Reading Help Gulliver's Travels. Part I
was covered, and seemed all of a piece: but at the upper end of `
` the other there appeared a white round substance, about twice the `
` bigness of our heads. Within each of these was enclosed a `
` prodigious plate of steel; which, by our orders, we obliged him to `
` show us, because we apprehended they might be dangerous engines. `
` He took them out of their cases, and told us, that in his own `
` country his practice was to shave his beard with one of these, and `
` cut his meat with the other. There were two pockets which we could `
` not enter: these he called his fobs; they were two large slits cut `
` into the top of his middle cover, but squeezed close by the `
` pressure of his belly. Out of the right fob hung a great silver `
` chain, with a wonderful kind of engine at the bottom. We directed `
` him to draw out whatever was at the end of that chain; which `
` appeared to be a globe, half silver, and half of some transparent `
` metal; for, on the transparent side, we saw certain strange figures `
` circularly drawn, and thought we could touch them, till we found `
` our fingers stopped by the lucid substance. He put this engine `
` into our ears, which made an incessant noise, like that of a water- `
` mill: and we conjecture it is either some unknown animal, or the `
` god that he worships; but we are more inclined to the latter `
` opinion, because he assured us, (if we understood him right, for he `
` expressed himself very imperfectly) that he seldom did any thing `
` without consulting it. He called it his oracle, and said, it `
` pointed out the time for every action of his life. From the left `
` fob he took out a net almost large enough for a fisherman, but `
` contrived to open and shut like a purse, and served him for the `
` same use: we found therein several massy pieces of yellow metal, `
` which, if they be real gold, must be of immense value. `
` `
` "Having thus, in obedience to your majesty's commands, diligently `
` searched all his pockets, we observed a girdle about his waist made `
` of the hide of some prodigious animal, from which, on the left `
` side, hung a sword of the length of five men; and on the right, a `
` bag or pouch divided into two cells, each cell capable of holding `
` three of your majesty's subjects. In one of these cells were `
` several globes, or balls, of a most ponderous metal, about the `
` bigness of our heads, and requiring a strong hand to lift them: `
` the other cell contained a heap of certain black grains, but of no `
` great bulk or weight, for we could hold above fifty of them in the `
` palms of our hands. `
` `
` "This is an exact inventory of what we found about the body of the `
` man-mountain, who used us with great civility, and due respect to `
` your majesty's commission. Signed and sealed on the fourth day of `
` the eighty-ninth moon of your majesty's auspicious reign. `
` `
` CLEFRIN FRELOCK, MARSI FRELOCK." `
` `
` `
` When this inventory was read over to the emperor, he directed me, `
` although in very gentle terms, to deliver up the several `
` particulars. He first called for my scimitar, which I took out, `
` scabbard and all. In the mean time he ordered three thousand of `
` his choicest troops (who then attended him) to surround me at a `
` distance, with their bows and arrows just ready to discharge; but I `
` did not observe it, for mine eyes were wholly fixed upon his `
` majesty. He then desired me to draw my scimitar, which, although `
` it had got some rust by the sea water, was, in most parts, `
` exceeding bright. I did so, and immediately all the troops gave a `
` shout between terror and surprise; for the sun shone clear, and the `
` reflection dazzled their eyes, as I waved the scimitar to and fro `
` in my hand. His majesty, who is a most magnanimous prince, was `
` less daunted than I could expect: he ordered me to return it into `
` the scabbard, and cast it on the ground as gently as I could, about `
` six feet from the end of my chain. The next thing he demanded was `
` one of the hollow iron pillars; by which he meant my pocket `
` pistols. I drew it out, and at his desire, as well as I could, `
` expressed to him the use of it; and charging it only with powder, `
` which, by the closeness of my pouch, happened to escape wetting in `
` the sea (an inconvenience against which all prudent mariners take `
` special care to provide,) I first cautioned the emperor not to be `
` afraid, and then I let it off in the air. The astonishment here `
` was much greater than at the sight of my scimitar. Hundreds fell `
` down as if they had been struck dead; and even the emperor, `
` although he stood his ground, could not recover himself for some `
` time. I delivered up both my pistols in the same manner as I had `
` done my scimitar, and then my pouch of powder and bullets; begging `
` him that the former might be kept from fire, for it would kindle `
` with the smallest spark, and blow up his imperial palace into the `
` air. I likewise delivered up my watch, which the emperor was very `
` curious to see, and commanded two of his tallest yeomen of the `
` guards to bear it on a pole upon their shoulders, as draymen in `
` England do a barrel of ale. He was amazed at the continual noise `
` it made, and the motion of the minute-hand, which he could easily `
` discern; for their sight is much more acute than ours: he asked `
` the opinions of his learned men about it, which were various and `
` remote, as the reader may well imagine without my repeating; `
` although indeed I could not very perfectly understand them. I then `
` gave up my silver and copper money, my purse, with nine large `
` pieces of gold, and some smaller ones; my knife and razor, my comb `
` and silver snuff-box, my handkerchief and journal-book. My `
` scimitar, pistols, and pouch, were conveyed in carriages to his `
` majesty's stores; but the rest of my goods were returned me. `
` `
` I had as I before observed, one private pocket, which escaped their `
` search, wherein there was a pair of spectacles (which I sometimes `
` use for the weakness of mine eyes,) a pocket perspective, and some `
` other little conveniences; which, being of no consequence to the `
` emperor, I did not think myself bound in honour to discover, and I `
` apprehended they might be lost or spoiled if I ventured them out of `
` my possession. `
` `
` `
` `
` CHAPTER III. `
` `
` `
` `
` [The author diverts the emperor, and his nobility of both sexes, in `
` a very uncommon manner. The diversions of the court of Lilliput `
` described. The author has his liberty granted him upon certain `
` conditions.] `
` `
` My gentleness and good behaviour had gained so far on the emperor `
` and his court, and indeed upon the army and people in general, that `
` I began to conceive hopes of getting my liberty in a short time. I `
` took all possible methods to cultivate this favourable disposition. `
` The natives came, by degrees, to be less apprehensive of any danger `
` from me. I would sometimes lie down, and let five or six of them `
` dance on my hand; and at last the boys and girls would venture to `
` come and play at hide-and-seek in my hair. I had now made a good `
` progress in understanding and speaking the language. The emperor `
` had a mind one day to entertain me with several of the country `
` shows, wherein they exceed all nations I have known, both for `
` dexterity and magnificence. I was diverted with none so much as `
` that of the rope-dancers, performed upon a slender white thread, `
` extended about two feet, and twelve inches from the ground. Upon `
` which I shall desire liberty, with the reader's patience, to `
` enlarge a little. `
` `
` This diversion is only practised by those persons who are `
` candidates for great employments, and high favour at court. They `
` are trained in this art from their youth, and are not always of `
` noble birth, or liberal education. When a great office is vacant, `
` either by death or disgrace (which often happens,) five or six of `
` those candidates petition the emperor to entertain his majesty and `
` the court with a dance on the rope; and whoever jumps the highest, `
` without falling, succeeds in the office. Very often the chief `
` ministers themselves are commanded to show their skill, and to `
` convince the emperor that they have not lost their faculty. `
` Flimnap, the treasurer, is allowed to cut a caper on the straight `
` rope, at least an inch higher than any other lord in the whole `
` empire. I have seen him do the summerset several times together, `
` upon a trencher fixed on a rope which is no thicker than a common `
` packthread in England. My friend Reldresal, principal secretary `
` for private affairs, is, in my opinion, if I am not partial, the `
` second after the treasurer; the rest of the great officers are much `
` upon a par. `
` `
` These diversions are often attended with fatal accidents, whereof `
` great numbers are on record. I myself have seen two or three `
` candidates break a limb. But the danger is much greater, when the `
` ministers themselves are commanded to show their dexterity; for, by `
` contending to excel themselves and their fellows, they strain so `
` far that there is hardly one of them who has not received a fall, `
` and some of them two or three. I was assured that, a year or two `
` before my arrival, Flimnap would infallibly have broke his neck, if `
` one of the king's cushions, that accidentally lay on the ground, `
` had not weakened the force of his fall. `
` `
` There is likewise another diversion, which is only shown before the `
` emperor and empress, and first minister, upon particular occasions. `
` The emperor lays on the table three fine silken threads of six `
` inches long; one is blue, the other red, and the third green. `
` These threads are proposed as prizes for those persons whom the `
` emperor has a mind to distinguish by a peculiar mark of his favour. `
` The ceremony is performed in his majesty's great chamber of state, `
` where the candidates are to undergo a trial of dexterity very `
` different from the former, and such as I have not observed the `
` least resemblance of in any other country of the new or old world. `
` The emperor holds a stick in his hands, both ends parallel to the `
` horizon, while the candidates advancing, one by one, sometimes leap `
` over the stick, sometimes creep under it, backward and forward, `
` several times, according as the stick is advanced or depressed. `
` Sometimes the emperor holds one end of the stick, and his first `
` minister the other; sometimes the minister has it entirely to `
` himself. Whoever performs his part with most agility, and holds `
` out the longest in leaping and creeping, is rewarded with the blue- `
` coloured silk; the red is given to the next, and the green to the `
` third, which they all wear girt twice round about the middle; and `
` you see few great persons about this court who are not adorned with `
` one of these girdles. `
` `
` The horses of the army, and those of the royal stables, having been `
` daily led before me, were no longer shy, but would come up to my `
` very feet without starting. The riders would leap them over my `
` hand, as I held it on the ground; and one of the emperor's `
` huntsmen, upon a large courser, took my foot, shoe and all; which `
` was indeed a prodigious leap. I had the good fortune to divert the `
` emperor one day after a very extraordinary manner. I desired he `
` would order several sticks of two feet high, and the thickness of `
` an ordinary cane, to be brought me; whereupon his majesty commanded `
` the master of his woods to give directions accordingly; and the `
` next morning six woodmen arrived with as many carriages, drawn by `
` eight horses to each. I took nine of these sticks, and fixing them `
` firmly in the ground in a quadrangular figure, two feet and a half `
` square, I took four other sticks, and tied them parallel at each `
` corner, about two feet from the ground; then I fastened my `
` handkerchief to the nine sticks that stood erect; and extended it `
` on all sides, till it was tight as the top of a drum; and the four `
` parallel sticks, rising about five inches higher than the `
`
` the other there appeared a white round substance, about twice the `
` bigness of our heads. Within each of these was enclosed a `
` prodigious plate of steel; which, by our orders, we obliged him to `
` show us, because we apprehended they might be dangerous engines. `
` He took them out of their cases, and told us, that in his own `
` country his practice was to shave his beard with one of these, and `
` cut his meat with the other. There were two pockets which we could `
` not enter: these he called his fobs; they were two large slits cut `
` into the top of his middle cover, but squeezed close by the `
` pressure of his belly. Out of the right fob hung a great silver `
` chain, with a wonderful kind of engine at the bottom. We directed `
` him to draw out whatever was at the end of that chain; which `
` appeared to be a globe, half silver, and half of some transparent `
` metal; for, on the transparent side, we saw certain strange figures `
` circularly drawn, and thought we could touch them, till we found `
` our fingers stopped by the lucid substance. He put this engine `
` into our ears, which made an incessant noise, like that of a water- `
` mill: and we conjecture it is either some unknown animal, or the `
` god that he worships; but we are more inclined to the latter `
` opinion, because he assured us, (if we understood him right, for he `
` expressed himself very imperfectly) that he seldom did any thing `
` without consulting it. He called it his oracle, and said, it `
` pointed out the time for every action of his life. From the left `
` fob he took out a net almost large enough for a fisherman, but `
` contrived to open and shut like a purse, and served him for the `
` same use: we found therein several massy pieces of yellow metal, `
` which, if they be real gold, must be of immense value. `
` `
` "Having thus, in obedience to your majesty's commands, diligently `
` searched all his pockets, we observed a girdle about his waist made `
` of the hide of some prodigious animal, from which, on the left `
` side, hung a sword of the length of five men; and on the right, a `
` bag or pouch divided into two cells, each cell capable of holding `
` three of your majesty's subjects. In one of these cells were `
` several globes, or balls, of a most ponderous metal, about the `
` bigness of our heads, and requiring a strong hand to lift them: `
` the other cell contained a heap of certain black grains, but of no `
` great bulk or weight, for we could hold above fifty of them in the `
` palms of our hands. `
` `
` "This is an exact inventory of what we found about the body of the `
` man-mountain, who used us with great civility, and due respect to `
` your majesty's commission. Signed and sealed on the fourth day of `
` the eighty-ninth moon of your majesty's auspicious reign. `
` `
` CLEFRIN FRELOCK, MARSI FRELOCK." `
` `
` `
` When this inventory was read over to the emperor, he directed me, `
` although in very gentle terms, to deliver up the several `
` particulars. He first called for my scimitar, which I took out, `
` scabbard and all. In the mean time he ordered three thousand of `
` his choicest troops (who then attended him) to surround me at a `
` distance, with their bows and arrows just ready to discharge; but I `
` did not observe it, for mine eyes were wholly fixed upon his `
` majesty. He then desired me to draw my scimitar, which, although `
` it had got some rust by the sea water, was, in most parts, `
` exceeding bright. I did so, and immediately all the troops gave a `
` shout between terror and surprise; for the sun shone clear, and the `
` reflection dazzled their eyes, as I waved the scimitar to and fro `
` in my hand. His majesty, who is a most magnanimous prince, was `
` less daunted than I could expect: he ordered me to return it into `
` the scabbard, and cast it on the ground as gently as I could, about `
` six feet from the end of my chain. The next thing he demanded was `
` one of the hollow iron pillars; by which he meant my pocket `
` pistols. I drew it out, and at his desire, as well as I could, `
` expressed to him the use of it; and charging it only with powder, `
` which, by the closeness of my pouch, happened to escape wetting in `
` the sea (an inconvenience against which all prudent mariners take `
` special care to provide,) I first cautioned the emperor not to be `
` afraid, and then I let it off in the air. The astonishment here `
` was much greater than at the sight of my scimitar. Hundreds fell `
` down as if they had been struck dead; and even the emperor, `
` although he stood his ground, could not recover himself for some `
` time. I delivered up both my pistols in the same manner as I had `
` done my scimitar, and then my pouch of powder and bullets; begging `
` him that the former might be kept from fire, for it would kindle `
` with the smallest spark, and blow up his imperial palace into the `
` air. I likewise delivered up my watch, which the emperor was very `
` curious to see, and commanded two of his tallest yeomen of the `
` guards to bear it on a pole upon their shoulders, as draymen in `
` England do a barrel of ale. He was amazed at the continual noise `
` it made, and the motion of the minute-hand, which he could easily `
` discern; for their sight is much more acute than ours: he asked `
` the opinions of his learned men about it, which were various and `
` remote, as the reader may well imagine without my repeating; `
` although indeed I could not very perfectly understand them. I then `
` gave up my silver and copper money, my purse, with nine large `
` pieces of gold, and some smaller ones; my knife and razor, my comb `
` and silver snuff-box, my handkerchief and journal-book. My `
` scimitar, pistols, and pouch, were conveyed in carriages to his `
` majesty's stores; but the rest of my goods were returned me. `
` `
` I had as I before observed, one private pocket, which escaped their `
` search, wherein there was a pair of spectacles (which I sometimes `
` use for the weakness of mine eyes,) a pocket perspective, and some `
` other little conveniences; which, being of no consequence to the `
` emperor, I did not think myself bound in honour to discover, and I `
` apprehended they might be lost or spoiled if I ventured them out of `
` my possession. `
` `
` `
` `
` CHAPTER III. `
` `
` `
` `
` [The author diverts the emperor, and his nobility of both sexes, in `
` a very uncommon manner. The diversions of the court of Lilliput `
` described. The author has his liberty granted him upon certain `
` conditions.] `
` `
` My gentleness and good behaviour had gained so far on the emperor `
` and his court, and indeed upon the army and people in general, that `
` I began to conceive hopes of getting my liberty in a short time. I `
` took all possible methods to cultivate this favourable disposition. `
` The natives came, by degrees, to be less apprehensive of any danger `
` from me. I would sometimes lie down, and let five or six of them `
` dance on my hand; and at last the boys and girls would venture to `
` come and play at hide-and-seek in my hair. I had now made a good `
` progress in understanding and speaking the language. The emperor `
` had a mind one day to entertain me with several of the country `
` shows, wherein they exceed all nations I have known, both for `
` dexterity and magnificence. I was diverted with none so much as `
` that of the rope-dancers, performed upon a slender white thread, `
` extended about two feet, and twelve inches from the ground. Upon `
` which I shall desire liberty, with the reader's patience, to `
` enlarge a little. `
` `
` This diversion is only practised by those persons who are `
` candidates for great employments, and high favour at court. They `
` are trained in this art from their youth, and are not always of `
` noble birth, or liberal education. When a great office is vacant, `
` either by death or disgrace (which often happens,) five or six of `
` those candidates petition the emperor to entertain his majesty and `
` the court with a dance on the rope; and whoever jumps the highest, `
` without falling, succeeds in the office. Very often the chief `
` ministers themselves are commanded to show their skill, and to `
` convince the emperor that they have not lost their faculty. `
` Flimnap, the treasurer, is allowed to cut a caper on the straight `
` rope, at least an inch higher than any other lord in the whole `
` empire. I have seen him do the summerset several times together, `
` upon a trencher fixed on a rope which is no thicker than a common `
` packthread in England. My friend Reldresal, principal secretary `
` for private affairs, is, in my opinion, if I am not partial, the `
` second after the treasurer; the rest of the great officers are much `
` upon a par. `
` `
` These diversions are often attended with fatal accidents, whereof `
` great numbers are on record. I myself have seen two or three `
` candidates break a limb. But the danger is much greater, when the `
` ministers themselves are commanded to show their dexterity; for, by `
` contending to excel themselves and their fellows, they strain so `
` far that there is hardly one of them who has not received a fall, `
` and some of them two or three. I was assured that, a year or two `
` before my arrival, Flimnap would infallibly have broke his neck, if `
` one of the king's cushions, that accidentally lay on the ground, `
` had not weakened the force of his fall. `
` `
` There is likewise another diversion, which is only shown before the `
` emperor and empress, and first minister, upon particular occasions. `
` The emperor lays on the table three fine silken threads of six `
` inches long; one is blue, the other red, and the third green. `
` These threads are proposed as prizes for those persons whom the `
` emperor has a mind to distinguish by a peculiar mark of his favour. `
` The ceremony is performed in his majesty's great chamber of state, `
` where the candidates are to undergo a trial of dexterity very `
` different from the former, and such as I have not observed the `
` least resemblance of in any other country of the new or old world. `
` The emperor holds a stick in his hands, both ends parallel to the `
` horizon, while the candidates advancing, one by one, sometimes leap `
` over the stick, sometimes creep under it, backward and forward, `
` several times, according as the stick is advanced or depressed. `
` Sometimes the emperor holds one end of the stick, and his first `
` minister the other; sometimes the minister has it entirely to `
` himself. Whoever performs his part with most agility, and holds `
` out the longest in leaping and creeping, is rewarded with the blue- `
` coloured silk; the red is given to the next, and the green to the `
` third, which they all wear girt twice round about the middle; and `
` you see few great persons about this court who are not adorned with `
` one of these girdles. `
` `
` The horses of the army, and those of the royal stables, having been `
` daily led before me, were no longer shy, but would come up to my `
` very feet without starting. The riders would leap them over my `
` hand, as I held it on the ground; and one of the emperor's `
` huntsmen, upon a large courser, took my foot, shoe and all; which `
` was indeed a prodigious leap. I had the good fortune to divert the `
` emperor one day after a very extraordinary manner. I desired he `
` would order several sticks of two feet high, and the thickness of `
` an ordinary cane, to be brought me; whereupon his majesty commanded `
` the master of his woods to give directions accordingly; and the `
` next morning six woodmen arrived with as many carriages, drawn by `
` eight horses to each. I took nine of these sticks, and fixing them `
` firmly in the ground in a quadrangular figure, two feet and a half `
` square, I took four other sticks, and tied them parallel at each `
` corner, about two feet from the ground; then I fastened my `
` handkerchief to the nine sticks that stood erect; and extended it `
` on all sides, till it was tight as the top of a drum; and the four `
` parallel sticks, rising about five inches higher than the `
`