Reading Help Gulliver's Travels. Part I
appetite. I then made another sign, that I wanted drink. They `
` found by my eating that a small quantity would not suffice me; and `
` being a most ingenious people, they slung up, with great dexterity, `
` one of their largest hogsheads, then rolled it towards my hand, and `
` beat out the top; I drank it off at a draught, which I might well `
` do, for it did not hold half a pint, and tasted like a small wine `
` of Burgundy, but much more delicious. They brought me a second `
` hogshead, which I drank in the same manner, and made signs for `
` more; but they had none to give me. When I had performed these `
` wonders, they shouted for joy, and danced upon my breast, repeating `
` several times as they did at first, Hekinah degul. They made me a `
` sign that I should throw down the two hogsheads, but first warning `
` the people below to stand out of the way, crying aloud, Borach `
` mevolah; and when they saw the vessels in the air, there was a `
` universal shout of Hekinah degul. I confess I was often tempted, `
` while they were passing backwards and forwards on my body, to seize `
` forty or fifty of the first that came in my reach, and dash them `
` against the ground. But the remembrance of what I had felt, which `
` probably might not be the worst they could do, and the promise of `
` honour I made them--for so I interpreted my submissive behaviour-- `
` soon drove out these imaginations. Besides, I now considered `
` myself as bound by the laws of hospitality, to a people who had `
` treated me with so much expense and magnificence. However, in my `
` thoughts I could not sufficiently wonder at the intrepidity of `
` these diminutive mortals, who durst venture to mount and walk upon `
` my body, while one of my hands was at liberty, without trembling at `
` the very sight of so prodigious a creature as I must appear to `
` them. After some time, when they observed that I made no more `
` demands for meat, there appeared before me a person of high rank `
` from his imperial majesty. His excellency, having mounted on the `
` small of my right leg, advanced forwards up to my face, with about `
` a dozen of his retinue; and producing his credentials under the `
` signet royal, which he applied close to my eyes, spoke about ten `
` minutes without any signs of anger, but with a kind of determinate `
` resolution, often pointing forwards, which, as I afterwards found, `
` was towards the capital city, about half a mile distant; whither it `
` was agreed by his majesty in council that I must be conveyed. I `
` answered in few words, but to no purpose, and made a sign with my `
` hand that was loose, putting it to the other (but over his `
` excellency's head for fear of hurting him or his train) and then to `
` my own head and body, to signify that I desired my liberty. It `
` appeared that he understood me well enough, for he shook his head `
` by way of disapprobation, and held his hand in a posture to show `
` that I must be carried as a prisoner. However, he made other signs `
` to let me understand that I should have meat and drink enough, and `
` very good treatment. Whereupon I once more thought of attempting `
` to break my bonds; but again, when I felt the smart of their arrows `
` upon my face and hands, which were all in blisters, and many of the `
` darts still sticking in them, and observing likewise that the `
` number of my enemies increased, I gave tokens to let them know that `
` they might do with me what they pleased. Upon this, the hurgo and `
` his train withdrew, with much civility and cheerful countenances. `
` Soon after I heard a general shout, with frequent repetitions of `
` the words Peplom selan; and I felt great numbers of people on my `
` left side relaxing the cords to such a degree, that I was able to `
` turn upon my right, and to ease myself with making water; which I `
` very plentifully did, to the great astonishment of the people; who, `
` conjecturing by my motion what I was going to do, immediately `
` opened to the right and left on that side, to avoid the torrent, `
` which fell with such noise and violence from me. But before this, `
` they had daubed my face and both my hands with a sort of ointment, `
` very pleasant to the smell, which, in a few minutes, removed all `
` the smart of their arrows. These circumstances, added to the `
` refreshment I had received by their victuals and drink, which were `
` very nourishing, disposed me to sleep. I slept about eight hours, `
` as I was afterwards assured; and it was no wonder, for the `
` physicians, by the emperor's order, had mingled a sleepy potion in `
` the hogsheads of wine. `
` `
` It seems, that upon the first moment I was discovered sleeping on `
` the ground, after my landing, the emperor had early notice of it by `
` an express; and determined in council, that I should be tied in the `
` manner I have related, (which was done in the night while I slept;) `
` that plenty of meat and drink should be sent to me, and a machine `
` prepared to carry me to the capital city. `
` `
` This resolution perhaps may appear very bold and dangerous, and I `
` am confident would not be imitated by any prince in Europe on the `
` like occasion. However, in my opinion, it was extremely prudent, `
` as well as generous: for, supposing these people had endeavoured `
` to kill me with their spears and arrows, while I was asleep, I `
` should certainly have awaked with the first sense of smart, which `
` might so far have roused my rage and strength, as to have enabled `
` me to break the strings wherewith I was tied; after which, as they `
` were not able to make resistance, so they could expect no mercy. `
` `
` These people are most excellent mathematicians, and arrived to a `
` great perfection in mechanics, by the countenance and encouragement `
` of the emperor, who is a renowned patron of learning. This prince `
` has several machines fixed on wheels, for the carriage of trees and `
` other great weights. He often builds his largest men of war, `
` whereof some are nine feet long, in the woods where the timber `
` grows, and has them carried on these engines three or four hundred `
` yards to the sea. Five hundred carpenters and engineers were `
` immediately set at work to prepare the greatest engine they had. `
` It was a frame of wood raised three inches from the ground, about `
` seven feet long, and four wide, moving upon twenty-two wheels. The `
` shout I heard was upon the arrival of this engine, which, it seems, `
` set out in four hours after my landing. It was brought parallel to `
` me, as I lay. But the principal difficulty was to raise and place `
` me in this vehicle. Eighty poles, each of one foot high, were `
` erected for this purpose, and very strong cords, of the bigness of `
` packthread, were fastened by hooks to many bandages, which the `
` workmen had girt round my neck, my hands, my body, and my legs. `
` Nine hundred of the strongest men were employed to draw up these `
` cords, by many pulleys fastened on the poles; and thus, in less `
` than three hours, I was raised and slung into the engine, and there `
` tied fast. All this I was told; for, while the operation was `
` performing, I lay in a profound sleep, by the force of that `
` soporiferous medicine infused into my liquor. Fifteen hundred of `
` the emperor's largest horses, each about four inches and a half `
` high, were employed to draw me towards the metropolis, which, as I `
` said, was half a mile distant. `
` `
` About four hours after we began our journey, I awaked by a very `
` ridiculous accident; for the carriage being stopped a while, to `
` adjust something that was out of order, two or three of the young `
` natives had the curiosity to see how I looked when I was asleep; `
` they climbed up into the engine, and advancing very softly to my `
` face, one of them, an officer in the guards, put the sharp end of `
` his half-pike a good way up into my left nostril, which tickled my `
` nose like a straw, and made me sneeze violently; whereupon they `
` stole off unperceived, and it was three weeks before I knew the `
` cause of my waking so suddenly. We made a long march the remaining `
` part of the day, and, rested at night with five hundred guards on `
` each side of me, half with torches, and half with bows and arrows, `
` ready to shoot me if I should offer to stir. The next morning at `
` sun-rise we continued our march, and arrived within two hundred `
` yards of the city gates about noon. The emperor, and all his `
` court, came out to meet us; but his great officers would by no `
` means suffer his majesty to endanger his person by mounting on my `
` body. `
` `
` At the place where the carriage stopped there stood an ancient `
` temple, esteemed to be the largest in the whole kingdom; which, `
` having been polluted some years before by an unnatural murder, was, `
` according to the zeal of those people, looked upon as profane, and `
` therefore had been applied to common use, and all the ornaments and `
` furniture carried away. In this edifice it was determined I should `
` lodge. The great gate fronting to the north was about four feet `
` high, and almost two feet wide, through which I could easily creep. `
` On each side of the gate was a small window, not above six inches `
` from the ground: into that on the left side, the king's smith `
` conveyed fourscore and eleven chains, like those that hang to a `
` lady's watch in Europe, and almost as large, which were locked to `
` my left leg with six-and-thirty padlocks. Over against this `
` temple, on the other side of the great highway, at twenty feet `
` distance, there was a turret at least five feet high. Here the `
` emperor ascended, with many principal lords of his court, to have `
` an opportunity of viewing me, as I was told, for I could not see `
` them. It was reckoned that above a hundred thousand inhabitants `
` came out of the town upon the same errand; and, in spite of my `
` guards, I believe there could not be fewer than ten thousand at `
` several times, who mounted my body by the help of ladders. But a `
` proclamation was soon issued, to forbid it upon pain of death. `
` When the workmen found it was impossible for me to break loose, `
` they cut all the strings that bound me; whereupon I rose up, with `
` as melancholy a disposition as ever I had in my life. But the `
` noise and astonishment of the people, at seeing me rise and walk, `
` are not to be expressed. The chains that held my left leg were `
` about two yards long, and gave me not only the liberty of walking `
` backwards and forwards in a semicircle, but, being fixed within `
` four inches of the gate, allowed me to creep in, and lie at my full `
` length in the temple. `
` `
` `
` `
` CHAPTER II. `
` `
` `
` `
` [The emperor of Lilliput, attended by several of the nobility, `
` comes to see the author in his confinement. The emperor's person `
` and habit described. Learned men appointed to teach the author `
` their language. He gains favour by his mild disposition. His `
` pockets are searched, and his sword and pistols taken from him.] `
` `
` When I found myself on my feet, I looked about me, and must confess `
` I never beheld a more entertaining prospect. The country around `
` appeared like a continued garden, and the enclosed fields, which `
` were generally forty feet square, resembled so many beds of `
` flowers. These fields were intermingled with woods of half a `
` stang, and the tallest trees, as I could judge, appeared to be `
` seven feet high. I viewed the town on my left hand, which looked `
` like the painted scene of a city in a theatre. `
` `
` I had been for some hours extremely pressed by the necessities of `
` nature; which was no wonder, it being almost two days since I had `
` last disburdened myself. I was under great difficulties between `
` urgency and shame. The best expedient I could think of, was to `
` creep into my house, which I accordingly did; and shutting the gate `
` after me, I went as far as the length of my chain would suffer, and `
` discharged my body of that uneasy load. But this was the only time `
` I was ever guilty of so uncleanly an action; for which I cannot but `
` hope the candid reader will give some allowance, after he has `
` maturely and impartially considered my case, and the distress I was `
` in. From this time my constant practice was, as soon as I rose, to `
` perform that business in open air, at the full extent of my chain; `
` and due care was taken every morning before company came, that the `
` offensive matter should be carried off in wheel-barrows, by two `
` servants appointed for that purpose. I would not have dwelt so `
`
` found by my eating that a small quantity would not suffice me; and `
` being a most ingenious people, they slung up, with great dexterity, `
` one of their largest hogsheads, then rolled it towards my hand, and `
` beat out the top; I drank it off at a draught, which I might well `
` do, for it did not hold half a pint, and tasted like a small wine `
` of Burgundy, but much more delicious. They brought me a second `
` hogshead, which I drank in the same manner, and made signs for `
` more; but they had none to give me. When I had performed these `
` wonders, they shouted for joy, and danced upon my breast, repeating `
` several times as they did at first, Hekinah degul. They made me a `
` sign that I should throw down the two hogsheads, but first warning `
` the people below to stand out of the way, crying aloud, Borach `
` mevolah; and when they saw the vessels in the air, there was a `
` universal shout of Hekinah degul. I confess I was often tempted, `
` while they were passing backwards and forwards on my body, to seize `
` forty or fifty of the first that came in my reach, and dash them `
` against the ground. But the remembrance of what I had felt, which `
` probably might not be the worst they could do, and the promise of `
` honour I made them--for so I interpreted my submissive behaviour-- `
` soon drove out these imaginations. Besides, I now considered `
` myself as bound by the laws of hospitality, to a people who had `
` treated me with so much expense and magnificence. However, in my `
` thoughts I could not sufficiently wonder at the intrepidity of `
` these diminutive mortals, who durst venture to mount and walk upon `
` my body, while one of my hands was at liberty, without trembling at `
` the very sight of so prodigious a creature as I must appear to `
` them. After some time, when they observed that I made no more `
` demands for meat, there appeared before me a person of high rank `
` from his imperial majesty. His excellency, having mounted on the `
` small of my right leg, advanced forwards up to my face, with about `
` a dozen of his retinue; and producing his credentials under the `
` signet royal, which he applied close to my eyes, spoke about ten `
` minutes without any signs of anger, but with a kind of determinate `
` resolution, often pointing forwards, which, as I afterwards found, `
` was towards the capital city, about half a mile distant; whither it `
` was agreed by his majesty in council that I must be conveyed. I `
` answered in few words, but to no purpose, and made a sign with my `
` hand that was loose, putting it to the other (but over his `
` excellency's head for fear of hurting him or his train) and then to `
` my own head and body, to signify that I desired my liberty. It `
` appeared that he understood me well enough, for he shook his head `
` by way of disapprobation, and held his hand in a posture to show `
` that I must be carried as a prisoner. However, he made other signs `
` to let me understand that I should have meat and drink enough, and `
` very good treatment. Whereupon I once more thought of attempting `
` to break my bonds; but again, when I felt the smart of their arrows `
` upon my face and hands, which were all in blisters, and many of the `
` darts still sticking in them, and observing likewise that the `
` number of my enemies increased, I gave tokens to let them know that `
` they might do with me what they pleased. Upon this, the hurgo and `
` his train withdrew, with much civility and cheerful countenances. `
` Soon after I heard a general shout, with frequent repetitions of `
` the words Peplom selan; and I felt great numbers of people on my `
` left side relaxing the cords to such a degree, that I was able to `
` turn upon my right, and to ease myself with making water; which I `
` very plentifully did, to the great astonishment of the people; who, `
` conjecturing by my motion what I was going to do, immediately `
` opened to the right and left on that side, to avoid the torrent, `
` which fell with such noise and violence from me. But before this, `
` they had daubed my face and both my hands with a sort of ointment, `
` very pleasant to the smell, which, in a few minutes, removed all `
` the smart of their arrows. These circumstances, added to the `
` refreshment I had received by their victuals and drink, which were `
` very nourishing, disposed me to sleep. I slept about eight hours, `
` as I was afterwards assured; and it was no wonder, for the `
` physicians, by the emperor's order, had mingled a sleepy potion in `
` the hogsheads of wine. `
` `
` It seems, that upon the first moment I was discovered sleeping on `
` the ground, after my landing, the emperor had early notice of it by `
` an express; and determined in council, that I should be tied in the `
` manner I have related, (which was done in the night while I slept;) `
` that plenty of meat and drink should be sent to me, and a machine `
` prepared to carry me to the capital city. `
` `
` This resolution perhaps may appear very bold and dangerous, and I `
` am confident would not be imitated by any prince in Europe on the `
` like occasion. However, in my opinion, it was extremely prudent, `
` as well as generous: for, supposing these people had endeavoured `
` to kill me with their spears and arrows, while I was asleep, I `
` should certainly have awaked with the first sense of smart, which `
` might so far have roused my rage and strength, as to have enabled `
` me to break the strings wherewith I was tied; after which, as they `
` were not able to make resistance, so they could expect no mercy. `
` `
` These people are most excellent mathematicians, and arrived to a `
` great perfection in mechanics, by the countenance and encouragement `
` of the emperor, who is a renowned patron of learning. This prince `
` has several machines fixed on wheels, for the carriage of trees and `
` other great weights. He often builds his largest men of war, `
` whereof some are nine feet long, in the woods where the timber `
` grows, and has them carried on these engines three or four hundred `
` yards to the sea. Five hundred carpenters and engineers were `
` immediately set at work to prepare the greatest engine they had. `
` It was a frame of wood raised three inches from the ground, about `
` seven feet long, and four wide, moving upon twenty-two wheels. The `
` shout I heard was upon the arrival of this engine, which, it seems, `
` set out in four hours after my landing. It was brought parallel to `
` me, as I lay. But the principal difficulty was to raise and place `
` me in this vehicle. Eighty poles, each of one foot high, were `
` erected for this purpose, and very strong cords, of the bigness of `
` packthread, were fastened by hooks to many bandages, which the `
` workmen had girt round my neck, my hands, my body, and my legs. `
` Nine hundred of the strongest men were employed to draw up these `
` cords, by many pulleys fastened on the poles; and thus, in less `
` than three hours, I was raised and slung into the engine, and there `
` tied fast. All this I was told; for, while the operation was `
` performing, I lay in a profound sleep, by the force of that `
` soporiferous medicine infused into my liquor. Fifteen hundred of `
` the emperor's largest horses, each about four inches and a half `
` high, were employed to draw me towards the metropolis, which, as I `
` said, was half a mile distant. `
` `
` About four hours after we began our journey, I awaked by a very `
` ridiculous accident; for the carriage being stopped a while, to `
` adjust something that was out of order, two or three of the young `
` natives had the curiosity to see how I looked when I was asleep; `
` they climbed up into the engine, and advancing very softly to my `
` face, one of them, an officer in the guards, put the sharp end of `
` his half-pike a good way up into my left nostril, which tickled my `
` nose like a straw, and made me sneeze violently; whereupon they `
` stole off unperceived, and it was three weeks before I knew the `
` cause of my waking so suddenly. We made a long march the remaining `
` part of the day, and, rested at night with five hundred guards on `
` each side of me, half with torches, and half with bows and arrows, `
` ready to shoot me if I should offer to stir. The next morning at `
` sun-rise we continued our march, and arrived within two hundred `
` yards of the city gates about noon. The emperor, and all his `
` court, came out to meet us; but his great officers would by no `
` means suffer his majesty to endanger his person by mounting on my `
` body. `
` `
` At the place where the carriage stopped there stood an ancient `
` temple, esteemed to be the largest in the whole kingdom; which, `
` having been polluted some years before by an unnatural murder, was, `
` according to the zeal of those people, looked upon as profane, and `
` therefore had been applied to common use, and all the ornaments and `
` furniture carried away. In this edifice it was determined I should `
` lodge. The great gate fronting to the north was about four feet `
` high, and almost two feet wide, through which I could easily creep. `
` On each side of the gate was a small window, not above six inches `
` from the ground: into that on the left side, the king's smith `
` conveyed fourscore and eleven chains, like those that hang to a `
` lady's watch in Europe, and almost as large, which were locked to `
` my left leg with six-and-thirty padlocks. Over against this `
` temple, on the other side of the great highway, at twenty feet `
` distance, there was a turret at least five feet high. Here the `
` emperor ascended, with many principal lords of his court, to have `
` an opportunity of viewing me, as I was told, for I could not see `
` them. It was reckoned that above a hundred thousand inhabitants `
` came out of the town upon the same errand; and, in spite of my `
` guards, I believe there could not be fewer than ten thousand at `
` several times, who mounted my body by the help of ladders. But a `
` proclamation was soon issued, to forbid it upon pain of death. `
` When the workmen found it was impossible for me to break loose, `
` they cut all the strings that bound me; whereupon I rose up, with `
` as melancholy a disposition as ever I had in my life. But the `
` noise and astonishment of the people, at seeing me rise and walk, `
` are not to be expressed. The chains that held my left leg were `
` about two yards long, and gave me not only the liberty of walking `
` backwards and forwards in a semicircle, but, being fixed within `
` four inches of the gate, allowed me to creep in, and lie at my full `
` length in the temple. `
` `
` `
` `
` CHAPTER II. `
` `
` `
` `
` [The emperor of Lilliput, attended by several of the nobility, `
` comes to see the author in his confinement. The emperor's person `
` and habit described. Learned men appointed to teach the author `
` their language. He gains favour by his mild disposition. His `
` pockets are searched, and his sword and pistols taken from him.] `
` `
` When I found myself on my feet, I looked about me, and must confess `
` I never beheld a more entertaining prospect. The country around `
` appeared like a continued garden, and the enclosed fields, which `
` were generally forty feet square, resembled so many beds of `
` flowers. These fields were intermingled with woods of half a `
` stang, and the tallest trees, as I could judge, appeared to be `
` seven feet high. I viewed the town on my left hand, which looked `
` like the painted scene of a city in a theatre. `
` `
` I had been for some hours extremely pressed by the necessities of `
` nature; which was no wonder, it being almost two days since I had `
` last disburdened myself. I was under great difficulties between `
` urgency and shame. The best expedient I could think of, was to `
` creep into my house, which I accordingly did; and shutting the gate `
` after me, I went as far as the length of my chain would suffer, and `
` discharged my body of that uneasy load. But this was the only time `
` I was ever guilty of so uncleanly an action; for which I cannot but `
` hope the candid reader will give some allowance, after he has `
` maturely and impartially considered my case, and the distress I was `
` in. From this time my constant practice was, as soon as I rose, to `
` perform that business in open air, at the full extent of my chain; `
` and due care was taken every morning before company came, that the `
` offensive matter should be carried off in wheel-barrows, by two `
` servants appointed for that purpose. I would not have dwelt so `
`