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Satire at its Peak: Rediscover Swift in Today's Tongue!
Think satire, and Jonathan Swift's magnum opus springs to mind—even after nearly three centuries! But as you peruse its pages, you might wonder: why does the humor seem elusive? It's likely due to the now-obsolete vernacular of Swift's era, which might leave you scratching your head more often than chuckling.
Enter BookCaps: your linguistic bridge to the past! Dive into Swift's scintillating satire, now rendered in contemporary English. No more stumbling over archaic phrases or puzzling through outdated jargon. Instead, revel in Swift's genius as he takes jabs at human follies and the popular "travellers' tales" of his time.
For those passionate about literary authenticity, worry not! This edition thoughtfully juxtaposes the original manuscript alongside its modern counterpart. Whether you're a Swift enthusiast or a newbie to his satirical world, this version ensures an engaging and laughter-filled journey. Happy reading!
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Excerpt From Gulliver’s Travels In Plain and Simple English
Part I: A Voyage to Lilliput
Chapter I
[The author gives some account of himself and family. His first inducements to travel. He is shipwrecked, and swims for his life. Gets safe on shore in the country of Lilliput; is made a prisoner, and carried up the country.]
[The author writes about himself and his family. What first made him travel. He is shipwrecked and has to swim for his life. He reaches the shore of Lilliput safely and is made a prisoner and taken into the country.]
My father had a small estate in Nottinghamshire: I was the third of five sons. He sent me to Emanuel College in Cambridge at fourteen years old, where I resided three years, and applied myself close to my studies; but the charge of maintaining me, although I had a very scanty allowance, being too great for a narrow fortune, I was bound apprentice to Mr. James Bates, an eminent surgeon in London, with whom I continued four years. My father now and then sending me small sums of money, I laid them out in learning navigation, and other parts of the mathematics, useful to those who intend to travel, as I always believed it would be, some time or other, my fortune to do. When I left Mr. Bates, I went down to my father: where, by the assistance of him and my uncle John, and some other relations, I got forty pounds, and a promise of thirty pounds a year to maintain me at Leyden: there I studied physic two years and seven months, knowing it would be useful in long voyages.
My father had a small estate in Nottinghamshire, and I was the third of his five sons. He sent me to Emanuel College in Cambridge when I was fourteen, and I stayed there for three years, working hard. However, his lack of money meant he could no longer support even the small allowance I had, so I became an apprentice to Mr.James Bates, a famous London surgeon, and I stayed with him for four years. My father occasionally sent me small sums of money, which I invested in lessons on navigation and other types of mathematics which would be useful to a traveller, which is what I always thought I would end up doing at some time. When I left Mr.Bates I went to my father and he, my Uncle John and various other relations raised a sum of forty pounds for me and promised me thirty pounds a year to go to Leiden in Holland; I studied medicine there for two years and seven months, knowing it would come in handy on long voyages.
Soon after my return from Leyden, I was recommended by my good master, Mr. Bates, to be surgeon to the Swallow, Captain Abraham Pannel, commander; with whom I continued three years and a half, making a voyage or two into the Levant, and some other parts. When I came back I resolved to settle in London; to which Mr. Bates, my master, encouraged me, and by him I was recommended to several patients. I took part of a small house in the Old Jewry; and being advised to alter my condition, I married Mrs. Mary Burton, second daughter to Mr. Edmund Burton, hosier, in Newgate-street, with whom I received four hundred pounds for a portion.
But my good master Bates dying in two years after, and I having few friends, my business began to fail; for my conscience would not suffer me to imitate the bad practice of too many among my brethren. Having therefore consulted with my wife, and some of my acquaintance, I determined to go again to sea.
Soon after my return my good master, Mr.Bates, got me a place as ship’s surgeon on the Swallow under the command of Captain Abraham Pannel. I stayed on that boat for three and a half years, making a trip or two to the Eastern Mediterranean and other places. When I came back I decided that I would settle down in London; my master, Mr.Bates, encouraged me, and sent me several patients. I rented part of a small house in the Old Jewry, and having been advised to change my lifestyle I married Mrs.Mary Burton, the second daughter of Mr.Edmund Burton, a tailor in Newgate Street, and I got four hundred pounds as a dowry. But my good master Bates died two years later and as I had few friends my business began to fail, as I would not follow the sharp practice of others in the same profession. After I consulted with my wife and others I knew I decided that I should go to sea again.
I was surgeon successively in two ships, and made several voyages, for six years, to the East and West Indies, by which I got some addition to my fortune. My hours of leisure I spent in reading the best authors, ancient and modern, being always provided with a good number of books; and when I was ashore, in observing the manners and dispositions of the people, as well as learning their language; wherein I had a great facility, by the strength of my memory.
I was surgeon on two different ships, making several voyages, for six years, to both
the East and West Indies, which improved my bank balance. I always had a good number of books with me and spent my free time reading the great authors, ancient and modern; when I was ashore I would spend my time observing the customs and characters of the people, and learning their languages, which I was very good at, having an excellent memory.
The last of these voyages not proving very fortunate, I grew weary of the sea, and intended to stay at home with my wife and family. I removed from the Old Jewry to Fetter Lane, and from thence to Wapping, hoping to get business among the sailors; but it would not turn to account. After three years expectation that things would mend, I accepted an advantageous offer from Captain William Prichard, master of the Antelope, who was making a voyage to the South Sea. We set sail from Bristol, May 4, 1699, and our voyage was at first very prosperous.
The last of these voyages was not very happy, so I was tired of the sea and decided to stay at home with my wife and family. I moved from Old Jewry to Fetter Lane, and from there to Wapping, hoping to get some business amongst the sailors, but I couldn’t make a profit. After three years of hoping for things to get better I accepted a generous offer from Captain William Pritchard, Master of the Antelope, who was making a voyage to the Pacific. We set sail from Bristol on May 4th 1699, and at first our trip was very profitable.
It would not be proper, for some reasons, to trouble the reader with the particulars of our adventures in those seas; let it suffice to inform him, that in our passage from thence to the East Indies, we were driven by a violent storm to the north-west of Van Diemen's Land. By an observation, we found ourselves in the latitude of 30 degrees 2 minutes south. Twelve of our crew were dead by immoderate labour and ill food; the rest were in a very weak condition. On the 5th of November, which was the beginning of summer in those parts, the weather being very hazy, the seamen spied a rock within half a cable's length of the ship; but the wind was so strong, that we were driven directly upon it, and immediately split. Six of the crew, of whom I was one, having let down the boat into the sea, made a shift to get clear of the ship and the rock.
This is not the place to bother the reader with all the details of what happened in those seas; it’s enough to say that as we made our way to the East Indies a violent storm drove us to the north-west of Tasmania. By taking measurements we found we were at a latitude of 30 degrees 2 minutes south. Twelve of our crew were dead from exhaustion and lack of food; the others were all very weak. On the 5th of November, which is when summer begins in that region, the weather was very hazy and the sailors spotted a rock very close to the ship. The wind was so strong that we were driven straight on to it and holed. Six of the crew, including me, let down a boat and strained to get away from the ship and the rock.
We rowed, by my computation, about three leagues, till we were able to work no longer, being already spent with labour while we were in the ship. We therefore trusted ourselves to the mercy of the waves, and in about half an hour the boat was overset by a sudden flurry from the north. What became of my companions in the boat, as well as of those who escaped on the rock, or were left in the vessel, I cannot tell; but conclude they were all lost. For my own part, I swam as fortune directed me, and was pushed forward by wind and tide. I often let my legs drop, and could feel no bottom; but when I was almost gone, and able to struggle no longer, I found myself within my depth; and by this time the storm was much abated. The declivity was so small, that I walked near a mile before I got to the shore, which I conjectured was about eight o'clock in the evening. I then advanced forward near half a mile, but could not discover any sign of houses or inhabitants; at least I was in so weak a condition, that I did not observe them.
By my reckoning we rowed about ten miles, until we could do so no longer, having been exhausted by our efforts on board the ship. So we let the boat drift, and in half an hour we were overturned by a sudden gust of wind from the north. What happened to my companions in the boat, as well as the ones who got on to the rock or stayed with the ship, I cannot tell, but I assume they were all drowned. For me, I trusted to luck and was driven along by the winds and tide. I often tried to stand but could not touch bottom, but when I was almost exhausted and unable to go on I found I was within my depth, and the storm had greatly calmed. The slope of the seabed was so shallow that I walked almost a mile in the sea before I reached the shore, at what I guessed was about eight o’clock in the evening. I then walked on about half a mile, but there was no sign of houses or people, or at least, being in such a state, I didn’t see them.
I was extremely tired, and with that, and the heat of the weather, and about half a pint of brandy that I drank as I left the ship, I found myself much inclined to sleep. I lay down on the grass, which was very short and soft, where I slept sounder than ever I remembered to have done in my life, and, as I reckoned, about nine hours; for when I awaked, it was just day-light. I attempted to rise, but was not able to stir: for, as I happened to lie on my back, I found my arms and legs were strongly fastened on each side to the ground; and my hair, which was long and thick, tied down in the same manner. I likewise felt several slender ligatures across my body, from my arm-pits to my thighs. I could only look upwards; the sun began to grow hot, and the light offended my eyes. I heard a confused noise about me; but in the posture I lay, could see nothing except the sky.
I was exhausted, and that, the heat of the weather and the half pint of brandy I had drunk as I left the ship, made me feel very much like sleeping. I lay down on the grass, which was very short and soft, and had a better sleep than I ever remembered in my life for, I thought, about nine hours, for when I woke up it was just daybreak. I tried to get up, but couldn’t move, because, lying on my back, I found that my arms and legs were strongly tied down, and my hair, which was long and thick, was fastened in the same way. I could also feel several thin ropes across my body from my armpits down to my thighs. I could only look upwards, and the sun started to grow hot and the light hurt my eyes. I heard a hubbub around me, but in the position I was in I could only see the sky.
In a little time I felt something alive moving on my left leg, which advancing gently forward over my breast, came almost up to my chin; when, bending my eyes downwards as much as I could, I perceived it to be a human creature not six inches high, with a bow and arrow in his hands, and a quiver at his back. In the mean time, I felt at least forty more of the same kind (as I conjectured) following the first. I was in the utmost astonishment, and roared so loud, that they all ran back in a fright; and some of them, as I was afterwards told, were hurt with the falls they got by leaping from my sides upon the ground. However, they soon returned, and one of them, who ventured so far as to get a full sight of my face, lifting up his hands and eyes by way of admiration, cried out in a shrill but distinct voice, HEKINAH DEGUL: the others repeated the same words several times, but then I knew not what they meant. I lay all this while, as the reader may believe, in great uneasiness.
In a little while I felt some living thing on my left leg, coming gently over my chest and almost up to my chin. Looking down as far as I could I saw that it was a human, less than six inches high, with a bow and arrow in its hands and a quiver on its back. In the meantime I felt at least forty of the same kind (so I thought) following him. I was amazed, and shouted so loudly that they all ran backwards in fright, and some of them, I was told later, were hurt falling from my sides to the ground. However, they soon came back and one of them, coming far enough to get a good look at my face, cried out in a high but clear voice, “Hekinah degul”; the others repeated the same words several times but I didn’t know what they meant. I lay there for a while, extremely uneasy as you can imagine.
At length, struggling to get loose, I had the fortune to break the strings, and wrench out the pegs that fastened my left arm to the ground; for, by lifting it up to my face, I discovered the methods they had taken to bind me, and at the same time with a violent pull, which gave me excessive pain, I a little loosened the strings that tied down my hair on the left side, so that I was just able to turn my head about two inches. But the creatures ran off a second time, before I could seize them; whereupon there was a great shout in a very shrill accent, and after it ceased I heard one of them cry aloud TOLGO PHONAC; when in an instant I felt above a hundred arrows discharged on my left hand, which, pricked me like so many needles; and besides, they shot another flight into the air, as we do bombs in Europe, whereof many, I suppose, fell on my body, (though I felt them not), and some on my face, which I immediately covered with my left hand. When this shower of arrows was over, I fell a groaning with grief and pain; and then striving again to get loose, they discharged another volley larger than the first, and some of them attempted with spears to stick me in the sides; but by good luck I had on a buff jerkin, which they could not pierce.
Eventually, struggling to get loose, I managed to break the strings and pull out the pegs holding my left arm to the ground. By lifting it up to my face I could see the way I was tied, and at the same time with a great heave, which was very painful, I managed to loosen the strings which held down my hair on the left hand side, so that I could turn my head about two inches. The creatures ran off again before I could grab them, and then there was a loud shout in a very high voice, and after that I heard one of them cry, “Tolgo phonac!” and I felt over a hundred arrows hit my left hand at once, which were like a hundred needle pricks. They also shot another flight into the air, as we do with missiles in Europe, and I assume many fell on my body (though I didn’t feel them) and some fell on my face, which I at once covered with my left hand. When this shower of arrows had finished I was moaning with fear and pain, and then as I struggled to get free they fired another volley, larger than the first, and some of them tried to stick spears in my sides. Luckily I had on a leather waistcoat and they couldn’t get through it.
I thought it the most prudent method to lie still, and my design was to continue so till night, when, my left hand being already loose, I could easily free myself: and as for the inhabitants, I had reason to believe I might be a match for the greatest army they could bring against me, if they were all of the same size with him that I saw. But fortune disposed otherwise of me.
I thought the best thing to do would be to keep still, and I planned to stay like that until nightfall when, with my left hand already loose, I could easily free myself; as for the inhabitants, I thought that I could beat the largest army they could send against me, if they were all the same size as the one I saw. But fate had other plans.
When the people observed I was quiet, they discharged no more arrows; but, by the noise I heard, I knew their numbers increased; and about four yards from me, over against my right ear, I heard a knocking for above an hour, like that of people at work; when turning my head that way, as well as the pegs and strings would permit me, I saw a stage erected about a foot and a half from the ground, capable of holding four of the inhabitants, with two or three ladders to mount it: from whence one of them, who seemed to be a person of quality, made me a long speech, whereof I understood not one syllable. But I should have mentioned, that before the principal person began his oration, he cried out three times, LANGRO DEHUL SAN (these words and the former were afterwards repeated and explained to me); whereupon, immediately, about fifty of the inhabitants came and cut the strings that fastened the left side of my head, which gave me the liberty of turning it to the right, and of observing the person and gesture of him that was to speak.
When the people saw that I was quiet they didn’t fire any more arrows, but by the noise I heard I could tell that more of them had arrived. About four yards away, next to my right ear, I heard a knocking for over an hour, like people working. Turning my head that way as much as the pegs and strings would allow me I saw that a stage had been built about a foot and a half from the ground, which could hold four of the inhabitants, and there were two or three ladders to let them climb up on it. From here one of them, who seemed to be some sort of nobleman, made a long speech to me, which I didn’t understand a word of. But I should have said that before the main person began his speech he shouted out three times, “Langro dehul san!” (these words and the ones I heard before were later explained to me); at that at least fifty of the inhabitants came forward at once and cut the strings holding the left hand side of my head, which allowed me to turn my head and observe the gestures and the appearance of the speaker.
He appeared to be of a middle age, and taller than any of the other three who attended him, whereof one was a page that held up his train, and seemed to be somewhat longer than my middle finger; the other two stood one on each side to support him. He acted every part of an orator, and I could observe many periods of threatenings, and others of promises, pity, and kindness. I answered in a few words, but in the most submissive manner, lifting up my left hand, and both my eyes to the sun, as calling him for a witness; and being almost famished with hunger, having not eaten a morsel for some hours before I left the ship, I found the demands of nature so strong upon me, that I could not forbear showing my impatience (perhaps against the strict rules of decency) by putting my finger frequently to my mouth, to signify that I wanted food. The HURGO (for so they call a great lord, as I afterwards learnt) understood me very well. He descended from the stage, and commanded that several ladders should be applied to my sides, on which above a hundred of the inhabitants mounted and walked towards my mouth, laden with baskets full of meat, which had been provided and sent thither by the king's orders, upon the first intelligence he received of me. I observed there was the flesh of several animals, but could not distinguish them by the taste. There were shoulders, legs, and loins, shaped like those of mutton, and very well dressed, but smaller than the wings of a lark. I ate them by two or three at a mouthful, and took three loaves at a time, about the bigness of musket bullets.
He seemed to be middle aged, and taller than the three others with him, one of whom was a page, about the length of my middle finger, holding up his cloak, and the other two stood either side in support. He made all the gestures of an orator, and I could see that sometimes he was threatening and other times making promises and offering pity and kindness. I answered with a few words in a humble manner, lifting up my left hand and turning my eyes to the sky as if begging him to believe me. As I was almost starving, having not eaten since several hours before I left the ship, I found my hunger was so strong that I could not keep myself from (perhaps a little rudely) pointing frequently at my mouth, to show I wanted food. The Hurgo (this is what they call a great lord, as I later learned) understood me clearly. He came down from the platform and ordered that several ladders should be leaned on my sides, and over a hundred of the natives climbed up them and walked towards my mouth carrying baskets of meat; these had been got and sent there on the orders of the king, when he first heard about me. I saw that there were several kinds of meat, but I couldn’t tell them apart through taste. There were shoulders, legs and loins, shaped like those of a sheep and very well cooked but smaller than a lark’s wing. I ate then two or three at a time, and had three loaves at a time which were about the size of musket bullets.
They supplied me as fast as they could, showing a thousand marks of wonder and astonishment at my bulk and appetite. I then made another sign, that I wanted drink. They found by my eating that a small quantity would not suffice me; and being a most ingenious people, they slung up, with great dexterity, one of their largest hogsheads, then rolled it towards my hand, and beat out the top; I drank it off at a draught, which I might well do, for it did not hold half a pint, and tasted like a small wine of Burgundy, but much more delicious. They brought me a second hogshead, which I drank in the same manner, and made signs for more; but they had none to give me. When I had performed these wonders, they shouted for joy, and danced upon my breast, repeating several times as they did at first, HEKINAH DEGUL. They made me a sign that I should throw down the two hogsheads, but first warning the people below to stand out of the way, crying aloud, BORACH MEVOLAH; and when they saw the vessels in the air, there was a universal shout of HEKINAH DEGUL.
They brought the food as quickly as they could, showing absolute amazement at my size and appetite. Then I made another gesture to show that I wanted a drink. They had seen from my eating that I needed large quantities, so, being very ingenious people, they pulled up, very cunningly, one of their largest barrels, then rolled it to my hand and beat the lid in. I drank it straight down, for it wasn’t more than half a pint; it tasted like a weak Burgundy, and was much more tasty. They brought me another barrel, which I tossed off again, and made signs for more, but that was all they had. When I had done these things they shouted with joy and danced on my chest, repeating over the thing they had said at first, “Hekinah degul.” They signalled me to throw down the two barrels, first warning the people below to stand clear by shouting, “Borach mevolah!”. When they saw the barrels in the air there was a great shout of “Hekinah degul!”
I confess I was often tempted, while they were passing backwards and forwards on my body, to seize forty or fifty of the first that came in my reach, and dash them against the ground. But the remembrance of what I had felt, which probably might not be the worst they could do, and the promise of HONOR I made them--for so I interpreted my submissive behaviour--soon drove out these imaginations. Besides, I now considered myself as bound by the laws of hospitality, to a people who had treated me with so much expense and magnificence. However, in my thoughts I could not sufficiently wonder at the intrepidity of these diminutive mortals, who durst venture to mount and walk upon my body, while one of my hands was at liberty, without trembling at the very sight of so prodigious a creature as I must appear to them. After some time, when they observed that I made no more demands for meat, there appeared before me a person of high rank from his imperial majesty.
I must admit I was tempted, as they walked to and fro over my body, to grab the first forty or fifty that came within reach and smash them to the ground. But remembering what they had done before, which might not be the worst they could do, and my promise to behave – that was what I meant by my humble behavior – I soon gave up the idea. Besides, I felt I was now bound to behave as a guest, as they had treated me with such generosity. However, I couldn’t help but be amazed at the nerve of these tiny people, who dared to climb and walk on my body whilst I had a hand free without trembling at the sight of what must seem, to them, an enormous creature. After some time, when they saw I stopped asking for food, a high-ranking court official came to me.
His excellency, having mounted on the small of my right leg, advanced forwards up to my face, with about a dozen of his retinue; and producing his credentials under the signet royal, which he applied close to my eyes, spoke about ten minutes without any signs of anger, but with a kind of determinate resolution, often pointing forwards, which, as I afterwards found, was towards the capital city, about half a mile distant; whither it was agreed by his majesty in council that I must be conveyed. I answered in few words, but to no purpose, and made a sign with my hand that was loose, putting it to the other (but over his excellency's head for fear of hurting him or his train) and then to my own head and body, to signify that I desired my liberty. It appeared that he understood me well enough, for he shook his head by way of disapprobation, and held his hand in a posture to show that I must be carried as a prisoner. However, he made other signs to let me understand that I should have meat and drink enough, and very good treatment. Whereupon I once more thought of attempting to break my bonds; but again, when I felt the smart of their arrows upon my face and hands, which were all in blisters, and many of the darts still sticking in them, and observing likewise that the number of my enemies increased, I gave tokens to let them know that they might do with me what they pleased.
His excellency, having climbed up the back of my right knee, walked up to my face with about a dozen of his followers. He showed me his credentials with the royal seal, holding them close to my eyes, and spoke for about ten minutes without showing any anger, but with a kind of set determination, often pointing ahead which, I later found, was the direction of the capital city, about half a mile away; it had been decided by his majesty and his ministers that I was to be taken there. I answered in a few words, but they were not understood, so I made a sign with my free hand, moving it over him (though going high over his excellency’s head to avoid hurting him or his followers) and then over my own head and body to show that I wanted to be freed. It seemed that he understood me, but he shook his head and made a gesture to show that I was to go as a prisoner. However, he also made signs that I was to be given plenty of food and drink and would be well treated. I thought again of breaking the ropes, but when I thought of the pain of their arrows on my face and hands, which were all blistered, with many arrows still sticking in them, and realising that there were many more of them than before, I gave signs that I would do as they ordered.
Upon this, the HURGO and his train withdrew, with much civility and cheerful countenances. Soon after I heard a general shout, with frequent repetitions of the words PEPLOM SELAN; and I felt great numbers of people on my left side relaxing the cords to such a degree, that I was able to turn upon my right, and to ease myself with making water; which I very plentifully did, to the great astonishment of the people; who, conjecturing by my motion what I was going to do, immediately opened to the right and left on that side, to avoid the torrent, which fell with such noise and violence from me. But before this, they had daubed my face and both my hands with a sort of ointment, very pleasant to the smell, which, in a few minutes, removed all the smart of their arrows. These circumstances, added to the refreshment I had received by their victuals and drink, which were very nourishing, disposed me to sleep. I slept about eight hours, as I was afterwards assured; and it was no wonder, for the physicians, by the emperor's order, had mingled a sleepy potion in the hogsheads of wine.
At this the Hurgo and his followers withdrew, with great politeness and smiles on their faces. Soon after I heard a great shout, with frequent repetition of the words, “Peplom selan!”, and I felt that many people were on my left side, loosening the cords so I could turn on my right and urinate, which I did, copiously, to the amazement of the people, who had guessed what I was about to do and ran to the right and left to avoid the torrent with came from me with such noise and violence. But before this they had dabbed a pleasant smelling sort of ointment on my face and hands which removed all the pain of their arrows in a few minutes. This, and the refreshment I had from their food and drink, made me feel much better and feeling like sleep. I slept for about eight hours, I was told afterwards, and no wonder, for his majesty’s doctors had mixed a sleeping potion into the barrels of wine.
It seems, that upon the first moment I was discovered sleeping on the ground, after my landing, the emperor had early notice of it by an express; and determined in council, that I should be tied in the manner I have related, (which was done in the night while I slept;) that plenty of meat and drink should be sent to me, and a machine prepared to carry me to the capital city.
It seems that as soon as I was found sleeping on the ground, after I landed, the emperor was alerted very quickly by an express messenger, and he had decided with his ministers that I was to be tied up as I described (which they did in the night as I slept), that I should be sent plenty of meat and drink and that a machine should be built to carry me to the capital city.
This resolution perhaps may appear very bold and dangerous, and I am confident would not be imitated by any prince in Europe on the like occasion. However, in my opinion, it was extremely prudent, as well as generous: for, supposing these people had endeavoured to kill me with their spears and arrows, while I was asleep, I should certainly have awaked with the first sense of smart, which might so far have roused my rage and strength, as to have enabled me to break the strings wherewith I was tied; after which, as they were not able to make resistance, so they could expect no mercy.
This decision might seem very daring and dangerous, and I am sure there isn’t a prince in Europe who would do the same in the circumstances. However, in my opinion, it was a very good decision, as well as being generous. Supposing they had tried to kill me with their spears and arrows, when I was asleep; I should certainly have been woken by the first prick, and that might have so enraged me that I could have broken the ropes they tied me with, and then they would have been at my mercy.
These people are most excellent mathematicians, and arrived to a great perfection in mechanics, by the countenance and encouragement of the emperor, who is a renowned patron of learning. This prince has several machines fixed on wheels, for the carriage of trees and other great weights. He often builds his largest men of war, whereof some are nine feet long, in the woods where the timber grows, and has them carried on these engines three or four hundred yards to the sea. Five hundred carpenters and engineers were immediately set at work to prepare the greatest engine they had. It was a frame of wood raised three inches from the ground, about seven feet long, and four wide, moving upon twenty-two wheels. The shout I heard was upon the arrival of this engine, which, it seems, set out in four hours after my landing. It was brought parallel to me, as I lay.
These people are very clever mathematicians, and have developed great mechanical skill, through the patronage and encouragement of the emperor, who is known for sponsoring education. The prince has several wheeled machines to carry trees and other heavy weights. He often builds his largest warships, some of which are nine feet long, in the woods where the timber grows and then has them carried on these machines the three or four hundred yards down to the sea. Five hundred carpenters and engineers immediately began to prepare their biggest machine. It was a wood frame raised three inches off the ground, about seven feet by four and moving on twenty-two wheels. The shout I had heard was to greet the arrival of this machine, which it seems had set off four hours after I landed. It was brought up alongside me.
But the principal difficulty was to raise and place me in this vehicle. Eighty poles, each of one foot high, were erected for this purpose, and very strong cords, of the bigness of packthread, were fastened by hooks to many bandages, which the workmen had girt round my neck, my hands, my body, and my legs. Nine hundred of the strongest men were employed to draw up these cords, by many pulleys fastened on the poles; and thus, in less than three hours, I was raised and slung into the engine, and there tied fast. All this I was told; for, while the operation was performing, I lay in a profound sleep, by the force of that soporiferous medicine infused into my liquor. Fifteen hundred of the emperor's largest horses, each about four inches and a half high, were employed to draw me towards the metropolis, which, as I said, was half a mile distant.
The great difficulty was to lift me and put me in this vehicle. Eighty poles, each a foot high, were put up for this, and very strong cords, about as thick as packthread, were fastened with hooks to many bandages which the workmen had tied around my neck, hands, body and legs. Nine hundred of the strongest men pulled on these cords, using pulleys fastened to the poles, and so in less than three hours I was hoisted onto the machine and tied down. I was told this later, as I was asleep through the whole procedure due to the sleeping potion they had put in my wine. Fifteen hundred of the emperor’s largest horses, each one about four and a half inches high, were used to pull me to the city, which as I said was half a mile away.
About four hours after we began our journey, I awaked by a very ridiculous accident; for the carriage being stopped a while, to adjust something that was out of order, two or three of the young natives had the curiosity to see how I looked when I was asleep; they climbed up into the engine, and advancing very softly to my face, one of them, an officer in the guards, put the sharp end of his half-pike a good way up into my left nostril, which tickled my nose like a straw, and made me sneeze violently; whereupon they stole off unperceived, and it was three weeks before I knew the cause of my waking so suddenly. We made a long march the remaining part of the day, and, rested at night with five hundred guards on each side of me, half with torches, and half with bows and arrows, ready to shoot me if I should offer to stir. The next morning at sunrise we continued our march, and arrived within two hundred yards of the city gates about noon. The emperor, and all his court, came out to meet us; but his great officers would by no means suffer his majesty to endanger his person by mounting on my body.
About four hours after we began the trip I was woken by an absurd accident. The machine had stopped for a while, to adjust something that was out of order, and two or three youngsters wanted to see what I looked like asleep. They climbed up on the machine and sneaked quietly up to my face; one of them, a guards officer, put the sharp end of his spear far up my left nostril, which tickled my nose and made me sneeze violently. They sneaked off unobserved and for three weeks I didn’t know what had made me wake so suddenly. We kept marching for the rest of the day, and rested at night with five hundred guards on each side of me, half with torches and half with bows and arrows, ready to shoot me if I moved. The next morning at sunrise we carried on and by noon we were two hundred yards from the city gates. The emperor and all the court came out to meet me, but his officers would not let him risk climbing on my body.
At the place where the carriage stopped there stood an ancient temple, esteemed to be the largest in the whole kingdom; which, having been polluted some years before by an unnatural murder, was, according to the zeal of those people, looked upon as profane, and therefore had been applied to common use, and all the ornaments and furniture carried away. In this edifice it was determined I should lodge. The great gate fronting to the north was about four feet high, and almost two feet wide, through which I could easily creep. On each side of the gate was a small window, not above six inches from the ground: into that on the left side, the king's smith conveyed four-score and eleven chains, like those that hang to a lady's watch in Europe, and almost as large, which were locked to my left leg with six-and-thirty padlocks. Over against this temple, on the other side of the great highway, at twenty feet distance, there was a turret at least five feet high.
Where the machine had stopped there was an ancient temple, thought to be the largest in the kingdom. It had been polluted some years before by a murder taking place inside it, so according to the religion of these people it was no longer holy but used for everyday things, with all the sacred objects removed. It was decided that this was where I would stay. The great gate facing north was about four feet high and two feet wide, so I could easily creep in. On each side of the gate there was a small window, only about six inches above the ground, and through the left one the king’s blacksmith carried ninety one chains, almost the size of a European lady’s watch chain, and these were locked to my leg by thirty six padlocks. Opposite this temple, twenty feet away on the other side of the highway, there was a turret at least five feet high.
Here the emperor ascended, with many principal lords of his court, to have an opportunity of viewing me, as I was told, for I could not see them. It was reckoned that above a hundred thousand inhabitants came out of the town upon the same errand; and, in spite of my guards, I believe there could not be fewer than ten thousand at several times, who mounted my body by the help of ladders. But a proclamation was soon issued, to forbid it upon pain of death. When the workmen found it was impossible for me to break loose, they cut all the strings that bound me; whereupon I rose up, with as melancholy a disposition as ever I had in my life. But the noise and astonishment of the people, at seeing me rise and walk, are not to be expressed. The chains that held my left leg were about two yards long, and gave me not only the liberty of walking backwards and forwards in a semicircle, but, being fixed within four inches of the gate, allowed me to creep in, and lie at my full length in the temple.
The emperor climbed up here, with many of the great men of his court, to have a look at me (I was told this, as I could not see them). It was thought that over a hundred thousand townspeople came out to have a look as well, and in spite of my guards (I think there weren’t less than ten thousand, on and off) some climbed up on my body with ladders. A proclamation was soon issued, banning this on pain of death. When the workmen found I couldn’t escape they cut off all the ropes which held me, and I stood up, feeling as fed up as I ever had in my life. You cannot imagine the noise and amazement of the people at seeing me get up and walk. The chains on my left leg were about two yards long and allowed me to walk to and fro in a semicircle, and also, as they were fixed four inches from the gate, they allowed me to creep in and lie down at full length in the temple.
Chapter I
[The author gives some account of himself and family. His first inducements to travel. He is shipwrecked, and swims for his life. Gets safe on shore in the country of Lilliput; is made a prisoner, and carried up the country.]
[The author writes about himself and his family. What first made him travel. He is shipwrecked and has to swim for his life. He reaches the shore of Lilliput safely and is made a prisoner and taken into the country.]
My father had a small estate in Nottinghamshire: I was the third of five sons. He sent me to Emanuel College in Cambridge at fourteen years old, where I resided three years, and applied myself close to my studies; but the charge of maintaining me, although I had a very scanty allowance, being too great for a narrow fortune, I was bound apprentice to Mr. James Bates, an eminent surgeon in London, with whom I continued four years. My father now and then sending me small sums of money, I laid them out in learning navigation, and other parts of the mathematics, useful to those who intend to travel, as I always believed it would be, some time or other, my fortune to do. When I left Mr. Bates, I went down to my father: where, by the assistance of him and my uncle John, and some other relations, I got forty pounds, and a promise of thirty pounds a year to maintain me at Leyden: there I studied physic two years and seven months, knowing it would be useful in long voyages.
My father had a small estate in Nottinghamshire, and I was the third of his five sons. He sent me to Emanuel College in Cambridge when I was fourteen, and I stayed there for three years, working hard. However, his lack of money meant he could no longer support even the small allowance I had, so I became an apprentice to Mr.James Bates, a famous London surgeon, and I stayed with him for four years. My father occasionally sent me small sums of money, which I invested in lessons on navigation and other types of mathematics which would be useful to a traveller, which is what I always thought I would end up doing at some time. When I left Mr.Bates I went to my father and he, my Uncle John and various other relations raised a sum of forty pounds for me and promised me thirty pounds a year to go to Leiden in Holland; I studied medicine there for two years and seven months, knowing it would come in handy on long voyages.
Soon after my return from Leyden, I was recommended by my good master, Mr. Bates, to be surgeon to the Swallow, Captain Abraham Pannel, commander; with whom I continued three years and a half, making a voyage or two into the Levant, and some other parts. When I came back I resolved to settle in London; to which Mr. Bates, my master, encouraged me, and by him I was recommended to several patients. I took part of a small house in the Old Jewry; and being advised to alter my condition, I married Mrs. Mary Burton, second daughter to Mr. Edmund Burton, hosier, in Newgate-street, with whom I received four hundred pounds for a portion.
But my good master Bates dying in two years after, and I having few friends, my business began to fail; for my conscience would not suffer me to imitate the bad practice of too many among my brethren. Having therefore consulted with my wife, and some of my acquaintance, I determined to go again to sea.
Soon after my return my good master, Mr.Bates, got me a place as ship’s surgeon on the Swallow under the command of Captain Abraham Pannel. I stayed on that boat for three and a half years, making a trip or two to the Eastern Mediterranean and other places. When I came back I decided that I would settle down in London; my master, Mr.Bates, encouraged me, and sent me several patients. I rented part of a small house in the Old Jewry, and having been advised to change my lifestyle I married Mrs.Mary Burton, the second daughter of Mr.Edmund Burton, a tailor in Newgate Street, and I got four hundred pounds as a dowry. But my good master Bates died two years later and as I had few friends my business began to fail, as I would not follow the sharp practice of others in the same profession. After I consulted with my wife and others I knew I decided that I should go to sea again.
I was surgeon successively in two ships, and made several voyages, for six years, to the East and West Indies, by which I got some addition to my fortune. My hours of leisure I spent in reading the best authors, ancient and modern, being always provided with a good number of books; and when I was ashore, in observing the manners and dispositions of the people, as well as learning their language; wherein I had a great facility, by the strength of my memory.
I was surgeon on two different ships, making several voyages, for six years, to both
the East and West Indies, which improved my bank balance. I always had a good number of books with me and spent my free time reading the great authors, ancient and modern; when I was ashore I would spend my time observing the customs and characters of the people, and learning their languages, which I was very good at, having an excellent memory.
The last of these voyages not proving very fortunate, I grew weary of the sea, and intended to stay at home with my wife and family. I removed from the Old Jewry to Fetter Lane, and from thence to Wapping, hoping to get business among the sailors; but it would not turn to account. After three years expectation that things would mend, I accepted an advantageous offer from Captain William Prichard, master of the Antelope, who was making a voyage to the South Sea. We set sail from Bristol, May 4, 1699, and our voyage was at first very prosperous.
The last of these voyages was not very happy, so I was tired of the sea and decided to stay at home with my wife and family. I moved from Old Jewry to Fetter Lane, and from there to Wapping, hoping to get some business amongst the sailors, but I couldn’t make a profit. After three years of hoping for things to get better I accepted a generous offer from Captain William Pritchard, Master of the Antelope, who was making a voyage to the Pacific. We set sail from Bristol on May 4th 1699, and at first our trip was very profitable.
It would not be proper, for some reasons, to trouble the reader with the particulars of our adventures in those seas; let it suffice to inform him, that in our passage from thence to the East Indies, we were driven by a violent storm to the north-west of Van Diemen's Land. By an observation, we found ourselves in the latitude of 30 degrees 2 minutes south. Twelve of our crew were dead by immoderate labour and ill food; the rest were in a very weak condition. On the 5th of November, which was the beginning of summer in those parts, the weather being very hazy, the seamen spied a rock within half a cable's length of the ship; but the wind was so strong, that we were driven directly upon it, and immediately split. Six of the crew, of whom I was one, having let down the boat into the sea, made a shift to get clear of the ship and the rock.
This is not the place to bother the reader with all the details of what happened in those seas; it’s enough to say that as we made our way to the East Indies a violent storm drove us to the north-west of Tasmania. By taking measurements we found we were at a latitude of 30 degrees 2 minutes south. Twelve of our crew were dead from exhaustion and lack of food; the others were all very weak. On the 5th of November, which is when summer begins in that region, the weather was very hazy and the sailors spotted a rock very close to the ship. The wind was so strong that we were driven straight on to it and holed. Six of the crew, including me, let down a boat and strained to get away from the ship and the rock.
We rowed, by my computation, about three leagues, till we were able to work no longer, being already spent with labour while we were in the ship. We therefore trusted ourselves to the mercy of the waves, and in about half an hour the boat was overset by a sudden flurry from the north. What became of my companions in the boat, as well as of those who escaped on the rock, or were left in the vessel, I cannot tell; but conclude they were all lost. For my own part, I swam as fortune directed me, and was pushed forward by wind and tide. I often let my legs drop, and could feel no bottom; but when I was almost gone, and able to struggle no longer, I found myself within my depth; and by this time the storm was much abated. The declivity was so small, that I walked near a mile before I got to the shore, which I conjectured was about eight o'clock in the evening. I then advanced forward near half a mile, but could not discover any sign of houses or inhabitants; at least I was in so weak a condition, that I did not observe them.
By my reckoning we rowed about ten miles, until we could do so no longer, having been exhausted by our efforts on board the ship. So we let the boat drift, and in half an hour we were overturned by a sudden gust of wind from the north. What happened to my companions in the boat, as well as the ones who got on to the rock or stayed with the ship, I cannot tell, but I assume they were all drowned. For me, I trusted to luck and was driven along by the winds and tide. I often tried to stand but could not touch bottom, but when I was almost exhausted and unable to go on I found I was within my depth, and the storm had greatly calmed. The slope of the seabed was so shallow that I walked almost a mile in the sea before I reached the shore, at what I guessed was about eight o’clock in the evening. I then walked on about half a mile, but there was no sign of houses or people, or at least, being in such a state, I didn’t see them.
I was extremely tired, and with that, and the heat of the weather, and about half a pint of brandy that I drank as I left the ship, I found myself much inclined to sleep. I lay down on the grass, which was very short and soft, where I slept sounder than ever I remembered to have done in my life, and, as I reckoned, about nine hours; for when I awaked, it was just day-light. I attempted to rise, but was not able to stir: for, as I happened to lie on my back, I found my arms and legs were strongly fastened on each side to the ground; and my hair, which was long and thick, tied down in the same manner. I likewise felt several slender ligatures across my body, from my arm-pits to my thighs. I could only look upwards; the sun began to grow hot, and the light offended my eyes. I heard a confused noise about me; but in the posture I lay, could see nothing except the sky.
I was exhausted, and that, the heat of the weather and the half pint of brandy I had drunk as I left the ship, made me feel very much like sleeping. I lay down on the grass, which was very short and soft, and had a better sleep than I ever remembered in my life for, I thought, about nine hours, for when I woke up it was just daybreak. I tried to get up, but couldn’t move, because, lying on my back, I found that my arms and legs were strongly tied down, and my hair, which was long and thick, was fastened in the same way. I could also feel several thin ropes across my body from my armpits down to my thighs. I could only look upwards, and the sun started to grow hot and the light hurt my eyes. I heard a hubbub around me, but in the position I was in I could only see the sky.
In a little time I felt something alive moving on my left leg, which advancing gently forward over my breast, came almost up to my chin; when, bending my eyes downwards as much as I could, I perceived it to be a human creature not six inches high, with a bow and arrow in his hands, and a quiver at his back. In the mean time, I felt at least forty more of the same kind (as I conjectured) following the first. I was in the utmost astonishment, and roared so loud, that they all ran back in a fright; and some of them, as I was afterwards told, were hurt with the falls they got by leaping from my sides upon the ground. However, they soon returned, and one of them, who ventured so far as to get a full sight of my face, lifting up his hands and eyes by way of admiration, cried out in a shrill but distinct voice, HEKINAH DEGUL: the others repeated the same words several times, but then I knew not what they meant. I lay all this while, as the reader may believe, in great uneasiness.
In a little while I felt some living thing on my left leg, coming gently over my chest and almost up to my chin. Looking down as far as I could I saw that it was a human, less than six inches high, with a bow and arrow in its hands and a quiver on its back. In the meantime I felt at least forty of the same kind (so I thought) following him. I was amazed, and shouted so loudly that they all ran backwards in fright, and some of them, I was told later, were hurt falling from my sides to the ground. However, they soon came back and one of them, coming far enough to get a good look at my face, cried out in a high but clear voice, “Hekinah degul”; the others repeated the same words several times but I didn’t know what they meant. I lay there for a while, extremely uneasy as you can imagine.
At length, struggling to get loose, I had the fortune to break the strings, and wrench out the pegs that fastened my left arm to the ground; for, by lifting it up to my face, I discovered the methods they had taken to bind me, and at the same time with a violent pull, which gave me excessive pain, I a little loosened the strings that tied down my hair on the left side, so that I was just able to turn my head about two inches. But the creatures ran off a second time, before I could seize them; whereupon there was a great shout in a very shrill accent, and after it ceased I heard one of them cry aloud TOLGO PHONAC; when in an instant I felt above a hundred arrows discharged on my left hand, which, pricked me like so many needles; and besides, they shot another flight into the air, as we do bombs in Europe, whereof many, I suppose, fell on my body, (though I felt them not), and some on my face, which I immediately covered with my left hand. When this shower of arrows was over, I fell a groaning with grief and pain; and then striving again to get loose, they discharged another volley larger than the first, and some of them attempted with spears to stick me in the sides; but by good luck I had on a buff jerkin, which they could not pierce.
Eventually, struggling to get loose, I managed to break the strings and pull out the pegs holding my left arm to the ground. By lifting it up to my face I could see the way I was tied, and at the same time with a great heave, which was very painful, I managed to loosen the strings which held down my hair on the left hand side, so that I could turn my head about two inches. The creatures ran off again before I could grab them, and then there was a loud shout in a very high voice, and after that I heard one of them cry, “Tolgo phonac!” and I felt over a hundred arrows hit my left hand at once, which were like a hundred needle pricks. They also shot another flight into the air, as we do with missiles in Europe, and I assume many fell on my body (though I didn’t feel them) and some fell on my face, which I at once covered with my left hand. When this shower of arrows had finished I was moaning with fear and pain, and then as I struggled to get free they fired another volley, larger than the first, and some of them tried to stick spears in my sides. Luckily I had on a leather waistcoat and they couldn’t get through it.
I thought it the most prudent method to lie still, and my design was to continue so till night, when, my left hand being already loose, I could easily free myself: and as for the inhabitants, I had reason to believe I might be a match for the greatest army they could bring against me, if they were all of the same size with him that I saw. But fortune disposed otherwise of me.
I thought the best thing to do would be to keep still, and I planned to stay like that until nightfall when, with my left hand already loose, I could easily free myself; as for the inhabitants, I thought that I could beat the largest army they could send against me, if they were all the same size as the one I saw. But fate had other plans.
When the people observed I was quiet, they discharged no more arrows; but, by the noise I heard, I knew their numbers increased; and about four yards from me, over against my right ear, I heard a knocking for above an hour, like that of people at work; when turning my head that way, as well as the pegs and strings would permit me, I saw a stage erected about a foot and a half from the ground, capable of holding four of the inhabitants, with two or three ladders to mount it: from whence one of them, who seemed to be a person of quality, made me a long speech, whereof I understood not one syllable. But I should have mentioned, that before the principal person began his oration, he cried out three times, LANGRO DEHUL SAN (these words and the former were afterwards repeated and explained to me); whereupon, immediately, about fifty of the inhabitants came and cut the strings that fastened the left side of my head, which gave me the liberty of turning it to the right, and of observing the person and gesture of him that was to speak.
When the people saw that I was quiet they didn’t fire any more arrows, but by the noise I heard I could tell that more of them had arrived. About four yards away, next to my right ear, I heard a knocking for over an hour, like people working. Turning my head that way as much as the pegs and strings would allow me I saw that a stage had been built about a foot and a half from the ground, which could hold four of the inhabitants, and there were two or three ladders to let them climb up on it. From here one of them, who seemed to be some sort of nobleman, made a long speech to me, which I didn’t understand a word of. But I should have said that before the main person began his speech he shouted out three times, “Langro dehul san!” (these words and the ones I heard before were later explained to me); at that at least fifty of the inhabitants came forward at once and cut the strings holding the left hand side of my head, which allowed me to turn my head and observe the gestures and the appearance of the speaker.
He appeared to be of a middle age, and taller than any of the other three who attended him, whereof one was a page that held up his train, and seemed to be somewhat longer than my middle finger; the other two stood one on each side to support him. He acted every part of an orator, and I could observe many periods of threatenings, and others of promises, pity, and kindness. I answered in a few words, but in the most submissive manner, lifting up my left hand, and both my eyes to the sun, as calling him for a witness; and being almost famished with hunger, having not eaten a morsel for some hours before I left the ship, I found the demands of nature so strong upon me, that I could not forbear showing my impatience (perhaps against the strict rules of decency) by putting my finger frequently to my mouth, to signify that I wanted food. The HURGO (for so they call a great lord, as I afterwards learnt) understood me very well. He descended from the stage, and commanded that several ladders should be applied to my sides, on which above a hundred of the inhabitants mounted and walked towards my mouth, laden with baskets full of meat, which had been provided and sent thither by the king's orders, upon the first intelligence he received of me. I observed there was the flesh of several animals, but could not distinguish them by the taste. There were shoulders, legs, and loins, shaped like those of mutton, and very well dressed, but smaller than the wings of a lark. I ate them by two or three at a mouthful, and took three loaves at a time, about the bigness of musket bullets.
He seemed to be middle aged, and taller than the three others with him, one of whom was a page, about the length of my middle finger, holding up his cloak, and the other two stood either side in support. He made all the gestures of an orator, and I could see that sometimes he was threatening and other times making promises and offering pity and kindness. I answered with a few words in a humble manner, lifting up my left hand and turning my eyes to the sky as if begging him to believe me. As I was almost starving, having not eaten since several hours before I left the ship, I found my hunger was so strong that I could not keep myself from (perhaps a little rudely) pointing frequently at my mouth, to show I wanted food. The Hurgo (this is what they call a great lord, as I later learned) understood me clearly. He came down from the platform and ordered that several ladders should be leaned on my sides, and over a hundred of the natives climbed up them and walked towards my mouth carrying baskets of meat; these had been got and sent there on the orders of the king, when he first heard about me. I saw that there were several kinds of meat, but I couldn’t tell them apart through taste. There were shoulders, legs and loins, shaped like those of a sheep and very well cooked but smaller than a lark’s wing. I ate then two or three at a time, and had three loaves at a time which were about the size of musket bullets.
They supplied me as fast as they could, showing a thousand marks of wonder and astonishment at my bulk and appetite. I then made another sign, that I wanted drink. They found by my eating that a small quantity would not suffice me; and being a most ingenious people, they slung up, with great dexterity, one of their largest hogsheads, then rolled it towards my hand, and beat out the top; I drank it off at a draught, which I might well do, for it did not hold half a pint, and tasted like a small wine of Burgundy, but much more delicious. They brought me a second hogshead, which I drank in the same manner, and made signs for more; but they had none to give me. When I had performed these wonders, they shouted for joy, and danced upon my breast, repeating several times as they did at first, HEKINAH DEGUL. They made me a sign that I should throw down the two hogsheads, but first warning the people below to stand out of the way, crying aloud, BORACH MEVOLAH; and when they saw the vessels in the air, there was a universal shout of HEKINAH DEGUL.
They brought the food as quickly as they could, showing absolute amazement at my size and appetite. Then I made another gesture to show that I wanted a drink. They had seen from my eating that I needed large quantities, so, being very ingenious people, they pulled up, very cunningly, one of their largest barrels, then rolled it to my hand and beat the lid in. I drank it straight down, for it wasn’t more than half a pint; it tasted like a weak Burgundy, and was much more tasty. They brought me another barrel, which I tossed off again, and made signs for more, but that was all they had. When I had done these things they shouted with joy and danced on my chest, repeating over the thing they had said at first, “Hekinah degul.” They signalled me to throw down the two barrels, first warning the people below to stand clear by shouting, “Borach mevolah!”. When they saw the barrels in the air there was a great shout of “Hekinah degul!”
I confess I was often tempted, while they were passing backwards and forwards on my body, to seize forty or fifty of the first that came in my reach, and dash them against the ground. But the remembrance of what I had felt, which probably might not be the worst they could do, and the promise of HONOR I made them--for so I interpreted my submissive behaviour--soon drove out these imaginations. Besides, I now considered myself as bound by the laws of hospitality, to a people who had treated me with so much expense and magnificence. However, in my thoughts I could not sufficiently wonder at the intrepidity of these diminutive mortals, who durst venture to mount and walk upon my body, while one of my hands was at liberty, without trembling at the very sight of so prodigious a creature as I must appear to them. After some time, when they observed that I made no more demands for meat, there appeared before me a person of high rank from his imperial majesty.
I must admit I was tempted, as they walked to and fro over my body, to grab the first forty or fifty that came within reach and smash them to the ground. But remembering what they had done before, which might not be the worst they could do, and my promise to behave – that was what I meant by my humble behavior – I soon gave up the idea. Besides, I felt I was now bound to behave as a guest, as they had treated me with such generosity. However, I couldn’t help but be amazed at the nerve of these tiny people, who dared to climb and walk on my body whilst I had a hand free without trembling at the sight of what must seem, to them, an enormous creature. After some time, when they saw I stopped asking for food, a high-ranking court official came to me.
His excellency, having mounted on the small of my right leg, advanced forwards up to my face, with about a dozen of his retinue; and producing his credentials under the signet royal, which he applied close to my eyes, spoke about ten minutes without any signs of anger, but with a kind of determinate resolution, often pointing forwards, which, as I afterwards found, was towards the capital city, about half a mile distant; whither it was agreed by his majesty in council that I must be conveyed. I answered in few words, but to no purpose, and made a sign with my hand that was loose, putting it to the other (but over his excellency's head for fear of hurting him or his train) and then to my own head and body, to signify that I desired my liberty. It appeared that he understood me well enough, for he shook his head by way of disapprobation, and held his hand in a posture to show that I must be carried as a prisoner. However, he made other signs to let me understand that I should have meat and drink enough, and very good treatment. Whereupon I once more thought of attempting to break my bonds; but again, when I felt the smart of their arrows upon my face and hands, which were all in blisters, and many of the darts still sticking in them, and observing likewise that the number of my enemies increased, I gave tokens to let them know that they might do with me what they pleased.
His excellency, having climbed up the back of my right knee, walked up to my face with about a dozen of his followers. He showed me his credentials with the royal seal, holding them close to my eyes, and spoke for about ten minutes without showing any anger, but with a kind of set determination, often pointing ahead which, I later found, was the direction of the capital city, about half a mile away; it had been decided by his majesty and his ministers that I was to be taken there. I answered in a few words, but they were not understood, so I made a sign with my free hand, moving it over him (though going high over his excellency’s head to avoid hurting him or his followers) and then over my own head and body to show that I wanted to be freed. It seemed that he understood me, but he shook his head and made a gesture to show that I was to go as a prisoner. However, he also made signs that I was to be given plenty of food and drink and would be well treated. I thought again of breaking the ropes, but when I thought of the pain of their arrows on my face and hands, which were all blistered, with many arrows still sticking in them, and realising that there were many more of them than before, I gave signs that I would do as they ordered.
Upon this, the HURGO and his train withdrew, with much civility and cheerful countenances. Soon after I heard a general shout, with frequent repetitions of the words PEPLOM SELAN; and I felt great numbers of people on my left side relaxing the cords to such a degree, that I was able to turn upon my right, and to ease myself with making water; which I very plentifully did, to the great astonishment of the people; who, conjecturing by my motion what I was going to do, immediately opened to the right and left on that side, to avoid the torrent, which fell with such noise and violence from me. But before this, they had daubed my face and both my hands with a sort of ointment, very pleasant to the smell, which, in a few minutes, removed all the smart of their arrows. These circumstances, added to the refreshment I had received by their victuals and drink, which were very nourishing, disposed me to sleep. I slept about eight hours, as I was afterwards assured; and it was no wonder, for the physicians, by the emperor's order, had mingled a sleepy potion in the hogsheads of wine.
At this the Hurgo and his followers withdrew, with great politeness and smiles on their faces. Soon after I heard a great shout, with frequent repetition of the words, “Peplom selan!”, and I felt that many people were on my left side, loosening the cords so I could turn on my right and urinate, which I did, copiously, to the amazement of the people, who had guessed what I was about to do and ran to the right and left to avoid the torrent with came from me with such noise and violence. But before this they had dabbed a pleasant smelling sort of ointment on my face and hands which removed all the pain of their arrows in a few minutes. This, and the refreshment I had from their food and drink, made me feel much better and feeling like sleep. I slept for about eight hours, I was told afterwards, and no wonder, for his majesty’s doctors had mixed a sleeping potion into the barrels of wine.
It seems, that upon the first moment I was discovered sleeping on the ground, after my landing, the emperor had early notice of it by an express; and determined in council, that I should be tied in the manner I have related, (which was done in the night while I slept;) that plenty of meat and drink should be sent to me, and a machine prepared to carry me to the capital city.
It seems that as soon as I was found sleeping on the ground, after I landed, the emperor was alerted very quickly by an express messenger, and he had decided with his ministers that I was to be tied up as I described (which they did in the night as I slept), that I should be sent plenty of meat and drink and that a machine should be built to carry me to the capital city.
This resolution perhaps may appear very bold and dangerous, and I am confident would not be imitated by any prince in Europe on the like occasion. However, in my opinion, it was extremely prudent, as well as generous: for, supposing these people had endeavoured to kill me with their spears and arrows, while I was asleep, I should certainly have awaked with the first sense of smart, which might so far have roused my rage and strength, as to have enabled me to break the strings wherewith I was tied; after which, as they were not able to make resistance, so they could expect no mercy.
This decision might seem very daring and dangerous, and I am sure there isn’t a prince in Europe who would do the same in the circumstances. However, in my opinion, it was a very good decision, as well as being generous. Supposing they had tried to kill me with their spears and arrows, when I was asleep; I should certainly have been woken by the first prick, and that might have so enraged me that I could have broken the ropes they tied me with, and then they would have been at my mercy.
These people are most excellent mathematicians, and arrived to a great perfection in mechanics, by the countenance and encouragement of the emperor, who is a renowned patron of learning. This prince has several machines fixed on wheels, for the carriage of trees and other great weights. He often builds his largest men of war, whereof some are nine feet long, in the woods where the timber grows, and has them carried on these engines three or four hundred yards to the sea. Five hundred carpenters and engineers were immediately set at work to prepare the greatest engine they had. It was a frame of wood raised three inches from the ground, about seven feet long, and four wide, moving upon twenty-two wheels. The shout I heard was upon the arrival of this engine, which, it seems, set out in four hours after my landing. It was brought parallel to me, as I lay.
These people are very clever mathematicians, and have developed great mechanical skill, through the patronage and encouragement of the emperor, who is known for sponsoring education. The prince has several wheeled machines to carry trees and other heavy weights. He often builds his largest warships, some of which are nine feet long, in the woods where the timber grows and then has them carried on these machines the three or four hundred yards down to the sea. Five hundred carpenters and engineers immediately began to prepare their biggest machine. It was a wood frame raised three inches off the ground, about seven feet by four and moving on twenty-two wheels. The shout I had heard was to greet the arrival of this machine, which it seems had set off four hours after I landed. It was brought up alongside me.
But the principal difficulty was to raise and place me in this vehicle. Eighty poles, each of one foot high, were erected for this purpose, and very strong cords, of the bigness of packthread, were fastened by hooks to many bandages, which the workmen had girt round my neck, my hands, my body, and my legs. Nine hundred of the strongest men were employed to draw up these cords, by many pulleys fastened on the poles; and thus, in less than three hours, I was raised and slung into the engine, and there tied fast. All this I was told; for, while the operation was performing, I lay in a profound sleep, by the force of that soporiferous medicine infused into my liquor. Fifteen hundred of the emperor's largest horses, each about four inches and a half high, were employed to draw me towards the metropolis, which, as I said, was half a mile distant.
The great difficulty was to lift me and put me in this vehicle. Eighty poles, each a foot high, were put up for this, and very strong cords, about as thick as packthread, were fastened with hooks to many bandages which the workmen had tied around my neck, hands, body and legs. Nine hundred of the strongest men pulled on these cords, using pulleys fastened to the poles, and so in less than three hours I was hoisted onto the machine and tied down. I was told this later, as I was asleep through the whole procedure due to the sleeping potion they had put in my wine. Fifteen hundred of the emperor’s largest horses, each one about four and a half inches high, were used to pull me to the city, which as I said was half a mile away.
About four hours after we began our journey, I awaked by a very ridiculous accident; for the carriage being stopped a while, to adjust something that was out of order, two or three of the young natives had the curiosity to see how I looked when I was asleep; they climbed up into the engine, and advancing very softly to my face, one of them, an officer in the guards, put the sharp end of his half-pike a good way up into my left nostril, which tickled my nose like a straw, and made me sneeze violently; whereupon they stole off unperceived, and it was three weeks before I knew the cause of my waking so suddenly. We made a long march the remaining part of the day, and, rested at night with five hundred guards on each side of me, half with torches, and half with bows and arrows, ready to shoot me if I should offer to stir. The next morning at sunrise we continued our march, and arrived within two hundred yards of the city gates about noon. The emperor, and all his court, came out to meet us; but his great officers would by no means suffer his majesty to endanger his person by mounting on my body.
About four hours after we began the trip I was woken by an absurd accident. The machine had stopped for a while, to adjust something that was out of order, and two or three youngsters wanted to see what I looked like asleep. They climbed up on the machine and sneaked quietly up to my face; one of them, a guards officer, put the sharp end of his spear far up my left nostril, which tickled my nose and made me sneeze violently. They sneaked off unobserved and for three weeks I didn’t know what had made me wake so suddenly. We kept marching for the rest of the day, and rested at night with five hundred guards on each side of me, half with torches and half with bows and arrows, ready to shoot me if I moved. The next morning at sunrise we carried on and by noon we were two hundred yards from the city gates. The emperor and all the court came out to meet me, but his officers would not let him risk climbing on my body.
At the place where the carriage stopped there stood an ancient temple, esteemed to be the largest in the whole kingdom; which, having been polluted some years before by an unnatural murder, was, according to the zeal of those people, looked upon as profane, and therefore had been applied to common use, and all the ornaments and furniture carried away. In this edifice it was determined I should lodge. The great gate fronting to the north was about four feet high, and almost two feet wide, through which I could easily creep. On each side of the gate was a small window, not above six inches from the ground: into that on the left side, the king's smith conveyed four-score and eleven chains, like those that hang to a lady's watch in Europe, and almost as large, which were locked to my left leg with six-and-thirty padlocks. Over against this temple, on the other side of the great highway, at twenty feet distance, there was a turret at least five feet high.
Where the machine had stopped there was an ancient temple, thought to be the largest in the kingdom. It had been polluted some years before by a murder taking place inside it, so according to the religion of these people it was no longer holy but used for everyday things, with all the sacred objects removed. It was decided that this was where I would stay. The great gate facing north was about four feet high and two feet wide, so I could easily creep in. On each side of the gate there was a small window, only about six inches above the ground, and through the left one the king’s blacksmith carried ninety one chains, almost the size of a European lady’s watch chain, and these were locked to my leg by thirty six padlocks. Opposite this temple, twenty feet away on the other side of the highway, there was a turret at least five feet high.
Here the emperor ascended, with many principal lords of his court, to have an opportunity of viewing me, as I was told, for I could not see them. It was reckoned that above a hundred thousand inhabitants came out of the town upon the same errand; and, in spite of my guards, I believe there could not be fewer than ten thousand at several times, who mounted my body by the help of ladders. But a proclamation was soon issued, to forbid it upon pain of death. When the workmen found it was impossible for me to break loose, they cut all the strings that bound me; whereupon I rose up, with as melancholy a disposition as ever I had in my life. But the noise and astonishment of the people, at seeing me rise and walk, are not to be expressed. The chains that held my left leg were about two yards long, and gave me not only the liberty of walking backwards and forwards in a semicircle, but, being fixed within four inches of the gate, allowed me to creep in, and lie at my full length in the temple.
The emperor climbed up here, with many of the great men of his court, to have a look at me (I was told this, as I could not see them). It was thought that over a hundred thousand townspeople came out to have a look as well, and in spite of my guards (I think there weren’t less than ten thousand, on and off) some climbed up on my body with ladders. A proclamation was soon issued, banning this on pain of death. When the workmen found I couldn’t escape they cut off all the ropes which held me, and I stood up, feeling as fed up as I ever had in my life. You cannot imagine the noise and amazement of the people at seeing me get up and walk. The chains on my left leg were about two yards long and allowed me to walk to and fro in a semicircle, and also, as they were fixed four inches from the gate, they allowed me to creep in and lie down at full length in the temple.
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