Reading Help Gulliver's Travels. Part II, III, IV
have been a most astonishing object, worthy to have the description `
` of it transmitted to future ages:" and the comparison of Phaeton `
` was so obvious, that he could not forbear applying it, although I `
` did not much admire the conceit. `
` `
` The captain having been at Tonquin, was, in his return to England, `
` driven north-eastward to the latitude of 44 degrees, and longitude `
` of 143. But meeting a trade-wind two days after I came on board `
` him, we sailed southward a long time, and coasting New Holland, `
` kept our course west-south-west, and then south-south-west, till we `
` doubled the Cape of Good Hope. Our voyage was very prosperous, but `
` I shall not trouble the reader with a journal of it. The captain `
` called in at one or two ports, and sent in his long-boat for `
` provisions and fresh water; but I never went out of the ship till `
` we came into the Downs, which was on the third day of June, 1706, `
` about nine months after my escape. I offered to leave my goods in `
` security for payment of my freight: but the captain protested he `
` would not receive one farthing. We took a kind leave of each `
` other, and I made him promise he would come to see me at my house `
` in Redriff. I hired a horse and guide for five shillings, which I `
` borrowed of the captain. `
` `
` As I was on the road, observing the littleness of the houses, the `
` trees, the cattle, and the people, I began to think myself in `
` Lilliput. I was afraid of trampling on every traveller I met, and `
` often called aloud to have them stand out of the way, so that I had `
` like to have gotten one or two broken heads for my impertinence. `
` `
` When I came to my own house, for which I was forced to inquire, one `
` of the servants opening the door, I bent down to go in, (like a `
` goose under a gate,) for fear of striking my head. My wife run out `
` to embrace me, but I stooped lower than her knees, thinking she `
` could otherwise never be able to reach my mouth. My daughter `
` kneeled to ask my blessing, but I could not see her till she arose, `
` having been so long used to stand with my head and eyes erect to `
` above sixty feet; and then I went to take her up with one hand by `
` the waist. I looked down upon the servants, and one or two friends `
` who were in the house, as if they had been pigmies and I a giant. `
` I told my wife, "she had been too thrifty, for I found she had `
` starved herself and her daughter to nothing." In short, I behaved `
` myself so unaccountably, that they were all of the captain's `
` opinion when he first saw me, and concluded I had lost my wits. `
` This I mention as an instance of the great power of habit and `
` prejudice. `
` `
` In a little time, I and my family and friends came to a right `
` understanding: but my wife protested "I should never go to sea any `
` more;" although my evil destiny so ordered, that she had not power `
` to hinder me, as the reader may know hereafter. In the mean time, `
` I here conclude the second part of my unfortunate voyages. `
` `
` `
` `
` `
` PART III. A VOYAGE TO LAPUTA, BALNIBARBI, LUGGNAGG, GLUBBDUBDRIB, `
` AND JAPAN. `
` `
` `
` `
` `
` CHAPTER I. `
` `
` `
` `
` [The author sets out on his third voyage. Is taken by pirates. `
` The malice of a Dutchman. His arrival at an island. He is `
` received into Laputa.] `
` `
` I had not been at home above ten days, when Captain William `
` Robinson, a Cornish man, commander of the Hopewell, a stout ship of `
` three hundred tons, came to my house. I had formerly been surgeon `
` of another ship where he was master, and a fourth part owner, in a `
` voyage to the Levant. He had always treated me more like a `
` brother, than an inferior officer; and, hearing of my arrival, made `
` me a visit, as I apprehended only out of friendship, for nothing `
` passed more than what is usual after long absences. But repeating `
` his visits often, expressing his joy to find I me in good health, `
` asking, "whether I were now settled for life?" adding, "that he `
` intended a voyage to the East Indies in two months," at last he `
` plainly invited me, though with some apologies, to be surgeon of `
` the ship; "that I should have another surgeon under me, beside our `
` two mates; that my salary should be double to the usual pay; and `
` that having experienced my knowledge in sea-affairs to be at least `
` equal to his, he would enter into any engagement to follow my `
` advice, as much as if I had shared in the command." `
` `
` He said so many other obliging things, and I knew him to be so `
` honest a man, that I could not reject this proposal; the thirst I `
` had of seeing the world, notwithstanding my past misfortunes, `
` continuing as violent as ever. The only difficulty that remained, `
` was to persuade my wife, whose consent however I at last obtained, `
` by the prospect of advantage she proposed to her children. `
` `
` We set out the 5th day of August, 1706, and arrived at Fort St. `
` George the 11th of April, 1707. We staid there three weeks to `
` refresh our crew, many of whom were sick. From thence we went to `
` Tonquin, where the captain resolved to continue some time, because `
` many of the goods he intended to buy were not ready, nor could he `
` expect to be dispatched in several months. Therefore, in hopes to `
` defray some of the charges he must be at, he bought a sloop, loaded `
` it with several sorts of goods, wherewith the Tonquinese usually `
` trade to the neighbouring islands, and putting fourteen men on `
` board, whereof three were of the country, he appointed me master of `
` the sloop, and gave me power to traffic, while he transacted his `
` affairs at Tonquin. `
` `
` We had not sailed above three days, when a great storm arising, we `
` were driven five days to the north-north-east, and then to the `
` east: after which we had fair weather, but still with a pretty `
` strong gale from the west. Upon the tenth day we were chased by `
` two pirates, who soon overtook us; for my sloop was so deep laden, `
` that she sailed very slow, neither were we in a condition to defend `
` ourselves. `
` `
` We were boarded about the same time by both the pirates, who `
` entered furiously at the head of their men; but finding us all `
` prostrate upon our faces (for so I gave order), they pinioned us `
` with strong ropes, and setting guard upon us, went to search the `
` sloop. `
` `
` I observed among them a Dutchman, who seemed to be of some `
` authority, though he was not commander of either ship. He knew us `
` by our countenances to be Englishmen, and jabbering to us in his `
` own language, swore we should be tied back to back and thrown into `
` the sea. I spoken Dutch tolerably well; I told him who we were, `
` and begged him, in consideration of our being Christians and `
` Protestants, of neighbouring countries in strict alliance, that he `
` would move the captains to take some pity on us. This inflamed his `
` rage; he repeated his threatenings, and turning to his companions, `
` spoke with great vehemence in the Japanese language, as I suppose, `
` often using the word Christianos. `
` `
` The largest of the two pirate ships was commanded by a Japanese `
` captain, who spoke a little Dutch, but very imperfectly. He came `
` up to me, and after several questions, which I answered in great `
` humility, he said, "we should not die." I made the captain a very `
` low bow, and then, turning to the Dutchman, said, "I was sorry to `
` find more mercy in a heathen, than in a brother christian." But I `
` had soon reason to repent those foolish words: for that malicious `
` reprobate, having often endeavoured in vain to persuade both the `
` captains that I might be thrown into the sea (which they would not `
` yield to, after the promise made me that I should not die), `
` however, prevailed so far, as to have a punishment inflicted on me, `
` worse, in all human appearance, than death itself. My men were `
` sent by an equal division into both the pirate ships, and my sloop `
` new manned. As to myself, it was determined that I should be set `
` adrift in a small canoe, with paddles and a sail, and four days' `
` provisions; which last, the Japanese captain was so kind to double `
` out of his own stores, and would permit no man to search me. I got `
` down into the canoe, while the Dutchman, standing upon the deck, `
` loaded me with all the curses and injurious terms his language `
` could afford. `
` `
` About an hour before we saw the pirates I had taken an observation, `
` and found we were in the latitude of 46 N. and longitude of 183. `
` When I was at some distance from the pirates, I discovered, by my `
` pocket-glass, several islands to the south-east. I set up my sail, `
` the wind being fair, with a design to reach the nearest of those `
` islands, which I made a shift to do, in about three hours. It was `
` all rocky: however I got many birds' eggs; and, striking fire, I `
` kindled some heath and dry sea-weed, by which I roasted my eggs. I `
` ate no other supper, being resolved to spare my provisions as much `
` as I could. I passed the night under the shelter of a rock, `
` strewing some heath under me, and slept pretty well. `
` `
` The next day I sailed to another island, and thence to a third and `
` fourth, sometimes using my sail, and sometimes my paddles. But, `
` not to trouble the reader with a particular account of my `
` distresses, let it suffice, that on the fifth day I arrived at the `
` last island in my sight, which lay south-south-east to the former. `
` `
` This island was at a greater distance than I expected, and I did `
` not reach it in less than five hours. I encompassed it almost `
` round, before I could find a convenient place to land in; which was `
` a small creek, about three times the wideness of my canoe. I found `
` the island to be all rocky, only a little intermingled with tufts `
` of grass, and sweet-smelling herbs. I took out my small provisions `
` and after having refreshed myself, I secured the remainder in a `
` cave, whereof there were great numbers; I gathered plenty of eggs `
` upon the rocks, and got a quantity of dry sea-weed, and parched `
` grass, which I designed to kindle the next day, and roast my eggs `
` as well as I could, for I had about me my flint, steel, match, and `
` burning-glass. I lay all night in the cave where I had lodged my `
` provisions. My bed was the same dry grass and sea-weed which I `
` intended for fuel. I slept very little, for the disquiets of my `
` mind prevailed over my weariness, and kept me awake. I considered `
` how impossible it was to preserve my life in so desolate a place, `
` and how miserable my end must be: yet found myself so listless and `
` desponding, that I had not the heart to rise; and before I could `
` get spirits enough to creep out of my cave, the day was far `
` advanced. I walked awhile among the rocks: the sky was perfectly `
` clear, and the sun so hot, that I was forced to turn my face from `
` it: when all on a sudden it became obscure, as I thought, in a `
` manner very different from what happens by the interposition of a `
` cloud. I turned back, and perceived a vast opaque body between me `
` and the sun moving forwards towards the island: it seemed to be `
` about two miles high, and hid the sun six or seven minutes; but I `
` did not observe the air to be much colder, or the sky more `
` darkened, than if I had stood under the shade of a mountain. As it `
` approached nearer over the place where I was, it appeared to be a `
` firm substance, the bottom flat, smooth, and shining very bright, `
`
` of it transmitted to future ages:" and the comparison of Phaeton `
` was so obvious, that he could not forbear applying it, although I `
` did not much admire the conceit. `
` `
` The captain having been at Tonquin, was, in his return to England, `
` driven north-eastward to the latitude of 44 degrees, and longitude `
` of 143. But meeting a trade-wind two days after I came on board `
` him, we sailed southward a long time, and coasting New Holland, `
` kept our course west-south-west, and then south-south-west, till we `
` doubled the Cape of Good Hope. Our voyage was very prosperous, but `
` I shall not trouble the reader with a journal of it. The captain `
` called in at one or two ports, and sent in his long-boat for `
` provisions and fresh water; but I never went out of the ship till `
` we came into the Downs, which was on the third day of June, 1706, `
` about nine months after my escape. I offered to leave my goods in `
` security for payment of my freight: but the captain protested he `
` would not receive one farthing. We took a kind leave of each `
` other, and I made him promise he would come to see me at my house `
` in Redriff. I hired a horse and guide for five shillings, which I `
` borrowed of the captain. `
` `
` As I was on the road, observing the littleness of the houses, the `
` trees, the cattle, and the people, I began to think myself in `
` Lilliput. I was afraid of trampling on every traveller I met, and `
` often called aloud to have them stand out of the way, so that I had `
` like to have gotten one or two broken heads for my impertinence. `
` `
` When I came to my own house, for which I was forced to inquire, one `
` of the servants opening the door, I bent down to go in, (like a `
` goose under a gate,) for fear of striking my head. My wife run out `
` to embrace me, but I stooped lower than her knees, thinking she `
` could otherwise never be able to reach my mouth. My daughter `
` kneeled to ask my blessing, but I could not see her till she arose, `
` having been so long used to stand with my head and eyes erect to `
` above sixty feet; and then I went to take her up with one hand by `
` the waist. I looked down upon the servants, and one or two friends `
` who were in the house, as if they had been pigmies and I a giant. `
` I told my wife, "she had been too thrifty, for I found she had `
` starved herself and her daughter to nothing." In short, I behaved `
` myself so unaccountably, that they were all of the captain's `
` opinion when he first saw me, and concluded I had lost my wits. `
` This I mention as an instance of the great power of habit and `
` prejudice. `
` `
` In a little time, I and my family and friends came to a right `
` understanding: but my wife protested "I should never go to sea any `
` more;" although my evil destiny so ordered, that she had not power `
` to hinder me, as the reader may know hereafter. In the mean time, `
` I here conclude the second part of my unfortunate voyages. `
` `
` `
` `
` `
` PART III. A VOYAGE TO LAPUTA, BALNIBARBI, LUGGNAGG, GLUBBDUBDRIB, `
` AND JAPAN. `
` `
` `
` `
` `
` CHAPTER I. `
` `
` `
` `
` [The author sets out on his third voyage. Is taken by pirates. `
` The malice of a Dutchman. His arrival at an island. He is `
` received into Laputa.] `
` `
` I had not been at home above ten days, when Captain William `
` Robinson, a Cornish man, commander of the Hopewell, a stout ship of `
` three hundred tons, came to my house. I had formerly been surgeon `
` of another ship where he was master, and a fourth part owner, in a `
` voyage to the Levant. He had always treated me more like a `
` brother, than an inferior officer; and, hearing of my arrival, made `
` me a visit, as I apprehended only out of friendship, for nothing `
` passed more than what is usual after long absences. But repeating `
` his visits often, expressing his joy to find I me in good health, `
` asking, "whether I were now settled for life?" adding, "that he `
` intended a voyage to the East Indies in two months," at last he `
` plainly invited me, though with some apologies, to be surgeon of `
` the ship; "that I should have another surgeon under me, beside our `
` two mates; that my salary should be double to the usual pay; and `
` that having experienced my knowledge in sea-affairs to be at least `
` equal to his, he would enter into any engagement to follow my `
` advice, as much as if I had shared in the command." `
` `
` He said so many other obliging things, and I knew him to be so `
` honest a man, that I could not reject this proposal; the thirst I `
` had of seeing the world, notwithstanding my past misfortunes, `
` continuing as violent as ever. The only difficulty that remained, `
` was to persuade my wife, whose consent however I at last obtained, `
` by the prospect of advantage she proposed to her children. `
` `
` We set out the 5th day of August, 1706, and arrived at Fort St. `
` George the 11th of April, 1707. We staid there three weeks to `
` refresh our crew, many of whom were sick. From thence we went to `
` Tonquin, where the captain resolved to continue some time, because `
` many of the goods he intended to buy were not ready, nor could he `
` expect to be dispatched in several months. Therefore, in hopes to `
` defray some of the charges he must be at, he bought a sloop, loaded `
` it with several sorts of goods, wherewith the Tonquinese usually `
` trade to the neighbouring islands, and putting fourteen men on `
` board, whereof three were of the country, he appointed me master of `
` the sloop, and gave me power to traffic, while he transacted his `
` affairs at Tonquin. `
` `
` We had not sailed above three days, when a great storm arising, we `
` were driven five days to the north-north-east, and then to the `
` east: after which we had fair weather, but still with a pretty `
` strong gale from the west. Upon the tenth day we were chased by `
` two pirates, who soon overtook us; for my sloop was so deep laden, `
` that she sailed very slow, neither were we in a condition to defend `
` ourselves. `
` `
` We were boarded about the same time by both the pirates, who `
` entered furiously at the head of their men; but finding us all `
` prostrate upon our faces (for so I gave order), they pinioned us `
` with strong ropes, and setting guard upon us, went to search the `
` sloop. `
` `
` I observed among them a Dutchman, who seemed to be of some `
` authority, though he was not commander of either ship. He knew us `
` by our countenances to be Englishmen, and jabbering to us in his `
` own language, swore we should be tied back to back and thrown into `
` the sea. I spoken Dutch tolerably well; I told him who we were, `
` and begged him, in consideration of our being Christians and `
` Protestants, of neighbouring countries in strict alliance, that he `
` would move the captains to take some pity on us. This inflamed his `
` rage; he repeated his threatenings, and turning to his companions, `
` spoke with great vehemence in the Japanese language, as I suppose, `
` often using the word Christianos. `
` `
` The largest of the two pirate ships was commanded by a Japanese `
` captain, who spoke a little Dutch, but very imperfectly. He came `
` up to me, and after several questions, which I answered in great `
` humility, he said, "we should not die." I made the captain a very `
` low bow, and then, turning to the Dutchman, said, "I was sorry to `
` find more mercy in a heathen, than in a brother christian." But I `
` had soon reason to repent those foolish words: for that malicious `
` reprobate, having often endeavoured in vain to persuade both the `
` captains that I might be thrown into the sea (which they would not `
` yield to, after the promise made me that I should not die), `
` however, prevailed so far, as to have a punishment inflicted on me, `
` worse, in all human appearance, than death itself. My men were `
` sent by an equal division into both the pirate ships, and my sloop `
` new manned. As to myself, it was determined that I should be set `
` adrift in a small canoe, with paddles and a sail, and four days' `
` provisions; which last, the Japanese captain was so kind to double `
` out of his own stores, and would permit no man to search me. I got `
` down into the canoe, while the Dutchman, standing upon the deck, `
` loaded me with all the curses and injurious terms his language `
` could afford. `
` `
` About an hour before we saw the pirates I had taken an observation, `
` and found we were in the latitude of 46 N. and longitude of 183. `
` When I was at some distance from the pirates, I discovered, by my `
` pocket-glass, several islands to the south-east. I set up my sail, `
` the wind being fair, with a design to reach the nearest of those `
` islands, which I made a shift to do, in about three hours. It was `
` all rocky: however I got many birds' eggs; and, striking fire, I `
` kindled some heath and dry sea-weed, by which I roasted my eggs. I `
` ate no other supper, being resolved to spare my provisions as much `
` as I could. I passed the night under the shelter of a rock, `
` strewing some heath under me, and slept pretty well. `
` `
` The next day I sailed to another island, and thence to a third and `
` fourth, sometimes using my sail, and sometimes my paddles. But, `
` not to trouble the reader with a particular account of my `
` distresses, let it suffice, that on the fifth day I arrived at the `
` last island in my sight, which lay south-south-east to the former. `
` `
` This island was at a greater distance than I expected, and I did `
` not reach it in less than five hours. I encompassed it almost `
` round, before I could find a convenient place to land in; which was `
` a small creek, about three times the wideness of my canoe. I found `
` the island to be all rocky, only a little intermingled with tufts `
` of grass, and sweet-smelling herbs. I took out my small provisions `
` and after having refreshed myself, I secured the remainder in a `
` cave, whereof there were great numbers; I gathered plenty of eggs `
` upon the rocks, and got a quantity of dry sea-weed, and parched `
` grass, which I designed to kindle the next day, and roast my eggs `
` as well as I could, for I had about me my flint, steel, match, and `
` burning-glass. I lay all night in the cave where I had lodged my `
` provisions. My bed was the same dry grass and sea-weed which I `
` intended for fuel. I slept very little, for the disquiets of my `
` mind prevailed over my weariness, and kept me awake. I considered `
` how impossible it was to preserve my life in so desolate a place, `
` and how miserable my end must be: yet found myself so listless and `
` desponding, that I had not the heart to rise; and before I could `
` get spirits enough to creep out of my cave, the day was far `
` advanced. I walked awhile among the rocks: the sky was perfectly `
` clear, and the sun so hot, that I was forced to turn my face from `
` it: when all on a sudden it became obscure, as I thought, in a `
` manner very different from what happens by the interposition of a `
` cloud. I turned back, and perceived a vast opaque body between me `
` and the sun moving forwards towards the island: it seemed to be `
` about two miles high, and hid the sun six or seven minutes; but I `
` did not observe the air to be much colder, or the sky more `
` darkened, than if I had stood under the shade of a mountain. As it `
` approached nearer over the place where I was, it appeared to be a `
` firm substance, the bottom flat, smooth, and shining very bright, `
`