Reading Help Gulliver's Travels. Part II, III, IV
it was a great while before I could endure the taste of it in `
` anything that I ate. `
` `
` This is enough to say upon the subject of my diet, wherewith other `
` travellers fill their books, as if the readers were personally `
` concerned whether we fare well or ill. However, it was necessary `
` to mention this matter, lest the world should think it impossible `
` that I could find sustenance for three years in such a country, and `
` among such inhabitants. `
` `
` When it grew towards evening, the master horse ordered a place for `
` me to lodge in; it was but six yards from the house and separated `
` from the stable of the Yahoos. Here I got some straw, and covering `
` myself with my own clothes, slept very sound. But I was in a short `
` time better accommodated, as the reader shall know hereafter, when `
` I come to treat more particularly about my way of living. `
` `
` `
` `
` CHAPTER III. `
` `
` `
` `
` [The author studies to learn the language. The Houyhnhnm, his `
` master, assists in teaching him. The language described. Several `
` Houyhnhnms of quality come out of curiosity to see the author. He `
` gives his master a short account of his voyage.] `
` `
` My principal endeavour was to learn the language, which my master `
` (for so I shall henceforth call him), and his children, and every `
` servant of his house, were desirous to teach me; for they looked `
` upon it as a prodigy, that a brute animal should discover such `
` marks of a rational creature. I pointed to every thing, and `
` inquired the name of it, which I wrote down in my journal-book when `
` I was alone, and corrected my bad accent by desiring those of the `
` family to pronounce it often. In this employment, a sorrel nag, `
` one of the under-servants, was very ready to assist me. `
` `
` In speaking, they pronounced through the nose and throat, and their `
` language approaches nearest to the High-Dutch, or German, of any I `
` know in Europe; but is much more graceful and significant. The `
` emperor Charles V. made almost the same observation, when he said `
` "that if he were to speak to his horse, it should be in High- `
` Dutch." `
` `
` The curiosity and impatience of my master were so great, that he `
` spent many hours of his leisure to instruct me. He was convinced `
` (as he afterwards told me) that I must be a Yahoo; but my `
` teachableness, civility, and cleanliness, astonished him; which `
` were qualities altogether opposite to those animals. He was most `
` perplexed about my clothes, reasoning sometimes with himself, `
` whether they were a part of my body: for I never pulled them off `
` till the family were asleep, and got them on before they waked in `
` the morning. My master was eager to learn "whence I came; how I `
` acquired those appearances of reason, which I discovered in all my `
` actions; and to know my story from my own mouth, which he hoped he `
` should soon do by the great proficiency I made in learning and `
` pronouncing their words and sentences." To help my memory, I `
` formed all I learned into the English alphabet, and writ the words `
` down, with the translations. This last, after some time, I `
` ventured to do in my master's presence. It cost me much trouble to `
` explain to him what I was doing; for the inhabitants have not the `
` least idea of books or literature. `
` `
` In about ten weeks time, I was able to understand most of his `
` questions; and in three months, could give him some tolerable `
` answers. He was extremely curious to know "from what part of the `
` country I came, and how I was taught to imitate a rational `
` creature; because the Yahoos (whom he saw I exactly resembled in my `
` head, hands, and face, that were only visible), with some `
` appearance of cunning, and the strongest disposition to mischief, `
` were observed to be the most unteachable of all brutes." I `
` answered, "that I came over the sea, from a far place, with many `
` others of my own kind, in a great hollow vessel made of the bodies `
` of trees: that my companions forced me to land on this coast, and `
` then left me to shift for myself." It was with some difficulty, `
` and by the help of many signs, that I brought him to understand me. `
` He replied, "that I must needs be mistaken, or that I said the `
` thing which was not;" for they have no word in their language to `
` express lying or falsehood. "He knew it was impossible that there `
` could be a country beyond the sea, or that a parcel of brutes could `
` move a wooden vessel whither they pleased upon water. He was sure `
` no Houyhnhnm alive could make such a vessel, nor would trust Yahoos `
` to manage it." `
` `
` The word Houyhnhnm, in their tongue, signifies a HORSE, and, in its `
` etymology, the PERFECTION OF NATURE. I told my master, "that I was `
` at a loss for expression, but would improve as fast as I could; and `
` hoped, in a short time, I should be able to tell him wonders." He `
` was pleased to direct his own mare, his colt, and foal, and the `
` servants of the family, to take all opportunities of instructing `
` me; and every day, for two or three hours, he was at the same pains `
` himself. Several horses and mares of quality in the neighbourhood `
` came often to our house, upon the report spread of "a wonderful `
` Yahoo, that could speak like a Houyhnhnm, and seemed, in his words `
` and actions, to discover some glimmerings of reason." These `
` delighted to converse with me: they put many questions, and `
` received such answers as I was able to return. By all these `
` advantages I made so great a progress, that, in five months from my `
` arrival I understood whatever was spoken, and could express myself `
` tolerably well. `
` `
` The Houyhnhnms, who came to visit my master out of a design of `
` seeing and talking with me, could hardly believe me to be a right `
` Yahoo, because my body had a different covering from others of my `
` kind. They were astonished to observe me without the usual hair or `
` skin, except on my head, face, and hands; but I discovered that `
` secret to my master upon an accident which happened about a `
` fortnight before. `
` `
` I have already told the reader, that every night, when the family `
` were gone to bed, it was my custom to strip, and cover myself with `
` my clothes. It happened, one morning early, that my master sent `
` for me by the sorrel nag, who was his valet. When he came I was `
` fast asleep, my clothes fallen off on one side, and my shirt above `
` my waist. I awaked at the noise he made, and observed him to `
` deliver his message in some disorder; after which he went to my `
` master, and in a great fright gave him a very confused account of `
` what he had seen. This I presently discovered, for, going as soon `
` as I was dressed to pay my attendance upon his honour, he asked me `
` "the meaning of what his servant had reported, that I was not the `
` same thing when I slept, as I appeared to be at other times; that `
` his vale assured him, some part of me was white, some yellow, at `
` least not so white, and some brown." `
` `
` I had hitherto concealed the secret of my dress, in order to `
` distinguish myself, as much as possible, from that cursed race of `
` Yahoos; but now I found it in vain to do so any longer. Besides, I `
` considered that my clothes and shoes would soon wear out, which `
` already were in a declining condition, and must be supplied by some `
` contrivance from the hides of Yahoos, or other brutes; whereby the `
` whole secret would be known. I therefore told my master, "that in `
` the country whence I came, those of my kind always covered their `
` bodies with the hairs of certain animals prepared by art, as well `
` for decency as to avoid the inclemencies of air, both hot and cold; `
` of which, as to my own person, I would give him immediate `
` conviction, if he pleased to command me: only desiring his excuse, `
` if I did not expose those parts that nature taught us to conceal." `
` He said, "my discourse was all very strange, but especially the `
` last part; for he could not understand, why nature should teach us `
` to conceal what nature had given; that neither himself nor family `
` were ashamed of any parts of their bodies; but, however, I might do `
` as I pleased." Whereupon I first unbuttoned my coat, and pulled it `
` off. I did the same with my waistcoat. I drew off my shoes, `
` stockings, and breeches. I let my shirt down to my waist, and drew `
` up the bottom; fastening it like a girdle about my middle, to hide `
` my nakedness. `
` `
` My master observed the whole performance with great signs of `
` curiosity and admiration. He took up all my clothes in his `
` pastern, one piece after another, and examined them diligently; he `
` then stroked my body very gently, and looked round me several `
` times; after which, he said, it was plain I must be a perfect `
` Yahoo; but that I differed very much from the rest of my species in `
` the softness, whiteness, and smoothness of my skin; my want of hair `
` in several parts of my body; the shape and shortness of my claws `
` behind and before; and my affectation of walking continually on my `
` two hinder feet. He desired to see no more; and gave me leave to `
` put on my clothes again, for I was shuddering with cold. `
` `
` I expressed my uneasiness at his giving me so often the appellation `
` of Yahoo, an odious animal, for which I had so utter a hatred and `
` contempt: I begged he would forbear applying that word to me, and `
` make the same order in his family and among his friends whom he `
` suffered to see me. I requested likewise, "that the secret of my `
` having a false covering to my body, might be known to none but `
` himself, at least as long as my present clothing should last; for `
` as to what the sorrel nag, his valet, had observed, his honour `
` might command him to conceal it." `
` `
` All this my master very graciously consented to; and thus the `
` secret was kept till my clothes began to wear out, which I was `
` forced to supply by several contrivances that shall hereafter be `
` mentioned. In the meantime, he desired "I would go on with my `
` utmost diligence to learn their language, because he was more `
` astonished at my capacity for speech and reason, than at the figure `
` of my body, whether it were covered or not;" adding, "that he `
` waited with some impatience to hear the wonders which I promised to `
` tell him." `
` `
` Thenceforward he doubled the pains he had been at to instruct me: `
` he brought me into all company, and made them treat me with `
` civility; "because," as he told them, privately, "this would put me `
` into good humour, and make me more diverting." `
` `
` Every day, when I waited on him, beside the trouble he was at in `
` teaching, he would ask me several questions concerning myself, `
` which I answered as well as I could, and by these means he had `
` already received some general ideas, though very imperfect. It `
` would be tedious to relate the several steps by which I advanced to `
` a more regular conversation; but the first account I gave of myself `
` in any order and length was to this purpose: `
` `
` "That I came from a very far country, as I already had attempted to `
` tell him, with about fifty more of my own species; that we `
` travelled upon the seas in a great hollow vessel made of wood, and `
` larger than his honour's house. I described the ship to him in the `
` best terms I could, and explained, by the help of my handkerchief `
` displayed, how it was driven forward by the wind. That upon a `
` quarrel among us, I was set on shore on this coast, where I walked `
` forward, without knowing whither, till he delivered me from the `
`
` anything that I ate. `
` `
` This is enough to say upon the subject of my diet, wherewith other `
` travellers fill their books, as if the readers were personally `
` concerned whether we fare well or ill. However, it was necessary `
` to mention this matter, lest the world should think it impossible `
` that I could find sustenance for three years in such a country, and `
` among such inhabitants. `
` `
` When it grew towards evening, the master horse ordered a place for `
` me to lodge in; it was but six yards from the house and separated `
` from the stable of the Yahoos. Here I got some straw, and covering `
` myself with my own clothes, slept very sound. But I was in a short `
` time better accommodated, as the reader shall know hereafter, when `
` I come to treat more particularly about my way of living. `
` `
` `
` `
` CHAPTER III. `
` `
` `
` `
` [The author studies to learn the language. The Houyhnhnm, his `
` master, assists in teaching him. The language described. Several `
` Houyhnhnms of quality come out of curiosity to see the author. He `
` gives his master a short account of his voyage.] `
` `
` My principal endeavour was to learn the language, which my master `
` (for so I shall henceforth call him), and his children, and every `
` servant of his house, were desirous to teach me; for they looked `
` upon it as a prodigy, that a brute animal should discover such `
` marks of a rational creature. I pointed to every thing, and `
` inquired the name of it, which I wrote down in my journal-book when `
` I was alone, and corrected my bad accent by desiring those of the `
` family to pronounce it often. In this employment, a sorrel nag, `
` one of the under-servants, was very ready to assist me. `
` `
` In speaking, they pronounced through the nose and throat, and their `
` language approaches nearest to the High-Dutch, or German, of any I `
` know in Europe; but is much more graceful and significant. The `
` emperor Charles V. made almost the same observation, when he said `
` "that if he were to speak to his horse, it should be in High- `
` Dutch." `
` `
` The curiosity and impatience of my master were so great, that he `
` spent many hours of his leisure to instruct me. He was convinced `
` (as he afterwards told me) that I must be a Yahoo; but my `
` teachableness, civility, and cleanliness, astonished him; which `
` were qualities altogether opposite to those animals. He was most `
` perplexed about my clothes, reasoning sometimes with himself, `
` whether they were a part of my body: for I never pulled them off `
` till the family were asleep, and got them on before they waked in `
` the morning. My master was eager to learn "whence I came; how I `
` acquired those appearances of reason, which I discovered in all my `
` actions; and to know my story from my own mouth, which he hoped he `
` should soon do by the great proficiency I made in learning and `
` pronouncing their words and sentences." To help my memory, I `
` formed all I learned into the English alphabet, and writ the words `
` down, with the translations. This last, after some time, I `
` ventured to do in my master's presence. It cost me much trouble to `
` explain to him what I was doing; for the inhabitants have not the `
` least idea of books or literature. `
` `
` In about ten weeks time, I was able to understand most of his `
` questions; and in three months, could give him some tolerable `
` answers. He was extremely curious to know "from what part of the `
` country I came, and how I was taught to imitate a rational `
` creature; because the Yahoos (whom he saw I exactly resembled in my `
` head, hands, and face, that were only visible), with some `
` appearance of cunning, and the strongest disposition to mischief, `
` were observed to be the most unteachable of all brutes." I `
` answered, "that I came over the sea, from a far place, with many `
` others of my own kind, in a great hollow vessel made of the bodies `
` of trees: that my companions forced me to land on this coast, and `
` then left me to shift for myself." It was with some difficulty, `
` and by the help of many signs, that I brought him to understand me. `
` He replied, "that I must needs be mistaken, or that I said the `
` thing which was not;" for they have no word in their language to `
` express lying or falsehood. "He knew it was impossible that there `
` could be a country beyond the sea, or that a parcel of brutes could `
` move a wooden vessel whither they pleased upon water. He was sure `
` no Houyhnhnm alive could make such a vessel, nor would trust Yahoos `
` to manage it." `
` `
` The word Houyhnhnm, in their tongue, signifies a HORSE, and, in its `
` etymology, the PERFECTION OF NATURE. I told my master, "that I was `
` at a loss for expression, but would improve as fast as I could; and `
` hoped, in a short time, I should be able to tell him wonders." He `
` was pleased to direct his own mare, his colt, and foal, and the `
` servants of the family, to take all opportunities of instructing `
` me; and every day, for two or three hours, he was at the same pains `
` himself. Several horses and mares of quality in the neighbourhood `
` came often to our house, upon the report spread of "a wonderful `
` Yahoo, that could speak like a Houyhnhnm, and seemed, in his words `
` and actions, to discover some glimmerings of reason." These `
` delighted to converse with me: they put many questions, and `
` received such answers as I was able to return. By all these `
` advantages I made so great a progress, that, in five months from my `
` arrival I understood whatever was spoken, and could express myself `
` tolerably well. `
` `
` The Houyhnhnms, who came to visit my master out of a design of `
` seeing and talking with me, could hardly believe me to be a right `
` Yahoo, because my body had a different covering from others of my `
` kind. They were astonished to observe me without the usual hair or `
` skin, except on my head, face, and hands; but I discovered that `
` secret to my master upon an accident which happened about a `
` fortnight before. `
` `
` I have already told the reader, that every night, when the family `
` were gone to bed, it was my custom to strip, and cover myself with `
` my clothes. It happened, one morning early, that my master sent `
` for me by the sorrel nag, who was his valet. When he came I was `
` fast asleep, my clothes fallen off on one side, and my shirt above `
` my waist. I awaked at the noise he made, and observed him to `
` deliver his message in some disorder; after which he went to my `
` master, and in a great fright gave him a very confused account of `
` what he had seen. This I presently discovered, for, going as soon `
` as I was dressed to pay my attendance upon his honour, he asked me `
` "the meaning of what his servant had reported, that I was not the `
` same thing when I slept, as I appeared to be at other times; that `
` his vale assured him, some part of me was white, some yellow, at `
` least not so white, and some brown." `
` `
` I had hitherto concealed the secret of my dress, in order to `
` distinguish myself, as much as possible, from that cursed race of `
` Yahoos; but now I found it in vain to do so any longer. Besides, I `
` considered that my clothes and shoes would soon wear out, which `
` already were in a declining condition, and must be supplied by some `
` contrivance from the hides of Yahoos, or other brutes; whereby the `
` whole secret would be known. I therefore told my master, "that in `
` the country whence I came, those of my kind always covered their `
` bodies with the hairs of certain animals prepared by art, as well `
` for decency as to avoid the inclemencies of air, both hot and cold; `
` of which, as to my own person, I would give him immediate `
` conviction, if he pleased to command me: only desiring his excuse, `
` if I did not expose those parts that nature taught us to conceal." `
` He said, "my discourse was all very strange, but especially the `
` last part; for he could not understand, why nature should teach us `
` to conceal what nature had given; that neither himself nor family `
` were ashamed of any parts of their bodies; but, however, I might do `
` as I pleased." Whereupon I first unbuttoned my coat, and pulled it `
` off. I did the same with my waistcoat. I drew off my shoes, `
` stockings, and breeches. I let my shirt down to my waist, and drew `
` up the bottom; fastening it like a girdle about my middle, to hide `
` my nakedness. `
` `
` My master observed the whole performance with great signs of `
` curiosity and admiration. He took up all my clothes in his `
` pastern, one piece after another, and examined them diligently; he `
` then stroked my body very gently, and looked round me several `
` times; after which, he said, it was plain I must be a perfect `
` Yahoo; but that I differed very much from the rest of my species in `
` the softness, whiteness, and smoothness of my skin; my want of hair `
` in several parts of my body; the shape and shortness of my claws `
` behind and before; and my affectation of walking continually on my `
` two hinder feet. He desired to see no more; and gave me leave to `
` put on my clothes again, for I was shuddering with cold. `
` `
` I expressed my uneasiness at his giving me so often the appellation `
` of Yahoo, an odious animal, for which I had so utter a hatred and `
` contempt: I begged he would forbear applying that word to me, and `
` make the same order in his family and among his friends whom he `
` suffered to see me. I requested likewise, "that the secret of my `
` having a false covering to my body, might be known to none but `
` himself, at least as long as my present clothing should last; for `
` as to what the sorrel nag, his valet, had observed, his honour `
` might command him to conceal it." `
` `
` All this my master very graciously consented to; and thus the `
` secret was kept till my clothes began to wear out, which I was `
` forced to supply by several contrivances that shall hereafter be `
` mentioned. In the meantime, he desired "I would go on with my `
` utmost diligence to learn their language, because he was more `
` astonished at my capacity for speech and reason, than at the figure `
` of my body, whether it were covered or not;" adding, "that he `
` waited with some impatience to hear the wonders which I promised to `
` tell him." `
` `
` Thenceforward he doubled the pains he had been at to instruct me: `
` he brought me into all company, and made them treat me with `
` civility; "because," as he told them, privately, "this would put me `
` into good humour, and make me more diverting." `
` `
` Every day, when I waited on him, beside the trouble he was at in `
` teaching, he would ask me several questions concerning myself, `
` which I answered as well as I could, and by these means he had `
` already received some general ideas, though very imperfect. It `
` would be tedious to relate the several steps by which I advanced to `
` a more regular conversation; but the first account I gave of myself `
` in any order and length was to this purpose: `
` `
` "That I came from a very far country, as I already had attempted to `
` tell him, with about fifty more of my own species; that we `
` travelled upon the seas in a great hollow vessel made of wood, and `
` larger than his honour's house. I described the ship to him in the `
` best terms I could, and explained, by the help of my handkerchief `
` displayed, how it was driven forward by the wind. That upon a `
` quarrel among us, I was set on shore on this coast, where I walked `
` forward, without knowing whither, till he delivered me from the `
`