Reading Help Gulliver's Travels. Part II, III, IV
Luggnagg. The author confined. He is sent for to court. The `
` manner of his admittance. The king's great lenity to his `
` subjects.] `
` `
` The day of our departure being come, I took leave of his highness, `
` the Governor of Glubbdubdrib, and returned with my two companions `
` to Maldonada, where, after a fortnight's waiting, a ship was ready `
` to sail for Luggnagg. The two gentlemen, and some others, were so `
` generous and kind as to furnish me with provisions, and see me on `
` board. I was a month in this voyage. We had one violent storm, `
` and were under a necessity of steering westward to get into the `
` trade wind, which holds for above sixty leagues. On the 21st of `
` April, 1708, we sailed into the river of Clumegnig, which is a `
` seaport town, at the south-east point of Luggnagg. We cast anchor `
` within a league of the town, and made a signal for a pilot. Two of `
` them came on board in less than half an hour, by whom we were `
` guided between certain shoals and rocks, which are very dangerous `
` in the passage, to a large basin, where a fleet may ride in safety `
` within a cable's length of the town-wall. `
` `
` Some of our sailors, whether out of treachery or inadvertence, had `
` informed the pilots "that I was a stranger, and great traveller;" `
` whereof these gave notice to a custom-house officer, by whom I was `
` examined very strictly upon my landing. This officer spoke to me `
` in the language of Balnibarbi, which, by the force of much `
` commerce, is generally understood in that town, especially by `
` seamen and those employed in the customs. I gave him a short `
` account of some particulars, and made my story as plausible and `
` consistent as I could; but I thought it necessary to disguise my `
` country, and call myself a Hollander; because my intentions were `
` for Japan, and I knew the Dutch were the only Europeans permitted `
` to enter into that kingdom. I therefore told the officer, "that `
` having been shipwrecked on the coast of Balnibarbi, and cast on a `
` rock, I was received up into Laputa, or the flying island (of which `
` he had often heard), and was now endeavouring to get to Japan, `
` whence I might find a convenience of returning to my own country." `
` The officer said, "I must be confined till he could receive orders `
` from court, for which he would write immediately, and hoped to `
` receive an answer in a fortnight." I was carried to a convenient `
` lodging with a sentry placed at the door; however, I had the `
` liberty of a large garden, and was treated with humanity enough, `
` being maintained all the time at the king's charge. I was invited `
` by several persons, chiefly out of curiosity, because it was `
` reported that I came from countries very remote, of which they had `
` never heard. `
` `
` I hired a young man, who came in the same ship, to be an `
` interpreter; he was a native of Luggnagg, but had lived some years `
` at Maldonada, and was a perfect master of both languages. By his `
` assistance, I was able to hold a conversation with those who came `
` to visit me; but this consisted only of their questions, and my `
` answers. `
` `
` The despatch came from court about the time we expected. It `
` contained a warrant for conducting me and my retinue to `
` Traldragdubh, or Trildrogdrib (for it is pronounced both ways as `
` near as I can remember), by a party of ten horse. All my retinue `
` was that poor lad for an interpreter, whom I persuaded into my `
` service, and, at my humble request, we had each of us a mule to `
` ride on. A messenger was despatched half a day's journey before `
` us, to give the king notice of my approach, and to desire, "that `
` his majesty would please to appoint a day and hour, when it would `
` by his gracious pleasure that I might have the honour to lick the `
` dust before his footstool." This is the court style, and I found `
` it to be more than matter of form: for, upon my admittance two `
` days after my arrival, I was commanded to crawl upon my belly, and `
` lick the floor as I advanced; but, on account of my being a `
` stranger, care was taken to have it made so clean, that the dust `
` was not offensive. However, this was a peculiar grace, not allowed `
` to any but persons of the highest rank, when they desire an `
` admittance. Nay, sometimes the floor is strewed with dust on `
` purpose, when the person to be admitted happens to have powerful `
` enemies at court; and I have seen a great lord with his mouth so `
` crammed, that when he had crept to the proper distance from the `
` throne; he was not able to speak a word. Neither is there any `
` remedy; because it is capital for those, who receive an audience to `
` spit or wipe their mouths in his majesty's presence. There is `
` indeed another custom, which I cannot altogether approve of: when `
` the king has a mind to put any of his nobles to death in a gentle `
` indulgent manner, he commands the floor to be strewed with a `
` certain brown powder of a deadly composition, which being licked `
` up, infallibly kills him in twenty-four hours. But in justice to `
` this prince's great clemency, and the care he has of his subjects' `
` lives (wherein it were much to be wished that the Monarchs of `
` Europe would imitate him), it must be mentioned for his honour, `
` that strict orders are given to have the infected parts of the `
` floor well washed after every such execution, which, if his `
` domestics neglect, they are in danger of incurring his royal `
` displeasure. I myself heard him give directions, that one of his `
` pages should be whipped, whose turn it was to give notice about `
` washing the floor after an execution, but maliciously had omitted `
` it; by which neglect a young lord of great hopes, coming to an `
` audience, was unfortunately poisoned, although the king at that `
` time had no design against his life. But this good prince was so `
` gracious as to forgive the poor page his whipping, upon promise `
` that he would do so no more, without special orders. `
` `
` To return from this digression. When I had crept within four yards `
` of the throne, I raised myself gently upon my knees, and then `
` striking my forehead seven times against the ground, I pronounced `
` the following words, as they had been taught me the night before, `
` Inckpling gloffthrobb squut serummblhiop mlashnalt zwin `
` tnodbalkuffh slhiophad gurdlubh asht. This is the compliment, `
` established by the laws of the land, for all persons admitted to `
` the king's presence. It may be rendered into English thus: "May `
` your celestial majesty outlive the sun, eleven moons and a half!" `
` To this the king returned some answer, which, although I could not `
` understand, yet I replied as I had been directed: Fluft drin `
` yalerick dwuldom prastrad mirpush, which properly signifies, "My `
` tongue is in the mouth of my friend;" and by this expression was `
` meant, that I desired leave to bring my interpreter; whereupon the `
` young man already mentioned was accordingly introduced, by whose `
` intervention I answered as many questions as his majesty could put `
` in above an hour. I spoke in the Balnibarbian tongue, and my `
` interpreter delivered my meaning in that of Luggnagg. `
` `
` The king was much delighted with my company, and ordered his `
` bliffmarklub, or high-chamberlain, to appoint a lodging in the `
` court for me and my interpreter; with a daily allowance for my `
` table, and a large purse of gold for my common expenses. `
` `
` I staid three months in this country, out of perfect obedience to `
` his majesty; who was pleased highly to favour me, and made me very `
` honourable offers. But I thought it more consistent with prudence `
` and justice to pass the remainder of my days with my wife and `
` family. `
` `
` `
` `
` CHAPTER X. `
` `
` `
` `
` [The Luggnaggians commended. A particular description of the `
` Struldbrugs, with many conversations between the author and some `
` eminent persons upon that subject.] `
` `
` The Luggnaggians are a polite and generous people; and although `
` they are not without some share of that pride which is peculiar to `
` all Eastern countries, yet they show themselves courteous to `
` strangers, especially such who are countenanced by the court. I `
` had many acquaintance, and among persons of the best fashion; and `
` being always attended by my interpreter, the conversation we had `
` was not disagreeable. `
` `
` One day, in much good company, I was asked by a person of quality, `
` "whether I had seen any of their struldbrugs, or immortals?" I `
` said, "I had not;" and desired he would explain to me "what he `
` meant by such an appellation, applied to a mortal creature." He `
` told me "that sometimes, though very rarely, a child happened to be `
` born in a family, with a red circular spot in the forehead, `
` directly over the left eyebrow, which was an infallible mark that `
` it should never die." The spot, as he described it, "was about the `
` compass of a silver threepence, but in the course of time grew `
` larger, and changed its colour; for at twelve years old it became `
` green, so continued till five and twenty, then turned to a deep `
` blue: at five and forty it grew coal black, and as large as an `
` English shilling; but never admitted any further alteration." He `
` said, "these births were so rare, that he did not believe there `
` could be above eleven hundred struldbrugs, of both sexes, in the `
` whole kingdom; of which he computed about fifty in the metropolis, `
` and, among the rest, a young girl born; about three years ago: `
` that these productions were not peculiar to any family, but a mere `
` effect of chance; and the children of the struldbrugs themselves `
` were equally mortal with the rest of the people." `
` `
` I freely own myself to have been struck with inexpressible delight, `
` upon hearing this account: and the person who gave it me happening `
` to understand the Balnibarbian language, which I spoke very well, I `
` could not forbear breaking out into expressions, perhaps a little `
` too extravagant. I cried out, as in a rapture, "Happy nation, `
` where every child hath at least a chance for being immortal! Happy `
` people, who enjoy so many living examples of ancient virtue, and `
` have masters ready to instruct them in the wisdom of all former `
` ages! but happiest, beyond all comparison, are those excellent `
` struldbrugs, who, being born exempt from that universal calamity of `
` human nature, have their minds free and disengaged, without the `
` weight and depression of spirits caused by the continual `
` apprehensions of death!" I discovered my admiration that I had not `
` observed any of these illustrious persons at court; the black spot `
` on the forehead being so remarkable a distinction, that I could not `
` have easily overlooked it: and it was impossible that his majesty, `
` a most judicious prince, should not provide himself with a good `
` number of such wise and able counsellors. Yet perhaps the virtue `
` of those reverend sages was too strict for the corrupt and `
` libertine manners of a court: and we often find by experience, `
` that young men are too opinionated and volatile to be guided by the `
` sober dictates of their seniors. However, since the king was `
` pleased to allow me access to his royal person, I was resolved, `
` upon the very first occasion, to deliver my opinion to him on this `
` matter freely and at large, by the help of my interpreter; and `
` whether he would please to take my advice or not, yet in one thing `
` I was determined, that his majesty having frequently offered me an `
` establishment in this country, I would, with great thankfulness, `
` accept the favour, and pass my life here in the conversation of `
` those superior beings the struldbrugs, if they would please to `
` admit me." `
` `
` The gentleman to whom I addressed my discourse, because (as I have `
` already observed) he spoke the language of Balnibarbi, said to me, `
` with a sort of a smile which usually arises from pity to the `
`
` manner of his admittance. The king's great lenity to his `
` subjects.] `
` `
` The day of our departure being come, I took leave of his highness, `
` the Governor of Glubbdubdrib, and returned with my two companions `
` to Maldonada, where, after a fortnight's waiting, a ship was ready `
` to sail for Luggnagg. The two gentlemen, and some others, were so `
` generous and kind as to furnish me with provisions, and see me on `
` board. I was a month in this voyage. We had one violent storm, `
` and were under a necessity of steering westward to get into the `
` trade wind, which holds for above sixty leagues. On the 21st of `
` April, 1708, we sailed into the river of Clumegnig, which is a `
` seaport town, at the south-east point of Luggnagg. We cast anchor `
` within a league of the town, and made a signal for a pilot. Two of `
` them came on board in less than half an hour, by whom we were `
` guided between certain shoals and rocks, which are very dangerous `
` in the passage, to a large basin, where a fleet may ride in safety `
` within a cable's length of the town-wall. `
` `
` Some of our sailors, whether out of treachery or inadvertence, had `
` informed the pilots "that I was a stranger, and great traveller;" `
` whereof these gave notice to a custom-house officer, by whom I was `
` examined very strictly upon my landing. This officer spoke to me `
` in the language of Balnibarbi, which, by the force of much `
` commerce, is generally understood in that town, especially by `
` seamen and those employed in the customs. I gave him a short `
` account of some particulars, and made my story as plausible and `
` consistent as I could; but I thought it necessary to disguise my `
` country, and call myself a Hollander; because my intentions were `
` for Japan, and I knew the Dutch were the only Europeans permitted `
` to enter into that kingdom. I therefore told the officer, "that `
` having been shipwrecked on the coast of Balnibarbi, and cast on a `
` rock, I was received up into Laputa, or the flying island (of which `
` he had often heard), and was now endeavouring to get to Japan, `
` whence I might find a convenience of returning to my own country." `
` The officer said, "I must be confined till he could receive orders `
` from court, for which he would write immediately, and hoped to `
` receive an answer in a fortnight." I was carried to a convenient `
` lodging with a sentry placed at the door; however, I had the `
` liberty of a large garden, and was treated with humanity enough, `
` being maintained all the time at the king's charge. I was invited `
` by several persons, chiefly out of curiosity, because it was `
` reported that I came from countries very remote, of which they had `
` never heard. `
` `
` I hired a young man, who came in the same ship, to be an `
` interpreter; he was a native of Luggnagg, but had lived some years `
` at Maldonada, and was a perfect master of both languages. By his `
` assistance, I was able to hold a conversation with those who came `
` to visit me; but this consisted only of their questions, and my `
` answers. `
` `
` The despatch came from court about the time we expected. It `
` contained a warrant for conducting me and my retinue to `
` Traldragdubh, or Trildrogdrib (for it is pronounced both ways as `
` near as I can remember), by a party of ten horse. All my retinue `
` was that poor lad for an interpreter, whom I persuaded into my `
` service, and, at my humble request, we had each of us a mule to `
` ride on. A messenger was despatched half a day's journey before `
` us, to give the king notice of my approach, and to desire, "that `
` his majesty would please to appoint a day and hour, when it would `
` by his gracious pleasure that I might have the honour to lick the `
` dust before his footstool." This is the court style, and I found `
` it to be more than matter of form: for, upon my admittance two `
` days after my arrival, I was commanded to crawl upon my belly, and `
` lick the floor as I advanced; but, on account of my being a `
` stranger, care was taken to have it made so clean, that the dust `
` was not offensive. However, this was a peculiar grace, not allowed `
` to any but persons of the highest rank, when they desire an `
` admittance. Nay, sometimes the floor is strewed with dust on `
` purpose, when the person to be admitted happens to have powerful `
` enemies at court; and I have seen a great lord with his mouth so `
` crammed, that when he had crept to the proper distance from the `
` throne; he was not able to speak a word. Neither is there any `
` remedy; because it is capital for those, who receive an audience to `
` spit or wipe their mouths in his majesty's presence. There is `
` indeed another custom, which I cannot altogether approve of: when `
` the king has a mind to put any of his nobles to death in a gentle `
` indulgent manner, he commands the floor to be strewed with a `
` certain brown powder of a deadly composition, which being licked `
` up, infallibly kills him in twenty-four hours. But in justice to `
` this prince's great clemency, and the care he has of his subjects' `
` lives (wherein it were much to be wished that the Monarchs of `
` Europe would imitate him), it must be mentioned for his honour, `
` that strict orders are given to have the infected parts of the `
` floor well washed after every such execution, which, if his `
` domestics neglect, they are in danger of incurring his royal `
` displeasure. I myself heard him give directions, that one of his `
` pages should be whipped, whose turn it was to give notice about `
` washing the floor after an execution, but maliciously had omitted `
` it; by which neglect a young lord of great hopes, coming to an `
` audience, was unfortunately poisoned, although the king at that `
` time had no design against his life. But this good prince was so `
` gracious as to forgive the poor page his whipping, upon promise `
` that he would do so no more, without special orders. `
` `
` To return from this digression. When I had crept within four yards `
` of the throne, I raised myself gently upon my knees, and then `
` striking my forehead seven times against the ground, I pronounced `
` the following words, as they had been taught me the night before, `
` Inckpling gloffthrobb squut serummblhiop mlashnalt zwin `
` tnodbalkuffh slhiophad gurdlubh asht. This is the compliment, `
` established by the laws of the land, for all persons admitted to `
` the king's presence. It may be rendered into English thus: "May `
` your celestial majesty outlive the sun, eleven moons and a half!" `
` To this the king returned some answer, which, although I could not `
` understand, yet I replied as I had been directed: Fluft drin `
` yalerick dwuldom prastrad mirpush, which properly signifies, "My `
` tongue is in the mouth of my friend;" and by this expression was `
` meant, that I desired leave to bring my interpreter; whereupon the `
` young man already mentioned was accordingly introduced, by whose `
` intervention I answered as many questions as his majesty could put `
` in above an hour. I spoke in the Balnibarbian tongue, and my `
` interpreter delivered my meaning in that of Luggnagg. `
` `
` The king was much delighted with my company, and ordered his `
` bliffmarklub, or high-chamberlain, to appoint a lodging in the `
` court for me and my interpreter; with a daily allowance for my `
` table, and a large purse of gold for my common expenses. `
` `
` I staid three months in this country, out of perfect obedience to `
` his majesty; who was pleased highly to favour me, and made me very `
` honourable offers. But I thought it more consistent with prudence `
` and justice to pass the remainder of my days with my wife and `
` family. `
` `
` `
` `
` CHAPTER X. `
` `
` `
` `
` [The Luggnaggians commended. A particular description of the `
` Struldbrugs, with many conversations between the author and some `
` eminent persons upon that subject.] `
` `
` The Luggnaggians are a polite and generous people; and although `
` they are not without some share of that pride which is peculiar to `
` all Eastern countries, yet they show themselves courteous to `
` strangers, especially such who are countenanced by the court. I `
` had many acquaintance, and among persons of the best fashion; and `
` being always attended by my interpreter, the conversation we had `
` was not disagreeable. `
` `
` One day, in much good company, I was asked by a person of quality, `
` "whether I had seen any of their struldbrugs, or immortals?" I `
` said, "I had not;" and desired he would explain to me "what he `
` meant by such an appellation, applied to a mortal creature." He `
` told me "that sometimes, though very rarely, a child happened to be `
` born in a family, with a red circular spot in the forehead, `
` directly over the left eyebrow, which was an infallible mark that `
` it should never die." The spot, as he described it, "was about the `
` compass of a silver threepence, but in the course of time grew `
` larger, and changed its colour; for at twelve years old it became `
` green, so continued till five and twenty, then turned to a deep `
` blue: at five and forty it grew coal black, and as large as an `
` English shilling; but never admitted any further alteration." He `
` said, "these births were so rare, that he did not believe there `
` could be above eleven hundred struldbrugs, of both sexes, in the `
` whole kingdom; of which he computed about fifty in the metropolis, `
` and, among the rest, a young girl born; about three years ago: `
` that these productions were not peculiar to any family, but a mere `
` effect of chance; and the children of the struldbrugs themselves `
` were equally mortal with the rest of the people." `
` `
` I freely own myself to have been struck with inexpressible delight, `
` upon hearing this account: and the person who gave it me happening `
` to understand the Balnibarbian language, which I spoke very well, I `
` could not forbear breaking out into expressions, perhaps a little `
` too extravagant. I cried out, as in a rapture, "Happy nation, `
` where every child hath at least a chance for being immortal! Happy `
` people, who enjoy so many living examples of ancient virtue, and `
` have masters ready to instruct them in the wisdom of all former `
` ages! but happiest, beyond all comparison, are those excellent `
` struldbrugs, who, being born exempt from that universal calamity of `
` human nature, have their minds free and disengaged, without the `
` weight and depression of spirits caused by the continual `
` apprehensions of death!" I discovered my admiration that I had not `
` observed any of these illustrious persons at court; the black spot `
` on the forehead being so remarkable a distinction, that I could not `
` have easily overlooked it: and it was impossible that his majesty, `
` a most judicious prince, should not provide himself with a good `
` number of such wise and able counsellors. Yet perhaps the virtue `
` of those reverend sages was too strict for the corrupt and `
` libertine manners of a court: and we often find by experience, `
` that young men are too opinionated and volatile to be guided by the `
` sober dictates of their seniors. However, since the king was `
` pleased to allow me access to his royal person, I was resolved, `
` upon the very first occasion, to deliver my opinion to him on this `
` matter freely and at large, by the help of my interpreter; and `
` whether he would please to take my advice or not, yet in one thing `
` I was determined, that his majesty having frequently offered me an `
` establishment in this country, I would, with great thankfulness, `
` accept the favour, and pass my life here in the conversation of `
` those superior beings the struldbrugs, if they would please to `
` admit me." `
` `
` The gentleman to whom I addressed my discourse, because (as I have `
` already observed) he spoke the language of Balnibarbi, said to me, `
` with a sort of a smile which usually arises from pity to the `
`