Reading Help Gulliver's Travels. Part II, III, IV
reader with a particular description of my own mechanics; let it `
` suffice to say, that in six weeks time with the help of the sorrel `
` nag, who performed the parts that required most labour, I finished `
` a sort of Indian canoe, but much larger, covering it with the skins `
` of Yahoos, well stitched together with hempen threads of my own `
` making. My sail was likewise composed of the skins of the same `
` animal; but I made use of the youngest I could get, the older being `
` too tough and thick; and I likewise provided myself with four `
` paddles. I laid in a stock of boiled flesh, of rabbits and fowls, `
` and took with me two vessels, one filled with milk and the other `
` with water. `
` `
` I tried my canoe in a large pond, near my master's house, and then `
` corrected in it what was amiss; stopping all the chinks with `
` Yahoos' tallow, till I found it staunch, and able to bear me and my `
` freight; and, when it was as complete as I could possibly make it, `
` I had it drawn on a carriage very gently by Yahoos to the sea-side, `
` under the conduct of the sorrel nag and another servant. `
` `
` When all was ready, and the day came for my departure, I took leave `
` of my master and lady and the whole family, my eyes flowing with `
` tears, and my heart quite sunk with grief. But his honour, out of `
` curiosity, and, perhaps, (if I may speak without vanity,) partly `
` out of kindness, was determined to see me in my canoe, and got `
` several of his neighbouring friends to accompany him. I was forced `
` to wait above an hour for the tide; and then observing the wind `
` very fortunately bearing toward the island to which I intended to `
` steer my course, I took a second leave of my master: but as I was `
` going to prostrate myself to kiss his hoof, he did me the honour to `
` raise it gently to my mouth. I am not ignorant how much I have `
` been censured for mentioning this last particular. Detractors are `
` pleased to think it improbable, that so illustrious a person should `
` descend to give so great a mark of distinction to a creature so `
` inferior as I. Neither have I forgotten how apt some travellers `
` are to boast of extraordinary favours they have received. But, if `
` these censurers were better acquainted with the noble and courteous `
` disposition of the Houyhnhnms, they would soon change their `
` opinion. `
` `
` I paid my respects to the rest of the Houyhnhnms in his honour's `
` company; then getting into my canoe, I pushed off from shore. `
` `
` `
` `
` CHAPTER XI. `
` `
` `
` `
` [The author's dangerous voyage. He arrives at New Holland, hoping `
` to settle there. Is wounded with an arrow by one of the natives. `
` Is seized and carried by force into a Portuguese ship. The great `
` civilities of the captain. The author arrives at England.] `
` `
` I began this desperate voyage on February 15, 1714-15, at nine `
` o'clock in the morning. The wind was very favourable; however, I `
` made use at first only of my paddles; but considering I should soon `
` be weary, and that the wind might chop about, I ventured to set up `
` my little sail; and thus, with the help of the tide, I went at the `
` rate of a league and a half an hour, as near as I could guess. My `
` master and his friends continued on the shore till I was almost out `
` of sight; and I often heard the sorrel nag (who always loved me) `
` crying out, "Hnuy illa nyha, majah Yahoo;" "Take care of thyself, `
` gentle Yahoo." `
` `
` My design was, if possible, to discover some small island `
` uninhabited, yet sufficient, by my labour, to furnish me with the `
` necessaries of life, which I would have thought a greater `
` happiness, than to be first minister in the politest court of `
` Europe; so horrible was the idea I conceived of returning to live `
` in the society, and under the government of Yahoos. For in such a `
` solitude as I desired, I could at least enjoy my own thoughts, and `
` reflect with delight on the virtues of those inimitable Houyhnhnms, `
` without an opportunity of degenerating into the vices and `
` corruptions of my own species. `
` `
` The reader may remember what I related, when my crew conspired `
` against me, and confined me to my cabin; how I continued there `
` several weeks without knowing what course we took; and when I was `
` put ashore in the long-boat, how the sailors told me, with oaths, `
` whether true or false, "that they knew not in what part of the `
` world we were." However, I did then believe us to be about 10 `
` degrees southward of the Cape of Good Hope, or about 45 degrees `
` southern latitude, as I gathered from some general words I `
` overheard among them, being I supposed to the south-east in their `
` intended voyage to Madagascar. And although this were little `
` better than conjecture, yet I resolved to steer my course eastward, `
` hoping to reach the south-west coast of New Holland, and perhaps `
` some such island as I desired lying westward of it. The wind was `
` full west, and by six in the evening I computed I had gone eastward `
` at least eighteen leagues; when I spied a very small island about `
` half a league off, which I soon reached. It was nothing but a `
` rock, with one creek naturally arched by the force of tempests. `
` Here I put in my canoe, and climbing a part of the rock, I could `
` plainly discover land to the east, extending from south to north. `
` I lay all night in my canoe; and repeating my voyage early in the `
` morning, I arrived in seven hours to the south-east point of New `
` Holland. This confirmed me in the opinion I have long entertained, `
` that the maps and charts place this country at least three degrees `
` more to the east than it really is; which thought I communicated `
` many years ago to my worthy friend, Mr. Herman Moll, and gave him `
` my reasons for it, although he has rather chosen to follow other `
` authors. `
` `
` I saw no inhabitants in the place where I landed, and being `
` unarmed, I was afraid of venturing far into the country. I found `
` some shellfish on the shore, and ate them raw, not daring to kindle `
` a fire, for fear of being discovered by the natives. I continued `
` three days feeding on oysters and limpets, to save my own `
` provisions; and I fortunately found a brook of excellent water, `
` which gave me great relief. `
` `
` On the fourth day, venturing out early a little too far, I saw `
` twenty or thirty natives upon a height not above five hundred yards `
` from me. They were stark naked, men, women, and children, round a `
` fire, as I could discover by the smoke. One of them spied me, and `
` gave notice to the rest; five of them advanced toward me, leaving `
` the women and children at the fire. I made what haste I could to `
` the shore, and, getting into my canoe, shoved off: the savages, `
` observing me retreat, ran after me: and before I could get far `
` enough into the sea, discharged an arrow which wounded me deeply on `
` the inside of my left knee: I shall carry the mark to my grave. I `
` apprehended the arrow might be poisoned, and paddling out of the `
` reach of their darts (being a calm day), I made a shift to suck the `
` wound, and dress it as well as I could. `
` `
` I was at a loss what to do, for I durst not return to the same `
` landing-place, but stood to the north, and was forced to paddle, `
` for the wind, though very gentle, was against me, blowing north- `
` west. As I was looking about for a secure landing-place, I saw a `
` sail to the north-north-east, which appearing every minute more `
` visible, I was in some doubt whether I should wait for them or not; `
` but at last my detestation of the Yahoo race prevailed: and `
` turning my canoe, I sailed and paddled together to the south, and `
` got into the same creek whence I set out in the morning, choosing `
` rather to trust myself among these barbarians, than live with `
` European Yahoos. I drew up my canoe as close as I could to the `
` shore, and hid myself behind a stone by the little brook, which, as `
` I have already said, was excellent water. `
` `
` The ship came within half a league of this creek, and sent her long `
` boat with vessels to take in fresh water (for the place, it seems, `
` was very well known); but I did not observe it, till the boat was `
` almost on shore; and it was too late to seek another hiding-place. `
` The seamen at their landing observed my canoe, and rummaging it all `
` over, easily conjectured that the owner could not be far off. Four `
` of them, well armed, searched every cranny and lurking-hole, till `
` at last they found me flat on my face behind the stone. They gazed `
` awhile in admiration at my strange uncouth dress; my coat made of `
` skins, my wooden-soled shoes, and my furred stockings; whence, `
` however, they concluded, I was not a native of the place, who all `
` go naked. One of the seamen, in Portuguese, bid me rise, and asked `
` who I was. I understood that language very well, and getting upon `
` my feet, said, "I was a poor Yahoo banished from the Houyhnhnms, `
` and desired they would please to let me depart." They admired to `
` hear me answer them in their own tongue, and saw by my complexion I `
` must be a European; but were at a loss to know what I meant by `
` Yahoos and Houyhnhnms; and at the same time fell a-laughing at my `
` strange tone in speaking, which resembled the neighing of a horse. `
` I trembled all the while betwixt fear and hatred. I again desired `
` leave to depart, and was gently moving to my canoe; but they laid `
` hold of me, desiring to know, "what country I was of? whence I `
` came?" with many other questions. I told them "I was born in `
` England, whence I came about five years ago, and then their country `
` and ours were at peace. I therefore hoped they would not treat me `
` as an enemy, since I meant them no harm, but was a poor Yahoo `
` seeking some desolate place where to pass the remainder of his `
` unfortunate life." `
` `
` When they began to talk, I thought I never heard or saw any thing `
` more unnatural; for it appeared to me as monstrous as if a dog or a `
` cow should speak in England, or a Yahoo in Houyhnhnmland. The `
` honest Portuguese were equally amazed at my strange dress, and the `
` odd manner of delivering my words, which, however, they understood `
` very well. They spoke to me with great humanity, and said, "they `
` were sure the captain would carry me gratis to Lisbon, whence I `
` might return to my own country; that two of the seamen would go `
` back to the ship, inform the captain of what they had seen, and `
` receive his orders; in the mean time, unless I would give my solemn `
` oath not to fly, they would secure me by force. I thought it best `
` to comply with their proposal. They were very curious to know my `
` story, but I gave them very little satisfaction, and they all `
` conjectured that my misfortunes had impaired my reason. In two `
` hours the boat, which went laden with vessels of water, returned, `
` with the captain's command to fetch me on board. I fell on my `
` knees to preserve my liberty; but all was in vain; and the men, `
` having tied me with cords, heaved me into the boat, whence I was `
` taken into the ship, and thence into the captain's cabin. `
` `
` His name was Pedro de Mendez; he was a very courteous and generous `
` person. He entreated me to give some account of myself, and `
` desired to know what I would eat or drink; said, "I should be used `
` as well as himself;" and spoke so many obliging things, that I `
` wondered to find such civilities from a Yahoo. However, I remained `
` silent and sullen; I was ready to faint at the very smell of him `
` and his men. At last I desired something to eat out of my own `
` canoe; but he ordered me a chicken, and some excellent wine, and `
` then directed that I should be put to bed in a very clean cabin. I `
` would not undress myself, but lay on the bed-clothes, and in half `
` an hour stole out, when I thought the crew was at dinner, and `
` getting to the side of the ship, was going to leap into the sea, `
` and swim for my life, rather than continue among Yahoos. But one `
`
` suffice to say, that in six weeks time with the help of the sorrel `
` nag, who performed the parts that required most labour, I finished `
` a sort of Indian canoe, but much larger, covering it with the skins `
` of Yahoos, well stitched together with hempen threads of my own `
` making. My sail was likewise composed of the skins of the same `
` animal; but I made use of the youngest I could get, the older being `
` too tough and thick; and I likewise provided myself with four `
` paddles. I laid in a stock of boiled flesh, of rabbits and fowls, `
` and took with me two vessels, one filled with milk and the other `
` with water. `
` `
` I tried my canoe in a large pond, near my master's house, and then `
` corrected in it what was amiss; stopping all the chinks with `
` Yahoos' tallow, till I found it staunch, and able to bear me and my `
` freight; and, when it was as complete as I could possibly make it, `
` I had it drawn on a carriage very gently by Yahoos to the sea-side, `
` under the conduct of the sorrel nag and another servant. `
` `
` When all was ready, and the day came for my departure, I took leave `
` of my master and lady and the whole family, my eyes flowing with `
` tears, and my heart quite sunk with grief. But his honour, out of `
` curiosity, and, perhaps, (if I may speak without vanity,) partly `
` out of kindness, was determined to see me in my canoe, and got `
` several of his neighbouring friends to accompany him. I was forced `
` to wait above an hour for the tide; and then observing the wind `
` very fortunately bearing toward the island to which I intended to `
` steer my course, I took a second leave of my master: but as I was `
` going to prostrate myself to kiss his hoof, he did me the honour to `
` raise it gently to my mouth. I am not ignorant how much I have `
` been censured for mentioning this last particular. Detractors are `
` pleased to think it improbable, that so illustrious a person should `
` descend to give so great a mark of distinction to a creature so `
` inferior as I. Neither have I forgotten how apt some travellers `
` are to boast of extraordinary favours they have received. But, if `
` these censurers were better acquainted with the noble and courteous `
` disposition of the Houyhnhnms, they would soon change their `
` opinion. `
` `
` I paid my respects to the rest of the Houyhnhnms in his honour's `
` company; then getting into my canoe, I pushed off from shore. `
` `
` `
` `
` CHAPTER XI. `
` `
` `
` `
` [The author's dangerous voyage. He arrives at New Holland, hoping `
` to settle there. Is wounded with an arrow by one of the natives. `
` Is seized and carried by force into a Portuguese ship. The great `
` civilities of the captain. The author arrives at England.] `
` `
` I began this desperate voyage on February 15, 1714-15, at nine `
` o'clock in the morning. The wind was very favourable; however, I `
` made use at first only of my paddles; but considering I should soon `
` be weary, and that the wind might chop about, I ventured to set up `
` my little sail; and thus, with the help of the tide, I went at the `
` rate of a league and a half an hour, as near as I could guess. My `
` master and his friends continued on the shore till I was almost out `
` of sight; and I often heard the sorrel nag (who always loved me) `
` crying out, "Hnuy illa nyha, majah Yahoo;" "Take care of thyself, `
` gentle Yahoo." `
` `
` My design was, if possible, to discover some small island `
` uninhabited, yet sufficient, by my labour, to furnish me with the `
` necessaries of life, which I would have thought a greater `
` happiness, than to be first minister in the politest court of `
` Europe; so horrible was the idea I conceived of returning to live `
` in the society, and under the government of Yahoos. For in such a `
` solitude as I desired, I could at least enjoy my own thoughts, and `
` reflect with delight on the virtues of those inimitable Houyhnhnms, `
` without an opportunity of degenerating into the vices and `
` corruptions of my own species. `
` `
` The reader may remember what I related, when my crew conspired `
` against me, and confined me to my cabin; how I continued there `
` several weeks without knowing what course we took; and when I was `
` put ashore in the long-boat, how the sailors told me, with oaths, `
` whether true or false, "that they knew not in what part of the `
` world we were." However, I did then believe us to be about 10 `
` degrees southward of the Cape of Good Hope, or about 45 degrees `
` southern latitude, as I gathered from some general words I `
` overheard among them, being I supposed to the south-east in their `
` intended voyage to Madagascar. And although this were little `
` better than conjecture, yet I resolved to steer my course eastward, `
` hoping to reach the south-west coast of New Holland, and perhaps `
` some such island as I desired lying westward of it. The wind was `
` full west, and by six in the evening I computed I had gone eastward `
` at least eighteen leagues; when I spied a very small island about `
` half a league off, which I soon reached. It was nothing but a `
` rock, with one creek naturally arched by the force of tempests. `
` Here I put in my canoe, and climbing a part of the rock, I could `
` plainly discover land to the east, extending from south to north. `
` I lay all night in my canoe; and repeating my voyage early in the `
` morning, I arrived in seven hours to the south-east point of New `
` Holland. This confirmed me in the opinion I have long entertained, `
` that the maps and charts place this country at least three degrees `
` more to the east than it really is; which thought I communicated `
` many years ago to my worthy friend, Mr. Herman Moll, and gave him `
` my reasons for it, although he has rather chosen to follow other `
` authors. `
` `
` I saw no inhabitants in the place where I landed, and being `
` unarmed, I was afraid of venturing far into the country. I found `
` some shellfish on the shore, and ate them raw, not daring to kindle `
` a fire, for fear of being discovered by the natives. I continued `
` three days feeding on oysters and limpets, to save my own `
` provisions; and I fortunately found a brook of excellent water, `
` which gave me great relief. `
` `
` On the fourth day, venturing out early a little too far, I saw `
` twenty or thirty natives upon a height not above five hundred yards `
` from me. They were stark naked, men, women, and children, round a `
` fire, as I could discover by the smoke. One of them spied me, and `
` gave notice to the rest; five of them advanced toward me, leaving `
` the women and children at the fire. I made what haste I could to `
` the shore, and, getting into my canoe, shoved off: the savages, `
` observing me retreat, ran after me: and before I could get far `
` enough into the sea, discharged an arrow which wounded me deeply on `
` the inside of my left knee: I shall carry the mark to my grave. I `
` apprehended the arrow might be poisoned, and paddling out of the `
` reach of their darts (being a calm day), I made a shift to suck the `
` wound, and dress it as well as I could. `
` `
` I was at a loss what to do, for I durst not return to the same `
` landing-place, but stood to the north, and was forced to paddle, `
` for the wind, though very gentle, was against me, blowing north- `
` west. As I was looking about for a secure landing-place, I saw a `
` sail to the north-north-east, which appearing every minute more `
` visible, I was in some doubt whether I should wait for them or not; `
` but at last my detestation of the Yahoo race prevailed: and `
` turning my canoe, I sailed and paddled together to the south, and `
` got into the same creek whence I set out in the morning, choosing `
` rather to trust myself among these barbarians, than live with `
` European Yahoos. I drew up my canoe as close as I could to the `
` shore, and hid myself behind a stone by the little brook, which, as `
` I have already said, was excellent water. `
` `
` The ship came within half a league of this creek, and sent her long `
` boat with vessels to take in fresh water (for the place, it seems, `
` was very well known); but I did not observe it, till the boat was `
` almost on shore; and it was too late to seek another hiding-place. `
` The seamen at their landing observed my canoe, and rummaging it all `
` over, easily conjectured that the owner could not be far off. Four `
` of them, well armed, searched every cranny and lurking-hole, till `
` at last they found me flat on my face behind the stone. They gazed `
` awhile in admiration at my strange uncouth dress; my coat made of `
` skins, my wooden-soled shoes, and my furred stockings; whence, `
` however, they concluded, I was not a native of the place, who all `
` go naked. One of the seamen, in Portuguese, bid me rise, and asked `
` who I was. I understood that language very well, and getting upon `
` my feet, said, "I was a poor Yahoo banished from the Houyhnhnms, `
` and desired they would please to let me depart." They admired to `
` hear me answer them in their own tongue, and saw by my complexion I `
` must be a European; but were at a loss to know what I meant by `
` Yahoos and Houyhnhnms; and at the same time fell a-laughing at my `
` strange tone in speaking, which resembled the neighing of a horse. `
` I trembled all the while betwixt fear and hatred. I again desired `
` leave to depart, and was gently moving to my canoe; but they laid `
` hold of me, desiring to know, "what country I was of? whence I `
` came?" with many other questions. I told them "I was born in `
` England, whence I came about five years ago, and then their country `
` and ours were at peace. I therefore hoped they would not treat me `
` as an enemy, since I meant them no harm, but was a poor Yahoo `
` seeking some desolate place where to pass the remainder of his `
` unfortunate life." `
` `
` When they began to talk, I thought I never heard or saw any thing `
` more unnatural; for it appeared to me as monstrous as if a dog or a `
` cow should speak in England, or a Yahoo in Houyhnhnmland. The `
` honest Portuguese were equally amazed at my strange dress, and the `
` odd manner of delivering my words, which, however, they understood `
` very well. They spoke to me with great humanity, and said, "they `
` were sure the captain would carry me gratis to Lisbon, whence I `
` might return to my own country; that two of the seamen would go `
` back to the ship, inform the captain of what they had seen, and `
` receive his orders; in the mean time, unless I would give my solemn `
` oath not to fly, they would secure me by force. I thought it best `
` to comply with their proposal. They were very curious to know my `
` story, but I gave them very little satisfaction, and they all `
` conjectured that my misfortunes had impaired my reason. In two `
` hours the boat, which went laden with vessels of water, returned, `
` with the captain's command to fetch me on board. I fell on my `
` knees to preserve my liberty; but all was in vain; and the men, `
` having tied me with cords, heaved me into the boat, whence I was `
` taken into the ship, and thence into the captain's cabin. `
` `
` His name was Pedro de Mendez; he was a very courteous and generous `
` person. He entreated me to give some account of myself, and `
` desired to know what I would eat or drink; said, "I should be used `
` as well as himself;" and spoke so many obliging things, that I `
` wondered to find such civilities from a Yahoo. However, I remained `
` silent and sullen; I was ready to faint at the very smell of him `
` and his men. At last I desired something to eat out of my own `
` canoe; but he ordered me a chicken, and some excellent wine, and `
` then directed that I should be put to bed in a very clean cabin. I `
` would not undress myself, but lay on the bed-clothes, and in half `
` an hour stole out, when I thought the crew was at dinner, and `
` getting to the side of the ship, was going to leap into the sea, `
` and swim for my life, rather than continue among Yahoos. But one `
`