Reading Help Gulliver's Travels. Part II, III, IV
very particularly so that you may know their age by consulting the `
` register, which, however, has not been kept above a thousand years `
` past, or at least has been destroyed by time or public `
` disturbances. But the usual way of computing how old they are, is `
` by asking them what kings or great persons they can remember, and `
` then consulting history; for infallibly the last prince in their `
` mind did not begin his reign after they were fourscore years old. `
` `
` They were the most mortifying sight I ever beheld; and the women `
` more horrible than the men. Besides the usual deformities in `
` extreme old age, they acquired an additional ghastliness, in `
` proportion to their number of years, which is not to be described; `
` and among half a dozen, I soon distinguished which was the eldest, `
` although there was not above a century or two between them. `
` `
` The reader will easily believe, that from what I had hear and seen, `
` my keen appetite for perpetuity of life was much abated. I grew `
` heartily ashamed of the pleasing visions I had formed; and thought `
` no tyrant could invent a death into which I would not run with `
` pleasure, from such a life. The king heard of all that had passed `
` between me and my friends upon this occasion, and rallied me very `
` pleasantly; wishing I could send a couple of struldbrugs to my own `
` country, to arm our people against the fear of death; but this, it `
` seems, is forbidden by the fundamental laws of the kingdom, or else `
` I should have been well content with the trouble and expense of `
` transporting them. `
` `
` I could not but agree, that the laws of this kingdom relative to `
` the struldbrugs were founded upon the strongest reasons, and such `
` as any other country would be under the necessity of enacting, in `
` the like circumstances. Otherwise, as avarice is the necessary `
` consequence of old age, those immortals would in time become `
` proprietors of the whole nation, and engross the civil power, `
` which, for want of abilities to manage, must end in the ruin of the `
` public. `
` `
` `
` `
` CHAPTER XI. `
` `
` `
` `
` [The author leaves Luggnagg, and sails to Japan. From thence he `
` returns in a Dutch ship to Amsterdam, and from Amsterdam to `
` England.] `
` `
` I thought this account of the struldbrugs might be some `
` entertainment to the reader, because it seems to be a little out of `
` the common way; at least I do not remember to have met the like in `
` any book of travels that has come to my hands: and if I am `
` deceived, my excuse must be, that it is necessary for travellers `
` who describe the same country, very often to agree in dwelling on `
` the same particulars, without deserving the censure of having `
` borrowed or transcribed from those who wrote before them. `
` `
` There is indeed a perpetual commerce between this kingdom and the `
` great empire of Japan; and it is very probable, that the Japanese `
` authors may have given some account of the struldbrugs; but my stay `
` in Japan was so short, and I was so entirely a stranger to the `
` language, that I was not qualified to make any inquiries. But I `
` hope the Dutch, upon this notice, will be curious and able enough `
` to supply my defects. `
` `
` His majesty having often pressed me to accept some employment in `
` his court, and finding me absolutely determined to return to my `
` native country, was pleased to give me his license to depart; and `
` honoured me with a letter of recommendation, under his own hand, to `
` the Emperor of Japan. He likewise presented me with four hundred `
` and forty-four large pieces of gold (this nation delighting in even `
` numbers), and a red diamond, which I sold in England for eleven `
` hundred pounds. `
` `
` On the 6th of May, 1709, I took a solemn leave of his majesty, and `
` all my friends. This prince was so gracious as to order a guard to `
` conduct me to Glanguenstald, which is a royal port to the south- `
` west part of the island. In six days I found a vessel ready to `
` carry me to Japan, and spent fifteen days in the voyage. We landed `
` at a small port-town called Xamoschi, situated on the south-east `
` part of Japan; the town lies on the western point, where there is a `
` narrow strait leading northward into along arm of the sea, upon the `
` north-west part of which, Yedo, the metropolis, stands. At `
` landing, I showed the custom-house officers my letter from the king `
` of Luggnagg to his imperial majesty. They knew the seal perfectly `
` well; it was as broad as the palm of my hand. The impression was, `
` A KING LIFTING UP A LAME BEGGAR FROM THE EARTH. The magistrates of `
` the town, hearing of my letter, received me as a public minister. `
` They provided me with carriages and servants, and bore my charges `
` to Yedo; where I was admitted to an audience, and delivered my `
` letter, which was opened with great ceremony, and explained to the `
` Emperor by an interpreter, who then gave me notice, by his `
` majesty's order, "that I should signify my request, and, whatever `
` it were, it should be granted, for the sake of his royal brother of `
` Luggnagg." This interpreter was a person employed to transact `
` affairs with the Hollanders. He soon conjectured, by my `
` countenance, that I was a European, and therefore repeated his `
` majesty's commands in Low Dutch, which he spoke perfectly well. I `
` answered, as I had before determined, "that I was a Dutch merchant, `
` shipwrecked in a very remote country, whence I had travelled by sea `
` and land to Luggnagg, and then took shipping for Japan; where I `
` knew my countrymen often traded, and with some of these I hoped to `
` get an opportunity of returning into Europe: I therefore most `
` humbly entreated his royal favour, to give order that I should be `
` conducted in safety to Nangasac." To this I added another `
` petition, "that for the sake of my patron the king of Luggnagg, his `
` majesty would condescend to excuse my performing the ceremony `
` imposed on my countrymen, of trampling upon the crucifix: because `
` I had been thrown into his kingdom by my misfortunes, without any `
` intention of trading." When this latter petition was interpreted `
` to the Emperor, he seemed a little surprised; and said, "he `
` believed I was the first of my countrymen who ever made any scruple `
` in this point; and that he began to doubt, whether I was a real `
` Hollander, or not; but rather suspected I must be a Christian. `
` However, for the reasons I had offered, but chiefly to gratify the `
` king of Luggnagg by an uncommon mark of his favour, he would comply `
` with the singularity of my humour; but the affair must be managed `
` with dexterity, and his officers should be commanded to let me `
` pass, as it were by forgetfulness. For he assured me, that if the `
` secret should be discovered by my countrymen the Dutch, they would `
` cut my throat in the voyage." I returned my thanks, by the `
` interpreter, for so unusual a favour; and some troops being at that `
` time on their march to Nangasac, the commanding officer had orders `
` to convey me safe thither, with particular instructions about the `
` business of the crucifix. `
` `
` On the 9th day of June, 1709, I arrived at Nangasac, after a very `
` long and troublesome journey. I soon fell into the company of some `
` Dutch sailors belonging to the Amboyna, of Amsterdam, a stout ship `
` of 450 tons. I had lived long in Holland, pursuing my studies at `
` Leyden, and I spoke Dutch well. The seamen soon knew whence I came `
` last: they were curious to inquire into my voyages and course of `
` life. I made up a story as short and probable as I could, but `
` concealed the greatest part. I knew many persons in Holland. I `
` was able to invent names for my parents, whom I pretended to be `
` obscure people in the province of Gelderland. I would have given `
` the captain (one Theodorus Vangrult) what he pleased to ask for my `
` voyage to Holland; but understanding I was a surgeon, he was `
` contented to take half the usual rate, on condition that I would `
` serve him in the way of my calling. Before we took shipping, I was `
` often asked by some of the crew, whether I had performed the `
` ceremony above mentioned? I evaded the question by general `
` answers; "that I had satisfied the Emperor and court in all `
` particulars." However, a malicious rogue of a skipper went to an `
` officer, and pointing to me, told him, "I had not yet trampled on `
` the crucifix;" but the other, who had received instructions to let `
` me pass, gave the rascal twenty strokes on the shoulders with a `
` bamboo; after which I was no more troubled with such questions. `
` `
` Nothing happened worth mentioning in this voyage. We sailed with a `
` fair wind to the Cape of Good Hope, where we staid only to take in `
` fresh water. On the 10th of April, 1710, we arrived safe at `
` Amsterdam, having lost only three men by sickness in the voyage, `
` and a fourth, who fell from the foremast into the sea, not far from `
` the coast of Guinea. From Amsterdam I soon after set sail for `
` England, in a small vessel belonging to that city. `
` `
` On the 16th of April we put in at the Downs. I landed next `
` morning, and saw once more my native country, after an absence of `
` five years and six months complete. I went straight to Redriff, `
` where I arrived the same day at two in the afternoon, and found my `
` wife and family in good health. `
` `
` `
` `
` `
` PART IV--A VOYAGE TO THE COUNTRY OF THE HOUYHNHNMS. `
` `
` `
` `
` `
` CHAPTER I. `
` `
` `
` `
` [The author sets out as captain of a ship. His men conspire `
` against him, confine him a long time to his cabin, and set him on `
` shore in an unknown land. He travels up into the country. The `
` Yahoos, a strange sort of animal, described. The author meets two `
` Houyhnhnms.] `
` `
` I continued at home with my wife and children about five months, in `
` a very happy condition, if I could have learned the lesson of `
` knowing when I was well. I left my poor wife big with child, and `
` accepted an advantageous offer made me to be captain of the `
` Adventurer, a stout merchantman of 350 tons: for I understood `
` navigation well, and being grown weary of a surgeon's employment at `
` sea, which, however, I could exercise upon occasion, I took a `
` skilful young man of that calling, one Robert Purefoy, into my `
` ship. We set sail from Portsmouth upon the 7th day of September, `
` 1710; on the 14th we met with Captain Pocock, of Bristol, at `
` Teneriffe, who was going to the bay of Campechy to cut logwood. On `
` the 16th, he was parted from us by a storm; I heard since my `
` return, that his ship foundered, and none escaped but one cabin `
` boy. He was an honest man, and a good sailor, but a little too `
` positive in his own opinions, which was the cause of his `
` destruction, as it has been with several others; for if he had `
` followed my advice, he might have been safe at home with his family `
` at this time, as well as myself. `
` `
` I had several men who died in my ship of calentures, so that I was `
` forced to get recruits out of Barbadoes and the Leeward Islands, `
` where I touched, by the direction of the merchants who employed me; `
`
` register, which, however, has not been kept above a thousand years `
` past, or at least has been destroyed by time or public `
` disturbances. But the usual way of computing how old they are, is `
` by asking them what kings or great persons they can remember, and `
` then consulting history; for infallibly the last prince in their `
` mind did not begin his reign after they were fourscore years old. `
` `
` They were the most mortifying sight I ever beheld; and the women `
` more horrible than the men. Besides the usual deformities in `
` extreme old age, they acquired an additional ghastliness, in `
` proportion to their number of years, which is not to be described; `
` and among half a dozen, I soon distinguished which was the eldest, `
` although there was not above a century or two between them. `
` `
` The reader will easily believe, that from what I had hear and seen, `
` my keen appetite for perpetuity of life was much abated. I grew `
` heartily ashamed of the pleasing visions I had formed; and thought `
` no tyrant could invent a death into which I would not run with `
` pleasure, from such a life. The king heard of all that had passed `
` between me and my friends upon this occasion, and rallied me very `
` pleasantly; wishing I could send a couple of struldbrugs to my own `
` country, to arm our people against the fear of death; but this, it `
` seems, is forbidden by the fundamental laws of the kingdom, or else `
` I should have been well content with the trouble and expense of `
` transporting them. `
` `
` I could not but agree, that the laws of this kingdom relative to `
` the struldbrugs were founded upon the strongest reasons, and such `
` as any other country would be under the necessity of enacting, in `
` the like circumstances. Otherwise, as avarice is the necessary `
` consequence of old age, those immortals would in time become `
` proprietors of the whole nation, and engross the civil power, `
` which, for want of abilities to manage, must end in the ruin of the `
` public. `
` `
` `
` `
` CHAPTER XI. `
` `
` `
` `
` [The author leaves Luggnagg, and sails to Japan. From thence he `
` returns in a Dutch ship to Amsterdam, and from Amsterdam to `
` England.] `
` `
` I thought this account of the struldbrugs might be some `
` entertainment to the reader, because it seems to be a little out of `
` the common way; at least I do not remember to have met the like in `
` any book of travels that has come to my hands: and if I am `
` deceived, my excuse must be, that it is necessary for travellers `
` who describe the same country, very often to agree in dwelling on `
` the same particulars, without deserving the censure of having `
` borrowed or transcribed from those who wrote before them. `
` `
` There is indeed a perpetual commerce between this kingdom and the `
` great empire of Japan; and it is very probable, that the Japanese `
` authors may have given some account of the struldbrugs; but my stay `
` in Japan was so short, and I was so entirely a stranger to the `
` language, that I was not qualified to make any inquiries. But I `
` hope the Dutch, upon this notice, will be curious and able enough `
` to supply my defects. `
` `
` His majesty having often pressed me to accept some employment in `
` his court, and finding me absolutely determined to return to my `
` native country, was pleased to give me his license to depart; and `
` honoured me with a letter of recommendation, under his own hand, to `
` the Emperor of Japan. He likewise presented me with four hundred `
` and forty-four large pieces of gold (this nation delighting in even `
` numbers), and a red diamond, which I sold in England for eleven `
` hundred pounds. `
` `
` On the 6th of May, 1709, I took a solemn leave of his majesty, and `
` all my friends. This prince was so gracious as to order a guard to `
` conduct me to Glanguenstald, which is a royal port to the south- `
` west part of the island. In six days I found a vessel ready to `
` carry me to Japan, and spent fifteen days in the voyage. We landed `
` at a small port-town called Xamoschi, situated on the south-east `
` part of Japan; the town lies on the western point, where there is a `
` narrow strait leading northward into along arm of the sea, upon the `
` north-west part of which, Yedo, the metropolis, stands. At `
` landing, I showed the custom-house officers my letter from the king `
` of Luggnagg to his imperial majesty. They knew the seal perfectly `
` well; it was as broad as the palm of my hand. The impression was, `
` A KING LIFTING UP A LAME BEGGAR FROM THE EARTH. The magistrates of `
` the town, hearing of my letter, received me as a public minister. `
` They provided me with carriages and servants, and bore my charges `
` to Yedo; where I was admitted to an audience, and delivered my `
` letter, which was opened with great ceremony, and explained to the `
` Emperor by an interpreter, who then gave me notice, by his `
` majesty's order, "that I should signify my request, and, whatever `
` it were, it should be granted, for the sake of his royal brother of `
` Luggnagg." This interpreter was a person employed to transact `
` affairs with the Hollanders. He soon conjectured, by my `
` countenance, that I was a European, and therefore repeated his `
` majesty's commands in Low Dutch, which he spoke perfectly well. I `
` answered, as I had before determined, "that I was a Dutch merchant, `
` shipwrecked in a very remote country, whence I had travelled by sea `
` and land to Luggnagg, and then took shipping for Japan; where I `
` knew my countrymen often traded, and with some of these I hoped to `
` get an opportunity of returning into Europe: I therefore most `
` humbly entreated his royal favour, to give order that I should be `
` conducted in safety to Nangasac." To this I added another `
` petition, "that for the sake of my patron the king of Luggnagg, his `
` majesty would condescend to excuse my performing the ceremony `
` imposed on my countrymen, of trampling upon the crucifix: because `
` I had been thrown into his kingdom by my misfortunes, without any `
` intention of trading." When this latter petition was interpreted `
` to the Emperor, he seemed a little surprised; and said, "he `
` believed I was the first of my countrymen who ever made any scruple `
` in this point; and that he began to doubt, whether I was a real `
` Hollander, or not; but rather suspected I must be a Christian. `
` However, for the reasons I had offered, but chiefly to gratify the `
` king of Luggnagg by an uncommon mark of his favour, he would comply `
` with the singularity of my humour; but the affair must be managed `
` with dexterity, and his officers should be commanded to let me `
` pass, as it were by forgetfulness. For he assured me, that if the `
` secret should be discovered by my countrymen the Dutch, they would `
` cut my throat in the voyage." I returned my thanks, by the `
` interpreter, for so unusual a favour; and some troops being at that `
` time on their march to Nangasac, the commanding officer had orders `
` to convey me safe thither, with particular instructions about the `
` business of the crucifix. `
` `
` On the 9th day of June, 1709, I arrived at Nangasac, after a very `
` long and troublesome journey. I soon fell into the company of some `
` Dutch sailors belonging to the Amboyna, of Amsterdam, a stout ship `
` of 450 tons. I had lived long in Holland, pursuing my studies at `
` Leyden, and I spoke Dutch well. The seamen soon knew whence I came `
` last: they were curious to inquire into my voyages and course of `
` life. I made up a story as short and probable as I could, but `
` concealed the greatest part. I knew many persons in Holland. I `
` was able to invent names for my parents, whom I pretended to be `
` obscure people in the province of Gelderland. I would have given `
` the captain (one Theodorus Vangrult) what he pleased to ask for my `
` voyage to Holland; but understanding I was a surgeon, he was `
` contented to take half the usual rate, on condition that I would `
` serve him in the way of my calling. Before we took shipping, I was `
` often asked by some of the crew, whether I had performed the `
` ceremony above mentioned? I evaded the question by general `
` answers; "that I had satisfied the Emperor and court in all `
` particulars." However, a malicious rogue of a skipper went to an `
` officer, and pointing to me, told him, "I had not yet trampled on `
` the crucifix;" but the other, who had received instructions to let `
` me pass, gave the rascal twenty strokes on the shoulders with a `
` bamboo; after which I was no more troubled with such questions. `
` `
` Nothing happened worth mentioning in this voyage. We sailed with a `
` fair wind to the Cape of Good Hope, where we staid only to take in `
` fresh water. On the 10th of April, 1710, we arrived safe at `
` Amsterdam, having lost only three men by sickness in the voyage, `
` and a fourth, who fell from the foremast into the sea, not far from `
` the coast of Guinea. From Amsterdam I soon after set sail for `
` England, in a small vessel belonging to that city. `
` `
` On the 16th of April we put in at the Downs. I landed next `
` morning, and saw once more my native country, after an absence of `
` five years and six months complete. I went straight to Redriff, `
` where I arrived the same day at two in the afternoon, and found my `
` wife and family in good health. `
` `
` `
` `
` `
` PART IV--A VOYAGE TO THE COUNTRY OF THE HOUYHNHNMS. `
` `
` `
` `
` `
` CHAPTER I. `
` `
` `
` `
` [The author sets out as captain of a ship. His men conspire `
` against him, confine him a long time to his cabin, and set him on `
` shore in an unknown land. He travels up into the country. The `
` Yahoos, a strange sort of animal, described. The author meets two `
` Houyhnhnms.] `
` `
` I continued at home with my wife and children about five months, in `
` a very happy condition, if I could have learned the lesson of `
` knowing when I was well. I left my poor wife big with child, and `
` accepted an advantageous offer made me to be captain of the `
` Adventurer, a stout merchantman of 350 tons: for I understood `
` navigation well, and being grown weary of a surgeon's employment at `
` sea, which, however, I could exercise upon occasion, I took a `
` skilful young man of that calling, one Robert Purefoy, into my `
` ship. We set sail from Portsmouth upon the 7th day of September, `
` 1710; on the 14th we met with Captain Pocock, of Bristol, at `
` Teneriffe, who was going to the bay of Campechy to cut logwood. On `
` the 16th, he was parted from us by a storm; I heard since my `
` return, that his ship foundered, and none escaped but one cabin `
` boy. He was an honest man, and a good sailor, but a little too `
` positive in his own opinions, which was the cause of his `
` destruction, as it has been with several others; for if he had `
` followed my advice, he might have been safe at home with his family `
` at this time, as well as myself. `
` `
` I had several men who died in my ship of calentures, so that I was `
` forced to get recruits out of Barbadoes and the Leeward Islands, `
` where I touched, by the direction of the merchants who employed me; `
`