informs him of the -execution--Appoints him a guard--Settles the order of his march against -Harlokin--Combat between Nasgig and the rebel general--The battle--Peter -returning with Harlokids head, is met by a Sweecoan--A public -festival--Slavery abolished._ - - -THE tenth day Nasgig arrived, whilst I happened to be in the king's -garden; and hearing the trumpet coming before, I called out to him to -give Nasgig notice where I was, and to desire him to alight there. - -After ceremonies past, and I had inquired after my wife and children, -and his answers had informed me of their healths, "Well," says Nasgig, -"my friend, am I to live or die?"--"Explain yourself," says I.--"Nay, I -only mean," says he, "have you discovered me to the king?"--"Pardon me," -says I, "dear Nasgig, I must own the truth, I have."--"Then," says he, -"I suppose his majesty has no more commands for me?"--"No," says I, -"it is not so bad as that neither."--"But, pray," says he, "what says -Barbarsa to it?"--"Oh, nothing at all!" says I; "quite quiet."--"Nor -Yaccombourse? Did you discover her baseness to the king?"--"Yes," says -I, "and the king behaved like a king upon the occasion."--"And where -are they now?" says he.--"Only in Mount Alkoe," says I.--"Mount Alkoe!" -replies he, "what do you mean by that? How can they be in Mount Alkoe? -Did they go of their own accords?"--"They fled off, I suppose, -with ropes about their necks," says I, "as your criminals go to -Crashdoorpt."--"Are they slit too?" says he.--"No," says I, "but slipt, -I'll assure you. Come, my good friend, I'll let you into the history of -it." And then I told all that had happened, and the king's satisfaction -at the judgment of the moucheratt "And now," says I, "Nasgig, you may -call yourself the favourite, I promise you, for his majesty enjoys -himself but to greet you on your return: but have a care of power; most -grow giddy with it, and the next thing to that is a fall."--"Pray," says -he, "what is become of Nicor? Is he under the same condemnation?"--"No," -says I, "Nicor is now by my means absolutely free, and no two greater -than he and I." I told him then my proceedings with him; he was glad of -it; for, he said, Nicor he believed was honest at bottom. - -By this time up came the cannon; and truly had my countrymen but the -graundee to convey their cannon at so easy an expense from place to -place, the whole world would not stand before us. They brought me five -cannon, and three swivel guns, and a larger quantity of ammunition than -I had spoken for. - -I introduced Nasgig to the king upon his return, as the person to whose -conduct the safe arrival of my cannon was owing. His majesty embracing -him, told him the service he had done him was so great in the affair -of Barbarsa, and his management of it so prudent, he should from -thenceforth take him into his peculiar confidence and esteem. - -Nasgig thanked his majesty for his acceptance of that act of his duty, -and desired to know when he pleased the operations for the campaign -should begin.--"Ask my father," says the king; "do you conduct the war, -and let him conduct you." - -Then Nasgig desired to know what number of troops would be requisite. -I asked him what number the enemy had; he said about thirty -thousand.--"Then," says I, "take you six only, besides the bearers of me -and the artillery; and pick me out fifty of the best men you have, as a -guard for my person, and send them to me." - -I showed these men my cutlasses and pistols, and showed them the use -and management of them: "And," says I, "as our enemies fight with pikes, -keep you at a distance first, and when you would assault, toss by the -pike with your hand, and closing in, have at the graundee; and this -edge" (showing them the sharpness of it) "will strip it down from -shoulder to heel; you need strike but once for it, but be sure come near -enough; or," says I, "if you find it difficult to turn aside the pike, -give it one smart stroke with this; it will cut it in two, and then the -point being gone, it will be useless." - -"These instructions," says I, "if rightly observed, will make us -conquerors." - -The next thing was to settle the order of my march, which I did in the -following manner; and, taking leave of the king, I set out. - -First, ten companies of one hundred men, including officers, with each a -gripsack, in ten double lines, fifty abreast. - -Secondly, four hundred bearers of the cannon, with two hundred to the -right, the like to the left, as relays. - -Thirdly, two hundred men with the ammunition, stores, hatchets, and -other implements. - -Fourthly, fifty body-guards, in two lines. - -Fifthly, myself, borne by eight, with twelve on the right, and as many -on the left, for relays. - -Sixthly, two thousand men in columns, on each side the cannon and me, -fifty in a line, double lines. - -Seventhly, one thousand men in the rear, fifty in a line, double lines. - -I consulted with Nasgig how Harlokin's army lay, that I might avoid the -revolted towns, rather choosing to take them in my return; for my design -was to encounter Harlokin first, and I did not doubt, if I conquered -him, but the towns would surrender of course. - -When we arrived within a small flight of his army, I caused a halt at -a proper place for my cannon, and having pitched them, which I did by -several flat stones, one on another to a proper elevation, I loaded -them, and also my small-arms, consisting of six muskets and three -brace of pistols, and placing my army, two thousand just behind me, two -thousand to my right, and the same number to my left, I gave a strict -command for none of them to stir forwards without orders, which Nasgig, -who stood just behind me, was to give. I then sent a defiance to -Harlokin by a gripsack, who sent me word he fought for a kingdom, and -would accept it; and, as I heard afterwards, he was glad I did, for -since the intelligence I had scattered in his army, they had in great -numbers deserted him, and he was afraid it would have proved general. I -then putting the end of a match into a pistol-pan with a little powder, -by flashing lighted it; and this I put under my chair, for I sat in -that, with my muskets three on each side, a pistol in my right hand, and -five more in my girdle. In this manner I waited Harlokin's coming, and -in about an hour we saw the van of his army, consisting of about five -thousand men, who flew in five layers, one over another. I had not -loaded my cannon with ball, but small-sized stones, about sixty in -each; and seeing the length of their line, I spread my cannons' mouths -somewhat wider than their breeches, and then taking my observation by -a bright star, for there was a clear dawn all round the horizon, I -observed, as I retired to my chair, how that star answered to the -elevation of my cannon; and when the foremost ranks, who, not seeing my -men stir, were approaching almost over me, to fall on them, and had come -to my pitch, I fired two pieces of my ordnance at once, and so mauled -them, that there dropped about ninety upon the first discharge, together -with their commander; the rest being in flight and so close together, -not being able to turn fast enough to fly, being stopped by those behind -them, not only hindered those behind from turning about, but clogged -up their own passage. Seeing them in such a prodigious cluster, I so -successfully fired two more pieces, that I brought down double the -number of the first shot; and then giving the word to fall on, my -cutlass-guard and the pikemen did prodigious execution. But fearing the -main body should advance before we had got in order again, I commanded -them to fall back to their former stations, and to let the remainder of -the enemy go off. - -This did me more good in the event than if I had killed twice as many; -for they not only never returned themselves, but flying some to the -right, some to the left, and passing by the two wings of their own army, -consisting of six thousand men each, they severally reported that -they were all that was left of the whole van of the army; and that the -prediction would certainly be fulfilled, for that their companions had -died by fire and smoke. This report struck such terror into each wing, -that every one shifted for himself, and never appeared more. - -The main battle, consisting of about ten thousand men, knowing nothing -of what had happened to the wings--for Harlokin had ordered the wings to -take a great compass round to enclose us--hearing we were but a handful, -advanced boldly; and as I had ordered my men not to mount too high, the -enemy sunk to their pitch. When they came near, I asked Nasgig who led -them; if it was Harlokin. He told me no, his general, but that he was -behind; and Nasgig begging me to let him try his skill with the general, -I consented, they not being yet come to the pitch of my cannon. Nasgig -immediately took the graundee, and advancing singly with one of my -cutlasses in his hand, challenged the general in single combat. He, like -a man of honour, accepting it, ordered a halt, and to it they went, each -emulous of glory, and of taking all the advantage he could, so that they -suddenly did not strike or push; but sometimes one, then the other -was uppermost, and whirling expeditiously round, met almost breast to -breast; when the general, who had not a pike, but a pikestaff headed -with a large stone, gave Nasgig such a stroke on his head that he -reeled, and sunk considerably, and I began to be in pain for him, the -general lowering after him. But Nasgig springing forward beneath him, -and rising light as air behind the general, had gained his height again -before the general could turn about to discern him, and then plunging -forward, and receiving a stroke across his left arm, at the same time -he gave the general such a blow near the outside of the shoulder as slit -the graundee almost down to his hip, and took away part of the flesh of -the left arm, upon which the general fell fluttering down in vast pain -very near me; but not before Nasgig, in his fall, descending, had taken -another severe cut at him. - -[Illustration: 0192] - -[Illustration: 0191] - -Immediately upon this defeat Nasgig again took his place behind me, our -army shouting to the skies; but no sooner had the general dropped, -but on came Harlokin, with majesty and terror mixed in his looks, and -seeming to disdain the air he rode on, waved his men to the attack -with his hand. When he came near enough to hear me, I called him vile -traitor, to oppose the army of his lawful sovereign, telling him, if he -would submit, he should be received to mercy. "Base creeping insect," -says Harlokin, "if thou hast aught to say to me worth hearing, meet me -in the air! This hand shall show thee soon who'll most want mercy; and -though I scorn to stoop to thee myself, this messenger shall satisfy the -world thou art an impostor, and send thee back lifeless to the fond -king that sent thee hither." With that he hurled a javelin pointed with -flint, sharp as a needle, at me; but I avoiding it, "This, then," says -I, "if words will not do, shall justify the truth of our prediction." -And then levelling a musket at him, I shot him through the very heart, -that he fell dead within twenty paces of me. But perceiving another -to take his room, notwithstanding the confusion my musket made amongst -them, I ran to my match, and giving fire to two more pieces of ordnance -at the same time, they fell so thick about me, that I had enough to -do to escape being crushed to death by them; and the living remainder -separating, fled quite away, and put an end to the war. I waited in the -field three days, to see if they would make head again; but they were so -far from it, that before I could return, as I found afterwards, most of -the revolting provinces had sent their deputies, who themselves carried -the first news of the defeat, to beg to be received into mercy; all of -whom were detained there till my return with Harlokin's head. - -At my return to Brandleguarp I was met by the king, the colambs, and -almost the whole body of the people; every man, woman, and child, with -two sweecoe lights in their hands, which unusual sight in the air gave -me great alarm, till I inquired of Nasgig what it meant, who told me it -must certainly be a sweecoan, or he knew not what it was. I asking -again what he meant by that, he told me it was a particular method of -rejoicing he had heard of, but never seen; wherein, if the king goes -in triumph, all the people of Brandleguarp, from fifteen to sixty, are -obliged to attend him with sweecoes. He said it was reported amongst -them that in Begsurbeck's time there were two of them, but there had -been none since. - -When we met them, I perceived they had opened into two lines or ranks -of a prodigious length; at the farther end of which was the king, with -innumerable lights about him, the whole looking like a prodigious avenue -or vista of lights, bounded at the farther end, where the king was, with -a pyramid light. This had the most solemn and magnificent effect on the -eye that anything of light could possibly have; but as we passed through -the ranks, each of the spectators having two lights, one was given to -each soldier of the whole army. And then to look backward, as well as -forward, the beauty of the scene was inexpressible. We marched all the -way amidst the shouts of people, and the sounds of the gripsacks, going -very slowly between the ranks; and at length arriving at the pyramid -where the king was, I heard abundance of sweet voices, chanting my -actions in triumphal songs; but I could take little notice of these, -or of my son with his flageolet amongst them, for the extravagant -appearance of the pyramid, which seemed to reach the very sky. For, -first, there was a long line of a full half-mile, which hovered at even -height with the two side ranks; in the centre of that, and over it, -was the king single; over him another line, shorter than the first, -and again over that, shorter and shorter lines; till, at a prodigious -height, it ended in one single light *These all hovering, kept their -stations; while the king darted a little space forward to meet me, -and congratulate my success; then turning and preceding me, the whole -pyramid turned, and marched before us, singing all the way to the city, -the pyramid changing several times into divers forms, as into squares, -half-moons, with the horns sometimes erect and again reversed, and -various other figures. And yet amongst this infinite number of globes -there was not the least glaring or offensive light, but only what was -agreeable to the people themselves. As the rear of the army entered the -lines, they closed upon it, and followed us into Brandleguarp. While we -passed the city to the palace, the whole body of people kept hovering -till the king and myself were alighted, and then every one alighted -where he best could. All the streets and avenues to the palace were -blocked up with people, crowding to receive the king's beneficence; for -he had proclaimed a feast and open housekeeping to the people for six -days. The king, the colambs, ragans, and great officers of state, with -myself, had a magnificent entertainment prepared us in Begsurbeck's -great room; and his majesty, after supper, being very impatient to know -how the battle went, I told him the only valorous exploit was performed -by my friend Nasgig, who opened the way to victory by the slaughter of -Harlokin's general. Nasgig then rose, desiring only that so much might -be attributed to him as fortune had accidentally thrown into his scale; -for it might have been equally his fate as the general's to have fallen. -"But except that skirmish," says he, "and some flying cuts at the van, -we have had no engagement at all, nor have we lost a single man; Peter -only sitting in his chair, and commanding victory. He spake aloud but -thrice, and whispered once to them, but so powerfully that, having -at the two first words laid above three hundred of the enemy at their -lengths, and brought Harlokin to his feet, with a whisper, at the third -word he concluded the war. The whole time, from the first sight of -the enemy to their total defeat, took not up more space than one might -fairly spend in traversing his majesty's garden. In short, sir," says -Nasgig, "your majesty needs no other defence against public or private -enemies, as I can see, than Peter; and my profession, whilst he is with -us, can be of little use to the State." - -After these compliments from Nasgig, and separate ones from the king and -the rest, I told them it was the highest felicity to me to be made -an instrument by the great Collwar in freeing so mighty a kingdom and -considerable a people from the misery of a tyrannical power. "You live," -says I, "so happily under the mild government of Georigetti, that it is -shocking but to think into what a distressed state you must have fallen -under the power of a usurper, who, claiming all as his own by way of -conquest, would have reduced you to a miserable servitude. But," says I, -"there is, and I am sorry to see it, still amongst you an evil that you -great ones feel not, and yet it cries for redress. Are we not all, from -the king to the meanest wretch amongst us, formed with the same members? -Do we not all breathe the same air? inhabit the same earth? Are we -not all subject to the same disorders? and do we not all feel pain and -oppression alike? Have we not all the same senses, the same faculties? -and, in short, are we not all equally creatures of, and servants to, the -same master, the great Collwar? Would not the king have been a slave but -for the accident of being begotten by one who was a king? and would -not the poorest creature amongst us have been the king had he been so -begotten? Did you great men, by any superior merit before your births, -procure a title to the high stations in which you are placed? No, you -did not. Therefore give me leave to tell you what I would have done. As -every man has equal right to the protection of Collwar, why, when you -have no enemy to distress you, will you distress one another? Consider, -you great ones, and act upon this disinterested principle; do to -another, what you, in his place, would have him do to you; dismiss your -slaves, let all men be what Collwar made them, free. But if this unequal -distinction amongst you, of man and man, is still retained, though you -are at present free from the late disaster, it shall be succeeded with -more, and heavier. And now, that you may know I would not have every -man a lord, nor every one a beggar, remember I would only have every -serving-man at liberty to choose his own master, and every master his -own man; for he that has property and benefits to bestow will never want -dependants, for the sake of those benefits to serve him, as he that has -them not must serve for the sake of obtaining them. But then let it be -done with free-will; he that then serves you will have an interest in -it, and do it, for his own sake, with a willing mind; and you, who are -served, will be tenderer and kinder to a good servant, as knowing by a -contrary usage you shall lose him. I desire this may now be declared to -be so, or your reasons, if any there are, against it." - -One of the ragans said he thought I spoke what was very just, and would -be highly acceptable to Collwar. - -Then two of the colambs rose to speak together, and after a short -compliment who should begin, they both declared they only arose to -testify their consents. - -The king referring it to me, and the colambs consenting, I ordered -freedom to be proclaimed through the city; so that every one appeared at -their usual duties, to serve their own masters for a month, and then to -be at liberty to come to a fresh agreement with them, or who else they -pleased. - -"This, sir," says I to the king, "will now be a day of joy indeed to -those poor hearts who would have been in no fear of losing before, let -who would have reigned; for can any man believe a slave cares who is -uppermost? he is but a slave still. But now," says I, "those who were -so before may by industry gain property; and then their own interest -engages them to defend the State. - -"There is but one thing more I will trouble you with now--and that," -says I to the ragans, "is, that we all meet at the mouch to-morrow, to -render Collwar thanks for the late, and implore future favour." And this -passed without any contradiction. - -When we met, the poor ragans were at a great loss for want of their -image, not knowing what to do or say; for their practice had been to -prostrate themselves on the ground, making several odd gestures; but -whether they prayed, or only seemed to do so, no one knew. - -While the people were gathering, I called to a ragan, seeing him out of -character. "Suppose," said I "(for I see you want your image), you and -your brethren had received a favour of the king, and you was deputed -by them to thank him, you would scarce be at a loss to express your -gratitude to him, and tell him how highly you all esteemed his benefits, -hoping you should retain a just sense of them, and behave yourselves as -dutiful subjects for the future, and then desire him to keep you still -in his protection. And this," says I, "as you believe in such a Being as -Collwar, who understands what you say, you may with equal courage do -to Him, keeping but your mind intent upon Him, as if you saw Him -present."--"Indeed," says he, "I believe you are right, we may so; but -it is a new thing, and you must excuse us if we do it not so well at -first." - -I found I had a very apt scholar, for after he had begun, he made a -most extraordinary prayer in regular order, the people standing very -attentive. It was not long, but he justly observed the points I hinted -to him. - -When he had done, another and another went on, till we had heard ten of -them, and in every one something new, and very _à propos;_ and several -of them afterwards confessed they never had the like satisfaction in -their lives, for they had new hearts and new thoughts, they said. - -We spent the sixth-day feast in every gaiety imaginable, and especially -of dancing, of which they were very fond in their way; but it was not so -agreeable to me as my own country way, there being too much antic in it. -New deputies daily arrived from the revolted towns, and several little -republics, not claimed by Georigetti before, begged to be taken under -his protection; so that in one week the king saw himself not only -released from the dread of being driven from his throne, but courted -by some, submitted to by others, and almost at the summit of glory a -sovereign can attain to. - -[Illustration: 5202] - -[Illustration: 0203] - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - -_A visitation of the revolted provinces proposed by Peter--His new name -of the country received--Religion settled in the west--Slavery abolished -there--Lasmeel returns with Peter--Peter teaches him letters--The king -surprised at written correspondence--Peter describes the make of a beast -to the king._ - - -THE festival being over, the colambs begged leave to depart; but the -king, who now did nothing without me, consulted with me if it was yet -proper. I told him, as things had so long been in confusion in the west, -that though the provinces had made their submission, yet the necessity -of their circumstances, and the general terror, might have caused them -only to dissemble till their affairs were composed again, and that as it -was more than probable some relations of the deceased Harlokin, or other -popular person, might engage them in another revolt, I thought it would -not be improper to advise with his colambs about the establishment of -the present tranquillity, and not by too great a security, give way to -future commotions; and as all the colambs were then present, it might be -proper to summon them once more. - -When they were met, the king declared the more particular satisfaction -he took in that meeting than he had heretofore done, when they had been -put to it for means to secure their lives and properties: "For -now," says he, "our deliberations must turn upon securing our new -acquisitions, and on settling those provinces which, till now, have -never fallen under my power. But," says he, "I shall refer it to Peter -to propose to you what at present seems most necessary for you to -consider of; and that adjusted, shall dismiss you." - -I told them that as the too sudden healing of wounds in the body -natural, before the bottom was clean and uncorrupt, made them liable to -break out again with greater malignity, so wounds in the body political, -if skinned over only, without probing and cleansing the source and -spring from whence they arose, would rankle and fret within till a -proper opportunity, and then burst forth again with redoubled violence. -I would therefore propose a visitation of the several provinces; an -inquiry into their conduct; an examination into the lives and principles -of the colambs, the inferior officers, and magistrates; and either -to retain the old, or appoint new, as there should be occasion. This -visitation I would have performed by his majesty--"and so many of you, -the honourable colambs," says I, "as he shall see fit should attend him -in royal state, that his new subjects may see his majesty, and hear his -most gracious words; and being sensible of his good disposition towards -them, may be won, by his equity and justice, to a zealous submission to -his government, which nothing but the perception of their own senses -can establish in the heart This, I don't doubt, will answer the end I -propose, and consolidate the peace and happiness of Norm--Normns--I must -say Doorpt Swangeanti." - -Hearing me hesitate at the word Normndbsgrsutt, and call it Doorpt -Swangeanti, the whole assembly rang with Doorpt Swangeanti! and, at -last, came to a resolution that the west being now again united to the -east, the whole dominions should be called Sass Doorpt Swangeanti, or -the Great Flight Land. - -They approved the visitation, and all offered to go with the king, but -insisted I should be of the party, which agreeing to do, I chose me out -two of the most knowing ragans to teach the new religion amongst them, -for in every project I had my view to advance religion. - -Some were for having the deputies released, and despatched with notice -of the king's intentions; but I objecting that they might disrelish -their confinement, and possibly raise reports prejudicial to our -proceedings, it was thought better to take them with us, and go -ourselves as soon as possible. - -We set out with a prodigious retinue, first to the right, in order to -sweep round the whole country, and take all the towns in our way, and -occasionally enter the middle parts, as the towns lay commodious. - -We were met by the magistrates and chief officers of each district, at -some distance from each city, with strings about their necks, and the -crashee instrument borne before them in much humility. His majesty said -but little to them on the way, but ordered them to precede him to the -city, and conduct him to the colamb's house; when he was commanded to -surrender his employment to his majesty, as did all the other officers -who held posts under him. Then an examination was taken of their lives, -characters, and behaviour in their stations; and finding most of them -had behaved well to the government they had lived under (for their -plea was, they had found things under a usurpation, and being so, that -government was natural to them, having singly no power to alter it); -upon their perfect submission to the king, and solemn engagement to -advance and maintain his right, they received their commissions anew -from his majesty's own mouth. But where any one had been cruel or -oppressive to the subjects, or committed any notorious crime, or breach -of trust (for the meanest persons had liberty to complain), he was -rejected, and for the most part sent to Crashdoorpt, to prevent the ill -effects of his disgrace. - -We having displaced but five colambs and a few inferior officers, the -moderation and justice of our proceedings gave the utmost satisfaction -both to the magistrates and people. - -Having observed at Brandleguarp abundance of the small images my -wife had spoken of, and thinking this a proper opportunity to show my -resentment against them, I ordered several of the ragans of the west -before me, and asked what small images they had amongst them. One, who -spoke for the rest, told me, very few, he believed; for he had scarce -had any brought to him to be blessed. "Where," says I, "is your Great -Image?" He told me, "At Youk."--"And have not the people here many small -ones?"--"Very few," says he; "for they have not been forced upon -us long."--"How forced upon you!" says I; "don't the people worship -them?"--"A small number now do," says he.--"Pray speak out," says I. -"When might you not worship them?"--"Never, that I know of," says he, -"in our state, till about ten years ago, when Harlokin obliged us to -it."--"What! did you worship them before?" says I.--"No," says he, -"never since it has been a separate kingdom; for we would follow the old -ragan's advice of worshipping Collwar, which they not admitting of, the -State was divided between us who would and them who would not come -into the ragan's doctrine: and though Harlokin was a zealous -image-worshipper, yet all he could do would not bring the people -heartily into it, for Collwar never wanted a greater majority." This -pleased me prodigiously, being what was never hinted to me before; and I -resolved not to let my scheme be a loser by it. - -As we were to visit Youk in about eight days, I summoned the ragans and -people to meet at the mouch; there recounting the great things done by -Collwar in all nations. "This I could make appear," says I, "by many -examples; but as you have one even at your own towns, I need go no -farther. - -"I must begin in ancient times, when, I presume, you all worshipped -an idol; have you any tradition before this?"--They said, "No."--"This -image," says I, "was worshipped in Begsurbeck's days, when an old ragan, -whose mind Collwar had enlightened with the truth, would have withdrawn -your reverence from the image to the original Collwar himself; you would -not consent: he threatens you, but promises success to Begsurbeck, who -did consent; and he had it to an old age. Then those who would also -consent, were so far encouraged as to be able to form an independent -kingdom. Could nobody yet see the cause? was it not apparent Collwar was -angry with the east, that would not follow the old ragan, and cherished -the west, who would? - -"But, to be short, let us apply the present instance, and sure it will -convince us who is right, who wrong. - -"So long as the west followed Collwar, they flourished, and the east -declined; but no sooner had the west degenerated under the command of -Harlokin, and the east by my means had embraced Collwar, but the tables -were turned: the east is found weighty, and the west kicks the beam. -These things whoso sees not, is blind indeed: therefore let publication -be made for the destruction of all small images, and let the harbourers -of them, contrary to this order, be slit; and for myself, I will destroy -this mother-monster. Take you, holy ragans, care to destroy the brood." -And having said this, I hacked the new idol to pieces. - -I ordered proclamation for abolishing slavery, under the restrictions -used at Brandleguarp: and thus having composed the west, and given a -general satisfaction, we returned, almost the whole west accompanying -us, till the east received us; and never was so happy a union, or more -present to testify it, since the creation, I believe. - -I ordered several of the principal men's sons to court, in order for -employments, and to furnish our future colambs; and this I did, as -knowing each country would rather approve of a member of their own -body for their head than a stranger; and, in my opinion, it is the most -natural union. And then breeding them under the eye of the king eight or -ten years, or more, they are, as it were, naturalised to him too, and in -better capacity to serve both king and country. - -As my head was constantly at work for the good of this people, I -turned the most trifling incidents into some use or other; and made -the narrowest prospects extend to the vastest distances. I shall here -instance in one only. There was at Youk a private man's son, whom by -mere accident I happened to ask some slight question of; and he giving -me, with a profound respect and graceful assurance, a most pertinent -answer; that, and the manner of its delivery, gave me a pleasure, which -upon farther discourse with him, was, contrary to custom, very much -increased; for I found in him an extensive genius, and a desire for my -conversation. I desired his father to put him under my care, which the -old man, as I was then in so great repute, readily agreed to; and his -son desiring nothing more, I took him with me to Brandleguarp. I soon -procured him a pretty post but of small duty, for I had purposed other -employment for him, but of sufficient significancy to procure him -respect. I took great delight in talking with him on different subjects, -and observed by his questions upon them, which often puzzled me, or his -answers to them, he had a most pregnant fancy and surprising solidity, -joined to a continual and unwearied application. I frequently mentioning -books, writing, and letters to him, and telling him what great things -might be attained that way, his inquisitive temper, and the schemes -he had formed thereon, put me upon thinking of several things I should -never have hit upon without him. I considered all the ways I could -contrive to teach him letters; and letting him into my design, he asked -me how I did to make a letter. I described a pen to him, and told him I -put a black liquor into it, and as I drew that along upon a flat white -thing we made use of, called paper, it would make marks which way ever I -drew it, into what shape I pleased. "Why then," says he, "anything that -will make a mark upon another thing as I please, will do."--"True," -says I, "but what shall we get that will make a black mark?"--We were -entering further into this debate; but the king sending for me, I left -him unsatisfied. I stayed late with the king that night, so did not -see Lasmeel (for that was his name) till next night, wondering what was -become of him. I asked him then where he had been all the day. He told -me he had been looking for a pen and paper. I laughed, and asked him if -he had found them.--"Yes," says he, "or something that will do as well:" -so he opened one side of his graundee, and showed me a large flat leaf, -smooth and pulpy, very long and wide, and about a quarter of an inch -thick, almost like an Indian fig-leaf.--"And what am I to do with this?" -says I.--"To mark it," says he, "and see where you mark."--"With what?" -says I.--"With this," says he, putting his hand again into his graundee, -and taking out three or four strong sharp prickles. I looked at them -both; and clapping him on the head, "Lasmeel," says I, "if you and I -were in England, you should be made a privy-councillor."--"What! won't -it do, then?" says he.--I told him we would try.--"I thought," says he, -"it would have done very well; for I marked one all about, and though I -could not see much at first, by that time I had made an end, that I did -first was quite of a different colour from the leaf, and I could see it -as plain as could be." I told him as he was of an age to comprehend what -I meant, I would take another method with him than with a child; so I -reasoned from sentences backwards to words, and from them to syllables, -and so on to letters. I then made one, the vowel A, told him its sound, -and added a consonant to it, and told him that part of the sound of each -distinct letter put together, as the two letters themselves were, made -another sound, which I called a syllable; and that joining two or more -of them together made a word, by putting the same letters together as -made the sounds of those syllables which made that word. Then setting -him a copy of letters, which with very little difficulty were to -be drawn upon the leaf, and telling him their sounds, I left him to -himself; and when he had done, though I named them but twice over, his -memory was so strong as to retain the sounds, as he called them, of -every one but F, L, and Q. - -In two months' time I made him master of anything I wrote to him; and -as he delighted in it, he wrote a great deal himself, so that we kept -an epistolary correspondence, and he would set down all the common -occurrences of the day, as what he heard and saw, with his remarks on -divers things. - -One day, as the king and I were walking in the gardens, and talking -of the customs of my country, and about our wars, telling him how our -soldiers fought on horseback, the king could not conceive what I meant -by a horse. I told him my wife had said there were neither beasts nor -fishes in the country; which I was very much surprised at, considering -how we abounded with both: "And therefore," says I, "to tell your -majesty that a horse is a creature with four legs, you must naturally -believe it to be somewhat like a man with four legs."--"Why, truly," -says he, "I believe it is; but has it the graundee?" I could not forbear -smiling, even at his majesty, and wanted to find some similitude to -compare it to, to carry the king's mind that way; for else he would -sooner, I thought, conceive it like a tree or a mountain than what -it really was; and as I was musing, it came into my head I had given -Lasmeel a small print of a horse, which I found in one of the captain's -pockets at Graundevolet, and believing it to be the stamp of a -tobacco-paper, had kept it to please the children with; so I told the -king I believed I could show him the figure of a horse. He told me it -would much oblige him. - -Seeing several of the guards waiting at the garden arch, I looked, and -at last found one of Lasmeel's leaves in the garden, and cutting one of -them up with my knife, I took the point of that, and wrote to Lasmeel -to send me by the bearer the picture of a horse I gave him, that I -might show it the king. And calling one of the guards, "Carry that to -Lasmeel," says I; "he is, I believe, in my apartment, and bring me an -answer directly." Then falling into discourse again with the king, and -presently turning at the end of the walk, I saw the same guard again. -Says I "You cannot have brought me an answer already."--"You have not -told me," says he, "what to bring you an answer to."--"Nor shall I," -says I; "do as you are bid;" for I perceived then what the fellow stuck -at. He walked off with the leaf, but very discontentedly. The king said -he wondered how I could act such a contradiction. "This, father," says -he, "is not what I expected from you; to order a man to bring an answer -without giving him a message." I desired his patience only till the man -came back. Presently says the king, "Here he comes!--Well," says he, -"what answer?"--"Sir," says the fellow, "I have only had the walk for -my pains: for he sent it back again, and a little white thing with -it."--"Ha, ha!" says the king, "I thought so.--Come, father, own you -have once been in the wrong; for I am sure you intended to give him -a message, but having forgot it, would not submit to be told of your -mistake by a guard." I looked very grave, reading what Lasmeel had -wrote; which was to tell me he had obeyed my orders by sending the -horse, for he was just then drawing it out upon a leaf. - -"Come, come," says the king, "give the man his message, father, and -let him go again."--"Sir," says I, "there is no need of that, he has -punctually obeyed me; and Lasmeel was then at the table in my oval -chamber with a leaf, and this picture in my hand, before him." - -The king was ready to sink when I said so, and showed the print. "Truly, -father," says he, "I have been to blame to question you; for though -these things are above my comprehension, I am not to think anything -beyond your skill." I made no reply to it; but showing the king the -picture, the guard sneaked off; and glad he was, I believe, he could do -so. - -I went then upon the explanation of my horse, and answering fifty -questions about him, at last he asked what his inside was: "Exactly the -same as your majesty's," said I.--"And can he eat and breathe too?" says -he.--"Just as you can," says I.--"Well," says he, "I would never have -believed there had been such a creature: what would I give for one of -them!"--I set forth the divers other uses we put them to, besides the -wars; and by the picture, with some supposed alterations, I described a -cow, a sheep, and numberless other quadrupeds; my account of which gave -him great pleasure. - -[Illustration: 0216] - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. - -_Peter sends for his family--A rising of former slaves on that -account--Takes a view of the city--Description of it, and of the -country--Hot and cold springs._ - - -HAVING now some leisure time on my hands to consider over my own -affairs, I had thoughts of transporting my family, with all my effects, -to Sass Doorpt Swangeanti, but yet had no mind to relinquish all thought -of my ship and cargo; for the greatest part of this was still remaining, -I having had but the pickings through the gulf. I once had a mind to -have gone myself; but considering the immense distance over sea, though -I had once come safe, I thought I ought not to tempt Providence, where -my presence was not absolutely necessary. - -Nasgig, to whose care and conduct any enterprise might be trusted, -offered his service to go and execute any commands I should give him. -His only difficulty, he said, was that it would be impossible for him to -remember the different names of many things, which he had no idea of, to -convey the knowledge of them to his mind when he saw them; but barring -that, he doubted not to give me satisfaction. I told him I would send -an assistant with him, who could remember whatever I once told him; and -that I might not burden his memory with names only, Lasmeel should carry -his memory with him, and that he, Nasgig, should only have the executive -part. - -Lasmeel, who had sat waiting an opportunity to put in for a share in the -adventure, having a longing desire to see the ship, told Nasgig he had -a peculiar art of memory, so as to remember whatever he would as long -as he pleased, and that if he carried that with him, they need fear no -mistakes. - -The king having granted me as many of his guards as I pleased, for the -carriage of my things, we appointed them to be ready on the fourth day; -when Nasgig and Lasmeel set out with them. - -I ordered Lasmeel, however, to be with me the next morning, that we -might set down proper instructions; which I told him would be very long, -and that he must bring a good number of leaves with him. - -When Lasmeel entered my chamber next morning, he informed me that the -whole city was in an uproar, especially those who had been freed by me. -"What!" says I, "have they so soon forgot their subjection, to misapply -their liberty already? But step and bring me word what's the matter, and -order some of the ringleaders hither to me." Lasmeel upon inquiry found -that it had been given out I was going to leave the country, and they -all said, wherever I went they were determined to go and settle with me; -for if I left them, they should be reduced to slavery again. However, he -brought some of them to me, and upon my telling them I thanked them for -their affection to me, but blamed them for showing it in so tumultuous a -manner, and that I was so far from intending to leave them, that I was -sending for my family and effects in order to settle amongst them, they -rejoiced very much, and told me they would carry the good news to their -companions, and disperse immediately. But I was now in more perplexity -than before, for they having signified my designs to the rest, they -rushed into the gallery in such numbers that they forced me up to my -very chamber. I told them this was an unprecedented manner of using a -person they pretended a kindness for; and told them if they made use of -such risings to express their gratitude to me, it would be the direct -means to oblige me to leave them: "For," says I, "do you think I can be -safe in a kingdom where greater deference is paid to me than to the -crown?" They begged my pardon, they said, and would obey me in anything; -but the present trouble was only to offer their services to fetch my -family and goods, or to do anything else I should want them for; and if -I would favour them in that, they would retire directly. I told them -when I had considered of it they should hear from me; and this again -quieted them. - -This disturbance not only took up much of my time, which I could have -better employed, but put me to a non-plus how to come off with them; -till I sent Maleck to tell them though I set a great value upon their -esteem, yet after what had passed, it would be the most unadvisable -thing in nature for me to accept their kindness; for having before -requested a body of men of the king, as he had graciously granted them, -it would be preferring them to the king, should I now relinquish his -grant and make use of their offer; and after this I heard no more of it. - -I had scarce met with a more difficult task than to fix exact rules for -the conduct of my present undertaking, there being so many things to be -expressed, wherein the least perplexity arising, might have caused both -delay and damage; for I was not only forced to set down the things I -would have brought, but the manner and method of packing and securing -them; but as Lasmeel could read my writing to Pedro at home, and -Youwarkee on board, it would be a means, though far from an expeditious -one, of bringing matters into some order; and after I had done as I -thought, I could have enumerated many more things, and was obliged to -add an _et cætera_ to the end of my catalogue; and while they were ready -for flight, I added divers other particulars and circumstances. Nay, -when they were even upon the graundee, I recollected the most material -thing of all; for my greatest concern was, having broke up so many of my -chests, to find package for the things; I say, even so late as that, I -bethought me of the several great water-casks I had on board, that would -hold an infinite number of small things, and would be slung easily; so I -stopped them and set down that, and they were no sooner out of sight and -hearing, but remembering twenty more, I was then forced to trust them to -my _et cætera_. - -I had sent my own flying-chair to bring the boys who had not the -graundee, with orders for Pedro to sit tied in the chair, with Dicky -tied in his arms; Jemmy to sit tied to the board before the chair, and -David behind: so I hoped they would come safe enough; and then my wife -and Sally were able to help themselves. - -Having despatched my caravan, and being all alone, I called Quilly the -next morning, and telling him I had thoughts of viewing the country, I -bade him prepare to go with me. - -I had now been here above six months, and yet upon coming to walk -gravely about the city, I found myself as much a stranger to the -knowledge of the place as if that had been the first day of my arrival, -though I had been over it several times in my chair. - -This city is not only one of, but actually the most curious piece -of work in the world, and consists of one immense entire stone of a -considerable height, and it may be seven miles in length, and near as -broad as it is long. The streets and habitable part of it are scooped, -as it were, out of the solid stone, to the level with the rest of the -country, very flat and smooth at bottom, the rock rising perpendicular -from the streets on each side. - -[Illustration: 8221] - -The figure of the city is a direct square; each side about six miles -long, with a large open circle in the centre of the square, about a -mile in diameter, and from each of the sides of the outer streets to the -opposite side runs another street, cutting the centre of the circle as -in the figure. - -Along the whole face of the rock, bounding the streets and the circle, -there are archways; those in the circle, and the four cross streets, for -the gentry and better people; and those in the outer streets, for the -meaner; and it is as easy to know as by a sign where a great man lives, -by the grandeur of his entrance, and lavish distribution of the pillars, -carving, and statues about his portico, within and without: for as they -have no doors, you may look in, and are not forbid entrance; and though -it should look odd to an English reader, that an Englishman should -speak with pleasure of a land of darkness, as that almost was, yet I am -satisfied whoever shall see it after me will be persuaded, that for -the real grandeur of their entrances, and for the magnificence of the -apartments and sculpture, no part of the universe can produce the like; -and though within doors there is no other manner of light than the -sweecoes, yet that, when you are once used to it, is so agreeable and -free from all noisome savour, that I never once regretted the loss of -the sun within doors, though I often have when abroad; but then that -would be injurious to the proper inhabitants, though they can no more -see in total darkness than myself. - -I have been over some of these private houses, which contain, it may -be, thirty rooms, great and small, some higher, some lower, full of -sweecoe-lights, and extremely well proportioned and beautiful. - -The king's palace, with all the apartments, stands in, and takes up, -one full fourth part of the square of the whole city; and is, indeed, of -itself a perfect city. - -There is no great man's house without one or more long galleries for -the ladies to divert themselves at divers sports in, particularly at one -like our bowls on a bowling-green, and at somewhat like nine-holes, at -which they play for wines, and drink a great deal, for none of them will -intoxicate. - -In my walk and survey of the city, one of the colambs being making a -house to reside in when at Brandleguarp, I had the curiosity to go in. -I saw there abundance of botts stand filled with a greenish liquor, and -asked Quilly what that was. He said it was what the stone-men used in -making houses. I proceeded farther in, where I saw several men at work, -and stayed a good while to observe them. Each man had a bott of this -liquor in his left hand, and stood before a large bank of stone, it may -be 30 feet high, reaching forward up to the ceiling of the place, and -ascending by steps from bottom to top; the workmen standing some on one -step, some on another, pouring on this liquor with their left hands, and -with their right holding a wooden tool, shaped like a little spade. I -observed wherever they poured on this water, a smoke arose for a little -space of time, and then the place turned white, which was scraped off -like fine powder with the spade-handle; and then pouring new liquor, he -scraped again, working all the while by sweecoe-lights. - -Having my watch in my pocket, I measured a spot of a yard long, about a -foot high, and a foot and a half on the upper flat, to see how long he -would be fetching down that piece; and he got it away in little above -two hours. By this means I came to know how they made their houses; -for I had neither seen any tool I thought proper, nor even iron itself, -except my own, since I came into the country. Upon inquiry, I found that -the scrapings of this stone, and a portion of common earth, mixed with a -water they have, will cement like plaster; and they use it in the small -ornamental work of their buildings. I then went farther into this house, -where I saw one making the figure of a glumm by the same method; but it -standing upright in the solid rock against the wall, the workman held -his liquor in an open shell, and dipping such stuff as my bed was made -of, bound up in short rolls, some larger, some less, into the liquor, -he touched the figure, and then scraped till he had reduced it into a -perfect piece. - -It is impossible to imagine how this work rids away; for in ten months' -time after I saw it, this house was completed, having a great number -of fine, large, and lofty rooms in it, exquisitely carved to all -appearance. - -My wonder ceased as to the palace, when I saw how easily this work was -done; but sure there is no other such room in the world as Begsurbeck's, -that I described above. - -The palace, as I said before, taking up one quarter of the city, opens -into four streets by four different arches; and before one of the sides, -which I call the front, is a large triangle, formed by the entrance -out of one of the cross streets, and the two ends of the front of -the palace. Along the lower front of it, all the way runs a piazza of -considerable height, supported by vast round columns, which seemed to -bear up the whole front of the rock, over which was a gallery of equal -length, with balustrades along it, supported with pillars of a yet finer -make, and over that a pediment with divers figures, and other work, to -the top of the rock, which being there quite even for its whole length, -was enclosed with balustrades between pedestals all the way, on which -stood the statues of their ancient kings, so large as to appear equal to -the life. The other two sides of the triangle were dwellings for divers -officers belonging to the palace. Under the middle arch of the piazza -was the way into the palace, through a long, spacious arched passage, -whose farther end opened into a large square; on each side of this -passage were large staircases, if I may so call them, by which you -ascend gradually, and without steps, into the upper apartments. - -The next morning we took another walk, for I told Quilly I had a mind to -take a prospect of the country. We then went out at the back arch of the -palace, as we had the day before at one of the sides, there being a like -passage through the rock from that we went out at, to an opposite arch -leading into the garden. I say, we went out at the back arch, and after -passing a large quadrangle with lodgings all round it, we ascended -through a cut in the rock to a large flat, where we plainly saw the -Black Mountain with its top in the very sky, the sides of which afforded -numberless trees, though the ground within view afforded very little -verdure, or even shrubs. But the most beautiful sight from the rock -was to see the people come home loaded from the mountain, and from the -woods, with, it may be, forty pound weight each on their backs; and -mounting over the rock, to see them dart along the streets to their -several dwellings, over the heads of thousands of others walking in all -parts of the streets, while others were flying other ways. It was very -pleasant to see a man walking gravely in one street, and as quick as -thought to see him over the rock, settled in another, perhaps two miles -distant. - -The near view of the country seeming so barren, naturally led me to ask -Quilly from whence they got provision for so many people as the city -contained, which, to be sure, could not be less than three hundred -thousand. He told me that they had nothing but what came from the Great -Forest on the skirts of the mountain. "But for the grain of it, and some -few outward marks," says I, "I could have sworn I had eaten some of my -country beef the other day at the king's table."--"I don't know what -your beef, as you call it, is; but I am sure we have nothing here but -the fruit of some tree or shrub, that ever I heard of."--"I wonder," -says I, "Quilly, how your cooks dress their victuals. I have eaten many -things boiled, and otherwise dressed hot, but have seen no rivers, or -water, since I came into this country, except for drinking, or washing -my hands, and I don't know where that comes from. And another thing," -says I, "surprises me, though I see no sun as we have to warm the air, -you are very temperate in the town, and it is seldom cold here; but I -neither see fire nor smoke."--"We have," says Quilly, "several very good -springs under the palace, both of hot water and cold, and I don't know -what we should do with fires; we see the dread of them sufficiently at -Mount Alkoe. Our cooks dress their fruits at the hot springs."--"That is -a fancy," said I; "they cannot boil them there."--"I am sure we have no -other dressing," says he.--"Well, Quilly," says I, "we will go home the -way you told me of, and to-morrow you shall show me the springs; but, -pray, how come you to be so much afraid of Mount Alkoe? I suppose your -eyes won't bear the light; is not that all?"--"No, no," says Quilly, -"that is the country of bad men. Some of us have flown over there -accidentally, when the mountain has been cool, as it is sometimes for -a good while together, and have heard such noises as would frighten any -honest man out of his senses, for there they beat and punish bad men." -I could not make much of his story, nor did I inquire further, for I had -before determined, if possible, to get over thither. As we were now come -into the garden, I ordered Quilly to get ready my dinner, and I would -come in presently. - -We went next morning to view the springs, and indeed it was a sight -well worth considering. We were in divers offices under the rock (Quilly -carrying two globe-lights before me), in which were springs of very -clear water, some of hot, and some of cold, rising within two or three -inches of the surface of the floor. We then went into the kitchen, which -was bigger than I ever saw one of our churches, and where were a great -number of these springs, the hot all boiling full speed day and night, -and smoking like a caldron, the water rising through very small chinks -in the stone into basons, some bigger, some less; and they had several -deep stone jars to set anything to boil in. But what was the most -surprising was, you should see a spring of very cold water within a few -feet of one of hot, and they never rise higher or sink lower than they -are. I talked with the master cook, an ingenious man, about them; and he -told me they lie in this manner all over the rocky part of the country, -and that the first thing any one does in looking out for a house, is -to see for the water, whether both hot and cold may be found within the -compass he designs to make use of; and finding that, he goes on, or else -searches another place. And he told me where this convenience was not -in great plenty the people did not inhabit, which made the towns all so -very populous. He said, too, that those warm springs made the air more -wholesome about the towns than in other parts where there were none of -them. I thanked him for his information, which finished my search for -that time. - -[Illustration: 0229] - - - -CHAPTER XIX. - -_Peter sends for his family--Pendlehamby gives a fabulous account of the -peopling of that country--Their policy and government--Peter's -discourse on trade--Youwarkee arrives--Invites the king and nobles to a -treat--Sends to Graundevolet for fowls._ - - -THE days hanging heavy on my hands till the arrival of my family, I -sent Pendlehamby word that as I had sent for my family and effects in -order to settle in this country, and expected them very soon, I should -be glad of his, my brother, and sister's company, to welcome them on -their arrival. - -My father came alone, which gave me an opportunity of informing myself -in the rise and policy of the State, as I purposed to take several -farther steps in their affairs, if they might prove agreeable and -consistent; for hitherto, having had only slight sketches or hints of -things, I could form no just idea of the whole of their laws, customs, -and government. Explaining myself, therefore, to him, I begged his -instructions in those particulars. - -"Son Peter," says my father, "you have already done too much in a short -time to leave any room to think you can do no more: and as you have -hitherto directed your own proceedings with such incredible success, -neither the king nor colambs will interpose against your inclination, -but give you all the advices in our powers; and I shall esteem your -selecting me for that purpose no small honour. - -"Know, then, that this State, by the tradition of our ragans, has -subsisted eleven thousand years; for, before that time, the great -mountain Emina, then not far from the Black Mountain, but now fallen and -sunk in the sea, roaring and raging in its own bowels for many ages, at -last burst asunder with great violence, and threw up numberless unformed -fleshy masses to the very stars; two of which happening in their passage -to touch the side of the Black Mountain (for all the rest fell into the -sea and were lost) lodged there, and lying close together as they grew, -united to each other till they were joined in one; and, in process of -time, by the dews of heaven, became a glumm and a gaw-ry; but being so -linked together by the adhesion of their flesh, they were obliged both -to move which way either would. Living thus a long time in great love -and fondness for each other, they had but one inclination, lest both -should be sufferers upon the least disagreement. - -"In process of time they grew tired of each other's constant society, -and one willing to go here and the other there, bred perpetual disorders -between them; for prevention whereof for the future they agreed to cut -themselves asunder with sharp stones. The pain indeed was intolerable -during the operation; but, however, they effected it, and the wounds -each received were very dangerous, and a long time before they were -perfectly healed; but at length, sometimes agreeing, sometimes not, -they begat a son, whom they called Perigen, and a daughter they called -Philella. These two, as they grew up, despising their parents, who lived -on the top of the mountain, ventured to descend into the plains, and -living upon the fruits they found there, sheltered themselves in this -very rock. Meantime, the old glumm and gawry, having lived to a great -age, were so infirm that neither of them was able to walk for a long -time; till one day, being near each other, and trying to rise by -the assistance of each other, they both got up, and leaning upon and -supporting each other, they also walked commodiously. This mutual -assistance kept them in good humour a great while, till one day, passing -along near hoximo, they both fell in. - -"Perigen and Philella had several children in the plains; who, as they -grew up, increasing, spread into remote parts, and peopled the country. -At last, one of them being a very passionate man, at the instigation -of his wife, became the first murderer, by slaying his father. This so -enraged the people, that the murderer and his wife, in abhorrence of the -fact, were conveyed to Mount Alkoe, where was then only a very narrow -deep pit, into which they were both thrown headlong; but the persons who -carried them thither, had scarce retired from the mouth of the pit, when -it burst out with fire, raging prodigiously, and has kept burning -ever since. Arco and Telamine (the murderer and his wife) lived seven -thousand years in the flames; till having with their teeth wrought a -passage through the side of the mountain, they begat a new generation -about the foot of the mountain; and having brought fire with them, -resolved to keep it burning ever after in memory of their escape; and -power being given them over bad men, they and their progeny are now -wholly employed in beating and tormenting them. - -"A great while after Arco and Telamine were thus disposed of, the people -of this country multiplying, it happened one year that all the fruits -were so dry that the people, not able to live any longer upon the -moisture of them only, as they had always done before, and fearing all -to be consumed with drought, one of their ragans praying very much, and -promising to make an image to Collwar and preserve it for ever, if he -would send them but moisture, in one night's time the earth cast up -such a flood that they were forced to mount on the rocks for fear of -drowning. But the next day it all sunk away again, except several little -bubbles which remained in many places for a long time, and the people -lived only on the moisture they sucked from the stone where those -bubbles settled for many years; for they found that the water arose to -the height of the surface, and no higher; and where they found most -of those chinks and bubbles they settled and formed cities, living -altogether in holes of the rock; till one Lallio, having found out the -art of crumbling the rock to dust by a liquor he got from the trees, and -working himself a noble house in the rock, in the place where our palace -now stands, he told them if they would make him their king, they should -each have such a house as his own. To this they agreed, and then he -discovered the secret to them. - -"This Lallio directed the cutting out this whole city, divided the -people into colonies where the waters were most plenty; and while half -the people worked at the streets and houses, the other half brought them -provisions. In short, he grew so powerful that no one durst dispute his -commands; all which authority he transmitted to his successors, who, -finding by the increase of the people and the many divisions of them -that they grew insolent and ungovernable, they appointed a colamb in -every province, as a vice-king, with absolute authority over all causes, -except murder and treason, which are referred to the king and colambs in -moucheratt. - -"As we had no want but of victuals and habitations, the king, when he -gave a colambat, gave also the lands and the fruits thereof, together -with all the hot and cold springs, to the colamb, who again distributed -parcels to the great officers under him, and they part of theirs to the -meaner officers under them, for their subsistence, with such a number of -the common people as was necessary in respect to the dignity of the post -each enjoyed, who for their services are fed by their masters. - -"In all cases of war, the king lays before the moucheratt the number -of his own troops he designs to send; when each colamb's quota being -settled at such a proportion of the whole, he forthwith sends his number -from out of his own lasks, and also from the several officers under -him; so that every man, let the number be ever so great, can be at the -rendezvous in a very few days. - -"We have but three professions, besides the ragans and soldiery, amongst -us, and these are cooks, house-makers, and pike-makers, of which every -colamb has several among his lasks; and these, upon the new regulations, -will be the only gainers, as they may work where they please, and -according to their skill will be their provision; but how the poor -labourers will be the better for it, I cannot see." - -"Dear sir," says I, "there are, you see, amongst lasks, some of such -parts, that it is great pity they should be confined from showing them; -and my meaning in giving liberty is in order for what is to follow; that -is, for the introduction of arts amongst you. Now, every man who has -natural parts will exert them when any art is laid before him; and he -will find so much delight in making new discoveries that, did no profit -attend it, the satisfaction of the discovery to a prying genius -would compensate the pains; but I propose a profit also to the -artificer."--"Why, what profit," says my father, "can arise but food, -and perhaps a servant of their own to provide it for them?" - -"Sir," says I, "the man who has nothing to hope loses the use of one of -his faculties; and if I guess right, and you live ten years longer, you -shall see this State as much altered as the difference has been between -a lask and a tree he feeds on. You shall all be possessed of that which -will bring you fruits from the woods without a lask to fetch it. Those -who were before your slaves shall then take it as an honour to be -employed by you, and at the same time shall employ others dependent on -them; so as the great and small shall be under mutual obligations to -each other, and both to the truly industrious artificer; and yet every -one content only with what he merits." - -"Dear son," says my father, "these will be glorious days indeed! But, -come, come, you have played a good part already; don't, by attempting -what you can't master, eclipse the glory so justly due to you."--"No, -sir," says I, "nothing shall be attempted by me to my dishonour; for I -shall ever remember my friend Glanepze. Sir," says I, "see here." -(showing him my watch).--"Why, this," says he, "hung by my daughter's -side at Graundevolet."--"It did so," says I; "and, pray, what did you -take it for?"--"A bott," says he.--"I thought so," says I; "but as you -asked no questions, I did not then force the knowledge of it upon you. -But put it to your ear."--He did so. "What noise is that?" says he. "Is -it alive?"--"No," says I, "it is not; but it is as significant. If I ask -it what time of the day it is, or how long I have been going from this -place to that, I look but in its face, and it tells me presently." - -My father, looking upon it a good while, and perceiving that the minute -hand had got farther than it was at first, was just dropping it out -of his hand, had I not caught it. "Why, it is alive," says he; "it -moves!"--"Sir," says I, "if you had dropped it, you had done me an -inexpressible injury."--"Oh ho," says he, "I find now how you do your -wonders; it is something you have shut up here that assists you; it is -an evil spirit!" I laughing heartily, he was sorry for what he had said, -believing he had shown some ignorance. "No, sir," says I, "it is no -spirit, good or evil, but a machine made by some of my countrymen, to -measure time with."--"I have heard," says he, "of measuring an abb, or -the ground, or a rock; but never yet heard of measuring time."--"Why, -sir," says I, "don't you say three days hence I will do so; or such a -one is three years old? Is not that a measuring of time by so many -days or years?"--"Truly," says he, "in one sense I think it is."--"Now, -sir," says I, "how do you measure a day?"--"Why, by rising and lying -down," says he.--"But suppose I say I will go now, and come again, and -have a particular time in my head when I will return, how shall I do to -make you know that time?"--"Why, that will be afterwards, another time," -says he; "or I can think how long it will be."--"But," says I, "how can -you make me know when you think it will be?"--"You must think too," -says he.--"But then," says I, "we may deceive each other, by thinking -differently. Now this will set us to rights:" then I described the -figures to him, telling him how many parts they divided the day into, -and that by looking on it I could tell how many of such parts were -passed; and that if he went from me, and said he would come one, or two, -or three parts hence, I should know when to expect him. I then showed -him the wheels, and explained where the force lay, and why it went no -faster or slower, as well as I could; and from my desire of teaching, -insensibly perfected myself more and more in it. So that beginning to -have a little idea of it, he wished he had one. "And," says he, "will -you teach all our people to make such things?"--"Then they would be -disregarded, sir," says I.--"It is impossible," says he.--"I'll tell -you, sir, how I mean," said I. "I can, hereafter, show you a hundred -things as useful as this; now, if everybody was to make these, how would -other things be made? Besides, if everybody made them, nobody would -want them; and then what would anybody get by them, besides the pleasing -their own fancy? But if only twenty men make them in one town, all -the rest must come to them; and they who make these, must go to one of -twenty others, who make another thing that these men want, and so on; -by which means, every man wanting something he does not make, it will be -the better for every maker of everything." - -"Son," says my father, "excuse me; I am really ashamed, now you have -better informed me, I asked so foolish a question." I told him we had -a saying in my country, that everything is easy when it is known. "I -think," says he, "a man might find everything in your country." - -Two days after, my wife and daughter Sally came very early; but sure no -joy could be greater than ours at sight of each other. I embraced -them both over and over, as did my father, especially Sally, who was a -charming child. They told me I might expect everything that evening, -for they left them alighting at the height of Battringdrigg; for though -they came out the last, yet the body of the people with their baggage -could not come so fast as they did. And little Sally said, "We stayed -and rested ourselves, purely, daddy, at Battringdrigg, before the crowd -came; but as soon as mammy had seen all my brothers safe, who came -before the rest, and kissed Dicky, we set out again." - -About seven hours after arrived the second convoy from abroad, that ever -entered that country. I had too much to do with my wife and children -that night, to spare a thought to my cargo; so I only set a guard over -them; for though I had now been married about sixteen years, Youwarkee -was ever new to me. - -I was now obliged to the king again, for some additional conveniences to -my former apartment; and the young ones were mightily pleased to have so -much more room than we had at home, and to see the sweecoes; but finding -themselves waited upon in so elegant a manner, and by so many servants -(for with our new rooms, we had all the servants belonging to them), -they thought themselves in a paradise to the grotto, where all we wanted -we were forced to help ourselves to. - -The next day Tommy came to see us, the king having given him a very -pretty post, since the death of Yaccombourse; and Hallycarnie, with -the Princess Jahamel, her mistress, who was mightily pleased to see -Youwarkee in her English dress, and invited her and the children to her -apartment. - -It was but a few months since my wife saw the children; yet she scarce -knew them, they were so altered; for the two courtiers behaved with so -much politeness, that their brothers and Sally looked but with an -ill eye upon them, finding all the fault, and dropping as many little -invidious expressions on them as possible. But I sharply rebuked them: -"We were all made chiefly," I told them, "to please our Maker, and that -could be done only by the goodness of the heart; and if their hearts -were more pure, they were the best children; but if they liked their -brothers' and sisters' outward behaviour better than their own, they -might so far imitate them." - -When we were settled in our new apartment, I unpacked my chairs and -tables, and set out my side-board, and made such a figure as had never -before been seen in that part of the world. I wanted now some shoes for -Pedro, his own being almost past wear, for the young ones never had worn -any, but could find none; till applying to Lasmeel, and showing him what -I wanted, he pointed to one of the great water-casks; but as there were -eleven of them, big and little, I knew not where to begin; till, having -invited the king and several of the ministers to dine with me, I was -forced to look over my goods for several other things I should want. - -In my search, I found half a ream of paper, a leathern ink-bottle, but -no ink in it, some quills, and books of accounts, and several other -things relative to writing. The prize gave me courage to attempt the -other casks; but I found little more that I immediately wanted. In -the last cask were several books, two of them romances, six volumes -of English plays, two of devotion; the next were either Spanish or -Portuguese, and the last looked like a Bible; but just opening it, and -taking it to be of the same language, I put them all in again, thinking -to divert myself with them some other time. I here found some more -paper, and so many shoes, as, when I had fellowed them, served me as -long as I stayed in the country. - -Having, as I said before, invited the king to eat with me, I was sorry -I had not ordered my fowls to be brought; and Youwarkee said she thought -to have done it, but I had not wrote for them. I told her I would send -Maleck for some of them, I was resolved; for I should pique myself on -giving the king a dish he had never before tasted. So I called Maleck, -telling him he must take thirty men with him to Graundevolet: "And carry -six empty chests with you," says I, "and put eight of my fowls in each -chest, and bring them with all expedition."--"Where do they lie, sir?" -says he.--"You will find them at roost," says I, "when it is dark."--"I -never was there," says he, "and don't know the way."--"What," says -I, "never at Graundevolet!"--"Yes," says he, "but not at roost."--I -laughed, saying, "Maleck, did not you see fowls when you was there?" -He said he did not know; what were they like?--"They are a bird," says -I.--"And what sort of a thing is that?" says he. Youwee hearing us in -this debate, "Maleck," says she, "did not you see me toss down little -nuts to something that you stared at? you saw them eat the nuts."--"Oh -dear," says he, "I know it very well, with two legs and no arms."--"The -same," says I, "Maleck; do you go look for a little house, almost by my -grotto, and at night you will find these things stand on sticks in that -house. Take them down gently, and come away with them in the chests." -Maleck performed his business to a hair; but instead of forty-eight, -brought me sixty, telling me he found the chests would hold them very -well; and I kept them afterwards in the king's garden. - -[Illustration: 5242] - -[Illustration: 0243] - - - -CHAPTER XX. - -_Peter goes to his father's--Traverses the Black Mountain--Takes a -flight to Mount Alkoe--Gains the miners--Overcomes the governor's -troops--Proclaims Georigetti king--Seizes the governor--Returns him the -government--Peter makes laws with the consent of the people, and returns -to Brandleguarp with deputies._ - - -NO further project being ripe for execution, I took a journey home with -my father to Arndrumnstake, and he would take all the children with him. -Youwarkee and I stayed about six weeks, leaving all the children with my -father. - -Upon my return, I frequently talked with Maleck about his country; who -they originally were, and how long it had been inhabited, and what other -countries bordered thereon, and how they lay. He told me his countrymen -looked upon themselves to be very ancient, but they were not very -numerous; for the old stock was almost worn out by the hardships they -had undergone; that about three hundred years before, he said, as he -had it from good report, there were a people from beyond the sea, or, -as they called themselves, from the Little Lands, had strangely overrun -them; and he had heard say they would have overrun this country too, -but they thought it would not answer. He said, "when those people first -came, they began to turn up the earth to a prodigious depth; and now," -says he, "bringing some nasty hard earth of several sorts, they put it -into great fires till it runs about like water, and then beat it about -with great heavy things into several shapes; and some of it, sir," says -he, "looks just like that stuff that lay at the bottom of your ship, and -some almost white, and some red; for when I was a boy I was to have been -sent to work amongst them, as my father did; but it having killed him, I -came hither, as many more have done, to avoid it."--"And what do they -do with it," says I, "when they have beat it about as you say?"--"Then," -says he, "they carry it a long way to the sea."--"What then?" says -I.--"Why, then the Little-landers take it, and swim over the sea with -it."--"And what do they do with it?" says I.--"Why," says he, "there are -other people who take it from them, and go away with it."--"Why do they -let them take it?" says I.--"Because," says he, "they give them clothes -for it."--"Do they want clothes," says I, "more than you?" He told me -they had no graundee.--"And what other countries have you hereabout?"-- -"There is one country," says he, "north of Alkoe, where they say there -is just such another people as the Little-landers, and they get some of -the things from Mount Alkoe."--"What do they do with them?" says I.--"I -don't know," says he; "they fetch a great deal; but they won't let -anybody come into their country."--"Is there nobody inhabits between the -Mountain Alkoe and the sea?" He told me no, the Little-landers would not -let them. - -Having got what information I could from Maleck, and also from a -countryman or two of his he had brought to me, I considered it all over; -And, thinks I, if I could but get Mount Alkoe to submit (for they had -told me they were only governed by a deputy from the Little Lands) to -see the work done, I might, by intercepting the trade to the sea, turn -the profit of the country my own way, and make it pass through our -hands. - -I next inquired of those who brought the fruits from the Great Forest, -what sort of land they had there, and found, by their description, it -was a light mould, and in many places well covered with grass and herbs; -and by all the report I could hear, must be a fruitful country, well -managed; and being a flat country and not encompassed on that side with -the Black Mountain, was much higher than Doorpt Swangeanti. This news -put me upon searching the truth of it; and I made the tour of the Black -Mountain and the Great Forest, alighting often to make my observations. - -The forest is a little world of wood without end, with here and there -a fine lawn very grassy; and indeed the wood-grounds bear it very well, -the trees not standing in crowds, but at a healthy distance from each -other. I went abundantly farther than any one had before been, but saw -no variation in the woody scene; and coming round westward home, I had a -view of hoximo; which is nothing but a narrow cleft in the earth, on -the top of the Black Mountain, of a most extraordinary depth; for upon -dropping a stone down, you shall hear it strike and hum for a long time -before all is quiet again; and laying my ear over the cleft, whilst -I ordered one of my attendants to throw a large stone down, after the -usual thumps and humming, I imagined I heard it dash in water, so that -it is not impossible it may reach to the sea; which is at least six or -seven miles below it. Into this hole all dead bodies are precipitated, -from the king to the beggar; for four glumms holding by the ankles and -wrists of the deceased, fly with them to hoximo and throw them down, -whilst the air is filled with the lamentations of the relations of the -deceased, and of such others as are induced to follow the corpse for -the sake of the wines, on such occasions plentifully distributed to all -comers by the gentry, and in the best proportion they are able by even -the meanest amongst them. - -After a stay of about fourteen days at home, I fixed my next trip for -Mount Alkoe; and having told Maleck my design, he said he would go with -me with all his heart, but feared I should get no Brandleguarpine to -bear me; for he told me they had an old tradition that Mindrack lived -there, and would not go for all the world; which has been the greatest -security that country has had, for this would have devoured them else, -says he. - -I spoke to the king, to Nasgig, and the ragans, and found them all -unanimous that the mountain Alkoe was the habitation of Mindrack, and -that the noises which had been heard there were his servants beating bad -men. Says I to myself, Here is one of the usefullest projects upon earth -spoiled by an unaccountable prepossession; what must be done to overcome -this prejudice? - -I told Maleck I found what he said to be too true, as to the people of -Brandleguarp: "But," says I, "are there not enough of your countrymen -here to carry me thither?" He believing there were, I ordered him to -contract with them; but it vexed me very much to be obliged to take -these men. However, though I resolved to go, yet I chose to reason the -ragans into the project if I could; thinking they would soon bring the -people over. - -I called several of the ragans together, and said: "Because you are a -wiser and more thinking people than the vulgar, I have applied myself -to your judgments in the affair of Mount Alkoe. Now, consider with -yourselves whether you have any real reason beyond a prepossession, for -thinking these people fiends, or devil's servants, as you call them, -without further examination; for according to my comprehension, they -only, understanding the nature of several sorts of earth, reduce them by -labour and fire to solid substances for the use of mankind; and the -want of these things is the reason of your living as you do, without -a hundredth part of the benefits of life. These sort of people, these -noises and these operations, which you hear and see carried on at Alkoe, -are to be heard and seen in my country; and we deal and traffic with -their labours, from one end of the world to the other; and we who are -with them the happiest, without them should be the most miserable of -people. Did not some of you see, at my entertainment, what I called my -knives and forks and spoons, my pistols, cutlasses, and silver cup? -All these, and infinitely more, are the produce of these poor men's -industry. Now," says I, "if we settle a communication with these -people, your dues will be all paid in these curious things; you will -have your people employed in working them, and have strangers applying -to you to serve them with what they want; who in return will give you -what you want; and you will find yourselves known and respected in the -world." Finding some of these arguments applied to the men had staggered -them a little, I applied to their senses. Says I, "It still appears to -me that you have your prejudices hanging on you; but what will you say -if I go thither and return safe? will you be afraid to follow me another -time?" They persuaded me from it, as a dangerous experiment; but said, -if I did return, they would not think there was so much in it as they -suspected. - -Maleck having chose me out fourscore of his countrymen, in about a -month's time I trained them up to the knowledge of my pistols and -cutlasses, and the management of them; and taking a chest with me for -the arms and other necessaries, we sallied up to the Black Mountain. I -rested there; and there Nasgig and Lasmeel overtook me, saying that when -they found me obstinate to go, they could not in their hearts leave me, -happen what would. This put new spirits into me, and we consulted how -the noises lay, and agreed to engage first upon the skirts of them, -where the smokes were most straggling. I charged six guns and all my -pistols, which I kept in my chest, and ordered them to alight with me -about a hundred paces from the first smoke they saw; then ordered three -of them to carry my guns after me, and twelve of them to take pistols -and follow me; but not to fire till I gave orders. The remainder I left -with the baggage. - -We marched up to the smoke, which issued out of a low archway just at -the foot of the mountain. It was very light there with the flames of the -volcano; and entering the arch, a fellow ran at me with a red-hot iron -bar; him I shot dead: and seeing two more and a woman there, who stood -with their faces to the wall of the hut or room, as unwilling to be -seen, I ordered Maleck to speak to them in a known tongue, and tell -them we were no enemies, nor intended them any hurt; and that their -companion's fate was owing to his own rashness in running first at me -with the hot bar; and that if they would show themselves good-natured -and civil to us, we should be so to them; but if they offered to resist -openly, or use any manner of treachery towards us, they might depend -upon the same fate their companion had just suffered. - -Upon hearing this, they approached us; and showing great tokens of -submission, I delivered my gun to Maleck, and bade them go on with their -work, ordering all the guns out of the shop for fear of a spark. I then -perceived they were direct forges, but made after another manner -from ours, their wind being made by a great wheel, like a wheel of a -water-mill, which worked with the fans or wings in a large trough, and -caused a prodigious issue of air through a small hole in the back of the -fireplace. They were then drawing out iron bars. - -I gave each of these men, and also to the woman, a dram of brandy; which -they swallowed down very greedily, and looked for more, and seemed very -pleasant. I then inquired into the trade--by whom and how it was carried -on; and they told me just as Maleck had done. I then asked where the -mines lay; and one of them looking full at me said, "Then you know what -we are about."--"Yes," says I, "very well."--He told me the mine was (in -his language as Maleck interpreted it) about a quarter of a mile off, -and directed me to it. I ordered them to go on with their work, telling -them, though I left a guard over them, it was only that they might not -raise their neighbours to disturb me; though if they did, I should serve -them all as I had done their companion; and left four men with pistols -at the archway. - -I proceeded to the iron mine, but supposed the men were all within, for -I saw nobody; but there were many large heaps of ore lying, which I felt -of; and, being vastly heavy, I supposed it might be rich in metal. - -I returned to my men at the arch, and asked them what other mines there -might be in that country, and of what other metals; but Maleck not -knowing the metals themselves, was not able to interpret the names they -called them by. I then showed them an English halfpenny, a Portuguese -piece of silver money, and my gold watch; and asking if they had any of -those, they pointed to the halfpenny and silver piece, but shook their -heads at the watch. I then showed them a musket-ball, and they said they -had a great deal of that. - -I desired them to show me the way to the copper-mine (pointing my finger -to the halfpenny), and told them if they would go with me, they should -have some more (pointing to my brandy); and they readily agreed, if I -would stand by them for leaving their work. I believe it might be two -miles farther on the right to the copper-mine; and as these men had the -graundee, I expected they would have flown by me; but I found they had a -light chain round their graundee which prevented them; so I walked too, -and having made them my friends by being familiar with them, I desired -they would go in, and let the headman of the works know that a stranger -desired to speak with him and view his works, and to inform him how -peaceable I was if he used me civilly, but that I could strike him dead -at once if he did not. - -I do not know how they managed, or what report they made; but the -man came to me very courteously, and I bade Maleck ask if he came in -friendship, as I did to him; and he giving me that assurance, I went -in with him, taking Nasgig and Maleck with me, and leaving our firearms -without. I ordered them both, as I did myself, to carry their cutlasses, -sheathed in their hands, for fear of a surprise. We saw a great quantity -of copper ore and several melting-vats, being just at the mouth of the -mine, the mine running horizontally into the side of the mountain, and, -as they said, was very rich. I gave the headman a little brandy, and -two or three more of them, who had been industrious in showing and -explaining things to me. - -I desired the foreman to walk out with me; and asking how long he had -been in that employ, he told me he was a native of the Born Isles, and -was brought thither young, where he first wrought in the iron, then in -the silver, and now in this mine: that he had been there twenty years, -and never expected to be delivered from his miserable slavery; but as he -was now overseer of that work, he did pretty well, though nothing like -freedom. He told me they expected several new slaves quickly, for the -mines killed those they did not agree with so fast they were very thinly -wrought at present, and that the governor was gone to the isles to get -more men. I was glad to hear this. "And, pray," says I, "where does the -governor reside?" He (pointing to the place) told me. "And what guard," -says I, "may he keep?"--"About four hundred men; but nobody durst molest -him," says he; "for he tortures them in such a manner, never killing -them, that not the least thing can be done against his will." - -After we had talked a good while on the misery of slavery, and finding -him a man fit for my purpose, I asked him if he would go with me to -Brandle-guarp: "For," said I, "there are certainly good mines in those -mountains; and if you will overlook them, you shall be free, and have -whatever you desire." He shook his head, saying, how could he expect to -be free where all the rest were slaves. "And besides," says he, "they -are in such commotions among themselves, that it is said the State will -be torn to pieces."--"You are mistaken," says I, "very much; I myself -have settled peace amongst them, and killed the usurper."--"Is it -possible?" says he; "and are you the man it was said they expected to -come out of the sea?"--"The very same," says I: "and as to slavery, -there is not a slave in the kingdom; nor shall be here, if you will -hearken to me."--"That would be a good time indeed," says he.--"Well," -says I, "my friend, I promise you it shall be so; only observe this, -that when I come to reduce the governor, do none of you miners assist -him." He promised he would let the other miners secretly know it, and -all should be as I wished; but desired me to be expeditious, for the -governor was expected every day. - -I went from him to the other mines, and my guides with me; who seeing me -so well received at the copper-mine and reporting it to the others, it -caused my proceedings to go on smoothly, and my offers to be readily -embraced wherever I came. - -Having prepared matters thus, I set Maleck and his countrymen upon the -natives, to treat with them about submission to Georigetti, on promise -of freedom; who being assured of what I had done at Brandleguarp, and -in hopes of like liberty, readily came into it; so that the only thing -remaining was, before the governor's return, to attack the soldiery. -Having, therefore, renewed my engagements with the miners, and believing -myself upon as good terms with the natives as I could wish, I was -advised by Nasgig and Lasmeel to return for cannon and a large army -before I attacked the soldiery: but I, who had all my life rode upon -the spur, having considered that an opportunity once lost is never to be -regained; and though I could have wished for some cannon, I valued the -men but for show: I therefore formed my resolves to march with the -force I had next morning, and pitch upon a plain just by the governor's -garrison, in order, if I could, to draw his men out. I did so, and it -answered; for upon the first news of my coming, they appeared with a -sort of heavy-headed weapons, which hurling round, they threw upwards -aslope, in order to light upon the backs of their enemies in flight, and -beat them down; but they could not throw them above thirty paces. - -I sat still in my chair, with a gun in my hand, and Maleck with another -at my elbow, with four more lying by me, ready to be presented; Lasmeel -standing by to charge again as fast as we fired. I ordered a party -of twenty of my men with cutlasses to attack the van of the enemy, by -rushing impetuously upon them, they coming but thin against me; for I -was not willing to employ my pieces till I could do more execution. They -began the attack about a hundred yards before me, not very high in -the air; and my cutlass-men having avoided the first flight of their -weapons, fell upon them with such fury, that chopping here a limb and -there a graundee, which, disabling their flight, was equally pernicious, -they fell by scores before me: but I seeing those in the rear, which -made a body of near three hundred, coming very swift and close in treble -ranks, one above the other, hoping to bear down my handful of men with -their numbers, I ordered my men all to retire behind me, and not till -the enemy were passed over my head to fall on them. Maleck and I, as -they came near, each firing a piece together, and whipping up another, -and then another, in an instant they fell round us roaring and making -a horrid yell. This the rest seeing, went over our men's heads, not -without many falling from the cuts of my men; and those who escaped were -never heard of more. - -The miners, who from their several stations had beheld the action, came -singing and dancing from every quarter round me, and if I had not drawn -my men close in a circle about me, would probably, out of affection, -have done me more hurt than two of the governor's armies; for against -these common gratitude denied the use of force; and they crowding every -one but to touch me, they said, for fear of being pressed to death -myself, as some of them almost were, I ordered them to be let in through -my men at one side of the ring, and, passing by and touching me, to be -let out on the other side; and this quieted them, but kept me in penance -a long time. - -We then marched in a body all into the town, where we were going to -proclaim Georigetti King of Mount Alkoe, when a surly fellow, much wiser -than the rest, as he thought, being about to harangue the people against -being too hasty in it, was knocked down and trod to death for his pains; -and we went on with the proclamation, giving general liberty to all -persons without exception. - -The next thing to be considered was how to oppose the governor when he -came; and for that purpose I inquired into the manner of his coming, the -road he came, and his attendants; and being informed that a hundred of -his guards who had not the graundee waited for him at the sea-side, and -that he had got no other guard, except a few friends and the slaves -he went for, and that the slaves always came first, six in a rank tied -together, under convoy of a few of his guards, I went in person to view -the route he came, and seeing a very convenient post in a thick wood -through which they were to pass, from whence we might see them before -they came near us, I posted a watch on the sea side of the wood, and -myself and men lay on the hither side of it, just where the governor's -party must come out of it again: so that my watch giving notice of their -approach, we might be ready to fall on at their coming out of our side -of the wood. - -When we had waited three days, our watch brought word they were coming; -so we kept as close as possible, letting the slaves and guards march on, -who came by about two hours' march before the governor: but so soon as -he approached I drew up my men on the plain within the wood in ranks, -ordering them to lie close on their bellies till they saw me rise, and -then to rise, follow me, and obey orders. - -Several of the first ranks having passed the wood, just as the governor -had entered the open country, I rose and bade Maleck call aloud that if -any of them stirred or lifted up a weapon he was a dead man; and -then seeing one of the foremost running, I fetched him down with a -musket-shot, bidding Maleck tell the rest that if they submitted and -laid down their weapons they were safe; but if they refused, I would -serve them all as I had done him who fled. This speech, with the terror -of the gun, fixed every man to his place like a statue. - -I then went forward to the governor, and by Maleck, my interpreter, -asked him who they all were with him: he told me his slaves. I then made -him call every man before him and give him freedom; which finding no way -to avoid (for I looked very stern), he did, and I had enough to do to -quiet my new freemen, who I thought would have devoured me for joy. I -asked him whither he was going; he said to his government.--"Under whom -do you hold it?" says I.--"Under the zaps of the isles," says he. I then -told him that whoever held that government for the future, must receive -it from the hands of Georigetti, the king of that country, to whom all -the natives and miners had already engaged their fidelity. I told him -both natives and foreigners had been all declared free. - -The governor seemed much dejected, and told me he hoped I would not use -him or his company ill. I told him that depended entirely on his own and -their good behaviour. I asked him who his friends were that were with -him; he said they were some of the zap's relations, who were come to see -the method of the government and inspect the mines. - -Ordering all the governor's guards and friends to go before, and all my -own, but Maleck, to keep backwards some paces, I entered into discourse -with him about the state of the isles, and the country of Alkoe; -and finding him a judicious person, and not a native of the isles, I -thought, with some management, he might prove a useful person to me, -but did not like the character I had heard of his severity: so I plainly -told him that only one thing prevented my making him a greater man than -ever he was; which was, I had been informed he had a roughness in his -nature which drove him to extremities with the poor slaves, which -I could not bear. "Sir," says he, "whatever a man is in his natural -temper, where slavery abounds it is necessary to act, or at least -be thought to do so, in a merciless manner. I am intrusted with the -government of a land of only slaves; who have no more love, nor are -they capable of any, for me, than the herbs of the ground have. I am to -render an account to my masters of their labours; they work by force, -and would not stir a step without it, or the fear of correction; for -which reason the rod must be ever held over them; and though I seldom -let it fall, when I do the suffering of one is too long remembered to -permit others quickly to subject themselves to the like punishment: and -this method I judged to be the most mild, as the death or sufferings of -one but seldom, must, though ever so severe, be milder than the frequent -execution of numbers. And as to my appearing severe to them, my post -required it; for mercy to slaves being interpreted into fear, arms them -with violence against you." - -I could not gainsay this, especially as he told me he was glad that I -had freed them all: "For no man," says he, "but if he were to choose, -would rather reign by love (which he may in a free country, but it is -impracticable in one of slaves) than by fear, which alone will keep the -latter in subjection." - -I asked him whether, as he knew the nature of the country, and the -business of the governor, he could become faithful to my master -Georigetti. He told me he had ever been faithful to his masters the -zaps, and would till he was sure (without suspecting in the least my -veracity) all was true that I was pleased to tell him; for nothing could -satisfy his conscience but being an eye-witness of it, and then being -discharged from any further capacity of serving them in an open way, he -should be free to choose his own master; of all whom, Georigetti should -to him be most preferable; but begged me not to interpret his desire -of retaining fidelity to his old masters till he could no longer serve -them, into an implication of assisting them by either open or concealed -practices; for, wherever he engaged, he would be true to the utmost. - -At the end of six days (for I travelled on foot with them) we arrived -at the governor's palace, which we found without a guard, and all the -slaves he had sent before him at liberty; so I ordered my men to supply -the usual guard, and took my lodging in the governor's apartment. - -As Gadsi (for that was the governor's name) was not confined, or any of -his friends, he came into my apartment, and told me since he had found -all things answered my report, if I pleased, he would quit the palace to -me, and everything belonging to the government. I told him he said well. -He did so, taking with him only some few things, his own property. So -soon as he was without the territory of the palace, I sent for him and -his friends back again. He could not help being dejected at his return, -fearing some mischief. "Gadsi," says I, "this palace and this country, -which I now hold for my master Georigetti, I deliver in custody to -you as his governor; and now charge you to make acknowledgment of your -fidelity to him." Then taking it from him in terms of my own proposing, -I delivered him the regalia, of his government, charging him to maintain -freedom: "But," says I, "let no man eat who will not work, as the -country and the produce are the king's." - -I then summoned an assembly of the people, and sent notice to all the -miners to attend me. I told them all that the king desired of them was -to make themselves happy: "And as the mines at present," says I, "are -the only employment of this country, I would have it agreed by your own -consent--for I will force nothing upon you--that every man amongst you, -from sixteen to sixty, shall work every third week at the mines and -other duties of the government; and two weeks out of three shall be your -own to provide in for your families: and if I live to come back again, -you shall each man have so much land of his own as shall be sufficient -for his family; and I will make it my business to see for seeds to -improve it with. And this week's work in three, and if afterwards it can -be done with less in four, shall be an acknowledgment to the king for -his bounty to you. Do you agree to this?" They all, with one voice, -cried out, "We do!"--"Then," says I, "agree amongst yourselves, and -part into proper divisions for carrying on the work; that is, into four -parts, one for each sort of metal; and then again, each of those four -into three parts; and on every seventh day in the morning, let those who -are to begin meet those who are leaving off work; so that there be clear -six days' work, and one of going and returning. Do you all agree to -this?"--All cried, "We do!"--"Then," says I, "whoever neglects his -duty, unless through sickness, or by leave of the governor, shall work -a double week. Do you agree to this?"--"We do!"--"Then all matters of -difference between you shall be decided by the governor; and in case -of any injury or injustice, or wrong judgment in the governor, by -Georigetti. Do you agree?"--"We do!"--"Then," says I, "agree upon ten -men, two for the natives, and two for each mineral work, to send with me -to Brandleguarp, to petition Georigetti to confirm these laws, till you -shall make others yourselves, and to acknowledge his sovereignty. Do you -agree?"--"We do!" - -I then told them that as those who had been slaves were now free, -they might, if they pleased, return home; but as I should make it my -endeavour to provide so well for them in all the comforts of life, I -believed most of them would be of opinion their interests would keep -them where they were. And, above all things, recommending a hearty -union between the new freemen and the natives, and to marry amongst each -other, and to continue in love amongst themselves, and duty to the king -and his governor; and promising speedily to return and settle what was -wanting, I dismissed the assembly and set out for Brandleguarp with -the ten deputies; but I left Lasmeel behind with the governor, and two -servants with him, to give me immediate notice in case any disturbance -should happen in my absence. - -[Illustration: 5264] - -[Illustration: 0265] - - - -CHAPTER XXI. - -_Peter arrives with the deputies--Presents them to the king--They -return--A colony agreed to be sent thither--Nas gig made -governor--Manner of choosing the colony--A flight-race, and the intent -of it--Walsi wins the prize, and is found to be a gawry._ - - -AS we alighted at the palace late at night, I kept the deputies with me -till next morning, when I went to the king, desiring them to stay in my -apartment till I had received his majesty's orders for their admission. - -The king was but just up when I came in; and seeing me, embraced me, -saying: "Dear father, I am glad to meet you again alive; your stay has -given me the utmost perplexity; and could I have prevailed with any of -my servants to have followed you, I had sent before this time to have -known what was become of you." - -I told his majesty, the greatest pleasure of my life consisted in the -knowledge of his majesty's esteem for me; and he might depend upon it, -I would take care of myself from a double motive whilst I was in his -dominions; the one, from the natural obligation of my own preservation, -and the other, equally compulsive, of continuing serviceable to his -majesty, till I had made him more famous than his ancestor, the great -Begsurbeck. - -I told his majesty, as a small token of my duty and affection to him, I -was come to make him a tender of the additional title of King of Mount -Alkoe.--"Father," says he, "we shall never be able to get a sufficient -number of my subjects to go thither; for though your safe return may be -some encouragement, yet whilst their old apprehensions subsist (and I -know not what will alter them) we can do no good; and indeed were they -free to go, and under no suspicion of danger, it would cost abundance of -men to conquer Mount Alkoe." - -"Great sir," said I, "you mistake me: I told you I came to make you -a tender of it; I have proclaimed you king there, and freedom to the -people; I have held an assembly of the kingdom, placed a governor, taken -the engagement of himself and subjects to you, settled laws amongst them -for your benefit, the full third part of all their labour; have brought -ten deputies, two from each denomination of people among them; and they -only wait your command to be admitted, to beg your acceptance of their -submission, and pray your royal protection." - -"Father," says the king, "you amaze me! but as it is your doing, let -them come in." - -The deputies being received, and heard by Maleck, their interpreter, -very graciously, the king told them, in a very favourable speech, that -whatever his father had done, or should do, they might accept as done by -himself; and commanded them to remind the governor, for whom he had the -highest esteem, to observe the laws, without the least deviation, till -his father should make such further additions as were consistent with -his own honour and their future freedom; and having feasted them in -a most magnificent manner, they returned, highly satisfied with the -honours they had received. - -This transaction being immediately noised abroad, all the colambs came -themselves; and the great cities, by their deputies, sent his majesty -their compliments upon the occasion; and there was nothing but mirth and -rejoicing throughout the whole kingdom. And those who had refused going -with me, as Maleck told me, hung their heads for shame and sorrow that -they had missed the opportunity of bearing a part in the expedition. - -I demonstrated to the king that the only way to preserve that kingdom -was to settle a large colony on the plains, between the mountain and the -sea, to intercept clandestine trade, and make a stand against any force -that might be sent from the Little Lands to recover the mines. And I -promised to be present at the settlement, and an assistant in it. - -Most of the colambs, as I said, being at court upon this complimentary -affair, the king summoned them for their advice on my proposals, and -told them he had ordered me to lay before them my thoughts on the -affairs of that kingdom; and after many compliments and encomiums had -passed on me, I told them the necessity of the colony, the commodity -that would arise from it, how I intended to manage it, and what prospect -I had of introducing amongst them several extraordinary conveniences -they had never before had. - -The colambs, who, for want of practice this way, knew but little of the -matter, thinking, nevertheless, that in the general turn of things they -must somehow come in for a share, approved of all I said. I desired them -then to settle out of what part of the people, and how to be nominated, -such choice of the colony as should be made for the new settlement; but -found them much at a loss to fix on any method of doing it. So I told -them I believed it would be the best way to issue an order for such as -would willingly go, to repair to a particular rendezvous; and in case -sufficient should not appear voluntarily, to issue another order that -the colambs, out of their several districts, should complete the number, -so as to make a body of 12,000 men of arms, besides women and children; -and that such a territory should be allotted to each, with so much -wood-grounds, in common to all, as would suffice for their subsistence; -all which passed the vote. - -I then told them that this large people must have a head, or governor, -to keep them to their duties, and to determine matters of property, and -all disputes amongst them. Here they one and all nominated me; but I -told them I apprehended I could be more useful other ways, having too -many things in my head for the general good, to confine myself to -any particular province; but if they would excuse me in presuming to -recommend a person, it should be Nasgig. And immediately Nasgig being -sent for, and accepting it, they conferred it upon him. - -All things, as I judged, went on in so smooth a way, in reference to -the new colony, that I was preparing, with the assistance of the proper -officer, expresses to be sent with the king's gripsacks into the -several provinces, with notice of these orders, and an appointment for a -rendezvous. But while this was doing, abundance of people came crowding -about me to be informed whether I thought it safe for them to go; and -I believe I had fully satisfied all their scruples, when by some -management of the ragans, who, having so long declared Mount Alkoe to -be inhabited by Mindrack, did not care the people should all of a sudden -find out they had deceived them, there was a report ran current, that -though I and my bearers, who were all Mount Alkoe men, returned safe, -yet if any of the Brandleguarpines had gone, they would never have come -back again. This rumour coming to my ears, and fearing whitherto it -might grow, I had no small prospect of a disappointment, and I thereupon -stopped issuing the orders till I had considered what farther to do in -the affair. At length, being persuaded I had already satisfied abundance -of their scruples, and in order to dissipate the doubts of others, and -to familiarise them in some measure to the country and people of Mount -Alkoe, I proposed a prize to be flown for, and gave notice of it for six -days all about the country, both to those of Mount Alkoe, and those of -Sass Doorpt Swangeanti, that whoever, except those who were with me -in the late expedition, should make the most speedy flight to the -governor's of Mount Alkoe, to carry a message and bring me an answer -from Lasmeel, should have one of my pistols, with a quantity of powder, -and so many balls; and the person who should be second, should have -a cutlass and belt. The time being fixed, very few had entered in the -first two or three days; but on the third day came several over from -Alkoe to enter, which the Brandleguarpines seeing, and having equal -inclination to the prize, after half a dozen of them had entered on the -fourth morning, before noon on the fifth I had near sixty of them on my -list, besides the Alkoe men, making in all about one hundred. - -The time of starting was fixed for the sixth morning, from off the rock -on the back-side of the palace, upon my firing a pistol. - -This unusual diversion occasioned a prodigious confluence of spectators; -for scarce a person in Brandleguarp, except those who were either too -young or too old for flight, but were upon one or other of the rocks; -even the king himself and all his court were there, with infinite -numbers from all distant parts. - -I had despatched a letter by one of my old bearers to Lasmeel some days -before, to inform him of it, that he might get two letters ready wrote, -one to deliver to the first, and another to the second messenger, but -not to take farther notice of the rest. Now, my flight-race being for -the equal benefit of both the kingdoms, it happened, as I was in hopes -it would, that so many of the Mount Alkoans coming over to me to be -entered, and staying with me till the flight began, and such vast -numbers of persons meeting of both nations upon the Black Mountain, to -see them go and return, and several of the Swangeantines going, out -of bravado, quite through with the flyers; the intercourse of the two -nations was that day so great, and the discourse they had with -the natives and miners so stripped the Swangeantines of their old -apprehensions of danger from Mount Alkoe, that in three days after -the whole dread of the place was vanished, and he would then have been -thought mad who had attempted to revive it. - -The time being come, I set my flyers in a row on the outer edge of the -rock; and having given notice that no one should presume to rise till -the flyers were on the graundee, and at such a distance, I then let the -flyers know I should soon give fire; which I had no sooner done but down -they all dropped as one man, as it were, headlong from the edge of the -mountain, and presently the whole field were after them. They skimmed -with incredible swiftness across the face of the plain, between the rock -and the mountain; the force of which descent swung them as it were up -the mountain's side in an almost upright posture, till seeming to sweep -the edge of the mountain with their bellies, they slid over its surface -till they were lost in the body of the Swangean, our rocks echoing the -shouts of the mountaineers. I fired my pistol, by my watch, at nine -o'clock in the morning, but had no occasion to inquire when it was -thought they would return, for every one was passing his opinion upon -it. Some said it could not be till midnight, or very near it; and -others, that it would be almost next morning. However, we went to -dinner, and coming again about six o'clock by my watch, I was told -by the people on the rock, as the general opinion (for it was then -topfull), that they could not yet be expected for a long time; and the -major part concluded they could not be half-way home yet; when, on a -sudden, we heard a prodigious shout from the mountain, which growing -nearer and nearer to us, and louder and louder, in a few moments came -a slim young fellow, and nimbly alighting on the rock, tripped briskly -forward, as not being able to stop himself at once from the violence of -the force he came with, and delivered me a letter from Lasmeel as I was -sitting in my chair. I gave him joy of the prize, and ordered him to -come to my apartment so soon as I got home, and he should have it. I -then asked him where he had left the other flyers; he told me he knew -nothing of them since he came past the forges in his return; for there -he met them going to Lasmeel.--"Why that," says I, "must be a great way -on this side the governor's." He told me about an hour's flight. I then -told him, as he must be strained with so hard a flight, it would be -better if he lay down, and called on me in the morning. He thanked me, -and after he had told me his name was Walsi, he said he would take my -advice, and springing up as light as air, went off, the rock being -quite thronged with those who had followed from the mountain to see the -victor. - -When Walsi came in, it was just seven o'clock by my watch; so that, -according to the best computation by miles I could make from their -descriptions of things, I judged he had flown at little more or less -than at the rate of a mile a minute. - -I stayed till near nine o'clock upon the rock, where it being cold and -the time tedious, I was taking Quilly home with me, and designed that -Maleck should wait for the coming of the second; but hearing again a -shout from the mountain I resolved to see the second come in myself. The -noise increasing, I presently saw the whole air full of people very near -me, for I had retired near two hundred paces from the edge of the rock -to give room to the flyers to alight, and expected nothing less than to -be borne down by them; when I spied two competitors, one just over the -back of the other, the uppermost bearing down upon the other's graundee, -their heads being just equal; so that the under man perceiving it -impossible to sink lower for the rock, or to mount higher for the man -above him, and as darting side-ways would lose time, and fearing to -brush his belly against the rock, he slackened, just to job up his head -in his antagonist's stomach; which giving the upper man a smart check -with the pain, and the under one striking at that instant one bold -stroke with his graundee, he fell just with his head at my feet, and the -other man upon him, with his head in the under man's neck. - -Thus they lay for a considerable time, breathless and motionless, save -the working of their lungs, and heaving of their breasts; when each -asked me if he was not the first, and the under man giving me a letter, -I told them "No, Walsi had been in almost two hours ago." They both said -it was impossible; they were sure no glumm in the Doorpt could outfly -either of them. I ordered them both to call on me in the morning, and -I would see they should have right done to their pretensions. The under -man had but just told me his name was Naggitt, when another arrived, -who, seeing Naggitt before him, told me he was sure he was second; but -on seeing the other also he gave it up. - -I would stay no longer, it being now so late; but the next morning I was -informed that all the rest had stopped at the mountain but two, who were -obliged to give out before, being overstrained, and unable to hold it. - -The next morning Walsi was the first at my apartment, when I happened to -be with the king; and speaking of his business to Quilly, he ordered -him to stay in my gallery till I came back; and Quilly presently after -seeing Youwarkee, told her the victor at the flight-race was waiting for -me in the gallery. Youwarkee, who had great curiosity to see him, having -heard how long he came in before the rest, stepped into the gallery, -and taking a turn or two there, fell into discourse with him about his -flight. And as women are very inquisitive, she distinguished, by the -flyer's answers, speech, shape, and manner of address, that it was -certainly a gawry she was talking with; though she had endeavoured to -disguise herself by rolling in her hair, and tying it round her head -with a broad chaplet, like a man; and by the thinness of her body, and -flatness of her breasts, might fairly enough have passed for one, to -a less penetrating eye than Youwarkee's. But Youwarkee putting some -questions to her, and saying she was more like a gawry than a glumm, -she put the poor girl--for so it was--to the blush, and at last she -confessed the deceit; but upon her knees begged Youwarkee not to mention -it, for it would be her undoing. - -This confession gave Youwarkee a fair opportunity of asking how she came -to be an adventurer for this sort of prize. The girl, finding there was -no remedy, frankly confessed she had a strong affection for a glumboss, -who was a very stout glumm, she said, but somewhat too corpulent for -speedy flight; who ever since the prize had been proposed, could rest -neither night nor day, to think he was not so well qualified to put -in for it as others, especially one Naggitt, who he well knew made his -addresses to her, and also was an adventurer. "Had it been a matter of -strength, valour, or manhood," says he, "I had had the best of chances -for it; but to be under a natural incapacity of obtaining so glorious a -prize, as even the king himself is not master of such another, I cannot -bear it." She then said he had told her he was resolved to give in his -name and do his utmost, though he died in the flight. "What!" said he, -"shall I see Naggitt run away with it, and perhaps with you too, when he -has that to lay at your feet which no glumm else can boast of? No; I'll -overcome, or never come home without it!"--"I must confess, madam," says -Walsi, "as I knew his high spirit could never bear to be vanquished, -I was afraid he would be as good as his word, and come to some unlucky -end; and told him that though he need not have feared being conqueror in -anything else, had it been proposed, yet in flight there were so many, -half glumms as they were, who from their effeminate make and size, and -little value for anything else, would certainly be in before him; that -it was unworthy of a thorough glumm to contend with them for what could -be obtained only by those who had no right to or share in anything more -excellent; and that he must therefore not think of more than his fatigue -for his pains. But as he had set his heart so much upon it, I would -enter, and try to get it for him, as from my size and make, I believed -few would have a better chance for it than myself. And, thanks to -Collwar, madam," says she, "I hope to make him easy in it, if you will -but please to conceal your knowledge of who and what I am." - -Youwarkee was mightily pleased with her story, and promised she would; -but engaged her to come again to her apartment so soon as she was -possessed of the prize. - -When I returned, hearing Walsi waited for me, I called him in, read the -letter he brought, and finding it Lasmeel's, I looked over my list for -Walsi's name, for I set them all down as they entered; and finding it -the very last name of all, and that it was entered but on the morning -the race was flown: "So," says I, "Walsi, I find the last at entering is -the first at returning; but I see you have been there, by what Lasmeel -has sent me; though there were some last night who questioned it, by -your so speedy return. Here," says I, "take the prize, and see they are -only used in the service of your country;" and then I dismissed her. - -My two competitors appeared next for the cutlass, and had each of them -many arguments to prevail with me in favour of him; but I told them I -must do justice, and that though the difference was so small between -them, yet certainly Naggitt was the nearest me at the time they -both ceased flight, his face lying on my foot; so that as they both -complained of foul play, and were therefore equal in that respect, -Naggitt in justice must have it. And I gave it him with these words, -however: "Take it, Naggitt, as certainly yours by the law of the race, -but with a diffidence in myself who best deserves it." - -I own I pitied the other man's case very much, as I should Naggitt's, -had the other won it; but seeing the other turning away, and hearing him -say, "But by half a head; when I had strove so hard!" as in a sort of -dejection, I told them they were both brave glumms, and of intrepid -resolution; and gave him also one, with the like instruction as to -Walsi. - -Walsi went from me, as she had promised, to Youwarkee, who wanted more -discourse with her; for in an affair of love her gentle heart could -have dwelt all day upon the repetition of any circumstances which would -create delight in the enamoured. Walsi sat on thorns, wanting to be -gone; but Youwarkee asking question upon question, Walsi got up and -begged she would excuse her, she would come and stay at any other time. -"But," says she, "madam, when the man one loves is in pain--for I am -sure he is on the rack for fear of a discovery, till he sees me--if you -ever loved yourself, you can't blame me for pressing to relieve him." - -When she was gone, Youwarkee finding me alone, was so full of Walsi's -adventure she could not be silent; but after twenty roundabout speeches -and promises that I was to make, not to be angry with anybody, or undo -anything I had done that day, and I know not what, out came the story. I -was prodigiously pleased with it, and wished I had taken more notice -of her. Says Youwarkee, "I endeavoured to keep her till you had done, -that you might have seen her."--"And why did not you?" says I.--"My -dear," says Youwarkee, "had you seen the poor creature's uneasiness -till she got off with it, yourself could not have had the heart to have -deferred that pleasure you would have perceived she expected when she -came home; nor could you in conscience have detained her." - -[Illustration: 0280] - - - -CHAPTER XXII. - -_The race reconciles the two kingdoms--The colony proceeds--Builds a -city--Peter views the country at a distance--Hears of a prophecy of -the King of Norbon's daughter Stygee--Goes thither--Kills the king's -nephew--Fulfils the prophecy by engaging Stygee to Georigetti--Returns._ - - -THIS race, notwithstanding all that the ragans could say to keep up -their credit, and to prevent the people's perceiving what fools they -had made of them, had so good and sudden an effect on the people's -prejudices, that upon issuing the first proclamation, there was no -occasion for the second; for at least twenty-five thousand men appeared -voluntarily at the rendezvous of the old slaves, whose masters, though -they were declared free, had used divers devices to oppress them, and -render even their freedom a sort of slavery, besides women and children; -so that we had now only to pick and choose those who would be likeliest -to be of service to the new colony. - -Nasgig and I differed now about the choice of persons. He, as a soldier, -was for taking mostly single young men, and I for taking whole families, -though some were either too old or too young for war. And upon farther -consideration he agreed with me; for I told him young men would leave -a father, mother, or mistress, behind them, which would either cause a -hankering after home, and consequently the bad example of desertion, -or else create an uneasy spirit, and perhaps a general distaste to the -settlement. So we chose those whole families where they offered, which -had the most young men in them, first; then others in like order; after -that, man by man, asking them severally if any woman they liked would go -with them, and if so, we took her, till we had about thirteen thousand -fighting men, besides old men, women, and children; and then, marching -by the palace, the king ordered ten days' stores for every mouth, and -with this we took our flight; but as I was always fearful of a concourse -in the air, Nasgig led them, and I brought up the rear. - -Besides the above number of people, I believe we could not have less -than ten thousand volunteers to the Black Mountain; some to take leave -of their friends, and others out of curiosity, to see our flight. I took -three pieces of cannon with me, and proper stores. - -Our first stage, after a short halt on the Black Mountain, was to the -governor's palace, where Gadsi received us with great respect. I told -him my errand, which he approved: "For," says he, "countryman, it is now -as much my interest to keep my old masters out, as ever it was to serve -them when in; and you have taken the only method in the world to do it -effectually." I consulted him where I should fix my colony; and, by his -advice, fixed it on this side the wood, with some scattering habitations -behind the wood, as watch-houses, to give notice of an enemy, having the -wood for shelter, before they could reach the town, and, at the worst, -the town for a retreat. - -I found by Gadsi, that the ships from the Little Lands were soon -expected, for that he said the zaps knew nothing yet of the change of -government, nor could, till the ships returned. He asked me, as there -was now a good lading, whether I thought fit to let them have it upon -proper terms. I told him I would not hinder their having the metals, or -endeavour to stop their trade in the least, but should be glad to treat -with them about it myself. - -I gave the forgemen descriptions for making shovels, spades, pick-axes, -hammers, and abundance of other iron implements I should want in the -building the new town: all which we got ready and carried with us. We -then took flight, and alighted on the spot of our intended city; and -having viewed the ground some miles each way, we drew the outlines, and -set a great number of hands to cutting down trees, digging holes, and -making trenches for the foundations. In short, we were all hands at it, -and the women fetched the provisions; but I was obliged to show them -every single step they were to take, towards the new erections; and, I -must say, it was with great pleasure I did it, they seldom wanting to be -told twice, having as quick an apprehension of what they heard or saw, -as any people I had ever met with. - -The whole city, according to our plan, was to consist of several long -straight streets, parallel to each other, with gardens backwards each -way, and traverse-passages at proper distances, to cross each street, -from one to the other, quite through the whole city. - -While this work was in hand, I took a progress to view the other country -Maleck had told me of. We had not taken a very long flight, before we -saw at a distance several persons of that country travelling to Mount -Alkoe for metals. I had a great mind to have some talk with them about -their kingdom, and ordered my bearers to go to them; they told me they -durst not, for one of them would kill ten men. I did not choose to force -them to it, for fear of some mischief; but observing which way they -came, and that they came in several small bodies, of six or eight -together, and that there was a little wood and some bushes between me -and them, I ordered my bearers to sink beneath the trees out of their -sight, and to ground me just at the foot of the wood; for I resolved to -know something more of them before we parted. - -I lay perdue till they arrived within sixty paces of me; then asking -Maleck if he knew their language, and he telling me he did, having often -conversed with them at the mines, I bid him greet them, and tell them I -was a friend, and be sure to stand by me. There were seven of them, and -many more at different distances. I showed myself, and Maleck spoke to -them, when two or three of the hindermost ran quite away; one stood and -looked very surly, but the rest, who had stood with him, turning to run, -I bid Maleck tell him if he did not call them back I would kill them. He -that stood then called to them, but they mending their pace upon it, I -let fly, and shot one in the shoulder, who dropping, I was afraid I had -killed him. I then went up to the other, who had not stirred even at the -report of the gun, seeming quite terrified. I took him by the hand and -kissed it, which made him recover himself a little, and he took mine and -kissed it. - -I bid Maleck tell him I was a great traveller, and only wanted to talk -with him; but seeing the man I had shot stir, I went to him, and told -him I was sorry I had hurt him, which I should not have attempted had he -not shown a mistrust of me by running away, for I could not bear that: -this I said to keep the other with me. I saw I had hurt his shoulder, -but being at a great distance, the ball had not entered the blade-bone, -but stopping there, had fallen out; so tying my handkerchief over it, I -told him I hoped it would soon be well. - -I inquired into their country, its name, the intent of their journey -this way, their trades, the fruits, birds, and beasts of the country. - -The man I had shot, I found, was in pain, which gave me no little -concern; so I chiefly applied myself to the other, who told me the name -of his country was Norbon, a large kingdom, and very populous, he said, -in some parts of it, and was governed by Oniwheske, an old and good -king. "He has only one daughter," says he, "named Stygee; so that I am -afraid when he dies it will go to a good-for-nothing nephew of his, a -desperate debauched man, who will probably ruin us, and destroy that -kingdom which has been in the Oniwheske family these fifteen hundred -years."--"Won't his daughter have the kingdom," says I, "after his death, -or her children?"--"Children," says he, "no, that's the pity; all would -be well if she had but children, and the state continue fifteen hundred -years longer in the same good family."--"How is it possible for any one -to know that?" says I. "You may know how long it has, but how long it -will last, is mere guess-work."--"No," says he, "this very time, and the -present circumstances of our kingdom, were foretold at the birth of the -first king we ever had, who was of the present royal family."--"How so?" -says I.--"Why," says he, "before we had any king, we had a very good old -man, who lived retired in a cave by the sea; and to him everybody under -their difficulties repaired for advice. This old man happening to be -very ill, everybody was under great affliction for fear they should lose -him; when flocking to his assistance, he told them they need not fear -his death till the birth of a king who should reign fifteen hundred -years. At hearing this all persons then present apprehended that his -disorder had turned his brain; but he persisted in it, and recovered. - -"After a few years, a great number of persons being about him, he told -them he must now depart, for that their king was born, and pointed to -a sucking child a poor woman had then in her arms. It caused a great -wonder in his audience at the thoughts of that poor child ever becoming -a king; but he told them it was so decreed, and farther, that as he was -to die the next day, if they would gather all together, he would let -them know what was to come in future times. - -"When they were met, the woman and child being amongst them, he told -them that child was their king, and that his loins should produce them -a race of kings for fifteen hundred years, during which time they should -be happily governed; but then a female inhabitant of the skies -should claim the dominion, and, together with the kingdom, be utterly -destroyed, unless a messenger from above, with a crown in each hand, -should procure her a male of her own kind; and then the kingdom should -remain for the like number of years to her posterity. Now," says he, -"the time will expire very soon, and as no one has been, or it is -believed will ever come, with two such crowns, the princess Stygee, -though she undoubtedly will try for it, has little hopes of succeeding -her father; for her cousin Felbamko pretends, as no woman ever reigned -with us, he is the right heir, and will have the kingdom."--"Pray," says -I, "what do you mean by an inhabitant of the air?"--"Oh," says he, -"she flies."--"And do most of your country folks fly?" says I; "for -I perceive you don't."--"No," says he, "no one but the princess -Stygee."--"How comes that about?" says I.--"Her mother, when she was -with child with her," says he, "being one day in a wood near the palace, -and having straggled from her company, was attacked by a man with a -graundee, who, not knowing her, clasped her within his graundee, and -would have debauched her; but perceiving her cries had brought some -of her servants to her assistance, he quitted her and went off: this -accident threw her into such a fright, that it was a long time -before she recovered; and then was delivered of a daughter with a -graundee."--"My friend," says I, "your meeting with me will be a very -happy affair for your kingdom. I am the man the princess expects: go -back to the princess and let her and her father know I will be with them -in six days, and establish his dominions in the princess." - -The fellow looked at me, thinking I joked, but never offered to stir a -foot. "Why don't you go?" says I. "And for the good news you bear to the -princess, I'll see you shall be made one of the greatest men in Norbon." -The man smiled still, but could not conceive I was in earnest. I asked -him then how long he should be in going to the palace; he said, "Three -days at soonest."--"Deliver but your message right," says I, "and I'll -assure you it shall be the better for you." The man seeing me look -serious, did at length believe me, and promised he would obey me -punctually; but he had not seen how I came to the place he met me at, -for I had ordered my bearers into the wood with my chair before I showed -myself. - -He arrived, as I afterwards found, at the palace, the fourth morning -very early; and passing the guard in a great heat, with much ado was -introduced to the king, and discharged himself of my message. His -majesty, giving no credit to him, thought he had been mad; but he -affirming it to be true, and telling the king at what a distance I had -knocked down his companion, and made a great hole in his back, only -holding up a thing I had in my hand, which made a great noise, Oniwheske -ordered his daughter to come before him, who having herself heard the -man's report, and being very willing to believe it, with the king's -leave, desired that the messenger might be detained till the appointed -day, and taken care of; and that preparation should be made for the -reception of the stranger, in case it should be true. - -The noise of my coming, and my errand, excited every one's curiosity -to see me arrive; and the day being come, I hovered over the city a -considerable time, to be sure of grounding right. The king and his -daughter, on the rumour of my appearing, came forth to view me and -receive me at my alighting. The people were collected into a large -square, on one side of the palace, and standing in several clusters at -different places, I judged where the king might seem most likely to be, -and ordered my bearers to alight there; but I happened upon the most -unlucky post, as it might have proved, and at the same time the most -lucky I could have found there; for I had scarce raised myself from my -chair, but Felbamko pushing up to me through the throng, and lifting up -a large club he had in his hand, had certainly despatched me, if I had -not at the instant drawn a pistol from my girdle, and shot him dead -upon the spot; insomuch that the club, which was then over my head, fell -gently down on my shoulder. - -I did not then know who it was I had killed, but for fear of a fresh -attempt, I drew out another pistol and my cutlass, and inquiring at -which part of the square the king was, I walked directly up to him, he -not as yet knowing what had happened. His majesty and his daughter -met me, and welcomed me into his dominions. I fell at the king's feet, -telling him I brought a message, which I hoped would excuse my entering -his majesty's dominions without the formality of obtaining his leave. - -When we came to the palace, the king ordered some refreshments to be -given me and my servants; and then that I should be conducted to the -room of audience. - -The report of Felbamko's death had reached the palace before us, and -that it was by my hand; this greatly surprised the whole court, but -proved agreeable news to Stygee. - -At my entrance into the room of audience, the king was sitting at the -farther end of it against the wall, with his daughter on his right hand; -and a seat was placed for me at his left, but nearer to the middle -of the room side-ways, on which I was ordered to sit down. There were -abundance of the courtiers present, and above me was a seat ordered for -one of them, who I found afterwards was one of the religious. - -His majesty asked me aloud how it happened that the first moment of my -entering his dominions I should dip my hands in blood, and that, too, of -one of his nearest relations. - -I then got up to make my answer, but his majesty ordering me to my seat -again, I told him that as it was most certain I knew no one person in -his kingdom, so it could not be supposed I could have an ill design -against any one, especially against that royal blood, into whose hands -I then came to render myself; but the truth was that what I had done -was in preservation of my own life, for that the person slain had rushed -through the crowd upon me with a great club, intending to murder me, and -that whilst the blow was over my head, I killed him in such position, -that by his fall the club rested on my shoulder, but was then too weak -to hurt me. - -The king asking if that was the real case, several from the lower end of -the room said they were informed it was, and one in particular said he -saw the transaction, and I had declared it faithfully. "Then," says the -king, "you are acquitted; and, now, what brings you hither? relate your -business." - -"Great sir," says I, "it is my peculiar happiness to be appointed by -Providence as the proposer of a marriage for the princess Stygee your -daughter, with a potent neighbouring monarch, having already been -enabled to perform things past belief for his honour. Know then, -great sir, I am a native of the north, and through infinite perils and -hardships at last arrived in the dominions of Georigetti, where I have -given peace to his State by the death of the usurper Harlokin. I have -also just conquered the kingdom of Mount Alkoe for my master, and am -here come to make your daughter an offer of both crowns, and also of all -that is my master's, with his person in marriage." - -The old priest then rose, and said: "May it please your majesty, we are -almost right; but what has always staggered me is, how the person should -come, for the messenger to us on this errand is to come from above. -Now this person has not the graundee, and therefore could not come from -thence. As for the rest, I understand the prince from whom he brings -this offer to your daughter has the graundee, and so is a male of her -own kind; and I understand the two kingdoms in his possession to be the -two crowns in the messenger's hands; but, I say, what I stick at is his -coming from above." - -"What!" says Stygee, "did not you see him come?"--"No," says he.--"Oh," -says she, "he came in the air, and was a long time over the city before -he descended."--"That's impossible," says the old priest, "for he is -smooth like us."--"Indeed, sir," says she, "I saw him, and so did most -of the court." The king and nobles then attesting this truth: "Sir," -says the priest to the king, "it is completed, and your majesty must do -the rest." - -"I little expected," says the king, "to see this day; and now, daughter, -as this message was designed for you, you only can answer it. But -still I must say it surpasses my comprehension, that in the decree of -Providence it should be so ordered that the very hand which brings -the accomplishment of what has been so long since foretold us, should, -without design, have first destroyed all that could have rendered the -marriage state uncomfortable to you." - -Stygee then declared she submitted to fate and her father's will. - -I stayed here a week to view the country and the sea, which I heard was -not far off. Here were many useful beasts for food and burden, fowls -also in plenty, and fish near the sea-coasts, and the people eat flesh, -so that I thought myself amongst mankind again. I made all the remarks -the shortness of the time would allow, and then taking my leave -departed. - -I returned to the colony, where I heard that the Little-landers had been -on the coast; but I not being there, or any lading ready, they were gone -away again; however, they had detained two of them. I was pleased with -that, but sorry they were returned empty. - -I examined the prisoners, and by giving them liberty and good usage they -settled amongst us; and the next fleet that came, the sailors to a -man were all my own the moment they could get to shore. This, though I -thought it would have spoiled our trade at first, brought the islanders -and me to the following compromise, and upon this occasion. Their ships -having laid on our coasts one whole season for want of hands to carry -them back, I came to an agreement with their commanders (for they were -all willing to return), that such a number of them should be left as -hostages with me till the return of a number of my own men, which I -should lend them to navigate their ships home; and I sent word to the -zaps that as it might be beneficial to us both to keep the trade still -on foot, to prevent the like inconveniences for the future, I would buy -their shipping, paying for them in metals, and agree to furnish them -yearly with such a quantity of my goods at a stated price, and would -send them by my own people; which they approving, the trade went on in -a very agreeable and profitable manner, and we in time built several new -vessels of our own, and employed abundance of hands in the trade, and -had plenty of handicraftsmen of different occupations, each of whom -I obliged to keep three natives under him, to be trained up in his -business. - -[Illustration: 5294] - -[Illustration: 0295] - - - -CHAPTER XXIII. - -_A discourse on marriage between Peter and Georigetti--Peter proposes -Stygee--The king accepts it--Relates his transactions at Norbon--The -marriage is consummated--Account of the marriage-ceremony--Peter goes -to Norbon--Opens a free trade to Mount Alkoe--Gets traders to settle at -Norbon--Convoys cattle to Mount Alkoe._ - - -AT my return to Sass Doorpt Swangeanti, I went directly to the king, -and giving him an account of the settlement, and my proceedings thereon, -he told me his whole kingdom would not be an equivalent for the services -I had done him. I begged of him to look on them in no other light than -as flowing from my duty; but if, when I should be no more, he or his -children would be gracious to my family, it was all I desired. - -"This, father," says the king, "I can undertake for myself; but who's to -come after me, nobody knows, for I shall never marry. No! Yaccom-bourse -has given me a surfeit of womankind; and unless the states will settle -the kingdom on you, to which I will consent, it will probably be torn to -pieces again by different competitors, for I am the last of the line of -Begsurbeck, and of all the blood-royals; and indeed who is so proper -to maintain it flourishing as he who has brought it to the present -perfection?" - -"Great sir," says I, "my ambition rises no higher than to abound in good -deeds whilst I live, and to perfect my children in the same principle; -and this, I hope, will entitle them to a support when I am gone. But," -says I, "why is your majesty so averse from marriage, merely on account -of a woman you could not expect to be true to you?"--"Not expect it!" -says he; "what stronger tie upon earth could she have had to be true -than my affection, and all that my kingdom could afford her?"--"Weak -things all, sir," says I.--"Why, what could she have had?" said he, -in some warmth.--"Honour, sir," says I, "and virtue, both which she -abandoned to become yours; and those once lost, how could you expect her -to be true?"--"You are too hard for me, father," says he; "but they -are all alike, and I don't believe there's a grain of honour in any of -them."--"In any of them like Yaccombourse, I admit, sir," says I; "but -think not so of others, for no part of our species abounds more with -it, or is more tender of it, than a good woman; and take my word for it, -sir, there is more real sincerity in an ordinary wife than in the most -extraordinary mistress. We are all biassed naturally by interest, and -as there can be but one real interest between the man and wife, so the -interest of a mistress is, and ever will be, to accommodate herself; -for 'tis all one to her with whom she engages, so she can raise but -the market by a change. Now if your majesty could find an agreeable and -virtuous wife, one deserving of your royal person and bed, and perhaps -with a kingdom for her dowry, a partner fit to share your cares as well -as glory, would it not be a great pleasure to you to be possessed of' -such a mate, and to see heirs arising under your joint tuition, to -convey down your royal blood to the latest posterity? Would not this, I -say, be a grateful reflection to you in your declining years?" - -"Truly, father," says the king, "as you have painted it, the prospect -could not fail to please, and under the circumstances you have put it, -it would meet my approbation; but where is such a thing as a woman of -this character to be found? I fear only in the imagination." - -"Sir," says I, after a seeming muse for some time, "what should you -think of Oniwheske, the king of Norbon's daughter? he has but that one -child, I hear."--"Dear father, have done," says his majesty; "to what -purpose should you mention her? We but barely know that there is such -a State, we have never had any intercourse; and, besides, as you say he -has but one child, can you suppose she will ever marry, to leave so fine -a kingdom, and live here?"--"But, sir," says I, "now we are supposing, -suppose she should, with her father's consent, be willing to marry -you, would you have her for your queen?"--"To make any doubt of that, -father," says he, "is almost to suppose me a fool."--"Then, sir," says -I, "her father has consented, and she too; and if I durst have presumed -so far, or had known your mind sooner, she would I believe have ventured -with me to have become yours, but you might have slighted her, and -crowned heads are not to be trifled with; but since you are pleased -to show your approbation of it, I can assure you, sir, her person will -yield to none in your majesty's dominions; for, sir, I have been there, -and have seen her, and she is your own, and her kingdom too, upon -demand." - -"Father," says the king, looking earnestly at me, "I have been -frequently, since I knew you first, in doubt of my own existence. My -life seems a dream to me; for if existence is to be judged of by one's -faculties only, I have been in such a delusion of them ever since, that -as I find myself unable to judge with certainty of any other thing, so -I am subject to doubt whether I really exist. Are these things possible -that you tell me, father?" - -I then told him the whole affair, and advised him by all means to accept -the offer, and marry the princess out of hand. - -His majesty, when I had brought him thoroughly to believe me, was -as eager to consummate the marriage, as I was to have him; but then, -whether he should go to her, or she come to him, was the question. -I told him it was a thing unusual for a sovereign to quit his own -dominions for a wife; but would advise an embassy to her father, with -notice that his majesty would meet and espouse her on the frontiers of -the two kingdoms. - -The ambassadors returning with an appointment of time and place, it was -not above a month before I had settled Stygee on the thrones of Sass -Doorpt Swangeanti and Mount Alkoe, with the reversion of the kingdom of -Norbon, without a competitor. - -I shall here give you an account of the marriage ceremony. The king -being arrived on the borders, Stygee, who had waited but a few hours -at the last village in Norbon, advanced to his majesty on the very -division, as they called it, of the two kingdoms, a line being drawn to -express the bounds of each. The king and Stygee having talked apart from -the company a little space, each standing hand in hand, on their own -respective ground, the chief ragan advanced, and began the ceremony. - -He first asked each party aloud, if he and she were willing to be united -in body and affections, and would engage to continue so their whole -lives to which each party having answered aloud in the affirmative, -"Show me then a token!" says he; and immediately each expanding the -right side of their graundees, laid it upon the other's left side, so -that they appeared then but as one body, standing hand in hand, encased -round with the graundee. The ragan then having descanted upon the duties -of marriage, concluded the ceremony with wishing them as fruitful as -Perigen and Philella. So soon as it was over, and the gripsacks and -voices had finished an epithalamium, the bride and bridegroom taking -wing, were conducted to Brandleguarp, amidst the acclamations of an -infinite number of Georigetti's subjects. - -The king had made vast preparations for the reception of the princess -Stygee; and nothing was to be heard or seen but feastings and rejoicing -for many days; and his majesty afterwards assured me of his entire -satisfaction in my choice of his bride, without whom he confessed, -that notwithstanding the many other blessings I had procured him, his -happiness must have been incomplete. - -Intending another flight to Norbon, I was charged with the king and -queen's compliments to Oniwheske; which having executed, I opened a free -trade to Mount Alkoe; and hearing that small vessels came frequently on -the Norbonese coast, to carry off the iron and other metal from thence -unwrought, and paid part of their return in wrought metals, I ordered -some of the next that came to be stopped and brought to me; and the -day before I had fixed for my departure, notice was sent that twelve of -those traders were stopped, and in custody at the sea-side. I longed to -see them, but then considering that it would take up more time to bring -them to Apsilo the capital, where I was, than I should take in going to -them and returning, I resolved to go and examine them myself. - -They told me they traded with small vessels to Norbon for metals, which -they carried home, and wrought great part of it themselves, sending it -to and dispersing it in several islands at a distance; and also sold -the unwrought to several people who carried it they knew not whither -in great ships. They said they kept abundance of hands at work in the -trade. I asked if their artificers wrought it for their own profit, -or their masters'. They told me for masters, themselves being all -slaves.--"And are you all slaves?" says I.--They told me "Yes, all but -one," pointing to him. I then ordered him to be secured and removed; and -told them if they would procure some hands to settle at Norbon and Mount -Alkoe, they should all be made free, have lands assigned them, and have -other privileges, and I did not doubt in time would become the richest -men in the country; for I understood by them they were acquainted with -the use of money. I asked them what other commodities they brought to -Norbon in exchange. - -They said clothes for the people, both what they received in exchange -from others who bought their iron, and some of a coarser sort of their -own making. I found in my discourse I had with them, that out of my -eleven men there were persons of four different occupations; so I -promised those who would stay with me their freedoms, good houses, and -other rewards: and sending three hands home with the vessel, and a full -freight, according to the value of the cargo they brought, I ordered -them to engage as many as they could of their countrymen of distinct -trades, to come and settle with me; and to be sure, if they had any -grain, corn, roots, plants, or seeds, usually eaten for food, to bring -all they could get with them, and they should have good returns for -them; and as to those good hands that settled here, they should be -allowed all materials to work for their own profit the first year, -and after that they should also work for themselves, allowing the king -one-tenth of the clear profit. This took so far with them, that it was -with the utmost difficulty I got any of them to carry the ship back, for -fear they should not be able to return. - -Before I parted from them, I assigned the eight who were left all proper -conveniences, and recommended them to the king's protection; and I -ordered the owner, then in custody, to be conducted to Mount Alkoe, and -from thence to Brandleguarp; where, treating him kindly and giving him -liberty, I made my proper use of him. - -The king having lent me a convoy to conduct my prisoner, and given me a -license for as many cattle of the sorts I chose as I pleased to drive to -Georigetti's dominions, I made them drive a great number of sheep of the -finest wool I ever saw, and very large also; a great number of creatures -not unlike an ass for shape, but with two upright horns and short ears, -which gave abundance of rich milk; and also some swine. All these were -drove to, and distributed at my new colony, where I let them remain till -I had provided a proper receptacle for them at Doorpt Swangeanti, near -the woods; when I brought many over the Black Mountain, and distributed -there, with directions how to manage them; and in about seven years' -time we held a little beast-market near Brandle-guarp twice a year, -where the spare cattle were brought up, and preserved in salt till the -next market; for I had some years before made large salt-works near -the sea at Mount Alkoe, which employed abundance of hands, and was now -become a considerable trade. - -We had iron, copper, and silver money, which went very current; and had -butter and cheese from the farms near the woods, as plenty as we had the -fruits before, great numbers of families having settled there; and there -was scarce a family but was of some occupation or other. - -By the accounts I received from the mines, from time to time, it was -prodigious to hear what vast quantities of metals were prepared in -one year now, by little above one-third of the hands that were usually -employed in them before; for now the men's ambition was to leave a -good week's work done at their return, for an example to those who were -coming; and the overseers told me they would sing and work with the -greatest delight imaginable, whilst they pleased themselves with telling -one another how they intended to spend the next fourteen days. - -[Illustration: 5304] - -[Illustration: 0305] - - - -CHAPTER XXIV. - -_Peter looking over his books finds he has got a Latin Bible--Sets -about a translation--Teaches some of the ragans letters--Sets up a paper -manufacture--Makes the ragans read the Bible--The ragans teach others to -read and write--A fair kept at the Black Mountain--Peter's reflection on -the Swangeantines._ - - -ALL things being now so settled that they would go on of themselves, -and having no further direct view in my head, I spent my time with -my wife; and looking over my books one day to divert myself, with the -greatest joy imaginable I found that the Bible I had taken to be in the -Portuguese tongue was a Latin one. It was many years since I had -thought of that language; but on this occasion, by force of memory and -recollection, and with some attention, consideration, and practice, I -found it return to me in so plentiful a manner that I fully resolved to -translate my Bible into the Swangeantine tongue. - -I sent directly for Lasmeel to be my amanuensis, and to work we went -upon the translation. - -We began at the creation, and descending to the flood, went on to the -Jewish captivity in Egypt and deliverance by Moses, leaving out the -genealogies and all the Jewish ceremonies and laws, except the Ten -Commandments. I translated the books of Samuel and Kings, down to the -Babylonish captivity. I then translated such parts of the Prophets as -were necessary to introduce the Messiah, and discover Him; the books of -Psalms, Job, and the Proverbs, and with the utmost impatience hasted to -the New Testament. But then considering that when I had done, as only -Lasmeel and myself could read it, in case of our deaths, the translation -must die with us, I chose out six of the junior ragans, and two of the -elder, to learn letters; and in less than twelve months I had brought -them all to read mine and Lasmeel's writings perfectly well. - -I instructed these ragans at spare hours, whilst I went on with my -translation; but finding my paper grow low, having had a great supply of -coarse linen, and a sort of calicoes from the isles, in return for our -metals, I set up a manufactory from that, and some gums of the trees, -which we boiled with it to a pulp in iron pans, and beating it to -pieces, made a useful paper which would bear ink tolerably. But I could -find nothing to make ink of, though I sent over all the country to -search for every herb and fruit not commonly used; till at last I found -an herb and flower on it, which, if taken before the flower faded, -would, by boiling thoroughly, become blue; this, by still more boiling -in a copper pan till it was dry and burnt hard to the bottom, in some -measure answered my purpose, and I fixed upon it as the best I could -obtain from all my experiments. - -When the ragans were masters of their pens, I set six of them to copy -what Lasmeel had finished, and the other two to teach their brethren; -and in two years' time, by a pretty constant application (for I made -them transcribe it perfectly fair and intelligible), we finished our -translation, and two fair copies. - -I then ordered the ragans to read a portion of it to the people -constantly, in the mouch; they, from the novelty of the story, at first -grew so exceeding fond of it, that upon the proper expositions of it I -taught the ragans afterwards to make, they began to apply it seriously -to religious purposes. - -My writing ragans were very fond of their knowledge of letters; and -trade and commerce now increasing, which put every one more or less -in want of the same knowledge, they made a great profit of it, -by instructing all who applied to them. This increase of writing -necessarily provided a maintenance for several persons who travelled -to Norbon for quills, and sold them to the Swangeantines at extravagant -rates; till the Norbonese hearing that, brought them themselves to the -foot of the mountain, where the Swangeantines bought them, as they did -several other commodities which one country had and the other wanted, -especially iron wares of almost every denomination: so that the -mountain, being so excessively high, was the barrier; for the -Norbonese finding that difficulty in ascending and descending which the -Swangeantines with their graundees did not, there was a constant market -of buyers and sellers on the Mount Alkoe side of the Black Mountain, -which by degrees grew the general mart of the three kingdoms. - -I have often reflected with myself, and have been amazed to think, that -so ingenious and industrious a people as the Swangeantines have since -appeared to be, and who, till I came amongst them, had nothing more than -bare food, and a hole to lie in, in a barren rocky country, and then -seemed to desire only what they had, should in ten years' time be -supplied not only with the conveniences, but superfluities of life; and -that they should then become so fond of them, as rather willingly to -part with life itself than be reduced to the state I found them in. -And I have as often, on this occasion, reflected on the goodness of -Providence, in rendering one part of mankind easy under the absence of -such comforts as others could not rest without; and have made it a great -argument for my assent to well-attested truths above my comprehension. -"For," says I, "to have affirmed, at my first coming, either that these -things could have been made at all, or when done could have been of any -additional benefit to these people, would have been so far beyond their -imaginations, that the reporter of so plain a truth, as they now find -it, would have been looked upon as a madman or an impostor; but -by opening their views by little and little, and showing them the -dependence of one thing upon another, he that should now affirm the -inutility of them, would be observed in a much worse light." And yet, -without any embellishments of art, how did this so great a people live -under the protection of Providence? Let us first view them at a vast -distance from any sort of sustenance, yet from the help of the graundee -that distance was but a step to them. They were forced to inhabit the -rocks, from an utter incapacity of providing shelter elsewhere, having -no tool that would either cut down timber for a habitation, or dig up -the earth for a fence, or materials to make one; but they had a liquor -that would dissolve the rock itself into habitations. They had neither -beast nor fish, for food or burthen; but they had fruits equivalent -to both, of the same relish, and as wholesome, without shedding blood. -Their fruits were dangerous till they had fermented in a boiling heat; -and they had neither the sun, nor any fire, nor the knowledge how to -propagate or continue it. But they had their hot springs always boiling, -without their care or concern. They had neither the skins of beasts, the -original clothing, nor any other artificial covering from the weather; -but they were born with that warm clothing the graundee, which being of -a considerable density, and full of veins flowing with warm blood, not -only defended their flesh from all outward injuries, but was a most -soft, comely, and warm dress to the body. They lived mostly in the dark -rock, having less difference of light with the change of seasons than -other people have; but either by custom or make, more light than what -Providence has sent them in the sweecoe is disagreeable: so that where -little is to be obtained, Providence, by confining the capacity, can -give content with that; and where apparent wants are, we may see, by -these people, how careful Providence is to supply them; for neither the -graundee, the sweecoes, nor their springs, are to be found where those -necessaries can be supplied by other means. - -Amongst my other considerations, I have often thought that if I had gone -to the top of the Black Mountains northward of Brandleguarp, in the very -lightest time, I might have seen the sun; but these mountains were so -elevated, that our lightest time was only the gilded glimmering of their -tops, having never seen so much light on them as totally to eclipse all -the stars, of which we had always the same in view, but in different -positions. - -[Illustration: 0311] - - - -CHAPTER XXV. - -_Peter's children provided for--Youwarkee's death--How the king -and queen spent their time--Peter grows melancholy--Wants to get to -England--Contrives means--Is taken up at sea._ - - -I HAD now been at Brandleguarp ten years, and my children were all -provided for by the king but Dickey, as fast as they were qualified for -employment, and such as were fit for it were married off to the best -alliances in the country; so that I had only to sit down and see -everything I had put my hand to prosper, and not an evil eye in the -three kingdoms cast at me: but about my eleventh or twelfth year, my -wife falling into a lingering disorder, at the end of two years it -carried her off. This was the first real affliction I had suffered for -many years, and so soured my temper, that I became fit for nothing, and -it was painful to me even to think of business. - -The king's marriage had produced four children, three sons and a -daughter, which he would frequently tell me were mine. - -Old Oniwheske was dead, and the king and queen divided their whole time -equally between Brandleguarp and Apsillo; but he was building a palace -at my new colony, which by this time was grown to a vast city, and was -called Stygena, in compliment to the queen; and this new palace was -designed to receive the court one-third of the year, as it lay almost -at equal distance between both his other palaces. This method, which -his majesty took, at my persuasion, on the death of Oniwheske, though it -went against the grain at first, was now grown so habitual to him, and -he saw his own interest so much in it in the love and esteem it procured -him from the people, that at last he wanted no spur to it. - -My melancholy for the death of my wife, which I hoped time would wear -off, rather gained ground upon me; and though I was as much regarded as -ever by the whole court, yet it grew troublesome to me even to be asked -my advice; and it not only surprised those about me, but even myself, -to see the same genius, without any visible natural decay, in so short -a time, from the most sprightly and enterprising, become the most -phlegmatic and inactive. - -My longings after my native country, ever since my wife's death, -redoubled upon me, and I had formed several schemes of getting thither; -as first, I had formed a project of going off by the islands, as I had -so many small vessels at command there, and to get into the main ocean -and try my fortune that way; but upon inquiry I found that my vessels -could not get to sea, or elsewhere, but to the zaps' islands, by reason -of the many rocks and sandbanks which would oppose me, unless I went -through the zaps' country, which, in the light they had reason to view -me, I was afraid to do. Then I had thoughts of going from the coast of -Norbon; but that must have been in one of the foreign vessels, and they -coming from a quite different quarter than I must go, in all probability -if I had put to sea any way they were unacquainted with, they having -no compass, we must have perished; for the more I grew by degrees -acquainted with the situation of Doorpt Swangeanti, the stronger were -my conjectures that my nearest continent must be the southern coast of -America; but still it was only conjecture. At length, being tired and -uneasy, I resolved, as I was accustomed to flight, and loved it, I would -take a turn for some days; carry me where it would, I should certainly -light on some land, whence at first I could but come back again. I then -went to see if my chair, board, and ropes, were sound, for I had not -used them for several years past; but I found them all so crazy, I durst -not venture in them, which disappointment put off my journey for some -time. However, as I had still the thought remaining, it put me on -seeking some other method to put it in practice; so I contrived -the poles from which you took me, being a sort of hollow cane the -Swangeantines make their spears of, but exceeding strong and springy, -which, interwoven with small cords, were my seat, and were much lighter -than my chair; and these buoyed me up when your goodness relieved me. -I had taken Mount Alkoe bearers, as I knew I must come to a country -of more light; and I now find, if I had not fallen, I must soon have -reached land, if we could have held out, for we were come too far to -think of returning, without a resting-place: and what will become of my -poor bearers, I dread to think; if they attempted to return, they must -have dropt, for they had complained all the last day and night, and had -shifted very often. If in your history you think fit to carry down the -life of a poor old man any farther, you will as well know what to say of -me as I can tell you; and I hope what I have hitherto said will in some -measure recompense both your expense and labour. - -FINIS. - - - - -A TABLE OF THE NAMES OF PERSONS AND THINGS MENTIONED IN THE TWO VOLUMES. - - -_Abb_, a room. - -_Apsillo_, capital of Norbon. - -_Arco_, a man who committed the first murder. - -_Arhoe_, water surrounded with wood. - -_Amdrumnstake_, Pendlehamby's colambat. - -_Barbarsa_, Georigetti's favourite. - -_Barkett_, a husband. - -_Barras_, a leathern apron, or flap behind. - -_Bash_, a valet de chambre. - -_Battringdrigg_, the name of an arkoe. - -_Begsurbeck_, an old king of Sass Doorpt Swangeanti. - -_Born Isles_, islands to the right hand. - -_Boskee_, a very grand room or saloon. - -_Bott_, a gourd. - -_Bougee_, lie down. - -_Brandleguarp_, chief city of Sass Doorpt Swangeanti. - -_Calentar_, a doctor or surgeon. - -_Cluff_, a captain. - -_Colamb_, a governor. - -_Colambat_, a government. - -_Colapet_, a bag for provision. - -_Collwarr_, God. - -_Covett_, a mansion-house or seat. - -_Crashdoorpt_, Quangrollart's colambat, or country of the slit. - -_Crashee_, slit. - -_Crullmott_, a fruit tasting like a fowl. - -_David_, Peter's fourth son. - -_Doorpt Swangeanti_, the land of flight. - -_Doors_, a sort of apples. - -_Dossee_, a soft thing. - -_Emina_, a rock. - -_Felbamko_, Oniwheske's nephew. - -_Filgay_, a freeman. - -_Filus_, a rib of the graundee. - -_Gadsi_, governor of Mount Alkoe. - -_Gauingrunt_, a revolted town in the west. - -_G awry_, a flying woman. - -_Georigetti_, king of Sass Doorpt Swangeanti. - -_Glanlepze_, an African who escaped with Peter. - -_Glumm_, a flying man. - -_Glumm Boss_, a young man. - -_Goppo_, a father-in-law. - -_Gorpell_, an ensign. - -_Gowren_, women. - -_Graundee_, the glumms' wings and dress. - -_Graundevolet_, Peter's arkoe. - -_Gripsack_, a trumpet. - -_Gume_, the leather between the filuses of the graundee. - -_Hallycarnie_, Youwarkee's sister, also her second daughter. - -_Harlokin_, prince of the rebels. - -_Hoximo_, a place to bury the dead. - -_Hunkum_, marriage. - -_Jahamel_, the king's sister. - -_Jemmy_, Peter's second son. - -_Lallio_, first king of Sass Doorpt Swangeanti. - -_Lask_, a slave. - -_Laskmett_, slavery. - -_Lasmeel_, Peter's scholar. - -_Maieck_, Peter's man from Mount Alkoe. - -_Mindrack_, the devil. - -_Mouch_, a church. - -_Moucherait_, an assembly of the states. - -_Mount Alkoe_, a kingdom taking name from a burning mountain. - -_Nasgig_, a common soldier, made a general at the request of Peter. - -_Kicor_, a creature of Barbarsa, the king's favourite. - -_Norbon_, the name of the north country. - -_Normnbdsgrsutt_, ancient name of Youwarkee's country. - -_Onitvheske_, king of Norbon. - -_Ors clamm gee_, here am I. - -_Padsi_, a fruit tasting like fish. - -_Palang_, a town. - -_Parky_, sweet. - -_Patty_, Peter's eldest daughter, also his first wife. - -_Pedro_, Peter's eldest son. - -_Pendlehamby_, Youwarkee's father, the colamb of Arndrumn-stake. - -_Perigene_, the first-born man. - -_Peter_, the author. - -_Philella_, the first-born woman. - -_Puly_, an image. - -_Praave_, modest. - -_Quangrollart_, Youwarkee's brother, colamb of Crashdoorpt. - -_Quilly_, Peter's bash. - -_Ragan_, a priest. - -_Razy_, mighty. - -_Richard_, Peter's fifth son. - -_Roppin_, marmalade. - -_Rossig_, Quangrollart's companion. - -_Sary_, Peter's youngest daughter. - -_Sass Doorpt Sivangeanti_, Peter's new name given to Georigetti's -dominions. - -_Slip the graundee_, drawing the graundee tight to the body, by a -running noose on a line. - -_Stapps_, minutes. - -_Sty gee_, Oniwheske's daughter. - -_Swangean_, flight. - -_Sweecoan_, a flight with sweecoes. - -_Sweecoe_, an insect giving a strong light in the dark. - -_Telamine_, a woman whose husband committed the first murder. - -_Tommy_, Peter's second son. - -_Yaccombourse_, the king's mistress. - -_Yacom_, a man-child. - -_Youh_, capital of the west. - -_Youwarkey_, Peter's wife. - -_Zaps_, lords. - - -THE END. - - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Life and Adventures of Peter -Wilkins, Complete, by Robert Paltock - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PETER WILKINS *** - -***** This file should be named 51967-8.txt or 51967-8.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/1/9/6/51967/ - -Produced by David Widger from page images generously -provided by the Internet Archive - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - - - -Title: The Life and Adventures of Peter Wilkins, Complete - Volumes One and Two - -Author: Robert Paltock - -Commentator: A. H. Bullen - -Release Date: May 2, 2016 [EBook #51967] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PETER WILKINS *** - - - - -Produced by David Widger from page images generously -provided by the Internet Archive - - - - - - -</pre> - - - <p> - <br /> <br /> <br /> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> - <img alt="paltockTP (30K)" src="images/paltockTP.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> - </div> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <h1> - LIFE AND ADVENTURES<br /> OF<br /> PETER WILKINS<br /> <br /> VOL. I. - </h1> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <h2> - BY ROBERT PALTOCK,<br /> Of Clement's Inn. - </h2> - <p> - <br /> <br /> - </p> - <h3> - WITH A PREFACE BY A. H. BULLEN, <br /> Editor Of "The Works Of John Day," - <br /> "A Collection Of Old English Plays," Etc. - </h3> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> - <img alt="titlepage (92K)" src="images/titlepage.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> - </div> - <p> - <br /> <br /> - </p> - -<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> - <img src="images/0007.jpg" alt="0007 " width="100%" /><br /> - </div> - <h5> - <a href="images/0007.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </h5> -<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> - <img src="images/0009.jpg" alt="0009 " width="100%" /><br /> - </div> - <h5> - <a href="images/0009.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </h5> - - <p> - <br /> <a name="link2H_PREF" id="link2H_PREF"> - <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - PREFACE. - </h2> - <p> - In one of those bright racy essays at which modern dulness delights to - sneer, Hazlitt discussed the question whether the desire of posthumous - fame is a legitimate aspiration; and the conclusion at which he arrived - was that there is "something of egotism and even of pedantry in this - sentiment." It is a true saying in literature as in morality that "he that - seeketh his life shall lose it." The world cares most for those who have - cared least for the world's applause. A nameless minstrel of the North - Country sings a ballad that shall stir men's hearts from age to age with - haunting melody; Southey, toiling at his epics, is excluded from - Parnassus. Some there are who have knocked at the door of the Temple of - Fame, and have been admitted at once and for ever. When Thucydides - announced that he intended his history to be a "possession for all time," - there was no mistaking the tone of authority. But to be enthroned in - state, to receive the homage of the admiring multitude, and then to be - rejected as a pretender,—that is indeed a sorry fate, and one that - may well make us pause before envying literary despots their titles. The - more closely a writer shrouds himself from view, the more eager are his - readers to get a sight of him. The loss of an arm or a leg would be a - slight price for a genuine student to pay if only he could discover one - new fact about Shakespeare's history. I will not attempt to impose on the - reader's credulity by professing myself eager to acquire information about - the author of "Peter Wilkins" at such a sacrifice; but it would have been - a sincere pleasure to me if I could have brought to light some particulars - about one whose personality must have possessed a more than ordinary - charm. The delightful <i>voyage imaginaire</i> here presented to the - reader was first published in 1751.* - </p> - <blockquote> - <p> - * Some copies are said to be dated 1750. It appears on the list of new - books announced in the "Gentleman's Magazine" for November 1750. - </p> - </blockquote> - <p> - An edition appeared immediately afterwards at Dublin; so the book must - have had some sale. The introduction and the dedication to the Countess of - Northumberland (to whom it will be remembered Percy dedicated his - "Reliques" and Goldsmith the first printed copy of his "Edwin and - Angelina") are signed with the initials "R. P.;" and for many years the - author's full name was unknown. In 1835, Nicol, the printer, sold by - auction a number of books and manuscripts in his possession, which had - once belonged to Dodsley, the publisher; and when these were being - catalogued, the original agreement * for the sale of the MS. of "Peter - Wilkins" was brought to light. - </p> - <blockquote> - <p> - * It is now in the collection, shortly to be dispersed, of the late Mr. - James Crossley of Manchester, a gentleman who was esteemed throughout - his long life not less for unfailing courtesy than for rare scholarship. - Mr. Crossley promised to search for the document and send me a - transcript of it; but his kind intention was frustrated by his death. - Paltock's name is sometimes written Pultock or Poltock. There is no - ground for identifying the author of "Peter Wilkins" with the "R. P., - Gent.," who published in 1751 "Memoirs of the Life of Parnese, a Spanish - Lady, Translated from the Spanish MS." - </p> - </blockquote> - <p> - From this document it appeared that the author was Robert Paltock of - Clement's Inn, and that he received for the copyright 20L., twelve copies - of the book, and "the cuts of the first impression"(proof impressions of - the illustrations). The writer's name shows him to have been, like his - hero, of Cornish origin; but the authors of the admirable and exhaustive - "Bibliotheca Cornubiensis" could discover nothing about him beyond the - fact that he was not a bencher of Clement's Inn. That Paltock should have - chosen Clement's Inn as a place of residence is not surprising. It still - keeps something of its pristine repose. The sun-dial is still supported by - the negro; the grass has not lost its verdure, and on August evenings the - plane-trees' leaves glint golden in the sun. One may still hear the chimes - at midnight as Falstaff and Justice Shallow heard them of old. Here, where - only a muffled murmur comes from the work-a-day world, a man in the last - century might have dreamed away his life, lonely as Peter Wilkins on the - island. One can imagine the amiable recluse composing his homely romance - amid such surroundings. Perhaps it was the one labour of his life. He may - have come to the Inn originally with the aspiration of making fame and - money; and then the spirit of cloistered calm turned him from such vulgar - paths, and instead of losing his fine feelings and swelling the ranks of - the plutocrats, he gave us a charming romance for our fireside. With the - literary men of his day he seems to have had no intercourse. Not a single - mention of him is to be found among his contemporaries, and we may be sure - that he cut no brilliant figure at the club-houses. No chorus of reviewers - chimed the praises of "Peter Wilkins." So far as I can discover, the - "Monthly Review" was the only journal in which the book was noticed, and - such criticism as the following can hardly be termed laudatory:—"Here - is a very strange performance indeed. It seems to be the illegitimate - offspring of no very natural conjunction, like 'Gulliver's Travels' and - 'Robinson Crusoe;' but much inferior to the manner of these two - performances as to entertainment or utility. It has all that is impossible - in the one or impossible in the other, without the wit and spirit of the - first, or the just strokes of nature and useful lessons of morality in the - second. However, if the invention of wings for mankind to fly with is - sufficient amends for all the dulness and unmeaning extravagance of the - author, we are willing to allow that his book has some merit, and that he - deserves some encouragement at least as an able mechanic, if not as a good - author." But the book was not forgotten. A new edition appeared in 1783, - and again in the following year. It was included in Weber's "Popular - Romances," 1812, and published separately, with some charming plates by - Stothard, in 1816. Within the last fifty years it has been frequently - issued, entire or mutilated, in a popular form. A drama founded on the - romance was acted at Covent Garden on April 16, 1827; and more than once - of late years "Peter Wilkins" has afforded material for pantomimes. In - 1763 a French translation (by Philippe Florent de Puisieux) appeared under - the title of "Les Hommes Volants, ou les Aventures de Pierre Wilkins," - which was included in vols. xxii.-xxiii. of DePerthe's "Voyages - Imaginaires" ( 1788-89). A German translation was published in 1767, - having for title "Die fliegenden Menschen, oder wunderbare Begebenheiten - Peter Wilkins." Whether the author lived to see the translations of this - work cannot be ascertained. A Robert Paltock was buried at Ryme Intrinseca - Church, Dorset, in 1767, aged seventy (Hutchin's "Dorset," iv. 493-494, - third edition), but it is very doubtful whether he was the author of the - romance. - </p> - <p> - Paltock's fame may be said to be firmly established. An American writer, - it is true, in a recent "History of Fiction," says not a word about "Peter - Wilkins;" but, we must remember, another American wrote a "History of - Caricature" without mentioning Rowlandson. Coleridge admired the book, and - is reported to have said: "Peter Wilkins is, to my mind, a work of - uncommon beauty.... I believe that 'Robinson Crusoe' and 'Peter Wilkins' - could only have been written by islanders. No continentalist could have - conceived either tale.... It would require a very peculiar genius to add - another tale <i>ejusdem generis</i> to 'Robinson Crusoe' and 'Peter - Wilkins.' I once projected such a thing, but the difficulty of the - preoccupied ground stopped me. Perhaps La Motte Fouqué might effect - something; but I should fear that neither he nor any other German could - entirely understand what may be called the <i>desert island</i> feeling. I - would try the marvellous line of 'Peter Wilkins' if I attempted it rather - than the real fiction of 'Robinson Crusoe'" ("Table-Talk," 1851, pp. - 331-332). Southey, in a note on a passage of the "Curse of Kehama," went - so far as to say that Paltock's winged people "are the most beautiful - creatures of imagination that ever were devised," and added that Sir - Walter Scott was a warm admirer of the book. With Charles Lamb at Christ's - Hospital the story was a favourite. "We had classics of our own," he says, - "without being beholden to 'insolent Greece or haughty Rome,' that passed - current among us—'Peter Wilkins,' the 'Adventures of the Hon. - Captain Robert Boyle,' the 'Fortunate Blue-Coat Boy,' and the like." But - nobody loved the old romance with such devotion as Leigh Hunt. He was - never tired of discoursing about its beauties, and he wrote with such - thorough appreciation of his subject that he left little or nothing for - another to add. "It is interesting," he writes in one place, "to fancy R. - P., or 'Mr. Robert Paltock of Clement's Inn,' a gentle lover of books, not - successful enough, perhaps, as a barrister to lead a public or profitable - life, but eking out a little employment or a bit of a patrimony with - literature congenial to him, and looking oftener to 'Purchase Pilgrims' on - his shelves than to 'Coke on Littleton.' We picture him to ourselves with - 'Robinson Crusoe' on one side of him and 'Gaudentio di Lucca' on the - other, hearing the pen go over his paper in one of those quiet rooms in - Clement's Inn that look out of its old-fashioned buildings into the little - garden with the dial in it held by the negro: one of the prettiest corners - in London, and extremely fit for a sequestered fancy that cannot get any - further. There he sits, the unknown, ingenious, and amiable Mr. Robert - Paltock, thinking of an imaginary beauty for want of a better, and - creating her for the delight of posterity, though his contemporaries were - to know little or nothing of her. We shall never go through the place - again without regarding him as its crowning interest.... Now a sweeter - creature [than Youwarkee] is not to be found in books; and she does him - immortal honour. She is all tenderness and vivacity; all born good taste - and blessed companionship. Her pleasure consists but in his; she prevents - all his wishes; has neither prudery nor immodesty; sheds not a tear but - from right feeling; is the good of his home and the grace of his fancy. It - has been well observed that the author has not made his flying women in - general light and airy enough... And it may be said, on the other hand, - that the kind of wing, the graundee, or elastic drapery which opens and - shuts at pleasure, however ingeniously and even beautifully contrived, - would necessitate creatures whose modifications of humanity, bodily and - mental, though never so good after their kind, might have startled the - inventor had he been more of a naturalist; might have developed a being - very different from the feminine, sympathising, and lovely Youwarkee. - Muscles and nerves not human must have been associated with inhuman wants - and feelings; probably have necessitated talons and a beak! At best the - woman would have been wilder, more elvish, capricious, and unaccountable. - She would have ruffled her whalebones when angry; been horribly intimate, - perhaps, with birds' nests and fights with eagles; and frightened Wilkins - out of his wits with dashing betwixt rocks and pulling the noses of seals - and gulls. ("Book for a Corner," 1868, i. 68, &c.) Could criticism be - more delightful? But in the "London Journal," November 5, 1834, the genial - essayist's fancy dallied even more daintily with the theme: "A peacock - with his plumage displayed, full of 'rainbows and starry eyes,' is a fine - object, but think of a lovely woman set in front of an ethereal shell and - wafted about like a Venus.... We are to picture to ourselves a nymph in a - vest of the finest texture and most delicate carnation. On a sudden this - drapery parts in two and flies back, stretched from head to foot like an - oval fan or an umbrella; and the lady is in front of it, preparing to - sweep blushing away from us and 'winnow the buxom air.'" - </p> - <p> - For many of us the conduct of life is becoming evermore a thing of greater - perplexity. It is wearisome to be rudely jostling one another for the - world's prizes, while myriads are toiling round us in an Egyptian bondage - unlit by one ray of sunshine from the cradle to the grave. Some have - attained to Lucretian heights of philosophy, whence they look with - indifference over the tossing world-wide sea of human misery; but others - are fain to avert their eyes, to clean forget for a season the actual - world and lose themselves in the mazes of romance. In moments of - despondency there is no greater relief to a fretted spirit than to turn to - the "Odyssey" or Mr. Payne's exquisite translation of the "Arabian - Nights." Great should be our gratitude to Mr. Morris for teaching us in - golden verse that "Love is Enough," and for spreading wide the gates of - his "Earthly Paradise." Lucian's "True History," that carries us over - unknown seas beyond the Atlantic bounds to enchanted islands in the west, - is one of those books which we do not half appreciate. And among the - world's benefactors Robert Paltock deserves a place. An idle hour could - not be spent in a much pleasanter way than in watching Peter Wilkins go - a-field with his gun or haul up the beast-fish at the lonely creek. What - can be more delightful than the description how, wakened from dreams of - home by the noise of strange voices overhead, he sees fallen at his door - the lovely winged woman Youwarkee! Prudish people may be scandalised at - the unreserved frankness shown in the account of the consummation of - Wilkins' marriage with this fair creature; but the editor was unwilling to - mutilate the book in the interests of such refined readers. A man or a - woman who can find anything to shock his or her feelings in the - description of Youwarkee's bridal night deserves the commiseration of - sensible people. Very charming is the picture of the children sitting - round the fire on the long winter evenings listening wide-eyed to the - ever-fresh story of their father's marvellous adventures. The wholesome - morality, the charitableness and homely piety apparent throughout, give - the narrative a charm denied to many works of greater literary pretension. - When Peter Wilkins leaves his solitary home to live among the winged - people, the interest of the story, it must be confessed, is somewhat - diminished. The author's obligations to Swift in the latter part of the - book are considerable; and of course in describing how Peter Wilkins - ordered his life on the lonely island, he was largely indebted to Defoe. - But the creation of the winged beings is Paltock's own. It has been - suggested that he named his hero after John Wilkins, Bishop of Chester, - who, among other curious theories, had seriously discussed the question - whether men could acquire the art of flying. In the second part of his - "Mathematical Magick," the Bishop writes: "Those things that seem very - difficult and fearfull at the first may grow very facil after frequent - trial and exercise: And therefore he that would effect any thing in this - kind must be brought up to the constant practice of it from his Youth; - trying first only to use his wings in running on the ground, as an Estrich - or tame geese will do, touching the earth with his toes; and so by degrees - learn to rise higher till he shall attain unto skill and confidence. I - have heard it from credible testimony that one of our nation hath - proceeded so far in this experiment that he was able by the help of wings - to skip constantly ten yards at a time." Youwarkee spread wide her - graundee, and in an instant was lost in the clouds. Had the author given - her the motion of a goose, or even of an ostrich—bah! the thought is - too dreadful. - </p> - <p> - Judicious reader, the long winter evenings have come round, and you have - now abundance of leisure. Let the poets stand idle on the shelves till the - return of spring, unless perchance you would fain resume acquaintance with - the "Seasons," which you have not read since a boy, or would divert - yourself with Prior or be grave with Crabbe. Now is the time to feel once - more the charm of Lamb's peerless and unique essays; now is the time to - listen to the honied voice of Leigh Hunt discoursing daintily of men and - books. So you will pass from Charles Lamb and Leigh Hunt to the books they - loved to praise. Exult in the full-blooded, bracing life which pulses in - the pages of Fielding; and if Smollett's mirth is occasionally too riotous - and his taste too coarse, yet confess that all faults must be pardoned to - the author of "Humphry Clinker." Many a long evening you will spend - pleasantly with Defoe; and then, perchance, after a fresh reading of the - thrice and four times wonderful adventures of Robinson Crusoe, you will - turn to the romance of "Peter Wilkins." So may rheums and catarrhs be far - from you, and may your hearth be crowned with content! - </p> - <p> - A. H. B. - </p> - <p> - 5 Willow Road, Hampstead, November 1883. - </p> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> - <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - LIFE AND ADVENTURES - </h2> - <h3> - OF - </h3> - <h2> - PETER WILKINS. <br /> A Cornish Man: - </h2> - <p> - Relating particularly, - </p> - <p> - His Shipwreck near the South Pole; his wonderful Passage thro' a - subterraneous Cavern into a kind of new World; his there meeting with a - Gawry or flying woman, whose Life he preserv'd, and afterwards married - her; his extraordinary Conveyance to the Country of Glums and Gawrys, or - Men and Women that fly. Likewise a Description of this strange Country, - with the Laws, Customs, and Manners of its Inhabitants, and the Author's - remarkable Transactions among them. - </p> - <p> - Taken from his own Mouth, in his Passage to England from off Cape Horn in - America, in the ship Hector, - </p> - <p> - With an INTRODUCTION, giving an Account of the surprizing Manner of his - coming on board that Vessel, and his Death on his landing at Plymouth in - the Year 1739. - </p> - <p> - Illustrated with several Cuts, clearly and distinctly representing the - Structure and Mechanism of the Wings of the Glums and Gawrys, and the - Manner in which they use them either to swim or fly. - </p> - <p> - <br /> <br /> <br /> - </p> - - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p> - <b>To the Right Honourable</b> - </p> - <p> - <big><b>ELIZABETH,</b></big> - </p> - <p> - Countess of Northumberland, Madam, - </p> - <p> - Few Authors, I believe, who write in my Way (whatever View they may set - out with) can, in the Prosecution of their Works, forbear to dress their - fictitious Characters in the real Ornaments themselves have been most - delighted with. - </p> - <p> - THIS, I confess, hath been my Case, in the Person of <i>Youwarkee</i>, in - the following Sheets; for having formed her Body, I found myself at an - inexpressible Loss how to adorn her Mind in the masterly Sentiments I - coveted to endue her with; 'till I recollected the most aim[i]able Pattern - in your Ladyship; a single View of which, at a Time of the utmost fatigue - to his Lordship, hath charmed my Imagination ever since. - </p> - <p> - If a Participater of the Cares of Life in general, alleviates the Concerns - of Man; what an invaluable Blessing must that Lady prove, to the Softness - of whose Sex Nature hath conjoined an Aptitude for Council, an - Application, Zeal, and Dispatch but too rarely found in his own! - </p> - <p> - Had my Situation in Life been so happy as to have presented me with - Opportunities of more frequent and minuter Remarks upon your Ladyship's - Conduct, I might have defy'd the whole <i>British</i> Fair to have - outshone my southern Gawry: For if, to a majestic Form and extensive - Capacity, I had been qualified to have copied that natural Sweetness of - Disposition, that maternal Tenderness, that Cheerfulness, that - Complacency, Condescension, Affability, and unaffected Benevolence, which - so apparently distinguish the Countess of <i>Northumberland</i>; I had - exhibited in my <i>Youwarkee</i> a Standard for future Generations. - </p> - <p> - Madam, I am the more sensible of my Speaking but the Truth from the late - Instance of your Benignity, which entitles me to the Honour of subscribing - myself, - </p> - <p> - Madam, Your Ladyship's - </p> - <p> - most obliged and - </p> - <p> - most obedient Servant, - </p> - <p> - R. P. <br /> <br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <br /> <br /> - </p> - <blockquote> - <p class="toc"> - <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_PREF"> PREFACE. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_TOC"> DETAILED CONTENTS. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> THE INTRODUCTION. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#linkbeginning"> <big><b>LIFE AND ADVENTURES of PETER WILKINS</b></big> - </a> - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XXI. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XXII. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER XXIII. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER XXIV. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER XXV. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER XXVI. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER XXVII. </a> - </p> - -<p> - <br /> <br /> - </p> - - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0001B"> <b>LIFE and ADVENTURES OF PETER WILKINS, VOL. II</b></a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2Hb_TOC"> <b>CONTENTS OF VOL. II.</b> </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2Hb_4_0002"> <b>A GENUINE ACCOUNT OF THE LIFE OF PETER - WILKINS.</b> </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HbCH0001"> CHAPTER I. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HbCH0002"> CHAPTER II. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HbCH0003"> CHAPTER III. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HbCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HbCH0005"> CHAPTER V. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HbCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HbCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HbCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HbCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HbCH0010"> CHAPTER X. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HbCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HbCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HbCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HbCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HbCH0015"> CHAPTER XV. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HbCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HbCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HbCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HbCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HbCH0020"> CHAPTER XX. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HbCH0021"> CHAPTER XXI. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HbCH0022"> CHAPTER XXII. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HbCH0023"> CHAPTER XXIII. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HbCH0024"> CHAPTER XXIV. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HbCH0025"> CHAPTER XXV. </a> - </p> -</blockquote> - - <p> - <br /> <br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_TOC" id="link2H_TOC"> - <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> - </p> - <h2> - CONTENTS OF VOL. I. - </h2> - <blockquote> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. </a> - </p> - <p> - CHAPTER I. <br /> Giving an account of the authors birth and family—The - fondness of his <br /> mother—His being put to an academy at - sixteen by the advice of his <br /> friend—His thoughts of his own - illiterature <br /> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. </a> - </p> - <p> - CHAPTER II. <br /> How he spent his time at the academy—An intrigue - with a servant maid <br /> there—She declares herself with child by - him—Her expostulations with <br /> him—He is put to it for - money—Refused it from home by his friend, who <br /> had married - his mother—Is drawn in to marry the maid—She lies in at - <br /> her aunts—Returns to her service—He has another child - by her <br /> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. </a> - </p> - <p> - CHAPTER III. <br /> Minds his studies—Informs his master of his - mother's marriage and usage <br /> of him—Hears of her death—Makes - his master his guardian—Goes with <br /> him to take possession of - his estate—Is informed all is given to his <br /> father-in-law—Moral - reflections on his condition and on his father's <br /> crimes <br /> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. </a> - </p> - <p> - CHAPTER IV. <br /> Departs secretly from his master—Travels to - Bristol—Religious thoughts <br /> by the way—Enters on - shipboard, and is made captain's steward <br /> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. </a> - </p> - <p> - CHAPTER V. <br /> His first entertainment en board—Sets sail—His - sickness—Engagement <br /> with a French privateer—Is taken - and laid in irons—Twenty-one <br /> prisoners turned adrift in a - small boat with only two days' provisions <br /> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. </a> - </p> - <p> - CHAPTER VI. <br /> The boat, two hundred leagues from land, makes no way, - but drives more <br /> to sea by the wind—The people live nine days - at quarter allowance—Four <br /> die with hunger the twelfth day—Five - more the fourteenth day—On the <br /> fifteenth they eat one just - dead—Want of water excessive—They spy a <br /> sail—Are - taken up—Work their passage to the African shore—One sent on - <br /> a secret expedition—Are way-laid, taken, made slaves, and - sent up the <br /> country <br /> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. </a> - </p> - <p> - CHAPTER VII. <br /> The author escapes with Glanlepze, a native—His - hardships <br /> in travel—Plunder of a cottage—His fears—Adventure - with a <br /> crocodile—Passage of a river—Adventure with a - lioness and <br /> whelps—Arrives at Glanlepze's house—The - trial of Glanlepze s wife's <br /> constancy—The tender meeting of - her and her husband—The author's <br /> reflections thereupon <br /> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> - </p> - <p> - CHAPTER VIII. <br /> How the author passed his time with Glanlepze—His - acquaintance with <br /> some English prisoners—They project an - escape—He joins them—They <br /> seize a Portuguese ship and - get off—Make a long run from land—Want <br /> water—They - anchor at a desert island—The boat goes on shore for <br /> water—They - lose their anchor in a storm—The author and one Adams drove <br /> - to sea—A miraculous passage to a rock—Adams drowned there—The - authors <br /> miserable condition <br /> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. </a> - </p> - <p> - CHAPTER IX. <br /> He thinks of destroying himself—His soliloquy—Strange - accident in <br /> the hold—His surprise—Can't climb the rock—His - method to sweeten his <br /> water—Lives many months on board—Ventures - to sea in his boat several <br /> times and takes many fish—Almost - overcome by an eel <br /> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. </a> - </p> - <p> - CHAPTER X. <br /> Lays in great store of provisions—Resolves to - traverse the rock—Sails <br /> for three weeks, still seeing it - only—Is sucked under the rock, and <br /> hurried down a cataract—Continues - there five weeks—His description of <br /> the cavern—His - thoughts and difficulties—His arrival at a great lake, <br /> and - his landing in the beautiful country of Graundevolet <br /> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. </a> - </p> - <p> - CHAPTER XI. <br /> His joy on his arrival at land—A description of - the place—No <br /> inhabitants—Wants fresh water—Resides - in a grotto—Finds water—Views <br /> the country—Carries - his things to the grotto <br /> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. </a> - </p> - <p> - CHAPTER XII. <br /> An account of the grotto—A room added to it—A - view of that <br /> building—The author makes a little cart—Also - a wet dock for his <br /> boat—Goes in quest of provision—A - description of divers fruits and <br /> plants—He brings home a - cartload of different sorts—Makes experiments <br /> on them—Loads - his cart with others—A great disappointment—Makes good <br /> - bread—Never sees the sun—The nature of the light <br /> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII. </a> - </p> - <p> - CHAPTER XIII. <br /> The author lays in a store against the dark weather—Hears - voice—His <br /> thoughts thereon—Persuades himself it was a - dream—Hears them <br /> again—Determines to see if any one - lodged in the rock—Is satisfied <br /> there is nobody—Observations - on what he saw—Finds a strong weed <br /> like whip-cord—Makes - a dragnet—Lengthens it—Catches a monster—Its <br /> - description—Makes oil of it <br /> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV. </a> - </p> - <p> - CHAPTER XIV. <br /> The author passes the summer pleasantly—Hears - the voices in the <br /> winter—Ventures out—Sees a strange - sight on the lake—His uneasiness <br /> at it—His dream—Soliloquy—Hears - the voices again, and perceives a <br /> great shock on his building—Takes - up a beautiful woman—He thinks her <br /> dead, but recovers her—A - description of her—She stays with him <br /> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV. </a> - </p> - <p> - CHAPTER XV. <br /> He is afraid of losing his new mistress—They - live together all <br /> winter—A remark on that—They begin - to know each others language—A <br /> long discourse between them - at cross purposes—She flies—They engage to <br /> be man and - wife <br /> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI. </a> - </p> - <p> - CHAPTER XVI. <br /> The author's disappointment at first going to bed - with his new <br /> wife—Some strange circumstances relating - thereto—She resolves several <br /> questions he asks her, and - clears up his fears as to the voices—A <br /> description of - swangeans <br /> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII. </a> - </p> - <p> - CHAPTER XVII. <br /> Youwarkee cannot bear a strong light—Her - husband makes her spectacles, <br /> which help her—A description - of them <br /> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII. </a> - </p> - <p> - CHAPTER XVIII. <br /> Youwarkee with child—The author's stock of - provisions—No beast or <br /> fish in Youwarkee's country—The - voices again—Her reason for not <br /> seeing those who uttered 'em—She - bears a son—A hard speech in her <br /> lying-in—Divers birds - appear—Their eggs gathered—How the author kept <br /> account - of time <br /> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX. </a> - </p> - <p> - CHAPTER XIX. <br /> His concern about clothing for Pedro, his eldest son—His - discourse with <br /> his wife about the ship—Her flight to it—His - melancholy reflections <br /> 'till her return—An account of what - she had done, and of what she <br /> brought—She clothes her - children and takes a second flight <br /> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX. </a> - </p> - <p> - CHAPTER XX. <b>(With three illustrations)</b> <br /> The author observes - her flight—A description of a glumm in the <br /> graundee—She - finds out the gulf not far from the ship—Brings home more <br /> - goods—Makes her a gown by her husband's instruction <br /> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XXI. </a> - </p> - <p> - CHAPTER XXI. <br /> The author gets a breed of poultry—By what - means—Builds them a <br /> house—How he managed to keep them - in winter <br /> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XXII. </a> - </p> - <p> - CHAPTER XXII. <br /> Reflections on mankind—The author wants to be - with his ship—Projects <br /> going, but perceives it impracticable—Youwarkee - offers her service, <br /> and goes—An account of her transactions - on board—Remarks on her <br /> sagacity—She despatches - several chests of goods through the gulf to <br /> the lake—An - account of a danger she escaped—The author has a fit of <br /> - sickness <br /> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER XXIII. </a> - </p> - <p> - CHAPTER XXIII. <br /> The religion of the author's family <br /> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER XXIV. </a> - </p> - <p> - CHAPTER XXIV. <br /> An account of his children—Their names—They - are exercised in <br /> flying—His boat crazy—Youwarkee - intends a visit to her father, but <br /> first takes another flight to - the ship—Sends a boat and chests through <br /> the gulf—Clothes - her children—Is with child again, so her visit is put <br /> off—An - inventory of the last freight of goods—The authors method of <br /> - treating his children—Youwarkee, her son Tommy, with her daughters - <br /> Patty and Hallycarnie, set out for her father's <br /> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER XXV. </a> - </p> - <p> - CHAPTER XXV. <br /> Youwarkee's account of the stages to Arndrumnstake—The - author uneasy <br /> at her flight—His employment in her absence, - and preparations for <br /> receiving her father—How he spent the - evenings with the children <br /> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER XXVI. </a> - </p> - <p> - His concern at Youwarkee's stay—Reflections on his condition—Hears - <br /> a voice call him—Youwarkee's brother Quangrollart visits him - with a <br /> companion—He treats them at the grotto—The - brother discovers himself <br /> by accident—The author presents - his children to him <br /> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER XXVII. </a> - </p> - <p> - Quangrollarf s account of Youwarkee's journey, and reception at her - <br /> father's <br /> - </p> - </blockquote> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> - <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - THE INTRODUCTION. - </h2> - <p> - It might be looked upon as impertinent in me, who am about to give the - life of another, to trouble the reader with any of my own concerns, or th+e - affairs that led me into the South Seas. Therefore I shall only acquaint - him, that in my return on board the "Hector," as a passenger, round Cape - Horn, for England, full late in the season, the wind and currents setting - strong against us, our ship drove more southernly, by several degrees, - than the usual course, even to the latitude of 75 or 76; when the wind - chopping about, we began to resume our intended way. It was about the - middle of June, when the days are there at the shortest, on a very starry - and moonlight night, that we observed at some distance a very black cloud, - but seemingly of no extraordinary size or height, moving very fast towards - us, and seeming to follow the ship, which then made great way. Every one - on deck was very curious in observing its motions; and perceiving it - frequently to divide, and presently to close again, and not to continue - long in any determined shape, our captain, who had never before been so - far to the southward as he then found himself, had many conjectures what - this phenomenon might portend; and every one offering his own opinion, it - seemed at last to be generally agreed that there might possibly be a storm - gathering in the air, of which this was the prognostic; and by its - following, and nearly keeping pace with us, we were in great fear lest it - should break upon and overwhelm us, if not carefully avoided. Our - commander, therefore, as it approached nearer and nearer, ordered one of - the ship's guns to be fired, to try if the percussion of the air would - disperse it. This was no sooner done than we heard a prodigious flounce in - the water, at but a small distance from the ship, on the weather-quarter; - and after a violent noise, or cry in the air, the cloud, that upon our - firing dissipated, seemed to return again, but by degrees disappeared. - Whilst we were all very much surprised at this unexpected accident, I, - being naturally very curious and inquisitive into the causes of all - unusual incidents, begged the captain to send the boat to see, if - possible, what it was that had fallen from the cloud, and offered myself - to make one in her. He was much against this at first, as it would retard - his voyage, now we were going so smoothly before the wind. But in the - midst of our debate, we plainly heard a voice calling out for help, in our - own tongue, like a person in great distress. I then insisted on going, and - not suffering a fellow-creature to perish for the sake of a trifling - delay. In compliance with my resolute demand, he slackened sail; and - hoisting out the boat, myself and seven others made to the cry, and soon - found it to come from an elderly man, labouring for life, with his arms - across several long poles, of equal size at both ends, very light, and - tied to each other in a very odd manner. The sailors at first were very - fearful of assisting or coming near him, crying to each other, "He must be - a monster!" and perhaps might overset the boat and destroy them; but - hearing him speak English, I was very angry with them for their foolish - apprehensions, and caused them to clap their oars under him, and at length - we got him into the boat. He had an extravagant beard, and also long - blackish hair upon his head. As soon as he could speak (for he was almost - spent), he very familiarly took me by the hand, I having set myself close - by him to observe him, and squeezing it, thanked me very kindly for my - civility to him, and likewise thanked all the sailors. I then asked him by - what possible accident he came there; but he shook his head, declining to - satisfy my curiosity. Hereupon reflecting that it might just then be - troublesome for him to speak, and that we should have leisure enough in - our voyage for him to relate, and me to hear, his story (which, from the - surprising manner of his falling amongst us, I could not but believe would - contain something very remarkable), I waived any farther speech with him - at that time. - </p> - <p> - We had him to the ship, and taking off his wet clothes, put him to bed in - my cabin; and I having a large provision of stores on board, and no - concern in the ship, grew very fond of him, and supplied him with - everything he wanted. In our frequent discourses together, he had several - times dropped loose hints of his past transactions, which but the more - inflamed me with impatience to hear the whole of them. About this time, - having just begun to double the Cape, our captain thought of watering at - the first convenient place; and finding the stranger had no money to pay - his passage, and that he had been from England no less than thirty-five - years, despairing of his reward for conducting him thither, he intimated - to him that he must expect to be put on shore to shift for himself, when - we put in for water. This entirely sunk the stranger's spirits, and gave - me great concern, insomuch that I fully resolved, if the captain should - really prove such a brute, to take the payment of his passage on myself. - </p> - <p> - As we came nearer to the destined watering, the captain spoke the plainer - of his intentions (for I had not yet hinted my design to him or any one - else); and one morning the stranger came into my cabin, with tears in his - eyes, telling me he verily believed the captain would be as good as his - word, and set him on shore, which he very much dreaded. I did not choose - to tell him immediately what I designed in his favour, but asked him if he - could think of no way of satisfying the captain, or any one else, who - might thereupon be induced to engage for him; and farther, how he expected - to live when he should get to England, a man quite forgotten and - penniless. Hereupon he told me he had, ever since his being on board, - considering his destitute condition, entertained a thought of having his - adventures written; which, as there was something so uncommon in them, he - was sure the world would be glad to know; and he had flattered himself - with hopes of raising somewhat by the sale of them to put him in a way of - living; but as it was plain now he should never see England without my - assistance, if I would answer for his passage, and write his life, he - would communicate to me a faithful narrative thereof, which he believed - would pay me to the full any charge I might be at on his account. I was - very well pleased with this overture, not from the prospect of gain by the - copy, but from the expectation I had of being fully satisfied in what I - had so long desired to know; so I told him I would make him easy in that - respect. This quite transported him: he caressed me, and called me his - deliverer, and was then going open-mouthed to the captain to tell him so. - But I put a stop to that: For, says I, though I insist upon hearing your - story, the captain may yet relent of his purpose, and not leave you on - shore; and if that should prove the case, I shall neither part with my - money for you, nor you with your interest in your adventures to me. - Whereupon he agreed I was right, and desisted. - </p> - <p> - When we had taken in best part of our water, and the boat was going its - last turn, the captain ordered up the strange man, as they called him, and - told him he must go on board the boat, which was to leave him on shore - with some few provisions. I happening to hear nothing of these orders, - they were so sudden, the poor man was afraid, after all, he should have - been hurried to land without my knowledge: but begging very hard of the - captain only for leave to speak with me before he went, I was called - (though with some reluctance, for the captain disliked me for the - liberties I frequently took with him, on account of his brutal behaviour). - I expostulated with the cruel wretch on the inhumanity of the action he - was about; telling him, if he had resolved the poor man should perish, it - would have been better to have suffered him to do so when he was at the - last extremity, than to expose him afresh, by this means, to a death as - certain, in a more lingering and miserable way. But the savage being - resolved, and nothing moved by what I said, I paid him part of the passage - down, and agreed to pay the rest at our arrival in England. - </p> - <p> - Thus having reprieved the poor man, the next thing was to enter upon my - new employ of amanuensis: and having a long space of time before us, we - allotted two hours every morning for the purpose of writing down his life - from his own mouth; and frequently, when wind and weather kept us below, - we spent some time of an afternoon in the same exercise, till we had quite - completed it. But then there were some things in it so indescribable by - words, that if I had not had some knowledge in drawing, our history had - been very incomplete. Thus it must have been, especially in the - description of the <i>Glumms</i> and <i>Gawrys</i> therein mentioned. In - order to gain (that so I might communicate) a clear idea of these, I made - several drawings of them from his discourses and accounts; and, at length, - after divers trials, I made such exact delineations, that he declared they - could not have been more perfect resemblances if I had drawn them from the - life. Upon a survey, he confessed the very persons themselves could not - have been more exact. I also drew with my pencil the figure of an aerial - engagement, which, having likewise had his approbation, I have given a - draught of, plate the sixth. - </p> - <p> - Then, having finished the work to our mutual satisfaction, I locked it up, - in order to peruse it at leisure, intending to have presented it to him at - our arrival in England, to dispose of as he pleased, in such a way as - might have conduced most to his profit; for I resolved, notwithstanding - our agreement, and the obligations he was under to me, that the whole of - that should be his own. But he, having been in a declining state some time - before we reached shore, died the very night we landed; and his funeral - falling upon me, I thought I had the greatest right to the manuscript, - which, however, I had no design to have parted with; but showing it to - some judicious friends, I have by them been prevailed with not to conceal - from the world what may prove so very entertaining, and perhaps useful. - </p> - <p> - R. P. <a name="linkbeginning" id="linkbeginning"></a> <br /> <br /> - </p> - <h1> - A GENUINE ACCOUNT <br /> <br /> OF THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES <br /><br /> OF - PETER WILKINS. - </h1> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - - <p> - <br /> <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> - <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> <br /> <br /> - </p> - <h2> - CHAPTER I. - </h2> - <blockquote> - <p> - Giving an account of the author's birth and family— The fondness - of his mother—His being put to an academy at sixteen by the advice - of his friend—His thoughts of his own illiterature - </p> - </blockquote> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span> was born at - Penhale, in the county of Cornwall, on the 21st day of December 1685, - about four months after my father, Peter Wilkins, who was a zealous - Protestant of the Church of England, had been executed by Jeffreys, in - Somersetshire, for joining in the design of raising the Duke of Monmouth - to the British throne. I was named, after my father and grandfather, - Peter, and was my father's only child by Alice his wife, the daughter of - John Capert, a clergyman in a neighbouring village. My grandfather was a - shopkeeper at Newport, who, by great frugality and extraordinary - application, had raised a fortune of about £160 a year in lands, and a - considerable sum of ready money, all which at his death devolved upon my - father, as his only child; who, being no less parsimonious than my - grandfather, and living upon his own estate, had much improved it in value - before his marriage with my mother; but he coming to that unhappy end, my - mother, after my birth, placed all her affection upon me (her growing - hope, as she called me), and used every method, in my minority, of - increasing the store for my benefit. - </p> - <p> - In this manner she went on, till I grew too big, as I thought, for - confinement at the apron-string, being then about fourteen years of age; - and having met with so much indulgence from her, for that reason found - very little or no contradiction from anybody else; so I looked on myself - as a person of some consequence, and began to take all opportunities of - enjoying the company of my neighbours, who hinted frequently that the - restraint I was under was too great a curb upon an inclination like mine - of seeing the world; but my mother, still impatient of any little absence, - by excessive fondness, and encouraging every inclination I seemed to have, - when she could be a partaker with me, kept me within bounds of restraint - till I arrived at my sixteenth year. - </p> - <p> - About this time I got acquainted with a country gentleman, of a small - paternal estate, which had been never the better for being in his hands, - and had some uneasy demands upon it. He soon grew very fond of me, hoping, - as I had reason afterwards to believe, by a union with my mother to set - himself free from his entanglements. She was then about thirty-five years - old, and still continued my father's widow, out of particular regard to - me, as I have all the reason in the world to believe. She was really a - beautiful woman, and of a sanguine complexion, but had always carried - herself with so much reserve, and given so little encouragement to any of - the other sex, that she had passed her widowhood with very few - solicitations to alter her way of life. This gentleman observing my - mother's conduct, in order to ingratiate himself with her, had shown - numberless instances of regard for me; and, as he told my mother, had - observed many things in my discourse, actions, and turn of mind, that - presaged wonderful expectations from me, if my genius was but properly - cultivated. - </p> - <p> - This discourse, from a man of very good parts, and esteemed by everybody - an accomplished gentleman, by degrees wrought upon my mother, and more and - more inflamed her with a desire of adding what lustre she could to my - applauded abilities, and influenced her so far as to ask his advice in - what manner most properly to proceed with me. My gentleman then had his - desire, for he feared not the widow, could he but properly dispose of her - charge; so having desired a little time to consider of a matter of such - importance, he soon after told her he thought the most useful method of - establishing me would be at an academy, kept by a very worthy and - judicious gentleman, about thirty, or more, miles from us, in - Somersetshire; where, if I could but be admitted, the master taking in but - a stated number of students at a time, he did not in the least doubt but I - should fully answer the character he had given her of me, and outshine - most of my contemporaries. - </p> - <p> - My mother, over-anxious for my good, seeming to listen to this proposal, - my friend (as I call him) proposed taking a journey himself to the - academy, to see if any place was vacant for my reception, and learn the - terms of my admission; and in three days' time returned with an engaging - account of the place, the master, the regularity of the scholars, of an - apartment secured for my reception, and, in short, whatever else might - captivate my mother's opinion in favour of his scheme; and indeed, though - he acted principally from another motive, as was plain afterwards, I - cannot help thinking he believed it to be the best way of disposing of a - lad sixteen years old, born to a pretty fortune, and who, at that age, - could but just read a chapter in the Testament; for he had before beat my - mother quite out of her inclination to a grammar-school in the - neighbourhood, from a contempt, he said, it would bring upon me from lads - much my juniors in years, by being placed in the first rudiments of - learning with them. - </p> - <p> - Well, the whole concern of my mother's little family was now employed in - fitting me out for my expedition; and as my friend had been so - instrumental in bringing it about, he never missed a day inquiring how - preparations went on; and during the process, by humouring me, ingratiated - himself more and more with my mother, but without seeming in the least to - aim at it. In short, the hour of my departure arrived; and though I had - never been master of above a sixpence at one time, unless at a fair or so, - for immediate spending, my mother, thinking to make my heart easy at our - separation (which, had it appeared otherwise, would have broke hers, and - spoiled all), gave me a double pistole in gold, and a little silver in my - pocket to prevent my changing it. - </p> - <p> - Thus I (the coach waiting for us at the door), having been preached into a - good liking of the scheme by my friend, who now insisted upon making one - of our company to introduce us, mounted the carriage with more alacrity - than could be expected for one who had never before been beyond the smoke - of his mother's chimney; but the thoughts I had conceived, from my - friend's discourse, of liberty in the academic way, and the weight of so - much money in my pocket, as I then imagined would scarce ever be - exhausted, were prevailing cordials to keep my spirits on the wing. We lay - at an inn that night, near the master's house, and the next day I was - initiated; and, at parting with me, my friend presented me with a guinea. - When I found myself thus rich, I must say I heartily wished they were all - fairly at home again, that I might have time to count my cash, and dispose - of such part of it as I had already appropriated to several uses then in - embryo. - </p> - <p> - The next morning left me master of my wishes, for my mother came and took - her last (though she little thought it) leave of me, and smothering me - with her caresses and prayers for my well-doing, in the height of her - ardour put into my hand another guinea, promising to see me again quickly; - and desiring me, in the meantime, to be a very good husband, which I have - since taken to be a sort of prophetic speech, she bid me farewell. - </p> - <p> - I shall not trouble you with the reception I met from my master, or his - scholars, or tell you how soon I made friends of all my companions, by - some trifling largesses which my stock enabled me to bestow as occasion - required; but I must inform you that, after sixteen years of idleness at - home, I had but little heart to my nouns and pronouns, which now began to - be crammed upon me; and being the eldest lad in the house, I sometimes - regretted the loss of the time past, and at other times despaired of ever - making a scholar at my years; and was ashamed to stand like a great - lubber, declining of <i>hæc mulier</i> a woman, whilst my schoolfellows, - and juniors by five years, were engaged in the love stories of Ovid, or - the luscious songs of Horace. I own these thoughts almost overcame me, and - threw me into a deep melancholy, of which I soon after, by letter, - informed my mother; who (by the advice, as I suppose, of my friend, by - this time her suitor) sent me word to mind my studies, and I should want - for nothing. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - - <p> - <br /> <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> - <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> <br /> <br /> - </p> - <h2> - CHAPTER II. - </h2> - <blockquote> - <p> - How he spent his time at the academy—An intrigue with a - servant-maid there—She declares herself with child by him— - Her expostulations to him—He is put to it for money— Refused - it from home by his friend, who had married his mother—Is drawn in - to marry the maid—She lies-in at her aunts—Returns to her - service—He has another child by her - </p> - </blockquote> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span> had now been - passing my time for about three months in this melancholy way, and, you - may imagine, under that disadvantage, had made but little progress in my - learning, when one of our maids, taking notice one day of my uneasiness, - as I sat musing in my chamber, according to my custom, began to rally me - that I was certainly in love, I was so sad. Indeed I never had a thought - of love before, but the good-natured girl seeming to pity me, and - seriously asking me the cause, I fairly opened my heart to her; and for - fear my master should know it, gave her half-a-crown to be silent. This - last engagement fixed her my devotee, and from that time we had frequent - conferences in confidence together, till at length inclination, framed by - opportunity, produced the date of a world of concern to me; for about six - months after my arrival at the academy, instead of proving my parts by my - scholarship, I had proved my manhood by being the destined father of an - infant which my female correspondent then assured me would soon be my own. - </p> - <p> - We nevertheless held on our frequent intercourse; nor was I so alarmed at - the news as I ought to have been, till about two months after, when Patty - (for that was the only name I then knew her by) explained herself to me in - the following terms:—"You know, Mr. Peter, how matters are with me: - I should be very sorry, for your sake, and my own too, to reveal my shame, - but in spite of us both nature will show itself; and truly I think some - care should be taken, and some method proposed, to preserve the infant, - and avoid, as far as may be, the inconveniences that may attend us, for - here is now no room for delay." This speech, I own, gave me the first - reflection I ever had in my life, and locked up all my faculties for a - long time; nor was I able, for the variety of ideas that crowded my brain, - to make a word of answer, but stood like an image of stone, till Patty, - seeing my confusion, desired me to recollect my reason; for as it was too - late to undo what had been done, it remained now only to act with that - prudence and caution which the nature of the case required; and that, for - her part, she would concur in every reasonable measure I should approve - of; but I must remember she was only a servant, and had very little due to - her for wages, and not a penny besides that; and that there must - necessarily be a preparation made for the reception of the infant when - time should produce it. I now began to see the absolute necessity of all - she said, but how to accomplish it was not in me to comprehend. My own - small matter of money was gone, and had been so a long time; we therefore - agreed I should write to my mother for a fresh supply. I did so; and to my - great confusion was answered by my former friend in the following words:— - </p> - <blockquote> - <p> - "Son Peter,—Your mother and I are much surprised you should write - for money, having so amply provided for you; but as it is not many - months to Christmas, when possibly we may send for you home, you must - make yourself easy till then; as a school-boy, with all necessaries - found him, cannot have much occasion for money.—Your loving - father, J. G." - </p> - </blockquote> - <p> - Imagine, if it is possible, my consternation at the receipt of this - letter. I began to think I should be tricked out of what my father and - grandfather had with so much pains and industry for many years been, - heaping up for me, and had a thousand thoughts all together jostling out - each other, so could resolve on nothing. I then showed Patty the letter, - and we both condoled my hard fortune, but saw no remedy. Time wore away, - and nothing done, or like to be, as I could see. For my part, I was like - one distracted, and no more able to assist or counsel what should be done - than a child in arms. At length poor Patty, who had sat thinking some - time, began with telling me she had formed a scheme which in some measure - might help us; but fearing it might be disagreeable to me, she durst not - mention it till I should assure her, whatever I thought of that, I would - think no worse of her for proposing it. This preparatory introduction - startled me a great deal; for it darted into my head she waited for my - concurrence to destroy the child, to which I could never have consented. - But upon my assuring her I would not think the worse of her for whatever - she should propose, but freely give her my opinion upon it, she told me, - as she could see no other way before us but what tended to our disgrace - and ruin, if I would marry her she would immediately quit her place and - return to her aunt, who had brought her up from a child, and had enough - prettily to live upon, who, she did not doubt, would entertain her as my - wife; but she was assured, upon any other score, or under any other name, - would prove her most inveterate enemy. When Patty had made an end, I was - glad to find it no worse; and revolving matters a little in my mind, both - as to affairs at home and the requested marriage, I concluded upon this - latter, and had a great inclination to acquaint my mother of it, but was - diverted from that, by suspecting it might prove a good handle for my new - father to work with my mother some mischief against me; so determined to - marry forthwith, send Patty to her aunt's, and remain still at the academy - myself till I should see what turn things would take at home. Accordingly, - the next day good part of Patty's wages went to tie the connubial knot, - and to the honest parson for a bribe to antedate the certificate; and she - very soon after took up the rest to defray her journey to her aunt's. - </p> - <p> - Though Patty was within two months of her time, she had so managed that no - one perceived it; and getting safe to her aunt's, was delivered of a - daughter, of which she wrote me word, and said she hoped to see me at the - end of her month. How, thought I, can she expect to see me; money I have - none! and then I despaired of leave for a journey if I had it; and to go - without leave would only arm J. G. against me, as I perceived plainly his - interest and mine were very remote things; so I resolved to quit all - thoughts of a journey, and wait till opportunity better served for seeing - my wife and child, and our good aunt to whom we were so much obliged. - While these and such-like cogitations engrossed my whole attention, I was - most pleasingly surprised one day, upon my return-from a musing walk by - the river-side at the end of our garden, where I frequently got my tasks, - to find Patty sitting in the kitchen with my old mistress, my master's - mother, who managed his house, he having been a widower many years. The - sight of her almost overcame me, as I had bolted into the kitchen, and was - seen by my old mistress before I had seen Patty was with her. The old - lady, perceiving me discomposed, inquired into the cause, which I directly - imputed to the symptoms of an ague that I told her I had felt upon me best - part of the morning. She, a good motherly woman, feeling my pulse, and - satisfying herself of its disorder, immediately ran to her closet to bring - me a cordial, which she assured me had done wonders in the like cases; so - that I had but just time to embrace Patty and inquire after our aunt and - daughter before madam returned with the cordial. Having drank it, and - given thanks, I was going to withdraw, but she would not part with me so; - for nothing less than my knowledge that this cordial was of her own - making, from whence she had the receipt, and an exact catalogue of the - several cures it had done, would serve her turn; which, taking up full - three-quarters of an hour, gave room to Patty and me to enjoy each other's - glances for that time, to our mutual satisfaction. At last the old - prattlebox having made a short pause to recover breath from the narrative - of the cordial, "Mr. Peter," says she, "you look as if you did not know - poor Patty; she has not left me so long that you should forget her; she is - a good tight wench, and I was sorry to part with her; but she is out of - place, she says, and as that dirty creature Nan is gone, I think to take - her again." I told her I well knew she was judge of a good servant, and I - did not doubt Patty was such, if she thought so; and then I made my exit, - lighter in heart by a pound than I came. - </p> - <p> - I shall not tire you any farther with the amours between self and Patty; - but to let you know she quitted her place again seven months after, upon - the same score. - </p> - <p> - <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> - <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER III. - </h2> - <blockquote> - <p> - Minds his studies—Informs his master of his mother's marriage, and - usage of him—Hears of her death—Makes his master his - guardian—Goes with him to take possession of his estate—Is - informed all is given to his father-in-law—Moral reflections on - his condition, and on his father's crimes. - </p> - </blockquote> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span> was now near - nineteen years of age; and though I had so much more in my head than my - school-learning, I know not how it happened, but ever since the - commencement of my amour with Patty, having somebody to disburden my mind - to, and to participate in my concerns, I had been much easier, and had - kept true tally with my book, with more than usual delight; and being - arrived to an age to comprehend what I heard and read, I could, from the - general idea I had of things, form a pretty regular piece of Latin, - without being able to repeat the very rules it was done by; so that I had - the acknowledgment of my master for the best capacity he ever had under - his tuition: this, he not sparing frequently to mention it before me, was - the acutest spur he could have applied to my industry; and now, having his - good will, I began to disuse set hours of exercise, but at my conveniency - applied myself to my studies as I best pleased, being always sure to - perform as much, or more, than he ever enjoined me; till I grew - exceedingly in his confidence, and by reason of my age (though I was but - small, yet manly) I became rather his companion upon parties than his - direct pupil. - </p> - <p> - It was upon one of these parties I took the opportunity to declare the - dissatisfaction I had at my mother's second marriage. "Sir," says I, - "surely I was of age to have known it first, especially considering the - affection my mother had always shown to me, and my never once having done - the least thing to disoblige her; but, sir," said I, "something else, I - fear, is intended by my mother's silence to me; for I have never received - above three letters from her since I came here, which is now, you know, - three years, and those were within the first three months. I then showed - him the fore-mentioned letter I received from my new father-in-law, and - assured him that gave me the first hint of this second marriage." - </p> - <p> - I found, by the attention my master gave to my relation, he seemed to - suspect this marriage would prove detrimental to me; but not on the sudden - knowing what to say to it, he told me he would consider of it; and, by all - means, advised me to write a very obliging letter to my new father, with - my humble request that he would please to order me home the next recess of - our learning. I did so under my master's dictation; and not long after - received an answer to the following effect:— - </p> - <p> - "Son Peter,—Your mother has been dead a good while; and as to your - request, it will be only expensive, and of little use; for a person who - must live by his studies can't apply to them too closely." - </p> - <p> - This letter, if I had a little hope left, quite subdued my fortitude, and - well-nigh reduced me to clay. However, with tears in my eyes, I showed it - to my master, who, good man! wishing me well, "Peter," says he, "what can - this mean? here is some mystery concealed in it; here is some ill design - on foot!" Then taking the letter into his hand, "A person who must live by - his studies," says he; "here is more meant than we can think for. Why, - have not you a pretty estate to live upon, when it comes to your hands? - Peter," says he, "I would advise you to go to your father and inquire how - your affairs are left; but I am afraid to let you go alone, and will, when - my students depart at Christmas, accompany you myself with all my heart; - for you must know I have advised on your affair already, and find you are - of age to choose yourself a guardian, who may be any relation or friend - you can confide in; and may see you have justice done you." I immediately - thanked him for the hint, and begged him to accept of the trust, as my - only friend, having very few, if any, near relations: this he with great - readiness complied with, and was admitted accordingly. - </p> - <p> - So soon as our scholars were gone home, my master lending me a horse, we - set out together to possess ourselves of all my father's real estate, and - such part of the personal as he had been advised would belong to me. Well, - we arrived at the old house, but were not received with such extraordinary - tokens of friendship as would give the least room to suppose we were - welcome. For my part, all I said, or could say, was that I was very sorry - for my mother's death. My father replied so was he. Here we paused, and - might have sat silent till this time for me, if my master, a grave man, - who had seen the world, and was unwilling any part of our time there, - which we guessed would be short, should be lost, had not broke silence. - "Mr. G." says he, "I see the loss of Master Wilkins's mother puts him - under some confusion; so that you will excuse me, as his preceptor and - friend, in making some inquiry how his affairs stand, and how his effects - are disposed, as I don't doubt you have taken care to schedule everything - that will be coming to him; and though he is not yet of the necessary age - for taking upon himself the management of his estate, he is nevertheless - of capacity to understand the nature and quantum of it, and to show his - approbation of the disposition of it, as if he was a year or two older." - During this discourse, Mr. G. turned pale, then reddened, was going to - interrupt, then checked himself; but however kept silence till my master - had done; when, with a sneer, he replied, "Sir, I must own myself a great - stranger to your discourse; nor can I, for my life, imagine what your - harangue tends to; but sure I am, I know of no estate, real or personal, - or anything else belonging to young Mr. Wilkins, to make a schedule of, as - you call it: but this I know, his mother had an estate in land, near two - hundred a year, and also a good sum of money when I married her; but the - estate she settled on me before her marriage, to dispose of after her - decease as I saw fit; and her money and goods are all come to my sole use, - as her husband." I was just ready to drop while Mr. G. gave this relation, - and was not able to reply a word; but my master, though sufficiently - shocked at what he had heard, replied, "Sir, I am informed the estate, and - also the money you mention, was Mr. Wilkins's father's at his death; and I - am surprised to think any one should have a better title to them than my - pupil, his only child."—"Sir," says Mr. G., "you are deceived; and - though what you say seems plausible enough, and is in some part true, as - that the late Mr. Wilkins had such estate, and some hundreds—I may - say thousands—at his death; yet you seem ignorant that he made a - deed, just before entering into the fatal rebellion, by which he gave my - late wife both the estate, money, and everything else he had, absolutely, - without any conditions whatsoever; all which, on his unhappy execution, - she enjoyed, and now of right, as I told you before, belongs to me. - However, as I have no child, if Peter behaves well under your direction, I - have thoughts of paying another year's board for him, and then he must - shift for himself."—"Oh!" cried I, "for the mercy of some savage - beast to devour me! Is this what I have been cockered up for? Why was I - not placed out to some laborious craft, where I might have drudged for - bread in my proper station? But I fear it is too late to inquire into what - is past, and must submit." - </p> - <p> - My master, good man! was thunderstruck at what he had heard; and finding - our business done there, we took our leaves; after Mr. G. had again - repeated, that if I behaved well, my preceptor should keep me another - year, which was all I must expect from him; and at my departure he gave me - a crown-piece, which I then durst not refuse, for fear of offending my - master. - </p> - <p> - We made the best of our way home again to my tutor's, where I stayed but a - week to consider what I should do for myself. In this time he did all he - could to comfort me; telling me if I would stay with him and become his - usher, he would complete my learning for nothing, and allow me a salary - for my trouble. But my heart was too lofty to think of becoming an usher - within so little way from mine own estate in other hands. However, since I - had not a penny of money to endeavour at recovering my right with, I told - my master I would consider of his proposal. - </p> - <p> - During my stay with him he used all methods to make me as easy as - possible; and frequently moralised with so much effect, that I was almost - convinced I ought to submit and be content. Amongst the rest of his - discourse, he endeavoured to show me (one day after I had been loudly - condemning my cruel fortune, and saying I was born to be unhappy) that I - was mistaken if I thought or imagined it was chance or accident that had - been against me when I complained of fortune. "For," says he, "Peter, - there is nothing done below but is at least foreknown, if not decreed, - above; and our business in life is to believe so: not that I would have - such belief make us careless, and think it to no purpose to strive, as - some do; who, being persuaded that our actions are not in our own choice, - but that, being pressed by an irresistible decree, we are forced to act - this or that, fancy we must be necessarily happy or miserable hereafter; - or, as others, who, for fear of falling upon that shocking principle, - would even deprive the Almighty of foreknowledge, lest it should - consequentially amount to a decree: for, say they, what is foreknown, will - and must be. But I would have you act so as that, let either of these - tenets be true, you may still be sure of making yourself easy and happy; - and for that purpose let me recommend to you a uniform life of justice and - piety; always choosing the good rather than the bad side of every action: - for this, say they what they will to the contrary, is not above the power - of a reasonable being to practise: and doing so, you may without scruple - say,—If there is foreknowledge of my actions, or they are decreed, I - then am one who is foreknown or decreed to be happy. And this, without - farther speculation, you will find the only means always to keep you so; - for all men, of all denominations, fully allow this happy effect to follow - good actions. Again, Peter, a person acting in a vicious course, with such - an opinion in his head as above, must surely be very miserable, as his - very actions themselves must pronounce the decree against him: whilst, - therefore, we have not heard the decree read, you see we may easily give - sentence whether it be for good or evil to us, by the tenor and course of - our own actions. - </p> - <p> - "You are not now to learn, Peter, that the crimes of the father are often - punished in the children, often in the father himself, sometimes in both, - and not seldom in neither, in this life; and though, at first, one should - think the future punishment annexed to bad actions was sufficient, still - it is necessary some should suffer here also for an example to others; we - being much more affected with what the eye sees, than what the heart only - meditates upon. - </p> - <p> - "Now, to bring it to our own case; your father, Peter, rose against the - lawful magistrate, to deprive him (it matters not that he was a bad one) - of his lawful power. Your father's policy was such, and his design so well - laid, as he thought, that upon any ill success to himself, he had secured - his estate to go in the way of all others he could wish to have it, and - sits down very well contented that, happen what would, he should bite the - Government in preventing the forfeiture. But lo! his policy is as a wall - of sand blown down with a puff! for it is to you it ought, even himself - being umpire, to have come, as no one would think he would prize any - before you, his own child. Now, could he look from the grave, and know - what passes here, and see Mr. G. in possession of all he fancied he had - secured for you, what a weak and short-sighted creature would he find - himself! If it be said he did not know he should have a child, then herein - appears God's policy beyond man's; for He knew it, and has so ordered that - that child should be disinherited; for, by the way, Peter, take this for a - maxim, wherever the first principle of an action is ill, no good - consequence can possibly ever be an attendant on it. Could he, as I said - before, but look up and see you, his only child, undone by the very - instrument he designed for your security, how pungent would be his - anxiety! I say, Peter, though there is something so unaccountable to human - wisdom in such events of things, yet there is something therein so - reasonable and just withal, that by a prying eye, the Supreme Hand may - very visibly be seen in them. Now, this being plainly the case before us, - and herein the glory of the Almighty exalted, rest content under it, and - let not this disappointment, befallen you for your father's faults, be - attended with others sent down for your own; but remember this, the Hand - that depresses a man is no less able to exalt and establish him." - </p> - <p> - <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> - <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER IV. - </h2> - <blockquote> - <p> - Departs secretly from his master—Travels to Bristol— - Religious thoughts by the way—Enters on shipboard, and is made - captain's steward - </p> - </blockquote> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span> seemed to be very - well satisfied whilst my master was speaking; but though I thought he - talked like an angel, my former uneasiness seized me at parting with him. - In short, without more consideration, I rose in the morning early and - marched off, having first wrote to my wife at her aunt's, relating the - state of the case to her, with my resolution to leave England the first - opportunity, giving her what comfort I could, assuring her if I ever was a - gainer in life she should not fail to be a partaker, and promising also to - let her know where I settled. I walked at a great rate, for fear my - master's kindness should prompt him to send after me; and taking the - bye-ways, I reached by dark night a little village, where I resolved to - halt. Upon inquiry I found myself thirty-five miles from my master's. I - had eaten nothing all day, and was very hungry and weary, but my - crown-piece was as yet whole; however I fed very sparingly, being - over-pressed with the distress of my affairs and the confusion of my - thoughts. I slept that night tolerably, but the morning brought its face - of horror with it. I had inquired over-night where I was, and been - informed that I was not above sixteen miles from Bristol, for which place - I then resolved. - </p> - <p> - At my setting out in the morning, after I had walked about three miles, - and had recollected a little my master's last discourse, I found by - degrees my spirit grew calmer than it had been since I left Mr. G. at my - house (as I shall ever call it), and looking into myself for the cause, - found another set of thoughts were preparing a passage into my mind, which - did not carry half the dread and terror with them that their predecessors - had; for I began to cast aside the difficulties and apprehensions I before - felt in my way, and encouraging the present motions, soon became sensible - of the benefit of a virtuous education; and though what I had hitherto - done in the immediate service of God, I must own had been performed from - force, custom, and habit, and without the least attention to the object of - the duty; yet, as under my mother at home, and my master at the academy, I - had been always used to say my prayers, as they called it, morning and - night: I began, with a sort of superstitious reflection, to accuse myself - of having omitted that duty the night before, and also at my setting out - in the morning, and very much to blame myself for it, and, at the same - instant, even wondered at myself for that blame. What, says I, is the real - use of this praying; and to whom or to what do we pray? I see no one to - pray to; neither have I ever thought that my prayers would be answered. It - is true they are worded as if we prayed to God: but He is in heaven; does - He concern Himself with us who can do Him no service? Can I think all my - prayers that I have said, from day to day, so many years, have been heard - by Him? No, sure; if they had, I should scarce have sustained this hard - fate in my fortune. But hold, how have I prayed to Him? Have I earnestly - prayed to Him, as I used to petition my mother for anything when I wanted - it against her inclination? No, I can't say I have. And would my mother - have granted me such things, if she had not thought I had from my heart - desired them, when I used to be so earnest with her? No, surely; I can't - say she had any reason for it. But I had her indeed before me; now I have - not God in my view: He is in heaven. Yet, let me see; my master (and I - can't help thinking he must know) used to say that God is a spirit, and - not confined by the incumbrance of a body, as we are; now, if it is so, - why may He not virtually be present with me, though I don't perceive Him? - Why may He not be at once in heaven and elsewhere? For if He consists not - in parts, nothing can circumscribe Him: and, truly, I believe it must be - so; for if He is of that supreme power as He is represented, He could - never act in so unconfined a capacity, under the restraint of place; but - if He is an operative and purely spiritual Being, then I can see no reason - why His virtual essence should not be diffused through all nature; and - then (which I begin to think most likely) why should I not suppose Him - ever present with me, and able to hear me? And why should not I, when I - pray, have a full idea of the Being, though not of any corporeal parts or - form of God, and so have actually somewhat to be intent upon in my - prayers, and not do as I have hitherto done, say so many words only upon - my knees; which I cannot help thinking may be as well without either sense - or meaning in themselves, as without a proper object in my mind to direct - them unto? - </p> - <p> - These thoughts agitated me at least two miles, working stronger and - stronger in me; till at length, bursting into tears, Have I been doing - nothing, says I, in the sight of God, under the name of prayers, for so - many years? Yes, it is certainly so. Well, by the grace of God, it shall - be so no longer; I will try somewhat more. So looking round about me, to - see if I was quite alone, I stepped into an adjoining copse, and could - scarce refrain falling on my knees, till I came to a proper place for - kneeling in. I then poured forth my whole soul and spirit to God; and all - my strength, and every member, every faculty was to the utmost employed, - for a considerable time, in the most agreeable as well as useful duty. I - would indeed have begun with my accustomed prayers, and had repeated some - words of them; when, as though against and contrary to my design, I was - carried away by such rapturous effusions that, to this hour, when I - reflect thereon, I cannot believe but I was moved to them by a much more - than human impulse. However, this ecstasy did not last above a quarter of - an hour; but it was considerably longer before my spirits subsided to - their usual frame. When I had a little composed myself, how was I altered! - how did I condemn myself for all my past disquiet! what calm thanks did I - return for the ease and satisfaction of mind I then enjoyed! And coming to - a small rivulet, I drank a hearty draught of water and contentedly - proceeded on my journey. I reached Bristol about four o'clock in the - afternoon. Having refreshed myself, I went the same evening to the quay to - inquire what ships were in the river, whither bound, and when they would - depart. My business was with the sailors, of whom there were at that time - great numbers there; but I could meet with no employ, though I gave out I - would gladly enter myself before the mast. After I had done the best I - could, but without success, I returned to the little house I had dined at, - and went to bed very pensive. I did not forget my prayers; but I could by - no means be roused to such devotion as I felt in the morning. Next day I - walked again to the quay, asking all I met, who looked like seafaring men, - for employment; but could hear of none, there being many waiting for - berths; and I feared my appearance (which was not so mean as most of that - sort of gentry is) would prove no small disappointment to my preferment - that way. At last, being out of heart with my frequent repulses, I went to - a landing-place just by, and as I asked some sailors, who were putting two - gentlemen on shore, if they wanted a hand on board their ship, one of the - gentlemen, whom I afterwards found to be the master of a vessel bound to - the coast of Africa, turned back and looking earnestly on me, "Young man," - says he, "do you want employment on board?" I immediately made him a bow, - and answered, "Yes, sir." Said he, "There is no talking in this weather - (for it then blew almost a storm), but step into that tavern," pointing to - the place, "and I will be with you presently." I went thither, and not - long after came my future master. He asked me many questions, but the - first was, whether I had been at sea. I told him no; but I did not doubt - soon to learn the duty of a sailor. He then looked on my hand, and shaking - his head, told me it would not do, for I had too soft a hand. I told him I - was determined for the sea, and that my hand and heart should go together; - and I hoped my hand would soon harden, though not my heart. He then told - me it was a pity to take such a pretty young fellow before the mast; but - if I understood accounts tolerably, and could write a good hand, he would - make me his steward, and make it worth my while. I answered in the - affirmative, joyfully accepting his offer; but on his asking me where my - chest was (for, says he, if the wind had not been so strong against me, I - had fallen down the river this morning), I looked very blank, and plainly - told him I had no other stores than I carried on my back. The captain - smiled. Says he, "Young man, I see you are a novice; why, the meanest - sailor in my ship has a chest, at least, and perhaps something in it. - Come," says he, "my lad, I like your looks; be diligent and honest; I will - let you have a little money to set you out, and deduct it in your pay." He - was then pulling out his purse, when I begged him, as he seemed to show me - so great a kindness, that he would order somebody to buy what necessaries - he knew I should want for me, or I should be under as great a difficulty - to know what to get, and where to buy them, as I should have been at for - want of them. He commended my prudence, and said he would buy them and - send them on board himself; so bid me trouble myself no more about them, - but go to the ship in the return of his boat, and stay there till he came; - giving me a ticket to the boat's crew to take me in. When I came to the - shore, the boat was gone off and at a good distance; but I hailed them, - and showing my ticket, they put back and took me safe to the ship; - heartily glad that I was entered upon my new service. - </p> - <p> - <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> - <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER V. - </h2> - <blockquote> - <p> - His first entertainment on board—Sets sail—His sickness— - Engagement with a French privateer—Is taken and laid in irons—Twenty-one - prisoners turned adrift in a small boat with only two days' provision - </p> - </blockquote> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">B</span> eing once on - board and in pay, I thought I was a man for myself, and set about - considering how to behave; and nobody knowing, as yet, upon what footing I - came on board, they took me for a passenger, as my dress did not at all - bespeak me a sailor; so every one, as I sauntered about, had something to - say to me. By and by comes a pert young fellow up: "Sir," says he, "your - servant; what, I see our captain has picked up a passenger at last."—"Passenger?" - says I; "you are pleased to be merry, sir; I am no passenger."—"Why, - pray," says he, "what may you be then?"—"Sir," says I, "the - captain's steward."—"You impertinent puppy," says he, "what an - answer you give me; you the captain's steward! No, sir, that place, I can - assure you, is in better hands!" and away he turned. I knew not what to - think of it, but was terribly afraid I should draw myself into some - scrape. By and by others asked me, some one thing, some another, and I was - very cautious what answers I made them, for fear of offence: till a - gravish sailor came and sat down by me; and after talking of the weather - and other indifferent matters, "Pray," says I, "sir, who is that gentleman - that was so affronted at me soon after I came on board?"—"Oh," says - he, "a proud, insignificant fellow, the captain's steward; but don't mind - him," says he; "he uses the captain himself as bad; they have had high - words just before the captain went on shore; and had he used me as he did - him, I should have made no ceremony of tipping him overboard—a - rascal!" Says I, "You surprise me; for the captain sent me on board to be - his steward, and agreed with me about it this afternoon."—"Hush," - says he, "I see how it will go; the captain, if that's the case, will - discharge him when he comes on board; and indeed I believe he would not - have kept him so long, but we have waited for a wind, and he could not - provide himself." - </p> - <p> - The captain came on board at night; and the first thing he did was to - demand the keys of Mr. Steward, which he gave to me, and ordered him on - shore. - </p> - <p> - The next morning the captain went on shore himself; but the wind chopping - about and standing fair about noon, he returned then with my chest, and - before night we were got into sailing order, and before the wind with a - brisk gale. - </p> - <p> - What happened the first fourteen days of our passage I know not, having - been all that time so sick and weak I could scarcely keep life and soul - together; but after grew better and better. We prosecuted our voyage, - touching for about a week at the Madeiras in our way. The captain grew - very fond of me, and never put me to hard duty, and I passed my time, - under his favour, very pleasantly. One evening, being within sixty leagues - of the Cape of Palms, calm weather, but the little wind we had against us, - one of our men spied a sail, and gave the captain notice of it He, not - suspecting danger, minded it little, and we made what way the wind would - permit, but night coming on, and the calm continuing, about peep of day we - perceived we were infallibly fallen in with a French privateer, who, - hoisting French colours, called out to us to strike. Our captain had - scarce time to consider what to do, they were so near us; but as he had - twenty-two men on board, and eight guns he could bring to, he called all - hands upon deck, and telling them the consequence of a surrender, asked - them if they would stand by him. One and all swore they would fight the - ship to the bottom, rather than fall into the privateer's hands. The - captain immediately gave the word for a clear deck, prepared his firearms, - and begged them to be active and obey orders; and perceiving the privateer - out-numbered our hands by abundance, he commanded all the small arms to be - brought upon deck loaded, and to run out as many of the ship's guns as she - could bring to on one side, and to charge them all with small shot, then - stand to till he gave directions. The privateer being a light ship, and a - small breeze arising, run up close to us, first firing one gun, then - another, still calling out to us to strike, but we neither returned fire - nor answer, till he came almost within pistol-shot of us, and seeing us a - small vessel, thought to board us directly; but then our captain ordered a - broadside, and immediately all hands to come on deck; himself standing - there at the time of our first fire with his fusee in his hand, and near - him I stood with another. We killed eight men and wounded several others. - The privateer then fired a broadside through and through us. By this time - our hands were all on deck, and the privateer pushing, in hopes to grapple - and board us, we gave them a volley from thence, that did good execution; - and then all hands to the ship's guns again, except four, who were left - along with me to charge the small arms. It is incredible how soon they had - fired the great guns and were on deck again. This last fire, being with - ball, raked the privateer miserably. Then we fired the small arms, and - away to the ship's guns. This we did three times successively without loss - of a man, and I believe if we could have held it once more, and no - assistance had come to the privateer, she had sheered quite off: but our - captain spying a sail at some distance behind the privateer, who lay to - windward of us, and seeing by his glass it was a Frenchman, was almost - dismayed; the same sight put courage into our enemies, who thereupon - redoubled the attack, and the first volley of their small arms shot our - captain in the breast, upon which he dropped dead without stirring. I need - not say that sight shocked me exceedingly. Indeed it disconcerted the - whole action; and though our mate, a man of good courage and experience, - did all that a brave man could do to animate the men, they apparently - drooped, and the loss of the ship became inevitable; so we struck, and the - Frenchman boarded us. - </p> - <p> - During the latter part of the engagement we had two men killed and five - wounded, who died afterwards of their wounds. We, who were alive, were all - ordered on board the Frenchman, who, after rifling us, chained us two and - two and turned us into the hold. Our vessel was then ransacked; and the - other privateer, who had suffered much the day before in an engagement - with an English twenty-gun ship of war, coming up, the prize was sent by - her into port, where she herself was to refit. In this condition did I and - fourteen of our crew lie for six weeks, till the fetters on our legs had - almost eaten to the bone, and the stench of the place had well-nigh - suffocated us. - </p> - <p> - The "Glorieux" (for that was the name of the privateer who took us) saw - nothing farther in five weeks worth her notice, which very much - discouraged the men; and consulting together, it was agreed to cruise more - northward, between Sierra Leone and Cape de Verde; but about noon next day - they spied a sail coming west-north-west with a fresh gale. The captain - thereupon ordered all to be ready, and lie by for her. But though she - discerned us, she kept her way, bearing only more southward; when the wind - shifting to northeast, she ran for it, full before the wind, and we after - her, with all the sail we could crowd; and though she was a very good - sailer, we gained upon her, being laden, and before night came pretty well - up with her; but being a large ship, and the evening hazy, we did not - choose to engage her till morning. The next morning we found she was slunk - away; but we fetched her up, and hoisting French colours, fired a shot, - which she not answering, our captain run alongside of her and fired a - broadside; then slackening upon her, a hard engagement ensued; the shot - thumping so against our ship, that we prisoners, who had nothing to do in - the action, expected death, one or other of us, every moment. The - merchantman was so heavy loaded, and drew so much water, that she was very - unwieldy in action; so after a fight of two hours, when most of her - rigging and masts were cut and wounded, she struck. Twelve men were sent - on board her, and her captain and several officers were ordered on board - us. - </p> - <p> - There were thirty-eight persons in her, including passengers; all of whom, - except five, and the like number which had been killed in the action, were - sent chained into the hold to us, who had lain there almost six weeks. - This prize put Monsieur into good heart, and determined him to return home - with her. But in two days' time his new acquisition was found to have - leaked so fast near the bottom, that before they were aware of it the - water was risen some feet. Several hands were employed to find out the - leak; but all asserted it was too low to be come at; and as the pumps, - with all the labour the prisoners, who were the persons put to it, could - use, would not reduce it, but it still increased, they removed what goods - they could into the privateer; and before they could unload it the prize - sunk. - </p> - <p> - The next thing they consulted upon was what to do with the prisoners, who, - by the loss of the prize, were now grown too numerous to be trusted in the - privateer; fearing, too, as they were now so far out at sea, by the great - addition of mouths, they might soon be brought to short. allowance, it - was, on both accounts, resolved to give us the prize's boat, which they - had saved, and turn us adrift to shift for ourselves. There were in all - forty-three of us; but the privateer having lost several of their own men - in the two engagements, they looked us over, and picking out - two-and-twenty of us, who were the most likely fellows for their purpose, - the remaining one-and-twenty were committed to the boat, with about two - days' provision and a small matter of ammunition, and turned out. - </p> - <p> - <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> - <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER VI. - </h2> - <blockquote> - <p> - The boat, two hundred leagues from land, makes no way, but drives more - to sea by the wind—The people live nine days at quarter allowance—Four - die with hunger the twelfth day— Five more the fourteenth day—On - the fifteenth they eat one just dead—Want of water excessive—Spy - a sail—Are taken up —Work their passage to the African shore—Are - sent on a secret expedition—Are waylaid, taken slaves, and sent up - the country. - </p> - </blockquote> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">W</span> hen we, who were - in the boat, came to reflect on our condition, the prospect before us - appeared very melancholy; though we had at first readily enough embraced - the offer, rather than perish in so much misery as we suffered in our - loathsome confinement. We now judged we were above two hundred leagues - from land, in about eight degrees north latitude; and it blowing - north-east, a pretty stiff gale, we could make no way, but rather lost, - for we aimed at some port in Africa, having neither sail, compass, nor any - other instrument to direct us; so that all the observation we could make - was by the sun for running southward, or as the wind carried us, for we - had lost the North Pole. As we had little above two days' provisions, we - perceived a necessity of almost starving voluntarily, to avoid doing it - quite, seeing it must be many days before we could reach shore, if ever we - did, having visibly driven a great deal more southward than we were; nay, - unless a sudden change happened, we were sure of perishing, unless - delivered by some ship that Providence might send in our way. In short, - the ninth day came, but no relief with it; and though we had lived at - quarter allowance, and but just saved life, our food, except a little - water, was all gone, and this caused us quite to despair. On the twelfth - day four of our company died with hunger in a very miserable way; and yet - the survivors had not strength left to move them to pity their fellows. In - truth, we had sat still, attempting nothing in several days; as we found - that, unless the wind shifted, we only consumed the little strength we had - left to no manner of purpose. On the fourteenth day, and in the night, - five more died, and a sixth was near expiring; and yet we, the survivors, - were so indolent, we would scarce lend a hand to throw them overboard. On - the fifteenth day, in the morning, our carpenter, weak as he was, started - up, and as the sixth man was just dead, cut his throat, and whilst warm - let out what blood would flow; then pulling off his old jacket, invited us - to dinner, and cutting a large slice of the corpse, devoured it with as - much seeming relish as if it had been ox-beef. His example prevailed with - the rest of us, one after another, to taste and eat; and as there had been - a heavy dew or rain in the night, and we had spread out everything we had - of linen and woollen to receive it, we were a little refreshed by wringing - our clothes and sipping what came from them; after which we covered them - up from the sun, stowing them all close together to keep in the moisture, - which served us to suck at for two days after, a little and a little at a - time; for now we were in greater distress for water than for meat. It has - surprised me, many times since, to think how we could make so light a - thing of eating our fellow creature just dead before our eyes; but I will - assure you, when we had once tasted, we looked on the blessing to be so - great, that we cut and eat with as little remorse as we should have had - for feeding on the best meat in an English market; and most certainly, - when this corpse had failed, if another had not dropped by fair means, we - should have used foul by murdering one of our number as a supply for the - rest. - </p> - <p> - Water, as I said before, to moisten our mouths, was now our greatest - hardship, for every man had so often drank his own, that we voided scarce - anything but blood, and that but a few drops at a time; our mouths and - tongues were quite flayed with drought, and our teeth just fallen from our - jaws; for though we had tried, by placing all the dead men's jackets and - shirts one over another, to strain some of the sea-water through them by - small quantities, yet that would not deprive it of its pernicious - qualities; and though it refreshed a little in going down, we were so - sick, and strained ourselves so much after it, that it came up again, and - made us more miserable than before. Our corpse now stunk so, what was left - of it, that we could no longer bear it on board, and every man began to - look with an evil eye on his fellow, to think whose turn it would be next; - for the carpenter had started the question, and preached us into the - necessity of it; and we had agreed, the next morning, to put it to the lot - who should be the sacrifice. In this distress of thought it was so ordered - by good Providence, that on the twenty-first day we thought we spied a - sail coming from the north-west, which caused us to delay our lots till we - should see whether it would discover us or not: we hung up some jackets - upon our oars, to be seen as far off as we could, but had so little - strength left we could make no way towards it; however, it happened to - direct its course so much to our relief, that an hour before sunset it was - within a league of us, but seemed to bear away more eastward, and our fear - was that they should not know our distress, for we were not able to make - any noise from our throats that might be heard fifty yards; but the - carpenter, who was still the best man amongst us, with much ado getting - one of the guns to go off, in less than half-an-hour she came up with us, - and seeing our deplorable condition, took us all on board, to the number - of eleven. Though no methods were un-essayed for our recovery, four more - of us died in as many days. When the remaining seven of us came a little - to ourselves, we found our deliverers were Portuguese, bound for Saint - Salvadore. We told the captain we begged he would let us work our passage - with him, be it where it would, to shore; and then, if we could be of no - further service to him, we did not doubt getting into Europe again: but in - the voyage, as we did him all the service in our power, we pleased him so - well that he engaged us to stay with him to work the ship home again, he - having lost some hands by fever soon after his setting sail. - </p> - <p> - We arrived safe in port; and in a few days the captain, who had a secret - enterprise to take in hand, hired a country coasting vessel, and sent her - seventeen leagues farther on the coast for orders from some factory or - settlement there. I was one of the nine men who were destined to conduct - her; but not understanding Portuguese, I knew little of the business we - went upon. We were to coast it all the way; but on the tenth day, just at - sunrise, we fell in with a fleet of boats which had waylaid us, and were - taken prisoners. Being carried ashore, we were conducted a long way up the - country, where we were imprisoned, and almost starved, though I never knew - the meaning of it; nor did any of us, unless the mate, who, we heard, was - carried up the country much farther, to Angola; but we never heard more of - him, though we were told he would be sent back to us. - </p> - <p> - Here we remained under confinement almost three months, at the end of - which time our keeper told us we were to be removed; and coupling us two - and two together, sent a guard with us to Angola; when, crossing a large - river, we were set to work in removing the rubbish and stones of a castle - or fortress, which had been lately demolished by an earthquake and - lightning. Here we continued about five months, being very sparingly - dieted, and locked up every night. - </p> - <p> - This place, however, I thought a paradise to our former dungeon; and as we - were not overworked, we made our lives comfortable enough, having the air - all day to refresh us from the heat, and not wanting for company; for - there were at least three hundred of us about the whole work; and I often - fancied myself at the tower of Babel, each labourer almost speaking in a - language of his own. - </p> - <p> - Towards the latter end of our work our keepers grew more and more remiss - in their care of us. At my first coming thither, I had contracted a - familiarity with one of the natives, but of a different kingdom, who was - then a slave with me; and he and I being able tolerably to understand each - other, he hinted to me, one day, the desire he had of seeing his own - country and family, who neither knew whether he was dead or alive, or - where he was, since he had left them, seven years before, to make war in - this kingdom; and insinuated that as he had taken a great liking to me, if - I would endeavour to escape with him, and we succeeded, he would provide - for me. "For," says he, "you see, now our work is almost over, we are but - slightly guarded; and if we stay till this job is once finished, we may be - commanded to some new works at the other end of the kingdom, for aught we - know, so that our labours will only cease with our lives: and for my part, - immediate death in the attempt of liberty is to me preferable to a - lingering life of slavery." - </p> - <p> - These, and such-like arguments, prevailed on me to accompany him, as he - had told me he had travelled most of the country before in the wars of the - different nations; so having taken our resolution, the following evening, - soon after our day's work, and before the time came for locking up, we - withdrew from the rest, but within hearing, thinking if we should then be - missed and called, we would appear and make some excuse for our absence, - but if not, we should have the whole night before us. - </p> - <p> - When we were first put upon this work, we were called over singly, by - name, morning and evening, to be let out and in, and were very narrowly - observed in our motions; but not one of us having been ever absent, our - actions were at length much less minded than before, and the ceremony of - calling us over was frequently omitted; so that we concluded if we got - away unobserved the first night, we should be out of the reach of pursuers - by the next; which was the soonest it was possible for them to overtake - us, as we proposed to travel the first part of our journey with the utmost - despatch. - </p> - <p> - <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> - <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER VII. - </h2> - <blockquote> - <p> - The author escapes with Glanlepze a native—Their hardships in - travel—Plunder of a cottage—His fears—Adventure with a - crocodile—Passage of a river—Adventure with a lioness and - whelps—Arrive at Glanlepzis house—The trial of Glanlepze's - wife's constancy—The tender meeting of her and her husband—The - author's reflections thereupon. - </p> - </blockquote> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">H</span> aving now set out - with all possible speed, we seemed to each other as joyful as we could; - though it cannot be supposed we had no fears in our minds the first part - of our journey, for we had many; but as our way advanced our fears - subsided; and having, with scarce any delay, pushed forwards for the first - twenty-four hours, nature then began to have two very pressing demands - upon us, food and rest; but as one of them was absolutely out of our power - to comply with, she contented herself with the other till we should be - better able to supply her, and gave a farther time till the next day. - </p> - <p> - The next morning found us very empty and sharp-set, though a very sound - night's rest had contributed its utmost to refresh us. But what added much - to our discomfort was, that though our whole subsistence must come from - fruits, there was not a tree to be found at a less distance than twelve - leagues, in the open rocky country we were then in; but a good draught of - excellent water we met with did us extraordinary service, and sent us with - much better courage to the woods, though they were quite out of the way of - our route: there, by divers kinds of fruits, which, though my companion - knew very well, I was quite a stranger to, we satisfied our hunger for the - present, and took a moderate supply for another opportunity. This retarded - our journey very much, for in so hard travel every pound weighed six - before night. - </p> - <p> - I cannot say this journey, though bad enough, would have been so - discouraging, but for the trouble of fetching our provisions so far; and - then, if we meant not to lose half the next day in the same manner, we - must double load ourselves, and delay our progress by that means; but we - still went on, and in about eight days got quite clear of Angola. - </p> - <p> - On the eighth day, my companion, whose name was Glanlepze, told me we were - very near the confines of Congo, but there was one little village still in - Angola by which we must pass within half a league; and if I would agree to - it, he would go see what might be got here to supply ourselves with. I - told him I was in an unknown world, and would follow wherever he should - lead me; but asked him if he was not afraid of the people, as he was not - of that country. He told me as there had been wars between them and his - country for assisting their neighbours of Congo, he was not concerned for - any mischief he should do them, or they him. "But," says he, "you have a - knife in your pocket, and with that we will cut two stout clubs, and then - follow me and fear nothing." - </p> - <p> - We soon cut our clubs, and marching on, in the midst of some small shrubs - and a few scattering trees, we saw a little hovel, larger indeed, but - worse contrived, than an English hog-stye, to which we boldly advanced; - and Glanlepze entering first, saluted an old man who was lying on a parcel - of rushes. The man attempted to run away, but Glanlepze stopped him, and - we tied his hands and feet He then set up such a hideous howl, that had - not Glanlepze threatened to murder him, and prepared to do it, he would - have raised the whole village upon us; but we quieted him, and rummaging - to find provision, which was all we wanted, we by good luck spied best - part of a goat hanging up behind a large mat at the farther end of the - room. By this time in comes a woman with two children, very small. This - was the old man's daughter, of about five-and-twenty. Glanlepze bound her - also, and laid her by the old man; but the two children we suffered to lie - untied. We then examined her, who told us the old man was her father, and - that her husband, having killed a goat that morning, was gone to carry - part of it to his sister; that they had little or no corn; and finding we - wanted victuals, she told us there was an earthen pot we might boil some - of the goat in if we pleased. - </p> - <p> - Having now seen all that was to be had, we were going to make up our - bundle, when a muletto very gently put his head into the doorway: him - Glanlepze immediately seized; and bidding me fetch the great mat and the - goat's flesh, he in the meantime put a long rope he found there about the - beast's neck, and laying the mat upon him, we packed up the goat's flesh - and a little corn in a calabash-shell; and then turning up the mat round - about, skewered it together, and over all we tied the earthen pot; - Glanlepze crying out at everything we loaded, "It is no hurt to plunder an - enemy!" and so we marched off. - </p> - <p> - I own I had greater apprehensions from this adventure than from anything - before. "For," says I, "if the woman's husband returns soon, or if she or - her father can release themselves, they will raise the whole village upon - us, and we are undone." But Glanlepze laughed at me, saying we had not an - hour's walk out of the Angola dominions, and that the king of Congo was at - war with them in helping the king of Loango, whose subject himself was; - and that the Angolans durst not be seen out of their bounds on that side - the kingdom; for there was a much larger village of Congovians in our way, - who would certainly rise and destroy them, if they came in any numbers - amongst them; and though the war being carried on near the sea, the - borders were quiet, yet, upon the least stir, the whole country would be - in arms, whilst we might retire through the woods very safely. - </p> - <p> - Well, we marched on as fast as we could all the remainder of that day till - moonlight, close by the skirt of a long wood, that we might take shelter - therein, if there should be occasion $ and my eyes were the best part of - the way behind me; but neither hearing nor seeing anything to annoy us, - and finding by the declivity of the ground we should soon be in some plain - or bottom, and have a chance of water for us all, and pasture for our - muletto, which was now become one of us, we would not halt till we found a - bottom to the hill, which in half an hour more we came to, and in some - minutes after to a rivulet of fine clear water, where we resolved to spend - the night. Here we fastened our muletto by his cord to a stake in the - ground; but perceiving him not to have sufficient range to fill his belly - in before morning, we, under Glanlepze's direction, cut several long slips - from the mat, and soaking them well in water, twisted them into a very - strong cord, of sufficient length for the purpose. And now, having each of - us brought a bundle of dry fallen sticks from the wood with us, and - gathered two or three flints as we came along, we struck fire on my knife - upon some rotten wood, and boiled a good piece of our goat's flesh; and - having made such a meal as we had neither of us made for many months - before, we laid us down and slept heartily till morning. - </p> - <p> - As soon as day broke we packed up our goods, and filling our calabash with - water, we loaded our muletto, and got forward very pleasantly that day and - several others following, and had tolerable lodgings. - </p> - <p> - About noon, one day, travelling with great glee, we met an adventure which - very much daunted me, and had almost put a stop to my hopes of ever - getting where I intended. We came to a great river whose name I have now - forgot, near a league over, but full, and especially about the shores, of - large trees that had fallen from the mountains and been rolled down with - the floods, and lodged there in a shocking manner. This river, Glanlepze - told me, we must pass: for my part, I shrunk at the sight of it, and told - him if he could get over, I would not desire to prevent his meeting with - his family; but as for my share, I had rather take my chance in the woods - on this side than plunge myself into such a stream only for the sake of - drowning. "Oh!" says Glanlepze, "then you can't swim?"—"No," says I; - "there's my misfortune."—"Well," says the kind Glanlepze, "be of - good heart; I'll have you over." He then bade me go cut an armful of the - tallest of the reeds that grew there near the shore, whilst he pulled up - another where he then was, and bring them to him. The side of the river - sloped for a good way with an easy descent, so that it was very shallow - where the reeds grew, and they stood very close together upon a large - compass of ground. I had no sooner entered the reeds a few yards, to cut - some of the longest, but (being about knee-deep in the water and mud, and - every step raising my feet very high to keep them clear of the roots, - which were matted together) I thought I had trod upon a trunk of one of - the trees, of which, as I said, there was such plenty thereabouts; and - raising my other foot to get that also upon the tree, as I fancied it, I - found it move along with me; upon which I roared out, when Glanlepze, who - was not far from me, imagining what was the matter, cried out, "Leap off, - and run to shore to the right!" I knew not yet what was the case, but did - what I was bid, and gained the shore. Looking back, I perceived the reeds - shake and rustle all the way to the shore, by degrees after me. I was - terribly frightened, and ran to Glanlepze, who then told me the danger I - had escaped, and that what I took for a tree was certainly a large - alligator or crocodile. - </p> - <p> - My blood ran chill within me at hearing the name of such a dangerous - creature; but he had no sooner told me what it was, than out came the most - hideous monster I had ever seen. Glanlepze ran to secure the muletto; and - then taking the cord which had fastened him, and tying it to each end of a - broken arm of a tree that lay on the shore, he marched up to the crocodile - without the least dismay, and beginning near the tail, with one leg on one - side, and the other on the other side, he straddled over him, still - mending his pace as the beast crept forward, till he came to his - fore-feet; then throwing the great log before his mouth, he, by the cord - in his hand, bobbed it against the creature's nose, till he gaped wide - enough to have taken in the muletto; then of a sudden, jerking the wood - between his jaws with all his force by the cord, he gagged the beast, with - his jaws wide open up to his throat, so that he could neither make use of - his teeth nor shut his mouth; he then threw one, end of the cord upon the - ground, just before the creature's under-jaw, which, as he by degrees - crept along over it, came out behind his fore-legs on the contrary side; - and serving the other end of it in the same manner, he took up those ends - and tied them over the creature's back, just within his forelegs, which - kept the gag firm in his mouth; and then calling out to me (for I stood at - a good distance), "Peter," says he, "bring me your knife!" I trembled at - going so near, for the crocodile was turning his head this way and that - very uneasy, and wanting to get to the river again, but yet I carried it, - keeping as much behind him as I could, still eyeing him which way he - moved, and at length tossed my knife so near that Glanlepze could reach - it; and he, just keeping behind the beast's forefeet, and leaning forward, - first darted the knife into one eye, and then into the other; and - immediately leaping from his back, came running to me. "So, Peter," says - he, "I have done the business."—"Aye! business enough, I think," - says I, "and more than I would have done to have been king of Congo."—"Why, - Peter," says he, "there is nothing but a man may compass by resolution, if - he takes both ends of a thing in his view at once, and fairly deliberates - on both sides what may be given and taken from end to end. What you have - seen me perform is only from a thorough notion I have of this beast and of - myself, how far each of us hath power to act and counteract upon the - other, and duly applying the means. But,", says he, "this talk will not - carry us across the river; come, here are the reeds I have pulled up, - which I believe will be sufficient without any more, for I would not - overload the muletto."—"Why," says I, "is the muletto to carry - them?"—"No, they are to carry you," says he.—"I can never ride - upon these," says I.—"Hush!" says he, "I'll not lose you, never - fear. Come, cut me a good tough stick, the length of these reeds."—"Well," - says I, "this is all conjuration; but I don't see a step towards my - getting over the river yet, unless I am to ride the muletto upon these - reeds, and guide myself with the stick." - </p> - <p> - "I must own, Peter," says he, "you have a bright guess." So taking an - armful of the reeds, and laying them on the ground, "Now, Peter," says he, - "lay that stick upon those reeds and tie them tight at both ends." I did - so. "Now, Peter," says he, "lay yourself down upon them." I then laying - myself on my back, lengthwise, upon the reeds, Glanlepze laughed heartily - at me, and turning me about, brought my breast upon the reeds at the - height of my arm-pits; and then taking a handful of the reeds he had - reserved by themselves, he laid them on my back, tying them to the bundle - close at my shoulders, and again at the ends. "Now, Peter," says he, - "stand up;" which I did, but it was full as much as I could do. I then - seeing Glanlepze laughing at the figure I cut, desired him to be serious, - and not put me upon losing my life for a joke; for I could not think what - he would do next with me. He bid me never fear; and looking more soberly, - ordered me to walk to the river, and so stand just within the bank till he - came; then leading the muletto to me, he tied me to her, about a yard from - the tail, and taking the cord in his hand, led the muletto and me into the - water. We had not gone far before my guide began to swim, then the muletto - and I were presently chin-deep, and I expected nothing but drowning every - moment: however, having gone so far, I was ashamed to cry out; when - getting out of my depth, and my reeds coming to their bearing, up I - mounted, and was carried on with all the ease imaginable; my conductor - guiding us between the trees so dexterously, that not one accident - happened to either of us all the way, and we arrived safe on the opposite - shore. - </p> - <p> - We had now got into a very low, close, swampy country, and our goat's - flesh began to be very stale through the heat, not only of the sun, but - the muletto's back: however, we pleased ourselves we should have one more - meal of it before it was too bad to eat; so, having travelled about three - miles from the river, we took up our lodging on a little rising, and tied - our muletto in a valley about half a furlong below us, where he made as - good a meal in his way as we did in ours. - </p> - <p> - We had but just supped, and were sauntering about to find the easiest spot - to sleep on, when we heard a rustling and a grumbling noise in a small - thicket just on our right, which seeming to approach nearer and nearer, - Glanlepze roused himself, and was on his legs just time enough to see a - lioness and a small whelp which accompanied her, within thirty yards of - us, making towards us, as we afterwards guessed, for the sake of our - goat's flesh, which now smelt very strong. Glanlepze whipped on the - contrary side of the fire to that where the goat's flesh lay, and fell to - kicking the fire about at a great rate, which being made of dry wood, - caused innumerable sparks to fly about us; but the beasts still - approaching in a couchant manner, and seizing the ribs of the goat and - other bones (for we had only cut the flesh off), and grumbling and - cracking them like rotten twigs, Glanlepze snatched up a fire-brand, - flaming, in each hand, and made towards them; which sight so terrified the - creatures that they fled with great precipitation to the thicket again. - </p> - <p> - Glanlepze was a little uneasy at the thoughts of quitting so good a - lodging as we had found, but yet held it best to move farther; for as the - lions had left the bones behind them, we must expect another visit if we - stayed there, and could hope for no rest; and, above all, we might - possibly lose our muletto; so we removed our quarters two miles farther, - where we slept with great tranquillity. - </p> - <p> - Reflections on the nature of mankind have often astonished me. I told you - at first my thoughts concerning prayer in my journey to Bristol, and of - the benefit I received from it, and how fully I was convinced of the - necessity of it; which one would think was a sufficient motive to a - reasonable creature to be constant in it; and yet, it is too true that, - notwithstanding the difficulties I had laboured under, and hardships I had - undergone, and the danger of starving at sea or being murdered for food by - my fellows, when there was as urgent a necessity of begging Divine - assistance as can be conceived, I never once thought of it, nor of the - Object of it, nor returned thanks for my being delivered, till the lioness - had just left me; and then I felt near the same force urging me to return - thanks for my escape, as I had impelling me to prayer before; and I think - I did so with great sincerity. - </p> - <p> - I shall not trouble you with a relation of the common accidents of our - journey, which lasted two months and better, nor with the different - methods we used to get subsistence, but shall at once conduct you to - Quamis; only mentioning that we were sometimes obliged to go about, and - were once stopped by a cut that my guide and companion received by a - ragged stone in his foot, which growing very bad, almost deprived me of - the hopes of his life; but by rest and constant sucking and licking it, - which was the only remedy we had to apply, except green leaves chewed, - that I laid to it by his direction, to supple and cool it, he soon began - to be able to ride upon the muletto, and sometimes to walk a little. - </p> - <p> - I say we arrived at Quamis, a small place on a river of that name, where - Glanlepze had a neat dwelling, and left a wife and five children when he - went out to the wars. We were very near the town when the day closed; and - as it is soon dark there after sunset, you could but just see your hand at - our entrance into it We met nobody in the way, but I went directly to - Glanlepze's door, by his direction, and struck two or three strokes hard - against it with my stick. On this there came a woman to it stark-naked. I - asked her, in her own language, if she knew one Glanlepze. She told me, - with a deep sigh, that once she did. I asked then where he was. She said, - with their ancestors, she hoped, for he was the greatest warrior in the - world; but if he was not dead, he was in slavery. Now you must know - Glanlepze had a mind to hear how his wife took his death or slavery, and - had put me upon asking these questions before he discovered himself. I - proceeded then to tell her I brought some news of Glanlepze, and was - lately come from him, and by his order. "And does my dear Glanlepze live!" - says she, flying upon my neck, and almost smothering me with caresses, - till I begged her to forbear, or she would strangle me, and I had a great - deal more to tell her; then ringing for a light, when she saw I was a - white man she seemed in the utmost confusion at her own nakedness; and - immediately retiring, she threw a cloth round her waist and came to me - again. I then repeated to her that her husband was alive and well, but - wanted a ransom to redeem himself, and had sent me to see what she could - anyways raise for that purpose. She told me she and her children had lived - very hardly ever since he went from her, and she had nothing to sell, or - make money of, but her five children; that as this was the time for the - slaving-trade, she would see what she could raise by them, and if that - would not do, she would sell herself and send him the money, if he would - let her know how to do it. - </p> - <p> - Glanlepze, who heard every word that passed, finding so strong a proof of - his wife's affection, could hold out no longer, but bursting into the - room, clasped her in his arms, crying, "No, Zulika! (for that was her - name) I am free; there will be no occasion for your or my dear children's - slavery, and rather than have purchased my freedom at that rate, I would - willingly have died a slave myself. But my own ears have heard the tender - sentiments my Zulika has for me." Then, drowned in tears of joy, they - embraced each other so close and so long, that I thought it impertinent to - be seen with them till their first transports were over. So I retired - without the house, till Glanlepze called me in, which was not less than - full half an hour. I admired at the love and constancy of the person I had - just left behind me; and, Good Heaven, thinks I to myself, with a sigh, - how happy has this our escape rendered Glanlepze and his wife! what a - mutual felicity do they feel! And what is the cause of all this? Is it - that he has brought home great treasures from the wars? Nothing like it; - he is come naked. Is it that, having escaped slavery and poverty, he is - returned to an opulent wife, abounding with the good things of life? No - such thing. What, then, can be the cause of this excess of satisfaction, - this alternate joy, that Patty and I could not have been as happy with - each other? Why, it was my pride that interposed and prevented it. But - what am I like to get by it, and by all this travel and these hazards? Is - this the way to make a fortune, to get an estate? No, surely the very - contrary. I could not, forsooth, labour for Patty and her children where I - was known; but am I any better for labouring here where I am not known, - where I have nobody to assist me, than I could have been where I am known, - and where there would have been my friends about me, at least, if they - could have afforded no great assistance? I have been deceived, then, and - have travelled so many thousand miles, and undergone so many dangers, only - to know at last I had been happier at home; and have doubled my misery for - want of consideration—that very consideration which, impartially - taken, would have convinced me I ought to have made the best of my bad - circumstances, and to have laid hold of every commendable method of - improving them. Did I come hither to avoid daily labour or voluntary - servitude at home? I have had it in abundance. Did I come hither to avoid - poverty or contempt? Here I have met with them tenfold And now, after all, - was I to return home empty and naked, as Glanlepze has done, should I meet - a wife, as bare as myself, so ready to die in my embraces, and to be a - slave herself, with her children, for my sake only? I fear not. - </p> - <p> - These and the like reflections had taken possession of me when Glanlepze - called me in; where I found his wife, in her manner, preparing our supper, - with all that cheerfulness which gives a true lustre to innocence. - </p> - <p> - The bustle we made had by this time awakened the children; who, - stark-naked as they were born, both boys and girls, came crawling out, - black as jet, from behind a curtain at the farther end of the room, which - was very long. The father as yet had only inquired after them; but upon - sight of them he fell into an ecstasy, kissing one, stroking another, - dandling a third, for the eldest was scarce fourteen; but not one of them - knew him, for seven years makes a great chasm in young memories. The more - I saw of this sport, the stronger impression Patty and my own children - made upon me. My mind had been so much employed on my own distresses, that - those dear ideas were almost effaced; but this moving scene introduced - them afresh, and imprinted them deeply on my imagination, which cherished - the sweet remembrance. - </p> - <p> - <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> - <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER VIII. - </h2> - <blockquote> - <p> - How the author passed his time with Glanlepze—His acquaintance - with some English prisoners—They project an escape—He joins - them—They seize a Portuguese ship and get off.—Make a long - run from land—Want water—They anchor at a desert island—The - boat goes on shore for water—They lose their anchor in a storm—The - author and one Adams drove to sea—A miraculous passage to a rock—Adams - drowned there— The author's miserable condition - </p> - </blockquote> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span> passed my time - with Glanlepze and his wife, who both really loved me, with sufficient - bodily quiet, for about two years: my business was chiefly, in company - with my patron, to cultivate a spot of ground wherein we had planted grain - and necessaries for the family; and once or twice a week we went a - fishing, and sometimes hunted and shot venison. These were our chief - employments; for as to excursions for slaves, which is a practice in many - of those countries, and what the natives get money by, since our own - slavery, Glanlepze and I could not endure it. - </p> - <p> - Though I was tolerably easy in my external circumstances, yet my mind - hankering after England made my life still: unhappy; and that infelicity - daily increased as I saw the less probability of attaining my desire. At - length, hearing of some European sailors who were under confinement for - contraband trade at a Portuguese fort about two miles from Quamis, I - resolved to go to see them; and if any of them should be English, at least - to inquire after my native country. I went and found two Dutchmen who had - been sailors in British pay several years, three Scotchmen, an Irishman, - and five Englishmen, but all had been long in English merchants' service. - They were taken, as they told me, by a Portuguese vessel, together with - their ship, as a Dutch prize under pretence of contraband trade. The - captain was known to be a Dutchman, though he spoke good English, and was - then in English pay and his vessel English; therefore they would have it - that he was a Dutch trader, and so seized his ship in the harbour, with - the prisoners in it The captain, who was on shore with several of his men, - was threatened to be laid in irons if he was taken, which obliged him and - his men to abscond, and fly overland to an English factory for assistance - to recover his ship and cargo; being afraid to appear and claim it amongst - so many enemies without an additional force. They had been in confinement - two months, and their ship confiscated and sold. In this miserable - condition I left them, but returned once or twice a week for a fortnight - or three weeks to visit them. These instances of regard, as they thought - them, created some confidence in me, so that they conversed with me very - freely. Amongst other discourse, they told me one day that one of their - crew who went with the captain had been taken ill on the way, and being - unable to proceed, was returned; but as he talked good Portuguese, he was - not suspected to belong to them; and that he had been to visit them, and - would be there again that day. I had a mind to see him, so stayed longer - than I intended, and in about an hour's time he came. After he was seated - he asked who I was, and (privately) if I might be trusted. Being satisfied - I might, for that I was a Cornish man, he began as follows, looking - narrowly about to see he was not overheard: "My lads," says he, "be of - good courage; I have hopes for you; be but men and we shall see better - days yet." I wondered to what this preface tended, when he told us that - since his return from the captain, as he spoke good Portuguese and had - sailed on board Portuguese traders several years, he mixed among that - people, and particularly among the crew of the "Del Cruz," the ship which - had taken them; that that ship had partly unloaded, and was taking in - other goods for a future voyage; that he had informed himself of their - strength, and that very seldom more than three men and two boys lay on - board; that he had hired himself to the captain, and was to go on board - the very next day. "Now," says he, "my lads, if you can break prison any - night after to-morrow, and come directly to the ship (telling them how she - lay, for, says he, you cannot mistake, you will find two or three boats - moored in the gut against the church), I will be ready to receive you, and - we will get off with her in lieu of our ship they have taken from us, for - there is nothing ready to follow us." - </p> - <p> - The prisoners listened to this discourse very attentively; but scratched - their heads, fearing the difficulty of it, and severer usage if they - miscarried, and made several objections; but at last they all swore to - attempt it the night but one following. Upon which the sailor went away to - prepare for their reception on board. After he was gone, I surveyed his - scheme attentively in my own mind, and found it not so difficult as I - first imagined, if the prisoners could but escape cleverly. So before I - went away I told them I approved of their purpose; and as I was their - countryman, I was resolved, with their leaves, to risk my fortune with - them. At this they seemed much pleased, and all embraced me. We then fixed - the peremptory night, and I was to wait at the water-side and get the - boats in readiness. - </p> - <p> - The prison they were in was a Portuguese fort, which had been deserted - ever since the building a much better on the other side of the river, a - gunshot lower. It was built with walls too thick for naked men to storm; - the captives were securely locked up every night; and two soldiers, or - sentinels, kept watch in an outer-room, who were relieved from the - main-guard in the body of the building. - </p> - <p> - The expected night arrived, and a little before midnight, as had been - concerted, one of the prisoners cried out he was so parched up he was on - fire, he was on fire! The sentinels were both asleep, but the first that - waked called at the door to know what was the matter. The prisoner still - crying out, "I am on fire!" the rest begged the sentinel to bring a bowl - of water for him, for they knew not what ailed him. - </p> - <p> - The good-natured fellow, without waking his companion, brought the water, - and having a lamp in the guard-room, opened the door; when the prisoners - seizing his arms, and commanding him to silence, bound his hands behind - him, and his feet together; then serving the other in the same manner, who - was now just awake, and taking from them their swords and muskets, they - made the best of their way over the fort wall; which being built with - buttresses on the inside was easily surmounted. Being got out, they were - not long in finding me, who had before this time made the boats ready and - was impatiently waiting for them; so in we all got and made good speed to - the ship, where we were welcomed by our companion ready to receive us. - </p> - <p> - Under pretence of being a new-entered sailor, he had carried some Madeira - wine on board, and treated the men and boys so freely that he had thrown - them into a dead sleep, which was a wise precaution. There being now, - therefore, no fear of disturbance or interruption, we drew up the two - boats and set all hands at work to put the ship under way; and plied it so - closely, the wind favouring us, that by eleven o'clock the next morning we - were out of sight of land; but we set the men and boys adrift, in one of - the boats, nigh the mouth of the river. - </p> - <p> - The first thing we did after we had made a long run from shore was to - consult what course to steer. Now, as there was a valuable loading on - board of goods from Portugal and others taken in since, some gave their - opinion for sailing directly for India, selling the ship and cargo there - and returning by some English vessel; but that was rejected; for we did - not doubt but notice would be given of our escape along the coast, and if - we should fall into the Portuguese's hands, we could expect no mercy; - besides, we had not people sufficient for such an enterprise. Others, - again, were for sailing the directest course for England; but I told them, - as our opinions were different, and no time was to be lost, my advice was - to stretch southward till we might be quite out of fear of pursuit, and - then, whatever course we took, by keeping clear of all coasts, we might - hope to come safe off. - </p> - <p> - My proposal seemed to please the whole crew; so crowding all the sail we - could, we pushed southwards very briskly before the wind for several days. - We now went upon examining our stores, and found we had flour enough, - plenty of fish and salt provisions, but were scant of water and wood; of - the first whereof there was not half a ton, and but very little of the - latter. This made us very uneasy, and being none of us expert in - navigation farther than the common working of the ship, and having no - chart on board that might direct us to the nearest land, we were almost at - our wits' end, and came to a short allowance of liquor. That we must get - water if we could was indisputable; but where to do it puzzled us, as we - had determined not to get in with the African shore on any account - whatever. - </p> - <p> - In this perplexity, and under the guidance of different opinions (for we - were all captains now), we sometimes steered eastward, and sometimes - westward, for about nine days, when we espied a little bluish cloud-like - appearance to the southwest; this continuing, we hoped it might be land, - and therefore made to it. Upon our nearer approach we found it to be, as - we judged, an island; but not knowing its name or whether it was - inhabited, we coasted round it two days to satisfy ourselves as to this - last particular. Seeing no living creature on it during that time, and the - shore being very broken, we came to an anchor about two miles from it, and - sent ten of our crew in our best boat with some casks to get water and cut - wood. The boat returned at night with six men and the casks filled, having - left four behind to go on with the cutting of wood against next day. - Accordingly next morning the boat went off again and made two turns with - water and wood ere night, which was repeated for two or three days after. - On the sixth she went off for wood only, leaving none but me and one John - Adams on board. - </p> - <p> - The boat had scarce reached the island this last turn before the day - overcast, and there arose such a storm of wind, thunder, lightning, and - hail as I had never before seen. At last our cable broke close to the - anchor, and away we went with the wind full southward by west; and not - having strength to keep the ship upon a side wind, we were forced to set - her head right before it and let her drive. Our hope was, every hour, the - storm would abate; but it continued with equal violence for many days, - during all which time neither Adams nor I had any rest, for one or other - of us was forced, and sometimes both, to keep her right before the wind, - or she would certainly have overset. When the storm abated, as it did by - degrees, neither Adams nor I could tell where we were, or in what part of - the world. - </p> - <p> - I was sorry I had no better a sailor with me, for neither Adams nor myself - had ever made more than one voyage till now, so that we were both - unacquainted with the latitude, and scarce knew the use of the compass to - any purpose; and being out of all hope of ever reaching the island to our - companions, we neither knew which way to steer, nor what to do; and indeed - had we known where we were, we two only could not have been able to - navigate the ship to any part we desired, or ever to get to the island, - unless such a wind as we had before would of itself have driven us - thither. - </p> - <p> - Whilst we were considering, day after day, what to do, though the sea was - now very calm and smooth, the ship seemed to sail at as great a rate as - before, which we attributed to the velocity she had acquired by the storm, - or to currents that had set that way by the violence of the winds. - Contenting ourselves with this, we expected all soon to be right again; - and as we had no prospect of ever seeing our companions, we kept the best - look-out we could to see for any vessel coming that course which might - take us in, and resolved to rest all our hopes upon that. - </p> - <p> - When we had sailed a good while after this manner, we knew not whither, - Adams called out, "I see land!" My heart leapt within me for joy, and we - hoped the current that seemed to carry us so fast set in for some islands - or rivers that lay before us. But still we were exceedingly puzzled at the - ship's making such way, and the nearer we approached the land, which was - now very visible, the more speed the ship made, though there was no wind - stirring. We had but just time to think on this unexpected phenomenon, - when we found that what we had taken for land was a rock of an - extraordinary height, to which, as we advanced nearer, the ship increased - its motion, and all our strength could not make her answer her rudder any - other way. This put us under the apprehension of being dashed to pieces - immediately, and in less than half an hour I verily thought my fears had - not been groundless. Poor Adams told me he would try when the ship struck - if he could leap upon the rock, and ran to the head for that purpose; but - I was so fearful of seeing my danger that I ran under hatches, resolving - to sink in the ship. We had no sooner parted but I felt so violent a shock - that I verily thought the ship had brought down the whole rock upon her, - and been thereby dashed to pieces, so that I never more expected to see - the light. - </p> - <p> - I lay under this terror for at least half an hour, waiting the ship's - either filling with water or bulging every moment. But finding neither - motion in her nor any water rise, nor the least noise whatsoever, I - ventured with an aching heart from my retreat, and stole up the hatchway - as if an enemy had been on deck, peeping first one way then another. Here - nothing presented but confusion, the rock hung over the hatchway at about - twenty feet above my head, our foremast lay by the board, the mainmast - yard-arm was down, and great part of the mainmast snapped off with it, and - almost everything upon deck was displaced. This sight shocked me - extremely; and calling for Adams, in whom I hoped to find some comfort, I - was too soon convinced I had lost him. - </p> - <p> - Wilkins thinks of destroying himself—His soliloquy—Strange - accident in the hold—His surprise—Cannot climb the rock—His - method to sweeten his water—Lives many months on board—-Ventures - to sea in his boat several times, and takes many fish—Almost - overcome by an eel. - </p> - <p> - <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> - <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER IX. - </h2> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">A</span> fter I had stood - a while in the utmost confusion of thought, and my spirits began to be a - little composed, I was resolved to see what damage the hull of the ship - had received. Accordingly I looked narrowly, but could find none, only she - was immovably fixed in a cleft of the rock, like a large archway, and - there stuck so fast, that though upon fathoming I could find no bottom, - she never moved in the least by the working of the water. - </p> - <p> - I now began to look upon Adams as a happy man, being delivered by an - immediate death from such an inextricable scene of distress, and wished - myself with him a thousand times. I had a great mind to have followed him - into the other world; yet I know not how it is, there is something so - abhorrent to human nature in self-murder, be one's condition what it will, - that I was soon determined on the contrary side. Now again I perceived - that the Almighty had given me a large field to expatiate in upon the - trial of His creatures, by bringing them into imminent dangers ready to - overwhelm them, and at the same time, as it were, hanging out the flag of - truce and mercy to them. These thoughts brought me to my knees, and I - poured out my soul to God in a strain of humiliation, resignation to His - will, and earnest petitions for deliverance or support in this distress. - Having finished, I found myself in a more composed frame; so having eaten - a biscuit and drank a can of water, and not seeing anything to be done - whereby I could better my condition, I sat me down upon the deck, and fell - into the following soliloquy— - </p> - <p> - Peter, says I, what have you to do here?—Alas! replied I to myself, - I am fixed against my will in this dismal mansion, destined, as rats might - be, to devour the provisions only, and having eaten all up, to perish with - hunger for want of a supply.—Then, says I, of what use are you in - the world, Peter?—Truly, answered I, of no other use that I can see - but to be an object of misery for Divine vengeance to work upon, and to - show what a deplorable state human nature can be reduced to; for I cannot - think any one else can be so wretched.—And again, Peter, says I, - what have you been doing ever since you came into the world?—I am - afraid, says I, I can answer no better to this question than to either of - the former; for if only reasonable actions are to be reckoned among my - doings, I am sure I have done little worth recording; for let me see what - it all amounts to. I spent my first sixteen years in making a fool of my - mother; my three next in letting her make a fool of me, and in being fool - enough myself to get me a wife and two children before I was twenty. The - next year was spent in finding out the misery of slavery from experience. - Two years more I repined at the happiness of my benefactor, and at finding - it was not my lot to enjoy the same. This year is not yet spent, and how - many more are to come, and where they may be passed, and what they may - produce, requires a better head than mine even to guess at; but certainly - my present situation seems to promise nothing beside woe and misery.—But - hold a little, says I, and let me clearly state my own wretchedness. I am - here, it is true; but for any good I have ever done or any advantage I - have reaped in other places, I am as well here as anywhere. I have no - present want of food or unjust or cruel enemy to annoy me; so as long as - the ship continues entire and provisions last, I shall do tolerably. Then - why should I grieve or terrify myself about what may come? What my - frighted imagination suggests may perhaps never happen. Deliverance, - though not to be looked for, is yet possible; and my future fate may be as - different from my present condition as this is from the hopes with which I - lately flattered myself. And why, after all, may I not die a natural death - here as well as anywhere? All mankind die, and then there is an end of all——An - end of all! did I say? No, there is something within that gives me the lie - when I say so. Let me see; Death, my master used to say, is not an end, - but a beginning of real life: and may it not be so? May I not as well - undergo a change from this to a different state of life when I leave this - world, as be born into it I know not from whence? Who sent me into this - world? Who framed me of two natures so unlike, that death cannot destroy - but one of them? It must be the Almighty God. But all God's works tend to - some end; and if He has given me an immortal nature, it must be His - intention that I should live somewhere and somehow for ever. May not this - stage of being then be only an introduction to a preparative for another? - There is nothing in this supposition repugnant to reason. Upon the whole, - if God is the author of my being, He only has a right to dispose of it, - and I may not put an end thereto without His leave. It is no less true - that my continuing therein during His pleasure, and because it is so, may - turn vastly to my advantage in His good time; it may be the means of my - becoming happy for even when it is His will that I go hence. It is no less - probable that, dismal as my present circumstances appear, I may be even - now the object of a kind Providence: God may be leading me by affliction - to repentance of former crimes; destroying those sensual affections that - have all my days kept me from loving and serving Him. I will therefore - submit myself to His will, and hope for His mercy. - </p> - <p> - These thoughts, and many others I then had, composed me very much, and by - degrees reconciled me to my destined solitude. I walked my ship, of which - I was now both master and owner, and employed myself in searching how it - was fastened to the rock, and where it rested; but all to no purpose as to - that particular. I then struck a light and went into the hold, to see what - I could find useful, for we had never searched the ship since we took her. - </p> - <p> - In the hold I found abundance of long iron bars, which I suppose were - brought out to be trafficked with the blacks. I observed they lay all with - one end close to the head of the ship, which I presumed was occasioned by - the violent shock they received when she struck against the rock; but - seeing one short bar lying out beyond the rest, though touching at the end - of one of the long bars, I thought to take it up, and lay it on the heap - with the others; but the moment I had raised the end next the other bars, - it flew out of my hand with such violence, against the head of the ship, - and with such a noise, as greatly surprised me, and put me in fear it had - broke through the plank. - </p> - <p> - I just stayed to see no harm was done, and ran upon deck with my hair - stiff on my head; nor could I conceive less than that some subtle spirit - had done this prank merely to terrify me. - </p> - <p> - It ran in my pate several days, and I durst upon no account have gone into - the hold again, though my whole support had lain there; nay, it even - spoiled my rest, for fear something tragical should befall me, of which - this amazing incident was an omen. - </p> - <p> - About a week after, as I was shifting myself (for I had not taken my - clothes off since I came there), and putting on a new pair of shoes which - I found on board, my own being very bad, taking out my iron buckles, I - laid one of them upon a broken piece of the mast that I sat upon; when to - my astonishment, it was no sooner out of my hand but up it flew to the - rock and stuck there. I could not tell what to make of it, but was sorry - the devil had got above deck. I then held several other things one after - another in my hand, and laid them down where I laid the buckle, but - nothing stirred till I took out the fellow of that from the shoes; when - letting it go away, it jumped also to the rock. - </p> - <p> - I mused on these phenomena for some time, and could not forbear calling - upon God to protect me from the devil; who must, as I imagined, have a - hand in such unaccountable things as they then seemed to me. But at length - reason got the better of these foolish apprehensions, and I began to think - there might be some natural cause of them, and next to be very desirous of - finding it out In order to this I set about making experiments to try what - would run to the rock and what would not. I went into the captain's cabin, - and opening a cupboard, of which the key was in the door, I took out a - pipe, a bottle, a pocket-book, a silver spoon, a tea-cup, &c, and laid - them successively near the rock; when none of them answered, but the key - which I had brought out of the cupboard on my finger dropping off while I - was thus employed, no sooner was it disengaged but away it went to it. - After that I tried several other pieces of iron-ware with the like - success. Upon this, and the needle of my compass standing stiff to the - rock, I concluded that this same rock contained great quantity of - loadstone, or was itself one vast magnet, and that our lading of iron was - the cause of the ship's violent course thereto, which I mentioned before. - </p> - <p> - This quite satisfied me as to my notions of spirits, and gave me a more - undisturbed night's rest than I had had before, so that now, having - nothing to affright me, I passed the time tolerably well in my solitude, - as it grew by degrees familiar to me. - </p> - <p> - I had often wished it had been possible for me to climb the rock, but it - was so smooth in many places and craggy in others, and over-hanging, - continuing just the same to the right and left of me as far as ever I - could see, that from the impossibility of it, I discharged all thoughts of - such an attempt. - </p> - <p> - I had now lived on board three months, and perceived the days grow shorter - and shorter, till, having lost the sun for a little time, they were quite - dark: that is, there was no absolute daylight, or indeed visible - distinction between day and night; though it was never so dark but I could - see well enough upon deck to go about. - </p> - <p> - What now concerned me the most was my water, which began to grow very bad - (though I had plenty of it) and unsavoury, so that I could scarce drink - it, but had no prospect of better. Now and then indeed it snowed a little, - which I made some use of, but this was far from contenting me. Hereupon I - began to contrive; and having nothing else to do, I set two open vessels - upon deck, and drawing water from the hold I filled one of my vessels, and - letting it stand a day and a night I poured it into the other, and so - shifted it every twenty-four hours; this, I found, though it did not bring - it to the primitive taste and render it altogether palatable, was - nevertheless a great help to it, by incorporating the fresh air with it, - so that it became very potable, and this method I constantly used with my - drinking-water, so long as I stayed on board the ship. - </p> - <p> - It had now been sharp weather for some time, and the cold still - increasing, this put me upon rummaging the ship farther than ever I - thought to do before; when opening a little cabin under deck, I found a - large cargo of fine French brandy, a great many bottles, and some small - casks of Madeira wine, with divers cordial waters. Having tasted these, - and taken out a bottle or two of brandy, and some Madeira, I locked up my - door and looked no farther that time. - </p> - <p> - The next day I inquired into my provisions, and some of my flesh having - soaked out the pickle, I made fresh pickle and closed it up again. I that - day also found several cheeses cased up in lead, one of which I then - opened and dined upon: but what time of day or night it was when I eat - this meal I could not tell. I found a great many chests well filled, and - one or two of tools which some years after stood me in a very good stead, - though I did not expect they would ever be of that service when I first - met with them. - </p> - <p> - In this manner I spent my time till I began to see broad daylight again, - which cheered me greatly. I had been often put in hopes during the dark - season that ships were coming towards me, and that I should once more have - the conversation of mankind, for I had by the small glimmering seen many - large bodies (to my thinking) move at a little distance from me, and - particularly toward the reappearing of the light, but though I hallooed as - loud as I could, and often fired my gun, I never received an answer. - </p> - <p> - When the light returned, my days increased in proportion as they had - before decreased; and gathering comfort from that, I determined to launch - my small boat and to coast along the island, as I judged it, to see if it - was inhabited and by whom; I determined also to make me some lines for - fishing, and carry my gun to try for other game, if I found a place for - landing; for though I had never, since my arrival, seen a single living - creature but my cat, except insects, of which there were many in the water - and in the air before the dark weather, and then began to appear again, - yet I could not but think there were both birds and beasts to be met with. - </p> - <p> - Upon launching my boat I perceived she was very leaky, so I let her fill - and continue thus a week or more to stop her cracks, then getting down the - side of my ship I scooped her quite dry and found her very fit for use; so - putting on board my gun, lines, brandy bottles, and clothes chest for a - seat, with some little water and provisions for a week, I once more - committed myself to the sea, having taken all the observation I could to - gain my ship again if any accident should happen, though I resolved upon - no account to quit sight of the rock willingly. - </p> - <p> - I had not rowed very long before I thought I saw an island to my right - about a league distant, to which I inclined to steer my course, the sea - being very calm; but upon surveying it nearer, I found it only a great - cake of ice, about forty yards high above the water and a mile or two in - length. I then concluded that what I had before taken for ships were only - these lumps of ice. Being thus disappointed as to my island, I made what - haste I could back to the rock again and coasted part of its - circumference; but though I had gone two or three leagues of its circuit, - the prospect it afforded was just the same. - </p> - <p> - I then tried my lines by fastening several very long ones, made of the - log-line, to the side of the boat, baiting them with several different - baits, but took only one fish of about four pounds weight, very much - resembling a haddock, part of which I dressed for my supper after my - return to the ship, and it proved very good. Towards evening I returned to - my home, as I may call it. - </p> - <p> - The next day I made a voyage on the other side of the rock, though but to - a small distance from the ship, with intent only to fish, but took - nothing. I had then a mind to victual my boat or little cruiser, and - prepare myself for a voyage of two or three days, which I thought I might - safely undertake, as I had never seen a troubled sea since I came to the - island; for though I heard the wind often roaring over my head, yet it - coming always from the land-side, it never disturbed the water near the - shore. I set out the same way I went at first, designing to sail two or - three days out and as many home again, and resolved if possible to fathom - the depth as I went. With this view I prepared a very long line with a - large shot tied in a rag at the end of it, by way of plummet, but I felt - no ground till the second night The next morning I came into thirty fathom - water, then twenty, then sixteen. In both tours I could perceive no - abatement in the height or steepness of the rock. - </p> - <p> - In about fourteen fathom water I dropped my lines, and lay by for an hour - or two. Feeling several jars as I sat on my chest in the boat, I was sure - I had caught somewhat, so pulling up my lines successively, I brought - first a large eel near six feet long and almost as thick as my thigh, - whose mouth, throat, and fins, were of a fine scarlet, and the belly as - white as snow: he was so strong while in the water, and weighty, I had - much ado to get him into the boat, and then had a harder job to kill him; - for though, having a hatchet with me to cut wood in case I met with any - landing-place, I chopped off his head the moment I had him on board, yet - he had several times after that have like to have broken my legs and beat - me overboard before I had quite taken his life from him, and had I not - whipped off his tail and also divided his body into two or three pieces, I - could not have mastered him. The next I pulled up was a thick fish like a - tench, but of another colour and much bigger. I drew up several others, - flat and long fish, till I was tired with the sport; and then I set out - for the ship again, which I reached the third day. - </p> - <p> - During this whole time, I had but one shot, and that was as I came - homewards, at a creature I saw upon a high crag of the rock, which I fired - at with ball, fearing that my small shot would not reach it The animal, - being mortally wounded, bounded up, and came tumbling down the rock, very - near me. I picked it up, and found it to be a creature not much unlike our - rabbits, but with shorter ears, a longer tail, and hoofed like a kid, - though it had the perfect fluck of a rabbit I put it into my boat, to - contemplate on when I arrived at the ship; and, plying my oars, got safe, - as I said, on the third day. - </p> - <p> - I made me a fire to cook with as soon as I had got my cargo out of the - boat into my ship, but was under debate which of my dainties to begin - upon. I had sometimes a mind to have broiled my rabbit, as I called it, - and boiled some of my fish; but being tired, I hung up my flesh till the - next day, and boiled two or three sorts of my fish, to try which was best. - I knew not the nature of most of them, so I boiled a piece of my eel, to - be sure, judging that, however I might like the others, I should certainly - be able to make a good meal of that. This variety being ready, I took a - little of my oil out of the hold for sauce, and sat down to my meal, as - satisfied as an emperor. But upon tasting my several messes, though the - eel was rather richer than the smaller fishes, yet the others were all so - good, I gave them the preference for that time, and laid by the rest of - the eel, and of the other fish, till the next day, when I salted them for - future use. - </p> - <p> - I kept now a whole week or more at home, to look farther into the contents - of the ship, bottle off a cask of Madeira, which I found leaking, and to - consume my new stores of fish and flesh, which, being somewhat stale when - first salted, I thought would not keep so well as the old ones that were - on board. I added also some fresh bread to my provision, and sweetened - more water by the aforementioned method; and when my necessary domestic - affairs were brought under, I then projected a new voyage. - </p> - <p> - <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> - <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER X. - </h2> - <blockquote> - <p> - Lays in great store of provisions—Resolves to traverse the rock—Sails - for three weeks, still seeing it only—Is sucked under the rock, - and hurried down a cataract—Continues there five weeks—His - description of the cavern—His thoughts and difficulties—His - arrival at a great lake—And his landing in the beautiful country - of Graundevolet - </p> - </blockquote> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span> had for a long - time wanted to see the other side of the rock, and at last resolved to try - if I could not coast it quite round; for, as I reasoned with myself, I - might possibly find some landing-places, and perhaps a convenient - habitation on shore. But as I was very uncertain what time that might take - up, I determined on having provisions, instruments of divers kinds, and - necessary utensils in plenty, to guard against accidents as well as I - could. I therefore took another sea-chest out of the hold of the ship, and - letting it into my boat, replenished it with a stock of wine, brandy, oil, - bread, and the like, sufficient for a considerable voyage. I also filled a - large cask with water, and took a good quantity of salt to cure what fish - I should take by the way. I carried two guns, two brace of pistols, and - other arms, with ammunition proportionable; also an axe or two, a saw to - cut wood if I should see any, and a few other tools, which might be highly - serviceable if I could land. To all these I added an old sail, to make a - covering for my goods and artillery against the weather. Thus furnished - and equipped, having secured my hatches on board, and everything that - might spoil by wet, I set out, with a God's speed, on my expedition, - committing myself once more to Providence and the main ocean, and - proceeding the same way I went the first time. - </p> - <p> - I did not sail extraordinary fast, but frequently fished in proper places, - and caught a great deal, salting and drying the best of what I took. For - three weeks' time and more, I saw no entrance into the island, as I call - it, nor anything but the same unscalable rock. This uniform prospect gave - me so little hopes of landing, that I was almost of a mind to have - returned again. But, on mature deliberation, resolving to go forward a day - or two more, I had not proceeded twenty-four hours, when, just as it was - becoming dark, I heard a great noise, as of a fall of water, whereupon I - proposed to lie by and wait for day, to see what it was; but the stream - insensibly drawing me on, I soon found myself in an eddy; and the boat - drawing forward beyond all my power to resist it, I was quickly sucked - under a low arch, where, if I had not fallen flat in my boat, having - barely light enough to see my danger, I had undoubtedly been crushed to - pieces or driven overboard. I could perceive the boat to fall with - incredible violence, as I thought, down a precipice, and suddenly whirled - round and round with me, the water roaring on all sides, and dashing - against the rock with a most amazing noise. - </p> - <p> - I expected every moment my poor little vessel would be staved against the - rock, and I overwhelmed with waters; and for that reason never once - attempted to rise up, or look upon my peril, till after the commotion had - in some measure ceased. At length, finding the perturbation of the water - abate, and as if by degrees I came into a smoother stream, I took courage - just to lift up my affrighted head; but guess, if you can, the horror - which seized me, on finding myself in the blackest of darkness, unable to - perceive the smallest glimmer of light. - </p> - <p> - However, as my boat seemed to glide easily, I roused myself and struck a - light; but if I had my terrors before, what must I have now! I was quite - stupefied at the tremendous view of an immense arch over my head, to which - I could see no bounds; the stream itself, as I judged, was about thirty - yards broad, but in some places wider, in some narrower. It was well for - me I happened to have a tinder-box, or, though I had escaped hitherto, I - must have at lust perished; for in the narrower parts of the stream, where - it ran swiftest, there were frequently such crags stood out from the rock, - by reason of the turnings and windings, and such sets of the current - against them, as, could I not have seen to manage my boat, which I took - great care to keep in the middle of the stream, must have thrown me on - them, to my inevitable destruction. - </p> - <p> - Happy it was for me, also, I was so well victualled, and that I had taken - with me two bottles of oil (as I supposed, for I did not imagine I had any - more), or I had certainly been lost, not only through hunger, for I was, - to my guess, five weeks in the vault or cavern, but for want of light, - which the oil furnished, and without which all other conveniences could - have been of no avail to me. I was forced to keep my lamp always burning; - so, not knowing how long my residence was to be in that place, or when I - should get my discharge from it, if ever, I was obliged to husband my oil - with the utmost frugality; and notwithstanding all my caution, it grew - low, and was just spent, in little above half the time I stayed there. - </p> - <p> - I had now cut a piece of my shirt for a wick to my last drop of oil, which - I twisted and lighted. I burnt the oil in my brass tobacco-box, which I - had fitted pretty well to answer the purpose Sitting down, I had many - black thoughts of what must follow the loss of my light, which I - considered as near expiring, and that, I feared, for ever. I am here, - thought I, like a poor condemned criminal, who knows his execution is - fixed for such a day, nay, such an hour, and dies over and over in - imagination, and by the torture of his mind, till that hour comes: that - hour, which he so much dreads! and yet that very hour which releases him - from all farther dread! Thus do I—my last wick is kindled—my - last drop of fuel is consuming!—and I am every moment apprehending - the shocks of the rock, the suffocation of the water; and, in short, - thinking over my dying thoughts, till the snuff of my lamp throws up its - last curling, expiring flame, and then my quietus will be presently - signed, and I released from my tormenting anxiety! Happy minute! Come - then; I only wait for thee! My spirits grew so low and feeble upon this, - that I had recourse to my brandy bottle to raise them; but, as I was just - going to take a sip, I reflected that would only increase thirst, and, - therefore, it were better to take a little of my white Madeira; so, - putting my dram-bottle again into the chest, I held up one of Madeira, as - I fancied, to the lamp, and seeing it was white (for I had red too) I - clapped it eagerly to my mouth, when the first gulp gave me a greater - refreshment, and more cheered my heart, than all the other liquors I had - put together could have done; insomuch, as I had almost leaped over the - boat's side for joy. "It is oil!" cried I aloud, "it is oil!" I set it - down carefully, with inexpressible pleasure; and examining the rest of the - bottles I had taken for white Madeira, I found two more of those to be - filled with oil. "Now," says I, "here is the counterpart of my condemned - prisoner! For let but a pardon come, though at the gallows, how soon does - he forget he has been an unhappy villain! And I, too, have scarce a notion - now, how a man, in my case, could feel such sorrow as I have for want of a - little oil." - </p> - <p> - After my first transport, I found myself grow serious, reflecting upon the - vigilance of Providence over us poor creatures, and the various instances - wherein it interposes to save or relieve us in cases of the deepest - distress, where our own foresight, wisdom, and power have utterly failed, - and when, looking all around, we could discover no means of deliverance. - And I saw a train of circumstances leading to the incident I have just - mentioned, which obliged me to acknowledge the superintendence of Heaven - over even my affairs; and as the goodness of God had cared for me thus - far, and manifested itself to me now, in rescuing me, as it were, from - being swallowed up in darkness, I had ground to hope He intended a - complete deliverance of me out of that dismal abyss, and would cause me - yet to praise Him in the full brightness of day. - </p> - <p> - A series of these meditations brought me (at the end of five weeks, as - nearly as I could compute it by my lamp) to a prodigious lake of water, - bordered with a grassy down, about half a mile wide, of the finest verdure - I had ever seen: this again was flanked with a wood or grove, rising like - an amphitheatre, of about the same breadth; and behind, and above all, - appeared the naked rock to an immense height. - </p> - <p> - <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> - <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER XI. - </h2> - <blockquote> - <p> - His joy on his arrival at land—A description of the place— - No inhabitants—Wants fresh water—Resides in a grotto— - Finds water—Views the country—Carries his things to the - grotto. - </p> - </blockquote> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span> t is impossible - to express my joy at the sight of day once more. I got on the land as soon - as possible after my dismission from the cavern, and, kneeling on the - ground, returned hearty thanks to God for my deliverance, begging, at the - same time, grace to improve His mercies, and that I might continue under - His protection, whatever should hereafter befall me, and at last die on my - native soil. - </p> - <p> - I unloaded my vessel as well as I could, and hauled her up on the shore; - and, turning her upside down, made her a covering for my arms and baggage. - I then sat down to contemplate the place, and eat a most delightful meal - on the grass, being quite a new thing to me. - </p> - <p> - I walked over the greensward to the wood, with my gun in my hand, a brace - of pistols in my girdle, and my cutlass hanging before me; but, when I was - just entering the wood, looking behind me and all around the plain, "Is it - possible," says I, "that so much art (for I did not then believe it was - natural) could have been bestowed upon this place, and no inhabitant in - it? Here are neither buildings, huts, castle, nor any living creature to - be seen! It cannot be," says I, "that this place was made for nothing!" - </p> - <p> - I then went a considerable way into the wood, and inclined to have gone - much farther, it being very beautiful, but, on second thoughts, judged it - best to content myself at present with only looking out a safe retreat for - that night; for, however agreeable the place then seemed, darkness was at - hand, when everything about me would have more or less of horror in it. - </p> - <p> - The wood, at its first entrance, was composed of the most charming - flowering shrubs that can be imagined; each growing upon its own stem, at - so convenient a distance from the other, that you might fairly pass - between them any way without the least incommodity. Behind them grew - numberless trees, somewhat taller, of the greatest variety of shapes, - forms, and verdures the eye ever beheld; each, also, so far asunder as was - necessary for the spreading of their several branches and the growth of - their delicious fruits, without a bush, briar, or shrub amongst them. - Behind these, and still on the higher ground, grew an infinite number of - very large, tall trees, much loftier than the former, but intermixed with - some underwood, which grew thicker and closer the nearer you approached - the rock. I made a shift to force my way through these as far as the rock, - which rose as perpendicular as a regular building, having only here and - there some crags and unevennesses. There was, I observed, a space all the - way between the underwood and the rock, wide enough to drive a cart in; - and, indeed, I thought it had been left for that purpose. - </p> - <p> - I walked along this passage a good way, having tied a rag of the lining of - my jacket at the place of my entrance, to know it again at my coming back, - which I intended to be ere it grew dark; but I found so much pleasure in - the walk, and surveying a small natural grotto which was in the rock, that - the daylight forsook me unawares: whereupon I resolved to put off my - return unto the boat till next morning, and to take up my lodging for that - night in the cave. - </p> - <p> - I cut down a large bundle of underwood with my cutlass, sufficient to stop - up the mouth of the grotto, and laying me down to rest, slept as sound as - if I had been on board my ship; for I never had one hour's rest together - since I shot the gulf till this. Nature, indeed, could not have supported - itself thus long under much labour; but as I had nothing to do but only - keep the middle stream, I began to be as used to guide myself in it with - my eyes almost closed, and my senses retired, as a higgler is to drive his - cart to market in his sleep. - </p> - <p> - The next morning I awaked sweetly refreshed; and, by the sign of my rag, - found the way again through the underwood to my boat I raised that up a - little, took out some bread and cheese, and, having eat pretty heartily, - laid me down to drink at the lake, which looked as clear as crystal, - expecting a most delicious draught; but I had forgot it brought me from - the sea, and my first gulp almost poisoned me. This was a sore - disappointment, for I knew my water-cask was nigh emptied; and, indeed, - turning up my boat again, I drew out all that remained, and drank it, for - I was much athirst. - </p> - <p> - However, I did not despair; I was now so used to God's providence, and had - a sense of its operations so riveted in my mind, that though the vast lake - of salt water was surrounded by an impenetrable rock or barrier of stone, - I rested satisfied that I should rather find even that yield me a fresh - and living stream, than that I should perish for want of it. - </p> - <p> - With this easy mind did I travel five or six miles on the side of the - lake, and sometimes stepped into the wood, and walked a little there, till - I had gone almost half the diameter of the lake, which lay in a circular - or rather an oval figure. I had then thoughts of walking back, to be near - my boat and lodging, for fear I should be again benighted if I went much - farther; but, considering I had come past no water, and possibly I might - yet find some if I went quite round the lake, I rather chose to take up - with a new lodging that night, than to return; and I did not want for a - supper, having brought out with me more bread and cheese than had served - for dinner, the remainder of which was in the lining of my jacket. When it - grew darkish, I had some thoughts of eating; but I considered, as I was - then neither very hungry nor dry, if I should eat it would but occasion - drought, and I had nothing to allay that with; so I contented myself for - that night to lay me down supperless. - </p> - <p> - In the morning I set forward again upon my water search, and hoped to - compass the whole lake that day. I had gone about seven miles more, when, - at a little distance before me, I perceived a small hollow or cut in the - grass from the wood to the lake; thither I hasted with all speed, and - blessed God for the supply of a fine fresh rill, which, distilling from - several small clefts in the rock, had collected itself into one stream, - and cut its way through the green sod to the lake. - </p> - <p> - I lay down with infinite pleasure, and swallowed a most cheering draught - of the precious liquid; and, sitting on the brink, made a good meal of - what I had with me, and then drank again. I had now got five-sixths of the - lake's circumference to go back again to my boat, for I did not suspect - any passage over the cavern's mouth where I came into the lake; and I - could not, without much trouble, consider that, if I would have this water - for a constant supply, I must either come a long way for it, or fix my - habitation near it. I was just going back again, revolving these uneasy - thoughts in my breast, when this rose suddenly in my mind, that, if I - could possibly get over the mouth of the cavern, I should not have above - three miles from my grotto to the water. Now, as I could not get home that - night otherwise than by crossing it, and as, if I lost my labour, I should - be but where I was, whereas if I should get over it, it would very much - shorten my journey, I resolved to try whether the thing was practicable, - first, however, looking out for a resting-place somewhere near my water, - if I should meet with a disappointment. - </p> - <p> - I then walked into the wood, where, meeting with no place of retreat to my - liking, I went to my rill, and taking another sup, determined not to leave - that side of the lake till morning; but having some time to spare, I - walked about two miles to view the inlet of the lake, and was agreeably - surprised, just over the mouth of the cavern, to see a large stone arch - like a bridge, as if it had been cut out of the rock, quite across the - opening: this cheered me vastly, and, pushing over it, I found a path that - brought me to my boat before night. - </p> - <p> - I then went up to my grotto for the third night in this most delightful - place; and the next morning early I launched my boat, and taking my - water-cask and a small dipping bucket with me, I rowed away for the rill, - and returned highly pleased with a sufficiency of water, whereof I carried - a bucket and a copper kettle full up with me to the grotto. Indeed, it was - not the least part of my satisfaction that I had this kettle with me; for - though I was in hopes, in my last voyage, I should have come to some - shore, where I could have landed and enjoyed myself over some of my fish, - and for that reason had taken it, notwithstanding things did not turn out - just as I had schemed, yet my kettle proved the most useful piece of - furniture I had. - </p> - <p> - Having now acquainted myself with the circumference of the lake, and - settled a communication with my rill, I began to think of commencing - housekeeper. In order thereunto, I set about removing my goods up to the - grotto. By constant application, in a few days I had gotten all thither - but my two great chests and my water-cask; and how to drag or drive any of - those to it, I was entirely at a loss. My water-cask was of the utmost - importance to me, and I had thoughts sometimes of stopping it close, and - rolling it to the place; but the ascent through the wood to the grotto was - so steep, that, besides the fear of staving it, which would have been an - irreparable loss, I judged it impossible to accomplish it by my strength; - so with a good deal of discontent, I determined to remit both that and the - chests to future consideration. - </p> - <p> - <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> - <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER XII. - </h2> - <blockquote> - <p> - An account of the grotto—A room added to it—-A view of that - building—The author makes a little cart—Also a wet dock for - his boat—Goes in quest of provision—A description of divers - fruits and plants—He brings home a cart-load of different sorts—Makes - experiments on them—Loads his cart with others—A great - disappointment—Makes good bread—Never sees the sun—The - nature of the light - </p> - </blockquote> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">H</span> aving come to a - full resolution of fixing my residence at the grotto, and making that my - capital seat, it is proper to give you some description of it. - </p> - <p> - This grotto, then, was a full mile from the lake, in the rock which - encompassed the wood. The entrance was scarcely two feet wide, and about - nine feet high, rising from the height of seven feet upward to a point in - the middle. The cavity was about fifteen feet long within, and about five - wide. Being obliged to lie lengthwise in it, full six feet of it were - taken up at the farther end for my lodging only, as nothing could stand on - the side of my bed that would leave me room to come at it. The remaining - nine feet of the cave's length were taken up, first, by my fireplace, - which was the deepest side of the doorway, ranging with my bed (which I - had set close to the rock on one side), and took up near three feet in - length; and my furniture and provisions, of one sort or other, so filled - up the rest, that I had much ado to creep between them into my bed. - </p> - <p> - In the chest which I had taken for a seat in the boat, as aforesaid, upon - breaking it open by the water-side, I found a mattress, some shirts, - shoes, stockings, and several other useful things; a small case of bottles - with cordials in them, some instruments of surgery, plasters and salves; - all which, together with a large quantity of fish that I had salted, I - carried to the grotto. - </p> - <p> - My habitation being thus already overcharged, and as I could not, however, - bear the thoughts of quitting it, or of having any of my goods exposed to - the weather on the outside, I was naturally bent on contriving how I - should increase my accommodations. As I had no prospect of enlarging the - grotto itself, I could conceive no other way of effecting my desire but by - the addition of an outer room. This thought pleased me very much, so that - the next day I set myself to plan out the building, and trace the - foundation of it. - </p> - <p> - I told you before there was about the space of a cart-way between the wood - and the rock clear; but this breadth, as I was building for life (so I - imagined), not appearing to me spacious enough for my new apartment, I - considered how I should extend its bounds into the wood. Hereupon I set - myself to observe what trees stood at a proper distance from my grotto, - that might serve as they stood, with a little management of hewing and the - like, to compose a noble doorway, posts, and supporters; and I found, that - upon cutting down three of the nearest trees, I should answer my purpose - in this respect; and there were several others, about twenty feet from the - grotto, and running parallel with the rock, the situation of which was so - happily adapted to my intention, that I could make them become, as I - fancied, an out-fence or wall; so I took my axe and cut down my nearest - trees, but as I was going to strike, a somewhat different scheme presented - itself to my imagination that altered my resolution. - </p> - <p> - In conformity with this new plan, I fixed the height of my intended - ceiling, and sawed off my nearest trees to that, sloping from the sides to - the middle, to support cross-beams for the roof to rest on, and left the - trunks standing, by way of pillars, both for the use and ornament of the - structure. In short, I worked hard every day upon my building for a month, - in which time I had cut all my timber into their proper lengths for my - outworks and covering, but was at a great stand how to fix my side-posts, - having no spade or mattock, and the ground almost as hard as flint, for to - be sure it had never been stirred since the creation. I then thought I had - the worst part of my job to get over; however, I went on, and having - contrived, in most of my upright side-quarters, to take the tops of trees, - and leave on the lower parts their cleft, where they began to branch out - and divide from the main stem, I set one of them upright against the rock, - then laid one end of my long ceiling-pieces upon the cleft of it, and laid - the other end upon a tree on the same side, whose top I had also sawed off - with a proper cleft I then went and did the same on the other side; after - this I laid on a proper number of cross-beams, and tied all very firmly - together with the bark of young trees stripped off in long thongs, which - answered that purpose very well. Thus I proceeded, crossing, joining, and - fastening all together, till the whole roof was so strong and firm that - there was no stirring any part of it I then spread it over with small lop - wood, on which I raised a ridge of dried grass and weeds, very thick, and - thatched over the whole with the leaves of a tree very much resembling - those of a palm, but much thicker, and not quite so broad; the entire - surface, I might say, was as smooth as a die, and so ordered, by a gentle - declivity every way, as to carry off the wet. - </p> - <p> - Having covered in my building, I was next to finish and close the walls of - it; the skeleton of these was composed of sticks, crossing one another - checker-wise and tied together; to fill up the voids, I wove upon them the - longest and most pliable twigs of the underwood I could find, leaving only - a doorway on one side, between two stems of a tree which, dividing in the - trunk at about two feet from the ground, grew from thence, for the rest of - its height, as if the branches were a couple of trees a little distance - from one another, which made a sort of stile-way to my room. When this was - all done, I tempered up some earth by the lake-side, and mixing it to a - due consistence with mud, which I took from the lake, applied it as a - plastering in this manner: I divided it into pieces, which I rolled up of - the size of a foot-ball; these lumps I stuck close by one another on the - lattice, pressing them very hard with my hands, which forced part of them - quite through the small twigs, and then I smoothed both sides with the - back of my saw, to about the thickness of five or six inches; so that by - this means I had a wall round my new apartment a foot thick. This - plaster-work cost me some time and a great deal of labour, as I had a full - mile to go to the lake for every load of stuff, and could carry but little - at once, it was so heavy; but there was neither water for tempering, nor - proper earth to make it with any nearer. At last, however, I completed my - building in every respect but a door, and for this I was forced to use the - lid of my sea chest; which indeed I would have chosen not to apply that - way, but I had nothing else that would, do; and there was, however, this - conveniency, that it had hinges ready fixed thereon. - </p> - <p> - I now began to enjoy myself in my new habitation, like the absolute and - sole lord of the country, for I had neither seen man nor beast since my - arrival, save a few animals in the trees like our squirrels, and some - water-rats about the lake; but there were several strange kinds of birds I - had never before seen, both on the lake and in the woods. - </p> - <p> - That which now troubled me most was how to get my water nearer to me than - the lake, for I had no lesser vessel than the cask, which held above - twenty gallons, and to bring that up was a fatigue intolerable. My next - contrivance, therefore, was this: I told you I had taken my chest-lid to - make a door for my ante-chamber, as I now began to call it; so I resolved - to apply the body of the chest also to a purpose different from that it - originally answered. In order to this, I went to the lake where the body - of the chest lay, and sawed it through within about three inches of the - bottom. Of the two ends, having rounded them as well as I could, I made - two wheels; and with one of the sides I made two more. I burnt a hole - through the middle of each; then preparing two axle-trees, I fastened - them, after putting on the wheels, to the bottom of the chest with the - nails I had drawn out, of it. Having finished this machine, on which I - bestowed no small labour, I was hugely pleased with it, and only wished I - had a beast, if it were but an ass, to draw it; however, that task I was - satisfied to perform myself, since there was no help for it; so I made a - good strong cord out of my fishing-lines, and fixed that to drag it by. - When all was thus in readiness, filling my water-cask, I bound it thereon, - and so brought it to the grotto with such ease, comparatively, as quite - charmed me. Having succeeded so well in the first essay, I no sooner - unloaded but down went I again with my cart, or truckle rather, to the - lake, and brought from thence on it my other chest, which I had left - entire. - </p> - <p> - I had now nothing remaining near the lake but my boat, and had half a mind - to try to bring that up too; but having so frequent occasion for her to - get my water in, which I used in greater abundance now than I had done at - first, a great part going to supply my domestic uses, as well as for - drinking, I resolved against that, and sought out for a convenient dock to - stow it in as a preservative against wind and weather, which I soon after - effected; for having pitched upon a swampy place, overgrown with a sort of - long flags or reeds, I soon cut a trench from the lake, with a sort of - spade or board that I had chopped and sharpened for that use. - </p> - <p> - Thus having stowed my boat and looked over all my goods and sorted them, - and taken a survey of my provisions, I found I must soon be in want of the - last if I did not forthwith procure a supply; for though I had victualled - so well at setting out, and had been very sparing ever since, yet had it - not been for a great quantity of fish I took and salted in my passage to - the gulf, I had been to seek for food much sooner. Hereupon I thought it - highly prudent to look out before I really wanted. - </p> - <p> - With this resolution I accoutred myself, as in my first walk, with my - instruments and arms; but instead of travelling the lake-side, I went - along the wood, and therein found great plenty of divers kinds of fruits \ - though I could scarce persuade myself to taste or try the effects of them, - being so much unlike our own, or any I had seen elsewhere. I observed - amongst the shrubs abundance of a fruit, or whatever else you may call it, - which grew like a ram's-horn; sharp at the point next the twig it was - fastened to, and circling round and round, one fold upon another, which - gradually increased to the size of my wrist in the middle, and then as - gradually decreased till it terminated in a point again at the contrary - extreme; all which spiral, if it were fairly extended in length, might be - a yard or an ell long. I surveyed this strange vegetable very attentively; - it had a rind, or crust, which I could not break with my hand, but taking - my knife and making an opening therewith in the shell, there issued out a - sort of milky liquor in great quantity, to at least a pint and half, which - having tasted, I found as sweet as honey, and very pleasant: however, I - could not persuade myself any more than just to taste it. I then found on - the large trees several kinds of fruit, like pears or quinces, but most of - them exceeding hard and rough, and quite disagreeable; so I quitted my - hopes of them. - </p> - <p> - About three miles from my grotto I met with a large space of ground full - of a low plant, growing only with a single woody stalk half a foot high, - and from thence issued a round head, about a foot or ten inches diameter, - but quite flat, about three-quarters of an inch thick, and just like a - cream-cheese standing upon its edge: these grew so close together, that - upon the least wind stirring, their heads rattled against each other very - musically; for though the stalks were so very strong that they would not - easily either bend or break, yet the fanning of the wind upon the broad - heads twisting the stalks, so as to let the heads strike each other, they - made a most agreeable sound. - </p> - <p> - I stood some time admiring this shrub, and then cutting up one of them, I - found it weighed about two pounds; they had a tough green rind or - covering, very smooth, and the inside full of a stringy pulp, quite white. - In short, I made divers other trials of berries, roots, herbs, and what - else I could find, but received little satisfaction from any of them for - fear of bad qualities. I returned back ruminating on what things I had - seen, resolving to take my cart the next walk, and bring it home loaded - with different kinds of them, in order to make my trials thereof at - leisure: but my cart being too flat and wanting sides, I considered it - would carry very little, and that what it would otherwise bear, on that - account, must tumble and roll off, so I made a fire and turned smith; for - with a great deal to do breaking off the wards of a large key I had, and - making it red-hot, I by degrees fashioned it into a kind of spindle, and - therewith making holes quite round the bottom of my cart, in them I stuck - up sticks about two feet high that I had tapered at the end to fit them. - </p> - <p> - Having thus qualified my cart for a load, I proceeded with it to the wood, - and cutting a small quantity of each species of green, berry, fruit, and - flower that I could find, and packing them severally in parcels, I - returned at night heavy-laden, and held a council with myself what use - they could most properly be applied to. - </p> - <p> - I had amongst my goods, as I said, a copper-kettle which held about a - gallon: this I set over my fire and boiled something by turns of every - sort in it, watching all the while, and with a stick stirring and raising - up one thing and then another, to feel when they were boiled tender: but - of upwards of twenty greens which I thus dressed, only one proved eatable, - all the rest becoming more stringy, tough, and insipid for the cooking. - The one I have excepted was a round, thick, woolly-leafed plant, which - boiled tender and tasted as well as spinach; I therefore preserved some - leaves of this to know it again by; and for distinction called it by the - name of that herb. - </p> - <p> - I then began upon my fruits of the pear and quince kind, at least eight - different sorts; but I found I could make nothing of them, for they were - most of them as rough and crabbed after stewing as before, so I laid them - all aside. Lastly, I boiled my ram's-horn and cream-cheese, as I called - them, together. Upon tasting the latter of these, it was become so watery - and insipid, I laid it aside as useless. I then cut the other and tasted - the juice, which proved so exceeding pleasant that I took a large gulp or - two of it, and tossed it into the kettle again. - </p> - <p> - Having now gone through the several kinds of my exotics, I had a mind to - re-examine them after cooling, but could make nothing of any of my greens - but the spinach. I tried several berries and nuts too, but, save a few - sort of nuts, they were all very tasteless. Then I began to review the - fruits, and could find but two sorts that I had any the least hopes from. - I then laid the best by and threw the others away. After this process, - which took me up near a whole day, and clearing my house of - good-for-nothings, I returned to reexamine my cheese, that was grown cold, - and was now so dry and hard I could not get my teeth into it; upon which I - was going to skim it away out of my grotto, saying, "Go, thou worthless!" - (for I always spoke aloud my thoughts to myself)—I say I was just - despatching it when I checked my hands, and as I could make no impression - with my teeth, had a mind to try what my knife would do. Accordingly I - began at the edge of the quarter, for I had boiled but a quarter of it, - but the rind was grown so hard and brittle that my knife slipping and - raking along the cut edge of it, scratched off some powder as white as - possible; I then scraped it backward and forward some time, till I found - it would all scrape away in this powder, except the rind, upon which I - laid it aside again for farther experiment. - </p> - <p> - During this review my kettle and ram's-horn had been boiling, till hearing - it blubber very loud, and seeing there was but little liquor in it, I - whipped it off the fire, for fear of burning its bottom, but took no - further notice of it till about two hours after; when returning to the - grotto, I went to wash out my kettle, but could scarce get my ram's-horn - from the bottom; and when I did, it brought up with it a sort of pitchy - substance, though not so black, and several gummy threads hanging to it, - drawn out to a great length. I wondered at this, and thought the shell of - the ram's-horn had melted, or some such thing, till, venturing to put a - little of the stuff on my tongue, it proved to my thinking as good treacle - as I had ever tasted. - </p> - <p> - This new discovery pleased me very much. I scraped all the sweet thing up, - and laid it near my grotto in a large leaf of one of the trees (about two - feet long, and broad in proportion) to prevent its running about. In - getting this curiosity out of my kettle, I found in it a small piece of my - cheese, which I suppose had been broke off in stirring; and biting it (for - it was soft enough) I think it was the most luscious and delicate morsel I - ever put into my lips. This unexpected good fortune put me on trying the - best of my pears again; so setting on my kettle, with very little water, - and putting some of my treacle into it, and two of the best pears - quartered, I found, upon a little boiling, they also became an excellent - dainty. - </p> - <p> - Having succeeded so well, I was quite ripe for another journey with my - cart; which I accordingly undertook, taking my route over the stone - bridge, to see what the other side of the lake produced. In travelling - through the trees, I met, amongst other things, with abundance of large - gourds, which, climbing the trees, displayed their fruit to the height of - twenty or thirty feet above the ground. I cut a great many of these, and - some very large ones of different hues and forms; which of themselves - making a great load, with some few new sorts of berries and greens, were - the gathering of that day. But I must tell you I was almost foiled in - getting them home; for coming to my stone bridge, it rose so steep, and - was so much ruggeder than the grass or wood ground, that I was at a set - upon the first entrance and terribly afraid that I should either break my - wheels or pull off my axle-trees. Hereupon I was forced to unload, and - carry my cargo over in my arms to the other side of the bridge; whither - having then, with less fear but much caution, drawn my cart, I loaded - again and got safe home. - </p> - <p> - I was mightily pleased with the acquisitions of this journey; for now, - thought I, I shall have several convenient family utensils; so spent the - next day or two in scooping my gourds and cleaning away the pulp. When I - had done this, finding the rinds to be very weak and yielding, I made a - good fire, and setting them round it at a moderate distance to dry, I went - about something else without doors: but, alas! my hopes were ill founded; - for coming home to turn my gourds and see how dry they were, I found them - all warped and turned into a variety of uncouth shapes. This put me to a - stand; but, however, I recovered some pieces of them for use, as the - bottom parts of most of them, after paring away the sides, would hold - something, though they by no means answered my first purpose. - </p> - <p> - Well, thought I, what if I have lost my gourds, I have gained experience. - I will dry them next time with the guts in, and having stiffened their - rinds in their proper dimensions, then try to cleanse them. So next - morning (for I was very eager at it) I set out with my cart for another - load; and having handed them over the bridge, got safe with them to the - grotto. These by proper management proved exceedingly valuable to me, - answering, in one way or other, the several uses of plates, bottles, pans, - and divers other vessels. - </p> - <p> - I now got a large quantity of the vegetable ram's-horn, and filled a great - many of the gourds with the treacle it yielded; I also boiled and dried a - large parcel of my cheeses, and hung them up for use, for I had now for - some time made all my bread of the latter, scraping and bruising the - flour, and mixing it with my treacle and water; and this indeed made such - a sweet and nourishing bread, that I could even have lived wholly upon it; - but I afterwards very much improved it by putting the milky juice of the - ram's-horn, unboiled, to my flour in a small quantity, and then baking it - on the hearth, covered over with embers. This detracted nothing from the - sweetness and mellowness of my bread, but made it much lighter than the - treacle alone would have done. - </p> - <p> - Finding there was no fear of starving, but so far from it, that from day - to day I found out something new to add to my repast, either in - substantials or by way of dessert, I set me down very well contented with - my condition. I had nothing to do but to lay up store against sickness and - the dark weather, which last I expected would soon be upon me, as the days - were now exceeding short. Indeed, though I had now been here six months, I - had never seen the sun since I first entered the gulf; and though there - was very little rain, and but few clouds, yet the brightest daylight never - exceeded that of half an hour after sunset in the summer-time in England, - and little more than just reddened the sky. For the first part of my time - here, there was but little if any difference between day and night; but - afterwards, what I might call the night, or lesser degree of light, took - up more hours than the greater, and went on gradually increasing as to - time, so that I perceived total darkness approached, such as I had on - board my ship the year before. - </p> - <p> - <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> - <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER XIII. - </h2> - <blockquote> - <p> - The author lays in a store against the dark weather-Hears voices—His - thoughts thereon—Persuades himself it was a dream—Hears them - again—Determines to see if any one lodged in the rock—Is - satisfied there is nobody—Observations on what he saw—Finds - a strong weed like whipcord—Makes a drag-net—Lengthens it—Catches - a monster—Its description— Makes oil of it - </p> - </blockquote> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span> had now well - stored my grotto with all sorts of winter provisions, and feeling the - weather grow very cold, I expected and waited patiently for the total - darkness. I went little abroad, and employed myself within doors - endeavouring to fence against the approaching extremity of the cold. For - this purpose I prepared a quantity of rushes, which being very dry, I - spread them smoothly on the floor of my bed-chamber a good thickness, and - over them I laid my mattress. Then I made a double sheet of the boat's - awning or sail, that I had brought to cover my goods; and having skewered - together several of the jackets and clothes I found in the chest, of them - I made a coverlid; so that I lay very commodiously, and made very long - nights of it now the dark season was set in. - </p> - <p> - As I lay awake one night, or day, I know not which, I very plainly heard - the sound of several human voices, and sometimes very loud; but though I - could easily distinguish the articulations, I could not understand the - least word that was said; nor did the voices seem at all to me like such - as I had anywhere heard before, but much softer and more musical. This - startled me, and I rose immediately, slipping on my clothes and taking my - gun in my hand (which I always kept charged, being my constant travelling - companion) and my cutlass. Thus equipped, I walked into my ante-chamber, - where I heard the voices much plainer, till after some little time they by - degrees died quite away. After watching here, and hearkening a good while, - hearing nothing, I walked back into the grotto, and laid me down again on - my bed. I was inclined to open the door of my ante-chamber, but I own I - was afraid; besides, I considered that if I did, I could discover nothing - at any distance by reason of the thick and gloomy wood that enclosed me. - </p> - <p> - I had a thousand different surmises about the meaning of this odd - incident; and could not conceive how any human creatures should be in my - kingdom (as I called it) but myself, and I never yet see them, or any - trace of their habitation. But then again I reflected, that though I had - surrounded the whole lake, yet I had not traced the out-bounds of the wood - next the rock, where there might be innumerable grottoes like mine; nay, - perhaps some as spacious as that I had sailed through to the lake; and - that though I had not perceived it, yet this beautiful spot might be very - well peopled. But, says I again, if there be any such beings as I am - fancying here, surely they don't skulk in their dens, like savage beasts, - by daylight, and only patrole for prey by night; if so, I shall probably - become a delicious morsel for them ere long, if they meet with me. This - kept me still more within doors than before, and I hardly ever stirred out - but for water or firing. At length, hearing no more voices, nor seeing any - one, I began to be more composed in my mind, and at last grew persuaded it - was all a mere delusion, and only a fancy of mine, without any real - foundation; and sometimes, though I was sure I was fully awake when I - heard them, I persuaded myself I had rose in my sleep, upon a dream of - voices, and recollected with myself the various stories I had heard when a - boy of walking in one's sleep, and the surprising effects of it; so the - whole notion was now blown over. - </p> - <p> - I had not enjoyed my tranquillity above a week, before my fears were - roused afresh, hearing the same sound of voices twice the same night, but - not many minutes at a time. What gave me most pain was that they were at - such a distance, as I judged by the languor of the sound, that if I had - opened my door I could not have seen the utterers through the trees, and I - was resolved not to venture out; but then I determined, if they should - come again anything near my grotto, to open the door, see who they were, - and stand upon my defence, whatever came of it: For, says I, my entrance - is so narrow and high that more than one cannot come at a time; and I can - with ease despatch twenty of them before they can secure me, if they - should be savages; but if they prove sensible human creatures, it will be - a great benefit to me to join myself to their society. Thus had I formed - my scheme, but I heard no more of them for a great while; so that at - length beginning to grow ashamed of my fears, I became tranquil again. - </p> - <p> - The day now returning, and with it my labours, I applied to my usual - callings; but my mind ran strangely upon viewing the rock quite round, - that is, the whole circuit of my dominions; for, thinks I, there may - possibly be an outlet through the rock into some other country, from - whence the persons I heard may come. As soon therefore as the days grew - towards the longest, I prepared for my progress. Having lived so well at - home since my settlement, I did not care to trust only to what I could - pick up in the woods for my subsistence during this journey, which would - not only take up time in procuring, but perhaps not agree with me; so I - resolved to carry a supply with me, proportionate to the length of my - perambulation. Hereupon considering that though my walk round the lake was - finished in two days, yet as I now intended to go round by the rock, the - way would be much longer and perhaps more troublesome than that was; - remembering also my journey with Glanlepze in Africa, and how much I - complained of the fruits we carried for our subsistence; these - circumstances, I say, laying together, I resolved to load the cart with a - variety of food, bread and fruits especially, and draw that with me. - </p> - <p> - Thus provided, I sallied forth with great cheerfulness, and proceeded in - the main easily; though in some places I was forced to make way with my - hatchet, the ground was so over-run with underwood. I very narrowly viewed - the rock as I went, bottom and sides, all the way, but could see nothing - like a passage through it, or indeed any more than one opening, or inlet, - which I entered for about thirty yards, but it was not above three feet - wide, and terminated in the solid rock. - </p> - <p> - After some days' travel (making all the observations I could on the - several plants, shrubs, and trees which I met with, particularly where any - of these occurred to me entirely new), finding myself a little faintish, I - had a mind for a sup of ram's-horn juice; so I cut me one, but upon - opening it found therein only a pithy pulp, and noways fit to taste. I - supposed by this I was too early for the milk, it being three months later - the last year when I cut them. Hereon, seeing one upon another shrub, - which by its rusty colour I judged might have hung all the winter, I - opened that, and found it full of milk; but putting some of it into my - mouth, it was as sour as any vinegar I ever tasted in my life. So, thinks - I (and said so too; for, as I told you before, I always spoke out), here's - sauce for something when I want it; and this gave me a hint to store - myself with these gourds, to hang by for vinegar the next winter. - </p> - <p> - By this time I had come almost to my rill, when I entered upon a large - plat of ground miserably over-run with weeds, matted together very thick. - These choked up my wheels in such a manner that I could neither free them - with my hands, nor get either backwards or forwards, they binding my cart - down like so many cords; so that I was obliged to cut my way back again - with my hatchet, and take a sweep round in the wood, on the outside of - these weeds. - </p> - <p> - In all my life I never saw anything of its size, for it was no thicker - than a whipcord, so strong as this weed; and what raised my wonder was the - length of it, for I drew out pieces of it near fifty feet long, and even - they were broken at the end, so that it might be as long again for aught I - know, for it was so matted and twisted together, that it was a great trial - of patience to untangle it; but that which was driest, and to me looked - the rottenest and weakest, I found to be much the strongest. Upon - examination of its parts, I discovered it to be composed of an infinite - number of small threads, spirally overlaying and enfolding one another. - </p> - <p> - As I saw but few things that I could not find a use for, so this I - perceived would serve all the common purposes of packthread; a thing I was - often in want of. This inclined me to take a load of it home with me. - Indeed the difficulty of getting a quantity in the condition I desired it, - puzzled me a little; for, says I, if I cut up a good deal of it with my - hatchet, as I first designed, I shall only have small lengths, good for - little, and to get it in pieces of any considerable length, so as to be of - service, will require much time and labour. But reflecting how much I - needed it, and of what benefit it would be, I resolved to make a trial of - what I could do; so, without more hesitation, I went to work, and cutting - a fibre close to its root, I extricated that thread from all its windings, - just as one does an entangled whipcord. When I had thus disengaged a - sufficient length, I cut that off, and repeating the like operation, in - about three hours' time, but with no little toil, I made up my load of - different lengths just to my liking. Having finished this task, I filled - the gourd, brought for that purpose, with water; and having first viewed - the whole remaining part of the rock, I returned over the stone bridge - home again. - </p> - <p> - This journey, though it took me up several days, and was attended with - some fatigue, had yet given me great satisfaction; for now I was persuaded - I could not have one rival or enemy to fear in my whole dominions. And - from the impossibility, as I supposed, of there being any, or of the - ingress of any, unless by the same passage I entered at, and by which I - was well assured they could never return, I grew contented, and blamed - myself for the folly of my imaginary voices, as I called them then, and - took it for a distemper of the fancy only. - </p> - <p> - The next day I looked over my load of matweed, having given it that name, - and separated the different lengths from each other. I then found I had - several pieces between forty and fifty feet long, of which I resolved to - get a good number more, to make me a drag-net that I might try for some - fish in the lake. A day or two after, therefore, I brought home another - load of it Then I picked out a smooth level spot upon the green-sward, and - having prepared a great number of short wooden pegs, I strained a line of - the matweed about ten feet long, tying it at each end to a peg, and stuck - a row of pegs along by that line, about two inches asunder; I next - strained another line of the same length, parallel to that, at the - distance of forty feet from it, and stuck pegs thereby, corresponding to - the former row; and from each peg on one side, to the opposite peg on the - other, I tied a like length of my mat-line, quite through the whole number - of pegs; when the work looked like the inside of a harpsichord. I - afterwards drove pegs in like manner along the whole length of the two - outermost longer lines, and tied shorter lines to them, so that the whole - affair then represented the squares of a racket; the corners of each of - which squares I tied very tight with smaller pieces of the line, till I - had formed a complete net of forty feet long and ten wide. - </p> - <p> - When I had finished my net, as I thought, I wrapped several stones in - rags, and fastened them to the bottom to sink it, and some of the smallest - unscooped dry gourds to the top, to keep that part buoyant. I now longed - to begin my new trade, and carried the net to my boat with that intention; - but after two or three hauls I found it would not answer for want of - length (though by chance I caught a blackish fish without scales, a little - bigger than whiting, but much longer, which stuck by the gills in it); so - I left the net in the boat, resolving to make an addition to it with all - speed; and returning to my grotto, I supped on the fish I had taken and - considered how to pursue my enterprise with better effect. - </p> - <p> - I provided me with another large parcel of line; and having brought two - more lengths to perfection, I joined all together, and fixing one end on - shore, by a pole I had cut for that purpose, I launched my boat, with the - other end in it, taking a sweep the length of my net round to my stick - again, and getting on shore, hauled up my net by both ends together. I - found now I had mended my instrument, and taken a proper way of applying - it; for by this means, in five hauls, I caught about sixteen fish of three - or four different sorts, and one shell-fish, almost like a lobster, but - without great claws, and with a very small short tail; which made me - think, as the body was thrice as long as a lobster's in proportion, that - it did not swim backwards, like that creature, but only crawled forwards - (it having lobsterlike legs, but much shorter and stronger), and that the - legs all standing so forward, its tail was, by its motion, to keep the - hinder part of the body from dragging upon the ground, as I observed it - did when the creature walked on land, it then frequently flacking its - short tail. - </p> - <p> - These fish made me rich in provisions. Some of them I ate fresh, and the - remainder I salted down. But of all the kinds, my lobster was the most - delicious food, and made me almost three meals. - </p> - <p> - Thus finding there were fish to be had, though my present tackle seemed - suitable enough to my family, yet could I not rest till I had improved my - fishery by enlarging my net; for as it was, even with my late addition, I - must either sweep little or no compass of ground, or it would have no bag - behind me. Upon this I set to work and shortly doubled the dimensions of - it. I had then a mind to try it at the mouth of my rill; so taking it with - me the next time I crossed the lake for water, and fastening it to my - pole, close by the right side of the rill, I swept a long compass round to - the left, and closing the ends, attempted to draw it up in the hollow cut - of the rill. But by the time I had gathered up two-thirds of the net, I - felt a resistance that quite amazed me. In short, I was not able to stand - against the force I felt. Whereupon sitting down in the rill, and clapping - my feet to the two sides of it, I exerted all my strength, till finally I - became conqueror, and brought up so shocking a monster, that I was just - rising to run for my life on the sight of it. But recollecting that the - creature was hampered, and could not make so much resistance on the land - as in the water, I ventured to drag the net up as far from the rill as my - strength and breath would permit me; and then running to the boat for my - gun, I returned to the net to examine my prize. Indeed, I had not - instantly resolution enough to survey it, and when at length I assumed - courage enough to do so, I could not perfectly distinguish the parts, they - were so discomposed; but taking hold of one end of the net, I endeavoured - to disentangle the thing, and then drawing the net away, a most surprising - sight presented itself: the creature reared upright, about three feet - high, covered all over with long, black shaggy hair, like a bear, which - hung down from his head and neck quite along his back and sides. He had - two fins, very broad and large, which, as he stood erect, looked like - arms, and these he waved and whirled about with incredible velocity; and - though I wondered at first at it, I found afterwards it was the motion of - these fins that kept him upright; for I perceived when they ceased their - motion he fell flat on his belly. He had two very large feet, which he - stood upon, but could not run, and but barely walk on them, which made me - in the less haste to despatch him; and after he had stood upon his feet - about four minutes, clapping his fins to his sides, he fell upon his - belly. - </p> - <p> - When I found he could not attack me, I was moving closer to him; but upon - sight of my stirring, up he rose again, and whirled his fins about as - before so long as he stood. And now I viewed him round, and found he had - no tail at all, and that his hinder fins, or feet, very much resembled a - large frog's, but were at least ten inches broad, and eighteen long, from - heel to toe; and his legs were so short that when he stood upright his - breech bore upon the ground. His belly, which he kept towards me, was of - an ash-colour, and very broad, as also was his breast His eyes were small - and blue, with a large black sight in the middle, and rather of an oval - than round make. He had a long snout like a boar, and vast teeth. Thus - having surveyed him near half an hour living, I made him rise up once more - and shot him in the breast. He fell, and giving a loud howl, or groan, - expired. - </p> - <p> - I had then time to see what else I had caught; and turning over the net, - found a few of the same fish I had taken before, and some others of a - flat-tish make, and one little lump of flesh unformed; which last, by all - I could make of it, seemed to be either a spawn or young one of that I had - shot. - </p> - <p> - The great creature was so heavy, I was afraid I must have cut him in - pieces to get him to the boat; but with much ado, having stowed the rest, - I tumbled him on board. I then filled my water-cask and rowed homewards. - Being got to land, I was obliged to bring down my cart, to carry my great - beast-fish, as I termed him, up to the grotto. When I had got him thither, - I had a notion of first tasting, and then, if I liked his flesh, of - salting him down and drying him; so, having flayed him and taken out the - guts and entrails, I boiled a piece of him; but it made such a blaze that - most of the fat ran into the fire, and the flesh proved so dry and rank - that I could no ways endure it. - </p> - <p> - I then began to be sorry I had taken so much pains for no profit, and had - endangered my net into the bargain (for that had got a crack or two in the - scuffle), and was thinking to throw away my large but worthless - acquisition. - </p> - <p> - However, as I was now prone to weighing all things, before I threw it away - I resolved to consider a little; whereupon I changed my mind. Says I, Here - is a good warm skin, which, when dry, will make me a rare cushion. Again, - I have for a long while had no light beside that of the day; but now as - this beast's fat makes such a blaze in the fire, and issues in so great a - quantity from such a small piece as I broiled, why may not I boil a good - tallow or oil out of it? and if I can, I have not made so bad a hand of my - time as I thought for. - </p> - <p> - In short, I went immediately to work upon this subject (for I never let a - project cool after I had once started it), and boiled as much of the flesh - as the kettle would hold, and letting it stand to cool, I found it turned - out very good oil for burning; though I confess I thought it would rather - have made tallow. This success quickened my industry; and I repeated the - operation till I got about ten quarts of this stuff, which very well - rewarded my labour. After I had extracted as much oil as I could from the - beast-fish, the creature having strongly impressed my imagination, I - conceived a new fancy in relation to it; and that was, having heard him - make a deep, howling groan at his death, I endeavoured to persuade myself, - and at last verily believed, that the voices I had so often heard in the - dark weather proceeded from numbers of these creatures, diverting - themselves in the lake, or sporting together on the shore; and this - thought, in its turn, contributed to ease my apprehensions in that - respect. - </p> - <p> - <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> - <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER XIV. - </h2> - <blockquote> - <p> - The author passes the summer pleasantly—Hears the voices in the - winter—Ventures out—Sees a strange sight on the lake— - His uneasiness at it—His dream—Soliloquy—Hears the - voices again, and perceives a great shock on his building— Takes - up a beautiful woman—He thinks her dead, but recovers her—A - description of her—She stays with him - </p> - </blockquote> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span> passed the summer - (though I had never yet seen the sun's body) very much to my satisfaction: - partly in the work I have been describing (for I had taken two more of the - beast-fish, and had a great quantity of oil from them); partly in building - me a chimney in my ante-chamber of mud and earth burnt on my own hearth - into a sort of brick; in making a window at one end of the abovesaid - chamber, to let in what little light would come through the trees when I - did not choose to open my door; in moulding an earthen lamp for my oil; - and, finally, in providing and laying in stores, fresh and salt (for I had - now cured and dried many more fish), against winter. These, I say, were my - summer employments at home, intermixed with many agreeable excursions. But - now the winter coming on, and the days growing very short, or indeed there - being no day properly speaking, but a kind of twilight, I kept mostly in - my habitation, though not so much as I had done the winter before, when I - had no light within doors, and slept, or at least lay still, great part of - my time; for now my lamp was never out. I also turned two of my beast-fish - skins into a rug to cover my bed, and the third into a cushion, which I - always sat upon, and a very soft and warm cushion it made. All this - together rendered my life very easy, yea, even comfortable. - </p> - <p> - An indifferent person would now be apt to ask, What would this man desire - more than he had? To this I answer, that I was contented while my - condition was such as I have been describing; but a little while after the - darkness or twilight came on, I frequently heard the voices again; - sometimes a few only at a time, as it seemed, and then again in great - numbers. This threw me into new fears, and I became as uneasy as ever, - even to the degree of growing quite melancholy; though, otherwise, I never - received the least injury from anything. I foolishly attempted several - times, by looking out of my window, to discover what these odd sounds - proceeded from, though I knew it was too dark to see anything there. - </p> - <p> - I was now fully convinced, by a more deliberate attention to them, that - they could not be uttered by the beast-fish, as I had afore conjectured, - but only by beings capable of articulate speech; but then, what or where - they were, it galled me to be ignorant of. - </p> - <p> - At length, one night or day, I cannot say which, hearing the voices very - distinctly, and praying very earnestly to be either delivered from the - uncertainty they had put me under, or to have them removed from me, I took - courage, and arming myself with gun, pistols, and cutlass, I went out of - my grotto and crept down the wood. I then heard them plainer than before, - and was able to judge from what point of the compass they proceeded. - Hereupon I went forward towards the sound, till I came to the verge of the - wood, where I could see the lake very well by the dazzle of the water. - Thereon, as I thought, I beheld a fleet of boats, covering a large - compass, and not far from the bridge. I was shocked hereat beyond - expression. I could not conceive where they came from, or whither they - would go; but supposed there must be some other passage to the lake than I - had found in my voyage through the cavern, and that for certain they came - that way, and from some place of which as yet I had no manner of - knowledge. - </p> - <p> - Whilst I was entertaining myself with this speculation, I heard the people - in the boats laughing and talking very merrily, though I was too distant - to distinguish the words. I discerned soon after all the boats (as I still - supposed 'em) draw up, and push for the bridge; presently after, though I - was sure no boat entered the arch, I saw a multitude of people on the - opposite shore all marching towards the bridge; and what was the strangest - of all, there was not the least sign of a boat now left upon the whole - lake. I then was in a greater consternation than before; but was still - much more so when I saw the whole posse of people, that as I have just - said were marching towards the bridge, coming over it to my side of the - lake. At this my heart failed, and I was just going to run to my grotto - for shelter; but taking one look more, I plainly discovered that the - people, leaping one after another from the top of the bridge, as if into - the water, and then rising again, flew in a long train over the lake, the - lengthways of it, quite out of my sight, laughing, hallooing, and sporting - together; so that looking back again to the bridge and on the lake, I - could neither see person nor boat, nor anything else, nor hear the least - noise or stir afterwards for that time. - </p> - <p> - I returned to my grotto brimful of this amazing adventure, bemoaning my - misfortune in being at a place where I was like to remain ignorant of what - was doing about me. For, says I, if I am in a land of spirits, as now I - have little room to doubt, there is no guarding against them. I am never - safe, even in my grotto; for that can be no security against such beings - as can sail on the water in no boats, and fly in the air on no wings, as - the case now appears to me, who can be here and there and wherever they - please. What a miserable state, I say, am I fallen to! I should have been - glad to have had human converse, and to have found inhabitants in this - place; but there being none, as I supposed hitherto, I contented myself - with thinking that I was at least safe from all those evils mankind in - society are obnoxious to. But now, what may be the consequence of the next - hour I know not; nay, I am not able to say but whilst I speak, and show my - discontent, they may at a distance conceive my thoughts, and be hatching - revenge against me for my dislike of them. - </p> - <p> - The pressure of my spirits inclining me to repose, I laid me down, but - could get no rest; nor could all my most serious thoughts, even of the - Almighty Providence, give me relief under my present anxiety: and all this - was only from my state of uncertainty concerning the reality of what I had - heard and seen, and from the earnestness with which I coveted a - satisfactory knowledge of those beings who had just taken their flight - from me. - </p> - <p> - I really believe the fiercest wild beast, or the most savage of mankind - that had met me, and put me upon my defence, would not have given me half - the trouble that then lay upon me; and the more, for that I had no seeming - possibility of ever being rid of my apprehensions: so finding I could not - sleep, I got up again; but as I could not fly from myself, all the art I - could use with myself was but in vain to obtain me any quiet. - </p> - <p> - In the height of my distress I had recourse to prayer, with no small - benefit; begging that if it pleased not the Almighty Power to remove the - object of my fears, at least to resolve my doubts about them, and to - render them rather helpful than hurtful to me. I hereupon, as I always did - on such occasions, found myself much more placid and easy, and began to - hope the best, till I had almost persuaded myself that I was out of - danger; and then laying myself down, I rested very sweetly till I was - awakened by the impulse of the following dream. - </p> - <p> - Methought I was in Cornwall, at my wife's aunt's; and inquiring after her - and my children, the old gentlewoman informed me, both my wife and - children had been dead some time, and that my wife, before her departure, - desired her (that is, her aunt) immediately upon my arrival to tell me she - was only gone to the lake, where I should be sure to see her, and be happy - with her ever after. I then, as I fancied, ran to the lake to find her. In - my passage she stopped me, crying, "Whither so fast, Peter? I am your - wife, your Patty." Methought I did not know her, she was so altered; but - observing her voice, and looking more wistfully at her, she appeared to me - as the most beautiful creature I ever beheld. I then went to seize her in - my arms; but the hurry of my spirits awakened me. - </p> - <p> - When I got up, I kept at home, not caring even to look out at my door. My - dream ran strangely in my head, and I had now nothing but Patty in my - mind. "Oh!" cries I, "how happy could I be with her, though I had only her - in this solitude. Oh! that this was but a reality, and not a dream." And - indeed, though it was but a dream, I could scarce refrain from running to - the lake to meet my Patty. But then I checked my folly, and reasoned - myself into some degree of temper again. However, I could not forbear - crying out, "What, nobody to converse with! Nobody to assist, comfort, or - counsel me! This is a melancholy situation indeed." Thus I ran on - lamenting till I was almost weary, when on a sudden I again heard the - voices. "Hark!" says I, "here they come again. Well, I am now resolved to - face them, come life, come death! It is not to be alone I thus dread; but - to have company about me, and not know who or what, is death to me worse - than I can suffer from them, be they who or what they will." - </p> - <p> - During my soliloquy the voices increased, and then by degrees diminished - as usual; but I had scarce got my gun in my hand, to pursue my resolution - of showing myself to those who uttered them, when I felt such a thump upon - the roof of my ante-chamber as shook the whole fabric and set me all over - into a tremor. I then heard a sort of shriek, and a rustle near the door - of my apartment; all which together seemed very terrible. But I, having - before determined to see what and who it was, resolutely opened my door - and leaped out I saw nobody; all was quite silent, and nothing that I - could perceive but my own fears amoving. I went then softly to the corner - of the building, and there looking down, by the glimmer of my lamp which - stood in the window, I saw something in human shape lying at my feet. I - gave the word, "Who is there?" Still no one answered. My heart was ready - to force a way through my side. I was for a while fixed to the earth like - a statue. At length, recovering, I stepped in, fetched my lamp, and - returning saw the very beautiful face my Patty appeared under in my dream; - and not considering that it was only a dream, I verily thought I had my - Patty before me; but she seemed to be stone dead. Upon viewing her other - parts (for I had never yet removed my eyes from her face), I found she had - a sort of brown chaplet, like lace, round her head, under and about which - her hair was tucked up and twined; and she seemed to me to be clothed in a - thin hair-coloured silk garment, which, upon trying to raise her, I found - to be quite warm, and therefore hoped there was life in the body it - contained. I then took her into my arms, and treading a step backwards - with her, I put out my lamp; however, having her in my arms, I conveyed - her through the doorway in the dark into my grotto; here I laid her upon - my bed, and then ran out for my lamp. - </p> - <p> - This, thinks I, is an amazing adventure. How could Patty come here, and - dressed in silk and whalebone too? Sure that is not the reigning fashion - in England now? But my dream said she was dead. Why, truly, says I, so she - seems to be. But be it so; she is warm. Whether this is the place for - persons to inhabit after death or not, I can't tell (for I see there are - people here, though I don't know them); but be it as it will, she feels as - flesh and blood; and if I can but bring her to stir and act again as my - wife, what matters it to me what she is? It will be a great blessing and - comfort to me; for she never would have come to this very spot but for my - good. - </p> - <p> - Top-full of these thoughts, I re-entered my grotto, shut my door and - lighted my lamp; when going to my Patty (as I delighted to fancy her), I - thought I saw her eyes stir a little. I then set the lamp farther off for - fear of offending them if she should look up; and warming the last glass I - had reserved of my Madeira, I carried it to her, but she never stirred. I - now supposed the fall had absolutely killed her, and was prodigiously - grieved; when laying my hand on her breast I perceived the fountain of - life had some motion. This gave me infinite pleasure; so, not despairing, - I dipped my finger in the wine and moistened her lips with it two or three - times, and I imagined they opened a little. Upon this I bethought me, and - taking a teaspoon, I gently poured a few drops of the wine by that means - into her mouth. Finding she swallowed it, I poured in another spoonful, - and another, till I brought her to herself so well as to be able to sit - up. All this I did by a glimmering light which the lamp afforded from a - distant part of the room, where I had placed it, as I have said, out of - her sight. - </p> - <p> - I then spoke to her, and asked divers questions, as if she had really been - Patty and understood me; in return of which she uttered a language I had - no idea of, though in the most musical tone, and with the sweetest accent - I ever heard. It grieved me I could not understand her. However, thinking - she might like to be on her feet, I went to lift her off the bed, when she - felt to my touch in the oddest manner imaginable; for while in one respect - it was as though she had been cased up in whalebone it was at the same - time as soft and warm as if she had been naked. - </p> - <p> - I then took her in my arms and carried her into my ante-chamber again, - where I would fain have entered into conversation, but found she and I - could make nothing of it together, unless we could understand one - another's speech. It is very strange my dream should have prepossessed me - so of Patty, and of the alteration of her countenance, that I could by no - means persuade myself the person I had with me was not she; though, upon a - deliberate comparison, Patty, as pleasing as she always was to my taste, - would no more come up to this fair creature than a coarse ale-wife would - to Venus herself. - </p> - <p> - You may imagine we stared heartily at each other, and I doubted not but - she wondered as much as I by what means we came so near each other. I - offered her everything in my grotto which I thought might please her; some - of which she gratefully received, as appeared by her looks and behaviour. - But she avoided my lamp, and always placed her back toward it. I observing - that, and ascribing it to her modesty in my company, let her have her - will, and took care to set it in such a position myself as seemed - agreeable to her, though it deprived me of a prospect I very much admired. - </p> - <p> - After we had sat a good while, now and then, I may say, chattering to one - another, she got up and took a turn or two about the room. When I saw her - in that attitude, her grace and motion perfectly charmed me, and her shape - was incomparable; but the strangeness of her dress put me to my trumps to - conceive either what it was, or how it was put on. - </p> - <p> - Well, we supped together, and I set the best of everything I had before - her, nor could either of us forbear speaking in our own tongue, though we - were sensible neither of us understood the other. After supper I gave her - some of my cordials, for which she showed great tokens of thankfulness, - and often in her way, by signs and gestures, which were very far from - being insignificant, expressed her gratitude for my kindness. When supper - had been some time over, I showed her my bed and made signs for her to go - to it; but she seemed very shy of that, till I showed her where I meant to - lie myself, by pointing to myself, then to that, and again pointing to her - and to my bed. When at length I had made this matter intelligible to her, - she lay down very composedly; and after I had taken care of my fire, and - set the things I had been using for supper in their places, I laid myself - down too; for I could have no suspicious thoughts or fear of danger from a - form so excellent. - </p> - <p> - I treated her for some time with all the respect imaginable, and never - suffered her to do the least part of my work. It was very inconvenient to - both of us only to know each other's meaning by signs; but I could not be - otherwise than pleased to see that she endeavoured all in her power to - learn to talk like me. Indeed I was not behindhand with her in that - respect, striving all I could to imitate her. What I all the while - wondered at was, she never showed the least disquiet at her confinement; - for I kept my door shut at first, through fear of losing her, thinking she - would have taken an opportunity to run away from me; for little did I then - think she could fly. - </p> - <p> - <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> - <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER XV. - </h2> - <blockquote> - <p> - Wilkin s afraid of losing his new mistress—They live together all - winter—A remark on that—They begin to know each other's - language—A long discourse between them at cross purposes—She - flies—They engage to be man and wife. - </p> - </blockquote> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">A</span> fter my new love - had been with me a fortnight, finding my water run low, I was greatly - troubled at the thought of quitting her any time to go for more; and - having hinted it to her, with seeming uneasiness, she could not for a - while fathom my meaning; but when she saw me much confused, she came at - length, by the many signs I made, to imagine it was my concern for her - which made me so; whereupon she expressively enough signified I might be - easy, for she did not fear anything happening to her in my absence. On - this, as well as I could declare my meaning, I entreated her not to go - away before my return. As soon as she understood what I signified to her - by actions, she sat down, with her arms across, leaning her head against - the wall to assure me she would not stir. However, as I had before nailed - a cord to the outside of the door, I tied that for caution's sake to the - tree, for fear of the worst: but I believe she had not the least design of - removing. - </p> - <p> - I took my boat, net, and water-cask, as usual, desirous of bringing her - home a fresh fish dinner, and succeeded so well as to catch enough for - several good meals, and to spare. What remained I salted, and found she - liked that better than the fresh, after a few days' salting; though she - did not so well approve of that I had formerly pickled and dried. As my - salt grew very low, though I had been as sparing of it as possible, I now - resolved to try making some; and the next summer I effected it. - </p> - <p> - Thus we spent the remainder of the winter together, till the days began to - be light enough for me to walk abroad a little in the middle of them; for - I was now under no apprehensions of her leaving me, as she had before this - time had so many opportunities of doing so, but never once attempted it. - </p> - <p> - I must here make one reflection upon our conduct, which you will almost - think incredible, viz., that we two, of different sexes, not wanting our - peculiar desires, fully inflamed with love to each other, and no outward - obstacle to prevent our wishes, should have been together, under the same - roof alone for five months, conversing together from morning to night (for - by this time she pretty well understood English, and I her language), and - yet I should never have clasped her in my arms, or have shown any further - amorous desires to her than what the deference I all along paid her could - give her room to surmise. Nay, I can affirm that I did not even then know - that the covering she wore was not the work of art, but the work of - nature, for I really took it for silk; though it must be premised that I - had never seen it by any other light than of my lamp. Indeed the modesty - of her carriage and sweetness of her behaviour to me had struck into me - such a dread of offending her, that though nothing upon earth could be - more capable of exciting passion than her charms, I could have died rather - than have attempted only to salute her without actual invitation. - </p> - <p> - When the weather cleared up a little by the lengthening of daylight, I - took courage one afternoon to invite her to walk with me to the lake; but - she sweetly excused herself from it, whilst there was such a frightful - glare of light, as she said; but looking out at the door, told me, if I - would not go out of the wood she would accompany me: so we agreed to take - a turn only there. I first went myself over the stile of the door, and - thinking it rather too high for her, I took her in my arms and lifted her - over. But even when I had her in this manner, I knew not what to make of - her clothing, it sat so true and close; but seeing by a steadier and truer - light in the grove, though a heavy gloomy one, than my lamp had afforded, - I begged she would let me know of what silk or other composition her - garment was made. She smiled, and asked me if mine was not the same under - my jacket "No, lady," says I, "I have nothing but my skin under my - clothes."—"Why, what do you mean?" replies she, somewhat tartly; - "but indeed I was afraid that something was the matter by that nasty - covering you wear, that you might not be seen. Are you not a glumm?"*—"Yes,"says - I, "fair creature." (Here, though you may conceive she spoke part English, - part her own tongue, and I the same, as we best understood each other, yet - I shall give you our discourse, word for word, in plain English.) "Then," - says she, "I am afraid you must have been a very bad man, and have been - crashee,** which I should be very sorry to hear." - </p> - <blockquote> - <p> - * A man. ** Slit. - </p> - </blockquote> - <p> - I told her I believed we were none of us so good as we might be, but I - hoped my faults had not at most exceeded other men's; but I had suffered - abundance of hardships in my time; and that at last Providence having - settled me in this spot, from whence I had no prospect of ever departing, - it was none of the least of its mercies to bring to my knowledge and - company the most exquisite piece of all His works, in her, which I should - acknowledge as long as I lived. She was surprised at this discourse, and - asked me (if I did not mean to impose upon her, and was indeed an - ingcrashee* glumm) why I should tell her I had no prospect of departing - hence. "Have not you," says she, "the same prospect that I or any other - person has of departing? Sir," added she, "you don't do well, and really I - fear you are slit, or you would not wear this nasty cumbersome coat - (taking hold of my jacket-sleeve), if you were not afraid of showing the - signs of a bad life upon your natural clothing." - </p> - <blockquote> - <p> - * Unslit. - </p> - </blockquote> - <p> - I could not for my heart imagine what way there was to get out of my - dominions. But certainly, thought I, there must be some way or other, or - she would not be so peremptory. And as to my jacket, and showing myself in - my natural clothing, I profess she made me blush; and but for shame, I - would have stripped to my skin to have satisfied her. "But, madam," says - I, "pray pardon me, for you are really mistaken; I have examined every - nook and corner of this new world in which we now are, and can find no - possible outlet; nay, even by the same way I came in, I am sure it is - impossible to get out again."—"Why," says she, "what outlets have - you searched for, or what way can you expect out but the way you came in? - And why is that impossible to return by again? If you are not slit, is not - the air open to you? Will not the sky admit you to patrole in it, as well - as other people? I tell you, sir, I fear you have been slit for your - crimes; and though you have been so good to me, that I can't help loving - of you heartily for it, yet if I thought you had been slit, I would not, - nay, could not, stay a moment longer with you; no, though it should break - my heart to leave you." - </p> - <p> - I found myself now in a strange quandary, longing to know what she meant - by being slit, and had a hundred strange notions in my head whether I was - slit or not; for though I knew what the word naturally signified well - enough, yet in what manner or by what figure of speech she applied it to - me, I had no idea of. But seeing her look a little angrily upon me, "Pray, - madam," says I, "don't be offended, if I take the liberty to ask you what - you mean by the word crashee* so often repeated by you; for I am an utter - stranger to what you mean by it."—"Sir," says she, "pray answer me - first how you came here?"—"Madam," replied I, "will you please to - take a walk to the verge of the wood, I will show you the very passage."—"Sir," - says she, "I perfectly know the range of the rocks all round, and by the - least description, without going to see them, can tell from which you - descended."—"In truth," said I, "most charming lady, I descended - from no rock at all; nor would I for a thousand worlds attempt what could - not be accomplished but by my destruction."—"Sir," says she, in some - anger, "it is false, and you impose upon me."—"I declare to you," - says I, "madam, what I tell you is strictly true; I never was near the - summit of any of the surrounding rocks, or anything like it; but as you - are not far from the verge of the wood, be so good as to step a little - farther and I will show you my entrance in hither."—"Well," says - she, "now this odious dazzle of light is lessened, I don't care if I do go - with you." - </p> - <p> - When we came far enough to see the bridge, "There, madam," says I, "there - is my entrance, where the sea pours into this lake from yonder cavern."—"It - is not possible," says she; "this is another untruth; and as I see you - would deceive me, and are not to be believed, farewell; I must be gone. - But, hold," says she, "let me ask you one thing more; that is, by what - means did you come through that cavern? You could not have used to have - come over the rock?"—"Bless me, madam!" says I, "do you think I and - my boat could fly? Come over the rock, did you say? No, madam; I sailed - from the great sea, the main ocean, in my boat, through that cavern into - this very lake here."—"What do you mean by your boat?" says she. - "You seem to make two things of your boat you say you sailed with and - yourself."—"I do so," replied I; "for, madam, I take myself to be - good flesh and blood, but my boat is made of wood and other materials."—"Is - it so?" says she. "And, pray, where is this boat that is made of wood and - other materials?—under your jacket?"—"Lord, madam!" says I, - "you put me in fear that you were angry; but now I hope you only joke with - me. What, put a boat under my jacket! No, madam; my boat is in the lake."—"What, - more untruths?" says she.—"No, madam," I replied; "if you would be - satisfied of what I say (every word of which is as true as that my boat - now is in the lake), pray walk with me thither and make your own eyes - judges what sincerity I speak with." To this she agreed, it growing dusky; - but assured me, if I did not give her good satisfaction, I should see her - no more. - </p> - <p> - We arrived at the lake; and going to my wet-dock, "Now, madam," says I, - "pray satisfy yourself whether I spake true or no." She looked at my boat, - but could not yet frame a proper notion of it. Says I, "Madam, in this - very boat I sailed from the main ocean through that cavern into this lake; - and shall at last think myself the happiest of all men if you continue - with me, love me, and credit me; and I promise you I'll never deceive you, - but think my life happily spent in your service." I found she was hardly - content yet to believe what I told her of my boat to be true; till I - stepped into it, and pushing from the shore, took my oars in my hand, and - sailed along the lake by her, as she walked on the shore. At last she - seemed so well reconciled to me and my boat, that she desired I would take - her in. I immediately did so, and we sailed a good way; and as we returned - to my dock I described to her how I procured the water we drank, and - brought it to shore in that vessel. - </p> - <p> - "Well," says she, "I have sailed, as you call it, many a mile in my - lifetime, but never in such a thing as this. I own it will serve very well - where one has a great many things to carry from place to place; but to be - labouring thus at an oar when one intends pleasure in sailing, is in my - mind a most ridiculous piece of slavery."—"Why, pray, madam, how - would you have me sail? for getting into the boat only will not carry us - this way or that without using some force."—"But," says she, "pray, - where did you get this boat, as you call it?"—"O madam!" says I, - "that is too long and fatal a story to begin upon now; this boat was made - many thousand miles from hence, among a people coal-black, a quite - different sort from us; and, when I first had it, I little thought of - seeing this country; but I will make a faithful relation of all to you - when we come home." Indeed, I began to wish heartily we were there, for it - grew into the night; and having strolled so far without my gun, I was - afraid of what I had before seen and heard, and hinted our return; but I - found my motion was disagreeable to her, and so I dropped it. - </p> - <p> - I now perceived and wondered at it, that the later it grew the more - agreeable it seemed to her; and as I had now brought her into good-humour - again by seeing and sailing in my boat, I was not willing to prevent its - increase. I told her, if she pleased, we would land, and when I had docked - my boat, I would accompany her where and as long as she liked. As we - talked and walked by the lake, she made a little run before me and sprung - into it Perceiving this, I cried out, whereupon she merrily called on me - to follow her. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> - <img alt="163_swimming (120K)" src="images/163_swimming.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> - </div> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p> - The light was then so dim, as prevented my having more than a confused - sight of her when she jumped in; and looking earnestly after her, I could - discern nothing more than a small boat in the water, which skimmed along - at so great a rate that I almost lost sight of it presently; but running - along the shore for fear of losing her, I met her gravely walking to meet - me, and then had entirely lost sight of the boat upon the lake. "This," - says she, accosting me with a smile, "is my way of sailing, which, I - perceive, by the fright you were in, you are altogether unacquainted with; - and, as you tell me you came from so many thousand miles off, it is - possible you may be made differently from me: but, surely we are the part - of the creation which has had most care bestowed upon it; and I suspect, - from all your discourse, to which I have been very attentive, it is - possible you may no more be able to fly than to sail as I do."—"No, - charming creature," says I, "that I cannot, I'll assure you." She then, - stepping to the edge of the lake, for the advantage of a descent before - her, sprung up into the air, and away she went farther than my eyes could - follow her. - </p> - <p> - I was quite astonished. "So," says I, "then all is over! all a delusion - which I have so long been in! a mere phantom! Better had it been for me - never to have seen her, than thus to lose her again! But what could I - expect had she stayed? For it is plain she is no human composition. But," - says I, "she felt like flesh, too, when I lifted her out at the door!" I - had but very little time for reflection; for, in about ten minutes after - she had left me in this mixture of grief and amazement, she alighted just - by me on her feet. - </p> - <p> - Her return, as she plainly saw, filled me with a transport not to be - concealed; and which, as she afterwards told me, was very agreeable to - her. Indeed, I was some moments in such an agitation of mind from these - unparalleled incidents, that I was like one thunder-struck; but coming - presently to myself, and clasping her in my arms with as much love and - passion as I was capable of expressing, and for the first time with any - desire,—"Are you returned again, kind angel," said I, "to bless a - wretch who can only be happy in adoring you? Can it be, that you, who have - so many advantages over me, should quit all the pleasures that nature has - formed you for, and all your friends and relations, to take an asylum in - my arms? But I here make you a tender of all I am able to bestow—my - love and constancy."—"Come, come," says she, "no more raptures; I - find you are a worthier man than I thought I had reason to take you for, - and I beg your pardon for my distrust whilst I was ignorant of your - imperfections; but now I verily believe all you have said is true; and I - promise you, as you have seemed so much to delight in me, I will never - quit you till death, or other as fatal accident shall part us. But we will - now, if you choose, go home; for I know you have been some time uneasy in - this gloom, though agreeable to me: for, giving my eyes the pleasure of - looking eagerly on you, it conceals my blushes from your sight." - </p> - <p> - In this manner, exchanging mutual endearments and soft speeches, hand in - hand, we arrived at the grotto; where we that night consummated our - nuptials, without farther ceremony than mutual solemn engagements to each - other; which are, in truth, the essence of marriage, and all that was - there and then in our power. - </p> - <p> - <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> - <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER XVI. - </h2> - <blockquote> - <p> - The author's disappointment at first going to bed with his new wife—Some - strange circumstances relating thereto—She resolves several - questions he asks her, and clears up his fears as to the voices—A - description of swangeans. - </p> - </blockquote> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">E</span> very calm is - succeeded by a storm, as is every storm by its calm; for, after supper, in - order to give my bride the opportunity of undressing alone, which I - thought might be most agreeable the first night, I withdrew into the - antechamber till I thought she was laid; and then, having first disposed - of my lamp, I moved softly towards her, and stepped into bed too; when, on - my nearer approach to her, I imagined she had her clothes on. This struck - a thorough damp over me; and asking her the reason of it, not being able - to touch the least bit of her flesh but her face and hands, she burst out - a-laugh-ing; and, running her hand along my naked side, soon perceived the - difference she before had made such doubt of between herself and me. Upon - which she fairly told me, that neither she, nor any person she had ever - seen before, had any other covering than what they were born with, and - which they would not willingly part with but with their lives. This - shocked me terribly; not from the horror of the thing itself, or any - distaste I had to this covering (for it was quite smooth, warm, and softer - than velvet or the finest skin imaginable), but from an apprehension of - her being so wholly encased in it, that, though I had so fine a companion, - and now a wife, yet I should have no conjugal benefit from her, either to - my own gratification, or the increase of our species. - </p> - <p> - In the height of my impatience I made divers essays for unfolding this - covering, but unsuccessfully. Surely, says I, there must be some way of - coming at my wishes, or why should she seem so shy of me at first, and now - we are under engagements to each other, meet me half way with such a - yielding compliance? I could, if I had had time to spare, have gone on, - starting objections and answering them, in my own breast, a great while - longer (for I now knew not what to make of it); but being prompted to act - as well as think, and feeling, as tenderly as possible, upon her bosom, - for the folds or plaits of her garment, she lying perfectly still, and - perceiving divers flat broad ledges, like whale-bone, seemingly under her - covering, which closely enfolded her body, I thought it might be all laced - on together somewhat like stays, and felt behind for the lacing. - </p> - <p> - At length, perceiving me so puzzled, and beyond conception vexed at my - disappointment, of asudden, lest I should grow outrageous (which I was - almost come to), she threw down all those seeming ribs flat to her side so - imperceptibly to me, that I knew nothing of the matter, though I lay close - to her; till putting forth my hand again to her bosom, the softest skin, - and most delightful body, free from all impediment, presented itself to my - wishes, and gave itself up to my embraces. - </p> - <p> - I slept very soundly till morning, and so did she; but at waking I was - very solicitous to find out what sort of being I had had in my arms, and - with what qualities her garment was endued, or how contrived that, - notwithstanding all my fruitless attempts to uncover her, she herself - could so instantaneously dispose of it undiscerned by me. Well, thought I, - she is my wife, I will be satisfied in everything; for surely she will not - now refuse to gratify my curiosity. - </p> - <p> - We rose with the light; but surely no two were ever more amorous, or more - delighted with each other. I, being up first, lighted the fire, and - prepared breakfast of some fish soup, thickened with my cream-cheese; and - then calling her, I kept my eye towards the bed to see how she dressed - herself; but throwing aside the clothes, she stepped out ready dressed, - and came to me. When I had kissed her, and wished her a good day, we sat - down to breakfast; which being soon over, I told her I hoped every minute - of our lives would prove as happy as those we so lately passed together; - which she seemed to wish with equal ardour. I then told her, now she was - my wife, I thought proper to know her name, which I had never before - asked, for fear of giving uneasiness; for, as I added, I did not doubt she - had observed in my behaviour, ever since I first saw her, a peculiar - tenderness for her, and a sedulous concern not to offend, which had - obliged me hitherto to stifle several questions I had to ask her whenever - they would be agreeable to her. She then bid me begin; for as she was now - my wife, whilst I was speaking it became her to be all attention, and to - give me the utmost satisfaction she could in all I should require, as she - herself should have so great an interest in everything for the future - which would oblige me. - </p> - <p> - Compliments (if, in compliance with old custom, I may call them so, for - they were by us delivered from the heart) being a little over on both - sides, I first desired to know what name she went by before I found her: - "For," says I, "having only hitherto called you madam, and my lady, - besides the future expression of my love to you in the word dear, I would - know your original name, that so I might join it with that tender - epithet."—"That you shall," says she, "and also my family at another - opportunity; but as my name will not take up long time to repeat at - present, it is Youwarkee. And pray," says she, "now gratify me with the - knowledge of yours."—"My dear Youwarkee," says I, "my name was Peter - Wilkins when I heard it last; but that is so long ago, I had almost forgot - it. And now," says I, "there is another thing you can give me a pleasure - in."—"You need, then, only mention it, my dear Peter," says she.—"That - is," says I, "only to tell me if you did not, by some accident, fall from - the top of the rock over my habitation, upon the roof of it, when I first - took you in here; and whether you are of the country upon the rocks?"—She, - softly smiling, answered, "My dear Peter, you run your questions too - thick. As to my country, which is not on the rocks, as you suppose, but at - a vast distance from hence, I shall leave that till I may hereafter, at - more leisure, speak of my family, as I promised you before; but as to how - I came into this grotto, I knew not at first, but soon perceived your - humanity had brought me in, to take care of me, after a terrible fall I - had; not from the rock, as you suppose, for then I must not now have been - living to enjoy you, but from a far less considerable height in the air. - I'll tell you how it happened. A parcel of us young people were upon a - merry <i>swangean</i>* round this <i>arkoe</i>,** which we usually divert - ourselves with at set times of the year, chasing and pursuing one another, - sometimes soaring to an extravagant height, and then shooting down again - with surprising precipitancy, till we even touch the trees; when of a - sudden we mount again and away." - </p> - <blockquote> - <p> - * Flight. ** Water surrounded with a wood. - </p> - </blockquote> - <p> - "I say, being of this party, and pursued by one of my comrades, I - descended down to the very trees, and she after me; but as I mounted, she - over-shooting me, brushed so stiffly against the upper part of my <i>graundee</i>* - that I lost my bearing; and being so near the branches before I could - recover it again, I sunk into the tree, and rendered my graundee useless - to me; so that down I came, and that with so much force, that I but just - felt my fall, and lost my senses. Whether I cried out or no upon my coming - to the ground, I cannot say; but if I did, my companion was too far gone - by that time to hear or take notice of me; as she, probably, in so swift a - flight, saw not my fall. As to the condition I was in, or what happened - immediately afterwards, I must be obliged to you for a relation of that; - but one thing I was quickly sensible of, and never can forget, viz., that - I owe my life to your care and kindness to me." - </p> - <blockquote> - <p> - * The covering and wings of skin they flew with. - </p> - </blockquote> - <p> - I told her she should have that part of her story from me another time. - "But," says I, "there is something so amazing in these flights, or - swangeans, as you call them, that I must, as the questions for this day, - beg you would let me know what is the method of them. What is the nature - of your covering, which was at first such an obstacle to my wishes? How - you put it on? And how you use it in your swangean?" - </p> - <p> - "Surely, my dearest Peter," says she, "but that I can deny you nothing, - since you are my <i>barkatt</i>* which you seem so passionately to desire, - the latter of your questions would not be answered, for it must put me to - the blush. As to our method of flight, you saw somewhat of that last - night, though in a light hardly sufficient for you; and for the nature of - my covering, you perceive that now; but to show you how it is put on, as - you call it, I am afraid it will be necessary, as far as I can, to put it - off, before I can make you comprehend that; which having done, the whole - will be no farther a mystery. But, not to be tedious, is it your command - that I uncover? Lay that upon me, it shall be done." - </p> - <blockquote> - <p> - * Husband. - </p> - </blockquote> - <p> - Here I was at a plunge whether to proceed or drop the question. Thinks I, - if my curiosity should be fatal to me, as I may see something I can never - bear hereafter, I am undone. She waits the command! Why so? I know not the - consequence! What shall I do? At last, somewhat resolutely, I asked her - whether her answer either way to my command would cause her to leave me, - or me to love her less? She, seeing my hesitation, and perceiving the - cause, was so pleased, that she cried out—"No, my dear Peter, not - that, nor all the force on earth, shall ever part me from you. But I - conceive you are afraid you shall discover something in me you may not - like. I fear not that; but an immodest appearance before you I cannot - suffer myself to be guilty of, but under your own command."—"My - lovely Youwarkee," says I, "delay then my desires no longer; and since you - require a warrant from me, I do command you to do it" Immediately her - graundee flew open (discovering her naked body just to the hip, and round - the rim of her belly) and, expanding itself, was near six feet wide. Here - my love and curiosity had a hard conflict; the one to gain my attention to - the graundee, and the other to retain my eyes and thoughts on her lovely - body, which I had never beheld so much of before. Though I was very - unwilling to keep her uncovered too long, I could not easily dismiss so - charming a sight I attentively viewed her lovely flesh, and examined the - case that enshrined it; but as I shall give you a full description of the - graundee hereafter, in a more proper place, I will mention it no farther - here, than to tell you that when I had narrowly surveyed the upper part of - it, she in a moment contracted it round her so close that the nicest eye - could not perceive the joining of the parts. "Indeed, my dear Youwarkee," - says I, "you had the best of reasons for saying you was not fearful I - should discover anything in you displeasing; for if my bosom glowed with - love before, you have now therein raised an ardent flame, which neither - time, nor aught else, will ever be able to extinguish. I now almost - conceive how you fly; though yet I am at a loss to know how you extend and - make use of the lower part of your graundee, which rises up and meets the - upper; but I will rather guess at that by what I have seen, than raise the - colour higher in those fair cheeks, which are, however, adorned with - blushes." Then running to her, and taking her in my arms, I called her the - dearest gift of Heaven; and left off further interrogatories till another - opportunity. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> - <img alt="173_flight (110K)" src="images/173_flight.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> - </div> - <p> - <br /> <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> - <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER XVII. - </h2> - <blockquote> - <p> - Youwarkee cannot bear a strong light—Wilkins makes her spectacles, - which help her—A description of them - </p> - </blockquote> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">Y</span> ouwarkee and I - having no other company than one another's, we talked together almost from - morn to night, in order to learn each other's dialect But how compilable - soever she was in all other respects, I could not persuade her to go out - with me to fetch water, or to the lake, in the day-time. It being now the - light season, I wanted her to be more abroad; but she excused herself, - telling me her people never came into those luminous parts of the country - during the false glare, as they called it, but kept altogether at home, - where their light was more moderate and steadier; and that the place where - I resided was not frequented by them for half the year, and at other times - only upon parties of pleasure, it not being worth while to settle - habitations where they could not abide always. She said Normnbdsgrsutt was - the finest region in the world, where her king's court was, and a vast - kingdom. I asked her twice or thrice more to name the country to me, but - not all the art we could use, hers in dictating, and mine in endeavouring - to pronounce it, would render me conqueror of that her monosyllable (for - as such it sounded from her sweet lips); so I relinquished the name to - her, telling her whenever she had any more occasion to mention the place, - I desired it might be under the style of Doorpt Swangeanti, which she - promised; but wondered, as she could speak the other so glibly, as she - called it, I could not do so too. - </p> - <p> - I told her that the light of my native country was far stronger than any I - had seen since my arrival at Graundevolet (for that, I found by her, was - the name my dominions went by); and that we had a sun, or ball of fire, - which rolled over our heads every day, with such a light, and such a heat, - that it would sometimes almost scorch one, it was so hot, and was of such - brightness that the eye could not look at it without danger of blindness. - She was heartily glad, she said, she was not born in so wretched a land; - and she did not believe there was any other so good as her own. I thought - no benefit could arise from my combating these innocent prejudices, so I - let them alone. - </p> - <p> - She had often lamented to me the difference of our eyesight, and the - trouble it was to her that she could not at all times go about with me, - till it gave me a good deal of uneasiness to see her concern. At last I - told her, that though I believed it would be impossible to reduce my sight - to the standard of hers, yet I was persuaded I could bring hers to bear - the strongest light I had ever seen in this country. She was mightily - pleased with the thought of that, and said she wished I might, for she was - sensible of no grief like being obliged to stay at home when I went abroad - on my business, and was resolved to try my experiment if I pleased, and in - the meantime should heartily pray for the success. I hit on the following - invention. - </p> - <p> - I rummaged over all my old things, and by good luck found an old crape - hatband. This I tried myself, single, before my own eyes, in the strongest - light we had; but believing I had not yet obscured it enough, I doubled - it, and then thought it might do; but for fear it should not I trebled it, - and then it seemed too dark for eyes like mine to discover objects through - it, and so I judged it would suit hers; for I was determined to produce - something, if possible, that would do at first, without repetition of - trial, which I thought would only deject her more, by making her look on - the matter as impracticable. I now only wanted a proper method for fixing - it on her, and this I thought would be easily effected, but had much more - difficulty in it than I imagined. A first I purposed to tie the crape over - her eyes, but trying it myself, I found it very rough and fretting: I then - designed fixing it to an old crown of a hat that held my fish-hooks and - lines, and so let it hang down before her face; but that also had its - inconveniences, as it would slap her eyes in windy weather, and would be - not only useless, but very troublesome in flight; so that I was scarce - ever more puzzled before. At last I thought of a method that answered - exceedingly well, the hint of which I took from somewhat I had seen with - my master when I was at school, which he called goggles, and which he used - to tie round his head to screen his eyes in riding. The thing I made upon - that plan was composed of old hat, pieces of rams-horn, and the - above-mentioned crape. - </p> - <p> - When I had finished the whole apparatus, I tried it first upon myself, and - finding great reason to believe it would perfectly answer the intention, I - ran directly to Youwarkee. "Come," says I, "my dear, will you go with me - to the water-rill; for I must fetch some this morning?" She shook her - head, and, with tears in her eyes, wished she could. "But," says she, "let - me see how light it is abroad."—"No," says I, "my love, you must not - look out till you go."—"Indeed," says she, "if it did not affect my - eyes and head you should not ask me twice."—"Well," says I, "my - Youwarkee, I am now come to take you with me; and that you may not suffer - by it, turn about, and let me apply the remedy I told you of for your - sight" She wanted much to see first what it was, but I begged her to - forbear till she tried whether it would be useful or not She told me she - would absolutely submit to my direction, so I adjusted the thing to her - head. "Now," says I, "you have it on, let us go out and try it, and let me - know the moment you find the light offensive, and take particular notice - how you are affected." Hereupon away we marched, and I heard no complaint - in all our walk to the lake. - </p> - <p> - "Now, my dear Youwarkee," says I, when we got there, "what do you think of - my contrivance? Can you see at all?"—"Yes, very well," says she. - "But, my dear Peter, you have taken the advantage of the twilight, I know, - to deceive me; and I had rather have stayed at home than have subjected - you to return in the night for the sake of my company." I then assured her - it was mid-day, and no later, which pleased her mightily; and, to satisfy - her, I untied the string behind, and just let her be convinced it was so. - When I had fixed the shade on her head again, she put up her hands and - felt the several materials of which it consisted; and after expressing her - admiration of it, "So, my dear Peter," says she, "you have now encumbered - yourself with a wife indeed, for since I can come abroad in a glaring - light with so much ease, you will never henceforward be without my - company." - </p> - <p> - Youwarkee being thus in spirits, we launched the boat, watered, took a - draught of fish, and returned; passing the night at home, in talking of - the spectacles (for that was the name I told her they must go by) and of - the fishing, for that exercise delighted her to a great degree. But, above - all, the spectacles were her chief theme; she handled them and looked at - them again and again, and asked several rational questions about them; as, - how they could have that effect on her eyes, enabling her to see, and the - like. She ventured out with them next day by herself; and, as she - threatened, was as good as her word, for she scarcely afterwards let me go - abroad by myself, but accompanied me everywhere freely, and with delight. - </p> - <p> - <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> - <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER XVIII. - </h2> - <blockquote> - <p> - Youwarkee with child—Their stock of provisions—No beast or - fish in Youwarkeis country—The voices again—Her reason for - not seeing those who uttered them—She bears a son—A hard - speech in her lying-in—Divers birds appear—Their eggs - gathered—How Wilkits kept account of time - </p> - </blockquote> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">A</span> About three - months after we were married, as we called it, Youwarkee told me she - believed she was breeding, and I was mightily pleased with it, for though - I had had two children before by Patty, yet I had never seen either of - them, so that I longed to be a father. I sometimes amused myself with - whimsical conjectures, as, whether the child would have a graundee or not; - which of us it would be most like; how we should do without a midwife; and - what must become of the infant, as we had not milk, in case Youwarkee - could not suckle it. Indeed, I had leisure enough for indulging such - reveries; for, having laid in our winter stores, my wife and I had nothing - to do but enjoy ourselves over a good fire, prattling and toying together, - making as good cheer as we could; and truly that was none of the worst, - for we had as fine bread as need to be eaten; we had pears preserved; all - sorts of dried fish; and once a fortnight, for two or three days together, - had fresh fish; we had vinegar, and a biting herb which I had found, for - pepper; and several sorts of nuts; so there was no want. - </p> - <p> - It was at this time, after my return from watering one day, where - Youwarkee had been with me, that, having taken several fish, and amongst - them some I had not before seen, I asked her, as we were preparing and - salting some of them, how they managed fish in her country, and what - variety they had of them there. She told me she neither ever saw nor heard - of a fish in her life till she came to me. "How!" says I, "no fish amongst - you? Why, you want one of the greatest dainties that can be set upon a - table. Do you wholly eat flesh," says I, "at Doorpt Swangeanti?"—"Flesh," - says she laughingly, "of what?"—"Nay," says I, "you know best what - the beasts of your own country are. We have in England, where I was born - and bred, oxen, very large hogs, sheep, lambs, and calves; these make our - ordinary dishes: then we have deer, hares, rabbits, and these are reckoned - dainties; besides numberless kinds of poultry, and fish without stint"—"I - never heard of any of these things in my life," says Youwarkee, "nor did I - ever eat anything but fruits and herbs, and what is made from them, at - Normnbdsgrsutt."—"You will speak that crabbed word," says I, - "again."—"I beg your pardon, my dear," says she; "at Doorpt - Swangeanti, I say; nor I, nor any one else, to my knowledge, ever ate any - such thing; but seeing you eat fish, as you call them, I made no scruple - of doing so too, and like them very well, especially the salted ones, for - I never tasted what you call salt neither till I came here."—"I - cannot think," says I, "what sort of a country yours is, or how you all - live there."—"Oh," says she, "there is no want; I wish you and I - were there." I was afraid I had talked too much of her country already, so - we called a new cause. - </p> - <p> - Soon after winter had set in, as we were in bed one night, I heard the - voices again; and though my wife had told me of her countryfolk's - swangeans in that place, I, being frighted a little, waked her; and she - hearing them too, cried out, "There they are! it is ten to one but my - sister or some of our family are there. Hark! I believe I hear her voice." - I myself hearkened very attentively; and by this time understanding a - great deal of their language, I not only could distinguish different - speakers, but knew the meaning of several of the words they pronounced. - </p> - <p> - I would have had Youwarkee have gotten up and called to them. "Not for the - world," says she; "have you a mind to part with me? Though I have no - intent to leave you, as I am with child, if they should try to force me - away without my consent, I may receive some injury, to the danger of my - own life, or at least of the child's." This reason perfectly satisfying - me, endeared the loving creature to me ten times more, if possible, than - ever. - </p> - <p> - The next summer brought me a yawm,* as fair as alabaster. - </p> - <blockquote> - <p> - * Man-child. - </p> - </blockquote> - <p> - My wife was delivered without the usual assistance, and had as favourable - a labour as could be. The first thing I did, after giving her some - fish-soup, made as skilfully as I was able, and a little cordial, was to - see if my yawm had the graundee or not. Finding it had—"So," says I - to Youwarkee, "you have brought me a legitimate heir to my dominions, - whose title sure cannot be disputed, being one of you." Though I spoke - this with as much pleasure, and in as endearing a way as ever I spoke in - my life, and quite innocently, the poor Youwarkee burst into tears to such - excess there was no pacifying her. I asked her the reason of her grief, - begged and entreated her to let me know what disturbed her, but all in - vain; till, seeing me in a violent passion, such as I had never before - appeared to be in, she told me she was very sorry I should question her - fidelity to me. She surprised me in saying this, as I never had any such - apprehension. "No, my dearest wife," says I, "I never had any such - suspicion as you charge me with, I can safely affirm; nor can I comprehend - your meaning by imputing such a thing to me."—"Oh!" says she, "I am - sure you have no cause for it; but you said the poor child was one of us; - as much as to intimate that had it been your own, it would have been born - as you were, without the graundee, which thought I cannot bear, and if you - continue to think so it must end me; therefore take away my life now, - rather than let me live to see my farther misery." - </p> - <p> - I was heartily sorry for what I had said, when I saw the effects of it, - though I did not imagine it could have been perverted to such a contrary - meaning. But considering her to be the faithful-lest and most loving - creature upon earth, and that true love cannot bear anything that touches - upon or can be applied (though with ever so forced a construction) to an - opprobrious or contemptuous meaning, I attributed her groundless - resentment to her excess of fondness only for me; and falling upon the bed - by her, and bathing her face in my tears, I assured her the interpretation - she had put on my words was altogether foreign from the view they were - spoken with; professing to her that I never had, nor ever could have, the - least cause of jealousy. On my confirming this absolute confidence in her - virtue by the strongest asseverations, she grew fully convinced of her - error, and acknowledged she had been too rash in censuring me; and growing - pleased at my fresh professions of love to her, we presently were - reconciled, and became again very good friends. - </p> - <p> - When Youwarkee had gathered strength again, she proved an excellent nurse - to my Pedro (for that was the name I gave him), so that he soon grew a - charming child, able to go in his twelvemonth, and spoke in his twentieth. - This and two other lovely boys I had by her in three years, every one of - which she brought up with the breast, and they thrived delicately. - </p> - <p> - I don't mention the little intervening occurrences which happened during - this period; they consisted chiefly of the old rota of fishing, watering, - providing in the summer for the winter, and in managing my salt-work; - which altogether kept me at full employment, comfortably to maintain an - increasing family. - </p> - <p> - In this time I had found out several new sorts of eatables. I had - observed, as I said before, abundance of birds about the wood and lake in - the summer months. These, by firing at them two or three times on my first - coming, I had almost caused to desert my dominions. But as I had for the - last two or three years given no disturbance at all to them, they were now - in as great plenty as ever; and I made great profit of them by the peace - they enjoyed; and yet my table never wanted a supply, fresh in the summer, - or salted and pickled in winter. - </p> - <p> - I took notice it was about October these birds used to come; and most of - the month of November they were busy in laying their eggs, which I used at - that time to find in great plenty along the banks of the lake in the - reeds, and made great collections of them; I used also to find a great - many in the woods amongst the shrubs and underwood. These furnished our - table various ways; for with my cream-cheese flour, and a little mixture - of ram's-horn juice, I had taught my wife to make excellent puddings of - them; abundance of them also we ate boiled or fried alone, and often as - sauce to our fish. As for the birds themselves, having long omitted to - fire at them, I had an effectual means of taking them otherwise by nets, - which I set between the trees, and also very large pitfall nets, with - which I used to catch all sorts, even from the size of a thrush to that of - a turkey. But as I shall say more of these when I come to speak of my ward - by and by, and of my poultry, I shall omit any further mention of them - here. - </p> - <p> - You may perhaps wonder how I could keep an account of my time so - precisely, as to talk of the particular months. I will tell you. At my - coming from America, I was then exact; for we set sail the fourteenth of - November, and struck the first or second day of February. So far I kept - perfect reckoning; but after that I was not so exact, though I kept it as - well as my perplexity would admit even then, till the days shortening upon - me, prevented it. - </p> - <p> - Hereupon I set about making a year for myself. I found the duration of the - comparative darkness, or what might with me be termed night, in the course - of the twenty-four hours, or day, gradually increased for six months; - after which it decreased reciprocally for an equal time, and the lighter - part of the day took its turn, as in our parts of the world, only - inversely: so that as the light's decrease became sensible about the - middle of March, it was at the greatest pitch the latter end of August, or - beginning of September; and from thence, on the contrary, went on - decreasing to the close of February, when I had the longest portion of - light. Hereupon, dividing my year into two seasons only, I began the - winter half in March, and the summer half in September. Thus my winter was - the spring and summer quarters in Europe, and my summer those of our - autumn and winter. - </p> - <p> - From my settling this matter, I kept little account of days or weeks, but - only reckoned my time by summer and winter, so that I am pretty right as - to the revolutions of these; though the years, as to their notation, I - kept no account of, nor do I know what year of the Lord it now is. - </p> - <p> - <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> - <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER XIX. - </h2> - <blockquote> - <p> - Wilkins's concern about clothing for Pedro, his eldest son— His - discourse with his wife about the ship—Her flight to it—His - melancholy reflections till her return—An account of what she had - done, and of what she brought—She clothes her children, and takes - a second flight - </p> - </blockquote> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">A</span> s my boy Pedro - grew up, though, as I said before, he had the graundee, yet it was of less - dimensions than it ought to have been to be useful to him, so that it was - visible he could never fly; for it would scarce meet before, whereas it - ought to have reached from side to side both ways. This pleased my wife to - the heart; for now she was sure, whatever I had done before, I could not - suspect her. Be that as it will, the boy's graundee not being a sufficient - vestment for him, it became necessary he should be clothed. - </p> - <p> - I turned over my hoard, but could find nothing that would do; or, at - least, that we knew how to fit him with. I had described my own country - vest for lads to Youwarkee, and she formed a tolerable idea of it, but we - had no tackle to alter anything with. "Oh, my dear," says I, "had I but - been born with the graundee, I need not be now racking my brains to get my - child clothes."—"What do you mean by that?" says she.—"Why," - says I, "I would have flown to my ship (for I had long before related to - her all my sea adventures, till the vessel's coming to the magnetical - rock), and have brought some such things from thence, as you, not wanting - them in this country, can have no notion of." She seemed mighty - inquisitive to understand how a ship was made, what it was most like to, - how a person who never saw one might know it only by the description, and - how one might get into it; with abundance of the like questions. She then - inquired what sort of things those needles and several other utensils - were, which I had at times been speaking of; and in what part of a ship - they usually kept such articles. And I, to gratify her curiosity, as I - perceived she took a pleasure in hearing me, answered all her questions to - a scruple; not then conceiving the secret purpose of all this - inquisitiveness. - </p> - <p> - About two days after this, having been out two or three hours in the - morning, to cut wood, at coming home I found Pedro crying, ready to break - his heart, and his little brother Tommy hanging to him and crawling about - the floor after him: the youngest pretty baby was fast asleep upon one of - the beast-fish skins, in a corner of the room. I asked Pedro for his - mother; but the poor infant had nothing farther to say to the matter, than - "Mammy run away, I cry! mammy run away, I cry!" I wondered where she was - gone, never before missing her from our habitation. However, I waited - patiently till bed-time, but no wife. I grew very uneasy then; yet, as my - children were tired and sleepy, I thought I had best go to bed with them, - and make quiet; so, giving all three their suppers, we lay down together. - They slept; but my mind was too full to permit the closure of my eyes. A - thousand different chimeras swam in my imagination relating to my wife. - One while I fancied her carried away by her kinsfolks; then, that she was - gone of her own accord to make peace with her father. But that thought - would not fix, being put aside by her constant tenderness to her children - and regard to me, whom I was sure she would not have left without notice. - "But alas!" says I, "she may even now be near me, but taken so ill she - cannot get home, or she may have died suddenly in the wood." I lay - tumbling and tossing in great anxiety, not able to find out any excusable - occasion she could have of so long absence. And then, thinks I, if she - should either be dead, or have quite left me, which will be of equally bad - consequence to me, what can I do with three poor helpless infants? If they - were a little more grown up, they might be helpful to me and to each - other; but at their age how shall I ever rear them without the tenderness - of a mother? And to see them pine away before my face, and not know how to - help them, will distract me. - </p> - <p> - Finding I could neither sleep nor lie still, I rose, intending to search - all the woods about, and call to her, that if any accident had prevented - sight of her she might at least hear me. But upon opening the door, and - just stepping out, how agreeably was I surprised to meet her coming in, - with something on her arm. "My dear Youwarkee," says I, "where have you - been? What has befallen you to keep you out so long? The poor children - have been at their wits' end to find you; and I, my dear, have been - inconsolable, and was now, almost distracted, coming in search of you." - Youwarkee looked very blank, to think what concern she had given me and - the children. "My dearest Peter," says she, kissing me, "pray forgive me - the only thing I have ever done to offend you, and the last cause you - shall ever have, by my good will, to complain of me; but walk within - doors, and I will give you a farther account of my absence. Don't you - remember what delight I took the other day to hear you talk of your ship?"—"Yes," - says I, "you did so; but what of that?"—"Nay, pray," says she, - "forgive me, for I have been to see it."—"That's impossible," says - I; and truly this was the first time I ever thought she went about to - deceive me.—"I do assure you," says she, "I have; and a wonderful - thing it is! But if you distrust me, and what I say, I have brought proof - of it; step out with me to the verge of the wood, and satisfy yourself."—"But - pray," says I, "who presented you with this upon your arm?"—"I vow," - says she, "I had forgot this: yes, this will, I believe, confirm to you - what I have said."—I turned it over and over; and looking wistfully - upon her, says I, "This waistcoat, indeed, is the very fellow to one that - lay in the captain's locker in the cabin"—"Say not the very fellow," - says she, "but rather say the very same, for I'll assure you it is so; and - had you been with me, we might have got so many things for ourselves and - the children, we should never have wanted more, though we had lived these - hundred years; but as it is, I have left something without the wood for - you to bring up." When we had our talk out, she, hearing the children - stir, took them up, and was going, as she always did, to get their - breakfasts. "Hold," says I, "this journey must have fatigued you too much - already; lay yourself to rest, and leave everything else to me."—"My - dear," says she, "you seem to think this flight tiresome, but you are - mistaken; I am more weary with walking to the lake and back again, than - with all the rest. Oh," says she, "if you had but the graundee, flying - would rest you, after the greatest labour; for the parts which are moved - with exercise on the earth, are all at rest in flight; as, on the - contrary, the parts used in flight are when on earthly travel. The whole - trouble of flight is in mounting from the plain ground; but when once you - are upon the graundee at a proper height, all the rest is play, a mere - trifle; you need only think of your way, and incline to it, your graundee - directs you as readily as your feet obey you on the ground, without - thinking of every step you take; it does not require labour, as your boat - does, to keep you a-going." - </p> - <p> - After we had composed ourselves, we walked to the verge of the wood, to - see what cargo my wife had brought from the ship. I was astonished at the - bulk of it; and seeing, by the outside, it consisted of clothes, I took it - with much ado upon my shoulders and carried it home. But upon opening it, - I found far more treasure than I could have imagined; for there was a - hammer, a great many spikes and nails, three spoons, about five plates of - pewter, four knives and a fork, a small china punchbowl, two chocolate - cups, a paper of needles, and several of pins, a parcel of coarse thread, - a pair of shoes, and abundance of such other things as she had heard me - wish for and describe; besides as much linen and woollen, of one sort or - another, as made a good package for all the other things; with a great tin - porridge-pot, of about two gallons, tied to the outside; and all these as - nicely stowed as if she had been bred a packer. - </p> - <p> - When I had viewed the bundle, and poised the weight, "How was it possible, - my dear You-warkee," said I, "for you to bring all this? You could never - carry them in your hands."—"No, no," replied she, "I carried them on - my back."—"Is it possible," says I, "for your graundee to bear - yourself and all this weight too in the air, and to such a height as the - top of these rocks?"—"You will always," replies she, "make the - height a part of your difficulty in flying; but you are deceived, for as - the first stroke (I have heard you say often) in fighting is half the - battle, so it is in flying; get but once fairly on the wind, nothing can - hurt you afterwards. My method, let me tell you, was this; I climbed to - the highest part of the ship, where I could stand clear, having first put - up my burden, which you have there; and then getting that on my back near - my shoulders, I took the two cords you see hang loose to it in my two - hands, and extending my graundee, leaped off flatwise with my face towards - the water; when instantly playing two or three good strokes with my - graundee, I was out of danger; now, if I had found the bundle too heavy to - make my first strokes with, I should directly have turned on my back, - dropped my bundle, and floated in my graundee to the ship again, as you - once saw me float on the lake." Says I, "You must have flown a prodigious - distance to the lake, for I was several days sailing, I believe three - weeks, from my ship, before I reached the gulf; and after that could be - little less than five weeks (as I accounted for it), and at a great rate - of sailing too under the rock, before I reached the lake; so that the ship - must be a monstrous way off." "No, no," says she, "your ship lies but over - yon cliff, that rises as it were with two points; and as to the rock - itself, it is not broader than our lake is long; but what made you so - tedious in your passage was many of the windings and turnings in the - cavern returning in to themselves again; so that you might have gone round - and round till this time, if the tide had not luckily struck you into the - direct passage: this," says she, "I have heard from some of my countrymen, - who have flown up it, but could never get quite through." - </p> - <p> - "I wish with all my heart," says I, "fortune had brought me first to light - in this country; or (but for your sake I could almost say) had never - brought me into it at all; for to be a creature of the least significancy, - of the whole race but one, is a melancholy circumstance."—"Fear - not," says she, "my love, for you have a wife will hazard all for you, - though you are restrained; and as my inclinations and affections are so - much yours, that I need but know your desires to execute them as far as my - power extends, surely you, who can act by another, may be content to - forego the trouble of your own performance. I perceive, indeed," continued - she, "you want mightily to go to your ship, and are more uneasy now you - know it is safe than you was before; but that being past my skill to - assist you in, if you will command your deputy to go backwards and - forwards in your stead, I am ready to obey you." - </p> - <p> - Thus ended our conversation about the ship for that time. But it left not - my mind so soon; for a stronger hankering after it pursued me now than - ever since my wife's flight, but to no purpose. - </p> - <p> - We sat us down and sorted out our cargo, piece by piece; and having found - several things proper for the children, my wife longed to enter upon some - piece of work towards clothing Pedro in the manner she had heard me talk - of, and laid hard at me to show her the use of the needles, thread, and - other things she had brought. Indeed I must say she proved very tractable; - and from the little instruction I was able to give her, soon out-wrought - my knowledge; for I could only show her that the thread went through the - needle, and both through the cloth to hold it together; but for anything - else I was as ignorant as she. In much less time than I could have - imagined, she had clothed my son Pedro, and had made a sort of mantle for - the youngest. But now seeing us so smart (for I took upon me sometimes to - wear the green waistcoat she had brought under my dirty jacket), she began - to be ashamed of herself, as she said, in our fine company; and afterwards - (as I shall soon acquaint you) got into our fashion. - </p> - <p> - Seeing the advantages her flight to the ship, and that so many - conveniences arose from it, she was frequently at me to let her go again. - I should as much have wished for another return of goods as she, but I - could by no means think of parting with my factor; for I knew her - eagerness to please me, and that she would stick at nothing to perform it. - And, thinks I, should any accident happen to her, by over-loading or - otherwise, and I should lose her, all the other commodities of the whole - world put together would not compensate her loss. But as she so earnestly - desired it, and assured me she would run no hazards, I was prevailed on at - length, by her incessant importunities, to let her go; though under - certain restrictions which she promised me to comply with. As first, I - insisted upon it that she should take a tour quite round the rock, setting - out the same way I had last gone with my boat; and, if possible, find out - the gulf, which I told her she could not mistake, by reason of the noise - the fall of the water made; and desired her to remark the place, so as I - might know within-side where it was without. And then I told her she might - review and search every hole in the ship as she pleased; and if there were - any small things she had a mind to bring from it, she was welcome, - provided the bundle she should make up was not above a fourth part either - of the bulk or weight of the last. All which she having engaged punctually - to observe, she bade me not expect her till I saw her, and she would - return as soon as possible. I then went with her to the confines of the - wood (for I told her I desired to see her mount), and she, after we had - embraced, bidding me to stand behind her, took her flight. - </p> - <p> - <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> - <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER XX. - </h2> - <blockquote> - <p> - The Author observes her flight—A description of a glumm in the - graundee—She finds out the gulf not far from the ship—Brings - home more goods—Makes her a gown by her husband's instruction - </p> - </blockquote> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> - <img alt="199_front (102K)" src="images/199_front.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> - </div> - <p> - <br /> <br /> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> - <img alt="201_back (108K)" src="images/201_back.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> - </div> - <p> - <br /> <br /> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> - <img alt="205_backflap (102K)" src="images/205_backflap.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> - </div> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span> had ever since - our marriage been desirous of seeing Youwarkee fly; but this was the first - opportunity I had of it; and indeed the sight was worthy of all the - attention I paid it; for I desired her slowly to put herself in proper - order for it, that I might make my observation the more accurately; and - shall now give you an account of the whole apparatus, though several parts - of the description were taken from subsequent views; for it would have - been impossible to have made just remarks of everything at that once, - especially as I only viewed her back parts then. - </p> - <p> - I told you before, I had seen her graundee open, and quite extended as low - as her middle; but that being in the grotto by lamplight, I could not take - so just a survey as now, when the sort of light we ever had was at the - brightest. - </p> - <p> - She first threw up two long branches or ribs of the whalebone, as I called - it before (and indeed for several of its properties, as toughness, - elasticity, and pliableness, nothing I have ever seen can so justly be - compared to it), which were jointed behind to the upper bone of the spine, - and which, when not extended, lie bent over the shoulders on each side of - the neck forwards, from whence, by nearer and nearer approaches, they just - meet at the lower rim of the belly in a sort of point; but when extended, - they stand their whole length above the shoulders, not perpendicularly, - but spreading outwards, with a web of the softest and most pliable and - springy membrane that can be imagined, in the interstice between them, - reaching from their root or joint on the back up above the hinder part of - the head, and near half-way their own length; but when closed, the - membrane falls down in the middle upon the neck, like a handkerchief. - There are also two other ribs rising as it were from the same root, which, - when open, run horizontally, but not so long as the others. These are - filled up in the interstice between them and the upper ones with the same - membrane; and on the lower side of this is also a deep flap of the - membrane, so that the arms can be either above or below it in flight, and - are always above it when closed. This last rib, when shut, flaps under the - upper one, and also falls down with it before to the waist, but is not - joined to the ribs below. Along the whole spine-bone runs a strong, flat, - broad, grisly cartilage, to which are joined several other of these ribs; - all which open horizontally, and are filled in the interstices with the - above membrane, and are jointed to the ribs of the person just where the - plane of the back begins to turn towards the breast and belly; and, when - shut, wrap the body round to the joints on the contrary side, folding - neatly one side over the other. At the lower spine are two more ribs, - extended horizontally when open, jointed again to the hips, and long - enough to meet the joint on the contrary side cross the belly; and from - the hip-joint, which is on the outermost edge of the hip-bone, runs a - pliable cartilage quite down the outside of the thigh and leg to the - ankle; from which there branch out divers other ribs horizontally also - when open, but when closed, they encompass the whole thigh and leg, - rolling inwards cross the back of the leg and thigh till they reach and - just cover the cartilage. The interstices of these are also filled up with - the same membrane. From the two ribs which join to the lower spine-bone, - there hangs down a sort of short apron, very full of plaits, from - hip-joint to hip-joint, and reaches below the buttocks, half-way or more - to the hams. This has also several small limber ribs in it. Just upon the - lower spine-joint, and above the apron, as I call it, there are two other - long branches, which, when close, extend upon the back from the point they - join at below to the shoulders, where each rib has a clasper, which - reaching over the shoulders, just under the fold of the uppermost branch - or ribs, hold up the two ribs flat to the back like a V, the interstices - of which are also filled up with the aforesaid membrane. This last piece, - in flight, falls down almost to the ankles, where the two claspers lapping - under each leg within-side, hold it very fast; and then also the short - apron is drawn up by-the strength of the ribs in it, between the thighs - forward, and covers the pudenda and groin as far as the rim of the belly. - The whole arms are covered also from the shoulders to the wrist with the - same delicate membrane, fastened to ribs of proportionable dimensions, and - jointed to a cartilage on the outside in the same manner as on the legs. - </p> - <p> - It is very surprising to feel the difference of these ribs when open and - when closed; for, closed, they are as pliable as the finest whalebone, or - more so, but when extended, are as strong and stiff as a bone. They are - tapering from the roots, and are broader or narrower as best suits the - places they occupy, and the stress they are put to, up to their points, - which are almost as small as a hair. The membrane between them is the most - elastic thing I ever met with, occupying no more space, when the ribs are - closed, than just from rib to rib, as flat and smooth as possible; but - when extended in some postures, will dilate itself surprisingly. This will - be better comprehend by the plates, where you will see several figures of - glumms and gawrys in different attitudes, than can be expressed by words. - </p> - <p> - As soon as my wife had expanded the whole graundee, being upon plain - ground, she stooped forward, moving with a heavy wriggling motion at - first, which put me into some pain for her; but after a few strokes, - beginning to rise a little, she cut through the air like lightning, and - was soon over the edge of the rock and out of my sight. - </p> - <p> - It is the most amazing thing in the world to observe the large expansion - of this graundee when open; and when closed (as it all is in a moment upon - the party's descent) to see it sit so close and compact to the body, as no - tailor can come up to it; and then the several ribs lie so justly disposed - in the several parts, that instead of being, as one would imagine, a - disadvantage to the shape, they make the body and limbs look extremely - elegant; and by the different adjustment of their lines on the body and - limbs, the whole, to my fancy, somewhat resembles the dress of the old - Roman warriors in their buskins; and, to appearance, seems much more noble - than any fictitious garb I ever saw, or can frame a notion of to myself. - </p> - <p> - Though these people, in height, shape, and limb, very much resemble the - Europeans, there is yet this difference, that their bodies are rather - broader and flatter, and their limbs, though as long and well shaped, are - seldom as thick as ours. And this I observed generally in all I saw of - them during a long time among them afterwards; but their skin, for beauty - and fairness, exceeds ours very much. - </p> - <p> - My wife having now taken her second flight, I went home, and never left my - children till her return; this was three days after our parting. I was in - bed with my little ones when she knocked at the door. I soon let her in, - and we received each other with a glowing welcome. The news she brought me - was very agreeable. She told me she first went and pried into every nook - in the ship, where she had seen such things, could we get at them, as - would make us very happy. Then she set out the way I told her to go, in - order to find the gulf. She was much afraid she should not have discovered - it, though she flew very slow, that she might be sure to hear the - waterfall and not over-shoot it. It was long ere she came at it; but when - she did, she perceived she might have spared most of her trouble, had she - set out the other way; for, after she had flown almost round the island, - and not before, she began to hear the fall, and upon coming up to it, - found it to be not above six minutes' flight from the ship. She said the - entrance was very narrow, and, she thought, lower than I represented it; - for she could scarce discern any space between the surface of the water - and the arch-way of the rock. I told her that might happen from the rise - or fall of the sea itself. But I was glad to hear the ship was no farther - from the gulf; for my head was never free from the thoughts of my ship and - cargo. She then told me she had left a small bundle for me without the - wood, and went to look after her children. I brought up the bundle, and - though it was not near so large as the other, I found several useful - things in it, wrapped up in four or five yards of dark blue woollen cloth, - which I knew no name for, but which was thin and light, and about a yard - wide. I asked her where she met with this stuff; she answered, where there - was more of it, under a thing like our bed, in a cloth like our sheet, - which she cut open, and took it out of.—"Well," says I, "and what - will you do with this?"—"Why, I will make me a coat like yours," - says she, "for I don't like to look different from my dear husband and - children."—"No, Youwarkee," replied I, "you must not do so; if you - make such a jacket as mine, there will be no distinction between glumm and - gawry;* the gowren praave,** in my country, would not on any account go - dressed like a glumm; for they wear a fine flowing garment called a gown, - that sits tight about the waist, and hangs down from thence in folds, like - your barras, *** almost to the ground, so that you can hardly discern - their feet, and no other part of their body but their hands and face, and - about as much of their neck and breasts as you see in your graundee." - </p> - <blockquote> - <p> - * Man and woman. ** Modest women. ***The back flap of the graundee. - </p> - </blockquote> - <p> - Youwarkee seemed highly delighted with this new-fancied dress, and worked - day and night at it against the cold weather. Whilst she employed herself - thus, I was busied in providing my winter stores, which I was forced to do - alone now, herself and children taking up all my wife's time. About a - fortnight after she had begun mantua-making, she presented herself to me - one day, as I came from work, in her new gown; and, truly, considering the - scanty description I had given her of such a garment, it appeared a good - comely dress. Though it had not one plait about the body, it sat very - tight thereto, and yet hung down full enough for a countess; for she would - have put it all in (all the stuff she had) had there been as much more of - it. I could see no opening before, so asked her how she got it on. She - told me she laid along on the ground, and crept through the plaits at the - bottom, and sewed the body round her after she had got her hands and arms - through the sleeves. I wondered at her contrivance; and, smiling, showed - her how she should put it on, and also how to pin it before: and after she - had done that, and I had turned up about half a yard of sleeve, which then - hung down to her fingers' ends, I kissed her, and called her my - country-woman; of which, and her new gown, she was very proud for a long - time. - </p> - <p> - <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> - <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER XXI. - </h2> - <blockquote> - <p> - The Author gets a breed of poultry, and by what means— Builds them - a house—How he managed to keep them in winter - </p> - </blockquote> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">O</span> ne day, as I was - traversing the woods to view my bird-traps, looking into the underwood - among the great trees on my right hand, I saw a wood-hen (a bird I used to - call so, from its resemblance in make to our English poultry) come out of - a little thicket. I know not whether my rustling or what had disturbed it; - but I let her pass, and she ran away before me. When she was fairly out of - sight, I stepped up, and found she had a nest and sixteen eggs there. I - exactly marked the place, and taking away one of the eggs, I broke it, at - some distance from the nest, to see how forward they were; and I had no - sooner broke the shell but out came a young chicken. I then looked into - the nest again, and taking up more of the eggs, I found them all just - splintered in the shell, and ready for hatching. I had immediately a - desire to save them, and bring them up tame; but I was afraid if I took - them away before they were hatched, and a little strengthened under the - hen, they would all die; so I let them remain till next day. In the - meanwhile I prepared some small netting of such a proper size as I - conceived would do, and with this I contrived, by fastening it to stakes - which I fixed in the ground, to surround the nest, and me on the outside - of it. All the while I was doing this, the hen did not stir, so that I - thought she had either been absent when I came, or had hatched and gone - off with the young ones. As to her being gone I was under no concern; for - I had no design to catch her, but only to confine the chickens within my - net if they were hatched. But, however, I went nearer, and peeping in, - found she sat still, squeezing herself as flat to the ground as she could. - I was in twenty minds whether to take her first, and then catch the - chickens, or to let her go off, and then clap upon them; but as I proposed - to let her go, I thought if she would sit still till I had got the - chickens, that would be the best way; so I softly kneeled down before her, - and sliding my hand under her, I gently drew out two, and put them in a - bag I had in my left hand. I then dipped again and again, taking two every - turn; but going a fourth time, as I was bringing out my prize, the hen - jumped up, flew out, and made such a noise that, though I the minute - before saw six or seven more chicks in a lump where she had sat, and kept - my eye upon them, yet before I could put the last two I had got into my - bag, these were all gone, and in three hours' search I could not find one - of them, though I was sure they could not pass my net, and must be within - the compass of a small room, my toils enclosing no more. After tiring - myself with looking for them, I marched home with those eight I had got. - </p> - <p> - I told Youwarkee what I had done, and how I intended to manage the little - brood, and, if I could, to bring them up tame. We kept them some days very - warm by the fire, and fed them often, as I had seen my mother do with her - early chickens; and in a fortnight's time they were as stout and familiar - as common poultry. We kept them a long while in the house; and when I fed - them I always used them to a particular whistle, which I also taught my - wife, that they might know both us and their feeding-time; and in a very - short while they would come running, upon the usual sound, like barn-door - fowls to the name of Biddy. - </p> - <p> - There happened in this brood to be five hens and three cocks; and they - were now so tame that, having cut their wings, I let them out, when the - weather favoured, at my door, where they would pick about in the wood, and - get the best part of their subsistence; and having used them to roost in a - corner of my ante-chamber, they all came in very regularly at night and - took their places. My hens, at the usual season, laid me abundance of - eggs, and hatched me a brood or two each of chickens; so that now I was at - a loss to know what to do with them, they were become so numerous. The - ante-chamber was no longer a proper receptacle of such a flock, and - therefore I built a little house, at a small distance from my own, on - purpose for their reception and entertainment. I had by this time cleared - a spot of ground on one side of my grotto, by burning up the timber and - underwood which had covered it: this I enclosed, and within that enclosure - I raised my aviary, and my poultry thrived very well there, seemed to like - their habitation, and grew very fat. - </p> - <p> - My wife and I took much delight in visiting and feeding them, and it was a - fine diversion also to my boys; but at the end of summer, when all the - other birds took their annual flight, away went every one of my new-raised - brood with them, and one of my old cocks, the rest of the old set - remaining very quiet with me all the winter. The next summer, when my - chicks of that year grew up a little, I cut their wings, and by that means - preserved all but one, which I suppose was either not cut so close as the - rest, or his wings had grown again. From this time I found, by long - experience, that not two out of a hundred that had once wintered with me - would ever go away, though I did not cut their wings; but all of the same - season would certainly go off with the wild ones, if they could any ways - make a shift to fly. I afterwards got a breed of blacknecks, which was a - name I gave them from the peculiar blackness of their necks, let the rest - of their bodies be of what colour they would, as they are, indeed, of all - colours. These birds were as big, or bigger, than a turkey, of a delicious - flavour, and were bred from turkey eggs hatched under my own wood-hens in - great plenty. I was forced to clip these as I did the other young fowl, to - keep them, and at length they grew very tame, and would return every night - during the dark season. The greatest difficulty now was to get meat for - all these animals in the winter, when they would sit on the roost two days - together if I did not call and feed them, which I was sometimes forced to - do by lamp-light, or they would have starved in cloudy weather. But I - overcame that want of food by an accidental discovery; for I observed my - blacknecks in the woods jump many times together at a sort of little round - heads, or pods, very dry, which hung plentifully upon a shrub that grew in - great abundance there. I cut several of these heads, and carrying them - home with me, broke them, and took out a spoonful or more from each head - of small yellow seeds, which giving to my poultry, and finding they - greedily devoured them, I soon laid in a stock for twice my number of - mouths, so that they never after wanted. I tried several times to raise a - breed of water-fowl by hatching their eggs under my hens; but not one in - ten of the sorts, when hatched, were fit to eat; and those that were would - never live and thrive with me, but go away to the lake, I having no sort - of water nearer me; so I dropped my design of water-fowl as impracticable. - But by breeding and feeding my land-fowl so constantly in my farmyard, I - never wanted of that sort at my table, where we eat abundance of them; for - my whole side of the lake in a few years was like a farmyard, so full of - poultry that I never knew my stock; and upon the usual whistle they would - flock round me from all quarters. I had everything now but cattle, not - only for the support, but convenience and pleasure of life; and so happily - should I have fared here, if I had had but a cow and bull, a ram and - sheep, that I would not have changed my dominions for the crown of - England. - </p> - <p> - <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> - <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER XXII. - </h2> - <blockquote> - <p> - Reflections on mankind—The Author wants to be with his ship—Projects - going, but perceives it impracticable— Youwarkee offers her - service y and goes—An account of her transactions on board-Remarks - on her sagacity—She despatches several chests of goods through the - gulf to the lake—An account of a danger she escaped—The - Author has a fit of sickness - </p> - </blockquote> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">S</span> trange is the - temper of mankind, who, the more they enjoy, the more they covet. Before I - received any return from my ship, I rested tolerably easy, and but seldom - thought upon what I had left behind me in her, thinking myself happy in - what I had, and completely so since my union with my dear wife; but after - I had got what I could never have expected, I grew more and more perplexed - for want of the rest, and thought I should never enjoy true happiness - while even a plank of the ship remained. My head, be I where I would, or - at what I would, was ever on board. I wished for her in the lake, and - could I but have got her thither, I thought I should be an emperor; and - though I wanted for nothing to maintain life, and had so good a wife and - five children I was very fond of, yet the one thing I had not, reduced the - comfort of all the rest to a scanty pattern, even so low as to destroy my - whole peace. I was even mad enough to think of venturing up the cavern - again, but was restrained from the attempt by the certain - impracticableness of it Then I thought Youwarkee should make another trip - to the ship. But what can she bring from it, says I to myself, in respect - of what must be left behind? Her whole life will not suffice to clear it - in, at the rate she can fetch the loading hither in parcels. At last a - project started, that as there were so many chests on board, Youwarkee - should fill some of them and send them through the gulf to take their - chance for the lake. This, at first sight, seemed feasible; but then I - considered how they could be got from the ship to the gulf; and again, - that they would never keep out the water, and if they filled with a lading - in them they would sink; or, if this did not happen, they might be dashed - to pieces against the crags in the cavern. These apprehensions stopped me - again; till, unwilling to quit the thought, "True," says I, "this may - happen to some; but if I get but one in five, it is better than nothing." - Thus I turned and wound the affair in my mind; but objections still - started too obstinate to be conquered. - </p> - <p> - In the height of my soliloquy in comes Youwarkee, and seeing my dejected - look, would needs know the meaning of it I told her plainly that I could - get no rest from day to day ever since she first went to the ship, to - think such a number of good things lay there to be a prey to the sea, as - the ship wasted, when they might be of such infinite service here; and - that, since her last flight, I had suffered the more, when I thought how - near the gulf was to the ship; so that could I but get thither myself with - my boat, I would contrive to pack up the goods in the chests that were on - board, and carrying them in the boat, drop them near the draught of the - water, which of itself would suck them under the rock down the gulf; and - when they were passed through the cavern, I might take them up in the - lake. "Well," says she, "Peter, and why cannot I do this for you?"—"No," - says I, "even this has its objections." Then I told her what I feared of - their taking water, or dashing against the rock, and twenty other ways of - frustrating my views: "But, above all," says I, "how can you get such - large and weighty things to the gulf without a boat? There is another - impossibility! it won't do." - </p> - <p> - Youwarkee eyed me attentively. "Pr'ythee, my dear Peter," says she, "set - your heart at rest about that. I can only try; if no good is to be done, - you shall soon know it, and must rest contented under the disappointment."—I - told her if I was there, I could take all the things out of the chests, - and then melt some pitch and pour into every crack, to keep out the water - when they were set afloat. "Pitch!" says she, "what's that?"—"Why," - says I, "that is a nasty, hard, black sticking thing that stands in tubs - in the ship, and which being put over the fire in anything to melt will - grow liquid, and when it is cold be hard again, and will resist the water - and keep it out."—Says she, "How can I put this pitch within-side of - the chest-lid when I have tied it up?"—"It is to no manner of - purpose," says I, "to talk of it; so there's an end of it."—"But," - says she, "suppose yourself there, what things would you bring first?"—I - then entered into a long detail of particulars; saying I would have this - and that, and so on, till I had scarce left out a thing I either knew of - or could suppose to be in the ship; and for fear I had not mentioned all, - says I at last, if I was there, I believe I should leave but little - portable behind me. - </p> - <p> - "So, so, my dear," says Youwarkee, "you would roll in riches, I find; but - you have mentioned never a new gown for me."—"Why, aye!" says I, "I - would have that too."—"But how would you melt the pitch?" says she.—"Oh," - says I, "there is a tinder-box and matches in a room below, upon the side - of the fire-hearth." And then I let her see one I had brought with me, and - showed her the use of the flint and steel.—"Well, my dear," says - she, "will you once more trust me?"—I told her, her going would be - of little more use than to get a second gown or some such thing; but if - she was desirous, I would let her make another flight, on her promise to - be back as soon as possible. - </p> - <p> - In the evening she set out, and stayed two days, and till the night of the - third. I would here observe that though it was much lighter and brighter - on the outside of the rock where the ship lay than with us at - Graundevolet, yet having always her spectacles with her, I heard no more - complaint of the glare of light she used to be so much afraid of: indeed, - she always avoided the fire and lamp at home as much as she could, because - she generally took off her spectacles within doors; but when at any time - she had them on, she could bear both well enough. - </p> - <p> - Upon her return again, she told me she had shipped some goods to sea for - me, which she hoped would arrive safe (for by this time she had had my - seafaring terms so often over, she could apply them very properly), and - that they were in six chests, which she had pitched after my directions.—"Aye!" - says I, "you have pitched them into the sea perhaps; but after my - directions, I am satisfied was beyond your ability."—"You glumms," - says she, "think us gawrys very ignorant; but I'll satisfy you we are not - so dull of apprehension as you would make us. Did you not show me one day - how your boat was tarred and caulked, as you call it?"—"I did," says - I; "what then?"—"I'll tell you," says she. "When I had emptied the - first chest, and set it properly, I looked about for your pitch, which at - last I found by its sticking to my fingers; I then put a good piece into a - sort of little kettle, with a long handle, that lay upon the pitch."—"Oh, - the pitch-ladle!" says I.—"I know not what you call it," says she; - "but then I made a fire, as you told me, and melted that stuff; afterwards - turning up the chest side-ways, and then end-ways, I poured it into it, - and let it settle in the cracks, and with an old stocking, such as yours, - dipped into the pitch, I rubbed every place where the boards joined. I - then set the chest on the side of the ship, and when the pitch was cold - and hardened in it, filled it top-full of things: but when I had done - thus, and shut the lid, I found that would not come so close but I could - get the blade of a knife through anywhere between it and the chest; - whereupon I cut some long slips of the cloth I was packing up, and fitting - them all round the edge of the chest, I dipped them into the pitch, and - laid them on hot; and where one slip would not do, I put two; and shutting - the lid down close upon them, I nailed it, as I had seen you do some - things, quite round; then tying a rope to the handle, I tipped the chest - into the sea, holding the rope. I watched it some time, and seeing it swim - well, I took flight with the rope in my hand, and drew the chest after me - to the gulf, when, letting go the rope, away it went. I served five more - in the same manner: and now, my dearest, I am here to tell you I hope you - will be able to see at least some of them, one time or other, in the - lake." - </p> - <p> - I admired in all this at the sagacity of the gawrys. Alas! thinks I, what - narrow-hearted creatures are mankind! Did I not heretofore look upon the - poor blacks in Africa as little better than beasts, till my friend - Glanlepze convinced me, by disabling the crocodile, the passage of the - river, and several other achievements, that my own excellences might have - perished in a desert without his genius; and now what could I, or almost - any of us masterpieces of the creation (as we think ourselves) and - Heaven's peculiar favourites, have done in this present case, that has - been omitted by this woman (for I may justly style her so in an eminent - degree), and that in a way to which she was bred an utter stranger? - </p> - <p> - After what I had heard from Youwarkee, I grew much more cheerful; which - she, poor creature, was remarkably pleased with. She went with me - constantly once, and sometimes twice a day, for several days together, to - see what success at the lake; till at length she grew very impatient, for - fear, as she afterwards told me, I should either think she had not done - what she said, or had done it in an ineffectual manner. But one day, - walking by the lake, I thought I saw something floating in the water at a - very great distance. "Youwarkee," says I, "I spy a sail!" Then running to - my boat* and taking her in, away we went, plying my oars with all my - might; for I longed to see what it was. At nearer view I perceived it to - be one of my wife's fleet. But what added to my satisfaction was to see - Youwarkee so pleased, for she could scarcely contain herself. - </p> - <p> - When we came close to it, up she started: "Now, my dear Peter," says she, - "torment yourself no more about your goods on board; for if this will do, - all shall be your own."—She then lent me a hand to take it in; but - we had both work enough to compass it, the wood had soaked in so much - water. We then made the best of our way homewards to my wet-dock; when, - just as we had landed our treasure, we saw two more boxes coming down the - stream both together, whereupon we launched again, and brought them in one - by one; for I did not care to trust them both on one bottom, my boat being - in years, and growing somewhat crazy. - </p> - <p> - We had now made a good day's work of it; so, mooring the boat, we went - home, intending to be out next morning early with the cart, to convey our - imports to the grotto. - </p> - <p> - After supper, Youwarkee looking very earnestly at me, with tears just - glittering in her eyes, broke out in these words—"What should you - have thought, Peter, to have seen me come sailing, drowned, through the - cavern, tied to one of your chests?"—"Heaven forbid such a thought, - my charmer!" says I. "But as you know I must have been rendered the most - miserable of all living creatures by such a sight, or anything else that - would deprive me of you, pray tell me how you could possibly have such a - thought in your head?"—She saw she had raised my concern, and was - very sorry for what she had said. "Nothing, nothing," says she, "my dear! - it was only a fancy just come into my head."—"My dear Youwee," says - I, "you must let me know what you mean: I am in great pain till you - explain yourself; for I am sure there is something more in what you say - than fancy; therefore, pray, if you love me, keep me on the rack no - longer."—"Ah, Peter!" says she, "there was but a span between me and - death not many days ago; and when I saw the line of the last chest we took - up just now, it gave so much horror I could scarce keep upon my feet."—"My - dear Youwee, proceed," says I; "for I cannot bear my torment till I have - heard the worst."—"Why, Peter," says she, "now the danger is over, I - shall tell you my escape with as much pleasure as I guess you will take in - hearing of it. You must know, my life," says she, "that having cast that - chest into the sea, as I was tugging it along by that very line, it being - one of the heaviest, and moving but slowly, I twisted the string several - times round my hand, one fold upon another, the easier to tow it; when, - drawing it rather too quick into the eddy, it pulled so hard against me, - towards the gulf, and so quick, that I could in no way loosen or disengage - the cord from my fingers, but was dragged thereby to the very rock, - against which the chest struck violently. My last thought, as I supposed - it, was of you, my dear" (on which she clasped me round the neck, in sense - of her past agony); "when taking myself for lost, I forbore further - resistance; at which instant the line, slackening by the rebound of the - chest, fell from my hand of itself, and the chest returning to the rock, - went down the current. I took a turn or two round on my graundee to - recollect my past danger, and went back to the ship, fully resolved to - avoid the like snare for the future. Indeed I did not easily recover my - spirits, and was so terrified with the thought, that I had half a mind to - have left the two remaining chests behind me; but as danger overcome gives - fresh resolution, I again set to work, and discharged them also down the - gulf, as I hope you will see in good time." - </p> - <p> - My heart bled within me all the while she spoke, and I even felt ten times - more than she could have suffered by the gulf. "My dearest Youwee," says - I, "why did you not tell me this adventure sooner?" "It is too soon, I - fear, now!" says she; for she then saw the colour forsake my lips, my eyes - grow languid, and myself dropping into her arms. She screamed out, and ran - to the chest, where all was empty; but turning every bottle up, and from - the remaining drops in each collecting a small quantity of liquor, and - putting it by little and little to my lips, and rubbing my wrists and - temples, she brought me to myself again; but I continued so extremely sick - for some days after, that it was above a week before I could get down with - my cart to fetch up my chests. - </p> - <p> - When I was able to go down, Youwarkee would not venture me alone, but went - herself with me. We then found two more of the chests, which we landed; - and I had work sufficient for two or three days in getting them all up to - the grotto, they were so heavy, and all the way through the wood being up - hill. - </p> - <p> - We had five in hand, and watched several days for the sixth, when seeing - nothing of it we gave it over for lost; but one day, as I was going for - water, Youwarkee would go with me, and urged our carrying the net, that we - might drag for some fish. Accordingly we did so; and now having taken what - we wanted, we went to the rill, and pushing in the head of the boat (as I - usually did, for by that means I could fill the vessel as I stood on - board), the first thing that appeared was my sixth chest. Youwarkee spied - it first, and cried, pointing thereto, "O Peter, what we have long wished - for, and almost despaired of, is come at last! let us meet and welcome - it." I was pleased with the gaiety of her fancy. I did as she desired; we - got it into the boat, after merrily saluting it, and so returned home. It - took us up several days time in searching, sorting, and disposing our - cargo, and drying the chests; for the goods themselves were so far from - being wetted or spoiled, that even those in the last chest, which had lain - so long in the water, had not taken the least moisture. - </p> - <p> - Youwarkee was quite alert at the success of her packing, but left me to - ring her praises, which I did not fail of doing more than once at - unpacking each chest, and could see her eyes glow with delight to see she - had so pleased me. - </p> - <p> - She had been so curious as to examine almost everything in the ship; and - as well of things I had described, and she did know, as of what she did - not, brought me something for a sample; but, above all, had not forgot the - blue stuff, for the moment she had seen that she destined it to the use of - herself and children. - </p> - <p> - <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> - <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER XXIII. - </h2> - <blockquote> - <p> - The religion of the author's family. - </p> - </blockquote> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">Y</span> ouwarkee and I - having fixed ourselves, by degrees, into a settled rota of action, began - to live like Christians, having so great a quantity of most sorts of - necessaries about us. But I say we lived like Christians on another - account, for you must not think, after what I have said before, that I and - my family lived like heathens; no, I will assure you, they by degrees knew - all I knew, and that, with a little artificial improvement, and a - well-regulated disposition, I hoped, and did not doubt, would carry them - all to heaven. I would many a time have given all my interest in the - ship's cargo for a Bible; and a hundred times grieved that I was not - master of a pocket one, which I might have carried everywhere about me. I - never imagined there was one aboard, and if there were, and You-warkee - should find it, I supposed it would be in Portuguese, which I knew little - of, so it would be of small service to me if I had it. - </p> - <p> - Since I am on the topic of religion, it may not be amiss, once for all, to - give you a small sketch of my religious proceedings after coming into my - new dominions. I have already told you that from my first stop at the rock - I had prayed constantly morning and evening, but I cannot say I did it - always with the same efficacy. However, my imperfect devotions were not - without good effect; and I am confident, wherever this course is pursued - with a right view, sooner or later the issue will prove the same to others - as I found it to myself; I mean, that mercies will be remembered with more - gratitude, and evils be more disregarded, and become less burdensome; and - surely the person whose case this is, must necessarily enjoy the truest - relish of life. As daily prayer was my practice, in answer to it I - obtained the greatest blessing and comfort my solitude was capable of - receiving; I mean my wife, whose character I need not farther attempt to - blazon in any faint colours of my own after what has been already said, - her acts having spoken her virtues beyond all verbal description. - </p> - <p> - After we were married, as I call it—that is, after we had agreed to - become man and wife—I frequently prayed before her, and with her - (for by this time she understood a good deal of my language); at which, - though contrary to my expectation, she did not seem surprised, but readily - kneeled by and joined with me. This I liked very well; and upon my asking - her one day after prayer if she understood what I had been doing (for I - had a notion she did not)—"Yes, verily," says she, "you have been - making petitions to the image of the great Collwar."*—"Pray," says I - (willing gently to lead her into a just sense of a Supreme Being), "who is - this Collwar? and where does He dwell?"—"He it is," says she, "that - does all good and evil to us."—"Right," says I, "it is in some - measure so; but He cannot of Himself do evil, absolutely and properly, as - His own act"—"Yes," says she, "He can; for He can do all that can be - done; and as evil can be done, He can do it."—So quick a reply - startled me. Thinks I, she will run me aground presently; and from being a - doctor, as I fancied myself, I shall become but a pupil to my own scholar. - I then asked her where the great Collwar dwelt? She told me in heaven, in - a charming place.—"And can He know what we do?" says I.—"Yes," - replied she, "His image tells Him everything; and I have prayed to His - image, which I have often seen, and it is filled with so much virtue that - it is His second self; for there is only one of them in the world who is - so good: He gives several virtues to other images of Himself, which are - brought to Him, and put into His arms to breathe upon; and the only thing - I have ever regretted since I knew you is, that I have not one of them - here to comfort and bless us and our children." - </p> - <blockquote> - <p> - * God. - </p> - </blockquote> - <p> - Though I was sorry for the oddity of her conceptions, I was almost glad to - find her so ignorant, and pleased myself with thinking that as she had - already a confused notion of a Supreme Power, I should soon have the - satisfaction of bringing her to a more rational knowledge of Him. - </p> - <p> - "Pray, Youwee," says I, "what is your God made of?"—"Why of clay," - says she, "finely painted, and looks so terrible he would make you tremble - to behold him."—"Do you think," says I, "that is the true Collwar's - real shape, if you could see Himself?" She told me yes, for that some of - His best servants had seen him, and took the representation from Himself. - "And pray, do you think He loves His best servants, as you call them, and - is kind to them?"—"You need not doubt it," says she.—"Why, - then," replied I, "how came He to look so terrible upon them when they saw - Him, as you say they did? for I can see no reason, how terrible soever He - looks to others, why He should show Himself so to those He loves. I should - rather think, as you say He is kind to them, that He should have two - images, a placid one for His good, and a terrible one for His bad - servants; or else, who by seeing Him can tell whether He is pleased or - angry? for even you yourself, Youwee, when anything pleases you, have a - different look from that you have when you are angry, and little Pedro can - tell whether he does well or ill by your countenance; whereas, if you made - no distinction, but looked with the same face on all his actions, he would - as readily think he did well as ill in committing a bad action." Youwarkee - could not tell what to say to this, the fact seeming against her. - </p> - <p> - I then asked her if she thought the image itself could hear her petitions. - She replied, "Yes."—"And can he," says I, "return you an answer?"—She - told me he only did that to his best servants.—"Did you ever hear - him do it?" says I. "For unless he can speak too, I should much suspect - his hearing; and you being one of his best servants, seeing you love him, - and pray heartily to him, why should you not hear him as soon as others?"—"No," - says she, "there are a great number of glumms on purpose to serve him, - pray for us to him, and receive his answers."—"But to what purpose - then," says I, "is your praying to him, if their prayers will serve your - turn?"—"Oh," says she, "the image hears them sooner than us, and - sends the petitions up to the great Collwar, and lets Him know who makes - them, and desires Him to let them have what they want."—"But - suppose," says I, for argument sake, "that you could see the great - Collwar, or know where He was, and should pray to Himself, without going - about to His image first, do you think He could not hear you?"—"I - cannot tell that," says she.—"But how then," says I, "can He tell - what (if it could speak) His image says, which is as far from Him and then - her own zealous application, with God's grace, soon brought her to a firm - belief in it, and a suitable temper and conduct with respect to God and - man." - </p> - <p> - After I had begun with my children, I frequently referred their further - instruction to their mother; for I have always experienced that a - superficial knowledge, with a desire of becoming a teacher, is in some - measure equivalent to better knowledge; for it not only excites every - principle one has to the utmost, but makes matters more clear and - conspicuous even to one's self. - </p> - <p> - By these means, and the Divine blessing thereon, in a few years, I may - fairly say, I had a little Christian church in my own house, and in a - flourishing way too, without a schismatic or heretic amongst us. - </p> - <p> - <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> - <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER XXIV. - </h2> - <blockquote> - <p> - The author's account of his children—Their names—They are - exercised in flying—His boat crazy—Youwarkee intends a visit - to her father', but first takes another flight to the ship—Sends a - boat and chests through the gulf—Clothes her children—Is - with child again, so her visit is put off—An inventory of the last - freight of goods—The author's method of treating his children—Youwarkee, - her son Tommy, with her daughters Patty and Hally-carnie, set out to her - father's. - </p> - </blockquote> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span> had now lived - here almost fourteen years, and besides the three sons before mentioned, - had three girls and one boy. Pedro, my eldest, had the graundee, but too - small to be useful; my second son Tommy had it complete, so had my three - daughters, but Jemmy and David, the youngest sons, none at all. My eldest - daughter I named Patty, because I always called my first wife so. I say my - first wife, though I had no other knowledge of her death than my dream; - but am from that as verily persuaded, if ever I reach England, I shall - find it so, as if I had heard it from her aunt's own mouth. My second - daughter my wife desired might be called by her sister's name Hallycarnie, - and my youngest I named Sarah, after my mother. I put you to the trouble - of writing down the names, for as I shall hereafter have frequent occasion - to mention the children severally, it will be pleasanter for myself and - you to call them by their several names of distinction, than to call them - my second son, or my eldest daughter, and so forth. - </p> - <p> - My wife now took great delight in exercising Tommy and Patty (who were big - enough to be trusted) in flighty and would often skim round the whole - island with them before I could walk half through the wood. And she would - teach them also to swim or sail, I know not which to call it, for - sometimes you should see them dart out of the air as if they would fall on - their faces into the lake, when coming near the surface they would stretch - their legs in a horizontal posture, and in an instant turn on their backs, - and then you could see nothing from the bank, to all appearance, but a - boat sailing along, the graundee rising at their head, feet, and sides, so - like the sides and ends of a boat that you could not discern the face or - any part of the body. I own I often envied them this exercise, which they - seemed to perform with more ease than I could only shake my leg or stir an - arm. - </p> - <p> - Though we had perpetually swangeans about us, and the voices, as I used to - call them, I could never once prevail on my wife to show herself, or to - claim any acquaintance with her country folks. And what is very remarkable - in my children is, that my three daughters and Tommy, who had the full - graundee, had exactly their mother's sight, Jemmy and David had just my - sight, and Pedro's sight was between both, though he was never much - affected with any light; but I was obliged to make spectacles for Tommy - and all my daughters when they came to go abroad. - </p> - <p> - I had in this time twice enlarged my dwelling, which the increase of my - family had rendered necessary. The last alteration I was enabled to do in - a much better manner, and with more ease, than the first, for by the - return of my flota I had gotten a large collection of useful tools, - several of iron, where the handles or wood-work preponderated the iron; - but such as was all, or greatest part of that metal, had got either to the - rock, or were so fast fixed to the head of the ship, that it was difficult - to remove them, so that my wife could get comparatively few of this latter - sort, though some she did. It was well, truly, I had these instruments, - which greatly facilitated my labours, for I was forced to work harder now - than ever in making provision for us all; and my sons Pedro and Tommy - commonly assisted. I had also had another importation of goods through the - gulf, which still added to my convenience. But my boat made me shudder - every time I went into her; she had leaked again and again, and I had - patched her till I could scarce see a bit of the old wood. She was of - unspeakable use to me, and yet I could not venture myself in her, but with - the utmost apprehension and trembling. I had been intending a good while, - now I had such helps, to build a new one, but had been diverted by one - avocation or other. - </p> - <p> - About this time Youwarkee, who was now upwards of thirty-two years of age, - the fondest mother living, and very proud of her children, had formed a - project of taking a flight to Arndrumnstake, a town in the kingdom of - Doorpt Swangeanti, as I called it, where her father, if living, was a - colamb * under Georigetti, the prince of that country. She imparted her - desire to me, asking my leave; and she told me, if I pleased, she would - take Patty and Tommy along with her. I did not much dislike the proposal, - because of the great inclination I had for a long time to a knowledge of, - and familiarity with, her countrymen and relations; and now I had so many - of her children with me, I could not think she would ever be prevailed on, - but by force, to quit me and her offspring, and be contented to lose six - for the sake of having two with her, especially as she had showed no more - love for them than the rest, so I made no hesitation, but told her she - should go. - </p> - <blockquote> - <p> - * Governor. - </p> - </blockquote> - <p> - I expected continually I should hear of her departure, but she saying no - more of it, I thought she had dropped her design, and I did not choose to - mention it. But one day, as we were at dinner, looking mighty seriously, - she said, "My dear, I have considered of the journey you have consented I - should take, but in order thereto it is necessary that I prepare several - things for the children, especially those who have no graundee, and I am - resolved to finish them before I go, that we may appear with decency, both - here and at Arndrumn-stake; for I am sure my father, whose temper I am - perfectly acquainted with, will, upon sight of me and my little ones, be - so overjoyed, that he will forgive my absence and marriage, provided he - sees reason to believe I have not matched unworthily, unbecoming my birth; - and after keeping me and the children with him, it may be two or three - months, will accompany me home again himself with a great retinue of - servants and relations; or, at least, if he is either dead or unable for - flight, my other relations will come or send a convoy to take care of me - and the children; and, my dear, as I shall give them all the encomiums I - can of you, and of my situation with you, while I am among them, I would - have them a little taken with the elegance of our domestic condition when - they come hither, that they may think me happy in you and my children; for - I would not only put my family into a condition to appear before them, but - to surprise the old gentleman and his company, who never in their lives - saw any part of mankind with another covering than the graundee." When she - had done, I expressed my approbation of her whole system, as altogether - prudent, and she proceeded immediately to put it in execution. To work she - went, opened every chest, and examined their contents. But while she was - upon the hunt, and selecting such things as she thought fit for her - purpose, she recollected several articles she had observed in the ship, - which she judged far more for her turn than any she had at home. Hereupon - she prayed me to let her take another trip to the vessel, and to carry - Tommy with her. - </p> - <p> - After so many trials, and such happy experience of her wise and fortunate - conduct, I consented to her flight, and away went she and her son. Upon - their return, which was in a few days, she told me what they had been - doing, and said, as she so often heard me complain of the age of my boat, - and fear to sail in her, she had fitted me out a little ship, and hoped it - would in due time arrive safely. As she passed quickly on to other things, - I never once thought of asking her what she meant by the little ship she - spoke of; but must own that, like a foolishly fond parent, I was more - intent on her telling me how Tommy had found a hoard of playthings, which - he had packed up for his own use. - </p> - <p> - As to this last particular, I learned by the sequel of the story, when the - spark, proud of his acquisition, came to me, that he had been peeping - about in the cabin whilst his mother was packing the chests, and seeing a - small brass knob in the wainscot, took it for a plaything, and pulling to - get it out, opened a little door of a cupboard, where he had found some - very pretty toys that he positively claimed for himself, among which were - a small plain gold ring, and a very fine one set with diamonds, which he - showed me upon two of his fingers. I wondered how the child, who had never - before seen such things, or the use of them, should happen to apply these - so properly; but he told me in playing with this, meaning the diamond - ring, about his fingers, it slipped over his middle-finger joint, and he - could not get it off again, so he put the other upon another finger to - keep it company. - </p> - <p> - We watched daily, as usual on such occasions, for the arrival of our - fleet. It was surprising that none of the chests which Youwarkee shot down - the gulf were ever half so long in their passage as I was myself, but some - came in a week, some in a few days more, and even some in less, which I - attributed to their following directly the course of the water, shooting - from shelf to shelf as the tide sat; and I believe my keeping the boat I - sailed in so strictly and constantly in the middle of the stream, was the - reason of my being detained there so long. In less than a fortnight - everything came safe but one chest, which, as we never heard of it, I - suppose was either sunk or bulged. - </p> - <p> - Being one day upon shore, watching to see if anything more was come - through the cavern, I spied at a distance somewhat looking very black and - very long, and by the colour and shape thereof I took it for a young - whale. Having observed it some time making very little way, I took my old - boat and followed it, but was afraid to go near it, lest a stroke with its - tail—which I then fancied I saw move—might endanger my boat - and myself too; but creeping nearer and nearer, and seeing it did not - stir, I believed it to be dead; whereupon, taking courage, I drew so close - that at length I plainly perceived it was the ship's second boat turned - upside down. It is not easy to express the joy I felt on this discovery. - It was the very thing I was now, as I have said, in the greatest want of. - I presently laid hold of it and brought it ashore; and it was no small - pleasure to find, on examining, that though it had lain so long dry, it - was yet quite sound, and all its chinks filled up in its passage; and it - proved to me afterwards the most beneficial thing I could have had from - the ship. - </p> - <p> - I got all my goods home from the lake to my grotto, by means of the cart, - as usual. My wife and daughters waited with impatience for me to unpack, - that they might take possession of such things as would be needful for - rigging out the family against the supposed reception of the old glumm, - and had set all the chests in the order they desired they might be opened - in. But Tommy running to me, with a "Pray, daddy, open my chest first! - pray, give me my playthings first!" it was, to satisfy him, concluded in - favour of his demand. So, he pointing to the chest which he regarded as - his property, I opened it, whilst his eyes were ready to pierce through - it, till I came to his treasure. "There, there they are, daddy!" says he, - as soon as I had uncovered them. And indeed, when I saw them, I could not - but much commend the child for his fancy; for the first things that - appeared were a silver punch or wine can and a ladle, then a gold watch, a - pair of scissors, a small silver chafing-dish and lamp, a large case of - mathematical instruments, a flageolet, a terrella or globular loadstone, a - small globe, a dozen of large silver spoons, and a small case of knives - and forks and spoons; in short, there was, I believe, the greatest part of - the Portuguese captain's valuable effects. - </p> - <p> - These Tommy claiming as his own proper chattels, I could not help - interposing somewhat of my authority in the affair. "Hold, hold, son!" - says I, "these things are all mine; but as I have several of you who will - all be equally pleased with them, though, as the first finder, you may be - entitled to the best share, you are not to grasp the whole, you must all - have something like an equality; and as to some things which may be - equally useful to us all, they must be set up to be used upon occasion, - and are to be considered as mine and your mother's property." I thereupon - gave each of them a large silver spoon, and with a fork I scratched the - initials of their names respectively on them, and divided several of the - trifles amongst them equally. "And now, Tommy," says I, "you for your - pains shall have this more than the rest," offering him the flageolet. - Tommy looked very gloomy, and though he durst not find fault, his - dissatisfaction was very visible by coolly taking it, tossing it down, and - walking gravely off. "I thought," says I, "Tommy, I had made a good choice - for you; but, as I find you despise it, here, Pedro, do you take that - pretty thing, since your brother slights it" Tommy replied, speaking but - half out, and a little surly, more than I ever observed before, "Let him - take it if he will, I can get bits of sticks enough in the wood." - </p> - <p> - My method had always been to avoid either beating or scolding at my - children, for preferring their own opinion to mine; but I ever let things - turn about so, that from their own reason they should perceive they had - erred in opposing my sentiments, by which means they grew so habituated to - submit to my advice and direction, that for the most part my will was no - sooner known to them than it became their own choice; but then I never - willed according to fancy only, but with judgment, to the best of my - skill. - </p> - <p> - Tommy, therefore, as I said before, having shown a disapprobation of my - doings; to convince him of his mistake, I took the flageolet from Pedro. - "And now, Pedro," says I, "let me teach you how to manage this piece of - wood, as Tommy calls it, and then let me see if in all the grove he can - cut such another." On this I clapped it to my mouth, and immediately - played several country-dances and hornpipes on it; for though my mother - had scarce taught me to read, I had learnt music and dancing, being, as - she called them, gentlemanlike accomplishments. My wife and children, - especially Tommy, all stared as if they were wild, first on me, then on - one another, whilst I played a country-dance; but I had no sooner struck - up an hornpipe, than their feet, arms, and heads had so many twitching and - convulsive motions, that not one quiet limb was to be seen amongst them; - till having exercised their members as long as I saw fit, I almost laid - them all to sleep with Chevy Chase, and so gave over. - </p> - <p> - They no sooner found themselves free from this enchantment, than the - children all hustled round me in a cluster, all speaking together, and - reaching out their little hands to the instrument I gave it Pedro. - "There," says I to him, "take this slighted favour as no such contemptible - present." - </p> - <p> - Poor Tommy, who had all this while looked very simple, burst into a flood - of tears at my last words, as if his heart would have broke; and running - to me, fell on his knees, and begged my pardon, hoping I would forgive - him. I took him up, and kissing him, told him he had very little offended - me; for, as he knew, I had more children to give anything to which either - of the rest despised; it was equal to me who had it, so it was thankfully - received. I found that did not satisfy; still in tears, he said, "Might he - not have the stick again, as I gave it to him first?" "Tommy," says I, - "you know I gave it to you first; but you disapproving my kindness, I have - now given it Pedro, who, should I against his will take it from him, would - have that reason to complain which you have not, who parted with it by - your own consent; and therefore, Tommy, as I am determined to acquaint you - as near as I can with the strict rules of justice, there must no more be - said to me of this matter." Such as this was my constant practice amongst - them; and they having always found me inflexible from this rule, we seldom - had any long debates. - </p> - <p> - Though I say the affair ended so with regard to what I had to do in it, - yet it ended not so with Tommy; for though he knew he had no hopes of - moving me, he set all his engines at work to recover his stick, as he - called it, by his mother's and sisters' interest. These solicited Pedro - very strongly to gratify him. At length Pedro—he being a boy of a - most humane disposition—granted their desire, if I would give leave; - and I having signified, that the cause being now out of my hands, he might - do as he pleased, he generously yielded it. And indeed he could not have - bestowed it more properly; for Tommy had the best ear for music I ever - knew; and in less than a twelvemonth could far outdo me, his instructor, - in softness and easiness of finger; and was also master of every tune I - knew, which were neither inconsiderable in number, nor of the lowest rate. - </p> - <p> - Youwarkee, with her daughters, sat close to work, and had but just - completed her whole design for the family clothing, when she told me she - found herself with child again. As that circumstance ill suited a journey, - she deferred her flight for about fifteen months; in which time she was - brought to bed, and weaned the infant, which was a boy, whom I named - Richard, after my good master at the academy. The little knave thrived - amain, and was left to my farther nursing during its mammy's absence; who, - still firm to her resolution, after she had equipped herself and - companions with whatever was necessary to their travelling, and locked up - all the apparel she had made till her return, because she would have it - appear new when her father came, set out with her son Tommy and my two - daughters Patty and Hallycarnie, the last of which by this time being big - enough also to be trusted with her mother. - </p> - <p> - <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> - <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER XXV. - </h2> - <blockquote> - <p> - Youwarkee's account of the stages to Arndrumstake—The author - uneasy at her flight—His employment in her absence; and - preparations for receiving her father—How he spent the evenings - with the children. - </p> - </blockquote> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">M</span> y wife was now - upon her journey to her father's; but where that was, or how far off, it - was impossible for me to conceive by her description of the way; for she - distinguished it not by miles or leagues, but by swan-geans, and names of - rocks, seas, and mountains, which I could neither comprehend the distance - of from each other, nor from Graundevolet, where I was. I understood by - her, indeed, there was a great sea to be passed, which would take her up - almost a day and night, having the children with her, before she reached - the next arkoe, though she could do it herself she said, and strain hard, - in a summer's night; but if the children should flag by the way, as there - was no resting-place between us and Battringdrigg, the next arkoe, it - might be dangerous to them, so she would take the above time for their - sakes. After this, I found by what she said there was a narrow sea to - pass, and a prodigious mountain, before she reached her own country; and - that her father's was but a little beyond that mountain. This was all I - could know in general about it. At their departure she and the children - had taken each a small provision for their flight, which hung about their - necks in a sort of purse. - </p> - <p> - I cannot say, notwithstanding this journey was taken with my concurrence - and consent, that I was perfectly easy when they were gone, for my - affection for them all would work up imaginary fears too potent for my - reason to dispel, and which at first sat with no easy pressure upon my - mind. This my pretty babies at home perceiving, used all the little - winning arts they could to divert and keep up my spirits; and from day to - day, by taking them abroad with me, and playing with and amusing them at - home, I grew more and more persuaded that all would go right with the - absent, and that in due time I should see them return again. - </p> - <p> - But as the winter set in, I went little abroad, and then we employed - ourselves within doors in preparing several things which might not only be - useful and ornamental, if the old glumm should come to see us, but might - also divert us, and make the time pass less tediously. The first thing I - went upon was a table, which, as my family consisted of so many, I - intended to make big enough for us all. With that view I broke up a couple - of chests, and, taking the two sides of one of them, I nailed them edge to - edge by strong thick pieces underneath at each end and in the middle; then - I took two chest-lids with their hinges, nailing one to each side of my - middle piece, which made two good flaps; after this, with my tools, of - which I had now a chest-full, I chopped out of new stuff and planed four - strong legs quite square, and nailed them strongly to each corner of my - middle board; I then nailed pieces from one leg to the other, and nailed - the bed likewise to them; then I fastened a border quite round within six - inches from the bottom, from foot to foot, which held all fast together. - When all this was done, still my table was imperfect; I could not put up - the flaps, having no proper support. To remedy this I sawed out a broad - slip from a chest-side, and boring a large hole through the centre, I - spiked it up to the under-side of the table's bed, with a spindle I - contrived just loose enough to play round the head of the spike, filing - down that part of the spindle which passed through the bed of the table, - and riveting it close; so that when my flaps were set up I pulled the slip - crosswise of the table, and when the flaps were down, the slip turned - under the top of the table lengthwise: next, under each flap, I nailed a - small slip lengthwise of the flaps, to raise them on a level, when up, - with the top of the table. When I had thus completed the several parts of - this needful utensil, I spent some time and pains by scraping and rubbing, - to render it all as elegant as could be, and the success so well answered - my wish, that I was not a little proud of the performance; and what - rendered my work thereon a still more agreeable task, was my pretty - infants' company, who stood by, expressing their wonder and approbation at - every stroke. - </p> - <p> - Now I had gotten a table, I wanted chairs to it; for as yet we had only - sat round the room upon chests, which formed a bench of the whole - circumference, they stood so thick. There was no moving of them without a - monstrous trouble every time I might have occasion to set out my table: - besides, if I could have dragged them backwards and forwards, they were - too low to be commodious for seats; so I resolved to make some chairs and - stools also, that might be manageable. I will not trouble you with the - steps I took in the formation of these; only, in general, you must know, - that some more chests I broke up to that purpose served me for timber, out - of which I framed six sizeable handsome chairs, and a competent number of - stools. - </p> - <p> - But now that I was turned joiner, I had another convenience to provide - for. I had nothing wherein to enclose things, and preserve them from dust, - except the chests, and they were quite unfit for holding liquors, - victuals, and such like matters, but open shells, as most of my vessels - were. Wherefore, having several boards now remaining of the boxes I had - broken up for chairs and stools, I bethought me of supplying this great - deficiency; so of these spare boards, in a workmanlike way (for by this - time I was become a tolerable mechanic), I composed a very tight closet, - holding half-a-dozen broad shelves, shut up by a good pair of doors, with - a lock and key to fasten them. These jobs took me up almost three months, - and I thought I had not employed them idly, but for the credit and service - of my family. I was now again at leisure for farther projects. I was - uncertain as to my wife's return, how soon she might be with me, or how - much longer she might stay; but I was sure I could do nothing in the - meanwhile more grateful than increasing, by all means in my power, the - accommodations of my house, for the more polite as well as convenient - reception of her father, or any else who might accompany her home in the - way of a retinue, as she talked of. I saw plainly I had not room for - lodging them, and that was a circumstance of main importance to be - provided for. Hereupon I thought of adding a long apartment to one of my - outer-rooms, to range against the side of the rock; but reflecting that - such a thing would be quite useless, unless I could finish it in time, so - as to be complete when my guests came, and not knowing how soon that might - be, I resolved to quit this design; and I fell upon another which might do - as well, and required much less labour and fewer days to perfect. - </p> - <p> - I remembered that amongst those things my wife had packed up on board the - ship, and which came home through the gulf, there were two of the largest - sails, and a couple of a smaller size. These I carried to the wood, and - tried them in several places to see where they might be disposed to most - advantage in the nature of a tent, and having found a convenient spot to - my purpose, I cut divers poles for supporters, and making straining lines - of my matweed, I pitched a noble one, sufficient to cover or entertain a - numerous company, and so tight everywhere as to keep out the weather. The - front of this new apartment I hung with blue cloth, which had a very - genteel effect. I had almost forgotten to tell you that I contrived (by - hanging one of the smaller sails across, just in the middle, which I could - let down or raise up at pleasure) to divide the tent occasionally into two - distinct rooms. - </p> - <p> - When I had proceeded thus far, there were still wanting seats for this - additional building, as I may call it, and though I could spare some - chests to sit on, I found they would not half do. For a supplement, then, - I took my axe and felled a couple of great trees, one from each side of - the tent, sawed off the tops, and cut each of the trunks in two about the - middle: these huge cylinders I rolled into the tent with a good deal of - toil and difficulty; two of them I thrust into the inner division, and - left two in the outer. I placed them as benches on both sides, then, with - infinite pains, I shaved the upper face of each smooth and flat, and pared - off all the little knots and roughnesses of the front, so that they were - fitted to sit on, and their own weight fixed them in the place where I - intended them to be. At the upper end of the farther chamber I set three - chests lengthwise for seats, or any other use I might see fit to put them - to. - </p> - <p> - During these operations we were all hard at it, and no hand idle but Dicky - in arms, and Sally, whom he kept in full employ; but Pedro, being a sturdy - lad, could drive a nail, and lift or carry the things I wanted, and Jemmy - and David, though so young, could pick up the chips, hold a nail or the - lamp, or be some way or other useful; for I always preached to them the - necessity of earning their bread before they ate it, and not think to live - on mine and their brother's labour. - </p> - <p> - The nights being pretty long, after work was over, and Sarah had fed her - brother and laid him in his hammock, we used to sit all down to enjoy - ourselves at a good meal, for we were never regular at that till night; - and then after supper, my wife being absent, one or other of the young - ones would begin with something they had before heard me speak of, by - saying, "Daddy, how did you use to do this or that in England?" Then all - ears were immediately open to catch my answer, which certainly brought on - something else done either there or elsewhere; and by their little - questions and my answers they would sometimes draw me into a story of - three hours long, till, perhaps, two or three of my audience were falling - asleep, and then we all went to bed. - </p> - <p> - I verily believe my children would, almost any of them, from the frequent - repetition of these stories, have given a sufficient account of England to - have gained a belief from almost any Englishman of their being natives - there. - </p> - <p> - I frequently observed, that when we had begun upon Cornwall, and traversed - the mines, the sea-coast, or talked of the fine gentlemen's seats, and - such things, one would start up, and, if the discourse flagged ever so - little, would cry, "Ay; but, daddy, what did you do when the crocodile - came after you out of the water?" And another, before that subject was - half-ended (and I was forced to enter on every one they started), would be - impatient for the story of the lion; and I always took notice that the - part each had made the most reflections on, was always most acceptable to - the same person: but poor Sally would never let the conversation drop - without some account of the muletto, it was such a pretty, gentle - creature, she said. - </p> - <p> - <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> - <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER XXVI. - </h2> - <blockquote> - <p> - The Author's concern at Youwarkees stay—Reflections on his - condition—Hears a voice call him—Youwarhee's brother - Quangrollart visits him with a companion—He treats them at the - grotto—The brother discovers himself by accident— Wilkins - produces his children to him - </p> - </blockquote> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">M</span> y head, as well - as my hands, had now been employed for five months in adjusting all things - in the most suitable manner for the reception of Youwarkee and her - friends; but nobody coming, and light days getting forward apace, I begin - to grow very uneasy, and had formed divers imaginations of what might - occasion her stay. Thought I, I am afraid all the pains I have been taking - will be to no purpose; for either her father will not let her return, or - she has of herself come to such a resolution; for she knows I cannot - follow her, and had rather, perhaps, live and enjoy the three children she - has with her, amidst a number of her friends and acquaintance, than spend - the remainder of her days with me and all our offspring in this solitude. - </p> - <p> - But then I reflected she chose it herself, or at least declared herself - perfectly satisfied, yea, delighted therewith. And here are her children - with me, the major part of them; yet, what can I think? since her return - is put off till the swangeans are over this arkoe, she will never bring - her relations now in this unseasonable time for flight; therefore I must - think, if she intended to return at all, it would have been before now; - and as the case is not so, my fear of losing her entirely prevails - greatly. Oh! says I, that we had but a post here as we have in England; - there we can communicate our thoughts at a distance to each other without - any trouble, and for little charge! What a country is this to live in! and - what an improper creature am I to live in it! Had I but the graundee, I - would have found her out by this time, be she where she would; but, whilst - every one about me can pass, repass, and act as they please, I am fixed - here like one of my trees, bound to the spot, or, upon removal, to die in - the attempt. Alas! why did I beget children here, but to make them as - wretched and inconsolable as myself! Some of them are so formed, indeed, - as to shift for themselves; but they owe it to their mother, not to me. - What! am I a father of children who will be bound one day to curse me? - Severe reflection! Yet I never thought of this till now. But am I the only - father in such a case? No, surely! for am not I as much bound to curse my - father as my children are to curse me? He might have left me happy if he - would; I would them if I could. Again, are there not others who, by - improper junction with persons diseased in body or vicious in mind, have - entailed greater misery upon their posterity than I have on mine! My - children are all healthy, strong, and sound, both in body and mind; and is - not that the greatest blessing that can be bestowed on our beings? But - they are imprisoned in this arkoe! What then? With industry, here is no - want; and as they increase they may settle in communities, and be helpful - to each other. I have lived here well nigh sixteen years, and it was God's - pleasure I should be here; and can I think I was placed here with an - injunction contrary to the great command, "Increase and multiply?" If that - were so, can it be possible I should have received the only means of - propagating, as it were, from Heaven itself? No, it was certainly as much - my Maker's will that I should have posterity here, as that I myself should - at first be brought thither. This is a large and plentiful spot, and - capable of great improvement, when there shall be hands sufficient. How - many petty states are less than these my dominions! I have here a compass - of near twenty miles round, and how many thousands grow voluntarily grey - in a far less circuit? - </p> - <p> - I had hardly finished my reflections (for I was sitting by myself in my - tent upon one of the trees I had turned into benches), when I heard a - musical voice call, "Peter! Peter!" I started. "What's this?" says I. "It - is not Youwarkee's voice! What can this mean?" Listening, I heard it - again, but at so great a distance I could but just perceive the sound. "Be - it where it will," says I, "I will face it!" Thus speaking, I went out of - the tent, and hearkened very attentively, but could hear nothing. I then - ran for my gun, and walked through the wood as fast as I could to the - plain; but still I neither saw nor heard anything. I was then in hopes of - seeing somebody on the lake, but no one appeared; for I was fully - determined to make myself known to whomsoever I should meet; and, if - possible, to gain some intelligence of my wife. But after so much - fruitless pains, my hopes being at an end, I was returning when I heard, - "Peter! Peter!" again at a great distance, the sound coming from a - different quarter than at first. Upon this I stopped, and heard it - repeated; and it was as if the speaker approached nearer and nearer. - Hereupon I stepped out of the wood (for I had just re-entered it upon my - return home), when I saw two persons upon the swangean just over my head. - I cried out, "Who's that?" And they immediately called again, "Peter! - Peter!"—<i>Ors clam gee</i>, says I; that is, Here am I.—On - this they directly took a small sweep round (for they had overshot me - before they heard me) and alighted just by me; when I perceived them to be - my wife's countrymen, being dressed like her, with vol. only broader - chaplets about their heads, as she had told me the glumms all wore. After - a short obeisance, they asked me if I was the glumm Peter, barkett* to - Youwarkee. I answered I was. They then told me they came with a message - from Pendlehamby, colamb** of Arndrumn-stake, my goppo,*** and from - Youwarkee his daughter. I was vastly rejoiced to see them, and to hear - only the name of my wife. But though I longed to know their message, I - trembled to think of their mentioning it, as one of them was just going to - do, for fear of hearing something very displeasing; so I begged them to go - through the wood with me to the grotto, where we should have more leisure - and convenience for talk, and where, at the same time, they might take - some refreshment. But though I had thus put off their message, I could not - forbear inquiring by the way after the health of my goppo, and my wife and - children, how they got to Arndrumnstake, and how they found their - relations and friends. They told me all were well; and that Youwarkee, as - she did on me, desired I would think on her with true affection. I found - this was the phrase of the country. As for the rest, I hoped it would turn - out well at last, though I dreaded to hear it. - </p> - <blockquote> - <p> - * Husband. ** Governor. *** Father-in-law. - </p> - </blockquote> - <p> - Being arrived at the grotto, I desired my guests to sit down, and take - such refreshment as I could prepare them. When they were seated, I went to - work in order to provide them a repast. Seeing my fire piled up very high, - and burning fierce, and the children about it, they wondered where they - were got, and who they had come to, and turned their faces from it; but I - setting some chairs, so that the light might not strike on their eyes, - they liked the warmth well enough; though, I remarked, the light did not - affect them so much as it had done Youwarkee. - </p> - <p> - Whilst I was cooking, the poor children got all up in a corner, and stared - at the strangers, not being able to conceive where they came from; and by - degrees crept all backwards into the bedchamber, and hid themselves; for - they had never before seen anybody but my own family. - </p> - <p> - I observed that one of my guests paid more than ordinary respect to the - other; and though their graundees made no distinction between them, yet - there was something I thought much more noble in the address and behaviour - of the latter; and taking notice that he was also the chief spokesman, I - judged it proper to pay my respects to him in a somewhat more - distinguishing manner, though so as not to offend the other if I should - happen to be mistaken. - </p> - <p> - I first presented a can of my Madeira, and took care, as if by accident, - to give it to Mr. Uppermost, as I thought him, who drank half of it, and - would have given the remainder to his companion, but I begged him to drink - it all up, and his friend should be served with some presently: he did so, - and thanked me by lifting his hand to his chin. I then gave the other a - can of the same liquor, which he drank, and returned thanks as his - companion had before. I then took a can myself, and telling them I begged - leave to use the ceremony of my own country to them, I drank, wishing - their own health, and that of all relations at Arndrumnstake. He that I - took for the superior fell a-laughing heartily: "Ha, ha, ha!" says he, - "this is the very way my sister does every day at Arndrumnstake."—"Your - sister, sir!" says I, "pray has she ever been in Europe or England?"—"Well!" - says he, "I have plainly discovered myself, which I did not intend to do - yet; but, truly, brother Peter, I mean none other than your own wife - Youwarkee." - </p> - <p> - The moment I knew who he was, I rose up and taking him by the right hand, - lifted it to my lips and kissed it. He likewise immediately stood up, and - we embraced each other with great tenderness. I then begged him, as I had - so worthy and near a relation of my wife's with me, that he would not - delay the happiness I hoped for, in a narrative from his mouth, how it - fared with my father, wife, and children, and all their kinsfolks and - friends whom I had so often heard mentioned by my dearest Youwarkee, and - so earnestly desired to see. - </p> - <p> - My brother Quangrollart (for that, he told me, was his name) was preparing - to gratify my impatience; but seeing I had set the entertainment on the - table, which consisted chiefly of bread, several sorts of pickles and - preserves, with some cold salted fish, he said that eating would but - interrupt the thread of his discourse; and therefore, with my leave, he - would defer the relating of what I desired for a little while; which we - all thinking most proper, I desired him and his friend (who might be - another brother for aught I knew) to refresh themselves with the poor - modicum I was able to provide them. - </p> - <p> - Whilst my brother Quangrollart was looking upon and handling his plate, - being what he had never before seen, his friend had got the handle of one - of the knives in his mouth, biting it with all his force; but finding he - could make nothing of that end he tried the other, and got champing the - blade. Perceiving what he was at, though I could not help laughing, I - rose, and begging pardon, took the knife from him; telling him I believed - he was not acquainted with the use of that instrument, which was one of my - country implements; and that the design of it, which was called a knife, - and of that other (pointing to it), called a fork, was the one to reduce - the food into pieces proper for chewing, and the other to convey it to the - mouth without daubing the fingers, which must happen in handling the food - itself; and I then showed him what use I put them to, by helping each of - them therewith to somewhat, and by cutting a piece for myself, and putting - it to my mouth with the fork. - </p> - <p> - They both smiled and looked very well pleased; and then I told them that - the plate was the only thing that need be daubed, and when that was taken - away the table remained clean. So, after I had helped each of them for the - first time, I desired them to help themselves where they liked best; and, - to say the truth, they did so more dexterously than I could have expected. - </p> - <p> - During our repast we had frequent sketches of the observations they made - in their flight, and of the places where they had rested; and I could - plainly see that neither of them had ever been at this arkoe before, by - hinting that if they had not taken such a course they had missed me. - </p> - <p> - I took particular notice which part of my entertainment they ate most of, - that I might bring a fresh supply of that when wanted; and I found that - though they eat heartily of my bread and preserves, and tasted almost of - everything else, they never once touched the fish; which put me upon - desiring I might help them to some. At this they looked upon each other, - which I readily knew the meaning of, and excused themselves, expressing - great satisfaction in what they had already gotten. I took, however, a - piece of fish on my own plate, and eating very heartily thereof, my - brother desired me to give him a bit of it; I did so, taking care to cut - it as free from bones as I could, and for greater security cautioning him, - in case there should be any, to pick them out, and not swallow them. He - had no sooner put a piece in his mouth, but, "Rosig," says he to his - friend, "this is padsi."—I thought indeed I had puzzled my brother - when I gave him the fish, but by what he said of it, he puzzled me; for I - knew not what he meant by padsi, my wife having told me they had no fish, - or else I should have taken that word for their name of it. However, I cut - Rosig a slice; and he agreeing it was padsi, they both ate heartily of it. - </p> - <p> - While we were at dinner, my brother told me he thought he saw some of my - children just now; for his sister had informed him she had five more at - home; and he asked me why they did not appear and eat with us. I excused - their coming, as fearing they would only be troublesome; and said, "When - we had done they should have some victuals." But he would not be put off, - and entreated me to admit them. So I called them by their names, and they - came, all but Dicky, who was asleep in his hammock. I told them that - Reglumm,* pointing to Quangrollart, was their uncle, their mamma's - brother, and ordered them to pay their obeisance to him, which they - severally did. I then made them salute Rosig. This last would have had - them sit down at table; but I positively forbade that; and giving each of - them a little of what we had before us, they carried it to the chests and - eat it there. - </p> - <blockquote> - <p> - * Gentleman. - </p> - </blockquote> - <p> - When we had done, the children helped me to clear the table, and were - retiring out of the room; but then I recalled them and desired their uncle - to excuse their stay, for as he had promised me news of their mammy and - her family, it would be the height of pleasure to them to hear him. He - seemed very much pleased with this motion, desiring by all means they - might be present while he told his story. Whereupon I ordered them to the - chests again, while Quangrollart delivered his narrative. - </p> - <p> - <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> - <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER XXVII. - </h2> - <blockquote> - <p> - Quangrollart's account of Youwarkee's journey, and reception at her - father's. - </p> - </blockquote> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">H</span> aving set on the - table some brandy and Madeira, and each of us taken one glass of both, I - showed, by the attentiveness of my aspect and posture, how desirous I was - he should proceed to what he had promised. Observing this, he went on in - the following manner:—"Brother Peter," says he, "my sister - Youwarkee, as I don't doubt you will be glad to hear of her first, arrived - very safe at Arndrumnstake the third day after she left you, and after a - very severe flight to the dear little Hallycarnie,* who was a full day and - a night on her graundee; and at last would not have been able to have - reached Battringdrigg but for my sister's assistance, who, taking her - sometimes on her back for a short flight, by those little refreshments - enabled her to perform it: but from Battringdrigg, after some hours' rest, - they came with pleasure to the White Mountains, from whence, after a small - stay, they arrived at Arndrumnstake. - </p> - <blockquote> - <p> - * One of Wilkins' daughters. - </p> - </blockquote> - <p> - "They alighted at our covett,* but were opposed at their entrance by the - guards, to whom they did not choose to discover themselves, till notice - was given to my father; who, upon hearing that some strangers desired - admittance to him, sent me to introduce them, if they were proper persons - for his presence, or else give orders for such other reception as was - suitable to them. - </p> - <p> - "When I came to the guard, I found three gawrys and a glumm boss,** whose - appearance and behaviour, I must own, prejudiced me very much in their - favour. I then asked from whence they came, and their business with the - colamb. You-warkee told me they came not about business of public concern, - relating to the colamb's office, but out of a dutiful regard, as - relations, to kiss his knees.—'My father' said I, 'shall know it - immediately; but first, pray inform me of your name?'—'Your father!' - replied Youwarkee; 'are you my brother Quangrollart?'—'My name is - so,' says I, 'but I have only one sister, now with my father, and how I - can be your brother, I am not able to guess.'—'Have you never had - another sister?' says she.—'Yes,' says I, 'but she is long since - dead; her name was Youwarkee.' At my mentioning her name, she fell upon my - neck in tears, crying, 'My dear brother, I am that dead sister Youwarkee, - and these with me are some of my children, for I have five more; but, - pray, how does my father and sister?'—I started back at this - declaration, to view her and the children, fearing it was some gross - imposition, not in the least knowing or remembering anything of her face, - after so long an absence; but I desired them to walk in, till I told my - father. - </p> - <blockquote> - <p> - * Capital Seat. ** Youth. - </p> - </blockquote> - <p> - "The guard observing the several passages between us, were amazed to think - who it could be had so familiarly embraced me; especially as they saw I - only played a passive part in it. - </p> - <p> - "When I went in, I did not think proper directly to inform my father what - had happened; but calling my sister Hallycarnie, I let her into the - circumstances of this odd affair, and desired her advice what to do: - 'For,' says I, 'surely this must be some impostor; and as my father has - scarce subdued his sorrow for my sister's loss, if this gawry should prove - a deceiver, it will only revive his affliction, and may prove at this time - extremely dangerous to him: therefore let us consider what had best be - done in the matter.' - </p> - <p> - "Hallycarnie, who had attentively weighed all I said, seemed to think it - was some cheat, as well as I did; for we could neither of us conceive that - anything but death, or being slit, could have kept Youwarkee so long from - the knowledge of her relations; and that neither of them could be the case - was plain, if the person attending was Youwarkee. 'Besides, brother,' says - Hallycarnie, 'she cannot surely be so much altered in fifteen years, but - you must have known her; and yet, now I think, it is possible, you being - so much younger, may have forgot her; but whilst we have been talking of - her, I have so well recollected her, that I think I could hardly be - imposed upon by any deceiver.' "I then desired her to go with me to the - strangers and see if she could make any discovery. She did so, and had no - sooner entered the abb,* but Youwarkee called out, 'My dear sister - Hally-carnie!' and she as readily recollecting Youwarkee, they in - transport embraced each other; and then your wife presenting to us her - three children, it proved the tenderest scene, except the following, I - ever saw. - </p> - <blockquote> - <p> - * Room. - </p> - </blockquote> - <p> - "My father having kept his chamber some time with a fever, and though he - was pretty well recovered, having not yet been out of it, we consulted how - we might introduce our sister and children to him, with as little surprise - as might be, for fear of a relapse by too great a hurry of his spirits. At - length we concluded I should go tell him that some strangers had arrived - desiring to see him; but on inquiry, finding their business was too - trifling to trouble him upon, I had despatched them; I was then to say how - like one of them was to my sister Youwarkee; and whilst I was speaking, - Hallycarnie was to enter, and keep up the discourse till we should find a - proper opportunity of discovery. I went in, therefore, as had been agreed; - and upon mentioning the name of Youwarkee, my father fetched a deep sigh - and turned away from me in tears. At that instant Hallycarnie came in as - by accident. 'Sir,' says she, 'what makes you so sad? are you worse - to-day?'—'Oh,' says he, 'I have heard a name that will never be out - of my heart, till I am in hoximo.'*—'What, I suppose my sister?'—''Tis - true,' replied he, 'the same.'—Says she, 'I fancied so, for I have - just seen a stranger as like her as two dorrs** could be, and would have - sworn it was she, if that had been possible. I thought my brother had been - so imprudent as to mention her to you; and I think he did not do well to - rip up an old sore he knew was almost healed, and make it break out - afresh.'—'Ah! no, child,' says my father, 'that sore never has, nor - can be healed. O Great Image! why can't it by some means or other be - ascertained what end she came to?' - </p> - <blockquote> - <p> - * A place where the dead are buried. ** A fruit like an apple. - </p> - </blockquote> - <p> - "'Sir,' says my sister, 'I think you are much to blame for these - exclamations, after so long absence; for, if she be dead, what use are - they of? and if she be not, all may be well, and you may still see her - again.'—'Oh, never, never!' says my father; 'but could I be sure she - was alive, I would take a swangean and never close my graundee till I - found her, or dropt dead in the search.'—'And suppose you could meet - with her, sir,' says I, 'the very sight would overcome you, and be - dangerous.' 'No, believe me, boy,' says he, 'I should then be fully easy - and composed; and were she to come in this moment, I should suffer no - surprise, but pleasure.'—'No surprise, sir?' says I.—'Not if - she were alive and well,' says he.—'Then, sir,' says Hallycarnie, - 'will you excuse me if I introduce her?' and went out directly without - staying for an answer. - </p> - <p> - "When she was gone, 'Quangrollart,' says my father sternly, 'what is the - meaning of yours and your sister's playing thus upon my weakness? It is - what I can upon no account forgive. It looks as if you were weary of me, - and wanted to break my heart. To what purpose is all this prelude of - yours, to introduce to me somebody, who, by her likeness to my daughter, - may expose me to your scoff and raillery? This is a disobedience I never - expected from either of you.' - </p> - <p> - "'The Great Image attend me!' says I; 'sir, you have much mistaken me; but - I will not leave you in doubt, even till Hallycarnie's return. You shall - see Youwarkee with her; for all our discourse, I'll assure you, has but - been concerted to prepare you for her reception, with three of her - children.' 'And am I then, says he, in a transport, 'still to be blessed?'—'You - are, sir,' says I, 'assure yourself you are.' - </p> - <p> - "By this time we heard them coming, but my poor father had not power to go - to meet them: and upon Youwarkee's nearer approach, to fall at his knees, - his limbs failing him, he sunk, and without speaking a word, fell - backwards on a cught drappec,* which stood behind him; and, being quite - motionless, we concluded him to be stone-dead. On this the women became - entirely helpless, screaming only, and wringing their hands in extravagant - postures. But I, having a little more presence of mind, called for the - calentar;** who, by holding his nose, pinching his feet, and other - applications, in a little time brought him to his senses again. - </p> - <blockquote> - <p> - * A bed or couch covered with a sort of cotton. ** A sort of doctor in - all great families. - </p> - </blockquote> - <p> - "You may more easily conceive than I describe, both the confusion we were - all in during my father's disorder, and the congratulations upon his - recovery; so, as I can give you but a defective account of these, I shall - pass them by, and come to our more serious discourse, after my father and - your wife had, without speaking a word, wept themselves quite dry on each - other's necks. - </p> - <p> - "My father, then looking upon the three children (who were also crying to - see their mamma cry), 'And who are these?' says he.—'These, sir,' - says Youwarkee, 'are three of eight of your grandchildren.'—'And - where is your barkett?' says he. 'At home with the rest, sir,' replied - she, 'who are some of them too small to come so far yet; but, sir,' says - she, 'pray excuse my answering you any more questions, till you are a - little recovered from the commotion I perceive my presence has brought - upon your spirits; and as rest, the calentar says, will be exceedingly - proper, I will retire with my sister till you are better able to bear - company.' My father was with much difficulty prevailed with to part with - her out of his sight: but the calentar pressing it, we were all dismissed, - and he laid down to rest." - </p> - <p> - My brother would have gone on, but I told him, as it grew near time for - repose, and he and Rosig must needs be fatigued with so long a flight, if - they pleased (as I had already heard the most valuable part of all he - could say, in that my father had received my wife and children so kindly, - and that he left them all well) we could defer his farther relation till - the next day; which they both agreeing to, I laid them in my own bed, - myself sleeping in a spare hammock. - </p> - <p> - END OF VOL. I. PRINTED BY BALLANTYNE, HANSON AND CO. EDINBURGH AND LONDON. - </p> - <div style="height: 6em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <div style="height: 8em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - -<p> - <a name="link2H_4_0001B" id="link2H_4_0001B"> </a> - </p> - <h1> - THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES - </h1> - <h3> - OF - </h3> - <h1> - PETER WILKINS - </h1> - <h2> - By Robert Paltock - </h2> - <h3> - With A Preface By A. H. Bullen, - </h3> - <h2> - Vol. II (of II) - </h2> - <h4> - London: Reeves & Turner, 196 Strand. - </h4> - <h3> - 1884. - </h3> - <p> - <br /><br /><a name="linkimageb-0001" id="linkimageb-0001"> </a> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> - <img src="images/0001.jpg" alt="0001 " width="100%" /><br /> - </div> - <h5> - <a href="images/0001.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </h5> - <p> - <br /><br /><a name="linkimageb-0002" id="linkimageb-0002"> </a> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> - <img src="images/0007.jpg" alt="0007 " width="100%" /><br /> - </div> - <h5> - <a href="images/0007.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </h5> -<div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> - <img src="images/0009.jpg" alt="0009 " width="100%" /><br /> - </div> - <h5> - <a href="images/0009.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </h5> - - - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - LIFE and ADVENTURES OF PETER WILKINS - </h2> - <h3> - A Cornish Man - </h3> - <p> - Relating particularly, - </p> - <p> - His Shipwreck near the South Pole; his wonderful Passage thro' a - subterraneous Cavern into a kind of new World; his there meeting with a - Gawry or flying woman, whose Life he preserv'd, and afterwards married - her; his extraordinary Conveyance to the Country of Glums and Gawrys, or - Men and Women that fly. Likewise a Description of this strange Country, - with the Laws, Customs, and Manners of its Inhabitants, and the Author's - remarkable Transactions among them. - </p> - <p> - Taken from his own Mouth, in his Passage to England from off Cape Horn in - America, in the ship Hector. - </p> - <p> - With an INTRODUCTION, giving an Account of the surprizing Manner of his - coming on board that Vessel, and his Death on his landing at Plymouth in - the Year 1739. - </p> - <p> - Illustrated with several Cuts, clearly and distinctly representing the - Structure and Mechanism of the Wings of the Glums and Gawrys, and the - Manner in which they use them either to swim or fly. - </p> - <p> - By R. S. a Passenger in the Hector. - </p> - <p> - In Two Volumes. - </p> - <p> - <br /><br /><a name="linkimageb-0003" id="linkimageb-0003"> </a> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> - <img src="images/0011.jpg" alt="0011 " width="100%" /><br /> - </div> - <h5> - <a href="images/0011.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </h5> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <p> - <b>CONTENTS</b> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0001B"> LIFE and ADVENTURES OF PETER WILKINS </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2Hb_TOC"> CONTENTS OF VOL. II. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2Hb_4_0002"> <b>A GENUINE ACCOUNT OF THE LIFE OF PETER - WILKINS.</b> </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HbCH0001"> CHAPTER I. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HbCH0002"> CHAPTER II. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HbCH0003"> CHAPTER III. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HbCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HbCH0005"> CHAPTER V. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HbCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HbCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HbCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HbCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HbCH0010"> CHAPTER X. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HbCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HbCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HbCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HbCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HbCH0015"> CHAPTER XV. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HbCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HbCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HbCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HbCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HbCH0020"> CHAPTER XX. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HbCH0021"> CHAPTER XXI. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HbCH0022"> CHAPTER XXII. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HbCH0023"> CHAPTER XXIII. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HbCH0024"> CHAPTER XXIV. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HbCH0025"> CHAPTER XXV. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2Hb_4_0028"> A TABLE OF THE NAMES OF PERSONS AND THINGS - MENTIONED IN THE TWO VOLUMES. </a> - </p> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2Hb_TOC" id="link2Hb_TOC_"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CONTENTS OF VOL. II. - </h2> - <p> - CHAPT I. <br /> A discourse on light—Quangrollart explains the word - crashee—Believes a <br /> fowl is a fruit—Gives a further - account of Youwarkee's reception by <br /> her father, and by the king—Tommy - and Hallycarnie provided for at <br /> court—Youwarkee and her father - visit the colambs, and are visited—Her <br /> return put off till - next winter, when her father is to come with her <br /> CHAPT II. <br /> The - author shows Quangrollart and Rosig his poultry—They are surprised - <br /> at them—He takes them a-fishing—They wonder at his cart, - and at his <br /> shooting a fowl—They are terribly frightened at the - firing of the <br /> gun—He pacifies them <br /> CHAPT III. <br /> - Peter prepares for his father's reception—Arguments about his <br /> - beard—Expects his wife—Reflections on her not coming—Sees - a messenger <br /> on the rock—Has notice of Pendlehamby's arrival - and prepares a treat <br /> CHAPT IV. <br /> Peter settles the formality, of - his father's reception—Description <br /> of their march and - alighting—Receives his father—Conducts him to <br /> the grotto—Offers - to beg pardon for his marriage—Is prevented by <br /> Pendlehamby—Youwarkee - not known in her English habit—Quarters the <br /> officers in the - tent <br /> CHAPT V. <br /> The manner of their dinner—Believe the - fish and fowl to be <br /> fruits—Hears his brother and the colambs - are coming—Account of their <br /> lying—Peter's reflections on - the want of the graundee—They view <br /> the arkoe—Servants - harder to please than their masters—Reasons for <br /> different - dresses the same day <br /> CHAPT VI. <br /> Quangrollart arrives with the - colambs—Straitened for <br /> accommodation—Remove to the tent—Youwarkee - not known—Peter relates <br /> part of his travels—Dispute - about the beast-fish skins <br /> CHAPT VII. <br /> Go a-fishing—Catch - a beast-fish—Afraid of the gun—How Peter altered <br /> his net—A - fish-dinner for the guards—Method of dressing and eating it <br /> - CHAPT VIII. <br /> A shooting proposed—All afraid of the gun but one - private guard—His <br /> behaviour—Pendlehamby at Peter's - request makes him a general—Peter's <br /> discourse thereon—Remainder - of his story—The colambs return <br /> CHAPT IX. <br /> Peter finds - his stores low—Sends Youwarkee to the ship—Receives an <br /> - invitation to Georigetti's court <br /> CHAPT X. <br /> Nasgig comes with a - guard to fetch Peter—Long debate about his <br /> going—Nasgig's - uneasiness at Peter's refusal—Relates a prediction to <br /> him, and - proceedings thereon at Georigetti's court—Peter consents to <br /> go—Prepares - a machine for that purpose <br /> CHAPT XI. <br /> Peter's speech to the - soldiery—Offers them freedom—His journey—Is met <br /> by - the king—The king sent back, and why—Peter alights in the - king's <br /> garden—His audience—Description of his supper and - bed <br /> CHAPT XII. <br /> The king's apartments described—Peter is - introduced to the king—A <br /> moucheratt called—His discourse - with the king about religion <br /> CHAPT XIII. <br /> Peter's reflections - on what he was to perform—Settles the method <br /> of it—His - advice to his son and daughter—Globe-lights living <br /> creatures—Takes - Maleck into his service—Nasgig discovers to Peter a <br /> plot in - court—Revolt of Gauingrunt <br /> CHAPT XIV. <br /> Hold a moucheratt—Speeches - of ragans and colambs—Peter settles <br /> religion—Informs the - king of a plot—Sends Nasgig to the ship for <br /> cannon <br /> CHAPT - XV. <br /> The king hears Barbarsa and Yaccombourse discourse on the plot—They - <br /> are impeached by Peter at a moucheratt—Condemned and executed—Nicor - <br /> submits, and is released <br /> CHAPT XVI. <br /> Nasgig returns with - the cannon—Peter informs him of the <br /> execution—Appoints - him a guard—Settles the order of his march against <br /> Harlokin—Combat - between Nasgig and the rebel general—The battle—Peter <br /> - returning with Harlokin's head is met by a sweecoan—A public <br /> - festival—Slavery abolished <br /> CHAPT XVII. <br /> A visitation of - the revolted provinces proposed by Peter—His new name <br /> of the - country received—Religion settled in the west—Slavery - abolished <br /> there—Lasmeel returns with Peter—Peter teaches - him letters—The king <br /> surprised at written correspondence—Peter - describes the make of a beast <br /> to the king <br /> CHAPT XVIII. <br /> - Peter sends for his family—A rising of former slaves on that <br /> - account—Takes a view of the city—A description of it, and of - the <br /> country—Hot and cold springs <br /> CHAPT XIX. <br /> Peter - sends for his family—Pendlehamby gives a fabulous account of the - <br /> peopling of that country—Their policy and government—Peter's - <br /> discourse on trade—You-warkee arrives—Invites the king - and nobles to a <br /> treat—Sends to Graundevolet for fowls <br /> - CHAPT XX. <br /> Peter goes to his father's—Traverses the Black - Mountain—Takes a <br /> flight to Mount Alkoe—Gains the miners—Overcomes - the governor's <br /> troops—Proclaims Georigetti king—Seizes - the governor—Returns him the <br /> government—Peter makes laws - with the consent of the people, and returns <br /> to Brandleguarp with - deputies <br /> CHAPT XXI. <br /> Peter arrives with the deputies—Presents - them to the king—They <br /> return—A colony agreed to be sent - thither—Nasgig made governor—Manner <br /> of choosing the - colony—A flight-race, and the intent of it—Walsi wins <br /> - the prize and is found to be a gawry <br /> CHAPT XXII. <br /> The race - reconciles the two kingdoms—The colony proceeds—Builds a <br /> - city—Peter views the country at a distance—Hears of a prophecy - of <br /> the king of Norbon's daughter Stygee—Goes thither—Kills - the king's <br /> nephew—Fulfils the prophecy by engaging Stygee to - Georigetii—Returns <br /> CHAPT XXIII. <br /> A discourse on marriage - between Peter and Georigetii—Peter proposes <br /> Stygee—The - king accepts it—Relates his transactions at Norbon—The <br /> - marriage is consummated—Account of the marriage ceremony—Peter - goes <br /> to Norbon—Opens a free trade to Mount Alkoe—Gets - traders to settle at <br /> Norbon—Convoys cattle to Mount Alkoe - <br /> CHAPT XXIV. <br /> Peter looking over his books finds he has got a - Latin Bible— <br /> Sets about a translation—Teaches some of - the ragans letters—Sets up <br /> a paper manufacture—Makes the - ragans read the Bible—The ragans teach <br /> others to read and - write—A fair kept at the Black Mountain—Peter's <br /> - reflections on the Swangeantines <br /> CHAPT XXV. <br /> Peter's children - provided for—Youwarkee's death—How the king and <br /> queen - spent their time—Peter grows melancholy—Wants to get to <br /> - England—Contrives means—Is taken up at sea <br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2Hb_4_0002" id="link2Hb_4_0002_"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - A GENUINE ACCOUNT OF THE LIFE OF PETER WILKINS. - </h2> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2HbCH0001" id="link2HbCH0001_"> </a> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:15%;"> - <img src="images/5016.jpg" alt="5016 " width="100%" /><br /><a - href="images/5016.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </div> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> - <img src="images/0017.jpg" alt="0017 " width="100%" /><br /> - </div> - <h5> - <a href="images/0017.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </h5> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER I. - </h2> - <p> - <i>A discourse on light—Quangrollart explains the word crashee—Believes - a fowl is a fruit—Gives a further account of Youwarkeds reception by - her father, and by the king—Tommy and Hallycarnie provided for at - court—Youwarkee and her father visit the colambs, and are visited—Her - return put off till next winter, when her father is to come with her.</i> - </p> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>HE next day I - prepared again of the best of everything for my new guests. I killed three - fowls, and ordered Pedro (who was as good a cook almost as myself) to get - them ready for boiling, whilst we took a walk to the lake. Though we went - out in the clearest part of the morning, I heard no complaint of the - light. I took the liberty to ask my brother if the light did not offend - him; for I told him my wife could not bear so much without spectacles.—"What - is that spectacle?" says he.—"Something I made your sister," says I, - "to prevent the inconvenience of too much light upon her eyes."—He - said the light was scarce at all troublesome to him, for he had been in - much greater, and was used to it; and that the glumms, who travelled much - abroad, could bear more light than the gawrys, who stayed much at home: - these stirring but little out unless in large companies, and that of one - another, and very rarely admitted glumms amongst them before marriage. For - his own part, he said, he had an office at Crashdoorpt, * which, though he - executed chiefly by a deputy, obliged him to reside there sometimes for a - long season together; that being a more luminous country than - Arndrumnstake, light was become familiar to him; for it was very - observable that some who had been used to it young, though they might in - time overcome it, yet at first it was very uneasy. - </p> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - * The country of the Slits. -</pre> - <p> - I was upon the tenter whilst he spoke, lest, before he had done, a - question I had a thousand times thought to have asked my wife, should slip - out of my head, as it had so often done before, and was what I had for - years desired to be resolved in; viz., what the meaning of the word slit - was, when applied to a man. So, on his pausing, I said that his mention of - Crashdoorpt reminded me of inquiring what crashee meant, when applied to a - glumm or gawry. "It would be no hard task," he said, "to satisfy me in - respect of that, as I already understood the nature of the graundee;" - whereupon he went on thus: "Slitting is the only punishment we use to - incorrigible criminals: our method is, where any one has committed a very - heinous offence, or, which is the same thing, has multiplied the acts of - offence, he has a long string tied round his neck, in the manner of a - cravat; and then two glumms, one at each end, take it in their hands, - standing side by side with him; two more standing before him, and two - behind him; all which in that manner take flight, so that the string keeps - the criminal in the middle of them: thus they conduct him to Crashdoorpt, - which lies farther on the other side of Arndrumnstake than this arkoe does - on this side of it, and is just such an arkoe as ours, but much bigger - within the rocks. When they come to the covett they alight, where my - deputy immediately orders the malefactor to be slit, so that he can never - more return to Normnbdsgrsutt, or indeed by any means get out of that - arkoe, but must end his days there. The method of slitting is thus: The - criminal is laid on his back with his graundee open, and after a - recapitulation of his crimes, and his condemnation, the officer with a - sharp stone slits the gume * between each of the filuses ** of the - graundee, so that he can never fly more. But what is still worse to - new-comers, if they are not very young, is the light of the place, which - is so strong that it is some years before they can overcome it, if ever - they do." - </p> - <p> - This discourse gave me a great pleasure; thereupon I repeated the dialogue - that had passed between me and Youwarkee about my being slit, and how we - had held an argument a long time, without being able to come at one - another's meaning. "But pray, brother," says I, "how comes that light - country to agree so well with you?"—"Why," says he, "the colambat - *** of Crashdoorpt is reckoned one of the most honourable employments in - the state, by reason of the hazard of it, and the person accepting it must - be young: it was, by my father's interest at court, given to me at nine - years of age; my friend Rosig has followed my fortune in it ever since, - being much about my age, and has a post under me there: in short, by being - obliged to be so much there, and from so tender an age too, I have pretty - well inured myself to any light." - </p> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - * The membrane. - - ** Ribs. - - *** Government. -</pre> - <p> - By this time we had got home again to dinner, which Pedro had set out as - elegantly as my country could afford, consisting of pickles and preserves, - as usual, a dish of hard eggs, and boiled fowls with spinage. - </p> - <p> - My guests, as I expected, stared at the fowls, but never offered to touch - them, or seemed in the least inclined to do so. I was afraid they would be - cold, and begged them to let me help them. I put a wing on each of their - plates, and a leg on my own; but perceiving they waited to see how I - managed it, I stuck in my fork, cut off a slice, dipped it in the salt, - and put it in my mouth. Just as I did they did, and appeared very well - pleased with the taste. "I never in my life," says Rosig, "saw a - crullmott*of this shape before;" and laid hold of a leg (taking it for a - stick I had thrust in, as he told me afterwards), intending to pull it - out; but finding it grew there, "Mr. Peter," says he, "you have the - oddest-shaped crullmotts that ever I saw; pray what part of the woods do - they grow in?"—"Grow in?" says I.—"Aye," says he, "I mean - whether your crullmott-trees are like ours or not?"—"Why," says I, - "these fowls are about my yard and the wood too."—"What!" says he, - "is it a running plant like a bott?" **—"No, no," says I, "a bird - that I keep tame about my house; and these (showing him the eggs) are the - eggs of these birds, and the birds grow from them."—"Pr'ythee," says - Quangrollart, "never let's inquire what they are till we have dined; for - my brother Peter will give us nothing we need be afraid of." - </p> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - * A fruit like a melon. - - ** A gourd. -</pre> - <p> - It growing into the night by that time we rose from table, I set a bowl of - punch before them, made with my treacle and sour ram's-horn juice, which - they pulled off plentifully. After some bumpers had gone round, I desired - my brother to proceed where he left off, in the account of my wife's - reception with her father. - </p> - <p> - "When my father," says he, "had recovered himself by some hours' repose, - the first thing he did was to order my sister Youwarkee to be called; who, - coming into his presence, he took her from her knees, kissed her, and - ordered all to depart but myself and Hallycarnie. Then bidding us sit - down, says he to your wife, 'Daughter, your appearance, whom I have so - long lamented as dead, has given me the truest cordial I could have - received, and I hope will add both to my health and years. I have heard - you suspect my anger for some part of your past conduct (for he had hinted - so to her sister and me), which you justly enough imagined may be - censured; but, my dear life, I am this day, what I did not expect any more - to be, a father of a new-born child; and not of one only, but of many; and - this day, I say, daughter, shall not be spent in sorrow and excuses, or - anything to interrupt our mutual felicity; neither will I ever hereafter - permit you to forget my forgiveness, or attempt to palliate any of your - proceedings; for know, child, that a benevolence freely bestowed is better - than twice its value obtained by petition: I, therefore, as in presence of - the Great Image, your brother and sister, at this instant erase from my - mind for ever what thoughts I may have had prejudicial to the love I ever - bore you, as I will have you to do all such as may cloud the unreserved - complacency you used to appear with before me. And now, Quangrollart,' - says he, 'let the guard be drawn out before my covett, and let the whole - country be entertained for seven days; proclaim liberty to all persons - confined; and let not the least sorrow appear in any face throughout my - colambat.' - </p> - <p> - "I retired immediately, and gave the necessary orders for the speedy - despatch of my father's commands, which indeed were performed to the - utmost; and nothing for seven days was to be heard through the whole - district of Arndrumnstake but joy and the name of Youwarkee. - </p> - <p> - "My father, so soon as he had despatched the above orders, sent for the - children before him, whom he kissed and blessed, frequently lifting up his - eyes in gratitude to the Great Image for the unexpected happiness he - enjoyed on that occasion; and then he ordered Youwarkee to let him know - what had befallen her in her absence, and where she lived, and with whom. - </p> - <p> - "Youwarkee was setting out with some indirect excuses; but my father - absolutely forbid her, and charged her only to mention plain facts, - without flourishes. So she began with her swangean, and the accidental - fall she had, your taking her in after it, and saving her life. She told - him your continued kindness so wrought upon her, that she found herself - incapable of disesteeming you, but never showed her affection, till, - having examined every particular of your life, and finding you a worthy - man, she could not avoid becoming your wife; and she said the reasons why - she always declined being seen by her friends in their swangeans, was for - fear she should be forced from you, though she longed to see us; and that - at last she was to come by your consent, and that, had it rested there - only, she might have come much sooner, for that you would often have had - her show herself to her friends, when you heard them, having strong - desires yourself to be known to them. - </p> - <p> - "My father, upon hearing this, was so charmed with your tenderness and - affection to his daughter, that you already rival his own issue in his - esteem, and he is persuaded he can never do enough for you or your - children. - </p> - <p> - "The noise of Youwarkee's return, and my father's rejoicing, soon spread - over all Normnbdsgrsutt; and King Georigetti sent express to my father, to - command him to attend with your wife and children at Brandleguarp, his - capital. Thither accordingly we all went with a grand retinue, and stayed - twenty days. The king took great delight, as well as the ladies of the - court, to hear Youwarkee and her children talk English, and in being - informed of you and your way of life; and so fond was Yaccombourse (who, - though not the king's wife, is instead of one) of my nephew Tommy, that, - upon my father's return, she took him to herself, and assured my sister he - should continue near her person till he was qualified for better - preferment. The king's sister Jahamel would also have taken Patty into her - service; but she begged to be permitted to attend her mother to - Arndrumnstake; so Hallycarnie, her sister, who chose to continue with - Jahamel, was received in her room. - </p> - <p> - "Upon my father's return to Arndrumnstake, he found no less than fifteen - expresses from several colambs, desiring to rejoice with him on the return - of his daughter, with particular invitations to him and her to spend some - time with them. My father, though he hates more pomp than is necessary to - support dignity, could do no less than severally visit them, with - Youwarkee, attended by a grand retinue, spending more or less days with - each; hoping when that was over, he should have some little time to spend - in retirement with his daughter before her departure, who now began to be - uneasy for you, who, she said, would suffer the greatest concern in her - absence: but upon their return from those visits, at about the end of four - months' progress, they found themselves in as little likelihood of - retirement as the first day; for the inferior colambs were continually - posting away, one after another, to perform their respects to my father, - and all the inferior magistrates of smaller districts sending to know when - they might be permitted to do the same. Poor Youwarkee, who saw no end of - it, expressed her concern for you in so lively a manner to my father, that - finding he could by no means put a stop to the goodwill of the people, and - not bearing the thoughts of You-warkee's departure till she had now - received all their compliments, he resolved to keep her with him till the - next winter set in in these parts, and then to accompany her himself to - Graundevolet. In the meanwhile, that you might not remain in an uneasy - suspense what was become of my sister, he ordered me to despatch - messengers express to inform you of the reasons of her stay; but I told - him, if he pleased, I would execute that office myself, with my friend - Rosig, with which he was very well pleased, and enjoined me to assure you - of his affection, and that he himself was debtor to you for the love and - kindness you had shown his daughter. - </p> - <p> - "Thus, brother," says Quangrollart, "I hope I have acquitted myself of my - charge to your satisfaction, and it only now remains that I return you my - acknowledgments for your hearty welcome to myself and friend; which (with - concern I speak it) I am afraid I shall not have an opportunity to return - at Arndrumnstake, the distance being so immensely great and you not having - the graundee. To-morrow morning my friend and I will set out on our return - home." - </p> - <p> - Quangrollart having done, I told him I could not but blush at the load of - undeserved praises he had laid on me; but as he had received his notion of - my merits from a wife too fond to let my character sink for want of her - support, it would be sufficient if himself could conceive of, and also - represent me at his return, in no worse a light than other men; and though - it gave me pain to think of losing my wife so long, yet his account of her - health and the company he assured me she would return in, would doubly - compensate my loss; and I begged of him, if it might be with any - convenience, he would let some messenger come the day before her, to give - me notice of their approach. As to their departure on the morrow, I told - them I could by no means think of that, as I had proposed to catch them a - dinner of fresh fish in the lake, and to show them my boat, and how and - where I came into this arkoe, believing, by what I had observed, it would - be no small novelty to them. So, having engaged them one day more, we - parted for that night to rest. - </p> - <p> - <br /><br /><a name="linkimageb-0006" id="linkimageb-0006"> </a> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:15%;"> - <img src="images/5027.jpg" alt="5027 " width="100%" /><br /><a - href="images/5027.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </div> - <p> - <br /><br /><a name="linkimageb-0007" id="linkimageb-0007"> </a> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> - <img src="images/0028.jpg" alt="0028 " width="100%" /><br /> - </div> - <h5> - <a href="images/0028.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </h5> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2HbCH0002" id="link2HbCH0002_"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER II. - </h2> - <p> - <i>The Author shows Quangrollart and Rosig his poultry—They are - surprised at them—He takes them a-fishing—They wonder at his - cart, and at his shooting a fowl—They are terribly frightened at the - firing of the gun—Wilkins pacifies them.</i> - </p> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span> WAS heartily - sorry to lose my brother thus quickly, and still more so to find it would - be a long time yet ere I should see my wife; however, I was resolved to - behave as cheerfully as possible, and to omit nothing I could do, the few - remaining hours of Quangrollart's stay with me, to rivet myself thoroughly - in his esteem, and to dismiss him with a most cordial affection to me and - the rest of my children here with him. I rose early in the morning, to - provide a good breakfast for my guests, and considering we should be in - the air most part of that day, I treated them with a dish of hot - fish-soup, and set before them on the table a jovial bottle of brandy and - my silver can; this last piece I chose to show them, as a specimen of the - richness of my household furniture, and the grandeur of my living, - concealing most of my other curiosities till Pendlehamby my - father-in-law's arrival, for I thought it would be imprudent not to have - somewhat new of this kind to display at his entertainment. - </p> - <p> - After a plenteous meal, we set out on our pleasurable expedition, having - told Pedro what to get for dinner, and that I believed we should not - return till late. - </p> - <p> - We first took a turn in the wood, but I did not lead them near my tent, - because I did not choose my wife should hear of that till she came. I then - showed them my farmyard and poultry, which they were strangely surprised - at, and wondered to see so many creatures come at my call, and run about - my legs only upon a whistle, though before there were only two or three to - be seen. They asked me a hundred questions about the fowl, which I - answered, and told them these were some such as they had eaten, and called - crullmotts, the day before. I afterwards carried them to hear the music of - those plants that I call my cream-cheese, which, as there happened to be a - small breeze stirring, made their usual melody. - </p> - <p> - When we had diverted ourselves some time in the wood, we went to the - wet-dock, where I showed them my boat. At first view they wondered what - use it was for; to satisfy them in that I stepped in, desiring them to - follow me; but seeing the boat's agitation, they did not choose to venture - till I assured them they might come with the greatest safety; at length, - with some persuasion and repeated assurances, I prevailed on them to trust - themselves with me. - </p> - <p> - We first rowed to the bridge, where I informed them by what accident I was - drawn down the stream on the other side of the rock, and after a tedious - and dangerous passage, discharged safe in the lake through that opening. - </p> - <p> - I then told them how surprised I had been, just before I knew Youwarkee, - with the sight of her country-folks, first on the lake, and then taking - flight from that bridge, and what had been my thoughts, and how great my - terrors on that occasion. - </p> - <p> - After we had viewed the bridge, I took them to my rill (for by this time - they were reconciled to the boat, and would help me to row it), and showed - them how I got water. I then landed them to see the method of fishing, for - which purpose I laid my net in proper order, and fixing it as usual, I - brought it round out at the rill, and had a very good haul, with which I - desired them to help me up; for though I could easily have done it myself, - I had a mind to let them have a hand in the sport, with which they were - pleased. I perceived, however, the fish were not agreeable to them, for - when any one came near their hands, they avoided touching it: - notwithstanding, having got the net on shore, I laid it open; but to see - how they stared at the fish, creeping backwards, and then at me and the - net, it made me very merry to myself, though I did not care to show it. - </p> - <p> - I drew up at that draught twenty-two fishes in all, of which a few were - near an ell long, several about two feet, and some smaller. When they saw - me take up the large ones in my arms, and tumble them into the boat, they - both, unrequested, took up the small ones, and put them in likewise; but - dropping them every time they struck their tails, the fish had commonly - two or three falls ere they came to the boat. - </p> - <p> - I asked them how they liked that sport, and they told me, it was somewhat - very surprising that I should know just where the fish were, as they could - see none before I pulled them up, and yet they did not hear me whistle. I - perceived by this they imagined I could whistle the fish together as well - as the fowls, and I did not undeceive them, being well enough pleased they - should think me excellent for something, as I really thought they were on - account of the graundee. - </p> - <p> - Upon our return, when I had docked my boat, as there were too many fish to - carry up by hand to the grotto, I desired them to take a turn upon the - shore till I fetched my cart for them. I made what haste I could, and - brought one of my guns with me, which I determined, upon some occasion or - other, to fire off; for I took it they would be more surprised at the - explosion of that than at anything they had yet seen. Having loaded my - fish, and marched backwards, they eyed my cart very much, and wondered - what made the wheels move about so, taking them for legs it walked upon, - till I explained the reason of it, and then they desired to draw it, which - they did with great eagerness, one at a time, the other observing its - motions. - </p> - <p> - As we advanced homewards, there came a large water-fowl, about the size of - a goose, flying across us. I bid them look at it, which they did. Says my - brother, "I wish I had it!" - </p> - <p> - "If you have a mind for it," says I, "I'll give it you." - </p> - <p> - "I wish you would," says he, "for I never saw anything like it in my - life!" - </p> - <p> - "Stand still then," says I; and stepping two or three yards before them, I - fired, and down it dropped. I then turned about to observe what impression - the gun had made on them, and could not help laughing to see them so - terrified. Rosig, before I could well look about, had got fifty paces from - me, and my brother was lying behind the cart of fish. I called and asked - them what was the matter, and desired them to come to me, telling them - they should receive no harm, and offered my brother the gun to handle; but - he, thanking me as much as if he had, retired to Rosig. - </p> - <p> - Finding they made a serious affair of it (for I saw them whispering - together), I was under some apprehension for the consequences of my - frolic. Thinks I, if under this disgust they take flight, refusing to hear - me, and report that I was about to murder them, or tell any other - pernicious story to my father of me, I am absolutely undone, and shall - never see Youwarkee more. So I laid down the gun by the fish, and moving - slowly towards them, expostulated with them upon their disorder; assuring - them that though the object before them might surprise them, it was but a - common instrument in my country, which every boy used to take birds with; - and protested to them that the gun of itself could do nothing without my - skill directing it, and that they might be sure I should never employ that - but to their service. This, and a great deal more, brought us together - again; and when we came to reasoning coolly, they blamed me for not giving - them notice. Says I, "There was no room for me to explain the operation of - the gun to you whilst the bird was on the wing, for it would have been - gone out of my reach before I could have made you sensible of that, and so - have escaped me; which, as you desired me to get it you, I was resolved it - should not do. But for yourselves, surely you could have no diffidence in - me; that is highly unbecoming of man to man, especially relations; and, - above all, a relation to whom you have brought the welcomest news upon - earth, in the love of my dear father, and his reconciliation to my wife." - </p> - <p> - At last, by degrees, I brought them to confess that it was only a - groundless sudden terror which suppressed their reason for a while, but - that what I said was all very true; and as their serious reflection - returned, they were satisfied of it. I then stepped for the bird, and - brought it to them; it was a very fine-feathered creature, and they were - very much delighted with the beauty of it, and desired it might be laid - upon the cart and carried home. - </p> - <p> - All the way we went afterwards to the grotto, nothing was to be heard from - them but my praises, and what a great and wise man brother Peter was. "And - no wonder now, sister Youwarkee," says Quangrollart, "once knowing him, - could never leave him." It was not my business to gainsay this, but only - to receive it with so much modesty as might serve to heighten their good - opinion of me; and I found, upon my wife's return, that Quangrollart had - painted me in no mean colours to his father. - </p> - <p> - I once more had the pleasure of entertaining them with the old fare, and - some of the fresh fish, part boiled and part fried, which last they chose - before the boiled. We made a very cheerful supper, talking over that day's - adventures, and of their ensuing journey home, after which we retired to - rest, mutually pleased. We all arose early the next morning. We took a - short breakfast, after which Quangrollart and Rosig stuck their chaplets - with the longest and most beautiful feathers of the bird I shot, thinking - them a fine ornament. Being now ready for departure, they embraced me and - the children, and were just taking flight, when it came into my head, that - as the king's mistress had taken Tommy into her protection, it might - possibly be a means of ingratiating him in her favour if I sent him the - flageolet (for I had, in my wife's absence, made two others near as good, - by copying exactly after it). I therefore desired to know if one of them - would trouble himself with a small piece of wood I very much wanted to - convey to my son. Rosig answered, "With all his heart; if it was not very - long he would put it into his colapet." * So I stepped in, and fetching - the flageolet, presented it to Rosig. My brother seeing it look oddly, - with holes in it, desired (after he had asked if it was not a little gun) - to have the handling of it. It was given him, and he surveyed it very - attentively. Being inquisitive into the use of it, I told him it was a - musical instrument, and played several tunes upon it; with which he and - his companion were in raptures. I doubt not they would have sat a week to - hear me if I would have gone on; but I desiring the latter to take care of - its safety, he put it in his colapet, and away they went. - </p> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - * A bag they always carry round the neck. -</pre> - <h3> - <br /><br /> - </h3> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2HbCH0003" id="link2HbCH0003_"> </a> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> - <img src="images/0036.jpg" alt="0036 " width="100%" /><br /> - </div> - <h5> - <a href="images/0036.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </h5> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER III. - </h2> - <p> - <i>Peter prepares for his father's reception—Arguments about his - beard—Expects his wife—Reflections on her not coming—Sees - a messenger on the rock—Has notice of Pendlehambys arrival, and - prepares a treat.</i> - </p> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>HE news my late - visitors had brought me set my mind quite at ease; and now having leisure - to look into my own affairs, with the summer before me, I began to - consider what preparations I must make against the return of my wife; for, - according to the report I had heard, I concluded there would be a great - number of attendants; and as her father would no doubt pique himself upon - the grandeur of his equipage, if his followers should see nothing in me - but a plain dirty fellow, I should be contemned, and perhaps my wife, - through my means, be slighted, or at least lose that respect the report of - me had in a great measure procured her. - </p> - <p> - The first thing therefore that I did, was to look into my chests again, - wherein I knew there were many of the Portuguese captain's clothes, and - take out such as would be most suitable to the occasion, and lay them all - by themselves. I found a blue cloth laced coat, double-breasted, with very - large gold buttons, and very broad gold button-holes, lined with white - silk; a pair of black velvet breeches, a large gold-laced hat, and a point - neckcloth with two or three very good shirts, two pair of red-heeled - shoes, a pair of white and another of scarlet silk stockings, two - silver-hilted swords, and several other good things; but upon examination - of these clothes, and by a letter or two I found in the pockets of some of - them, directed to Captain Jeremiah Vauclaile, in Thread-needle Street, - London, I judged these belonged to the English captain, taken by the - Portuguese ship in Africa. I immediately tried some of them on, and - thought they became me very well, and laid all those in particular chests, - to be ready when the time came, and set them into one of my inner rooms. - </p> - <p> - Upon examining the contents of another chest, I found a long scarlet cloak - laced, a case of razors, a pair of scissors, and shaving-glass, a long-wig - and two bob-wigs, and laid them by; for I was determined, as I might - possibly have no other opportunity, to make myself appear as considerable - as I could. - </p> - <p> - When I had digested in my mind upon what occasions I would appear in - either of them, and laid them in proper order, Pedro and I went several - days to work with the net, and caught abundance of fish, which I salted - and dried; and we cut a great quantity of long grass to dry, and spread in - my tent for the lower gentry, and made up a little cock of it; we also cut - and piled up a large parcel of firewood; and as I had now about thirty of - the best fish-skins, each of which would cover four chairs, I nailed them - on for cushions to my chairs, and the rest I sewed together, and made rugs - of them. - </p> - <p> - I had observed that my brother Quangrollart, and Rosig, neither of them - had beards, and as they were quite smooth-chinned, I conjectured that none - of their countrymen had any: So, says I, if that is the case, as I have - now both scissors and razors, I will e'en cut off mine, to be like them. I - then set up my glass, taking my scissors in hand; but had not quite closed - them for a snip, when I considered that as I was not of their country, and - was so different from them in other respects, whether it would not add to - my dignity to appear with my beard before them. This I debated some time, - and then determined in favour of my beard; but as this question still ran - in my mind, and I wavered sometimes this way, sometimes that, I some days - after prepared again for execution, and took a large slip off; when, says - I, how can I tell whether I can shave after all? I have not tried yet, and - if I can't, how much more ridiculous shall I look with stubbed hair here - and there, than with this comely beard? I must say, I never in my life had - so long a debate with myself, it holding upwards of two months, varying - almost every time I thought of it; till one day, dressing myself in a suit - I had not before tried on, and looking in the glass: It can never be, says - I, that this grave beard should suit with these fine clothes; no, I will - have it off, I am resolved. I had no sooner given another good snip, than - spying the cloak, I had a mind to see how I looked in that. Aye, says I, - now I see I must either wear this beard or not this cloak. How majestic - does it look! So sage, so grave, it denotes wisdom and solidity; and if - they already think well of me, don't let me be fool enough to relinquish - my claim to that for a gay coat. I had no sooner fixed on this, than I - took up all the implements to put again into the chest; and the last of - them being the glass, I would have one more look before I parted with it; - but my beard made such a horrid, frightful figure, with the three great - cuts in it, that though it grieved me to think I must part with it just - when I had come to a resolution to preserve it, I fell to work with my - scissors, and off it came; and after two or three trials I became very - expert with my razor. - </p> - <p> - Winter coming on, as I knew I must soon have more occasion than ever for a - stock of provision, from the increase of mouths I expected, I laid in a - stock for a little army; and when the hurry of that was over, I kept a - sharp look-out upon the level, in expectation of my company, and had once - a mind to have brought my tent thither to entertain them in; but it was - too much trouble for the hands I had, so I dropped the design. I took one - or other of the children with me every day, and grew more and more uneasy - at hearing nothing of them; and as uncertain attendance naturally breeds - thoughtfulness, and the hours in no employ pass so leisurely as in that, - my mind presaged numberless intervening accidents that might, if not - entirely prevent their coming, at least postpone it. - </p> - <p> - Thinks I (and that I fixed for my standard), Youwarkee, I am sure, would - come if she could; but then, says I, here is a long flight, and to be - undertaken by an old man too (for I thought my father-in-law much older - than I afterwards found him), who is now quiet and safe at home; and - having his daughter with him, is no doubt desirous of continuing so: now, - what cares he for my uneasiness? He can find one pretence or other, no - doubt, of drilling on the time till the dark weather is over; and then, - forsooth, it will be too late to come; and thus shall I be hung up in - suspense for another year. Or what if my brother, as he called himself, - for he may be no more a brother of mine than the Pope's, for ought I know, - came only on a pretence to see how I went on; and not finding, for all his - sham compliments to me, his sister married to his father's liking, should - advise him not to send my wife back again; and so all the trouble I have - had on their account should only prove a standing monument of my foolish - credulity! Nay, it is not impossible, but as I have already had one - message to inform me Tommy and Hallycarnie are provided for, as much as to - say in plain English I shall see them no more, so I may soon have another - by some sneaking puppy or other, whom I suppose I am to treat for the - news, to tell me my wife and Patty are provided for too, and I am to thank - my kind benefactors for taking so great a charge off my hands. Am I? No! - I'll first set my tent, clothes, chairs, and all other mementoes of my - stupidity on fire, and by perishing, what's left of us, in the blaze, - exterminate at once the wretched remains of a deserted family. I hate to - be made a fool of! - </p> - <p> - I had scarce finished my soliloquy, when I heard a monstrous sort of groan - or growl in the air, like thunder at a distance. "What's that, Pedro?" - says I.—"I never heard the like before, daddy!" says he.—"Look - about, boy," says I, "do you see anything?"—We heard it again. - "Hark!" says Pedro, "it comes from that end of the lake."—While we - were listening to the third sound, says Pedro, "Daddy, yonder is something - black upon the rock, I did not see just now."—"Why, it moves," says - I, "Pedro; here is news, good or bad."—"Hope the best, daddy," says - Pedro; "I wish it may be mammy."—"No," says I, "Pedro, I don't - expect her before I hear from her."—"Why, then," says Pedro, "here - they come; I can plainly discern three of them. If my brother Tommy should - be there, daddy!"—"No," says I, "Pedro, no such good news; they tell - me Tommy's provided for, and that's to suffice for the loss of my child: - and yet, Pedro, if I could get you settled in England in some good employ, - I should consent to that: but what Tommy's to be I know not." - </p> - <p> - By this time the three persons were so near that, seeing us, they called - out "Peter!" and I making signs for them to alight, they settled just - before me, and told me that Pendlehamby and Youwarkee would be with me by - light next day. - </p> - <p> - I had no sooner heard this, but so far was I from firing my tent, that I - invited them to my grotto, set the best cheer before them, and with - overhaste to do more than one thing at once, I even left undone what I - might have done. - </p> - <p> - I asked them who came with my father; and they told me about two hundred - guards: that knocked me up again, as I had but prepared for about sixty; - thinks I, My scheme is all untwisted. I then asked them what loud noise it - was, and if they heard it just before I saw them over the rock. They told - me they heard only the gripsack they brought with them to distinguish them - from ordinary messengers; and then one of them showed it me, for I had - before only taken it for a long staff in his hand: "but," says he, "you - will hear them much louder to-morrow, and longer, before they come to - you." - </p> - <p> - Having entertained them to their content, I sent them to rest, not - choosing to ask any questions; for I avoided anticipating the pleasure of - hearing all the news from Youwarkee herself. However, the boys and I - prepared what provisions of fowl and fish we could in the time, to be - ready cold against they came, and then laid down ourselves. - </p> - <p> - <br /><br /><a name="linkimageb-0008" id="linkimageb-0008"> </a> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:15%;"> - <img src="images/5043.jpg" alt="5043 " width="100%" /><br /><a - href="images/5043.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </div> - <p> - <br /><br /><a name="linkimageb-0009" id="linkimageb-0009"> </a> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> - <img src="images/0044.jpg" alt="0044 " width="100%" /><br /> - </div> - <h5> - <a href="images/0044.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </h5> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2HbCH0004" id="link2HbCH0004_"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER IV. - </h2> - <p> - <i>Peter settles the formality of his father's reception-Description of - their march, and alighting; receives his father—Conducts him to his - grotto—Offers to beg pardon for his mandate—Is prevented by - Pendlehamby—Youwarkee not known in the English habit—Quarters - the officers in the tent.</i> - </p> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">M</span>Y mind ran so all - night upon the settling the formality with which I should receive - Pendlehamby, that I got little or no rest. In the morning I spread my - table in as neat a manner as I could, and having dressed myself, Pedro, - Jemmy, and David, we marched to the plain; myself carrying a chair, and - each of them a stool. I was dressed in a cinnamon-coloured gold-button - coat, scarlet waistcoat, velvet breeches, white silk stockings, the - campaign-wig flowing, a gold-laced hat and feather, point cravat, silver - sword, and over all my cloak; as for my sons, they had the clothes my wife - made before she went. - </p> - <p> - When we heard them coming, I marshalled the children in the order they - were to sit, and charged them to do as they saw me do, but to keep rather - a half-pace backwarder than me; and then sitting down in my chair, I - ordered Pedro to his stool on my right hand, and Jemmy to his on my left, - and David to the left of Jemmy. - </p> - <p> - I then sent two of the messengers to meet them, with instructions to let - Youwarkee know where I waited for them, that they might alight at a small - distance before they came to me. This she having communicated to her - father, the order ran through the whole corps immediately when and where - to alight. - </p> - <p> - It will be impossible for me by words to raise your ideas adequate to the - grandeur of the appearance this body of men made coming over the rock; but - as I perceive your curiosity is on the stretch to comprehend it, I shall - faintly aim at gratifying you. - </p> - <p> - After we had heard for some time a sound as of distant rumbling thunder, - or of a thousand bears in consort, serenading in their hoarsest voices, we - could just perceive by the clearness of the dawn gilding on the edge of - the rock, a black stream arise above the summit of it, seemingly about - forty paces broad; when the noise increasing very much the stream arose - broader and broader; and then you might perceive rows of poles, with here - and there a streamer; and as soon as ever the main body appeared above the - rock, there was such a universal shout as rent the air, and echoing from - the opposite rock returned the salute to them again. This was succeeded - with a most ravishing sound of voices in song, which continued till they - came pretty near me; and then the first line, consisting of all the - trumpets, mounting a considerable height, and still blowing, left room for - the next ranks, about twenty abreast, to come forward beneath them; each - of which dividing in the middle, alighted in ranks at about twenty paces - distant from my right and left, making a lane before me, at the farther - end of which Pendlehamby and his two daughters alighted with about twenty - of his guards behind them, the remainder, consisting of about twenty more, - coming forward over my head, and alighting behind me; and during this - whole ceremony, the gripsacks sounded with such a din, it was astonishing. - </p> - <p> - Poor Youwarkee, who knew nothing of my dress, or of the loss of my beard, - was thunderstruck when she saw me, not being able to observe any visage I - had for my great wig and hat; but putting a good face upon the matter, and - not doubting but if the person she saw was not me, she should soon find - her husband, for she knew the children by their clothes, she came forward - at her father's right hand, I sitting as great as a lord, till they came - within about thirty paces of my seat; and then gravely rising, I pulled - off my hat and made my obeisance, and again at ten steps forwarder; so - that I made my third low bow close at the feet of Pendlehamby, the - children all doing the same. I then kneeling with one leg, embraced his - right knee; who raising me up, embraced me. Then retiring three steps, and - coming forward again, I embraced Youwarkee some time; during which the - children observed my pattern with Pendlehamby, who took them up and kissed - them. - </p> - <p> - I whispered Youwarkee to know if any more of her relations were in the - train, to whom I ought to pay my compliments; she told me only her sister - Hallycarnie, just behind her father. I then saluted her, and stepping - forward to the old gentleman's left hand, I ushered him through the lines - of guards to my chair; where I caused him to sit down with Youwarkee and - Hallycarnie on each side, and myself on the left of Hallycarnie. - </p> - <p> - After expressing the great honour done me by Pendlehamby in this visit, I - told him I had a little grotto about half a mile through the wood, to - which, if he pleased to command, we would retire; for I had only placed - that seat to relieve him immediately upon his descent. - </p> - <p> - Pendlehamby rose, and all the gripsacks sounded, he leading Youwarkee in - his right hand, and I Hallycarnie in mine. - </p> - <p> - At the grotto, my father being seated, taking Youwarkee in my hand, we - paid our obedience to him. I would have asked his pardon for taking his - daughter to wife without his leave, and was going on in a set speech I had - studied for the purpose; but he refused to hear me, telling me I was - mistaken, he had consented. I was replying I knew he had been so good as - to pass it over, but that would not excuse—when he again interrupted - me by saying, "If I approve it and esteem you, what can you desire more!"—So, - finding the subject ungrateful, I desisted. - </p> - <p> - I then gave each of them a silver can of Madeira, and Youwarkee retired. I - soon made an excuse to follow her to learn if she was pleased with what I - had done. Says she, "My dearest, what is come to you? I will promise you, - but for fear of surprising my father, I had disowned you for my husband."—"Dear - Youwee," says I, "do you approve my dress, for this is the English - fashion?"—"This, Peter," says she, "I perceived attracted all eyes - to you, and indeed is very showy, and I approve it in regard to those we - are now to please; but you are not to imagine I esteem you more in this - than your old jacket; for it is Peter I love in this and all things else; - but step in again, I shall only dress, and come to you." - </p> - <p> - My wife, being dressed in her English gown, just crossed the room where my - father sat, to see Dicky, who was in another side-room. I was then sitting - by, and talking with him. "Son," says my father, "I understood you had no - other woman in this arkoe but my daughter; for surely you have no child so - tall as that," pointing to my wife.—"No, sir," said I, "that is a - friend."—"Is she come to you," says he, "in my daughter's absence?"—"Oh, - sir," says I, "she is very well known to my wife." - </p> - <p> - Whilst we were talking in comes Youwarkee with the child in her arms, - which she kept covered to the wrists with her gown-sleeve, to hide her - graundee; and playing with the child, talked only in English to it. "Is - this your youngest son?" says my father.—I told him yes.—"Pray, - madam," says I, "bring the child to my father."—"Madam," says he, - "you have a fine baby in your arms; has his mother seen him since she came - home?" He speaking this in his own tongue, and Youwarkee looking at me as - if she could not understand him, I interpreted it to her. My sister then - desired to see the child, but I was forced again to interpret there too. - In short, they both talked with my wife near half an hour, but neither of - them knew her; till at last, saying in her own language, "That is your - granddaddy, my dear Dicky!" the old gentleman smoked her out.—"I'll - be slit," says he, "if that is not Youwarkee!"—"It's impossible!" - says Hallycarnie.—"Indeed, sister," says Youwarkee, "you are - mistaken!" and my father protesting he had not the least suspicion of her, - till she spoke in his tongue, rose and kissing her and the child, desired - her to appear in that habit during his stay. - </p> - <p> - I asked Pedro what provision had been made for the guards: "Son," says my - father, "I bring not this number of people to eat you up; they have their - subsistence with them," and he would by no means suffer me to allow them - any. I then desired to know if there were any officers or others to whom - he would have shown any particular marks of distinction.—"Son," says - the old glumm, "you seem to have studied punctilios; and though I should - be sorry to incommode you for their sakes, if you could procure some - shelter and sleep-room for about twenty of them who are superiors, ten at - a time, while the rest are on duty, I should be glad." I told him I had - purposely erected a tent, which would with great ease accommodate a - greater number; and as they were of distinction, with his leave I insisted - upon providing for them; to which, with some reluctance, I procured his - consent. - </p> - <p> - When Pendlehamby was refreshed, he would go with me to see the officers' - quarters, and showing him my tent, he having never seen such a thing - before, was going to climb up the outside of it, taking it for earth. - "Hold, sir," said I, "you cannot do so!" Then taking him to the front of - it, I turned aside the blue cloth and desired him to walk in; at which he - seemed wonderfully pleased, and asked me how it was made. I told him in as - few words as I could; but he understood so little of it, that anything - else I had said might have done as well. He mightily approved it; and - calling the chief officer, I desired he would command my house, and that - provision should be supplied to his quarters daily; at which he - hesitating, I assured him I had my father's leave for what I offered; - whereupon he stroked his chin. - </p> - <p> - I then asked him if he had any clever fellows under him to serve them, and - dress their provisions; but he hoped, he said, they were ready dressed, as - his men knew little of that matter; but for any other piece of service, as - many as I pleased should be at my command. - </p> - <p> - <br /><br /><a name="linkimageb-0010" id="linkimageb-0010"> </a> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:15%;"> - <img src="images/5051.jpg" alt="5051 " width="100%" /><br /><a - href="images/5051.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </div> - <p> - <br /><br /><a name="linkimageb-0011" id="linkimageb-0011"> </a> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> - <img src="images/0052.jpg" alt="0052 " width="100%" /><br /> - </div> - <h5> - <a href="images/0052.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </h5> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2HbCH0005" id="link2HbCH0005_"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER V. - </h2> - <p> - <i>The manner of their dinner—Believe the fish and fowl to be fruits—Hears - his brother and the colambs are coming—Account of their lying—Peter's - reflections on the want of the graundee—They view the arkoe—Servants - harder to please than their masters—Reason for different dresses the - same day.</i> - </p> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">P</span>ENDLEHAMBY having - a mind to view my arkoe, took a long walk with Hallycarnie in the wood - till dinner-time; and he having before told me that some of his guards - always waited on him at meals, I ordered their dinner before his return, - sending a large dish of cold fowls, cut into joints, into the tent, to be - spread on clean leaves I had laid on the chests; and setting a sufficient - quantity of bread and fish there also, I desired the officers present to - refresh themselves now, and the rest when relieved should have a fresh - supply. I saw there was an oddity in their countenances, which at first I - did not comprehend; but presently turning about to the superior, "Sir," - says I, "though this food may look unusual to you, it is what my island - affords, and you will be better reconciled to it after tasting." So taking - a piece of fowl and dipping it in the salt, I ate a bit myself, and - recommended another to him; who, eating it, they all fell to without - further scruple, above all things commending the salt as what they had - never tasted the like of before, though they thought they had both of the - fish and fowl. - </p> - <p> - I then told them where my supply of water came from, and that they must - furnish themselves with that by their own men. - </p> - <p> - Upon the return of my father and sister, the gripsack sounded for dinner; - when four officers on duty entering, desired, as their posts, to have the - serving up of the dishes. One of them I perceived, having set on the first - dish, never stirred from behind Pendlehamby; but upon his least word or - sign, ordered the others what to do or bring, which he only presented to - my father; and he frequently gave him a piece from his own plate; but the - other officers served at the table promiscuously. - </p> - <p> - After dinner I brought in a bowl of punch; when begging leave to proceed - in my country method, I drank to my father's health. "So, daughter," says - he to my wife, "we are at the old game again. Son," says he, "this is no - novelty to me, Youwarkee constantly drinking to the health of her dear - Peter, and the children at Graundevolet, and obliging us to pledge her, as - she called it; but I thank you, and will return your civility;" so taking - a glass, "son and daughter," says he, "long life, love, and unity attend - you and my grandchildren!" Youwarkee and I both rising till he had done, - returned him our thanks. - </p> - <p> - When we had sat some time, "Son," says my father, "you and your wife - having lived so retired, I fear my company and attendants must put you to - an inconvenience; now, as my son intends you a visit also, in company with - several of my brother colambs, if we shall be too great a load upon you, - declare it, for they will be at Battringdrigg arkoe to-morrow, to know - whether it will be agreeable for them to proceed. - </p> - <p> - "You know, son," says my father, "the mouth is a great devourer, and that - the stock your family cannot consume in a year, by multiplying their - numbers, may be reduced in a day: now freely let me know (for you say you - provided for us) how your stock stands, that you may not only pleasure us, - but we not injure you." - </p> - <p> - I told him, as for dried fish I had a vast quantity, and that my fowls - were so numerous I knew not my stock; as to bread, I had a great deal, and - might have almost what more I would; and then for fresh fish, the whole - province of Arndrumnstake could not soon devour them; but for my pickles - and preserves, I had neither such large quantities, nor conveniences to - bestow them if I had. - </p> - <p> - "If this be the case, son," says my father, "I may send your brother word - to proceed;" and despatched ten messengers with a gripsack to hasten his - son's arrival. - </p> - <p> - It now began to be time for rest, and the old gentleman growing pretty - mellow with the punch, which, by the heavy pulls he took at it, I - perceived was no disagreeable entertainment to him, I conducted him to his - repose; and disposing of the rest of the family, Youwarkee and I, with - great impatience, retired. - </p> - <p> - You may imagine I was sincerely glad to find myself once more alone with - my Youwarkee; when, after a transport of mutual endearments, I desired to - know how Pendlehamby first received her; which she told me, with every - circumstance, in so affecting a manner that the tears forced passage from - mine eyes in perfect streams; and I loved the dear man ever after as my - own father. - </p> - <p> - She told me Tommy was in great favour at court before her brother returned - from me; but ever since I sent him the flageolet he had been caressed - above measure, and would soon be a great man; that Hallycarnie was a - constant attendant on Jahamel both in her diversions and retirement; and, - she did not doubt, would in time marry very well; as for Patty, she said - her father intended, with my leave, to adopt her as his own child. - </p> - <p> - My wife slept very sound after her journey; but my hurry of spirits - denying me that refreshment, I never so much as now lamented the want of - the graundee.—"For," thinks I, "now I have once again tasted the - sweets of society, how shall I ever relish a total desertion of it, which - in a few days must be the case, when all this company are fled, and myself - am reduced to my old jacket and water-cart again! Now, if I was as others - here are, I might make a better figure than they by my superior knowledge - of things, and have the world my own; nay, I would fly to my own country, - or to some other part of the world, where even the strangeness of my - appearance would procure me a good subsistence. But," says I, "if with my - graundee I should lose my sight, or only be able to live in the dark in - England, why, I should be full as bad as I am here! for nobody would be - able to keep me company abroad, as my hours for the air would be theirs of - retirement; and then, at home, it would be much the same; no one would - prefer my company in a dark room in the daytime, when they could enjoy - others in the light of the sun; then how should I be the better for the - graundee, unless I fixed a resolution of living here, or hereabouts? and - then to get into company, I must retire to still darker regions, which my - eyes are no ways adapted to: in short, I must be quite new moulded, new - made, and new born too, before I can attain my desires. Therefore, Peter," - says I, "be content; you have been happy here in your wife and children - without these things; then never make yourself so wretched as to hope for - a change which can never possibly happen, and which, perhaps, if obtained, - might undo you; but intend only what you can compass, by weighing all - circumstances, and your felicity will lie in very narrow bounds, free from - two of the greatest evils a man can be beset by, hopes and fears; two - inseparable companions, and deadly enemies to peace; for a man is - destroyed by hope through fear of disappointment."—This brought me a - show of peace again.—"Surely," says I, "I am one of the most - unaccountable amongst mankind! I never can reflect till I am worn down - with vexation. O Glanlepze! Glanlepze!" says I, "I shall never forget thy - speech after engaging the crocodile, that everything was to be attained by - resolution by him that takes both ends of a thing in his view at once, and - fairly deliberates what may be given and taken from end to end. Surely," - says I, "this ought to be engraven on brass, as I wish it was on my heart; - it would prevent me many painful hours, help me with more ease to compass - attainable ends, and to rest contented under difficulties insuperable: and - if I live to rise again, I will place it where it shall never be more out - of my sight, and will enforce it not only more and more on myself, but on - my children." - </p> - <p> - With this thought I dropped to sleep, and with this I awaked again, and - the first thing I did was to find a proper place to write it, which, - having fixed for the door of my cupboard, I took a burnt stick for my - pencil, and wrote as follows:—"He that is resolved to overcome, must - have both ends of an object in view at once, and fairly deliberate what - may be given and taken from end to end; and then pursue the dictates of - cool reason." This I wrote in English, and then in the Doorpt Swangeantine - tongue; and having read it twice or thrice over, I went for water and - fish, and returned before the family were up. - </p> - <p> - I took care to-day also that the officers should be as well served as - possible, and where an accommodation must be wanting, I rather chose to - let it fall on my father than on them; for I had ever observed it to be an - easier thing to satisfy the master than the man; as the master weighs - circumstances, and from a natural complacency in himself, puts a humane - construction upon that error or omission which the servant wholly - attributes to slight and neglect. - </p> - <p> - My company being abroad, about the time I expected their return I dressed - myself as the day before, only without my cloak, and in a black bob-wig, - and took a turn to meet them. - </p> - <p> - Pendlehamby spying me first among the trees, "Daughter Youwarkee," says - he, "you have a husband, I think, for every day in the week. Who's this? - my son Peter! Why, he is not the same man he was yesterday." She told him - she had heard me say we changed our apparel almost every day in England; - nay, sometimes twice or thrice the same day.—"What!" says - Pendlehamby, "are they so mischievous there they are fearful of being - known in the latter by those who saw them in the former part of the day?" - </p> - <p> - By this time I was come up, and after paying due compliments, says - Youwarkee—"My father did not know you, my dear, you are so altered - in your other wig; and I told him in your country they not only change - wigs, but their whole clothing, two or three times a day sometimes."—"Son," - says my father, "if it be so, I cannot guess at the design of a man's - making himself unlike himself."—"Oh, sir," says I, "it is owing to - the different functions he is to perform that day: as, suppose, in the - morning he is to pursue business with his inferiors, or meet at our - coffee-houses to hear and chat over the news of the day, he appears in a - light easy habit proper for despatch, and comes home dirty; then, perhaps, - he is to dine with a friend at mid-day, before whom, for respect's sake, - not choosing to be seen in his dirty dress, he puts on something - handsomer; and after spending some time there, he has, it may be, an - appointment at court, at play, or with his mistress, in all which last - cases, if he has anything better than ordinary, it is a part of good - breeding to appear in that; but if the very best was to be used in common, - it might soon become the worst, and not fit for a nice man to stir abroad - in."—"The different custom of countries you have told me of," says - my father, "is surprising: here are we born with our clothes on, which - always fit, be we ever so small or large; nay, are never the worse for - constant wearing; and you must be eternally altering and changing colour, - shape, and habit. But," says he, "where do they get all these things? Does - every man make just what he likes?"—"No," says I, "there are a - particular set of men whose business it is to make for all the rest."—"What!" - says he, "I suppose their lasks make them?"—"No, sir, they are - filgays," says I. "It is their trade, they do it for a livelihood, being - paid by them they work for. A suit of their clothes," says I, taking up - the flap of my coat, "will cost what we call twelve or fourteen pounds in - money."—"I don't understand you," says he.—"Why, sir," says I, - "that is as much as will provide one moderate man with all the necessary - things of life for two months."—"Then," says he, "these nice men - must be very rich."—"No, sir," said I, "there you are under a - mistake; for if a man, very rich, and who is known to be so, neglects his - habit, it is taken to be his choice; but one who is not known to be rich, - and is really not so, is, by appearing gay sometimes, thought to be so; - for he comes little abroad, and pinches miserably at home, first to get - that gay suit, and then acts on the same part to preserve it, till some - lucky hit may help him to the means of getting another, as it frequently - happens, by a good marriage; for though he is but seldom seen in public, - yet always appearing so fine when he is, the ladies, whose fancies are - frequently more tickled with show than sense, admitting him only at first - as a companion, are at last, if worth anything, taken in the toils he is - ever spreading for them; and, becoming his wife, produce a standing fund - to make him a rich man in reality, which he but personated before." - </p> - <p> - Pendlehamby could not well understand all I said; and I found by him that - all the riches they possessed were only food and slaves; and as I found - afterwards when amongst them, they know the want of nothing else; but I am - afraid I have put them upon another way of thinking, though I aimed at - what we call civilising of them. - </p> - <p> - <br /><br /><a name="linkimageb-0012" id="linkimageb-0012"> </a> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:15%;"> - <img src="images/5061.jpg" alt="5061 " width="100%" /><br /><a - href="images/5061.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </div> - <p> - <br /><br /><a name="linkimageb-0013" id="linkimageb-0013"> </a> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> - <img src="images/0062.jpg" alt="0062 " width="100%" /><br /> - </div> - <h5> - <a href="images/0062.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </h5> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2HbCH0006" id="link2HbCH0006_"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER VI. - </h2> - <p> - <i>Quangrollart arrives with the colambs—Straitened for - accommodation—Remove to the tent—Youwarkee not known—Peter - relates paid of his travels—Dispute about the beast-fish skins.</i> - </p> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">S</span>LEEPING longer - than usual, I was awakened next morning by a gripsack from Quangrollart; - upon hearing of which I roused immediately, thinking they were at my door; - but the messenger told me they could not be there in what I understood by - his signs to be about two hours, for they have no such measure for time as - hours; so I dressed at leisure, and then went to Youwarkee and waked her. - "Youwee," says I, "your brother will be here presently, and I having a - mind you should appear as my countrywoman, would have you dress yourself." - </p> - <p> - We walked down to the level, and but just saved our distance; for the van - of them were within the arkoe before we arrived, and with such a train - after them as seemed to reach the whole length of the arkoe. The - regularity and order of their flight was admirable, and the break of the - trumpets so great, sounding all the way they came (for we had not only one - set of them, but at least thirty, there being so many colambs and petty - princes in the train, each with fifty attendants), that I wondered how - they could bear it. As the principals alighted, which was at least a - hundred paces from me, the gripsacks still kept wing, sounding as long as - we stayed. - </p> - <p> - This was a very tedious ceremony, for the guards alighting with their - colambs, ranged just as Pendlehamby's had done, but reached as far as the - eye could see. As they moved towards us, You-warkee and I, having stood - still some time, moved slowly forward to meet them. - </p> - <p> - It would have surprised you to have seen the deference they paid us; and I - believe the guards took us for something above the mortal race. You-warkee - showed no part of her graundee, having on sleeves down to her wrists, - white silk stockings and red-heeled shoes; so that none of them knew her - for one of them. - </p> - <p> - The first that we met was my brother, to whom we had only an opportunity - of paying our compliments <i>en passant</i> before another graundee came - up, who was succeeded by another and another, to the number of thirty; - some out of respect to my father and brother, and some out of mere - curiosity to see me; and as fast as each had paid his salutes, he passed - us, till we found we had no more to meet, when we turned about, and fell - in with the company. - </p> - <p> - When we came to the grotto, I was very much put to it for room, we scarce - being able to stand upright by each other, much less to sit down; which my - father perceiving, "My dear friends," says he, "had my son known in time - of so much good company, he would have been better provided with seats for - us all; but considering all we see is the labour only of his own hands, we - should rather admire at the many conveniences we see here, than be uneasy - there are no more. And, son," says he, "as we are now so large a body, I - propose we adjourn to the officers' quarters and let them take ours." I - returned my father thanks for the hint, and led the way, the rest - following, where we found room enough and to spare. - </p> - <p> - Though Youwarkee was with us all dinner-time helping the guests, we had no - sooner done, "But," says Quangrollart aloud, "Brother Peter, are we not to - see my sister?" I not hearing perfectly what he said, though I perceived - he spoke to me, "Sir," says I.—"My sister Youwarkee!" says he, "why - won't she appear? Here are several of her good friends as well as myself - will be glad to see her." My father then laughed so heartily that the rest - taking notice of it, my poor brother was put to the blush. "Son," says my - father, "don't you know your own sister?"—"We have not seen her - yet," says one of the colambs, "or any lady but your daughter Hallycarnie - and that attendant." My brother then seeing how it was came up to salute - my wife; but even then had his scruples, till he saw her smile, and then - begged pardon for his oversight, as did all the colambs upon saluting her; - my brother declaring that, as she was somewhat behind me on the level, he - had only paid her the respect of his chin, taking her for some one - attending me. The colamb following my brother, assured her the little - regard shown her by Quangrollart, who, he thought, should know best where - to bestow his respects, was the reason of his taking no more notice of - her; and each confessing his mistake arose from too nearly copying the - steps of his immediate predecessor, they all made excuse, and the mistake - made us very merry, till they proposed taking a turn in the woods, it - being a great novelty to them, they said; but I begged they would leave me - behind to prepare for their return. - </p> - <p> - Having refreshed themselves after they came home, Quangrollart (being put - upon it by some of the colambs) told me I could not render a more - acceptable favour to the whole company than to relate to them an account - of my adventures; "for though," says he, "I told them last night what I - remembered to have heard from you, yet the variety was so great I could - not deliver the facts in order as I heard them, but was obliged to take - here a piece and there another, as they occurred to me, making rather - several stories of it than a continued series of facts." - </p> - <p> - All the colambs immediately seconded the motion, and desired me to begin. - I then ordering a clear table and a bowl of punch, and having drank all - the company's healths, began my narration, hoping to have finished it - before bedtime; but they pressing me to be very particular, and frequently - one or other requiring explanations upon particular facts, and then one - making a remark upon something which another answered, and a third replied - to, they got the talk out of my hands so long that, having lost themselves - in the argument, and forgot what I said last, they begged my pardon and - desired me to go on; when one, who in contemplation of one fact had lost - best part of another, prayed me to go on from such an incident, and - another from one before that; so that I was frequently obliged to begin - half-way back again. This method not only spun out my story to a very - great length, but instead of its being finished that evening, as I had - proposed, it was scarce well begun before bedtime drew on; so I just - having brought them to Angola, told them, as it grew late, if they - pleased, I would finish the remainder next night, which they agreed to. - </p> - <p> - Quangrollart then asked my father if he had been fishing since he came; - but he told him he knew not what he meant. Then all the company desired I - would show them what that was. I told them they might command me as they - pleased; so we appointed the next morning for that exercise. "But, - gentlemen," says I, "your lodging to-night gives me the greatest pain; for - I know not what I shall do about that. I have a few beast-fish skins which - are very soft and hairy, but not a sufficiency for so many friends as I - would at present be proud to oblige; but I can lay them as far as they - will go upon as much dry reeds and grass as you please." I then sent a - servant to Youwarkee for the skins; after which, they one and all crying - out if they had but good dry reeds they desired no better lodging, I - despatched hands to bring away a large parcel of them to the tent, which - they did in a trice. Then waiting on those few who lay at the grotto to - their quarters, and having sent Youwarkee to her sister, I returned to the - tent to take up my own lodging with those I had left there. - </p> - <p> - I had not yet entered the tent when I heard a perfect tumult within, every - one talking so loud, and all together, that I verily thought they had - fallen out and were going to handicuffs. However, I resolved to go in - amongst them and try to compose their difference; when just entering, and - they spying me, several ran to me with each a skin in his hand, the rest - following as fast as they could. "Gentlemen," says I, "I hoped to have - found you all at rest."—"So we should have been," says one of them, - "but for these what you call 'ems."—"It is my unspeakable - misfortune," says I, "that I have no more at your service, and am sorry - that I should cause them to be brought, since each of you cannot have - one." Says one of them, "I don't want one, I have seen enough of it."— - "Then, gentlemen," says I, "it is possible there may be so many more of - that colamb's mind that there may be sufficient for those who desire - them." They neither knew what to make of me nor I of them all this while; - till an old colamb perceiving our mistake, "Mr. Peter," says he, "we have - only had a dispute."—"I am sorry at my heart for it," says I, "but I - perceived you were very warm before I entered, and am in great hopes of - compromising matters to all your satisfactions."—"I was going," says - the same colamb, "to tell you we had a dispute about what these things - were, nothing else." I was then struck on a heap, being quite ashamed they - should think I suspected they had been quarrelling for the skins; and how - to come off I knew not. "You'll excuse me, sir," says I, "for expressing a - concern that you could not each have one to examine into at the same time, - that one of you need not have waited to make your remarks till the other - had done."—"No occasion, no occasion for that, Mr. Peter," said they - all together; "we shall have leisure enough to examine them to-morrow; but - we want to know what they are, and where they grow."—"Gentlemen," - says I, "each of these is the clothing of a particular fish. And where do - they grow?" said they. "In the lake," says I; "they are a living creature, - who inhabit that great water; I often catch them when I am fishing, the - same exercise we shall go upon to-morrow." - </p> - <p> - I had much ado to persuade them they did not grow on trees, which I was - then much more surprised at than some time after, that I returned their - visit; but having satisfied them, and given them some possible hopes they - might see one alive next day, they were very well contented, and we all - lay down to rest. - </p> - <p> - <br /><br /><a name="linkimageb-0014" id="linkimageb-0014"> </a> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:15%;"> - <img src="images/5069.jpg" alt="5069 " width="100%" /><br /><a - href="images/5069.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </div> - <p> - <br /><br /><a name="linkimageb-0015" id="linkimageb-0015"> </a> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> - <img src="images/0070.jpg" alt="0070 " width="100%" /><br /> - </div> - <h5> - <a href="images/0070.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </h5> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2HbCH0007" id="link2HbCH0007_"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER VII. - </h2> - <p> - <i>Go afishing—Catch a beast-fish—Afraid of the gun—How - Peter altered his net—Fish dinner for the guards—Method of - dressing and eating it.</i> - </p> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span> APPEARED before - them in the morning, in my old jacket, and an old hat with brims indented - almost to the crown, a flannel nightcap, and chequered shirt. "How now, - son!" says my father, "what have we here?"—"Sir," says I, "this will - show you the use of our English fashion I mentioned the other day, and the - necessity of it. You see me in this indifferent habit, because my next - business requires it; but when I come back, and have no further dirty work - to do, I shall then dress, as near as I can, to qualify me for your - company." - </p> - <p> - "Are you for moving, gentlemen?" says my brother; "I believe it is time." - They then all arising we went to the lake, where getting into my boat, and - telling them that any six of them might go with me, they never having seen - such a thing before, and not much liking the looks of it, all made - excuses, till my brother assuring them it was very safe, and that he had - sailed in it the last trip, three or four of them, with my father, and - Hallycarnie, who was very desirous of seeing me fish, got in, and we - sailed a great way up the lake, taking my gun as usual with me. - </p> - <p> - It gave me exceeding delight to see the whole body of people then in the - arkoe on the graundee; some hovering over our heads, and talking with us; - others flying this way, others that, till I had pitched upon a spot to - begin my operation; when rowing to shore, and quitting my boat, the whole - body of people settled just by me, staring at me and my net, and wondering - what I was doing. I then taking a sweep as usual, got some of the soldiers - to assist me to shore with it; but when the cod of the net landed, and the - fish began to dash with their tails at the water's edge, away ran all my - soldiers, frighted out of their wits to think what was coming: but it - being a large hale, and a shelving bank, I could not lift it to the level - myself; which my brother, who had seen the sport before, perceiving, - though not one of the rest stirred, lent me a hand, and we got it up. - </p> - <p> - You cannot imagine what surprise appeared in every face upon opening the - net, and seeing all the fish naked. They drew up by degrees closer and - closer, for I let the fish lie some time for their observation; but seeing - the large fish, upon my handling them, flap their tails, they very - expeditiously retired again. I then tossed several of them into the boat; - but two of them being very large, and rough-scaled ugly fish, I did not - think I could lift them myself, so desired assistance, but nobody stirred. - I expected some of the colambs would have ordered their men to have helped - me, but they were so terrified with seeing me handle them, that they could - not have the conscience to order their men on so severe a duty, till a - common man came to me, and taking the tail, and I the head, we tossed them - both into the boat. - </p> - <p> - I went higher up the lake than usual, in hopes of a beast-fish to show - them; but though I could not meet with one, I had several very great - hauls, and took three or four of my lobsters, very large ones. This was - the second trial I had made of my net since I had altered it, and it gave - me great satisfaction, for I could now take as many fish at one draught as - I could before have done at ten. I had found that though my net was very - long, yet for want of a bag, or cod, to enclose the fish, many that were - included within its compass would, whilst I drew round, swim to the - extremes, and so get out, for want of some inlet to enter at; for which - reason I sawed off the top of a tree at about ten feet from the ground, - and drawing a circle of six feet diameter round the tree, on the ground, I - stuck it round with small pegs, at two inches' distance. Then I drove the - like number of nails round the top of the trunk of the tree, and straining - a length of mat-line from each peg on the ground to a correspondent nail - on the tree, I tied my matline in circles round the strained lines, from - top to bottom, about two inches' distance at the bottom, but at a less - distance where the strained lines grew nearer to each other towards the - top; and having secured all the ends, by some line twisted round them, I - cut a hole in the middle of my net, and tied the large ground-end over the - hole in the net, and gathered the small end up in a purse, tying it up - tight; and by this means I now scarce lost any fish which once were within - the sweep of my net. - </p> - <p> - Having had so good success, I had a design of returning, but thought, as I - could now so easily entertain a multitude, I might as well take another - haul or two, and make a handsome treat for the soldiery. Then coming up to - my drill's mouth, I fixed my implements for a draught there, and beginning - to draw up, I found great resistance in the net, and got two or three to - help me; but, coming near shore, when the company saw the net tumble and - roll, and rise and fall, they all ran as if they were mad, till I called - them and told the colambs it was only one of the fish whose skins I had - shown them; upon which, by that time I had discharged the fish from the - net, they were all round me again; but no sooner had he got loose, than up - he rose, whirled his wings, and at the same instant uttered such a groan - that my whole company retreated again, thinking me somewhat more than a - man, who could face so dreadful an enemy. I entreated them to come and - view it; but finding no arguments could bring them nearer, I edged round - till I got him between me and the water, and shot him dead. - </p> - <p> - Upon the report of my gun the whole field was in the air, darting and - screaming, as I have often seen a flight of rooks do on the same occasion; - and I am apt to believe some of them never returned again, but went - directly home. - </p> - <p> - I was a little concerned to see the confusion I had caused; and laying - down my gun, my brother, who though at a distance when I shot, knowing - what I was at, and coming up to me, it put the rest upon their - consideration; and they alighted one by one, at a distance, till they were - all on the level again. - </p> - <p> - My father and the colambs, who were the first that durst approach, - wondered what I had done, and how the fish came to be dead, and whence so - much fire and smoke proceeded, for they were sure I brought none with me, - and asked me abundance of questions; but as I knew I must have occasion - for answering to the same thing twenty times over, had I entered upon an - explanation there, I deferred giving them satisfaction till we came home, - when all at once might be capable of hearing what was said. So I told them - the most necessary thing at present was to stow the fish in the boat; for - it was the largest I had ever taken, and I could not wholly do it myself. - I made several efforts for help, but in vain, till the same soldier who - had helped me with one of the first fish, came to my relief, and desiring - my orders what to do, assisted me; and the rest seeing the difficulty we - both had to manage it, one or two more of them came up, and we shipped it - on board. - </p> - <p> - I then called the colambs to me, telling them I was sorry I had given such - a general disturbance to them, by shooting the fish; but as they kept at - too great a distance from me to have notice of my design, and if I had - followed them the fish might have escaped before my return, I was obliged - to do as I did, which was without any possibility of hurting them. But, as - I had given them such a fright, I hoped they would this one day give me an - opportunity of complimenting their guards with a fish-dinner, if we could - any way contrive to dress it; for whoever did that must be able to bear - the close light of a large fire. They all shook their heads but my - brother, who told me he had in his retinue six men from Mount Alkoe, - purposely retained for their strong sight, to attend him always to - Crashdoorpt, who, he believed, for the benefit of the rest, would - undertake the cookery if I would show them how. I desired he would give - them orders to attend me on the other side of the lake, and I would - instruct them at my landing; and then I crossed over with my booty. - </p> - <p> - Finding the Mount Alkoe men waiting for my landing, I asked if they could - bear the sight of fire. They told me they were used to much greater light - and flames than I had ever seen, they believed.—"Very good," said I; - "then get into my boat, three of you, and hand out that fish to the - shore."—I found they were more afraid of the fish than of the fire, - for not one of them stirred till I got in and tossed out several small - ones; and then taking up a large one, "Help me, somebody!" says I, they - looking a little at one another, till one of them venturing to take it, - the rest fell heartily to work, and despatched the whole lading presently. - I then laid a small parcel upon my cart, for our own eating and the - officers', and sending them to the grotto, I gave the cooks their charge. - </p> - <p> - "Now," says I, "my lads, do you serve all the rest of the fish as I do - this," cutting it open at the same time, and throwing away the guts, "and - I will send each of you such an instrument as I use here," pointing to my - knife. "I shall order six large heaps of wood to the level, to be piled up - there. When you have done the fish, do you set fire to the heaps, and let - them burn till the flame is over and the coals are clear; then lay on your - fish, and if any are too large to be manageable, cut them in proper - pieces, and with sticks, which I will send you, turn them over and over, - walking round the fire, and with the forked end of the stick toss the - least off first, and afterwards the greater; but be sure throw the fish as - far as ever you can from the fire, amongst the men, that they may not be - obliged to come too near it: and in this manner go on, till either they - have enough, or your fish are gone; and when you have done, come to the - grotto for your reward." - </p> - <p> - I then set abundance of hands to work to carry wood, to be laid in six - heaps, two hundred paces from each other, and told them how to pile it. I - then prepared six long taper sticks with forked ends, and ordered more - hands to divide the fish equally to the piles. I sent others with salt and - bread; and I ordered them to let me know when all was ready. - </p> - <p> - While these preparations were making, my tent-visitors had all dined, and - my cart had returned with the beast-fish, which the company desired might - be brought in, when every one passed his judgment upon it, and a long - dissertation we had on the marvellous works of Collwar. I let them go on - with their show, though I could have disproved most of their conclusions - from the little knowledge I had of things; but I never was knight-errant - enough to oppose my sentiments to a multitude already prepossessed on the - other side of the question; for this reason, because I have ever observed - that where several have imbibed the same ridiculous principle in infancy, - they never want arguments, though ever so ridiculous, to support it; and - as no one of them can desert it without impeaching the judgment of the - rest, they encourage each other in their obstinacy, and quite out-vote a - single person; and then, the laugh beginning on the strongest side, - nothing is so difficult as to get it out of their hands. But when a single - man in the wrong hears a just argument from a single antagonist which he - cannot contradict, he imbibes its force, and whilst that lasts, as nothing - but a better argument, with better reasons, can remove it, he from - thenceforth adapts his adversary's reasons for his own, to oppose against - his own former opinion. - </p> - <p> - In the height of our disputations on the beast-fish, came news that the - broil was going to begin; and as I expected very good diversion at it, I - invited the company to go see it, telling them, in my opinion, it would - exceed the sport in taking them. We passed through the wood till we came - amongst the shrubs, where I placed them to be out of harm's way; and the - fire, which was now nothing but cinders, was of no inconvenience to them. - They were pleased with it to perfection; for, first, the six men who - walked round the fires, by the glowing light of the embers and the shining - of their graundees, looked like men on fire; then, to see each fire - surrounded with a circle of men at the diameter of near two hundred paces, - as close as they could well stand, by a more distant shine of the fire, - had a very pleasing effect; but when the broilers began to throw the fish - about (for each man stood with some salt and a cut of bread in his hand), - to see a body of a hundred men running for it, and whilst they were - stooping and scrambling for that, to see a hot fish fall on the back of - one, which was whipped off by another, who, scalding his mouth with it, - threw it in the face of a third; when a fourth, fifth, and sixth, pulling - it in pieces, ran away with it; and to see the different postures, - courses, and groups, during this exercise and running feast, was the most - agreeable farce my guests had ever seen in their lives; and, to the great - saving of my liquors, kept us in the wood for full three hours, not a soul - stirring till the feast was over. - </p> - <p> - We spent best part of this evening in discourse on the passages of the - day, the reflections on which not being concluded till bedtime, my - adventures were postponed till the next night; but we had first concluded - upon a shooting for the next morning (for they were all extremely desirous - of knowing how I did it), at a time they should have opportunity of seeing - me and making remarks; and I, being unwilling they should think me a - conjuror, agreed to make them masters of part of the mystery of powder and - ball. - </p> - <p> - <br /><br /><a name="linkimageb-0016" id="linkimageb-0016"> </a> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> - <img src="images/0080.jpg" alt="0080 " width="100%" /><br /> - </div> - <h5> - <a href="images/0080.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </h5> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2HbCH0008" id="link2HbCH0008_"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER VIII. - </h2> - <p> - <i>A shooting proposed—All afraid of the gun but one private guard—His - behaviour—-Pendlehamby, at Peter's request, makes him a general—Peter's - discourse thereon—Remainder of his story—The colambs return.</i> - </p> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>HIS being the - fifth morning, I cleaned up my best gun, and prepared my balls, and we all - took a walk towards the bridge, every one admiring my gun as we went; but - I could get none of them to carry it, and we had at least five hundred - questions proposed about it. I told them they need not be afraid of it, - for it was only wood and iron; but they knew nothing of iron. I then - showed them how I made it give fire, by snapping the cock; they thought it - was very strange. I then put a little powder in the pan, and made it - flash, and showing them the empty pan, they would not be persuaded but I - had taken away the powder before the flash, or else, they said, it was - impossible that should be all gone upon flashing only; for they said it - was a little nut, using the same word to express both nut and seed. I then - desired one of them to put in some powder and snap it himself; but having - prevailed with him to try the experiment, if I had not through caution - held my hand upon the barrel, the gun had been on the ground, for the - moment it flashed, he let go and ran for it. - </p> - <p> - I had a great inclination to gain the better of their prejudices, and used - abundance of arguments to prove the gun as innocent a thing as a twig I - took up; and that it was the powder which, when set on fire, the flame - thereof wanting more room than the powder itself did, forced itself, and - all that opposed it, out of the mouth of the gun with such fury as to make - the noise they heard; and being just come to the rock, "Now," says I, "you - shall see that what I tell you is true." They told me they desired nothing - more than that I would make them understand it, for it was the strangest - thing they had ever seen. "Well, then," says I, "observe; I put in this - much powder only, and with this rag I stop it down close. Now," says I, - "you see by the length of this stick that the rag and powder take up the - space only of a finger's depth on the inside of the gun." They saw that - plainly they said; "But how could that kill anything?"—"Now, look - again," says I, "I put in a little more powder, as I did before when I - made a flash, and you see there is a little hole from this powder through - the side of the gun to the powder within. Do you observe that this - communicates with that through this hole?"—"Yes," said they, they - did.—"Now," says I, "when I put fire to this, it sets fire to that - within, which fire turning to flame, and wanting room, bursts out at the - mouth of the gun; and to show you with what force it comes out, here - handle this round ball," giving them a bullet to handle; "you feel how - heavy it is: now, can any of you throw this ball as far as that rock?" for - I stood a good hundred paces from it.—They told me No.—"And - don't you think," says I, "that if the force of the fire made by this - powder can throw this ball to that rock, that force must be very great?"—They - said, they thought it must, but believed it to be impossible.—"But," - says I, "if it not only throws it to the rock but beats out a piece of the - stone, must not that be much more violent?" They agreed it must.—Then - putting in the ball, "Now," says I, "we will try." I then ordered one to - daub a part of the rock, about breast high, with some mud, and first to - observe about it if the rock was anywhere fresh broken, or not; who, - returning, reported that the rock was all of a colour and sound, but - somewhat ragged all about the mud.—"Did you lay the mud on smooth?" - says I. He replied, "Yes."—Then lifting up my gun, I perceived they - were creeping off; so I took it down again, and calling, reasoned with - them upon their fears. "What mischief," says I, "can you apprehend from - this gun in my hand! Should I be able to hurt you with it, are you not all - my friends or relations—could I be willing to do it? If the gun of - itself could hurt, would I handle it as I do? For shame! be more - courageous; rouse your reason, and stand by me; I shall take care not to - hurt you. It looks as if you mistrust my love to you, for this gun can do - nothing but what I direct it to." By such like persuasions, rough and - smooth, I prevailed upon the major part of the colambs and officers to - stand near me to see me fire, and then I shot; but though my words had - engaged them to stand it, I had no sooner snapped but the graundees flew - all open, though they closed again immediately; and then we fell to - question and answer again. I desired them to walk to the rock; and sent - the person who put up the mark before, to see and show us exactly what - alteration there was. He told us there was a round hole in the mud, - pointing to it, which he did not leave there, and taking away the mud, a - thick shiver of the rock followed it. They then all agreed that the ball - must have made both the hole in the mud and also splintered the rock, and - stood in amaze at it, not being able to comprehend it: but, by all the art - I had, I could not prevail with a man of them to fire the gun himself, - till it had been buzzed about a good while, and at last came to my ears, - that a common soldier behind said he should not be afraid of it if the - gentleman would show him how. - </p> - <p> - I then ordered the fellow to me, and he told me, with a composed look, - that it had always been his way of thinking, that what he saw another do - he could do himself, and could not rest till he had tried. "And, sir," - says he, "if this gun, as you call it, does not hurt you, why should it - hurt me? And if you can make it hit that rock, why should not I, when you - have told me how you manage it?"—"Are not you the man that first - helped me up with the large fish yesterday?" says I. He told me he was. - </p> - <p> - I was prodigiously pleased with the fellow's spirit, "And," says I, "my - friend, if you will, and I live, you will hit it before you have done." I - then showed him the sight of the gun, and how to hold it; and being - perfect in that, "Now," says I, "shut your left eye, and observe with your - right, till this knob and that notch are exactly even with each other and - the middle of that mark; and when they are so, pull this bit with your - fore-finger, holding the gun tight to your shoulder." He so exactly - pursued my directions that he hit the very middle of the mud; and then, - without any emotion, walked up with the gun in his hand, as I had done - before; and turning to me very gravely, "Sir," says he, "it is hit." I - told him the best marksman on earth could not be sure of coming so near - his mark. He stroked his chin, and giving me the gun again, was walking to - his place; but I stopped him, and seeing something so modest and sincere - in his countenance and behaviour, and so generous in his spirit, I asked - him to which colamb he belonged. He told me to colamb Pendlehamby.—"To - my father?" says I; "then sure I shall not be denied." - </p> - <p> - I took him with me to my father, who was not yet come up to the rock. - "Sir," says I, "there is a favour I would beg of you."—"Son," says - he, "what is it you can ask that I can refuse you?" Says I, "'This man - belongs to your guards; now there is something so noble and daring in his - spirit, and yet so meek and deserving in his deportment, that if you will - load me with obligation, it is to make him an officer; he is not deserving - of so ill a station as a private man." - </p> - <p> - My father looking at me, "Son," says he, "there is something to be done - before he can be qualified for what you require." This, thinks I, is a - put-off. "Pray, sir," says I, "what can a man of courage, sense, and a - cool temper, want to qualify him for what I ask?"—"'Something," says - he, "which none but myself can give; and that, at your desire, I will - supply him with." Then, my father calling him, "Lask Nasgig, bonyoe," says - he; that is, Slave Nasgig, lie down. Nasgig (for that was his name) - immediately fell on his face, with his arms and hands straight by his - sides; when my father, setting his left foot on Nasgig's neck, pronounced - these words: "Lask, I give thee life, thou art a filgay!" Then Nasgig, - raising himself on his knees, made obeisance to my father, and standing - up, stroked his chin; and my father taking him by the hand in token of - equality, the ceremony ceased. - </p> - <p> - "Now, son," says my father, "let me hear your request."—"It is only, - sir," said I, "preferment for the deserving, equal to his merit." My - father asked him if he understood the duty of a gorpell. He did not reply - yes, but beginning, gave a compendious sort of history of his whole duty; - at which all the colambs were very much surprised, for even his comrades - were not apprised, or ever imagined, he knew more of military affairs than - themselves. My father then asked him if he knew how to behave as a duff; - but he made as little difficulty of that as the other, going through the - several parts of duty in all the different branches, in peace and war, at - home and abroad. "Son," says my father, "it is a mystery to me you should - have found out more in an hour than I myself could in half an age; for - this man was born in my palang, of my own lask, and has been mine and my - father's these forty years. I shall be glad if you will look on the rest - of my lasks, and give me your opinion; I may have more as deserving." I - told him such as Nasgig were not to be met with very often; but when they - were found, ought to be cherished accordingly. - </p> - <p> - "Sir," says I, "nature works upon the same sort of materials divers ways; - on some in sport, and some in earnest; and if the necessary qualifications - of a great man are impressed on our mass, it is odds but we improve - regularly into one, though it may never be publicly known, or even to - ourselves, till a proper occasion; for as a curious genius will be most - inquisitive after, and is most in the end retentive of knowledge, so no - man is less ostentatious of it. He covets knowledge, not from the prospect - of gain, but merely for its own sake; the very knowing being his - recompense: and if I may presume to give you a hint how properly to bestow - your favours, let it be on persons like this; for the vain, knowing man, - who is always showing it, as he for the most part labours for it, to show - out with, and procure his rise by it, were it not for the hopes of that, - would not think knowledge worth attaining; and as his rise is his aim, if - he could invent any more expeditious method than that, he would not - pretermit any ill act that might advance him according to his lust of - rising. But the man who aims at perfection, from his natural inclination, - must, to attain his end, avoid all ill courses, as impediments to that - perfection he lusts after; and that, by Nasgig's worth being so little - known, I'll answer for it is his character. And this being true, yourself - will deduce the consequence, which is the fitter man to bear place; for - with me it is a maxim, he that labours after truth for truth's sake (and - that he surely must who proposes no worldly view in it) can't arrive at - his ends by false methods, but is always the truest friend to himself and - others, the truest subject to his lord, and the most faithful servant to - his God." - </p> - <p> - My father then turning to me, "Son," says he, "you have enlightened me - more than ever I was before, and have put me on a new way of thinking, for - which I am to return you many thanks." And the whole company doing the - same, says my father, "I lost a brave general officer lately, who was - destined to the western wars which are breaking out, and have been long - debating in my mind to whom I should commit his corps; and but for the - hazard of the enterprise, I would have now given it to Nasgig; but shall - be loth to lose him so soon after I am acquainted with his worth, so will - think of some other post nearer my person for him, less dangerous, though - perhaps not so honourable." - </p> - <p> - "Great sir," says Nasgig, "I am too sensible of the honour already done - me, to think any post wherein I may continue to serve you either too mean - or too hazardous for me; and as valour is nowhere so conspicuous as in the - greatest dangers, I shall esteem my blood spent to great advantage in any - enterprise where my duty under your command leads me. I therefore rather - humbly request this dangerous post, that I may either lose my life in your - service, or live to see you justified in your advancement of me by the - whole nation. For what can I do, or how can I demonstrate my affection to - your person and pleasure, in an inactive state?" - </p> - <p> - Here the whole level rang with applause to Nasgig. - </p> - <p> - My father then giving his hand to Nasgig, in token of friendship, and his - word for investiture in the command of that vacant post, the whole level - again resounded with, "Long live Pendlehamby, and his servant Nasgig!" - </p> - <p> - This being the last day of my company's stay, for they had agreed to go - homewards next morning, some of them moved to return the sooner, that they - might have time to hear out my story. So that our stay was very little - longer. - </p> - <p> - In our return home, Nasgig singled me out to return his acknowledgments - for my favour; and viewing my gun told me they had no such thing growing - in his country. I told him if he had it, it would do no good without my - powder. I then, at his request, described what I had heard of our method - of fighting in battle in Europe; and mentioning our cannon, he said he - supposed they killed every man they hit. "No," says I, "not so bad as - that. Sometimes they hit the flesh only, and that is commonly cured; - sometimes break a leg or arm, and that may in time be cured—some so - well as to be useful again, and others are cut off, and healed up again; - but if the ball hits the head or vitals, it is commonly mortal."—"Oh," - says he, "give me the head or vitals, then; no broken limbs for me." - </p> - <p> - After dinner, at their request, I went on with my story, at repairing the - castle, and my escape with Glanlepze, and so on to the crocodile; when I - repeated his speech to me on that account, and told them it had made such - an impression upon me that I had endeavoured to make it the leading - thought of my mind, and had set it down upon one of my doors at the grotto - that it might the oftener be in my sight when any difficulty arose. - </p> - <p> - One of the colambs begged pardon for interrupting, but told me, though he - understood what Glanlepze meant, he could not tell how I could set what he - said down at my grotto, or have it in my sight, and desired me to explain - that. I would have told my guest I took it down in writing, if that would - not have puzzled the cause more; but to go the nearest way I could, I told - him we had a method in my country of conveying to a man at a great - distance whatever we have a mind to say to him, and in such a manner that - nobody but himself would know what we would have him know. And pausing - here a little to consider the easiest method of demonstrating this to - their senses, they told me they had gone as far as their conjectures could - carry them, but could conclude on nothing so improbable as sending it by a - messenger. I told them that in part was my way, but my messenger should - not know the message he carried. That gravelled them quite, and they were - unanimous that was what could not be done. By this time I had sent for a - wood-coal, to write with upon my deal table, and kneeling down to the - table, I began to write, "Honoured sir, I send this to gain by your answer - to it an account of your arrival at Arndrumnstake." I then called them all - to me. "Now," says I, "suppose I want to know how my father gets back to - Arndrumnstake, my way is this—I set down so many words as will - express my meaning to my father, after the manner you see on this table, - and make a little distance between each word, which is the same thing as - you do in speaking; for there, if you run one word into another, and don't - give each its proper sound, who can understand you? For though you speak - what contains all the words, yet without the proper sound and distinction - it is only confusion. Do you understand that?" They told me they did. - "Then," says I, "these are the words I would have my father know, I being - at this arkoe, and he at Arndrumnstake. Honoured sir," and so I read on. - "Here," says I, "you must take us to be countrymen, and that he and I - understand both the same method. Now look, this word, which ends where you - see the gap, stands for <i>honoured</i>, and this next for <i>sir</i>, the - next for <i>I</i>, and so on; and we both using the same method, and - seeing each other's words, are able to open our minds at a distance." I - was now in hopes I had done, and was going on with my story: "But," says - one of the colambs, "Mr. Peter, though this is a matter that requires - consideration, I plainly see how you do it, by agreeing that all these - strokes put into this form shall stand for the word honoured, and so on, - as you say, let who will make them; but have not you set down there the - word Arndrumnstake?"—"Yes," says I.—"Why then," says he, "none - of your countrymen could understand what that means."—"No," says I, - smiling; "but they could."—Says he, "You say you agree what strokes - shall stand for one word, and what for another; but then how could your - countrymen, who never knew what strokes you would set down for - Arndrumnstake, know that your strokes meant that very country? for that - you could not have agreed upon before either of you knew there was any - such place." - </p> - <p> - I was at a loss, without spending more words than I was willing about it, - how to answer this close reasoner; and talking of syllables and letters - would only have perplexed the affair more, so I told him the readiest for - despatch; that as every word consisted of one or more distinct sounds, and - as some of the same sounds happened in different words, we did not agree - so much upon making our strokes stand for several words, as for several - sounds; and those sounds, more or less of them, added together, made the - particular words. "As, for example," says I, "<i>Arn</i> is one sound, <i>drumn</i> - is another sound, and <i>stake</i> is another; now, by our knowing how to - set down these several sounds by themselves, we can couple them, and apply - them to the making up any word, in the manner we please; and therefore he, - by seeing those three sounds together, knows I mean <i>Arndrumnstake</i>, - and can speak it as well, though he never heard the whole word spoken - together, as if he heard me speak to him."—"I have some little - notion of what you mean," says he, "but not clear enough to express myself - upon it; and so go on! go on! And pray what did you do about the reeds?" - </p> - <p> - I then resuming my discourse where I left off, completed my narration that - night; but I could perceive the water in my father's eyes when I came to - the account of Youwarkee's fall and the condition I took her up in. - </p> - <p> - When I had done, they adjusted the order of their flight, for avoiding - confusion, one to go so long before another, and the junior colambs to go - first. - </p> - <p> - In the morning nothing was to be heard but the gripsacks: the men were all - ranged in order to go off with their respective colambs; and after all - compliments passed, the junior colamb arising, walked half-way to the - wood, where his gripsack standing to wait for him, preceded him to the - level, the next gripsack standing ready to sound as soon as the first - removed; and this was the signal for the second colamb to move, so that - each colamb was a quarter of a mile before the other. - </p> - <p> - My father was the last but two; but I shall never forget his tenderness at - parting with his daughter and grandchildren, and I may say with myself - too; for by this time he had a high opinion of me. Patty went with my - father, she so much resembling my wife, that my father said he should - still have his two daughters in his sight, having her with him. - </p> - <p> - At parting, I presented Nasgig with a broadsword; and showing him the use - of it, with many expressions of gratitude on his part, and respect on - mine, he took flight after the rest. - </p> - <p> - <br /><br /><a name="linkimageb-0017" id="linkimageb-0017"> </a> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:15%;"> - <img src="images/5094.jpg" alt="5094 " width="100%" /><br /><a - href="images/5094.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </div> - <p> - <br /><br /><a name="linkimageb-0018" id="linkimageb-0018"> </a> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> - <img src="images/0095.jpg" alt="0095 " width="100%" /><br /> - </div> - <h5> - <a href="images/0095.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </h5> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2HbCH0009" id="link2HbCH0009_"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER IX. - </h2> - <p> - <i>Peter finds his stores low—Sends Youwarkee to the ship—Receives - an invitation to Georigetti's court.</i> - </p> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">F</span>OR the first few - days after our company had left us, Youwarkee could not forbear a tear now - and then for the loss of her father and sister; but I endeavoured not to - see it, lest I should, by persuading her to the contrary, seem to oppose - what I really thought was a farther token of the sweetness of her - disposition; but it wore off by degrees, and having a clear stage again, - it cost us several days to settle ourselves and put our confused affairs - in order; and when we had done we blessed ourselves that we could come and - go, and converse with the pleasing tenderness we had hitherto always done. - </p> - <p> - She told me nothing in the world but her concern for so tender a father, - and the fear of displeasing me if she disobliged him, should have kept her - so long from me; for her life had never been so sweet and serene as with - me and her children; and if she was to begin it again, and choose her - settlement and company, it should be with me in that arkoe. I told her - though I was entirely of her opinion for avoiding a life of hurry, yet I - loved a little company, if for nothing else but to advance topics for - discourse, to the exercise of our faculties; but I then agreed it was not - from mere judgment I spoke, but from fancy. "But, Youwee," says I, "it - will be proper for us to see what our friends have left us, that we don't - want before the time comes about again." Then she took her part, and I - mine; and having finished, we found they would hold out pretty well, and - that the first thing to be done was to get the oil of the beast-fish. - </p> - <p> - When we came to examine the brandy and wine, I found they had suffered - greatly; so I told Youwarkee, when she could spare time, she should make - another flight to the ship. "And," says I, "pray look at all the small - casks of wine or brandy, or be they what they will, if they are not above - half-full, or thereabouts, they will swim, and you may send them down." I - desired her to send a fire-shovel and tongs, describing them to her: "And - there are abundance of good ropes between decks, rolled up, send them," - says I, "and anything else you think we want, as plates, bowls, and all - the cutlasses and pistols," says I, "that hang in the room by the cabin: - for I would, me-thinks, have another cargo, as it may possibly be the - last, for the ship can't hold for ever." - </p> - <p> - Youwarkee, who loved a jaunt to the ship mightily, sat very attentive to - what I said, and told me, if I pleased, she would go the next day; to - which I agreed. - </p> - <p> - She stayed on this trip till I began to be uneasy for her, being gone - almost four days, and I was in great fear of some accident; but she - arrived safe, telling me she had sent all she could any ways pack up; and - any one who had seen the arrival of her fleet would had taken it for a - good ship's cargo, for it cost me full three weeks to land and draw them - up to the grotto; and then we had such a redundancy of things, that we - were forced to pile them upon each other to the top of the room. - </p> - <p> - It began to draw towards long days again, when one morning, in bed, I - heard the gripsack. I waked Youvarkee, and told her of it; and-we both got - up, and were going to the level, when we met six glumms in the wood, with - a gripsack before them, coming to the grotto. The trumpeter, it seems, had - been there before; but the others, who seemed to be of a better rank, had - not. We saluted them, and they us; and Youwarkee knowing one of them, we - desired them to walk to the grotto. - </p> - <p> - They told us they came express from Georigetti's palace, with an - invitation to me and Youwarkee to spend some time at his court. I let them - know what a misfortune I lay under in not being born with a graundee, - since Providence had pleased to dispose of me in a part of the world where - alone it could have been of such infinite service to me, or I should have - taken it for the highest honour to have laid myself at their master's - feet: and after some other discourse, one of them pressed me to return his - master my answer, for they had but a very little time to stay. I told them - they saw plainly, by baring my breast to them, that I was under an - absolute incapacity for such a journey, and gratifying the highest - ambition I could have in the world; for I was pinned down to my arkoe, - never more to pass the barrier of that rock. One of them then asking, if I - should choose to go if it was possible to convey me thither, I told him he - could scarce have the least doubt, was my ability to perform such a - journey equal to my inclination to take it, that I should in the least - hesitate at obeying his master. "Sir," says he, "you make me very happy in - the regard you show my master; and I must beg leave to stay another day - with you." I told him they did me great honour; but little thought what it - all tended to. - </p> - <p> - We were very facetious; and they talked of the number of visitors I had - had here; and they mentioned several facts which had happened, and, - amongst the rest, that of Nasgig, who, they said, since his return, had - been introduced by Pendlehamby to the king, and was, for his great - prudence and penetration, become Georigetti's great favourite. They told - me war was upon the point of breaking out, and several other pieces of - news, which, as they did not concern me, I was very easy about. - </p> - <p> - The next morning they desiring to walk, and view what was most remarkable - in my arkoe, and above all to see me fire my gun, which they had heard so - much of; I gratified them at a mark, and hit the edge of it, and found - them quite staunch, without the least start at the report. I paid them a - compliment upon it, and told them how their countrymen had behaved, even - at a second firing: "But," says he who was the chief spokesman, and knew, - I found, as much as I could tell him, "that second fright was from seeing - death the consequence of the first; and though you had then to do mostly - with soldiers, you must not think they choose death more than others, - though their duty obliges them to shun it less." - </p> - <p> - The same person then desired me to show him how to fire the gun; which I - did, and believe he might hit the rock somewhere or other; but he did not - seem to admire the sport, and I, having but few balls left, did not - recommend the gun to the rest. - </p> - <p> - A little before bedtime the strangers told me they believed I should see - Nasgig next morning. I presently thought there was somewhat more than - ordinary in this visit, but could noways dive to the bottom of it. - </p> - <p> - Just before they went to rest, they ordered the trumpeter to be early on - the rock next morning; and upon the first sight of Nasgig's corps, to - sound notice of it, for us to be ready to receive him. - </p> - <p> - <br /><br /><a name="linkimageb-0019" id="linkimageb-0019"> </a> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> - <img src="images/0100.jpg" alt="0100 " width="100%" /><br /> - </div> - <h5> - <a href="images/0100.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </h5> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2HbCH0010" id="link2HbCH0010_"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER X. - </h2> - <p> - <i>Nasgig comes with a guard to fetch Peter—Long debate about his - going—Nasgig's uneasiness at Peter's refusal—Relates a - prediction to him, and proceedings thereon at Georigetti's court—Peter - consents to go—Prepares a machine for that purpose.</i> - </p> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">W</span>E were waked by - the trumpet giving notice of Nasgig's coming; I did not care to inquire of - the strangers into the particulars of his embassy; "for be it what it - will," thinks I, "Nasgig is so much my friend that I can know the motives - of it from him, and, or I am much deceived, he is too honest to impose - upon me." But I had but little time for thought, for upon our entering the - level, we found him and his train, of at least a hundred persons, just - alighting before us. - </p> - <p> - We embraced, and professed the particular pleasure fortune had done us in - once more meeting together. When we arrived at the grotto, he told me he - was assured I had been informed of the occasion of his visit; and that it - would be the greatest honour done to his country that could be imagined. - He then laid his hand on my beard, which was now of about five months' - growth, having never shaved it since my father went, and told he was glad - to see that.—"And are you not so to see me?" says I.—"Yes, - surely," says he, "for I prize that for your sake."—"But," says I, - "pray be open with me, and tell me what you mean by my being informed of - the occasion of your coming?"—"Why," says he, "of Georigetti's - message to you, as it will be of such infinite service to our country: - and," says he, "if you had not consented to it, the messengers had - returned and stopped me."—"True," says I, "one of the messengers - told me the king would be glad to see me; which as I, so well as he, knew - it was impossible he should, in return to his compliment, I believe I - might say what a happiness it would be to me if I could wait on him. But - pray what is your immediate message? for I hear you are in great favour at - court, and would never have come hither with this retinue in so much - ceremony on a trifling account." - </p> - <p> - "My dear Peter," says Nasgig, "know that your fame has reached far and - near since I saw you before; and our state, though a large and populous - one, and once of mighty power and twice its present extent, by the revolt - of the western part of it, who chose themselves a king, has been so - miserably harassed by wars, that the revolters, who are ever fomenting - discontent and rebellion amongst us, will, by the encroachments they daily - make on us, certainly reduce us at last to a province under their - government; which will render us all slaves to a usurped power, set up - against our lawful sovereign. Now these things were foretold long enough - before they actually began to be transacted; but all being then at peace, - and no prospect of what has since happened, we looked not out for a - remedy, till the disease became stubborn and incurable."—"Pray," - says I, "by whom were the things you mention foretold?"—"By a very - ancient and grave ragan," says he.—"How long ago?" says I.—"Oh, - above four times the age of the oldest man living," says he.—"And - when did he say it would happen?" says I.—"That," says he, "was not - quite so clear then."—"But how do you know," says I, "that he ever - said any such thing?"—"Why, the thing itself was so peculiar," says - he, "and the ragan delivered it so positively, that his successors have - ever since pronounced it twelve times a year publicly, word for word, to - put the people in mind of it, and from whom they must hope for relief; and - now the long-expected time being come, we have no hopes but in your - destruction of the tyrant-usurper."—"I destroy him!" says I: "if he - is not destroyed till I do it, I fear your state is but in a bad case."—"My - good friend Peter," says he, "you or nobody can do it."—"Pugh," says - I, "Nasgig, I took you for a man of more sense, notwithstanding the - prejudices of education, than to think, because you have seen me kill a - beast-fish that could not come to hurt me at the distance of twenty paces, - that I can kill your usurper at the distance he is from me."—"No, my - good friend," says Nasgig, "I know you take me to have more judgment than - to think so."—"Why, what else can I do," says I, "unless he will - come hither to be killed by me?"—"Dear Peter," says he, "you will - not hear me out."—"I will," says I, "say on."—"You, as I said - before, being the only person that can, according to our prediction, - destroy this usurper and restore peace among us, my master Georigetti, and - the whole state of Normnbdsgrsutt, were going to send a splendid embassy - to you; but your father advising to repose the commission wholly in me, - they all consented to it, and I am come to invite you over to Brandleguarp - for that purpose. I know you will tell me you have not the graundee, and - cannot get thither: but I am assured you have what is far better; the - wisdom you have will help you to surmount that difficulty, which our whole - moucheratt cannot get over. And I am sure did you apply half the thought - to accomplish it you seem to do to invent excuses against it, you would - easily overcome that. And now, dear friend," continues he, "refuse me not; - for as my first rise was owing to your favour, so my downfall as - absolutely attends your refusal." - </p> - <p> - "Dear Nasgig," says I, "you know I love you, and could refuse you nothing - in my power; but for me to be mounted in the air, I know not how, over - these rocks, and then drowned by a fall into the sea, which is a necessary - consequence of such a mad attempt; and all this in prosecution of a - project founded upon an old wife's tale, is such a chimera as all men of - sense would laugh at; as if there was no way of destroying me, but with a - guard of a hundred men to souse me into the wide ocean. A very pretty - conqueror of rebels I should prove, truly, kicking for life till the next - wave sent me to the bottom." - </p> - <p> - Nasgig looked then so grave, I almost thought I should have heard no more - of it; but after a short pause, "Peter," says he, "I am sorry you make so - light of sacred things; a thing foretold so long ago by a holy ragan, kept - up by undoubted tradition ever since, in the manner I have told you; in - part performed, and now waiting your concurrence for its accomplishment; - but if I cannot prevail with you, though I perish at my return, I dread to - think you may be forced without thanks to perform what generously to - undertake will be your greatest glory." - </p> - <p> - "Pray," says I, "Nasgig (for now I perceive you are in earnest), what may - this famous prediction be?" - </p> - <p> - "Ah, Peter!" says Nasgig, "to what purpose should I relate so sacred a - prediction to one who, though the most concerned in it, makes such a jest - of it?" - </p> - <p> - His mentioning me as concerned in it, raised my curiosity once more to - desire a relation of it. "Why should I relate it," says he, "if you are - resolved not to fulfil it?"—I told him I had no resolution against - anything that related to my own good, or that of my friends. "But the - greatest question with me," says I, "is, whether I am at all concerned in - it."—"Oh clearly, clearly!" says he, "there is no doubt of it; it - must mean you or nobody."—I told him I must judge by the words of it - that I was the person intended by it; and till that was apparent to my - reason, it would be difficult to procure my consent to so perilous an - undertaking.—"And," says he, "will you, upon hearing it, judge - impartially, and go with me if you can take the application to yourself?"—"I - cannot go quite so far as that," says I; "but this I'll promise you, I'll - judge impartially, and if I can so apply it to myself, that it must - necessarily mean me, and no other, and if you convince me I may go safely, - I will go." - </p> - <p> - Nasgig was so rejoiced at this, he was at a loss how to express himself. - "My dear Peter," says he, "you have given me new life! our state is free! - our persons free! we are free! we are free! And, Peter," says he, "now I - have given vent to my joy, you shall hear the prediction. - </p> - <p> - "You must know, this holy ragan lived four ages ago; and from certain - dreams and revelations he had had, set himself to overturn our - country-worship of the Great Image; and by his sanctity of life, and sound - reasonings, had almost effected it under the assistance of Begsurbeck, - then our king, who had fully embraced his tenets; but the rest of the - ragans opposing him, and finding he could not advance his scheme, he - withdrew from the ragans to a close retirement for several years; and just - before his death, sending for the king and all the ragans, he told them he - should certainly die that day, and that he could not die at peace till he - had informed them what had been revealed to him; desiring them to take - notice of it, not as a conjecture of his own, but a certain verity which - should hereafter come to pass. Says he, 'you know you have rejected the - alteration in your religion I proposed to you; and which Begsurbeck, here - present, would have advanced; and now I must tell you what you have - brought upon yourselves. As for Begsurbeck, he shall reign the longest and - most prosperously of all your former and future kings; but in twice his - time outrun, the west shall be divided from the east, and bring sorrow, - confusion, and slaughter, till the waters of the earth shall produce a - glumm, with hair round his head, swimming and flying without the graundee; - who, with unknown fire and smoke, shall destroy the traitor of the west, - settle the ancient limits of the monarchy, by common consent establish - what I would have taught you, change the name of this country, introduce - new laws and arts, add kingdoms to this state, and force tributes from the - bowels of the earth of such things as this kingdom shall not know till - then, and shall never afterwards want; and then shall return to the waters - again. Take care,' says he, 'you miss not the opportunity when it may be - had; for once lost, it shall never, never more return; and then, woe, woe, - woe to my poor country!'—The ragan having said this, expired. - </p> - <p> - "This prediction made so great an impression on Begsurbeck, that he - ordered all the ragans singly before him, and heard them repeat it; which - having done, and made himself perfect in it, he ordered it to be - pronounced twelve times in the year on particular days, in the moucherait, - that the people might learn it by heart; that they and their children - being perfect in it, might not fail of applying it, when the man from the - waters should appear with proper description. - </p> - <p> - "Thus, Peter," says he, "has this prediction been kept up in our memories - as perfectly as if it had but just been pronounced to us."—:"'Tis - very true," says I, "here may have been a prediction, and it may have - been, as you say, handed down very exactly from Begsurbeck's days till - now; but how does that affect me? how am I concerned in it? Surely, if any - marks would have denoted me to be the man, some of the colambs who have so - lately left me, and were so long with me, would have found them out in my - person, or among the several actions of my life I recounted to them."—"Upon - the return of the colambs from you," says Nasgig, "they told his majesty - what they had heard and seen at Graundevolet, and the story was conveyed - through the whole realm: but every man has not the faculty of distinction. - Now, one of the ragans, when he had heard of you, applying you to the - prediction, and that to you, soon found our deliverer in you; and at a - public moucheratt, after first pronouncing the prediction, declared - himself thereon to the following effect: - </p> - <p> - "'May it please your majesty—and you the honourable colambs—the - reverend ragans—and people of this state,' says he, 'you all know - that our famous king Begsurbeck, who reigned at the time of this - prediction, did live sixty years after it in the greatest splendour, and - died at the age of one hundred and twenty years, having reigned full - ninety of them; and herein you will all agree with me, no king before or - since has done the like. You all likewise know, that within two hundred - years after Begsurbeck's death, that is, about twice his reign of ninety - years outrun, the rebellion in the west began, which has been carried on - ever since; and our strength diminishing as theirs increases, we are now - no fair match for them, but are fearful of being undone. So far you will - agree matters have tallied with the prediction; and now, to look forward - to the time to come, it becomes us to lay hold of the present opportunity - for our relief, for that, once slipped, will never return; and if I have - any skill in interpretations, now is the time of our deliverance. - </p> - <p> - "'Our prediction foretells the past evils, their increase and continuance, - till the waters of the earth shall produce a glumm. Here I must appeal to - the honourable colambs present, if the waters have not done so in the - person of glumm Peter of Graundevolet, as they have received it from his - own report.' - </p> - <p> - "All the colambs then rising, and making reverence to the king, declared - it was most true. - </p> - <p> - "'The next part,' says the ragan, 'is, he is to be hairy round his head; - and how his person in this respect agrees with the prediction, I beg leave - to be informed by the colambs.' - </p> - <p> - "The colambs then rising, declared that having seen and conversed with - him, they could not observe any hair on the fore part of his head; but I - answered that when I left you I well remembered your having short stubbs - of hair upon your cheeks and chin; which I had no sooner mentioned than - your father arose and told the assembly that though he did not mind it - whilst he was with you, yet he remembered that his daughter, a year - before, had told him that you had hair on your face before as long as that - behind. - </p> - <p> - "This again putting new life into the ragan, he proceeded—'Then let - this,' says he, 'be put to the trial by an embassy to glumm Peter; and if - it answers, there will be no room to doubt the rest. Then,' says the - ragan, 'it is plain by the report of the colambs, that glumm Peter has not - the graundee. - </p> - <p> - "'As to the next point, he is to swim and fly. Now I am informed he swims - daily in a thing he calls a boat.'—To which the colambs all agreed.—'And - now,' says he, 'that he flies too, that must be fulfilled; for every word - must have a meaning, and that indeed he must do if ever he comes hither. I - therefore advise that a contrivance be somehow found out for conveying - glumm Peter through the air to us, and then we shall answer that part of - the prediction; and I think, and do not doubt, but that may be done. - </p> - <p> - "'Now,' says he, 'let us see the benefit predicted to us upon the arrival - of glumm Peter. Our words are: "Who, with unknown fire and smoke, shall - destroy the traitor of the west." What can be plainer than this? For I - again appeal to the colambs for his making unknown fire and smoke. - </p> - <p> - "'Thus far,' says the ragan, 'we have succeeded happily towards a - discovery of the person; but it ends not here with the death of the - traitor; but such other benefits are to accrue as are mentioned in the - following part of the prediction: they are blessings yet to come, and who - knows the end of them? - </p> - <p> - "'I hope,' says the ragan, 'I have given satisfaction in what I have said, - and shall now leave it to the care of those whose business it is to - provide that none of those woes pronounced against us may happen, by - missing the time which, when gone, will never return.' - </p> - <p> - "The assembly were coming to a resolution of sending you a pompous - embassy, but your father prevailed for sending me only; 'For,' says he, - 'my son thinks better of him than of the rest of our whole race.' So this - important affair was committed to me, with orders to prepare a conveyance - for you, which I cannot attempt to do; but shall refer myself to your more - solid judgment in the contrivance of it." - </p> - <p> - I had sat very attentive to Nasgig, and from what he had declared, could - not say but there was a very great resemblance between myself and the - person predicted of. "But then," says I, "they are idolaters: Providence - would not interpose in this affair, when all the glory of its success must - redound to an idol. But," says I, "has not the same thing often happened - from oracular presages, where the glory must redound to the false deity? - But what if, as is predicted, their religion is to be changed to the old - ragan's plan, and that will be to the abolition of idolatry? I know not - what to say; but if I thought my going would gain a single soul to the - eternal truth, I would not scruple to hazard my life in the attempt." - </p> - <p> - I then called in Youwarkee, told her the whole affair of the prediction, - which she had often heard, I found, and could have repeated. I told her - that the king and states had pitched on me as the person intended by their - prediction, and that Nasgig was sent to fetch me over: "And indeed," says - I, "Youwee, if this be a true prediction, it seems very applicable to me - as far as I can see."—"Yes, truly," says she, "so it does, now I - consider it in the light you say the ragan puts it."— - </p> - <p> - "Why," says I, "prophecies and predictions are never so plain as to - mention names; but yet, upon the solution, they become as intelligible as - if they did, the circumstances tallying so exactly. But what would you - have me do? Shall I, or shall I not, go?"—"Go!" says she, "how can - you go?"—"Oh," says I, "never fear that. If this is from above, - means will soon be found; Providence never directs effects without means." - </p> - <p> - Youwarkee, whose head ran only on the dangers of the undertaking, had a - violent conflict with herself; the love of me, of her children, and of her - country, divided her so, she was not capable of advising. I pressed her - opinion again, when she told me to follow the dictates of my own reason; - "And but for the dread of losing you, and for my children's sakes," says - she, "I should have no choice to make when my country is at stake: but you - know best." - </p> - <p> - I told Youwarkee that I really found the prediction the plainer the more I - thought of it; and that, above all, the change of religion was the - uppermost; for if I can reduce a State from the misery and bondage of - idolatry to a true sense of the Supreme Being, and seemingly by His own - direction, shall I fear to risk my own life for it? or, will He suffer me - to perish till somewhat at least is done towards it? And how do I know but - the whole tendency of my life has been by impulse hither for this very - purpose? "My dear Youwee," says I, "fear nothing, I will go." - </p> - <p> - I called Nasgig, and told him my resolution, and that he had nothing now - to do but prepare a means of conveying me.—He said he begged to - refer that to me, for my own thoughts would suggest to me both the safest - and easiest means. - </p> - <p> - I wanted to venture on the back of some strong glumm; when Nasgig told me - no one could endure my weight so long a flight. But what charmed me most - was, the lovely Youwarkee offered to carry me herself if she could: "And - if I can't hold out," says she, "my dear, we can but at last drop both - together." I kissed the charming creature with tears in my eyes, but - declined 'the experiment. - </p> - <p> - I told Nasgig I wanted to divide my weight between two or four glumms, - which I believed I could easily do; and asked if each could hold out with - a fourth part of my weight.—He told me there was no doubt of that; - but he was afraid I should drop between their graundees, he imagining I - intended to lie along on their backs, part of me on each of them, or - should bear so much on them as to prevent their flight. I told him I did - not purpose to dispose of myself in the manner he presumed, but if two or - four could undoubtedly bear my weight so long a flight, I would order - myself without any other inconvenience to my bearers than their burden. He - made light of my weight between four, as a trifle, and said he would be - one with all his heart.—"Nay," says I, "if four cannot hold out, can - eight?" He plainly told me, as he knew not what I meant, he could say - nothing to it, nor could imagine how I could divide so small a body as - mine into eight different weights, for it seemed impossible, he said, to - him; but if I would show him my method, he would then give me his opinion. - </p> - <p> - I then, leaving him, took out my tools: I pitched upon a strong board my - wife had sent me from the ship, about twelve feet long, and a foot and a - half broad, upon the middle of which I nailed down one of my chairs; then - I took one cord of about thirty-four feet long, making handloops at each - end, and nailed it down in the middle to the under-side of my board, as - near as I could to the fore-end of it, and I took another cord of the same - length and make, and this I nailed within three feet of the farther end of - my board. I then took a cord of about twenty feet long, and nailed about - three feet before the foremost, and a fourth of the same length, at the - farther end of my board; by which means the first and third ropes being - the longest and at such a distance from the short ropes, the glumms who - held them would fly so much higher and forwarder than the short-rope ones, - that they and their ropes would be quite out of the others' way, which - would not have happened if either the ropes had been all of one length, or - nearer to or farther from one another; and then considering that if I - should receive a sudden jerk or twitch, I might possibly be shook off my - chair, I took a smaller rope to tie myself with fast to the chair, and - then I was sure if I fell into the sea I should at least have the board - and chair with me, which might possibly buoy me up till the glumms could - descend to my assistance. - </p> - <p> - Having carried the machine down to the level with the help of two of - Nasgig's men, he being out on a walk, and having never seen it, I ordered - one of the men to sit upon the chair, and eight more to hold by the loops - and rise with him; but, as I found it difficult at their first rising, not - being able to mount all equally, to carry the board up even, and the back - part rising first, the front pitched against the ground and threw the - fellow out of the chair, I therefore bade them stop, and ordering eight - others to me, said I, "Hold each of you one of these ropes as high as you - can over your heads; then." says I to the eight bearers, "mount on your - graundees, and come round behind him in the chair gently, two and two, and - take each of you a loop, and hover with it till you are all ready, and - then rise together, keeping your eye on the board that it rises neither - higher at one end nor one side than the other, and see you all feel your - weight alike; then fly across the lake and back again." They did so, and - with as much ease, they told me, as if they had nothing in their hands; - and the man rode with so much state and composure, he said, that I longed - to try it myself; so, shifting places with the glumm, I mounted the chair, - and tying myself round, I asked if any one knew which way Nasgig walked. - One of them pointing to where he saw him just before in the wood, I - ordered them to take me up as before, and go that way. - </p> - <p> - Upon coming to the place where I expected Nasgig was, I hallooed and - called him; who, knowing my voice, ran to the skirt of the wood; and - seeing me mounted in my flying chair, I jokingly told him I was going, if - he had any commands; but he mounting immediately came up to me, and - viewing me round, and seeing the pleasure the men seemed to carry me with, - says he, "Are you all sure you can carry him safe to Battringdrigg?"—They - all replied, "Yes, with ease."—"This then," says he, "is your doom: - if you perform it not, every one shall be slit; but if you carry the - deliverer safe, you are filgays every man of you!" he verily thinking I - was then going off; but I undeceived him, by ordering them to turn about - and set me down where I was taken up. - </p> - <p> - Nasgig alighting and viewing my contrivance, "This, Peter," says he, "is - but a very plain thing."—"It is so," says I, "but it is as far as my - ingenuity could reach."—"Ah, Peter!" says he "say not so, for if the - greatest difficulties, as I and all my nation thought it would be to - convey you to them, are so plain and easy to you, what must lesser things - be? No, Peter, I did not call it plain because it might be easily done - when it was seen, but in respect to the head that formed it; for the - nearest way to attain one's end is always the best, and attended for the - most part with fewest inconveniences; and I verily think, Peter, though we - believe the rise or fall of our State wholly depends on you, you must have - stayed at Graundevolet but for your own ingenuity. Well, and when shall we - set out?" says he.—I told him it would take up some time to settle - the affairs of my family, and to consider what I had best take with me; - and required at least three days, being as little as I could have told him - for that purpose. - </p> - <p> - Nasgig, who as he was an honest man, and for making the best for his - patrons, was sorry it was so long, though he, imagining at the same time - it was short enough for one who was to go on such an enterprise, was glad - it was no longer; and immediately despatched a trumpet express with - notice, that on the fourth day he should be at the height of - Battringdrigg, and that having myself formed a machine for that purpose, I - would accompany him. - </p> - <p> - I began next to consider what part I had to act at Doorpt Svangeanti (for - I neither could nor would call it by any other name when I came thither), - and what it was they expected from me. I am, says I, to kill a traitor; - good, that may be, but then I must take a gun and ammunition; and why not - some pistols and cutlasses? If I cannot use them all, I can teach others - who may. I will take several of them, and all my guns but two, and I will - leave a pair of pistols; I may return and want them. I will take my two - best suits of clothes, and other things suitable; for if I am to perform - things according to this prediction, it may be a long time before I get - back again. Thinks I, Youwarkee shall stay here with the children, and if - I like my settlement I can send for her at any time. I then began to see - the necessity of making at least one more machine to carry my goods on. - And says I, as they will be very weighty, I must have more lasks to shift - in carrying them, for I will retain sixteen for my own body-machine, in - order to relieve each other; and as the distance is so great, I will not - be stinted for want of fresh hands. - </p> - <p> - Being come to this resolution, I called Nasgig, and ordered eight fresh - lasks to attend my baggage; these he soon singled out: so, having settled - all matters with my wife, and taken leave of her and the children, I - charged them not to stir out of the grotto till I was gone; and leaving - them all in tears, I set out with a heavy heart for the level, where the - whole convoy and my two machines waited for me. - </p> - <p> - <br /><br /><a name="linkimageb-0020" id="linkimageb-0020"> </a> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:15%;"> - <img src="images/5119.jpg" alt="5119 " width="100%" /><br /><a - href="images/5119.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </div> - <p> - <br /><br /><a name="linkimageb-0021" id="linkimageb-0021"> </a> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> - <img src="images/0120.jpg" alt="0120 " width="100%" /><br /> - </div> - <h5> - <a href="images/0120.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </h5> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2HbCH0011" id="link2HbCH0011_"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER XI. - </h2> - <p> - <i>Peter's speech to the soldiery—Offers them freedom—His - journey—Is met by the king—The king sent back, and why—Peter - alights in the king's garden—His audience—Description of his - supper and bed.</i> - </p> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">W</span>HEN we came to the - level, I desired Nasgig to draw all his men into a circle as near as they - could stand. I then asked them who would undertake to carry me: when not a - man but proffered his service, and desired to have the post of honour, as - they called it. I told them my question was only in case of necessity to - know whom I might depend upon, for my bearers were provided, saving - accidents. "But, my friends," says I, "as you are equally deserving for - the offered service, as if you were accepted, are any of you desirous of - being filgays?" They all answering together, "I, I, I!"—"Nasgig," - says I, "you and I must come to a capitulation before I go, and your - honour must be pledged for performance of articles." - </p> - <p> - I began with telling them what an enemy I was to slavery: "And," says I to - Nasgig, "as I am about to undertake what no man upon earth ever did - before: to quit my country, my family, my every conveniency of life, for I - know not what, I know not where, and from whence I may never return; I - must be indulged, if I am ever so fortunate as to arrive safe in your - country, in the satisfaction of seeing all these my fellow-travellers as - happy as myself: for which reason I must insist upon every man present - alighting with me in safety, being made free the moment we touch the - ground; and unless you will engage your honour for this, I will not stir a - step farther." - </p> - <p> - Nasgig paused for an answer, for though my bearers were his own lasks, and - he could dispose of them at pleasure, yet as the rest were the king's, he - knew not how far he might venture to promise for them; but being desirous - to get me over the rock, fearing I might still retract my purpose, he - engaged to procure their freedom of the king. And this, I thought, would - make the men more zealous in my service. - </p> - <p> - I then permitting them to take me up, we were over the rock as quick as - thought, and when I had a little experienced the flight, I perceived I had - nothing to fear; for they were so dexterous on the graundee, that I - received not the least shock all the way, or scarce a wry position, though - every quarter of an inch at hand made a considerable deflection from the - perpendicular. We shifted but twice till we came to Battringdrigg, the - manner, of which I directed as I sat in my chair; for I ordered the new - man to hover over him he was to relieve, and reaching down his hand to - meet the others which were held up with a rope, the old bearer sunk - beneath the chair, and the reliever took his course. This we did one by - one, till all were changed; but there was one, a stout young fellow, at - the first short rope on my right hand, who observing me to eye him more - than the rest, in a bravado would not be relieved before we arrived at - Battringdrigg arkoe; and I afterwards took him into my family. - </p> - <p> - As it was now somewhat advanced into the light season, I had hopes of a - tolerable good prospect; but had it been quite light, I should have never - been the better for it. I had been upon very high mountains in the inland - parts of Africa, but was never too high to see what was below me before, - though very much contracted; but here, in the highest of our flight, you - could not distinguish the globe of the earth but by a sort of mist, for - every way looked alike to me; then sometimes on a cue given, from an - inexpressible height my bearers would dart as it were sloping like a - shooting star, for an incredible distance, almost to the very surface of - the sea, still keeping me as upright as a Spaniard on my seat. I asked - them the reason of their so vast descent, when I perceived the labour they - had afterwards to attain the same height again. They told me they not only - eased their graundees by that descent, but could fly half as far again in - a day, as by a direct (they meant horizontal) flight; for though it seemed - laborious to mount so excessive high, yet they went on at the same time at - a great rate; but when they came to descend again, there was no comparison - in their speed. And, on my conscience, I believe they spoke true, for in - their descents I think no arrow could have reached us. - </p> - <p> - In about sixteen hours, for I took my watch with me, we alighted on the - height of Battringdrigg: when I thought I had returned to my own arkoe, it - was so like it, but much larger. Here we rested for hours; I opened my - chest, and gave each of my bearers a drop of brandy. Nasgig and I also - just wetted our mouths, and ate a piece of preserve to moisten us; the - rest of the lasks sitting down, and feeding upon what they had brought - with them in their colapets; for their method is, when they take long - flights, to carry a number of hard round fruits, flat like my - cream-cheeses, but much less, which containing a sort of flour they eat - dry; then drinking, which swells, and fills them as much as a good meal of - anything else would. Here we met with abundance of delightful pools of - water on the vast flat of the rocks. They told me, in that arkoe the young - glumms and gawrys came in vast flights separately, to divert themselves on - the fine lakes of water, and from thence went sometimes as far as my arkoe - for that purpose; but that was but seldom. - </p> - <p> - When we had sufficiently rested, they shut their colapets, which sometimes - hung down from their necks, and were sometimes swung round to their backs, - and crossing the arkoe and another large sea, but nothing comparable to - the first, arrived in about six hours more to the height of the White - Mountains, which Nasgig told me were the confines of Georigetti's - territories. But, thinks I, it may belong to whom it will for the value of - it; for nothing could be more barren than all the top of it was; but the - inside of it made amends for that, by the prodigious tall and large trees - it abounded with, full of the strangest kinds of fruits I had ever seen; - and these trees, most of them, seemed to grow out of the very stone - itself, not a peck of dirt being to be collected near them. Without-side - of these mountains, it was scarce darker than at my arkoe; for I made all - the observation my time would allow me; when spying at a vast distance - several lights, which were unusual things to me in that country, they told - me the largest was the burning mountain Alkoe: this I remembered to have - heard the name of upon some former occasion, though I could not recollect - what; and that the rest were of the same sort, but smaller. I asked if - they were in Georigetti's territories. They said no, they belonged to - another king formerly, whose subjects were as fond of fire as Georigetti's - were of avoiding it; and that many of them worked with it always before - them, and made an insufferable noise by it. - </p> - <p> - At hearing the above relation, an impression struck my fancy, that they - might be a sort of smiths or workers in iron, or other metals; and I - wished myself with them, for I had a mighty notion of that work, having - been frequently at a neighbouring forge when a boy, and knew all their - tools, and resolved to get all the information I could of that country - some other time; for our company drawing to their posts, and preparing to - set forward again, I could have no more talk now; and you must know, I had - observed so many idle rascals before I left England, who could neither - strike a stroke nor stir a foot whilst you talked with them, that I feared - if I asked questions by the way, they should in answering me neglect their - duty, and let me drop. - </p> - <p> - When we came near our journey's end, Nasgig asked me where I would please - to alight I told him I thought at my father's; for though I came on a - visit to the king, it would not show respect to go before him just off a - journey. But I might have spared me the trouble of settling that point; - for we were not gone far from the Black Mountain, it going by that name - within side, though it is called the White without, before we heard the - gripsacks, and a sort of squeaking or screaming music, very loud. Nasgig - told me the king was in flight. I asked him how he knew that, for I could - see nobody. He knew it, he said, by the gripsack, and the other music, - which never played but on that occasion; and presently after, I thought - the whole kingdom were on the graundee, and was going to order my bearers - back to the mountain, for fear of the concourse. Thinks I, they will - jostle me down out of civility, and I shall break my neck to gratify their - curiosity. So I told Nasgig if he did not somehow stop the multitude, I - would turn back for the mountain, for I would never venture into that - crowd of people. - </p> - <p> - Nasgig sprung away to the king and informed him; but the king, fearing the - people should be disgusted at his sending them back, gave orders for the - whole body to file off to the right and left, and taking a vast sweep each - way, to fall in behind me; but upon no account to come near me, for fear - of mischief. This was no sooner said than done, and all spreading into two - vast semicircles, met in a train just behind my chair. - </p> - <p> - Nasgig had also persuaded the king to retreat back to the palace, telling - him it was not with me as with them, who could help themselves in case of - accident; but as I was under the guidance of others, and on a foundation - he should scarce, in my condition, have ventured upon, he was sure I - should be better satisfied with his intended respect only, than to receive - it there: "But," says he, "that your majesty may see his contrivance, I - will cause him to alight in the palace garden, where you may have the - pleasure of viewing him in his machine." - </p> - <p> - The king returning, ordered all the colambs, who waited my arrival, to - assemble in council again; and as I went over the city, I was surprised to - see all the rock of which it consisted quite covered with people, besides - prodigious numbers in the air, all shouting out peals of welcome to me; - and as we were then but little above their heads, every one had something - to say of me; one wondering what I had got on; another swearing he saw - hair on my face as long as his arm; and in general, every one calling on - the Image for my safety. - </p> - <p> - The king was present when I alighted in the garden; and himself taking me - from my chair, I bent on one knee to kiss his hand; but he took me in his - arms, called me his father, and told me he hoped I would make his days - equal in glory to his great ancestor Begsurbeck. We complimented some time - before he took me into a small refectory in the garden, and gave me some - of his sort of wine, which I found was loaded with ram's-horn, and some - dried and moist sweetmeats. He then told me I had a piece of ceremony to - go through, after which he hoped to have me to himself. I told him, - whatever forms of State were customary, they become necessary, and I - should obey him. - </p> - <p> - His majesty then called one of the persons in waiting, and telling him he - was going to the room of audience, ordered him to conduct me thither - forthwith. - </p> - <p> - Following my guide, after a long walk through a sort of piazza, we entered - under a stately arch, curiously carved, into a very spacious room, lighted - with infinite numbers of globe-lamps, where he desired me to sit down on a - round stone pedestal covered with leaves, and all round the sides were - running foliages exquisitely wrought; on the walls were carved figures of - glumms in several actions, but chiefly in battle, or other warlike - exercises, in alto-relievo, very bold, with other devices interspersed. I - sat down, having first paid my submission to the throne, and to the - several colambs who sat on the king's right and left, down the sides of - the room. - </p> - <p> - The person then who introduced me, going into the middle of the room, - spoke to this effect: "Mighty king—and you honourable lords his - colambs—here is present the glumm Peter of Graundevolet; I wait your - commands where to dispose him." - </p> - <p> - Then the king and all the colambs arising, another person stepped forth, - and looking at me, for I was standing, "Glumm Peter of Graundevolet," says - he, "I am to signify to you that the mighty king Georigetti, and all his - honourable colambs, congratulate your arrival in Normnbdsgrsutt, and have - commanded me to give you rank according to your merit." Then the king and - colambs sat down, and I was led to the king's right hand, and placed on - the same stone with, but at some small distance from, his majesty. - </p> - <p> - The king then told me the great pleasure I had done him and his colambs, - in my so speedy arrival upon their message; but said he would give me no - farther trouble now than to know how I chose to be served; and desired me - to give orders to a bash he would send to me, for whatever I wanted; and - then giving orders to a bash to show me my lodgings, I was permitted to - retire to refresh myself. - </p> - <p> - I was then conducted to my apartment, up a sloping flight of stone, very - long, with a vast arch over my head; I believed it might be fifty paces - long at least, but being a very broad easy ascent, and smooth, it was not - in the least fatiguing. All the way I went were the same sorts of globe - lights as in the audience-room. The staircase, if I may call it so, it - answering the same purpose, was most beautifully carved, both sides and - top. At length I came into a very large gallery, at least fourscore paces - long, and about twenty broad; on each side of which hung the same globes. - At the farther end of this gallery I entered by an arch, very narrow, but - most neatly wrought, into an oval room; in the middle of this room, on the - right hand, was another small neat archway; entering through which about - ten paces, there were two smaller arches to the right and left, and within - them, with an easy ascent of about three paces, you came to a flat trough - of stone, six or seven feet long, and about the same width; these, I - understood by my bash, were the beds to lie on. - </p> - <p> - I asked him if they were used to lie on the bare stone. He told me some - did, but he had orders to lay me on doffee; and presently up came four - fellows with great mats, as I took them for by my globe light, full of - something, which, by their so easily carrying so great bulk, I perceived - was very light. They pitched it down upon my stone bedstead, and first - with great sticks, and then with small switches having beat it soundly, - retired. - </p> - <p> - Whilst I was looking about at the oddity of the place, I found my bash was - gone too. "So," says I, "all gone! I suppose they intend I shall now go to - bed." I then went into my bed-chamber, for there were globe lights there - too, and observing my bed lay full four feet above the stone, and sloping - higher to the sides and head, I went to feel what it was; but laying my - hand upon it, it was so soft I could feel no resistance till I had pressed - it some way; and it lay so light, that a fly must have sunk upon it.—"Well," - thinks I, "what if I never lay thus before, I believe I have lain as bad!" - </p> - <p> - I then took a turn into my oval room again, and observed the floor, sides, - and all was stone, as smooth as possible, but not polished; and the walls - and ceiling, and in short every place where they could be ornamented, were - as well adorned with carvings as can be conceived. - </p> - <p> - Though nobody came near me yet, I did not care to be too inquisitive all - at once, but I longed to know what they burnt in the globes, which gave so - steady a light, and yet seemed to be enclosed quite round, top and sides, - without any vent-hole for the smoke to evaporate. Surely, thinks I, they - are a dullish glass, for they hung almost above my touch, and must be - exceeding hot with the fire so enclosed, and have some small vent-hole - though I can't see it. Then standing on tiptoe to feel, it struck quite - cold to my finger; but I could only reach to touch that, or any of the - rest, being all of one height. - </p> - <p> - Whilst I was musing thus, I heard the sound of voices coming along the - gallery; and presently came a train of servants with as much victuals as a - hundred men could eat, and wines proportionable; they set it down at the - upper end of the oval room, on a flat of stone, which on making the room - had been left in the upper bend of the oval quite across it, about table - high, for that purpose. These eatables, such as were liquid, or had sauces - to them, were served up in a sort of grey stone bowls; but the dry were - brought in neat wooden baskets of twig-work. - </p> - <p> - The servants all retiring into the gallery, except my bash, I asked him if - anybody was to eat with me: he told me no.—"I wonder," says I, "they - should send me so much, then." He replied it was the allowance of my - apartment by his majesty's orders; which silenced me. - </p> - <p> - I believe there were twenty different things on the table, insomuch that I - did not know where to begin, and heartily wished for an excuse to get rid - of my bash, who stood close at my elbow, that I might have smelt and - tasted before I helped myself to anything, for I knew not what any one - thing was. - </p> - <p> - In this perplexity, I asked my bash what post he was in under his majesty. - He said, one of the fifty bashes appointed to be near the king's - favourites when at court. "And pray," said I, "are you the person to - attend me?" He was, he said, the principal to wait on my person; but there - were at least sixty others, who had different offices in this apartment. - "I would be glad," said I, "to know your name, that I may the more readily - speak to you." He told me his name was Quilly. "Then, pray, Quilly," says - I, "do you know what is become of my baggage and chair?" I found, though - he guessed at my baggage, he was puzzled at the name of chair. "My seat," - says I. "Oh, I understand you," says he. "Then, pray, will you go bring me - word of them, and see them brought safe up into the gallery?" He tripped - away on my errand. So thinks I, now I am fairly rid of you! but I had - scarce turned any of my viands over, before I found he had but stepped - into the gallery, to send some of the idle fellows-in-waiting there. And - this putting me to a nonplus, "Quilly," says I, "you know I am a stranger - here; and as different countries have different ways and customs, as well - of dressing their eatables as other things, and these dishes being dressed - contrary to my custom, I shall be glad if you will name some of them to - me, that I may know them when I see them again." - </p> - <p> - Quilly began with this, and ran on to that, which was a fine dish; and the - other few but the king have at their tables. "And here," says he, "is a - dish of padsi; and there——" - </p> - <p> - "Hold, hold," says I, "Quilly, let's try these first before you proceed;" - for I remembered, at my grotto, they all eat my fish for padsi, and I cut - a slice of it; for I always carried my clasp-knife in my pocket, and they - had no such thing there; and laying it on a round cake I took for my - trencher, I tasted it, and found it so, to my apprehension, in the palate; - but it did not look or flake like fish, as I observed by the slices they - had cut it into; for all the victuals were in long slices ready to bite - at. I asked him if these things were not all cut, and with what; for I - understood they had no knives, showing him mine. He said the cook cut it - with a sharp stone. I then asked him the name of several other things, and - at last he came to crullmott, which having heard of before, I now tasted, - and could have sworn it had been a hashed fowl. I asked him if crullmotts - were very common; he told me yes, towards the bottoms of the mountains - there were abundance of crullmott-trees.—"No, no," says I, "not - trees; I mean fowls, birds."—"I don't know what they are," said he; - "but these crullmotts grow on very large trees." Indeed, I did not know - yet what I was at. "But," says I, "if your fowls do, sure your fish don't - grow on trees too!"—"We have none of them," says he, "in this - country."—"Why," says I, "it is but this moment I tasted one."—"I - don't know," said he, "where the cook got it."—"Why, here," says I, - "what you call padsi I call fish."—"Aye, padsi," says he, "'grows - upon a bush in the same woods."—"Well done," says I, "this is the - first country I was ever in where the fish and fowl grew on trees. It is - ten to one but I meet with an ox growing on some tree by the tail before I - leave you." - </p> - <p> - I had by this time, out of these two and some other pickings, made up a - very good meal; and putting my knife into my pocket, desired something to - drink. My bash asked me what I pleased to have. I told him, anything to - take a good draught of. Then he filled me a bott of wine, very well - tasted, though too sweet for meals; but putting some water to it, it did - very well. - </p> - <p> - My messengers being returned, and having set all my things in the gallery, - I desired Quilly to let the victuals be taken away; upon which there came - more servants than dishes, who took all at once, but some wine and water I - desired might remain. - </p> - <p> - I told Quilly I saw there were two beds. "Who are they for?" says I.—"One - for you and one for me," says he; "for we bashes never leave the king's - favourites."—"Pray, Quilly," says I, "what is the meaning that to - the several rooms I have been in, there is never a door?"—"Door," - says he, "I don't know that."—"What!" says I, "don't you shut your - rooms at night?"—"No, no. Shut at night! I never heard of that."—"I - believe," says I, "Quilly, it is almost bed-time; is it not?"—"No, - no," says Quilly, "the gripsack has not sounded."—"How do you know," - says I, "in this country, when you shall lie down, and when rise? for my - wife has told me you have no clocks." - </p> - <p> - "No; no clocks," says he.—"Then," says I, "does every one rise and - lie down when they please? or do you all lie down and all rise together - about the same time?"—"Oh," says Quilly, "you will hear the gripsack - presently. There are several glumms who take it by turns to sound it for - the rest, and then we know it is time to lie down; and when they sound it - again, we know it is time to rise." And afterwards I found these people - guessed the time (being twelve hours between sound and sound) so well, - that there were but few minutes' variation at any time between them and my - watch; and I set my watch to go from their soundings at six o'clock. - </p> - <p> - I found myself pretty much fatigued after my journey; for though I had - only to sit still, yet the excessive velocity of such an unusual motion - strained every muscle as much as the hardest labour; for you may imagine I - could not at first be without my fears upon ever so small a variation of - my chair, which, though I could not possibly by my own inclination one way - or other rectify, yet a natural propensity to a perpendicular station - involuntarily biasses one to incline this or that way, in order to - preserve it; and then at first my breath being ready to fail me, in - proportion to the celerity of the flight, and to my own apprehensions, and - being upon that exercise near thirty hours, and without sleep for almost - forty, you may judge I wanted rest; so I told Quilly I would lie down, and - ordered him not to disturb me till I waked of myself. - </p> - <p> - I could not prevent the officiousness of my valet to put me to bed, and - cover me with the down, or whatever it was; for having no sheets, I pulled - off nothing but my coat, wig, and shoes, and putting on my flannel - night-cap, I laid me down. - </p> - <p> - <br /><br /><a name="linkimageb-0022" id="linkimageb-0022"> </a> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> - <img src="images/0137.jpg" alt="0137 " width="100%" /><br /> - </div> - <h5> - <a href="images/0137.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </h5> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2HbCH0012" id="link2HbCH0012_"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER XII. - </h2> - <p> - <i>The king's apartments described—Is introduced to the king—A - moucheratt called—His discourse with the king about religion.</i> - </p> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span> HAVE known some - travellers so peculiar in their taste as not to be able to sleep in a - strange lodging. But, thanks to my kind stars, that did not prove my case; - for having looked on my watch when I went to bed, as I call it, and - finding it was down, I wound it up, and observed it began to go at about - three o'clock—whether day or night, matters not; and when I waked it - was past nine, so that I know I had slept eighteen hours; and finding that - a very reasonable refreshment, and myself very hungry, I called Quilly to - get me my breakfast. - </p> - <p> - Quilly told me his majesty had been to visit me, but would not have me - disturbed. I, begging him to despatch my breakfast as soon as possible, - and let me have some water for my hands, he ordered the gallery-waiters, - and everything came immediately. - </p> - <p> - My breakfast was a brown liquid, with a sort of seeds or grain in it, very - sweet and good; but the fear of the king's return before I was ready for - him, prevented my inquiring into what it was. So, having finished it, and - washed my hands, Quilly presented me a towel, which looked like an - unbleached coarse linen, but was very soft and spongy; and I found - afterwards was made of threads of bark stripped from some tree. I put on - my brown suit, sword, and long wig, and sent Quilly to know when it was - his majesty's pleasure I should wait upon him. - </p> - <p> - I had been so much used to lamplight in my grotto, that the lights of this - gloomy mansion did not seem so unusual a thing to me as they would have - done to a stranger. The king sent me word he would admit me immediately, - and Quilly was my conductor to his majesty's apartment. - </p> - <p> - We passed through the gallery, at the farther end of which was a very - beautiful arch, even with the staircase, through which Quilly led me into - a large guard-room, wherein were above a hundred glumms, posted in ranks, - with their pikes in hand, some headed with sharp-pointed stone, others - with multangular stone, and others with stone globes. Passing through - these, we entered another gallery as long as that to my apartment; then - under another arch we came into a small square room, carved exceeding - fine; on the right and left of which were two other archways, leading into - most noble rooms. But we only saw them, passing quite cross the little - room, through an arch that fronted us into a small gallery of prodigious - height; at the farther end of which Quilly, turning aside a mat, - introduced and left me in the most beautiful place in the universe, where, - neither seeing nor hearing anybody stir, I employed myself in examining - the magnificence of the place, and could, as I then thought, have feasted - my eye with variety for a twelvemonth. I paced it over one hundred and - thirty of my paces long, and ninety-six broad. There were arches in the - middle of each side, and in the middle of each end; the arch ceiling could - not be less than the breadth of the room, and covered with the most - delightful carvings, from whence hung globe-lights innumerable, but - seemingly without order, which I thought appeared the more beautiful on - that account. In the centre of the room hung a prodigious cluster of the - same lights, so disposed as to represent one vast light; and there were - several rows of the same lights hung round the room, one row above - another, at proper distances. These lights represented to me the stars, - with the moon in the middle of them; and after I came to be better - acquainted with the country, I perceived the lights were to represent the - southern constellations. The archways were carved with the finest devices - imaginable, gigantic glumms supporting on each side the pediments. - </p> - <p> - At every ten paces all along the sides and ends, arose columns, each upon - a broad square base, admirably carved; these reached to the cornice or - base of the arched ceiling quite round the room. On the panels between - each column were carved the different battles and most remarkable - achievements of Begsurbeck himself. Over the arch I entered at, was the - statue of Begsurbeck, and over the opposite arch the old prophetic ragan. - In the middle of the room stood a long stone table lengthwise, most - exquisitely carved, almost the length of the room, except where it was - divided in the middle about the breadth of the archways, in order for a - passage from one arch to the other. In short, to describe this one room - particularly would make a volume of itself. - </p> - <p> - I stayed here a full hour and a half, wondering why nobody came to me; at - length turning myself about, I saw two glumms coming towards me, and - having received their compliments, they desired me to walk in to the king. - We passed through another middling room, and taking up a mat at the - farther side of it, I was conducted in where his majesty was sitting with - another glumm. They both arose at my entrance, and calling me their - father, and leading me, one by each hand, obliged me to sit down between - them. - </p> - <p> - After some compliments about my journey, and accommodation since, the king - told me I had not waited so long without, but he had some urgent - despatches to make; and as he chose to have me in private with him, he - imagined, he said, I would be able to divert myself in the boskee. I - declared I had never seen anything like it for grandeur and magnificence - before; but the beauty of the sculpture, and disposition of the lights, - were most exquisite. - </p> - <p> - All this while I felt the other glumm handling my long wig, and feeling - whether it grew to my head, or what it was; for he had by this time got - his finger under the caul, and was pulling my hair down; when I turning - about my head, "Glumm Peter," says the king, "don't be uneasy, the ragan - will do you no hurt, it is only to satisfy his curiosity; and I chose to - have the ragan here, that we may more leisurely advise with you what - course to take in the present exigencies of my State. I have fully heard - the story of your travels from my colambs, and we have returned thanks to - the Great Image for bringing you, after so many hazards and deliverances, - safe to my dominions for our defence." - </p> - <p> - The ragan desired to know whether all that hair (meaning my wig) grew upon - my head or not. I told him no, it was a covering only, to put on - occasionally; but that hair did grow on my head, and pulling off my wig I - showed them. The ragan then asked me if I had hair of my own growing under - that too (meaning my beard, which he then had in his hand, for their - glumms have no beards); but I told him that grew there of itself.—"O - parly Puly!" says the ragan, rising up, and smiting his hands together, - "It is he! It is he!" - </p> - <p> - "Pray," says I, "ragan, who is this Puly you speak of?"—"It is the - image," says he, "of the great Collwar."—"Who is that?" says I.—"Why, - he that made the world," says he.—"And, pray," says I, "what did his - image make?"—"Oh," says he, "we made the image."—"And, pray," - says I, "can't you break it again?"—"Yes," says he, "if we had a - mind to be struck dead, we might; for that would be the immediate - consequence of such an attempt; nay, of but holding up a finger against it - in contempt."—"Pray," says I, "did ever anybody die that way?"—"No," - says he, "no one ever durst presume to do it."—"Then, perhaps," said - I, "upon trial, the punishment you speak of might not be the consequence - of such an attempt. Pray," says I, "what makes Collwar have so great a - kindness for that image?"—"Because," says he, "it is his very - likeness, and he gives him all he asks for us; for we only ask him. Why," - says he, "it is the image that has brought you amongst us." - </p> - <p> - I did not then think it a proper time to advance the contrary to the - person I then had to do with, as I was sure it would have done no good; - for a priest is only to be convinced by the strongest party: so I deferred - my argument on that head to a fitter opportunity. - </p> - <p> - "Most admirable Peter," says the king, "you are the glumm we depend upon - to fulfil an ancient prediction delivered by a venerable ragan. If you - will, Ragan I. O. shall repeat it to you, and therein you will be able to - discern yourself plainly described, in not only similar, but the express - words I myself, from your story, should describe you in." - </p> - <p> - In good earnest, I had from divers circumstances concluded that I might be - the person; and resolved, as I thought I had the best handle in the world - for it from the prediction, to do what I could in the affair of religion, - by fair means or stratagem (for I was sensible my own single force would - not do it), before I began to show myself in their cause, or else to - desert them; and having had a small hint from Nasgig of what the old - ragan's design was in part, and which I approved of, I purposed to add - what else was necessary as part of his design, if his proposals had been - approved of. - </p> - <p> - I told the king I would excuse the ragan the repetition of the prediction, - as I had partly been informed of it by Nasgig; and that conceiving myself, - as he did, to be the person predicted of by the ragan, I had the more - readily set out on this expedition, which nothing but the hopes of - performing so great a good could have prevailed with me to undertake; and - I did not doubt, with God's blessing, to accomplish it. - </p> - <p> - The king grew exceeding joyous at what I said, and told me he would call a - moucheratt, at which all his colambs should attend, to have their advice, - and then we would proceed to action; and ordered the ragan to let it be - for the sixth day, and in the meantime that he and his brethren should, - day and night, implore the Image to guide their deliberations. - </p> - <p> - The ragan being gone, I told the king I had something to impart to him, in - which it was my duty to obtain his majesty's sentiments before I appeared - publicly at the moucheratt. He desired me to proceed: I told him I had - been some time considering the old ragan's prediction, with the occasion - of it; "and," says I, "it is plain to me that all these mischiefs have - befallen you for neglect of the ragan's proposal concerning religion; as I - understand your great ancestor would have come into it, and would have had - his people done so too, but for the ragans, who hindered it. - </p> - <p> - "You find," says I, "by your traditional history, that Begsurbeck lived - long, and reigned gloriously; and I would aim at making you as prosperous - as he was, and infinitely more happy, not only in outward splendour here, - but in great glory hereafter." - </p> - <p> - Perceiving that my discourse had quickened the king's attention, says I, - "I must let your majesty know it is the old ragan's plan I must proceed - upon in every branch of it."—"Why," says the king, "he would have - abolished our worship of the Image."—"And so would I," says I; "nay, - not only would, but must and will, before I engage myself in your - deliverance; and then, with the only assistance of the great Collwar, whom - I adore, and whom you must too, if you expect any service from me, I don't - doubt to prevail. - </p> - <p> - "Your majesty sees," says I, "in few words, I have been very plain with - you; and I desire you, in as concise and plain a manner, to answer me, - what are your thoughts on this head? for I can say no more till I hear - them." - </p> - <p> - The king seeing me so peremptory: "Glumm Peter," says he, looking about to - see no one was near, "I have too much sense to imagine our Image can do - either good or hurt; for if it could have done us good, why would it not - in our greatest distress, now near two hundred years past? For my own - part, I put no trust in it, nor did my famous ancestor the great - Begsurbeck; but here is my difficulty, where to choose another object of - worship; for I perceive by myself, mankind must, through natural impulse, - look to somewhat still above them, as a child does to his father, from - whom he hopes for and expects succour in his difficulties; and though the - father be not able to assist him, still he looks to him; and therefore, I - say, we must have another before we can part with this, or the people, - instead of the part who have been in the defection, will all desert me; - for they are easy now in hopes of help from the Image, and every little - gleam of success is attributed to it; but for the disadvantages we - receive, the ragans charge them on the people's not praying and paying - sufficiently; which they, poor souls, knowing in their consciences to be - true enough, are willing rather, as they are bid, to take the blame upon - themselves, than to suffer the least to fall on the Image. - </p> - <p> - "All this," says the king, "I am sensible of; but should I tell them so, - my life must pay for it; for the ragans would bring some message from the - Image against me, to desert or murder me; and then happy would be the - first man who could begin the mischief, which the rest would soon follow." - </p> - <p> - This so frank and unexpected declaration gave me great confidence in the - king; and I told him, if that was his opinion, he might leave the rest to - me. I would so manage it, that the thing should be brought about by my - means; and I would then satisfy all his scruples, and make him a - flourishing prince. But I could not help reflecting with myself, how - nearly this distant prince, and his State, copied some of my neighbours in - Europe. - </p> - <p> - <br /><br /><a name="linkimageb-0023" id="linkimageb-0023"> </a> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> - <img src="images/0147.jpg" alt="0147 " width="100%" /><br /> - </div> - <h5> - <a href="images/0147.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </h5> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2HbCH0013" id="link2HbCH0013_"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER XIII. - </h2> - <p> - <i>Peters reflections on what he was to perform—Settles the method - of it—His advice to his son and daughter—Globe-lights living - creatures—Takes Maleck into his service—Nasgig discovers to - Peter a plot in court—Revolt of Gauingrunt.</i> - </p> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">H</span>AVING now fully - entered into the spirit of the business with my own good liking, I was - determined to push it vigorously, or perish in the attempt. "Have I," says - I, "so large a field before me now to manifest my Maker in to a whole - nation, and under His own call, and to fulfil their own prediction too; - and shall I shrink at the possible danger? Or may there not rather be no - probability of danger in it? The nation is in distress, the readier - therefore to try any remedy for help: their Image has stood idle two - hundred years; there has been an old prophecy, or at least if not true, as - firmly believed to be true as if it was so; and this, in regard to the - people, answers in all respects as well. But why should it not be true? It - is better attested by the frequent repetition, from the original delivery - to this time, than are many traditions I have heard of amongst us - Christians, which have come out spick and span new from the repositories - of the learned, of twelve or fifteen hundred years old, little the worse - for lying by; though they are not pretended to have seen light all that - time, and are undoubted verities the moment they receive the grand - sanction. Then if any means but fraud or force can gain so large a - territory to the truth, and I am the only person can introduce it, shall - not I endeavour it? Yes, surely; but I am not excluded all advantages - neither, for all the works of Providence are brought to pass by appointed - means: and indeed, were it otherwise, what could we call Providence? For a - peremptory fiat, and it is over, may work a miracle, it is true, but will - not exhibit the proceedings of Providence. Therefore let me consider, in a - prudential way, how to proceed to the execution of what I am to set about—and - guide me, Providence! I beseech you, to the end." - </p> - <p> - Upon the best deliberation I could take, I came to the following - resolutions: First, to insist on the abolition of the Image-worship, and - to introduce true religion by the fittest means I could find opportunity - for. - </p> - <p> - Secondly, as the revolters had been one people with those I would serve, - and had this prediction amongst them too, and were interested in it, in - hopes of its distant accomplishment; so if they came properly to the - knowledge that the person predicted of had appeared, and was ready for - execution of his purposes, it must stagger their fidelity to their new - master; and, therefore, I would find means to let them know it. - </p> - <p> - Thirdly, that I would not march till I was in condition not easily to be - repulsed, for that would break both the hopes and hearts of my party, and - destroy my religious scheme, and, therefore, I would get some of my - cannon. - </p> - <p> - Fourthly, that I would go to the war in my flying-chair, and train up a - guard for my person with pistols and cutlasses. - </p> - <p> - These resolutions I kept to myself till the moucheratt was over, to see - first how matters would turn out there. - </p> - <p> - Whilst I waited for the approaching moucheratt, my son Tommy, and daughter - Hallycarnie, paid their duties to me. It is strange how soon young minds - are tainted by bad company. I found them both very glad to see me, for - everybody, they said, told them I was to be their deliverer. They had both - got the prophecy by heart, and mentioned the Image with all the affection - of natural subjects. The moment Tommy spoke of it to me, "Hold," says I, - "young man. What's become of those good principles I took so much pains to - ground you in? Has all my concern for your salvation been thrown away upon - you? Are you become a reprobate? What! an apostate from the faith you - inherited by birthright? Is the God I have so often declared to you a - wooden one? Answer me, or never see my face more." - </p> - <p> - The child was extremely confounded to see me look so severe, and hear me - speak so harsh to him. "Indeed, father," says he, "I did not willingly - offend, or design to show any particular regard to the Image, for, thanks - to you, I have none; but what I said was only the common discourse in - everybody's mouth; I meant neither good nor harm by it." - </p> - <p> - "Tommy," says I, "it is a great fault to run into an error, though in - company of multitudes; and where a person's principle is sound at bottom, - and founded upon reason, no numbers ought to shake it. You are young, - therefore hearken to me; and you, Hallycarnie, whatever you shall see done - by the people of this country, in the worship of this idol, don't you - imitate it, don't you join in it. Keep the sound lessons I have preached - to you in mind; and upon every attempt of the ragans, or any other, to - draw you aside to their worship, or even to speak or act the least thing - in praise of this idol, think of me and my words, pay your adoration to - the Supreme Father of spirits only, and to no wooden, stone, or earthen - deity whatsoever." - </p> - <p> - The children wept very heartily, and both promised me to remember and to - do as I had taught them. - </p> - <p> - Being now in my oval chamber, and alone with my children, I had a mind to - be informed of some things I was almost ashamed to ask Quilly. "Tommy," - says I, "what sort of fire do they keep in these globes? and what are they - made of?"—"Daddy," says he, "yonder is the man shifting them, you - may go and see." Being very curious to see how he did it, I went to him. - As I came near him, he seemed to have something all fire on his arm. "What - has the man got there?" says I. "Only sweecoes," says Tommy. By this time - I came up to him; "Friend," says I, "what are you about?"—"Shifting - the sweecoes, sir," says he, "to feed them."—"What oil do you feed - with?" says I.—"Oil!" says he, "they won't eat oil; that would kill - them all."—"Why," says I, "my lamp is fed with oil." - </p> - <p> - Tommy could scarce forbear laughing himself; but for fear the servant - should do so too, pulled me by the sleeve, and desired me to say no more. - So turning away with him, "Daddy," says he, "it is not oil that gives this - light, but sweecoes, a living creature. He has got his basket full, and is - taking the old ones out to feed them, and putting new ones in. They shift - them every half day and feed them."—"What!" says I, "are all these - infinite number of globes I see living creatures?"—"No," says he, - "the globes are only the transparent shell of a bott, like our calibashes. - The light comes from the sweecoe within."—"Has that man," says I, - "got any of them?"—"Yes," says he, "you may see them. The king and - the colambs, and indeed every man of note, has a place to breed and feed - them in."—"Pray, let us go see them," says I, "for that is a - curiosity indeed." - </p> - <p> - Tommy desired the man to show me the swee-coes; so he set down his basket, - which was a very beautiful resemblance of a common higler's basket, with a - handle in the middle, and a division under it, with flaps on each side to - lift up and down. It was made of straw-coloured small twigs, neatly - compacted, but so light as scarce to be of any weight. Opening one of the - lids, I could make very little distinction of substances, the bottom - seeming all over of a white colour. I looking surprised at the light, the - man took out one, and would have put it into my hand, but perceiving me - shy of it, he assured me it was one of the most innocent things in the - world. I then took it, and surveying it, it felt to my touch as smooth and - cold as a piece of ice. It was about as long as a large lobworm, but much - thicker. The man seeing me admire the brightness of its colour, told me it - had done its duty, and was going to be fed, but those which were going - upon duty were much clearer; and then opening the other lid, those - appeared far exceeding the others in brightness, and thickness too. I - asked what he fed them with. He said, "Leaves and fruit; but grass, when - he could get it, which was not often, they were very fond of." - </p> - <p> - Having dismissed my children, I sent for Nasgig, to gain some - intelligences I wanted to be informed of. The moment I saw him it came - into my mind to inquire after my new filgays. He said the king granted my - request at the first word. I told him then he had saved his honour with - me, and I was obliged to him. "But," says I, "you told me my bearers - should be free too."—"They are so," says he.—"Then there is - one thing I want," says I, "and that is to see the second bearer on my - right hand, who came through without shifting. I have a fancy for that - fellow," says I, "to be about my person. I like him; and if you can give - him a good word, I should be glad to treat with him about it." - </p> - <p> - "My friend Peter," says he, "you are a man of penetration, though it ill - becomes me to say so in regard of persons; but I can say that for him, if - he likes you as well as you seem to like him, he is the trustiest fellow - in the world; but as he knows his own worth, he would not be so to - everybody, I can tell you that."—"I don't fear his disliking me," - says I, "for I make it my maxim to do as I would be done by; and if he is - a man of honour, as you seem to say, he would do the same, and we shall be - soon agreed."—"But," says Nasgig, "it being now the fourth day since - he was freed, he may be gone home perhaps, for he is not of our country, - but of Mount Alkoe. If Quilly can find him, he will come." So he ordered - Quilly to send for Maleck of Mount Alkoe, with orders to come to me. - </p> - <p> - We descended from one discourse to another, and at length to King - Georigetti's affairs, when Nas-gig, giving a sigh, "Ah, Peter!" says he, - "we shall loiter away our time here till the enemy are upon our backs. - There is venom in the grass; I wish my good master is not betrayed."—"By - whom?" says I.—"By those he little suspects," says he.—"Why," - says I, "they tell me you are much in his favour; if so, why do you suffer - it?"—"I believe," says Nasgig, "I am in his favour, and may continue - in it, if I will join in measures to ruin him, but else I shall soon be - out of it."—"You tell me riddles," says I.—"These things," - says he, "a man talks with his head in his teeth. There is danger in them, - Peter; there is danger!"—"You don't suspect me," says I, "do you?"—"No," - says he, "I know your soul too well; but there are three persons in these - dominions who will never let my master rest till out of his throne, or in - hoximo. I am but lately in favour, but have made as many observations, - perhaps, as those who have been longer about the king." - </p> - <p> - "Nasgig," says I, "your concern proceeds from an honest heart. Don't - stifle what you have to say; if I can counsel you with safety, I'll do it; - if not, I'll tell you so." - </p> - <p> - "Peter," says he, "Georigetti was the only son of a well-beloved father, - and ascended his throne ten years ago on his decease: but Harlokin, the - prince of the revolters, whose head is never idle, finding that whispers - and base stories spread about did not hurt Georigetti, or withdraw his - subjects' affections, has tried a means to make him undo himself."—"As - how?" says I.—"Why," said he, "by closely playing his game he has - got one of his relations into the king's service, than whom he could never - have chosen a fitter instrument. He, by degrees, feeding the king's - humour, and promising mountains, has pushed into the best places into the - kingdom. His name is Barbarsa, a most insolent man, who has had the - assurance to corrupt the king's mistress, and has prevailed and brought - her over to his interest."—"Oh perfidy!" says I, "is it possible?"—"Yes," - says he; "and more than that, has drawn in, till now, an honest man called - Nicor; and it has been agreed between them to protract this war, till by - their stratagems in procuring the revolt of Gauingrunt, a very large and - populous province, and now the barrier between us and the rebels, and two - or three more places, they shall have persuaded Georigetti to fly; and - then Barbarsa is to be king, and Yaccom-bourse his queen. A union is then - to be struck between him and Harlokin, and peace made, by restoring some - of the surrendered provinces; and upon the death of the first of them, or - their issue, childless, the survivor, or his issue, is to take the whole. - They laugh at your uniting the dominions, and the old prediction." - </p> - <p> - "These," said I, "Nasgig, are serious things, and, as you say, are not - lightly to be talked of; but, Nasgig, know this, he that conceals them is - a traitor. Can you prove this?"—"I have heard them say so," says - Nasgig.—"How!" says I, "and not discover it!"—"I am as anxious - for that as you can be," says he; "but for me to be cashiered, slit, and - sent to Crashdoorpt, only for meaning well, without power to perfect my - good intentions, where will be the benefit to my master or me?"—"When - and where did you hear this?" says I.—"Several and several times," - says he, "in my own bed."—"In your own bed?" says I.—"I'll - tell you," says he; "it so happens that when I rest at the palace, as I am - bound to do when on duty, there is a particular bed for me: now, as the - whole palace is cut out of one solid rock, though Yaccom-bourse's - apartment at the entrance is at a prodigious distance from the entrance to - mine, yet my bed, and one in an inner apartment of hers, stand close - together; the partition, indeed, is stone, but either from the thinness of - it, or some flaw in it, I have not yet discovered, I can plainly hear - every word that is spoken. And there it is, in their hours of dalliance, - when they use this bed, that I hear what I have now told you."—"Say - nothing of it," says I, "but leave the issue to me." - </p> - <p> - By this time the messenger returned with Maleck, and he and I soon - agreeing, I took him into my service. - </p> - <p> - I went to bed as usual, but could get no rest, Nasgig's story engrossing - my whole attention; I was resolved, however, to be better informed before - I acquainted the king of it; but rising pretty early next morning, the - king came into my chamber, leaning upon Barbarsa, to tell me that he had - received an express that Gauingrunt had revolted. "Peter," says he, - "behold a distressed monarch; nay, an undone monarch!"—"Great sir," - says Barbarsa, "you afflict yourself too much; here is Mr. Peter come to - assist you, and he will settle all your concerns, never fear." I eyed the - man, and (though prejudice may hang an honest person) found him a villain - in his heart; for even while he was forcing a feeling tone of affliction, - he was staring at my laced hat and feather that lay on the seat, by which - I was sure nothing could be at a greater distance than his heart and - tongue. His sham concern put me within a moment of seizing him in the - king's presence; but his majesty, at that instant speaking, diverted me. - </p> - <p> - Before the king left me, I told him, having certain propositions to make - to the moucheratt next day, it was possible they might require time to - consider them; wherefore it would be proper, at this critical time, to let - them meet every other day, business or none, till this affair was over. - The king ordered Barbarsa to see it was so, and then we parted. - </p> - <p> - <br /><br /><a name="linkimageb-0024" id="linkimageb-0024"> </a> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> - <img src="images/0158.jpg" alt="0158 " width="100%" /><br /> - </div> - <h5> - <a href="images/0158.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </h5> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2HbCH0014" id="link2HbCH0014_"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER XIV. - </h2> - <p> - <i>Hold a moucheratt—Speeches of ragans and colambs—Peter - settles religion—Informs the king of a plot—Sends Nasgig to - the ship for cannon</i>. - </p> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">A</span>TTENDING at the - moucheratt to-day, I happened to be seated within two paces of the idol. - There was the most numerous assembly that had ever been seen; and when all - was quiet, the king opened with signifying the revolt of Gauingrunt, the - approach of the enemy, and no forces in the field to stop them. This he - set forth in terms so moving, that the whole assembly were melted into - sighs; till one of the colambs rising up, says he: "His majesty has set - forth the state of his affairs in such a manner, and I am satisfied a true - one, that it becomes us all to be vigilant. We all seem to have, and I - believe have, great faith in the remedy this day to be proposed to us, in - answer to our ancient prediction; and as I doubt not but glumm Peter is - the man, so I doubt not but through his management we shall still receive - help; but let us consider if we might not have prevented these pressing - evils, and especially this last, by speedier preparations against them. - What province, or member of a State, will not revolt to a numerous host - just ready to devour them, if they can receive no assistance from their - head? for, to my certain knowledge, his majesty had ordered this almost a - year ago, and not a man gone yet. Can we expect Peter to go singly to - fight an army? Did your prediction say he should go alone? No, he shall - slay; that is, he and his army; what is done by them being always - attributed to their general. Inquire, therefore, into your past conduct, - send Peter, your general, and trust to the Great Image." - </p> - <p> - His majesty then said, if there had been any remissness in executing his - commands, he believed it was done with a view to his service; but a more - proper opportunity might be found for an inquiry of that nature. As for - the present moucheratt, it was called solely to propose to Peter the - execution of the remaining part of the prediction; or, at least, such part - of it as seems now, or never, to wait its accomplishment. - </p> - <p> - Here arose a ragan, and told the assembly, in the name of himself and - brethren, that the prediction had never yet been applicable to any one - person till glumm Peter arrived; and that his sagacity of itself was a - sufficient recommendation of him to the guidance of the enterprise; and - requested that glumm Peter might forthwith be declared protector of the - army, and set forward with it, that the State might receive safety, and - the Great Image its proper honour. - </p> - <p> - I could now hold out no longer; but, standing up, made my speech in the - following manner, or very near it: "Mighty king—you, reverend ragans—and - honourable colambs—with the good people of this august assembly—I - am come hither, led by the force of your own prediction, at the request of - his majesty and the states, at the peril of my life, to accomplish things - said to be predicted of me, glumm Peter. If, then, you have a prediction, - if, then, your prediction describes me, and the circumstances of these - times, it consisting of several parts, they ought seriously to be weighed, - that I may know when and where I am to begin my operation, and when and - where to leave off; for in predictions the whole is to be accomplished as - much as any member of it. - </p> - <p> - "It is said I shall destroy the traitor of the ancient limits of your - monarchy. Are you willing, therefore, that should be done? yea, or nay?" - Then every one answered, "Yea."—"And by common consent establish - what the old ragan would have taught you?" Here the king rose up; but - Barbarsa giving him a touch (for every one waited to be guided by the - voice of the ragans), he sat down again; and no one answering Yea, west; - "I am ready to enter upon it and settle the question." - </p> - <p> - I again put the same question, and told them, as it was their own concern, - I would have an answer before I proceeded. One of the ragans then rose, - and said that part of the prediction was too loose to be relied on, for it - was to settle what he would have taught: "Now, who knows," says he, "what - he would have taught?" The assembly paused a considerable time, and just - as I was opening my mouth to speak, an ancient and venerable ragan rose: - says he, "I am sorry, at my years, to find that truth wants an advocate; - my age and infirmities might well have excused me from speaking in this - assembly, so many of my brethren being present, younger and better - qualified for that purpose than myself; but as we are upon a sacred thing, - and lest, as I find none of them care to declare the truth, I should also - be thought to consent to its suppression if I sat silent and suffered it - to be hid under a quibble, I must beg to be heard a few words. My brother, - who spoke last, says the words are too loose which say, 'and by common - consent establish what I would have taught;' but I beg leave to think it - far otherwise, for we all know what he would have taught, and the memory - of that hath been as exactly kept as the prediction; for how could our - ancestors have opposed his doctrine, but from hearing and disapproving it? - And we all know, not only the prediction, but the doctrine, hath been - punctually handed down to us; though, woe be to us! we have not proclaimed - it as we have done the prediction; and let me tell you, when you, my - brethren, severally come to my years, and have but a single step farther - to hoximo, you will wish you had taught it, as I do, who believe and - approve it." The poor old man, having spoke as long as his breath and - spirits would permit him, sat down, and I again resumed the question, as I - now thought, on a much better foundation than before, and was immediately - told by another ragan that there would be no end to the assembly if we - considered every point at once, for we might next go upon what countries - we should conquer, and of whom to demand tribute; which would be debating - about the fruit before the seed was sown. But his opinion was, to go on - and quell the rebellion, and restore the monarchy, and then go upon the - other points. - </p> - <p> - I told them, if they had made so light of the prediction as not to declare - publicly, since they knew it, what the ragan would have taught, it ill - became me to be more zealous in their own concerns than they were - themselves; and I should imagine there was very little truth in any part - of it, and would never hazard my life for their sakes who would not speak - the truth to save the kingdom, and desired leave of the states for my - departure; for I was not a person, I told them, to be cajoled into - anything. I undertook it at first voluntarily; and no man could, or - should, compel me to it: my life they might take, but my honour they - should never stain, though I was assured I could easily, with their - concurrence, complete all that related to them. - </p> - <p> - The senior colamb immediately rising, desired me to have a little - patience, and not to leave the assembly (for I was going out) till I had - heard him. - </p> - <p> - "Here is," says he, "this day a thing started, which, I think, every whit - as much concerns us all, and the body, and every member of the people to - know, as it does Peter; and I am surprised, unless the present ragans - believe what their predecessor would have taught to be better than what - they now teach (for nothing else can make us consent to it), that they - should scruple to let us know it, and keep us ignorant, who are - worshippers as well as themselves, of any matter which so nearly concerns - us to know. I am for obliging the ragans to declare the truth. If this be - a true prediction, all the relatives to it are true, and I insist that we - hear it." - </p> - <p> - This speech emboldened several others; and all the populace siding with - the colambs out of curiosity, cried out to know it. - </p> - <p> - Perceiving the ragans still hush, I rose; and beckoning the populace to - silence, "Mighty king—you, honourable colambs—and you, good - people," says I—"for it is to you I now speak, hear me with - attention. You think, perhaps, that the suppression of the truth by your - ragans (charged to their teeth by the most reverend of their whole body, - whose infirmities rendering him unable, though his will is good, to - declare this secret to you) will prevent the knowledge of that truth your - old ragan would have taught, but you are mistaken; and that you may know I - don't come here at a venture to try if I can relieve you, but with an - assurance of doing it if you consent, I must let you know from me what the - ragan would have taught. The ragan would have demolished this trumpery - piece of dirt, this grimalkin, set out with horrid face and colour to - fright children; this," I say, "he would have demolished, being assured it - could neither do good nor hurt, give joy or grief to any man, or serve any - other purpose whatsoever, but to procure a maintenance to a set of men who - know much better than they dare to tell you. Can any of you believe this - stupid piece of earth hears me?" Some of the ragans cried, "Yes!"—"And - that he can revenge any affront I shall give him?" Again, "Yes, to be - sure!"—"Let him then, if he dare," says I, whipping out my cutlass, - and with the backside of it striking his head off. "This," says I, "O - glumms, is what the ragan knew, and what I defy them to deny. Now," says - I, "I will further show you to whom the old ragan would have taught you to - make your petitions and pay your adorations; and that is to the Supreme - Being, Maker of heaven and earth, of us and all things; who provides for - us meat and drink, and all things, by causing the earth, which He has - made, to produce things necessary for our use; that Being, whom you have - heard of by the name of Collwar, and are taught at present to be afraid to - speak to. And I appeal to your own hearts if many of you have ever thought - of him. Again," says I, "let anything in the shape of man, that gives - himself leave to consider at all, only tell me if what he can make, and - does make, with his own hands, hath not more occasion to depend on him as - its maker than he on that? Why, then, should not we depend upon and pray - to our Maker? - </p> - <p> - "You very greatly mistake me, O glumms," says I, "if you imagine I would - have all those reverend men turned out of employment as useless. No, I - find they know too much of what is valuable; and therefore those who are - willing to continue in the service of the mouch, and faithfully to teach - you the old ragan's doctrine, and such farther lights of the great Being - as they shall hereafter receive, let them continue your ragans still, and - let others be chosen and trained up in that doctrine." - </p> - <p> - Here the poor old man got up again with much difficulty. "Mr. Peter," says - he, "you are the-man predicted of; you have declared the old ragan's mind, - and all my brethren know it." - </p> - <p> - Finding I had the populace on my side (for I did not doubt the king and - the colambs), I put the question to the ragans: "Reverend ragans," says I, - "you see your prediction this day about to be fulfilled; for if it is a - true one, no force of man can withstand it. You see your Image disgraced; - you see, and I appeal to you all for the truth of it, that what the ragan - would have taught has, without your assistance, been disclosed. I - therefore would have you the first to break the bondage of idolatry and - turn to the true Collwar, as it will be so much glory to you. Will you, - and which of you, from henceforth serve Collwar, and no longer worship an - idol? Such of you as will do so, let them continue in the mouch: if none - of you will, it shall be my business to qualify a sufficient number of - true ragans to form a succession for that purpose. The issue of this great - affair depends upon your answers." They waited some time for a spokesman - to begin, and so soon as he was able to get up, the poor old ragan said, - "I will continue in it, and do all the good I can: and blessed be the day - this prediction is fulfilled to succeeding generations! I have lived long - enough to have seen this." Then the rest of the ragans, one by one, - followed his example. And thus, with prodigious acclamations, both the - ragans and people ended the great affair of religion. - </p> - <p> - I now more and more believed the truth of the prediction, and told them I - should have occasion for seven hundred men before I set out against the - rebels; and desired that they might be commanded by Nasgig. This was - readily granted. I then told them, as I purposed to act nothing without - their concurrence, I desired the colambs would remain in the city till I - set out, that they might be readily called together. - </p> - <p> - I then desired I might be quite private from company till I departed. - </p> - <p> - I took Nasgig home with me; and when we came there, "My dear friend," says - he, "what have you done to-day! You have crushed a power hitherto - immovable; and I shall never more think anything too difficult for you to - attempt."—"Nasgig," says I, "I am glad it is over. And now," says I, - "you must enter on a new employ: but first, can you provide me fifty - honest, faithful glumms for a particular expedition? they must be - sensible, close, and temporising." He said he would, and come to me again. - </p> - <p> - I then desired a private audience with the king; who, on seeing me, began - upon my success at the moucheratt. I told his majesty, if I alone, and a - stranger, could gain such influence there, I might have had much more if - he had joined me, especially as he had told me he gave no credit to the - Image; and that I expected he would have appeared on my side. "Ah, Peter!" - says he, "monarchs neither see, hear, nor perceive with their own eyes, - ears, or understandings. I would willingly have done it; but Barbarsa - prevented me, by assuring me it would be my ruin; and as he is my bosom - friend, what reproaches must I have suffered if it had gone amiss! Nay, I - will tell you that he and Nicor are of opinion that your coming hither, - which is looked upon by us all as such a blessing, will one day undo me; - 'for,' say they, 'though he may perform what you expect from him, it is - not to be supposed he should suffer it to redound to you.' 'No,' say they, - 'if he can do these great things, he can soon set you aside.' Thus, though - I have no doubt of you, is my spirit wasting within me through perpetual - fears and jealousies; and I cannot get these men, who, knowing all my - secrets, are feared by me, into my own way of thinking." - </p> - <p> - "Mighty sir," says I, "don't think I came hither to possess, but redress a - kingdom. I lived far more to my ease in my grotto than I can in this - palace; but I now desire you," drawing my sword and putting it into his - hand, "to pierce this heart's blood and make yourself easy in my death, - rather than, suffering me to survive, live in distrust of me. No, great - king," says I, "it is not that I would injure you; but though I have been - so short a time in your dominions, I find there are those who would, and - will too, unless you exert the monarch, and shake off those harpies which, - lying always at your ear, are ever buzzing disquiet and mischief to you."—"Peter," - says he, "what do you mean? sure I have no more traitors in my State!"—"Your - majesty has," says I.—"How can you prove it?" says he. "But pray - inform me who they are?"—"I came not hither, great king," says I, - "to turn informer, but reformer; and so far as that is necessary in order - to this, I will give you satisfaction. I only desire you will wholly guide - yourself by my direction for three days, and you shall be able to help - yourself to all the information you can require without ray telling you. - In the meantime, appear no more thoughtful than usual, or in any other way - alter your accustomed habits.". - </p> - <p> - Nasgig having sent me the fifty men, I asked them if they were to be - trusted, and if they could carefully and artfully execute a commission I - had to charge them with. They assuring me they would, I told them I would - let them into my design, which would be the best instructions I could give - them, and left the management alone to them. - </p> - <p> - My confidence in them made them twice as diligent as all the particular - directions in the world would have done; so I only told them I had a mind - the revolted towns and also the enemy's army should know that the person - so long ago predicted of was now at Brandleguarp, and had, as the first - step towards reducing them and killing the traitor Harlokin, already - altered their religion to the old ragan's plan; and that they had now - nothing to expect but destruction to themselves as soon as I appeared - against them with my unknown fire and smoke, which I always had with me; - and that the thing was looked upon to be as good as done already at - Brandleguarp; and then to slip away again unperceived. They all promised - me exact performance, and went off. - </p> - <p> - Nasgig then coming in, I told him he was now under my command, and must - take six hundred glumms with him to Graundevolet; tell Youwarkee to show - him my ship, and then he must bring me the things I had described to her - by the name of cannon. He must bring them by ropes, as I was brought; and - bring powder, which she would direct him to, and the heavy balls which lay - in the room with the powder. I told him if he thought he should not have - men enough he must take more; and must be as expeditious as was consistent - with safety. I desired him to tell Youwarkee I hoped in a short time to - send for her and all the family over to me. "And now, Nasgig," says I, "my - orders are finished; but," says I, "the king! I must assist that good man. - I therefore want to know the particular times Barbarsa and Yaccombourse - usually meet."—"That," says he, "is every night when she is not with - the king; for he is excessively fond of her, and seldom lies without her; - but whenever he does, Barbarsa is admitted to her."—"And how can I - know," says I, "when she will or will not lie with the king?" - </p> - <p> - "When she is to lie with him," says he, "the king never sups without her."—"-Now," - says I, "you must show me your lodging, that I may find it in your - absence; and give orders to the guard to let me, and whoever comes with - me, enter at any time." He then took me to his chamber; but I passed - through so many rooms, galleries, and passages, that I was sure I should - never find it again, so I asked him if Maleck knew the way? and he - assuring me he did, I took my leave of him, and he set out for - Graundevolet. - </p> - <p> - <br /><br /><a name="linkimageb-0025" id="linkimageb-0025"> </a> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:15%;"> - <img src="images/5171.jpg" alt="5171 " width="100%" /><br /><a - href="images/5171.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </div> - <p> - <br /><br /><a name="linkimageb-0026" id="linkimageb-0026"> </a> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> - <img src="images/0172.jpg" alt="0172 " width="100%" /><br /> - </div> - <h5> - <a href="images/0172.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </h5> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2HbCH0015" id="link2HbCH0015_"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER XV. - </h2> - <p> - <i>The king hears Barbarsa and Yaccombourse discourse on the plot—They - are impeached by Peter at a moucherait—Condemned and executed—Nicor - submits, and is released.</i> - </p> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span> HAD now several - important irons in the fire, and all to be struck whilst hot; there was - the securing religion, sowing sedition amongst the enemy, tripping up the - heels of two ministers and a she-favourite, and transporting artillery in - the air some hundred leagues; either of which failing might have been of - exceeding bad consequence; but as the affair of the ministers now lay next - at hand, I entered upon that in the following manner. - </p> - <p> - The king coming to me the next day, as by appointment, and having assured - me he had hinted nothing to any one, no, not to Barbarsa or Yaccom-bourse, - told me that Barbarsa had given orders for stopping Nasgig and his men; - and had persuaded him not to be in such haste in suffering me to do as I - pleased, but to show his authority and keep me under. Says I, "Your - majesty's safety is so near my heart, that even want of confidence in me - shall not make me decline my endeavours to serve you. But have you - suffered him to stop Nasgig?"—"No," says he, "Nasgig was gone some - time before he sent."—"Oh, sir!" says I, "you do not half know the - worth of that man! but you shall hereafter, and will reward him - accordingly. But now, sir," says I, "to what we meet upon; if you will, as - I told you, but comply with me for three days, without asking questions, I - will show you the greatest traitors in your dominions, and put them into - your power too." He promised me again he would. "Then, sir," says I, "you - must not send to Yaccombourse to sup with you to-night."—"Nor lie - with me?"—"No," says I.—"Pray, what hurt can arise to my - affairs from her?" says he.—"Sir," says I, "you promised me to ask - no questions."—"Agreed, agreed!" says he.—"Then," says I, - "please to meet me at Nasgig's lodgings without being perceived, if you - can; at least without notice taken."—"Good," says he.—"And - when you are there, see or hear what you will, you must not say a word - till you are retired again." All which the king engaging to perform, we - parted till evening. - </p> - <p> - I called Maleck, and asked if he knew the way to Nasgig's lodging. He told - me, very well: and, the time being come, he conducted me thither, where I - had not waited long before the king came, most of the court being in bed. - I desired the king to stay in the outer room till I went into the - bedchamber two or three times, and I thought we must have put it off till - another night: but listening once again, I found they were come, so I - called the king, and led him to the place, entreating him, whatever he - heard, to keep his patience or he would ruin all. We first heard much - amorous discourse between Barbarsa and Yaccombourse, and then the ensuing - dialogue. - </p> - <p> - <i>Yac</i>. My dearest Barbarsa, what was all that uproar at the - moucheratt the other day? - </p> - <p> - <i>Bar</i>. Nothing, my love, but that mad fellow Peter, who sets up for a - conjuror, and wants us all to dance to his pipe. - </p> - <p> - <i>Yac</i>. I heard he overcame the ragans at an argument about the Image. - </p> - <p> - <i>Bar</i>. Why, I don't know how that was, but it was the doating old - ragan did their business; and truly the king's fingers itched to be on - Peter's side, but I gave him a judicious nod, and you know he durst not - displease so dear a friend as I am; ha, ha, ha! Am not I a sad fellow, my - love, to talk so of my king? - </p> - <p> - <i>Yac</i>. He that wants but one step to a throne, is almost a king's - fellow - </p> - <p> - <i>Bar</i>. And that but a short one too, my dear Yaccee; but I must get - rid of that Nasgig, though I think I have almost spoiled him with the - king, too. I don't love your thinking rascals: that fellow thinks more - than I do, Yaccee. - </p> - <p> - <i>Yac</i>. He'll never think to so good purpose, I believe. But how goes - cousin Harlokin on? I find Gauingrunt is gone over. - </p> - <p> - <i>Bar</i>. And so shall Bazin, Istell, Pezele, and Ginkatt too, my dear; - for I am at work there. And then good-night, my poor King Georigetti; thou - shalt be advised to fly, and I'll keep the throne warm for thee.—I - don't see but King Barbarsa and Queen Yaccombourse sound much better than - Georigetti. Well, my dear, whenever we come to sovereignty, which now - cannot be long, if Nicor has but played his part well, for I have not had - an account of his success yet; I say, when we come into power, never let - us be above minding our own affairs, or suffer ourselves to be led by the - nose, as this poor insignificant king does. For, in short, he may as well - be a king of mats, as a king of flesh, if he will not use his faculties, - but suffer me to make a fool of him thus; and I should be a fool indeed to - neglect it, when he thinks it the greatest piece of service I can do him. - </p> - <p> - <i>Yac</i>. Come, come, my dear! let us enjoy ourselves like king and - queen till we come to the dignity. - </p> - <p> - Finding a pause, the king, who had admirably kept his temper, even beyond - imagination, stole into the outer room. "Peter," says he, "I thank you; - you have shown me myself. What fools are we kings! In endeavouring to make - others happy, how miserable do we make ourselves! How easily are we - deceived by the designing flattery of those below us!—Ungrateful - villain!—Degenerate strumpet!—I hate you both.—Peter," - says he, "give me your sword; I'll destroy them both immediately." - </p> - <p> - "Hold, sir," says I, "your majesty has heard sufficient to found a true - judgment upon; but kings should not be executioners, or act by passion or - revenge; but as you would punish that in others, so carefully avoid it - yourself. You who are in so exalted a station, as always to have it in - your power to punish a known crime in individuals, have not that necessity - to prompt you to a violent act that private persons have, to whom it may - be difficult to obtain justice. Therefore my advice is, that you summon - the colambs to-morrow, when Barbarsa and Nicor cannot fail to attend; and - I would also desire Yaccombourse to be there, you having great proposals - to make to the states which you shall want her to hear. I will in the - meantime prepare the servants under Quilly, and order Maleck with another - posse to attend, as by your command, to execute your orders given by me, - and I myself will impeach those bad persons in public; and Nicor, if he - will not ingenuously confess what commission he was charged with from - Barbarsa, shall be put to the torture I direct, till he discovers it." - </p> - <p> - The king was very well pleased with this method; so I ordered Quilly, as - from the king, to bring all my servants to the assembly, appointing him - his place, and Maleck to select me fifty stout persons and to wait to - execute my orders on a signal given. So soon as the assembly met, I told - them, since I had concerned myself in their affairs, I had made it my - business to search into the cause of their calamities; and finding some of - the traitors were now approached, not only near to, but even into the - capital city, his majesty had therefore ordered me to ask their advice, - what punishment was adequate, in their judgments, to the crime of - conspiring against him and the State, and holding treasonable - correspondence with his enemies under the show of his greatest friends. - </p> - <p> - I stopped, and looked at Barbarsa; he turned as pale as ashes and was - rising to speak, when the senior colamb declared, if any such thing could - be made appear, the common punishment of Crash-doorpt was too trivial; but - they deserved to be dropped alive either to hoximo or Mount Alkoe. The - several colambs all declaring the same to be their judgment, and even - those to be too mild for their deserts, I then stepped up to Barbarsa, who - sat at the king's left hand, as did Yaccombourse at his right, and telling - them and Nicor they were all prisoners of state, I delivered Barbarsa and - Yaccombourse in custody to Quilly and his men, and Nicor to Maleck and his - men, ordering them into separate apartments, with strict commands that - neither should speak to the other upon pain of the last pronounced - judgment. - </p> - <p> - Barbarsa would have spoke, and called out to the king, begging him not to - desert so faithful a servant for the insinuations of so vile a man as - Peter; but the king only told him the vile man could be made appear - presently, and he hoped he would meet his deserts. - </p> - <p> - I then stood up and told the assembly the whole of what we heard, how it - first came to be discovered, and that the king himself had been an - ear-witness of it, which the king confirming, the whole assembly rang with - confusion, and revenge and indignation appeared in every face. - </p> - <p> - I then proposed, as we yet knew not what that secret commission was which - Nicor was charged with, having enough against the rest, that Nicor might - be brought forth; and upon refusal to answer, be put to the torture. - </p> - <p> - Nicor appearing before the assembly, I told him I was commanded by the - king to ask him what commission he was charged with by Barbarsa, and to - whom. I told him the safest way for his life, his honour, and his country, - was to make a true confession at first, or I had authority to put him to - the torture; for, as for slitting and banishment, as they were too slight - to atone for this offence, he might rest satisfied his would be of another - sort, if he hesitated at delivering the thing in its full truth. - </p> - <p> - My prelude terrifying him, he openly confessed that his last commission - was to several towns, as from the king, and with his gripsack, to order - their submission to Harlokin, the king not being in any condition to - relieve them; and that as soon as they had submitted, Harlokin would be - let into this city, which could not stand against him. - </p> - <p> - He also declared that it had been agreed, and the boundaries settled, how - far Barbarsa, who was to be declared king and marry Yaccombourse, should - govern, and how far Harlokin; that Barbarsa was to be styled King of the - East, and Harlokin King of the West; and that either of them, on the - other's dying childless, was to inherit the whole monarchy. - </p> - <p> - The king declaring this to be all true, and that by my procurement he - heard it all mentioned but the last night between Barbarsa and - Yaccombourse as they were solacing themselves in bed, the whole assembly - ordered them to be brought out, carried with cords about their necks, and - precipitated into Mount Alkoe. - </p> - <p> - I then begged they might be suffered to speak for themselves before - execution; and acquainting them severally with the evidence, I first asked - Barbarsa what he had to say against his sentence. He declared his - ambition, and the easiness of his master's temper, had instigated him to - attempt what had been charged upon him; having, as he thought, a fair - opportunity of so doing.—I then asked Yaccombourse the same - question; she answered me, her ambition had been her sole governor from a - child, and I had done my worst in preventing the progress of that; and - whatever else I could do was not worth her notice; "But to have reigned," - says she, with some emotion, "was worth the lives of millions, and - overbalanced everything!" - </p> - <p> - I pleaded hard for Nicor, as I perceived him to be only the favourite's - favourite, and not in the scrape for his own views, more than what he - might merit from his new master; and as he had declared the truth, and I - believed I might make further use of him, I obtained that he might be only - committed to me, and that I might have liberty of pardoning or slitting as - I saw fit; and, as I expected, he afterwards proved very useful to me and - my designs, and I pardoned him. - </p> - <p> - Before the assembly rose, a party of the natives of Mount Alkoe were - ordered to convey Yaccombourse and Barbarsa to the mountain, slip their - graundees, and drop them there; and thus ended the lives of these two - aspiring persons. - </p> - <p> - When I came home, I called Nicor before me. "You know," says I, "Nicor, - you are obliged to me for this moment of your life; but I don't remind you - of it for any return I want to myself; but as you are sensible my - endeavours are to serve this State, I offer you life and freedom upon - condition you employ your utmost diligence to repair your past conduct, by - a free declaration of everything in your power that may be for the benefit - of the kingdom, as you know the springs by which all these bad movements - have been set at work; and I desire your opinion how best to counteract - the schemes formed, and redress the evils." - </p> - <p> - Nicor being fully convinced of his error, and having lost his patron, was - very submissive; and declared he believed none of the provinces would have - gone over to Harlokin, unless they had thought it was the king's order - Barbarsa had acted by, which, by bearing his gripsack, they made no doubt - of. He advised to send expresses with the king's gripsack to such places - as had lately submitted, and to such as were about it, to put a stop to - them. I told him I had done that; "But not by the gripsack," says he, "and - unless they see and hear that, they will give no credit to the message." - He then gave me some particular hints in other affairs of no mean - consequence; and seeing him truly under concern, and, to my thinking, - sincere in what he said, I told him I was an absolute enemy to - confinement, and if any person of repute would engage he should be - forthcoming upon all occasions that I might have recourse to him, I would - let him have his liberty. - </p> - <p> - Poor Nicor, as it commonly happens to great men in disgrace, finding - himself abandoned by all his friends, after trying everybody, dropping - some tears, told me next morning he was highly sensible of what a dye his - offences had been, for that not one amongst all his former friends would - even look upon him in his present circumstances, wherefore he must submit - to fate. - </p> - <p> - Nicor having borne a good character before seduced by Barbarsa, and - knowing that an obliged enemy often becomes the sincerest friend, I - pressed him again to try his friends. He told me everybody was shy of - engaging in such an affair; and that he had rather suffer himself, than - meanly to entreat any one into an unwilling compliance.—"Come, - Nicor," says I, "will you be your own security to me? May I take your own - word?"—He said he could not expect that; for as the terror of - slitting lay over him, and in my hands too, he could not answer but he - might deceive me in case he should conceive I had a design against him; - which I myself, too, might have from a mistaken motive. - </p> - <p> - "Why, then, Nicor," says I, "you are free; now use your own discretion. I - think you will never cause my judgment to be impeached for what I have - done; but if you do, I can't condemn myself for it, and hope I shall have - no reason to repent it." - </p> - <p> - Nicor fell at my feet, embraced them, and was so overcome with my - generosity to him, that I could with difficulty prevail on him to rise - again; saying he was now more than ever ashamed to see my face. I told him - I had not done with him, but would use him henceforth as my friend, and - ordered him to call upon me daily, for I might have several occasions for - him; and, truly, next to Nasgig, he proved the usefullest man in the - kingdom. - </p> - <p> - <br /><br /><a name="linkimageb-0027" id="linkimageb-0027"> </a> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:15%;"> - <img src="images/5183.jpg" alt="5183 " width="100%" /><br /><a - href="images/5183.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </div> - <p> - <br /><br /><a name="linkimageb-0028" id="linkimageb-0028"> </a> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> - <img src="images/0184.jpg" alt="0184 " width="100%" /><br /> - </div> - <h5> - <a href="images/0184.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </h5> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2HbCH0016" id="link2HbCH0016_"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER XVI. - </h2> - <p> - <i>Nasgig returns with the cannon—Peter informs him of the execution—Appoints - him a guard—Settles the order of his march against Harlokin—Combat - between Nasgig and the rebel general—The battle—Peter - returning with Harlokids head, is met by a Sweecoan—A public - festival—Slavery abolished.</i> - </p> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>HE tenth day - Nasgig arrived, whilst I happened to be in the king's garden; and hearing - the trumpet coming before, I called out to him to give Nasgig notice where - I was, and to desire him to alight there. - </p> - <p> - After ceremonies past, and I had inquired after my wife and children, and - his answers had informed me of their healths, "Well," says Nasgig, "my - friend, am I to live or die?"—"Explain yourself," says I.—"Nay, - I only mean," says he, "have you discovered me to the king?"—"Pardon - me," says I, "dear Nasgig, I must own the truth, I have."—"Then," - says he, "I suppose his majesty has no more commands for me?"—"No," - says I, "it is not so bad as that neither."—"But, pray," says he, - "what says Barbarsa to it?"—"Oh, nothing at all!" says I; "quite - quiet."—"Nor Yaccombourse? Did you discover her baseness to the - king?"—"Yes," says I, "and the king behaved like a king upon the - occasion."—"And where are they now?" says he.—"Only in Mount - Alkoe," says I.—"Mount Alkoe!" replies he, "what do you mean by - that? How can they be in Mount Alkoe? Did they go of their own accords?"—"They - fled off, I suppose, with ropes about their necks," says I, "as your - criminals go to Crashdoorpt."—"Are they slit too?" says he.—"No," - says I, "but slipt, I'll assure you. Come, my good friend, I'll let you - into the history of it." And then I told all that had happened, and the - king's satisfaction at the judgment of the moucheratt "And now," says I, - "Nasgig, you may call yourself the favourite, I promise you, for his - majesty enjoys himself but to greet you on your return: but have a care of - power; most grow giddy with it, and the next thing to that is a fall."—"Pray," - says he, "what is become of Nicor? Is he under the same condemnation?"—"No," - says I, "Nicor is now by my means absolutely free, and no two greater than - he and I." I told him then my proceedings with him; he was glad of it; - for, he said, Nicor he believed was honest at bottom. - </p> - <p> - By this time up came the cannon; and truly had my countrymen but the - graundee to convey their cannon at so easy an expense from place to place, - the whole world would not stand before us. They brought me five cannon, - and three swivel guns, and a larger quantity of ammunition than I had - spoken for. - </p> - <p> - I introduced Nasgig to the king upon his return, as the person to whose - conduct the safe arrival of my cannon was owing. His majesty embracing - him, told him the service he had done him was so great in the affair of - Barbarsa, and his management of it so prudent, he should from thenceforth - take him into his peculiar confidence and esteem. - </p> - <p> - Nasgig thanked his majesty for his acceptance of that act of his duty, and - desired to know when he pleased the operations for the campaign should - begin.—"Ask my father," says the king; "do you conduct the war, and - let him conduct you." - </p> - <p> - Then Nasgig desired to know what number of troops would be requisite. I - asked him what number the enemy had; he said about thirty thousand.—"Then," - says I, "take you six only, besides the bearers of me and the artillery; - and pick me out fifty of the best men you have, as a guard for my person, - and send them to me." - </p> - <p> - I showed these men my cutlasses and pistols, and showed them the use and - management of them: "And," says I, "as our enemies fight with pikes, keep - you at a distance first, and when you would assault, toss by the pike with - your hand, and closing in, have at the graundee; and this edge" (showing - them the sharpness of it) "will strip it down from shoulder to heel; you - need strike but once for it, but be sure come near enough; or," says I, - "if you find it difficult to turn aside the pike, give it one smart stroke - with this; it will cut it in two, and then the point being gone, it will - be useless." - </p> - <p> - "These instructions," says I, "if rightly observed, will make us - conquerors." - </p> - <p> - The next thing was to settle the order of my march, which I did in the - following manner; and, taking leave of the king, I set out. - </p> - <p> - First, ten companies of one hundred men, including officers, with each a - gripsack, in ten double lines, fifty abreast. - </p> - <p> - Secondly, four hundred bearers of the cannon, with two hundred to the - right, the like to the left, as relays. - </p> - <p> - Thirdly, two hundred men with the ammunition, stores, hatchets, and other - implements. - </p> - <p> - Fourthly, fifty body-guards, in two lines. - </p> - <p> - Fifthly, myself, borne by eight, with twelve on the right, and as many on - the left, for relays. - </p> - <p> - Sixthly, two thousand men in columns, on each side the cannon and me, - fifty in a line, double lines. - </p> - <p> - Seventhly, one thousand men in the rear, fifty in a line, double lines. - </p> - <p> - I consulted with Nasgig how Harlokin's army lay, that I might avoid the - revolted towns, rather choosing to take them in my return; for my design - was to encounter Harlokin first, and I did not doubt, if I conquered him, - but the towns would surrender of course. - </p> - <p> - When we arrived within a small flight of his army, I caused a halt at a - proper place for my cannon, and having pitched them, which I did by - several flat stones, one on another to a proper elevation, I loaded them, - and also my small-arms, consisting of six muskets and three brace of - pistols, and placing my army, two thousand just behind me, two thousand to - my right, and the same number to my left, I gave a strict command for none - of them to stir forwards without orders, which Nasgig, who stood just - behind me, was to give. I then sent a defiance to Harlokin by a gripsack, - who sent me word he fought for a kingdom, and would accept it; and, as I - heard afterwards, he was glad I did, for since the intelligence I had - scattered in his army, they had in great numbers deserted him, and he was - afraid it would have proved general. I then putting the end of a match - into a pistol-pan with a little powder, by flashing lighted it; and this I - put under my chair, for I sat in that, with my muskets three on each side, - a pistol in my right hand, and five more in my girdle. In this manner I - waited Harlokin's coming, and in about an hour we saw the van of his army, - consisting of about five thousand men, who flew in five layers, one over - another. I had not loaded my cannon with ball, but small-sized stones, - about sixty in each; and seeing the length of their line, I spread my - cannons' mouths somewhat wider than their breeches, and then taking my - observation by a bright star, for there was a clear dawn all round the - horizon, I observed, as I retired to my chair, how that star answered to - the elevation of my cannon; and when the foremost ranks, who, not seeing - my men stir, were approaching almost over me, to fall on them, and had - come to my pitch, I fired two pieces of my ordnance at once, and so mauled - them, that there dropped about ninety upon the first discharge, together - with their commander; the rest being in flight and so close together, not - being able to turn fast enough to fly, being stopped by those behind them, - not only hindered those behind from turning about, but clogged up their - own passage. Seeing them in such a prodigious cluster, I so successfully - fired two more pieces, that I brought down double the number of the first - shot; and then giving the word to fall on, my cutlass-guard and the - pikemen did prodigious execution. But fearing the main body should advance - before we had got in order again, I commanded them to fall back to their - former stations, and to let the remainder of the enemy go off. - </p> - <p> - This did me more good in the event than if I had killed twice as many; for - they not only never returned themselves, but flying some to the right, - some to the left, and passing by the two wings of their own army, - consisting of six thousand men each, they severally reported that they - were all that was left of the whole van of the army; and that the - prediction would certainly be fulfilled, for that their companions had - died by fire and smoke. This report struck such terror into each wing, - that every one shifted for himself, and never appeared more. - </p> - <p> - The main battle, consisting of about ten thousand men, knowing nothing of - what had happened to the wings—for Harlokin had ordered the wings to - take a great compass round to enclose us—hearing we were but a - handful, advanced boldly; and as I had ordered my men not to mount too - high, the enemy sunk to their pitch. When they came near, I asked Nasgig - who led them; if it was Harlokin. He told me no, his general, but that he - was behind; and Nasgig begging me to let him try his skill with the - general, I consented, they not being yet come to the pitch of my cannon. - Nasgig immediately took the graundee, and advancing singly with one of my - cutlasses in his hand, challenged the general in single combat. He, like a - man of honour, accepting it, ordered a halt, and to it they went, each - emulous of glory, and of taking all the advantage he could, so that they - suddenly did not strike or push; but sometimes one, then the other was - uppermost, and whirling expeditiously round, met almost breast to breast; - when the general, who had not a pike, but a pikestaff headed with a large - stone, gave Nasgig such a stroke on his head that he reeled, and sunk - considerably, and I began to be in pain for him, the general lowering - after him. But Nasgig springing forward beneath him, and rising light as - air behind the general, had gained his height again before the general - could turn about to discern him, and then plunging forward, and receiving - a stroke across his left arm, at the same time he gave the general such a - blow near the outside of the shoulder as slit the graundee almost down to - his hip, and took away part of the flesh of the left arm, upon which the - general fell fluttering down in vast pain very near me; but not before - Nasgig, in his fall, descending, had taken another severe cut at him. - </p> - <p> - <br /><br /><a name="linkimageb-0029" id="linkimageb-0029"> </a> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> - <img src="images/0192.jpg" alt="0192 " width="100%" /><br /> - </div> - <h5> - <a href="images/0192.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </h5> - <p> - <br /><br /><a name="linkimageb-0030" id="linkimageb-0030"> </a> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> - <img src="images/0191.jpg" alt="0191 " width="100%" /><br /> - </div> - <h5> - <a href="images/0191.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </h5> - <p> - Immediately upon this defeat Nasgig again took his place behind me, our - army shouting to the skies; but no sooner had the general dropped, but on - came Harlokin, with majesty and terror mixed in his looks, and seeming to - disdain the air he rode on, waved his men to the attack with his hand. - When he came near enough to hear me, I called him vile traitor, to oppose - the army of his lawful sovereign, telling him, if he would submit, he - should be received to mercy. "Base creeping insect," says Harlokin, "if - thou hast aught to say to me worth hearing, meet me in the air! This hand - shall show thee soon who'll most want mercy; and though I scorn to stoop - to thee myself, this messenger shall satisfy the world thou art an - impostor, and send thee back lifeless to the fond king that sent thee - hither." With that he hurled a javelin pointed with flint, sharp as a - needle, at me; but I avoiding it, "This, then," says I, "if words will not - do, shall justify the truth of our prediction." And then levelling a - musket at him, I shot him through the very heart, that he fell dead within - twenty paces of me. But perceiving another to take his room, - notwithstanding the confusion my musket made amongst them, I ran to my - match, and giving fire to two more pieces of ordnance at the same time, - they fell so thick about me, that I had enough to do to escape being - crushed to death by them; and the living remainder separating, fled quite - away, and put an end to the war. I waited in the field three days, to see - if they would make head again; but they were so far from it, that before I - could return, as I found afterwards, most of the revolting provinces had - sent their deputies, who themselves carried the first news of the defeat, - to beg to be received into mercy; all of whom were detained there till my - return with Harlokin's head. - </p> - <p> - At my return to Brandleguarp I was met by the king, the colambs, and - almost the whole body of the people; every man, woman, and child, with two - sweecoe lights in their hands, which unusual sight in the air gave me - great alarm, till I inquired of Nasgig what it meant, who told me it must - certainly be a sweecoan, or he knew not what it was. I asking again what - he meant by that, he told me it was a particular method of rejoicing he - had heard of, but never seen; wherein, if the king goes in triumph, all - the people of Brandleguarp, from fifteen to sixty, are obliged to attend - him with sweecoes. He said it was reported amongst them that in - Begsurbeck's time there were two of them, but there had been none since. - </p> - <p> - When we met them, I perceived they had opened into two lines or ranks of a - prodigious length; at the farther end of which was the king, with - innumerable lights about him, the whole looking like a prodigious avenue - or vista of lights, bounded at the farther end, where the king was, with a - pyramid light. This had the most solemn and magnificent effect on the eye - that anything of light could possibly have; but as we passed through the - ranks, each of the spectators having two lights, one was given to each - soldier of the whole army. And then to look backward, as well as forward, - the beauty of the scene was inexpressible. We marched all the way amidst - the shouts of people, and the sounds of the gripsacks, going very slowly - between the ranks; and at length arriving at the pyramid where the king - was, I heard abundance of sweet voices, chanting my actions in triumphal - songs; but I could take little notice of these, or of my son with his - flageolet amongst them, for the extravagant appearance of the pyramid, - which seemed to reach the very sky. For, first, there was a long line of a - full half-mile, which hovered at even height with the two side ranks; in - the centre of that, and over it, was the king single; over him another - line, shorter than the first, and again over that, shorter and shorter - lines; till, at a prodigious height, it ended in one single light *These - all hovering, kept their stations; while the king darted a little space - forward to meet me, and congratulate my success; then turning and - preceding me, the whole pyramid turned, and marched before us, singing all - the way to the city, the pyramid changing several times into divers forms, - as into squares, half-moons, with the horns sometimes erect and again - reversed, and various other figures. And yet amongst this infinite number - of globes there was not the least glaring or offensive light, but only - what was agreeable to the people themselves. As the rear of the army - entered the lines, they closed upon it, and followed us into Brandleguarp. - While we passed the city to the palace, the whole body of people kept - hovering till the king and myself were alighted, and then every one - alighted where he best could. All the streets and avenues to the palace - were blocked up with people, crowding to receive the king's beneficence; - for he had proclaimed a feast and open housekeeping to the people for six - days. The king, the colambs, ragans, and great officers of state, with - myself, had a magnificent entertainment prepared us in Begsurbeck's great - room; and his majesty, after supper, being very impatient to know how the - battle went, I told him the only valorous exploit was performed by my - friend Nasgig, who opened the way to victory by the slaughter of - Harlokin's general. Nasgig then rose, desiring only that so much might be - attributed to him as fortune had accidentally thrown into his scale; for - it might have been equally his fate as the general's to have fallen. "But - except that skirmish," says he, "and some flying cuts at the van, we have - had no engagement at all, nor have we lost a single man; Peter only - sitting in his chair, and commanding victory. He spake aloud but thrice, - and whispered once to them, but so powerfully that, having at the two - first words laid above three hundred of the enemy at their lengths, and - brought Harlokin to his feet, with a whisper, at the third word he - concluded the war. The whole time, from the first sight of the enemy to - their total defeat, took not up more space than one might fairly spend in - traversing his majesty's garden. In short, sir," says Nasgig, "your - majesty needs no other defence against public or private enemies, as I can - see, than Peter; and my profession, whilst he is with us, can be of little - use to the State." - </p> - <p> - After these compliments from Nasgig, and separate ones from the king and - the rest, I told them it was the highest felicity to me to be made an - instrument by the great Collwar in freeing so mighty a kingdom and - considerable a people from the misery of a tyrannical power. "You live," - says I, "so happily under the mild government of Georigetti, that it is - shocking but to think into what a distressed state you must have fallen - under the power of a usurper, who, claiming all as his own by way of - conquest, would have reduced you to a miserable servitude. But," says I, - "there is, and I am sorry to see it, still amongst you an evil that you - great ones feel not, and yet it cries for redress. Are we not all, from - the king to the meanest wretch amongst us, formed with the same members? - Do we not all breathe the same air? inhabit the same earth? Are we not all - subject to the same disorders? and do we not all feel pain and oppression - alike? Have we not all the same senses, the same faculties? and, in short, - are we not all equally creatures of, and servants to, the same master, the - great Collwar? Would not the king have been a slave but for the accident - of being begotten by one who was a king? and would not the poorest - creature amongst us have been the king had he been so begotten? Did you - great men, by any superior merit before your births, procure a title to - the high stations in which you are placed? No, you did not. Therefore give - me leave to tell you what I would have done. As every man has equal right - to the protection of Collwar, why, when you have no enemy to distress you, - will you distress one another? Consider, you great ones, and act upon this - disinterested principle; do to another, what you, in his place, would have - him do to you; dismiss your slaves, let all men be what Collwar made them, - free. But if this unequal distinction amongst you, of man and man, is - still retained, though you are at present free from the late disaster, it - shall be succeeded with more, and heavier. And now, that you may know I - would not have every man a lord, nor every one a beggar, remember I would - only have every serving-man at liberty to choose his own master, and every - master his own man; for he that has property and benefits to bestow will - never want dependants, for the sake of those benefits to serve him, as he - that has them not must serve for the sake of obtaining them. But then let - it be done with free-will; he that then serves you will have an interest - in it, and do it, for his own sake, with a willing mind; and you, who are - served, will be tenderer and kinder to a good servant, as knowing by a - contrary usage you shall lose him. I desire this may now be declared to be - so, or your reasons, if any there are, against it." - </p> - <p> - One of the ragans said he thought I spoke what was very just, and would be - highly acceptable to Collwar. - </p> - <p> - Then two of the colambs rose to speak together, and after a short - compliment who should begin, they both declared they only arose to testify - their consents. - </p> - <p> - The king referring it to me, and the colambs consenting, I ordered freedom - to be proclaimed through the city; so that every one appeared at their - usual duties, to serve their own masters for a month, and then to be at - liberty to come to a fresh agreement with them, or who else they pleased. - </p> - <p> - "This, sir," says I to the king, "will now be a day of joy indeed to those - poor hearts who would have been in no fear of losing before, let who would - have reigned; for can any man believe a slave cares who is uppermost? he - is but a slave still. But now," says I, "those who were so before may by - industry gain property; and then their own interest engages them to defend - the State. - </p> - <p> - "There is but one thing more I will trouble you with now—and that," - says I to the ragans, "is, that we all meet at the mouch to-morrow, to - render Collwar thanks for the late, and implore future favour." And this - passed without any contradiction. - </p> - <p> - When we met, the poor ragans were at a great loss for want of their image, - not knowing what to do or say; for their practice had been to prostrate - themselves on the ground, making several odd gestures; but whether they - prayed, or only seemed to do so, no one knew. - </p> - <p> - While the people were gathering, I called to a ragan, seeing him out of - character. "Suppose," said I "(for I see you want your image), you and - your brethren had received a favour of the king, and you was deputed by - them to thank him, you would scarce be at a loss to express your gratitude - to him, and tell him how highly you all esteemed his benefits, hoping you - should retain a just sense of them, and behave yourselves as dutiful - subjects for the future, and then desire him to keep you still in his - protection. And this," says I, "as you believe in such a Being as Collwar, - who understands what you say, you may with equal courage do to Him, - keeping but your mind intent upon Him, as if you saw Him present."—"Indeed," - says he, "I believe you are right, we may so; but it is a new thing, and - you must excuse us if we do it not so well at first." - </p> - <p> - I found I had a very apt scholar, for after he had begun, he made a most - extraordinary prayer in regular order, the people standing very attentive. - It was not long, but he justly observed the points I hinted to him. - </p> - <p> - When he had done, another and another went on, till we had heard ten of - them, and in every one something new, and very <i>à propos;</i> and - several of them afterwards confessed they never had the like satisfaction - in their lives, for they had new hearts and new thoughts, they said. - </p> - <p> - We spent the sixth-day feast in every gaiety imaginable, and especially of - dancing, of which they were very fond in their way; but it was not so - agreeable to me as my own country way, there being too much antic in it. - New deputies daily arrived from the revolted towns, and several little - republics, not claimed by Georigetti before, begged to be taken under his - protection; so that in one week the king saw himself not only released - from the dread of being driven from his throne, but courted by some, - submitted to by others, and almost at the summit of glory a sovereign can - attain to. - </p> - <p> - <br /><br /><a name="linkimageb-0031" id="linkimageb-0031"> </a> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:15%;"> - <img src="images/5202.jpg" alt="5202 " width="100%" /><br /><a - href="images/5202.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </div> - <p> - <br /><br /><a name="linkimageb-0032" id="linkimageb-0032"> </a> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> - <img src="images/0203.jpg" alt="0203 " width="100%" /><br /> - </div> - <h5> - <a href="images/0203.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </h5> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2HbCH0017" id="link2HbCH0017_"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER XVII. - </h2> - <p> - <i>A visitation of the revolted provinces proposed by Peter—His new - name of the country received—Religion settled in the west—Slavery - abolished there—Lasmeel returns with Peter—Peter teaches him - letters—The king surprised at written correspondence—Peter - describes the make of a beast to the king.</i> - </p> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>HE festival being - over, the colambs begged leave to depart; but the king, who now did - nothing without me, consulted with me if it was yet proper. I told him, as - things had so long been in confusion in the west, that though the - provinces had made their submission, yet the necessity of their - circumstances, and the general terror, might have caused them only to - dissemble till their affairs were composed again, and that as it was more - than probable some relations of the deceased Harlokin, or other popular - person, might engage them in another revolt, I thought it would not be - improper to advise with his colambs about the establishment of the present - tranquillity, and not by too great a security, give way to future - commotions; and as all the colambs were then present, it might be proper - to summon them once more. - </p> - <p> - When they were met, the king declared the more particular satisfaction he - took in that meeting than he had heretofore done, when they had been put - to it for means to secure their lives and properties: "For now," says he, - "our deliberations must turn upon securing our new acquisitions, and on - settling those provinces which, till now, have never fallen under my - power. But," says he, "I shall refer it to Peter to propose to you what at - present seems most necessary for you to consider of; and that adjusted, - shall dismiss you." - </p> - <p> - I told them that as the too sudden healing of wounds in the body natural, - before the bottom was clean and uncorrupt, made them liable to break out - again with greater malignity, so wounds in the body political, if skinned - over only, without probing and cleansing the source and spring from whence - they arose, would rankle and fret within till a proper opportunity, and - then burst forth again with redoubled violence. I would therefore propose - a visitation of the several provinces; an inquiry into their conduct; an - examination into the lives and principles of the colambs, the inferior - officers, and magistrates; and either to retain the old, or appoint new, - as there should be occasion. This visitation I would have performed by his - majesty—"and so many of you, the honourable colambs," says I, "as he - shall see fit should attend him in royal state, that his new subjects may - see his majesty, and hear his most gracious words; and being sensible of - his good disposition towards them, may be won, by his equity and justice, - to a zealous submission to his government, which nothing but the - perception of their own senses can establish in the heart This, I don't - doubt, will answer the end I propose, and consolidate the peace and - happiness of Norm—Normns—I must say Doorpt Swangeanti." - </p> - <p> - Hearing me hesitate at the word Normndbsgrsutt, and call it Doorpt - Swangeanti, the whole assembly rang with Doorpt Swangeanti! and, at last, - came to a resolution that the west being now again united to the east, the - whole dominions should be called Sass Doorpt Swangeanti, or the Great - Flight Land. - </p> - <p> - They approved the visitation, and all offered to go with the king, but - insisted I should be of the party, which agreeing to do, I chose me out - two of the most knowing ragans to teach the new religion amongst them, for - in every project I had my view to advance religion. - </p> - <p> - Some were for having the deputies released, and despatched with notice of - the king's intentions; but I objecting that they might disrelish their - confinement, and possibly raise reports prejudicial to our proceedings, it - was thought better to take them with us, and go ourselves as soon as - possible. - </p> - <p> - We set out with a prodigious retinue, first to the right, in order to - sweep round the whole country, and take all the towns in our way, and - occasionally enter the middle parts, as the towns lay commodious. - </p> - <p> - We were met by the magistrates and chief officers of each district, at - some distance from each city, with strings about their necks, and the - crashee instrument borne before them in much humility. His majesty said - but little to them on the way, but ordered them to precede him to the - city, and conduct him to the colamb's house; when he was commanded to - surrender his employment to his majesty, as did all the other officers who - held posts under him. Then an examination was taken of their lives, - characters, and behaviour in their stations; and finding most of them had - behaved well to the government they had lived under (for their plea was, - they had found things under a usurpation, and being so, that government - was natural to them, having singly no power to alter it); upon their - perfect submission to the king, and solemn engagement to advance and - maintain his right, they received their commissions anew from his - majesty's own mouth. But where any one had been cruel or oppressive to the - subjects, or committed any notorious crime, or breach of trust (for the - meanest persons had liberty to complain), he was rejected, and for the - most part sent to Crashdoorpt, to prevent the ill effects of his disgrace. - </p> - <p> - We having displaced but five colambs and a few inferior officers, the - moderation and justice of our proceedings gave the utmost satisfaction - both to the magistrates and people. - </p> - <p> - Having observed at Brandleguarp abundance of the small images my wife had - spoken of, and thinking this a proper opportunity to show my resentment - against them, I ordered several of the ragans of the west before me, and - asked what small images they had amongst them. One, who spoke for the - rest, told me, very few, he believed; for he had scarce had any brought to - him to be blessed. "Where," says I, "is your Great Image?" He told me, "At - Youk."—"And have not the people here many small ones?"—"Very - few," says he; "for they have not been forced upon us long."—"How - forced upon you!" says I; "don't the people worship them?"—"A small - number now do," says he.—"Pray speak out," says I. "When might you - not worship them?"—"Never, that I know of," says he, "in our state, - till about ten years ago, when Harlokin obliged us to it."—"What! - did you worship them before?" says I.—"No," says he, "never since it - has been a separate kingdom; for we would follow the old ragan's advice of - worshipping Collwar, which they not admitting of, the State was divided - between us who would and them who would not come into the ragan's - doctrine: and though Harlokin was a zealous image-worshipper, yet all he - could do would not bring the people heartily into it, for Collwar never - wanted a greater majority." This pleased me prodigiously, being what was - never hinted to me before; and I resolved not to let my scheme be a loser - by it. - </p> - <p> - As we were to visit Youk in about eight days, I summoned the ragans and - people to meet at the mouch; there recounting the great things done by - Collwar in all nations. "This I could make appear," says I, "by many - examples; but as you have one even at your own towns, I need go no - farther. - </p> - <p> - "I must begin in ancient times, when, I presume, you all worshipped an - idol; have you any tradition before this?"—They said, "No."—"This - image," says I, "was worshipped in Begsurbeck's days, when an old ragan, - whose mind Collwar had enlightened with the truth, would have withdrawn - your reverence from the image to the original Collwar himself; you would - not consent: he threatens you, but promises success to Begsurbeck, who did - consent; and he had it to an old age. Then those who would also consent, - were so far encouraged as to be able to form an independent kingdom. Could - nobody yet see the cause? was it not apparent Collwar was angry with the - east, that would not follow the old ragan, and cherished the west, who - would? - </p> - <p> - "But, to be short, let us apply the present instance, and sure it will - convince us who is right, who wrong. - </p> - <p> - "So long as the west followed Collwar, they flourished, and the east - declined; but no sooner had the west degenerated under the command of - Harlokin, and the east by my means had embraced Collwar, but the tables - were turned: the east is found weighty, and the west kicks the beam. These - things whoso sees not, is blind indeed: therefore let publication be made - for the destruction of all small images, and let the harbourers of them, - contrary to this order, be slit; and for myself, I will destroy this - mother-monster. Take you, holy ragans, care to destroy the brood." And - having said this, I hacked the new idol to pieces. - </p> - <p> - I ordered proclamation for abolishing slavery, under the restrictions used - at Brandleguarp: and thus having composed the west, and given a general - satisfaction, we returned, almost the whole west accompanying us, till the - east received us; and never was so happy a union, or more present to - testify it, since the creation, I believe. - </p> - <p> - I ordered several of the principal men's sons to court, in order for - employments, and to furnish our future colambs; and this I did, as knowing - each country would rather approve of a member of their own body for their - head than a stranger; and, in my opinion, it is the most natural union. - And then breeding them under the eye of the king eight or ten years, or - more, they are, as it were, naturalised to him too, and in better capacity - to serve both king and country. - </p> - <p> - As my head was constantly at work for the good of this people, I turned - the most trifling incidents into some use or other; and made the narrowest - prospects extend to the vastest distances. I shall here instance in one - only. There was at Youk a private man's son, whom by mere accident I - happened to ask some slight question of; and he giving me, with a profound - respect and graceful assurance, a most pertinent answer; that, and the - manner of its delivery, gave me a pleasure, which upon farther discourse - with him, was, contrary to custom, very much increased; for I found in him - an extensive genius, and a desire for my conversation. I desired his - father to put him under my care, which the old man, as I was then in so - great repute, readily agreed to; and his son desiring nothing more, I took - him with me to Brandleguarp. I soon procured him a pretty post but of - small duty, for I had purposed other employment for him, but of sufficient - significancy to procure him respect. I took great delight in talking with - him on different subjects, and observed by his questions upon them, which - often puzzled me, or his answers to them, he had a most pregnant fancy and - surprising solidity, joined to a continual and unwearied application. I - frequently mentioning books, writing, and letters to him, and telling him - what great things might be attained that way, his inquisitive temper, and - the schemes he had formed thereon, put me upon thinking of several things - I should never have hit upon without him. I considered all the ways I - could contrive to teach him letters; and letting him into my design, he - asked me how I did to make a letter. I described a pen to him, and told - him I put a black liquor into it, and as I drew that along upon a flat - white thing we made use of, called paper, it would make marks which way - ever I drew it, into what shape I pleased. "Why then," says he, "anything - that will make a mark upon another thing as I please, will do."—"True," - says I, "but what shall we get that will make a black mark?"—We were - entering further into this debate; but the king sending for me, I left him - unsatisfied. I stayed late with the king that night, so did not see - Lasmeel (for that was his name) till next night, wondering what was become - of him. I asked him then where he had been all the day. He told me he had - been looking for a pen and paper. I laughed, and asked him if he had found - them.—"Yes," says he, "or something that will do as well:" so he - opened one side of his graundee, and showed me a large flat leaf, smooth - and pulpy, very long and wide, and about a quarter of an inch thick, - almost like an Indian fig-leaf.—"And what am I to do with this?" - says I.—"To mark it," says he, "and see where you mark."—"With - what?" says I.—"With this," says he, putting his hand again into his - graundee, and taking out three or four strong sharp prickles. I looked at - them both; and clapping him on the head, "Lasmeel," says I, "if you and I - were in England, you should be made a privy-councillor."—"What! - won't it do, then?" says he.—I told him we would try.—"I - thought," says he, "it would have done very well; for I marked one all - about, and though I could not see much at first, by that time I had made - an end, that I did first was quite of a different colour from the leaf, - and I could see it as plain as could be." I told him as he was of an age - to comprehend what I meant, I would take another method with him than with - a child; so I reasoned from sentences backwards to words, and from them to - syllables, and so on to letters. I then made one, the vowel A, told him - its sound, and added a consonant to it, and told him that part of the - sound of each distinct letter put together, as the two letters themselves - were, made another sound, which I called a syllable; and that joining two - or more of them together made a word, by putting the same letters together - as made the sounds of those syllables which made that word. Then setting - him a copy of letters, which with very little difficulty were to be drawn - upon the leaf, and telling him their sounds, I left him to himself; and - when he had done, though I named them but twice over, his memory was so - strong as to retain the sounds, as he called them, of every one but F, L, - and Q. - </p> - <p> - In two months' time I made him master of anything I wrote to him; and as - he delighted in it, he wrote a great deal himself, so that we kept an - epistolary correspondence, and he would set down all the common - occurrences of the day, as what he heard and saw, with his remarks on - divers things. - </p> - <p> - One day, as the king and I were walking in the gardens, and talking of the - customs of my country, and about our wars, telling him how our soldiers - fought on horseback, the king could not conceive what I meant by a horse. - I told him my wife had said there were neither beasts nor fishes in the - country; which I was very much surprised at, considering how we abounded - with both: "And therefore," says I, "to tell your majesty that a horse is - a creature with four legs, you must naturally believe it to be somewhat - like a man with four legs."—"Why, truly," says he, "I believe it is; - but has it the graundee?" I could not forbear smiling, even at his - majesty, and wanted to find some similitude to compare it to, to carry the - king's mind that way; for else he would sooner, I thought, conceive it - like a tree or a mountain than what it really was; and as I was musing, it - came into my head I had given Lasmeel a small print of a horse, which I - found in one of the captain's pockets at Graundevolet, and believing it to - be the stamp of a tobacco-paper, had kept it to please the children with; - so I told the king I believed I could show him the figure of a horse. He - told me it would much oblige him. - </p> - <p> - Seeing several of the guards waiting at the garden arch, I looked, and at - last found one of Lasmeel's leaves in the garden, and cutting one of them - up with my knife, I took the point of that, and wrote to Lasmeel to send - me by the bearer the picture of a horse I gave him, that I might show it - the king. And calling one of the guards, "Carry that to Lasmeel," says I; - "he is, I believe, in my apartment, and bring me an answer directly." Then - falling into discourse again with the king, and presently turning at the - end of the walk, I saw the same guard again. Says I "You cannot have - brought me an answer already."—"You have not told me," says he, - "what to bring you an answer to."—"Nor shall I," says I; "do as you - are bid;" for I perceived then what the fellow stuck at. He walked off - with the leaf, but very discontentedly. The king said he wondered how I - could act such a contradiction. "This, father," says he, "is not what I - expected from you; to order a man to bring an answer without giving him a - message." I desired his patience only till the man came back. Presently - says the king, "Here he comes!—Well," says he, "what answer?"—"Sir," - says the fellow, "I have only had the walk for my pains: for he sent it - back again, and a little white thing with it."—"Ha, ha!" says the - king, "I thought so.—Come, father, own you have once been in the - wrong; for I am sure you intended to give him a message, but having forgot - it, would not submit to be told of your mistake by a guard." I looked very - grave, reading what Lasmeel had wrote; which was to tell me he had obeyed - my orders by sending the horse, for he was just then drawing it out upon a - leaf. - </p> - <p> - "Come, come," says the king, "give the man his message, father, and let - him go again."—"Sir," says I, "there is no need of that, he has - punctually obeyed me; and Lasmeel was then at the table in my oval chamber - with a leaf, and this picture in my hand, before him." - </p> - <p> - The king was ready to sink when I said so, and showed the print. "Truly, - father," says he, "I have been to blame to question you; for though these - things are above my comprehension, I am not to think anything beyond your - skill." I made no reply to it; but showing the king the picture, the guard - sneaked off; and glad he was, I believe, he could do so. - </p> - <p> - I went then upon the explanation of my horse, and answering fifty - questions about him, at last he asked what his inside was: "Exactly the - same as your majesty's," said I.—"And can he eat and breathe too?" - says he.—"Just as you can," says I.—"Well," says he, "I would - never have believed there had been such a creature: what would I give for - one of them!"—I set forth the divers other uses we put them to, - besides the wars; and by the picture, with some supposed alterations, I - described a cow, a sheep, and numberless other quadrupeds; my account of - which gave him great pleasure. - </p> - <p> - <br /><br /><a name="linkimageb-0033" id="linkimageb-0033"> </a> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> - <img src="images/0216.jpg" alt="0216 " width="100%" /><br /> - </div> - <h5> - <a href="images/0216.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </h5> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2HbCH0018" id="link2HbCH0018_"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER XVIII. - </h2> - <p> - <i>Peter sends for his family—A rising of former slaves on that - account—Takes a view of the city—Description of it, and of the - country—Hot and cold springs.</i> - </p> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">H</span>AVING now some - leisure time on my hands to consider over my own affairs, I had thoughts - of transporting my family, with all my effects, to Sass Doorpt Swangeanti, - but yet had no mind to relinquish all thought of my ship and cargo; for - the greatest part of this was still remaining, I having had but the - pickings through the gulf. I once had a mind to have gone myself; but - considering the immense distance over sea, though I had once come safe, I - thought I ought not to tempt Providence, where my presence was not - absolutely necessary. - </p> - <p> - Nasgig, to whose care and conduct any enterprise might be trusted, offered - his service to go and execute any commands I should give him. His only - difficulty, he said, was that it would be impossible for him to remember - the different names of many things, which he had no idea of, to convey the - knowledge of them to his mind when he saw them; but barring that, he - doubted not to give me satisfaction. I told him I would send an assistant - with him, who could remember whatever I once told him; and that I might - not burden his memory with names only, Lasmeel should carry his memory - with him, and that he, Nasgig, should only have the executive part. - </p> - <p> - Lasmeel, who had sat waiting an opportunity to put in for a share in the - adventure, having a longing desire to see the ship, told Nasgig he had a - peculiar art of memory, so as to remember whatever he would as long as he - pleased, and that if he carried that with him, they need fear no mistakes. - </p> - <p> - The king having granted me as many of his guards as I pleased, for the - carriage of my things, we appointed them to be ready on the fourth day; - when Nasgig and Lasmeel set out with them. - </p> - <p> - I ordered Lasmeel, however, to be with me the next morning, that we might - set down proper instructions; which I told him would be very long, and - that he must bring a good number of leaves with him. - </p> - <p> - When Lasmeel entered my chamber next morning, he informed me that the - whole city was in an uproar, especially those who had been freed by me. - "What!" says I, "have they so soon forgot their subjection, to misapply - their liberty already? But step and bring me word what's the matter, and - order some of the ringleaders hither to me." Lasmeel upon inquiry found - that it had been given out I was going to leave the country, and they all - said, wherever I went they were determined to go and settle with me; for - if I left them, they should be reduced to slavery again. However, he - brought some of them to me, and upon my telling them I thanked them for - their affection to me, but blamed them for showing it in so tumultuous a - manner, and that I was so far from intending to leave them, that I was - sending for my family and effects in order to settle amongst them, they - rejoiced very much, and told me they would carry the good news to their - companions, and disperse immediately. But I was now in more perplexity - than before, for they having signified my designs to the rest, they rushed - into the gallery in such numbers that they forced me up to my very - chamber. I told them this was an unprecedented manner of using a person - they pretended a kindness for; and told them if they made use of such - risings to express their gratitude to me, it would be the direct means to - oblige me to leave them: "For," says I, "do you think I can be safe in a - kingdom where greater deference is paid to me than to the crown?" They - begged my pardon, they said, and would obey me in anything; but the - present trouble was only to offer their services to fetch my family and - goods, or to do anything else I should want them for; and if I would - favour them in that, they would retire directly. I told them when I had - considered of it they should hear from me; and this again quieted them. - </p> - <p> - This disturbance not only took up much of my time, which I could have - better employed, but put me to a non-plus how to come off with them; till - I sent Maleck to tell them though I set a great value upon their esteem, - yet after what had passed, it would be the most unadvisable thing in - nature for me to accept their kindness; for having before requested a body - of men of the king, as he had graciously granted them, it would be - preferring them to the king, should I now relinquish his grant and make - use of their offer; and after this I heard no more of it. - </p> - <p> - I had scarce met with a more difficult task than to fix exact rules for - the conduct of my present undertaking, there being so many things to be - expressed, wherein the least perplexity arising, might have caused both - delay and damage; for I was not only forced to set down the things I would - have brought, but the manner and method of packing and securing them; but - as Lasmeel could read my writing to Pedro at home, and Youwarkee on board, - it would be a means, though far from an expeditious one, of bringing - matters into some order; and after I had done as I thought, I could have - enumerated many more things, and was obliged to add an <i>et cætera</i> to - the end of my catalogue; and while they were ready for flight, I added - divers other particulars and circumstances. Nay, when they were even upon - the graundee, I recollected the most material thing of all; for my - greatest concern was, having broke up so many of my chests, to find - package for the things; I say, even so late as that, I bethought me of the - several great water-casks I had on board, that would hold an infinite - number of small things, and would be slung easily; so I stopped them and - set down that, and they were no sooner out of sight and hearing, but - remembering twenty more, I was then forced to trust them to my <i>et - cætera</i>. - </p> - <p> - I had sent my own flying-chair to bring the boys who had not the graundee, - with orders for Pedro to sit tied in the chair, with Dicky tied in his - arms; Jemmy to sit tied to the board before the chair, and David behind: - so I hoped they would come safe enough; and then my wife and Sally were - able to help themselves. - </p> - <p> - Having despatched my caravan, and being all alone, I called Quilly the - next morning, and telling him I had thoughts of viewing the country, I - bade him prepare to go with me. - </p> - <p> - I had now been here above six months, and yet upon coming to walk gravely - about the city, I found myself as much a stranger to the knowledge of the - place as if that had been the first day of my arrival, though I had been - over it several times in my chair. - </p> - <p> - This city is not only one of, but actually the most curious piece of work - in the world, and consists of one immense entire stone of a considerable - height, and it may be seven miles in length, and near as broad as it is - long. The streets and habitable part of it are scooped, as it were, out of - the solid stone, to the level with the rest of the country, very flat and - smooth at bottom, the rock rising perpendicular from the streets on each - side. - </p> - - <p> - The figure of the city is a direct square; each side about six miles long, - with a large open circle in the centre of the square, about a mile in - diameter, and from each of the sides of the outer streets to the opposite - side runs another street, cutting the centre of the circle as in the - figure. - </p> - <p> - Along the whole face of the rock, bounding the streets and the circle, - there are archways; those in the circle, and the four cross streets, for - the gentry and better people; and those in the outer streets, for the - meaner; and it is as easy to know as by a sign where a great man lives, by - the grandeur of his entrance, and lavish distribution of the pillars, - carving, and statues about his portico, within and without: for as they - have no doors, you may look in, and are not forbid entrance; and though it - should look odd to an English reader, that an Englishman should speak with - pleasure of a land of darkness, as that almost was, yet I am satisfied - whoever shall see it after me will be persuaded, that for the real - grandeur of their entrances, and for the magnificence of the apartments - and sculpture, no part of the universe can produce the like; and though - within doors there is no other manner of light than the sweecoes, yet - that, when you are once used to it, is so agreeable and free from all - noisome savour, that I never once regretted the loss of the sun within - doors, though I often have when abroad; but then that would be injurious - to the proper inhabitants, though they can no more see in total darkness - than myself. - </p> - <p> - I have been over some of these private houses, which contain, it may be, - thirty rooms, great and small, some higher, some lower, full of - sweecoe-lights, and extremely well proportioned and beautiful. - </p> - <p> - The king's palace, with all the apartments, stands in, and takes up, one - full fourth part of the square of the whole city; and is, indeed, of - itself a perfect city. - </p> - <p> - There is no great man's house without one or more long galleries for the - ladies to divert themselves at divers sports in, particularly at one like - our bowls on a bowling-green, and at somewhat like nine-holes, at which - they play for wines, and drink a great deal, for none of them will - intoxicate. - </p> - <p> - In my walk and survey of the city, one of the colambs being making a house - to reside in when at Brandleguarp, I had the curiosity to go in. I saw - there abundance of botts stand filled with a greenish liquor, and asked - Quilly what that was. He said it was what the stone-men used in making - houses. I proceeded farther in, where I saw several men at work, and - stayed a good while to observe them. Each man had a bott of this liquor in - his left hand, and stood before a large bank of stone, it may be 30 feet - high, reaching forward up to the ceiling of the place, and ascending by - steps from bottom to top; the workmen standing some on one step, some on - another, pouring on this liquor with their left hands, and with their - right holding a wooden tool, shaped like a little spade. I observed - wherever they poured on this water, a smoke arose for a little space of - time, and then the place turned white, which was scraped off like fine - powder with the spade-handle; and then pouring new liquor, he scraped - again, working all the while by sweecoe-lights. - </p> - <p> - Having my watch in my pocket, I measured a spot of a yard long, about a - foot high, and a foot and a half on the upper flat, to see how long he - would be fetching down that piece; and he got it away in little above two - hours. By this means I came to know how they made their houses; for I had - neither seen any tool I thought proper, nor even iron itself, except my - own, since I came into the country. Upon inquiry, I found that the - scrapings of this stone, and a portion of common earth, mixed with a water - they have, will cement like plaster; and they use it in the small - ornamental work of their buildings. I then went farther into this house, - where I saw one making the figure of a glumm by the same method; but it - standing upright in the solid rock against the wall, the workman held his - liquor in an open shell, and dipping such stuff as my bed was made of, - bound up in short rolls, some larger, some less, into the liquor, he - touched the figure, and then scraped till he had reduced it into a perfect - piece. - </p> - <p> - It is impossible to imagine how this work rids away; for in ten months' - time after I saw it, this house was completed, having a great number of - fine, large, and lofty rooms in it, exquisitely carved to all appearance. - </p> - <p> - My wonder ceased as to the palace, when I saw how easily this work was - done; but sure there is no other such room in the world as Begsurbeck's, - that I described above. - </p> - <p> - The palace, as I said before, taking up one quarter of the city, opens - into four streets by four different arches; and before one of the sides, - which I call the front, is a large triangle, formed by the entrance out of - one of the cross streets, and the two ends of the front of the palace. - Along the lower front of it, all the way runs a piazza of considerable - height, supported by vast round columns, which seemed to bear up the whole - front of the rock, over which was a gallery of equal length, with - balustrades along it, supported with pillars of a yet finer make, and over - that a pediment with divers figures, and other work, to the top of the - rock, which being there quite even for its whole length, was enclosed with - balustrades between pedestals all the way, on which stood the statues of - their ancient kings, so large as to appear equal to the life. The other - two sides of the triangle were dwellings for divers officers belonging to - the palace. Under the middle arch of the piazza was the way into the - palace, through a long, spacious arched passage, whose farther end opened - into a large square; on each side of this passage were large staircases, - if I may so call them, by which you ascend gradually, and without steps, - into the upper apartments. - </p> - <p> - The next morning we took another walk, for I told Quilly I had a mind to - take a prospect of the country. We then went out at the back arch of the - palace, as we had the day before at one of the sides, there being a like - passage through the rock from that we went out at, to an opposite arch - leading into the garden. I say, we went out at the back arch, and after - passing a large quadrangle with lodgings all round it, we ascended through - a cut in the rock to a large flat, where we plainly saw the Black Mountain - with its top in the very sky, the sides of which afforded numberless - trees, though the ground within view afforded very little verdure, or even - shrubs. But the most beautiful sight from the rock was to see the people - come home loaded from the mountain, and from the woods, with, it may be, - forty pound weight each on their backs; and mounting over the rock, to see - them dart along the streets to their several dwellings, over the heads of - thousands of others walking in all parts of the streets, while others were - flying other ways. It was very pleasant to see a man walking gravely in - one street, and as quick as thought to see him over the rock, settled in - another, perhaps two miles distant. - </p> - <p> - The near view of the country seeming so barren, naturally led me to ask - Quilly from whence they got provision for so many people as the city - contained, which, to be sure, could not be less than three hundred - thousand. He told me that they had nothing but what came from the Great - Forest on the skirts of the mountain. "But for the grain of it, and some - few outward marks," says I, "I could have sworn I had eaten some of my - country beef the other day at the king's table."—"I don't know what - your beef, as you call it, is; but I am sure we have nothing here but the - fruit of some tree or shrub, that ever I heard of."—"I wonder," says - I, "Quilly, how your cooks dress their victuals. I have eaten many things - boiled, and otherwise dressed hot, but have seen no rivers, or water, - since I came into this country, except for drinking, or washing my hands, - and I don't know where that comes from. And another thing," says I, - "surprises me, though I see no sun as we have to warm the air, you are - very temperate in the town, and it is seldom cold here; but I neither see - fire nor smoke."—"We have," says Quilly, "several very good springs - under the palace, both of hot water and cold, and I don't know what we - should do with fires; we see the dread of them sufficiently at Mount - Alkoe. Our cooks dress their fruits at the hot springs."—"That is a - fancy," said I; "they cannot boil them there."—"I am sure we have no - other dressing," says he.—"Well, Quilly," says I, "we will go home - the way you told me of, and to-morrow you shall show me the springs; but, - pray, how come you to be so much afraid of Mount Alkoe? I suppose your - eyes won't bear the light; is not that all?"—"No, no," says Quilly, - "that is the country of bad men. Some of us have flown over there - accidentally, when the mountain has been cool, as it is sometimes for a - good while together, and have heard such noises as would frighten any - honest man out of his senses, for there they beat and punish bad men." I - could not make much of his story, nor did I inquire further, for I had - before determined, if possible, to get over thither. As we were now come - into the garden, I ordered Quilly to get ready my dinner, and I would come - in presently. - </p> - <p> - We went next morning to view the springs, and indeed it was a sight well - worth considering. We were in divers offices under the rock (Quilly - carrying two globe-lights before me), in which were springs of very clear - water, some of hot, and some of cold, rising within two or three inches of - the surface of the floor. We then went into the kitchen, which was bigger - than I ever saw one of our churches, and where were a great number of - these springs, the hot all boiling full speed day and night, and smoking - like a caldron, the water rising through very small chinks in the stone - into basons, some bigger, some less; and they had several deep stone jars - to set anything to boil in. But what was the most surprising was, you - should see a spring of very cold water within a few feet of one of hot, - and they never rise higher or sink lower than they are. I talked with the - master cook, an ingenious man, about them; and he told me they lie in this - manner all over the rocky part of the country, and that the first thing - any one does in looking out for a house, is to see for the water, whether - both hot and cold may be found within the compass he designs to make use - of; and finding that, he goes on, or else searches another place. And he - told me where this convenience was not in great plenty the people did not - inhabit, which made the towns all so very populous. He said, too, that - those warm springs made the air more wholesome about the towns than in - other parts where there were none of them. I thanked him for his - information, which finished my search for that time. - </p> - <p> - <br /><br /><a name="linkimageb-0035" id="linkimageb-0035"> </a> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> - <img src="images/0229.jpg" alt="0229 " width="100%" /><br /> - </div> - <h5> - <a href="images/0229.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </h5> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2HbCH0019" id="link2HbCH0019_"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER XIX. - </h2> - <p> - <i>Peter sends for his family—Pendlehamby gives a fabulous account - of the peopling of that country—Their policy and government—Peter's - discourse on trade—Youwarkee arrives—Invites the king and - nobles to a treat—Sends to Graundevolet for fowls.</i> - </p> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>HE days hanging - heavy on my hands till the arrival of my family, I sent Pendlehamby word - that as I had sent for my family and effects in order to settle in this - country, and expected them very soon, I should be glad of his, my brother, - and sister's company, to welcome them on their arrival. - </p> - <p> - My father came alone, which gave me an opportunity of informing myself in - the rise and policy of the State, as I purposed to take several farther - steps in their affairs, if they might prove agreeable and consistent; for - hitherto, having had only slight sketches or hints of things, I could form - no just idea of the whole of their laws, customs, and government. - Explaining myself, therefore, to him, I begged his instructions in those - particulars. - </p> - <p> - "Son Peter," says my father, "you have already done too much in a short - time to leave any room to think you can do no more: and as you have - hitherto directed your own proceedings with such incredible success, - neither the king nor colambs will interpose against your inclination, but - give you all the advices in our powers; and I shall esteem your selecting - me for that purpose no small honour. - </p> - <p> - "Know, then, that this State, by the tradition of our ragans, has - subsisted eleven thousand years; for, before that time, the great mountain - Emina, then not far from the Black Mountain, but now fallen and sunk in - the sea, roaring and raging in its own bowels for many ages, at last burst - asunder with great violence, and threw up numberless unformed fleshy - masses to the very stars; two of which happening in their passage to touch - the side of the Black Mountain (for all the rest fell into the sea and - were lost) lodged there, and lying close together as they grew, united to - each other till they were joined in one; and, in process of time, by the - dews of heaven, became a glumm and a gaw-ry; but being so linked together - by the adhesion of their flesh, they were obliged both to move which way - either would. Living thus a long time in great love and fondness for each - other, they had but one inclination, lest both should be sufferers upon - the least disagreement. - </p> - <p> - "In process of time they grew tired of each other's constant society, and - one willing to go here and the other there, bred perpetual disorders - between them; for prevention whereof for the future they agreed to cut - themselves asunder with sharp stones. The pain indeed was intolerable - during the operation; but, however, they effected it, and the wounds each - received were very dangerous, and a long time before they were perfectly - healed; but at length, sometimes agreeing, sometimes not, they begat a - son, whom they called Perigen, and a daughter they called Philella. These - two, as they grew up, despising their parents, who lived on the top of the - mountain, ventured to descend into the plains, and living upon the fruits - they found there, sheltered themselves in this very rock. Meantime, the - old glumm and gawry, having lived to a great age, were so infirm that - neither of them was able to walk for a long time; till one day, being near - each other, and trying to rise by the assistance of each other, they both - got up, and leaning upon and supporting each other, they also walked - commodiously. This mutual assistance kept them in good humour a great - while, till one day, passing along near hoximo, they both fell in. - </p> - <p> - "Perigen and Philella had several children in the plains; who, as they - grew up, increasing, spread into remote parts, and peopled the country. At - last, one of them being a very passionate man, at the instigation of his - wife, became the first murderer, by slaying his father. This so enraged - the people, that the murderer and his wife, in abhorrence of the fact, - were conveyed to Mount Alkoe, where was then only a very narrow deep pit, - into which they were both thrown headlong; but the persons who carried - them thither, had scarce retired from the mouth of the pit, when it burst - out with fire, raging prodigiously, and has kept burning ever since. Arco - and Telamine (the murderer and his wife) lived seven thousand years in the - flames; till having with their teeth wrought a passage through the side of - the mountain, they begat a new generation about the foot of the mountain; - and having brought fire with them, resolved to keep it burning ever after - in memory of their escape; and power being given them over bad men, they - and their progeny are now wholly employed in beating and tormenting them. - </p> - <p> - "A great while after Arco and Telamine were thus disposed of, the people - of this country multiplying, it happened one year that all the fruits were - so dry that the people, not able to live any longer upon the moisture of - them only, as they had always done before, and fearing all to be consumed - with drought, one of their ragans praying very much, and promising to make - an image to Collwar and preserve it for ever, if he would send them but - moisture, in one night's time the earth cast up such a flood that they - were forced to mount on the rocks for fear of drowning. But the next day - it all sunk away again, except several little bubbles which remained in - many places for a long time, and the people lived only on the moisture - they sucked from the stone where those bubbles settled for many years; for - they found that the water arose to the height of the surface, and no - higher; and where they found most of those chinks and bubbles they settled - and formed cities, living altogether in holes of the rock; till one - Lallio, having found out the art of crumbling the rock to dust by a liquor - he got from the trees, and working himself a noble house in the rock, in - the place where our palace now stands, he told them if they would make him - their king, they should each have such a house as his own. To this they - agreed, and then he discovered the secret to them. - </p> - <p> - "This Lallio directed the cutting out this whole city, divided the people - into colonies where the waters were most plenty; and while half the people - worked at the streets and houses, the other half brought them provisions. - In short, he grew so powerful that no one durst dispute his commands; all - which authority he transmitted to his successors, who, finding by the - increase of the people and the many divisions of them that they grew - insolent and ungovernable, they appointed a colamb in every province, as a - vice-king, with absolute authority over all causes, except murder and - treason, which are referred to the king and colambs in moucheratt. - </p> - <p> - "As we had no want but of victuals and habitations, the king, when he gave - a colambat, gave also the lands and the fruits thereof, together with all - the hot and cold springs, to the colamb, who again distributed parcels to - the great officers under him, and they part of theirs to the meaner - officers under them, for their subsistence, with such a number of the - common people as was necessary in respect to the dignity of the post each - enjoyed, who for their services are fed by their masters. - </p> - <p> - "In all cases of war, the king lays before the moucheratt the number of - his own troops he designs to send; when each colamb's quota being settled - at such a proportion of the whole, he forthwith sends his number from out - of his own lasks, and also from the several officers under him; so that - every man, let the number be ever so great, can be at the rendezvous in a - very few days. - </p> - <p> - "We have but three professions, besides the ragans and soldiery, amongst - us, and these are cooks, house-makers, and pike-makers, of which every - colamb has several among his lasks; and these, upon the new regulations, - will be the only gainers, as they may work where they please, and - according to their skill will be their provision; but how the poor - labourers will be the better for it, I cannot see." - </p> - <p> - "Dear sir," says I, "there are, you see, amongst lasks, some of such - parts, that it is great pity they should be confined from showing them; - and my meaning in giving liberty is in order for what is to follow; that - is, for the introduction of arts amongst you. Now, every man who has - natural parts will exert them when any art is laid before him; and he will - find so much delight in making new discoveries that, did no profit attend - it, the satisfaction of the discovery to a prying genius would compensate - the pains; but I propose a profit also to the artificer."—"Why, what - profit," says my father, "can arise but food, and perhaps a servant of - their own to provide it for them?" - </p> - <p> - "Sir," says I, "the man who has nothing to hope loses the use of one of - his faculties; and if I guess right, and you live ten years longer, you - shall see this State as much altered as the difference has been between a - lask and a tree he feeds on. You shall all be possessed of that which will - bring you fruits from the woods without a lask to fetch it. Those who were - before your slaves shall then take it as an honour to be employed by you, - and at the same time shall employ others dependent on them; so as the - great and small shall be under mutual obligations to each other, and both - to the truly industrious artificer; and yet every one content only with - what he merits." - </p> - <p> - "Dear son," says my father, "these will be glorious days indeed! But, - come, come, you have played a good part already; don't, by attempting what - you can't master, eclipse the glory so justly due to you."—"No, - sir," says I, "nothing shall be attempted by me to my dishonour; for I - shall ever remember my friend Glanepze. Sir," says I, "see here." (showing - him my watch).—"Why, this," says he, "hung by my daughter's side at - Graundevolet."—"It did so," says I; "and, pray, what did you take it - for?"—"A bott," says he.—"I thought so," says I; "but as you - asked no questions, I did not then force the knowledge of it upon you. But - put it to your ear."—He did so. "What noise is that?" says he. "Is - it alive?"—"No," says I, "it is not; but it is as significant. If I - ask it what time of the day it is, or how long I have been going from this - place to that, I look but in its face, and it tells me presently." - </p> - <p> - My father, looking upon it a good while, and perceiving that the minute - hand had got farther than it was at first, was just dropping it out of his - hand, had I not caught it. "Why, it is alive," says he; "it moves!"—"Sir," - says I, "if you had dropped it, you had done me an inexpressible injury."—"Oh - ho," says he, "I find now how you do your wonders; it is something you - have shut up here that assists you; it is an evil spirit!" I laughing - heartily, he was sorry for what he had said, believing he had shown some - ignorance. "No, sir," says I, "it is no spirit, good or evil, but a - machine made by some of my countrymen, to measure time with."—"I - have heard," says he, "of measuring an abb, or the ground, or a rock; but - never yet heard of measuring time."—"Why, sir," says I, "don't you - say three days hence I will do so; or such a one is three years old? Is - not that a measuring of time by so many days or years?"—"Truly," - says he, "in one sense I think it is."—"Now, sir," says I, "how do - you measure a day?"—"Why, by rising and lying down," says he.—"But - suppose I say I will go now, and come again, and have a particular time in - my head when I will return, how shall I do to make you know that time?"—"Why, - that will be afterwards, another time," says he; "or I can think how long - it will be."—"But," says I, "how can you make me know when you think - it will be?"—"You must think too," says he.—"But then," says - I, "we may deceive each other, by thinking differently. Now this will set - us to rights:" then I described the figures to him, telling him how many - parts they divided the day into, and that by looking on it I could tell - how many of such parts were passed; and that if he went from me, and said - he would come one, or two, or three parts hence, I should know when to - expect him. I then showed him the wheels, and explained where the force - lay, and why it went no faster or slower, as well as I could; and from my - desire of teaching, insensibly perfected myself more and more in it. So - that beginning to have a little idea of it, he wished he had one. "And," - says he, "will you teach all our people to make such things?"—"Then - they would be disregarded, sir," says I.—"It is impossible," says - he.—"I'll tell you, sir, how I mean," said I. "I can, hereafter, - show you a hundred things as useful as this; now, if everybody was to make - these, how would other things be made? Besides, if everybody made them, - nobody would want them; and then what would anybody get by them, besides - the pleasing their own fancy? But if only twenty men make them in one - town, all the rest must come to them; and they who make these, must go to - one of twenty others, who make another thing that these men want, and so - on; by which means, every man wanting something he does not make, it will - be the better for every maker of everything." - </p> - <p> - "Son," says my father, "excuse me; I am really ashamed, now you have - better informed me, I asked so foolish a question." I told him we had a - saying in my country, that everything is easy when it is known. "I think," - says he, "a man might find everything in your country." - </p> - <p> - Two days after, my wife and daughter Sally came very early; but sure no - joy could be greater than ours at sight of each other. I embraced them - both over and over, as did my father, especially Sally, who was a charming - child. They told me I might expect everything that evening, for they left - them alighting at the height of Battringdrigg; for though they came out - the last, yet the body of the people with their baggage could not come so - fast as they did. And little Sally said, "We stayed and rested ourselves, - purely, daddy, at Battringdrigg, before the crowd came; but as soon as - mammy had seen all my brothers safe, who came before the rest, and kissed - Dicky, we set out again." - </p> - <p> - About seven hours after arrived the second convoy from abroad, that ever - entered that country. I had too much to do with my wife and children that - night, to spare a thought to my cargo; so I only set a guard over them; - for though I had now been married about sixteen years, Youwarkee was ever - new to me. - </p> - <p> - I was now obliged to the king again, for some additional conveniences to - my former apartment; and the young ones were mightily pleased to have so - much more room than we had at home, and to see the sweecoes; but finding - themselves waited upon in so elegant a manner, and by so many servants - (for with our new rooms, we had all the servants belonging to them), they - thought themselves in a paradise to the grotto, where all we wanted we - were forced to help ourselves to. - </p> - <p> - The next day Tommy came to see us, the king having given him a very pretty - post, since the death of Yaccombourse; and Hallycarnie, with the Princess - Jahamel, her mistress, who was mightily pleased to see Youwarkee in her - English dress, and invited her and the children to her apartment. - </p> - <p> - It was but a few months since my wife saw the children; yet she scarce - knew them, they were so altered; for the two courtiers behaved with so - much politeness, that their brothers and Sally looked but with an ill eye - upon them, finding all the fault, and dropping as many little invidious - expressions on them as possible. But I sharply rebuked them: "We were all - made chiefly," I told them, "to please our Maker, and that could be done - only by the goodness of the heart; and if their hearts were more pure, - they were the best children; but if they liked their brothers' and - sisters' outward behaviour better than their own, they might so far - imitate them." - </p> - <p> - When we were settled in our new apartment, I unpacked my chairs and - tables, and set out my side-board, and made such a figure as had never - before been seen in that part of the world. I wanted now some shoes for - Pedro, his own being almost past wear, for the young ones never had worn - any, but could find none; till applying to Lasmeel, and showing him what I - wanted, he pointed to one of the great water-casks; but as there were - eleven of them, big and little, I knew not where to begin; till, having - invited the king and several of the ministers to dine with me, I was - forced to look over my goods for several other things I should want. - </p> - <p> - In my search, I found half a ream of paper, a leathern ink-bottle, but no - ink in it, some quills, and books of accounts, and several other things - relative to writing. The prize gave me courage to attempt the other casks; - but I found little more that I immediately wanted. In the last cask were - several books, two of them romances, six volumes of English plays, two of - devotion; the next were either Spanish or Portuguese, and the last looked - like a Bible; but just opening it, and taking it to be of the same - language, I put them all in again, thinking to divert myself with them - some other time. I here found some more paper, and so many shoes, as, when - I had fellowed them, served me as long as I stayed in the country. - </p> - <p> - Having, as I said before, invited the king to eat with me, I was sorry I - had not ordered my fowls to be brought; and Youwarkee said she thought to - have done it, but I had not wrote for them. I told her I would send Maleck - for some of them, I was resolved; for I should pique myself on giving the - king a dish he had never before tasted. So I called Maleck, telling him he - must take thirty men with him to Graundevolet: "And carry six empty chests - with you," says I, "and put eight of my fowls in each chest, and bring - them with all expedition."—"Where do they lie, sir?" says he.—"You - will find them at roost," says I, "when it is dark."—"I never was - there," says he, "and don't know the way."—"What," says I, "never at - Graundevolet!"—"Yes," says he, "but not at roost."—I laughed, - saying, "Maleck, did not you see fowls when you was there?" He said he did - not know; what were they like?—"They are a bird," says I.—"And - what sort of a thing is that?" says he. Youwee hearing us in this debate, - "Maleck," says she, "did not you see me toss down little nuts to something - that you stared at? you saw them eat the nuts."—"Oh dear," says he, - "I know it very well, with two legs and no arms."—"The same," says - I, "Maleck; do you go look for a little house, almost by my grotto, and at - night you will find these things stand on sticks in that house. Take them - down gently, and come away with them in the chests." Maleck performed his - business to a hair; but instead of forty-eight, brought me sixty, telling - me he found the chests would hold them very well; and I kept them - afterwards in the king's garden. - </p> - <p> - <br /><br /><a name="linkimageb-0036" id="linkimageb-0036"> </a> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:15%;"> - <img src="images/5242.jpg" alt="5242 " width="100%" /><br /><a - href="images/5242.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </div> - <p> - <br /><br /><a name="linkimageb-0037" id="linkimageb-0037"> </a> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> - <img src="images/0243.jpg" alt="0243 " width="100%" /><br /> - </div> - <h5> - <a href="images/0243.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </h5> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2HbCH0020" id="link2HbCH0020_"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER XX. - </h2> - <p> - <i>Peter goes to his father's—Traverses the Black Mountain—Takes - a flight to Mount Alkoe—Gains the miners—Overcomes the - governor's troops—Proclaims Georigetti king—Seizes the - governor—Returns him the government—Peter makes laws with the - consent of the people, and returns to Brandleguarp with deputies.</i> - </p> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">N</span>O further project - being ripe for execution, I took a journey home with my father to - Arndrumnstake, and he would take all the children with him. Youwarkee and - I stayed about six weeks, leaving all the children with my father. - </p> - <p> - Upon my return, I frequently talked with Maleck about his country; who - they originally were, and how long it had been inhabited, and what other - countries bordered thereon, and how they lay. He told me his countrymen - looked upon themselves to be very ancient, but they were not very - numerous; for the old stock was almost worn out by the hardships they had - undergone; that about three hundred years before, he said, as he had it - from good report, there were a people from beyond the sea, or, as they - called themselves, from the Little Lands, had strangely overrun them; and - he had heard say they would have overrun this country too, but they - thought it would not answer. He said, "when those people first came, they - began to turn up the earth to a prodigious depth; and now," says he, - "bringing some nasty hard earth of several sorts, they put it into great - fires till it runs about like water, and then beat it about with great - heavy things into several shapes; and some of it, sir," says he, "looks - just like that stuff that lay at the bottom of your ship, and some almost - white, and some red; for when I was a boy I was to have been sent to work - amongst them, as my father did; but it having killed him, I came hither, - as many more have done, to avoid it."—"And what do they do with it," - says I, "when they have beat it about as you say?"—"Then," says he, - "they carry it a long way to the sea."—"What then?" says I.—"Why, - then the Little-landers take it, and swim over the sea with it."—"And - what do they do with it?" says I.—"Why," says he, "there are other - people who take it from them, and go away with it."—"Why do they let - them take it?" says I.—"Because," says he, "they give them clothes - for it."—"Do they want clothes," says I, "more than you?" He told me - they had no graundee.—"And what other countries have you hereabout?"— - "There is one country," says he, "north of Alkoe, where they say there is - just such another people as the Little-landers, and they get some of the - things from Mount Alkoe."—"What do they do with them?" says I.—"I - don't know," says he; "they fetch a great deal; but they won't let anybody - come into their country."—"Is there nobody inhabits between the - Mountain Alkoe and the sea?" He told me no, the Little-landers would not - let them. - </p> - <p> - Having got what information I could from Maleck, and also from a - countryman or two of his he had brought to me, I considered it all over; - And, thinks I, if I could but get Mount Alkoe to submit (for they had told - me they were only governed by a deputy from the Little Lands) to see the - work done, I might, by intercepting the trade to the sea, turn the profit - of the country my own way, and make it pass through our hands. - </p> - <p> - I next inquired of those who brought the fruits from the Great Forest, - what sort of land they had there, and found, by their description, it was - a light mould, and in many places well covered with grass and herbs; and - by all the report I could hear, must be a fruitful country, well managed; - and being a flat country and not encompassed on that side with the Black - Mountain, was much higher than Doorpt Swangeanti. This news put me upon - searching the truth of it; and I made the tour of the Black Mountain and - the Great Forest, alighting often to make my observations. - </p> - <p> - The forest is a little world of wood without end, with here and there a - fine lawn very grassy; and indeed the wood-grounds bear it very well, the - trees not standing in crowds, but at a healthy distance from each other. I - went abundantly farther than any one had before been, but saw no variation - in the woody scene; and coming round westward home, I had a view of - hoximo; which is nothing but a narrow cleft in the earth, on the top of - the Black Mountain, of a most extraordinary depth; for upon dropping a - stone down, you shall hear it strike and hum for a long time before all is - quiet again; and laying my ear over the cleft, whilst I ordered one of my - attendants to throw a large stone down, after the usual thumps and - humming, I imagined I heard it dash in water, so that it is not impossible - it may reach to the sea; which is at least six or seven miles below it. - Into this hole all dead bodies are precipitated, from the king to the - beggar; for four glumms holding by the ankles and wrists of the deceased, - fly with them to hoximo and throw them down, whilst the air is filled with - the lamentations of the relations of the deceased, and of such others as - are induced to follow the corpse for the sake of the wines, on such - occasions plentifully distributed to all comers by the gentry, and in the - best proportion they are able by even the meanest amongst them. - </p> - <p> - After a stay of about fourteen days at home, I fixed my next trip for - Mount Alkoe; and having told Maleck my design, he said he would go with me - with all his heart, but feared I should get no Brandleguarpine to bear me; - for he told me they had an old tradition that Mindrack lived there, and - would not go for all the world; which has been the greatest security that - country has had, for this would have devoured them else, says he. - </p> - <p> - I spoke to the king, to Nasgig, and the ragans, and found them all - unanimous that the mountain Alkoe was the habitation of Mindrack, and that - the noises which had been heard there were his servants beating bad men. - Says I to myself, Here is one of the usefullest projects upon earth - spoiled by an unaccountable prepossession; what must be done to overcome - this prejudice? - </p> - <p> - I told Maleck I found what he said to be too true, as to the people of - Brandleguarp: "But," says I, "are there not enough of your countrymen here - to carry me thither?" He believing there were, I ordered him to contract - with them; but it vexed me very much to be obliged to take these men. - However, though I resolved to go, yet I chose to reason the ragans into - the project if I could; thinking they would soon bring the people over. - </p> - <p> - I called several of the ragans together, and said: "Because you are a - wiser and more thinking people than the vulgar, I have applied myself to - your judgments in the affair of Mount Alkoe. Now, consider with yourselves - whether you have any real reason beyond a prepossession, for thinking - these people fiends, or devil's servants, as you call them, without - further examination; for according to my comprehension, they only, - understanding the nature of several sorts of earth, reduce them by labour - and fire to solid substances for the use of mankind; and the want of these - things is the reason of your living as you do, without a hundredth part of - the benefits of life. These sort of people, these noises and these - operations, which you hear and see carried on at Alkoe, are to be heard - and seen in my country; and we deal and traffic with their labours, from - one end of the world to the other; and we who are with them the happiest, - without them should be the most miserable of people. Did not some of you - see, at my entertainment, what I called my knives and forks and spoons, my - pistols, cutlasses, and silver cup? All these, and infinitely more, are - the produce of these poor men's industry. Now," says I, "if we settle a - communication with these people, your dues will be all paid in these - curious things; you will have your people employed in working them, and - have strangers applying to you to serve them with what they want; who in - return will give you what you want; and you will find yourselves known and - respected in the world." Finding some of these arguments applied to the - men had staggered them a little, I applied to their senses. Says I, "It - still appears to me that you have your prejudices hanging on you; but what - will you say if I go thither and return safe? will you be afraid to follow - me another time?" They persuaded me from it, as a dangerous experiment; - but said, if I did return, they would not think there was so much in it as - they suspected. - </p> - <p> - Maleck having chose me out fourscore of his countrymen, in about a month's - time I trained them up to the knowledge of my pistols and cutlasses, and - the management of them; and taking a chest with me for the arms and other - necessaries, we sallied up to the Black Mountain. I rested there; and - there Nasgig and Lasmeel overtook me, saying that when they found me - obstinate to go, they could not in their hearts leave me, happen what - would. This put new spirits into me, and we consulted how the noises lay, - and agreed to engage first upon the skirts of them, where the smokes were - most straggling. I charged six guns and all my pistols, which I kept in my - chest, and ordered them to alight with me about a hundred paces from the - first smoke they saw; then ordered three of them to carry my guns after - me, and twelve of them to take pistols and follow me; but not to fire till - I gave orders. The remainder I left with the baggage. - </p> - <p> - We marched up to the smoke, which issued out of a low archway just at the - foot of the mountain. It was very light there with the flames of the - volcano; and entering the arch, a fellow ran at me with a red-hot iron - bar; him I shot dead: and seeing two more and a woman there, who stood - with their faces to the wall of the hut or room, as unwilling to be seen, - I ordered Maleck to speak to them in a known tongue, and tell them we were - no enemies, nor intended them any hurt; and that their companion's fate - was owing to his own rashness in running first at me with the hot bar; and - that if they would show themselves good-natured and civil to us, we should - be so to them; but if they offered to resist openly, or use any manner of - treachery towards us, they might depend upon the same fate their companion - had just suffered. - </p> - <p> - Upon hearing this, they approached us; and showing great tokens of - submission, I delivered my gun to Maleck, and bade them go on with their - work, ordering all the guns out of the shop for fear of a spark. I then - perceived they were direct forges, but made after another manner from - ours, their wind being made by a great wheel, like a wheel of a - water-mill, which worked with the fans or wings in a large trough, and - caused a prodigious issue of air through a small hole in the back of the - fireplace. They were then drawing out iron bars. - </p> - <p> - I gave each of these men, and also to the woman, a dram of brandy; which - they swallowed down very greedily, and looked for more, and seemed very - pleasant. I then inquired into the trade—by whom and how it was - carried on; and they told me just as Maleck had done. I then asked where - the mines lay; and one of them looking full at me said, "Then you know - what we are about."—"Yes," says I, "very well."—He told me the - mine was (in his language as Maleck interpreted it) about a quarter of a - mile off, and directed me to it. I ordered them to go on with their work, - telling them, though I left a guard over them, it was only that they might - not raise their neighbours to disturb me; though if they did, I should - serve them all as I had done their companion; and left four men with - pistols at the archway. - </p> - <p> - I proceeded to the iron mine, but supposed the men were all within, for I - saw nobody; but there were many large heaps of ore lying, which I felt of; - and, being vastly heavy, I supposed it might be rich in metal. - </p> - <p> - I returned to my men at the arch, and asked them what other mines there - might be in that country, and of what other metals; but Maleck not knowing - the metals themselves, was not able to interpret the names they called - them by. I then showed them an English halfpenny, a Portuguese piece of - silver money, and my gold watch; and asking if they had any of those, they - pointed to the halfpenny and silver piece, but shook their heads at the - watch. I then showed them a musket-ball, and they said they had a great - deal of that. - </p> - <p> - I desired them to show me the way to the copper-mine (pointing my finger - to the halfpenny), and told them if they would go with me, they should - have some more (pointing to my brandy); and they readily agreed, if I - would stand by them for leaving their work. I believe it might be two - miles farther on the right to the copper-mine; and as these men had the - graundee, I expected they would have flown by me; but I found they had a - light chain round their graundee which prevented them; so I walked too, - and having made them my friends by being familiar with them, I desired - they would go in, and let the headman of the works know that a stranger - desired to speak with him and view his works, and to inform him how - peaceable I was if he used me civilly, but that I could strike him dead at - once if he did not. - </p> - <p> - I do not know how they managed, or what report they made; but the man came - to me very courteously, and I bade Maleck ask if he came in friendship, as - I did to him; and he giving me that assurance, I went in with him, taking - Nasgig and Maleck with me, and leaving our firearms without. I ordered - them both, as I did myself, to carry their cutlasses, sheathed in their - hands, for fear of a surprise. We saw a great quantity of copper ore and - several melting-vats, being just at the mouth of the mine, the mine - running horizontally into the side of the mountain, and, as they said, was - very rich. I gave the headman a little brandy, and two or three more of - them, who had been industrious in showing and explaining things to me. - </p> - <p> - I desired the foreman to walk out with me; and asking how long he had been - in that employ, he told me he was a native of the Born Isles, and was - brought thither young, where he first wrought in the iron, then in the - silver, and now in this mine: that he had been there twenty years, and - never expected to be delivered from his miserable slavery; but as he was - now overseer of that work, he did pretty well, though nothing like - freedom. He told me they expected several new slaves quickly, for the - mines killed those they did not agree with so fast they were very thinly - wrought at present, and that the governor was gone to the isles to get - more men. I was glad to hear this. "And, pray," says I, "where does the - governor reside?" He (pointing to the place) told me. "And what guard," - says I, "may he keep?"—"About four hundred men; but nobody durst - molest him," says he; "for he tortures them in such a manner, never - killing them, that not the least thing can be done against his will." - </p> - <p> - After we had talked a good while on the misery of slavery, and finding him - a man fit for my purpose, I asked him if he would go with me to - Brandle-guarp: "For," said I, "there are certainly good mines in those - mountains; and if you will overlook them, you shall be free, and have - whatever you desire." He shook his head, saying, how could he expect to be - free where all the rest were slaves. "And besides," says he, "they are in - such commotions among themselves, that it is said the State will be torn - to pieces."—"You are mistaken," says I, "very much; I myself have - settled peace amongst them, and killed the usurper."—"Is it - possible?" says he; "and are you the man it was said they expected to come - out of the sea?"—"The very same," says I: "and as to slavery, there - is not a slave in the kingdom; nor shall be here, if you will hearken to - me."—"That would be a good time indeed," says he.—"Well," says - I, "my friend, I promise you it shall be so; only observe this, that when - I come to reduce the governor, do none of you miners assist him." He - promised he would let the other miners secretly know it, and all should be - as I wished; but desired me to be expeditious, for the governor was - expected every day. - </p> - <p> - I went from him to the other mines, and my guides with me; who seeing me - so well received at the copper-mine and reporting it to the others, it - caused my proceedings to go on smoothly, and my offers to be readily - embraced wherever I came. - </p> - <p> - Having prepared matters thus, I set Maleck and his countrymen upon the - natives, to treat with them about submission to Georigetti, on promise of - freedom; who being assured of what I had done at Brandleguarp, and in - hopes of like liberty, readily came into it; so that the only thing - remaining was, before the governor's return, to attack the soldiery. - Having, therefore, renewed my engagements with the miners, and believing - myself upon as good terms with the natives as I could wish, I was advised - by Nasgig and Lasmeel to return for cannon and a large army before I - attacked the soldiery: but I, who had all my life rode upon the spur, - having considered that an opportunity once lost is never to be regained; - and though I could have wished for some cannon, I valued the men but for - show: I therefore formed my resolves to march with the force I had next - morning, and pitch upon a plain just by the governor's garrison, in order, - if I could, to draw his men out. I did so, and it answered; for upon the - first news of my coming, they appeared with a sort of heavy-headed - weapons, which hurling round, they threw upwards aslope, in order to light - upon the backs of their enemies in flight, and beat them down; but they - could not throw them above thirty paces. - </p> - <p> - I sat still in my chair, with a gun in my hand, and Maleck with another at - my elbow, with four more lying by me, ready to be presented; Lasmeel - standing by to charge again as fast as we fired. I ordered a party of - twenty of my men with cutlasses to attack the van of the enemy, by rushing - impetuously upon them, they coming but thin against me; for I was not - willing to employ my pieces till I could do more execution. They began the - attack about a hundred yards before me, not very high in the air; and my - cutlass-men having avoided the first flight of their weapons, fell upon - them with such fury, that chopping here a limb and there a graundee, - which, disabling their flight, was equally pernicious, they fell by scores - before me: but I seeing those in the rear, which made a body of near three - hundred, coming very swift and close in treble ranks, one above the other, - hoping to bear down my handful of men with their numbers, I ordered my men - all to retire behind me, and not till the enemy were passed over my head - to fall on them. Maleck and I, as they came near, each firing a piece - together, and whipping up another, and then another, in an instant they - fell round us roaring and making a horrid yell. This the rest seeing, went - over our men's heads, not without many falling from the cuts of my men; - and those who escaped were never heard of more. - </p> - <p> - The miners, who from their several stations had beheld the action, came - singing and dancing from every quarter round me, and if I had not drawn my - men close in a circle about me, would probably, out of affection, have - done me more hurt than two of the governor's armies; for against these - common gratitude denied the use of force; and they crowding every one but - to touch me, they said, for fear of being pressed to death myself, as some - of them almost were, I ordered them to be let in through my men at one - side of the ring, and, passing by and touching me, to be let out on the - other side; and this quieted them, but kept me in penance a long time. - </p> - <p> - We then marched in a body all into the town, where we were going to - proclaim Georigetti King of Mount Alkoe, when a surly fellow, much wiser - than the rest, as he thought, being about to harangue the people against - being too hasty in it, was knocked down and trod to death for his pains; - and we went on with the proclamation, giving general liberty to all - persons without exception. - </p> - <p> - The next thing to be considered was how to oppose the governor when he - came; and for that purpose I inquired into the manner of his coming, the - road he came, and his attendants; and being informed that a hundred of his - guards who had not the graundee waited for him at the sea-side, and that - he had got no other guard, except a few friends and the slaves he went - for, and that the slaves always came first, six in a rank tied together, - under convoy of a few of his guards, I went in person to view the route he - came, and seeing a very convenient post in a thick wood through which they - were to pass, from whence we might see them before they came near us, I - posted a watch on the sea side of the wood, and myself and men lay on the - hither side of it, just where the governor's party must come out of it - again: so that my watch giving notice of their approach, we might be ready - to fall on at their coming out of our side of the wood. - </p> - <p> - When we had waited three days, our watch brought word they were coming; so - we kept as close as possible, letting the slaves and guards march on, who - came by about two hours' march before the governor: but so soon as he - approached I drew up my men on the plain within the wood in ranks, - ordering them to lie close on their bellies till they saw me rise, and - then to rise, follow me, and obey orders. - </p> - <p> - Several of the first ranks having passed the wood, just as the governor - had entered the open country, I rose and bade Maleck call aloud that if - any of them stirred or lifted up a weapon he was a dead man; and then - seeing one of the foremost running, I fetched him down with a musket-shot, - bidding Maleck tell the rest that if they submitted and laid down their - weapons they were safe; but if they refused, I would serve them all as I - had done him who fled. This speech, with the terror of the gun, fixed - every man to his place like a statue. - </p> - <p> - I then went forward to the governor, and by Maleck, my interpreter, asked - him who they all were with him: he told me his slaves. I then made him - call every man before him and give him freedom; which finding no way to - avoid (for I looked very stern), he did, and I had enough to do to quiet - my new freemen, who I thought would have devoured me for joy. I asked him - whither he was going; he said to his government.—"Under whom do you - hold it?" says I.—"Under the zaps of the isles," says he. I then - told him that whoever held that government for the future, must receive it - from the hands of Georigetti, the king of that country, to whom all the - natives and miners had already engaged their fidelity. I told him both - natives and foreigners had been all declared free. - </p> - <p> - The governor seemed much dejected, and told me he hoped I would not use - him or his company ill. I told him that depended entirely on his own and - their good behaviour. I asked him who his friends were that were with him; - he said they were some of the zap's relations, who were come to see the - method of the government and inspect the mines. - </p> - <p> - Ordering all the governor's guards and friends to go before, and all my - own, but Maleck, to keep backwards some paces, I entered into discourse - with him about the state of the isles, and the country of Alkoe; and - finding him a judicious person, and not a native of the isles, I thought, - with some management, he might prove a useful person to me, but did not - like the character I had heard of his severity: so I plainly told him that - only one thing prevented my making him a greater man than ever he was; - which was, I had been informed he had a roughness in his nature which - drove him to extremities with the poor slaves, which I could not bear. - "Sir," says he, "whatever a man is in his natural temper, where slavery - abounds it is necessary to act, or at least be thought to do so, in a - merciless manner. I am intrusted with the government of a land of only - slaves; who have no more love, nor are they capable of any, for me, than - the herbs of the ground have. I am to render an account to my masters of - their labours; they work by force, and would not stir a step without it, - or the fear of correction; for which reason the rod must be ever held over - them; and though I seldom let it fall, when I do the suffering of one is - too long remembered to permit others quickly to subject themselves to the - like punishment: and this method I judged to be the most mild, as the - death or sufferings of one but seldom, must, though ever so severe, be - milder than the frequent execution of numbers. And as to my appearing - severe to them, my post required it; for mercy to slaves being interpreted - into fear, arms them with violence against you." - </p> - <p> - I could not gainsay this, especially as he told me he was glad that I had - freed them all: "For no man," says he, "but if he were to choose, would - rather reign by love (which he may in a free country, but it is - impracticable in one of slaves) than by fear, which alone will keep the - latter in subjection." - </p> - <p> - I asked him whether, as he knew the nature of the country, and the - business of the governor, he could become faithful to my master - Georigetti. He told me he had ever been faithful to his masters the zaps, - and would till he was sure (without suspecting in the least my veracity) - all was true that I was pleased to tell him; for nothing could satisfy his - conscience but being an eye-witness of it, and then being discharged from - any further capacity of serving them in an open way, he should be free to - choose his own master; of all whom, Georigetti should to him be most - preferable; but begged me not to interpret his desire of retaining - fidelity to his old masters till he could no longer serve them, into an - implication of assisting them by either open or concealed practices; for, - wherever he engaged, he would be true to the utmost. - </p> - <p> - At the end of six days (for I travelled on foot with them) we arrived at - the governor's palace, which we found without a guard, and all the slaves - he had sent before him at liberty; so I ordered my men to supply the usual - guard, and took my lodging in the governor's apartment. - </p> - <p> - As Gadsi (for that was the governor's name) was not confined, or any of - his friends, he came into my apartment, and told me since he had found all - things answered my report, if I pleased, he would quit the palace to me, - and everything belonging to the government. I told him he said well. He - did so, taking with him only some few things, his own property. So soon as - he was without the territory of the palace, I sent for him and his friends - back again. He could not help being dejected at his return, fearing some - mischief. "Gadsi," says I, "this palace and this country, which I now hold - for my master Georigetti, I deliver in custody to you as his governor; and - now charge you to make acknowledgment of your fidelity to him." Then - taking it from him in terms of my own proposing, I delivered him the - regalia, of his government, charging him to maintain freedom: "But," says - I, "let no man eat who will not work, as the country and the produce are - the king's." - </p> - <p> - I then summoned an assembly of the people, and sent notice to all the - miners to attend me. I told them all that the king desired of them was to - make themselves happy: "And as the mines at present," says I, "are the - only employment of this country, I would have it agreed by your own - consent—for I will force nothing upon you—that every man - amongst you, from sixteen to sixty, shall work every third week at the - mines and other duties of the government; and two weeks out of three shall - be your own to provide in for your families: and if I live to come back - again, you shall each man have so much land of his own as shall be - sufficient for his family; and I will make it my business to see for seeds - to improve it with. And this week's work in three, and if afterwards it - can be done with less in four, shall be an acknowledgment to the king for - his bounty to you. Do you agree to this?" They all, with one voice, cried - out, "We do!"—"Then," says I, "agree amongst yourselves, and part - into proper divisions for carrying on the work; that is, into four parts, - one for each sort of metal; and then again, each of those four into three - parts; and on every seventh day in the morning, let those who are to begin - meet those who are leaving off work; so that there be clear six days' - work, and one of going and returning. Do you all agree to this?"—All - cried, "We do!"—"Then," says I, "whoever neglects his duty, unless - through sickness, or by leave of the governor, shall work a double week. - Do you agree to this?"—"We do!"—"Then all matters of - difference between you shall be decided by the governor; and in case of - any injury or injustice, or wrong judgment in the governor, by Georigetti. - Do you agree?"—"We do!"—"Then," says I, "agree upon ten men, - two for the natives, and two for each mineral work, to send with me to - Brandleguarp, to petition Georigetti to confirm these laws, till you shall - make others yourselves, and to acknowledge his sovereignty. Do you agree?"—"We - do!" - </p> - <p> - I then told them that as those who had been slaves were now free, they - might, if they pleased, return home; but as I should make it my endeavour - to provide so well for them in all the comforts of life, I believed most - of them would be of opinion their interests would keep them where they - were. And, above all things, recommending a hearty union between the new - freemen and the natives, and to marry amongst each other, and to continue - in love amongst themselves, and duty to the king and his governor; and - promising speedily to return and settle what was wanting, I dismissed the - assembly and set out for Brandleguarp with the ten deputies; but I left - Lasmeel behind with the governor, and two servants with him, to give me - immediate notice in case any disturbance should happen in my absence. - </p> - <p> - <br /><br /><a name="linkimageb-0038" id="linkimageb-0038"> </a> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:15%;"> - <img src="images/5264.jpg" alt="5264 " width="100%" /><br /><a - href="images/5264.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </div> - <p> - <br /><br /><a name="linkimageb-0039" id="linkimageb-0039"> </a> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> - <img src="images/0265.jpg" alt="0265 " width="100%" /><br /> - </div> - <h5> - <a href="images/0265.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </h5> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2HbCH0021" id="link2HbCH0021_"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER XXI. - </h2> - <p> - <i>Peter arrives with the deputies—Presents them to the king—They - return—A colony agreed to be sent thither—Nas gig made - governor—Manner of choosing the colony—A flight-race, and the - intent of it—Walsi wins the prize, and is found to be a gawry.</i> - </p> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">A</span>S we alighted at - the palace late at night, I kept the deputies with me till next morning, - when I went to the king, desiring them to stay in my apartment till I had - received his majesty's orders for their admission. - </p> - <p> - The king was but just up when I came in; and seeing me, embraced me, - saying: "Dear father, I am glad to meet you again alive; your stay has - given me the utmost perplexity; and could I have prevailed with any of my - servants to have followed you, I had sent before this time to have known - what was become of you." - </p> - <p> - I told his majesty, the greatest pleasure of my life consisted in the - knowledge of his majesty's esteem for me; and he might depend upon it, I - would take care of myself from a double motive whilst I was in his - dominions; the one, from the natural obligation of my own preservation, - and the other, equally compulsive, of continuing serviceable to his - majesty, till I had made him more famous than his ancestor, the great - Begsurbeck. - </p> - <p> - I told his majesty, as a small token of my duty and affection to him, I - was come to make him a tender of the additional title of King of Mount - Alkoe.—"Father," says he, "we shall never be able to get a - sufficient number of my subjects to go thither; for though your safe - return may be some encouragement, yet whilst their old apprehensions - subsist (and I know not what will alter them) we can do no good; and - indeed were they free to go, and under no suspicion of danger, it would - cost abundance of men to conquer Mount Alkoe." - </p> - <p> - "Great sir," said I, "you mistake me: I told you I came to make you a - tender of it; I have proclaimed you king there, and freedom to the people; - I have held an assembly of the kingdom, placed a governor, taken the - engagement of himself and subjects to you, settled laws amongst them for - your benefit, the full third part of all their labour; have brought ten - deputies, two from each denomination of people among them; and they only - wait your command to be admitted, to beg your acceptance of their - submission, and pray your royal protection." - </p> - <p> - "Father," says the king, "you amaze me! but as it is your doing, let them - come in." - </p> - <p> - The deputies being received, and heard by Maleck, their interpreter, very - graciously, the king told them, in a very favourable speech, that whatever - his father had done, or should do, they might accept as done by himself; - and commanded them to remind the governor, for whom he had the highest - esteem, to observe the laws, without the least deviation, till his father - should make such further additions as were consistent with his own honour - and their future freedom; and having feasted them in a most magnificent - manner, they returned, highly satisfied with the honours they had - received. - </p> - <p> - This transaction being immediately noised abroad, all the colambs came - themselves; and the great cities, by their deputies, sent his majesty - their compliments upon the occasion; and there was nothing but mirth and - rejoicing throughout the whole kingdom. And those who had refused going - with me, as Maleck told me, hung their heads for shame and sorrow that - they had missed the opportunity of bearing a part in the expedition. - </p> - <p> - I demonstrated to the king that the only way to preserve that kingdom was - to settle a large colony on the plains, between the mountain and the sea, - to intercept clandestine trade, and make a stand against any force that - might be sent from the Little Lands to recover the mines. And I promised - to be present at the settlement, and an assistant in it. - </p> - <p> - Most of the colambs, as I said, being at court upon this complimentary - affair, the king summoned them for their advice on my proposals, and told - them he had ordered me to lay before them my thoughts on the affairs of - that kingdom; and after many compliments and encomiums had passed on me, I - told them the necessity of the colony, the commodity that would arise from - it, how I intended to manage it, and what prospect I had of introducing - amongst them several extraordinary conveniences they had never before had. - </p> - <p> - The colambs, who, for want of practice this way, knew but little of the - matter, thinking, nevertheless, that in the general turn of things they - must somehow come in for a share, approved of all I said. I desired them - then to settle out of what part of the people, and how to be nominated, - such choice of the colony as should be made for the new settlement; but - found them much at a loss to fix on any method of doing it. So I told them - I believed it would be the best way to issue an order for such as would - willingly go, to repair to a particular rendezvous; and in case sufficient - should not appear voluntarily, to issue another order that the colambs, - out of their several districts, should complete the number, so as to make - a body of 12,000 men of arms, besides women and children; and that such a - territory should be allotted to each, with so much wood-grounds, in common - to all, as would suffice for their subsistence; all which passed the vote. - </p> - <p> - I then told them that this large people must have a head, or governor, to - keep them to their duties, and to determine matters of property, and all - disputes amongst them. Here they one and all nominated me; but I told them - I apprehended I could be more useful other ways, having too many things in - my head for the general good, to confine myself to any particular - province; but if they would excuse me in presuming to recommend a person, - it should be Nasgig. And immediately Nasgig being sent for, and accepting - it, they conferred it upon him. - </p> - <p> - All things, as I judged, went on in so smooth a way, in reference to the - new colony, that I was preparing, with the assistance of the proper - officer, expresses to be sent with the king's gripsacks into the several - provinces, with notice of these orders, and an appointment for a - rendezvous. But while this was doing, abundance of people came crowding - about me to be informed whether I thought it safe for them to go; and I - believe I had fully satisfied all their scruples, when by some management - of the ragans, who, having so long declared Mount Alkoe to be inhabited by - Mindrack, did not care the people should all of a sudden find out they had - deceived them, there was a report ran current, that though I and my - bearers, who were all Mount Alkoe men, returned safe, yet if any of the - Brandleguarpines had gone, they would never have come back again. This - rumour coming to my ears, and fearing whitherto it might grow, I had no - small prospect of a disappointment, and I thereupon stopped issuing the - orders till I had considered what farther to do in the affair. At length, - being persuaded I had already satisfied abundance of their scruples, and - in order to dissipate the doubts of others, and to familiarise them in - some measure to the country and people of Mount Alkoe, I proposed a prize - to be flown for, and gave notice of it for six days all about the country, - both to those of Mount Alkoe, and those of Sass Doorpt Swangeanti, that - whoever, except those who were with me in the late expedition, should make - the most speedy flight to the governor's of Mount Alkoe, to carry a - message and bring me an answer from Lasmeel, should have one of my - pistols, with a quantity of powder, and so many balls; and the person who - should be second, should have a cutlass and belt. The time being fixed, - very few had entered in the first two or three days; but on the third day - came several over from Alkoe to enter, which the Brandleguarpines seeing, - and having equal inclination to the prize, after half a dozen of them had - entered on the fourth morning, before noon on the fifth I had near sixty - of them on my list, besides the Alkoe men, making in all about one - hundred. - </p> - <p> - The time of starting was fixed for the sixth morning, from off the rock on - the back-side of the palace, upon my firing a pistol. - </p> - <p> - This unusual diversion occasioned a prodigious confluence of spectators; - for scarce a person in Brandleguarp, except those who were either too - young or too old for flight, but were upon one or other of the rocks; even - the king himself and all his court were there, with infinite numbers from - all distant parts. - </p> - <p> - I had despatched a letter by one of my old bearers to Lasmeel some days - before, to inform him of it, that he might get two letters ready wrote, - one to deliver to the first, and another to the second messenger, but not - to take farther notice of the rest. Now, my flight-race being for the - equal benefit of both the kingdoms, it happened, as I was in hopes it - would, that so many of the Mount Alkoans coming over to me to be entered, - and staying with me till the flight began, and such vast numbers of - persons meeting of both nations upon the Black Mountain, to see them go - and return, and several of the Swangeantines going, out of bravado, quite - through with the flyers; the intercourse of the two nations was that day - so great, and the discourse they had with the natives and miners so - stripped the Swangeantines of their old apprehensions of danger from Mount - Alkoe, that in three days after the whole dread of the place was vanished, - and he would then have been thought mad who had attempted to revive it. - </p> - <p> - The time being come, I set my flyers in a row on the outer edge of the - rock; and having given notice that no one should presume to rise till the - flyers were on the graundee, and at such a distance, I then let the flyers - know I should soon give fire; which I had no sooner done but down they all - dropped as one man, as it were, headlong from the edge of the mountain, - and presently the whole field were after them. They skimmed with - incredible swiftness across the face of the plain, between the rock and - the mountain; the force of which descent swung them as it were up the - mountain's side in an almost upright posture, till seeming to sweep the - edge of the mountain with their bellies, they slid over its surface till - they were lost in the body of the Swangean, our rocks echoing the shouts - of the mountaineers. I fired my pistol, by my watch, at nine o'clock in - the morning, but had no occasion to inquire when it was thought they would - return, for every one was passing his opinion upon it. Some said it could - not be till midnight, or very near it; and others, that it would be almost - next morning. However, we went to dinner, and coming again about six - o'clock by my watch, I was told by the people on the rock, as the general - opinion (for it was then topfull), that they could not yet be expected for - a long time; and the major part concluded they could not be half-way home - yet; when, on a sudden, we heard a prodigious shout from the mountain, - which growing nearer and nearer to us, and louder and louder, in a few - moments came a slim young fellow, and nimbly alighting on the rock, - tripped briskly forward, as not being able to stop himself at once from - the violence of the force he came with, and delivered me a letter from - Lasmeel as I was sitting in my chair. I gave him joy of the prize, and - ordered him to come to my apartment so soon as I got home, and he should - have it. I then asked him where he had left the other flyers; he told me - he knew nothing of them since he came past the forges in his return; for - there he met them going to Lasmeel.—"Why that," says I, "must be a - great way on this side the governor's." He told me about an hour's flight. - I then told him, as he must be strained with so hard a flight, it would be - better if he lay down, and called on me in the morning. He thanked me, and - after he had told me his name was Walsi, he said he would take my advice, - and springing up as light as air, went off, the rock being quite thronged - with those who had followed from the mountain to see the victor. - </p> - <p> - When Walsi came in, it was just seven o'clock by my watch; so that, - according to the best computation by miles I could make from their - descriptions of things, I judged he had flown at little more or less than - at the rate of a mile a minute. - </p> - <p> - I stayed till near nine o'clock upon the rock, where it being cold and the - time tedious, I was taking Quilly home with me, and designed that Maleck - should wait for the coming of the second; but hearing again a shout from - the mountain I resolved to see the second come in myself. The noise - increasing, I presently saw the whole air full of people very near me, for - I had retired near two hundred paces from the edge of the rock to give - room to the flyers to alight, and expected nothing less than to be borne - down by them; when I spied two competitors, one just over the back of the - other, the uppermost bearing down upon the other's graundee, their heads - being just equal; so that the under man perceiving it impossible to sink - lower for the rock, or to mount higher for the man above him, and as - darting side-ways would lose time, and fearing to brush his belly against - the rock, he slackened, just to job up his head in his antagonist's - stomach; which giving the upper man a smart check with the pain, and the - under one striking at that instant one bold stroke with his graundee, he - fell just with his head at my feet, and the other man upon him, with his - head in the under man's neck. - </p> - <p> - Thus they lay for a considerable time, breathless and motionless, save the - working of their lungs, and heaving of their breasts; when each asked me - if he was not the first, and the under man giving me a letter, I told them - "No, Walsi had been in almost two hours ago." They both said it was - impossible; they were sure no glumm in the Doorpt could outfly either of - them. I ordered them both to call on me in the morning, and I would see - they should have right done to their pretensions. The under man had but - just told me his name was Naggitt, when another arrived, who, seeing - Naggitt before him, told me he was sure he was second; but on seeing the - other also he gave it up. - </p> - <p> - I would stay no longer, it being now so late; but the next morning I was - informed that all the rest had stopped at the mountain but two, who were - obliged to give out before, being overstrained, and unable to hold it. - </p> - <p> - The next morning Walsi was the first at my apartment, when I happened to - be with the king; and speaking of his business to Quilly, he ordered him - to stay in my gallery till I came back; and Quilly presently after seeing - Youwarkee, told her the victor at the flight-race was waiting for me in - the gallery. Youwarkee, who had great curiosity to see him, having heard - how long he came in before the rest, stepped into the gallery, and taking - a turn or two there, fell into discourse with him about his flight. And as - women are very inquisitive, she distinguished, by the flyer's answers, - speech, shape, and manner of address, that it was certainly a gawry she - was talking with; though she had endeavoured to disguise herself by - rolling in her hair, and tying it round her head with a broad chaplet, - like a man; and by the thinness of her body, and flatness of her breasts, - might fairly enough have passed for one, to a less penetrating eye than - Youwarkee's. But Youwarkee putting some questions to her, and saying she - was more like a gawry than a glumm, she put the poor girl—for so it - was—to the blush, and at last she confessed the deceit; but upon her - knees begged Youwarkee not to mention it, for it would be her undoing. - </p> - <p> - This confession gave Youwarkee a fair opportunity of asking how she came - to be an adventurer for this sort of prize. The girl, finding there was no - remedy, frankly confessed she had a strong affection for a glumboss, who - was a very stout glumm, she said, but somewhat too corpulent for speedy - flight; who ever since the prize had been proposed, could rest neither - night nor day, to think he was not so well qualified to put in for it as - others, especially one Naggitt, who he well knew made his addresses to - her, and also was an adventurer. "Had it been a matter of strength, - valour, or manhood," says he, "I had had the best of chances for it; but - to be under a natural incapacity of obtaining so glorious a prize, as even - the king himself is not master of such another, I cannot bear it." She - then said he had told her he was resolved to give in his name and do his - utmost, though he died in the flight. "What!" said he, "shall I see - Naggitt run away with it, and perhaps with you too, when he has that to - lay at your feet which no glumm else can boast of? No; I'll overcome, or - never come home without it!"—"I must confess, madam," says Walsi, - "as I knew his high spirit could never bear to be vanquished, I was afraid - he would be as good as his word, and come to some unlucky end; and told - him that though he need not have feared being conqueror in anything else, - had it been proposed, yet in flight there were so many, half glumms as - they were, who from their effeminate make and size, and little value for - anything else, would certainly be in before him; that it was unworthy of a - thorough glumm to contend with them for what could be obtained only by - those who had no right to or share in anything more excellent; and that he - must therefore not think of more than his fatigue for his pains. But as he - had set his heart so much upon it, I would enter, and try to get it for - him, as from my size and make, I believed few would have a better chance - for it than myself. And, thanks to Collwar, madam," says she, "I hope to - make him easy in it, if you will but please to conceal your knowledge of - who and what I am." - </p> - <p> - Youwarkee was mightily pleased with her story, and promised she would; but - engaged her to come again to her apartment so soon as she was possessed of - the prize. - </p> - <p> - When I returned, hearing Walsi waited for me, I called him in, read the - letter he brought, and finding it Lasmeel's, I looked over my list for - Walsi's name, for I set them all down as they entered; and finding it the - very last name of all, and that it was entered but on the morning the race - was flown: "So," says I, "Walsi, I find the last at entering is the first - at returning; but I see you have been there, by what Lasmeel has sent me; - though there were some last night who questioned it, by your so speedy - return. Here," says I, "take the prize, and see they are only used in the - service of your country;" and then I dismissed her. - </p> - <p> - My two competitors appeared next for the cutlass, and had each of them - many arguments to prevail with me in favour of him; but I told them I must - do justice, and that though the difference was so small between them, yet - certainly Naggitt was the nearest me at the time they both ceased flight, - his face lying on my foot; so that as they both complained of foul play, - and were therefore equal in that respect, Naggitt in justice must have it. - And I gave it him with these words, however: "Take it, Naggitt, as - certainly yours by the law of the race, but with a diffidence in myself - who best deserves it." - </p> - <p> - I own I pitied the other man's case very much, as I should Naggitt's, had - the other won it; but seeing the other turning away, and hearing him say, - "But by half a head; when I had strove so hard!" as in a sort of - dejection, I told them they were both brave glumms, and of intrepid - resolution; and gave him also one, with the like instruction as to Walsi. - </p> - <p> - Walsi went from me, as she had promised, to Youwarkee, who wanted more - discourse with her; for in an affair of love her gentle heart could have - dwelt all day upon the repetition of any circumstances which would create - delight in the enamoured. Walsi sat on thorns, wanting to be gone; but - Youwarkee asking question upon question, Walsi got up and begged she would - excuse her, she would come and stay at any other time. "But," says she, - "madam, when the man one loves is in pain—for I am sure he is on the - rack for fear of a discovery, till he sees me—if you ever loved - yourself, you can't blame me for pressing to relieve him." - </p> - <p> - When she was gone, Youwarkee finding me alone, was so full of Walsi's - adventure she could not be silent; but after twenty roundabout speeches - and promises that I was to make, not to be angry with anybody, or undo - anything I had done that day, and I know not what, out came the story. I - was prodigiously pleased with it, and wished I had taken more notice of - her. Says Youwarkee, "I endeavoured to keep her till you had done, that - you might have seen her."—"And why did not you?" says I.—"My - dear," says Youwarkee, "had you seen the poor creature's uneasiness till - she got off with it, yourself could not have had the heart to have - deferred that pleasure you would have perceived she expected when she came - home; nor could you in conscience have detained her." - </p> - <p> - <br /><br /><a name="linkimageb-0040" id="linkimageb-0040"> </a> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> - <img src="images/0280.jpg" alt="0280 " width="100%" /><br /> - </div> - <h5> - <a href="images/0280.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </h5> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2HbCH0022" id="link2HbCH0022_"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER XXII. - </h2> - <p> - <i>The race reconciles the two kingdoms—The colony proceeds—Builds - a city—Peter views the country at a distance—Hears of a - prophecy of the King of Norbon's daughter Stygee—Goes thither—Kills - the king's nephew—Fulfils the prophecy by engaging Stygee to - Georigetti—Returns.</i> - </p> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>HIS race, - notwithstanding all that the ragans could say to keep up their credit, and - to prevent the people's perceiving what fools they had made of them, had - so good and sudden an effect on the people's prejudices, that upon issuing - the first proclamation, there was no occasion for the second; for at least - twenty-five thousand men appeared voluntarily at the rendezvous of the old - slaves, whose masters, though they were declared free, had used divers - devices to oppress them, and render even their freedom a sort of slavery, - besides women and children; so that we had now only to pick and choose - those who would be likeliest to be of service to the new colony. - </p> - <p> - Nasgig and I differed now about the choice of persons. He, as a soldier, - was for taking mostly single young men, and I for taking whole families, - though some were either too old or too young for war. And upon farther - consideration he agreed with me; for I told him young men would leave a - father, mother, or mistress, behind them, which would either cause a - hankering after home, and consequently the bad example of desertion, or - else create an uneasy spirit, and perhaps a general distaste to the - settlement. So we chose those whole families where they offered, which had - the most young men in them, first; then others in like order; after that, - man by man, asking them severally if any woman they liked would go with - them, and if so, we took her, till we had about thirteen thousand fighting - men, besides old men, women, and children; and then, marching by the - palace, the king ordered ten days' stores for every mouth, and with this - we took our flight; but as I was always fearful of a concourse in the air, - Nasgig led them, and I brought up the rear. - </p> - <p> - Besides the above number of people, I believe we could not have less than - ten thousand volunteers to the Black Mountain; some to take leave of their - friends, and others out of curiosity, to see our flight. I took three - pieces of cannon with me, and proper stores. - </p> - <p> - Our first stage, after a short halt on the Black Mountain, was to the - governor's palace, where Gadsi received us with great respect. I told him - my errand, which he approved: "For," says he, "countryman, it is now as - much my interest to keep my old masters out, as ever it was to serve them - when in; and you have taken the only method in the world to do it - effectually." I consulted him where I should fix my colony; and, by his - advice, fixed it on this side the wood, with some scattering habitations - behind the wood, as watch-houses, to give notice of an enemy, having the - wood for shelter, before they could reach the town, and, at the worst, the - town for a retreat. - </p> - <p> - I found by Gadsi, that the ships from the Little Lands were soon expected, - for that he said the zaps knew nothing yet of the change of government, - nor could, till the ships returned. He asked me, as there was now a good - lading, whether I thought fit to let them have it upon proper terms. I - told him I would not hinder their having the metals, or endeavour to stop - their trade in the least, but should be glad to treat with them about it - myself. - </p> - <p> - I gave the forgemen descriptions for making shovels, spades, pick-axes, - hammers, and abundance of other iron implements I should want in the - building the new town: all which we got ready and carried with us. We then - took flight, and alighted on the spot of our intended city; and having - viewed the ground some miles each way, we drew the outlines, and set a - great number of hands to cutting down trees, digging holes, and making - trenches for the foundations. In short, we were all hands at it, and the - women fetched the provisions; but I was obliged to show them every single - step they were to take, towards the new erections; and, I must say, it was - with great pleasure I did it, they seldom wanting to be told twice, having - as quick an apprehension of what they heard or saw, as any people I had - ever met with. - </p> - <p> - The whole city, according to our plan, was to consist of several long - straight streets, parallel to each other, with gardens backwards each way, - and traverse-passages at proper distances, to cross each street, from one - to the other, quite through the whole city. - </p> - <p> - While this work was in hand, I took a progress to view the other country - Maleck had told me of. We had not taken a very long flight, before we saw - at a distance several persons of that country travelling to Mount Alkoe - for metals. I had a great mind to have some talk with them about their - kingdom, and ordered my bearers to go to them; they told me they durst - not, for one of them would kill ten men. I did not choose to force them to - it, for fear of some mischief; but observing which way they came, and that - they came in several small bodies, of six or eight together, and that - there was a little wood and some bushes between me and them, I ordered my - bearers to sink beneath the trees out of their sight, and to ground me - just at the foot of the wood; for I resolved to know something more of - them before we parted. - </p> - <p> - I lay perdue till they arrived within sixty paces of me; then asking - Maleck if he knew their language, and he telling me he did, having often - conversed with them at the mines, I bid him greet them, and tell them I - was a friend, and be sure to stand by me. There were seven of them, and - many more at different distances. I showed myself, and Maleck spoke to - them, when two or three of the hindermost ran quite away; one stood and - looked very surly, but the rest, who had stood with him, turning to run, I - bid Maleck tell him if he did not call them back I would kill them. He - that stood then called to them, but they mending their pace upon it, I let - fly, and shot one in the shoulder, who dropping, I was afraid I had killed - him. I then went up to the other, who had not stirred even at the report - of the gun, seeming quite terrified. I took him by the hand and kissed it, - which made him recover himself a little, and he took mine and kissed it. - </p> - <p> - I bid Maleck tell him I was a great traveller, and only wanted to talk - with him; but seeing the man I had shot stir, I went to him, and told him - I was sorry I had hurt him, which I should not have attempted had he not - shown a mistrust of me by running away, for I could not bear that: this I - said to keep the other with me. I saw I had hurt his shoulder, but being - at a great distance, the ball had not entered the blade-bone, but stopping - there, had fallen out; so tying my handkerchief over it, I told him I - hoped it would soon be well. - </p> - <p> - I inquired into their country, its name, the intent of their journey this - way, their trades, the fruits, birds, and beasts of the country. - </p> - <p> - The man I had shot, I found, was in pain, which gave me no little concern; - so I chiefly applied myself to the other, who told me the name of his - country was Norbon, a large kingdom, and very populous, he said, in some - parts of it, and was governed by Oniwheske, an old and good king. "He has - only one daughter," says he, "named Stygee; so that I am afraid when he - dies it will go to a good-for-nothing nephew of his, a desperate debauched - man, who will probably ruin us, and destroy that kingdom which has been in - the Oniwheske family these fifteen hundred years."—"Won't his - daughter have the kingdom," says I, "after his death, or her children?"—"Children," - says he, "no, that's the pity; all would be well if she had but children, - and the state continue fifteen hundred years longer in the same good - family."—"How is it possible for any one to know that?" says I. "You - may know how long it has, but how long it will last, is mere guess-work."—"No," - says he, "this very time, and the present circumstances of our kingdom, - were foretold at the birth of the first king we ever had, who was of the - present royal family."—"How so?" says I.—"Why," says he, - "before we had any king, we had a very good old man, who lived retired in - a cave by the sea; and to him everybody under their difficulties repaired - for advice. This old man happening to be very ill, everybody was under - great affliction for fear they should lose him; when flocking to his - assistance, he told them they need not fear his death till the birth of a - king who should reign fifteen hundred years. At hearing this all persons - then present apprehended that his disorder had turned his brain; but he - persisted in it, and recovered. - </p> - <p> - "After a few years, a great number of persons being about him, he told - them he must now depart, for that their king was born, and pointed to a - sucking child a poor woman had then in her arms. It caused a great wonder - in his audience at the thoughts of that poor child ever becoming a king; - but he told them it was so decreed, and farther, that as he was to die the - next day, if they would gather all together, he would let them know what - was to come in future times. - </p> - <p> - "When they were met, the woman and child being amongst them, he told them - that child was their king, and that his loins should produce them a race - of kings for fifteen hundred years, during which time they should be - happily governed; but then a female inhabitant of the skies should claim - the dominion, and, together with the kingdom, be utterly destroyed, unless - a messenger from above, with a crown in each hand, should procure her a - male of her own kind; and then the kingdom should remain for the like - number of years to her posterity. Now," says he, "the time will expire - very soon, and as no one has been, or it is believed will ever come, with - two such crowns, the princess Stygee, though she undoubtedly will try for - it, has little hopes of succeeding her father; for her cousin Felbamko - pretends, as no woman ever reigned with us, he is the right heir, and will - have the kingdom."—"Pray," says I, "what do you mean by an - inhabitant of the air?"—"Oh," says he, "she flies."—"And do - most of your country folks fly?" says I; "for I perceive you don't."—"No," - says he, "no one but the princess Stygee."—"How comes that about?" - says I.—"Her mother, when she was with child with her," says he, - "being one day in a wood near the palace, and having straggled from her - company, was attacked by a man with a graundee, who, not knowing her, - clasped her within his graundee, and would have debauched her; but - perceiving her cries had brought some of her servants to her assistance, - he quitted her and went off: this accident threw her into such a fright, - that it was a long time before she recovered; and then was delivered of a - daughter with a graundee."—"My friend," says I, "your meeting with - me will be a very happy affair for your kingdom. I am the man the princess - expects: go back to the princess and let her and her father know I will be - with them in six days, and establish his dominions in the princess." - </p> - <p> - The fellow looked at me, thinking I joked, but never offered to stir a - foot. "Why don't you go?" says I. "And for the good news you bear to the - princess, I'll see you shall be made one of the greatest men in Norbon." - The man smiled still, but could not conceive I was in earnest. I asked him - then how long he should be in going to the palace; he said, "Three days at - soonest."—"Deliver but your message right," says I, "and I'll assure - you it shall be the better for you." The man seeing me look serious, did - at length believe me, and promised he would obey me punctually; but he had - not seen how I came to the place he met me at, for I had ordered my - bearers into the wood with my chair before I showed myself. - </p> - <p> - He arrived, as I afterwards found, at the palace, the fourth morning very - early; and passing the guard in a great heat, with much ado was introduced - to the king, and discharged himself of my message. His majesty, giving no - credit to him, thought he had been mad; but he affirming it to be true, - and telling the king at what a distance I had knocked down his companion, - and made a great hole in his back, only holding up a thing I had in my - hand, which made a great noise, Oniwheske ordered his daughter to come - before him, who having herself heard the man's report, and being very - willing to believe it, with the king's leave, desired that the messenger - might be detained till the appointed day, and taken care of; and that - preparation should be made for the reception of the stranger, in case it - should be true. - </p> - <p> - The noise of my coming, and my errand, excited every one's curiosity to - see me arrive; and the day being come, I hovered over the city a - considerable time, to be sure of grounding right. The king and his - daughter, on the rumour of my appearing, came forth to view me and receive - me at my alighting. The people were collected into a large square, on one - side of the palace, and standing in several clusters at different places, - I judged where the king might seem most likely to be, and ordered my - bearers to alight there; but I happened upon the most unlucky post, as it - might have proved, and at the same time the most lucky I could have found - there; for I had scarce raised myself from my chair, but Felbamko pushing - up to me through the throng, and lifting up a large club he had in his - hand, had certainly despatched me, if I had not at the instant drawn a - pistol from my girdle, and shot him dead upon the spot; insomuch that the - club, which was then over my head, fell gently down on my shoulder. - </p> - <p> - I did not then know who it was I had killed, but for fear of a fresh - attempt, I drew out another pistol and my cutlass, and inquiring at which - part of the square the king was, I walked directly up to him, he not as - yet knowing what had happened. His majesty and his daughter met me, and - welcomed me into his dominions. I fell at the king's feet, telling him I - brought a message, which I hoped would excuse my entering his majesty's - dominions without the formality of obtaining his leave. - </p> - <p> - When we came to the palace, the king ordered some refreshments to be given - me and my servants; and then that I should be conducted to the room of - audience. - </p> - <p> - The report of Felbamko's death had reached the palace before us, and that - it was by my hand; this greatly surprised the whole court, but proved - agreeable news to Stygee. - </p> - <p> - At my entrance into the room of audience, the king was sitting at the - farther end of it against the wall, with his daughter on his right hand; - and a seat was placed for me at his left, but nearer to the middle of the - room side-ways, on which I was ordered to sit down. There were abundance - of the courtiers present, and above me was a seat ordered for one of them, - who I found afterwards was one of the religious. - </p> - <p> - His majesty asked me aloud how it happened that the first moment of my - entering his dominions I should dip my hands in blood, and that, too, of - one of his nearest relations. - </p> - <p> - I then got up to make my answer, but his majesty ordering me to my seat - again, I told him that as it was most certain I knew no one person in his - kingdom, so it could not be supposed I could have an ill design against - any one, especially against that royal blood, into whose hands I then came - to render myself; but the truth was that what I had done was in - preservation of my own life, for that the person slain had rushed through - the crowd upon me with a great club, intending to murder me, and that - whilst the blow was over my head, I killed him in such position, that by - his fall the club rested on my shoulder, but was then too weak to hurt me. - </p> - <p> - The king asking if that was the real case, several from the lower end of - the room said they were informed it was, and one in particular said he saw - the transaction, and I had declared it faithfully. "Then," says the king, - "you are acquitted; and, now, what brings you hither? relate your - business." - </p> - <p> - "Great sir," says I, "it is my peculiar happiness to be appointed by - Providence as the proposer of a marriage for the princess Stygee your - daughter, with a potent neighbouring monarch, having already been enabled - to perform things past belief for his honour. Know then, great sir, I am a - native of the north, and through infinite perils and hardships at last - arrived in the dominions of Georigetti, where I have given peace to his - State by the death of the usurper Harlokin. I have also just conquered the - kingdom of Mount Alkoe for my master, and am here come to make your - daughter an offer of both crowns, and also of all that is my master's, - with his person in marriage." - </p> - <p> - The old priest then rose, and said: "May it please your majesty, we are - almost right; but what has always staggered me is, how the person should - come, for the messenger to us on this errand is to come from above. Now - this person has not the graundee, and therefore could not come from - thence. As for the rest, I understand the prince from whom he brings this - offer to your daughter has the graundee, and so is a male of her own kind; - and I understand the two kingdoms in his possession to be the two crowns - in the messenger's hands; but, I say, what I stick at is his coming from - above." - </p> - <p> - "What!" says Stygee, "did not you see him come?"—"No," says he.—"Oh," - says she, "he came in the air, and was a long time over the city before he - descended."—"That's impossible," says the old priest, "for he is - smooth like us."—"Indeed, sir," says she, "I saw him, and so did - most of the court." The king and nobles then attesting this truth: "Sir," - says the priest to the king, "it is completed, and your majesty must do - the rest." - </p> - <p> - "I little expected," says the king, "to see this day; and now, daughter, - as this message was designed for you, you only can answer it. But still I - must say it surpasses my comprehension, that in the decree of Providence - it should be so ordered that the very hand which brings the accomplishment - of what has been so long since foretold us, should, without design, have - first destroyed all that could have rendered the marriage state - uncomfortable to you." - </p> - <p> - Stygee then declared she submitted to fate and her father's will. - </p> - <p> - I stayed here a week to view the country and the sea, which I heard was - not far off. Here were many useful beasts for food and burden, fowls also - in plenty, and fish near the sea-coasts, and the people eat flesh, so that - I thought myself amongst mankind again. I made all the remarks the - shortness of the time would allow, and then taking my leave departed. - </p> - <p> - I returned to the colony, where I heard that the Little-landers had been - on the coast; but I not being there, or any lading ready, they were gone - away again; however, they had detained two of them. I was pleased with - that, but sorry they were returned empty. - </p> - <p> - I examined the prisoners, and by giving them liberty and good usage they - settled amongst us; and the next fleet that came, the sailors to a man - were all my own the moment they could get to shore. This, though I thought - it would have spoiled our trade at first, brought the islanders and me to - the following compromise, and upon this occasion. Their ships having laid - on our coasts one whole season for want of hands to carry them back, I - came to an agreement with their commanders (for they were all willing to - return), that such a number of them should be left as hostages with me - till the return of a number of my own men, which I should lend them to - navigate their ships home; and I sent word to the zaps that as it might be - beneficial to us both to keep the trade still on foot, to prevent the like - inconveniences for the future, I would buy their shipping, paying for them - in metals, and agree to furnish them yearly with such a quantity of my - goods at a stated price, and would send them by my own people; which they - approving, the trade went on in a very agreeable and profitable manner, - and we in time built several new vessels of our own, and employed - abundance of hands in the trade, and had plenty of handicraftsmen of - different occupations, each of whom I obliged to keep three natives under - him, to be trained up in his business. - </p> - <p> - <br /><br /><a name="linkimageb-0041" id="linkimageb-0041"> </a> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:15%;"> - <img src="images/5294.jpg" alt="5294 " width="100%" /><br /><a - href="images/5294.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </div> - <p> - <br /><br /><a name="linkimageb-0042" id="linkimageb-0042"> </a> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> - <img src="images/0295.jpg" alt="0295 " width="100%" /><br /> - </div> - <h5> - <a href="images/0295.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </h5> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2HbCH0023" id="link2HbCH0023_"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER XXIII. - </h2> - <p> - <i>A discourse on marriage between Peter and Georigetti—Peter - proposes Stygee—The king accepts it—Relates his transactions - at Norbon—The marriage is consummated—Account of the - marriage-ceremony—Peter goes to Norbon—Opens a free trade to - Mount Alkoe—Gets traders to settle at Norbon—Convoys cattle to - Mount Alkoe.</i> - </p> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">A</span>T my return to - Sass Doorpt Swangeanti, I went directly to the king, and giving him an - account of the settlement, and my proceedings thereon, he told me his - whole kingdom would not be an equivalent for the services I had done him. - I begged of him to look on them in no other light than as flowing from my - duty; but if, when I should be no more, he or his children would be - gracious to my family, it was all I desired. - </p> - <p> - "This, father," says the king, "I can undertake for myself; but who's to - come after me, nobody knows, for I shall never marry. No! Yaccom-bourse - has given me a surfeit of womankind; and unless the states will settle the - kingdom on you, to which I will consent, it will probably be torn to - pieces again by different competitors, for I am the last of the line of - Begsurbeck, and of all the blood-royals; and indeed who is so proper to - maintain it flourishing as he who has brought it to the present - perfection?" - </p> - <p> - "Great sir," says I, "my ambition rises no higher than to abound in good - deeds whilst I live, and to perfect my children in the same principle; and - this, I hope, will entitle them to a support when I am gone. But," says I, - "why is your majesty so averse from marriage, merely on account of a woman - you could not expect to be true to you?"—"Not expect it!" says he; - "what stronger tie upon earth could she have had to be true than my - affection, and all that my kingdom could afford her?"—"Weak things - all, sir," says I.—"Why, what could she have had?" said he, in some - warmth.—"Honour, sir," says I, "and virtue, both which she abandoned - to become yours; and those once lost, how could you expect her to be - true?"—"You are too hard for me, father," says he; "but they are all - alike, and I don't believe there's a grain of honour in any of them."—"In - any of them like Yaccombourse, I admit, sir," says I; "but think not so of - others, for no part of our species abounds more with it, or is more tender - of it, than a good woman; and take my word for it, sir, there is more real - sincerity in an ordinary wife than in the most extraordinary mistress. We - are all biassed naturally by interest, and as there can be but one real - interest between the man and wife, so the interest of a mistress is, and - ever will be, to accommodate herself; for 'tis all one to her with whom - she engages, so she can raise but the market by a change. Now if your - majesty could find an agreeable and virtuous wife, one deserving of your - royal person and bed, and perhaps with a kingdom for her dowry, a partner - fit to share your cares as well as glory, would it not be a great pleasure - to you to be possessed of' such a mate, and to see heirs arising under - your joint tuition, to convey down your royal blood to the latest - posterity? Would not this, I say, be a grateful reflection to you in your - declining years?" - </p> - <p> - "Truly, father," says the king, "as you have painted it, the prospect - could not fail to please, and under the circumstances you have put it, it - would meet my approbation; but where is such a thing as a woman of this - character to be found? I fear only in the imagination." - </p> - <p> - "Sir," says I, after a seeming muse for some time, "what should you think - of Oniwheske, the king of Norbon's daughter? he has but that one child, I - hear."—"Dear father, have done," says his majesty; "to what purpose - should you mention her? We but barely know that there is such a State, we - have never had any intercourse; and, besides, as you say he has but one - child, can you suppose she will ever marry, to leave so fine a kingdom, - and live here?"—"But, sir," says I, "now we are supposing, suppose - she should, with her father's consent, be willing to marry you, would you - have her for your queen?"—"To make any doubt of that, father," says - he, "is almost to suppose me a fool."—"Then, sir," says I, "her - father has consented, and she too; and if I durst have presumed so far, or - had known your mind sooner, she would I believe have ventured with me to - have become yours, but you might have slighted her, and crowned heads are - not to be trifled with; but since you are pleased to show your approbation - of it, I can assure you, sir, her person will yield to none in your - majesty's dominions; for, sir, I have been there, and have seen her, and - she is your own, and her kingdom too, upon demand." - </p> - <p> - "Father," says the king, looking earnestly at me, "I have been frequently, - since I knew you first, in doubt of my own existence. My life seems a - dream to me; for if existence is to be judged of by one's faculties only, - I have been in such a delusion of them ever since, that as I find myself - unable to judge with certainty of any other thing, so I am subject to - doubt whether I really exist. Are these things possible that you tell me, - father?" - </p> - <p> - I then told him the whole affair, and advised him by all means to accept - the offer, and marry the princess out of hand. - </p> - <p> - His majesty, when I had brought him thoroughly to believe me, was as eager - to consummate the marriage, as I was to have him; but then, whether he - should go to her, or she come to him, was the question. I told him it was - a thing unusual for a sovereign to quit his own dominions for a wife; but - would advise an embassy to her father, with notice that his majesty would - meet and espouse her on the frontiers of the two kingdoms. - </p> - <p> - The ambassadors returning with an appointment of time and place, it was - not above a month before I had settled Stygee on the thrones of Sass - Doorpt Swangeanti and Mount Alkoe, with the reversion of the kingdom of - Norbon, without a competitor. - </p> - <p> - I shall here give you an account of the marriage ceremony. The king being - arrived on the borders, Stygee, who had waited but a few hours at the last - village in Norbon, advanced to his majesty on the very division, as they - called it, of the two kingdoms, a line being drawn to express the bounds - of each. The king and Stygee having talked apart from the company a little - space, each standing hand in hand, on their own respective ground, the - chief ragan advanced, and began the ceremony. - </p> - <p> - He first asked each party aloud, if he and she were willing to be united - in body and affections, and would engage to continue so their whole lives - to which each party having answered aloud in the affirmative, "Show me - then a token!" says he; and immediately each expanding the right side of - their graundees, laid it upon the other's left side, so that they appeared - then but as one body, standing hand in hand, encased round with the - graundee. The ragan then having descanted upon the duties of marriage, - concluded the ceremony with wishing them as fruitful as Perigen and - Philella. So soon as it was over, and the gripsacks and voices had - finished an epithalamium, the bride and bridegroom taking wing, were - conducted to Brandleguarp, amidst the acclamations of an infinite number - of Georigetti's subjects. - </p> - <p> - The king had made vast preparations for the reception of the princess - Stygee; and nothing was to be heard or seen but feastings and rejoicing - for many days; and his majesty afterwards assured me of his entire - satisfaction in my choice of his bride, without whom he confessed, that - notwithstanding the many other blessings I had procured him, his happiness - must have been incomplete. - </p> - <p> - Intending another flight to Norbon, I was charged with the king and - queen's compliments to Oniwheske; which having executed, I opened a free - trade to Mount Alkoe; and hearing that small vessels came frequently on - the Norbonese coast, to carry off the iron and other metal from thence - unwrought, and paid part of their return in wrought metals, I ordered some - of the next that came to be stopped and brought to me; and the day before - I had fixed for my departure, notice was sent that twelve of those traders - were stopped, and in custody at the sea-side. I longed to see them, but - then considering that it would take up more time to bring them to Apsilo - the capital, where I was, than I should take in going to them and - returning, I resolved to go and examine them myself. - </p> - <p> - They told me they traded with small vessels to Norbon for metals, which - they carried home, and wrought great part of it themselves, sending it to - and dispersing it in several islands at a distance; and also sold the - unwrought to several people who carried it they knew not whither in great - ships. They said they kept abundance of hands at work in the trade. I - asked if their artificers wrought it for their own profit, or their - masters'. They told me for masters, themselves being all slaves.—"And - are you all slaves?" says I.—They told me "Yes, all but one," - pointing to him. I then ordered him to be secured and removed; and told - them if they would procure some hands to settle at Norbon and Mount Alkoe, - they should all be made free, have lands assigned them, and have other - privileges, and I did not doubt in time would become the richest men in - the country; for I understood by them they were acquainted with the use of - money. I asked them what other commodities they brought to Norbon in - exchange. - </p> - <p> - They said clothes for the people, both what they received in exchange from - others who bought their iron, and some of a coarser sort of their own - making. I found in my discourse I had with them, that out of my eleven men - there were persons of four different occupations; so I promised those who - would stay with me their freedoms, good houses, and other rewards: and - sending three hands home with the vessel, and a full freight, according to - the value of the cargo they brought, I ordered them to engage as many as - they could of their countrymen of distinct trades, to come and settle with - me; and to be sure, if they had any grain, corn, roots, plants, or seeds, - usually eaten for food, to bring all they could get with them, and they - should have good returns for them; and as to those good hands that settled - here, they should be allowed all materials to work for their own profit - the first year, and after that they should also work for themselves, - allowing the king one-tenth of the clear profit. This took so far with - them, that it was with the utmost difficulty I got any of them to carry - the ship back, for fear they should not be able to return. - </p> - <p> - Before I parted from them, I assigned the eight who were left all proper - conveniences, and recommended them to the king's protection; and I ordered - the owner, then in custody, to be conducted to Mount Alkoe, and from - thence to Brandleguarp; where, treating him kindly and giving him liberty, - I made my proper use of him. - </p> - <p> - The king having lent me a convoy to conduct my prisoner, and given me a - license for as many cattle of the sorts I chose as I pleased to drive to - Georigetti's dominions, I made them drive a great number of sheep of the - finest wool I ever saw, and very large also; a great number of creatures - not unlike an ass for shape, but with two upright horns and short ears, - which gave abundance of rich milk; and also some swine. All these were - drove to, and distributed at my new colony, where I let them remain till I - had provided a proper receptacle for them at Doorpt Swangeanti, near the - woods; when I brought many over the Black Mountain, and distributed there, - with directions how to manage them; and in about seven years' time we held - a little beast-market near Brandle-guarp twice a year, where the spare - cattle were brought up, and preserved in salt till the next market; for I - had some years before made large salt-works near the sea at Mount Alkoe, - which employed abundance of hands, and was now become a considerable - trade. - </p> - <p> - We had iron, copper, and silver money, which went very current; and had - butter and cheese from the farms near the woods, as plenty as we had the - fruits before, great numbers of families having settled there; and there - was scarce a family but was of some occupation or other. - </p> - <p> - By the accounts I received from the mines, from time to time, it was - prodigious to hear what vast quantities of metals were prepared in one - year now, by little above one-third of the hands that were usually - employed in them before; for now the men's ambition was to leave a good - week's work done at their return, for an example to those who were coming; - and the overseers told me they would sing and work with the greatest - delight imaginable, whilst they pleased themselves with telling one - another how they intended to spend the next fourteen days. - </p> - <p> - <br /><br /><a name="linkimageb-0043" id="linkimageb-0043"> </a> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:15%;"> - <img src="images/5304.jpg" alt="5304 " width="100%" /><br /><a - href="images/5304.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </div> - <p> - <br /><br /><a name="linkimageb-0044" id="linkimageb-0044"> </a> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> - <img src="images/0305.jpg" alt="0305 " width="100%" /><br /> - </div> - <h5> - <a href="images/0305.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </h5> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2HbCH0024" id="link2HbCH0024_"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER XXIV. - </h2> - <p> - <i>Peter looking over his books finds he has got a Latin Bible—Sets - about a translation—Teaches some of the ragans letters—Sets up - a paper manufacture—Makes the ragans read the Bible—The ragans - teach others to read and write—A fair kept at the Black Mountain—Peter's - reflection on the Swangeantines.</i> - </p> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">A</span>LL things being - now so settled that they would go on of themselves, and having no further - direct view in my head, I spent my time with my wife; and looking over my - books one day to divert myself, with the greatest joy imaginable I found - that the Bible I had taken to be in the Portuguese tongue was a Latin one. - It was many years since I had thought of that language; but on this - occasion, by force of memory and recollection, and with some attention, - consideration, and practice, I found it return to me in so plentiful a - manner that I fully resolved to translate my Bible into the Swangeantine - tongue. - </p> - <p> - I sent directly for Lasmeel to be my amanuensis, and to work we went upon - the translation. - </p> - <p> - We began at the creation, and descending to the flood, went on to the - Jewish captivity in Egypt and deliverance by Moses, leaving out the - genealogies and all the Jewish ceremonies and laws, except the Ten - Commandments. I translated the books of Samuel and Kings, down to the - Babylonish captivity. I then translated such parts of the Prophets as were - necessary to introduce the Messiah, and discover Him; the books of Psalms, - Job, and the Proverbs, and with the utmost impatience hasted to the New - Testament. But then considering that when I had done, as only Lasmeel and - myself could read it, in case of our deaths, the translation must die with - us, I chose out six of the junior ragans, and two of the elder, to learn - letters; and in less than twelve months I had brought them all to read - mine and Lasmeel's writings perfectly well. - </p> - <p> - I instructed these ragans at spare hours, whilst I went on with my - translation; but finding my paper grow low, having had a great supply of - coarse linen, and a sort of calicoes from the isles, in return for our - metals, I set up a manufactory from that, and some gums of the trees, - which we boiled with it to a pulp in iron pans, and beating it to pieces, - made a useful paper which would bear ink tolerably. But I could find - nothing to make ink of, though I sent over all the country to search for - every herb and fruit not commonly used; till at last I found an herb and - flower on it, which, if taken before the flower faded, would, by boiling - thoroughly, become blue; this, by still more boiling in a copper pan till - it was dry and burnt hard to the bottom, in some measure answered my - purpose, and I fixed upon it as the best I could obtain from all my - experiments. - </p> - <p> - When the ragans were masters of their pens, I set six of them to copy what - Lasmeel had finished, and the other two to teach their brethren; and in - two years' time, by a pretty constant application (for I made them - transcribe it perfectly fair and intelligible), we finished our - translation, and two fair copies. - </p> - <p> - I then ordered the ragans to read a portion of it to the people - constantly, in the mouch; they, from the novelty of the story, at first - grew so exceeding fond of it, that upon the proper expositions of it I - taught the ragans afterwards to make, they began to apply it seriously to - religious purposes. - </p> - <p> - My writing ragans were very fond of their knowledge of letters; and trade - and commerce now increasing, which put every one more or less in want of - the same knowledge, they made a great profit of it, by instructing all who - applied to them. This increase of writing necessarily provided a - maintenance for several persons who travelled to Norbon for quills, and - sold them to the Swangeantines at extravagant rates; till the Norbonese - hearing that, brought them themselves to the foot of the mountain, where - the Swangeantines bought them, as they did several other commodities which - one country had and the other wanted, especially iron wares of almost - every denomination: so that the mountain, being so excessively high, was - the barrier; for the Norbonese finding that difficulty in ascending and - descending which the Swangeantines with their graundees did not, there was - a constant market of buyers and sellers on the Mount Alkoe side of the - Black Mountain, which by degrees grew the general mart of the three - kingdoms. - </p> - <p> - I have often reflected with myself, and have been amazed to think, that so - ingenious and industrious a people as the Swangeantines have since - appeared to be, and who, till I came amongst them, had nothing more than - bare food, and a hole to lie in, in a barren rocky country, and then - seemed to desire only what they had, should in ten years' time be supplied - not only with the conveniences, but superfluities of life; and that they - should then become so fond of them, as rather willingly to part with life - itself than be reduced to the state I found them in. And I have as often, - on this occasion, reflected on the goodness of Providence, in rendering - one part of mankind easy under the absence of such comforts as others - could not rest without; and have made it a great argument for my assent to - well-attested truths above my comprehension. "For," says I, "to have - affirmed, at my first coming, either that these things could have been - made at all, or when done could have been of any additional benefit to - these people, would have been so far beyond their imaginations, that the - reporter of so plain a truth, as they now find it, would have been looked - upon as a madman or an impostor; but by opening their views by little and - little, and showing them the dependence of one thing upon another, he that - should now affirm the inutility of them, would be observed in a much worse - light." And yet, without any embellishments of art, how did this so great - a people live under the protection of Providence? Let us first view them - at a vast distance from any sort of sustenance, yet from the help of the - graundee that distance was but a step to them. They were forced to inhabit - the rocks, from an utter incapacity of providing shelter elsewhere, having - no tool that would either cut down timber for a habitation, or dig up the - earth for a fence, or materials to make one; but they had a liquor that - would dissolve the rock itself into habitations. They had neither beast - nor fish, for food or burthen; but they had fruits equivalent to both, of - the same relish, and as wholesome, without shedding blood. Their fruits - were dangerous till they had fermented in a boiling heat; and they had - neither the sun, nor any fire, nor the knowledge how to propagate or - continue it. But they had their hot springs always boiling, without their - care or concern. They had neither the skins of beasts, the original - clothing, nor any other artificial covering from the weather; but they - were born with that warm clothing the graundee, which being of a - considerable density, and full of veins flowing with warm blood, not only - defended their flesh from all outward injuries, but was a most soft, - comely, and warm dress to the body. They lived mostly in the dark rock, - having less difference of light with the change of seasons than other - people have; but either by custom or make, more light than what Providence - has sent them in the sweecoe is disagreeable: so that where little is to - be obtained, Providence, by confining the capacity, can give content with - that; and where apparent wants are, we may see, by these people, how - careful Providence is to supply them; for neither the graundee, the - sweecoes, nor their springs, are to be found where those necessaries can - be supplied by other means. - </p> - <p> - Amongst my other considerations, I have often thought that if I had gone - to the top of the Black Mountains northward of Brandleguarp, in the very - lightest time, I might have seen the sun; but these mountains were so - elevated, that our lightest time was only the gilded glimmering of their - tops, having never seen so much light on them as totally to eclipse all - the stars, of which we had always the same in view, but in different - positions. - </p> - <p> - <br /><br /><a name="linkimageb-0045" id="linkimageb-0045"> </a> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> - <img src="images/0311.jpg" alt="0311 " width="100%" /><br /> - </div> - <h5> - <a href="images/0311.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </h5> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2HbCH0025" id="link2HbCH0025_"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER XXV. - </h2> - <p> - <i>Peter's children provided for—Youwarkee's death—How the - king and queen spent their time—Peter grows melancholy—Wants - to get to England—Contrives means—Is taken up at sea.</i> - </p> - <p class="pfirst"> - <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span> HAD now been at - Brandleguarp ten years, and my children were all provided for by the king - but Dickey, as fast as they were qualified for employment, and such as - were fit for it were married off to the best alliances in the country; so - that I had only to sit down and see everything I had put my hand to - prosper, and not an evil eye in the three kingdoms cast at me: but about - my eleventh or twelfth year, my wife falling into a lingering disorder, at - the end of two years it carried her off. This was the first real - affliction I had suffered for many years, and so soured my temper, that I - became fit for nothing, and it was painful to me even to think of - business. - </p> - <p> - The king's marriage had produced four children, three sons and a daughter, - which he would frequently tell me were mine. - </p> - <p> - Old Oniwheske was dead, and the king and queen divided their whole time - equally between Brandleguarp and Apsillo; but he was building a palace at - my new colony, which by this time was grown to a vast city, and was called - Stygena, in compliment to the queen; and this new palace was designed to - receive the court one-third of the year, as it lay almost at equal - distance between both his other palaces. This method, which his majesty - took, at my persuasion, on the death of Oniwheske, though it went against - the grain at first, was now grown so habitual to him, and he saw his own - interest so much in it in the love and esteem it procured him from the - people, that at last he wanted no spur to it. - </p> - <p> - My melancholy for the death of my wife, which I hoped time would wear off, - rather gained ground upon me; and though I was as much regarded as ever by - the whole court, yet it grew troublesome to me even to be asked my advice; - and it not only surprised those about me, but even myself, to see the same - genius, without any visible natural decay, in so short a time, from the - most sprightly and enterprising, become the most phlegmatic and inactive. - </p> - <p> - My longings after my native country, ever since my wife's death, redoubled - upon me, and I had formed several schemes of getting thither; as first, I - had formed a project of going off by the islands, as I had so many small - vessels at command there, and to get into the main ocean and try my - fortune that way; but upon inquiry I found that my vessels could not get - to sea, or elsewhere, but to the zaps' islands, by reason of the many - rocks and sandbanks which would oppose me, unless I went through the zaps' - country, which, in the light they had reason to view me, I was afraid to - do. Then I had thoughts of going from the coast of Norbon; but that must - have been in one of the foreign vessels, and they coming from a quite - different quarter than I must go, in all probability if I had put to sea - any way they were unacquainted with, they having no compass, we must have - perished; for the more I grew by degrees acquainted with the situation of - Doorpt Swangeanti, the stronger were my conjectures that my nearest - continent must be the southern coast of America; but still it was only - conjecture. At length, being tired and uneasy, I resolved, as I was - accustomed to flight, and loved it, I would take a turn for some days; - carry me where it would, I should certainly light on some land, whence at - first I could but come back again. I then went to see if my chair, board, - and ropes, were sound, for I had not used them for several years past; but - I found them all so crazy, I durst not venture in them, which - disappointment put off my journey for some time. However, as I had still - the thought remaining, it put me on seeking some other method to put it in - practice; so I contrived the poles from which you took me, being a sort of - hollow cane the Swangeantines make their spears of, but exceeding strong - and springy, which, interwoven with small cords, were my seat, and were - much lighter than my chair; and these buoyed me up when your goodness - relieved me. I had taken Mount Alkoe bearers, as I knew I must come to a - country of more light; and I now find, if I had not fallen, I must soon - have reached land, if we could have held out, for we were come too far to - think of returning, without a resting-place: and what will become of my - poor bearers, I dread to think; if they attempted to return, they must - have dropt, for they had complained all the last day and night, and had - shifted very often. If in your history you think fit to carry down the - life of a poor old man any farther, you will as well know what to say of - me as I can tell you; and I hope what I have hitherto said will in some - measure recompense both your expense and labour. - </p> - <h3> - FINIS. - </h3> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2Hb_4_0028" id="link2Hb_4_0028"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - A TABLE OF THE NAMES OF PERSONS AND THINGS MENTIONED IN THE TWO VOLUMES. - </h2> - <p> - <i>Abb</i>, a room. - </p> - <p> - <i>Apsillo</i>, capital of Norbon. - </p> - <p> - <i>Arco</i>, a man who committed the first murder. - </p> - <p> - <i>Arhoe</i>, water surrounded with wood. - </p> - <p> - <i>Amdrumnstake</i>, Pendlehamby's colambat. - </p> - <p> - <i>Barbarsa</i>, Georigetti's favourite. - </p> - <p> - <i>Barkett</i>, a husband. - </p> - <p> - <i>Barras</i>, a leathern apron, or flap behind. - </p> - <p> - <i>Bash</i>, a valet de chambre. - </p> - <p> - <i>Battringdrigg</i>, the name of an arkoe. - </p> - <p> - <i>Begsurbeck</i>, an old king of Sass Doorpt Swangeanti. - </p> - <p> - <i>Born Isles</i>, islands to the right hand. - </p> - <p> - <i>Boskee</i>, a very grand room or saloon. - </p> - <p> - <i>Bott</i>, a gourd. - </p> - <p> - <i>Bougee</i>, lie down. - </p> - <p> - <i>Brandleguarp</i>, chief city of Sass Doorpt Swangeanti. - </p> - <p> - <i>Calentar</i>, a doctor or surgeon. - </p> - <p> - <i>Cluff</i>, a captain. - </p> - <p> - <i>Colamb</i>, a governor. - </p> - <p> - <i>Colambat</i>, a government. - </p> - <p> - <i>Colapet</i>, a bag for provision. - </p> - <p> - <i>Collwarr</i>, God. - </p> - <p> - <i>Covett</i>, a mansion-house or seat. - </p> - <p> - <i>Crashdoorpt</i>, Quangrollart's colambat, or country of the slit. - </p> - <p> - <i>Crashee</i>, slit. - </p> - <p> - <i>Crullmott</i>, a fruit tasting like a fowl. - </p> - <p> - <i>David</i>, Peter's fourth son. - </p> - <p> - <i>Doorpt Swangeanti</i>, the land of flight. - </p> - <p> - <i>Doors</i>, a sort of apples. - </p> - <p> - <i>Dossee</i>, a soft thing. - </p> - <p> - <i>Emina</i>, a rock. - </p> - <p> - <i>Felbamko</i>, Oniwheske's nephew. - </p> - <p> - <i>Filgay</i>, a freeman. - </p> - <p> - <i>Filus</i>, a rib of the graundee. - </p> - <p> - <i>Gadsi</i>, governor of Mount Alkoe. - </p> - <p> - <i>Gauingrunt</i>, a revolted town in the west. - </p> - <p> - <i>G awry</i>, a flying woman. - </p> - <p> - <i>Georigetti</i>, king of Sass Doorpt Swangeanti. - </p> - <p> - <i>Glanlepze</i>, an African who escaped with Peter. - </p> - <p> - <i>Glumm</i>, a flying man. - </p> - <p> - <i>Glumm Boss</i>, a young man. - </p> - <p> - <i>Goppo</i>, a father-in-law. - </p> - <p> - <i>Gorpell</i>, an ensign. - </p> - <p> - <i>Gowren</i>, women. - </p> - <p> - <i>Graundee</i>, the glumms' wings and dress. - </p> - <p> - <i>Graundevolet</i>, Peter's arkoe. - </p> - <p> - <i>Gripsack</i>, a trumpet. - </p> - <p> - <i>Gume</i>, the leather between the filuses of the graundee. - </p> - <p> - <i>Hallycarnie</i>, Youwarkee's sister, also her second daughter. - </p> - <p> - <i>Harlokin</i>, prince of the rebels. - </p> - <p> - <i>Hoximo</i>, a place to bury the dead. - </p> - <p> - <i>Hunkum</i>, marriage. - </p> - <p> - <i>Jahamel</i>, the king's sister. - </p> - <p> - <i>Jemmy</i>, Peter's second son. - </p> - <p> - <i>Lallio</i>, first king of Sass Doorpt Swangeanti. - </p> - <p> - <i>Lask</i>, a slave. - </p> - <p> - <i>Laskmett</i>, slavery. - </p> - <p> - <i>Lasmeel</i>, Peter's scholar. - </p> - <p> - <i>Maieck</i>, Peter's man from Mount Alkoe. - </p> - <p> - <i>Mindrack</i>, the devil. - </p> - <p> - <i>Mouch</i>, a church. - </p> - <p> - <i>Moucherait</i>, an assembly of the states. - </p> - <p> - <i>Mount Alkoe</i>, a kingdom taking name from a burning mountain. - </p> - <p> - <i>Nasgig</i>, a common soldier, made a general at the request of Peter. - </p> - <p> - <i>Kicor</i>, a creature of Barbarsa, the king's favourite. - </p> - <p> - <i>Norbon</i>, the name of the north country. - </p> - <p> - <i>Normnbdsgrsutt</i>, ancient name of Youwarkee's country. - </p> - <p> - <i>Onitvheske</i>, king of Norbon. - </p> - <p> - <i>Ors clamm gee</i>, here am I. - </p> - <p> - <i>Padsi</i>, a fruit tasting like fish. - </p> - <p> - <i>Palang</i>, a town. - </p> - <p> - <i>Parky</i>, sweet. - </p> - <p> - <i>Patty</i>, Peter's eldest daughter, also his first wife. - </p> - <p> - <i>Pedro</i>, Peter's eldest son. - </p> - <p> - <i>Pendlehamby</i>, Youwarkee's father, the colamb of Arndrumn-stake. - </p> - <p> - <i>Perigene</i>, the first-born man. - </p> - <p> - <i>Peter</i>, the author. - </p> - <p> - <i>Philella</i>, the first-born woman. - </p> - <p> - <i>Puly</i>, an image. - </p> - <p> - <i>Praave</i>, modest. - </p> - <p> - <i>Quangrollart</i>, Youwarkee's brother, colamb of Crashdoorpt. - </p> - <p> - <i>Quilly</i>, Peter's bash. - </p> - <p> - <i>Ragan</i>, a priest. - </p> - <p> - <i>Razy</i>, mighty. - </p> - <p> - <i>Richard</i>, Peter's fifth son. - </p> - <p> - <i>Roppin</i>, marmalade. - </p> - <p> - <i>Rossig</i>, Quangrollart's companion. - </p> - <p> - <i>Sary</i>, Peter's youngest daughter. - </p> - <p> - <i>Sass Doorpt Sivangeanti</i>, Peter's new name given to Georigetti's - dominions. - </p> - <p> - <i>Slip the graundee</i>, drawing the graundee tight to the body, by a - running noose on a line. - </p> - <p> - <i>Stapps</i>, minutes. - </p> - <p> - <i>Sty gee</i>, Oniwheske's daughter. - </p> - <p> - <i>Swangean</i>, flight. - </p> - <p> - <i>Sweecoan</i>, a flight with sweecoes. - </p> - <p> - <i>Sweecoe</i>, an insect giving a strong light in the dark. - </p> - <p> - <i>Telamine</i>, a woman whose husband committed the first murder. - </p> - <p> - <i>Tommy</i>, Peter's second son. - </p> - <p> - <i>Yaccombourse</i>, the king's mistress. - </p> - <p> - <i>Yacom</i>, a man-child. - </p> - <p> - <i>Youh</i>, capital of the west. - </p> - <p> - <i>Youwarkey</i>, Peter's wife. - </p> - <p> - <i>Zaps</i>, lords. - </p> - <h3> - THE END. - </h3> - <div style="height: 6em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Life and Adventures of Peter -Wilkins, Complete, by Robert Paltock - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PETER WILKINS *** - -***** This file should be named 51967-h.htm or 51967-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/1/9/6/51967/ - -Produced by David Widger from page images generously -provided by the Internet Archive - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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