Reading Help Gulliver's Travels. Part II, III, IV
where I touched, by the direction of the merchants who employed me; `
` which I had soon too much cause to repent: for I found afterwards, `
` that most of them had been buccaneers. I had fifty hands onboard; `
` and my orders were, that I should trade with the Indians in the `
` South-Sea, and make what discoveries I could. These rogues, whom I `
` had picked up, debauched my other men, and they all formed a `
` conspiracy to seize the ship, and secure me; which they did one `
` morning, rushing into my cabin, and binding me hand and foot, `
` threatening to throw me overboard, if I offered to stir. I told `
` them, "I was their prisoner, and would submit." This they made me `
` swear to do, and then they unbound me, only fastening one of my `
` legs with a chain, near my bed, and placed a sentry at my door with `
` his piece charged, who was commanded to shoot me dead if I `
` attempted my liberty. They sent me own victuals and drink, and `
` took the government of the ship to themselves. Their design was to `
` turn pirates and, plunder the Spaniards, which they could not do `
` till they got more men. But first they resolved to sell the goods `
` the ship, and then go to Madagascar for recruits, several among `
` them having died since my confinement. They sailed many weeks, and `
` traded with the Indians; but I knew not what course they took, `
` being kept a close prisoner in my cabin, and expecting nothing less `
` than to be murdered, as they often threatened me. `
` `
` Upon the 9th day of May, 1711, one James Welch came down to my `
` cabin, and said, "he had orders from the captain to set me ashore." `
` I expostulated with him, but in vain; neither would he so much as `
` tell me who their new captain was. They forced me into the long- `
` boat, letting me put on my best suit of clothes, which were as good `
` as new, and take a small bundle of linen, but no arms, except my `
` hanger; and they were so civil as not to search my pockets, into `
` which I conveyed what money I had, with some other little `
` necessaries. They rowed about a league, and then set me down on a `
` strand. I desired them to tell me what country it was. They all `
` swore, "they knew no more than myself;" but said, "that the `
` captain" (as they called him) "was resolved, after they had sold `
` the lading, to get rid of me in the first place where they could `
` discover land." They pushed off immediately, advising me to make `
` haste for fear of being overtaken by the tide, and so bade me `
` farewell. `
` `
` In this desolate condition I advanced forward, and soon got upon `
` firm ground, where I sat down on a bank to rest myself, and `
` consider what I had best do. When I was a little refreshed, I went `
` up into the country, resolving to deliver myself to the first `
` savages I should meet, and purchase my life from them by some `
` bracelets, glass rings, and other toys, which sailors usually `
` provide themselves with in those voyages, and whereof I had some `
` about me. The land was divided by long rows of trees, not `
` regularly planted, but naturally growing; there was great plenty of `
` grass, and several fields of oats. I walked very circumspectly, `
` for fear of being surprised, or suddenly shot with an arrow from `
` behind, or on either side. I fell into a beaten road, where I saw `
` many tracts of human feet, and some of cows, but most of horses. `
` At last I beheld several animals in a field, and one or two of the `
` same kind sitting in trees. Their shape was very singular and `
` deformed, which a little discomposed me, so that I lay down behind `
` a thicket to observe them better. Some of them coming forward near `
` the place where I lay, gave me an opportunity of distinctly marking `
` their form. Their heads and breasts were covered with a thick `
` hair, some frizzled, and others lank; they had beards like goats, `
` and a long ridge of hair down their backs, and the fore parts of `
` their legs and feet; but the rest of their bodies was bare, so that `
` I might see their skins, which were of a brown buff colour. They `
` had no tails, nor any hair at all on their buttocks, except about `
` the anus, which, I presume, nature had placed there to defend them `
` as they sat on the ground, for this posture they used, as well as `
` lying down, and often stood on their hind feet. They climbed high `
` trees as nimbly as a squirrel, for they had strong extended claws `
` before and behind, terminating in sharp points, and hooked. They `
` would often spring, and bound, and leap, with prodigious agility. `
` The females were not so large as the males; they had long lank hair `
` on their heads, but none on their faces, nor any thing more than a `
` sort of down on the rest of their bodies, except about the anus and `
` pudenda. The dugs hung between their fore feet, and often reached `
` almost to the ground as they walked. The hair of both sexes was of `
` several colours, brown, red, black, and yellow. Upon the whole, I `
` never beheld, in all my travels, so disagreeable an animal, or one `
` against which I naturally conceived so strong an antipathy. So `
` that, thinking I had seen enough, full of contempt and aversion, I `
` got up, and pursued the beaten road, hoping it might direct me to `
` the cabin of some Indian. I had not got far, when I met one of `
` these creatures full in my way, and coming up directly to me. The `
` ugly monster, when he saw me, distorted several ways, every feature `
` of his visage, and stared, as at an object he had never seen `
` before; then approaching nearer, lifted up his fore-paw, whether `
` out of curiosity or mischief I could not tell; but I drew my `
` hanger, and gave him a good blow with the flat side of it, for I `
` durst not strike with the edge, fearing the inhabitants might be `
` provoked against me, if they should come to know that I had killed `
` or maimed any of their cattle. When the beast felt the smart, he `
` drew back, and roared so loud, that a herd of at least forty came `
` flocking about me from the next field, howling and making odious `
` faces; but I ran to the body of a tree, and leaning my back against `
` it, kept them off by waving my hanger. Several of this cursed `
` brood, getting hold of the branches behind, leaped up into the `
` tree, whence they began to discharge their excrements on my head; `
` however, I escaped pretty well by sticking close to the stem of the `
` tree, but was almost stifled with the filth, which fell about me on `
` every side. `
` `
` In the midst of this distress, I observed them all to run away on a `
` sudden as fast as they could; at which I ventured to leave the tree `
` and pursue the road, wondering what it was that could put them into `
` this fright. But looking on my left hand, I saw a horse walking `
` softly in the field; which my persecutors having sooner discovered, `
` was the cause of their flight. The horse started a little, when he `
` came near me, but soon recovering himself, looked full in my face `
` with manifest tokens of wonder; he viewed my hands and feet, `
` walking round me several times. I would have pursued my journey, `
` but he placed himself directly in the way, yet looking with a very `
` mild aspect, never offering the least violence. We stood gazing at `
` each other for some time; at last I took the boldness to reach my `
` hand towards his neck with a design to stroke it, using the common `
` style and whistle of jockeys, when they are going to handle a `
` strange horse. But this animal seemed to receive my civilities `
` with disdain, shook his head, and bent his brows, softly raising up `
` his right fore-foot to remove my hand. Then he neighed three or `
` four times, but in so different a cadence, that I almost began to `
` think he was speaking to himself, in some language of his own. `
` `
` While he and I were thus employed, another horse came up; who `
` applying himself to the first in a very formal manner, they gently `
` struck each other's right hoof before, neighing several times by `
` turns, and varying the sound, which seemed to be almost articulate. `
` They went some paces off, as if it were to confer together, walking `
` side by side, backward and forward, like persons deliberating upon `
` some affair of weight, but often turning their eyes towards me, as `
` it were to watch that I might not escape. I was amazed to see such `
` actions and behaviour in brute beasts; and concluded with myself, `
` that if the inhabitants of this country were endued with a `
` proportionable degree of reason, they must needs be the wisest `
` people upon earth. This thought gave me so much comfort, that I `
` resolved to go forward, until I could discover some house or `
` village, or meet with any of the natives, leaving the two horses to `
` discourse together as they pleased. But the first, who was a `
` dapple gray, observing me to steal off, neighed after me in so `
` expressive a tone, that I fancied myself to understand what he `
` meant; whereupon I turned back, and came near to him to expect his `
` farther commands: but concealing my fear as much as I could, for I `
` began to be in some pain how this adventure might terminate; and `
` the reader will easily believe I did not much like my present `
` situation. `
` `
` The two horses came up close to me, looking with great earnestness `
` upon my face and hands. The gray steed rubbed my hat all round `
` with his right fore-hoof, and discomposed it so much that I was `
` forced to adjust it better by taking it off and settling it again; `
` whereat, both he and his companion (who was a brown bay) appeared `
` to be much surprised: the latter felt the lappet of my coat, and `
` finding it to hang loose about me, they both looked with new signs `
` of wonder. He stroked my right hand, seeming to admire the `
` softness and colour; but he squeezed it so hard between his hoof `
` and his pastern, that I was forced to roar; after which they both `
` touched me with all possible tenderness. They were under great `
` perplexity about my shoes and stockings, which they felt very `
` often, neighing to each other, and using various gestures, not `
` unlike those of a philosopher, when he would attempt to solve some `
` new and difficult phenomenon. `
` `
` Upon the whole, the behaviour of these animals was so orderly and `
` rational, so acute and judicious, that I at last concluded they `
` must needs be magicians, who had thus metamorphosed themselves upon `
` some design, and seeing a stranger in the way, resolved to divert `
` themselves with him; or, perhaps, were really amazed at the sight `
` of a man so very different in habit, feature, and complexion, from `
` those who might probably live in so remote a climate. Upon the `
` strength of this reasoning, I ventured to address them in the `
` following manner: "Gentlemen, if you be conjurers, as I have good `
` cause to believe, you can understand my language; therefore I make `
` bold to let your worships know that I am a poor distressed `
` Englishman, driven by his misfortunes upon your coast; and I `
` entreat one of you to let me ride upon his back, as if he were a `
` real horse, to some house or village where I can be relieved. In `
` return of which favour, I will make you a present of this knife and `
` bracelet," taking them out of my pocket. The two creatures stood `
` silent while I spoke, seeming to listen with great attention, and `
` when I had ended, they neighed frequently towards each other, as if `
` they were engaged in serious conversation. I plainly observed that `
` their language expressed the passions very well, and the words `
` might, with little pains, be resolved into an alphabet more easily `
` than the Chinese. `
` `
` I could frequently distinguish the word Yahoo, which was repeated `
` by each of them several times: and although it was impossible for `
` me to conjecture what it meant, yet while the two horses were busy `
` in conversation, I endeavoured to practise this word upon my `
` tongue; and as soon as they were silent, I boldly pronounced Yahoo `
` in a loud voice, imitating at the same time, as near as I could, `
` the neighing of a horse; at which they were both visibly surprised; `
` and the gray repeated the same word twice, as if he meant to teach `
` me the right accent; wherein I spoke after him as well as I could, `
` and found myself perceivably to improve every time, though very far `
` from any degree of perfection. Then the bay tried me with a second `
` word, much harder to be pronounced; but reducing it to the English `
` orthography, may be spelt thus, Houyhnhnm. I did not succeed in `
` this so well as in the former; but after two or three farther `
` trials, I had better fortune; and they both appeared amazed at my `
` capacity. `
` `
` After some further discourse, which I then conjectured might relate `
` to me, the two friends took their leaves, with the same compliment `
`
` which I had soon too much cause to repent: for I found afterwards, `
` that most of them had been buccaneers. I had fifty hands onboard; `
` and my orders were, that I should trade with the Indians in the `
` South-Sea, and make what discoveries I could. These rogues, whom I `
` had picked up, debauched my other men, and they all formed a `
` conspiracy to seize the ship, and secure me; which they did one `
` morning, rushing into my cabin, and binding me hand and foot, `
` threatening to throw me overboard, if I offered to stir. I told `
` them, "I was their prisoner, and would submit." This they made me `
` swear to do, and then they unbound me, only fastening one of my `
` legs with a chain, near my bed, and placed a sentry at my door with `
` his piece charged, who was commanded to shoot me dead if I `
` attempted my liberty. They sent me own victuals and drink, and `
` took the government of the ship to themselves. Their design was to `
` turn pirates and, plunder the Spaniards, which they could not do `
` till they got more men. But first they resolved to sell the goods `
` the ship, and then go to Madagascar for recruits, several among `
` them having died since my confinement. They sailed many weeks, and `
` traded with the Indians; but I knew not what course they took, `
` being kept a close prisoner in my cabin, and expecting nothing less `
` than to be murdered, as they often threatened me. `
` `
` Upon the 9th day of May, 1711, one James Welch came down to my `
` cabin, and said, "he had orders from the captain to set me ashore." `
` I expostulated with him, but in vain; neither would he so much as `
` tell me who their new captain was. They forced me into the long- `
` boat, letting me put on my best suit of clothes, which were as good `
` as new, and take a small bundle of linen, but no arms, except my `
` hanger; and they were so civil as not to search my pockets, into `
` which I conveyed what money I had, with some other little `
` necessaries. They rowed about a league, and then set me down on a `
` strand. I desired them to tell me what country it was. They all `
` swore, "they knew no more than myself;" but said, "that the `
` captain" (as they called him) "was resolved, after they had sold `
` the lading, to get rid of me in the first place where they could `
` discover land." They pushed off immediately, advising me to make `
` haste for fear of being overtaken by the tide, and so bade me `
` farewell. `
` `
` In this desolate condition I advanced forward, and soon got upon `
` firm ground, where I sat down on a bank to rest myself, and `
` consider what I had best do. When I was a little refreshed, I went `
` up into the country, resolving to deliver myself to the first `
` savages I should meet, and purchase my life from them by some `
` bracelets, glass rings, and other toys, which sailors usually `
` provide themselves with in those voyages, and whereof I had some `
` about me. The land was divided by long rows of trees, not `
` regularly planted, but naturally growing; there was great plenty of `
` grass, and several fields of oats. I walked very circumspectly, `
` for fear of being surprised, or suddenly shot with an arrow from `
` behind, or on either side. I fell into a beaten road, where I saw `
` many tracts of human feet, and some of cows, but most of horses. `
` At last I beheld several animals in a field, and one or two of the `
` same kind sitting in trees. Their shape was very singular and `
` deformed, which a little discomposed me, so that I lay down behind `
` a thicket to observe them better. Some of them coming forward near `
` the place where I lay, gave me an opportunity of distinctly marking `
` their form. Their heads and breasts were covered with a thick `
` hair, some frizzled, and others lank; they had beards like goats, `
` and a long ridge of hair down their backs, and the fore parts of `
` their legs and feet; but the rest of their bodies was bare, so that `
` I might see their skins, which were of a brown buff colour. They `
` had no tails, nor any hair at all on their buttocks, except about `
` the anus, which, I presume, nature had placed there to defend them `
` as they sat on the ground, for this posture they used, as well as `
` lying down, and often stood on their hind feet. They climbed high `
` trees as nimbly as a squirrel, for they had strong extended claws `
` before and behind, terminating in sharp points, and hooked. They `
` would often spring, and bound, and leap, with prodigious agility. `
` The females were not so large as the males; they had long lank hair `
` on their heads, but none on their faces, nor any thing more than a `
` sort of down on the rest of their bodies, except about the anus and `
` pudenda. The dugs hung between their fore feet, and often reached `
` almost to the ground as they walked. The hair of both sexes was of `
` several colours, brown, red, black, and yellow. Upon the whole, I `
` never beheld, in all my travels, so disagreeable an animal, or one `
` against which I naturally conceived so strong an antipathy. So `
` that, thinking I had seen enough, full of contempt and aversion, I `
` got up, and pursued the beaten road, hoping it might direct me to `
` the cabin of some Indian. I had not got far, when I met one of `
` these creatures full in my way, and coming up directly to me. The `
` ugly monster, when he saw me, distorted several ways, every feature `
` of his visage, and stared, as at an object he had never seen `
` before; then approaching nearer, lifted up his fore-paw, whether `
` out of curiosity or mischief I could not tell; but I drew my `
` hanger, and gave him a good blow with the flat side of it, for I `
` durst not strike with the edge, fearing the inhabitants might be `
` provoked against me, if they should come to know that I had killed `
` or maimed any of their cattle. When the beast felt the smart, he `
` drew back, and roared so loud, that a herd of at least forty came `
` flocking about me from the next field, howling and making odious `
` faces; but I ran to the body of a tree, and leaning my back against `
` it, kept them off by waving my hanger. Several of this cursed `
` brood, getting hold of the branches behind, leaped up into the `
` tree, whence they began to discharge their excrements on my head; `
` however, I escaped pretty well by sticking close to the stem of the `
` tree, but was almost stifled with the filth, which fell about me on `
` every side. `
` `
` In the midst of this distress, I observed them all to run away on a `
` sudden as fast as they could; at which I ventured to leave the tree `
` and pursue the road, wondering what it was that could put them into `
` this fright. But looking on my left hand, I saw a horse walking `
` softly in the field; which my persecutors having sooner discovered, `
` was the cause of their flight. The horse started a little, when he `
` came near me, but soon recovering himself, looked full in my face `
` with manifest tokens of wonder; he viewed my hands and feet, `
` walking round me several times. I would have pursued my journey, `
` but he placed himself directly in the way, yet looking with a very `
` mild aspect, never offering the least violence. We stood gazing at `
` each other for some time; at last I took the boldness to reach my `
` hand towards his neck with a design to stroke it, using the common `
` style and whistle of jockeys, when they are going to handle a `
` strange horse. But this animal seemed to receive my civilities `
` with disdain, shook his head, and bent his brows, softly raising up `
` his right fore-foot to remove my hand. Then he neighed three or `
` four times, but in so different a cadence, that I almost began to `
` think he was speaking to himself, in some language of his own. `
` `
` While he and I were thus employed, another horse came up; who `
` applying himself to the first in a very formal manner, they gently `
` struck each other's right hoof before, neighing several times by `
` turns, and varying the sound, which seemed to be almost articulate. `
` They went some paces off, as if it were to confer together, walking `
` side by side, backward and forward, like persons deliberating upon `
` some affair of weight, but often turning their eyes towards me, as `
` it were to watch that I might not escape. I was amazed to see such `
` actions and behaviour in brute beasts; and concluded with myself, `
` that if the inhabitants of this country were endued with a `
` proportionable degree of reason, they must needs be the wisest `
` people upon earth. This thought gave me so much comfort, that I `
` resolved to go forward, until I could discover some house or `
` village, or meet with any of the natives, leaving the two horses to `
` discourse together as they pleased. But the first, who was a `
` dapple gray, observing me to steal off, neighed after me in so `
` expressive a tone, that I fancied myself to understand what he `
` meant; whereupon I turned back, and came near to him to expect his `
` farther commands: but concealing my fear as much as I could, for I `
` began to be in some pain how this adventure might terminate; and `
` the reader will easily believe I did not much like my present `
` situation. `
` `
` The two horses came up close to me, looking with great earnestness `
` upon my face and hands. The gray steed rubbed my hat all round `
` with his right fore-hoof, and discomposed it so much that I was `
` forced to adjust it better by taking it off and settling it again; `
` whereat, both he and his companion (who was a brown bay) appeared `
` to be much surprised: the latter felt the lappet of my coat, and `
` finding it to hang loose about me, they both looked with new signs `
` of wonder. He stroked my right hand, seeming to admire the `
` softness and colour; but he squeezed it so hard between his hoof `
` and his pastern, that I was forced to roar; after which they both `
` touched me with all possible tenderness. They were under great `
` perplexity about my shoes and stockings, which they felt very `
` often, neighing to each other, and using various gestures, not `
` unlike those of a philosopher, when he would attempt to solve some `
` new and difficult phenomenon. `
` `
` Upon the whole, the behaviour of these animals was so orderly and `
` rational, so acute and judicious, that I at last concluded they `
` must needs be magicians, who had thus metamorphosed themselves upon `
` some design, and seeing a stranger in the way, resolved to divert `
` themselves with him; or, perhaps, were really amazed at the sight `
` of a man so very different in habit, feature, and complexion, from `
` those who might probably live in so remote a climate. Upon the `
` strength of this reasoning, I ventured to address them in the `
` following manner: "Gentlemen, if you be conjurers, as I have good `
` cause to believe, you can understand my language; therefore I make `
` bold to let your worships know that I am a poor distressed `
` Englishman, driven by his misfortunes upon your coast; and I `
` entreat one of you to let me ride upon his back, as if he were a `
` real horse, to some house or village where I can be relieved. In `
` return of which favour, I will make you a present of this knife and `
` bracelet," taking them out of my pocket. The two creatures stood `
` silent while I spoke, seeming to listen with great attention, and `
` when I had ended, they neighed frequently towards each other, as if `
` they were engaged in serious conversation. I plainly observed that `
` their language expressed the passions very well, and the words `
` might, with little pains, be resolved into an alphabet more easily `
` than the Chinese. `
` `
` I could frequently distinguish the word Yahoo, which was repeated `
` by each of them several times: and although it was impossible for `
` me to conjecture what it meant, yet while the two horses were busy `
` in conversation, I endeavoured to practise this word upon my `
` tongue; and as soon as they were silent, I boldly pronounced Yahoo `
` in a loud voice, imitating at the same time, as near as I could, `
` the neighing of a horse; at which they were both visibly surprised; `
` and the gray repeated the same word twice, as if he meant to teach `
` me the right accent; wherein I spoke after him as well as I could, `
` and found myself perceivably to improve every time, though very far `
` from any degree of perfection. Then the bay tried me with a second `
` word, much harder to be pronounced; but reducing it to the English `
` orthography, may be spelt thus, Houyhnhnm. I did not succeed in `
` this so well as in the former; but after two or three farther `
` trials, I had better fortune; and they both appeared amazed at my `
` capacity. `
` `
` After some further discourse, which I then conjectured might relate `
` to me, the two friends took their leaves, with the same compliment `
`